Holiday Stashdown-Transmute Cowl

Posted on October 7, 2021 by webmaster

When the weather cools down I know it is time to join the Holiday Stashdown CAL again! This year I am sharing with you, the Transmute Cowl. If you enjoy this block design, check out the Transmute Square Throw for a larger project.

What is the Holiday Stashdown?

Every Monday and Thursday from October 4 through December 16, 2021, a new free crochet pattern is shared by a different designer. Each pattern will be a one-skein project, or a stashbuster/scrappy project, so you can work from your own existing yarn stash to make a great winter holiday gift, decoration, or wrap. If you’d like to go ahead and buy some yarn just for the project, we won’t stop you! We love yarn as much as you do.

We’ve teamed up with 18 wonderful companies – AdKnits, Babé Crochet, BonnieKreger, Brown Sheep Company, Inc., Chetnanigans, EngravingForYou, Eucalan, GurumiSupply, Hooked for Life Publishing, JitterBeanMugs, KnitPal, Knitter’s Relief Balm, Kraemer Yarns, Space Cadet, SweetBrieCreations, TheCrafterWithinUs, Unicorn, and Walnut Farm Designs – to gather 19 amazing prizes for our end-of-CAL giveaway. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway in this post on Underground Crafter by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 31, 2021!

How to Join the 2021 Holiday Stashdown

You can join in by crocheting the patterns as you have time.
Share your progress and post pictures of your finished projects. Tag your projects and posts #CALCentralCrochet and #HolidayStashdownCAL on all social media.
If you’d like to chat with other crocheters, join the CAL Central Crochet Facebook group, or visit this thread in the CAL Central Ravelry group.
By the end of the CAL, you’ll have up to 22 gifts, decorations, or wrap projects for the winter holidays.

Visit Underground Crafter to learn more about the prizes, enter the end-of-CAL giveaway, and to get links to each Holiday Stashdown CAL pattern as it is released.

Transmute Cowl

A lacy miter square is highlighted in this 1 skein project! Each square is worked adjacent to the previous, meaning that there is no cutting and joining….so less ends to weave in!

Materials

H/5/5.00 crochet hook
Berroco Sesame light weight 43% wool, 39% cotton, 9% acrylic, 9% nylon yarn (230yrds/210m/3.5oz/100g) 1 skein #7430 Pickled Ginger

Notes

Ch-1 sp count as stitches when working double crochet 5 together; this stitch is noted as a decrease

First Block

Row 1: Ch 63, dc in 4^th ch from hook, dc in next 26 chs, dc5tog over next 5 chs, dc in last 28 sts, turn. -28 dc per side of decrease

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1, now and throughout), sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 11 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 12 times, dc in last st, turn. -12 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 11 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 12 times, turn. -24 dc per side of decrease

Continuing the open spaces

Row 4: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 9 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 10 times, dc in last st, turn. -10 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 9 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 10 times, turn.-20 dc per side of decrease

Row 6: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 7 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 8 times, dc in last st, turn. -8 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 7: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 7 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc sp] 8 times, turn. -16 dc per side of decrease

Opening up again

Row 8: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 6 times, dc in last st, turn. -6 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 9: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 5 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 6 times, turn. -12 dc per side of decrease

Row 10: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 4 times, dc in last st, turn. -4 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 11: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 3 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 4 times, turn. -8 dc per side of decrease

Making some more spaces

Row 12: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 2 times, dc in last st, turn. -2 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 13: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc5tog over next 5 sts, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in last st, turn. -4dc per side of decrease

Row 14: Ch 3, dc in next st, sk 5 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn. -2 dc per side of decrease

Row 15: Ch 2, dc4tog. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

Next Block

Note:

Row 1 will work down the edge of the chain as well as along the edge of the adjacent block

Row 1: Ch 33, dc in 4^th ch from hook, dc in next 26 chs, dc5tog over next 5 chs (this will consist of last 2 chains, the stitch that the chain is created from and 2 stitches working along the edge of the adjacent block), dc 28 sts evenly across edge, turn. -28 dc per side of decrease

Repeat Rows 2-15 of First block.

Repeat “Next Block” 2 more times, to have 4 completed blocks. Making sure that when working the Row 1 of both Block 3 and 4 that the edge chosen creates an overall rectangle.

Fast off. Seam Block 4 to Block 1. Block if desired.

Music Tapestry Block for Crochet Celebration

Posted on March 8, 2021 by webmaster

Do you hear the Music? Happy National Crochet Month! I am part of the annual Crochetville Blog tour to celebrate the event. This year the theme is Crochet Concert and features how music can be an inspiration, as my inspiration I have created a Music Tapestry Block to Celebrate crochet.

I Celebrate Crochet with Music

As my contribution to this tour I have created a Music Block. Use this block for various things including as a contribution to Warm Up America.

You can donate to Warm Up America as a nationwide organization. Donating locally is encouraged, however donations can be sent to their office to be assembled. Assembled blankets will be donated through the United States.

Tapestry Crochet to Create Music

The Music Block gives you an opportunity to learn Tapestry Crochet. Tapestry Crochet is a technique of color work that has you crocheting over the unused color. This reduces finish work and creates a solid, somewhat dense, fabric.

Tapestry Crochet is worked entirely in single crochet with color changes.

Worked entirely in Singe Crochet (Double Crochet if you are using UK terms). Worked with a chart, where each block is 1 stitch. Just remember to work back and forth in the chart, meaning read right to left for odd number rows and left to right for even number rows. (Needs tips for changing color…check here).

Crochet over the unused color, and carry it across. This reduces finish work while creating a charted design.

Enjoy this technique, and take some time to celebrate crochet this month.

Music Block

Gauge

Gauge: Square measures 7”x 9”

Materials

Medium weigh yarn, two colors (A), (B)
I/9/5.50 mm crochet hook

With Color B, chain 24, sc in 2nd ch from hook. Follow chart for design.

Chinese Lantern Bag- A free crochet pattern

Posted on December 14, 2020 by webmaster

Tis the season for quick holiday gifts, and I am honored to be part of the Marly Bird 24 Days of Quickies, sharing a free crochet bag pattern with you. Look for free patterns every day to help you meet your gift giving needs.

Today I am sharing a quick bag, the Chinese Lantern Bag works up in 1 skein, and since the yarn is super bulky it does not take much time to complete. Yet in the end you get a cute bag that any girl, or woman would enjoy. It is that “goldilocks” size, not too big and not too small, it is “just right”.

If your still need more quick gifts, don’t miss all the ideas from many designers, at Marly Birds, here.

Chinese Lantern Bag

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner Finished Size: 9” deep, 40” in circumference

Materials

Manos del Uruguay Franca super bulky weight, 100% superwash merino (114 yrds/105m/5.3 oz/150 g), 1 skein; colorway F9019 Duende
N/9.00mm crochet hook

Notes:

This bag is made by bringing the corners to the center and touching each other. The sides between the adjacent corners are then seamed part way.

Handles as attached at the corners.

Lets crochet the Square for the bag

Rnd 1: Ch 4, 2 dc in 4^th ch from hook, ch 1, [3 dc in same ch as previous, ch 1] 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, bldc in next st, fldc in next, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp (corner made), [fldc in next st, bldc in next st, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp] 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch.

And Rnd 3: Ch 3, bldc in next st, fldc in next st, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, bldc in next st, sl st to join.

Still working on crocheting the square bag….

Rnd 4: Ch 3, [bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, fldc in next st, bldc in next st, sl st to join.

Rnd 5: Ch 3, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp]} 3 times, bldc in next st, fldc in next st, bldc in next st, sl st to join.

Almost there…

Rnd 6: Ch 3, [bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] twice, sl st to join.

Rnd 7: Ch 3, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp]} 3 times, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] twice, sl st to join.

Almost done crocheting…

Rnd 8: Ch 3, [bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, fldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp} 3 times, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] 3 times, sl st to join.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, {[bldc in next st, fldc in next st] across until 1 st before corner remains, bldc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp]} 3 times, bldc in next st, [fldc in next st, bldc in next st] 3 times, sl st to join.

Joining the sides…

Joining corners Rnd 10: Ch 1, fold corners together that hook is between, insert hook into same stitch as join and the stitch folded next to it, sc in this stitch, inserting hook through both sides of the fabric, sc in next 5 sts, only working through 1 fabric, sc in next 4 sts to corner, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner, sc in next 4 sts, [fold corner just worked to next corner, working through both sides of the fabric sc in next 5 sts, only working through 1 fabric, sc in next 4 sts to corner, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner, sc in next 4 sts] rep 3 times, sl st to join, fasten off.

Making the handles

Handles: Join to any corner, ch 5, sl st to the corner directly opposite, fasten off. Repeat for the other two corners.

Abbreviations

Ch(s): chain(s)

Bldc: back loop double crochet

Dc: double crochet

Fldc: front loop double crochet

Sc: single crochet

Sl st: slip stitch

Sp: space

I hope you enjoy your free crochet bag pattern.

Candy Cane Lace

Posted on November 19, 2020 by webmaster

I have begun decorating candy canes with lace to help get into the mood for a great holiday season.

Honestly, I am not a fan of the candy cane. It is a candy that I usually pass on, but I have a couple of candy canes that have decorated my tree for decades. A friend created these decorated candy canes and I treasure them.

Candy Cane Lace Solid Shells and Lacy Loops

I want to share my own approach to these decorations to help adorn your tree or even a package or gift. Since it is a simple two row pattern that you can be altered and personalized many ways it is great way to spread cheer.

Materials

#10 Crochet Cotton Thread (or a lace weight yarn)
C/2/2.75mm crochet hook

The First Row- Creates the Woven Strip

Row 1: Ch 55, dc in 6^th ch from hook, [ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st] across.

Make a chain as log as the candy cane working an odd number (basic candy cane works at 55 chains)

Chain 1, skip 1, dc in next chain, across. This is the ladder bade that the candy cane will weave through

Option 1- Solid Shells

Round 1 Option Solid Shells: Ch 1, working around the last dc st or Row 1, sc around post, ch 1, 5 dc around same post, ch 1, sc around same post, turn to work over beginning ch, [5 dc in next ch-1 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp] across to end, ch 1, working around the end ch-5 loop, 5 dc in same space, ch 1, sc in same sp, turn to work over the top of Row 1, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp, [sc in next ch-1 sp, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp] across, sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

To start the shell lace, sc 5 dc sc in the end of the ladder

sc in the next ladder rung, 5 dc in the next ladder rung, sc in the next ladder rung, across to the other end and repeat all the way around the other side

Option 2 Lacy Loops

Round 1 Option Lacy Loops: [(sc, ch 5, sc)] 3 times around last dc, (sc, ch 5, sc) in each ch-1 sp across to other end, [(sc, ch 5, sc)] 3 times around beg ch-5 loop, (sc, ch 5, sc) in each ch-1 sp across, sl st to join. Fasten off.

To start Loops end work sc ch 5 sc, 3 times in end of the ladder

Finishing Up

Weave in ends and weave candy cane through the spaces or Row 1.

Lisa’s Ladder Cowl- Free Pattern

Posted on October 15, 2020 by webmaster

A free pattern means that it is that time again, the New York Sheep and Wool Festival (a.k.a Rhinebeck)! Just like most everything else this year, it will be done a bit differently…as in virtually (find out information here).

This means that you do not have to live in or travel to Duchess County New York. You can be anywhere in the world and take classes, visit booths, and get a little hint of the New England turning leaves.

For the last several years I have been teaming up with Lisa Souza Dyeworks and providing a free pattern to accompany her limited addition colorway for the week. This year is no different.

Lisa’s Ladder Cowl

Materials

J/10/6.00mm crochet hook

Pyrenees Worsted 100% Merino wool; colorway Rhinebeck 2020; 1 Skein

Pattern

Row 1: Ch 62, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs, 2 dc in next ch, sc in next st] rep across 12 times, turn.

Row 2- until desired length: Ch 3, [2 dc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next dc] rep across 12 times, turn.

Block. Seam last row to row 1. Weave in ends.