Tag Archives: Lion Brand Yarn

Energizing Rainbow Baby Blanket- Free Pattern

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Every baby deserves something special, and I was asked to create something that unique, and it is a free pattern to you. The Energizing Rainbow is my creation inspired by a local Apple Orchard, Rainbow Orchards.

Energizing Rainbow Baby Blanket

It is created using the Catherine Wheel technique of one row of shells, followed by another row of large decreases. In this approach, I offset the colors in some of the rows to create waves instead of circles. I then alter it back to circles periodically to create a shift in the direction of the wave.

If you want to explore more about the Catherine Wheel, I explain more here, while I explain working decreases here. I also framed the waves with a row of single crochet, so that there is a break in the color blocking.

If you find that you want to explore more with this stitch technique, check out my two additional free patterns, Rolling Along (to benefit Warm Up America), and Moorish Tiles (as part of the Moogly 2020 CAL)

This blanket measures about 36″x 48″.

Materials

  • Hook: J/10/6.00mm
  • Lion Brand Basic Stitch Premium medium weigh 100% premium acrylic yarn (219yd/200m/3.5oz/100g) 1 skein each: (X) #113 Garnet, (X1) #133 Cayenne, (X2) #158 Saffron, (X3) #172 Ivy, (X4) #110 Saltwater, (X5) #147 Blackberry, (X6) #100 Snow

Special Stiches

Double Crochet 4 Together (dc4tog): [Yo, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] 4 times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook

Double Crochet 9 Together (dc9tog): [Yo, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] 9 times, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook

Beginning to Make Waves

Row 1: With X ch 114, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs, 9 dc in next ch, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch] across, change to X1, turn. – (14) 9 dc groups, 15sc

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, dc4tog, [ch 3, sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog] 13 times, ch 3, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in next sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in next sc, sc in turning ch, change to X3, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 6 & 7: Rep Rows 3 & 4, changing to X5 at the end of Row 7.

Making a Full Circle

Row 8: Rep Row 3.

Row 9: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in next sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in next sc, 5 dc in top of turning ch, change to X, turn.

Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1.

Back to Waves

Row 11: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 12: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last sc, change to X2, turn.

Row 13: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 14 & 15: Rep Rows 11 & 12, changing to X4 at the end of Row 15.

Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 17 & 18: Rep Rows 11 & 12, changing to X at the end of Row 18.

Another Circle

Row 19: Rep Row 11.

Row 20: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X1, turn.

Row 21: Ch 1, scv in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Back to Waves

Row 22: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, dc5tog, turn.

Row 23: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in next sc, sc in top of turning ch, change to X3, turn.

Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 25 & 26: Rep Rows 22 & 23, changing to X5 at end of Row 26, turn.

Row 27: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

Rows 28 & 29: Rep Rows 22 & 23 changing to X1 at end of 29, turn.

Going Around Again

Row 30: Rep Row 22.

Row 31: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in next sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in next sc, 5 dc in top of turning ch, change to X2, turn.

Row 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Energizing Rainbow

Making it Wavy

Row 33: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 34: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last sc, change to X4, turn.

Row 35: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 36 & 37: Rep Rows 33 & 34 changing to X at the end of Row 37, turn.

Row 38: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Rows 39 & 40: Rep Rows 33 & 34 changing to X2 at the end of Row 40, turn.

Circles, Circles, Circles

Row 41: Rep Row 33.

Row 42: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X3, turn.

Row 43: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Love Some More Waves

Row 44: Ch 4, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 45: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in sc, sc in turning ch, change to X5, turn.

Row 46: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

Rows 47 & 48: Rep Rows 44 & 45, changing to X1 at the end of Row 48.

Row 49: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Rows 50 & 51: Rep Rows 44 & 45, changing to X3 at the end of Row 51.

Around Again

Row 52: Rep Row 44.

Row 53: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in sc, 5 dc in turning ch, change to X4, turn.

Row 54: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Lets make it Ripple

Row 55: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 56: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last st, change to X, turn.

Row 57: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Rows 58 & 59: Rep Rows 55 & 56 changing to X2 at the end of Row 59, turn.

Row 60: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 61 & 62: Rep Rows 55 & 56 changing to X4 at the end of Row 62, turn.

Another Going Around

Row 63: Rep Row 55.

Row 64: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X5, turn.

Row 65: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

And Back to Up and Down

Row 66: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 67: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in sc, sc in last st, changing to X1, turn.

Row 68: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Rows 69 & 70: Rep Rows 66 & 67 changing to X3 at the end of Row 70.

Row 71: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 72 & 73: Rep Rows 66 & 67 changing to X5 at the end of Row 73.

Getting Dizzy Yet…More circles

Row 74: Rep Row 66.

Row 75: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in sc, 5 dc in turning ch, change to X, turn.

Row 76: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Up & Dow, Up & Down

Row 77: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 78: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc ] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc last sc, change to X2, turn.

Row 79: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 80 & 81: Rep Rows 77 & 78 changing to X4 at the end of Row 81.

Row 82: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 83 & 84: Rep Rows 77 & 78, change to X at the end of Row 84.

Even Out to Finish

Row 85: Rep Row 77, fasten off.

Edging

Rnd 1: With X6, join to any corner, ch 1, 3 sc in in same corner, sc evenly on side of afghan working 3 sc in each corner, sl st to join to first sc, turn.

Rnds 2-5: Ch 1, sc in same st, work sc in each stitch across to corner (the center sc of 3sc), working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 3: With X5, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 4: With X4, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 5: With X3, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 6: With X2, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 7: With X1, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 8: With X, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join. Fasten off.

You’ve Got Options- Diamond Star Square

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What fun to be part of the You’ve Got Options CAL! This is a project that actually has 2 different squares, different sizes, but built upon each other. If you have missed any of them, please check out all the opportunities here.

For my part I worked a square that utilizes carrying your throughout the project, crocheting over the color you are not working. This allows for some specialized color changes without having to weave in a bunch of ends.

A little insight

It also uses a process that creates inverted V’s, by using front post double crochet stitches that are worked together. These may be new techniques for you, or stitches you may not work often, so I offer some detailed information about them, and recommend reviewing it before beginning the squares. If you want to understand more about post stitches, both front and back are used in this design, I share some insight here.  To understand more about how to work decrease stitches, I share some tips here.

After you complete the smaller 6″ square, you then really put this square on its head, by moving the corners to the sides. This causes the square to rest on its point.

Square measures 12” x 12” (at end of Round 6, square measures 6” x 6”)

Materials

  • J/10/6.00mm crochet hook
  • Lion Brand Basic Stitch Premium medium weight 100% premium acrylic yarn (3.5 oz/100g/219yrds/200m) 1 skein each color #141 Plum (MC), #98 Cream (CC)

Abbreviations:

  • Beg: Beginning
  • Bpdc: back post double crochet
  • Bphdc: back post half double crochet
  • Bpsc: back post single crochet
  • CC: contrasting color
  • Ch: chain
  • Dc: double crochet
  • Fpdc: front post double crochet
  • Fphdc: front post half double crochet
  • Hdc: half double crochet
  • MC: main color
  • Rnd: round
  • Sc: single crochet
  • Sl st: slip stitch
  • Sp: space
  • St(s): Stitch(es)

Special Stitches

Front Post Double Crochet Two Together (Fpdc2tog):  Yarn over, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of stitch last worked into (or around st indicated) on previous row, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook, skip next st on rnds 2 and yarn over, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of next stitch (or around st indicated), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Front Post Treble Crochet Two Together (Fptr2tog): Yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Notes

Leave unused color behind your work and work over unused color when possible.

The Smaller Block

Rnd 1: With MC, ch 4 (last 3 chains count as dc), 15 dc in 4th ch from hook, join to top of beg ch. -16 dc

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as tr here and throughout), dc in same st, dc in next st, change color to CC, fpdc2tog, change color to MC, [2 dc in next st (behind fpdc2tog), 1 dc in next st (used for 2nd leg of fpdc2tog), change color to CC, fpdc2tog, change color to MC] repeat around, slip stitch in top of beg ch-3 to join. – 8 fpdc2tog, 24 dc

Working stitch location of “legs” of fpdc2tog
Completed Round 2

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, change color to CC, fpdc2tog over last and first fpdc2tog, change color to MC, skip next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next fpdc2tog, [2 dc in next st, change color to CC, fpdc2tog over last-used and next fpdc2tog, change color to MC, sk next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next fpdc2tog] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -8 fpdc2tog, 40 dc

Completed Round 3

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, change color to CC, fptr2tog over last and first fpdc2tog of previous row, change color to MC, [skip next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, change color to CC, fptr2tog over last-used and next fpdc2tog, change color to MC] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -8 fptr2tog, 56 dc

Working stitch location for “legs” of fptr2tog
Completed Round 4

We start making corners

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, change color to CC, fphdc around fptr2tog, change color to MC, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, change color to CC, (fpdc, ch 1, fpdc) around fptr2tog (corner made), change color to MC, [dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, change color to CC, fphdc around fptr2tog, change color to MC, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, change color to CC, (fpdc, ch 1, fpdc) around fptr2tog, change color to MC] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off CC. -4 fphdc, 4 (fpdc, ch 1, fpdc) corners, 16 dc, 16 hdc, 24 sc

Rnd 6: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), [hdc in each st across to ch-1 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp] repeat around, hdc in last st, sl st in top of beg ch-2 to join. Fasten off. – 68 hdc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners, (19 sts on each side of square)

Making the Bigger Square

Rnd 7: With CC, join to any ch-1 corner sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same sp as join, bpdc around each st to next ch-1 sp, [(2dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp, bpdc around each st to next ch-1 sp] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -76 bpdc, 4 (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) corners

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, [dc in next 3 sts, change color to MC, fpdc2tog, change color to CC] five times, {dc in next 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, [dc in next 3 sts, change color to MC, fpdc2tog, change color to CC] five times} repeat around, dc in last st, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -20 fpdc2tog, 72 dc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, {(dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 6 sts, [change color to MC, fpdc2tog over previous and next fpdc2tog, change color to CC, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts] 4 times, dc in next 3 sts} repeat around omitting last 3 dc on last repeat, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off both colors. -16 fpdc2tog, 84 dc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

We are moving the corner…

Rnd 10: Note corner location will shift in this round. With MC, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, bpsc around next 4 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, bpdc around next 5 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpsc around next 4 sts, [sc in ch-1 sp, bpsc around next 4 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, bpdc around next 5 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpsc around next 4 sts] repeat around, sl st in first sc to join. –32 bpsc, 32 bphdc, 40bpdc, 4 sc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sts, [hdc in next 5 sts, dc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 9 sts] 3 times, hdc in next 5 sts, dc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in last 4 sts, sl st in first sc to join. -36 sc, 40 hdc, 40 dc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 12: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 10 sts, [hdc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 21 sts] 3 times, hdc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 10 sts, sl st in first sc to join. Fasten off. -84 sc, 40 hdc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 13: With CC, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 2 (counts as hdc), (hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in same sp as join, bphdc in each st across to next ch-sp, [(2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in ch-1 sp, bphdc in each st across to next ch-sp] repeat around, sl st to join. Fasten off. Block. –132 bphdc, 4 (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) corners (37 stitches on each side of square)

The wrong side of the Diamond Star Square

Relax with Pink Lemonade

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My latest design! Aim to Squeeze Pink Lemonade Blanket is a great baby throw that just screams summer. Find it in the June 2018 issue of I Like Crochet.

It is worked as a half circle and then is squared up, to highlight a half of a pink lemon slice. I will admit, I really did not know that there were such things as pink lemons, not until I undertook this project. The colors are fabulous together, highlighting a yellow rind, sandwiched between blur and pink, then accented the white.

This is a fun project that keeps you engaged, while still allowing you to enjoy yourself. Working the half circle creates all of the lemon segments, you then add the peel and begin to square it up with the blue back ground. You then work the rind between the segments and sit back and relax with a glass of lemonade.

The yarn is Baby Soft by Lion Brand, so it is easy to find, and the colors always go so well together. It is soft and nice to work with.

If lemons are not your thing, I could easily see this as an orange, a grapefruit, lemon or lime. Any citrus can be worked into this design, making it a bit versatile.

I really like the large size of the half slice, as it really encompasses most of the dimensions of the throw. This really offers great visual interest, and makes for a very appealing addition to your home, or kids room.

This is noted as a kids blanket, but personally I like it myself as a nice lap afghan, it is a nice size and helps just take the chill off, or when I am on my patio it helps block the sun without being to hot.

I had a fun time with this project, and I hope you will too.

Deborah’s Diamond Square

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Thank you for joining me for my Moogly CAL Square! As a time of year of giving thanks, I am very thankful to be invited to participate in the project, and I hope you enjoy my contribution as the last square for the year.

If you are unfamiliar with The Moogly Yearly Afghan CAL, you can learn more about this project, learning a new 12″ square every 2 weeks, here at Mooglyblog.com.

I tend to like a little different angle in my squares, hence to rotation to create a diamond in the center. This square changes colors every round, but you can create it in many different color configurations. As for the name of this square, Deborah is a long time student, and supporter of my crochet career. She makes a point of sharing her love of baking with all the other students at the weekly crochet classes I teach at my local yarn store, and is always encouraging to everyone. So the name is another sign of thanks.

Deborah’s Diamond Square   by: Linda Dean

Small Shells create a center diamond that is framed in color, having a modern feel with classic charm.

Finished Size: 12”x 12”

Materials List:

  • J/10/6.00mm size crochet hook
  • Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice medium weight 100% Acrylic yarn (3.5oz/100g/170yds): 1 skein each color: (A) #123 Beige, (B) #134 Terracotta, (C) #133 Brick, (D) #172 Kelly Green
  • Tapestry needle

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

dc: double crochet

hdc: half double crochet

sk: skip

sp(s): space(s)

st(s): stitch(es)

YO: yarn over

Rnd 1: With color A, ch 4, sl st to first ch forming a ring, ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 dc in ring, hdc in ring, [hdc, 2 dc, hdc] in ring three times, sl st to join, fasten off. -8 hdc, 8 dc

Rnd 2: With color B join to last st of Round 1, ch 3 (counts as dc) 5 dc in same st as join, sk 1 st, sc in next dc, sk 1 st, [6 dc in next hdc, sk 1 st, sc in next dc] three times, sl st to join, fasten off. – 4 sc, 24 dc

Rnd 3: With color C, join to any sc, ch 3 (counts as dc), 10 dc in the same st, sk 2 dc, sc in next 2 dc sts, sk next 2 dc, [11 dc in next sc, sk 2 dc, sc in next 2 dc, sk next 2 dc] three times, sl st to join, fasten off. -8 sc, 44 dc

Rnd 4: With color D, join to last st of Round 3, ch 3 (counts as dc), 5 dc in same st as ch, 6 dc in next sc, sk 4 sts, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st, [6 dc in next 2 sc, sk 4 sts, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st] three times, sl st to second to the last st join, fasten off. -8sc, 48 dc

Rnd 5: With color A join in any ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, sc in next 6 sts, [hdc in next st, ch 1, hdc in next st, sc in next 13 sts] three times, hdc in next st, ch 1, hdc in next st, sc in remaining 6 sts, sl st to join, fasten off. – 52 sc, 8 hdc

Rnd 6: With color B, join in any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch 1), hdc in same sp, sc in each st across to ch-1 sp, [(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in next ch-1 sp, sc in each st across] three times, sl st to join, fasten off. –60 sc, 8 hdc

Rnd 7: With color C, join in any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch 1), hdc in same sp, sc in each st across to ch-1 sp, [(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in next ch-1 sp, sc in each st across] three times, sl st to join, fasten off. –68 sc, 8 hdc

Rnd 8: With color D, join in any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch 1), hdc in same sp, sc in each st across to ch-1 sp, [(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in next ch-1 sp, sc in each st across] three times, sl st to join, fasten off. –76 sc, 8 hdc

Rnd 9: With color A, join to any ch-1 sp, (sc, ch 1, sc) in same sp, sk hdc, [sk 1 st, 3 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sc in next st] five times, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-1 sp, sk hdc, [sk 1 st, 3 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sc in next st] five times; rep from * around, sl st to join, fasten off. – 28 sc, 60 dc

Rnd 10: With color B, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch 1), hdc in same sp, sk sc and 1 dc, sc in next dc, 3 dc in next sc, [sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, 3 dc in next sc] across to ch-1 sp, *(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in ch-1 sp, sk sc and 1 dc, sc in next dc, 3 dc in next sc, [ sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, 3 dc in next sc] across to ch-1 sp; rep from * around, sl st to join, fasten off. -8 hdc, 28 sc, 60 dc

Rnd 11: With color C, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in same sp, hdc in next hdc, [3 dc in next sc, sk 1 dc, sc in next dc] across, hdc in hdc *(dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in next hdc, [3 dc in next sc, sk 1 dc, sc in next dc] across, hdc in hdc; rep from * around, sl st to join, fasten off. -8 hdc, 20 sc, 68 dc

Rnd 12: With color D, join to any ch-1 sp,  ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1) dc in same sp, hdc in next dc, hdc in next hdc, [sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, 3 dc in next sc] across, hdc in next hdc, hdc in next dc, *(dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in next dc, hdc in next hdc, [sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, 3 dc in next sc] across, hdc in next hdc, hdc in next dc; rep from * around, sl st to join, fasten off. – 16 hdc, 20 sc, 68 dc

Rnd 13: With Color A, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch 1), hdc in same sp, sc in each st across, *(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in ch-1 sp, sc in each st across; rep from * around, sl st to join, fasten off. – 8 hdc, 104 sc

Rnd 14: With Color B, join ot any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch 1) sc in each st across, *(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in ch-1 sp, sc in each st across; rep from * around, sl st to join, fasten off. -8 hdc, 112 sc

Weave in ends, block if desired.

The Giveaways Continue!

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ScannedImageIt is really amazing how much yarn and such is in the gift bags from the Marly Bird Designer Dinner that took place at TNNA Summer Trade Show in Columbus, OH at the end of May. I still have stuff to share with you!

DSCF0994

Book by Interweave, Boye small knitting loom, Lion Brand Yarn, Willow Yarn, & Valley Yarns

I was fortunate enough to attend this trade show that features the latest yarns and gadgets as the companies showcase their wares to local yarn store and needlecraft owners. I can honestly tell you, it can be completely overwhelming and that a few days are just not enough to take it all in. So as I am working through the varieties of yarn in my gift bag, I want to share the experience with others.

Lion Brand yarn has definitely come up with a textural winner with their new yarn Textures. It is a medium weight acrylic and nylon yarn that has a complete crinkle effect to it. It does not have much springiness so it holds its shape well and has many fun variegated colors. As it has the crimping in the yarn; pair it with a pattern that does not have a lot of intricate stitch detail, as it will be completely lost in the yarn. Work it as something simple and allow the yarn to do the work. It will give you lovely color play while adding a visual appeal.

Daily, a yarn from Willow Yarns, is a bulky weight superwash wool, that has some interesting and longer than normal color changes. Well that is not quite true, it actually changes from a long color repeat to a short repeat, like a solid to a variegated, and it really does add interest to your work. This yarn will definitely high light your stitches, helping make your work even that more impressive.

A little bit of spring and great stitch definition are true qualities of Valley Yarns Northfield. It is created with merino, baby alpaca, and silk, so it feels really nice in the hand while being a really stable and fun yarn. I can easily see this yarn as a highlight to a larger piece or a great solid piece in itself, which shows every stitch you work.

Now if you want to create a completely new texture try using the Boye Small Long Loom. I will admit that I did not sample this product myself; however my kids really enjoyed it though. They spent time creating and playing with yarn, my son actually gave it a little more attention than my daughter as she preferred her actual knitting needles. My son likes to dabble in weaving and found the process similar to his experiences yet simpler to warp and creating a knit fabric. I can definitely understand how a larger loom could be fun for him to create larger fabrics.

I really enjoy the publications from Interweave. They are known for great title and unique techniques and this book Best of Stitch Bags to Sew compiled by Tricia Waddell is no exception. It walks you through the construction of several really inspiring bags, of all types and styles. I may not sew often or all that well, but I have several great ideas sparked from items in this book. Simply having a better understanding of the construction styles already improves my work.

If you would like to experience these products for yourself, please leave a comment on this post by the end of the day on Monday, July 27, 2015 a winner will be randomly selected and announced via my Facebook page and Twitter.