Category Archives: Patterns/Design Thoughts

1 for Me, 1 for You- Shells in a Row Block

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Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America, by making a block for yourself and one for a community project with this free pattern. I will be creating a new block every few weeks and sharing it with you, I just ask that make one for donation.

Warm Up America is a nationwide organization that encourages local donations, but will also except donations to be sent to their office so that blocks can be assembled and then blankets can be donated through the United States.

Even if you do not want to participate with Warm Up America, please consider creating blocks, or blankets for your local community. There are various places in every community that accept donations.

Shells in a Row

These simple 5 double crochet shells are just off-set from one another, but a simple contrasting row of color gives it a different feel, allowing the for a real stand out.

Working with three colors has the added benefit of having less ends to weave in, by carrying the color along the edge. To learn more about this technique, check it out here.

Gauge: 7”x9” rectangle

Materials

Medium weight yarn, in 3 colors MC (main color), CC1, CC2

K/10 ½/ 6.5mm hook

Block Pattern

With MC Ch 26

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 2 chs, 5 dc in next ch, sk 2 chs, sc in next ch] 4 times, turn. -4 (5dc shells), 5 sc sts

Row 2: Change to CC1, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn. -25 sts

Row 3: Change to CC2, ch 3, 2 dc in same st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] 3 times, sk 2 sts, 3 dc in last st, turn. -3 (5 dc shells) 4 sc sts, 2 (3 dc half shells)

Row 4: Change to MC, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 5: Change to CC1, ch 1, sc in same st, [sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] 4 times, turn. -4 (5dc shells), 5 sc sts

Row 6: Change to CC2, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 7: Change to MC, ch 3, 2 dc in same st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] 3 times, sk 2 sts, 3 dc in last st, turn. -3 (5 dc shells) 4 sc sts, 2 (3 dc half shells)

Row 8: Change to CC1, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 9: Change to CC2, ch 1, sc in same st, [sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] 4 times, turn. -4 (5dc shells), 5 sc sts

Row 10: Change to MC, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 11: Change to CC1,  ch 3, 2 dc in same st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] 3 times, sk 2 sts, 3 dc in last st, turn. -3 (5 dc shells) 4 sc sts, 2 (3 dc half shells)

Row 12: Change to CC2, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 13: Change to MC, ch 1, sc in same st, [sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] 4 times, turn, do not fasten off. -4 (5dc shells), 5 sc sts

Edge

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in sc in same st, sc in each st across until 1 st remains, 3 sc in last st, working over row ends evenly sc across to beg ch, 3 sc in last st, working in unused loops of beg ch, sc in each chain across, 3 sc in last st, working over row end evenly sc across, 2 sc in last st, sl st to beg sc, fasten off.

Weave in ends, block.

Hooked on Bruges Lace! & a Free Pattern

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I have been hooked on playing with Bruges Lace as of late, and wanted to share this skill.

Spiral Bruges Cowl

Bruges Lace is a crochet technique that essentially has you crocheting a ribbon, a narrow strip, and attaching it to itself to create a simple lace that looks much more involved. The patterns often have a high row count, but that is because the rows are only a few stitches each, in some cases only 5 stitches.

A “ribbon”

As you can see in this photo the “ribbon” is only a few stitches, and then there is a long turning chain. This long chain is used as a joining point when working the “ribbon” back on itself. This approach lends itself to any design that you can draw in a continuous line.

When you have a “turn” in your line you need to work longer and join multiple long loops together to form a “bend” in the ribbon.

Joining sides of “ribbons”

I encourage you to give it a try, and to get you started I have a free cowl pattern.

Spiral Bruges Cowl

Work a ribbon, and then join on one side to spiral around and create this fast and eye catching cowl. The ends of the ribbon are highlighted with simple shells to finish this highlight.

Finished Size

31″ circumference, 12″ Tall (79 cm circumference, 9 cm tall)

Gauge

5 sts (the width of ribbon, not counting ch-5 loop)= 1 1/2″ (4cm), 6 rows =4″ (10cm)

Materials

* Lisa Souza Yarns Max medium weight 50% Bombyx Silk/50% Merino Wool yarn (219 yrd/3.5oz)

* K/10 ½ /6.5mm crochet hook

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sk next ch, 5 dc in next ch, sk next ch, sc in last ch, turn chain over to work in unused loops of beg chain.

Beginning Row 2, turn and work on the other side of the chain

Row 2: Ch 5, dc in unused loops of first st, dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next st, dc in next ch, dc in unused loops of last st, turn.

Row 3: Ch 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 4-50: Rep Row 3.

Row 51: Ch 2, sl st to ch-5 loop of Row 2, sl st, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 52: Ch 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 53: Ch 2, sl st to next adjacent ch-5 loop, ch 2, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 54: Ch 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 55-248: Rep Rows 53 & 54 ninety seven times.

Row 249: Ch 2, sl st in next adjacent ch-5 loop, ch 2, sc in first dc, 5 dc in ch-1 sp, sc in last dc, fasten off. Weave in ends, block.

Crochet with Linda at the Winery

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Crochet with Linda at the Winery, a new adventure. Just when I think life should be settling into a rhythm, a new idea spices things up! I have spent the beginning of 2019 traveling and teaching, and just as I set my schedule for teaching at my local yarn store I add in something new….retreats!

I am offering the first of several retreats Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 10:30-4, just south of Placerville, CA.

Crochet with Linda at the Winery, featuring Holly’s Hill Winery and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Yarn

I have been imagining these retreat events for quite a while now. An event that engages skill building with inspiration, in a great setting, with great materials. And maybe doing something that you have always meant to do. This one in just a few weeks, definitely fits that build!

The Skills and Project

Sometimes gaining skills at a Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels can be a challenge. This unique design and pattern has been created to do allow skills to be built and advance your skill. The same stitch pattern utilizes three different ways to create a cowl. Beginning level works the cowl flat, while intermediate works in the round, and still advanced works in the round moebius from center out. The cowls are wide enough to be hooded, and with just enough lace work to allow this cowl to be worn in many seasons.

The Location

A family owned and operated winery, in a beautiful setting. Holly’s Hill overlooks the north fork of the Consumnes River Valley, and features French style Rhone Wines. The Co-Winemakers, the husband and wife team of Josh and Carrie Bendick, have a hand in every aspect of the process. They use old fashion techniques to create these Rhone-style wines. We are fortunate enough to have an exclusive tour of the winery. While learning about the wine making process from the experts. In addition you will get to sample a variety of wines in a tasting, while relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view.

The Materials

We will let a fingering weight superwash merino and bamboo yarn flow through our fingers. Lisa Souza Timaru Sport is a luscious yarn that has a coolness to the touch and a beautiful shimmer. Three hand dyed colors available to choose from, a warm, neutral and cool color, which offers a bit of something for everyone. Lisa is known for her gorgeous colorways of yarn, and these will not disappoint. Hooks will be provided (beautifully turned wood), but if you have a preferred hook in your set, please feel free to bring your size G/6/4.00mm.

Enjoy the view, the wine and definitely the crochet!

Enjoy gourmet box lunch, also included. No pepperoni pizza here. There are menus are being worked up with locally renowned restaurants to provide a day that allows everyone to feel pampered and valued.

As the final outlines of this event are being worked up, plans are well underway for another in October. If you want to be kept abreast of these new retreats, please sign up for my newsletter. Want to attend this event, register here.

I hope to see you soon, and will keep you posted on this new adventure!

New Design Release- Perfect for Fall

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There is a certain rush about getting up in the morning to receive the message that your latest three designs have been released by I Like Crochet Magazine. There are two in the August 2019 issue and one in the latest book collection, The One-Skein Crochet Collection.

Easygoing Tank- photo coutrsey Prime Publishing

Easygoing Tank

The Easygoing Tank, found in the August issue, is worked as one piece, side to side. It has a simple stitch pattern and is shaped on one edge of the fabric. By using a few join-as-you-go techniques that are explained in the pattern, you can even avoid seaming the tank at all, and finish the entire top with just your hook!

Serene Wrap Skirt- photo courtesy Prime Publishing

Serene Wrap Skirt

The Serene Wrap Skirt, also found in the August issue, is another fun project that has you feeling successful in garment creation. It is worked from the short edge, and increased to the skirt length, then is worked until it fits. The color change is worked within the rows, but are not carried along, but dropped and added as needed….with no ends to weave in. There is some gentle short rows to allow for an ease in the waist fit. Simple ties just above the hips keep this skirt secure. Imagine the color combinations that you create with this structured border edge.

Hello Cozy Hat- photo courtesy Prime Publishing

Hello Cozy Hat

The final design, Hello Cozy Hat, featured in the One-Skein Crochet Collection, and is a slouchy beanie that has an up turned brim to share a surface crochet greeting. Worked flat with short rows at the crown, this hat is then topped with a pom-pom, and using crochet thread the message is surface crocheted in the unused loops of the stitches on the row.

It is always a good morning to be able to share new designs, new ideas, and a new hope to inspire.

Soleil Strips- Perfect for Summer

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Perfect for summer the Soleil Strips Tank adds a splash of contrast. I really enjoy this design featured in the June 2019 issue of I Like Crochet Magazine, it feels whimsical yet stylish.

I have heard this design explained as, “Eye catching with a total style, this tank offers flattering partial stripes that demands attention”. I cannot say that I disagree, but I should add that it works up quicker than you might expect.

Soleil Stripes Tank, Photo courtesy of Prime Publishing

Since it is worked vertically this tank is worked with yarn carries, so there are few ends to weave and simple success is easy to achieve. In addition the stripes are only located at the front edge of the neck and the lower edge of the back, so it is not overwhelming with various points to keep straight.

The stitch pattern is a simple combination of single and double crochets, so that the focus really is the color changes.

Soleil Stripes Tank, photo courtesy of Prime Publishing

I was inspired to create this design from the simple image that rested in my mind during some travel. I was walking down a busy city street and the way that the light was playing off the windows and reflecting the adjacent buildings. It created this staggered uneven stripes that stuck in my mind.

So when I was playing with Anzula yarns I was drawn to place this image into a fabric, and hence this tank was created.

I am pretty happy with the results, I hope you are too.