Caron Simply Me scarf

Yarn: 2 skeins Caron Simply Me Mosaic in Purple Agate. This is a #5 weight yarn, 5 oz, 173 yds per skein

Hook: J/6.0mm by Laurie Whitaker

Size: 7" x 61"

Pattern: ch 24, dc across, 106 rows

I was not too happy with this yarn. The strands separated and ended up as in the picture below. I cut out a few knots but couldn't cut out every instance of these. Although it's soft enough I wouldn't recommend it.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Navajo plying and another Mantra

You might remember me posting how to make 3 strands out of one so you can work with one skein instead of three. I'm reposting it here for convenience. The procedure is called Navajo plying or chain plying. Here's a video demo by Donna over at Naztazia . And another by Hooked by Robin. And another by Fiber Spider. 

I actually used that method to make my Time Traveler scarf out of Felici yarn.

And here is my latest scarf. It's another Mandala Ombre in color Mantra.

I've never been a big fan of the half double crochet but I really enjoyed making this scarf using the stitch. The sides came out nice and straight. It was easy to count stitches. It was comfortable to work. Except for the knots I had to cut out, the yarn was fine. I did run out before I'd reached my 60" goal but I had a small piece I'd started on another scarf and didn't use so I ripped that and added it to this one. Perfect! The finished size is 6 1/4" x 66".

The hook is what I call my peppermint stick hook by Laurie Whitaker.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Mantra scarf and peppermint hook

Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Ombre in color Mantra. Cakes are 5.3oz/ 344 yds. I used the whole cake. 

Size: 6" x 63"

Hook: I/5.5mm peppermint hook by Laurie Whitaker - no you can't eat it and it doesn't smell like peppermint but it's really pretty!

Pattern: ch 22, one row sc, one row dc. 

For my dc rows, I did a ch-1 and worked the dc in the first stitch rather than the second as is normally done. I think it worked out well and there was no hole when I started a new row.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Mandala Ombre Mantra

Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Ombre in color Mantra. Cakes are 5.3oz/ 344 yds. I used the whole cake. 

Size: 6" x 62"

Hook: H/5.0 by Laurie Whitaker

Pattern: ch 24,  straight dc, 130 rows

I have three cakes so you'll see this color again. It was fine to work with. I think I cut out two knots.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Twilight Surf scarves

Yarn: Yarnspirations Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in color Twilight Surf. Skeins are 8 0z, 407 yds. I used the full skein with a good size ball left over.

Size: 7" x 68"

Pattern: ch 24,  straight dc, 130 rows

Hook: H/5.0 - the same one as in the previous post as this one seems to work well with this yarn

I think I cut out two knots but that's not too bad.

Here's a second scarf with the same yarn. Size and hook are the same as well. Finished 6-1-2026.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Opal Scarf

Yarn: Yarnspirations Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in color Opal. Skeins are 8 0z, 407 yds. I used the full skein.

Size: 6 1/2" x 66"

Pattern: ch 24,  straight dc, 130 rows

Hook: H/5.0 - the same one as in the previous post as this one seems to work well with this yarn

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Bay scarf

Yarn: Yarnspirations Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in color Bay. Skeins are 8 0z, 407 yds. I used the full skein

Size: 6 1/2" x 73"

Pattern: ch 24,  straight dc, 140 rows

Hook: H/5.0 (This was a gift from my friend Fran a couple years ago)

Although this cake is the same brand as the previous post I had no trouble with it. There was not a single knot to cut out. The yarn went further than the other cake though they are supposedly the same length. I also love the colors in it but y'all know I'm a fan of blues.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

scarf

Yarn: Yarnspirations Caron Cinnamon Swirl in color Spearmint (1 cake - 8 oz, 407 yds) It's a #4 worsted yarn.

Hook: H/5mm, owl hook by Laurie Whitaker

Size: 6 1/2" x 66"

Pattern: modern V stitch, Bev's WC Scarf. I worked 140 rows

This yarn was okay but there were five knots I had to cut out. You can see the tails here. It wasn't a big deal, but I thought it was more than there should have been. I have a few more cakes in different colors so we'll see how that goes.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Bernat blanket scarves

I'm still working with the Yarnspiration Bernat Blanket #6 super bulky in color Purple Sunset. It is 100% polyester, 10.5oz, 220 yards.

I did, however, run into an unusual problem. The huge skein jumped out of its container and ended up under my lift chair without my noticing. When I couldn't pull more yarn I got up and took a look.

 It was thoroughly and hopelessly tangled around a little plastic piece. I can't get on the floor and my husband was not home, so my lovely daughter came over and tried to get it out. We ended up having to cut it because of the way it was wrapped. 

I did learn my lesson and put the next skein into a round tote with a zipper closure. It even has a spot for my hook which is good as that is the one that has worked so well with this yarn and I don't have another within my dozens (okay, maybe a few more than that LOL) of hooks. As noted in a previous post, the wooden hook is 12-13mm. There is no size on it. It was purchased sooo many years ago.

The solution has worked pretty well. I have completed 6 scarves in addition to the one in that tote.

All of those are between 61" and 65" with a width varying between 7" and 9". They are so thick and soft.

I will finish the one in the tote and then decide how to handle the balls that were cut off the stuck one. Most of it was saved so I could conceivably make an 8th scarf but with many tails. I don't actually mind sewing in the tails but worry these might poke out due to the type of yarn. Little wisps of yarn fly off whenever I cut a piece.

Learn from my oopsie and keep your yarn safe from being sucked under a chair. :-)

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

blanket scarf

I bought several skeins of the Bernat Blanket #6  Super bulky yarn because I saw a video that told me I could make an easy cardigan really fast. Well, it turns out that's not me. I don't like working with thick yarn.  However, now that I have this yarn, I decided to use it for super warm scarves for winter.

I tried several hooks and this is the one that worked for me. By our measurement, it is between 12 and 13mm. Size is not written on it and I don't remember where I got it but I'm sure it was online. I've had it a long time.

The yarn in question is Yarnspiration Bernat Blanket #6 super bulky in color Purple Sunset. It is 100% polyester, 10.5oz, 220 yards. I used one entire skein for one 8 1/4" x 63" scarf.

Pattern is 14 sc across and 107 rows.

I left the ending "tail" so you could see how much I have left of the skein.

I'll say this for this yarn... It is super soft. I think it will keep the wearer very warm as well.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

crochet hook sizes

Did you know that not all crochet hooks with the same letter size are the same mm size? For example, Boye and Bates measure differently. I did know that but didn't pay much attention to it until I needed a Bates hook to work with a particular yarn that didn't like the Boye hook. It split less with a Bates style.

Annie's Attic has a nice list which includes all sizes but doesn't say what type of hook it is. I used to have this info at Crochet Cabana but have since removed much of the extraneous info from the site since it is readily available all over the Internet. I'll add a page with the hook information for Batse and Boye.

Crochet.com also has info on hooks. They list hook sizes but don't designate.what style is what sizze.

Here are the sizes and a picture for reference.

Susan Bates Hook sizes
(I added a few that are not in the pictured set)

B/1  2.25mm

C/2  2.75mm

D/3  3.25mm

E/4  3.5mm

F/5  3.75mm

G/6  4.0mm

#7/7  4.5mm

H/8  5.0mm

I/9  5.5mm

J/10  6.0mm

K/10.5  6.5mm

L/11 8.0mm

M/13 9.0mm

N/15 10.0mm

Boye

E 3.5mm

F 3.75mm

G 4.25mm

H 5.0mm

I 5.25mm

J 5.75mm

K 6.5mm
L 8.0mm

Of course you can find the Bates and Boye style hooks lots of places that are not specifically made by Boye or Bates. They are identified by the style - inline (Bates) or tapered (Boye) or perhaps an entirely new style.

I hope this helps you. This is why I suggest you use the same hook when working a project. If you happen to change to a different hook with the same letter sizee it might not be the same mm size. Depending on what you're making it may make a difference. 

In addition to the sizes that are made today, it seems like the hook mms changed slightly through the years. There's an interesting article about Boye hooks here if you want to delve more into that.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Beginner's Luck

This one was made using Premier Everyday Dots in color Sleepytime. I discovered a whole bunch of skeins of this yarn in different colorways so I'll be making many of these small blankies for Project Robby.

 If you find the picture looks a little off it's because I took the picture upside down and had to turn it in Paint Shop Pro. Oops.

I used a G Bates style hook from Polymer Clay Shed. I've bought many hooks from her and she's wonderful to work with.

The size is 12 1/2". 

The pattern is the Beginner's Luck with a chain of 53 and a dc border around to finish it off. I started with one row dc and after finishing the last pattern I started the dc border so there are two rows of dc top and bottom when that is done. I've worked it different ways depending on my mood. :-)

Beginner's Luck is a very old pattern in the leaflet Knit and Crochet Afghans vol 768 Brunswick 1990. You may be able to find it at Etsy or Ebay. 

I've also seen the pattern under other names. Basically it's a row of dc, a row of V stitch, a row of inverted V stitch (decrease), and another row of dc. The multiple is 3 + 2 if you start in the 4th chain from hook or 3 + 1 if you start in the 3rd chain. You could also start with a foundation dc instead of chains.

The finished size depends on what yarn and hook you are using. The important thing is to measure your width and make sure your length is appropriate for your width. 

Here are some possible starting chains going into the 4th chain from hook. That means you will end up with 2 fewer stitches so if you're using a foundation dc keep that in mind.
20 (possibly a good one for a swatch),
38, 53 (17 V’s, 7 patterns), 59, 62, 74, 86, 98, 113, 122, 131, 140, 152, 161

I love this pattern and have used it probably hundreds of times through the years, making different sizes depending on need.

I'm adding a few more pictures of completed mini blankies in this pattern. The bottom three are color Primary. The top two are Sleepytime. The last one is Candy. 

This one is 16 1/2". Chain is 74.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Which Way Filet

Yarn: Vanna's Choice Pink and leftover white (probably Hobby Lobby)

Hook: J

Pattern: Which Way Filet (Fiber Spider)

Size: 11 1/2" 

I did this little blankie in just a few hours watching the video and pausing when I needed to. Then adding the borders.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Beginner's Luck

I try to remember to put the hook with the blankie pictures but many times I forget. I thought I'd share a picture of my Laurie Whitaker hooks. I use these quite often and have most in sizes H and I.

Here is my latest blankie. I did not use the above hooks for this one.

Size is 11" x 11 1/2". The pattern is the Beginner's Luck I mentioned in a recent post. Yarn is Premier Anti-pilling Everyday Dots in color Candy.

Another Beginner's Luck. This one in color Primary. Size is 12" x 12 1/2". The difference in size is due to the dc border. 

I have more of the Dots yarn so I'll be making more of these. I have discovered that the Bates style hook works better with this one. It doesn't split as much.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Call the Midwife

Here's another Call the Midwife. I have two skeins of this color in this yarn so you may see more.

Foundation chain is 70. Hook is a G/4.0mm from my Bella Coco set..I used an F hook for the border.

Pattern is Call the Midwife (reference: Fiber Spider's video). I added a round of sc and then a round of 3dc shells, skip 1, sc in next. In corners I used 5 dc. I had to do some fudging to get it to come out so my corners would be the same. 

Yarn is Premier Anti-pilling Everyday Dots in color Candy. It's a #3 weight yarn. 273 yds per skein. I used less than one skein.

Finished size is about 15 1/2" x 16".

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Misc info and Beginner's Luck

As I was going through old blog entries to find the Beginner's Luck pieces, I ran across this. I've seen this question asked many times in various places. I don't know where I got this information from but use it as you will. 

Two strands of #1 fingering equal one strand #2 sport.
Three strands of #1 fingering equal one strand #4 worsted.
One strand of #3 DK and one strand of #1 fingering equal one strand #4 worsted.
Two strands of #2 sport equal one strand #4 worsted.
Two strands of #4 worsted equal one strand #5 bulky.

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You might remember me posting how to make 3 strands out of one so you can work with one skein instead of three. The procedure is called Navajo plying or chain plying. Here's a video demo by Donna over at Naztazia . And another by Hooked by Robin. And another by Fiber Spider. 

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Another thing I was reminded of is how to crochet WITH your tails instead of sewing them in. You can see that here at Hooked by Robin. Others have shown it too I'm sure.

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And here are two more Beginner's Luck wee blankies. See the last post for details on the pattern. Yarn and hook are the same. This is the last of the pink Basic Stitch yarn. Each blankie took one skein (185 yds). I had a tiny ball left. The white is just a bit of leftover white.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Beginner's Luck

Oombawka has this nice article on crochet stitch anatomy. Even though some of it is basic I thought it might be a useful bit of information for those new to crochet and those who might like a reminder.

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Here is the latest thing off my hook. 

Hook: H hook by Laurie Whitaker

Yarn:  The pink yarn is Lion Brand Basic Stitch anti-pilling in Baby Pink. Skeins are 3.5oz and 185 yds. I used the entire skein. The white is Paintbox Simply Aran. It was a leftover skein and I just used a bit of it.

Pattern: Beginner's Luck which is a very old pattern from way back. You may be able to find it at Etsy or Ebay. It's in the leaflet Knit and Crochet Afghans vol 768 Brunswick 1990.  For the border on this one I used a round of dc in pink and then a round of sc in white.

I've also seen the pattern under different names. Basically it's a row of dc, a row of V stitch, a row of inverted V stitch (decrease), and another row of dc. The multiple is 3 + 2 if you start in the 4th chain from hook. I used a foundation chain of 53 for this wee blankie which is 15" square.

I've used this pattern so many times, making different size projects. It's one of my favorites as once you've completed the first pattern you need not refer to the pattern again. It's mindless - to me anyway. The thing to remember is that the first V stitch goes into the first stitch after the turning chain. Otherwise your count will be off. Rows start and end with a dc or turning chain.

I've worked it different ways depending on how many colors I am using. Sometimes I use two rows of dc between patterns and sometimes one. 

Here is one from 2024 using Lion Brand Mandala Sparkle in color Draco. The chain was 98 and it is about 26".

The blue and white one below is from 2020. The size is 48″ x 64″ with a foundation chain of 160. I used Premier Everyday Snow White and Azure. I used 7 skeins of each color (about 1400 yards, 28 ozs.)

I've even used this pattern for scarves. Here's a red one from 2023. The size is 6″ x 61″ with a foundation chain of 212 with an H hook. The yarn is Paintbox Simply Aran in color Rose Red. I used two skeins.

I remember working on afghans using this pattern when I was pregnant with my son (1990). I was bedridden and a friend would pick up my daughter for preschool. I made her three children afghans with this pattern as a thank you. 

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife mini-blankies.

Yarn is Mary Maxim Starlette in color Pale Petal Pink. You need two skeins. I used an H hook as suggested on the label.

Chain is 70. I followed Fiber Spider's video. Finished size for the larger one is 20" square. I did a round of sc in pink, white, and pink again. The one below that one is smaller, about 17" x 19' so it's not square. 

Isn't it funny how the color shows up differently in each picture even though it's taken on the same sofa in the same room but on two different days? The top one was taken last night and the other one this morning.

This is such a nice pattern. It's simple once you do one repeat. You just follow what you did on that one. No need to continue following the video or a written pattern. You just have to be careful and pay attention to what you're doing.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

Lucet and i-cord

My husband made me a lucet fork so I needed to learn how to use it. A lucet is used to make I-cord.

I watched two good demonstrations. The first one is by Goodknitkisses . She shows you how to create a few other items that can be used as a lucet fork - including an actual fork!

The second one is by Craig at Fiber Spider. I use a lot of his videos so had to include him here. He demonstrates how to cut your cord and fix it so it doesn't come undone.

Another one is by Coco Crochet Lee using the Furls lucet fork. This is a shorter video so you may need to pause it to give you time to follow.

Another way to make I-cord is to use a knitting mushroom. This is a fun thing to do and now and then I pick my mushroom up and play. My problem is I never know what to do with the cord when I'm done. LOL Note that the lucet uses two prongs and the knitting mushroom uses 4.

I did make a short cord with the lucet but I'm terrible at it. LOL I need more practice. If you decide to try it I would not give up but keep at it. 

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

paint party scarves

Paint Party scarves

Hook: I/5.5mm
Pattern: straight dc, 20 stitches across, 110 rows
Size: 7" x 62"

Last of the Paint Party yarn.

I hook by Laurie Whitaker in Peep pattern.

Ch 22, 20 dc across for 105 rows.

Finished size: 7" x 59"

Happy crocheting!

Sandie

repair job and new hooks

Way back in August 2012 I made an afghan that was given to a friend. Fast forward to 2026. A sweet wee doggy decided that afghan would make a scrumptious meal and did this to it. (No harm came to the doggy though I'm sure he was given a bit of a talking to.)

I was asked if I could fix it. Now this is not a skill I have honed, but I said I'd do my best.

Fortunately, I knew which color the ripped spot was worked in. Unfortunately, that yarn is now discontinued. Bernat Giggles Tickled Pink. I found some on Ravelry but the person never answered my query. I found one skein on Amazon but I didn't know if one skein was enough as in my blog entry on making the afghan I didn't note how much each name took nor did I note the hook size used. Bad me!

I decided rather than try to repair that spot with an off color I would just remake the name. Since I couldn't get the same color I decided to get the yarn used in one of the other rectangles - Vanna's Choice Pink - which is easily found.

I decided to try an I hook first. Bamp! It was too long.I tried an H hook and voila! It was perfect. 

Here's the process. I used an H Hook with Vanna's Choice Pink. I used almost all of one skein for the name. I put a round of sc for a border. The chain was 81. Just FYI with another skein I made two "H" squares with a chain of 21.

Here is the filet part if your name is Beth. :-)

Now on to the repair part. First the ripped bit had to be taken out.

First step... I was afraid to cut too close on this round but got it all out.

Then I went back around and removed the wee bits. Most came out pretty easily.

Now I had to figure out how to attach and with what color. Do I go with the black or with the pink? I'm thinking the black even though I do have a hard time seeing black yarn.

I decided to use a needle and black yarn and sew it on. Here's the result. What do you think? 

There are two "H" squares, one on each side. Those have now been replaced to match the middle name,  with the Vanna's Choice yarn. 

This has been an interesting job. I'm glad I was up to it! At least I think I was. It looks okay to me. I'm going to wash it and see how it comes out.

In addition to that work, today's mail brought a surprise. New Hooks by Laurie Whitaker. The owl is a replacement owl hook for one which I lost. Laurie always includes extra surprises - candy treats, stitch markers and a pretty pen. I didn't take a picture but it was all wonderful.

Happy crocheting!

Sandie