filet cross shawl

Woman's prerogative - I changed my mind and decided to work 3 stripes instead of 5 as I thought I would. The reason for this is because one source that is in need of shawls needs them right quick. I tried the shawl and it worked very well for me so I figure it will do fine for most recipients. I did try to take a picture of myself wearing it in the mirror but it did not come out well. You'll just have to trust me that it fit. heh

The finished size is approx 15" x 65". 

I am writing up the pattern and hope to have it on site soon. I'm really pleased with the way this came out.

I used Vanna's Choice Colonial Blue yarn and an I hook. I used an H hook for the sides. I find this works well for me with double crochet. I think it might be because I use a ch-2 for my turning chain.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

filet cross shawl in progress

I thought I'd update you on the cross shawls. I put aside the puff stitch one because really that size is not good for a shawl unless you're very thin. (I don't remember back when I was a size 3 but maybe it would work...) I will need to work on it when I have more time to do a large single crochet project (which will probably be a long time). However, the dc filet cross goes quickly. Once I figured out the number I needed for the foundation chain for the size I wanted I went to town on it. 

My plan is to do several stripes, alternating where the filet crosses begin.

This project is unique in another way. It is the first time I work a project beginning a long chainless foundation, also called foundation double crochet. I'm not saying it took me less time than just making a long chain and working my first row into it LOL. There were hiccups along the way because I had to be fully satisfied with the look of it. I think I could go faster once I get the hang of the process.

I had not fooled around with the chainless foundation in a while since I have no problem working chains and going into the chain, so I referenced my video on the foundation sc and also one on the foundation dc worked by Maggie of Maggie's Crochet. In my video my daughter works the stitch and gives an excellent explanation. She uses the foundation stitch often in her own work. As I get more proficient with it, I may do so myself. :-) Of course the sc and the dc are not the same, but the idea is the same. You create the chain and the stitch in the same movements.

Why did I use the foundation dc for this project? No particular reason. It occurred to me this might be a good time to try it, so I did. :-) Working 197 chains and working into the chains would work just fine.

I worked 195 foundation double crochets for this one. I didn't measure it, but I'm estimating it is at least 60" wide which is a pretty good size for a shawl. The two rows I have worked so far are about 9" high. There are 8 crosses on the first row and 7 on the second. (You can't see them all in the picture.) Because I want to begin and end the same, I will probably work 3 more stripes which will make it approximately 22" or 23". We'll see how it works out, but you know you'll be one of the first to know. :-)

I am using Vanna's Choice Colonial Blue and am on my third skein. I am using my trusty I Inox hook.

I will be working on this project for the next couple weeks most likely, along with other smaller projects. Since I am writing the pattern, it takes a little longer to figure things out - and even then I sometimes get it wrong. heh

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

tips

Firstly, I received notices on December 31 that starting January 1 there is a new tax on digital sales to European Union. Since I had absolutely no notice, I have removed all my for-sale patterns from both Etsy and Ravelry so I don't have any tax confusion next year. I apologize for giving no notice of this, but I myself had no notice. Free patterns are not affected as far as I can tell and remain up. I'm not sure what I will do in the long run. There's always something to mess with one's day.

While I'm here, I thought I'd give a shout out in case you have one of my patterns and are in need of assistance. Firstly, PLEASE make sure it is actually one of MY patterns. I spent hours trying to find a pattern that fit the description a visitor said she was having trouble with only to discover it was not my pattern at all. Secondly, if you have trouble with one of my patterns, when you send me a note please include the name of the pattern. It is also helpful if you include a link. Both of those things will make it clear at the start if it is actually mine or one you found when you clicked through from the blog or web site or elsewhere.

I will do everything possible to help with one of my patterns, but if the pattern was designed by someone else it is not always possible to figure out what they meant. It is always best to go to the source when you can.

My name is on all my patterns and they appear only at Crochet Cabana, Ravelry, and Gallifreyan Crochetin. They are in pdf format. Occasionally I will give instructions on the blog but that is rare. 

I do not give permission for any of my patterns to be placed in its entirety on a web site or shared with anyone else  in any format without permission so the only place to find my patterns are at the places mentioned above. However, there are ads at the sites, so if you click through on an ad and find a pattern there, that is not my pattern. You need to go to the source for help.

As said above, if you need help with one of my patterns, I will do my best to see that you get it quickly.If you need help with someone else's pattern, please contact them.

I hope all of you had a wonderful start to the New Year and that the year will bring you many blessings!

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

butterflies-fleece-shawls

I happened across this tutorial on how to make a crocheted butterfly. I have made dozens of these over the years. Although I did not use this tutorial, I thought it was well done and might help someone else who is having a problem with the technique. I generally use pipe cleaners for my antennae but I may give this method a try when I make more of them.

I mentioned in a previous post the video demonstrating making fleece blankets at Binky Patrol. That video is pretty long, but you can find shorter ones at YouTube demonstrating the same type of blanket. Search for no sew fleece blankets. I also found this little video demonstrating how to do this without knotting. I love this idea!

I have only made a couple of these blankets but I'd like to do some more when I can get some fleece. I think I will use that no knot method. At least I will try it. I prefer my fringe to be a little bit longer personally. The problem *I* had with the blankets is getting all four sides even (before cutting the fringe). Guess I need to use a level!

I have been fiddling with a one piece project using the puff stitch prayer cloth pattern. I am on the way to getting this down but have more work to do. I made a small sample. The sample is 5" x 38". The idea is not my original thought. You might remember that I donate prayer cloths to a church project and someone had the idea of making shawls by assembling them together. I thought it would save a lot of time if one did a one piece stripe and put those together. Well, it would save on the joining, but not on the making since it is single crochet and puff stitches.

This one is 38" and it does not go all the way around me. Now, I'm not small so maybe it would work for a smaller person. I don't know. The shawls I have made in the past have been longer than this. I would probably make it about 60". Of course it would not be 5". There will be 4 or 5 put together. We'll see how it turns out.

This small sample took an entire skein of Vanna's Choice. My thought was to place crosses in between these on the next one. That will take a little more yarn though and I'm not sure one skein would be enough. Still thinking. :-)

I also would like to do one with the filet cloth. More food for thought.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

charity giving

I am honored to accept this award for Best Crochet for Charity from Crochet Concupiscence. Kathryn wrote a nice article about the award and specifically my site. Such sweet words! Crochet Concupiscence gives awards throughout December. Check it out!

Charity work is important to me. I feel strongly that we should share what we have and help those less fortunate. I am not able to do as much these days as I might like, and you might be in the same situation. However much you can do, it's a help to someone. Each hat or scarf or mitten or slipper or afghan or square is one less that someone else doesn't have to make and one more than the recipient had before. To a person with no home, living in the cold outdoors, it might even save a life. 

To a parent who is watching a preemie struggle to hold on to life, each little hat or blankie lets them know someone else cares. Each prayer cloth given to someone who needs comfort reminds them that others are praying for their situation and that God cares! Each snuggle donated to an animal shelter keeps someone's future pet alive and warm. Soldiers serving in cold climates appreciate hats.

I often see folks asking where they can send specific items. Here is a site that lists 10 charity efforts that need items. One of these efforts is the Binky Patrol. You'll notice that the picture on the site home page shows fleece blankets which require no knowledge of crochet or even sewing skills. If you watch the half hour video demo, she shows you just how to make this type of blanket. I enjoyed her comments and suggestions throughout as well. Fleece blankets are very warm and lightweight, suitable for all ages and genders.

I also have charities listed on my charity links page at Crochet Cabana (if you see a bad link please let me know so I can correct it). I have a short starting list here in the sidebar of the blog too.

Lion Brand lists charity efforts as does CGOA. Remember that lists can quickly go out of date. Charities may fulfill their need and move on to something else. Before you mail off an item, I would suggest that you contact the organization or coordinator and make sure they are still active and in need of that particular item. Most are very gracious and will answer your questions with no problem. If you are making items for the mililtary, it is particularly important that you have a contact who can let you know colors and materials that are acceptable in that unit.

Now you have a starting point - go crochet something! :-)

Happy crocheting!
Sandie