Chart for Granny Sweet Hearts

I've been super excited because Mikey of Crochet Crowd fame has been posting about my 2014 free pattern Granny Sweet Hearts.  Since this is one of my very first patterns, I thought it could use a little update.

In my update, I'm adding a chart.  I'm also going to make the pattern available as a pdf on Ravelry.  I hope to have that done soon.  I'll post a link when I have it completed.  Until then, I decided to post a copy of the chart for those of you that prefer working with a chart.

Super quick and easy shawl pattern

Lucy in the Sky on Ravelry
Lucy in the Sky on Etsy

This easy pattern works up quickly, and uses only one skein of fingering weight yarn to make an airy little shawl with loads of drape and a modern geometric diamond design.  Because of the open mesh fabric, it makes a perfect accessory for any season.  It can be worn over the shoulders like a shawl, around the hips for a swimsuit cover-up, or my favorite, tied like a bandanna with the point in the front.  Instructions are provided for increasing the shawl’s size.

I’ve used Shalimar Paulie, but any of Shalimar’s beautiful fingering weight yarn are perfect. 

There are charted and written instructions.  Beading on the last row is optional. 

The pattern is appropriate for Experienced Beginners and above. 

US terminology is used.

What I did during the snows

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme  - Etsy
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme on Ravelry

I've been stuck inside way too long.  I'm so happy that this week feels a bit like spring is heading our way.  The good side of being snowed in is that I got some designing and pattern writing time.  Here's the first of two shawl patterns that I just released.

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is an elegant stole designed for a night out, weddings, teas, or anytime you want to add a touch of panache.  It has a lacey floral design that looks lovely in single or multiple colors, and may be beaded or unbeaded.  

I’ve used Shalimar Paulie, but any of Shalimar’s beautiful fingering weight yarns would be perfect.  

There are charted and written instructions. 

Rated as intermediate or experienced.  US terminology.

   

Free Crochet Pattern

Free Pattern

I've been busy updating my kitchen with new dishcloths, towels, sponges and scrubbies.  Because I love the texture and it's super easy to do, the slanted shell is my go-to stitch for cloths and scrubbies.  

While working on a colorful stack of new cloths, I decided to jot down the pattern for when I want to make a few more down the road.    More times than I care to admit, I think to myself, "Oh, I'll remember how to do that,"  only to find out later that I don't.  So it's back to counting stitches, starting chains, rows, etc.  Then I have to swatch to determine hook size.....too much trouble.  

As a result, I just released my first free pattern of 2015.   It's super easy and includes instructions for spa/kitchen cloths and eco-sponges.  It has charted and written instructions, and can be downloaded for free here Go-to Spa or Kitchen Set.  Enjoy!

Happy and healthy 2015 to everyone. 

Fifth Ave Shawl

I've just released Fifth Avenue Shawl.  

It features a shallow triangle of patterned mesh that drapes nicely over the shoulders or around the hips for a touch of sass. Because blocking is not required, it’s great for acrylic yarns as well as natural fiber.

The pattern includes instructions for two borders: a small ruffled border and a more tailored flat border. The shawl’s size is easily adjusted following the directions provided.

If done in lace or fingering weight yarns, this shawl makes a great four seasons wrap. A slightly heavier yarn would make a colder weather wrap.

Written instructions, photos, and charts included.

Experienced Beginner - - - US terminology

Frost Flowers

September has gone and fall has arrived.  Unfortunately, things haven't slowed down around here.  I am beginning to see a little light at the end of the tunnel in our remodeling projects.  Though it seems that when one project is done, we find two more to do.

I did take some time to test and release my latest pattern, Frost Flower Cowl Set.  I designed this set thinking of Christmas gifts.  I used a reasonably priced yarn, Paton's Lace and Paton's Lace Sequin, and the set makes up quickly.  

My teen granddaughter gave it a thumbs up.  She especially liked the tiny pink sequins in the flowers.  The whole set took one skein of Paton's Lace in soft sage, and one skein of Paton's Lace in pink diamond.

The pattern can be found on my Ravelry pattern page and is $2 off  through Sunday, 10/5 .  No coupon is needed.  The discount will come off when you place the pattern in your cart.  

Latest Shawl Patterns

I can't believe that it's been so long since I've spent any time on my blog.  I've been working on patterns, and putting in new plank flooring in our home.  I've done the living room, dining room, a small office, the master bedroom, and the upstairs hallway.  I only have the kitchen left to do, unless John decides to ripe out more carpet.  I sure hope not.  I don't think my old back can hold out much longer.  I can tell you one thing, floors are hard on the backside and the knees.

I have managed to squeeze in some crochet time.  Can't do without that.  All work and no play.....makes for an unhappy granny.  Here are the patterns I've completed since my last post.


Mokara

Carmen

I have a promotion going on through September 6.  With your Ravelry purchase of Carmen, you can pick one any of my other patterns for free.  The details are on the pattern page here.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer.  I'll try to do better on the blogging.

Free Mother's Day Shawl Pattern

I get a little sad each year around Mother’s Day.  I had a wonderful mother and I miss her terribly.   So this year, I decided to design a shawl in her honor and offer it for free as my Mother’s Day gift to everyone.  You can download your free copy on Ravelry by following this Ruthie's Sunshine link. 

I wanted this rectangular stole to be an easy, watch-TV-while-you-crochet type, or pack-and-go project.   Even though this pattern has an easy-to-remember one row repeat, the combination of stitches gives an interesting design with lots of texture.  

The first half of the shawl is crocheted completely, and then the yarn is joined and the second half is worked.  There is no sewing involved, and each half is a mirror image of the other.  The length of the shawl is easily adjusted.  There are written instructions and helpful charts.

You will need to know how to read instructions or charts, join yarn, chain, double crochet, half double crochet, and work into a starting chain.

Rated—Advanced Beginner

US terminology used

Happy (early) Mother's Day!

Startitis strikes again

Start-i-tis:   A burning desire to start a new project, when there are several needing to be finished.  Common among crafters of all kinds.  Often brought on by the purchase of new supplies, the latest crafting magazine release, or browsing the internet.

Ahhh, yes.  Good ole' startitis. 

In my case, it was caused the purchase of two lovely skeins of hand painted Ring Spun Rayon from YarntopiaTreasures on Etsy. 

The lovely blue and green yarn is called Rainfall.  And….even though I’m about a day or two away from having a pattern ready for testing, another half finished, and have at least three or four works in progress, I pulled out my notebooks, pencils, swatches and began a new pattern. 

What can I say?  I guess I’m hopeless.  

At least I’ll never be bored or run out of things to do.

Happy crafting!

Nancy