Crochet Rochelle: January 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Color Block Beanie Pattern



Skill Level: Easy

Materials: Red Heart Yarn = any 3 colors; Hook Size I/5.50mm

Key:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
HDC = half double crochet
SL ST = slip stitch
CC = change color

Pattern Instructions:

1st Color (Gold in pictured beanie):
Start with a magic ring/loop. (Magic Loop Tutorial)
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 hdc in magic ring, sl st join to 1st hdc, ch 2. (12 hdc)
Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st around, sl st join to 1st hdc, ch 2. (24 hdc)
Rnd 3: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 2, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (32 hdc)
Rnd 4: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 3, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (40 hdc)
Rnd 5: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 4, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (48 hdc)
Rnd 6: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 5, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (56 hdc)
Rnd 7: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 6, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (64 hdc)
Rnd 8: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 7, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (72 hdc)
Rnd 9: 2 hdc in first st, hdc in next 8, repeat around, sl st to join, ch 2. (80 hdc)
Rnd 10: Hdc in each st around, sl st to join, ch2. (80 hdc)




CC = 2nd Color (Olive green in pictured beanie):
Rnd 11: Hdc in each st around, sl st to join, ch2. (80 hdc)
Rnd 12-16: Repeat Rnd 11.

CC = 3rd Color (Brown in pictured beanie):
Rnd 17: Hdc in each st around, sl st to join, ch2. (80 hdc)
Rnd 18-22: Repeat Rnd 17.
Rnd 23: Turn. Sc in each st around, join. Finish & weave ends. (80 sc)

You are all done! Enjoy & Happy Fall!


Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Cupid's Tic Tac Toe Pattern

The finished game board measures about 8” x 8.5”.

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Materials:
300-350 yards of worsted yarn, 2 colors
US Hook size I/5.50mm

Gauge: 4 hdc = 1 inch

Key:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
HDC = half double crochet
DC = double crochet
TC = triple crochet
SC2TOG = single crochet 2 together
SL ST = slip stitch
CC = change color

Instructions:
Game
With Color A – chain 32.
Row 1: hdc in 3rd chain from hook, hdc 9, cc to B, hdc 10, cc to A, hdc 10. (30 st)
Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Hdc 10, cc to B, hdc 10, cc to A, hdc 10. (30 st)
Rows 3 – 6: Repeat Row 2.
Row 7: Cc to B, ch 2, turn. Hdc 10, cc to A, hdc 10, cc to B, hdc 10.
Row 8: Ch 2, turn. Hdc 10, cc to A, hdc 10, cc to B, hdc 10. (30 st)
Rows 9 – 12: Repeat Row 8.
Row 13: Cc to A, ch 2, turn. Hdc 10, cc to B, hdc 10, cc to A, hdc 10.
Row 14: Ch 2, turn. Hdc 10, cc to B, hdc 10, cc to A, hdc 10. (30 st)
Rows 15 – 18: Repeat Row 14.
Border: Ch 1, turn. Sc to end of row (29), 3 sc in last sp (forming a corner). *Turn your work to sc evenly across to end (28 st), 3 sc in last sp. Repeat from * 2 more times. Sl st to first sc to join. Finish, weave end.



Game Pieces
Make 5 – 6 of each.
Hearts: Start with a Magic Ring, ch 3, in ring [4 tc, 3 dc, 1 tc, 3 dc, 4 tc], ch 3, sl st to center of heart. Gently pull string to tighten circle. Use your fingers to help shape heart. Finish, weave ends.
Circles: Start with a Magic Ring, ch 1, in ring [12 sc], sl st to join. Gently pull string to tighten circle. Ch 1, 2 sc in each space around, sl st to join. Finish, weave ends. (24 sc) *You should have a small open circle in the middle of your “O.”

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Sweetheart Slippers Pattern

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

Materials:
250 – 300 yards of Worsted yarn
US Hook size I/5.50mm
Crocheted Hearts (optional)
Other embellishments (optional)

Gauge:
4 DC = 1 inch

Key:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
HDC = half double crochet
DC = double crochet
TC = triple crochet
SC2TOG = single crochet 2 together
SL ST = slip stitch
CC = change color

(Size 5/6)
Start with Magic Loop. (Magic Loop Tutorial)
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in magic ring, sl st to 1st dc to join. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 3 – 8: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc 16, hdc, sc 4, hdc, dc 2, sl st to join. (24 st)
Row 10: Ch 1 turn. Sl st in next 2 sps (to line up rows for next part of slipper.)
Row 11: Ch 2, turn. Dc 18. (18 dc) *Stitch marker recommended @ Row 13 by pattern tester.
Row 12 - 16: Repeat Row 13. (18 dc)
Row 17: Ch 2, dc 4, hdc 3, sc 4, hdc 3, dc 4, sl st to opposite corner to join. (18 st)

Slipper Opening (working in top of slipper now)
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc 8 evenly, sk 1 sp, sc 6, sk 1 sp, sc 8 evenly, sl st to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc 4, sc 4, sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog, sc 4, hdc 4, sl st to join.

Heel Loop
Chain 15, sl st to join. Finish. Leave a 6 – 8” tail. Use tail to sew up back of heel. Finish, weave ends.


(Size 7/8)
Start with Magic Loop. (Magic Loop Tutorial)
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in magic ring, sl st to 1st dc to join. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 3 – 8: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc 16, hdc, sc 4, hdc, dc 2, sl st to join. (24 st)
Row 10: Ch 1 turn. Sl st in next 2 sps (to line up rows for next part of slipper.)
Row 11: Ch 2, turn. Dc 18. (18 dc) *Stitch marker recommended @ Row 13 by pattern tester.
Row 12 - 18: Repeat Row 13. (18 dc)
Row 19: Ch 2, dc 4, hdc 3, sc 4, hdc 3, dc 4, sl st to opposite corner to join. (18 st)

Slipper Opening (working in top of slipper now)
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc 10 evenly, sk 1 sp, sc 6, sk 1 sp, sc 10 evenly, sl st to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc 4, sc 6, sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog, sc 6, hdc 4, sl st to join.

Heel Loop
Chain 15, sl st to join. Finish. Leave a 6 – 8” tail. Use tail to sew up back of heel. Finish, weave ends.

(Size 9/10)
Start with Magic Loop. (Magic Loop Tutorial)
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in magic ring, sl st to 1st dc to join. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 3 – 10: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc 16, hdc, sc 4, hdc, dc 2, sl st to join. (24 st)
Row 12: Ch 1 turn. Sl st in next 2 sps (to line up rows for next part of slipper.)
Row 13: Ch 2, turn. Dc 18. (18 dc) *Stitch marker recommended @ Row 13 by pattern tester.
Row 14 - 20: Repeat Row 13. (18 dc)
Row 21: Ch 2, dc 4, hdc 3, sc 4, hdc 3, dc 4, sl st to opposite corner to join. (18 st)
 Slipper Opening (working in top of slipper now)
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc 10 evenly, sk 1 sp, sc 6, sk 1 sp, sc 10 evenly, sl st to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc 4, sc 6, sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog, sc 6, hdc 4, sl st to join.

Heel Loop
Chain 15, sl st to join. Finish. Leave a 6 – 8” tail. Use tail to sew up back of heel. Finish, weave ends.

*Sewing Heel Tips: Turn slipper inside out, so that when you sew up heel the seam is hidden (tucked in) when finished. Fold Slipper in half so that heel lines up with sts on each side facing each other.

At this point your slipper is all done. However, adding some embellishments make each pair unique and even prettier! I sewed crocheted hearts in a contrasting color to the top of my slippers but you could also use felt hearts or other types of heart appliques. Adding ribbons, buttons, bows and other accents dolls them up too!

The Heart Pattern I used, on the slippers pictured, is over at Planet June’s site.

You are all done! Happy Valentine’s Day!




Friday, January 8, 2016

iPad Mini Cozy Pattern


Skill level: Beginner to Easy
Materials:
150 yards of worsted yarn
US Hook Size I/5.5mm
Yarn needle
Button for loop closure
Embellishments (optional)

Gauge: 4 hdc to 1 inch

Key:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
HDC = half double crochet
SL ST = slip stitch
RND = round



Pattern Instructions:
Ch 21.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc 18, 3 sc in last ch. Turn work (working up other side of chain). Sc 18 on opposite side to end, 2 sc in last ch, sl st to 1st sc to join. (42 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc 42 around, sl st to 1st hdc to join. (42 sts)
Rnd 3 – 23: Repeat Rnd 2 (42 sts per rnd)

Flap
Row 24: Ch 1 turn, sl st 4. (This is a short row to reposition hook.)
Row 25: Ch 2, turn, hdc 22. (23 hdc)
Row 26 – 28: Repeat Row 25.
Finish, weave ends.



Loop Closure
With a sl st, attach yarn to last row of flap, in the middle. Ch 15, sl st to 1st ch to form loop. Finish, weave ends. Fold the flap down. With a stitch marker (or contrast color yarn) mark where to sew your button on, based on how far down the loop stretches. (See the image for an example.) I sewed my button on at Rnd 16, in the middle, so that my loop fastened to the button would keep the flap down nice and snug.

For a more secure closure, add another loop and button – spacing the two equal distances apart, along the flap.

Embellishments
Here’s where it gets really fun! Use your imagination to embellish your cozy. I used this heart tutorial to make some darling little hearts to sew on the front of the cozy. You could also add buttons, ribbons, felt or even some embroidery to truly personalize this little creation!



Tuesday, January 5, 2016

2016 Pantone Color Of The Year

2016 Pantone Colors of the Year
 I am obsessed with the Pantone color of the year...each and every year. I always tell myself I am going to do SOMETHING with the the Pantone color of the year. Alas...I usually fail miserably. So this year, I'm not going to promise big Pantone type projects or features. I am going to simply share the knowledge and let you decide how you are going to use it.

So, what is the Pantone color of 2016? Pantone decided to tip the entire color wheel and fashion industry on its head this year and through us for a loop. They chose...two colors for 2016. I know right? Whaaaaa?

I'm pleased to introduce you to Rose Quartz and Serenity. Is it just me or do they look more like baby pink and powder blue?

Pantone describes their decision to choose two colors as this:

"For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the PANTONE Color of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times." 


And for the curious crocheters and crafters, a history of Pantones.

Source
Source


How will you use the two new colors for 2016 Pantone's colors of the year? Or will you? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Rock the hook,
Tia

Don't forget to rock with me over at Facebook, Pinterest and on Ravelry.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

Source
2015 brought many changes to my family, my kids, my crochet business and most definitely my blog. I tried to go out on my own and start a freelance writing business. It wasn't a complete failure and I actually made some sweet coin. I neglected my crochet blog because I didn't have time to do both freelancing and blogging well at all. I quickly learned that I am not happy or fulfilled writing for stuffy clients. Yes, the money isn't too bad once you build up a clientele. But if you don't like writing for clients, or dealing with their obsessive nitpicking over word choice (especially when you chose to use correct grammar and they just don't get it)...well it's hard to keep at it day in and day out.

In May of 2015 I decided enough was enough, and closed down my freelance writing business. The fact that my husband and I are raising two growing boys and live somewhere in the middle class meant that I still needed to contribute to the household income. So, I secured a position as a bookkeeper at a local school. That was a wise decision. I have a 20 year banking and bookkeeping background so it's not new territory. And I have the same hours and holidays as my kiddos and a retirement plan - both wins.

Do I regret my foray into freelance writing? Nope! It was a great experience and even better lesson. I do regret staying away from my crochet blog for so long. I hope you didn't lose complete interest. If you did, that's okay too. Maybe I can woo you back in with free patterns and cool tools. Either way, I welcome 2016, recommit to my little blog and feel blessed to be writing again just for me, and you.

Happy 2016 and may the crochet be with you!

Rock the hook,
Tia

Don't forget to rock with me on Facebook, Pinterest and Ravelry.
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