Knitted Mittens - First Try

Knitted my first pair of mittens using Filatura Lanarota Kaleidoscope 100% extra fine Merino Wool (50 grams = 65 meters; color 009) on US size 8 needles.   In the last photo, the top mitten was just completed and the bottom mitten had been soaked in cold water to full the fibers.  The water soaking seemed to stretch the mitten out.  They may need some light felting but they feel oh so nice!

Wear Your Art - The White Jacket

this is the beginning of the white jacket.  First I printed the designs on paper.  Then I traced the lapel and pockets.  I used the tracing to make a mask - something to look through and audition the prints, and the cutting pattern (including seam lines).  I cut the paper and pin it on the jacket to see how it looks.

Tracing the lapel and figuring out seams and how to piece it

Auditioning the print

The design



The jacket with paper pinned to the pocket

 

Next step cutting and piecing the lapel and pocket.

Wear Your Own Art

We have spent the summer in the Santa Cruz area, Watsonville to be exact, awaiting the birth of our granddaughter and holding her, cuddling her and just loving her after her birth.  Oh yes, we also kept feeding the parents.  We also have friends in Aptos and this post is about a project I am doing with my friend Robin.  Robin has made some glorious Zentangle designs (kind of like doodling but on steroids) and she likes to wear artistic things.  She especially likes suit jackets, her favorite is getting to big as Robin has been loosing weight (you go girl).  So, we decided to decorate another jacket, I decided that we should use Robin's art rather than just find fabric.  Robin sent me some designs and I printed them on fabric.  Then I made a Lapel, pocket flap and some pins.

 

this is the jacket with artful additions

Her is a close up of the lapels and pins

Robin wearing the Jacket - we still have to change the buttons

 

Robin's Zentangle design

 

 



We had such a good time "co-creating art" that several things have happened.  I am going to do another jacket, a white jacket using black and white designs.  I will post some "in process" pictures in the next post.  I also went to Spoonflower.com OMG - you can design and create your own fabric and have it printed and shipped.  So of course I ordered a yard of one design, no I did not order a swatch I was to eager to see the full yard.  It will be coming soon.

Now I need to learn to edit the designs, I need to get the swatch book of the types of fabrics and I need to order some swatches of the other designs.  Limiting myself to 8 1/2 x11 size sheets is just to hard as I have to piece things together.  We would like to laminate some of the fabric and make wonderful tote bags.  More on the white jacket tomorrow.  As Robin says:
Edit it
Print it on fabric
Glitter it (Robin the glitter girl, glittered the hearts)
Laminate it
Make Stuff

More Felting adventures

Corrections for the Chameleon bracelet are in the April 2,2013 post; the free ribbon cuff is on the February 16,2013 post.

I went to NJ for my mom's 90th birthday in March.  We had a great time, a party for Mom, visiting relatives and friends, a little yarn shopping.  One of my friends took us to NYC to see a play.  We had a great time, thank you Cheryl.

My sister and I have been felting, or to be more accurate, fulling.  She knits, I crochet, we have been working on some things and when we got together at my mom's we felted them.  Marie has been doing these wonderful big baskets - they work great as cat beds and she made one for her yarn.  We also did some baskets, bowls and vases.  We did learn that the felting worked better after I had run several loads of wash.  The hot water was much hotter and it made a difference in the felting.  Here are some of our projects.

Marie's basket before felting

Same basket after one washing; you can still see the stitches

 

Same basket after a second wash in hotter water;

much more blending and it is stiffer

 

 

This is a moebius basket that works well as a cat basket;

the design has been cat tested!

 

 

Marie's bowl and a moebius basket

 

Pat's two vases (crocheted), same pattern (different rim) same yarn;
the second one is MUCH smaller, it was washed in hotter water
and it is much stiffer 

First vase with a glass vase and flowers in it

Pat's crocheted moss basket or nest.  Wool yarn with acrylic green fluffy stuff;
I want to wash it again

As you can see we got quite a bit done.  Part of the shopping was at a small yarn shop, I found lots of yarn on sale to make Guardian's of the Forest.  These will be soft and semisoft crocheted and fabric sculptures inspired by some pictures we took while walking the celery farm.  You know how you can see shapes in the clouds?  Well you can see faces in the forest.  We are calling them guardians and I have started work on them.  I will post when I get a few more done.

Corrections for Chameleon cuff

Ok - enough rejoicing - there are several errors in the directions for the Chameleon cuff.  I am so sorry, apparently they mixed up my original amethyst bracelet which is on a 1.5 inch cuff  and the bluewater quartz (a 1.25 inch cuff)that I made using their thread selection (which they did not show). 

The directions as they are will work fine for the 1.25 inch cuff using 4 mm beads and size 10 thread except that Row 3 will have 24 stitches not 28.  

As with all bead crochet, the "wrong side" becomes the right side, the beads will form on the outside of the tube, there should be NO NEED to turn the cuff at the end.

Here are the corrections.

First - the thread shown is Lizbeth lavender size 20.  The holes in chips are often smaller than beads so size 20works better than size 10.

Second you will need about 122 to 133 chips - smaller thread = more rows - I string about 150 chips myself.

The 1.5 blank is basically 2 stitches wider (front and back) than the 1.25 blank

Foundation row - ch 13,

Rnd 1:  sc blo in 2nd chain from hook and each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch, rotate work and sc in unused loop on next 10 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch, join with sl st to first stitch (26 st) place marker (pm) Move marker up at end of each round

Rnd 2: Ch1 sc in next 12 stitches, 2sc in 13^th stitch, sc in remaining stitches,  2stitches in last stitch (28 st) slst in the chain 1 at beginning of row.

Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc throughout) dc in 1st stitch of previous row, dc in all stitches around, (be careful not to dc in base of ch 3, you will end up adding stitches you do not want) sl st in top of ch 3; ch 3 (28 st)

The thread should be a starting to form an oval cup, slip the tip of the brass blank into the cup to make sure that it fits the blank.

Rnd 4: Ch 3  Double Crochet in first stitch, dc in 2^nd stitch,*dc with bead (dcwb) under both loops (the chips are heavy and need the support) in next dc.  Dc in next dc (double crochet without bead).  *; repeat from * 4 times.  You will have 5 beads on the front of the work alternating with plain dc.  Dc in next stitch, dc turning stitch, dc along the back 14 st to the beginning.  Slst in top stitch of chain 3.

Rnd 5: Dc in first dc,  * dcwb,  dc in next stitch. * repeat from * 5 times (you will have 6 beads on this row – the rows alternate so the beads are staggered), continue to dc around to the beginning, join w slst to top of chain 3, chain3.

TIPS:

·         The beads form alternating rows of 5 and 6 beads

·         For bead stitches, snug the bead up next to the crochet hook before you yarn over (yo)

·         Draw up only the beads you will need on your tension hand, you will have to slide the beads along the thread to access more thread for crochet

·         Every few inches, slide the cover on to the blank.  Crocheting in the round tends to make the design twist, putting it on the blank will help straighten it out and help you see if you missed any stitches.

·         Whenever you put the project down, put a small safety pin through the working loop to prevent unraveling.  It is a good idea to store the cover on the blank when you are not working with it.

·         If the “twist” is too much for you, block the finished bracelet bead side down on a soft surface, like a towel.

Whoo Hoo - I am published!  the electronic version of Interweave Crochet is available, printed version available soon.  Electronic version available at http://www.interweavestore.com/Crochet/Magazines/Interweave-Crochet-Spring-2013-Digital-Edition.html?SessionThemeID=19&a=cmh130315. 

I cannot copy from the magazine but above are two shots of the second bracelet I made.  They are calling it the Chameleon bracelet because you can change the covers.  I think they made a mistake in row 3 - I have to check it more carefully, and they tell you to turn in inside out which you do not have to do.  Anyway for those of you who might want to crochet a cuff but do not want to use beads, go to the post, Free Ribbon Cuff Pattern on 2/16 for the pattern.  Next step - posting on Ravelry.com

Doll Dresses

I crocheted doll dress for my cousin's 2 girls.  I found the pattern at http://www.abc-knitting-patterns.com/1029.html - they have lots of knitted and crocheted patterns.  One has pink trim and the other has purple trim.  After I made the first one I found that the dress was difficult to get on the doll so I changed the pattern a bit.  Instead of crocheting in the round when the skirt starts, I crocheted in rows for about 8 or 9 rows and then started crocheting in the round - this made it much easier to get on the doll.  Also next time I will use fewer buttons on the back.  Doll clothes are such fun (and the dolls don't outgrow the clothes before I finish them).

What fun, I started sewing and crocheting with doll clothes and here I am full circle again.  Cannot wait to create some of my own designs.  BTW - the girls loved them, we may have new crocheters coming along!

Free Ribbon Cuff Pattern

This cuff pattern is for those of you who might be interested in the cuff but do not want to crochet with beads. It uses fillet crochet and ribbon woven in. The ribbon can be changed out to match an outfit, a mood or a holiday. The pattern is for the 1.25 inch cuff with two rows of Ribbon

I was looking for green ribbon for St Patrick's day

 



 Blue and brown ribbon from Hobby Lobby

 

Thread = Lizbeth size 10 color #655 for the blue, Cebelia for the cream. The pattern stays the same as both are size 10 but for some reason I ended up with 20 fillet "windows in the blue and 22 in the cream Cebelia. The pattern starts and finishes like the beaded cuff but this works up faster. I find that a ch 1 will allow 1/8 to 1/4 inch of ribbon.

 Original Pattern - Pat Cooper Creations February 2013
Copyright February 2013

Please use this pattern to create bracelets for yourself and for gifts.  Please do not sell the pattern or items made form the pattern.  If you post this somewhere else please refer back to this blog.  Thank you for understanding.

Supplies

size 10 (1.3mm) crochet hook

one ball size 10 cotton thread your favorite color

one brass cuff blank 1.25 inches wide (I get mine from http://www.beadwork-supplies.com/braceletblanks.html )

1/2 yard of ribbon (3/8 inch) to coordinate with thread
small snaps
needle and thread
tapestry needle
scissors
safety pin

 

Foundation row Chain 11

Row 1: scblo in 2^nd chain from hook, sclblo in next 8 stitches, 3 sc in 10^th stitch; scblo in next 8 stitches, 2 scblo in last stitch (22 stitches) join w slip stitch to first chain stitch place a marker on this stitch), chain 1

Row 2: sc in 2^nd chain from hook (first stitch on previous row), sc in next 9 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch, sc in next 9 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch (24 stitches) join to ch1 with sl st, chain 3 (move marker to top stitch)

Row 3: dc in first stitch, dc around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3, ch 3 (move marker to top of ch 3) (24 double chain stitches)

Row4: dc in 1^st stitch, *ch 3, skip 3 stitches dc in next 2 st* repeat once from * dc in remaining st around, join to top of ch 3 with sl st, chain 3

You will have 2 "windows" and the crocheted back.

Rows 5 - 22: Repeat row 4. Slip on to brass cuff to measure, you may need to add a few more rows until bracelet is about ½ inch from end of form.  I prefer an even number of rows as this lets me put the turning row underneath the stitches but if you want it outside the stitches just use an odd number of rows.

End  (I started with row 1 of the end as you will decide how many rows of "windows" you want).

 

Row 1; Slide the cover off of the blank, Chain 3, dc around in each dc and chain stitch join with sl st to top of ch 3, ch 1

Row 2: sc crochet the next two stitches together (sc2tog) for a decrease, sc in the next 8 stitches, sc 2 stitches together (sc2tog), sc in next stitch (this should be the edge stitch), sc2tog, sc in next 10 st, sc2tog.  Join to ch1 with sl st stitch at beginning edge.  Ch 1

Row 3:  Sc in first stitch, continue to sc around to beginning, join to first ch 1 with slst, ch 1,

Row 4; sc in 1^st stitch of row, sc in next 11 to end, ch 1 turn

Row 5; repeat row 4

Row 6: sc2tog at beginning and end of row, ch1 turn

Row 7: sc across ch1 turn

Row 8-10: repeat row 5 until the flap is long enough to fold over the end of the blank with room to add the snaps. You want a snug fit but not too much stretching of the crochet

Finishing

Cut the thread leaving about 10” of thread. Draw the thread through the loop to fasten the stitches. Thread a tapestry needle with the end thread, and weave the thread through the stitches to fasten, cut the remaining thread. Weave the thread at the beginning end into the stitches

Cut 3/8 inch ribbon 13 inches long, weave the ribbon over and under the fillet bars starting from the inside of the cuff.  slide the cover onto the brass form, tuck the ribbon ends over the edge of the form and into the back of the bracelet.

Mark where you want the snaps to be with a pencil or pins. Using matching sewing thread, sew one half of a snap pair to the inside of the flap, sew the other half of the snap to the back of the cover making sure to position the snaps ends in place so that they will meet when the flap is folded over the end of the blank.

I am fine with having the ribbon ends free to make it easy to change colors; however, if you want more stability, fold over the ends twice so there are no frayed endings.  sew one side of a snap to the TOP of the ribbon, sew the other end to the inside back of the cuff, when snapped it will hold the ribbon in place (see picture below)

I have also made one with a chain one space for use with 1/4 inch ribbon.  I also tried putting charms on the ends and then moved them to the center, I did not use jump rings and I plan to play around with this idea using beads.  I may have to snap the ribbon if the beads get to heavy.

 

This is my Valentine's Day bracelet!

 

Cuff Bracelet Examples

Hopefully my Amethyst chip cuff bracelet will be published in Crochet magazine this Spring.  The pictures below are a few other ides for cuff bracelets that I have crocheted.  I used Conso cord and a mixed 6/0 bead mix for the early ones.  Conso cord is an upholstery thread, nice and stiff but I do not like the way it looks after a year or more.  It starts to look faded (unless I go for a denim look, hmmmm have to think about that).  I prefer using cotton cord, it gives a softer finish, it is easier to find and there is a wide range of colors and sizes.  For most chips I need a 40 weight, chips tend to have smaller holes and they abrade the thread somewhat.  The lighter weight makes it easier to string the beads and move them along.  Below are some of my other designs.

 

These are silk embroidery ribbon with 6/0 seed beads as the background.  The "paddles" are vintage beads.  Instead of snaps I used loops and the vintage paddles as the closure (bottom view).

 

 

 

This is Conso cord again with 6/0 seed beads as the base.  I made the charms from leaf shaped beads.  the charms are attached to jump rings.  I tried crocheting soldered jump rings in to the design but I find that the weight of the dangle pulls on the thread and I have had much more success using split jump rings placed through the 6/0 seed beads and attaching dangles to that.  I have used buttons, charms, anything that can be put on a head pin really.

 

 





This is conso cord with a leaf design crocheted as the pattern.  The leaves have 3 seed beads (11/0) on each side to make the dangle.  the flower beads were attached by sewing them to the thread using a 15/0 seed bead as the center.

I have several other examples, but they seem to have disappeared into my studio "black hole".  I will post them when the gremlins decide to let them surface.  All of these use a basic "cuff cover" adapted for the width of the blank and the weight of the thread or ribbon.  New cuff pattern coming in the next post using ribbon instead of beads!

This is the baby snuggle and hat I finished.  If they look alike it is because the snuggle is basically a larger version of the hat.  I used Caron yarn, worsted weight.  I want to try another one in baby weight or cotton for something a little lighter.

Top: baby snuggle  Bottom: Hat

 

The snuggle pattern called for all shell stitch, I was just playing around with the stitches on the bottom, using some front and back post dc's I had just worked on in my swatches.

CGOA Master's Program

For those of you who have not heard I (Pat) retired at the end of December.  It was cold and rainy in Texas and I needed something to help make the transition so I went to work on a Masters program from the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA).  I had started it in the spring but I had not gotten very far, so I started again.  It consists of 48 increasingly complex swatches, with NO pictures as guidelines.  I not only started it I told others I was working on it so that I would HAVE to finish it.  And I did!

We are not supposed to publish any of the swatches but below is a picture of the notebook with the final swatches and my pile of "out-takes". Now I have to submit it to be evaluated.  There is a backlog (apparently a lot of other folks think that this is a good idea) and I am waiting to hear how long it will take before I can submit it. 

To answer a lot of people's questions, I will only get a pin from CGOA if I pass muster (which I consider important) and I am mostly doing it for my own self.  I would like to take my crochet journey seriously and this is one step on the way. 

Out-takes and Finished Binder

Hopefully I will be able to post on a regualr basis now - I have lots of projects on my to do list so I will have a lot to share.  Next posting - baby "stuff" for our first grandchild to be - Pat