Erin's Hug: Free Pattern

I love Australia. I truly do. It’s so much more than gigantic (and sometimes miniscule) things that can kill you with their brains (and teeth and poison). And, it’s so much larger than people realize- just about the same size as the contiguous United States. (So, for those of you who told me that such and such was going to be on tour in Australia so I should just pop on over to see it….it’s like saying, “Hey! You should drive to New York from Albuquerque this weekend so you can see Les Miserables!”)

In other words, it ain’t gonna happen. And study some geography, yo.

It’s also farther away than many people realize. It’s quite literally on the other side of the world from the US and, regardless of what that amazingly awesome and annoying Disney ride tells you, it is NOT a small world after all. It took us 36 hours of travel time to get to our home in Australia from the east coast of the States. 36 hours. With a two month old newborn and a new mother who was trying desperately to hold on to her sanity while not ripping off everybody’s head because they had slept in the past 2 months and she HAD NOT SLEPT AND I’M GOING TO DIE.

*HEAVY HYPERVENTILATION*

Ok. I’m better now. Just a little PTSD. No big whoop.

When we first moved here, I started crocheting like a mad woman. Well…a slightly deranged woman. I bought yarn like a mad woman. You can never have enough yarn…it makes for a great insulator for the padded room.

One of the first things I made was this gorgeous purple scarf. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE PURPLE. And this scarf, too.

I may or may not have twirled around and pranced like a ballerina with it. I'll never tell.

It’s basically the South Bay Shawlette hacked into a scarf. A very long and wide, lacy scarf of awesomeness.

And then I made it in a bright, vivacious red lace because I loved it- I especially loved the repetitive nature of the stitches. It was nice to have something simple to work on when the rest of my life was full of hecticness. 

VIVACIOUS. The scarf ain't bad, either. Hee!

It’s the whole, “on the other side of the world” thing that has been the toughest for us. Little Mister was the first grandchild on both sides of our families and has met his grandparents 3 times. I’m so thankful we were able to go back when he was 9 months old because that was the first, and only, time my dad got to meet him. He passed 4 months later. When you’re faced with the mortality of your loved ones, especially your parents, the other side of the world is NOT where you want to be.

We were not there for other major trials, tribulations and joys, either. Major surgeries and hospitalizations, more deaths (my grandmother passed a week or two after SweetPea was born), as well as life (our sweet niece, who just turned two and who we have only met once).

I was able to spend some time with friends and family in Arizona and New Mexico a couple times, which was great. Though, I missed my other friends and family on the east coast terribly and can’t believe it’s been 3 years since we last saw each other. My dear BFF Lyteyz tried to visit me in NM while I was there for my dad’s funeral but things were just too hectic.

She so wished she could be there for me- a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a hug to let me know I wasn’t alone. She was faced with her own stressors during this time. She and her family were trying to come to terms with the fact that her own father was going to leave them soon. Stage 4 melanoma is nobody’s friend.

I am so thankful for my other BFF Ronda during this time- she let me and Little Mister crash at her place for the 3 (4?) weeks we were there and even helped Lyteyz send her “hug” to me via a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent to Ronda’s house as a surprise.

It was sometime around here that I started working on my third lacy scarf. Ever since I first made the purple one, I had wanted it in this amazing, bright blue and had the perfect yarn for it in my ever expanding stash. 

This is pre-blocking...blocking is A MUST with this shawl.

I started working on it and it made me happy. I couldn’t wait to wear it, especially since I wore my red one with everything. As I was working on it, I kept thinking of Lyteyz. Every single time I picked it up, her face would pop up into my mind. It was a little creepy, actually. GET OUT OF MY HEAD, LYTEYZ! I can’t hear the other voices!

And then, March rolled around and my beautiful SweetPea was born. And then my grandmother passed. And then April rolled around and I so wished I could have been there for Lyteyz when she let me know the day the Lord finally called her dad home.

And then I knew. I knew why this scarf had Lyteyz written all over it. It was big and beautiful and yet light and airy. Something you can wrap yourself up in and yet not be overwhelmed with. It was a perfect hug.

Since I couldn’t be there for her during her very difficult time, I knew that this scarf was destined to give her the hug that I couldn’t give in person.

So, I’m sharing it here with you. Maybe you need a hug or know someone who needs a hug. Maybe you have a gigantic stash that you need to work through and your husband needs a hug as he weeps for joy that it’s slowly but surely going down.

It’s a super simple pattern- more of a recipe, really. I didn’t add an edging to it since it’s so very lacy and I wanted it simple. (That and lace weight yarn is so flippin’ tiny. Any therapeutic value this project had would have been for naught if I tried to single crochet all the way around it. I’m getting anxiety now just thinking about it.)

Without further ado, here’s Erin’s Hug, from me to you. 

My beautiful BFF, Lyteyz. Bet you can't guess how she got that handle.

Erin's Hug

What you need:

880 yards lace weight yarn  

• (I used 2 skeins of KnitPicks Gloss for the red one and 2 skeins of KnitPicks Shadow Tonal (unfortunately discontinued (!!!) ) for the blue one. KnitPicks, and their sales, may or may not be part of the reason my closets are filled to the brim with yarn. And why My Mister weeps for joy. The purple one is a mystery wool from a cone gifted to me when I first moved to Australia. I love Aussies. They give me yarn.)

4.5mm crochet hook 

• (It’s labeled as a G hook, but I have 3 different G hooks- 4mm, 4.25mm, and 4.5mm. Just use whichever one you have.)

Note:

1. Ch4 counts as dc, ch1
2. Ch3 counts as dc
3. I cannot stress enough how important blocking is to this project. Once you are done crocheting it, it will look like an ugly pile of poo. But, once you block it, BAM! The lace comes out and you will be amazed at how much it grows, both horizontally and vertically. Blocking: it’s a good thing.
4. After blocking, this was about 18" x 80". KnitPicks lace yarns are a heavier lace weight, so the red and blue ones ended up slightly larger than the purple one, which was a much finer lace weight. If you are using a finer lace weight and desire a really wide stole/scarf, add another repeat (8 stitches).

Special stitches:

Small-V: 

• At beginning of row: (ch4, dc) in first dc 
• At end of row: (dc, ch1, dc) in last dc

Large-V: (dc, ch3, dc) in indicated stitch

What you do:

Worked in a multiple of 8+10

Chain 82

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and on down. (81sc) (Conversely, you can do 81fsc if you so wish and follow from there)


Row 2: Ch3, dc next sc. Ch1, skip 2 sc, Large-V in next sc. *Ch1, skip 2 sc, dc in next 3 sc. Ch1, skip 2 sc, Large-V in next sc. Repeat from * until last 2 sc. Ch1, Dc in last 2 sc. Turn

Row 3: Ch4, skip next (dc, ch1), 7dc in ch3 sp. *Ch1, skip next (ch1, dc), dc in next dc (middle dc of 3-dc group). Ch 1, skip next (dc, ch1), 7dc in ch3 sp. Repeat from * until last 2dc. Ch1, dc in top of ch3. Turn

Row 4: Small-V in first dc. Ch1, skip next (ch1, 2 dc), dc in next 3 dc. *Ch1, skip next (2 dc, ch1), Large-V in next dc. Ch1, skip next (ch1, 2 dc), dc in next 3 dc. Repeat from* to last dc. Ch1, Small-V in 3rd ch of ch4. Turn

Row 5: Ch3, 3dc in ch1 sp. Ch1, skip next (ch1, dc), dc in next dc (middle dc of 3-dc group). *Ch 1, skip next (dc, ch1), 7dc in ch3 sp. Ch1, skip next (ch1, dc), dc in next dc. Repeat from * until last Small V. ch1, 3 dc in ch1sp, dc in last dc.

Row 6: Ch3, dc next dc. Ch1, skip next (2 dc, ch1), Large-V in next dc. *Ch1, skip next (ch1, 2 dc), dc in next 3 dc. Ch1, skip next (2 dc, ch1), Large-V in next dc. Repeat from * until last 4 dc. Ch1, skip next (ch1, 2dc), dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Repeat rows 3-6, ending on a row 6, until you are just about out of yarn.

Last row: Ch1, sc in first 2 dc, *sc in ch1 space, sc next dc, 1sc in ch3 sp, sc next dc, sc in ch1 space, sc in next 3 dc. Repeat from * on down. (81sc)




(If you end on a row 4, make sure to sc in every dc and ch1 spaces, and ONLY 1sc in the ch3 spaces.)

Bind off and weave in ends. Give yourself a hug.


Copyright 2014 Gege Crochet. All rights reserved. Pattern available for personal use only- please don't sell it- that's just not cool. You can sell, FO, though. Hug as many people as you like. Just please don't post this pattern anywhere- you can provide a link back to here, though.

Home Alone With Watermelons and Pixels

Yayayay! I had the day off yesterday which was AWESOME. It was awesome, my friends, because I was home....ALONE! Woot! No cabin feverish hubby or chattering sis to interrupt me. Oh, don't get me wrong- I love them both to bits, but sometimes you just gotta have alone time where you don't have to worry 'bout nothin' and nobody. Just hang out with yourself. I missed me. I'm pretty cool.

So, how did I utilize my precious day alone? I spent a full day in Crochet Nirvana and was able to cross some items off of my New Year's Resolution list. Or, at least my imaginary list- the list I would have made had I really made New Year's Resolutions. The list Cool Me probably made. Dang- I wish I was more like her.

Get this........I know many folks have been waiting for this........so I won't delay this announcement any longer..........it's really awesome...........are you sitting down??  I wrote up my Winter Watermelon Hat pattern! GAH!! FINALLY. So now you don't have to keep asking/inquiring/pestering/demanding for the pattern!! It's here!



This is the 3rd time I've made it. The first pink one is my sister’s, but it wasn’t quite long enough and felt just a mite loose. The second one is mine, but it felt a little imbalanced and was too tight in the crown. What these hat qualities may say about their respective owners is purely conjecture.

 

In addition to the hat, I recorded not one, but TWO video tutorials! The first goes along with the hat pattern. In one amazing video, you will learn how to do a Magic Loop, how to fl/bl crochet in the round with increases AND decreases, how to switch colors in the round, AND how to do beaded crochet IN.THE.ROUND. (which is actually different than the beaded crochet for the matching scarf). All this for the low introductory price of $19.99! What?!? That's an amazing offer! But, if you call now, Cool Me will let you have it for absolutely FREE. (Dang, Cool Me has no business sense.)

The second video is....drum roll please.....How to Change Colors with Tunisian Crochet. WHAT?!?! Oh yeah baby! Cool Me has got your back. I've been bombarded with requests for information on this topic. I had recorded a video eons ago but had to reshoot a portion of it, so Procrastinator Me (not too fond of her) left it on the pile of WIPs and never finished it. So, Cool Me had to come and take over- I reshot the entire video yesterday. You'll learn not only how to do color changes correctly, but you'll also see THE Map of my Super Mario Blanket, as well as 2 pictures with sketches that I used for 2 panels. What the what?!? Yep. Cool Me is letting you catch a glimpse of my creative process. I love that girl.

The videos will be up in the next day or two- my hubby will be editing them so, hopefully the Cool Him will hurry the heck up.

Now, for the pattern!
Video Tutorial found here.

Winter Watermelon Hat Pattern
By: Gege Crochet

MATERIALS

• Green WW yarn- not a whole lot- maybe an ounce
• White WW yarn- ditto
• Red or pink WW yarn- a little bit more...maybe 2 ounces
• Size 5.5 mm (U.S. I/10) crochet hook
• Yarn or tapestry needle for beading yarn and finishing
• 24 black pony beads

GAUGE
Not important

NOTE:

• Chain 2 counts as half double crochet.
• To change colors, work hdc until 3 loops are on hook, yo with new color and draw through all three loops
• repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed

ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS

• ch = chain
• bl = back loop
• fl = front loop
• hdc = half double crochet
• hdc dec = half double crochet decrease ([Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, draw lp through] twice, yo, draw through all 5 lps on hook.)
• blhdc = back loop half double crochet
• flhdc = front loop half double crochet
• B-blhdc = beaded back loop half double crochet (yo, slide bead, insert into st indicated, finish hdc)
• B-flhdc = beaded front loop half double crochet
• ss = slip stitch
• yo = yarn over

Ch4, join with ss.

Round 1: Ch2. 11hdc in ring

Round 2:
Ch2 (counts as first hdc) blhdc same st.
(Flhdc, blhdc) in each stitch around. Join in bl of ch2. 24 hdc including initial ch2

Round 3: ch 2. Flhdc same st
*Blhdc next st. (Flhdc, blhdc) next st. Flhdc next st. (Blhdc, flhdc) next st. Repeat from * 5 times omitting last (blhdc, flhdc) join w/ss in bl of ch 2 36 hdc

Row 4: Ch 2. Flhdc same st. *Blhdc, flhdc next 2 st, (blhdc, flhdc) next st. Repeat from * 11 times omitting last (blhdc, flhdc). Join w/ss in bl of ch2. 48 hdc

Round 5: ch 2. Flhdc same st. * Blhdc, flhdc, blhdc next 3 st. (flhdc, blhdc) next st. Flhdc, blhdc, flhdc next 3 st. (blhdc, flhdc) next st. Repeat from * 5 more times omitting last (blhdc, flhdc). Join w/ss to bl of ch 2. 60 hdc

Round 6: Ch 2. Flhdc same st. * Alternate Blhdc, flhdc next 4 st. (blhdc, flhdc) next st. Repeat from * 11 more times omitting last (blhdc, flhdc). Join w/ss to fl of ch2. 72hdc.

Round 7: ch 2. Blhdc next st then alternate flhdc, bldhdc around ending with blhdc in last st. Join w/ss in bl of ch2

Round 8: Ch2 flhdc next st then alternate blhdc, flhdc around ending with flhdc in last st.

Finish off green and change to white. Join w/ss in fl of ch 2.

Round 9: repeat round 7

Round 10: repeat round 8. Load 24 beads onto pink. Finish off white and change to pink. Join w/ss to fl of ch2.

Round 11: repeat round 7.

Round 12: ch 2. Flhdc, blhdc, flhdc next 3 st. *B-blhdc next st. Alternate flhdc, blhdc next 11 st. Repeat from * 4 more times. B-blhdc next st. Alternate Flhdc, blhdc, next 7 st ending with flhdc. Join w/ss in fl in ch2.

Round 13: repeat round 7

Round 14: ch 2. (Flhdc, blhdc) 4 tines, *B-flhdc next st, alternate blhdc, flhdc next 11 st. Repeat from * 4 times.
B-flhdc, blhdc, flhdc next 3 st. Join w/ss fl of ch 3.

Round 15: ch2 blhdc, flhdc, blhdc next 3 st. * hdc decrease in next 2 fl and bl. Alternate flhdc and blhdc next 4 st.
Repeat from * around. Join w/ss in bl of ch2. 60 hdc

Round 16: ch2 flhdc next st. *B-blhdc next st. Alternate flhdc, blhdc next 9 st. Repeat from * around. Join w/ss in fl of ch2

Round 17: repeat round 7

Round 18: ch 2. Alternate flhdc, blhdc over next 5 st. *B-blhdc next st. Alternate flhdc, blhdc over next 9 st. Repeat from * 4 times B-blhdc, flhdc, blhdc, flhdc. Join w/ss in fl on ch2.

Round 19: repeat round 7. Join w/ss to ch 2. Fasten off pink and weave in ends.

Copyright 2010 Geraldine Lemay of Gege Crochet. All rights reserved. Pattern available for personal use only- please don't sell it- that's just not cool. Please don't post this pattern anywhere- you can provide a link back to here, though.

Tis the Season for Giving! Free Pattern

Hello All! I love this time of year. :) The Holiday Season is my favorite- I love all the cooking and decorating and the snow....I love it all! I woke up today seeing a beautiful white blanket of snow on the ground- it's still coming down- LOVE it.

As I said in my last post (over a month ago- geez....time flies....), I have been in a creative bent and finally have the time to sit and type up a very cute pattern to share. It's one of many coming down the pike. However.....before I get there, here's a rundown of the last month....

Each year for Halloween, my church holds a Hallelujah party for the kids- it's a safe place for the kids (and parents) to come and have fun and load up on tons of candy without having to knock on strangers' doors. My sis, hubby and I volunteered for the event. Being the creative sorts that we are, my sis and I made our costumes- it was so fun!

For those of you not up on your Disney and Carroll characters, we were, of course, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

Teehee! From the crocheted hats (created by yours truly- pattern coming soon), to the handmade skirts, we made it all. We have some matching red tights and black ballet flats to complete the ensemble. We wanted my hubby to dress as Alice to make our duo a trio, but no such luck. He can be such a party pooper sometimes.... Granted, he wasn't the only adult not dressed up for the event....as a matter of fact, other than my sis and I, there were 4 other adults dressed up. Um....yeah. Turns out we were a hit and were recruited to do the puppet show for next year- something about us being creative and dramatic or some such nonsense...

I was out of town the first week of November for work- but I got to work on a travel bag that I'm super excited about- need to line it and then it'll be ready for it's debut. LOVE IT. Then, I had to prepare for my dad's visit for Thanksgiving. His b-day was that week, as well, so we had a blast. As I mentioned before, I used to do drywall finishing with my dad for 6 years when I was a kid. Painting was my area of expertise. Well, my dad offered to help us paint the entry way/foyer of our house. It took 2 days and 3 different colors, but it came out BEAUTIFULLY. It was great working with my dad again- sometimes it really is hard living so far from family.... *le sigh* This time of year makes me nostalgic.....

Ok, enough jibber jabber- on to the crochet!

I was going through a book of crochet stitches and came across one that really caught my eye. I thought it'd make a great scarf- and so it did! I found some Moda Dea Bamboo Wool in Boysenberry on clearance so I bought a ton and was waiting for the perfect inspiration to hit. When I found this stitch, I knew it was time to pull out that delicious yarn. It was great to work with and drapes really well! Here is Pinky LaRue (named by my sis- my mom used to call her that b/c she wore pink all the time).

At first I made it for me- but my sister wanted it. Then, one of my BFF's fell in love with it, so I made her an identical one. I have enough yarn left for another scarf- for ME- but have yet to make it. *sigh* Luckily it's a quick project- very easy pattern repeat. Here's a detail shot:

If you continue the pattern repeat, you can make it into a shawl- here's Blackie LaRue Shawl:

And, here's the pattern!!

Pink LaRue Scarf or Blackie LaRue Shawl

MATERIALS
Pink WW yarn- about 5oz for the scarf; ~ 14oz for the shawl.

Size 5 mm (U.S. H/8) crochet hook
Yarn or tapestry needle for finishing


GAUGE
Not important

NOTE:
Chain multiples of 7 + 1 to make longer if you wish.

Ch 3 counts as 1st dc

ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS
sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

FPsc = Front Post Single Crochet (Insert hook from front to back to front again around the post of designated st, yo, draw yarn through, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook.)

repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed

INSTRUCTIONS

Chain 190.
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd st from hook. 1 sc across. 189 sc. Chain 6. Turn.

Row 2: Dc in second sc, dc in each of next 2 sc. *ch 4, skip next 4sc, dc in each of next 3 sc; rep from * across to last 3 sc, ch 2, skip next 2 sc, dc in next sc, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, 3 dc in next ch-2 space. *Skip next dc, FPsc around the post of next dc. Skip next dc. ** 7 dc in next ch-4 loop; rep from * across, ending last rep at **. 3 dc in ch-2 space of turning ch. dc in next ch of turning ch. Turn

Row 4: Ch 3; skip first 2 dc, *dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next 3 sts. Dc in next dc, skip next dc **. Dc in next dc, skip next dc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **. Dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn.

Row 5: Ch 1. FPsc around the post of the first dc. *skip next dc. 7dc in next ch-4 loop. Skip next dc**. FPsc around the post of next dc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **. Dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), skip first 2 sts. *dc in next dc, (skip next dc, dc in next dc) twice**. ch 4, skip next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at **. ch 2, skip next dc. dc in last sc. Turn.

Repeat rows 3-6 4-times for scarf; 18-times for shawl (or for width desired).

Last 2 rows: repeat row 3 & 4.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Copyright 2009 Gege Crochet. All rights reserved. Pattern available for personal use only- please don't sell it- that's just not cool. Please don't post this pattern anywhere- you can provide a link back to here, though.

As always, if you find a mistake with this pattern, please let me know!! Enjoy!!!

Holy Julie Newmar Batman!

I love cats. My family has always had cats for as long as I can remember. Granted, we also had dogs, birds, hamsters, chickens, ducks, fish, and even a pig. Actually- just a random factoid for ya- the fate of that pig is the reason why my sister is now a vegetarian.... Ahhh....nothing like country living. But I digress. If I wasn't married, I'd most likely be the crazy cat lady that lives down the street with fifteen cats roaming around my house and yard, muttering to myself all day long. Every now and then I do get the urge to channel Eartha Kitt (the only REAL Catwoman of color) and say, "You're purrrrfect darling," when I pass a mirror. Teehee!

So, I've been wanting to make a cat-eared hat for the longest time; however, I never found a pattern that really called out to me. This all changed just a few days ago when I was looking at and petting my yarn stash (Oh, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!) The preciousness that caught my attention was the glow-in-the dark yarn that I've had for a while but didn't have a clue what I should create with it. Inspiration came a-knockin' my friends.

Most patterns I've seen seem to be a simple rectangle that is folded over and sewn together; however, the ears never seemed to be cat-like enough for my taste. There are also some that are plain hats with crocheted ears sewn on at the end. I hate sewing things together and avoid it whenever I can. So, I got tinkering with some yarn and with an increase here and a decrease there, I was able to get a cat-eared hat that really worked for me.



See! The points actually look like cat ears! WOOO ME!

My sister's cat wanted in on my photo shoot, yet surprisingly didn't really enjoy being a model. Shame- he was such a natural.



Although, I did get the point that he wanted out of his contract when he sliced my arm off- that darn cat.



The best part? IT FREAKING GLOWS IN THE DARK! Muahahahaha!

Another thing I've been working on is a purse inspired by my scarves.



Yes, I do have a thing for watermelons. My bag isn't complete- I'm looking for fabric with which to line it. However, I am writing up the pattern for it and my dear friend has offered to test it out for me, so I'll hopefully have it available in the very near future.

But, what I DO have is a pattern for my Cat Lady Hat!! It's not been tested, so if you do make it, please let me know if you find any mistakes. Enjoy!

MATERIALS
Black WW yarn (Color A)- not a whole lot- maybe an ounce or 2
Glow in the dark WW yarn (Color B)- ditto

Size 5.5 mm (U.S. I/9) crochet hook

NOTE:
To change colors, work the last stitch until 2 loops are left on the hook, then pull the new color through to complete the stitch. I carried the unused color throughout the work to avoid weaving in ends. I hate weaving in ends.

Also, if you do use glow in the dark yarn, keep in mind that it does NOT have any stretch to it at all. So, you may want to go up a hook size if you want it a tad looser.....

chain 3 does count as first dc

ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS
sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

sc dec= Single Crochet Decrease (Insert hook in stitch indicated, yo, pull up loop, insert hook in next stitch, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through remaining 3 loops on hook.)

dc dec =Double Crochet Decrease (Dc in stitch indicated, keeping last loop of the stitch on hook, dc in next stitch, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook)

yo= yarn over

With black, ch 31

row 1: sc in second chain from hook. sc down row, changing color at end of row- 30 sc.

row 2: turn. with color B, chain 3 and dc down the row, changing color at end of row- 30 dc (including ch3)

row 3: Turn. with color A, ch 1, sc in same stitch, sc down row, changing color at end of row- 30 sc.

rows 4-11: repeat rows 2 and 3

row 12: Turn. With color B, ch 3. 1 dc in same stitch (increase made). 1 dc in next 2 stitches. dc dec over next 2 stitches. dc in next 20 stitches. dc dec over next 2 stitches. dc in next 2 stitches. 2 dc in last stitch, changing color at end of row. (32 dc total, but because of the decreases, you will still only have 30 stitches in which to work)

(NOTE: if you are carrying your unused color with each row, do not carry color B with row 13)

row 13: Turn. With color A, ch 1. 2 sc in first stitch (increase made). 1 sc in next 2 stitches. sc dec over next 2 stitches. sc in next 20 stitches. sc dec over next 2 stitches. sc in next 2 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. DO NOT CHANGE COLOR. (32 sc total, but because of the decreases, you will still only have 30 stitches in which to work)

row 14: Turn ch1. Sc dec in 1st and 2nd stitch. 1 sc next 2 stitches. 2 sc next stitch. sc in next 20 stitches. 2 sc next stitch. sc dec last 2 stitches, changing color at end of the row.

row 15: Turn. With color B, chain 2. dc in next stitch. 1 dc next 2 stitches. 2 dc next stitch. dc in next 20 stitches. 2 dc next stitch. dc in next 2 stitches. dc decrease last 2 stitches, changing color at end of the row.

row 16: with color A, ch 1. sc in same stitch and down row. Do not sc in chain 2 of previous row. Change color at end of row- 30 sc.

row 17-26: repeat rows 2 and 3

Cut off yarns.

Fold hat in half and sew together by sc up each side- 1 sc in each sc and 2 sc in each dc.

Bottom band: Attach color A to any sc and sc around.

Repeat 5 more times. Cut off yarn. Weave in ends.

Voila!

Copyright 2009 Gege Crochet. All rights reserved. Pattern available for personal use only- please don't sell it- that's just not cool. Please don't post this pattern anywhere- you can provide a link back to here, though.

Meow Baby!

Winter Watermelons part deux- free pattern!

Alright peeps! My long awaited Winter Watermelon scarf pattern is here! I finally sat down and wrote out the pattern. My very first! If you do make this pattern, please let me know if there are any mistakes in it so I can correct it. Also, please send me pics of your finished projects! I'd love to see them!

I completed a new hat, as well, but I still need to tweak that pattern before I list it here...so, more to come... AND....drum roll please! I have a video to supplement the pattern! It's for folks who don't know how to crochet through front/back loops only or who have never crocheted with beads before. YAY!

Here's a picture of the hat and scarf together:



And, here's the pattern!

PS: The Hat Pattern can be found here. 

Watermelon Scarf Pattern

MATERIALS
Green WW yarn- not a whole lot- maybe an ounce or 2
White WW yarn- ditto
Red or pink WW yarn- a little bit more...maybe 4 ounces

Size 6 mm (U.S. J/10) crochet hook
Yarn or tapestry needle for beading yarn and finishing
60 beads (you may have some left over)

GAUGE
Not important

NOTE:
Chain 2 does not count as half double crochet.

ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS
hdc = half double crochet
bhdc = beaded half double crochet
repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed

INSTRUCTIONS

With green, chain 187.
Row 1: 1 hdc in 3rd chain from hook. 1 hdc in each chain to end of ch. 185 hdc. Chain 2. Turn.

Row 2: 1 hdc in 1st hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. *1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. Repeat from * to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Fasten off green. Turn.

Row 3: Attach white. Chain 2. 1 hdc in 1st hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. *1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. Repeat from * to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Fasten off white. Turn.

Thread 60 beads onto red yarn before continuing.

Row 4: Attach red. Chain 2. 1 hdc in 1st hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. *1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. Repeat from * to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Chain 2. Turn.

Row 5: First beaded row. 1 hdc in 1st hdc. *(1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only.) 4 times. 1 bhdc in next hdc through back loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only. Repeat from * to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Row 6: Repeat row 4

Row 7: Second beaded row. 1 hdc in 1st hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. 1 bhdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. *(1 hdc in next hdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only.) 4 times. 1 bhdc in next hdc through front loop only. 1 hdc in next hdc through back loop only. Repeat from * to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Row 8: Repeat row 4

Row 9: Repeat row 5

Row 10: Repeat row 4

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Copyright 2009 Gege Crochet. All rights reserved. Pattern available for personal use only- please don't sell it- that's just not cool. Please don't post this pattern anywhere- you can provide a link back to here, though.