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12.07.2012

A Quick DIY Knitting Gift Project!




Shawl Collar Cowla

The Shawl Collar Cowl shamelessly conjures the classic 'New England professor', if there is such a thing. The gray ribbed exterior transitions into a smooth, creamy white stockinette interior. Folded over and wrapped around, you'll be outstandingly warm, but not weighted down! This cowl is knit up in the nearly weightless Blue Sky Techno, a feather-light cloud of baby alpaca, extra-fine merino and silk.  



Note on the yarn used: Blue Sky's Techno is a cozy soft cloud of baby alpaca, extra fine merino and silk. Its feather-light, no-split finish is the result of a high-tech process that blows the alpaca and merino into a delicate mesh tube of silk. A real modern marvel! Choose from a well balanced palette of four groovy pop colors and six nature-inspired neutrals.
CONTENT: 68% baby alpaca , 10% extra fine merino, 22% silk
WEIGHT: 50 grams
LENGTH: approximately 120 yards
GAUGE: 3-5 stitches per inch
SUGGESTED NEEDLES: US 10.5 (6.5 mm); Hook size K
Price: $24.40

Or you can substitute a similar-weight yarn from something soft, like Webs'
 alpaca yarn, available in great colors from  http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-fiber-alpaca/webs-knitting-yarns-berroco-ultra-alpaca/

Free pattern at http://www.purlbee.com/shawl-collar-cowl/

More DIY Gift Ideas!

One-Skein Projects to Whip Up for everyone on your list!


Hooded Infinity Scarf
Free pattern at http://stringwithstyle.blogspot.com/2012/10/infinity-hooded-scarf.html











Autumn Scarf

Do this in any color, to suit the holidays.
http://crochetchiq.blogspot.com/2012/09/abstract-autumn-scarf.html







These Designs (and more) are available in the free ebook, "20 Crochet One Skein Wonders + Bulky Crochet Hats and Scarves."
Read more at http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Miscellaneous-Crochet/17-Crochet-One-Skein-Wonders-Bulky-Crochet-Hats-and-Scarves/ct/1#ku1LufcUa6obPi6l.99 

Quick Crochet Gifts!

Here are some ideas for quick gifts you can make for the holidays. for more ideas, see my DIY Gifts Pinterest board. I have some great crafts you can make quickly, like this one:


Crocheted Slouch Hat--free pattern!

(for men or women--separate patterns below)

Crochet this slouch hat which transforms into two distinctive looks: a chic beret or a cool slouchy hat. An interesting ridged pattern using post stitches makes both hats plush and warm.

Designs by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby

Women's

Skill Level: IntermediateFinished Sizes: Instructions given for small/medium; changes for large/X-large are in [ ].Materials:

  • Crystal Palace Yarns Mochi Plus medium (worsted) weight merino wool yarn (1 3/4 oz/95 yds/50g per ball): 3 [4] balls #558 Neptune rainbow
  • Size H/8/5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn you might also like: Lion Brand Amazing medium (worsted) weight wool/acrylic yarn (1 3/4 oz/147 yds/50g per ball): 2 [3] balls color of choice

Gauge: 6 post sts = 2 inchesPattern Notes:
  • Chain-2 at beginning of round does not count as first double crochet unless otherwise stated.
  • Join with slip stitch as indicated unless otherwise stated.
  • When working back post double crochet decrease, work same as double crochet decrease, working back post double crochet stitches instead of double crochet.

Women's Hat
Rnd 1: Ch 4, 9 dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 chs count as first dc)join (see Pattern Notes)in top of beg ch-4. (10 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2 (see Pattern Notes)fpdc (see Stitch Guide) around first st, dc in sp between sts, [fpdc around next st, dc in sp between sts] around, join in beg fpdc. (20 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 fpdc around first fpdc, 2 bpdc (see Stitch Guide) around next dc, [2 fpdc around next fpdc 2 bpdc around next dc] around, join in beg fpdc. (40 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *dc in sp between fpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (50 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around next dc, fpdc around next fpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (60 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *2 bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 3 bpdc**, fpdc around next st, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (70 sts)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around next bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (80 sts)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 4 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (90 sts)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 4 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in first fpdc. (100 sts)
Rnd 10: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 4 bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in first fpdc. (110 sts)
Rnd 11: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 5 fpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc.
Rnd 12: Ch 2, fpdc around first st, *bpdc around each of next 5 bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc.
Rnd 13: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 6 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc.
Rnd 14: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc.
Rnd 15: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc.

Small/Medium Size Only
Rnd 16: Ch 2, [bpdc dec (see Stitch Guide and Pattern Notes) around first 2 sts, bpdc around each of next 5 sts, [bpdc dec around next 2 sts, bpdc around each of next 5 sts] around, join in beg bpdc dec.
Rnd 17: Ch 2, bpdc around each of first 10 sts, bpdc dec around next 2 sts, [bpdc around each of next 10 sts, bpdc dec around next 2 sts] around, join in beg bpdc.

Large/X-Large Size Only
Rnds 16 & 17: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc.
All Sizes
Rnd 18: Ch 2, bpdc dec around first 2 sts, [bpdc dec around next 2 sts] around, join in beg bpdc dec.
Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc dec (see Stitch Guide) in first 2 sts, [sc dec in same st last worked in and in next st] around working last st in last st worked in and first st worked in, join in beg sc.
Rnds 20-26: Rep rnd 19. At end of last rnd, fasten off.
Click here for larger image.


Men's

Skill Level: IntermediateFinished Sizes: Instructions given for small/medium; changes for large/X-large are in [ ].
Materials:
  • Crystal Palace Mochi Plus medium (worsted) weight merino wool yarn (1 3/4 oz/95 yds/50g per ball): 3 [4] balls #566 feldspar
  • Size G/6/4mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn you might also like: Universal Yarn Classic Shades medium (worsted) weight acrylic/wool yarn (3 1/2 oz/197 yds/100g per ball): 2 [2] balls color of choice

Gauge: 4 post sts = 1 inch

Pattern Notes

Chain-2 at beginning of round does not count as first double crochet unless otherwise stated.
Join with slip stitch as indicated unless otherwise stated.
When working back post double crochet decrease, work same as double crochet decrease working back post double crochet sitches instead of double crochet.

Men's Hat

Rnd 1: Ch 4, 9 dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 chs count as first dc)join (see Pattern Notes)in top of beg ch-4. (10 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2 (see Pattern Notes)fpdc (see Stitch Guide) around first st, dc in sp between sts, [fpdc around next st, dc in sp between sts] around, join in beg fpdc. (20 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 fpdc around first fpdc, 2 bpdc (see Stitch Guide) around next dc, [2 fpdc around next fpdc 2 bpdc around next dc] around, join in beg fpdc. (40 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *dc in sp between fpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (50 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around next dc, fpdc around next fpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (60 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *2 bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 3 bpdc**, fpdc around next st, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (70 sts)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around next bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (80 sts)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *2 bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next fpdc, bpdc around each of next 4 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc. (90 sts)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around each of next 2 bpdc, 2 bpdc around next bpdc, fpdc around next st, bpdc around each of next 4 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in first fpdc. (100 sts)
Rnds 10-12: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc.
Rnd 13: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc dec (see Stitch Guide and Pattern Notes) around next 2 bpdc, bpdc around next bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc.
Rnds 14-17: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc.
Small/Medium Size Only
Rnd 18: Ch 2, fpdc around first fpdc, *bpdc around next bpdc, bpdc dec around next 2 bpdc**, fpdc around next fpdc, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join in beg fpdc.
Rnds 19-20: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc. At end of last rnd, fasten off.
Large/X-Large Size Only
Rnds 18-29: Ch 2, [fpdc around all fpdc and bpdc around all bpdc] around, join in beg fpdc. At end of last row, fasten off.
Copyright © January 2011 Crochet! magazine. All rights reserved.


Source: http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=2408&key=CWNL

For ideas of what you can do with free-form crocheting, see the amazing photos at http://www.freeformcrochet.com/designs.html.

Pinterest!

Pinterest is the best thing going for a crafter of any kind, and if you haven't discovered it yet, you'll be happy you checked it out!


Follow me on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/mrstiddleywinks!
You can find my boards on crocheting, knitting, tatting, spinning, baking, DIY projects--including things for the holidays!

Holiday Treats

This time of year, I am thinking about what I can make for the holidays: to bring over for family events, to package for gifts, and to put out in that glass treats bowl when folks come over to visit and see the tree.

This year, I'm posting the treats I'm making. You may find one you like, too. Read on!


Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites



from: http://www.whatmegansmaking.com/2011/12/peanut-butter-pretzel-bites.html

10.30.2012

DIY Homestead Survival: Coconut Pineapple Candy recipe

The Homestead Survival: Coconut Pineapple Candy recipe: http://www.traditional-foods.com/recipes/coconut-pineapple-candy/

I'm looking forward to trying these out! Always looking for a *healthier* way to feed my family those sweeter things.

Homesteading

I am so excited by a new blogger I've discovered: Homestead Survival..

 She's living my dream! Living on five acres, finding and sharing the ways of living on the land. And great natural recipes!

Now it's fiber season, and here in the hot southern states, this comes late in the year! More soon about my projects for this winter.

7.23.2012

Homestead Survival: Dehydrating Pineapple and Yogurt Drops

Homestead Survival: Dehydrating Pineapple and Yogurt Drops: You can also dehydrate canned pineapple by draining well and then putting in dehydrator. They will take longer because they have more juice ...

3.20.2012

Where have I been lately?

Where have I been lately? Off the Internet, that's where. Knitting and baking and scrapbooking. Now it's time to do some Spring knitting! What are YOU working on?