Lesson Six on Two Color Granny Square

In this photo I have dropped the violet yarn and have picked up the white yarn from the previous row. I have looped it around the hook(yarn over-yo) and I am going to bring it through the two loops on the hook. This will complete the dc and change the color. I can now proceed with the rest of Rnd 3....

Rnd 3 (cont): ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 7 sts, (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in next ch sp, ch 2, join, fasten off.

This completes the series of lessons on The Making of a Two Color Granny Square.

(Want more like this? Comments are Welcome)

Lesson Five on Two Color Granny Square

Rnd 3: Sl st in next ch sp, ch 3(see picture), dc in same sp, dc in next 7 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in next 7 sts, 2dc in next ch sp changing to white in last st made.........To Be Continued in Next Post

Lesson Four on Two Color Granny Square

Cont. Rnd 2: 2 dc in next ch sp changing to violet in last st made, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next ch sp, ch 2, join, TURN. ( 28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

To Be Continued

Lesson Three on Two Color Granny Squares

Our last instruction after completing Rnd Two was to TURN. This is the different than when making the solid color granny squares. This picture shows the square after it is turned.

Rnd 2: Sl st in next ch sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each of next 3 st,

To Be Continued in Next Post

Lesson Two on Two Color Granny Squares

Having joined the white in the last half of the Double Crochet stitch, we are now ready to complete Round 1. Picking up where we left off in the last post....

After changing to white in the last stitch made, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 2 times, join with sl st in top of ch-3, TURN. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

To Be Continued.

Lesson One on Two Color Granny Squares

This is the first half of Rnd One, at the point where you are about to change colors. I have completed half of the last Double Crochet stitch and have dropped the violet yarn. I am going to pick up the white yarn and finish the Double Crochet stitch with the white yarn.

This is the pattern directions up to the point we are at now:

Rnd 1: With violet, ch 4, sl st in first ch to form ring, ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring changing to white in last st made.....To Be Continued In Next Post

Two Color Granny Square Tutorial

This is the first of a step-by-step tutorial on How To Make a Two Color Granny Square. These are quite useful when you want to design your own croquilts.

I will start with the full instructions and break it down in more details in subsequent posts.

Rnd 1: With violet, ch 4, sl st in first ch to form ring, ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring changing to white in last st made, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 2 times, join with sl st in top of ch-3, turn. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 2: Sl st in next ch sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next ch sp changing to violet in last st made, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next ch sp, ch 2, join, turn. (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 3: Sl st in next ch sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, dc in next 7 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in nex ch sp changing to white in last st made, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 7 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in next ch sp, ch 2, join. Fasten off.

Crocheted Pillows

Forget paying big bucks at the mall for those designer pillows. You can be the designer and brighten up your decor at home and at the office.

It's really simple. Here's how you do it. Take a pillow form, or one of those pillows off your couch, and measure it. Subtract one inch off each side to get the size you need to crochet the cover. This makes the pillow firm. If you want a softer pillow, then simply increase the size of the cover.

The easiest way to do the cover is with single crochet stitches. If you make several pillow covers for your couch, you can do each one in a different color.

Let your imagination run wild here, and you can go into business for yourself.

"That's So Simple!" Scarf Pattern

Size 'J' Hook
Worsted Weight yarn

CH 35, Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34sc)
Continue for a total of 16 rows. Fasten off.

Attach a second color at end of row 16 and sc across row for a total of 34sc. Continue for a total of 16 rows.

Repeat pattern until scarf is as long as you want it to be. Attach fringe at each end and you are done.

Mittens for Children

These mittens were made using the same pattern that I posted before. These are smaller versions made to fit a child's hand. I simply used one strand of yarn rather than two. The hook size remained the same.

After working the beginning of the thumb, I went more rows on the mitten on the right of your screen. That is why you see the two sizes are not the same.

The width is approx. 6 1/2 inches for a child.

Crocheted Mittens Pattern

Caron Simply Soft yarn in Autumn Red(MC) and White(CC) two 6oz skeins each color

Size 'I' hook

Finished measurements are 10 1/2 inches long (before folding cuff over) and 9 1/2 inches around.

Using two strands of MC held together, Ch 31.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2: Sc in each sc across for pattern. (30)

Continue working in pattern until it measures 1 1/2 inches long.

To begin making thumb, sc in first 14 sc, (sc inc)two times, sc in rem 14 sc. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2: Sc in first 14 sc, (sc inc, sc in next two sc, sc inc), sc in rem 14 sc. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 3: Sc in first 14 sc, (sc inc, sc in next four sc, sc inc), sc in rem 14 sc. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 4: Sc in first 14 sc, (sc inc, sc in next six sc, sc inc), sc in rem 14 sc. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 5: Sc in first 14 sc, (sc inc, sc in next eight sc, sc inc), sc in rem 14 sc. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 6: Sc in first 13 sc, (sc inc, skip next 12 sc, sc inc in next sc), sc in rem 13 sc. Ch 1 and turn.

Continue to work sc in sc, omitting previous skipped sts, until piece measures 7 1/2 inches long.

Next row: Sc in sc(twice), sc dec, sc in sc(twice), sc dec (rep to end of row). Ch1 and turn.

Next row: Sc in sc, sc dec, sc in sc, sc dec (rep to end of row). Ch 1 and turn.

Next two rows: Sc dec across. Ch 1 and turn. Fasten off.

Back to thumb: Attach MC and sc in sc around. Continue working until you have made 6 rounds. Do not join. Use a marker to keep up with rnds.

Next two rnds work sc dec around and fasten off. Leave enough yarn to close up the end of the thumb with.

Attach CC at wrist and sc across. (30)

Continue working sc in sc. Ch 1 and turn at end of every row until you have made 2 inches in CC.

Fasten off.

Sew side seams and turn mitten inside out. Fold cuff down.

Explanation of terms used in pattern

Sc inc = single crochet increase

Sc dec = single crochet decrease

Croquilt

Here is a good example of a crocheted quilt. I like to call them croquilts. This one is made using small granny squares.

What can I make with a granny square?

Granny squares are fast, easy, and there are plenty of uses for them.

You can make up small ones in different colors and join them to make a quilt.

Join some granny squares end to end to make a nice scarf or even a belt. Fringe on the ends is optional.

Make two 12 inch granny squares and then crochet a panel about 2 or 3 inches wide using single crochet. Sew this panel to the sides of the two granny squares to make a tote bag/purse. Put a piece of plastic canvas on the bottom of the bag. Make a fabric liner to fit the inside and sew it in place. Add a shoulder strap or two handles and you are done!

Easy way to stiffen crochet

Having trouble with the stiffener clogging up in the holes of your snowflakes?
Try putting the stiffener on the snowflake and placing it inside of a plastic bag. Massage the stiffener into the thread and leave in bag for 30 minutes or so. Then, take it out of the bag and lay flat on wax paper with a folded towel underneath.

Smooth out the snowflake with a rolling pin and use rust-proof pins to keep it in place. Let dry.

If you still have excess stiffener inside of open areas try using a knitting needle to clear them before the item is completely dry.

Snowflake Mobile

Crochet some snowflakes and stiffen them. String them with filament and attach to ends of small dowels to make a nice winter mobile.

Tiny crocheted Baby Bear

The baby bear has legs, and all his toes are there! Hurray! Now we are discussing his wardrobe. Let me see, he wants overalls, shorts, tank tops, sweater, hoodie....oh the list is getting quite large. Next thing you know he'll want a sister or a brother. hee hee

A cup of bear

Isn't he worth getting up in the morning? I sure think so. Baby bear wanted to say hello to the world and let you know that he has legs but they are not quite ready to be attached.

I am sculpting the toes today. Looking forward to sharing that with you in a later post.

Bearing with errors in the photo upload process

I woke up this morning with the idea of having a cup of coffee. I found the little baby bear in my coffee cup. Guess I should have been more diligent about cleaning up before I went to bed.

Anyway. I got another cup out and had my coffee while I worked on my baby bear. He has a body and two arms now, I'm happy to announce. I wanted to share his latest photo with you but there seems to be an error in the upload process.

The message says to try again later. Actually it said a lot more than that. I'm supposed to report the error but I have a baby bear with no legs to support him. If I don't give him legs soon, I'll be needing some kind of support. I have to work no matter how much I love making baby bears.

I am hiding my obsession with crochet the best I can. I suspect that everyone has already figured it out. I mean, I take a project with me everywhere I go. And I talk about it all the time with anyone that will listen.

I'll be back later to attempt to show off the baby bear in the coffee cup. You just got to see how irresistable he is to know why I can't get him off my mind.

Bitten by the crocheted bear

I looked around and there it was...the pattern for a little tiny crocheted bear. It was mine for the asking. All I had to do was click "download" and it was mine!

It is now the reason I get up in the morning, and the reason I get up at night. Forget the reason, I can't stop thinking about this tiny little bear that is being created stitch by loving stitch.

Bear with me as I share my new found love, please.

The head of this bear is a special one. It is sculpted with thread. My first time to do that with success. And with that I lost my head on the baby bear.

This is for you, Serena.

Amigurumi

Amigurumi. I did not know how to pronounce it. I did not realize that I was already doing it. The Japanese art of making toys out of yarn. Amigurumi is done in the round using single crochet and sometimes it is knitted.

This is a crocheted bear that I made. It is not one of my patterns but I can share the picture with you and (hopefully) the joy of making these toys.

I string jointed the arms and legs and sewed the head on. His feet are large enough that he can stand up. If you turn the arms up as if he is reaching out to you, it is all but impossible not to pick him up. I believe that is exactly what he wants people to do--pick him up. He is hard to ignore. I love this bear.

Crocheted Dog Clothes

Dog sweaters/tube dresses are not as complicated as I thought. I would crochet one in the round using double crochet. For a girl dog, this is easy enough to do. For the boys, you will have to switch over to rows towards the end so that he has the open area he needs underneath.

If you do the tube style, please make sure you make it big enough to go around the head and shoulderblades. If you want it to fit snug you will need a way to fasten it together. Measure your dog before you decide what size your dog is. Make sure the collar will go over the head and not just around the neck.

Later Gater,

Your Sandi

Crocheted Belts for Fun and Profit

Crocheted belts are quick and easy thanks to todays fashion trends. The biggest difference between a belt and a scarf is the width. Some scarves can be used as belts.

With this in mind, you could crochet some motifs and join them to make a belt. You can add fringe on the ends and make it long enough to tie around your waste. Or, you can put 2 D-rings on one end to hold the belt together. Or you can use two large rings, such as two plastic or metal bangle bracelets.

The possibilities are endless. Buckles are readily available. Add some ribbon to your crochet or beads.

You are not the only one that wants one. You can finally support your crochet habit by simply making belts and selling them faster than you can make them. Try it and you will see.

Have fun with this one and I will talk to you later.

Your Sandi

Messenger Bag from motifs

This messenger bag was created using 3 crocheted motifs. I crocheted a panel for the sides and the bottom so that it could hold more. Then I threaded a tapestry needle with a long length of yarn (the same yarn I made the bag with) and used an assortment of wood beads. I tied a square knot onto a plastic ring on each end. Then I sewed the rings onto the bag.

I measured the finished bag and added one inch to those measurements to know how to cut fabric for the lining. After cutting the fabric, I sewed a seam on three sides with the right sides together. Then I hand sewed the liner into the bag.

I hope that this helps you to see how easy it is to make your very own messenger bag. The greatest part about being able to do this is that you can have something that is uniquely yours. It's okay to be different. In fact, it's great!

Later Gater,

Your Sandi

A doily a day keeps the stress away

Christmas will be here before too very long. Let's see...I need a new purse to match my new outfit in time for the parties that I want to attend. I mustn't use last year's bag. I need extra cash. Hmmmm.

Oh! I know! I will crochet a doily and I might as well put lots of beads on my thread before I even make the first chain stitch. Using a bead stitch, I can incorporate the beads into the pattern. Then I will take a piece of satin and sew that in as a liner. I will make a drawstring using three strands of the same crochet thread I made the doily with. A simple chain stitch will do. For a strap, I could string some of the beads I have already.

I can't wait to show all my friends. I will be the envy of all the women at work with this bag. That should solve my cash flow problem, too. heh heh heh

Later Gater,

Your Sandi

Shagging your crocheted dog

How do you put 'hair' on your crocheted dog? It's a lot like hooking a rug. You can even use a latchhook to do it with. Or, if you prefer, you can put the 'hair' on with a crochet hook just like you would put fringe on an afghan. The only thing different would be you use one strand of yarn.

Cut the yarn into different lengths for a shaggy look. For a more uniform appearance you would cut them all the same length. You can just add a 'hair' wherever you want it until you feel the area is as 'hairy' as you want it to be.

Your Sandi

crocheted wedding dresses

It started out like this: I loved collecting Barbie dolls. Then I learned to crochet. Turns out the two go hand-in-hand. I started collecting patterns to crochet Barbie doll clothes. The patterns I picked out got more and more intricate over the years, until one day I found this crocheted wedding dress pattern that was fashioned just like Princess Di's.

Well, you know I just had to have it. I didn't care one iota what it cost, either. It was so awesome to look at--little tiny pearls stitched right into it. I loved it! Too bad I couldn't make it in my size. But that's okay, I didn't really need a wedding dress at the time. I wondered all these years if anyone else felt the way I did. You know, wishing they had the most beautiful crocheted wedding dress in the world? I wondered what a dress like that might cost.

Life goes on. I am sure after all these years that I could make one in human size very much like the one that was made for a doll. I'm sure I would never have to worry about money, if I would just go ahead and make it.

Today is a new day. Perhaps tomorrow I will start on that awesome crocheted wedding dress. If not for me, or you, then maybe for a lucky Barbie doll. It's nice to think about, at any rate. A goal to reach for.

Later Gater,

Your Sandi