Spirit Rectangular Wrap, a free single skein crochet pattern

With cooler weather on the way, I was inspired to design a stylish and affordable wrap perfect for our SW Florida fall and winter months. I was determined to use only one skein per wrap because I had picked up a single cake each of four colors of Lion Brand Mandala Yarn some weeks ago and just knew these would be perfect to making a little something pretty to keep the chill away. It turns out these wraps are quick to make and look good enough to gift this holiday season. There are 16 fun color ways in the yarn collection and I have created four styles of wrap, the Rectangular (shown here in Spirit), the Asymmetrical, the Triangle and the Vee. The three other styles will be available December 1^st, just in time to finish off your holiday gift list!

You can save this to your library on Ravelry and download the PDF here.

You can purchase the patterns for all 4 styles in once convenient PDF  here or visit my  Ravelry Store to purchase the individual patterns. And you can find me on Craftsy, too!

Size Info and Materials List

This particular style is an impressive 57” long and 16-1/2” wide.

1 skein of Lion Brand Yarn Mandala in the color of your choice (or 590 yards of a comparable light worsted yarn)

US I-9 (5.5 mm) Crochet hook

Stitch markers and yarn needle

Gauge is not critical but in order to achieve the desired length with a single cake of yarn, take care that 4 rows of sc alternated with 3 rows of trc, ch2 is not much less than 4”.

Skill Level: I’m going to say beginner but you must be familiar with edging techniques and working chainless beginning stitches

Notes:

Stitches:

ch – chain

sl st – slip stitch

sc – single crochet

trc – treble crochet

If you are not familiar with the chainless trc, there are a few variations with tutorials you can find with a Google search, or use a ch 3 and trc in the first stitch.

The beginning chain of each row does not count as a stitch. Use stitch markers to note the first and last stitch of each row.

Abbreviations:

ch2 space – the 2 chains between two treble crochet

BLO – back loop only

FLO – front loop only

Pattern Instructions

Main Pattern:

Row 1: ch 63, trc in 5th chain from hook, *ch 2, skip 2 ch, trc in next ch, repeat from* to last 2 ch, work 1 trc in each of the last 2 chains (19 ch2 spaces and 22 trc), turn

Row 2: ch 1, sc in each trc and 2 sc in each 2 ch space (60 sc), turn

Row 3: work chainless trc (see notes) in first sc, trc in next sc, *ch 2, skip 2 sc, trc in next sc, repeat gtom * to last 2 sc, work 1 trc in each of the last 2 sc (19 2 ch spaces and 22 trc)

Repeat rows 2 & 3, alternating rows of trc, ch 2 and sc rows until desired length, ending with a row of trc, ch2, turn

OPTIONAL Solid Stripe: to better define the color changes, work a solid strip of 3 sc rows as follows

Row 1: ch 1, sc in each trc and 2 sc in each 2 ch space (60 sc), turn

Row 2: ch1, sc in first sc, *sc in BLO of next sc, sc in FLO of next sc, repeat from * to last sc, work 1 sc in last sc, turn

Row 3: repeat row 2, turn

Resume alternating trc, ch2 and sc rows until next color change.

I ended with 42 rows of trc, ch2 and 9 solid stripe at color changes

Edging: The edging is worked on 3 sides only: the two short sides and the long side of chainless trc.

Row 1: ch 1, sc in each trc and 2 sc in each 2 ch space to the last trc, make a corner by working 3 sc in the last trc; work 4 sc in each chainless trc and sc in each sc along long side to last stitch of the beginning chain, make a corner by work 3 sc in that chain stitch; continue short side with sc in each chain with a trc and 2 sc in each ch2 space to the end, turn (your stitch count on the long side will depend on the number rows you’ve worked, each short side should have 59 sc plus 3 sc in the corner)

Row 2: ch 1, sc in each sc to corner, work sc, ch1, sc in corner sc (the second of the 3 sc in previous row), continue on long side sc in each sc to corner, work sc, ch1, sc in corner sc (the second of the 3 sc in previous row), continue along short side with sc in each sc, turn

Row 3: ch 1, sc in each sc to corner, work sc, ch1, sc in corner ch 1 of previous row, continue on long side sc in each sc to corner, work sc, ch1, sc in corner sc in corner ch1 of previous row, continue along short side with sc in each sc, turn

repeat row 3 until edging is desired width (or to use up all of the yarn if no embellishments are needed), fasten off

OPTIONAL final edging row: attach contrast yarn in 1st sc of opposite corner (not where previous row ended), loosely sl stitch in BLO of each sc and ch 1 on three sides of edging, fasten off

OPTIONAL: add flowers or tassels made with remaining yarn.

 

 

Pattern and photos © Jennifer Wingard, A Country Yarn Handmade. LaBelle, FL, USA

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My Summer Trend Pt. 1

I’m not even going to look at the date I last posted here.  Blogging is definitely not in my special skill set, but I’ve set my mind to post more often and to share not only my own work but the independent designers and fiber artists I’ve discovered over the summer.

This post, however, is All. About. Me. and the amazing circular garments I’ve been creating like some sort of possessed hooker. It’s like the 4-ply gradient cotton blend yarns have me under a spell. I could not stop ordering yarn and collecting patterns.

So I started with my two favorite guinea pigs models in the featured photo up there and we shrunk a couple of adult patterns down to fit a pair of 8-year old fashionistas in training. The one on the left is a free pattern you’ll find more info about here – Fall Festival Jacket and the one on the right is a paid pattern you’ll find more info about here – Oceano Circle Vest. I think we were all pretty stoked with the results. But it all changed when I discovered this free pattern you can learn more about here – Summer Circle Vest which uses a vintage tablecloth pattern to make a garment. I finished the black and turquoise on my way to my mother’s birthday party. She wears it all the time!

 

I had to have one for myself, so I headed back to Pinterest and with the help from my beloved eldest guinea pig daughter, we came up with the pattern on the right. You can find out more about that one 4th of July Boho Vest. At this point, I had a couple of custom orders and I was starting to focus on the upcoming holidays (because crafters always have half a brain well into the next season).

The always popular Lotus Mandala Duster was such a hit that the recipient couldn’t wait for the sleeves. Same with this gorgeous vest that had me daydreaming about hydrangeas. You can find out more about that one here – Spring Flair Jacket.

While most of our clan resides in a swamp South Florida, we do have a daughter and granddaughter in Germany and I thought they shouldn’t be left out of the circle (get it? see what I did there?). Of course, I need self striping worsted weight yarns to make jackets that are as functional as they are fabulous and you can find out more about those two projects here – Child’s Kaleidoscope Jacket and here – Fall Festival…with sleeves!

Which brings me to the absolute pinnacle of my Summer Circle Binge. This time, I found myself with a special request for Halloween and for the very first time in my 4-1/2 years of crocheting, I designed something besides a blanket. I used a vintage doily pattern to help me figure out the edging. You can find more info here – Boho Spider Web Jacket.

The center was easy enough but that edging and those sleeves and 9/10 of a mile (really!?) of black silk were tough. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever get it finished.

I’m really glad I did though.

Believe it or not, that’s not all I accomplished so far this year. So stay tuned for My Summer Trend Pt. 2.

Did you ever find yourself in a creative whirlpool? Let me know what took over your craft room in the comments below. And thanks for stopping by.

 

Kids’ Jackets Round Up

I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned that I’m a self-taught crocheter. I first picked up a hook in February of 2013, and I’ve learned everything thanks to the huge number of tutorials and patterns that are available online. My two girls, Sarina my youngest daughter and Regina my oldest granddaughter, are two of my most willing models and testers and my favorite collaborators (and Pop Warner cheerleaders). Because of their interest and enthusiasm in my art I’ve created theses jackets in less than a year’s time!!

I am particularly proud of the Sarina Hoodie which is an original pattern. Sarina chose her yarn and the colors and helped design the pattern. I’ve written down enough notes to recreate my work so I can offer custom orders but I have yet to write out the actual pattern.

This jacket is absolutely Regina’s favorite pattern in her favorite color. You can read more about our variations on this one in this post.

I made both of these last Spring when the early mornings were still nice and cool but the temps were up in the 80s before lunchtime. Sarina chose the Cotton Cardigan which I scaled down to fit her smaller frame. Regina’s jacket is a version of the Bouvardia Hooded Jacket.

This was the first serious “you can wear it in public” jacket I ever made. I had the yarn in my stash and we knew we needed something to go with those red boots! You’ll find the details and a link to the pattern in this post.

The Second Version

I’ve been crocheting for just under four years,  and, as a result of my endless need to practice, my girls have piles of handmade wearables and no two items are the same. I try to make each girl a part of the planning process by having them browse patterns and choose the yarns I use, but sometimes I just grab what’s on hand and start making something without any input from either of them.

My granddaughter Regina isn’t into fashion or following trends. She’s really into comfort and she knows what she likes. And she really likes the Bouvardia Hooded Jacket.

The first version I made with cotton Sugar and Cream yarn that I had bought only because the colors are pretty and it was on sale. I made this one in the Spring and left off the hood. Our South Florida weather is moody more than cold and windy in April. I also shortened the sleeves so she wasn’t constantly pushing them up at school.

I really like the stripes of color around the front and bottom. They give the jacket a kind of hippie chic flair.

When it was time to start thinking about cool weather again, Regina knew exactly which jacket she wanted. We walked the yarn aisles at the nearest craft store for nearly 20 minutes before she chose a variety of purples!  And with the inevitable cold fronts looming in very near future, I made the jacket with the hood.

Because the fabric feels more like a blanket than sweater, I added length at the bottom and the sleeves for an extra snuggle feel. I finished it yesterday and she took it home just in time for the low-40s temps this morning!

You’ll find the original pattern here. I’ve seen comments that some people found it difficult or found errors but I didn’t have any trouble adapting it to fit a child.

Is there a favorite pattern your friends or family request? Leave me a link in the comments.

Spa Quality Wash Cloths

I finished a special order of my 8″ spa cloths today. My pieces will become part of a gift set along with handmade coffee scrub by another local crafter!

This is a set of 10, 5 each of two styles done in two colors. I use Creme de la Creme 100% cotton and LB Collection Cotton Bamboo yarn for my “spa style” wash cloths because they work up smoothly and feel more luxurious than the other cotton yarns I’ve used.

Over the years I’ve developed some go to patterns for making washcloths and I thought I’d share them with you.

As written, each pattern should produce an 8″ wash cloth including the edging. You can increase the size of your cloth by adding a multiple of 2 to each starting chain or decrease by 2s for a smaller cloth. To tighten the corners of your wash cloth, skip over the stitches just before and just after each corner as you work the edges.

Bumpy Moss Stitch 8″ – yellow

Ch 30 with 4.5 mm hook
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, (dc in next stitch, sc next st) across ending with sc in last chain, ch 1 and turn
Row 2: standing dc in both loops of first stitch, (sc in front loop of dc in previous row, dc in back loop of sc in previous row, sc in front loop of dc in previous row) across, ending with dc in both loops of last sc, ch 1 and turn
Row 3: (sc in front loop of dc in previous row, dc in back loop of sc in previous row) across, ending in sc, ch 1 and turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until square is formed
Edge with sc around, sc, ch 1, sc to form corners. Complete 2 rounds.

Bumpy HDC 8″ Wash Cloth – Coral

Chain 37 with 4.0 hook
Row 1: HDC in 3rd ch from hook and in each chain across, ch 1 and turn
Row 2: HDC in first stitch, (HDC in front loop of next stitch, HDC in back loop of next stitch), repeat across ending with an HDC in both loops of last stitch, ch 2 and turn

Repeat row 2 until square is made to within 1/4 inch.
Edge with sc around, sc, ch 1, sc to form corners. Complete 2 rounds.

Striped Moss Stitch – green

Ch 31 with a 4.5 mm hook
Row 1: sc, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, (skip next ch, sc, hdc in next ch) across, ch 1 and turn
Row 2: sk first st, sc,hdc in next st, (skip next st, sc, hdc in next st) across, ch 1 and turn
Repeat Row 2 until square is made to within 1/4″
Edge with sc around, sc ch 1, sc to form corners. Complete 2 rounds.

Skipped Stitch pattern 8″ square – blue

Chain 38 with 4.0 mm hook
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next st, repeat from * across remaining chains, ch 1 and turn
Row 2: sc in first st, ch 1 and skip next st, (sc in front loop of st, ch 1, sk next st, sc in back loop of st, ch 1 and sk next st) across, ending with sc in last st, ch 1 and turn

Repeat row 2 until square is made to within 1/4 inch.
Edge with sc around, sc, ch 1, sc to form corners. Complete 2 rounds.

 

 

Sleeping Buddies

Isn’t she cute!? I just finished her today for our granddaughter Milena who lives in Germany. The doll is 8″ tall and stuffed with poly fill and dried lavender. I added a few drops of lavender oil to a cotton ball in her head and she smells divine!

Now that I’m familiar with the Sleeping Buddies pattern, I plan to make up some in festive holiday colors. I think they’d make a fantastic stocking stuffer for baby’s first Christmas.

 

Do you have a favorite small toy or doll to crochet? Share a link in the comments below!

Fancy Footwear

The weather here in South Florida has finally caught up with the calendar and we’re expecting low temps in the 60s this week. That means chilly tile floors and a renewed need for wearing socks and slippers. With two growing girls, I’ve spent a great deal of my time practicing new stitches and techniques on footwear that’s both warm and fun to wear.

Kid Size

Baby Size

Not only was this the first pattern I ever paid for, this was how I learned the make the crocodile stitch. This pattern by Bonita Patterns & Yarns is one of my most popular items. My girls wore theirs for almost three years before their feet outgrew the yarn’s ability to stretch. I guess I should make them each a replacement pair…

I make slippers for adults, too, even for myself. My personal favorites are the Cute and Cozy Granny Slippers because they’re durable and work up rather quickly,  and I can use up leftover yarn from other projects.

I also love the Pozy Toes Crochet Slippers but, much to my surprise, I don’t have a photo.

Dragonflies

Holiday Socks

Basic Boot Socks

Let’s not forget about socks! All of these are mostly my own design (there is no published pattern for that middle pair, but it is someone else’s original idea). I learned the basics here and have added different stitches and designs because there’s really nothing better in the fall than having the cutest socks peeking out of the tops of your boots.

You can see more of my Fancy Footwear on A Country Yarn Handmade on Facebook.

Do you have a favorite pattern? With the cooler weather finally set to arrive, I’m on the lookout for something new!

 

It’s fall, y’all!

I know we passed the Autumnal Equinox a few weeks ago but, here in South Florida, the overnight temps finally dropped below 70 degrees F for the first time since May! It’s wonderful to venture outdoors first thing in the morning without feeling sweaty. However, the cooler temps give me goosebumps.

I have an abundance of Paton’s Beehive Baby Sport yarn in Vintage Lace and Baby Grey that I bought on clearance over a year ago. It’s so soft and lightweight that it feels like I’m working with air. I also have nearly 100 shawl and wrap patterns saved on Pinterest, so I decided that I needed to make a little something that would keep my arms warm while I walk the dogs and wait for the sun to appear.

You can find the free pattern for The Dixie Charm Shawl here. Unfortunately, I can’t link to the pattern for the border because I downloaded a diagram from a Russian site and I haven’t been able to find it online again.

My mom volunteered to model the wrap for me today (say “hi, Mom!”) and I’m hoping that I can get it back before summer rolls back around.

If  you’ve got a favorite wrap or shawl pattern, let me know in the comments. I may be needing a new one.

Mookie’s Baby Blanket

My eldest daughter Christina is expecting her second baby in November. It’s been 14 years since there’s been a new boy in the family, so we’re especially excited this time around. And since I learned to crochet less than 4 years ago, this is my first opportunity to make ALL OF THE BABY THINGS!!

The expectant mother and I looked over several different baby blanket patterns before settling on one. Funny enough, while I was waiting for the yarn to arrive I came across two compatible free patterns that gave us exactly the blanket she had in mind and the perfect border, too. The result is nothing short of outstanding, if I do say so myself.

The blanket is oversized for a stroller blanket, measuring 42-1/2″ by 32″ without the border. For the waves I used this Summer Mist Throw Pattern from Yarnspirations; for the stripes I used this Elegant Squares Baby Blanket Pattern I found on DailyCrochet.com; and for the border I used this Pink Wave Edge Tutorial by Elena Kozhukhar.

This was the first time I used Caron Super Value yarn, and I must tell you that it is remarkably soft for a value yarn. I plan to keep more of it in my stash in the future.

There are more details on my Ravelry project page, and I am already working on a coordinating tote bag using the remainder of the yarn.

If you love a good CAL, check this out

I’ve been neglecting my crochet blog, mostly because of kids and crochet. I’ve got beautiful projects to share with you, but I’m out of the habit on getting online with any regularity.

And then a few days ago I received an email that was exciting! There’s a new CAL starting that will provide you with 12 patterns to create a spa basket. I’ve done blankets and apparel and even a Boho Chic bag, but a dozen spa worthy goodies sounds amazing!

There’s also a contest with spa worry prizes to treat yourself or add to your project for a gift that special someone will remember. You can find all the details at this Stitches and Scraps page. Be sure to let me know in the comments that you’ve joined one (or both) of the CAL groups so I can look for your progress photos!