Crocheted Bunting Pattern

One Sunday afternoon this Summer I started crocheting these triangles and before I knew it there were enough for a bunting! 

A quick puff of steam from the iron and a bit of tugging made all the points Pretty and Perky.  =)  I was delighted with the results and set about to find the Perfect Place to display my new bunting.

Across the mantel ... no.

Tacked to the bookcase ... no. 

Sewing Room window ... yes!

Here is a close up off the triangle:

And here is the pattern:

Crocheted Triangle Bunting

Rowan Cotton 4 ply yarn & Susan Bates size E hook

Round 1:

• Chain 6 and join with slip stitch to form circle.

• Ch 3 (= 1 DC), 4 DC, Ch 3 ... 1st side and corner done

• 5 DC, Ch 3 ... 2nd side and corner done

• 5 DC, Ch 3 ... 3rd side and corner done

• Slip stitch to top of first ch 3 to finish round

• Clip yarn and pull through loop to fasten.

Round 2:

• Slip stitch new color in any Ch3 corner to join

• Chain 3 (= 1 DC), 2 DC, Ch3, 3DC ... 1st corner done 

• 1 DC in the next 5DC ... 1st side done

• 3DC, Ch3, 3 DC in the chain 3 loop ... 2nd corner done

• 1 DC in the next 5DC ... 2nd side done

• 3DC, Ch3, 3 DC in the chain 3 loop ... 3rd corner done

• 1 DC in the next 5DC ... 3rd side done

• Slip stitch to top of first ch 3 to finish round

• Clip yarn and pull through loop to fasten.

Round 3:

• The corners are made the same way as in Round 2 - 3DC, Ch3, 3DC

• The sides are made the same way as in Round 2, except you will make 11 DC instead of 5 DC.

• Slip stitch to join round.

• Clip yarn to pull through loop and fasten off.

Round 4: 

• The corners are made the same way as in Round 3 - 3DC, Ch3, 3DC
  

• The sides are made the same way as in Round 3, except you will make 17 DC instead of 11 DC.
  

• Slip stitch to join round.
  

• Clip yarn to pull through loop and fasten off.

Joining Triangles:

• Layout triangles in the order you'd like them connected and choose the yarn you want to use across the tops to join them

• Chain 25 to 30 to form a string for attaching to wall, bookcase, or mantel.

• SC across the top of the first triangle ... 23 stitches total.

• Pick up the 2nd triangle and SC across the top of it ... 23 stitches total.

• Continue in this manner until all triangles are connected.

• Chain 25 or 30 for the second string to match the other side.  

Ta-Dah!!!!

Finding a Palette with Paint Chips

These two questions pop up a lot on Ravelry in regards to starting a new crochet project ...

"How do I choose colors that look good together?"

AND

"How many colors do I need?"

Tutorial - Crocheted Treasure Bag

These darling bags were a HIT as Abigail's birthday party take-home favors.  So I thought I'd share the pattern with you. =)

I used Rico Creative Cotton (Lucy Pack) and a size 4.5mm Susan Bates crochet hook.

Round 1:  
Chain 5 and join together to form a circle with a slipstitch.
Chain 3 (equals a DC), 11 DC into circle.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
12 DC total.

Round 2:
Chain 3 (equals a DC).
DC into same stitch.
2 DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
24 DC total.

Round 3:  
Chain 3 (equals a DC).
DC into same stitch.
** 1 DC into next stitch.  2 DC into next stitch.
Repeat from ** all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
36 DC total.

Round 4:  
Chain 3 (equals a DC).
DC into same stitch.
** 1 DC into next 2 stitches.  2 DC into next stitch.
Repeat from ** all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total.
Cut yarn and pull through slip stitch to secure.

The base of the bag is done.  You will no longer increase in each row but work around evenly to form the sides of the bag.

Round 5: 
Attach new color by slip stitching into any stitch.
Chain 3 (equals 1 DC).
DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total

Round 6:
Chain 3 (equals 1 DC).
DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total
Cut yarn and pull through slip stitch to secure.

Repeat Round 5 & 6 three more times, changing colors at the beginning of Round 5 so that stripes are formed.

A picture is worth a thousand words.  =)

Round 13:
Attach new color by slip stitching into any stitch.
Chain 3 (equals 1 DC).
DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total

Border:
I'm very partial, as you know, to a scalloped border, so that's what I did as the last row.  You may do the same or change it to whatever border you fancy.  A picot or v-stitch border would look very nice!

Drawstring:
Crochet a string 60 chains long.  I tried all sorts of numbers -- 50 is too short and 75 is too long.  =)  Thread it over and under through the last row of DCs.  Knot ends together.  Add some beads if you have them handy.

They don't take much time to make -- perhaps an hour each.  =)  Fill the bag with little goodies and you have sweet and thoughtful present ... Mother's Day, Teacher Gifts, Shower Favor, or Just Because.

Happy Hooking!

Erin

Edited 8/9/11 - Correction made in Round 4!

Rainbow Granny Blanket ... PATTERN

This pattern came out of my head and onto paper much easier then I anticipated.  =)  So let's get started:

YARN

Blocks:

 Patons Classic Wool

Bright Red (BR) -- Currant (CR) -- Water Chestnut (WC) -- Old Gold (OG)

Lemongrass (LM) -- Leaf Green (LG) -- Emerald (EM) -- Aquamarine (AQ)

Royal Blue (RB) -- Royal Purple (RP) -- Orchid (OR)

Checkerboard Border:

Patons Classic Wool - Dark Charcoal

Lions Brand Fisherman's Wool - Natural

It took a bit of searching to find all the colors but my tenacity paid off.  =)  I used up pretty much every bit of each skein of color and even had to dip into my leftover basket to finish off a few rounds.  But it all worked out in the end.  =)

HOOK

I used my good and faithful Susan Bates size H hook ... lovely as always, my dear!

SIZE

5 round Granny Square  - this is my favorite tutorial if you need a little refresher course.  =)

63 squares (7 across x 9 down)

 

COLOR SEQUENCES

Make 3 of each, following the abbreviations next to the colors:

• Bright Red, Currant, Water Chestnut, Old Gold , Lemongrass
• Leaf Green, Emerald, Aquamarine, Royal Blue, Royal Purple
• Orchid, Bright Red, Currant, Water Chestnut, Old Gold
• Lemongrass, Leaf Green, Emerald, Aquamarine, Royal Blue
• Royal Purple, Orchid, Bright Red, Currant, Water Chestnut
• Old Gold, Lemongrass, Leaf Green, Emerald, Aquamarine
• Royal Blue, Royal Purple, Orchid, Bright Red, Currant
• Water Chestnut, Old Gold, Lemongrass, Leaf Green, Emerald
• Aquamarine, Royal Blue, Royal Purple, Orchid, Bright Red
• Curant, Water Chestnut, Old Gold, Lemongrass, Leaf Green
• Emerald, Aquamarine, Royal Blue, Royal Purple, Orchid
• Lemongrass, Old Gold, Water Chestnut, Currant, Bright Red
• Royal Purple, Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Emerald, Leaf Green
• Old Gold, Water Chestnut, Currant, Bright Red, Orchid
• Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Emerald, Leaf Green, Lemongrass
• Water Chestnut, Currant, Bright Red, Orchid, Royal Purple
• Aquamarine, Emerald, Leaf Green, Lemongrass, Old Gold
• Currant, Bright Red, Orchid, Royal Purple, Royal Blue
• Emerald, Leaf Green, Lemongrass, Old Gold, Water Chestnut
• Bright Red, Orchid, Royal Purple, Royal Blue, Aquamarine
• Leaf Green, Lemongrass, Old Gold, Water Chestnut, Currant
• Orchid, Royal Purple, Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Emerald

ASSEMBLY

I decided not to block the granny squares before adding the final border and joining them together.  That was my choice ... you may feel free to block them if that's your thing.  =)  Lay them out on the floor in a please arrangement (remember 7 across and 9 down).

Each square has two rounds of border color and it was in the second round that I used the Join as You Go method of connecting it to it's neighboring square.  Worked out just ducky ... pleased as punch with the results!

BORDER

Very Simple ... 

First Row - granny clusters all around the blanket with no chain one between clusters

I followed this technique to combat any "ripple effect" that is so common in crocheted blankets.  It works like a charm!

Second row  - chain 4, slip stitch in space between 3 DC cluster.  Repeat this around blanket so you have little "loops."

Third row - 5 single crochet in each "loop" all around the blanket.  These makes a very simple but pretty scallop.  

I just re-read this post and it makes sense ... to me.  =)  Please, please, please post questions or email if you'd like to me explain something differently.  

Love always,

Erin

Chex Mix ... a Favorite Fall Snack

 

  Mr. K has eaten this all his life and it is his FAVORITE snack.  =)  

His Grandma made it for him as a child.  

His sister, Amy, made it for him when he was in college.  

Now I make it for him and maybe one day I'll pass the torch on to Abigail.  =)

Melt 1 stick of butter in the microwave.  Add season salt and Worcestershire sauce.  Mix well with a fork.

In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex/Crispix, Cheerios, Goldfish, and Honey Roasted Peanuts.

Pour butter mixture over dry cereal mixture and gently stir together.  

Divide between two cookie sheets and bake for 1 hour at 250 degrees.  

Stir and rotate cookie sheets 3 times during that hour.

It is SO good and SO easy to make.  

I might even call it healthy ... at least you know EXACTLY what is in it!

CHEX MIX

1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

1 1/4 teaspoons season salt

4 1/2 teaspoons Worchestershire Sauce

4 cups Chex or Crispix cereal

2 cups Cheerios

1 cup Goldfish (original recipe calls for pretzels but Mr. K doesn't like them)

1 cup honey roasted peanuts (original recipe called for dry roasted peanuts)

Mix wet ingredients.

Mix dry ingredients.

Combine together and spread on cookie sheets.

Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour - stir every 20 minutes.

Store in gallon Ziploc bag (if it lasts that long LoL).

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Love,

Erin

Granny Log Cabin

Thanks for waiting so patiently as I put this tutorial together!

I did it Sunday night after Abigail went to bed and it took me about an hour to crochet and assemble the whole potholder.

Scraps and leftovers are perfect for this project!

I used Cotton Ease and a size H hook for the sample but I think a heavy weight worsted wool yarn like Stitch Nation Full O Sheep would work great.  =)  

If you use a normal worsted weight like Peaches N Cream or Patons Classic Wool, I'd go down to a size G hook.

Let's get started.  =)

Step 1:

Crochet a 2 round granny square.

 Fasten off and weave in ends.

 Note - Traditional Log Cabins have a red or yellow center.

Step 2:

Starting at a corner, fasten on new color with a slip stitch.   

Chain 2 - this is equal to 1 DC.

 2 more DC in this corner to form a 3 DC cluster.

 3 DC cluster in next space (middle).   

3 DC cluster in corner.

 Chain 2 and turn work over.

Step 3:

Chain 2 from previous step equals first DC.

 3 DC clusters in next two spaces.

 1 DC to finish row.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

 Turn clockwise to start new color.

Step 4:

Starting at a corner, fasten on new color with a slip stitch.  

 Chain 2 - this is equal to 1 DC.

2 more DC in this corner to form a 3 DC cluster.

3 DC cluster in next two spaces.

 3 DC cluster in corner. 

Chain 2 and turn work over.

Step 5:

Chain 2 from previous step equals first DC.

3 DC clusters in next three spaces.

1 DC to finish row.   

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Flip work over so that the “right” side of the center granny is showing.

Step 6:

Turn clockwise and fasten on new color.

Continue crocheting each “log” as explained in Step 2 and Step 3.

In this Yellow Log there are 4 DC clusters in the first row and 3 DC clusters sandwiched between a 2 chain “DC” and a regular DC.

Step 7: 

Turn clockwise and fasten on new color.

Continue crocheting each “log” as explained in Step 2 and Step 3.

In this Orange Log there are 5 DC clusters in the first row and 4 DC clusters sandwiched between a 2 chain “DC” and a regular DC.

Step 8:

Continue adding “logs” until the block is as large as you would like it to be. 

Two rounds of “logs” is the perfect size for a hot pad!

Weave in any loose ends if you haven’t done so already and snip.

Naughty me ... my tails aren't snipped yet!

Step 8:

Crochet a 6 round granny square for the back.

 Hold Log Cabin granny and solid granny wrong sides together and join with a single crochet.

Add one more row if you’d like.  A clam shell border is very charming!

Wasn’t that SOOOOO fun and amazingly easy???? 

Wouldn’t these make lovely holiday & house-warming gifts????

I can’t wait to see what lovely creations you crochet with this pattern.  

 Promise you will email me pictures!

Love,

Erin

XOXO

Hearty Vegtable Soup

Let's cook together this morning!  Run around the kitchen and gather all these ingredients.  Don't forget TWO cans of diced tomatoes and TWO cartons of chicken broth.  I did.  =)

Chop up the onion.  This was a particularly big one so I reserved some of it for our pizza tomorrow night.  Did you know there is an art to cutting an onion?  Watch this short video to learn how.  =)

Drizzle a bit of olive oil in the bottom of a big stock pot and dump in the chopped onion.  Add a generous sprinkle of salt and a good pinch of black pepper.  Stir and saute until the onions are translucent.  

Take two cartons of chicken broth, two cans of diced tomatoes (with the juices) and one can of tomato paste and add them to the onion mixture.  Give it a good swish with a wooden spoon or whisk to break up and blend the tomato paste.  I like to turn the burner down to low at this point so I don't get tomato juice eruptions all over my stove-top. 

Wash the veggies under cold running water.  You'll need four stalks celery, five carrots, and two to three potatoes.  I happened to have some mini Red Bliss potatoes growing eyes that needed to be used. I think I used about a dozen of them.  Add all three vegetables to the stockpot and give a stir to combine with the tomato/broth mixture.

 

Open up two cans of beans, drain off the juice, and give them a good rinse with cold water.  Add those to the vegetable/tomato/broth mixture and give a stir to combine.  I like to add a bit more salt and pepper before I turn the heat up to simmer for an hour.  Give the soup a couple stirs during the hour of simmering to keep any bits from sticking to the bottom of the stock-pot.

Here's my lunch!  It tastes really good.  The vegetables are tender but not mushy.  It's seasoned perfectly.  The pepper adds a nice kick without being spicy.  And my favorite part ... this is such a frugal meal to make.  =)

HEARTY VEGETABLE SOUP

• 1 1/2 cups diced onion
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 tablespoons EVOO
• 2 cups diced potatoes (3 large potatoes)
• 2 cups diced carrots (5 carrots)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (4 stalks)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained (SORRY, I completely forgot this!)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste

Saute onions with salt and pepper in EVOO.  Add broth and tomatoes to stock pot; whisk until smooth.  Add vegetables.  Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes. 

TUTORIAL ~ Easy Hostess Gift

Items Needed:

• One new dishcloth
• Small handful of wrapped chocolates - the darker the better. =)
• Small rubber band
• 18" matching ribbon

How To:

1. Lay dishcloth diagonally on a flat surface.
2. Place handful of chocolates in center of dishcloth.
3. Gather 4 corners and 4 sides together and fasten with a rubber band.
4. Tie ribbon around dishcloth to cover rubber band.
5. Cut ends on an angle so they look pretty.
6. Present to hostess.

This was very fast to put together and didn't break the budget at all. I think these would make lovely wedding shower or ladies brunch favor.

God Bless,

ERIN =)

How to Draft a Cloth Diaper Pattern

These are the supplies that you need to draft a diaper pattern:
Paper grocery bag, ruler/yard stick, pencil, eraser, sharpie marker,
and several Tupperware lids and containers.

Cut open the paper grocery bag and fold out all the seams so that it lays flat.

Take your child's measurements over a diaper. The waist measurement is taken at the belly button. The rise measurement is taken from the belly button, down through the legs, and up the back to where the belly button would be if it was on the back.

Now reference lines need to be drawn. I line up my ruler along the vertical seam in the bag and make a line 16 inch long. This is the crotch. At the top of the line I make another line perpendicular to it. I measure out 9 inches each way. This is the waist measurement (9+9=18 inches). On the other end of the vertical line, I mark the tummy panel line, which is 1/2 the size of the waist measurement or 9 inches.


All reference lines are made and the measurement notations are made on the grocery sack: Waist = 18"/ Rise = 16"/ Tummy = 9"; **NOTE: I used a sharpie marker so that you could see the lines in the photos, but I would recommend using a pencil first and when the entire pattern is drafted, go over it with a sharpie.**


Divide the rise reference line measurement by 2 (8") and make a small tick mark.


Then measure down 1 1/2 - 2 inches down from that mark and make another tick mark. This is the crotch line. The back part of the diaper needs to be loner to accommodate the baby's tushy. If you have a boy, you might want to place the crotch line right in the middle of the rise reference line to accommodate his "equipment".


Draw your crotch line. I like my diaper's to be quite trim through the crotch, so I made it 5 inches. A nice reference list of diaper measurements can be found here.


Take a medium sized Tupperware bowl or lid and draw the front panel to crotch curves. I used the same lid for both convex and concave curves. You can take another small Tupperware lid or bowl and curve the front panel line so that it isn't square, but I like to keep my pattern like this. It makes it easier to adapt to a pocket diaper.


Use a small Tupperware lid or bowl (I think the snack cup works perfectly) to draw the wasit tabs. You can either line up the cup with the end of the line and draw the curve . . . . OR


. . . Line up the cup so that the curve merges with the end of the line and draw. This application is best suited if you want to have cross-over tabs.


Take a large Tupperware lid or bowl and draw lines to connect the crotch line to the tabs.


Now your pattern is done! Almost . . .


If you are using knit fabrics for your diaper, cut out the pattern as is. If you are using wovens, you need to add a seam allowance. Rubber band 2 pencils together and run them along the outside lines of your diaper. This will give you a perfect 1/4 inch seam allowance. =)


Cut out your diaper pattern - this pattern is for knits.


Fold in half to make sure all curves are symmetrical.
My tabs weren't so I trimmed them to be the same.


The elastic placement needs to be marked next. Fold up the tummy panel to line up with the crotch line. Make little marks at these folds close to the edge of the pattern.


I like to use a hole punch to mark my elastic placements.
Then I can just dot the fabric with a wash-away pen.


I find the waist elastic measurement by taking 1/2 of the waist measurement, divide it by 3, and measure in that amount from the back tabs. Make a mark with a pen or by punching a hole.

Take the ruler and measure straight down to the bottom of the waist tab and make a mark with a pen or by punching a hole.

Here is the diaper pattern with all elastic measurements marked and cut out.
Remember your measurements may be different then mine.
Good luck on drafting your own pattern and happy sewing!

God Bless,

ERIN =)