Free Double Banded Cuff pattern

a Cathy Black design

Double Banded Cuff

Bernat “Satin” : 1 skein

Metal Beaded Trim

(2) ½” DIA. snaps

Matching Thread

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Needles

Ch 13

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 4.

Row 2: yo hook 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 4.

Repeat row 2 to desired length, omitting last ch 4 on final row.

Fasten off.

Steam or block flat.

Sew edging to crochet end at a ch 3 section. Weave over then under posts. Sew end of edging to opposite end.

Tack edging woven under.

Repeat edging on other side.

Sew on snaps at each corner for closures.

Vogue Knitting Crochet magazine

I have mine...did you get yours?

So far I am only a few pages into it, but I LOVE it.  I have just read some of the articles and trend reports and have been very impressed.  It seems like I am reading a fashion/trend magazine right now instead of a crochet pattern magazine.  I am hoping that with the increased fashion showcasing crochet on the runways that there will be enough interest to keep Vogue doing on issue.  At least more often than once every 18 years!

Lets see how many patterns I will have to add to my to do list by the last page!  That will be the true test of how much I like an issue.  The most I usually like is only 2 patterns.  I will keep you posted.

Free Beaded Bracelet pattern

a Cathy Black design

Beaded Bracelet

Bernat “Satin” : 1 skein

Pearls

Seed Beads

Two-strand Metal Clasp

Matching Thread

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Needles

Ch 9

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook. Ch 4.

Row 2: yo hook 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 4.

Repeat row 2 to desired lenght.  On last row finish off instead of ch 4.

Steam or block flat.

Attach thread at end of a “ladder rung.“ Thread 4 pearls in each center of each section. Tie off at opposite end of length on a “ladder rung.”

Attach thread on bottom side of crochet bracelet. Threading through center of crochet length, sew 1 pearl in each space between clusters, and 3 seed beads on top of cluster centers. Tie off at bottom of last 3 bead cluster.

Attach clasp at ends.

Progress on the hairpin lace

I have managed to complete all three sections of the hairpin lace for the Just Married Shawl, and actually have already hooked the sections together.  The picture above shows me in process on the second section.  I used another yarn threaded through before I removed it from the loom to hold the stitches in front to back order.  This helped me know which direction to put the loop on my hook and be consistent.  Now I am in the process of the edging and have found that I can keep them in consistent order without the thread guide. 

So far I really like the pattern.  I am anxious to see it finished.

Free Skinny Ladder Scarf

a Cathy Black design

Skinny Ladder Scarf

RED HEART “SOFT YARN” : 1 skein

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Ch 13

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end, draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 3. Repeat from first * to drawing through 4 loops. Ch 4.

Row 2: yo 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times,draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 3. Repeat from first * to end once. Ch 4.

Repeat Row 2 to desired length.  On last row ommit ending Ch 4.  Fasten off.

Change in plans

So earlier this month I posted this post about projects to make after I got my swatches completed.  Well, I decided not to do either one of them and do something else.  I thought I would try something new. Hairpin lace. 

The pattern is the Just Married Shawl published in the recent edition of "Crochet Today!" The majority of it is three sections of hairpin lace.  In the magazine there is a tutorial of how to do the basic hairpin stitch to create the sections, but it confused me and left me with more questions than it answered.  Luckily through several different YouTube videos I was able to see what I was suppose to do, and what was being talked about in the written tutorial.  I didn't have to go out and buy a frame since I had one from a major auction score that consisted of knitting needles, crochet hooks, large wooden embroidery hoops, a couple of store bought needlepoint kits

I have already completed two sections and should complete the last one tonight.  I have managed to figure out how to do the repetitive motion with Sylvia sleeping on my chest.  Last night she even watched me and became mesmerised with the motion of the frame turning.  She quickly fell asleep.  I am using Naturally Caron Spa yarn in the misty taupe colorway.  I love the way it feels, and the color is the beautiful warm grey.  The only thing that I don't like is that it splits easy with using the G hook the pattern calls for.  I haven't used this yarn before so I'm anxious to see how it wears and how the rest of the pattern comes together. 

And, of course, Darla had to get in on the photo-op of my hairpin progress.  She is also getting used to Sylvia and now keeps us both company during the day instead of hiding like she did before.

Doing a little dance

I HAVE FINISHED ALL THE SWATCHES!

Between all my re-dos and double checking all the swatches are complete and I am satisfied with them for my CGOA Masters course.  I received the instructions at the end of December of 2011, started the swatches in the end of January 2012, and finished them today!  All that is left to do is write out the questions and put it all in a binder as instructed to be mailed for grading. 

Today feels like I'm back in high school and it is the end of school!  Time to celebrate -where's the wine?!

Another swatch re-do comparison

Here is another sample swatch that I re-did for the crochet masters program.  It is a simple fan pattern with a lot of chains.  The top sample was my first attept, and you can see that my second one was done with a larger stitch, but I still used the same hook.  The second, just like the shell basket sample, has better pattern read and also lays more square than my first attempt. 

I have all but 4 samples of the 48 swatches complete along with Season 4 of "Mad Men," ends woven and checked for correctness.  Of the last 4, 2 just need the ends woven in and the other 2 I want to re-do.  They are granny squares and they just aren't laying like I want.  Once I finish those I am to the written portion and building the binder to send in.  Now to other shows and movies while I finish these last few steps of my masters!

Shell Basket sample re-do

I showed you earlier the sample of the shell basket swatch for the CGOA Masters program.  I have redone it and I am happy that I did.  The top sample in the image is my first one you saw previously and the lower sample the newer one.  As you can see I did a larger/looser stitch, but still used the same hook.  I think you can see that the right side doesn't distort as bad, especially at the bottom where the starting chain is. 

The only thing that I still don't like is the far right column of baskets.  You can see that they lay different from all of the others.  I checked the directions and I did as they stated.  They have you work around one dc and then skip 3 where all the other baskets in the row have you only skip 2. 

I am not sure how I would use this stitch in a pattern.  Perhaps on a throw pillow for texture.  I think as a kid I would have liked to play with the little pockets.

Project motivation

I am getting close to finishing all of the swatches for the masters program.  So, to motivate me I am planning what pattern to crochet when I am done.  I have it narrowed down to two that have come out in two magazines this spring.

This Acero Lace Top by Mona Modica in the Spring 2012 "Crochet!" magazine is one that I think I will make first.  I  think it will be very versatile in my wardrobe.  How it is shown over a sheath dress would be appropriate for work, with skinny jeans and a tank would be great for a date night, and then it would be easily worn over something long sleeved for winter.  It is made using a category 1 super fine yarn so it will more than likely take me forever (think the Moth Wing Shrug that I blogged about at Christmas).

The second pattern I'm looking at is the Senorita Skirt by Dora Ohrenstein in "Crochet today!" May/June 2012.  I like the fun but classy design of it.  My only draw back is I wonder how much I would wear it.  I am having a hard time determining what type of top I would wear with it.  I can think of a tank like this for summer, and then putting a jacket and nice heels for work.  Also, it looks like I would need to line this with something to make it appropriate to wear in public. 

Hmmm....decisions decisions decisions.  Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted.

What a knot

So one weekend about a month ago I was working on my masters swatches, and it came to a point where I needed to wind the larger one pound skein I had been using into smaller center pull balls.  Breanne saw me wind the first one and asked if she could do one.  I let her thinking that there wasn't anything that we could mess up.  She held the ball winder and turned the handle.  I made sure there was steady tension on the yarn and that no knots would be wound up.  She did two balls and both went with no problems and looked great.

Fast forward to today when I started to use one of those balls.  It started out great, but not long into it I had trouble pulling the center pull string.  This had happened to me before and I pull the very center out and it easily comes free and untangles.  That portion I'm able to work through quickly and I'm back to working nicely from a center pull ball.  Not this time.  I had trouble even pulling the center out.  It ended up with a big portion coming out and me still not being able to pull any yarn loose.  My next thought was to wind the ball back up starting from the outside.  I thought this would remove whatever was causing the knot easily and the problem would be solved.  I was wrong and it just got to the same point as the other end of the yarn, as you can see from the picture above.  In the end I had to take the small hand wound ball and weave it through all of that mess.  Back and forth, back and forth, over and through.  I finally got it all untangled.  I didn't look at the clock to see when I started, it could have taken me only around 15 minutes but it felt like HOURS. 

I have it all wound back up into a center pull ball.  But, I still have another one that Breanne did, AND I don't know what we did to create such a mess so I don't know if the one I did will have the same results.  I guess time will tell.