Winterberry Pot holder Pattern

IT’S WINTER AGAIN!  And it’s been a cold one this year, in the North East.  Time to pick up the crochet hook.   I was looking for a little project, and came across this pot holder I made back in 2018.  So Pretty!  Think this is it.

 I copied the pattern as Patty’s Winterberry Pattern, January 2018.   Tried to find it again on the internet, so I could link you to it, but was unsuccessful.  I rarely buy patterns, so I got this for FREE someplace.  So thank you Patty for sharing this pattern with me.  Hope you don’t mind that I’m sharing it.  I really appreciate it when someone shares a pattern, so I hope this will make someone’s day.  If you see this Patty & do mind, let me know & I will take it down.

 Patty’s Winterberry Pattern::

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn 2 oz. Honeydew (or any light green) and Cream (or any off white)

Crochet Hook Size G or 4.50mm

Weave ends as you work.

With Honeydew ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), dc in ring, ch 2, (2 dc, ch 2) 5 times in ring; join with sl st to first dc (now and throughout). 6 ch-2 sps.

Note: Work beginning shell as follows: sl st in next dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp.

Rnd 2: Work beg shell, ch 2, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp (shell made), ch 1, 8 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, work shell in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, work shell in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 8 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; join.

Rnd 3: Work beg shell, * ch 2, skip next ch-2 sp, work shell in next shell (ch-2 sp), ch 1, 2 dc in each of the next 3 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in each of the next 4 dc (total of 15 dc), ch 1 *, work shell in next shell, repeat from * to * once; join.

Rnd 4: Work beg shell, * ch 2, work shell in next shell, ch 1, dc in next 15 dc, ch 1 *, work shell in next shell, repeat from * to * once; join, finish off.

Rnd 5: Join Cream with sl st in beg shell; ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, * ch 2, work shell in next shell, ch 2, 1 dc between each post (not in top loops) of next 15 dc (total 14 dc made), ch 2, work shell in next shell, repeat from * to * once; join.

Rnd 6: Work beg shell, * ch 2, work shell in next shell, ch 2, skip next ch-2 sp, sc between next two dc posts, (ch 3, sc between next two dc posts 12 times), ch 2 *, work shell in next shell, repeat from * to * once; join.

Rnd 7: Work beg shell, * ch 2, work shell in next shell, ch 2, sc in next ch-3 loop, (ch 3, sc in next loop 11 times), ch 2 * , work shell in next shell, repeat from * to * once; join.

Rnds 8 through 17: Repeat Rnd 7 (one less ch-3 loop each round. Rnd 17 should have only one ch-3 loop on each side).

Rnd 18: Work beg shell, ch 2, work shell in next shell, ch 2, dc in ch-3 sp, ch 2, shell in next shell, ch 2, work shell in next shell, ch 2, dc in last ch-3 sp, ch 2, join.

Rnd 19: Sl st in next dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3,dc in same sp, work 2 dc in each of the next 3 shells; join, finish off.

FINISHING: Join Honeydew with sl st at top of winterberry and ch 8, join with sl st to form ring. Work 25 sc in ring, sl st in first sc; join with sl st in same st as beginning ch-8; finish off.

Chicken potholder

These are so cute.  Made them in multiple colors.  This one is made with 1 strand of cotton yarn.  Suggest using 2 strands, much thicker, perfect for placing hot dishes & pots on.

This pattern is from Crochet Jewel - YouTube

There’s a printed pattern on how to crochet a chicken pot holder at Amyscrochet patterns.com

Free Christmas tree dishcloth pattern

 I like making dishcloths☺️This is the first crochet dishcloth I’ve found that I think I’ll like to use.  Maybe even make them for Christmas presents next year, if I can find a better color green cotton yarn.

It was so nice of Maria of Pattern-paradise.com to share this pattern for FREE!  You rarely get nice patterns for FREE!  She even  gives a a free template to use as a wrap, for a gift.

Learned a new stitch here, a bobble stitch. 

Easy Winter Children’s hat

I needed a quick winter hat to make for my grand kids, for when they visit.  Their grand pa, that they call Beep, loves to take them outside.  

This pattern is such a good idea! Instead of crocheting stitches into a magic circle.  You crochet rows into the circle 😳.  Which makes this hat come together very fast.  I got the pattern at richtexturescrochet.com

I used Bernat Softee yarn, I had on hand, to make this one.  That was a mistake!  Was too soft and lost its shape very fast.  Bold by Sugar Bush yarn was used by richtexturescrochet.com  I couldn’t get it at my local fabric store, so I bought Lion Bran Wool Ease to make my next hat. Made a much nicer hat.  So be careful what yarn you choose, because there’s no band on this hat to keep its shape.

When making the hat for my 10 month old grandchild, the 12-24 month instructions made a good fit.  The instructions for child fit the 3 year old.

This is the pattern to make the baby hat from previous post to match the booties.

Baby hat to match booties

Circular needles

Bernat baby fingering yarn/ baby blue

Cast on 80 stitches

Work in round 

WORK BAND:

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: Knit

Row 4: Purl

Round 5-10 k1,p

Knit in round until piece measures 4”

K2tog (40 stitches)

K2tog (20 stitches)

K2tog (10 stitches)

K2tog (5 stitches)

With tapestry needle thread end through stitches and secure.

Make pompom attach to top.

Was looking for a seamless baby bootie to make for my grandson. This is the pattern with the changes I made to make booties shown in picture. I learned a few new things with this pattern.  Russian grafting to cast off, ssk, and how she prevents the dip where it is joined in the round.  I can’t wait to meet my new grandson in March, These booties will be perfect! Hope they fit. 

Baby Bootie without sewn seem

You can get the original Hodge baby bootie pattern from knitknitffrog on Raverly

(Made some changes to it, to get the bootie I wanted)

Pattern is made to fit new born (3-6 months size in brackets)

Bernat baby fingering weight/ baby blue

Size 1 - 5 DPN needles

Abbreviations

St(s) -Stitches

s1 -slip one stitch as if to purl with yarn in back

K2tog -Knit2 stitches together

P2tog- Purl 2 stitches together

Ssk- slip 1 stitch as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to knit, replace both stitches to left needle, knit both together through back loops.

Gauge: 7 spi (any looser than 8.5 spi won’t stay on)

START:cast on 36(40) stitches, join in the round, careful not to twist.  Place marker to indicate start of round, will be center back of bootie.

Learned something new:  she added 1 extra stitch when casting on, slide last cast on st ,from right needle to left needle, lift 1st over last, then return st back to right needle. This eliminates the dip where join is.

WORK GARTER BAND around cuff:

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: Purl

Round 3: Knit

Round 4: Purl

WORK CUFF:

Rounds 5-14: Knit

Round 15: Purl

Round 16: Knit

Round 17-26: k1,p1 rib

At end of this turn work inside out, so that you are working on wrong side. Start knitting, making this the right side. (This allows the cuff to fold down) to prevent hole where you reverse, swap position of 1st and last stitches.

Round 27: Knit. 

(I changed pattern on row 27,only worked 1 row instead of original patterns 4 rows of knit)

KNIT THE INSTEP EXTENSION:

Row 1: Knit 23(25) stitches, turn

Row 2: s1, p1, turn

Row 3: s1, k9, turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have 7(9) loops up each side of instep.

ROUND OFF TOE of instep a little:

Row 1: s1, p9, turn

Row2: s1, k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1, turn

Row 3: s1, p7, turn

s1, k7

( from beginning of instep extension to this point, tried to get 10(12) loops up each side of instep to pick up.  Couldn’t figure out the original pattern on Raverly)

PICK UP stitches around instep:

Pick up and knit into back of 10(12) stitches down side of instep, knit around cuff to other side of instep and pick up and knit into back loop of 10(12) stitches along other side of instep.  Knit to end of round stopping at center back of shoe. 54(58) stitches

WORK SIDE OF FOOT: (changed original pattern here)

K1 Round, P1 Round

Repeat until you have 5garter stitch ridges (end on P)

SOLE: (original pattern has you k here, changed pattern)

Row 1: p4 ssk, turn

( I rearranged stitches so there were 10 on nee

(Be careful where your working yarn is when your purling and knitting)especially after slipping stitch on wrong side.  Bring working yarn under sl st as if to knit so you don’t wrap your working yarn around the slipped stitch.

Row2 (wrong side): s1, k8, p2tog, turn

Row 3 (right side): s1, k8, ssk, turn

Repeat these 2 rows until there are 10 stitches left on toe and 10 stitches on heel needle.

Use russian grafting to cast off.  Many good tutorials on the internet.  Basically, with working yarn at end, take first stitch off toe needle and leave on crochet hook, remove 1 stitch from sole needle and through your hook loop.  Continue this way until all stitches are chained through each other.  Cut yarn and pull through last stitch left on hook.  To secure cast off. Weave in ends.

I just saw this video on Face Book about joining yarn that I wanted to share.   A lot of you are probably laughing, that I'm so excited about it, because you've been using it forever.  The link explains 5 ways to join yarn, the one I'm excited about is the first one explained, The Twist method.  This will sure make it alot easier, no more weaving in the ends.
http://crochet.diyeverywhere.com/2017/04/15/5-quick-and-easy-ways-to-join-new-yarn-in-crochet-/?src=fbfan_59548&t=fbad&up=20170429&k=lgvhmus00167

Entrelac Knitting.....I have to try it!

Do projects find you?  Wasn't really looking for a new project and this caught my attention at http://entrelacknitting.blogspot.com/2011/07/entrelac-scarf-knitting-pattern.html

I think I want to make a neck warmer in a ombre yarn, so I don't have to keep changing colors.  Probably have to find a yarn that will make wide stripes.  Better do some more reading before I run out and purchase yarn to find out what you need to get this effect.  Glad this project found me....it just might be the distraction I need right now.  I'll be updating when I find a pattern and yarn.  Right now I need to go back to sleep!

My 2nd go at making socks was MUCH easier!

I made this sock with Patons Harvest Classic Wool yarn from a pattern at http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/amazing_feets.php
My shoe size is a 7 1/2.  Using the directions for a size M and 4.0 mm knitting needles, they fit perfectly.
This was a great pattern to follow, everything was explained so well, was so much easier to follow than the pattern I used in my last post.  I found a video on You Tube that was really helpful for grafting the toe.  It explained the Kitchener stitch for grafting the toe of the sock.  Kitchener was a general in WW1 who came up with a way to graft the toe of socks  so that it would be a smooth join and wouldn't rub. Here is a link:   http://youtu.be/u68wL_qQkB.
Now that I have the hang of it I'm going to try using sock yarn, instead of the classic wool, to see how that turns out.

Finally finished my first sock!

Finally finished my first sock!!
 The pattern was from Follow the Basic Top-Down Sock Pattern - For Dummies

www.dummies.com/how-to/.../follow-the-basic-topdown-sock-pattern.html

 Sounds like it will be easy..right?  I must really be a dummy because it took a lot of help from You Tube to figure this pattern out.
 Considering how long it took me to make one sock, if it got a hole in it, it would get fixed.   I now understand why women used to fix holes in socks back in the day.
Well, got to get started on the next one, if I want to wear them this winter.

Not making much progress on the sock project...keep getting distracted.

The weather in Pittsburgh this summer has been so weird, it almost feels like fall is here already.  Feeling like knitting today but can't find the sock I was working on lol.  July 5th (when I started it) seems like it was so long ago.

Took it with me to work on when I went to Niagara Falls with my husband on business.  Turns out there was too many other things to do there than knit.  I don't have much experience at slot machines but decided to try my luck at the casino. The crowd seemed to be all senior citizens so I fit right in.  My husband tells me that when you double your money you should walk away....did I listen?  NO.  Anyway, I was playing this machine and it started playing music, REALLY loud.  It was REALLY noticeable at 8:30 am!  No, I didn't win a lot of money...just free games. The machine locked up and there was no button to push to start the free game, was so embarrassed because I didn't know what to do!  Should I just walk away?  Hell no....I want my free game lol.   Finally, after what seemed like forever, an employee was close by and she told me I had to choose 3 that matched from the flashing graphics at the top of the machine, to see how many free games I won. Whoever was watching the security camera probably got a good laugh.  I'm finally starting to have some fun playing the slot machines.  Is that a good thing?  As long as you break even or WIN.
Back to the sock....got distracted again blogging.  I remember getting to the interesting part of making the heel.  Have to go find it so I can make some progress.

Starflower Dishcloth from Knit Picks

The pattern for this dishcloth was fun to figure out.....think that's the reason I like to knit.   You can find it at KnitPicks.com. I had some trouble with row 11 of the edging.  To get row 12 to work, I had to use 6 stitches to bind off and only knit 2 then knit 2 together.  Still have to block it.  It's too pretty to wash dishes with!

So excited to start my next project.  To give my thumb a rest I was looking for something to crochet and I found it at a local bar.  The bartender had on a lace topper that was exactly what I've been looking for.  I CAN MAKE THAT!  Here we go again......


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Rainy day....perfect for starting a new project.

It's so hard to find the time to knit and crochet now that summer is here.  There are so many things I want to try to make.  The osteoarthritis in my thumb flared up from knitting so much over the winter so taking  a little break helped it feel a little better.  I have to figuer out a way to knit without using it so much.  Crocheting doesn't bother it as much as knitting but I prefer the way a knitted project looks compared to one that is crocheted.  So I decided making something small might be a good idea.  
It's going to be a rainy day in the Burgh today so it's the perfect time to get started.
I've been following Knit Picks, they have so many unique dishcloth patterns.  Think I like the Starflower pattern at this link: Knit Picks.com  It is under their free patterns.
Enough talking about it....time to knit.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Revived....dead fish hat

My model is Edmond Marsh, my son's Cabbage Patch Kid from 1984.









Adapting the dead fish pattern from Knitty.com and small mouth bass pattern posted on Knittingparadise.com by knittingema3, I came up with this hat that fits a little girl who is 1 1/2 years old.
The first problem I had with the pattern from knitty.com was that it said to knit in stockinette st until it measured 1.5" to form the lips.  That doesn't work when your using dpn because your not turning your work.  So referring to the small mouth bass pattern, she said to knit in round.  This produced the curling you need.
The next problem, when shaping the mouth you work back and forth using W&T.  This means you bring the yarn to front of work between needles, slip next stitch back to left needle, bring yarn around this stitch to back of work, slip stitch back to left needle, turn work to begin purling in the other direction.  Anyway, when counting the # of stitches in the pattern to knit the next row, sometimes the next W&T would fall at the same spot as the previous one. Wether it was me or the pattern that was causing this, you just have to make sure you go past the previous W&T before you make the next W&T or you will get a hole.
I learned another new stitch with this pattern, SSK.  This means slip two stitches as if to knit then knit  them together.  I had to seek the help of You Tube again at www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/slip-slip-knit-english to learn this one.
Thank you lady's for sharing this pattern, it was a challenge, but so cute.

Started Dead Fishy Hat...Rubber band helped keep stitches on needles

I've been wanting to make the Fish hat (dead or alive) at Knitty.com for a while.  Now that I can use double pointed needles it's time to give it a try.  Not too far into the project, my stitches started slipping off the needles.  It was after store hours so running to the store to buy those rubber stoppers wasn't an option.  Cutting a rubber band, poking a hole in it and slipping it on the needles worked really well. Problem solved!  But I have to remember to get some of those stoppers.  Can't wait to finish this hat, it's so cute.  I've had to modify it a little to fit a little child.  I hope it works out.

My obsession to spin husky hair into yarn......

A few years ago I had the opportunity to go to Kenai Alaska.  While there, we took a boat tour in Seward.  There was a woman on the boat that had a knitted headband made of husky hair.  She said it was so warm.  It was awesome....I had to have one.  This started my search.  I thought it would be easy to find, after all, I was in Alaska.  Kenai is far from where she said she bought it in Fairbanks.  Not being able to find one, I started to search for yarn made of husky hair.  Couldn't find that either.  So I had to leave Alaska with no headband and no yarn.
Like always when I see something I want I was obsessed with finding either a headband or yarn made of husky hair.  Spent hours searching the internet, just couldn't find what I wanted.

Then the bright idea.....why not make my own!   My friend has a husky.

Called her and asked if she would save me fur from her dog.  Found a local yarn shop that had spinning classes and signed up.  I was going to make that headband lol!
I enthusiastically showed up for class at Dyed In The Wool.  The realization then set in that "I was way out of their league".  But I was determined.  Picking out a drop spindle was a personal thing.  After trying a few I found one that felt comfortable with.

To put it bluntly...I sucked at spinning. IT'S HARD!  A few times the teacher grabbed my hands to try to show me what I should be doing.   And...who picked those colors?  Not very good at that either lol. My interest in spinning gradually faded although my desire to own a headband made of husky hair hasn't, it just isn't an obsession. This all took place a few years ago.  What made me think of this adventure in spinning again was a message from my friend that she has a bag of husky hair for me....can you imagine how big it is by now. Too funny. I've found places on the internet that will make it into yarn for you. Maybe that's what I should do. But I can't help feeling that I want to do it myself! Could I finally get my hands on a headband made of husky hair?

Finally finished the Golf Club Covers

I think they turned out pretty good for just learning how to use Double Pointed Needles. If you want the pattern it is in my previous post.

Pattern for Knitted Golf Club Covers

It's weird how things happen.  I wanted to learn to use double pointed needles for awhile.  My sister calls me about these golf club covers she saw on the golf course in FL.  She had seen a lot of knitted covers but these were the BEST.  A woman on the hole next to her had them so she ran over and asked her where she got the pattern because her sister just started to knit again and would really like to make them lol.  She was so nice to share the pattern with her.  I don't think she would mind if I share it with you.
So...After watching many videos on YouTube, I finally found a technique I was able to use.  (The link is in a previous post)

I used 1 ball of fun fur per club cover (1/2 ball of each color for the variegated ones) 50g each
(Something I found out too late:  Not all eyelash yarn is the same length)
2 balls of Red Heart Soft yarn for sleeves. 5 oz each
The pattern calls for 4 two oz skeins.  Maybe she used sock yarn?

KNITTED GOLF CLUB PATTERN

Materials:

4-ply knitted worsted, use 2 strands for neck of club
4 two oz skein main color
1 two oz skein for each contrasting color use
(2 strands of  "Fun Fur" and  1 strand knitted worsted for head cover part)
 1 set of (4) size 6 double pointed knitting needles.

With #6 dpn and two strands of knitting worsted, cast on 32 stitches (12-8-12) for 3,5 and 7 woods.
For driver, cast on 36 stitches (12-12-12).  For utility clubs, cast on 24 stitches (8-8-8).

Work k 2, p2 in ribbing for 8".  If you want to put in contrasting stripes to denote different clubs, do so after 4" with knit stitch only.  Work in stripes as desired.  After 8" change to 1 knitted worsted strand and 2 strands of fun fur and knit for 4" (you can try it on the club to see if length is right).  Or continue knitted worsted only.

For the driver, increase 4 more stitches (40 total). At the beginning of 4" of plain knitting.

End with shaping the top.  This adds approx. 1" to length.
Shape top:
K5, K2 together around
K 1 around
K4, K2 tog around
K 1 around
K3, K2 tog around
K1 around
K2, K2 tog around (I stopped here for 3 & 7 woods)
K1, K2 tog around
K2 tog around.  Cut yarn leaving 12" to draw through stitches on needle.

Devise your own method for stripes or:
Driver- work 2" with main color, 3 rounds of contrast color, finish with main color
#3 club-work 1" with main color, 2 rounds of cc, 2 rounds main, 2 rounds of cc, 2 rounds of main, 2 rounds of cc and finish with main color.

HINT: Measure how long you want neck to be on each club when it is in your bag and adjust     accordingly.

I found a website with Lion Brand Fun Fur at a good price....had to share!

I needed yellow Lion Brand Fun Fur for the project I'm currently working on.  I have been to every local store that carries it...even a few stores in IL when I was there last week.   Then I ran into a web site that not only carries it but it was $2 cheaper than the stores I was looking in!  Well worth the $2.39 shipping I have to pay.  Probably used 5x that much in gas driving around looking for it!  Not to mention that I'm exhausted.  So excited about getting a good deal I just had to post this to give you a link.   http://store.knitting-warehouse.com
I hate having to wait to for it to be delivered but whatca going to do.  Guess I'll have to clean or something lol,  guess it is SPRING.  Although here in Pittsburgh PA you would never know it....was actually snowing this morning.  This summer when it's 90 degrees, I will not complain!  This had to be the longest winter EVER.

Learning to use Double Pointed Needles

I woke up at 2 am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to learn how to use double pointed needles.  Seems there are A LOT of different techniques. So many videos on You Tube.

After playing around with different ways to knit on dpn, I like the one in this video.  You cast all the stitches on one needle, then knit them off to the other needles.  Once they are equally divided on the needles, you join by grabbing the tail and knitting in the tail.  Of all the techniques The one in this video at the link below is the easiest for me and it seemed to join the stitches from each needle the best.
http://youtu.be/5F1El_m_A-M


Here are the results of my first try at knitting with double pointed needles:

I know exactly what I want to make!  Have to take a little nap (it's now 9:30 am) then go find the perfect yarn.....does the time change affect anyone else this way?  I get so mixed up.  Wish they would leave it alone.