Fall Crochet Pattern ~ Sunset Placemat and Coaster Set

To be completely honest, I am a summer person, I love the warmth, the sun and the long days. With that said we are upon the Fall season and I am not happy. The only aspect that I like are the yarn colors to celebrate this time of the year.  I choose orange, yellows, browns and rust colors for this crochet placemat and coaster set. Everywhere in my house you can find some sort of placemat. This lends itself to even an orange background, just switching the colors around.  The edgings make it a modern meets vintage crochet project.

I hope that you enjoy crocheting this placemat for your home. Pattern is below.

Until Next Time,

Cheryl 

Fall Sunset Placemat & Coaster Set

Single crocheted cotton placemat and coaster set with ribbon yarn embellishment

Sizes Included in Pattern:

Gauge is not important. Rectangle shape for the placemat and square for the coaster

Difficulty Level:  Beginner / Intermediate

Materials Used:

·        (Main color) Lily’s Sugar n’Cream Cotton yarn: yellow (Sunshine)2.5 oz, (Second color) Peaches & Crème 2.5 oz.: (Edging) Earthy Orange and

·        Lion Brand Incredible Ribbon Yarn Autumn Leaves (as the flower and edging)

·        Hook Size (s):   H and I

·        Tapestry Needle  

·        Scissors

Gauge:   

WPI = 10

Photographed placemat measures 16.5 inches across and 11.5 inches long

Rows = 11.5 inches

Edging = 1 inch

Stitches & Abbreviations Used:

·        Ch (Chain)

·        Sc (Single Crochet)

·        Dc (Double Crochet)

·        Ss (Slip Stitch)

·        St (Stitch)

·        F/O (Finish Off

Special Stitches:

Special stitch:  Twisted Edging –  video tutorial

1. Using the ribbon yarn and beginning 2 single stitches from the corner, ch 2 and sc in the first sc of the  first space, ch 3, *remove hook from last ch and insert hook under the next ch-3 of the previous row;  pick up the dropped chain of the ribbon yarn* .

2.   Ch 3 , repeat from *  to * around the entire placemat edge, ending with a ch 3 and sc in the last sc. Finish with a slip stitch.

* Specific method to change colors:  video tutorial

Using the first color, single crochet each stitch across to the next-to-the last stitch of the row.

Work the last single crochet to the point where only 2 loops are left on the hook. Drop the first yarn color and pick up the second color. Wrap the end of the second color around the hook. Draw the second yarn color through the 2 loops of the first yarn color that are on the hook,

Placemat:

Pattern Beginning:  Starting point (Single foundation crochet stitch,  see my Foundation single crochet stitch tutorial

Row 1:  Ch foundation single crochet for 51 chains.  (See note in pattern beginning) Ch 1 . Turn

Row 2:   Sc across row , ch 1, turn. Repeat for 20 rows

Row 3:  (Change colors) to single crochet band for 6 rows.

Row  4:  Change back to main color single for 7 more rows.

Edging for placemat:

1. Two hdc into corner of mat, then sc into space, * sc, hdc * , repeat around edging of mat.  At end ch 2 (or 3), join in top of first hdc with a sc stitch.

2.  See  Special stitch:  Twisted Edging

3.  Beginning at edge: sc 1, then * ch 6, skip 2 ribbon spaces join to mat with a sl stitch*.  Repeat from * to * around edge of mat.

4. Chain Edging: *Using same color as band of placemat) Beginning at edge of mat sc in corner, * ch 6, skip 2 ribbon spaces , sl st * ,  repeat from * to * around edging of coaster.

Flower:  Join ribbon yarn near top about row 5 by sc ribbon onto mat. Ch 10, join with sl st into first sc. Continue pattern to make 5 petals.

Coaster: Use H crochet hook -

1. Begin with Single foundation crochet stitch for 18 single stitches. Ch 1. Turn.

2.  Single crochet for 15 rows (See gauge notes)

3.  Edging is the same as for placemat.

Finishing Instructions/Assembly:. Weave in all loose yarns.  Blocking video placemats and coaster.

Crochet Home Decor Project

Gorgeous African print material plus black yarn = crocheted home decor

I have had this piece of gorgeous African fabric for quite awhile. (I also sew). Looking at it the other day I decided it would be a great crochet project. Planning a video tutorial to show you the outcome.

Until Next Time ~ Keep the Faith,

Cheryl

Product Review: Ottlite Craft Caddy

I received the Ottlite Craft Caddy to review and the first thing I noticed was how lightweight it is (don't want anything heavy to carry around) and the compartments. I love the compartments because I am always searching for a place to keep my crochet hooks and other tools nearby when working. To learn about the other things I feel make this a great crochet tool view my Youtube video. To purchase: there is a sale here (there is a 20% off for your first order), here is another place to purchase (also a sale)  or you can click the picture to your right under Recommendations.

Ottlite Craft Caddy

I received the product mentioned above for free using  Ottlite.com via Facebook. It came about as I was trying to order a replacement bulb for my task lamp and was asked if I would like to try this product.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally own and believe will be good for my readers. In addition I own the Ottlite Task Lamp.

Enjoy!

Cheryl

Crocheted Plarn Mat and Basket

crocheted plarn mat - bottom of crocheted cotton yarn basket

*Using plarn and crochet cotton yarn, basket is worked in rounds and using single and double crochet.

Difficulty: Easy

Materials:   About 6 plastic bags:  grocery store, or other store plastic bags

Scissors (very sharp), crochet hooks: size I/9 (5.50MM) or J/10                                         (6.00MM

          I skein of cotton crochet yarn I used this.  

          1 Stitch marker

          Optional: plastic liner for inside of basket

Stitches Used:

Single crochet (sc)

Double crochet (dc)

Preparation:  Cut plastic bags into plarn. See my video tutorial  for explanantion:

  Cut off the bags’ bottom and handles

  

                          Cut into ½ inch to 1 inch wide strips

  

                              knot the plastic strips together

  All knotted and ready to crochet with

Be sure to check the video for further explanation!

Basket Pattern:

Round 1: Crochet 3 or 4 chains. Join with a slip stitch

Round 2: Single crochet in each chain.

Round 3:  *Single crochet in single crochet, then 2 single crochet in next chain, continue around. There is no joining b/c we will crochet in the round.

Continue pattern until circle is the width you want for your basket.

Round 1: Join yarn to plarn and sc  around the circle.

Round 2: Sc around the circle.

Round 3: Dc crochet in each sc around the circle.

***If you want to change colors you can do so. **

Round 4: Continue round 3 alternating 2 rows of dc with 2 rows of single crochet until your basket is the height you desire.

Until next time

~~ Keep the Peace~ ~

Cheryl                                        

Tutorial: Adding A Lining to Crocheted Handbags

This is  a first (let me remind you first written) crochet tutorial of how I add linings to my crocheted handbags. I believe it is simple enough but always welcome questions and comments.

Laying out for measuring:

                The materials pictured below  are old (well let's say well used). After my son starting walking I got back into my sewing. I have a hem gauge I use because it is flat and has every measurement marking (1/4 inch and 1/2 inch) that I use for cutting out my material. I use the marking pen (which washes away) or the tailor's chalk to make my markings. The scissors I use are (I believe the best) Gingher pinking shears. (Yes they are older than my 21 yr old son. Pinking shears because it keeps the cotton (and other materials edges neat and from unraveling (unless you want to sew extra seams) and I don't. I also use a yardstick.


  

 

Marking:

Just in the picture above, you see my cutting board (plastic), a yard of Pellon interfacing (or your brand choice) and a yard of your choice of lining material. For this particular crocheted handbag I used the satin material instead of cotton. Both this material and cotton are great to use.   

I used my marking items (pen or chalk ) and make little markings all around the handbag. I use my yardstick to connect the dots. Then I use the pinking shears to cut out both materials. I need to say that the interfacing keeps the material from sliding around while you are cutting and sewing the material.

I use interfacing for most of my linings now to give it more body so I bought the medium weight interfacing. I laid the handbag on top of the  material and the material top of the interfacing. Then I made my markings of 2 sets: From the top,sides and bottom of the handbag mark 1/4" and then 1/2 inch on both sides and the bottom. The 1/4 inch will be an extra sew (safeguard if you will) while the 1/2 inch is the sew for the lining and to fit the bag.

Machine Settings:

Now to sew on the 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch markings on both
sides of course and the bottom.














I tuck the material right up to 1 inch below the material. There is minimal bulk. You can even press the material down with a low setting iron for a crisper edge. I generally don't have to.
 














    I then use the blind sewing stitch to attach the lining to the handbag.   This site gives a good blind stitch hand sewing tutorial.

Using the blind sewing stitch to attach the lining to the crocheted handbag

 

How the blind stitch looks just under the lining attached to the handbag

        TIP
  I hand stitch the bottom seam to the bottom of the bag. Right in the seam. Makes it very nice to pull something from your handbag and not have the whole lining be pulled up and   out of  the bag as well.

 

Tip for sewing the lining to my crocheted shell stitch cotton handbag.

Crocheted shell-stitch handbag with wooden handles

Until the next time ~ Keep the Faith and Plenty of Yarn!

~Cheryl

Fall Crocheted Ponchos

Although I am still finishing up some  summer crocheting ‬ I am already thinking about new ponchos. I love them for the Fall, comfortable,light yet warm and stylish.

Getting some patterns together for them

Crocheted mesh stitch with yarn and ribbon yarn.

 

Super soft crocheted poncho with ribbon yarn accent. Fringe made of ribbon yarn.

Until Next time keep the faith and plenty of yarn,

~ Cheryl

Crocheted Plain Trellis Stitch Head Wrap Pattern

 Some that may have followed some of my crocheting know that I love hats, facsinators and head wraps........Getting a chance to use my vintage bone crochet hook to crochet something was enjoyable. I have just about every color head wrap except gold. Gold really brightens up your skin, face and adds a nice touch to any outfit....I am a jeans person in the winter but more dresses in the summer.

How to Crochet the Trellis Stitch

Pattern:
 
Row 1: Crochet the single foundation chain. (If you forgot how here is my Foundation Single Crochet stitch .

  Work over a multiple of 4 chains plus 2. (Basically crochet enough chains as to how wide you want your head wrap to be on your head). (I always make a couple more chains then what I think I will need, because with crochet thread it is thinner and folds nicely. For mine I crocheted seventy chains.

Foundation - Row 2  Single crochet to the end of the row. crochet one chain then turn. 
Foundation  - Row  3: 1 sc into the 6th ch from hook *ch 5, sk ch3, 1 sc  into next ch, rep from * to end, turn.

Row 4 - *Ch 5, 1 sc into next ch 5 sp; rep from * to end, turn.

Rep Row 4 for length desired.

If you have any questions please post in comment section.

Thank you. Enjoy~

Until the next time keep the Faith and plenty of yarn!

~ Cheryl

Crochet Pattern Project Update

Crochet thread and vintage crochet hook

Crochet pattern

Finally had a chance to try out my vintage crochet hook (more about that in my next blog post). For the crochet head wrap pattern I wanted a very lightweight yarn for the summer months, yet one that would have a stiffness to hold my hair. 

I also wanted to use a stitch to allow comfort and finally worked that out well  too. Pattern and Youtube tutorial next post.

 I have two projects on the hooks. This yarn is my absolute favorite...silky,yet strong just enjoyable to work with. Of course I had to choose this color. This pattern should work up pretty quickly but being for a top, it is worked in a totally different manner. (More of that on the next blog post).

Crochet pattern for a top.