Tag: crochet

Crochet Chevron Blanket

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 4 Comments

My first review of this chevron crochet afghan was back in March of this year.  I made that one for myself, but this one was a Christmas gift for my daughter.  I must admit that I rather selfishly considered keeping this one, as I am so pleased with the color combination.  But no, I did not keep it lest I wouldn’t have a handmade gift for DD.  I always try to include at least one handmade item in her gifts.

The pattern is a free one from here.  I used a size I crochet hook, and the following Red Heart brand worsted weight yarn colors: 

  • Grey Heather (3 skeins)
  • Lemon (2 skeins)
  • Cherry Red (1 skein)

Now doesn’t that look warm and comfy amidst all that cold snow!?

Double Bobble Scarf

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

Here’s a beautiful scarf that I crocheted some time back, but neglected to post it here on the blog:

It’s called the Double Bobble Scarf and the pattern is in Crochet in Color by Kathy Merrick.  The whole scarf is done in an oval pattern rather than back and forth rows like a lot of crochet scarf patterns are designed.  It crochets up rather quickly and I love all those bobbles!

The best thing about this scarf is that it goes beautifully with my new Butterick Coat that is almost complete.  My coat is gray wool and the lining is lavender China silk.  I should have a full review some time next week.  Until then, here’s a picture of the almost-finished coat and the Double Bobble Scarf together.

We’re off on a camping trip this weekend.  I’ve started another crochet project that will keep me busy until I can return home to my sewing machine.  Do you have other crafty hobbies that you enjoy when you can’t be near your sewing area?

Retro-Modern Pillow

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

A crocheting camping we will go, a camping we will go . . .  DH and I finally pulled out the RV for our first camping trip this season.  We spent five glorious days and nights in the mountains doing absolutely NOTHING (except for crocheting this terrific retro-inspired pillow).

The pattern is in the Setember/October 2011 issue of Crochet Today magazine.  The pattern includes a square version and a round version.  I chose the round one simply because all my throw pillows are square and I needed to change up the mix a bit.  I used the suggested yarn colors as follows – Red Heart Super Saver #380 Windsor Blue and #313 Aran, but I couldn’t find #406 Med Thyme at my local craft store, so I used #661 Frosty Green.  The pattern calls for a crocheted front and back for a 16″ round purchased pillow form.  Being a sewer, I decided to crochet only the front panel and to use fabric for the opposite side.  I also added a scalloped crochet edge to bring it all together.  I happened to have a piece of quilter’s cotton in my stash that complemented the yarn colors perfectly.  Here’s a shot of the opposite side:

In case wondering minds want to know, here’s how I put the whole thing together. 
1.  I started with my crocheted pillow panel:

2.  After measuring to make sure it truly was 16″, I cut my cotton fabric to 16 1/2″ using a ruler and Sharpie to mark my circle.

3.  Then I sewed a 1/4″ double fold hem around the circle.  To do this, simply sew a basting stitch 1/4″ from the edge of the fabric like so:

4.  Pull up the bobbin thread and the hem will ‘fold itself over’.  Then simply fold it over on itself again and topstitch.

5.  Then, using Omega nylon thread, I hand sewed a blanket stitch around the circumference of the cotton fabric so I would have a foundation on which to crochet a row of double stitches.

6.  Finally, I used a scallop crochet pattern to attach the back to the front.  This was a really fast and easy project and it was a great addition to my square, fabric home dec pillows.