The Big Fix!

I am final back to where I was before I had to rip, everything that I had knitted. Below shows a copy of my new pattern that I had printed out. The picture directly below shows the correction of the added P1, K1, P1, so that the pattern will match the sleeves. The braid looks flat to what it will look when it is worn...it stretches out and becomes more rounded, not so limp looking. Above shows a picture of what I had to rip. (I had more done than the picture shows when I actually ripped it out. More the amount shown below.)

My First Sweater Ever and my first scarf

This is my sweater , you can tell I changed the side braids to double.

This is my knitting needles. I wanted circular and quickly found that this set was not only fantastic to use , but cheaper than buying all those sizes separately, and the fact that you can adjust them to any size you need makes them very convent. They don't snag your yarn either. The yarn flows nicely.

This is the scarf I am working on , the trim around the edges goes on last and I'm only about a third done. In crochet or knitting I always have more than one project on the go.

Bernat cashmere Natural blends Book 530164 Front cover sweater

For the first time since I started crocheting or knitting....I came across a pattern that I considered stunningly beautiful.....Bernat cashmere Natural blends Book 530164 Front cover sweater. Being a brand new knitter I check the pattern often. As I gazed at it. I was once again struck by the beauty of the pattern. For the first time I found myself wishing that I could have the designer of the pattern autograph my pattern book. (My husband is a trekkie and my house is lined with star trek pictures with autographs. I've gone along with it but was never really awe struck for an autograph.) But the thought of having my pattern book autographed, out of sheer admiration for the designers talent stuck me so much, that I put my beloved sweater to be down, long enough to look at the pattern .....I was checking for a name. Much to my shock I couldn't find a name....? I'm so use to seeing patterns from the internet with a name attached to it, I was shocked to find, no name in my Bernat Pattern book. I even looked for "credits in the front and back of the pattern book....no name.....??? Am I being blind??? Did I miss it? Well, designer, who ever you are....you are one talented person. You have one fan of your talent. I hope I can learn to design my own cables some day too. Many thanks. (Pardon my tweaking of the pattern) I plan on turning the two side cables that are on the sleeves upside down, in some future sweater. When they are tight together and upside down makes a great heart shaped cable with a braid up the middle. : )

Learning and Reformatting

I knew my computer hard drive was getting scrambled, but like everyone, I delayed reformatting my hard drive. About a week ago, it finally crashed on me. So I had to pull out my XP disc and begin the journey of erasing my hard drive and putting all my drivers back on. At least with the new SP3 for XP, it wasn't as much downloading as normal. Then I realized that I had not written the address of my blog down. Who other than me can "lose" their blog. Thank heaven with my google password in had we were quickly reunited! lol !!!
Anyway, my crocheting has been put on hold for quite a few month. I finished the cotton chevron pattern afghan I had been working on for about a year (along with other projects). It measures seven feet by 9 feet with a scalloped edging around the entire afghan. After I finished it I was on the net looking at patterns , when I came across quite a few knit patterns in aran knitting. I always loved aran ....anything...afghans, scarves , hats, mitts, sweaters, vest, dresses....I confess I even love aran dishclothes! How addicted can a person be? I had one little problem....I didn't know how to knit. Many a brave soul...like my mother, my older sister (Jane) had attempted to show me. My other sister (Pat) had even daringly volunteered to brave the challenge of teaching me recently. She's always busy, I thanked her but knew between her health and the fact she is always on the go, that my lessons wouldn't happen. So what is a woman who can't knit but loves aran patterns to do? Buy a few good books and teach myself how to knit. I struggle through the twisted stitches, confusing pattern abbreviations etc... bit by bit...I'm learning. I have a beautiful aran scarf 2/3rds done , and Bernat Cashmere Aran Lady's Pullover just started. (Had to tweak the pattern to include two more braids than shown. I wanted the two side braids together on both sides of the pullover like it is on the arms. I struggled through the "math" and finally got it right. So far the sweater is turning out good. A couple of minor glitches, from inexperience. If any experienced aran knitters read this drop me a line. Is it just tension that causes the odd knit or purl to look like a tiny eyelet? Is it the change in needle size? It doesn't look obvious enough to frog it, but enough that I'd like to know how to correct it. So if you are at the Ravelry, look for me under my new web name: CrochetDonnaKnits lol !!!

Heart of Thanks Bookmark

Here is a little gift you can make for those special moments, when a thank you card is just not good enough...tuck this bookmark into the thank you card, so that special someone, can remember your heart felt thanks everytime they see it.

Pattern by Donna Brooks

Materials:

Crochet thread No. 10

Two Colors of Thread:

Color A: Usually white of beige (whatever color you want that is in contrast with your heart color)

Color B: Usually Red or Burgandy, whatever color you'd like your heart to be

Steel Crochet Hook No. 8 / 1.50 MM

Pattern:

Start with Bookmarker:

Ch 47

Row1: (start with Color A) dc in the 13th ch from hook, *(ch4, sk4 ch, dc in next ch)*repeat to end of chain. (8 jioning ladder like loop sections formed)

Row 2: (working in the round along the 8 ladder like loop section, corner sections are in the end loops) ch 3, 2 dc , ch2, 3 dc, ch 3 (ch 3's are what form the corners) *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) * 8 times,

ch3, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 3 *( 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc,) *8 times, ch 3 sl st into 3rd ch of beginning ch 3, fasten off, darn in ends.

Row 3: (starting row with colorB) Starting in top of ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 3, 1 sc in next corner ch 3 sp, ch 3*( in next 2 ch sp, 3 dc, ch1, 3 dc, ch 3 in next 2 chain sp, 1 sc ch 3) 4 times, then in the corner ch 3 sp,(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) ch 3, in the next ch 2 sp, 1 sc, ch 3,in next corner ch 3 sp (dc, ch 1 3dc)ch3
*in the next 2 ch sp, 1 sc, ch3 ,in next 2ch sp (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) ch3, * 4 times, in next 2 ch sp, 1 sc, ch 3 , sl st to 3rd ch of ch 3 at beginning of this row.

Row 4:sc in the last ch 3 sp of previous row, *(5 dc sh in the 2nd dc of the prevous row's 3 dc, 1 sc in ch 1 sp, 5 dc sh, in the 2nd dc of the next 3 dc of previous row, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3 sc in next ch 3 sp)*11 times sl st to jion fasten off , darn in end.

Row 5: (starting with Color A) attach yarn **[in ch 3 sp, ch 2, *(ch 5, sl st to form loop, in ch 1 of the ch 5, ch1 ) * 3 times, ch 1, 1 sc in the next ch 3 sp of previous row, ch 1 TURN WORK{working back along what you just crocheted} 2 sc over ch 2 , 5 sc in 5 ch loop sp, 1 sc in 1 ch sp,

5 sc in next 5 ch loop sp, 1 sc in 1 ch sp, 5 sc in next 5 ch loop sp, 2 sc in next 2 ch, sl st in beginning sc, TURN WORK{working back along what you just crocheted}*(ch 4, picot in 3rd sc of 5 ch loop)* 3 times, ch 4, sc in ch 3 sp of previous row.]** 11 times, sl st to jion, fasten off , darn in end.

Starting of Tail:






(look at bookmarker on end has one heart[for purposes of the pattern this is referred to as the top of bookmarker] the other end has two hearts[for the purpose of the pattern this is the bottom of the bookmarker.]The bottom of the bookmarker is where the tail is attached. In the center of the bottom of bookmark is 2, ch 4 spaces, these are what you attach the thread to jion bookmark and tail.

• With Color B 1 sc in right and 1 sc in left of ch 4 sp( whether you choose to start in the right or left doesn't matter, will turn out the sam.)



• ch 51 (one ch is your turning ch) turn



• sc in every front loop of 5o ch, at end turn, return down 50 ch using the back loops of the original ch , sc in each loop( making sure to catch the hump thread of the original ch , so the center appears hollow)



• at the heart end of the tail, at the end 1 sc in center hole ch 2( counts as first dc), 4 dc more in same center hole ( counting the sc, ch 2 as 1 dc you should have a total of 5 dc) ch 3 turn

Row 2 : 1 dc, into the base of turning ch3, 2 dc into each of next 3 dc, 2 dc into 3rd ch (of ch 3 start) (should have a total of 10 dc) ch 3, turn.

Row3: 1 dc, into the base of turning ch 3, 1 dc in each dc of previous row, 2 dc in 3rd ch, of ch 3, (should have total of 12 dc.) ch 3 turn

Row 4: repeat row 3 (total of 14 dc)

Row 5: repeat row 3 (total of 16 dc)

Row 6: repeat row 3 (total of 18 dc) (must have 18 dc for next row's humps of the heart to turn out properly.)

Row 7: 9 dtr sh, in 5th dc of prvious row, 1 sc in 9th dc, 1 sc in 10th dc , 9 dtr sh, in the 14th dc of previous row, 1 sc in the 3rd ch of the prvious row, fasten off , darn in thread.

Row 8: (with color A) 1 sc in beigh 4 ch loop(heading down the tail) 3 sc in first 3 sc of tail , picot in the next sc, *(1 sc in each of the next 4 sc, picot in the next sc)* 9 times

Along the sides of the tail's heart( each row , using the outside most dc's post)

• 2 sc around 1st dc post


• 1 picot, 1 sc around 2nd dc post


• 2 sc around 3rd dc post


• 1 picot, 1 sc around 4th dc post


• 2 sc around 5th dc post


• 1 picot in 1st dtr


• 1 sc in each of next 2nd and 3rd dtr


• 1 picot in the 4th dtr


• 1 sc in each of next 5th and 6th dtr


• picot in the 7th dtr


• 1 sc in each of 8th and 9th dtr


• 2 sc in center sc


• 1 sc in each of the 1st and 2nd dtr of next heart hump


• picot in the 3rd dtr


• 1 sc in each of the 4 th and 5th dtr


• picot in the 6th dtr


• 1 sc in the 7th and 8 dtr


• picot in the 9th dtr

Returning down tail toward bookmarker on opposite side:

4 sc in first 4 sc, picot in the next sc, *(4 sc in next 4 sc, picot in next sc)*8 times

Note: if you've miscounted down't sweat it just line the picots opposite each other on both sides of the tail)

1 sc in 4ch sp of bookmarker, fasten off darn in ends.

Bookmarker is complete!

Special stitches used in Pattern

Picot: 1 sc, ch 3, sl st in sc to jion (make sure yarn is in front of ch 3 so you don't tangle the picot)

Double Crochet : dc= Yarn over, insert hook into foundation chain or stitch, yarn over again and pull yarn through ch or stitch (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops again.

Double Treble: dtr = Yarn over three times, then insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (you should have five loops on your hook) Yarn over and draw through two loops, (you should have 4 loops on hook) Yarn over and draw through two loops. ( You should have three loops on hook) Yarnd over and draw through two loops. (you should have 2 loops on your hook) Yarn over and draw through last two loops.

slip stitch: sl st = insert you hook into the space indicated, yarn over and draw through the stich adn loop on hook.

spaces: sp = when a patter refers to spaces it means to crochet into certain spaces on the prvious row instead of crocheting directly into a stitch.

Back loop : is the farthest loop from you

Front loop: is the closest loop to you

5 dc sh = 5 dc worked into the same stitch to form a fan shape

9 dtr sh = 9 dtr worked into the same stitch to form a fan shape

* or ** repeat instructions betwenn the stars * or ** however many times is stated after the stars.

If you are confused about the anatomy of a stitch go to:

http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=126

Picot Pic 3

Picot Pic 2

Picot pic 1

Fancy Fan with spiral tail

Bookmark Crochet Pattern Fancy Fan with Spiral Tail

After Visiting this site:




http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2006/05/fan-bookmark.html I learned to make what I considered one of the most beautiful bookmarks to be found on the web. And I am greatful for the pattern and the inspiration. But like me I had to "change things".



So here is my "hybrid" of the pattern. Altered sometimes just minorly , some ways majorly. It is free for personal use only also.




Bookmark_ My Fancy Fan Spiral Tail Bookmark
by Donna Brooks
Materials:
Size 10 crochet thread any brand, any color
Steel Crochet hook Size 8 / 1.50mm

Stitches Used and How to:
dc- double crochet
sc- single crochet
sl st- slip stitch
picot - 1 sc, ch 3 sl st into sc to form picot

Special Instructions on how to make a picot properly:
Detailed How to "every important in order to end up with a picot that is flat as they should be if made properly" :
When you are doing the beginning 1sc (of the picot) put your hook through both loops of the stitch (dc) of previous row pull yarn through and you should have two loops on hook(exactly as your hook is now is where you will later sl st into to close your picot) , now pull yarn thru the two loops to finish the 1 sc of your picot. Now chain three
Make sure the yarn in your left hand stays in front of the chain three (and does not tangle around it), now sl st into sc at base(thru center of both loops)
continue to pull the thread through the loop at the end of the chain 3, sl st finished , picot made.

Beginning of Bookmark Pattern

Starting With the Spiral Tail First:
ch 75(if you like shorter bookmarks ch 50)
Row 1: ch 1(now have either 76 or 51 of a chain) TURN , sc in each of the 75 stitches(or 50 stitches) for foundation row.(This row determines the length of the bookmarker, for hardcover books you will want a longer bookmark for soft cover books you will want a shorter. You can change this to whatever number of chains you like. I recommend no shorter than 45 for beginning chain)
Row 2: chain 4, 5 trebles in each of the next 35 sc (for shorter bookmarks spiral to 25 )of previous row, then sc into the 46th stitch of THE FOUNDATION(BEGINNING CHAIN) ROW IN THE BACK LOOPS,continue to sc in each of the backloops of the foundation row till end of row .

Beginning of first fan:
Row 3:ch 1, 1 sc in the sc of row 1 and 2 (end stitches of opposite end to the spiral), then ch 8 sl st to first sc of Row 3 to form a loop.

Row 4: Into loop work ( 1 sc ch 2) counts as first dc, dc 13 more times (14 in all) turn.
Row 5:(1 sc ch 2) into first dc of previous row, 1 dc ch 1 into eac dc of previous row. ( 14 dc and 13 ch 1 spaces) turn.
Row 6: ch 3 sl st to form picot in 1 dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space *ch 3 sl st to form picot in top of next dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space * repeat 9 times. ( 10 picots and 11 sc in 1 ch spaces) then ch 5 sc in top of 14 dc of previous row. turn
Starting 2nd fan:
Row 7:Into loop work ( 1 sc ch 2) counts as first dc, dc 13 more times (14 in all) turn.
Row 8:(1 sc ch 2) into first dc of previous row, 1 dc ch 1 into eac dc of previous row. ( 14 dc and 13 ch 1 spaces) turn.
Row 9: ch 3 sl st to form picot in 1 dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space *ch 3 sl st to form picot in top of next dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space * repeat 9 times. ( 10 picots and 11 sc in 1 ch spaces) then ch 5 sc in top of 14 dc of previous row. turn

Starting 3rd Fan:
Row 10: Into loop work ( 1 sc ch 2) counts as first dc, dc 13 more times (14 in all) turn.
Row 11:(1 sc ch 2) into first dc of previous row, 1 dc ch 1 into eac dc of previous row. ( 14 dc and 13 ch 1 spaces), then sl st into the 4 picot of previous fan. (this is to stabilize fans) turn.

Row 12:ch 3 sl st to form picot in 1 dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space *ch 3 sl st to form picot in top of next dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space * repeat 9 times. ( 10 picots and 11 sc in 1 ch spaces) then ch 5 sc in top of 14 dc of previous row. turn

Starting of 4th Fan:
Repeat Rows 10, 11 and 12.
Starting of 5th Fan :
Repeat Rows 10, 11 and 12.
Start of 6th Fan:
Repeat Rows 10, 11 and 12.
Start of 7th Fan:
Repeat Rows 10, 11 and 12.
Start of 8th Fan:
Repeat Rows 10, 11 and 12.
Start of 9th Fan:
Repeat Rows 10, 11 and 12.
Start of 10 Fan :
Repeat Rows 10 and 11
Last Row:ch 3 sl st to form picot in 1 dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space *ch 3 sl st to form picot in top of next dc of previous row, sc in ch 1 space * repeat13 times. ( 14 picots and 13 sc in 1 ch spaces). Fasten off.