Crochet Project (& WIP): Cowls

I had intended to get an earlier start on my holiday crochet projects this year, so back in August I picked out yarn colors that I thought my family members would like. Unfortunately, I've made so many different things for my family as holiday gifts (socks, hats, mittens, scarves, bags, pot holders, towels, etc.) that I floundered for a while on what to make for them this year. Finally, last week, I settled on cowls.

For the first cowl, I used KnitPicks Chroma (fingering weight) in Galapagos and a G hook, with this easy One Skein Self-Striping Cowl pattern. I think the use of alternating rows of different stitches in this patter (single, half double, double and treble) made this project more fun. Since I’m using a lighter weight yarn than the pattern calls for my base chain was 125 and I worked the repeat section many more times to make it longer. I also decided to gradually decrease my rounds to 100 stitches so the cowl would be a little more fitted toward the top.

Since it's Wednesday, I'll also include a WIP in this post: I am currently making a second one of these cowls, using the same pattern as above and KnitPicks Chroma (fingering weight) in North Woods. This cowl will go to a family member who is somewhat smaller in size than the first cowl's recipient, so I started with a base chain of 100 and may not need to do any decreasing in it.

Crochet Project: Chroma Leftovers Scarf

I used the leftover Chroma yarn from my previous projects to make a simple scarf that is perfect for autumn/spring wear. I worked solid half-double crochet stitching (the short way) with a size G hook in order to show off the beautiful color changes in the yarn.

When I started this scarf I thought I would probably give it as a gift. However, as I worked on it I fell in love, so I might end up keeping it after all.

Crochet Projects: Lace Winter Set

The temperatures are starting to drop and winter is fast approaching, so earlier this month I purchased a new winter coat. Of course, they didn't have the color I wanted in my size, so I ended up settling on basic, boring black. To brighten up my winter wardrobe, I decided to make myself a new very colorful winter set which includes an earflap hat, fingerless mittens, and a scarf.
For my winter set I used a size G hook and worked a double strand of KnitPicks Chroma (fingering weight) in Mesa, Lollipop, Roller Skate, and Prism) to incorporate as many colors as I could into the projects. I love the feel and color of this yarn, but I did have a couple of balls that weren't spun evenly (the weight varied from less than fingering to more than worsted), and I had one ball that had a break in it, where the 2 strands that were knotted together weren't the same color, so the color change pattern was messed up. Luckily, for these projects that didn't really matter, since Unfortunately the technique/pattern doesn't really show off the pretty color changes in the yarn as much as I hoped.

For the mittens, I used the basic idea of this Lace Fingerless Mitts pattern that I've made before several times, but I modified it a bit. When I've made this pattern before I’ve always thought the cuff section was very bulky in comparison to the lace work of the mitt. So, instead of making the cuff like it’s written in the pattern, I added more of the lacework down to cover the wrist instead.

For the scarf, I used the same basic lace pattern as the mittens - 1 V-stitch (dc ch1 dc), skip three ch, fan stitch (5 dc in same st) skip 3 st - repeated across in rows (alternating stitches). And I worked the scarf the long way, just to be different.

For the hat, I used the basic idea of this Earflap Hat I've made before, except that instead of solid double crochet stitching, I worked the skull portion of the hat in the lace pattern like the mittens and scarf - 1 V-stitch (dc ch1 dc), skip three ch, fan stitch (5 dc in same st) skip 3 st - repeated in rounds (alternating stitches). And I added a few rows of lace stitch around the edge instead of doing the strings and tassels included in the pattern.

Despite the lace pattern and lighter-weight yarn, the set is nice and warm without being too bulky. And due to all the color it is definitely not boring. :)

Crochet Project: Furry Mouse Toys

My Mom is an avid yard saler and because she knows I love to crochet but can't afford much yarn she is always on the lookout for yarn bargains for me. Recently she came across a skein of eyelash yarn at a yard sale and bought it for me despite the "odd" texture.
I wasn't sure what, if anything, I would make out of the yarn, but I began searching through patterns for ideas. And soon I came across a free pattern on Ravelry for a cute little Furry Mouse Toy that I decided to try to make as gifts for my Mom and Sister's cats.

This was my first adventure with eyelash yarn. I had previously avoided it because I assumed it would be difficult to work with, but it actually wasn’t as hard as I expected it to be. It probably helped that these mice are worked with a double strand of “regular” yarn (I used some leftover Caron Simply Soft in Grape) and the eyelash yarn (Yarn Bee Wild Child in Parfait). The pattern was easy to follow and the toys worked up quickly. I’m sure my Mom’s cat and my Sister’s cat will like their new furry friends. :)

International Crochet Day

Today is International Crochet Day! I've seen some great suggestions for celebrating the day, and while I'd love to teach someone to crochet, or crochet something to donate, I'm on deadline for my submission for Fresh Designs Crochet: Scarves. My celebration for the day included completing the bulk of my scarf for the book. I'll also be teaching myself a new skill: charting a crochet pattern. I also plan to crochet in public tonight, during library craft group. My plan is to finish the border of my scarf.

I'm creating my scarf from Knit Picks Chroma worsted yarn, and I'm totally in love with it. :-) The single-ply yarn strand just glides through my fingers, doesn't snag on the hook, and the colors are lovely. I adore the way the colors change slowly as I work the scarf. I bought some Chroma worsted for myself as a birthday gift because I love the yarn that much!

Knit Picks Chroma worsted yarn in Midwinter colorway

If you're a fellow crocheter, did you know about today, and how are you celebrating?