FPF: Two Crochet Flower Patterns

It’s Friday again so that means free patterns.  Yay!  Happy Free Pattern Friday (FPF)!

Today, I’m giving you two different crochet flower patterns to try out.  The perfect accent for your summer project!  One pattern is a basic, 5-petal flower crocheted in the round and the other is a crochet rosette that’s rolled and sewn at the end.  Different techniques create two different looks, but equally beautiful crocheted flowers.  Of the two, which one’s your favorite?

Crochet Flower Pattern 1: 5-Petal Puff Stitch

Materials

  • Small bit of any yarn.  I used Vanna’s Choice, worsted weight yarn.
  • Any crochet hook you’d like.  I used a size H (5.0mm).

Special Stitches

Puff Stitch (PS): *Yo, insert hook in loop.  Yo, draw up a loop.  Yo, draw through 2 loops.* (<– I like to think of this as the first part of a regular dc if that helps.  Just leave off the last “yo, pull through 2 loops” you’d normally do when crocheting a dc.)  Repeat from * to * twice more.  4 loops on hook.  Yo, pull through all 4 loops.

Directions

Ch 3, join with sl st to form loop.

Round 1: ch 2, PS, ch 4.  *PS, ch 4*  Repeat from * to * 4 more times.  5 Puff Stitches total.  Join to first PS with sl st.

Round 2: Into each ch-4 space work, *sc, 5 dc, sc*.  To join, sl st in top of first ch.

Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch tail to weave onto a hat, pin, purse, sweater… whatever you’d like!

Crochet Flower Pattern 2: Rolled Rosette


Materials

  • Small bit of any yarn.  I used Vanna’s Choice, worsted weight yarn.
  • Any crochet hook you’d like.  I used a size F (4.0mm) to form a tighter rosette.
  • Darning needle

Note: Flower is worked horizontally, then rolled and sewn to create a bud.  If it sounds confusing, don’t worry, it’s not – pictures below so you know just what to do!

Directions

Ch 20 +1 (counts as first sc)

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and each st across (21 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1.  *Skip next st, [hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch1] into next st. *  Repeat from * to * until two sts remain.  Ch 1, sc in last st.

Fasten off, leaving a 12 inch tail.

You should now how a curved piece that looks a little something like this:

On the side opposite your long 12-inch tail, tightly roll the rose along the bottom chain.  Like this:

All rolled?  You should have a budding rosette that’s ready to be sewn up.  Using a darning needle, weave long tail back and forth through the flower to anchor everything down.

Confused by the puff stitch or not sure how to sew up the rosette?  Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I’d be happy to help.  Happy Crocheting!

Crochet your flowers with others on Ravelry

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25 Hours of Labor and an Afghan is Born

You might remember this post where I challenged myself to crochet an afghan in a day.  What was special about this challenge was three things:

  1. As stated before, I DON’T crochet afghans
  2. This wasn’t one of those quickie 5 hours patterns; this afghan required crochet and sewing together 33 individual motifs
  3. Used a size G crochet hook.  Not the ideal hook size when looking to bang out an afghan in a day

I was up to the challenge and finished this afghan in 25 hours.  Yes, one hour longer than my original goal of completing it in a day.  One measly little hour.  BUT, I will say that I didn’t try all that hard, either.  Sure I crocheted a ton more than I typically do during the day, but I had a leisurely dinner with a friend, got 8 hours of sleep…. so, ya know. I could have finished the afghan in one day if I really *tried*.  At least that’s what I tell myself.

Pros of the project:

  • Finished in almost a day
  • Used up scrap yarn
  • Ignited a new love of working with bright colors
  • Instant Baby Gift

In love with this baby blanket?  This crocheted baby blanket is available for sale in my Etsy store OR make your own  using the free crochet baby blanket pattern found here.

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FPF: Famous Person Friday

Since it’s Friday, you’re probably expecting Free Pattern Friday.  Sorry to disappoint, but I have something better than a free pattern, I have the creator of all things patterns.  Happy FPF – Famous Person Friday.

When you think knitting patterns – classic, fitted, exquisite stitch detail – who do you think of?  Just one name comes to mind, really: Debbie Bliss.

Debbie Bliss is an international designer from the UK who is famous for her classy knitting patterns, mostly for women.  I had the opportunity to hear her speak at an event sponsored by Wolf Creek Yarns in Grove City, PA.  She spoke about her designs and creative process.  Here are some highlights from her talk:

  • Listen to yarn and let its texture speak to you; create with it what you it wants you to make
  • Don’t make garments that are too big – fitted clothing will fit better in the long run
  • Plain yarn can better showcase stitch detail than novelty yarn
  • Her yarn line, Debbie Bliss, was designed to be true to the knitter she was.  Plain, simple, classic.
  • She visits Italy twice a year to select yarn for her summer and fall lines
  • If she doesn’t like the “hot” color for the season, she’ll hold out and wait to see if it catches on before adding it to her yarn line
  • She prefers classic silhouettes so people can personalize them
  • Her publisher didn’t think her first book of baby knitting patterns would be profitable.  He was wrong
  • She worked as a nurse for two year before gradually building her knitting empire; It’s never too late, she encourage the audience, to pursue your dreams.

While I was the youngest member in attendance (nothing new to me, though, because of my 65-year old knitting group) I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.  Her accept was lovable, her demeanor calming, and her knitting insight a true reflection of the knitting prowess she is.  And as an added bonus, everyone in attendance will get a new copy of her book… can’t wait!

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Twisted Crochet Necklace Pattern:: Free Pattern Friday

Today’s Free (Crochet) Pattern Friday is a simple necklace to dress up a plain outfit.  I call it Twister. Simple, easy, fast… chic.

Materials

Size G crochet hook

25 yards of any worsted weight yarn

Directions

Round 1: Ch 90.  Join to beginning ch with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 95, twist chain 6-7 times around Round 1.  Join to beginning ch with sl st.

Round 3: Ch 100, twist chain 6-7 times around Rounds 1 & 2.  Join to beginning ch with sl st.

Fast off, weave in ends.

Enjoy!

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Crochet Hexagon Blanket… In a day?

I came across this awesome hexagon design for an afghan.  The only problem?

I don’t crochet afghans.

They take too long, give me visions of creap-o acrylic, and I can’t understand why someone would choose a blanket made from yarn over am-in-a-spa? squishy fabric.  I don’t even like saying the word.  Afff-ghan.  af-GHAN.  af-a-gan.  Ew.

I can’t control my fingers, though, and when they see something they like, they must crochet it.

I’ve modified the pattern a bit so I only do 5 rounds in each hexagon (the pattern calls for 7) because I noticed it was after the 5th round that I would start to get bored.  See, I was serious about this whole hating afghans things.

But I’ve been working since around 11am and 5 hours later, here’s my progress.  I must say that I’m really enjoying this pattern.  In fact, I’ve kinda been addicted to it.

I’ve made it my goal to get it finished by tonight.  Ambitious?  Maybe, but we’ll see.  I have 22 hexagons finished and figure I only have 11 more to go.  Average in at 9 minutes/ square, that’ll take me around 2 hours + seaming… might be a late night.

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DIY Sew-In Fabric Labels

My goal this summer is to brand my business.  Practically, that means a new logo for JJCrochet, blogging, more free crochet patterns, and sew-in fabric labels for my hats.  (Ohh, big goals I know).  I got a new logo thanks to Sarah McDill on Etsy’s Alchemy and wanted to put it to use in my quest of creating a cohesive image.

After browsing Etsy, I found it would cost between $.15 and $1.00 PER LABEL to have my design printed.  I forgot to mention, but as part of this quest, the goal is to be as frugal as possible.  I can’t afford to spend that much on labels, ambitious summer quest or not.

In a search for a cheaper solution, I came across this incredible tutorial by Patchwork Pottery on how to make your own sew-in fabric labels.

All you need to make these fabric sew-in tags are:

  • 1/2 inch cotton twill tape
  • Computer and Photo Editing Program (to make your label template)
  • T-shirt transfer paper
  • Scissors
  • Iron

I bought the supplies, made the template, printed, cut, ironed, peeled, cut again, and viola – labels! On my first run through, I made 75 labels for under $5.  Victory.  $.06 per label – Eat that, you fabric label price gougers!

Click here to view the complete tutorial.


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Crochet Hat Pattern:: Rachael – Free Pattern Friday

Free crochet hat pattern for women – Rachael’s Chunky Open-Weave Hat with Flower


Use this free crochet hat pattern to create your own crochet hat in a few hours.  Made with SUPER bulky yarn and with only 9 simple rows in the pattern, this hat pattern will have you lookin’ good in no time.

The crochet pattern is named after my good friend (and future roommate!), Rachael. This hat is crocheted in an open weave so it’s suitable for those below zero temperature days, but it’s chic and fashionable nonetheless. Because Rachael is eternally classy and always hot temperature wise, this is her perfect hat.

Materials

Gauge: First 2 rows in pattern = 4.5 inches in diameter.  Take time to check gauge.  Adjust needle size if necessary.

Directions

Ch 3, join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc now and throughout).  11 more dc into ring (12 dc).  Join to top of turning ch with sl st and at the end of each round.  Do not turn.

Round 2: 2 dc in each st around (24 dc).

Rounds 3 – 7: Ch 4 (Counts as 1dc + ch 1), *dc in next st, ch 1*.  Repeat from * to * around. (24 dc and 25, ch-1 sps)

Round 8: In ch-1 spaces and dcs, work 40 sc evenly spaced around.  (Clarification:  At the beginning of this round, you will have more ch-1 spaces and double crochets than 40 stitches.  In order to only work 40 sc in this round, you will have to skip some ch-1 spaces.  It’s okay to break out of your shell and skip stitches… you can do it!)

Round 9: Sc in each st around (40sc).

Fasten off.  Using darning needle, weave in ends.

Flower

Ch 3, join with sl st to form ring

Round 1: Ch 3, 9 more dc into ring (10 dc).  Join to top of turning ch with sl st.

Round 2: Chain 4 (counts as 1 sc + 3 ch).  * Skip next st, sc, ch 3 *.  Repeat from * to * around.  (Five, ch-3 spaces)  Sl st in first ch-3 space to join round.

Round 3: Ch 1.  In first ch-3 space, work 4 dc, 1 sc.  In each ch-3 space work *1sc, 4 dc, 1 sc*.  Repeat from * to * around to create 5 petals.  Sl st to first ch to join round.

Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch tail.  Using darning needle, sew flower to left side of hat.

Viola!  You did it!

Crochet Rachael’s Hat with others on Ravelry

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The Newest Member of JJCrochet: Nikon L110

Confession: I purchased a Canon SLR EOS Rebel Camera with the intent of getting into photography and taking better pictures of my crochet hats.  Fail.  The camera was a tad too advanced for me and I always felt weird pulling in out at parties or events because then I was that girl.  The girl with the big camera who was trying to be all indie and artsy.

So I sold my Rebel on Craigslist and shopped around for an easier camera.  Enter the Nikon Coolpix L110.

Specifications:

  • Digital, not SLR (so easy to figure out – just point and click)
  • Small and convenient to tote around
  • 12.1 mega pixels
  • 15x zoom
  • Great Macro Pics
  • Decently priced

I was converted.

The camera is perfect for what I need it and I’m already finding it to be a refreshingly simple downgrade from my Canon.  Here are some pictures of flowers I took while experimenting with the macro setting… not too shabby for a camera under $250.



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Free Pattern Friday – Knitted Hat & Pattern: Tie-Cord Baby Hat

Free knitting pattern – Newborn Tie-Cord Hat


This knit baby hat was my first venture into the world of DPNs.  After watching this Youtube video on how to knit with double pointed needles, I finally mastered the technique.  I had heard knitting with DPNs was equivalent to wrestling with an octopus, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be.  If you’ve never used big-bad (ooooh) DPNs before, try it.  I thought having to sew up circular knit projects when I was done was no big deal.  Wrong.  Knitting in the round on DPNs is so, so, so much better.  Try it… you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Free Pattern: Newborn Baby’s Knitted Tie Hat

Size: Newborn.  Finished hat measures 12″ in circumference and 5.5″ inches high, not including tie.

Materials

  • US size 8 (5.0mm) double pointed needles
  • ~75 yards worsted weight yarn
  • Darning Needle

Pattern

CO 45

Knit in Stockinette Stitch (K every round) until hat measures 4″ from bottom.

Begin to decrease.

Round 1: (K3, K2tog) around

Round 2: (K2, K2tog) around

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2, decreasing until only 4 sts  remain.

Continue to K4 sts to form an i-chord that measures 6-7″.

Bind off.

Use Darning Needle to Sew in Ends.

Loosely knot i-chord at top of hat.

Laugh at all your other friends who knit this on straight needles and have to sew up the seam.

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Roy's Knitted Baby Sweater

I’d had my eye on this free knitting pattern on Ravelry: Baby Sophisticate for a while.  I’ve never really had an excuse to make it, though.  I’m a single 21-year old that has zero use for a knitted baby sweater.

Enter my good friend who’s pregnant with her second kid.  (Suz, I’m sorry if you’re reading this, just act surprised when I give this to you the next time I see you.) On Monday, I learned she was having a boy and cast on for this knitted baby sweater Monday night.  Finished it by Tuesday.  Can’t stop looking at it.  For more project details and where you can get this free knitting pattern for this baby sweater, check out my finished project page on Ravelry.

Only downside: My friend isn’t due ’til October so it’s another 5 months until we can try it on her little tyke.

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Book Review: The Handmade Marketplace

So after looking for some books with which to fill my summer days, I came across this list (found on Design Sponge) listing some must-read books for “Biz Ladies”.  One particular book caught my eye: The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin.

Because my mom is the director of our local public library, I thought she might be interested in picking up this praised crafty book for the library’s collection.  And of course, in doing so, I could be the first to preview its contents without actually buying it myself.  Shady?  No.  Resourceful?  Yes.  I asked, she took the bait, the book was ordered.  Came in the mail today.

I have only read the first 4 chapters, but I’m already in love.  When other people said this book was chalked full of pertinent information, I didn’t know they meant it would keep me nodding my head every 5 seconds or re-reading sentences because of the useful info.  There are resources about taking better photographs of products, where to find inspiration for your next product, ways to connect with others in the crafty community, marketing lessons, a list of tax writeoffs, tips from crafting pros, and that’s only the first 4 chapters!

I will certainly be finishing this one up in a the next day or so, then it’s off to the library so others can share in its goodness.  What are some of your crafty business must-reads for the summer?

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Summertime is here and the living is CROCHET

School is out and it’s time to crochet.

After 9 months of college, I am finally home.  Home means easy access to countless skeins of yarn, more time to create crochet patterns, and the beginning of bribing my younger sister to model crochet hats.  I have ideas for new crocheted hats and crochet headbands, designs that are exciting, fresh, and the one-of-a-kind crochet style you expect from JJCrochet.

Essentially, summer equals freedom.  And crochet.  And a promise to blog equals  tracking everything along the way.

What about you?  What are you planning to crochet or knit this summer?

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Berroco Free Crochet Hat Pattern

As winter winds calm down, it’s the perfect time to wear those chic yet fashionable crochet berets.  You know, the slouchy crochet hats that are perfect to pair with those floral skirts and a light jacket.  A free crochet hat pattern I’ve been eyeing is Berroco’s Phannie. Simple, textured, and a perfect transition into these warmer days.

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