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Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

Hexy’s Coming Out Party: Project Eve

Every spring, my college holds a womens-only art exhibition titled “Project Eve”.  Submissions range from photography and painted mirrors, to pottery and new this year… crocheted blankets!  Though a few hexagons away from being completed, hexy is almost finished so I decided to submit her.  She’s one of the prettiest things I’ve ever crocheted.

Hexagon Crochet Blanket at Project Eve

I was a little nervous about hexy’s first appearance in society, but I felt confident she was ready.  She’s been such a good little crocheted blanket that she deserved her moment in the spotlight.  Titled, “The Colors of Spring” (a last-minute decisions when I was told I needed to title my work), I couldn’t have been prouder of hexy’s performance.  She was brilliant!  The critics (read: my friends) agreed and gave it rave reviews:

“This blanket is stunning. The colors turn a traditional concept into a whimsical and fun piece that stood out as one of the highlights of the show!” – Hannah M.

“Jayna Grassel strikes again.  This piece can only be described in one word.  FREEDOM.” – Dave C.

“This afghan is perfectly titled as it contains every color that reminds me of the delights that come with springtime.” – Jane R.

“This blanket rocks. It’s probably the softest ever. Also the color palette is phenomenal. NBD.” – Laura B.

“I feel like this afghan represents a lot of different types of people.  It appeals to both indie and girly tastes.  I love it!” – Morgan O.

“This blanket holds a diverse array of colors.  Most of it’s a lot of circular shapes.” – Phil V.

It was my first (and I guess my last) time participating in Project Eve, but as a soon-to-be-graduating-senior, I’m glad I did.  Hexy’s coming out party this past week inspired me to finish this little girl.  I’ll be putting the final touches of 29 more hexagons on her and then edging her colorful hexagons with a beautiful scalloped crocheted border.

Crochet Hexagon Blanket

Crocheted Hexagon Blanket

Crochet Hexagon Blanket

To read about the beginning of this ongoing crocheted hexagon blanket project, check out hexy’s first post.

Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

Crochet Hexagon Blanket – Part III

This wintery weather compels me to crochet.  With Inches of snow and promises of ice, there’s nothing to do but pop in a movie and stitch.  I’ve been working on this crocheted hexagon afghan for a few months now – starting back in November if you remember.  Tonight, after watching The Holiday with my roommates,  I completed Row 7 of 11.  Yay!  This means I’ve made a total of 102 hexagons.  Only 57 more to go!

Hexagon Blanket
The Master Layout ^^
Hexagon Blanket

Hexagon Blanket

Hexagon Blanket

What do you think of the growing hexagon afghan?  Each time I make a new hex, I find the color combo more lovely than those from rows before.  That’s how it always is, right – you like whatever you make last.

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Crochet Cowl Pattern with Infinity Loop – Free Pattern

This chunky crochet cowl with an infinity loop is perfect for winter and as an added bonus, it crochets up fast.  It’d be the perfect last minute gift or a sweet winter treat for yourself.  Crochet cowl can be worn loose and long or wrapped around your neck twice to keep the winter breeze out.  If you’re looking for a smaller crochet cowl, check out this other free chunky cowl crochet pattern here: Heath & Heather.


Materials

Special Stitches

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Directions

FCH 77. Do not join.  [If the foundation chain scares you, just do a regular chain – it won’t make that much difference in your cowl!]

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (77 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (77 HHDC)  Working in the back loops only creates a slight ribbed effect.

Repeat Round 2 seven more times.

Fasten off, leaving a 12 inch tail.  Lay piece flat in a long rectangle.  Grabbing either end, bring short sides together.  Add a twist by flipping the right side once.  Match up sides and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

____________

To create the infinity loop, Instead of sewing the sides of your cowl together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                              A

B                               B

You should sew them together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                                B

B                                A

That’s it – your crochet cowl is finished! Show off your new crochet cowl in JJCrochet’s Customer Gallery or post your project on Ravelry.

Crochet Cowl Pattern
Crochet Cowl Pattern



Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Free Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern

Crocheted and Knitted Cowls are big and chunky and warm and totally IN this winter.  Why not make your own with our free crocheted cowl pattern?  This particular crocheted cowl is worked in a flat rectangle then whip stitched together, but you can easily work it in the round.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Materials

Special Stitches

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Directions

FCH 45. (If you can’t quite get the foundation chain, don’t panic!  You can do a regular chain 45 and still be fine.  A FCH just creates a stretchier base which will be better for your cowl, but either works!)

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (45 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (45 HHDC)

Repeat Round 2 nine more times or until yarn ends.

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail to sew ends together.  Match short ends of rectangle and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

You’re finished!

Crochet Cowl Pattern - JJCrochet

Crochet, Projects

What Not To Crochet: Crimson Crochet Christmas Capris

You may be asking yourself, “Crocheted Capris? Not possible.  What does she really mean?”   Yes, I mean crocheted capris.  Pants that are entirely crocheted. Crochetwear that has been transformed into pants.  Before you see the picture, let me describe this project to you in adjectives: acrylic, tight, bumpy…disastrous.  They are surprisingly warm, though.  It’s like wearing a sweater on your legs.

I can only justify my (hideous) crochet work by saying it was not my idea.  The inspiration came from the 2004 premier issue of Knit 1 so if anyone’s to blame, it’s them.  Here’s the picture that started it all:

Although these pants never made a public appearance until this year, I crocheted them a few years ago so (fortunately) I don’t remember my original fascination.  I don’t know what it could have been that, upon seeing the picture, drove me to adapt the knitting pattern and make my own version of crocheted maroon gauchos.   Even saying that gives me chills.  But alas, I did.

My crocheted red pants remained tucked away in the bottom drawer of my dresser, a forgotten memory of a crochet project gone awry.  It was too hideous to display, yet too good to throw away.  Nothing could make me share my pants with the world and endure the inevitable ridicule and laughs of critics.  Nothing, except, for the Okie Pi Christmas Party of 2010.

Every year, two fraternities at my school put on a Christmas party filled with gingerbread decorating, ornament painting, pictures with Santa, Christmas caroling, and of course: the wearing of ugly Christmas sweaters.  As the Sweetheart of one of the fraternities (see: crocheted Omicron Xi sweater), I took it upon myself to be extra-festive.  And what’s more festive than crocheted red pants to celebrate Christmas?  I submit to you: nothing.  Actually, probably plenty.

But enough background story.  In the spirit of transparency, I’ll swallow my pride and let you be the judge:

Crochet, Crochet Hexagon Blanket, Projects

Crochet Hexagon Blanket – Part I

My blog is a bit drab, don’t you think?  It’s missing pictures of mesmerizing crocheted hats, dazzling yarns, and lavish crochet projects.

I apologize, but offer a remedy: snapshots of my newest project:  a crocheted Hexagon afghan.  This hexagon afghan is a custom order for a wonderful customer that I’ll be tracking through its inception. (speaking of Inception, good movie).

Hexagon Blanket Yarn

Project Deets: Inspired by the Crochet Hexagon Blanket on Attic 24‘s Blog

Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton

Hook: Crochet hook size E (3.5mm)

Completed Hexs as of 11-15-2010: 38 of 159

First Few Hexagons of the Crochet Hexagon Blanket

Top Right of Crochet Hexagon Blanket

Progress as of 11-15-10

It’s been incredible watching the afghan grow as I add each crocheted hexagon.  And with Attic 24’s Crochet Hexagon How-To, it’s been a breeze.  I especially appreciate her join-as-you-go technique to connect each hexagon as it’s made.  Would it be helpful if I did a video tutorial of how to crochet one of the hexagons?  Hmm… possibly in the works…

Craft Shows, Projects

The Advent of “Craft Show Season”

Every year without fail, Craft Show Season arrives.  These few weeks in September and October are affectionately known as “CSS”.

“Want to go shopping this weekend?” my friends will ask innocently.

“No, sorry… it’s CSS.”  I respond.  They shrug knowingly, sometimes followed by a head nod or affirming pat on the back.

Anyone who’s not a crafter might glaze over the gravity of CSS and how it shapes your life.  I have an upcoming show this weekend, Harmony Grange Festival, and it will mark the opening of my 3-week CSS.  I’ve been prepping for months: crocheting hats to have a decent inventory, screwing dowel rods into bases to make hat stands, painting wooden letters to fashion a sign, saving $1 and $5 bills for months so I have change for big spenders.

You can’t underestimate the power of CSS; those unprepared will not survive.

Especially in college, CSS is an interesting time of year.  I have done two-day shows where I’ll get 3 hours of sleep because I chose to stay up and crochet more hats.  I have driven 50 minutes in the wrong direction before realizing it and arrived late to shows.  I have endured 35 degree weather with nothing but the shelter of a blue EZ-up tent to protect me from the ranging winds.  I have done homework in McDonald’s restaurants.  I have tried to sell warm crochet hats to people eating snow-cones in August.  It has rained, it has been warm.  I have worked 28 hours and driven 6 hours in one weekend.  During CSS, I’ve done it all.

That being said, I wouldn’t trade CSS for anything.

I love it.  Absolutely love it. The people, the selling, the relationships, the experiences.  Some people remember my booth from previous years and when I hear, “Ohhh – there’s the hat lady!”  it makes all those sleepless nights worth it. I’m like the dependable friend who shows up each year.

Three craft shows in Western Pennsylvania will culminate my 2010 CSS:

If you’re in the area, stop by and see my new booth setup or ever better, pick up your very own JJCrochet hand-crocheted hat!    And please, if I look tired, don’t tell me.

For those who can totally relate to CSS, here’re two good articles to make your CSS seamless:

All the Best and Happy Craft Show Season!

Crochet, Projects

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.

Crochet, Projects

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.

Projects

DIY Sew-In Fabric Labels

By | On June 07,10 | 5 Comments

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.


Free Pattern Friday, Free Patterns, Knitting, Projects

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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