Tag: free pattern

Yarn, Knitting and Crochet

My New Gradient Cable Poncho Pattern, Half Price!

Iris Rose

Well, at long last I finished my gradient yarn poncho and, tada, I love it! You know that feeling that you get when you envision a project or fall in love with a pattern and yarn and just have to make it? And when it turns out exactly like your vision or the pattern, you just want to jump up and down and hug someone? That’s it; that is what I am actually feeling, woohoo!

Okay, okay, time to calm down already. I have published the pattern for my Gradient Cable Poncho, made in worsted weight yarn, on Ravelry and, for the next two months, I am offering it to my blog readers at fifty percent off. Use the coupon code 50OFF at checkout and enjoy! Half price for all my loyal readers and, if you pass it along, to your friends too. You do need to click through to Ravelry from my blog for this promotion. While you are on my blog site, have a look at all of the other free patterns that I have up there in cyberspace for you to use.

               

As a special bonus, because spring is coming and who doesn’t need another light and lovely shawl to keep those shoulders warm in the cool spring breeze, you can use the same coupon to purchase my Northern Rose Shawl pattern at half price. The pattern for this pretty shawl is written and charted and can be made in two sizes depending on the yarn that you choose. Have a look at the pattern details to see both a worsted weight and a sock weight version. Who doesn’t love to save money?

       

I have been busy with charity hats still and am about one third of the way through that box of yarn that I featured last week. Who knew that making hats is so addictive and great TV knitting? I am determined to switch up to crochet this weekend which will slow down the movie intake (I need to look at what I am doing when I crochet!) but, hopefully will sharpen up my skill set.

I have a couple of machine knit patterns in the works too, worked on a standard gauge machine, for anyone interested in that craft. I just have to decipher my notes, always a challenge! Keep watch here as they will be featured on my blog first.

Knitting

Back to Reality and a Gift For You.

Iris Rose

Is everyone back to normal after the midwinter Christmas and New Year’s break?  It takes some doing doesn’t it, to get back into the routine of everyday living.

I was away for much of December on a (for me) trip of a life time.  I spent three weeks travelling New Zealand and Southeast Australia, a bucket list destination.  We had a wonderful time and had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to the airport to come home!

It is now time for reality again and back to cold winter and awesome crocheted and knit accessories and sweaters.  As promised, I have been working my tail off to finish (or rather refinish) the poncho that I started in the fall.  I am happy to say that it came off the needles yesterday and I completed the sewing up last night ready to block.  I am really, really happy with the resulting garment and will be posting the pattern in the next week.  In the meantime, here is a glimpse of the detail on the front and back and a picture of the yarn that I used, purchased at Stash Lounge in Calgary.

                            

I need to get to work next on that crocheted wrap that I promised you as well.  I had almost completed a sample in October but was unhappy with the look; it just wasn’t what I envisioned.  Too bad that you can’t take a picture from your brain and make it real.  Anyway, I have rethought the process and I think that I now have an idea of how I want to put it together.  Hopefully it will be a reality before the end of the month!

Crocheting was my first love and, even though knitting seems to have taken over, I enjoy the more three-dimensional process of hook and yarn.  I am using an ordinary acrylic (Loops and Threads) from Michaels to create something that, if my vision doesn’t get ahead of my craft again, will be extraordinary.  I am excited about this project!

This crocheted little kid’s cardigan is a paid pattern in my Ravelry store but, as it has been such a long time since I published my last new free pattern, here is gift for you:

Worked top down, this little cardigan is light and lacey.  It looks great on its own or with a long sleeved T underneath.  Pair it with leggings or jeans to make your little princess look dressed up while you know that she is comfortable.

Sizes: 12 months, 18/24 months, 2/3 years

Materials:

Red Heart Soft or equivalent worsted weight yarn: 175 m/195 yds white, 225 m/250 yds contrasting colour, 5mm crochet hook, four small buttons to match, large eyed needle for sewing in ends.

Abbreviations:    sc = single crochet               dc = double crochet

tc = treble crochet

 

Gauge: (Blocked) 4 sc or 4 dc = 2.5 cm or 1 inch, 2rows dc = 2.5 cm or 1 inch

Custer Stitch: wrap yarn around hook once to begin a double crochet, work into stitch below and draw up a loop, wrap yarn and pull through first two loops only.  Wrap yarn again and draw a loop through the same stitch, wrap yarn and pull through first two loops. Repeat this again and then wrap yarn and pull through all four loops on hook.

Begin cardigan at neck edge:

With white, ch 49, (61, 73)

Row 1: sc in each ch starting at 2nd ch from hook. 48, (60, 72) sc

Row 2: sc 7, (9, 11), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 6, (8, 10), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 16, (18, 20), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 6, (8, 10), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 7, (9, 11), ch 1 and turn. 56, (68, 80) sc

Row 3: sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn. Repeat this row for 2nd and 3rd size.

Row 4: sc 8, (10, 13), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 8, (10, 12), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 18, (20, 22), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 8, (10, 12), 2 sc in next sc twice, sc 8, (10, 12), ch 2 and turn. 64, (76, 88) sc

Row 5: dc 9, (11, 13), 2 dc in next sc twice, dc 10, (12, 14), 2 dc in next sc twice, dc 20, (22, 24), 2 dc in next sc twice, dc 10, (12, 14), 2 dc in next sc twice, dc 9, (11, 13), ch 2 and turn. 72, (84, 96) dc

Row 6: dc 10, (12, 14), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 12, (14, 16), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 20, (24, 26), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 12, (14, 16), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 10, (12, 14), ch 2 and turn. 80, (92, 104) dc

Row 7: dc 11, (13, 15), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 14, (16, 18), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 24, (26, 28), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 14, (16, 18), 2 dc in next dc twice, dc 11, (13, 15), ch 2 and turn. 88, (100, 112) dc

Row 8: Change to contrast colour, dc in 1st dc, * skip next dc, cluster st in next dc, ch 1*, repeat * to * working cluster and ch 1 in extra dc at sleeve increases to last 2 dc, dc in last 2 dc. 42, (50, 58) clusters

Row 9: Change to white, ch3, slip st in 1st chain 1 space, (ch3, slip st) in each ch1 space to end, ch3 and slip st to last dc, ch 2 and turn.

Row 10: dc 2 in each ch 3 space to end, dc in slip st, fasten off.  Bodice is complete.

Row 11: Change to contrast colour, ch 2, dc in each dc across front to sleeve corner = 16, (18, 20) dc, ch 5, dc in each dc across back to sleeve corner = 28, (30, 32) dc, ch 5, dc in each dc across front = 16, (18, 20) dc, ch 2 and turn.

Row 12: dc in each dc across front, dc in each of 5 ch, dc in each dc across back, dc in each of 5 ch, dc in each dc across front, ch 2 and turn.

Row 13: dc 18, (20, 22), 3 dc in next dc, centre dc of ch 5, dc 32, (34, 36), 3 dc in ext dc, centre dc of ch 5, dc 18, (20, 22), ch 2 and turn.

Row 14: dc in each dc across, ch 2 and turn.

Row 15: dc 19, (21, 23) 3 dc in next dc, centre dc of 3 dc in 1, dc 34, (36, 38), 3 dc in next dc, centre dc of 3 dc in 1, dc 19, (21, 23) ch2 and turn.

Row 16: dc in each dc across, ch 2 and turn.

Row 17: dc 20, (22, 24), 3 dc in next dc, centre dc of 3 dc in 1, dc 36, (38, 40), 3 dc in next dc, centre dc of 3 dc in 1, dc 20, (22, 24), ch2 and turn.

Row 18: (2nd and 3rd size only) dc in each dc across, ch 2 and turn.

Row 19: (2nd and 3rd size only) dc in each dc across, ch 2 and turn.

Row 20: Change to white, dc in 1st dc, * skip next dc, cluster st in next dc, ch 1*, repeat * to * to last 2 dc, dc in last 2 dc.

Row 21: ch 3, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 3 repeat * to * to last st, sc, ch 2 and turn.

Row 22: dc in 1st dc, * cluster st in next ch3 space, ch 1*, repeat * to * to last 2 dc, dc in last 2 dc.

Row 23: Change to contrast colour, ch 2 and dc in 1st st, 3 dc in each ch 1 space across to last 2 dc, dc in each st, ch 3 and turn.

Row 24: tc in next dc, 2 tc in next dc repeat from * to * to end, ch3 and turn.

Row 25: tc in each tc across, ch 1 and turn.

Row 26: sc in 1st st, skip next 2 tc, (dc, ch 1 four times, dc into next tc), skip next 2 tc, sc in next tc, repeat * to * to end, sc in last st. Do not fasten off.

Right front edge:

Row 1: sc 44 evenly along right front edge, ch 1 and turn.

Row 2: sc in first sc, *ch 2, skip 1 sc, sc in next 5 sc *, repeat * to * 3 times more, (this makes your buttonholes) sc in each remaining sc, ch 1 and turn.

Row 3: sc in each sc working 1 sc in each ch 2 space. Fasten off.

Left front edge:

Row 1: join contrast colour at neck edge of right side and work 44 sc evenly along edge, ch1 and turn.

Row 2: sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn.

Row 3: sc in each sc, fasten off.

Neck edge:

Row 1: join white at edge of front band, ch 1 and sc in first st, sc in each sc to sleeve start, skip 1 sc and sc across sleeve to corner, skip 1 sc and continue across, skipping 1 sc at each edge of second sleeve, ch 1 but do not turn.

Row 2: crab st or backwards sc across, skipping 1 sc at sleeve corners, fasten off.

Sleeve edge:

Row 1: join white at right side edge of white, sc across, ch1 but do not turn.

Row 2: crab st or backwards sc across, fasten off.

Repeat these two rows on second sleeve edge.

Weave in ends and block lightly.

Sew buttons to left front edge to match buttonholes on right.

Knitting

Last Minute Gifts to Knit

Iris Rose

I have kind of hit a blank on what to blog about this week.  I have been working on new patterns and did promise them for the end of November but, I can tell you right now, that ain’t gonna happen.

I have been designing a poncho in a really pretty gradient yarn and, having reached the point where both the front and back pieces were finished, I sewed one side together so that I could knit the neck piece.  A look in the mirror had me laughing my tush off!  It was the most ridiculous looking piece of work that I have ever created.  The cable is beautiful and the yarn shading is very, very pretty but the style, not so much.  Fortunately, I do have a sense of humour or I would have been either in tears or throwing the darn thing through the window.  I will have the pattern ready for January; Christmas season is interfering with my spare time. 

I have also been working on a crocheted shawl that I am excited about.  I am just not excited enough about it to finish it.  I really don’t like the yarn that I chose and want to restart in something that I enjoy working with.  I am going to put my work ethic (huh!) in gear and get that done first so, tada, there will now be two new patterns in January instead of November.  Good things are worth waiting for though, right?

While I procrastinate and you are waiting for me to reveal these patterns, how is your gift knitting or crocheting coming along?  I have a number of free patterns on Ravelry that are speedy knits with very little investment in yarn required.  Cheap and fast, what more can you ask for?  Seriously though, if you are short on time and need an inexpensive handmade gift, have a look at my store.

My favourites are first, the Simple Shawl which you can whip up in about four hours on big needles with 150m of a fancy textured or self striping bulky yarn.  Next is the Quick and Easy Garter Stitch Cowl which, again, you can whip up in a couple of hours and, using a thick, pretty yarn, makes a great gift.  Third choice would be the Latte Scarf.  It takes a little longer to make but, using one cake only of Caron Cakes, is a fancier gift that won’t break the bank.  Use a second cake and make this one wider for a pretty wrap.

If you can both knit and crochet, the Combo Hat pattern is very pretty and doable in an evening.

Make your simple gifts with fancy textured, striping or fuzzy yarn and let the yarn be the star.  I have a few other patterns that you might like; have a look and make this a handmade holiday!  You still have plenty of time.

Knitting

Busy Week!

Iris Rose

 

I have an unexpected late start at work today.  It snowed lightly here last night and, of course, all of the people who drive too fast and too carelessly have met by accident.  The roads are clogged so I thought that I would wait out the snarls and write to you instead.

It has been a busy week with Thanksgiving in the middle.  It is always lovely to see family and have a feast.  It also signals the start of the weather declining into winter.  I know that I have mentioned this in my last few posts but, and here it is, it is time to get busy with your winter crocheting and knitting.  There I have said it, finally admitting that the summer is over.

I have found some time for crafting this week.  I am still working on my poncho.  I have the front done and about one third of the back.  It helps if I don’t watch anything too interesting on TV while I am working.  I dropped a stitch on the weekend and had to rip back about sixteen rows.  Not too happy with myself but I did it right away instead of tossing it into the project basket as I usually do for a time out.  I am back to and have passed that point so all is well.  I will have the pattern out in the next month; I am excited as it is going to be so pretty with the gradient yarn.

         

On another note, DD1 brought me a handmade gift for Thanksgiving.  The ghost has a little LED candle inside that makes it light up and the pumpkin is squishy soft.  Very cute and very talented crocheting!

            

I have been busy populating my Etsy store, Iris Rose Crafts.  There are mostly toys up at the moment but I should have other things out by this weekend.  My patterns for download will be added as well.  Come over and have a look!

In the meantime, come to Ravelry and browse my store there.  I do have free patterns that will fall in nicely with gift giving (speedy and easy to make) but also have several paid patterns for some pretty shawls and sweaters that you can make for those special people in your life.

Both of these are free patterns in my Ravelry store! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/combo-hat;  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quick-and-easy-garter-stitch-cowl

New patterns next month will be the poncho and a surprise crocheted wrap so stay tuned!

Knitting

Stash Busting Easy, Easy, Easy Scarf

Iris Rose

I am late at posting today!  I cut my finger (ow, ow, ow!) and got behind in doing the stuff that needed to be done earlier.  Anyway, here I am now.

I wrote last week that I would have a new pattern for you this week and, tada, I do.  This is a really basic garter stitch scarf pattern that is ideal for a beginner, a quick knit for a more experienced knitter, and a fabulous way to use up part skeins that are in that box in your stash to be used for something, you know the one.  A pretty scarf is also a perfect last minute gift to make, you can make this scarf in an evening. 

The scarf is built in sections of different colours, textures and/or weights of yarn held with a base yarn that remains the same throughout.

I start by choosing a base worsted weight yarn.  This yarn will be used to knit the whole scarf so you will need a fair bit of this one depending on how long you want your scarf to be.  You will need from 225m to 360m or 250yds to 400yds for your base yarn.  I used Bernat Premium acrylic yarn but you can use anything that you have on hand.

Here is the base that I chose along with some potential contrasts.  I didn’t use all of these but added in others.

         

Next, dig through that box or tote or bag where you save the part skeins that are too pretty to toss and find anywhere from six to twelve contrasting or matching colours to pair with your base yarn.  I used some bits in two places as they were long enough.  These yarns can be anything from lace (used double so twice the length) to light worsted.  You will need these yarns to be 36m or 40yds each or double that to use twice in the scarf.

The needles that I used are 12mm or US 17 needles.  These produced a nice thick and squishy scarf with enough drape to wrap nicely.

With your base yarn and one of the selected smaller skeins held together, cast on twenty stitches.  Knit twenty-six rows.  Cut the contrast yarn and, holding another contrast yarn with the base yarn (you haven’t cut the base yarn and won’t throughout the scarf) knit another twenty-six rows.  Continue knitting twenty-six row sections in different contrasting yarns held with the base yarn until you have at least eight sections.  Twelve sections will make a long, wrap around scarf if that is the type you want.  You can make as many sections as you like but I find that eight is probably the minimum that you need to make a decent scarf.

Cast off at the end of the last section, weave in your ends and lightly block your scarf.  Add a fringe if you want to finish off the ends if you like that look.

The above scarf was made with a bunch of boucle pieces that I held with a basic black acrylic yarn.  It is only fifteen stitches wide as I was experimenting with this pattern.

You can use your great imagination to really make this a unique accessory.  If you like to experiment, use larger needles to make a looser knit or to use up chunky or bulky yarn.  You will have to be careful of your yarn length to make the twenty-six rows.  You can vary that too.  Make your sections all different numbers of rows for a different look and a great way to use up all of the extra bits.

Have fun with this and let me know how your unique creations turned out.  I always welcome feedback and love to see photos.