Granny Square Messenger

 

The Granny Square is the first thing that I ever learned to make, as well as the first pattern I was taught to read. It is a classic design that makes you think of retro and most likely, real live Grannies sitting around crocheting pretty hideous blankets. I really like to use granny squares, even when just trying to see how different colors work together. Instead of a swatch, I may make a granny square, alternating colors here and there.

Here, I have made three granny square panels. Not squares, but a three sided granny pattern. Front  and back of the bag, and then the flap. I doubled up on yarn for the strap, but it will stretch on anyway, nothing I can do about that except, maybe, line it (and you know I hate sewing machines). Easy bag to make, but a treacherous pattern to write.

The bag above is made with Berroco Comfort Worsted. It is an acrylic yarn with a mercerized cotton feel to it. It's cool to the touch and very heavy. It does tend to split a little when working with it, but the finished product looks so smooth. I chose these colors because I wanted to keep that vintage feel with the granny design.

 

 

This bag is made with leftover acrylic yarn that I used to make a Dr. Who scarf. It's Vanna White Lion Brand. The bag came out a little bigger than the Berroco one, for whatever reason. I don't think this acrylic has too much give or weight to it. It's fluffier and lighter. It definitely does not have a smooth look to it, rather a granny blanket look. Nonetheless, I needed to give my pattern one more preliminary test before sending it to a real pattern tester.

 

This is the bag with the flap flipped over. Perfect size for binders, folders, and books....hint schoolbag!

This bag is for sale on etsy.

www.etsy.com/shop/shopnikkistitch

 

Cowl Shawlette

 

A new favorite pattern, based off of the cowl shawl. This would be the Cowl Shawlette! Made in thinner yarn (sport, sock, or lace) and with a smaller needle, to be worn open or pinned around the neck or shoulders. The black yarn is a Phildar  85% acrylic and 15% wool, so it still lends warmth, but slightly more washable than the colorful one below.

 

The variegated shawlette is made from Malabrigo lace. I bought the yarn on my Yarn Along trip last September. I waited forever to use the yarn, just until I could figure out the best pattern to use it for. I think I made the right decision. It's a soft, airy, and clingy fabric made of 100% wool and 100% warm! It's super bright and can be worn with anything! I am keeping that one for myself.

The black shawlette is for sale on etsy.

www.etsy.com/shop/shopnikkistitch

 

 

 

Flower Headband

This colorful headband is crocheted throughout with a mesh/window band and a flower sewn on. A great way to use up scrap yarn. I love putting coral and aquamarine together. I don't know why but those colors sing next to each other. And of course, grey makes me happy! This is one of my favorite impromptu flowers to make. They always turn out oversized, which is perfect!

Cowl Shawl

One of my own designs here and pretty proud of this one! Its a very simple crochet pattern, back and forth with increasing every row. It makes a beautiful cowl neck when pinned with a shawl pin and dramatic without the pin. Great for casual outfits but spices up boring fall days!

Triangle Scarf

I love these triangle scarves! I found the stitch pattern in Super Stitches Crochet. I altered the pattern to increase at the beginning and end of each row. I think it turned out pretty cute! The yarn is Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima "Quatro." I loved working with this yarn. It is uber soft and has a mind-blowing 220 yards per ball! It comes in solid colors for half a dollar cheaper, but the color combos that this yarn comes in is scrumptious!

Mary Jane and Sock Booties

These little Mary Jane Booties came from the Crochet to Go crochet card set. It wasn't very difficult to do, but there were lots of ends to cover and weave. I reshaped the first few rounds of the socks by adding decreases at the front center. They were too boxy and bulky. I also did not add the crochet thread trim. That seemed like too much work. I added a picot edging.

I don't think I will do that pattern again, but I would like to come up with my own version in the future.

Swirly Bibs

I really love these bibs. They are absolutely adorable, as well as, machine washable and dryable. I would say they would fit baby year 1-2. I used cotton and cotton blends and an H hook. They worked up in less than an hour.

Crocheted Bowl

I really like these little bowls. They are crocheted so tight that they become pretty sturdy. I'd like to eventually be able to stitch some little designs around when I have some extra time, but for now they whip up pretty quick. I used bulky rug wool and an F hook. I started with a plastic hook and saw how it bent like a fishing pole with a nice catch on the end. I soon switched to aluminum. The crocheting really wears on your hands, but the finished project rocks!

Scarf and Mittens

I made this scarf and mittens for a friend. I used a shell pattern repeat for the scarf and used a knit ravelry pattern for the mittens. I converted the knits into single crochet. I weaved ribbon through the wrists to help it stay put.

Field Poppy

I made a poppy for Gramma's birthday. I overlapped the petals wrong and it still bothers me just looking at the picture!
The structuring was pretty easy. Make each petal seperately and sew them together two at a time, then sew the pair togehter. The center is a cast on, then bind of the stitches. The black dots are french knots. And then just an i-cord stem.
The worst part was repeating the french knots. I am no good at embroidery.

Yellow Rose

I made this yellow rose for a mourning friend. I crocheted the leaves and flower. I knitted the stem and then made it sturdier with wire. It didn't take much time from me and ended up being a useful, pretty, and thoughtful gift.

Troy's Teddy Bear

I made this bear for my nephew, Troy. I got the pattern out of Crochet Today! Jan/Feb '09 issue. I used Red Heart Super Saver 5 oz.; color: Coffee Fleck. I really really wanted to use the yarn suggested in the pattern, Red Heart Fiesta, but every store that I went to was sold out of it for what seemed like weeks on end.

I like making stuffed animals, but am terrible at embroidery, so the nose and mouth are not to my satisfaction. Making the pieces was pretty simple. The patterns for each piece is so alike, that its very quick to crochet.

The gift was a little late for Christmas, but I think it will be a great keepsake in a stuffed animal hammock or on a shelf when he is tired of playing with it.