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

 

Funky Halter (still altering this pattern)

 

This is a pattern that I designed on my own. I have been working on it a bit to polish all of the edits and alterations that I have made over the years. The mannequin above has a more natural figure than the one below! I used both to show that a slightly bigger bust (though unnaturally proportioned as this mannequin is) looks a little better with this halter.

The bottom of the halter is constructed first, then the band and ties, then the cups are added last. There is a slip stitch zig zag connecting the cups. In previous patterns, I could get the cups to look right. You basically had to have the most perfect boobs to hold up these cups. I sure don't. On a whim, I tried the zig zag and fell in love with the look of it. Using a sock yarn and hook too large for this yarn (L), makes a very drapey and open fabric. I used Patons Kroy sock yarn. I love pretty much all of their colorways. I am working on another already (still editing) and the colorway (Fern Rose Jacquard) is so bright and happy with its Kelly green, cotton candy pink, and electric blues.

The back of the halter is completely open, great for showing off those back tattoos. Also, good point to make, the cups are lined with fabric. Sewing machines are not my friends. I did line these cups myself, but will pay someone else to do it next time.

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

 

 

 

Cool Pleated Purse!

I have had these purse handles for about 3 years now and finally got down to making a purse to go with them. The hardest part was deciding what color would compliment all of the colors on the handles. Then I had to decide on a design that wasn't too busy. I wanted the handles to be the eye-catcher of the bag. Lighting never does any justice for the true color of things, but this bag is a coral/orangish color. A pinky orange. I used a Drops Design pattern, which I have used before but with a lighter weight yarn. This time I used Brown Sheep Bulky 100% wool. The handles are plastic but heavy and not cheap! I loved making the pleats and they inspired me to knit a pleated skirt. I love this bag!

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!

Ribbed Tank

I have made this top before. A simple ribbed tank from Stitch N Bitch. I used Peaches N Creme kitchen cotton in Denim. I liked using this basic cotton better than the Lion Brand Cotton which is partially acrylic. With the lion brand, there would be less pilling, but it is a much heavier yarn and more expensive. I love the drape of this top with the kitchen cotton. This is a wonderful summer piece that flatters curves and style! 

Burly Spun Neck Cozy

This is another of my original designs. A simple garter stitch neck cozy with vintage buttons. The yarn is a very expensive Brown Sheep Burly Spun 100% wool. The yarn is so thick, the project works up quickly. I love the variagation of this color combo. Its a very warm and natural looking piece, perfect with a sweater for fall, but looks nice under the collar of a pea coat for winter!

Pictured: Yours Truly

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!

Ripple Cowl

Used Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece for this ripple cowl. I think the cotton was a little too heavy for this pattern. Would have been much nice with an alpaca/wool blend. So, instead its a cool, drapey cowl. I love the color, of couse, named azul. Worked up very fast and will make more of this pattern for fall!

Seven Circle Knit Necklace

Believe this pattern is called Seven Circle on Ravelry. It was quite easy to make and inspired my Beaded Knit Necklaces. I love the way the colors came out!