Baby booties are the perfect last minute baby gift. Nothing makes people squee more than teeny tiny shoes! They are fast, cute, and take relatively small amounts of yarn. And there are so many free patterns to choose from, in drastically different styles!
Cozy Gnome Camera Case
Years ago, when I was still learning to crochet, I made a sweet little gnome for my point and shoot camera. But over the years, the original cozy has just plain worn out - it was time to make a new gnome home for our little Cybershot. And since this size of camera is so popular, (Coolpix, Powershot, etc), I thought I really ought to share the pattern. And make it even better, of course! 
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Unpinning Pinterest 7/26/12
It's a bonus post this week, because there's just too much fun stuff I can't wait to share! How could I forgive myself if you needed one of these tips and didn't have it?! Oh sure,I'd muddle along, but let's not take the risk.
- On A Girl and her Needle, there's a great way to Soften Scratchy Yarn - brilliant! This is also great for those skeins that you find at garage sales and thrift stores that would be fine except for a funky smell. So smart!
- At Craftybegonia's Pursenality Shoppe, there's a great tutorial on making Kelly's Braid - a 5 strand braid made with crocheted or knitted i-cord (or rope, or ribbon...). It would make a great purse handle, embellishments, faux cables, or even a very cool headband!
- Over on the Lion Brand blog, they've got a great list of 12 Tips on How to Organize Your Yarn Stash. These are all great! I do a lot of them myself, but my absolute favorite thing to do is use gallon sized zip-top freezer bags. I can keep like yarns together, I can line them up on shelves to see exactly what I have at a glance, and they yarn stays bug, dust, and odor free! Plus, the bags are completely re-usable - I've been working with the same box of bags for a year now. Too many empty bags just beg for a trip to the yarn store... 😉
- Crochet Concupiscence is a fantastic resource for crocheters, and this post of 20 Inspiring Ideas for Combining Crochet with Fabric is so smart! These are such lovely projects! I know I'm inspired!
- I also have been so happy to find Free Vintage Crochet - it's amazing! A little quote from their home page:
All of the free crochet patterns that appear on this website have passed into the public domain. That means that these designs are no longer protected by copyright and you are free to do whatever you would like to do with them! Copy them, share them, make finished items from them and sell them - let your imagination run wild!
There are so very many cute things here! Vintage and retro pot holders, blankets, baby clothes, socks, aprons, you name it. Classic, whimsical, and ridiculously fun! One note: vintage patterns do often assume a little more expertise and expect the crocheter to figure a lot of it out on their own. But don't let that stop you from diving in! Patterns like this are worth it!
- *BONUS PIN* I made the Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe from busymommy yesterday for dinner, and it was SO easy and very tasty. It fed 3 adults and 6 kids and we took it down to the bone. The rub was so delicious! One problem with the way the recipe is written however - just placing the chicken straight into the crock means a lot of the juice was in the bottom and the chicken was sitting in it as it cooked. Still tasty, but not too much like a rotisserie chicken. If you want the dry, crispy skin, I think you'd have to raise it up on a rack inside the pot, and even then I don't know if it'd be "crispy." But either way I recommend this recipe - so good!
That's it for this week - I've got to get to work on tomorrow's free pattern! Hope there's something here that helps you out or makes your life easier, softer, more organized... or more tasty!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and to order your own ooak moogly items – I’m taking commissions! Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and now Tumblr – come join the fun!
Basics of the Blackberry Salad Striped Blanket
The Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket and Afghan continue to be some of the most popular patterns here at moogly, and I couldn't be more pleased. Dozens of gorgeous pictures are over at Ravelry, and some of you have posted your own creations on the moogly Facebook page - love that! This one is for those of you still having a bit of trouble getting started, or getting the stitch counts just right.
If you are still looking for details on these blankets, there is a hand drawn chart, a video on making the Bobble stitch, or dc5tog, and for the Spanish speakers, check out Ensalada de Moras!
I hope this video clears up any remaining confusion! The only thing I forgot to do in this video was change colors for the stripes, but luckily I made a video for that too. If you have any remaining questions, I'll do my best to answer them!
If you do end up making one (or already have), please join us over on the moogly Facebook page and share a picture! We all love to see the finished projects - whether it's a Blackberry Salad Striped Blanket or any other moogly pattern!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and more! Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and Tumblr – come join the fun! You can contact me at TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com or via Facebook messages.
Go Back to School with Crochet: 10 Free Patterns!
Summer is still going full blast, but here the new school year starts in just a few weeks! It's time to start gathering supplies, evaluating wardrobes, getting haircuts, and planning any last summer adventures. Sad or glad (or a little bit of both), you can send them off to school right - with a little crocheted love from home!
Catherine Crochet Headband
The Catherine Crochet Headband comes in two sizes - because you're always the right age for a beautiful handmade headband!
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Quick to Crochet
It's a very quick project, made with a small amount of yarn - which means you can make one to match every outfit!
Catherine Crochet Headband
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
This pattern is offered in two sizes: for small children, and for tweens to adults. The only difference is the number of starting chains! My 10 year old is pictured above wearing the tween/adult size.
US - H, 5.0mm hook - Susan Bates
Less than 100 yds 4-Medium weight yarn (recommended: Lily Sugar'n Cream
Les than 50 yds each in 2 colors
Sizes: Child (Teen/Adult)
Helpful Links and Tutorials
Changing Colors for Striped Rows
CSDC - Chainless Starting Double Crochet
Special Stitches:
dc7tog - yo and insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through first two loops on hook, [yo and insert hook in next hook, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through first two loops on hook] 6 times, yo and pull through all 8 loops on hook.
dc4tog - yo and insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through first two loops on hook, [yo and insert hook in next hook, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through first two loops on hook] 3 times, yo and pull through all 5 loops on hook.
dc3tog - yo and insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through first two loops on hook, [yo and insert hook in next hook, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through first two loops on hook] 2 times, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Note:
If you would prefer not to use the CSDC stitch, you can instead ch 3 or use your preferred first double crochet substitute.
INSTRUCTIONS
Row 1 (WS): With Color A, ch 47(57), skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the next 2 chs, *skip 3 chs, 7 dc in the next ch, skip 3 chs, sc in the next 3 chs; rep from * until 4 chs remain, skip 3 chs, 4 dc in the last ch finishing last st with Color B, turn. Do not break Color A.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in the first 2 sts, *ch 3, dc7tog, ch 3, sc in the next 3 sts; rep from * until 4 sts rem, ch 3, dc4tog, turn.
Row 3 (WS): (CSDC, 3dc) in first st, *skip the ch-3, sc in the next 3 sc sts, skip the ch-3, 7 dc in the dc7tog; rep from * ending with sc in the last 2 sts, finishing last st with Color A, turn. Break Color B.
Row 4 (RS): CSDC in first st, dc3tog, *ch 3, sc in the next 3 sts, ch 3, dc7tog; rep from * until 2 sts rem, ch 3, sc in the last 2 sts, do not turn.
Edging:
- Staying on RS, turn the headband 90 degrees clockwise to work into the end. Working into the center of the side, make 7 dc sts (shell).
- Turning headband another 90 degrees, sl st in each st of the opposite side (the original ch sts) to end of the row.
- Turning another 90 degrees, work another 7 dc shell into the center of the second end.
- Turning 90 degrees one last time, work a sl st into each st of the Row 4. When you get the end, break yarn and use the seamless join to finish off, sewing into the first dc of the first shell. Weave in ends.
Ties:
Ch 40. Pull working loop big and remove hook. Thread the starting end through the center dc of one of the end shells, and pull through until it's at the working loop. Re-insert hook, and sl st in each ch to end. Break yarn and finish off, tying ends together and trimming nicely. Repeat on other side.
Have a great weekend everybody! I love to read your comments, and remember, you are my pattern testers, so let me know if have any questions! I hope you like this one!
The Fine Print
Be sure to Like the moogly Facebook page for the latest updates and have some fun with us! Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2023, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others.
10 Yards or Less? Knit It!
Last week I did a roundup of free patterns you can crochet with 10 yards or less - this time, let's see what we can do with needles!
Unpinning Pinterest 7/16/12
I'm going on vacation later this week, so things are going to be a little mixed up. But don't worry, there's still going to be lots of great stuff, including a free pattern on Friday! For today, it's another issue of...
Sweet Striped Crochet Arm Warmers
This past January I shared the pattern for the Sweet Striped Arm Warmers - a fun knit pattern for kids. It's popsicle season now, but cold weather is coming... eventually... and I've had a few requests to translate this pattern to crochet. So let's get a jump on fall, with a project that will keep the kids warm once the cold weather hits - but is small enough to keep you cool while you work on it! Here are the Sweet Striped Crochet Arm Warmers!
Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)
A while back I did a video tutorial for Foundation Single Crochet (FSC), which shared my method for making that stitch. Now to complete the job, I've made one for Foundation Double Crochet, usually abbreviated as FDC!
10 Yards or Less? No Problem!
We all have them - those teeny tiny balls of yarn. The last of the skein, what's left over at the end of a project, too small to use, too much to throw away. You can wind them all into tiny balls, put them in a pretty vase, and brighten up a dark corner... or you can make any of these free patterns - each of which takes 10 yards or less of yarn!
Riley Flower Square Motif
Riley Cross Body Bag
I was walking through a big department store recently with my daughter, when she spied a purse she thought was "so pretty!" This was the first time she'd ever had that reaction to a purse that didn't feature pink feathers and a Disney princess, so I had to take a closer look. Lo and behold it was crocheted! Well, I can't buy when I can make, so the Riley purse was born, based on the purse we saw - with a couple of custom improvements, of course.
Unpinning Pinterest 7/4/12
Happy 4th of July to all my fellow USians! I hope you're having a great day, full of fun and sun and whatever else you like to do - maybe even knit or crochet. Of course, moogly is international, so hello to the rest of you, and here's hoping you're having a great day too!
Now let's get on with it! Here are the best tips, tricks, and ideas I found on Pinterest this week. The links go directly to the sites, so you don't have to be on Pinterest to enjoy them.
Crochet Cover-ups for Swimsuit Season!
The heat! THE HEAT! It's been brutal here in the Midwest, and I know other areas of the country haven't been fairing any better. Whether you head to the beach or the pool, water is the best cure for this crazy summer heat wave. And if you're like me, you like to have a light cover up for the out-of-the-water moments. Why settle for a terrycloth robe when you can make these free patterns?
Stainless Steel Crochet Water Bottle Sling
Last weekend the clan and I headed off to Brookfield Zoo, one of the best zoos in the Midwest. While packing, I realized I was looking at hauling five stainless steel water bottles around for 6+ hours. Not to mention lunch, snacks, sunscreen, etc etc. Oof! It was time for a redistribution of weight - and at 10pm with a 5:30am wake up call, I wasn't going to be running to the store. One big ball of yarn and hook to the rescue!
Unpinning Pinterest
Normally on Wednesdays I like to share a video tutorial I've made, but this week it didn't work out - my videographer/husband had to do actual paid work! The nerve! Oh well, maybe next week. In the meantime, I thought I'd try something new!
Crochet Independance Day: 10 Free Patterns!
The Fourth of July is next week already, and in the USA that means celebrating - usually with BBQ, parades, and fireworks! Whether you go all out or keep it simple, it's a great excuse to crochet up some goodies in the ol' red white and blue. Here are 10 free patterns that will help make this holiday as festive as can be!
Wool Striped Wallet
Once in a while, not often enough, I get to make stuff for my own kids. And this one was a request from my 6 year old middle child - a new wallet, just for him. He's a little camera shy, so you'll have to believe me when I say that this design made him very very happy.
Popcorn Stitch
The Popcorn Stitch is an easy way to add tons of texture to your crochet projects. It looks a whole lot like a Bobble Stitch, but with two major differences. The first is that the Popcorn Stitch is worked from the right side of the fabric, popping out towards you, whereas the Bobble Stitch is worked from the wrong side, popping out away from you. The other difference is in the actual construction - although both stitches are based on the dc (double crochet), when making the Popcorn Stitch you complete each dc, rather than working a dc5tog (as for a Bobble). How do you turn this shell into popcorn? Let me show you how!
And that's all there is to it! I always think of the Popcorn Stitch as little cups or pockets. Between this stitch and the Bobble, you'll always be able to add that POP, no matter which side of the fabric you're on!
Thanks again for watching. Have you made the Popcorn Stitch before? What's your favorite pattern using this stitch? And what other video tutorials do you want to see? Let me know in the comments!
Be sure to check out and like (and mark as show in newsfeed!) the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and more! Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and now Tumblr – come join the fun! TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com
10 Wedding-Ready Shrugs, Vests, and Boleros
It's wedding season! Put on your dancing shoes, your prettiest dress, and get ready to celebrate love. Even if you don't have a wedding to go to, there are a plethora of awards dinners, reunions, and long nights to attend. Don't let a fickle forecast, overactive AC, or dress code keep you from wearing that shoulder bearing top or dress - make a shrug!
Austentatious Crochet Book Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY FINISHED!
I just had to do an extra blog entry today to tell you about this amazing giveaway! AllFreeCrochet.com is doing a giveaway of the new book Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen, which features 36 crochet designs inspired by Jane Austen's classic six novels, Sense and Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion.
So head on over and enter for a chance to win your own free copy of this book! Once you've entered, take a look around - it's a great site, full of thousands of free patterns.
Can't wait or take the chance? Austentatious Crochet is on sale on Amazon right now!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and more!
Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and now Tumblr – come join the fun!
Tag It!
Summer activities are in full swing here in Iowa, and with the long days spent outdoors, there are two things a kid needs - plenty of sunscreen and drinking water! My youngest picked out a fresh new water bottle, but I wanted to make sure he'd be able to tell which one is his, and I had only 15 minutes before we had to go... so I whipped up this!
Working into the Chain vs. the Chain Space
What's the difference between working into the chain, and working into the chain space? When you are just learning to crochet, this is one of those little details that can be hard to decipher on your own - but it can make a big difference in the finished project! Here's a quick and simple demonstration of the difference.
Working into the ch sp instead of the ch can be tempting - those little stitches are fiddly! But there are times when going right through the chain stitches themselves is important - like after finishing the arm holes for the Mini Moogly Sweater. That next row, you want to work right into each chain stitch in the "arm pits", or the next row will be unstable, and you won't have the other side of the stitch to attach the sleeves to!
Be sure to read your patterns carefully - if it doesn't say to crochet into the ch sp or chain space, then it's a good bet the designer meant you work in to the actual chains. Hope this clears up any lingering confusion on the difference between these two notations.
Once again, thanks for watching! If you have any ideas for videos you'd like to see, please let me know in the comments!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and to order your own ooak moogly items – I’m taking commissions! Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and now Tumblr - come join the fun!
Father's Day Crochet Gift List
Father's Day is this weekend! But there's still time to make something and there are lots of patterns out there to appeal to the men in your life. The key is to keep the colors masculine and stitches non-lacey. Here are 10 ideas and 15 free patterns that should fit the bill. 
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Easy Listening Earbud Covers
Ear buds, earbuds, in-ear headphones - so handy, so sleek, so maddening when they are knotted and tangled. I use mine nearly every day, yet they still managed to get tied up in knots. I'd seen other patterns for covers, but none of them were exactly what I was looking for. Finally, I took action, and here's the result!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. [Read more...]
Basic Crochet Cables
People have been asking me about crochet cabling, and with good reason - there are some great cabled crochet projects and patterns out there! Basically, crochet cables are made with post stitches. Most of the time these will be front post double crochet (fpdc) and front post treble crochet (fptrc) stitches, but of course each cable pattern will have it's own variations - and that's the fun of it!
I've used post stitches to create crochet cables in the Diamond Crochet Cowl and Cable Heart Gift Bag patterns, but in this video I demonstrate a very basic overlapping cable pattern that's a little more traditional.
And really, that's all there is to it! Cabling with crochet is so fun and like every stitch, once you've got the hang of it you'll wonder why you ever waited. Thanks for watching!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get all the latest updates, fun links, sneak peeks, and more! And follow me on Pinterest for even more great ideas!
Celebrate Baseball Season with 10 Free Patterns
College baseball, major league baseball, little league - it's time to play ball! Whether you're headed to Stitch N' Pitch this season or supporting the home team from the couch, you can hit a home run with these 10 free patterns. The first 5 are crochet, and the second 5 are knit - something for everyone today!
Wide Mouth Canning Jar Cozy
I love my canning jars. For drinking glasses, storage and organization, emergency vases, candle holders, gift giving... they are wonderfully versatile and as Eco-friendly as it gets. So I ended up with a request for a Wide Mouth Canning Jar Cozy! And once I'd written down the pattern, I decided to share.
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The Cuppow turns any wide mouth canning jar into a travel mug, and works with both hot and cold drinks. But it doesn't take care of condensation from cold drinks or scalded hands from hot drinks - that's where the cozies come in! For a commission I made one in wool for hot drinks and one in cotton for cold drinks. I used a plain background stitch of single crochets and improvised a Union Jack pattern. Voila!
In addition, I worked up a pattern that used a more decorative stitch. I decided to share the two basic cozy patterns: a Plain Version - perfect as a backdrop for your own add-ons, and a Decorative Version - great for showing off a pretty yarn or letting your drink peek through. And from there you can customize them all you like. Add an applique, go crazy with color, sew on a club patch or cute buttons - it's up to you!
Wide Mouth Canning Jar Cozy
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
- US-H, 5.00mm hook
- 60 yards of worsted weight yarn, either wool or cotton
Recommended: Lily Sugar'n Cream - Optional: decorative elements
Wide Mouth Canning Jar Cozy Instructions
Row 1: Make a magic circle and work 6 sc into the circle. Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 2: Work 2sc in ea st around. (12 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 3: *Sc in st, 2sc in next st. Repeat from * to end. (18 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 4: *Sc in two sts, 2sc in next st. Repeat from * to end. (24 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 5: *Sc in st, 2sc in next st, sc in next two sts. Repeat from * to end. (30 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
For the Plain Version: 
Row 6: Work just this row in the blo. [Sc in nine sts, sc2 in next st] three times. (33 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 7: Sc evenly around. (33 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 8 - 20: Sc evenly around. (33sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
You may need to add rows here to reach the top of your jar or to account for your own gauge. I found that with cotton I needed just 20 rows, but with the wool I needed 22. So try it on the jar and see where you're at before moving to the last row.
Row 21 (or last row): Work RSC to the end of the row. Break yarn and finish off. Weave in ends.
For the Decorative Version: 
Row 6: Work just this row in the blo. [Sc in fourteen sts, sc2 in next st] twice. (32 sc) Join with sl st and ch 1.
Row 7 - 16: *Work a sc and a dc in the same st. Sk next st. Repeat from * to end. (16 clusters, or 32 sts made.) Join with sl st and ch 1.
You may need to add or subtract rows here to account for your own gauge. So try it on the jar and see where you're at before moving to the last row.
Row 17 (or last row): Work RSC to the end of the row. Break yarn and finish off. Weave in ends.
Now you add any decorations you like, or just slip in on your jar and get to sipping!
As one of the canning jar obsessed, I might have to add the Cuppow to my wish list. I already got my new clothesline for Mother's Day, so I think this is next on my list. Do you use love canning jars too? What else do you do to be green?
The Fine Print
Be sure to Like the moogly Facebook page for the latest updates and have some fun with us! Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2012. Please do not reprint this pattern, but feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others.
Make Your Own Buttons with Crochet!
Sifting through grandma's coffee can full of buttons is one of those near-universal memories among crafters. What happened to all those cans? Some of you may have been lucky enough to inherit these treasure troves, but far too many of us are left with only the craft store. And they aren't 10 cents a pack any more either. Whether it's price or availability, being able to make your own buttons on the spot is a great skill to have!
Beautiful Crochet Lace: 10 Free Patterns
Crochet lace is one of the oldest forms of crochet, and recently it's gotten quite a revival as it's moved beyond the collar and doily. Crochet shawls are more popular than ever, and certainly not just for grannies. One of the great things about lace is it's speed - unless you're working with tiny hooks and yarns, the inches just fly by! Because of the open spaces, it uses a lot less yarn, meaning you can splurge on nicer stuff and really make it last. Any you won't get better drape and stretch than you do with lace fabric.
Kraken Octopus Squid Applique
I love Cephalopods! They are just so alien, so interesting, so very different and amazing and awe inspiring. The truth is often stranger than fiction. And they can be cute too! See?
10 Summer Hats to Keep You Cool
I don't usually follow the fashion trends, but one I've noticed and love is the return of the hat! They're everywhere this summer, and that's a good thing. Good for your skin, good for your eyes, and good for your wardrobe. There are some cute ones in the stores, obviously, but you're a crocheter - make your own!
Teacher's Gift Time - 10 Crochet and Knit Ideas
I don't know about you, but between homework, library trips, laundry, dinner, lessons, shopping, doctor appointments, working, and everything else, the end of the school year always sneaks up on us here at moogly headquarters. School ends a bit earlier here than it does in many other parts of the country - it's our last week already! But it's not too late to come up with handcrafted gifts for the kids' teachers.
Wavy Baby Blanket
Introducing the Wavy Baby Blanket! It's almost summer here, but the mornings and nights are still cool, and soon the air conditioners in shops will start icing us down. Meaning we need a baby blanket just right for summer!
Working Into the Edge
Edgings, borders, taking off in a new direction - all call for working stitches into the sides of other stitches. It's not a new stitch that's the tricky part here - it's knowing where to insert the hook. Here's how I do it.
In other words - play with it! I've run into various "formulas" and "rules" out there, but in my personal experience, each project needs some futzing around to get it just right. For one project one method will work, and then the next project I do will require something else to get the look I'm after. Don't be afraid to play, and don't hesitate to frog what isn't working for you. One of the great things about crochet is the easy ability to rip back your stitches without ruining the whole project - this goes double for edgings! So play, experiment, and have fun!
What's your favorite edging method? What other videos do you want to see? Let me know in the comments!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly facebook page to get all the latest updates, fun links, sneak peeks, and more! And check out my Zazzle page for fun moogly merchandise and crochet themed items. You can contact me directly at TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com.
Ten Free Crocheted Owl Patterns
Owls owls owls - they are everywhere these days, from nurseries to jewelry to bags and hats, and now that it's graduation time, they are making their appearance on campuses across the country. An old trend that's new again, this time around it seems here to stay. And since a group of owls is called a Parliament - and that's just kinda cool all by itself - I've decided to start this week off with a roundup of free crochet owl pattens! If you haven't gotten into the owl groove yet, you might see something here to change your mind.
Summer Waves Placemat and Coaster
Summer! Time for barbeques, relaxing by the pool, hanging out with friends, and great seasonal food. Whether you're eating outdoors or in, you can get in the mood and brighten things up with the Summer Waves Placemat and Coaster set!
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Match Your Decor - Or Make a Stash Buster!
A simple four line repeat, in your choice of colors, and your table will look festive and brand new. Do these in shades of blue and green for a beachy table, match your favorite garden flowers, get creative! I used two main colors with a single standout stripe, but any color combo will get a lot of mileage out of this stitch pattern!
Summer Waves Placemat and Coaster
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
US - I, 5.50mm hook
Caron Simply Soft (Worsted weight yarn)
Colors Shown: White (A), Mango (B) and Limelight (C)
NOTE:
A combination of bold colors and working in the Back Loop Only (BLO) give this pattern a lot of pop and clean lines. I carried my yarn up the side to be covered with the edging, but if you are using more than 2 or 3 colors you may want to cut the yarn between stripes.
Summer Waves Placemat Instructions
With Color A, ch 58 loosely.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook. *Sc in next st, then hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * to end of row. (57 sts)
Row 2: Ch1 and turn. Sc in ea st across to end. (57 sc)
Row 3: With Color B, ch 4 and turn. Work this row and all remaining odd numbered rows in BLO, except for the very last st of the row. *Tr in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts. Repeat from * to end of row. (57 sts)
Row 4: Ch1 and turn. Sc in ea st across to end. (57 sc)
Rows 5 - 30: Repeat Rows 1 - 4 6x, and then repeat Rows 1 - 2 once more. Use Color C for Rows 23 - 24 if desired. Break yarn and finish off.
Edging:
Hold 2 strands of yarn together (I used Colors A and B) and stitch tightly here so you don't warp the fabric. A few stitches in from the bottom corner, join with a sl st, ch1, and sc evenly around. I found it best to work 1sc in the side of each sc and 2sc into the side of each tr, but you may need to adjust this for your personal tension. In each corner, sc once, ch1, and sc into the other "side" of that st. Join to the first sc with a sl st, ch1, and do one more row of sc as before. When two rows of sc are complete, break yarn and use Seamless Join to finish off. Weave in ends. Block if needed.
Summer Waves Coaster Instructions
With Color A, ch 16 loosely.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook. Sc in next st, then hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts. (15 sts)
Row 2: Ch1 and turn. Sc in ea st across to end. (15 sc)
Row 3: With Color B, ch 4 and turn. Work this row and all remaining odd numbered rows in BLO, except for the very last st of the row. Tr in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts. (15 sts)
Row 4: Ch1 and turn. Sc in ea st across to end. (15 sc)
Rows 5 - 6: Repeat Rows 1 - 2.
Rows 7 - 8: With Color C, repeat Rows 3 - 4.
Rows 9 - 10: Repeat Rows 1 - 2.
Edging:
Edge as per placemat instructions above.
Placemats and coasters are an easy and economical way to liven up the room and protect your furniture. Make a full set for the dining room, make a set of coasters for the coffee table, or make just one placemat to put under that gorgeous vase of flowers! What do you do to liven things up around the house?
The Fine Print
Be sure to Like the moogly Facebook page for the latest updates and have some fun with us! Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2012. Please do not reprint this pattern, but feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others.
Broomstick Lace
Broomstick Lace, aka Jiffy Lace, is one of those things that I avoided for far too long. Sure, it's pretty, I thought, but it's got to be hard. Well I was absolutely delighted to sit down one day and discover it's super easy! And now it's one of my favorite things to crochet. Here's how I do it:
You can use this technique for clothes, blankets, whatever you like, though I don't recommend it for a potholder. The Baby In Bloom Sweater and Bonnet both use broomstick lace, and I can't wait to design more crochet patterns with this stitch. I hope this video tutorial encourages you to give it a try yourself if you haven't already. What sort of projects do you want to make with broomstick lace?
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get all the latest updates, fun links, sneak peeks, and more! And check out my Zazzle page for fun moogly merchandise and crochet themed items.
My Review: Urban Edge
Last week I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Urban Edge, by designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby, published by Leisure Arts. And I'm super excited to be able to give you an inside peek! I snapped a few pics this overcast May morning (hence the blurriness, my apologies), so let's dive in.
