Crochet Patterns or Coloring Pages?

We've all seen crochet patterns, and a few years ago, the adult coloring books began to flood the craft stores.

Who would have expected the two to commingle?  We have to know that innovative people would see the possibility.  

Charted, graphed, written, video, if it is possible to get the information to the mind, people have done it.

Today, I am sharing an E-book offered here.  In this E-book, you will find a short note from the author, Andee Graves and of course the 4 sweet pages, set, and ready for you to print, and color.

I found each page delightful. I marvel at creative people with the ability to express themselves on multiple platforms of creation. 
I am not one of them.  My ability to draw is limited to the sort of misshapen forms commonly seen on the bulletin board of an elementary school. I would not have been able to create this, but I can sure enjoy it.  My many thanks to Andee for sharing her talents, and allowing me to enjoy Crochet, beyond the expected mediums.

Find the book here   https://www.favecrafts.com/Free-Coloring-Books/Crochet-Coloring-Pages-for-Adults?s=CL4zfVSj

Visit Andee on her website, and get a glimpse of the range of her artful appreciations. https://mamas2hands.com/


please note, the comments on this page are my own. I was not compensated in any way for offering my opinion. I do not have an affiliate connection to Favecrafts.

Rhoda Wrap Shawl

I have been busy this week,

Three patterns in test mode is a great way to stay that way.
I added a pattern to my inventory this morning.

This this the Rhoda Wrapped Shawl

I am quite happy with the way it works up so sweetly.

A two row repeat keeps it simple to work, and the flow of color from a Mandala Cake is effortless intrigue.

At a glance, the stitches look similar to those of a Granny Square, upon closer look, you see the subtle difference that makes this design unique.

Wrapping the stitch is very simple to do, although when I went in search of a video tutorial, I did not find any that were the same as mine.   Without clear instruction for my self proclaimed visual learners on my fabulous tester team, all 3 ladies pulled it off, rather fabulously.

This pattern starts at the top, and grows wider, and longer as you work.  If by chance you want a larger shawl, it would be simple enough to add another cake, and continue the same two rows. No additional instruction would be required.

This pattern is available HERE, in an instant download PDF. 

It is my sincerest hope that you will enjoy the pattern, and the Love Crochet Platform.

Check out all the amazing colorways offered on the site too. They are linked in the patten listing.
Many Indulgences

Becky

Adding a little texture

I love crochet.

I have discovered that I love to play with stitches, and see what happens.

I love to experiment, and develop new things. I won't pretend I "invented" anything new, because I am quite certain someone, somewhere has done it before. 

I will say, in all sincerity when I discover a combination of stitches that is unique, and easy to replicate, I love to share, in hopes that others will like it as much as I do.

My 4~Seasons Shawl line is one such situation.  

As I played with stitches, I found a sweet little texture that was delicate, and not a tremendous yarn eater.

We are all familiar with the half double/slip st.  

We have seen the double/single provide interest in an otherwise smooth fabric. So, I decided to try the treble/half double, and see what it offered.  I was not disappointed, in repeat rows, it kept the top edge of the fabric smooth, and offered a pretty visual.  It will be great, in another design.

What I wanted for this design was More Umph,  A more distinct look, that would remain easy to replicate.

in the next row, I made the treble, just as my phone rang. Quickly stuck the hook in the next stitch. After my call ended, I picked it up, and completed a sc in that stitch.

 "No, Wait, Wrong, I am not doing sc..."  

I was about to pull it out, remembering that I had a plan, when I saw the back side of the work.  I finished the row, seeing this really gentle nubby bump develop as I went.  I loved it.  It was just what I knew I wanted, without knowing how to get what I wanted.

So, Let's take a quick look at how it works.

Just simple stitches. Nice enough, but too simple, Even for a true beginner pattern.

How the row looked as it was finished. (remember, the texture is on the backside)

Ah, yes,  My Pretty, My Delicate little Nubbies.

Add the next row. Now, it really looks good. Yes!  

And this is how the design was born. 

From these beginnings, 4 different combinations have been used to create the line

Spring

Summer

Autumn (being tested now)

Winter (being Written now)

The Turtle Hood crochet pattern

Introducing the Turtle Hood crochet pattern

Look what handy work I came up with.

This is my own design, created by me, for me, and others who like soft, comfortable wearable accessories. This is warm, and keeps the wind from my hair. (it hides it too.

The turtle neck aspect is delightful. It snugs up, without being tight.  

The design appears complicated, and yet construction is fairly straightforward. The pattern is complete with written instruction, and a color coded chart to assist as you master the concept of short rows.

For this design, I was honored to work with Berroco Ultra Wool DK.  This yarn is the perfect compliment to such a luxurious accessory. My review can be found Here 

You will find this design in my Ravelry shop. Please give the listing a show of support by clicking the heart button, and adding it to your que.

Berroco Ultra Wool DK

This review is my own. I have not been asked to write it, nor have I been compensated for it.

Berroco Yarn Company very graciously provided the yarn for my Turtle Hood design, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with the product.

Berroco Ultra Wool DK

100% Superwash Wool.

Universal weight category 3 (DK/Light Worsted)

Packaged in 3.5oz-100g center pull skein. 292yds/262m

Recommended hook 4.5mm, or knitting needle size 4.0mm.

Overall, I would recommend this yarn for any design that is intended for warmth.  Whether it be a hat, a sweater or a blanket.

I enjoyed the feel of the yarn, It did not cause my hands to dry, and there was no need of lotioning as I worked my project.

In the two skeins I used, I found no knots, or loose ends. One continuous strand of lightly twisted, soft wool. It was a pure joy, let me tell you.  On the second skein, I was not paying attention, and grabbed the end with a couple other strands, and created the dreaded yarn barf.  It was the only disappointment, brought on entirely by my own rush. (it happens when excitement to keep going gets the upper hand on using care.)

Stitch definition is very much a plus with this product. I was delighted to have clear stitch texture, while maintaining an air infused, larger than expected stitch. Notice the firm, beautiful details in the Turtle Hood

Care of your finished item is not a production. No trip to the Dry Cleaners, where the cost could compare to the item itself.  Simply place in a mesh wash bag, and use the delicate cycle of your washing machine.  You may then tumble dry, using a low heat setting, Or, Lay flat to dry.  Depending upon the item, Reshaping and allowing your treasure to dry flat may indeed be your best choice.

I am quite happy with this yarn.

Do you need a Mesh bag to be sure your treasures are protected?  Check out my pattern 

Save your Indulge Treasures

Save Your Treasures

The perfect pattern came in to view, a design that spoke to your heart. You have worked hard to earn the money, scoured the craft and yarn stores, or perhaps the internet to find the perfect yarn. You have worked long past tired to finish one more row, night after night. Finally, your project is complete.  A moment of pure pride.

Then, the time comes, Your beautiful creation is soiled. 

Load it up, and head to the dry cleaner?  Toss it in the washing machine?  Soak it in a pan of water?  What is the best option?

Each design, Each yarn will have special care needs.

For those precious garments, take the time to be sure you are doing right by your hard work.

Read your yarn label.  Didn't keep one?  Look it up. if the yarn is washable, then you won't need to go to the drycleaners with it.  But perhaps you don't want to toss it in the washer with your jeans or towels.

Here is my suggestion for all Machine Washable Yarn projects.

Place the item into a mesh bag, closing the top of the bag. Set your water temperature to cold, and the machine to the delicate cycle.  Depending on the type of soil, you may use a detergent like Woolite, or perhaps something like Ivory Flakes.  I prefer to use 1/2 cup of baking soda.  It removes most soils, and odors. it adds a softening agent to the water, so there is no need to deal with the coating of fabric softeners and perfumes found in the commercial products.

Don't have a mesh bag?  

I have a crochet pattern for one. 

And, it is #Forever~FREE here on my Blog. 

You may purchase a printer friendly PDF of this pattern here 

Treasures Launder Bag

Supplies needed:

1 ball Aunt Lydia's Baker's Cotton.

5.0mm crochet hook (US size 8, H)

Stitch Marker (a safety pin is a good alternative if you have misplaced your markers)

scissors

tapestry needle for weaving in the ends.

Before you begin the bag, make 2 chains of 108 sts. Set these aside to use as your drawstrings. ( Now you can relax, and work until you run out of yarn.)

To Begin:

1)  Ch 4, tr in the 4th ch from the hook, *ch 3, tr in the joint of the previous loop top.  Repeat from the * until you have 10 loops total. ( this will provide for a bag approximately 12 inches wide, and 14 inches tall. If you want to adjust, Now is the time to do it, just remember, you will need another ball of yarn if you add more loops to your foundation.) 

2)  sc in the Foundation loop you just finished, *ch 3, sc in same loop, ch 3, sc in next loop. (Place marker in first ch 3 loop made.) Repeat from star around, working both sides of the foundation eyelets. Do not join, Do not turn,

3. Work (sc, ch 3, sc) in marked loop, *ch 3, sk the next ch sp, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the next loop. Repeat from * working spiral fashion, moving marker up with each round, until you do not have enough yarn to complete another round. I had less than a yard of yarn left.

Finishing:

Using one of the drawstrings you set aside, weave each end through the small ch 3 loops across the top. when you have both ends of the first chain pulled through evenly, tie together in a knot as close to the end of the chains as possible.  Repeat with the other chain, starting on the opposite side of the bag. Be sure you catch all the loops for a good closure.  Tie the two ends into a knot.  Your knots should be directly across from each other.