Archives for July 2013

Crochet Stars Pattern & Tutorial

July 29, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Crochet Star Pattern & Tutorial

We’ve played around with crochet stars for various projects. Each star has it’s own unique shape…and you just never know when you’ll need one design over another.

The stars above were crocheted with an H/8/5.00 mm hook using Vanna’s Choice: Mustard (worsted weight). We often crochet them with a C/2/2.75 mm to get a smaller star with tighter stitches.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Crochet Star Pattern Tutorial

A couple of these stars require you to slip stitch into the top of a previous stitch. See the tutorial below for more information on how to do that.

Large Crochet Star Pattern

This star could perhaps double as a sun. The holes that you see in this star actually disappear or become less visible if a smaller hook is used than what is recommended on the yarn label.

As seen on: Lid of the Flag in the Cup Cozy Collection.

Size: 2 3/4″ (2.75 inches)

Worsted Weight Yarn
Hook: H

Ch 2
Rnd 1: 10 hdc in 2^nd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (10)
Rnd 2: In back loops only, sl st into next st. (work next group in the same st as sl st you just worked) * work: ch 2, dc, ch 1, sl st into top of dc, ch 2, sl st. 2 sl sts into next sts of Rnd 1* around.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

“Starfish” Crochet Star Pattern

Each point of this star is constructed from the chain stitch…giving it a more fluid look.

Size: 2″ (2 inches)

Worsted Weight Yarn
Hook: H
NOTE: The 1^st ch made is the “base ch”.
Ch 5
Rnd 1: Sl st in 2^nd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st into base ch. (first point made). *Ch 4, sl st in 2^nd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st into base ch* 4 times.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Solid Crochet Star Pattern

This star is petite yet beefy all at the same time.

Size: 1 1/4″ (1.25 inches)

Worsted Weight Yarn
Hook: H
NOTE: The 1^st ch made is the “base ch”.
Ch 2
Rnd 1: Sc in 2^nd ch (base ch) from hook, ch 1, sl st in top of sc, sc in base ch. *Sc in base ch, ch 1, sl st in top of sc, sc in base ch* 4 times.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Classic 5 Pointed Crochet Star Pattern

This star is very classic with 5 pointed ends and no holes in the center ring.

As seen on: Captain American Cup Cozy.

Size: 1 1/2″ (1.5 inches)

Worsted Weight Yarn
Hook: H
Ch 3, join with a sl st.
Rnd 1: Sl st into ring. *Ch 3, sl st in 2^nd ch from hook, ch 1, sl st into ring* 5 times.
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Slip Stitch to Make a Point Tutorial

A couple of these crocheted stars ask you to slip stitch into the top of the previous single crochet (or double crochet). This will make a nice point on your star. The loop(s) you grab will give effect the way your star looks.

Here’s how we worked our Solid Star:

After you chain 1, insert your hook through the front loop of the single crochet, then the side loop of the single crochet (where the blue marker is hooked in the photo above). Yarn over and slip thought all loops on the hook.

Working through the front loop and the side of the stitch will help your stitches lay nice and flat.

Other Uses of These Star Patterns

We’ve used these star patterns on numerous projects.

Mug Cozy uses Large Star – Hook H
Mason Jar Lid uses Large Star – Hook H
Cup Cozy uses Classic 5 Point star – Hook C

For more information about our cozies:

Mason Jar Flag Cozy

Filed Under: Appliques, Patterns for FREE, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: star, stars

The Plastic Challenge

July 25, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

What would you create if you had to incorporate plastic into a fiber arts project?

Four of us (friends from a Starbucks knit/crochet group) took up the challenge and crocheted four very different projects. Other group members who didn’t submit items where the honorary judges.

Plastic Challenge

The Plastic Challenge Rules:

The project had to be crocheted or knitted.
Accents of other mixed media was acceptable.
Plastic had to be incorporated into the piece in a significant way.
Open to contestants of any age.

FIRST PLACE:

Piggy Bank – By: Deborah

Upcycling for Change…this piggy bank incorporated a cup that one of our beverages came in!

Does this little piggy look familiar? It’s a modified version of our Pork Chop crochet pattern.

Pork Chop pattern available on Etsy.

SECOND PLACE:

Panda – By: Island (age 11)

panda

Hands down, this project incorporated the most plastic elements in the bunch. This is a fun trash-to-treasure art piece. Who knew that pandas love plastic?

THIRD PLACE:

The final entries tied for third.

Granny Menu & Bag Keeper with Coordinating Coupon Purse – By: Dana

granny bag keeper and purse

Nostalgic and useful, the Menu Keeper holds a weekly menu between two transparency sheets while the tufted granny square pocket in the back stores plastic grocery bags. Crocheted with similar construction, the granny purse has two pockets for holding coupons.

Strawberry Writing Box – By: Alice

strawberry box open and closed

This bedazzled strawberry container is now a felted stationary box. It’s the perfect size for storing greeting cards, pens and stamps.

Another Challenge

The plastic challenge, though a little quirky, turned out to be surprisingly fun. It was interesting to see how very different everyone’s projects were.

The gauntlet has been dropped and another fun challenge has begin. Stay tuned for our next fiber contest.

Filed Under: Challenges & Contests Tagged With: bags, boxes, challenge, pig, piggy bank

Colorful Heart in Grandma’s Favorite Dishcloth

July 22, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Ever since I charted the Heart in Grandma’s Favorite Dishcloth knitting pattern, I’ve wanted to knit it in color. I love the stockinette heart in the middle of the garter stitch…but what would a change of color do?

The Front of Grandma’s Favorite Dishie

I’m thrilled with my first ever attempt to knit with a color change.

But I had two challenge:

I had to learn how to pick up a new color without leaving a hole.
Since there is no “back” to this project, that meant I couldn’t carry my color. Yep, there were 5 mini balls of yarn for this project! Way too many for a first timer.

This gave me a new appreciation for any and all knitting projects that use more than one color. And an even greater appreciation for knit groups! I’m definitely going to hit one up next time I start this project!

The Back of Grandma’s Favorite Dishie

So…since I didn’t carry the color…what does the back look like? Here ya go…a sneak peak.

Yeah, not very pretty. But you know what? I’m still gonna use it. Or is this one of those projects only a mother could love…so I should send it to my mom???

If you’ve got some knitting advice, I’m all ears. Leave me a comment below.

Get your free Heart in Grandma’s Favorite Dishcloth knitting pattern.

Filed Under: Kitchen, Knit, Patterns for FREE Tagged With: free, grandma's favorite dishcloth, knit, pattern

Kettle Corn Recipe for Movie Night with Crochet Star Wars Chewbacca

July 19, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Kettle Corn Recipe for Movie Night with Crochet Star Wars Chewbacca Mason Jar Cozy

Make movie night more festive with our colorful kettle corn recipe and a crochet Star Wars Chewbacca Mason jar cozy!

As kids, Chewbacca was my sister’s and my favorite Star Wars character, so it seems only fitting that he be one of the characters we make for our movie night mason jar cozy. This is a fun and easy project that will add a lot of flavor to a night of entertainment.

Let’s start with the Kettle Corn…you can munch on it while you crochet!

Kettle Corn Recipe

We’ve changed up the traditional kettle corn recipe by using agave nectar instead of sugar (if you don’t have agave nectar, use ¼ cup of white sugar).

By adding a few drops of food coloring, this simple snack food becomes an extra special treat.

So, let’s get poppin’.

Kettle Corn Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup white popcorn kernels
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 drops of food coloring

Kettle Corn Directions:

In a large pot, heat oil and butter on medium-high heat. When it boils, add agave nectar, salt, food coloring and popcorn.
Constantly shake pot over heat. When popping starts to slow down, remove from heat and pour popcorn into a large bowl. CAUTION: the agave nectar/sugar burns easily. You will want to remove the pan from the heat long before there are 2 seconds between pops.
Stir and allow popcorn to cool before serving.

Crochet Star Wars Chewbacca Mason Jar Cozy

If you love to crochet Star Wars characters, than add this guy to the list. It will bring a smile to your face every step of the way. It did for me…I was grinning ear to ear as I was designing this cozy.

This works great as a cup cozy, too! You gotta have something to drink on movie night!

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet

Skills Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet in the Round, Crochet with two strands at once.

Chewbacca Supplies List:

Vanna’s Choice: ESPRESSO, SILVER GREY, TOFFEE
Fun Fur: Choclate
Yarn Needle for sewing
Hook: H/8/5.00 mm
Hook: C/2/2.75 mm

More Cozies in Store

Love this Star Wars cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store in our Crochet Cup Cozy eBook. We’ve created an entire collection with 28 designs one ebook.

Each design in the ebook has instructions to fit Mugs, Cups and Mason Jars. Every design has a delicious recipe or fun craft.

The ebook includes 4 new designs – Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and Blue Jeans.

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe and Crochet Ladybug

July 16, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe and Crochet Ladybug Jar Cozy

We’ve prepared a simple Greek salad dressing that is stored in a mason jar and wrapped it with a crochet ladybug cozy!

crochet ladybug cozy

This is a fun and delicious treat for summer and a cute way to spruce up salad dressings at your next summer BBQ or potluck.

Let’s start with the recipe because the seasonings need time to blend.

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

greek salad dressing recipe Greek salad dressing is super easy to make. This recipe does not need to be refrigerated since it’s an oil and vinegar based dressing.

Below you’ll see that we used several different types of vinegar. You can use whatever you have on hand (like a white vinegar or red wine vinegar). Also, this recipe has a ratio of 50% oil to 50% vinegar. If you want to tone down the vinegar flavor, use a little less of it or add a little extra sugar.

Greek Salad Dressing Ingredients:

Step One

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup white wine vine vinegar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dijon Mustard
1 small clove fresh garlic
2 teaspoon agave nectar (or 1 t sugar)
pinch of crushed red pepper

Step Two

3/4 cup virgin olive oil

Step Three

2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons basil

Directions:

Place all ingredients from Step One into blender. Blend on medium speed until well blended.
With blender still on medium, slowly add oil. This will emulsify the oil and vinegar and keep them from separating.
Stop blender. Add herbs from Step Three. Pulse until just blended.
Store in mason jar. Do not refrigerate. Best if allowed to marinate several hours (or overnight) before using.

Alternative:

Use fat free mayo instead of olive oil to create a creamy Greek salad dressing. Keep refrigerated.

This Greek salad dressing can be used in a number of delicious ways including on a green salad, on a chicken salad, on a pasta salad, as a dipping sauce in a veggie tray or as a marinade. Yum!

This recipe was inspired by: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Absolutely-Fabulous-GreekHouse-Dressing/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Crochet Lady Bug Cozy

Making a crochet ladybug cozy is a fun summer project. Ladybugs are a gardeners best friend and therefore make the prefect adornment for a jar of salad dressing.

chicken-salad

We’ve used Vanna’s Choice yarn…and only a remnant is needed. Black and any shade of red or orange will work well for this project.

Crochet Ladybug Supplies:

Vanna’s Choice Yarn (Medium Worsted Weight (4))
CRANBERRY, BLACK
(Mug: Brick, Black)
(Cup: Scarlet, Black)
Hook: H/8/5.00 mm
Hook: F/5/3.75 mm
2 Buttons – 1/4” or 3/8”
Needle & Thread
Yarn Needle

Ladybug Cozy Instructions:

Cranberry

Hook: H

Ch 35

Row 1: Sc in 2^nd ch from hook. Sc across. (34)

Row 2-5: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (34)

Finish off Cranberry and weave in ends. Attach Black.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sl st across. (34)

Finish off Black and weave in ends. Attach Cranberry.

Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Working in the back loop only, sc across. (34)

Row 8-11: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (34)

Finish off and weave in ends.

Turn to work on the ends of the Rows. Attach Black to the first Row.

Row 12: Work 10 sc evenly across the ends of the Rows 1-11. (10)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Hdc dec, 6 hdc, hdc dec. (8)

Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Hdc dec, 4 hdc, hdc dec. (6)

Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Hdc dec, 2 hdc, hdc dec. (4)

Row 16: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc dec. (2)

Finish off and weave in ends.

crochet ladybugs

Spots (make 9)

Black

Hook: F

Ch 2

Rnd 1: Work 4, 6 or 8 sc in second ch from hook and join with a sl st for small, medium, and large spots.

Finish off leaving a tail for sewing.

Assembly Instructions

Sew Spots to Red portion (sew randomly as desired or symmetrically…most ladybugs Spots mirror each other on each Wing).
Sew two small black buttons about 1/2″ from the top and sides of the end of the red section.
Wrap cozy around container, and slip buttons through posts of the half double crochets in the black section.

More Cozies in Store

Love this ladybug cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store in our Crochet Cup Cozy eBook. We’ve created an entire collection with 28 designs one ebook.

Looking for the cup and mug version? They’re in the ebook.

Each design in the ebook has instructions to fit Mugs, Cups and Mason Jars. Every design has a delicious recipe or fun craft.

All 3 ladybugs pictured at the beginning of this post are in this ebook! AND the ebook includes 4 new designs – Dracula, Vampire, Mummy and Blue Jeans.

Love of Crochet Weekend Projects 2013 – Cover Girl

July 13, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

The cover girl in the Love of Crochet Weekend Crochet Projects 2013 is wearing our scarf design! Woo hoo!

We knew the scarf was to appear in this issue…but we were totally surprised to see it on the cover! The magazine is shown here with the prototype of the scarf which is a bamboo yarn.

As mentioned in the magazine, this project only takes three stitches: Broomstick Lace, Puff Stitch and Single Crochet. This design will look fabulous in lots of different types of yarns. The yarns we used are:

Prototype:

Kollage Yarn: Temptation in Pacific Blue
Bamboo, Cotton, Nylon

Featured in Magazine:

Kollage Yarn: Milky Whey in Mala Green
Milk, Soy

Check your local craft store or bookstore for this special issue.
See other projects in this issue: Love of Crochet “Crochet Weekend Projects” 2013.

Filed Under: Publications

Summer Mason Jar Cozy Coming soon

July 5, 2013 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Since the end of October 2012, we’ve posted a pattern and jar cozy every other Friday. Our plan is to continue this series for a year. That’s still our plan, but today’s cozy will be a little late.

The cozy will be cute and the recipe will be delicious…but the post will be delayed. I (Dana) am traveling and doing some home renovation projects for my parents. I’ve been painting and tiling and moving boxes so I haven’t been able to whip up the crochet project.

picture frame tiled floor

Here is a photo of some of the floor tiling. We put a “picture frame” in the center of the floor of the master bathroom and decorative tile in doorways. There’s more tile in the hallway, closets and vanity area. I don’t want to see tile for at least 2 years now that this project is done!

I need a bumpersticker that says: “I’d rather be crocheting”.

Filed Under: Cup Cozies, Mason Jar Series