Behind the Scenes: Designing a Houndstooth Pattern

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Houndstooth Crochet Pattern

How is it my husband knew what houndstooth was and I did not? A friend of mine said she was going to try to come up with a crocheted houndstooth pattern.  I had seen this pattern many times before but never knew what it was called. Trying to come up with a pattern intrigued me and I, too, made several attempts at getting an approximate pattern.

Lion Brand Fun Fur

Lion Brand Fun Fur

First I had to decide if I wanted a small houndstooth pattern or a large one. There are several lovely small patterns available online often using an alternating pattern of single crochet and double crochet. I wanted to come up with a larger pattern, one that really incorporated the diagonal lines of the houndstooth. However, the diagonal spike stitch patterns I came up with seemed jumbled and messy. I finally decided to use a spike stitch that went straight down. The effect was quite lovely.

Trendsetter La Furla

Trendsetter La Furla

I first proposed the houndstooth trio to a crochet magazine with Lion Brand’s Fun Fur. Paired with Vanna’s Choice yarn it made a lovely set. The magazine’s editor suggested I redo the set in Trendsetter’s Merino wool and La Furla. These are quite luxurious yarns. They are both incredibly soft and warm. The La Furla is thicker and softer than Fun Fur. They are stylish and functional for even the coldest of weather. Lion Brand has since come out with an equally soft and thicker fur like called Romance. Both yarn brands make for a beautiful houndstooth set.

So, just how did my husband know what houndstooth was? From football, of course. College football coach Paul Bryant was often seen at games wearing a houndstooth hat!

Learn more about the Houndstooth Trio in the shop.

Houndstooth Trio available on Etsy.

Houndstooth Ladies Crochet Winter Accessories

Houndstooth Ladies Crochet Winter Accessories

Photo: Love of Crochet

Photo: Love of Crochet

This delightful and warm Houndstooth Trio first appeared in Love of Crochet magazine Holiday 2014 issue. It is now available in our shop.

The crochet pattern includes a fur brimmed hat, fur brimmed cowl and fur lined muff. The trio fits ladies 8 years old and older.

The Houndstooth print is created with stitches of various heights and the spike stitch. It’s surprisingly easy to create. The most difficult part will be working with fur. But it is sooo worth it because it is super soft, very warm and absolutely gorgeous.

Pictured here is yarn from Trendsetter Yarns. This set used Merino 8 and La Furla. Both are super soft and delightful to work with.

Available in the Store

Learn more about the Houndstooth Trio in the Shop.

Houndstooth Trio available on etsy.

Panda Set

Panda Set Crochet Pattern

Panda Set

Love Panda’s or know someone who adores these exotic bears?

The Panda Set has something for everyone – newborn to adult men!

Panda Set Includes:

Panda Set – Crochet Details

The spike stitch is used where colors change to give the illusion of fur. We’ve included information on how to make a furry panda bean bag using Fun Fur.

Everything in the pattern is surprisingly easy to make. We rate the pattern intermediate because of the foundation ch (sometimes called no foundation chain stitches) used in the leaves of the bamboo.

You may have seen this pattern before. It first appeared in Love of Crochet magazine Holiday 2014 issue. Now it’s available in the store!

Panda Set – Crochet Pattern Now Available

The Panda Set is now available in the store as a crochet pattern. The pattern includes supplies list, lots of photos, step by step instructions, check boxes to mark your progress and more.

Panda Set pattern available on Etsy.

Available in the Store

His and Hers Cowl Crochet Pattern

His and Hers Cowls – Crochet Pattern

Photo: Love of Crochet Magazine

Photos: Love of Crochet Magazine

 

You may recognize these delightful cowls from the Holiday 2013 Issue of Love of Crochet Magazine. The pattern is now available in the Yarnovations Shop: His and Hers Cowl.

I, Dana, specifically designed these with beginners in mind. Deborah and I love playing around with a wide variety of stitches and techniques…but for this I wanted something that was simple and classic. The yarn and accents have a chance to shine in this crochet pattern.

The pattern includes suggestions for how the pattern can be modified for longer cowls and scarves. With the suggestioned variations, you can make gifts for the whole family that look unique even though they use the same basic design.

His and Hers Cowl is now available.

Available in the Store

Crochet Football Newborn Outfit Crochet Pattern

Crochet Football Newborn Outfit & Team Hats for the Whole Family – Crochet Pattern

Newborn-Football-Photo-prop-crochet-pattern

Hey football fans! Newborns score big with this newborn football outfit. This PDF ebook also includes hats for the whole family…so everyone can get into the game!

The Football Set crochet pattern ebook is now available in the store.

Football Set pattern available on Etsy.

Pattern includes:

  • Newborn Helmet
  • Newborn Football Mitts
  • Newborn Cleats Booties
  • Newborn Jersey Sweater
  • 5 Beanie Hat Sizes – 3 mos to adult men
  • 3 Jersey Sweater Sizes – newborn to 24 mos
  • Number Appliques: 1, 2, 3

Newborn-Football-Outfit-Crochet-PatternNewborn Football Outfit

With a newborn in the family, we couldn’t resist crocheting a newborn photo prop to celebrate football season. And you know how it is…once we made some mitts, we couldn’t resist making some booties. Then we thought…if the little guy is really going to get into the game, he needs a helmet and jersey, too!

So, the newborn football outfit is born. But we couldn’t even stop there. We wanted to get the whole family involved.

Football-Team-HatsFootball Beanies – Hats for the Whole Family

Football is a fall and winter sport…and for lots of teams, you need a hat when you go to the game.

The pattern includes striped beanie hats for ages 3 mos to adult men.

Mix and match the colors to match your favorite teams.

And there’s more.

Football-Jersey-Baby-SweatersFootball Jersey – Sweater for Newborn to 24 mos.

We’ve included instructions for making the jersey (sweaters for babies) newborn to 24 mos. Crochet the number of your favorite player or the birth order of the child wearing the sweater.

We’ve included instructions for the numbers 1, 2 and 3.

Football Set – Available Now in the Store

The Football Set is now available in the store as a PDF.

Football Set pattern available on Etsy.

The pattern includes written instructions, lots of photos, checkboxes to mark your progress, supplies list and more.

Available in the Store

Coral Blooms: In Love of Crochet Spring 2014

Coral Blooms Scarf – Published in “Love of Crochet” Magazine: Spring 2014

LOC_SP14_Cover_FINAL_200pxCoral Blooms is the latest crocheted piece we have in a publication. You can find the pattern in the Spring 2014 issue of Love of Crochet Magazine.

CoralBlooms_DSC3800_200px

The Coral Blooms scarf is constructed of repeated sections of blooms and lattice. This is a quick and easy project that is made primarily with interconnected chain work.

This  scarf uses yarn from KnitPicks.com. Pictured is Gloss Fingering yarn in Guava. It’s 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk. It has wonderful drape and blocks really well.

Check news stands for the Spring issue of Love of Crochet to get your copy of this beautiful pattern.

Scarf pattern available on Etsy.

Flame Beanies and Flame Mittens

Flame Beanies and Flame Mittens Crochet Pattern

Flame Hats Father and Son-570

Warm your hands and your noggin in these flame mittens and hats! This crochet pattern is sized for everyone in the family from newborn to adult men.

Flame Beanies and Flame Mittens – Pattern Details

Flame-Hats-all-sizesFair Isle crocheted in the round creates fun flame patterns.

Pattern Includes:

  • 7 Hat Sizes – Newborn to Adult Men
  • 5 Mitten Sizes – Newborn to Adult Men
  • Charted Fair Isle Flame Pattern

Flame Mittens all sizesWe are rating the pattern intermediate because it’s fair isle, but the basic construction of the hat and mittens are pretty easy.

What is fair isle? It’s a fancy term that just means you’re using more than one color in a round. This pattern uses up to three colors in a round, but most of the time the pieces use one or two colors per round.

Available in the Store

The Flame Beanie Hats and Mittens are available in the store.

Flame Beanie Hats and Mittens available on Etsy.

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts Crochet Pattern

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts Crochet Pattern

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts

Hey all you Sock Monkey lovers out there….we’ve done it again. We’ve created some toys and cozies that you are gonna love and brought them all together in one set.

Mini Sock Monkey

This mini sock monkey is the perfect size for carrying around with you wherever you go. He can be made into a key chain, a backpack buddy or even an office accessory.

Sock Monkey Christmas Ornament

The sock monkey ornament takes on the shape of a traditional Christmas ball, but with the face of sock monkey! He loves hanging on the tree!

Sock Monkey Applique

The sock monkey applique is the perfect size for sewing to bags, scarves, hats and more. We’ve sewn it to a cozy…making it a fun gift idea!

Trio of CoziesSock Monkey Cozies

We love cozies. This pattern includes two unique designs in three sizes each. There are directions for mason jars, mugs and tapered cups/glasses! That’s six cozy patterns!

There are two delicious recipes, too! You can make monkey bread in the morning and banana pudding for dessert in the evening!

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts – Available in the Store

The Sock Monkey Toy and Gift Set is available in the store.

Sock Monkey Toy and Gift Set also available on Etsy.

Available in the Store

That’s 9 crochet patterns and 2 recipes! See the store for more details.

Sock Monkey Hat, Mittens and Scarves

Sock Monkey Hat, Mittens and Scarves – Crochet Pattern

Love Sock Monkey? This crochet pattern has Sock Monkey Hats (Beanies), Mittens and Scarves to fit everyone in the family from newborn to adult men!

sock monkey hat, mittens and scarf

Skill Level: Easy

The colors of this set are gender neutral and look adorable on boys and girls. The sock monkey applique gives this set a touch of whimsy.

sock monkey hat and beaniesSock Monkey Hat / Beanie

There are 6 sizes of hats in this crochet pattern fitting newborn to adult men.

Crocheted in the round, top down, this beanie has a ribbed brim crocheted in short rows directly to the work. Add a pom pom (pictured above) for even more charm.

Worked primarily in half double crochet, this hat whips up quickly.

sock monkey mittensSock Monkey Mittens

There are 5 sizes of mittens fitting baby to adult men.

Crocheted in the round, top down, these mittens also have ribbed cuffs crocheted in short rows directly to the work.

Worked in single crochet, this is the perfect accessory for early winter or cool spring weather.

sock monkey scarvesSock Monkey Scarves

There are 3 scarf patterns fitting children to adult.

Constructed in rows, each scarf is a series of stripes. Each is unique with different width striping but equally fun with the addition of the sock monkey applique.

Worked in primarily single crochet, these will keep you and your family warm all winter long.

Sock Monkey Crochet Pattern

Teen wearing sock monkey setThis Sock Monkey Winter Accessories crochet pattern is available in the store.

Sock Monkey Winter Accessories pattern on Etsy.

Available in the Store

Boys and girls of all ages will love this set. There’s just something about sock monkey that makes people smile.

These are so much fun, you’ll probably catch the kids wearing them inside the house! If you do, just throw coats on them and send them out to play.

Lil Pumpkin Halloween Outfit Crochet Pattern

Lil’ Pumpkin Halloween Outfit Crochet Pattern – Pumpkin Hats, Pants and Trick or Treat Bag

Dress up your Lil’ Pumpkin this fall in this adorable pumpkin set. It’s perfect for cool fall weather and special occasions like Thanksgiving, Harvest Parties, Halloween and trips to the pumpkin patch!

Lil-Pumpkin-looking-at-pumpkin

We’ve got the whole family covered with pants for babies and hats for everyone in the family. The bag is one size fits all…perfect for trick or treating.

Pumpkin Pattern Includes:

  • Pumpkin Hats: 6 sizes (newborn to men)
  • Pumpkin Pants: 3 sizes (up to 24 mos)
  • Pumpkin Bag: One size fits all – trick or treat size

pumpkin outfit

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet, Treble Crochet, No Chain Foundation Single Crochet, No Chain Foundation Double Crochet

Lil-Pumpkin-wth-VineTechniques Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet in the Round, Crochet in Back Loop, Increase, Decrease

Crochet this design for a fun photo prop or as a cute outfit for taking the Lil’ Pumpkin to a party.

The pattern is available in the store! Learn more about the Lil Pumpkin crochet pattern.

Lil Pumpkin Set pattern on Etsy.