Little Looms 2017 Patterns

Two New Pin Loom Patterns

Two of my pin loom patterns appear in the 2017 Little Looms magazine by Handwoven. You are going to love them.

Pin Color Flow Rug

First, the Color Flow Rug. I call it Color Flow because the colors transition nicely due to the quadrant squares between the solid squares. Because you change colors during the warping and weaving process, part of the square is solid, and part of the square is a mixed color. The twisted cord tassels really finish off the rug nicely.

Pin Geo Waves Scarves

Second, the Geometric Waves Scarves. These striking scarves are actually just solid squares sewn with a dark color on one half and a light color on the other. The lines are all embroidered on. If you use wool, it can be felted. Just be sure to make it extra long as it will shrink in the felting process!

Check out these and more great patterns in the 2017 Little Looms magazine.

What are you weaving?

Twins Face Off – Shangri La Sneak Peek

Sneak Peek at Twins Face Off with Shangri La from Bijou Basin Ranch

Last week we announced that Bijou Basin Ranch is sponsoring this month’s Twins Face Off and that Ewe and Me will be diplaying the finished projects in their shop (located on Garden of the Gods Rd in Colorado Springs).

Here’s a sneak peek at what we’re working on with Shangri La lace weight yak/silk yarn.

Shangri La Scarf Sneak Peek

Summer Scarf is the category for this month’s challenge. Shangri La is perfect because it’s thin, soft, has great drape and displays stitches really well. Did we mention how soft this is? It may be Dana’s new favorite yarn!

Next week we’ll share photos of the finished projects and ask you to vote for the design you like better. We’ll also be giving away prizes.

  • 1 place: 1 skein of Shangri La yarn and both crochet patterns;
  • 2nd place: both crochet patterns.

allureFor cleaning and blocking knit and crochet projects, Bijou Basin Ranch makes a fabulous fiber wash called Allure. We’ll be using it on these scarves. We love the Woodland Mist scent. It’s soft, subtle and not perfumey. It’s so nice, we’d love to wash all our clothes in it!

Allure comes in three varieties: Fragerance Free, Woodland Mist and Prairie Breeze. It’s biodegradable, color safe, tough on stains, and septic/gray water safe. There are no dyes, enzymes, or phosphates, no optical brighteners, no formaldehyde and no gluten. LOVE it!

See you here next week when we open the challenge and giveaway.

Lacy Scarves Pattern available on Etsy.

Behind the Scenes: Chutes and Lattice

chutes and lattice with twist and tuckBehind the Scenes:
Chutes and Lattice Scarf

Inspiration comes from lots of different places. In the case of the Chutes and Lattice Scarf, it was a combination of having a beautiful yarn on hand at a time when I was browsing through a stitch dictionary.

First: The Yarn

I attended the Estes Park Wool Festival a few years ago with my friend Jean (from Desert Rose Designs). There were lots of beautiful yarns at the show, and I was overwhelmed by it all (what did I know…I crocheted with acrylic most of the time). Jean had a lot of great things to say about the yarn we saw in the booth of Brooks Farm. So I decided to buy a skein. I selected Acero because I loved the rich color, the soft fiber (wool/silk/viscose blend) and that one skein had 420 yards. Of course, I had no idea what I was going to do with it!

Second: The Stitch Dictionary

donna kooler's encyclopedia of crochetAbout a year after attending the wool festival, I found myself browsing through Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet. I was inspired by a lot of the designs in there, particularly those in the “Lace Patterns” section.

So, out came the Acero yarn. I began crocheting a few swatches and soon realized that my projects didn’t always look like the pictures in the book. I learned a valuable lesson: the material the yarn is made of will impact the look, drape and feel of the finished project! I was bound to stumble upon this widely known truth sometime. I’m glad it was when I had a beautiful yarn and a great book to refer to.

Third: The Scarf

To me, the “Chain Lace” on page 149 of Donna Kooler’s book looked like flowers or chutes. Although I loved it, I didn’t want that pattern to make up the entire scarf. So I added some lattice; open ladder like chain work which I sprinkled throughout and added to the ends. And since the chutes are directional, I created the scarf in two panels.

I loved it. My sister and mom did, too. My mom has even hinted that she’d love it if I’d accidently leave it at her house when I come visit. Since she’s a crocheter herself, I think I’ll just leave her the pattern!

Coral BloomsFourth: Publication

I was so happy with the scarf, I decided to submit it to Love of Crochet magazine and they accepted it! They requested a lighter color yarn, so I recrocheted it in Knit Picks Gloss in Guava (color discontinued). Renamed “Coral Blooms”, my scarf appeared in the Spring 2014 issue of the magazine.

Fifth: Self Publishing

The magazine had exclusive rights to the design for several months, meaning I couldn’t sell it on my website (or blog or share photos of the design I loved so much).

Now I can…thus my Behind the Scene’s article. One of the fun things about self publishing is the ability to show more photos. Earlier this week I posted the pattern in the shop and shared lots of styling options on the blog, which were modeled by my friend Lorien (from Lady Lorien Designs).

This is a really fun lacy design. If you make one for yourself, please share photos on Ravelry! We’d love it.

Available on Etsy: Here

Chutes and Lattice Scarf Crochet Pattern

Chutes and Lattice Scarf Crochet Pattern

chutes and lattice scarf crochet pattern

Chutes and Lattice is a lacy scarf crochet pattern that beautifully showcases that crochet can create a delicate fabric.

This is one of my favorite scarves to wear. It’s also one that my mother wishes I would accidently leave at her house when I visit. So far, I’ve remebered to wear or bring it home with me. =)

The fingering weight yarn used in these photos is:

  • Purple Scarf: Brooks Farms: Acero in purple (1 skein)
  • Coral Scarf: Knit Picks: Gloss Fingering in Guava (2 skeins)

Chutes and Lattice Crochet Pattern

Coral BloomsThe motif is created with floral chutes interspersed with lattice work. It’s constructed primarily with chain work.

This pattern first appeared in Love of Crochet magazine Spring 2014 with the name “Coral Blooms”. Chutes and Lattice is now available for direct purchase in our shop.

Available on Etsy: Here

Available in the Store

Learn more about Chutes and Lattice in our shop.

Chute and Lattice Styling Options

This lacy scarf is a lot of fun to style.

chutes and lattice wrapped twice

Scarf wrapped twice around the neck with a beautiful drape.

chutes and lattice as choker

Cinched tight around the neck with long tails.

Lacy-Scarf-gathered

Scarf folded in half with ends tucked through fold.

chutes and lattice with twist and tuck

Scarf folded in half with a single twist on the folded edge. One end is tucked up from below and one down from above.

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf – Crochet Pattern

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Crochet Scarf

This Mulberry Stitch Sampler is a fabulous scarf! The extra length makes it fun to style (see photos below).

We refer to it as a stitch sampler because of all the fun crochet techniques it uses:

  • Star Stitch at the ends and middle
  • Horizontal cable created with reverse single crochet
  • Vertical cables made with front and back post work
  • Shell Stitch creates a lacy middle section
  • Chain work creates an edge to attach tassles
  • Working in front loop only allowed for another row of crochet to be worked in the back loop

scarf closeup

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Crochet Pattern

Summer 2014 Love of Crochet MagazineThe Mulberry Scarf first appeared on the cover of Love of Crochet magazine Summer 2014. It’s now available in our shop: Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf.

The pattern includes lots of photos, written directions, checkboxes to mark your progress, gauage and materials info, etc.

Available on Etsy: Here

Available in the Store

Learn more about the Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf in the shop.

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf – Styling Options

Here are a few fun ways to style the Mulberry Stitch Sampler:

Long Pink Scarf

Star Stitch Scarf Woven in Front

Tiger Print Scarves

White and Bengal Tiger Stripe Scarves – Crochet Pattern

Tiger Striped Scarves Crochet Pattern

Bring out your wild side with these two tiger striped scarves. This pattern includes both the V stripe and Diagnal stripe option.

Trendsetter Merino 6 is paired with La Furla to create a pair of ultra plush scarves. Your kids will want to wear these to school. That’s ok. So long as they let you borrow them back for your nights out.

White and Bengal Stripe Scarves – Available in the Store

Tiger Scarves pattern available on Etsy.

Available in the Store

There are more pictures of these scarves and how they can be styled in the store. Learn more about the White and Bengal Tiger Scarves.

White and Bengal Tiger – Photo Shoot

The tiger stripe scaves are flirty and fun. Here are some are a few of our favorite pictures from the photo shoot. A big thank you to our friend Lorien for modeling these wild scarves.

Bengal-Wrapped

Cute and Contemplative

Tiger-Scarf-as-Wrap

Sultry and Sexy

Scarf-Looped-Around-Back

Flirty and Coy

Scarf-folded-in-half

Charming and Sweet

Tiger Scarves pattern available on Etsy.

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.

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.

Broomstick Lace Scarf and Cowl Pattern

Broomstick Lace Scarf and Cowl Pattern

Have you tried Broomstick Lace? It is a lot of fun. We’ve incorporated it into this scarf and cowl pattern. Not only does this broomstick lace use two different sizes of knitting needles, it has a repeated motif that includes single crochet and puff stitch.

broomstick lace scarf

This is an adorable scarf and attractive cowl. The design is so fun, you’ll want to make both the cowl and the scarf for yourself!

Don’t be fooled…this is 100% crochet! It only looks like a knitted project!

Broomstick Lace and Puff Stitch Videos

red scarf folded in half

We’ve created a couple of videos to show you how easy those stitches are to crochet. So, if you don’t know how to crochet broomstick lace or the puff stitch…or if it’s been a while since you have…No problem.

The Broomstick Lace video shows traditional broomstick lace and single stranded broomstick lace like this pattern uses.

A link to the videos is in the pattern.

Broomstick Lace Scarf and Cowl Pattern Details

The scarf in the above photos is crocheted in Vanna’s Sequins. It’s a light weight yarn (3). The scarf is shown in Ruby.

The cowl is crocheted in Sensations Enchantment. It’s listed as a Medium weight (4) yarn but it feels similar in weight to the Vanna’s Sequins. The cowl shown below is crocheted in Pink Metallic.

pink broomstick cowl

The pattern includes lots of photos. It has all of our signature stuff like checkboxes to mark your progress, supplies list, instructions for special stitches, etc. And now, the special stitches have videos.

pink broomstickSkill Level: Intermediate

Stitches used: Broomstick Lace, Puff Stitch, Single Crochet, Chain

Once you learn the stitches, this scarf is super easy and fun to crochet.

The pattern is available in the store.

Broomstick Lace and Puff Stitch pattern available on Etsy.

****New photo 4-14-2013

We’ve whipped up this pattern using Milky Whey yarn. It’s sooo dreamy. You can read more about our thoughts on our post: Summer Scarf!

milky whey broomstick close Milky Whey is a yarn from Kollage yarns. It’s 50% Milk and 50% Soy.

Milky Whey is soft and dreamy. I love working with it and wearing it!

Alternatives would be bamboo or silk or some blend of yarn that has little elasticity.

Enjoy!

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set – A Happy Trio

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift SetOhhh so soft. This Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set is cute and cuddly. Whether you make just one piece or all three, you’ll love the way it feels and so will the recipient! The colors of the Sensations Rainbow Boucle yarn were calling our names begging to be turned into a winter scene. Here is the happy result.

Scarves and Hats whip up pretty quickly so they make great last minute gifts. If you have a little extra time, the gift bag is adorable – don’t pass that up. We crocheted with two strands at once (held double) and used a hdc so that it would work up a bit quicker than a single crochet project.

Skill Level: The pattern is easy, but the Boucle yarn is a bit tricky to work with. If you use Boucle, please note that you probably won’t be able to see your stitches. You’ll have to crochet more by feel than anything. But it should be pretty easy to do since these projects are worked in a rectangle (back and forth – not in the round).

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set – The Pattern Details

The set is an adorable gift because the hat and scarf match and fit nicely inside the gift bag. Mix and match for your specific needs. We love that the winter scene isn’t too “Christmasy” and can be worn all winter long.

The pattern includes lots of photos, written directions, a couple of charts, gauge info, materials list, check boxes to mark your progress and more. Since the stitches of Boucle are difficult to see, we’ve also taken photos of the tree appliques with traditional yarn.

film strip of winter set

The Winter Hat Pattern

This is crocheted as a rectangle. The finished project measures 9 1/5 inches tall not including the pom pom. It’s 10 1/2 inches when folded flat. It’s one size fits all. It fits young boys, teen girls and adult women.

The hat pattern includes a chart as well as written instructions. It can be easily modified for larger or smaller sizes. There are photos and instructions on how to make the pom pom. And of course photos and directions for the tree.

Wearing the Winter Hat and Scarf Gift SetThe Winter Scarf Pattern

This is crocheted with short rows. The scarf measures 5 inches by 56 inches. There are detailed instructions and photos for the scarf, tree and star.

This piece is a lot of fun to make and wear. It’s so soft looking, don’t be surprised if people stop you and ask to feel it!

The Winter Gift Bag Pattern

This is crocheted as a rectangle (the bottom sewn on as a separate piece). There is a chart as well as detailed instructions on how to crochet the bag. There are detailed instructions on making the cute icicle edging, handles and tree appliques.

This gift bag will look absolutely adorable under the Christmas tree. Or maybe you’ll use it as an adorable tote?

 Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set – In the Store

The pattern is now available in the store. Order now and download the pattern right from the link on your receipt. See more photos on the Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set page in the store.