Free Pattern: Extra Wide Boho Scrap Scarf

I am always looking for ways to use up my yarn scraps and I love mixing colors and stitches. This pattern satisfied both of those things for me and the finished product is my new favorite 'everyday' scarf! 

Materials:

•Yarn -  The beautiful thing about this scarf is that anything goes! I used scraps for the entire piece. I don't think I even used the same yarn twice, which is one of my favorite things about the finished product. •5.0 mm (H) Hook
•Tapestry Needle for tucking ends
Abbreviations:
Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
TR - Treble/Triple Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

Sk St - Skip Stitch

Instructions:

Note: I used a different color yarn for each row therefore I simply tied off each row and started the next row with a new color. 

Ch 177

Row 1: SC 2nd CH from hook and across 

Row 2: CH 2, DC each 

Row 3: CH 3, sk st, DC, *CH 1, sk st, DC* repeat between (*) across

Row 4: CH 3, DC next 2, *Ch 1, sk st, DC next 3* repeat 

Row 5: CH 1, SC across 

Row 6: CH 3, sk 2, *2 DC on next st, CH 2* repeat between (*) across 

Row 7: CH 3, 3 DC between 2 DC in prev row creating "V" repeat across to final st. DC in last st. 

Row 8: CH 5, sk 2, DC, *ch 2 sk next 2 st, DC* repeat between (*) across to last st. DC last st 

Row 9: Ch 1, sk ch sts, *5 DC in space between DC from prev row (under ch sts), sk next group of ch, SL st in next DC st* repeat between (*) across to final st. DC in last st

Row 10: Ch 1, SC next 2, DC in sl st from prev row, *SC next 5, DC* repeat between (*) across to final st. DC last st

Row 11: CH 3, DC across

Row 12: CH 3, sk 1, *DC, CH 1, DC on next st, sk next st* repeat between (*) across. 

Row 13: Ch 1 starting at 3rd ch from prev row. SC back loop only across 

Row 14: CH 4, TR across 

Row 15: CH 3, DC next 2, *Ch 1, sk st, DC next 3* repeat between (*) across

Row 16: CH 2, SC across. 

Fringe - (All colors) Cut strands of each yarn approximately 4 - 6 inches in length. Hold 3 mixed yarns together and pull middle of loose strands through a loop in the bottom row in a slip knot. (I added fringe at the beginning of every row) Viola! Your very own uniquely funky extra-wide boho scarf! Enjoy! 

Free Pattern: Dainty Daisy Appliqué

Spring is blooming in my living room as snow is falling outside my door! This dainty daisy appliqué is a quick and simple little touch of spring that can be used for any project that needs a special touch!

Materials -

• 4.25 mm (G) Hook
• Yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft)
• Tapestry Needle for finishing

Abbreviations:
Ch - Chain Stitch
DC - Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

Instructions: 

Ch 4, SL st in first ch to form a circle. 

Row 1 - Ch 3, DC into circle twice, SL st into circle. (This forms 1st petal) *DC into circle next 3, SL st into circle* repeat between (*) twice to complete last 2 petals. Tie off and finish. 

I used these little daisies on my Simply Soft Poncho and it turned out so ca-ute!! 

http://tonesofhomeky.blogspot.com/2016/01/free-pattern-simply-soft-baby-poncho.html

Free Pattern: Simply Soft Baby Poncho (size 3-6 mos)

On this snowy day I can't help but think of spring! This Simply Soft Poncho will complete any spring outfit my mini fashionista has in her wardrobe! It's delicate and dainty and so boho fashionable while girly and sweet. 

In keeping with my 'beginner' pattern theme, this pattern is so simple it's ridiculous! 

Materials: 

Yarn-

Color A - Caron Simply Soft blackberry

Color B - Caron Simply Soft White

Color C - Caron Simply Soft Soft Pink

4.25 hook (G)

Tapestry Needle for finishing 

Abbreviations: 

Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet

TR - Treble/Triple Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

SK - Skip

Instructions: 

Color A

Ch 72. SL to join with 1st CH to make a round. 

Row 1 - SC each. SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color B

Row 2 - CH 2, Dc each remaining st. 

Row 3 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 35, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 35, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 4 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 36, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 36, 2TR SL to join.  Tie off and finish. 

Color C 

Row 5 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 38, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 38, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 6 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 40, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 40, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color A

Row 7 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 42, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 42, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish 

Color B

Row 8 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 44, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 44, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 9 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 46, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 46 2TR SL to join. 

Row 10 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 48, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 48, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish 

Color C

Row 11 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 50, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 50, 2TR SL to join. 

Row 12 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 52, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 52, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Color A

Row 13 - CH 4, TR same st, DC next 54, 2TR, 2TR, DC next 54, 2TR SL to join. Tie off and finish. 

Shoulder Ties - (Color A) Ch 40 - count 18 from front middle of Row 1 and join with SC, Sc next 35, ch 40. Tie off and finish. 

Fringe - (All colors) Cut strands of each yarn approximately 3-4 inches in length. Hold 3 mixed yarns together and pull middle of loose strands through a loop in the bottom row in a slip knot. (I added fringe every 3rd stitch) Add fringe to the ends of ties at the shoulder. Enjoy!

If you're looking for a finished product please visit my etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/264672507/baby-poncho

Update!! The snow is falling again and I am struggling with an acute case of spring fever. I decided to add some little daisies to this poncho for a little spring fling! Dainty Daisy pattern here: 

http://tonesofhomeky.blogspot.com/2016/01/dainty-daisy-applique.html

 

Free Crochet Pattern: ZigZag Baby Afghan

I accidentally made these zig zags in my last afghan project when I changed color too soon. Oops!  It happens... I thought to myself "What a great idea for a sassy little baby blanket!" and with that, this pattern was born. I love how it compliments my little fashionista's personality...so full of pizazz and flash! 

The pattern is so simple even for the newest beginner and works up so quickly it's a perfect last minute gift or weekend project. I just love how it turned out!

Materials: 

- Yarn - I used Red Heart Black, White, Heather Gray and Magenta.

- 4.25 mm (G) Hook

- Tapestry Needle for finishing

(Hint: To soften the Red Heart yarn for baby soak your finished product in warm water and drop a few squirts of hair conditioner on your afghan. Work the conditioner into your afghan until it begins to soften then rinse thoroughly. Toss it in the dryer for a few and viola! Super simple and much softer!) 

Abbreviations: 

Ch - Chain Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
SL - Slip Stitch

SK - Skip

Instructions: 

Afghan:

Row 1: (black) Ch 85 - SL st in 3rd ch from hook, *sk 2, 3 DC in next st* repeat between (*) until last st, finish with 1 DC in last st

Row 2: (magenta) Ch 2, *DC in 2nd DC of the 3 DC cluster in1st row, ch 2, DC same st* Creating your 'V' stitch (Zigzag) Repeat between (*) until last st, finish with 1 DC in last st

Row 3-40: Repeat rows 1 and 2 rotating magenta and white on 2nd row of each pair.

Edging:

Row 1: (Heather Gray) Starting in a corner SC, CH 1, SC in same stitch. 1 SC in each st around continuing with same st combination in each of the remaining 3 corners (SC, Ch 1, SC)

Row 2: (White) Repeat row 1 

Row 3: (Black) Starting in a corner, DC, CH 2, DC in same st. 1 DC in each st around, continuing with same st combination in each of the remaining 3 corners (DC, ch 2, DC)

Row 4: (Magenta) *SL st first 2 st, DC next* repeat between (*) around. Sl into starting st and tie off

I hope you enjoy this zig zag afghan as much as I did! If you need a finished product please visit my Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/listing/263942608/zig-zag-baby-afghan 

Project: Temperature Afghan

I don't know about you, but my New Year has been very busy! After a 2 week stay-cation through the holidays I'm trying to transition back to a normal routine and I'm having a difficult time getting into a groove.

Week 1 of my stay-cation was full of Christmas prep, holiday guests and travel. While exhausting, it was a week full of love and laughter as my family enjoyed our first Christmas with my new granddaughter.

She reminded us all of the true meaning of the holidays as she was more excited about the lights and attention than any gift she received. (She was my favorite gift this year!)

Week 2 of my stay-cation was a week of relaxation and reflection. Michael's had a ridiculous sale on yarn and I thought I had stocked up for winter but, with a week off work I'm finding that I'm near empty on my yarn stash already. I am not ashamed to admit that I stayed in my pjs most of the week and enjoyed the view... 

I am not a fan of winter (not even a little bit) and when temps dip below 80 degrees I begin my annual hibernation. Thankfully the hubs keeps my fireplace roaring and he's supportive of my yarn addiction. He even helped with my new storage crates in my 'office' last week. 

But alas, all good things must come to an end. Last week was back to reality for me and I've returned to the land of responsibility. In my time off I whipped 2 afghans and various hats and boot cuffs. If you're like me, when I start a project I can't rest until it is done. I'm an instant gratification gal and an unfinished project is the stuff bad dreams are made of!! Eek!! Now, with limited free time I'm looking for a project that will keep me entertained while not consuming my thoughts while at work. 

Several of my fellow hookers have introduced me to the Temperature Afghan concept. Crochet Crowd reviews a bit of history and some suggestions for your very own Temperature Afghan in the link below: 

http://thecrochetcrowd.com/crochet-temperature-afghans/

I've started mine for this year and I'm really excited about this project! What a great gift idea for next Christmas!! It only requires a couple of minutes each day and the end result will be not only a beautiful peice, but a bit of recorded history. The creative liberties are endless here! 

The temperature gauge I've created for my afghan:

So far my afghan has lots of Jade and Teal... Boo!! (Why don't I live in a warmer climate!?!) I'm hoping my finished product will have no Orchid and lots of Tangerine and Cherry rows! 

As you can see, I've decided on the Easy Ripple Afghan pattern for my design. Handcrafting with Love shared an easy to follow pattern if you'd like to give it a spin - easy for beginners! 

http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/yarn/pat-ripple.html

We had a dusting of snow yesterday and I've toyed with the idea of adding a SC white-cap to those days (rows) that see snow. Maybe a blue or gray SC cap for rainy days? Hm... Endless possibilities!! 

When summer returns I will be elbow deep in dirt in my garden in my spare time. I'm excited that I can easily continue this quick project with a couple of minutes each day. Until then, my yarn-addiction continues and I will supplement with scarves, hats and boot cuffs. 

If you make a temp afghan of your own please share! I'm excited to compare the variations! 

Enjoy! 

Update: I did it! I added a row of white SC for the snow we saw yesterday! I love the little accent and it will be fun to see how many snow-capped rows I end up with (seriously hoping there's not many) at the end of the year. I think I'm going to add a SC of gray for the rainy days.  To be continued...