Thursday, October 14, 2010

Darla Shrug




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This is an old pattern that someone recently asked me to make. It's really more of a schematic and can easily be adjusted to fit any size. Enjoy!

I took a tape measure and measured the widest part of my upper arm, this determined the length of my starting chain (granted I added a few stitches so it wouldn't be tight). You will be working the short rows, or working one sleeve, the bodice and then the other sleeve.

Also, you will want to try this shrug on periodically near the end so that you will have the sleeves and body the length and fit you desire.

For a slouchier fit, add more rows and leave the bodice (middle section) wider.

MATERIALS:
Approximately 200 grams of fingering or baby weight yarn (sport weight works well also)

Size H or I crochet hook

Safety pins

Tapestry Needle (optional)


Row 1: trc in 5th chain from hook and in each stitch to end of row.

Row 2: ch 5 (counts as 1st trc); trc in next stitch; *ch 1; skip next stitch; trc in next 2 stitches*; repeat from * to * to end of row, ending in 2 trc.

Row 3: trc in each stitch across (including ch 1 spaces)

Row 4 - end: Repeat row 2 and 3 to desired length.

Fold over and TRY ON for perfect fit.
Use safety pins to pin shrug sleeves where desired.

You can crochet the seams: Join by doing 4 sl st in side of each row, starting from bottom of shrug to body of shrug on both sides.

Or simply use a tapestry needle and sew the seams using a whip stitch.

This pattern brought to you courtesy of Knots and Loops and Oruaka.

Copyright © 2005 Donna M. Rutledge, all rights reserved. No pattern or other material may be reproduced or distributed – mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying and posting to websites – without written permission from Donna M. Rutledge. Pattern is for personal use only, you may, however, sell finished items made from this pattern as long as you reference the pattern source in your online listings. For email assistance with pattern and/or corrections, please contact Donna M. Rutledge at: MsSunflwr@yahoo.com.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Ulari Fingerless Driving Gloves



I'm still feeling pretty inspired by the changing of the seasons. I'm starting to see the first signs of the leaves changing colors and the past week was the first of the season with temperatures that barely made it in the 80's. I've started shopping (a little) for a few new pieces...new boots, a few sweaters and skirts. The summer tops will be making their final 2010 round soon and I'm looking forward to wearing a few new hand crochet pieces this year. I'm seeing a lot of fingerless gloves making appearances this fall/winter in so many incarnations that I attempted yet another crochet interpretation. This design I'm calling Ulari, which means "Beautiful thing" in Igbo. There will be a matching hat to go with this design, just hoping the actual crochet interpretation is what I'm seeing in my mind's eye. The pattern for the gloves isn't completed yet, but should be soon, I'm eager to get it tested (along with the hat if all goes well).

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Cinematic Orchestra - The Man With The Movie Camera



This is one of the first songs that I ever heard by The Cinematic Orchestra years ago...I think it's still my favorite. But then again, I have so many favorites by this band, they're really one of the very best and one that I would LOVE to see live.


I had a call from a very nice lady today who lives in New Jersey. Her daughter bought one of my crochet patterns, but doesn't crochet, so she was making it for her daughter and had a question. She explained when I first spoke to her last week that she was 89 years old, she didn't have a computer, so the only way I could help her was to talk to her. She was so sweet and gave me such compliments on my pattern and how her opinion of the style, stitch, etc. (Kelechi beanie). It was really fun to talk to her.





I've been thinking about submission(s) for Vanna's Crochet Contest this year. I think for sure I'm going with a purse idea that's floating around in my head. Still trying to put it together in my head before attempting right now. And the fact I'm so behind on my mother's Christmas gift she requested last year. I'm getting a little worried. I'm only about 90 squares in, and I have ALOT more to go. At least I'm joining as I go and the ends are weaved in. There is going to have to be a CROCHETING MARATHON for a few days in order to get that one done by Christmas.


Thursday, September 23, 2010

Gerald's Game (again)


Just thought I'd throw in a random, non-crochet related blog post. I'm reading Gerald's Game again. This was the first Stephen King novel I ever read, about 15 years ago. I then found it on clearance at a Hollywood Video when they were getting rid of all of their audiobooks, so I couldn't leave it in there. That had to have been over ten years ago, and they're actual cassette tapes! I dusted them off and decided to go on this psychological rollercoaster ride one more time and I'm almost done. This still remains one of King's best (out of the few that I've read) in my opinion. It's just making me want to revisit my other favorites now.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Akudo Fingerless Gloves





I had an Etsy customer purchase the Akudo Toque last week in gray to match a pair of handknit gloves that she purchased from another seller on Etsy. I have yet to create a pair of fingerless gloves, and it got me to thinking what the Akudo fingerless gloves would look like if they existed. The stitch pattern used on the Akudo pieces is perfect for fingerless gloves, and it sort of has a hand knit look about it, not to mention how warm they would be. I experimented a little and came up with something I'm really happy with. I can't wait to start wearing mine.


I don't think I have ever posted a picture of the Akudo neckwarmer...here it is.




Sunday, September 5, 2010

Kaima Convertible Shrug



I’m finishing up the writing portion of my most recent designs, the Kaima Convertible Shrug (thanks again Jane for allowing me to use your fabulous photos). Testing for this is coming to a close as well, should be getting the final comments in a day or so. I’ve worked this pattern three times, just finished the last a few hours ago. This was the first time that I had 3 patterns being tested simultaneously, so I’ve felt very busy in the last few weeks. Very inspired as well…anticipating the changing of the seasons. Fall being my favorite. There are a few other designs that have at least made it to my notebook, so perhaps there will be a few new additions to the collection.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Akudo Slouchy Toque Hat




I've been extremely busy lately...but always manage to get some crocheting in, especially this time of year. This is the Akudo Slouchy Toque Hat which is nearing the end of the testing process now. I'm thinking that a complimenting neckwarmer is needed to finish this off. I don't usually work on so many projects at once...there's another separate project that is nearly done being written up that I hope to start having tested by next weekend also, and yet another garment that's waiting also partially written that I need to revisit. The fall weather will be upon us in weeks, although it hasn't felt like this extreme heat will be relenting any time soon. This item will be a great one to give as gifts, especially for those who live in cold climates, this hat will be warm and snuggly.