Ravelry

Today I thought I would share a resource that I have found very helpful. It's called "ravelry".

Ravelry is a website where a bunch of people share patterns and pictures of their knit and crochet projects. The best part is there are tons of free patterns. To visit the site click HERE. Often when I want to try a project I will go on to ravelry and print off a pattern. They also have reviews of different kinds of yarn. My friend Michelle introduced me to this site a while back and I love it!

Hand Warmer Pattern

Simple Hand Warmer Gloves

***note: You can just follow the childrens pattern and use a larger hook size to make a larger set for women and men.***

Materials:

*1 skein any Worsted or Medium Weight yarn.

*Crochet Hook Size 5mm or 6 mm

*Yarn Needle

*Scissors

Remember to mark your rounds ! Since this pattern works in a
continuous round, it is crucial to mark the beginning of your next
round. I use a safety pin, but you could use another color of thread
or a special marker.


Pattern for Men


With H hook loosely ch-28 then join at first chain to form a loop
Round 1: dc in next 28 sts to marker (28 dc)
2 dc in next 12 sts, dc decrease, dc in next 12 sts, dc decrease (26 dc)
3 dc in next in next 26 sts to marker (26 dc)
4-10 hdc in next 26 sts. (make sure you mark each round)
11 dc in next 12 sts, 2dc in next st, 2 dc in next st., dc in next 12 (28)
12 sc next 28 sts (28 sc)
13 in next 14 sts, skip the next 8 sts, dc in back of next st, dc next 12 sts. (26 dc)
14 hdc to marker (26 hdc)
15 sc to marker, sl st, darn loose ends (26).

Pattern for Women

With H hook loosely ch-28 then join at first chain to form a loop
Round 1: dc in next 28 sts to marker (28 dc)
2 dc in next 12 sts, dc decrease, dc in next 12 sts, dc decrease (26 dc)
3 dc in next in next 26 sts to marker (26 dc)
4-10 hdc in next 26 sts. (make sure you mark each round)
11 dc in next 12 sts, 2dc in next st, 2 dc in next st., dc in next 12 (28)
12 sc next 28 sts (28 sc)
13 in next 14 sts, skip the next 8 sts, dc in back of next st, dc next 12 sts. (26 dc)
14 hdc to marker (26 hdc)
15 sc to marker, sl st, darn loose ends (26).

Pattern for Children

With H hook loosely ch-20 then join at first chain to form a loop
Round 1: dc in next 20 sts to marker (20)
2. dc in next 8 sts, dc decrease, dc in next 8 sts, dc decrease (18)
3. dc in next in next 18 sts to marker (18)
4-10. hdc in next 18 sts. (make sure you mark each round)
11. dc next 8 sts, 2dc in next st, 2 dc in next st., dc in next 8 (20)
12. sc next 20 sts (20).
13.dc in next 10 sts, skip next 5 sts, dc in back of next st, dc next 5 sts (15)
14. hdc to marker (15)
15. Sc to mark, sl st, darn loose ends (15)

Crocheting Hints

Here are some hints that I think are helpful for beginners :)

Chain- yarn over, pull through loop on hook

Single crochet (sc)– insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook

Single crochet decrease (sc dec) or (sc2tog) – insert hook, yarn over, draw up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over, draw through all loops on hook

Half-double crochet (hdc)– yarn over hook, insert hook in next stitch,
yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through all three loops on hook

Half-double crochet decrease (hdc dec) or (hdc2tog) - yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, draw up loop, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over, draw up loop
(you will have four loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all
loops on hook .

Double crochet (dc)– yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, draw
up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, draw through
last two loops

Double crochet decrease (dc dec) or (dc2tog) – yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, draw loop through, yarn over, draw through two loops on hook, yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over, draw up loop (you will have four loops on hook), yarn over, draw through two loops, yarn over, draw through remaining loops

Slip stitch (sl st) – insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook

*When a pattern calls for “ repeat * to * 4 times ”: This actually
means to do what is inside the stars (* *) first and then repeat what
you have just done 4 more times. Therefore, you actually do what is
inside the stars 5 times. Every pattern is different but the ones I have e-mailed to you I am following this rule.

*Remember to mark your rounds . . . Since a few pattern s I have sent work in a
continuous round, it is crucial to mark the beginning of your next
round. I use a safety pin, but you could use another color of year
or a special marker.

*I have found the best way to make a smaller size hat/glove or whatever you are crocheting is to use a smaller hook. For example if a pattern calls for a 11, 10 and 6 for a hat use a 10,9 and 5 and you will end up with a smaller hat! I love how simple it is :)

*I have knitted the patterns I sent to you with a variety of different kinds of yarn. Don't feel like you have to use the one called for in the pattern. If I use a thinner yarn for a hat I double it up...meaning you are working with 2 strings of yarn vs 1. That way your hat ends up nice and thick. My theory is use what you got!!

Quick and Easy Patterns

Darlene sent me a really cute idea that got me thinking. I'm going to share it with all of you but first share my thoughts. I realize some of the patterns I sent you will take longer than the space of what a YW activity will run. My hope is that some girls will be motivated enough to start working on these projects at home. Some people just want to finish a project in an hour. I understand that.. So...here are some crochet ideas that can be finished in an hour or less :)

This is the idea Darlene sent me. It's adorable. It can be used as a headband or when it's cold it can be used to keep your ears warm. It's a basic and easy pattern. Great for beginners. I'm going to try one!!

http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=58&sid=5523597

These are the instructions...




Materials:


• Crochet Hook (any size you prefer!)
• Yarn
• Velcro, Snaps, Buttons or Ribbon
• Embellishments

Instructions:


1. Crochet a long row of chain stitches to fit the diameter or your head (I measure as I go).
2. When you reach your desired length, stop and continue on to the next row using a single crochet stitch.
3. Continue step two until you reach your desired width.
4. Sew ends together using a single stitch, or you can also attach using velcro, snaps, buttons, or ribbon!
5. Embellish with whatever materials you prefer (tulle, ribbon, buttons, wire, broaches, crocheted flowers, lace, etc.).

Another trend I have seen going on lately is what is called a scarflette. Basically it's a mini scarf that just goes around your neck and doesn't hang down. Here is a picture

Honestly I thought these were kind of ugly until I saw a woman at church wear one. It was crazy cute. You could even use the pattern above and just not sew it together. Use velcro instead of buttons and add a cute flower and you are set :) Here is the pattern for the one in the pic :)

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/555011/wool_scarflette_crochet_pattern.html?image=205057&cat=7

I hope these ideas are helpful :)

Melinda

Patterns

I've been crazy busy (I'm sure you all have too) and forgot to send out the patterns. I've attached them and why I'm at it I just want to give a few reminders. First a few words about the patterns. These are for service or personal use only. ***Please only give these patterns for your YW to use or for your own personal use. I got permission to use one I didn't write but with the conditions we would be doing service with it.*** If you have any questions or need help with the patterns please e-mail me or call me. I'm always around to help!(Not all patterns are posted for the reasons above. Please e-mail me at beachellfamily02(AT)hotmail.com

I know some of you are still trying to figure out how you will be able to participate in this project. If you would like me to take your name off the list just let me know. All these groups are going to look awesome on my picture map. I can't wait. Our YW are talking about this project nonstop :) That's a good thing!

Last of all if any of you have any ideas you would like to share...do it! I love ideas :)