Tag: yarn

Granny Ripple Blanket

Part 1

Wow! Just look at the colors. . .

I have gone crazy with establishing fall colors to use in this Granny Ripple Blanket. I am using Red Heart Super Saver yarn for this wonderful project that I have recently started. I got interested in color play, or at least that is what I am calling it. Sometimes basic patterns can be boring, and one wants to change it up. Frist, here is the pattern which can be downloaded at YARNSPIRATIONS. The pattern calls for Caron Kindness Yarn which has been discontinued. One can substitute with Red Heart yarn, Caron One Pound yarn, Caron Simply Soft yarn, or try the Caron All Day Cotton yarn. All these yarns are machine washable worsted weight #4. Check out the web site YARNSUB for more suggestions on yarn substitutes.

Most people follow the pattern closely including the colors, but I find that sometimes the yarn is not available or the colors listed in the pattern. That is why we need to learn other options IN YARN CHOICE such as the YARNSUB web site. This means that we can use the pattern to create the blanket using a different yarn. The key is the gauge in the pattern if you want an exact size in the finished project. Crocheting Afghans/Blankets are more forgiving and need not be precise in measurements. Notice that the gauge for Caron Kindness is 18 stitches equals 4 inches. Red Heart Super Saver is 17 stitches equals 4 inches, which is close. The other factor is the tension you have when you crochet an item. You may need to go up a size in crochet hook or down a size in order to match the gauge.

Now back to choosing colors. Choosing colors can be fun to play around with and also get some inspirations. I came across the web site called PROJECT GALLERY. It is a fun site to explore color combinations like the top of the picture below. Click the link to go to another color combinations. The bottom two strips of the picture below are from the book titled Crochet Color Combinations: 120 Beautiful Palettes for Every Season. Check it out on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. There is one more site that has color combination that you can download the 29 Colour Combinations Bernat Super Value by Diva Dan Booklet at MIKEY’S STITCH STUDIO.

Do you want to get ready for Christmas? Try the following color scheme.

Here is my Fall theme colors list:

Using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

  • two rows Burgundy
  • two rows gold
  • one row Coffee
  • two rows Tea Leaf
  • two rows pumpkin
  • one row Coffee
  • two rows Lavender
  • two rows cornmeal
  • two rows Light Periwinkle
  • one row Coffee
  • two rows Oatmeal
  • two rows Cherry Red
  • two rows Cafe Latte
  • one row Coffee
  • two rows Jade
  • two rows Dusty Grey
  • Two rows Aran
  • one row Coffee
  • Repeat from beginning

Watch the video and practice the stitch.

Part two coming soon.

Tilda Poncho

The Tilda Poncho, which I started in late Spring, is designed for an easy beginner crocheter. I ordered the same materials as stated within the pattern. You may wonder why it took me so long to write about it. You might say the many projects I undertook this summer just got away with me. Too many crochet/knitting projects means you start them, but you have not completed them. Well, I plan on completing this wonderful poncho. Even though we are now in August, you can still wear this on cool nights. Lion Brand® Ice Cream® (Art. #923) Coffee, 4 balls are used in the pattern. Go to the Lion Brand site to see the many colors available of this yarn. The yarn is soft like cotton, even though it is an acrylic yarn that is machine washable.

I was initially puzzled after looking at the chart below. The chart does not show the middle of the garment. The chart shows the sides, top, and bottom of one side of the garment.

In the picture above, I highlighted the sides, the middle section, and the shoulder section. It is important to notice the number of rows. I use safety pins to help me with the counting of the rows. Before I get to the shoulder section, each safety pin counts as 5 rows. The beginning of the shoulder section starts on row 47, where you begin the v-crochet stitches. Remember, this is half of the poncho that one is working on. I still need to finish this half by continuing down the back side to row 94. You can measure the garment from the shoulder to the bottom. If you find you need the poncho to be longer, add extra rows before the shoulder section. Whatever the amount you added, remember to add that amount to the back. You may need more yarn when adding extra rows.

I will update later with the finishing of this garment. The pattern uses a chain to weave through the ends of the sides of the garment. However, you may want to seam it using the Mattress stitch. Below is a video on how to Mattress stitch a garment. Check back for the completion. I hope you give this pattern a try.

4 Prayer Shawls Plus 1

When Covid-19 hit the world, there was barley time to make prayer shawls since many people died so quickly. Yet, one cannot deny the blessings bestowed upon those who have received one. No matter what church denomination you are from, you can either crochet or knit a prayer shawl. This ministry began with a group of women who participated in the first Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary.  One of the members began knitting “healing shawls” for women who were undergoing treatment for breast cancer and other illnesses. 

Women have also begun to knit shawls for men who were ill. The men who have received the shawls were very thankful for this gift of healing.  These wonderful gifts of love can be found all over the country now. It is amazing how warm these shawls are in a cold environment such as a hospital room.

It does not always have to be shawls but Afghans, such as the Woodland Circle Afghan shown above from Lion Brand. I have crochet two so far. One can use leftover yarn from the shawls to make this circular Afghan. Download the pattern to make this warm blanket.

Now for the four shawls that I am working on at the moment. Yes, four shawls that I am rotating in picking them up and working the pattern either crochet or knitting. I have started them because I myself need a healing touch from God. We all need a blessing in the times we are living in and picking up the crochet or knitting needles to bless someone is the key to helping our own pain and suffering. Of course, one need not be religious to understand grief. One can meditate when making a prayer shawl. Zone out in the garden with a cup of tea crocheting or knitting one of these beautiful shawls.

The first shawl is the easiest shawl to crochet. This is the Serene Comfort Shawl from Lion Brand. It takes three balls of Homespun yarn and only uses a half double crochet stitch throughout the pattern. I plan on starting another one soon just because it was so relaxing to make. I love this soft transition of the color “Parfait” in the Homespun yarn. This yarn is not only soft to the touch but retains the warmth when draped over a person. The yarn is 90% acrylic, and it is machine washable. Beginners can enjoy making this wonderful shawl.

The second shawl is the Tranquil Comfort Shawl that uses the V stitch pattern. I have just started this pattern. The V stitch consist of double crochets and chains. I used the color “Purple Haze.” Just look at this regal color below and see the V stitch within the pattern. This shawl has two sections. The second half of the shawl is worked along the opposite side of the foundation chain. This shawl is great to make during the Spring/Summer season.

The third shawl is the garter stitch knitted pattern. I will post picture later of the garter stitch shawl. I used Homespun yarn in the color “Tudor” shown below in the picture. I casted on 68 stitches onto US size 10 circular 29-inch needles. Knit every row until piece is the length you desire or until it has reached 60 inches. Bind off stitches. Any beginner can make this shawl.

The fourth shawl is the Heartfelt Shawl. This pattern uses the knit and purl stitch. It uses the color “Tudor” homespun yarn. It has a nice graduation of color as shown the picture below and interest in the pattern of the stitches.

Give these patterns a try and have a pile ready for someone who needs the warmth while recovering from illness or surgery. You can make one for yourself to use on days when you feel you need a touch of warmth.

Here is a simple prayer to say;

Bless this yarn and these needles.  May this shawl be a sign of your healing presence:  May it warm those who are weary, surround those who suffer and encircle those who are in pain.  May your gentle touch reach out to heal in the light of Christ.  Amen.

NOTE: Prayer shawls can be made with any type of number 5 bulky yarn. Check the stats on the yarn you use. Here is Lion Brand Homespun information.

Ribbed Cowl

This easy knitted Ribbed Cowl is a must have for your winter wardrobe. Download the pattern at Lion Brand site. This pattern is worked in the round with knit two and purl two rib pattern. I started earlier this week and did not have much time to work on it, but since it is a thick bulky yarn, it will work up fast. I am halfway through the project. Look at the picture below and see the ribbed pattern. Also note the safety pin that shows the beginning of the round.

The Wool Ease thick & quick yarn is semi-soft to the touch, and it is machine washable. The color I used is night shadow Ombre Nocturne. There are so many colors to choose from, so choose your favorite color. I have casted on 96 stitches instead of 80. This means that I will have a wider circumference. I wanted a looser fit around my neck. There is 20% of wool in the yarn, so if you are allergic you will have to use another bulky #6 yarn. I usually go to the Yarn Substitution website that will give a list of substitution yarns you can use. It will list the closest yarn that is similar. If you follow down the list, you see some acrylic yarns listed such as Yarn Bee Dream Supreme and Premier Basix Super Bulky.

The choice is yours in what you choose. Notice the difference between these two yarns. The Yarn Bee Dream Supreme is the closest to the Lion Brand Wool Ease thick & quick yarn since it is a 2-ply yarn, matches the gauge, and it mentions the softness of the yarn. You can make this ribbed cowl as long as you want. The pattern states about 13 inches for the cast on of 80 stitches and 15 inches long for the cast on of 96 stitches. Just relax when you start until you get your rhythm when knitting. You will soon pick up speed when you are near the halfway point of the garment. It will take more yarn for the larger size. I am almost through the 2nd ball of yarn.

I thought I would share what method I use to add a new ball of yarn to the garment I am knitting. I found the following video that show the method I use. I would leave a longer tail on the pink yarn to weave in later then what is shown in this video.

Have fun knitting this ribbed cowl.