Ridiculously Easy Yoga Mat Bag

Happy Friday Everyone!

It has been too long since my last post, but I am happy to be writing for you guys today, because I have another crochet pattern to share.

I recently got back in touch with an old friend, and yesterday was her birthday.  I love giving handmade gifts, and thought a yoga mat bag would be perfect, since she is now a yoga instructor.

I have posted a yoga mat carrier pattern before, called the Bubble Yoga Mat Bag, but I wanted something that made a solid fabric.  All of the circles in the Bubble Yoga Mat Bag look awesome, but they can also be a hassle when quickly trying to get the mat into the bag.  I also wanted something where I didn't have to pay so much attention to the pattern.
So, I thought: 'What is my favorite crochet stitch?'

Of course!  Let's do a bag that is completely half double crochets!  Nothing can be more simple!  It is so simple, it is hardly worth calling this a pattern.

You will need:
275 yards of worsted weight yarn
4.5mm crochet hook
scissors
large needle

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet

Pattern Notes:
I recommend making the strap first and sew the first end to the bag before the bag gets too long (around row 16).  This just makes it easier to sew on.
I used an entire skein (244 yards/7oz) for the actual bag, and used scrap yarn in a complimentary color for the strap.


Strap Pattern:

Ch 51

Round 1: In second chain from hook, 2 hdc in first stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 48 chains, 5 hdc in last chain, (continue working on the unused side of the chain) 1 hdc in each of the next 48 stitches, 3 hdc in last
chain, sl st into first hdc

Round 2: ch 2, 1 hdc in each of the next 52 stitches, 3 hdc in next stitch (should be the 3rd stitch from the set of 5 hdc in last row), 1 hdc in each of the next 52 stitches, 3 hdc in last hdc, sl st into first hdc

Fasten off and weave in ends


Bag Pattern:
ch 2

Round 1: In second chain from hook, 8 hdc, sl st into first hdc

Round 2: ch 1, (2 hdc in first stitch) repeat 7 times (16 hdc)

Round 3: ch1, (1 hdc in first stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch) repeat 7 times, sl st into first hdc (24 hdc)

Round 4: ch 1, (1hdc in each of the first two stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch) repeat 7times, sl st into first hdc (32 hdc)

Round 5: ch 1, (1 hdc in each of the first three stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch) repeat 7 times, sl st into first hdc (40 hdc)

**Starting from Round 6, do not slip stitch at the end of each round; work continuously around, so there is not seam in your bag**

Round 6 → End: 1 hdc in each stitch (40 hdc/round)

If you feel the need, you can keep track of the rounds as you go, but is not necessary.  I simply just kept crochet around and around until the bag was long enough for my bag.

Last Round: sc in each stitch around (40 sc), sl st into first sc (this make the edge more smooth)

Fasten off and weave in ends

Sew on the top of the strap about 5 rows down from the top of the bag.

I really hope that you guys enjoy this pattern. It is so simple!  This is the perfect mindless pattern to work on and have the music cranked up or your favorite show playing on the TV.

Feel free to use this pattern for personal projects.  You can also make this pattern and sell the finished item for profit, but please, link back to this blog so people know where the pattern came from.

~Best Wishes~
Alison

Big Puff, Little Slouch Beanie

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe January is over?  It is crazy for me to think about, but I am very happy about it because it means that I am that much closer to moving to the Bay Area!!! EEEEKKK!  I am so excited for so many reasons!

Well I don't know if you have noticed yet, but I am crazy for puff stitches lately.  This pattern will solidify my craziness for puff!  I hope you all enjoy.

I am not giving this gray slouch away! It is all mine!

Materials Needed:
5.0mm crochet hook
2-3 oz of worsted weight yarn (Photos feature Red Heart)
scissors
large needle

Abbreviations:
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
PS - Puff Stitch
VPS - (PS, ch1, PS, ch1) in same space

Pattern Note:
This pattern is easily worked with one or two colors.
I am working this pattern with two colors so that the stitches are easier to see in photos.  If you would like to work with two colors, pull the new color through the last sl st of the row.  I carried both color up the inside of the beanie, so that there was less ends to weave in.

Pattern:

ch 3, sl st into first ch to form ring

Row 1: ch 2, *PS, ch 1* repeat 6 times, sl st to first PS (7 PS and 7 ch 1 spaces)

Row 2: sl st into first ch 1 sp, ch 1,  (hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1) and in each ch 1 sp around, sl st into first hdc (14 hdc and 14 ch 1 spaces)

Row 3: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 2, *PS, ch 1, VPS in next ch 1 space** repeat from *to** around, sl st into first PS (21 PS and 21 ch 1 spaces)

Row 4: sl st into first ch 1 sp, ch 1, (hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1)in first ch 1 space, (hdc, ch1) in next ch 1 space, *(hdc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1) in each of the next two ch 1 spaces, (hdc, ch 1) in next ch 1 space** repeat from *to** around, sl st into first hdc (35hdc and 35 ch 1 spaces)

Row 5: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 2, (PS, ch 1) in first ch 1 space and in each ch 1 space around (35 PS and 35 ch 1 spaces)

Row 6: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 1, (hdc, ch 1) in first ch 1 space in each ch 1 space around, sl st into first hdc (35 hdc and 35 ch 1 spaces)

Row 7 - 23: repeat rows 5 and 6

Row 24: sl st into top of first PS, ch 1, *1sc in top of PS, 1 sc in ch1 space** repeat from *to** around, sl st into first sc (70 sc)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

I am in love with this slouch!

Here are some pictures of the first few rows, just in case you need some visualization.

Row 1

Slip Stitch with a different color, if you want to make the two color version.

Row2

Row 3

Close up view of row 4

Complete view of row 4

Row 5

Finished!

My supervisor is never far away.  He always makes certain that I am getting my work done.

~Best Wishes~

Easy Puffy Headband

Hello All!

I hope your week is starting out well. I wanted to share with you a pattern for a cute headband made with the puff stitch. This headband works up so quickly and is perfect to bring some sparkle to a gloomy day.

You will need:

5.0mm crochet hook

Appoximately 2 ounces of worsted weight yarn

scissors

large needle

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

hdc = half double crochet

PS = Puff Stitch

*If you need to learn how to do the puff stitch, please look at my free pattern for Puffing Warm Fingerless Gloves**

Pattern:

ch 60

slip stitch into first chain to form ring

Row 1: ch1, 1hdc in first ch and in each ch around, sl st into first hdc (60 hdc)

Row 2: ch 2, PS in first hdc, ch 1, skip next hdc, *PS in next hdc, ch 1, skip next hdc** repeat from *to** around, sl st into first PS (30 PS and 30 ch 1 spaces)

Row 3-6: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 2, PS in same ch 1 space, ch 1, *PS in next ch 1 sp, ch 1** repeat around from *to** sl st into first PS (30 PS and 30 ch 1 spaces)

Row 7: ch 1, 1hdc in same space, *1hdc in ch 1 space, 1 hdc in PS** repeat around from *to** sl st into first hdc (60 hdc)

Fasten off and weave in ends

This headband can be worn as is now, or you can snazzy it up with a flower!

I added a golden flower to this teal headband. 

This headband will be part of a giveaway on my ChirpinBirdie Facebook page.

The giveaway will begin on Wednesday, January 30th 2013.

**Feel free to use this pattern for person use, and to sell.  All I ask is that you give me credit for the pattern by citing this ChripinBirdie blog.**

~Best Wishes~

Double Chain Cowl Pattern

Hello Everyone!

Have you come across any of the beautiful chunky knit cowls that are becoming popular?  My favorites are the ones made by Neckwear Outfitters!  They just look so pretty and cozy.  The only thing is, I am not a fan of things wrapping around my neck...weird I know.  I can handle my hair and a scarf, but things brushing against the front of my neck is too much for me to handle. 

Still, these new chunky cowls inspired me to make a version of my own.  It is the most simple pattern, and the cowl works up in no time!

If you like the cowl, but don't feel like making it, you can purchase them in customizable colors in the ChirpinBirdie Etsy shop!

Double Chain Cowl Pattern

Materials Needed:

•  3-4 oz each of two different colors worsted weight yarn
• 10mm crochet hook
• scissors
• yarn needle

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

hdc = half double crochet

Pattern:

With both colors of yarn together, fasten slip not and secure it to your hook.

Row 1: ch 52, sl st into first chain to form large circle, ch 1, 1 hdc in each ch around, sl st into first hdc (52 hdc)

Row 2: ch 54, sl st into first chain to form a large circle, ch 1, 1 hdc in each ch around, sl st into first hdc (54 hdc)

Row 3: ch 52, sl st into first chain to form large circle, ch 1, 1 hdc in each ch around, sl st into first hdc (52 hdc)

Row 4: ch 50, sl st into first chain to form a large circle, ch 1, 1 hdc in each chain around, sl st into first hdc (50 hdc)

Row 5 - 8: Repeat rows 1 - 4

Row 9: ch 36, 1 hdc in second chain from hook and in each chain across (35 hdc)

Finishing:  Wrap the row of 35 hdc around all 8 rows of circles three times, and sl st into the turning chain from row 9 to secure wrap.  Finish off.

Pattern Notes:

With both yarn colors together, form slip knot and fasten to crochet hook.

When forming the chain circles, pay careful attention not to twist the chain.  

I hope you all enjoy this pattern!  It is super easy and works up incredibly fast.  

Just don't let your supervisor work you too hard like mine does ;)

~Best Wishes~