First Knit Project

Hello all!

So, as you know, I have recently learned how to knit.  I have completely falling in love with knitting. This new addiction has doubled my amount of WIPs.  

This post is about the first knit project I actually completed!

I had started projects before this, some of which still are not finished, and I have started/finished projects since completing this shawl.  But, this shawl will always be special to me because it is the first project that I completed!

I used two skeins of Caron Simply Soft in Gray Heather to complete this shawl.  If I knit a second shawl with this pattern, I will use more than two skeins, and make it a bit longer.

I started this shawl at one of my knitting lessons.  My wonderful teacher, Elyce, brought out a book that published this Vine-Stitch Shawl pattern.

I immediately fell in love with the pattern!

After all, I wanted to learn to knit, so that I could make some more lacy items. 

I also want to cable-knit, and learn to knit socks, but that will come later.

Watching this shawl work up was really fun!

I still cannot believe that I know how to knit!

This shawl has its fair share of mistakes, but luckily, they are not too noticeable.

I gifted the shawl to my Grandma, and she was very thankful.

She said, "I can't wait to wear it to church, because I always sit under the window and get cold."

After her first church service wearing this shawl, she made sure to tell me that she received lots of comments, and compliments, about it.  She also made sure to tell people that her granddaughter knit it for her.

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back soon!

Subscribe to this blog on the ChirpinBirdie main page, so you can keep up with all of my new projects, and new patterns!

Chunk Lace Cowl

The Chunk Lace Cowl Pattern is no longer available as a free pattern.
Though, it is still available in the ChirpinBirdie Etsy shop!

Best Wishes,

Alison

Racing Arrow Beanie

Happy Hump Day!

I am so excited about this post!  I have designed a new beanie, and am thrilled to share the pattern with all of you.

This pattern might seem intimidating to some, but I assure you, it is easy. Especially when you get into the groove of the pattern.  I took lots of progress shots, and will include those below the pattern.  Hopefully, they will help you, in case you have any questions.

So here it is!

Materials:
5mm crochet hook
Two colors of worsted weight yarn
Scissors
Large Needle

Pattern Notes:

·         Pattern is best worked with two colors, alternating every other row.  When changing from ‘Color A’ to ‘Color B’, do not fasten off yarn!  Carry the yarn up through the inside of the beanie.

To change colors: Work the last dc/Ldc as normal until the last two loops are on the hook, drop the current color of yarn and pick up second color pulling through last two loops on your hook, completing the stitch.

·         Starting at Round 2, the beginning ch 4 of each row counts as first dc and ch1 of the first V stitch.

·         When working a long double crochet (Ldc), remember that they are worked into the stitches, of the same color, two rows below (ie: the Ldc’s in row 5 are worked into the stitches from row 3, row 8 into row ).  If you do not know how to make a Ldc, click here for a YouTube video that will show how.

Abbreviations:

sl st – slip stitch

ch – chain

dc – double crochet

hdc – half double crochet

V stitch – (dc, ch1, dc) in same space

Ldc – long double crochet

beg – beginning

Pattern:

Ch 3

Round 1: 12 dc in 3^rd chain from hook, sl st into top of first dc

Round 2: ch4, 1 dc in first dc, V stitch in each dc around, sl st into 3^rdch of beg ch4

Round 3: sl st into ch1 space, ch4, dc in same space, *1Ldc between next to dc, V stitch in next ch1 sp** repeat from *to** around, ending with Ldc between last dc and beg ch3, sl st into 3^rdch of beg ch4 (12 V stitch, 12 Ldc)

Round 4: sl st into first ch1 space, ch4, dc in same space, *1Ldc between next dc and Ldc from previous row, 1Ldc between Ldc and next dc from previous row, V stitch in next ch 1 space** repeat from *to ** around, ending with 1Ldc between last Ldc and ch 4 of previous row, sl st into 3^rdch of beg ch4 (12 V stitch, 24 Ldc)

Round 5: sl st into first ch1 space, ch4, dc in same space, *1Ldc into each of the next 3Ldc from two rows down, V stitch into next ch1 space** repeat from *to** ending with 1Ldc in last Ldc two rows down, sl st into 3^rdch of beg ch4 (12 V stitch, 36 Ldc)

Round 6: sl st into first ch1 space, ch4, dc in same space, *Ldc into each of the next two Ldc from two rows below, V stitch into next ch1 space** repeat from *to** ending with 1Ldc in last Ldc from two rows down, sl st into 3^rdch of beg ch4 (12 V stitch, 24 Ldc)

Rounds 7-17: repeat rows 5 and 6, ending with row 5

Round 18: sl st into first ch1 space, ch1, hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, *Ldc into next Ldc from two rows below, 1hdc in next stitch, 1 Ldc in next Ldc from two rows below, 1hdc in each of the next 5 stitches** repeat from *to** around, end with Ldc in last Ldc from two rows down, sl st into first hdc.

Fasten Off and weave in ends.

As promised, here are some photos to help you out!

Changing Colors

1 - Complete last dc of row until only two loops left on hook

2 - Pull new color through last two loops leaving one loop of new color on hook

3 - Slip Stitch into directed stitch to close round

*When crocheting the initial 12 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook, crochet around the beginning tail.  Once you have slip stitched into the top of the 1st dc, pull the tail, and this will close the center hole.  Sew the tail around the center to keep it closed.*

Round 3

This is the first round where you need to crochet Ldc

The Ldc from this round are worked into the 12 double crochets from the first round.

Round 4

This is the first round working Ldc in the second color.

The Ldc from this round are worked into the top of the dc in the Vstitches from Round 2.  The last Ldc is worked into the ch3 from the beginning of Round 2.

Round 5

The first Ldc of each section is worked into the top of the dc in the Vstitch from Row 3.

The middle Ldc of each section is worked into the top of the Ldc from Row 3.

The last Ldc of each section is worked into the top of the dc in the Vstitch from Row 3.

After Row 5, the Ldc of each round are worked into the Ldc of the round 2 rows below (the last round of the same color you are currently working with.

I really hope you guys enjoy this pattern!

As with all my patterns: Feel Free to crochet for personal use, and to sell. All I ask is that you cite the pattern using this ChirpinBirdie blog.  The pattern itself is not to be redistributed, or sold.  If someone wants the pattern, again, please direct them back to this blog.

Best Wishes,

Alison

Feathered Yoga Mat Bag

Happy Saturday!

It has only been a few days since I came up with this pattern, but because I was struck down with a vicious cold, it seems like it has taken me forever to type it up for you guys.  I am feeling better, and am enjoying a nice cuppa while writing this post.

This is by far my favorite yoga mat bag that I have made...so much so, that I am keeping this blue one for myself!

You will need:

7 ounces/ 240 yards of worsted weight yarn

5.0 mm crochet hook

large needle

scissors

Abbreviations:

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

sc - single crochet

hdc - half double crochet

dc - double crochet

Strap Pattern:

ch 8

Row 1: hdc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (7hdc)

Row 2: ch 1, sc in first st, skip 2 stitches, 7 dc in next stitch, skip two stitches, sc in last stitch

Row 3: ch 6 (counts as first dc and chain 3), sc in 4th dc of 7dc cluster from previous row, ch 3, dc in last sc

Row 4: ch 1, sc in first stitch, 7 dc in sc from previous row, sc in 3rd chain from turning chain of previous row

Repeat rows 3 & 4 until you have 16 total fans (7dc clusters), end with a row 3

Last Row: ch 1, hdc in first stitch and in next 6 stitches across, fasten off (7hdc)

Bag Pattern:

ch 2

Round 1: 8 hdc in second ch from hook, sl st into first hdc (8hdc)

Round 2: ch 1, 2 hdc in each stitch, sl st into first hdc (16 hdc)

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

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

Round 5: ch 1, (1 hdc in first 3 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch) repeat 7 times, sl st into first hdc (40 hdc)

Round 6: ch 1, (1 hdc in first 4 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch) repeat 7 times, sl st into first hdc (48 hdc)

Round 7: ch 1, sc in same space, *skip two stitches, 7 dc in next stitch, skip two stitches, sc in next stitch* repeat from *to** around ending with a 7dc cluster and sl st into first sc

Round 8: ch 6 (counts as first dc and ch 3), *sc in 4th dc of 7dc cluster, ch 3, dc in next sc, ch 3** repeat from *to** around ending with sc in top of 7dc cluster, sl st into 3 ch of beginning chain 6

Round 9: ch 3 (counts as first dc), 6 dc in same space, *sc in sc from previous round, 7dc in dc from previous round** repeat from *to** ending with sc in last sc, sl st into 3rd ch from beginning ch 3

Repeat rows 8 & 9 until bag measures about 25" (or long enough to accommodate your yoga mat). I also ended with a row 9 repeat, so my bag has a pretty scalloped edge.

I hope you guys enjoy this pattern! 

As always, feel free to use this pattern for your personal use.  You may also sell finished products you make with this pattern, but please, link back to this blog as the source of the pattern.  Thank you kindly!

~Best Wishes~

Fun Flower Coaster

Happy Thursday!

I hope this blog post finds you well...or that when you found this blog post, you are doing well...you know what I mean! I hope that you are happy and healthy!

I was recently part of a handmade coaster swap through Instagram, and found a cute owl coaster pattern to send to my partner.

The pattern for this coaster can be found here.

This got me in the coaster making mood, so last night I decided to make myself one.  But I did not want an owl...I know, I know, they are the 'in' thing right now, but they are not MY thing.  So I didn't know what I wanted, but my water for tea was already on to boil and I needed a coaster FAST!

So, I sat down and just started to crochet and came up with this.

It is very simple, and only takes a few minutes to make.

You will need:
Small amount of 3 different colors of worsted weight yarn
5.0 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Large needle

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

Pattern:

Round 1: ch 4, in 4th ch from hook dc 11 times, sl st in top of ch 3 to form circle.  FO

Round 2: with CB, sl st between any two dc from previous round, ch 3 (counts as first dc) and dc in same space, in next space and in each space around 2 dc, sl st into top of ch 3, FO (24 dc, all worked in the space between the dc from previous round)

Round 3: with CC, slip st into any dc from previous round, ch 1 *hdc in first stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch** repeat from *to** around, DO NOT fasten off (36 hdc)

Round 4: ch 1, *sc in first stitch, skip two stitches, 7 dc in next stitch** repeat from *to** around. sl st into first sc, FO

Sew in your ends and you have cute little flower coaster.

I hope you all enjoy this pattern!

Feel free to use this pattern for personal use.  You may also sell the finished items you make with this pattern, but be sure to reference back to this blog for the pattern.  Thank you kindly!

~Best Wishes~

Puffing Warm Fingerless Glove Pattern

Happy Friday!!

I hope this week has treated you well.  It has been pretty good for me!  Jixer and I celebrated our first year together, Christopher moved to San Francisco to start his new job as a software engineer at Charles Schwab (Jixer and I will be moving up there towards the end of February!), and I also had lots of family time this week!

Anyways, I am excited to bring you another free crochet pattern today!  It is for a pair of fingerless gloves, and I am in love with them.  They are so warm, and look really cute.

You will need:

4.5mm crochet hook

worsted weight yarn (I am guessing about 2-3 ounces)

scissors

large needle

Abbreviations:

sl st = slip stitch

ch = chain

sp = space

yo = yarn over

hdc = half double crochet

PS = puff stitch

How to do the puff stitch:

Insert hook into space indicated, yo and pull yarn up 1/2"

yo, insert hook into same space, yo, pull up yarn 1/2"

yo, insert hook into same space, yo, pull up yarn 1/2"

yo and pull yarn through all 6 loops on hook

Pattern:

ch 24

sl st into first ch to form ring

Row 1: ch 1, 1 hdc in first ch and in each ch across (24 hdc)

Row 2: ch 1, 1 hdc in first hdc, *ch 1, skip next hdc, 1 hdc in next hdc** repeat around from *to**, sl st into first hdc (12 hdc and 12 ch 1 spaces)

Row 3: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 2, *PS in ch 1 space, ch 1** repeat around from *to**, sl st into first PS (12 Ps and 12 ch 1 spaces)

Row 4: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 1, *1 hdc in ch 1 sp, ch 1** repeat around from *to**, sl st into first hdc (12 hdc and 12 ch 1 spaces)

Rows 5-9: repeat rows 3 and 4

Row 10:sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 1, *1 hdc in ch 1 sp, ch 1** repeat from *to** once, in next chain 1 sp (hdc, ch 1, hdc), ch 1, *1 hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1** repeat from *to** 8 times, 1 hdc in space between last PS and ch 2 (do not ch 1 after this hdc), sl st into first hdc (13 hdc and 13 ch 1 spaces)

Row 11: sl st into first ch 1 space, ch 2, *PS in ch 1 space, ch 1** repeat around from *to**, sl st into first PS (13 PS and 13 ch 1 spaces)

Row 12: ch 1, 1 hdc in space between ch 2 and 1st PS, ch 1, *1hdc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1** repeat from *to** around, sl st into first hdc (13 hdc and 13 chain 1 spaces)

Row 13: repeat row 11, BUT do not crochet 13th PS, after 12th PS, ch 2 and sl st into first PS --this creates the hole for the thumb-- (12 PS, 11 ch 1 spaces, and 1 ch2 space)

Row 14: repeat row 12, with the 12th and 13th hdc being worked into ch 2 space created by the thumb hole

Row 15-18: repeat rows 11 and 12

Row 19: ch 1, 1 hdc in first hdc, *1hdc in ch 1 sp, 1 hdc in next hdc** repeat from *to** around, sl st into first hdc (26 hdc)

Here is a photo of where the hdc between the PS should be worked

The great thing about this pattern is that you don't need to make any adjustments to make them fit the right or left hand.  Just make two identical gloves and they will fit either hand!

Here is what your Puffing Warm Fingerless Gloves can look like if you do all of the 'hdc-ch1' rows in a different color.  I am in love with these!

I really hope that you all enjoy this pattern!  

Please, feel free to use it for personal uses, and sell the items made using this pattern.  All I ask is that you give me credit for the pattern when selling or if somebody asks you for the pattern.

~Best Wishes~

Alison