Monday, January 29, 2018

Diamond Dimensions Neck Warmer

A Free Knitting Pattern


The great thing about creativity is that it grows and expands as you learn and exercise it more. Last year when I learned how to make the Left and Right Twist stitch I never realized I would continue to come up with more and more designs that use the stitches. I've been told the best way to grow a business is to build off of what you already know and have done. I don't know if I will ever come to the end of my ideas, but I will just keep putting them out there until there are no more.

The Diamond Dimensions Neck Warmer Uses the Right Twist Stitch, the Left Twist st, Knit st, and Purl Stitch. There are no tricky yarn overs so these patterns make good t.v. watching projects. Once the pattern  establishes itself its easy to follow along and see what needs to happen next. If you purchase the PDF pattern there is a chart that is included with the written instructions.

Where can I get this Pattern?

This is a free knitting pattern found right here on Designs by Diligence. Just keep scrolling down to read the pattern. If you would like to purchase an ads free, printer friendly PDF you can through my Ravelry Pattern Store for $3.00.
<------------>buy now<------------>
Like I said earlier with the paid pattern you will also receive the written instructions, the pictures and a chart for the pattern. 




Designer Julia Schwartz 
Yarn: Loops and Threads: Impeccable Acrylic, 277 yrds/ 4.5 oz 253m/ 127.5g color: clear Blue
Needle: 4.5mm/ 7
Notions: Yarn Needle to weave in your ends
Size: 9 by 30 inches
Gauge: Each pattern repeat is 10 inches. 16 k and 24 rows is 4 inches
Special Stitches: 

  • Right Twist (RT): Knit 2 together keeping both stitches on the left needle, knit into the first stitch, then pull both stitches onto the right needle, stitch complete.
  • Left Twist (LT): Knit through the back loop of the 2nd st, keep the stitch on the left needle, knit in the first stitch, then pull both stitches onto the right needle, stitch complete.

Notes:

  • The k 6 at the front and back of each row is the garter stitch boarder on either side of the repeating pattern. Sometimes you might see K6, K1, this is to differentiate between the border and the repeating pattern.  
  • Please remember that the pattern is written only for the even rows, don't forget to make the wrong side also. 

Copyright:
Julia Schwartz. Do not reproduce, copy, distribute, or sell this pattern without permission of the designer. This pattern must not be translated, reproduced, or circulated in another language without prior consent. If you have questions about this pattern please contact Julia.diligence@gmail.com.


 Pattern:

Cast on 38 st, using a long tail cast on. 

Row 1: (ws) K6, P26, K6 This row will be repeated on every odd numbered row.

Row 2: K6, K2, RT5, K2, LT5, K2, K6
Row 4: K6, K, RT5, K4, LT5, K, K6
Row 6: K6, RT5, K6, LT5, K6
Row 8: K6, K1, RT4, K2, RT1, LT1, K2, LT4, K1, K6
Row 10: K6, RT4, K2, RT1, K2, LT1, K2, LT4, K6
Row 12: K6, K1, RT3, K2, RT2, LT2, K2, LT3, K1, K6
Row 14: K6, RT3, K2, RT2, K2, LT2, K2, LT3, K6
Row 16: K6, K1, RT2, K2, RT3, LT3, K2, LT2, K1, K6
Row 18: K6, RT2, K2, RT3, K2, LT3, K2, LT2, K6
Row 20: K6, K1, RT1, K2, RT4, LT4, K2, LT1, K1, K6
Row 22: K6, RT1, K2, RT4, K2, LT4, K2, LT1, K6
Row 24: K6, K3, RT5, LT5, K3, K6
Row 26: K6, K2, RT5, K2, LT5, K2, K6
Row 28: K6, K1, RT5, K4, LT5, K1, K6
Row 30: K6, K1, LT5, K4, RT5, K1, K6
Row 32: K6, K2, LT5, K2, RT5, K2, K6
Row 34: K6, K3, LT5, RT5, K3, K6
Row 36: K6, LT1, K2, LT4, K2, RT4, K2, RT1, K6
Row 38: K6, K1, LT1, K2, LT4, RT4, K2, RT1, K1, K6
Row 40: K6, LT2, K2, LT3, K2, RT3, K2, RT2, K6
Row 42: K6, K1, LT2, K2, LT3, RT3, K2, RT2, K1, K6
Row 44: K6, LT3, K2, LT2, K2, RT2, K2, RT3, K6
Row 46: K6, K1, LT3, K2, LT2, RT2, K2, RT3, K1, K6
Row 48: K6, LT4, K2, LT1, K2, RT1, K2, RT4, K6
Row 50: K6, K1, LT4, K2, LT1, RT1, K2, RT4, K1, K6
Row 52: K6, LT5, K6, RT5, K6
Row 54: K6, K1, LT5, K4, RT5, K1, K6
Row 56: K6, K2, LT5, K2, RT5, K2, K6

Row 57: Repeat row 1
Repeat Rows 2- 57 two more times
Bind off.

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If you like this pattern be sure to subscribe to Designs by Diligence to get notified when new patterns come out. The only time you will get an email is when a new post happens on the blog, usually on Tuesday.

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Monday, January 22, 2018

Modern Chrysanthemum Throw CAL: The Border

A Free Crochet Pattern




This Little CAL is almost over. This is the last week, and we are adding the boarder to all of the joined squares. There is a lot of activity in the squares so I wanted to keep the border simple. I hope you have enjoyed making this scrapghan as much as I have and hopefully there is a small dent in your scrap yarn. 


Where Can I get the rest of this pattern?


You can purchase this pattern in whole in my Ravelry Store for $3.00. Don't forget to add it to your favorites.
<---------->buy now <-------------->


Or, you can Subscribe to Designs by Diligence and follow along for free when a new post is ready. Most of the time a new post happens on Tuesday.

If you are new to this CAL you can find the resources and material page Here. All the other weeks are also listed on that page. 
<------------->Get the materials list here!!!! <---------------->


I would also love if you will follow my Facebook Page.

All of my updates will be posted on there. I hope others will share their progress and ask questions along the way.



Border 

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the corner ch 3 sp,{dc in each st across, when you come to the end of a square unit 2 dc in the fpdc2tog st, and 2 dc in the bpdc2tog st} repeat {to} to the corner, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the corner sp} Repeat {to} around. Sl st into beginning dc.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the corner ch 3 sp, {dc in each st across, at the corner ch 3 sp (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc)} Repeat {to}. Sl st into beginning dc.

Row 3: Ch 1, {(sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner sp, (bpdc in the next st, sc in the next st) repeat (to) to the next corner} Repeat {to} all the way around. Sl st into the starting sc. Finish off. Weave in all of your ends.

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Wednesday, January 17, 2018

How to Crochet a Double Brimmed Hat

A free Crochet Pattern


Being in Ontario, I'm all about having a warm hat and gloves. With that Toronto wind you just need something a little more than just a plain hat to keep the ears warm. 

I wanted to make a tutorial for a double brimmed hat. These hats are much easier to make than you think. If you can single crochet and double crochet then you can make this hat. With this pattern you will make a long rectangle 2 inches less than your head circumference. Make a loop with the rectangle, fold it in half and the brim is done. Then you crochet around the brim to form the hat. 

Where can I get this pattern?

This is a free tutorial on the blog just keep scrolling down to find the pattern. 

This Pattern is also available in my Ravelry Store for $3.00. This is a great option if you want an ads free printer friendly PDF of the pattern.
<------->buy now <------->
I would love it if you added this pattern to your favorites on Ravelry.


Double Brimmed Hat

by Julia Schwartz

Materials

Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn Model used is Loops and Threads: Impeccable 100% acrylic, 4.5 oz/ 128 g 277yds
Hook: H/8 5.00 mm
Notions: measuring tape, yarn needle
Size: 16, 18, 20 inch circumference 18 and 20 in circumference is in ( ) 
Gauge: 18 st, and 24 rows equals 4 inches 
Stitches Used: sc, sc in back loop, dc, dc2tog
Copyright:

Brim:


Row 1: Ch 15 ( 19, 21), sc in second chain from the hook, and in each ch across. (14 sc (18, 20 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn sc in the back loop (bl) in each st across.
Row 3 - 45 (55, 65): Repeat row 2
Row 46 (56, 66): Ch 1, turn, put row 1 together with row 45 (55, 65), without twisting, sl st into both rows through every st, making a closed loop.

Do not finish off.

Hat

Roound 1: Ch 1, fold the brim in half, so that the stitches are vertical, going across the stitch edges of the brim, sc through the sc posts of both edges, in every sc around for a a total of 45 (55, 65) sc, sl st into the starting sc.


Round 2 - 8 (11, 14): Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in each sc around for a total of 45 (55, 65) dc, sl st into first dc.
Row 9 (12, 15): Ch 3, dc in the next 2 dc, dc2tog in the next 2 dc, {dc in the next 3 dc, dc2tog in the next 2 dc} repeat {to} 8 times, sl st into the first dc

Row 10 (13, 16): Ch 3, dc in the next dc, dc2tog in the next 2 dc, {dc in the next 2 dc, dc2tog in the next 2 dc} repeat {to} 8 (10, 12) times, sl st into the first dc

Row 11(14, 17): Ch 3, dc2tog in the next 2 dc, {dc in the next dc, dc2tog in the next 2 dc} repeat {to} 8 (10,12) times, sl st into the first dc

Row 12 (15, 18): Ch 2, dc in the next dc, dc2tog in each of the sts, sl st into the first dc, Finish off with a long tail, weave the tail though the last row and pull tight. Make a knot if you like and weave in your ends.

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Monday, January 15, 2018

Modern Chrysanthemum Throw CAL: Joining the squares

A Free crochet Pattern CAL


How are your squares coming along? I have been making 4 a day, so I now have 28 squares done. After today you can start arranging the squares how you want them. I plan on piecing together 4 squares at a time instead of 9 this time around.

If you are new to this CAL you can find the resources and material page Here.
<------------->Get the materials list here!!!! <---------------->
That will get you started and that page has the links to the other weeks as they become available.

What are your thoughts on a wip stitch join? Some people just absolutely hate it. I don't really mind it. I find it kind of relaxing to weave the needle in and out of the stitches. If you are completely opposed to wip stitching, you can skip that step. You can make an edging around each square skipping the 2 dc in each 2 ch sp and then make the bpdc2tog joining for all the squares. The choice is yours.  

I hope you like the bpdc2tog join as much as I do. It works up really fast which is the main reason I like it so much. It also looks like a braid running down the seams and that you have put in a lot more effort into joining than what you actually have. 

Where Can I get the rest of this pattern?


You can purchase this pattern in whole in my Ravelry Store for $3.00. Don't forget to add it to your favorites.
<---------->buy now <-------------->


Or, you can Subscribe to Designs by Diligence and follow along for free when a new post is ready. Most of the time a new post happens on Tuesday.

If you are new to this CAL you can find the resources and material page Here.
<------------->Get the materials list here!!!! <---------------->


I would also love if you will follow my Facebook Page.

All of my updates will be posted on there. I hope others will share their progress and ask questions along the way.




Special Stitches: 
bpdc2tog: yo, hook around back posts of the next 2 sts, from back to front, yo, pull through the yarn, (yo, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 2 times.

fpdc2tog: yo, hook around back posts of the next 2 sts, from front to back, yo, pull through the yarn, (yo, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 2 times.



Joining the Squares Together 

Wip stitch the squares together in groups of 9.

 Edging 1:

Row 1: Once the squares are sewn together, with the darker neutral color sl st into a ch 2 corner sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the same space, {dc in the next 12 st, (2 dc in the next ch 2 sp) 2 times} Repeat {to}, dc in the next 12 sts,

{(2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch 2 sp, {dc in the next 12 st, (2 dc in the next ch 2 sp) 2 times} Repeat {to}, dc in the next 12 sts} Repeat {to} 2 times Sl st into starting dc. Finish off.

(The amount of repeating sections is determined by the amount of squares you have sewn together. The repeat of  2 dc in the next ch 2 sp is dependent on how many squares you have. The pattern above is for 3 squares in a row or 9 squares all together.)

Repeat row 1 edging for, each of the joined square units.





Joining the Square Units: The bpdc2tog Join 

Holding 2 squares with the back sides facing together,and using the lighter neutral color, make a slip knot around your hook and,  fpdc2tog around the first 2 dc of the square further away from you, bpdc2tog, around the first 2 dc of the square closest to you, {fpdc2tog around the next 2 dc of the square further away from you, bpdc2tog around the next 2 dc of the square closest to you} Repeat {to} When you come to the end of the squares contitue with the next two squares until you have 6 squares joined together. Repeat joining the square units until all of the square units are joined.

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Monday, January 8, 2018

Modern Chrysanthemum Throw CAL: The Squares


A Free Crochet Pattern


Have you collected all your scrap yarn together? Let's get started on this blanket and getting our stashes down to lower level for the beginning of the year.

Even though I have already made a sample throw, I'm going to make another one right along with you. I will be using yarn from my stash that I have moved with at least 5 times. It's time to get this yarn in a project. And because I can never follow a pattern (not even my own haha), I'm going to only put 4 squares together instead of 9. We will talk and discuss this change more next week.

Like I said in the last post I love making blankets and throws with squares. I can give myself little goals and the squares are easy to take with me on the go. When I was designing this blanket there were lots of ideas in my head about what the squares looked like. Cabbage roses, fire works, mums, I finally decided on the name Modern Chrysanthemum for the name. Naming my patterns is one of the hardest things for me.

Where Can I get the rest of this pattern?


You can purchase this pattern in whole in my Ravelry Store for $3.00. Don't forget to add it to your favorites.
<---------->buy now <-------------->


Or, you can Subscribe to Designs by Diligence and follow along for free when a new post is ready. Most of the time a new post happens on Tuesday.

If you are new to this CAL you can find the resources and material page Here.
<------------->Get the materials list here!!!! <---------------->


I would also love if you will follow my Facebook Page.

All of my updates will be posted on there. I hope others will share their progress and ask questions along the way.





Pattern

I want to make a note that these bpdc are a bit unconventional because you are making the stitch around a sc post instead of a dc post. Don't let that scare you. It still works out the same, but it does have a different feel to it.


Round 1: With color A, Ch 4, sl st into first ch to make a ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc), make 11 dc into the ring, sl st into first dc. (12 dc)

Round 2: Change to color B, Ch 1, sc in same st, (bpdc in next dc, sc in same dc) Repeat (to) 11 times, bpdc in the first dc, sl st into the starting sc. (12 bpdc, 12 sc)


Round 3: Change to color A, ch 1, sc in same st, {bpdc in sc of previous row, 2 sc in the bpdc of  previous row}, Repeat {to} 10 times, bpdc in the sc of the previous row, 1 sc in the bpdc of the previous row, sl st into starting sc. (12 bpdc, 24 sc)


Round 4: Change to color B, Ch 2 (does not count as a st), bpdc in starting st, {(2 sc in the bpdc,  (bpdc in the sc) 2 times ) repeat (to), 2 sc in the bpdc, bpdc in the sc, ch 2, bpdc in the next sc,} repeat {to} 2 times, (2 sc in the bpdc,  (bpdc in the sc) 2 times ) repeat (to), 2 sc in the bpdc, bpdc in the sc, ch 2, sl st into the first st.

Finish off. Weave in your ends.



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Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Modern Chrysanthemum Throw CAL: The Materials and Resources

A Free Crochet Pattern





Hi, Welcome to my very first ever Crochet - Along. I'm really excited about this pattern. There is a lot of fun techniques and options for this scrap blasting throw so I thought it would make a perfect CAL (a Crochet Along for those of you who might not be familiar with the term).

There will be a few different options for putting all the squares together. I have put mine together like a 9 patch quilt, but you can just put 4 squares together, keep all the squares individual, or you can come up with your own individual way of putting the squares together. When I make this blanket again I want to try and make it with just 4 squares together instead of 9.

Every year I try and make a blanket with all of my scraps of the previous year.  It's a great way to take stock of what I have and relive some of the memories of making all the things with the yarn I use. I also throw in the yarn that I find without labels or I know I won't use for the designing process.

The Modern Chrysanthemum Throw or Mod Mum for short is a fun visual impact blanket. Each square is only 4 rows each. You can easily tackle a square in under 10 minutes. I kept all of my squares in a ziploc bag (or 2) until I was ready to start stitching them together.

I love making blankets with squares. The squares are small enough to take with me on the go. I can give myself goals. I kept the pace of 5 or so squares a day. At that pace I never got tired of working on them, and I still finished the blanket at a reasonable time frame.


Where Can I get this Pattern

This pattern is available in whole on Ravelry in PDF form for purchase for 3.00.
<------------>buy now  <------------>
The pdf is a great option for those of you who don't want to wait for the CAL schedule and it is easy to print off and use.

Keep scrolling down to read the materials and resources needed to to make this beautiful throw. Come back back next week to get the next part of the CAL for free or you can purchase for 3.00 through my Ravelry store.

On Jan. 9th the pattern for the squares will be on the blog
On Jan. 16th we will join the squares together
On Jan. 23nd we will add the border to the blanket.

Subscribe!


If you want a reminder and an update for when the next step comes available Subscribe to Designs by Diligence. You will be added to the email list, and the only time you will get an email is when there is a new post on the blog. That usually happens on Tuesdays.



Materials

Yarn: Any Worsted Weight Yarn
This is a scrap blanket and your yardage might be different for you. I tried to get as close as I could to what you would need.

You will need at least 8 colors if not more. For the flower colors you will need up to 50 grams each of at least 5 colors.

For the background colors for the squares you will need 150 grams each for 2 colors

For the 2 border colors you will need an additional 100 grams.

You can work it out to that you need 100 grams of yarn for every 20 squares.

Hook: H/ 8 5mm
Notions: A yarn needle to weave in alllll those ends. (Don't worry its not too bad).
Gauge: each square is 3 inches by 3 inches
Size: The finished model blanket is 38 by 46 inches with 127 squares
Stitches Used: ch, sl st,  sc, dc, bpdc, bpdc2tog, fpdc2tog
Special Stitches:

bpdc2tog: yo, hook around back posts of the next 2 sts, from back to front, yo, pull through the yarn, (yo, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 2 times.
fpdc2tog: yo, hook around back posts of the next 2 sts, from front to back, yo, pull through the yarn, (yo, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 2 times.

Copyright:
Julia Schwartz. Do not reproduce, copy, distribute, or sell this pattern without permission of the designer. This pattern must not be translated, reproduced, or circulated in another language without prior consent. If you have questions about this pattern please contact me through e-mail.

Resources 

This scrapghan has a lot of bpdc stitches in it. If you need a refresher on what those stitches look like I have added some videos for you so you can practice.

One of the ways we are joining the squares is with the wip stitch so I have added a tutorial link for the wip st. 

videos

 Kristin Omdahl's Video for bpdc


  • this one is great because it is in slooooowww motion. 
Left hand option

Tutorials

Wip stitch join From the Underground Crafter


Facebook page

This is where a lot of the action is going to take place. If you have questions or you want to share pictures of your progress, head there. I will also be sharing extra tips and tricks for the blanket. I hope to see you there.

Use the Hashtag #ModMumCAL in all of your social media posts so they can be easily found. 

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