Douglas Fir Dishcloth

A Free Knitting Pattern 

This will be my last Holiday Gift Pattern for 2017. It's crazy that 2018 is so close upon us. Almost 20 years ago we were going crazy over Y2K. I'm so happy the clocks kept going.

Do you have a favorite Christmas tree story? When I was a little girl my family liked going to this out in the middle of nowhere tree farm to pick out our tree. I remember the first year we did it. We totally miss judged the length of the tree. It was gigantic, and my dad had to spend quite a while trimming the tree to get it to fit in our house. The next year we were wiser and picked out a much smaller one. There are also lots of stories my sister could tell of the cat knocking the tree over on her.

I have a little pattern today to bring back some of those memories. I say little, but this dishcloth is bigger than what I usually make them, because I like little dishcloths. Other people will probably say it is just right at 7 1/2 by 7 1/2

Where can I get this pattern

This is a free Pattern right here on the blog. Just keep scrolling down to find the pattern. If you would like an ads free, printer friendly PDF version I have them for sale in my Ravelry Shop for 3.00.
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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.

You can also follow me through my social media sites. I love sharing sneak peeks, wips, and fiber arts news and projects.
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Douglas Fir Dishcloth

Designer: Julia Schwartz
Yarn: Bernat HandiCrafter 100% cotton color Sonoma Print
Needles: size 7 (4.5mm)
Notions: yarn needle to weave in your ends
Size: 7 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches
Gauge: 20 st for 4 in and 26 rows
Stitch terms: 
k: knit, p:purl, k2tog: knit 2 together, bl: back loop, m1: make 1, p wise: purl wise, p2tog: purl 2 together,
Notes: 
All of the rows start with a seed st border, sometimes you will see a (K 2, k,p,k,p) you wil knit 3 in this instance. It is just my way of differentiating the boarder from the rest of the pattern. I have highlighted the rows that there will be multiple repeats for easy finding. 
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.

Instructions

Cast on 32 sts ( I used the twisted German Long tail)

Row 1: (P, k) repeat (to)
Row 2: (K, p) Repeat (to)
Row 3-6: Repeat row 1 and 2
Row 7: P, k, p, k, k 24, p,k,p,k
Row 8: K, p, k,p, k 24, k, p, k, p
Row 9- 10: Repeat row 7 and 8

Row 11: P, k, p, k, p 4, k 16, p 4, p, k, p, k

Row 12: Repeat row 8
Row 13: Repeat row 11

Row 14: k,p,k,p, k 4, p 16, k 4, k,p,k,p

Row 15: Repeat row 11
Row 16: Repeat 14

Row 17: p,k,p,k, p 4, place 4 stitches onto the cable needle, place cable needle behind work, k 4, k cable stitches, place next 4 st on cable needle, place cable needle in front of your work, k 4, k cable stitches, p 4, p,k,p,k

Row 18: Repeat row 14
Row 19: Repeat row 11
Row 20: Repeat row 14
Row 21: Repeat row 11
Row 22: Repeat row 14
Row 23: repeat row 17
Row 24: repeat row 14
Row 25: p,k,p,k, p 4, m 1 p wise, k2tog through bl, k 12, k2tog, M1 p wise, p 4, p,k,p,k
Row 26: k,p,k,p, k 5, p 14, k 5, k,p,k,p
Row 27: p,k,p,k, p 5, m1 p wise, k2tog through bl, k 10, M1 p wise, p 5, p,k,p,k
Row 28: k,p,k,p, k 6, p 12, k 6, k,p,k,p
Row 29: P,k,p,k, p 6,  place 3 stitches onto the cable needle, place cable needle behind work, k 3, k cable stitches, place next 3 st on cable needle, place cable needle in front of your work, k 3, k cable stitches, p 6, p,k,p,k

Row 30: repeat row 28
Row 31: P,k,p,k, p 6, m1 p wise, k2tog through bl, k 8, k2tog, m1 p wise, p,k,p,k
Row 32: K,p,k,p, k 7, p 10, k 7, k,p,k,p
Row 33: p,k,p,k, p 7, m1 p wise, k2tog through bl, k 6, k2tog, m1 p wise, p 6, p,k,p,k
Row 34: K,p,k,p, k 8, p 8, k 8, 
Row 35: P,k,p,k, p 8,  place 2 stitches onto the cable needle, place cable needle behind work, k 2, k cable stitches, place next 2 st on cable needle, place cable needle in front of your work, k 2, k cable stitches, p 8, p,k,p,k

Row 36: Repeat row 34
Row 37: P, k, p,k, p 8, m1 p wise, k2tog through bl, k 4, k2tog, M1 p wise, p 8, p,k,p,k
Row 38: K,p,k,p, k 9, m1, p2tog, p 2, p2tog, m1, k 9, k,p,k,p
Row 39: P,k,p,k, p 10,  place 2 stitches onto the cable needle, place cable needle behind work, k 2, k cable stitches, p 10, p,k,p,k
Row 40: k,p,k,p k 10, m1, p2tog, p2tog, m1, k 10, k,p,k,p
Row 41: P,k,p,k, p 24, p,k,p,k
Row 42: K,p,k,p, k 24, k,p,k,p
Row 43- 47: repeat row 1 and 2
cast off. weave in your ends.

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Etching Scarf

A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern

I have a Men's Pattern for you today.

Funny Story, I finished the scarf and it just screamed, "I need tassels!" I asked my husband, "Is this scarf still manly if I add tassels?" He gave an automatic "no." "Will you still model it for me if it has tassels?" From the pictures below you will see that the answer is yes. If your husband is like mine you can leave the tassels off and it will still look fetching. Or you can leave them on for yourself and pick one of the other great colors in the Scarfie yarn line.

The whole time I was making this scarf it made me think about when I was in art class and learning about shading with a pencil. All those etched lines across a paper to make your silhouettes stand out. For this drawing  scarf the shading is created with mitered squares and then they are shaded in with entrelac triangles. This scarf works up fast. I as able to finish it in 2 nights. Then there was another 2 nights for blocking. This is a very do-able project for a last minute Christmas gift. 

 Where Is This Pattern Available

This is a free Pattern right here on the blog. Just keep scrolling down to find the pattern. If you would like an ads free, printer friendly PDF version I have them for sale in my Ravelry Shop for $3.00.
<---------->buy now <---------->

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.

You can also follow me through my social media sites. I love sharing sneak peeks, wips, and fiber arts news and projects.
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest 

Etching Scarf Pattern

Yarn: Lion Brand yarns: Scarfie Size 5/ bulky 78% acrylic, 22% wool 5.3 oz, 150g. 1 ball, color cream/black

Hook: K- 10.5 (6.5mm) (Even though this is Tunisian crochet all of your stitches will fit on a normal hook).
Notions: yarn needle to weave in your ends, hard back book to make your tassels.
Size: 80 by 5 inches (after blocking)
Gauge: each square is 4 by 4 before blocking. 6 TKS and 8 rows equals 2 inches
Special Stitches:
TKS: (Forward pass)working with the yarn behind your work, insert your hook between the vertical bars below the horizontal bars in the st below, yo, pull the yarn through, keep your loop on the hook.
(Return pass): follow instructions in the pattern.
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.

Notes: You will make all of the squares first and then go back and add the triangles. If you would like to see pictures of my process of making mitered corners you can check out my tutorial in Mitered Corners Blanket.

Instructions: 

The Squares:

Row 1: (Forward pass) Ch 10, pull up a loop in each ch for a total of 10 loops
(return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 2:  (Forward pass) TKS for 8 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 3: (forward pass) TKS for 7 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 4: (Forward pass) TKS for 6 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 5: (forward pass) TKS for 5 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 6: (forward pass) TKS for 4 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 7: (forward pass) TKS for 3 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 8: (forward pass) TKS for 2 sts.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop,  (yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 9 - 11: (forward pass) TKS for 1 st.
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, yo, pull through 2 loops

Row 12: (forward pass) TKS for 1 st, TKS in sk st of row 8
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop,  (yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 13: (forward pass) TKS for 2 sts, TKS in sk st of row 7
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 14: (forward pass) TKS for 3 sts, TKS in sk st of row 6

(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 15: (forward pass) TKS for 4 sts, TKS in sk st of row 5
(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 16: (forward pass) TKS for 5 sts, TKS in sk st of row 4

(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 17: (forward pass) TKS for 6 sts, TKS in sk st of row 3

(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 18: (forward pass) TKS for 7 sts, TKS in sk st of row 2

(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 19: (forward pass) TKS for 8 sts, TKS in sk st of row 1

(Return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, ( yo, pull through 2 loops) Repeat (to) to the last loop.

Row 20: Ch 1, turn sl st in the next 10 st up the side of the square to the opposite corner

Repeat row 1-20 for a total of 14 squares. 

At the end of square 14 do not make row 20. 

Do not Finish off. 

1st set of triangles:

Row 1: (Forward pass) pull up a loop in the next 9 st, pull up a loop from the next square (there will be 11 loops on the hook)

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 8 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 2: (Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 8 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 7 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 3: (Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 7 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 6 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 4: (Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 6 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 5 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 5: (Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 5 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 4 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 6: (Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 4 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 3 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 7: (Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 3 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 8:(Forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next 2 st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) (yo, pull through 2 loops) 1 time, yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 9: (forward pass) sk 1 st, pull up a loop in the next st, pull up a loop from the next square

(return pass) Yo, pull through 3 loops

Row 10: (forward pass) pull up 1 loop

(return pass) yo, pull through 2 loops

Repeat rows 1-10 12 times

Finish off.

2nd set of Triangles

Rotate to the other side

Insert into the corner st with a sl st and repeat instructions of the 1st set of Triangles.

Weave in your ends and block to proper size.

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Paperless Post Review

This Post is Sponsored by Paperless Post, in collaboration with Anagram Interactive.

*I was compensated for trying out the website and for  my review. All opinions are mine.* 

I realize that this is not really Fiber Arts related. Bare with me while I share this company to you. I would not share anything that I did not think was worthwhile or that I would not think my readers would be interested in. Even though Paperless Post has nothing to do with yarn, it is a fantastic time saver. 

As creators,  I know that you put you heart and soul into all the projects you make. Your love language is probably acts of service and gift giving. You want to put your personal touch in everything you do. I know because I am a creator too. 

Paperless  Post is an online card service. They are a "company that designs customizable online and printed stationery, to show that communication can be personal and well-designed regardless of the medium. Paperless Post has partnered with several world-famous designers and lifestyle brands, including Kate Spade New York, Oscar de la Renta, Jonathan Adler, and Rifle Paper Co., and has delivered over 85 million cards to date."

These cards are paperless, meaning that they come in e-mail form. I personally love this. Being in Canada and all of my family being in the US, sometimes  it's hard staying in touch.  Sending personal touches across the border does not happen very often because of the hefty shipping costs. 

Canada Post is also not known for being a great mail service. Two years ago I received a Christmas card in March. The sender was a half hour drive from my house. I love that I can send a super personal card through e-mail and I know they are going to get the card when I want them to get it. 

As you can see from the photo above, their birthday cards are beautiful. I would call them classic, sophisticated, very clean line, and modern. 

You can also customize cards and personalize them as much as you like. You can't go to a store and pick out a card with a personal picture on it, but with Paperless Post you can. In the above photo I have a screen shot of a card I was making. You can choose the picture, font (size, color, and print), what the card says, background, envelope, and stamp. 

When you sign up for paperless post you get your own dashboard where you can keep your contact list, rough drafts, and your favorite cards. Most cards come out to be under $2.00. I find that to be extremely reasonable. Especially for a card that is so personal. 

I think one of my favorite things about the website is that I can schedule when the card gets sent. I can take the time I need to make the card when I want,  then I can schedule the card to be sent on time.  
Give Paperless Post a try. 

Embroidered Swirly Christmas Tree

A Free Embroidery Tutorial

Sometimes creativity needs a kick start or a reboot. That is what embroidery is for me. I love the colors and the motion of sewing in and out of the fabric. It is an art that makes you go slow and think through the creative process. If I am drawing blanks when it comes to crocheting or knitting I always turn to embroidery. It is just a slightly different medium to give my brain a rest and think on different things.

I made a few of these last year during my Christmas break. It was to late in the season to blog about them, so I have been holding on to them until now to share them with you. These trees were a fun way to express my creativity. There was no right or wrong, I just let the curls make their own rules.

Tutorial 

To start I marked my fabric where I wanted to add the buttons. I made a long triangle and then I staggered where I would put the buttons on the tree.

After that I rough sketched where the swirls would go. (It might be better to put the buttons on first then add the sketch of swirls). 

I put the fabric in the hoop and stretched it tight and added the buttons using 3 strands the silver thread. I made 6 long stitches through the button holes and then put 2 stitches over each of the 6 long stitches.

I picked 6 to 7 colors and just went to town with the stem stitch all around the tree. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. I tried to work it so that one color never touched itself, and that the swirls went across the whole tree at some points.

The point is to have fun and to just let the stitches speak for themselves.

As you go along you can go back to the empty spaces and fill them in with other colors.

What colors would you make your trees?

What do you like to do to express your creativity? I'd love to know in the comments. 

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Crochet and Knit Christmas Tags

A Free Crochet and Knitting Pattern

I love wrapping presents. It's one of my favorite things to do around the holidays. There is just something about folding the paper and finding creative ideas to make them look festive and beautiful at the same time. There are a lot of options for these.

I have a knit and crochet version for whatever craft you prefer. You can design the tag however you like. You could choose different holiday shapes like me, or you could embroider the monogram of the person you are giving the present to. Another idea would be to number them for an advent present calendar. Whatever you chose they will last for as long as you want them and they will add a personal touch to any gift.

Where can I get this pattern?

These are free patterns. Just keep scrolling down to find these patterns. These are also available for a free PDF download through my Ravelry Store. It's my way of saying Merry Christmas to you. Be sure to check out my other patterns in the shop if you like what you see.
 <------------>download now<------------>

Crochet Pattern

Yarn: worsted cotton yarn
Hook: H/8 5mm
Notions: tapestry needle, embroidery thread
Size: 4 by 3 inches
Gauge: 13 sc and 14 rows
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.

Instructions

Row 1: Ch 9, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (8 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc. (8 sc)
Row 3- 9: Repeat row 2. (8 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in the next 4 sc, sc2tog. (6 st)
Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in the next 2 sc, sc2tog. (4 st)
Row 12: Ch 1, turn sc in each st. (4 st)
Edging: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, ch 1 at every corner.

Finish off
Weave in your ends.

For embroidery, use all 6 strands of cotton floss to add a simple design to your tags.

Optional Grommet:  Follow the instructions on the package to insert the grommet in between the stitches of rows 7 and 9.

Knitting Pattern

Yarn: Worsted cotton yarn
Needles: 4.5 mm (U.S. 7)
Notions: tapestry needle, embroidery thread
Size: 4 by 3 inches
Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows 
Notes: I tried to make his pattern as beginner friendly as possible. so if you like to keep your edges extra crisp and flat with a beg. sl st and end with a purl Go For It.
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.

Instructions

Cast on 12 st. 
Row 1: p 12
Row 2: k 12
Row 3- 14: repeat rows 1 and 2
Row 15: p 12
Row 16: k 1, k2tog through back loop, k 6, k2tog, k 1
Row 17: p 10
Row 18: k 1, k2tog through the back loop, k 4, k2tog, k 1
Row 19: p 8
Row 20: bind off

Finish off
Weave in your ends.

For embroidery, use all 6 strands of cotton floss to add a simple design to your tags.

Optional Grommet:  Follow the instructions on the package to insert the grommet in between the stitches of rows 14 and 16.

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Crochet Poinsettia Jar Cozy

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Poinsettia Jar Cozy

 A Free Crochet Pattern

This is the last pattern that I am moving over from Crochetvolution.  I'm a little sad to be done. Crochetvolution and the Editor Melissa Mall were such an integral part of me becoming the designer and blogger I am today. I will always be thankful for the boost of confidence that I got from being a published designer in those beginning days, before I even had a website in place.

The Poinsettia Jar Cozy is made beautiful by painting it after it's made. If you have seen my Sunflower Project then you already know I like to paint on my projects. For this one I used my water color pencils, so maybe I shouldn't call it painting but coloring. Water color pencils are great for beginners to play with I think they give you more control over what you are doing.  If you are going to get your project damp to block it why not color on it a little.

I should also note that this pattern inspired another Christmas pattern that you can find Here. The Poinsettia Christmas Ornament is my most popular pattern on Pinterest for obvious reasons.

Where Can I Get This Pattern

This is a free Pattern on the blog. Keep scrolling down to see this pattern. If you would like an ads free printer friendly version you can purchase one through my Ravelry Store for $3.00.
<----------->buy now<---------->

If you like this pattern and you would like to continue to see more patterns like this subscribe to designs by diligence. Follow the steps and you will get an e-mail any time there is a new post on the blog.

You can also keep up with me through my social media.

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Poinsettia Jar Cozy

Designer: Julia Schwartz
Difficulty: Intermediate
Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet (Size 10); [100% Cotton, 400 yds/336m per ball] less than 1 ball.
Hook: Size 6 steel hook

Notions:

• Water
• Water color pencils
• Wax paper
• Jar

Size: One Size
Finished Measurements: 4.5 x 5 inches (folded over)
Gauge: 8 sts/8 rows = 1″ in sc

Directions:
Rnd 1: Ch 5; sl st in beginning ch to form a loop. Ch 1, make 12 sc in loop, sl st in first sc. (12 sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), (dc, ch 3 (also counts at a dc here and throughout this row) sl st) in same st. {Sl st in next 2 sts, (ch 3, dc, ch 3, sl st) in same st.}  Repeat  {to} 4 more times. Sl st in next 2 sp and up the first dc. (6 groups of 3 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 3; dc in same sp, make 2 dc in each of the next 2 st, ch 1, {Make 2 dc in each of  the next 3 st, ch 1.}  Repeat  {to} 5 more times, sl st into beginning dc. (6 – 6 dc groups)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in next st (decrease just made). Dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog in next 2 st. Ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1. {Dc2tog, dc in the next 2 st, dc2tog, ch 1, dc in ch-sp, ch 1}. Repeat  {to}  4 more times, sl st into beginning dc. (6 leaves and 6 dc)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in next st (decrease just made). Ddc2tog in next st, ch 2, 3 dc in next dc, ch 2. {Make 2 dc2tog in the next 4 st, ch 2, make 3 dc in the next dc, ch 2.} Repeat {to} 4 more times, sl st into beginning dc. (6 groups of 4 and 6 groups of 3 dc)

Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in next st (decrease just made). Ch 3, 2 dc in each of the next 3 dc, ch 3. {Dc2tog, ch 3, make 2 dc in each of the next 3 dc, ch 3}. Repeat  {to} 4 more times, sl st into beginning dc. (6 groups of 2 and 6 groups of 6 dc)

Rnd 7: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2); sc in next sp, ch 2. Dc2tog, dc in next 2 dc, dc2tog, ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2. {Dc in dc2tog, ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2, dc2tog, dc in next 2 st, dc2tog, ch 2, sc in sp, ch 2.}  Repeat {to} 4 more times, sl st in beg dc.


Rnd 8: Sl st into sp, ch 1. {(Sc in sp, ch 3) twice, (dc2tog in dc) twice, (ch 3, sc in next sp) 2 times, ch 3} Repeat {to} 5 more times,  sl st into beginning st.

Rnd 8: Sl st into sp, ch 1. {(Sc in sp, ch 3) twice, dc2tog in dc, (ch 3, sc in next sp) 3 times, ch 3} Repeat {to} 5 more times,   sc, ch 3, sl st into beginning st.


Finish off. Weave in ends.

For band:

Row 1: Insert hook at any dc2tog. Sl st, ch 1, sc in same st, (Ch 3, sc in next sp) 6 times.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in sc, sc in 3 ch-sp. (Ch 3, sc in next sp) 5 times, sc in last st.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in sc, ch 3, sc in next sp. (Ch 3, sc in next sp) 4 times, ch 3, sc in next st.

Rows 4-23: Repeat rows 2 and 3.

Row 24: Ch 1, turn, grab opposite end of poinsettia and sc in both Row 23 and dc2tog. (Ch 3, sc in next sp of poinsettia, ch 3, sc in next sp of Row 23.) Repeat till you come to the next dc2tog; sc.  

Finish off.
Weave in your ends.

Finishing: To paint your flower, get your jar cover damp. Put wax paper between the poinsettia and the band. Using watercolor pencils, color your Poinsettia, using the pictures as your guide. With a damp cloth carefully rub in the colors to blend it all together; set it out to dry.

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Easy Yarn Unicorn Hair

A Free Tutorial For Unicorn Hair

The older Little One gets the more I need to get creative with Halloween. She is getting more ideas about what she wants and what is considered cool. Is cool even the right word anymore? We decided on her being a unicorn; not too baby but still sweet. Right away Sweet Pea insisted that she would be a princess, and she is telling everyone that Mommy is going to make her a princess. She gets very defensive if we suggest anything else. 2 year olds are so easy.  Hopefully this tutorial will be easier than figuring out the workings of preteens. 

Tutorial 

Start with a long tail slip knot, ch 12, cut your yarn for a long tail and pull tight.

Loop in scraps of yarn into the chains until the section is full. 

Repeat this process 5 or 6 times. For the top piece add scraps on both sides of the chains. 

Sew in the strips of hair using the long tails of the chain stitches, and wip stitch it down to the hat so the hair falls at the base of the hat. Weave in any left over yarn.

Repeat the process above, a few rows over the last strip of hair.  

Keep going all the way up until you reach the ears.

On the last strip, make sure you have hair going in both directions for bangs and back mane hair.

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Swift Swirl Cowl

A knitting Pattern

I have a new pattern to add to the Swift Swirl Series. The last 2 patterns, the Swift Swirl Hat and the Swift Chevron Hat were worked in the round. For this pattern it is worked flat so some of the rules change a little. It is still an easy to follow along pattern and I was able to finish this cowl up in a weekend.

I am pretty sure this is going to be a fall staple in my wardrobe this year.  I'm wearing it right now as I type. 

 Where can I get this Pattern ?

 This is a free knitting pattern. Just keep scrolling down to see this pattern. You can also purchase this pattern in my Ravelry store for $3.00. This is a great option if you want an ads free printer friendly version of the pattern. Start at m Ravelry Page Of click the Buy Me link below.  
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Swift Swirl Cowl

Designer: Julia Schwartz 

Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland, 100% acrylic, 4 oz, 251 yards 1 skein needed. 

Needle size 9: 5.5mm straight 

Notions: Yarn Needle to weave in your ends 

Size: 8 by 30in. 

Gauge: 12-16 stitches, 15-22 rows to 4"

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. 

Notes: This pattern is worked flat and then it is Kitchener stitched at the end. 

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: 
With a provisional cast on, cast on 36 sts

Row 1 (ws): (P,k) repeat (to) 2 times for long seed st, p 24, (k,p) repeat (to) 2 times for long seed st.

Row 2 (rs): (K, p) repeat (to) 2 times, k2, 3 RT, k4, 3 RT, k4, 1 RT, (p,k) repeat (to) 2 times.

Row 3: (K,p) repeat (to) 2 times, p 24, (p,k) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 4: (P, k) repeat (to) 2 times, k1, 3 RT, k4, 3 RT, k4, 1 RT, k1, (k, p) repeat (to) 2 times

Repeat rows 1 and 3 for every wrong side row. 

Row 6: (K, p) repeat (to) 2 times, 3 RT, k4, 3 RT, k4, 2 RT, (p, k) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 8: (P, k) repeat (to) 2 times, k1, 2 RT, k4, 3RT, k4, 2 RT, k1, (k, p) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 10: (K, p) repeat (to) 2 times, 2 RT, k4, 3 RT, K4, 3 RT, (p,k) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 12: (P, k) repeat (to) 2 times, k1, 1 RT, k4, 3 RT, K4, 3RT, K1, (k, p) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 14: (K, p) repeat (to) 2 times, 1 RT, K4, 3 RT, K4, 3 RT, k2, (p,k) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 16: (P, k) repeat (to) 2 times, k5, 3 RT, K4, 3 RT, k3, (k, p) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 18: (K, p) repeat (to) 2 times, k4, 3 RT, k4, 3 RT, K4, (p,k) repeat (to) 2 times

Row 20: (P, k) repeat (to) 2 times, k3, 3 RT, k4, 3 RT, k5, (k, p) repeat (to) 2 times

Repeat rows 1 – 20 6 times. 
Put provisional cast on back on the needles and cast off with the Kitchener stitch. Weave in your ends and lightly block.

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business card holder

A Free Crochet Pattern

I recently created new business cards for myself. The last time I made cards was 5 years ago. A lot has happened in 5 years and a lot of my information was no longer relevant. And if I am being honest they looked awful. They were hard to read and they really did not match who I was. 

This time I really wanted to get it right. I spent 3 days designing them and getting them just right. I had a lot of help from some other bloggers in a couple of the blogging groups I am a part of on Facebook to really capture the look and design I was looking for in my new cards.  I'm sure my family and friends got tired of all the Facebook posts about them. I am really pleased with them and I won't be embarrassed passing these out.   

Do you still use business cards? I feel like they are still relevant for today, especially for makers and for those that need to network outside of the internet. They are easy to add to any packages that you send out, and they are easy to have on hand to give to people who ask about you and your business.  

On the website that I printed them from, they asked if I wanted to purchase a business card holder to go with my cards. That got my design juices flowing, and I decided to make one myself instead of pay for one. 

This holder is full of color and texture, two of my favorite things. This pattern is worked all in one piece so there is no seeming. You can keep it all one color if you chose or you can go crazy like I did, and make it really pop. The finished holder holds about 10 cards, and it is perfect for keeping in your wallet or purse. 

Yarn: 4 colors of Size 10 crochet thread. For the flower I used an omber shade.
Hook: size 4 steel hook.
Notions: tapestry needle 
Size: 4 in. by 2.5 in.
Gauge: 12 dc equals 2 inches 4 rows equals 2 inches

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.

Where You Can Get the Pattern: 
This is a free pattern keep scrolling to see the pattern. If you would like a printer friendly, ads free pattern that you can down load you can through my Ravelry Store.
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Pattern Instructions

Holder Flap

Round 1:With color a, Start with a sl knot, ch 4, 11 dc in the 4th ch from hook, sl st into the starting ch 3 (12 dc).

Round 2: Working in the back loops only, 2 sc in 12 dc, sl st into starting sc. (24 sc)

Round 3:Switching to color B,  Ch 1, {sc in the next 2 sc, long sc in the front loop of row 1} Repeat {to} 11 times, sl st into starting sc. (24 sc, 12 long sc)

Round 4: Sl st into next sc and long sc, ch 1, {sc in long sc, 5 fpdc in the next long sc} repeat {to} 5 times, sl st into the starting sc. (6 sc, 6 fpdc petals)

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in fist empty sc in row 3, ch 2, sk 2 sc, {sc in next sc, ch 2, sk 2 sc} repeat {to} 10 times, sl st into starting sc. (12 sc, 12 2 ch spaces).

Round 6: Sl st into first ch sp, ch 1, {sc in ch sp, ch 3} Repeat {to} 11 times, sl st into starting sc. (12 sc, 12 ch 3 sps)

Round 7: Switch to color C,  Sl st into first ch sp, ch 1, {sc in ch sp, 7 dc in next ch 3 sp},  repeat {to} 11 times. (6 sc, 6 petals)

do not break string. 

Holder Body

Row 8: Switch to color D, carry color C under your working thread, Sl st into next st, ch 4 (counts as dc ch 1), sk 1 dc, dc in next st, {ch 1, (sk 1 st, sc in next st) twice, (ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st) 2 times}repeat {to} once. (6 dc, 4 sc, 9 ch 1 sps)

Row 9: Switch to color C, carry color D under your working thread,  Ch 1 turn, sc in each st and ch sp. (19 sc)

Row 10:  Switch to color D, carry color C under your working thread, Ch 3, turn, dc in each st. (19 dc)

Row 11: Switch to color C, carry color D under your working thread, Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. (19 sc)

repeat rows 10 and 11, until row 30

Break string. Weave in your Ends.

Assembling the Holder

Fold the holder body in half, starting at a corner, sc through both layers of fabric, sc evenly across up the side of the bag, at corner ch 1, sc in each dc of last row, ch 1, sc through both layers of fabric back down the other side of the bag.Finish off. Weave in your ends.

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