Isla Cowl

A Free Crochet Pattern

I love a good cozy cowl, don't you? I especially love one that I can manipulate and change to suit my needs. So I'm providing you a pattern for one. Cowls with button bands are so versatile and easy to make. You basically make a rectangle and add buttons. Easy Peasey. I have added some cabling for some visual texture. I have also used bulky yarn to make this a quick project.

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Pattern Information

Designer: Julia Schwartz
Yarn: 

• Classic Yarn Soft Tweed 56% Wool, 20% Viscose, 14% Polyamide, 10% Silk 50 g color loganberry 4 skeins needed
• Lion brand yarn Wool Ease thick and quick, 80% acrylic 20% wool, 340g 1 skein needed

Hook: K/ 10.5 6.5mm
Notions: Tapestry needle, regular sewing needle, 6 buttons
Size: 27 by 14 inches 
Gauge: 10 sc x 10 rows = 4 inches
Stitches Used: Chain (ch), Slip Stitch (sl st), Single crochet stitch (sc), front post double crochet (fpdc)

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.

Purchase 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 and for sale in my LoveCrafts Shop 

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Pattern Instructions

Row 1: With MC, Ch 40, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch for a total of 39 sc.

Row 2 and every even number: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc. (39sc)

Row 3: Ch 1 turn, sc in the first 3 sc, {(fpdc around the corresponding sc of previous row) repeat (to), sk 2 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, fpdc in the corresponding sc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 4 sc, fpdc in the corresponding sc previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc} repeat {to} 2 xs (12 fpdc, 27 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in the first 3 sc, {(fpdc around the 2nd to the hook fpdc of row 3, fpdc around the skipped fpdc of row 3 (cable twist made), sk, 2 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, fpdc in the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 4 sc, fpdc in the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc} repeat {to} 2 times (12 fpdc, 27 sc)

Row 7: repeat row 5.

Row 9: Ch 1, turn, {sc in each of the 2 sc, fpdc around the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc}, Repeat {to} 11 xs, sc in the last 3 sc. (12 fpdc, 27 sc)

Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc in sc, {fpdc around the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 4 sc, fpdc around the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, (fpdc around the corresponding sc of previous row) repeat (to), sk 2 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc}, repeat {to} 2 xs, sc in the last 2 sc. (12 fpdc, 27 sc)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn, sc in sc, {fpdc in the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 4 sc, fpdc in the corresponding fpdc of previous row, sk 1 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, (fpdc around the 2nd to the hook fpdc of row 3, fpdc around the skipped fpdc of row 3 (cable twist made), sk, 2 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc} repeat {to} 2 xs, sc in the last 2 sc. (12 fpdc, 27 sc)

Row 15: Repeat row 13.

Row 17: repeat row 9

Continue repeating rows 3- 18 until you reach your desired length or until 24 inches.

Button Bands

Row 1-2: With CC, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc. (39 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each of the next 4 sc, ch 1, sk 1 sc, {sc in each of the next 5 sc, ch 1 sk 1}, repeat {to} 5xs, sc in the last 3 sc. (6 ch 1 sps, 33 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc and sc in each ch 1 sp. (39sc)

Finish off.

Move to start of the project for 2nd button band

Row 1-4: With CC, ch 1, turn, sc in each sc. (39 sc)

Finish off

Weave in your ends.

Sew on 6 buttons to the second button band to match the button holes of the first button band. Make sure the buttons are on the front side of the cowl.

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I Heart You Hat

A free Knitting Pattern

Somehow it is already February, and Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I have a cute little hat to share with you today. It works the left and right twists to form layered hearts. I love the texture of this hat. The ribbing really adds some stretch and dimension to the design. It has been a while since I have shared a twisted stitch pattern. I'm so glad to have another one to share.

Today marks the day of  Designs by Diligence being around for 8 years. This coming year I'm going to hit 1,000,000 page views. Never would I have thought my little blog would hit that milestone. From a girl that barely passed typing class to a girl that has a blog that provides steady extra income is just amazing. Thank for coming to take a look and supporting my creativity.

Stay Connected!

If you like this pattern and you don't want to miss the next one 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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Pattern Information
Designer: Julia Schwartz
Yarn: Any aran weight yarn. Model used Red Heart Chic Sheep Yarn, 100% merino wool,
Needles: 7/ 4.5mm
Notions: yarn needle for sewing up the hat
Gauge: 18 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches
Size: 19 inch circumference (stretches to fit adult head)
Stitches used: SM (slip marker), k , p, RT, LT, wrap and Twist,  kbl (knit through the back loop, k2tog (knit 2 stitches together), k2tbl (knit 2 stitches together through the back loop)
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.

Purchase 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 and for sale in my LoveCrafts Shop When you purchase this pattern you will receive the pattern that you see on the Blog post plus the bonus chart and legend to help you complete your hat. 

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Instructions

Cast on Cast on 96 stitches to a circular needle using a long tail cast on. Place a stitch marker. Without twisting the cast on, complete the circle by putting your first stitch into the first cast on stitch (which will be a purl stitch). 

Round 1-10: (P, k) repeat around to marker. (96 sts here through round 46) Row 11: SM, (p, k, p, k, RT, k, LT, k, p, k ) repeat (to) 7 times Row 12: SM, (p, k, p, RT, k3, LT, p, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 13: SM, (p, k, RT, k5, LT, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 14: SM, (p, RT, k7, LT) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 15-17: SM, (p, KBL, k9, KBL) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 18: SM, (p, LT, k, RT, p, LT, k, RT) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 19: SM, (p, k, p, RT, k, p, k, LT, p, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 20: SM, (p, k, RT, p, k, p, k, p, LT, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 21-22: SM, (p, k), repeat (to) 7 times
Row 23: SM, (k, LT, k, p, k, p, k, p, k, RT) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 24: SM, (k2, LT, p, k, p, k, p, RT, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 25: SM, (k3, LT, k, p, k, RT, k2) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 26: SM, (k4, LT, p, RT, k3) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 27-29: SM, (k5, KBL, p, KBL, k4) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 30: SM, (p, LT, k, RT, p, LT, k, RT) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 31: SM, (p, k, LT, p, k, p, k, p, RT, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 32: SM, (p, k, p, LT, k, p, k, RT, p, k) repeat (to) 7 times
Row 33-34: SM, (p, k), repeat (to) 7 times
Row 35- 46: Repeat rounds 11-22

Hat should measure 7 1/2 inches at this point if you need more length
repeat round 34 until you reach your desired length.

Decreasing crown (Switch to double point needles).
Row 47: SM, (p, k, p, k, k2tbl, p, k2tog, k, p, k) repeat (to) 7 times (80 loops) Row 48: SM, (p, k) repeat (to) marker (80 loops)
Row 49: SM, (p, k, p, k2tbl, p, k2tog, p, k) repeat (to) 7 times (64 loops)
Row 50: SM, (p, k) repeat (to) marker (64 loops)
Row 51: SM, (p, k, k2tbl, p, k2tog, k) repeat (to) 7 times (48 loops)
Row 52: SM, (p, k2), repeat (to) marker (48 loops)
Row 53: SM, (p, k2tbl), repeat (to) marker (32 loops)
Row 54: SM, (p, k), repeat (to) marker (32 loops)
Row 55-56: SM, (k2tog) repeat (to) marker (16, then 8 loops)
Row 57: K last 8 sts, cut a long tail and weave it through the last 8 stitches and pull tight.
Secure in a knot and weave in your ends.

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Starburst Blanket

A Free Crochet Pattern

I have a new Scrapghan pattern for you today. If you have been around this blog for awhile you will know that I love a good scrap busting blanket. I have tried to make a new one every year. If you are on the lookout for more, I have a round-up of my favorite scrapghans here!   Some of the patterns are from my own collection and some are from my favorite designers. 

For this scrapghan I decided to visit the granny square and see how I could incorporate the use of scraps in a classic pattern. Have you worked with spike stitches before? They are a great way to add a pop of color to a project with a lot of extra effort. 

For my blanket I used 2 cakes of Lion brand Mandala yarn and 1 skein of Lion brand Pound of Love. With that amount I was able to get 60 granny squares and a good sized border.  Like with all good scrapghans you can swap out whatever yarn you would like to use for it. 

Get Ready there are a lot of pictures in this pattern so you can really see how this square comes together. 

Purchase 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 and for sale in my LoveCrafts Shop 

<---->Buy Now<---->
(link takes you to Ravelry check out)

Starburst Blanket

Designer: Julia Schwartz
Yarn: 

• Lion brand yarn Pound of Love 4 medium,100% acrylic, 1020 yards/ 932 m, color Oxford grey one skein needed
• Lion brand yarn Mandala 3 light, 100% acrylic, 590 yards/540 m, color Pegasus 2 cakes needed 

Hook: G/ 7 4.5mm 
Notions: Tapestry needle
Size: 6 by 6 inches per square
Gauge: Each square is 6 by 6 inches. 

Stitches Used: Chain (ch), Slip Stitch (sl st), Double crochet stitch (dc), Single crochet stitch (sc), spike stitch (spike stitch) 
Special stitches:

• Spike stitch: Insert hook into stitch indicated in the pattern, yo, pull back through the stitch stretching the loop up to your current row, yo and pull through both loops on the hook. 

Instructions for the spike stitch granny square

Round 1: Ch 4, sl st in to beginning ch to form a ring, ch 1, 12 sc around the ring, sl st into beginning sc (12 sc)

Round 2: Ch 3(counts as a dc here and throughout), dc in starting st, 2 dc in each of the next 11 sts, sl st into beginning dc. (24 dc)

Round 3: With new color, Ch 1, sc in starting st, sc in the next st, spike stitch in the first stitch of round 1, {Do Not Skip a Stitch, sc in each of the next 2 sts, spike stitch in the next st of round 1}, repeat to last stitch, sl st into first sc. (24 sc sts, 12 spike sts)

Round 4: With Color A, ch 3, dc in each of the next 8 sts, ch 3, {dc in the next 9 sts, ch 3} repeat {to} 2xs, sl st into starting dc. (36 dc)

Round 5: With Color B, ch 1, {sc in the first 2 dc, (spike st in corresponding st of round 3, sk 1 st, sc in next st), repeat (to) 2xs (for a total of 6 sts), sc in each of the next st, 3 sc in the 3 ch sp}, repeat {to} 3xs, sl st into beginning st. (12 spike sts, 36 sc)

Round 6: With color A, Ch 3, dc in each of the next 9 sts, {(2dc, ch 3, 2dc) in the next st, dc in the next 11 sts}, repeat {to} 2xs, (2dc, ch 3, 2dc) in the next st, dc in the last st, sl st into beginning dc. (60 dc)

Finish off both colors and weave in your ends.

Connecting the Squares

Arrange all the squares how you would like them. Take two squares together with their backsides facing each other and sl st through both the back loop of the square closest you and the front loop of square farthest to you. Continue to sl st the squares together until you have the two rows of squares stitched together.

When all the rows are stitched together, go back and sl st all the columns of squares together.

Blanket Border

Round 1: In any corner stitch, sl stitch, ch 1, 2 sc in corner sp, sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch sp down the sides (see picture for reference), and 3 sc in each of the corner spaces, sc in the last corner, sl st into the beginning st.

Round 2-3: Ch 3, dc in corner st, dc in each st and (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each of the corner sts, for the last corner st ( 2 dc, ch 2,) sl st into beginning st

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st, and 3 sc in each corner sp, sl st into beginning st.

Finish off and weave in all your ends (find a good show to watch while weaving in all your ends.) 

Stay Connected!

If you like this pattern and you don't want to miss the next one 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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Camden Blanket 

Vintage Nursery Blanket

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