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.
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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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Bullion Butterfly

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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If you would like to keep seeing great content like this I would love if you subscribed to the blog. You only will get an email whenever there is a new post.

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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Pin For Later!

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.
<------------>buy now<--------------->

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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Newsletter October 2017

 I have been throwing around some ideas about how I want to keep my reader's informed. I have thought about changing my subscription service so I can send out more personalized email's, and newsletters. I have also been thinking about making monthly reports to keep a record of my gains and struggles.

I'm not sure if I am ready to change the subscription service yet, and I didn't see why I couldn't just make a newsletter in a blog post those of you who get an email every time I post something new will see it and new comers will find it also.

Patterns

September was a great month. I published 3 patterns.

A new knitting pattern: The Baby Helix Hat 

A new crochet pattern: In a Flash Mitered Corners Blanket

An older crochet pattern: The Painted Sunflower.

I also shared with you some Fall Stock Photos

Social Media Gains

 

My biggest gain this month would be Instagram. I grew to just under 300 followers. 6 months ago I didn't even have a account so I find this really great.
I also gained new followers for Pinterest. 
I finally broke 100 likes and follows on my Facebook page. I worked the hardest on this platform this month and it paid off. 

Income

With the income I made this month I was able to pay for our internet bill. I also paid for my domain name. I'm sure you didn't even notice the switch, which is how it should be. I've always said my goal for the blog is to make enough money from it to cover the grocery bill. I have all the confidence to get there.

What's coming up

 For October I am gearing up for the Christmas Season. I am re-opening up my Etsy Shop. I hope for have some finished objects (like my embroidery necklaces) in the shop by the end of the month. I have one pattern lined up at the moment for October. I have other patterns on the queue for later months. I am even in the planing stages of a CAL that I am hoping to have ready for January. 

In a Flash Mitered Corners Blanket

A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern

This blanket was so much fun to make. I always find Tunisian stitching so relaxing. I think it is the repetitiveness of it. This blanket would be easy to adapt for knitting, but I liked the thickness that the Tunisian stitch added to the blanket.  I like to describe this pattern as if a log cabin pattern got together with a 10 stitch blanket and had a baby it would be a mitered corner blanket.

Mitered Corners make great boarders and they add a clean and modern edge to projects. The baby blanket that I made my daughter for when she was born was finished off with mitered corners.

I wanted to make a tutorial for mitered corners and I thought what better way to teach it than to make a blanket that is made completely out of mitered corners. By the time you are finished with this fun blanket you will have conquered this technique, and hopefully you will love it as much as I do.

In A Flash Mitered Corner Blanket

Yarn: Loops and Threads Charisma Net WT 3.5 oz. 100g. 100% acrylic (9 balls) colors: Off White (2), Fuchsia (2), Yellow (3, I only needed a tiny bit of the 3rd ball), Bright Pop (2, I only needed a tiny bit of the second ball)

Hook: K/ 10 1/2 - 6.50mm

Notions: Yarn Needle (to weave in your ends)

Size: Blanket is 32 in. by 32 in.

Gauge: 8 TKS  equal 2 inches, 5 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.

Notes:
When working the blanket each color change will add 4 rows when you go through the instructions of the Mitered corners. I can't not encourage you enough to keep counting your rows at multiples of 4. By keeping count you will insure that your corners will stay sharp and the blanket will be even on all sides. 

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.

Where Can I get this pattern? 

This is a free pattern. Keep scrolling down to see this pattern. If you would like to purchase a pattern that is ads free and printer friendly for $3.00 you can through my Ravelry Store.

buy now

You can click the link above or if you like you can start at my Ravelry Store.  

Instructions

Starting Square

Row 1: Ch 8, insert your hook into each ch st, and pull up a loop. (8 loops on your hook)
(return pass): yo pull through 1 loop, {yo, pull through 2 loops} Repeat {to} until there is one loop left on the hook.

Row 2-8: (forward pass) TKS in the next 7 st (for a total of 8 loops on the hook)
(return pass) yo, pull through 1 loop, {yo and pull through 2 loops} repeat {to} until there is 1 loop on the hook. At the end of row 8 add the next color by yo and pull through the last 2 loops.

Side Rows

Row 1: (forward pass) With the next color, ch 4, TKS in the next 3 sts, insert your needle in the the same stitch as your starting ch, yo and pull loop through the yarn
(return pass) {yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook} repeat {to} until there is 1 loop left on the hook.

Row 2- 8: (forward pass) tKS in the next 3 sts, insert your needle in the next row of the previous color, yo and pull loop through the yarn
(Return pass) {yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook} rpeat {to} until there is 1 loop left on the hook.

Mitered Corner:

Row 1: (forward pass) TKS in the next 3 sts,
(return pass), yo and pull through 1 loop on your hook, {Yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook}repeat {to} until there is 1 loop on the hook.

Row 2: (forward pass) TKS in the next 2 sts,
(return pass), yo and pull through 1 loop on your hook, {Yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook}repeat {to} until there is 1 loop on the hook.

Rows 3- 5: (forward pass) TKS in the next st,
(return pass), yo and pull through 1 loop on your hook, Yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook

Row 6: (forward pass) TKS in the next st, TKS in the missed stitch of row 2,
(return pass), yo and pull through 1 loop on your hook, {Yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook}repeat {to} until there is 1 loop on the hook.

Row 7: (forward pass) TKS in the next  2 st, TKS in the missed stitch of row 1,
(return pass), yo and pull through 1 loop on your hook, {Yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook}repeat {to} until there is 1 loop on the hook.

Row 8: (forward pass) TKS in the next 3 sts, insert hook into same stitch as the last stitch before the start of the mitered corner
(return pass), {Yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook}repeat {to} until there is 1 loop on the hook.

Repeat Rows 2-8 of Side Rows. At the end of row 8 add the next color by yo and pull through the last 2 loops.

Repeat the instructions for the side rows and mitered corners adding 4 rows to the sides at every color change. Its okay and encouraged to count at multiples of 4 to make sure you are getting the right numbers.

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Exodus 15: 2 Scripture Stock Photo

I have been working behind the scenes a lot this week. I have been finalizing my next crochet pattern that I have been hinting at on Instagram all month.I have been getting a couple of patterns ready to submit to some magazines. I have not submitting in a long time so it's kinda scary.

The church I go to asked me if I could make a stock photo for them to put on the cover of their quarterly magazine, so that was something else I had to do. I'm quite pleased with it so I wanted to share it with you.

Editing photos is getting to be one of my favorite things about blogging. It has been a huge learning experience for me. Computers ave never been my forte. In high school I barely passed typing class. My teacher had mercy on me because he was my track coach and he knew how much I was struggling. He said, "I'll pass you if you can get to 21 words a minute. I ended up with a D in the class with 26 words per minute.

Yikes. I'm still pretty slow, but I'm improving, and it helps having a husband who knows computers, and who spent his childhood taking them apart and back together again.

So if I can figure out this blogging thing, anything is possible. Have a great week, and keep on the lookout for the next pattern coming soon.  

Painted Sunflower

A free Crochet Pattern

Of all of my designs, I think this is one of my favorites. I made this sunflower to hang in my bathroom in 2012 and it is still in my bathroom, even after 4 moves. Yikes lets not talk about how I have moved 4 times in the last 5 years. This is one of the last patterns I am moving over from Crochetvotution . After this pattern there is only one left, and it is a Christmas pattern, so I might wait a little while to put that one up.

There it is hanging in my bathroom for proof.

This pattern is a little unconventional. You don't see crochet projects as stiff wall hangings that have been painted, and I think that's why I like it so much. It is different and it showcases crochet and fiber art in a different way.

This sunflower is easy and fast to work up since you are using 2 strands of cotton thread at the same time. What takes this project time is the drying time for the starch and paint, so don't let the amount of time scare you; it mostly takes that long because it is sitting there drying.

Designer: Julia Schwartz
Time to complete: one week, (3 to 6 hours for the crochet, 48 to 36 hours of drying time, 1 hour of painting, and another 24 hours of drying.)
Hook: size 4/2.00mm steel crochet hook,
Yarn: Size 10 crochet thread (two balls),
Materials used:

• sugar,
• water, 
• wax paper, 
• Folk art acrylic paint Sunny yellow, and burnt sienna), 
• Apple Barrel colors craft paint ( apricot, and goose feather), 
• 2 ½ paint brush 

Finished Size:  11 in. circumference
Crocheting Note: Two strands of string will be used at the same time.
Special stitches:
picot: Chain 4 slip stitch in forth chain from hook.

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.

Where Can I Get This Pattern?

This is a Free Crochet Pattern. So just keep scrolling down to find this pattern. I also have this pattern available for a PDF download through my Ravelry Store. For $3.00 you can have this Pattern that is printer friendly and ads free.
<---------------> buy now <------------>
You can purchase through this link or you can start at my Ravelry store.

Painted Sunflower Pattern

Flower center 

Round one: Chain 8, slip stitch into beginning chain to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 double crochet around ring, slip stitch in beginning chain 3. (12 double crochet made).

Round two: Chain 8, slip stitch in 4th chain from hook (picot made), chain 1, double crochet in starting stitch, {Double crochet, chain 1, picot, chain 1 double crochet in next stitch} repeat {to}until end of round, slip stitch in 3rd chain of beginning stitch. (12 picots)

Round three: Chain 9 slip stitch in 4th chain from hook (picot made), chain 1, 2 treble crochet in next double crochet, picot, treble crochet in next stitch, {chain 1, picot, chain 1, 2 treble crochet in next stitch, picot 1 treble crochet in next stitch} repeat {to} to end of round. End with picot, chain 1, slip stitch in beginning chain 4. (24 picots)

Round four: Chain 6, 1 treble crochet, picot, 1 treble crochet in same stitch, chain 2, skip one treble crochet and one picot, {1 treble crochet, picot, 1 treble crochet in next treble crochet} Repeat {to}to end. End with skip one treble crochet, picot, treble crochet in next treble crochet, slip stitch in 4th chain at beginning. (24 picots)

Round five: Chain 4, 2 treble crochet in chain two, (chain 2, 3treble crochet in next chain two space) repeat around, end with chain two, slip stitch in beginning treble crochet. (24 3 tr groups)

Round six: Chain 1, 1 single crochet in beginning stitch 2 single crochet in next stitch, 1 single crochet in next, 4 single crochet in chain two space, ( 1 single crochet, 2 single crochet in one stitch, 1 single crochet, 4 single crochet in chain two space) Repeat to end slip stitch in beginning stitch.
Do not finish off.

Petals 

First petal
Row one through twelve: Chain 1, 1 single crochet in same stitch, (chain 3 skip one stitch 1 single crochet) Repeat 10 times, chain 1 skip one stitch, 1 half double crochet. You should have twelve loops {chain 3, turn, 1 single crochet in next loop, (chain 3, 1 single crochet in next loop) Repeat (to) 9 times, chain 1, 1 half double crochet in last loop} keep repeating till one loop is left, decreasing one loop each row up,
Finish off.

Second petal through eighth petal:
Insert thread with a slip stitch into last single crochet used in flower center. Follow the directions in petal one.

Edging 

Insert thread with a slip stitch into any chain 2 space on petals, 2 single crochet in each loop around, when you come to the tip 3 single crochet, chain 1, 3 single crochet. When you have gone all the way around, slip stitch into beginning round, finish off.
Weave in all ends.

Starching

 I like using sugar starch.
You will need handy some cardboard covered with wax paper.
Mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ a cup of water, put it over medium heat, and stir it until the sugar melts and becomes translucent, this will happen right before boiling.
Take the starch off of the heat.
Soak your sunflower in the starch, making sure all parts of it is saturated. It will be hot and sticky so take caution when taking it out, ring out or let it drip off all excess starch.
 Place it on the wax paper covered cardboard stretch and pin the center of the flower into a tight circle, Arrange the petals to your liking and make sure all of the picots are standing up.
Depending on the weather it should dry and harden in 48 to 72 hours.

Painting
Starting with the burnt sienna and a ½ brush, paint the center of the flower. When that is dry paint the picots with goose feather, go back with a dry brush and brush on the wet goose feather onto the burnt sienna. Next paint the petals with the apricot, then highlight with the sunny yellow. Allow another 24 hours to dry.

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Baby Helix Hat

A Free Knitting Pattern 

I have been playing with Right and Left Twist Stitches again. I really love these stitches. They are so versatile, and they make texture so much easier than remembering to yarn over and decrease when needed. If you don't know the right and left twist I would encourage you to lookup some Youtube videos and watch how they are made.

You can also look at a couple of my patterns that include them. The Swift Swirl Hat is a great introduction to the Right Twist Stitch and it is a free pattern. Its companion pattern The Swift Chevron Hat is a paid pattern that takes the swirl to another level by making a chevron instead with Right and Left Twist.

The Baby helix Hat is an easy pattern to follow.  It is a 5 round repeat, that gives the allusion of twisting cables almost like a double helix. For the yarn I used two different yarns so you could see how it worked up in different options. The blue hat is Lion brand Yarn: Woolease, and the pink hat is Red Heart:With Love Metalic.

Where Can I Get This Pattern?

This is a free knitting pattern that you can read and follow along below. The pattern is made for a baby or a 14 in circumference. There is a lot of stretch in this pattern so it will fit and grow with baby for a long time. My 2 year old even stretched it over her head, but it was a bit to short for her, but that gives you an idea of how much stretch there is.
<-------------->buy now<--------------->
 If you would like to purchase this pattern you can. When you purchase this pattern you will get an instant download that is ads free and  you can print it off and keep.
You can buy now, Or you can start at my Ravelry Store first. 

The pattern includes what you see below plus the instructions for 3 more sizes; toddler, child and adult.

  

Designer Julia Schwartz

Yarn: Red Heart: With Love Metallic, 4.5 oz/127g 200 yrds/183m Fuisha

Needle: 9 US 5.5mm 16 in circulars and double points to finish

Notions: Yarn Needle to weave in your ends

Size: Baby (15 in), (Find these sizes in the paid pattern, toddler (18), child (20), adult (21))

Gauge: 16 st 22 rows is 4 inches

Stitches Used: k, LT, RT, k through back loop, k2tog through back loop, sl st, psso

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.

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:
Pattern is based on multiples of 6.
Cast on 60 st. (I used a long tail version)
Rounds 1-3: (k, p), Repeat (to) around for ribbing
Round 4: (k 5 , p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 5: (LT, k, RT, p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 6: (k, LT, k, k, p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 7: (k, k, LT, k, p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 8: (k, k, k, LT, p) Repeat (to) 9 times. Repeat Rounds 4- 8, 5 times.  

Decreasing Rounds 

Round 1: (LT, k, K2tog through the back, p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 2: (k, k2tog through the back, k, p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 3: (sl st, k2tog through the back, psso, p) Repeat (to) 9 times.
Round 4: (k2tog) Repeat (to) 9 times.

Finish off by pulling the tail through the remaining stitches on the needles, pull tight and slip knot closed. Weave in your ends.

More Knitting Patterns You Will Love

Learner's Curve Clutch

Swift Chevron Hat

Top 10 Crochet Baby Patterns

Reader's Favorite Free Crochet Patterns For Babies

Welcome to Designs by Diligence. If this is your first time here, I hope you enjoy the patterns and have a good look around. For others welcome back. This is a post that has been long awaited. Some of these patterns are back from 2012. I have been doing a lot of updating this year and all the patterns have been newly updated and reviewed. Just click on the picture or link that you like to find the free patterns. 

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