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Two Patterns in One! Knit & Crochet Interlude Shawl

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ScannedImageSo I have done something a little different, and I am excited about it.

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Interlude Knit Shawl

In the past I shared how my daughter was teaching me to knit (you can read about it here), I will admit I have not been the best student. I can understand knitting in principle and concept but actually getting the needles to work with the yarn is a different story completely. However my lessons have encouraged me to go out on a limb and create dual craft patterns, with the first being Interlude.

Interlude is a shawl that is worked in with one skein of Lisa Souza Sylvie Silk, but it can be worked in either knit OR crochet! Okay, technically it is Tunisian Crochet, but still 2 different ways to create the same look.

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Interlude Crochet Shawl

Obviously the finished product is not identical, but they are very similar; they both work in short rows on large hooks/needles, they both have beautiful drape, they both use only one skein, they both work up quickly, and they both have the same completed shape.

This, okay, these shawls debuted at Stitches West in Santa Clara this past weekend, and there was some definite excitement about the fact that there is actually 2 patterns in one (I had requests for other of my crochet designs to attempt to be converted to knitting), as well as just how yummy the ultimate design is. So fast and yet elegant.

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Interlude Knit Shawl

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Interlude Crochet Shawl

I have to give complete thanks to Lisa Souza herself, for actually knitting up the knit version. I had attempted to complete it myself, but after it set on my needles for months, I knew if it was up to me it would never come into being. Like I stated, I understand the concepts, but the hands are not as proficient as my mind, so I got completely hung up on the short rows. But I can share Lisa’s feedback, she told me that at first she was questioning my sanity, as it is a fine yarn on rather large needles, then she found it rather addicting and finished with just a couple of hours over two evenings. However the magic happened after blocking. The stitches were not readily apparent until it dried, then it all came together and she dubbed it a success (she may still question my sanity, but it is not about this pattern).

This is an interesting adventure, which grew out of my daughter’s simple request, I am personally interested in seeing where it might lead. To help celebrate my enthusiasm with this new undertaking I am offering a 20% discount on ALL patterns in my Ravelry store with coupon code SW2016 through March 31, 2016 (no limits, use it as much as you like, and share it with friends). Thank you for sharing this adventure with me!

Ideas Come Out of the Closet

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ScannedImageI have recently had a little taste of spring at home, with warm temperature and blooming flowers, and for some reason this had made me feel like cleaning. In some instances I might wonder if I am feeling well, as this is a “never high on my priority listing” kind of thing, but this time I needed it as therapy.

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Totes are making the difference in my closet! I didn’t think to take a before photo, so please just take my word for it.

I really was not planning on writing about this, but considering the shocked awes of approval that my work has created at home, I figured it might be worth a share.

My main place of tackle was actually my work area and closet, (with the closet, being the larger accomplishment). My work space is actually a corner of my living room, and most of my working “stash of yarn” lives in my hall closet. I long found that if I give myself too much room, I accumulate much that is not needed (this is why I actually carry a small purse, a large one means that I carry many more things and most of them are probably belong to the kids). Working in this smaller area requires me to sort and clean things out a little more often to make room for new ideas.

So in the closet, the largest change is the actual addition of bins. I found some reasonably priced storage containers at my local big box store, and have found that they have nearly doubled my storage space. Prior to these, I stacked yarn on my shelves so they were readily easy to see. I have always sorted them by manufacturer, and then my weight, but by placing yarn in totes I am able to stack them better while still sorting the same.

By taking this time a cleaning things up, I was also able to get some new ideas, it can be amazing how just touching a yarn that an idea can jump into your mind about what it wants to be. In a sense it is almost like visiting an old friend, bringing back memories and jump starting the creative soul to connect. Now if only I can find the time to bring it all to life!

 

Love & Leche Give Away!

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ScannedImageI have tended to notice in recent years, just how much my hands dry out over the course of a day. Granted it may not actually be anything new, but having your hands in yarn all day and dry skin can become a little obvious.

To begin with those fuzzy yarns, like mohair and the like, tend to find areas to snag upon. There is something a little telling about moving your hand and having your yarn follow you when you were not expecting it to. DSCF1109

At a recent trade show I had an opportunity to check out a lovely lotion bar, Love & Leche (formerly as Milk & Honey). Now I will admit, lotion in a bar is not something that I grew up with. I am completely use to lotion in a tube, lotion in a pump, bars that was for soap. However the combination of placing lotion in a bar provides something unique. With traditional lotions I am always attempting to find one that does not feel greasy, that absorbed quickly, and actually felt like it was doing something. This is a tall order, but as a bar this lotion seems to do everything.

The lotion comes in a nice little tin, and comes in a wide selection of scents that offer aromas from soothing to refreshing. The primary ingredient is beeswax, followed with coconut oil, almond oil and essential oils. These elements of nature come together to make a very nice, soothing, product that I recommend for soft feeling skin.

I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity for one lucky individual to try it for themselves. I have a Limited Edition Citrus-Rose Valentine’s Lotion Bar, with a generous size of 2.5oz, a heart emblem, in a tin. To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post about some of your favorite things to use on your skin by midnight PST on February 9, 2016. One comment will be chosen at random the following day.

Check out Love & Leche for yourself, they are offering the Limited Edition Valentine’s Bar until the end of February, so you might find something for that special someone.

 

 

Make it for Me! Free Pattern

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ScannedImageI am so excited that I have been invited to join a vast array of talented designers to participate in the Elk Studios “Make it for Me” event. For the entire month of January, Elk Studios has been featuring a new design, from various designers, to encourage crocheters to make a little something for themselves. The rush of the holiday season creates hooks and yarn flying, but not usually in a project for the stitcher.

Today I am happy to share my Corkscrew Scarf. This is a fun project that can work up quickly in a wide variety of yarns, and is easily adjusted in length or width to make a scarf that fits just the way you want it.

The Corkscrew scarf was originally created as a project that “new to crochet” students could practice some stitches, while learning how to read patterns, in the crochet classes that I teach at my local yarn store, Lofty Lou’s. You can find me there most Tuesday mornings from 10-1:00, so if you happen to find yourself in the California Foothills, east of Sacramento, look us up and stop by.

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Corkscrew Scarf by Linda Dean

You will find the pattern below, if you prefer a printable version, you can download it here,  Beginner Project-Corkscrew Scarf. If you enjoy this pattern and want to explore more of my designs, check out more of my free and for sale patterns here. I hope you enjoy the Corkscrew Scarf, and take a little time to enjoy a time of Make it for Me.

Corkscrew Scarf

by: Linda Dean

Twist and Turn! This fun scarf works up quickly and is a whimsical addition to any wardrobe.

Skill level:  Beginner

Finished measurements: 2.5”x 72”

Gauge: is not critical for this project

Material List:

  • Size I/9/5.5mm hook
  • Approximately 200yrd of medium weight yarn, sample used: (multi color)Plymouth Yarn Encore Colorspun medium weight 75% acrylic, 25% wool yarn (3.5oz/100g/200yrd/183m), 1 skein color# 7512 or (solid) Berroco Ultra Alpaca medium weight 50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool yarn (3.5 oz/100g/215yrd/189m) 1 skein color #62178
  • Tapestry Needle

 

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

dc: double crochet

rep: repeat

sc: single crochet

sk: skip

sl st: slip stitch

st(es): stitches

Row 1: Ch 182, dc in 4th ch from hook, 2dc in each ch across, turn.

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in next s, *ch 1, dc in next st; rep from * across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, *ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp; rep from * across to last st, dc in last st, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 1, sc in ch-1 sp; rep from * across to last 2 sts, ch 1, sc in last st, finish off.

Finishing    Weave in ends; twist scarf as desired.

© 2015 Linda Dean Crochet    #2015000T1   lindadeancrochet.com   Copying prohibited, intended for private use only

 

 

Simple Changes and What They Can Create

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ScannedImageI always enjoy how a simple change can make quite an affect.

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Refractions Tunisian Wrap Photo courtesy of Annie’s

I find this to be true with one of my latest designs to be released, Refractions Tunisian Wrap, found in the Spring 2016 issue of Crochet! Magazine. This wrap only has 2 stitches and works short rows. That is it. Yet the effect it has is stunning. A definite eye catcher.

The difference in the stitch types really allows the yarn to shine. This is because of the way the yarn gets taken up in each stitch. So, even though I used the same yarn, the looks in the different triangles is very different, almost causing the yarn to work a double a duty in a way, by having a different “pooling” pattern.

Color pooling is when colors in a variegated yarn stack up upon one another in certain ways, and this wrap creates two very different appearances in this. One triangle has long color stripes, the other almost square blocks of color.

129037The other obvious difference in the triangles it that one seems solid, while the other is lacy. So not only do you have a differing color effect, you have a differing textural effect, without changing anything but the stitch!

One of the secretly great things about the way the triangles come together is that it just easily wraps around the neck, and hugs the shoulders. There is no slipping or falling off, it stays in place.

Okay, in case you may not have realized it, I enjoyed working this pattern. I hope you do too.