Free Crochet Pattern: Ombre Lightning Scarf

The other day I told you all about the Royal Time Gradient Trio that I had the opportunity to work with. I'm happy to report that I have just finished the pattern I was writing with it. Here's the Ombre Lightning Scarf! This is an extra extra long and skinny scarf that is chic and wrapped many times. Pattern below.

Materials
- 600 yd (548 m) of fingering weight yarn; 200 yards of each of three colors
- US size E 3.5mm crochet hook
- yarn needle
- scissors

Measurements 
This scarf is about 10 ft (3 m) long and 3 in (7.5 cm) wide. 

Terms
sk = skip, dc = double crochet, ch = chain, st = stitch, rep = repeat, sc = single crochet

Scarf Base
With darkest color, chain 32.
Row 1: Sk 3 ch sts (counts as 1 dc). Work 1 dc into the fourth ch from the hook. Work 1 dc into each ch st across. (30)
Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Sk first st. Work 1 dc into each st across. Work 1 final dc into the top of ch 3. (30)
Row 3: Ch 8, turn. Sk 3 ch sts (counts as 1 dc). Work 1 dc into each remaining ch. Work 1 dc into first 24 sts. Leave remaining 5 sts and ch 3 unworked. (30)
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Sk first st. Work 1 dc into each st across. Work 1 final dc into the top of ch 3. (30)
Rows 5 through 30: Rep Rows 3 and 4.
Change to middle color.
Rows 31 through 60: Rep Rows 3 and 4.
Change to lightest color.
Rows 61 to 90: Rep Rows 3 and 4.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Border
Make sure the right side is facing you. You will know that the right side is facing you if the little tips are curling up toward you. With the darkest color, attach with a slip stitch in the lightest corner. Work sc evenly up one entire side of the scarf. I worked 2 sc into each row end, ch 1 in the inner corners, 1 sc into each unworked dc, 1 sc into top of ch 3, and ch 1 on the outer corners. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Change to lightest color and attach with a slip stitch in the darkest corner. Repeat the same process up the other side of the scarf. Note that you will be working into the underside of the chain stitches instead of dc sts.

Optional Fringe
Once again, make sure that the right side is facing. With the middle color, cut 128 10-inch strands. Attach the strands in sets of four in every other stitch at both ends of the scarf. Use the Lark's Head Knot to attach the strands. Trim as desired.

I hope you enjoy this pattern! Let me know what you think in the comments. I could see this pattern being adapted for thicker yarn weights. If you try it, let me know!

Review: Gradient Trio from Zen Yarn Garden

Today, I will be reviewing the Royal Time Gradient Trio from Zen Yarn Garden. Disclaimer: I received this complimentary yarn in exchange for a review. I am not being paid to write this review and everything shared here is my real opinion.

Gradient patterns are really hot right now. The bold ombre trend came up a few years ago, and now the focus has shifted to slightly more subtle color transitions. I love gradient projects. I think they are really classy. However, something that can sometimes be challenging is finding the right yarn for the pattern. Zen Yarn Garden has got you covered with their prearranged gradient sets. They even suggest patterns!

I am currently working with this yarn and it is a very pleasant experience. I'm using a smallish hook (3.5mm), and yet my hand is not tiring too much. I think it is because the yarn is very smooth and easy to work with. It is soft, yet it also provides good stitch definition.

Purple is my favorite color, so this is the perfect set for me. At first I thought I might find an existing pattern to work with. However, I got a flash of design inspiration and I've actually been developing a simple crochet pattern. Guess what? It will be a free pattern!

This is just a little teaser picture. The free pattern should be posted sometime at the beginning of December. Speaking of December, I heartily endorse this gradient trio as a holiday gift. For a knitter or crocheter. If I have extra yarn after the pattern is complete, I'll knit it up and let you know what I think. For now, I am perfectly pleased to be crocheting with it. Thank you for the yarn, Zen Yarn Garden!

Willow Cowl: Take Two

In my Vogue Knitting Live pictures, I was wearing a freshly knitted cowl. It was another Willow Cowl, made with gorgeous yarn that my friend, Toni, gave me. I had fun making the first cowl and wanted to try a second that was true to the pattern. I enjoy the result... but I won't be repeating a pattern again. I have found that I much prefer making something new each time, whether it be designing or working up someone else's pattern. However, I'm happy I made this cowl. It is very wearable and the colors are very me. I didn't block it; I like it the way it is. It's squishy and has a lot of movement. (I'm also lazy about blocking!)

Little Crochet Fish Friend

I recently finished a sweet little fish amigurumi. The pattern I followed was Fancy Goldfish Amigurumi, a free pattern by Kate Wood. She did an excellent job with shaping and with the texture of the fins. The pattern was easy to follow and the finished object is adorable. The one thing I will mention is that, though the pattern doesn't state it directly, you should be sure to crochet into the chain stitches on the tail fin. Overall a quick, enjoyable project.

I used leftover Knit Picks Chroma Fingering from a shawl I made, along with a 2.75mm crochet hook. The slow striping of the yarn was totally perfect for this project. Here's my fishy. What should his name be?

Review: Rosemary Bag by della Q

Today I'll be reviewing della Q's Rosemary bag. Disclaimer: I received this complimentary bag in exchange for a review. I am not being paid to write this review and everything shared here is my real opinion.

 della Q makes adorable cases and project bags for knitters and crocheters. You can learn much more about the business by following the link to Della's website. In fact, della Q is located right here in Seattle where I live! I have heard a bit about these bags from local friends, but I hadn't really had the chance to try one out until now. It is super cute! I love the colors, and though it was really hard to decide between them, I chose purple. How could I not?!

I love that the bag has a sheen to it. It's small and easy to carry, yet it still fits a surprising amount of stuff. The bottom of the bag is fuller and rounds out, while the top of the bag is slightly more narrow. This keeps everything inside the bag from falling out or moving around too much.

 This bag could be used as a stay at home project bag or as a portable one. The front pocket would be great for notions, but I think I'm going to use it to carry my keys, cards, and phone when I tote my projects around to coffee shops!

I would not hesitate to recommend this bag. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review it, Della!

Fans and Fishnets Scarf and Hat Set Crochet Pattern

I am so excited to unveil my newest design, the Fans and Fishnets set! Working with this yarn was a dream (thanks again, Toni!). However, any fingering weight yarn can be used for this project. It is available on Ravelry and Craftsy.

This sleek set is a little bit flirty and a little bit fancy. The Fans and Fishnets set joins the hipness of crochet mesh with delicate shells for a modern yet feminine effect. The pattern includes a simple chart, along with the written instructions, for extra clarity. It’s great for showing off tonal yarns. For a youthful look, choose a bright color and make it pop. For some sophistication, jewel tones will work well. Whatever color you choose, you’re sure to love this soft, pretty pair.

Schultertuch/Dreieckstuch aka Orchideeflower Shawl

Have you every crocheted with Knitpicks Chroma? They have such lovely colorways! I had been gazing longingly at Wondermint for a long time and finally decided to purchase it for myself. I'm so glad I did -- they are retiring it! What did I make with my precious Wondermint fingering weight yarn? A lovely shawl.

Such pretty colors! The pattern is a really great four row repeat that was very easy to memorize. Here it is on Ravelry. The original pattern is in German so I ended up using the chart. As other Ravelers suggested, I subbed in a ch 7 for the ch 10 loops and it came out very nice. I also added a simple single crochet border at the very end which I think ties everything together. I definitely recommend it as a great pattern for showing off a slow striping yarn. Thanks go out to my lovely husband Alex for helping me take pictures! Also, wow do I need a haircut or what?

I may end up vending at a craft fair this winter, but if I don't this shawl will eventually show up in my Etsy shop.

Star Rug

When I found myself with some discontinued yarn I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. It's chunky and a bit stiff. After mulling through Ravelry I began this project, a pattern by Sami Jo Fitzgerald, but still couldn't decide what it was. A baby blanket? A throw? A cat mat? It was only when I put it on the floor to take a picture of it that I knew what it was...a rug! A cute star rug.

I used Lion Brand Chunky USA and an 8mm hook. This rug is now up for sale in my Etsy shop. I really recommend this project if you're looking for something without counting. It's also pretty portable and would be great for scraps as well.

Crochet Morning Glory Garland

Remember when I told you I had more info on fun collaborative crochet projects? Well, a group of yarnies in the UK is working on the coolest project ever... a world-record breaking yarn bomb!

 The Craft Club is working hard to gather over 4,000 crochet items for a massive yarn bomb in Essex County. They are accepting submissions from all over the place, so you can get in on it too! The contact email for details on where to send your crochet items is thecraftclubyarnbombers@gmail.com.

The massive art piece will first see the light of day at Metal's Green Village Festival, a craft fair, on July 12th. Make sure to get your stuff to them before then if you want it to be seen by the thousands of folks who attend. Keep in mind that it may take 10 to 14 days for your package to reach them depending on where you are in the world, setting a closer deadline of the last week of June. Then on August 25th the yarn bomb will make a special appearance at a local children's hospice to delight families and care workers.

I am so charmed by this project! The theme of the project is a magical garden. Take a look at the event poster to the left for ideas about what to make. I am going to be working up a few fun patterns from my Ravelry queue and hope to send my package out by the end of the week. However, that just isn't enough for me. I mean, a magical garden??? How freaking awesome is that?! The gears got to turning today and soon enough I had written a brand new pattern in honor of the event. It's my Morning Glory Garland! I'm sharing it with you here on the blog this time in case you want to work it up for the cause or just for fun. The pattern follows after these pictures.

I used about 1/5 to 1/4 of a skein each of Vanna's Choice Solids in green, white, and purple. Keep in mind you will need more yarn if your project is longer than mine, which is relatively short. I used a 5mm crochet hook to make this project. However, you can use whatever yarn you may have on hand and a hook that is .5 to 1 mm smaller than the yarn recommends. Gauge is not important for this project.

Tip: Do not weave in any of the green ends as you go. We'll talk about them in the finishing section of the pattern.

Vine
With green, work any number of foundation single crochet stitches until your vine is the desired length. As an alternative to fsc, simply work up a chain to the desired length, turn, then work 1 sc into the back loop of each ch across starting in the second ch from the hook. If you'd feel more comfortable with an actual number, make your vine a multiple of 8 sts.

Ch 1, turn. Sl st into each st down the vine until you get to a good spot for a leaf. How far down you go is completely up to you (I worked down about 8 sts).

Ch 16. Starting in the fifth ch from the hook, work 1 sc into each back loop until you reach the original vine again. You have just made one leaf stem. Starting in the next un-worked st, continue working sl sts down the vine until you reach a good spot for a flower.

To make a flower stem, ch 8. Starting in the fifth ch from the hook, work 1 sc into each back loop until you reach the original vine, just as you did with the leaf stem.

Continue in this manner until you reach the end of your vine. I ended up with three leaf stems and two flower stems. You can add as many leaves and flowers as you want and put them as close together or as far apart as you like. If you're working on a multiple of 8 and want your leaves and flowers to be regularly spaced, simply work a stem after every eighth sl st. Your stems might curl a bit like mine did. Fasten off.

Leaves
You will work 1 leaf into the circle at the end of each long leaf stem. You formed these circles when you skipped 4 sts while working into the back loops of the chain, and you can see the circle in the flower stem picture above.

Working from right to left with the right (correct) side facing, attach green to the circle with a sl st. Ch 4. Work 5 tr into the circle, then 2 dc. Ch 2. Work 2 more dc into the circle, then 5 more tr. Ch 4 and sl st into the circle. Fasten off. Tug on the leaf a bit to shape it. Repeat these instructions for every long leaf stem.

Flower Caps
You will now be working into the circles at the ends of the flower stems, just as you worked into the leaf stem circles before.

Attach green to the circle with a sl st. Ch 1. Work [1 sc, ch 4] four times. Work 1 more sc. Sl st into the first sc to join. Fasten off leaving an 8 inch tail for sewing. Repeat these steps for every flower stem. Set vine aside.

Morning Glory Flower
The flower is worked with right side facing the whole way, no turning. The first part of the flower is worked in spiral rounds. 

With white, start with magic circle. Alternatively, ch 2 and work Round 1 into the second ch from the hook.
Round 1: Work 5 sc into the ring. (5)
Round 2: Work 1 sc into each st. (5)
Round 3: *Work 1 sc into next st, then 2 sc into the following st*, rep from * one more time. Work 1 more sc. (7)
Round 4: Work 1 sc into each st. (7)
Round 5: *Work 2 sc into next st, then 1 sc into the following st*, rep from * two times. Work 1 more sc. (10)
Round 6: Work 2 sc into each st. (20)
Work 1 sl st to join the round. We will no longer be working in a spiral. We will, however, still continue working with right side facing. Each ch 3 counts as a st.
Round 7: *Ch 3, work 1 dc in next st, ch 3, sl st into next st, work 1 sc in following*, rep from * four times. (25, plus an extra sl st)
Work 1 sl st in next st. Fasten off white.
Attach purple with a sl st in any sc.
Round 8: Ch 3. Work 2 dc in same st as ch 3. Skip ch 3, sl st into the top of the following dc. To complete the round, work 3 dc into each sc and 1 sl st into each dc. Sl st in first dc (not the ch 3, even though it counts as a st) to join. (20)
Round 9: Ch 3. Work 2 dc into the same st as the ch 3. Work 3 dc into each remaining st around. Sl st into first dc (not the ch 3) to join. (57)
Fasten off and weave in all ends of the flower. Make as many flowers as you have flower stems/caps.

Finishing
Flip each flower inside out so that the right (side) is on the inside of the flower and the wrong side is on the outside of the flower. Push your pointer finger into the center of each flower and scrunch the petal with your other hand to encourage a slight ripple. Place the white butt of a flower in the center of the first flower cap. Sew the cap onto the flower with the leftover green tail.

Finally, time to get to those green ends! A real morning glory plant has thin wisps of vines all over it. To recreate that look I used a yarn needle to artfully wind my green ends around and through the stitches of my vine after making sure the attached end was secure. I didn't use a particular method, I just messed around! If you'd prefer a cleaner look, you can weave in all of your ends as usual.

I'd love to see your Morning Glory Garlands! I'll be listing this pattern on Ravelry if you'd like to add a project page. Also, if you're going to send some stuff to The Craft Club for their yarn bomb, tell us about it in the comments!