Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
How many wips and project ideas do you have? My list is growing every day and I start to feel hopeless. I wish I knew the place where I could buy extra time and preferably extra hands. But anyway! At the moment I am working on at least three projects. One of them is super (super!!) secret (and I am afraid I can explode of excitement before I am free to show you…). Another project is currently in test and should be released soon. And I have already started to plan a new crochet project. And today I would like to show you the yarn I chose.
Well, to be honest that will be not a totally new design but a remake of something “old”. Or better to say an old project with a new shape. I was receiving lots of queries about it, and probably the right time has come!
And I have chosen Cahlista yarn by Scheepjes. It’s a recent addition to Scheepjes line of cotton yarns, this time in aran weight. Cahlista comes in nice 50g (1.76 ounces) skeins and (jaw dropping) 109 (!) colors!! With lots of shades and sub-shades of all rainbow colors. Bright, neon, pale, dusty – any variations you could wish! The yardage is usual for aran yarns – each skein has approx. 85 meters (93 yards).
And what I find very exciting about Cahlista is that ALL 109 shades are also available in 15g skeins as a Colour Pack*.
You can have a look at all colors in Scheepjes local stores as well as at Wool Warehouse* and Black Sheep Wools* (both in UK with international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL) and Knotty House* (Canada).
As mentioned already Cahlista is an aran weight yarn. It's pretty stiff and I am not sure if you can use it for garments and clothes accessories. But it’s definitely ideal for different kinds of home décor, like pillows, bags, maybe bathmats, potholders, trivets and blankets, of course!
So far I have only used Cahlista once for my Geometric Mandala hotpads. And since then I have been planning a new design for this yarn.
It’s 100% cotton, but not mercerized. Very natural in feel and look and with no gloss. The twist is not very strong, and sometimes the yarn can split. But with right type of the hook this effect is minimized. I have noticed that with Clover Amour crochet hook* Cahlista is worked up really well. The label recommends 4.5mm-5mm hook and this just the same size I felt comfortable with Cahlista.
Except of Geometric Mandala I don’t have anything to show you at the moment. Yet. But be sure to check fantastic and FREE patterns designed by my fellow blogger friends. One of them is One Step Beyond blanket by Martin Up North in mosaic crochet (he has also created an incredible Move On Up Wrap with 99 mini skeins from Cahlista Colour Pack!).
And Every Bit A Blanket by Susan of Felted Button (free pattern is available HERE).
I am very curious how my own idea will work and if I chose the right colors. Time will show!
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DISCLOSURE: This blog contains affiliate links (marked with *). If you purchase a (any) product via a link on my blog, I get a small percentage contribution from the store which enables me to keep providing you with free patterns. It costs you nothing extra to visit the store via my link, but ensure I get the credit for the sale. Thank you for your support!
Well, to be honest that will be not a totally new design but a remake of something “old”. Or better to say an old project with a new shape. I was receiving lots of queries about it, and probably the right time has come!
And I have chosen Cahlista yarn by Scheepjes. It’s a recent addition to Scheepjes line of cotton yarns, this time in aran weight. Cahlista comes in nice 50g (1.76 ounces) skeins and (jaw dropping) 109 (!) colors!! With lots of shades and sub-shades of all rainbow colors. Bright, neon, pale, dusty – any variations you could wish! The yardage is usual for aran yarns – each skein has approx. 85 meters (93 yards).
And what I find very exciting about Cahlista is that ALL 109 shades are also available in 15g skeins as a Colour Pack*.
You can have a look at all colors in Scheepjes local stores as well as at Wool Warehouse* and Black Sheep Wools* (both in UK with international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL) and Knotty House* (Canada).
As mentioned already Cahlista is an aran weight yarn. It's pretty stiff and I am not sure if you can use it for garments and clothes accessories. But it’s definitely ideal for different kinds of home décor, like pillows, bags, maybe bathmats, potholders, trivets and blankets, of course!
So far I have only used Cahlista once for my Geometric Mandala hotpads. And since then I have been planning a new design for this yarn.
It’s 100% cotton, but not mercerized. Very natural in feel and look and with no gloss. The twist is not very strong, and sometimes the yarn can split. But with right type of the hook this effect is minimized. I have noticed that with Clover Amour crochet hook* Cahlista is worked up really well. The label recommends 4.5mm-5mm hook and this just the same size I felt comfortable with Cahlista.
Except of Geometric Mandala I don’t have anything to show you at the moment. Yet. But be sure to check fantastic and FREE patterns designed by my fellow blogger friends. One of them is One Step Beyond blanket by Martin Up North in mosaic crochet (he has also created an incredible Move On Up Wrap with 99 mini skeins from Cahlista Colour Pack!).
 |
| Photo credit: Martin Up North |
And Every Bit A Blanket by Susan of Felted Button (free pattern is available HERE).
 |
| Photo credit: Felted Button |
I am very curious how my own idea will work and if I chose the right colors. Time will show!
Subscribe to a newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
DISCLOSURE: This blog contains affiliate links (marked with *). If you purchase a (any) product via a link on my blog, I get a small percentage contribution from the store which enables me to keep providing you with free patterns. It costs you nothing extra to visit the store via my link, but ensure I get the credit for the sale. Thank you for your support!
Overlay crochet has been keeping my crochet life for 2 years already. I just cannot stop creating intricate designs with lots of front post stitches and multiple changes of colours. Most projects in overlay crochet are rated as intermediate and some of them are truly advanced. And I have always wanted to come up with something simple, and beautiful at the same time. The beauty is in simplicity. That’s true, indeed. So this time I decided to give it a try and to stream my creative energy into a little bit different direction.
Well, I should say that designing simple things is quite difficult. And I have been always jealous for designers who can come up with genius and so simple designs at the same time. But I didn’t want to give up.
At first I started to create a mandala. I wanted it to look as a flower with petals reminding of waves. And then when it was large enough, I thought: what if I try to square it up. This part took a little bit longer, and I rejected 3 versions before I was satisfied with the final look. I used Sport weight yarn Catona* by Scheepjes, which is 100% cotton (you can read my review about this yarn HERE) and 2.5mm (C) hook. And when I finished my square and measured it, I found out it is exactly 30cm (12”) large. YAY! It seems like I’ve created my first ever afghan square without even having it in mind!
This pattern is available HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy. If you are in US you can check Catona yarn on Paradise Fibers*.
My squares are made with thin yarn and small hook, and of course if different weight of yarn is chosen (like DK or worsted) the square will become larger. But it is very easy to adjust its size. To make it smaller, you can just leave out a few outer rounds – to make it of exact size you need.
12” afghan square is a classical size for making blankets, afghans and throws. But I believe they can be used in many other different ways. For example if you take thick yarn and make a larger square, it can become a wonderful decoration for your pillow cover. And I decided to try to make a stool cover from mine. And it suites my stool perfect.
I just continued to crochet with double crochet stitches (US terms) on each of 4 sides and made 1 dc in each of 4 spaces in the corners. I changed the colour on every round and made 6 rounds in total. And ta-dah! Here is the result :)
I believe this pattern is very easy to follow and is aimed to advanced beginners. As always I added lots of progress pictures to illustrate every round (the attachment of new yarn and placement of the stitches). But there is also a print friendly copy of the pattern available for download – with text only.
I used yarn in 4 colours, but you can express your own creativity and use more shades if you wish. And you can also think of your own colourway to make your square unique and exactly like you want it to be.
I will be happy to see you finished project.
You can subscribe to weekly newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
Well, I should say that designing simple things is quite difficult. And I have been always jealous for designers who can come up with genius and so simple designs at the same time. But I didn’t want to give up.
At first I started to create a mandala. I wanted it to look as a flower with petals reminding of waves. And then when it was large enough, I thought: what if I try to square it up. This part took a little bit longer, and I rejected 3 versions before I was satisfied with the final look. I used Sport weight yarn Catona* by Scheepjes, which is 100% cotton (you can read my review about this yarn HERE) and 2.5mm (C) hook. And when I finished my square and measured it, I found out it is exactly 30cm (12”) large. YAY! It seems like I’ve created my first ever afghan square without even having it in mind!
This pattern is available HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy. If you are in US you can check Catona yarn on Paradise Fibers*.
My squares are made with thin yarn and small hook, and of course if different weight of yarn is chosen (like DK or worsted) the square will become larger. But it is very easy to adjust its size. To make it smaller, you can just leave out a few outer rounds – to make it of exact size you need.
12” afghan square is a classical size for making blankets, afghans and throws. But I believe they can be used in many other different ways. For example if you take thick yarn and make a larger square, it can become a wonderful decoration for your pillow cover. And I decided to try to make a stool cover from mine. And it suites my stool perfect.
I just continued to crochet with double crochet stitches (US terms) on each of 4 sides and made 1 dc in each of 4 spaces in the corners. I changed the colour on every round and made 6 rounds in total. And ta-dah! Here is the result :)
I believe this pattern is very easy to follow and is aimed to advanced beginners. As always I added lots of progress pictures to illustrate every round (the attachment of new yarn and placement of the stitches). But there is also a print friendly copy of the pattern available for download – with text only.
I used yarn in 4 colours, but you can express your own creativity and use more shades if you wish. And you can also think of your own colourway to make your square unique and exactly like you want it to be.
I will be happy to see you finished project.
You can subscribe to weekly newsletter not to miss a single post. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
Valentine’s Day is almost knocking on the door and crochet feeds have filled up with many pictures of the hearts. Hanging and stuffed, small and large. But always lovely and colorful. I was thinking if I can contribute to this enormous collection and came up with a very simple pattern of a heart based on triangle with ombre effect. These quick and easy to make hearts can become coasters, or buntings… I hope you will like it!
You will need:
- Leftovers of yarn in 5 ombre shades. I used Catona by Scheepjes in 5 shades. This yarn comes in 25g and 50g balls. You can choose and purchase your shades via Scheepjes (NL), Deramores* or Wool Warehouse* (international shipping) and Paradise Fibers (US).
- Crochet hook Clover Soft Touch* 2.5mm (C)
- Scissors and tapestry needle to weave tails in.
Stitch guide and Abbreviations
US standard abbreviations are used in this pattern. But if you are used to other terms, please check this Crochet Translation Project which might be helpful in translation to your native language.rnd - round
st(s) - stitch(es)
ch - chain
sp(s) - space(s)
yo - yarn over
lp(s) - loop(s)
*…* *crochet following directions* as many times as indicated
sl st (slip stitch) – insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw yarn up and pull 2nd lp through the 1st lp on hook.
sc (single crochet) – insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw up a lp, yo and pull through both lps on hook.
hdc (half double crochet) - yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, yo, pull through all three lps.
dc (double crochet) – yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, *yo, pull through 2 lps* twice.
tr (treble crochet) - yo twice, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, *yo, pull through 2 lps* three times.
dtr (double treble crochet) – *yo 3 times, insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw up a lp, [yo, pull through 2 lps] 4 times.
SPsc (spike single crochet) - the spike stitch is almost the same as single crochet but placed one round below the working round (unless otherwise stated in the pattern)and drawn up to the height of a working round. Insert a hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a loop to the height of the stitches at a working rnd, yo, pull through both lps on hook. Skip the sc of current rnd which is located behind a SPsc just made.
Crab stitch (reverse single crochet) - is always worked on right side and in the opposite direction than usual – attach yarn as required, 1 ch, * insert hook into the next st on right if you are right-handed (left st for lefties), yo, draw up a lp, yo, draw through both lps on hook, repeat from * across.
Copyright LillaBjornCrochet 2016. All rights reserved. This pattern is for unlimited personal use only. Do not reproduce or sell the pattern. The pattern may not be copied in any way (print or digitally), in part or in full. Items may be sold that are made from this pattern as long as the designer is credited. Shop owners, if you wish to make a kit with yarn using this pattern, please request permission and copyright details from me before offering any kits for sale. Please, read Copyright page for more information.
Ombre Heart Coaster
Instructions
Add this Pattern to your Ravelry QueueColour key:
Blue coaster: C1 - shade 172, C2 - shade 399, C3 - shade 173, C4 - shade 261, C5 - shade 113
Light pink coaster: C1 - shade 282, C2 - shade 398, C3 - shade 226, C4 - shade 246, C5 - shade 238 (rows 7 and 8 are made with shade 238)
Dark pink coaster: C1 - shade 255, C2 - shade 238, C3 - shade 246, C4 - shade 226, C5 - shade 398 (rows 7 and 8 are made with shade 282)
Rnd 1. Start with C1.
Make magic ring. Ch2 (counts as 1st dc), 4dc, ch2, *5dc, ch2* twice; join with sl st in 1st ch2-sp, fasten off. (15 dc + 3 ch2-sps)
NOTE: In the beginning of rnds 2-5 you will make standing dc. Please, see THIS tutorial on how to make them. I made standing dc with a slip knot in the beginning. Because then it was easier for me to join rounds with sl st in 1st dc.
Rnd 2. Change to yarn C2.
*2dc in (same) ch2-sp, 1dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next ch2-sp, ch2* 3 times; join with sl st in 1st dc, fasten off. (9 dc on each side (27 in total) + 3 ch2-sps)
Rnd 3. Change to yarn C3.
*2dc in (same) ch2-sp, 1dc in next 9 sts, 2dc in next ch2-sp, ch2* 3 times; join with sl st in 1st dc, fasten off. (13 dc on each side (39 in total) + 3 ch2-sps)
Rnd 4. Change to yarn C4.
*2dc in (same) ch2-sp, 1dc in next 13 sts, 2 dc in next ch2-sp, ch2* 3 times; join with sl st in 1st dc, fasten off. (17 dc on each side (51 in total) + 3 ch2-sps)
Rnd 5. Change to yarn C5.
*2dc in (same) ch2-sp, 1dc in next 17 sts, 2 dc in next ch2-sp, ch2* 3 times; join with sl st in 1st dc, DON’T fasten off. (21 dc on each side (63 in total) + 3 ch2-sps)
Row 6. Continue with C5.
Ch2 (counts as hdc), 1dc in next st, 1tr in next st, *2dtr in next st* twice, 6dtr in next st, skip 4 sts, 1 st sl in next st, skip 4 sts, 6dtr in next st, *2dtr in next st* twice, 1tr in next st, 1dc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 1sc in next ch2-sp. Fasten off. (28 sts)
Rnd 7. Change to yarn C2. Pull yarn through the same ch2-sp where row 6 was finished (after last sc) and make ch1.
1sc in next 21 sts, 3sc in next ch2-sp, 1sc in next 21 sts, 2sc in next ch2-sp, 1sc in 2nd ch (of ch2 which was 1st hdc of row 6), 1sc in 2 next sts, *2sc in next st, 1sc in next st* 4 times, 1sc in next 2 sts, 1SPsc in next sl st, 1sc in next 3 sts, *2sc in next st, 1sc in next st* 4 times, 1sc in next 3 sts, 1sc in next ch2-sp; join with sl st in 1st sc of the round after ch1. Don’t fasten off.
Rnd 8. Continue with C2.
Ch1 and crochet around the heart with crab stitch (skip spike stitch on the top). When you come to the beginning of the round, fasten off and weave in all yarn tails.
Congratulations!! Your new Ombre Heart Coaster is now finished!
I blocked my hearts to give them the exact shape I prefer - with a "pointy" bottom.
If you are fond of hearts, you can also check THIS free pattern of small stuffed heart and Hearty garland pattern HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy.
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*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
Stone Washed* is probably the most famous yarn produced by Scheepjes. Well, I can be mistaken of course but the first association that comes to my head when I hear brand name Scheepjes is exactly Stone Washed. First time I saw and touched it last summer. Being on a holiday trip to Belgium and walking through Gent I came across a local yarn shop with lots of Scheepjes yarns. Did I like Stone Washed from the first glance? Yes I did! And a few months later I got a lucky chance to try it.
I was shipped several skeins of Stone Washed yarn for my new project (a free pattern will be soon published here) and since I’ve created a column with reviews on my blog, I decided to share my own opinion about this yarn as well.
My first impression about Stone Washed is that it is very warm. Warm and soft. It is cotton blend (70% cotton, 30% acrylic) and thus ideal choice if you suffer from allergy (animal hair) or if you are vegan. This Sport weight yarn comes in balls of 50g/1.76 ounces with 130m/142 yards each. For me these yardages are ideal to calculate more or less exact amount of yarn needed for each project. Needles and crochet hook 3-3.5 mm (D, E) are recommended by the producer, but it is also possible to go for 4 mm (G) hook to obtain more open effect.
Scheepjes made a great job with construction of this yarn. And its look exactly reflects the name of the line: the shades look very rich but at the same “washed out”. This yarn consists of several thin threads of white color twisted together with a little bit of colorful fluffiness. And this fluffiness is the reason why the projects made with Stone Washed yarn are very difficult to rip. So, please, keep it in mind and better make several gauge swatches before you start to create a large project.
As was mentioned above, Stone Washed is a soft yarn. But it is stiff and strong at the same time. I cannot imagine this yarn can be torn! And this is actually a big magic. Because being very strong and stiff in a way, this yarn is crocheted and knitted in a very soft and pleasant to touch fabric.
Each shade is named after the natural stone (Blue Apatite, Canada Jade, Moon Stone, Smokey Quartz, Amazonite…) and there are 23 shades available at the moment. I would personally prefer many more shades to choose from, so hopefully Scheepjes will think about development of this precious yarn line in the future.
The colors are not very contrasting and form mostly a very calm pastel palette with several bright accents. At first I was a bit afraid to choose this yarn for my project in overlay crochet technique, and in fact it took me a while before I came up with a nice color combination. But it worked out. So I am safe to say that Stone Washed can work equally well for monochrome designs and also for the projects with multiple color changes.
As many other Scheepjes yarns, each skein of Stone Washed has a small magic label “Easy Start” marking the yarn tail hidden inside the ball.
And here is a good news for those of you who love to wear handmade garments but are not very fond of hand washing them separately. Stone Washed yarn is machine washable at 40 degrees (though I would probably still wash them by hand and in cool water).
If you like to work with cotton blend you should definitely give this yarn a try. Stone Washed yarn is available in your local Scheepjes stores as well as via larger online retailers, such as Wool Warehouse* and Black Sheep Wools* (both in UK but with international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL and Europe), Knotty House* (Canada) and Loveknitting* (US).
Don't forget to subscribe to Weekly Newsletter not to miss a single post. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
If you like to work with cotton blend you should definitely give this yarn a try. Stone Washed yarn is available in your local Scheepjes stores as well as via larger online retailers, such as Wool Warehouse* and Black Sheep Wools* (both in UK but with international shipping), Caro’s Atelier* (NL and Europe), Knotty House* (Canada) and Loveknitting* (US).
Don't forget to subscribe to Weekly Newsletter not to miss a single post. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
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