Tea Mug Cozy - Two Patterns

I wanted to make a little Christmas present for a girlfriend who really loves tea, so I came up with the idea of a mug cozy. I didn't really find online the perfect pattern so I made mines. Here they are:



Tea Mug Cozy Pink and purple

Used a small amount of Lion Brand Cotton in Fuchsia and Purple
Hook H8 / 5.00 mm
Gauge: Check if the length of the chain fits the bottom of your mug. Add or reduce the numer of chains if needed.

With Fuchsia - Ch 30. Join with sl st at 1st chain making sure not to twist the chain.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in every 30 ch. Turn

Row 2: With Purple - Ch 2, dc in 28 sc. Turn (If you prefer, you can make two rounds in sc instead of 1 round of dc)

Row 3: With Fuchsia - Ch 1, sc in 28 dc + ch 6. Turn

Row 4: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in the other 4 chs and in all 28 sc. Total 33 sc. Turn

Rows 5: Ch 1, Sc in every 33 sc. Turn

Rows 6-7: With Purple - Ch 1, sc in every sc. Turn. 33 sc

Rows 8-9: With Fuchsia - Ch 1, sc in every sc. Turn. 33 sc.

Row 10: With purple - Ch 1, sc in every 33 sc. Continue with sc along the border of the slip and at the base of the hole until you reach the beginning of row 10. Join with sl st to first sc of row 10. Fasten off.

To make your Tea Cozy stick to the mug, sew some velcro on both sides of the slip.
That's it, now you can enjoy your hot tea or coffee much longer! :-)



Blue Mug Cozy

Cascade 220, 100% wool color 8339, worked double
and a very small amount of blue wool, chunky weight
Hook K10 1/2 - 6.50 mm

Ch 25. Join in round with sl st to 1st ch, making sure not to twist the chain.
Row 1: Ch 2. 23 dc in 23 chs. Turn
Row 2: Ch 2, 23 dc + ch 6
Row 3: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, in the other 2 ch and in all 23 dc. Turn. 26 dc.
Row 4: Sc in all 26 dc. Fasten off
Row 5: With Blue yarn. Sl st to 1st ch of row 4. Sl st in every 25 sc. Fasten off.

Sew some velcro on both sides of the slip. And Enjoy your winter Mug Cozy!

Those patterns are Intellectual property of Justine Bellavita
May be distributed freely for personal use only.
Cannot be reprinted on the web or otherwise without permission.
Thank you! :-)

Hemp Basket

I've made this really lovely Hemp Basked, thanks to Donna Hulka.

I must admit that Donna's baskets are much nicer than mine... The only thing I've added are the felted wool beads. In fact I went to a beads shop but I couldn't find anything I liked for the basked (actually I ended up making a necklace for me...) so I made the beads felting small amounts of wool leftovers, felting them in the shape of beads with hand soap and very hot and very cold water.

Cat lovers tip: The little felted beads are also very appreciated by my cats. I made a slightly bigger one for them and they seem to have a very good time playing soccer with it!

Tweed hat, help!

I'm desperately trying to make a tweed-like hat for my sister. I've done and undone three hats and still I don't have what I want. The hat she likes is like this one:


I've working with this pattern, but something is missing... can anyone help me?!

Tweed hat pattern:

Hook H8/5.00 mm
Worked together 2 strands of yarn Cascade 220
100% Peruvian highland wool
Weight 100 gr/3,5 oz – 220 yards

Gauge: 4 sc= 1’’ 3,5 rows= 1’’


TOP
Starting at center of crown, ch 4, form ring with sl st in 1st ch

Row 1: 8 sc in ring. Join to 1st sc with sl st.

Row 2: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, 2 sc in every other sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (16 sc)

Row 3: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 1 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 2 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (24 sc)

Row 4: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 2 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (32 sc)
Row 5: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 3 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 3 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (40 sc)

Row 6: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 4 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 4 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (48 sc)

Row 7: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 5 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 5 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (56 sc)


The top of the hat will now have the shape of an octagon.

Row 8: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 6 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 6 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (64 sc)

Row 9: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 7 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 7 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (72 sc)

Row 10: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 8 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 8 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (80 sc)

Row 11: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 9 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 9 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (88 sc)

Row 12: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 10 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 10 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (96 sc)

SIDES
Row 13: work back loop only. Ch 1, 1 sc in same sc of sl st and in all other sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (96 sc)
Rows 14 – 29: work both loops. Ch 1, 1 sc in same sc of sl st and in all other sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (96 sc)

BRIM
Row 30: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 11 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 11 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (104 sc)
Row 31: ch1, sc in each sc, sl st.
Row 32: ch 1, 2 sc in same sc of sl st, *1 sc in 12 sc, 2 sc in 1 sc*, rep **. 1 sc in last 12 sc. Join to 1st sc with sl st. (112 sc)
Row 33-34: ch1, sc in each sc, sl st. At end of row 34, fasten off.

Scarves, scarves, scarves!

Winter is approaching and scarves are always welcome. I love making scarves, it's fast, easy and in the end you have an item that you'll use a lot!
Recently I've made 5, for me, my family and friends.

The first one was made with this Superfine baby alpaca beautiful orange yarn, named Mammoth, that I've found at Artfibers in San Francisco. I worked a Diagonal Rib pattern, found on About.com using knitting needles n.15/10.00 mm and casting on 8 stitches. The result is a very long, extra-soft and extra-warm scarf, which became immediately one of my favorites.

I wasn't totally satisfied of the pattern, though, so I've used the second skein of Mammoth, in dark red, to make my mother a slightly different Christmas scarf. I've casted on 8 stitches and modified the pattern this way:

Row 1: *k2 p2*
Row 2: p1, *k2 p2*, p1
Row 3: *p2 k2*
Row 4: k1, *p2 k2*, k1
Rep rows 1-4

Obtaining more horizontal diagonal stripes. I've finished the scarf crocheting the edges with a beautiful purple extrafine merino wool. The result is simply elegant and fashion. I should have taken a picture but I had to send the scarf very fast as my mom could get it for Christmas.

For one of my most beloved best friends I have crocheted a very simple yet showy Mohair scarf. I've found the pattern on the book "Cozy Crochet". Unfortunately the picture couldn't capture the beauty of the pattern and all the colors of this great Di.Ve Mohair with nuances that go from dark red to purple.

After that I've also finished my boyfriend scarf made in beautiful baby alpaca. I've worked a very simple vertical rib "k3, p3", and I'm very happy with the results.

To finish, I've made this holiday cachecol white and red. I've used the Fuzzy Galore's V-ery easy scarf pattern. Adding a single-crochet red edge and closing the short scarf with a red button. Isn't it fancy? :-)

A Mohair Flower for Mom - pattern

This is a very simple mohair flower pin I've made for my mom. I've used a Di.Vi Mohair blend and crochet hook US H8/ 5.00 mm. This the pattern I have followed:



FLOWER:
Chain 4. Sl st to 1st ch.
Row 1: *chain 3, sc in ring*, rep ** 4 more times, join w sl st to 1st sl st
Row 2: In every ch-3 space work *sc, ch2, dc, tr, dc. ch2, sc* 5 times. Fasten off

LEAVES
With green yarn, sl st on the back of the flower, then:
ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, then hdc in ch, 2 dc in 2 ch, 1 hdc , 1 sc, sl st in back of flower. Make 2




and that's it! :-)
Of course I had been helped by my kitties otherwise I couldn't have done it... ;-)

Little gifts

I made this little gifts for some friend's kids, and I hope they'll like it.
The small purse is made in single crochet, the flower is a classic flower made in round, and the little scarf, for a 2-years-old girl, is made with baby alpaca, worked with n.10 knitting needles. I made an hole at the end, with a 10.5 crochet hoot, so that she can use it as a foulard. I made the pom pom with some yellow wool. Isn't it pretty? :-)

Progressing...

My work is progressing a little bit. I'm almost done with all the Christmas presents.


I've done a couple of flowers pins, a playing ball for my dad's cats (my kitty seems to enjoy it), a really lovely mohair scarf, a sunflower potholder and even a pair of baby boots for the newborn of a couple of friends in Chicago.




I hope They'll like it, it's a sort of Robin Hood style! I have used a nice pattern in the book Cozy Crochet.


I've also bought 2 skeins of incredibly soft baby alpaca bulky yarn at Artfibers, it's called Mammoth and it is incredibly soft and warm.
I made a brim hat this morning but somehow the yarn is too thick and it didn't look right, so I undid it (I should have taken a pic...) and now I'm using the same yarn to make a purse.
I like the "felted" effect that this soft yarn has, but at the same time it seems a bit silly using baby alpaca for a purse... Anyway. This is how the texture looks like. Very thick and messy.

Ancient and Modern

A crochet case for my new little friend: Nano! :-D


Used Lion Brand Cotton - Fuchsia and Purple
Hook US G6/ 4mm

Ch 6
work sc in 5 ch
2 sc in last ch - do not turn
sc in the back of every ch
sc in rounds for 12 rounds
change color, work sc 4 rounds
sl st, fasten off

:-)

Preparing for Christmas

I am working hard to be ready for Christmas with presents for my girlfriends and parents. It's a hell of a job and sometimes I'm not even sure they'll like what I'm doing. At least, I must say, I enjoy crocheting so much that I don't care too much ;-)

This week I've been progressing a little bit. Finished a scarf, started another one in mohair (I cannot post pics because they are presents), added a few rows on my bag, that I have actually decided to felt... How am I going to do it, it's still a mystery (I don't have a washing machine), but I'll try anyway.


I've also started a little throw for my kitties. It will be they're present. I can post a pic of that because the kitties don't browse often the Net ;-) here it is!
I'm making it with a US H8/ 5mm hook working TLC Essentials Worsted weight - 4ply - 4,5 oz/127 gr Color falling Leaves. I have found the pattern on the yarn label and it looks really nice, very autumn.


I have also completed my first Granny Square (I am proud) and tried a ripple effect sample. Looks nice. I think I'll do a bag with the granny square, maybe for my cousin's daughter...

Cloche Hat - pattern

I'm trying to achieve the perfect crochet cloche hat. I haven't found the perfect pattern online, but mixing Marlo's Lady Cloche with A Little Bit of Funk by Janelle Schlossman, I've done this. It isn't perfect yet but it will be with a little of work. I'd love a slightly larger brim and a straighter line of the head.
Anyway there is the pattern :-)

SINGLE CROCHET CLOCHE



Gjestal - Pure wool - Chunky : 1 spun Ultra Blue + a few mt of Deep Gold
Gauge: 5 sc x 5 rows = 4"x4" (10 cm x 10 cm)
Hook size US H8/5.00 mm

----------

Do not join rounds, mark the beginning of each round
Chain 2

Round 1 : 8 scs in 2nd ch from hook
2 : 2 scs in each st a, working only one sc in last st (15)
3 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 2 sts, repeat a (20)
4 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 3 sts, repeat a (25)
5 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 4 sts, repeat a (30)
6 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 5 sts, repeat a (35)
7 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 6 sts, repeat a (40)
8 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 7 sts, repeat a (45)
9 : sc in each st a
10 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 8 sts, repeat a (50)
11 : sc in each st a
12 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 9 sts, repeat a (55)
13 : sc in each st a
14 : 2 scs in 1st st, sc in next 10sts, repeat a (60)
15 : 2scs in 1st st, sc in each remaining st a (61)
16 : 17 : sc in each st a
18 : sc in next 6 sts, *2 scs in next st, 1 sc in next 11 sts, rep from * 3 more times, 2 scs in next st, sc in next 6 sts (66)
19 : sc in each st around (66)
21 : 1 sc in same st, *1 sc in next 12sts, 2 scs in nest st, rep from * 3 more times, 1 sc in next 14 sts (70)
22 - 26 : sc in each st a. Join w sl st (70)
27 : change to yellow sc in each st a. Join with sl st (70)

BRIM
28: back to blue. sc in next 7 sts, * 2 scs in next st, 1 sc in next 10 sts, rep from *, 1 sc in nest 7 sts (76)
29: Sc in each st
30: change to yellow. Sc in n each st around. Fasten off!

Crochet bag + hat + scarves

I'm experimenting. And because I also need a bag, I'm trying to make one with the Gjestal Naturgarn yarns I bought on Elann.com. The colors are pretty but the wool isn't soft enough to make scarves, sweaters or other clothes, so I thought I could use it for a bag! :-)

I used this patter by Coats and Clark as a base, then changed it a little bit. When I'm done, if the bag is nice I'll post the complete pattern. I've done the base with the "Forest" green, the used the "Gold" and now I'm going to switch to "Ultra Blue" to finish the bag.


This week end I've been working also on a couple of other projects. I've tried making a hat to match my furry scarf but I ran out of yarn before finishing and the shop I go to doesn't carry it anymore :-(((

Then I've been working on a knitted scarf for my boyfriend. It's made of Kantuta Baby Alpaca Wool color n. 14, bought it at Artfibers in San Francisco. Now I must go back to the store to get another yarn to finish it.


And then I'm doing a scarf for one of my girlfriends. It's made of Lion Brand Homespun, Corinthian 345. The pattern I'm using is a V-Stitch pattern found on Fuzzy Galore. Very nice. I'm not sure if I like the color or not, though. I will finish it and then decide if I like it or not...

Bathroom Baskets

I made this three baskets using some ideas I found in "Simple Crochet". I combined kitchen twine and cotton or wool yarn.

The first one is worked all in single crochet, starting with a circular base, increased every 2 rows. Isn't it great? I cannot believe I did a basket with a crochet!!!



The white and orange is a mini-basket for my ponytail holders. I made it with kitchen twine and Gjestal Wood (got it in elan.com. Not very soft but great texture)



And the last one is an experiment. Made with hemp and cotton yarn is worked in double crochet.

I am so proud of myself!! :-D

Finding nice yarn

Finding a store who sells nice and cheap yarn for beginners isn't easy. Here in Berkeley there aren't many shops and even in San Francisco I couldn't find easily places where to get some simple yarn. I went to Aftfibers, in Sutter street. Beautiful and precious yarns, but nothing "easy" to start with.


So I went online (Internet you are the REAL world) and found two great places with a lot of savings. I got some nice bargain yarns at Elann and some other Lion Brand yarns at Jo Ann. Placed my orders, and today received the first yarns! Yuppie!!! I will be making a very fancy and warm scarf !

Patterns by the book

Yesterday, in search of fancy ideas for Christmas presents, I went to Barnes & Noble's and found THE book of my dream: "Simple Crochet" by Erika Knight. It is full of very nice ideas for your house.

It tells how to use uncommon yarns - such as yuta, kitchen twine, strings and much more - to make baskets, bags, boxes, bottles covers etc... I've already started a project to make a potato-bag. I'll post it when it's finished.


In Barnes and Noble's I also found this lovely crochet kit "Cozy Crochet". I've found a nice pattern for a Christmas present. Hope I can make it! :-)

A furry scarf

As a beginner I don't want to spend too much money on precious yarn that I KNOW I will be wasting. So I went to a store close to where I live in Berkeley. There I found this Caron Bliss furry yarn that was quite cheap. I took three balls. With the first two I made this scarf. The last one, I'm keeping it for a hat.


The pattern I have used is the Alternating Windowpanes Scarf kindly shared by by Donna. I got bored of the windowpanes very soon, so I made some only at the beginning and at the end of the scarf. As you can clearly see the width of my scarf is variable. This was not an intended effect, just mistakes... ;-) Anyway, I like it, it's warm and soft and I made it!!!

Flowers!

I have started Crochet because I love crocheted flowers, so I immediately tried to make some. Here is what I made until now. You can find the patterns here. The two flowers on the right are V-Stitch Flowers by Catherine. The one on the left is an adaptation of a Flower Scrunchie by Marlo D. Cairns.



The next flower I want to try will be e Rosette ad it appears in this pattern by Lion Brand!

First projects

How to?
The first problem that I had was LEARNING how to Crochet. I had tried a couple of times in the past, but with no success. This time, though, I had the Internet to support me and plenty of fantastic online tutorials!!

Stitch Guide This website is magic!
Crochet Pattern Abbreviations
Understanding Patterns, the most difficult part in learning crochet is understanding patterns. Here's a very good help!


First Patterns

This Daisy Scarf was my very first finished job... As you can see from the pic it's not exactly as the one made by Heidi Pollock, but let's say it's close...?








Then I made a Sunflower pot holder
This is the original Sunflower by Marlos Crochet Corner. very very nice!






...And a couple of diagonal hotpads . This pattern is really nice, and you make a Double-thick hotpad! :-) Thanks Mielke's Fiber Arts!

My Crochet

Ok after 4 weeks of intense learning and trying it is clear to me that Crochet is my new addiction. I will be posting all my works, my failures, errors and ideas, and maybe one day I'll make my own pattern! :-)

All my Progress Icons

Little Purse

Tote Bag





Poncho Polar





Poncho Vi





Socks progressing from leg to toe





Socks progressing toe up





Bikini






Progress Icons by