Here and there

A few small things to mention. I hope combined, at least, they are post worthy.

FRONT POST DOUBLE CROCHET
I recently learned a new crochet stitch, front post double crochet, it's a great, thick stitch. So I used it to make a little sweater for my french press. I chain stitched long enough to circle the glass and slip stitched into my first chain. From there I did a row of single crochet, a row of double crochet, a row of single crochet and the finally the front post double crochet is the 4th row and you work it into the double crochet post on the 2nd row. On this fourth row you'll alternate the fpdc with a double crochet into the top of the single crochet on the 3rd row. Repeat these 4 rows until it's as high as you'd like. It's wordier than it is hard.

For the pot holder, I used a wonderful tweed yarn and started a chain and made it about yea-wide (that means pot holder width). Work in the same 4 row pattern as I described above. When it's square and you finish the last row, work two rows of single crochet around the edges and on one corner make a loop.

SMALL TABLE CLOTH WITH MITERED SEAMS
I made a small table cloth to cover the small round table I have. I used the same technique I describe in this cloth napkin tutorial but I begin with a square that is 23"x23". Whatever the size of the table you're wishing to cover, add three inches to the length and width and follow the same instructions.

Meanwhile, I've been trying to conquer French macaroons. Elizabeth has asked me to post about my trials, I think she likes when I do baking posts the same way that I like (a lot) Steven Seagal movies: so bad it's good. So, coming soon(ish), French macaroons, by a sewer.

Have a great weekend!

Chunky, Speckled, Crocheted Cowl

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Fifty-five ways. Or fifty-five little chains to start. I love something easy, something you can just make as soon as you decide you want it. I'd had an image of this woolly, chunky cowl in my mind for a bit. Over Christmas break, on an exciting trip to Michaels, I grabbed a hook and a skien and made it happen. It took no time, it's just a tube of double crochet. This is a great project for a beginner. It's almost too simple to write a pattern for, but I will, for formality's sake.

ch 55, sl st in 1st ch st to make a ring.
rnds:  ch 3, dc into next ch. continue with dc in each chain until the end and sl st into 3rd ch.
to finish: sl st and weave in tails.

Repeat until you're out of yarn or it is the height you want it. This took exactly all of one skein, it worked out perfectly with about 3 inches of tail on either end. I bought another skein (which is, by the way, this Lion Brand Yarn, Wool-Ease in Barley) because I thought I wanted it to be really huge and floppy and that I might double it - now that I've worn it like this, I quite like it as it is and may make myself a matching hat. I used a N/9.00MM hook.

Knit Fix

Welcome everyone from Design*Sponge! We're thrilled silly you're stopping by!

Here's a short one for the weekend - and hopefully helpful, too!

I bought a great elbow pad sweater from Zara the other day, but for some reason, I bought one with numerous pulls in it. There are two solutions for this. First, look hard (or just look at them, I feel like a dummy) at the pieces you buy before you buy them. Second, if you're not a crocheter invest in a small crochet hook. The one I used is size US 11. Poke it from the inside of the sweater to the outside, catch the loop and pull it back to the inside. Done! Whatever you do, don't cut it.

Where did it go?

Crochet: For Your Lapel

Inspired by the adorned lapels directly above (from the Sartorialist and Emersonmade) I created my own (most above). Hopefully one doesn't have to be a dashing man to pull it off. Instructions follow.

Crochet: Medallion Cluster Necklace

What to do with all of those crocheted medallions you keep making for no reason but for how satisfying crocheting is? Make a cluster necklace.

Crochet: Beach Rocks

I haven't mentioned crochet here as of yet though I've been increasing obsessing about it for the past few months. It's relaxing and allows me to make up my own way more so than knitting. I first crocheted dozens of small medallions, taped them on my door (what else to do?).