Crochet Lucky Clovers and Shamrocks

These were in a Knotty Generation, a crochet blog.

Itty Bitty Shamrock
H-8 (5mm) crochet hook
any green worsted weight yarn

Start: ch 3, join with a sl st to 1st ch to form circle.
For petals: [ch 3, 1 trc, 1 dc, 1 trc, ch 3, slip stitch into circle] repeat 3 times total.
For stem: ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st rem ch sts. Fasten off and weave in ends.

4 Leaf Clover
H-8 (5mm) crochet hook
any green worsted weight yarn

Start: ch 4, join with a sl st to 1st ch to form circle.
For petals: [ch 3, 1 trc, 1 dc, 1 trc, ch 3, slip stitch into circle] repeat 4 times total.
For stem: ch 6, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, sc rem ch sts. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Crochet, Sewing and Crafty Grrl in General

I want to get back to doing more crafts. I used to crochet granny squares but now I have forgotten how. My new roommate knows how to sew so I can finally get someone to help me learn how to use the sewing machine I got for Christmas just before the divorce. I was using it for a short time and doing ok. Can't even remember how to thread it now. If it's a choice of getting old or getting stupid I pick old. :D

Might make plans for a crafty weekend my next couple of days off. Bring out those masses of buttons, the Raggedy Ann pattern and the half finished doll I was making a few years ago, find the sewing machine which was put away somewhere during the most recent move. I'd like to get making things again. Finally learn to use the sewing machine. I've got a great pattern for a dress suit to make, in jersey fabric so it is stretchy and comfortable for a plus size dame like myself. Also has the plus of being very washable too. I'm not a fan of taking anything to the dry cleaners.

Crochet Posies

This is really pretty. My favourite is the one with the button which I copied to remind myself why I really want to get back to crocheting again. See Petunia Plum for her creations and ideas.

On the Dating Front

For such a blabber mouth of a grrl I have so little I want to write about my dates. I guess part of that is keeping some thoughts to myself, odd for me but it does happen. Part of it is not wanting to say anything someone else will read and take away as a negative thing. Part of it is that I am kind of lost in this whole dating game thing and I really wish someone would give me the basics of the rules to the game. Not that I'd really read or understand them anyway.

The dates (there were 2 - one Friday and one Sunday) went fine. I enjoyed meeting new people and having a coffee out. There was no love at first site and I wasn't really expecting or wanting that. Life isn't like something out of a romance novel. You have to know someone, find out who they are, before you can let yourself feel deep things for them and care for them to the extent of actually loving them. I don't sell love cheaply.

Think about the people you really do love. That didn't just happen. Families go through a lot and stick together and that builds real love. It's just not something anyone should expect at a first meeting.

Now I feel silly and think I should just delete this mush post. Blech!

Mainly, I am still dating, trying to meet people I have things in common with. Although I miss sex, I don't miss screwing any willing, warm body. I miss being with someone I care about and then having sex together. I don't want to call it lovemaking, that's just over hyped now. I don't have to be in love to have sex wtih someone. But, I don't feel all that casual about it either.

This is a silly post cause I really don't see dating and sex as being about the same thing at all. Yet it keeps coming up that way because so many men do see it as dating in order to get sex. It makes them sound so cheap. I don't want someone like that. I've never been a slut why would I want to date someone who is? Ick! I don't want to wonder where that's been.

Anyway, two more first dates which really weren't dates as I was really looking for someone to take photos with more than someone to begin any kind of a romance with. That's how it should be. Not all that pressure to be Mr or Ms Right. Just two people who share some interests, seeing if they enjoy each other's company. That's enough.

Sometimes I still think I don't want to date at all. I'd like to just meet people and get out and do things and have some fun. Fun, without the pressure of actually having to like anyone. It's enough just to like myself at times.

Pattern for the crochet daisy above.

Crochet Roses

Crochet Roses pattern from Lion Brand

ROSETTE

Ch 17 (35, 53).

Row 1 Dc in 5th ch from hook, *ch 1, skip 1, (dc-ch-dc) in next ch – V-stitch made; repeat from * across; – 6 (16, 25) V-stitches made. Turn.

Row 2 Ch 3 – counts as dc, 5 dc first in ch-space, *sc in next ch-1 space, 6 dc in next ch-1 space – shell st made; repeat from *, ending 6 dc in last ch-1 space – 6 (16, 25) shells. Fasten off, leaving long tail for anchoring Rosette.

FINISHING

Thread needle with tail and weave to base of last st. Starting at that end, roll first shell tightly to form center bud; anchor at base of shell with 2 sts. Roll remaining strip to form Rosette, then secure by stitching in and out through layers of foundation ch at bottom of Rosette. If you want to make your Rosette a pin or barrette, sew or glue pin back or barrette back to back of Rosette.

OPTIONAL VARIATION

2-COLOR ROSETTE

At end of Row 2, work last dc of last shell until 2 loops remain on hook, drop main color, finish st with new color, ch 1, turn.

Row 3 Sc in each st across. Fasten off.

Mother's Day Crochet Flower

FLOWER
Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1 Ch 5, *sc in ring, ch 3, rep from * 6 times. Join with sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch. Place marker for beg of rnd. Slip marker each rnd.
Rnd 2 *[Sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc] in next ch-3 sp, rep from * 6 times. Join with sl st to beg sc.
Rnd 3 Sc through back of sc of Rnd 2, ch 6, * sk next sc, sc through back of next sc of Rnd 2, ch 6, rep from * 5 times. Join with sl st to beg sc.
Rnd 4 *[Sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc] in next ch-6 sp, rep from * 6 times. Join with sl st to beg sc.
Rnd 5 Sc through back of sc of Rnd 4, ch 6, * sk next sc, sc through back of next sc of Rnd 4, ch 6, rep from * 5 times. Join with sl st to beg sc.
Rnd 6 Rep Rnd 4. Fasten off.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

Log Cabin Crochet Square

Log Cabin Square

MATERIALS: Four ply worsted weight yarn....any combination of five dark colors and four light colors (You can use fewer colors if you want and just repeat colors within in the block); size I crochet hook.

SIZE: 8" square

GAUGE : 7 sc = 2"

Note: The side of the work facing you as you work Row 1 and Row 3 of each band will be the right side of the piece; To eliminate having to weave in yarn ends after each square is finished, work them in as you crochet.

PATTERN FOR BLOCK: CENTER SQUARE:

With first dark color, chain 4.
Row 1 Sc in second chain from hook and in each chain across (3sc(; chain 1, turn.
Row 2-3: Work in even sc (3sc); chain 1 turn. Before working final yarn-over of last sc in Row 3, cut A and attach B to complete stitch and turning chain.

BAND NO 1:
Rows 1-2: With Color B, work even in sc (3sc); chain 1 and turn.
Row 3: Work even in sc (3sc); chain 1, turn sideways.

BAND NO 2:
Row 1 Pick up and work 6 sc across side of Color B and Color A center square; chain 1, turn.
Row 2: Work even in sc (6sc); chain 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in each of the first 5 sc; sc in lastsc, cutting Color B before wokring final yarn-over and attaching Color C to complete stitch (6sc); chain 1, turn sideways.

BANDS NO 3-16: Continue in the same fashion with the number of sc increasing by 3sc in each Band (BAND NO. 16 has 27 sc). Each color is used for 2 bands and you must alternate between light and dark colors in order to get the log cabin effect. Bands 1,2,5,6,9,10,13,14 are light colors. Bands 3,4,7,8,11,12,15,16 are dark colors. Center square should be dark color also. You can use all kinds of different colors to use of leftover yarn or use dark and light shades of the same color and use the same colors a couple times within one block.

Diana's Flower Square

I thought this was really pretty, a flower with a lacey looking background.

Diana's Flower

In loving memory of my cousin.
Materials:
“H” Hook
small amounts of pink and green worsted weight yarn

with pink, ch 6, sl st to first ch to form a ring

rnd 1: ch 1, work 16 sc in ring, sl st to 1st sc

rnd 2: ch 2, sc in same st as joining, (ch 5, skip next sc, sc in next sc) 7 times, ch 5, sl st to 1st sc of rnd

rnd 3: ch 5, sc in next ch-5 loop, (ch 2, dc in sc between loops, ch 2, sc in next ch-5 loop) 7 times, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5

rnd 4: ch 1, sc in same ch as joining, (5 dc in next sc, sc in next dc) 7 times, 5 dc in next sc, sl st to 1st sc of rnd, finish off pink

rnd 5: join green with sl st in any sc on rnd 4, ch 6, dc in same st, * (ch 2, skip next 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, skip next 3 dc, dc in next sc) twice, ch 3, dc in same st, rep from * twice more, rep bet ( ) twice, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-6

rnd 6: ch 1, sc in same ch as joining, ch 2, dc in ch-3 sp, ch 2, sc in next dc, * (ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next sc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next dc) twice, ch 2, dc in ch-3 sp, ch 2, sc in next dc, rep frim * twice more, rep bet ( ) twice to last sc, sl st in 1st sc of rnd

rnd 7: ch 5, sc in dc, ch 3, sc in same st, ch 2, dc in sc, * (ch 1, sc in dc, ch 1, dc in sc) 4 times, ch 2, sc in dc, ch 3, sc in same st, ch 2, dc in sc, rep from * twice more, rep bet ( ) 3 times, ch 1, sc in dc, ch 1, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-5

rnd 8: ch 1, sc in same ch as joining, sc in ch-2 sp, (2 sc, ch 1, 2 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-2 sp, * ( sc in dc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-1 sp) 4 times, sc in dc, sc in ch-2 sp, 2sc, ch 1, 2 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in ch-2 sp, rep from * twice more, rep bet ( ) 3 more times, sc in dc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-1 sp, sl st to 1st sc of rnd, finish off and weave in all ends

Granny Square Floral Scarf

Granny Square Floral Scarf from Lions Brand Wool

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

SIZE: One Size
6¼ inches x 56¼ inches
PUBLISHED IN: Crochet Fantasy

MATERIALS

Color (A) Gold

Color (B) Turquoise

Color (C) Fisherman

Color (D)Peacock

Color (E) Chocolate Brown

GAUGE:

Rnds 1-2 = 2½ inches (6.4 cm); Square = 6¼ inches (16.9 cm). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

STITCH EXPLANATION:

Shell 5 dc in same stitch.

Ldc (long dc) Dc worked in specified sts only, skipping over other sts.

Notes

Make 9 squares. Always join last st of rnd to first with a slip st.

Rnd 4 only is worked WS facing.

Work all squares through Rnd 6. Join tog as specified while working Rnd 7.


SCARF

With A, ch 4; join to form ring. Ch 1.

Rnd 1 Work 12 sc in ring; ch 1.

Rnd 2 Sc in first sc, (3 dc in next sc, sc in next sc) 5 times, 3 dc in last sc; join to beg sc. Fasten off.

With B, draw up a loop in center dc of any 3-dc group; ch 1.

Rnd 3 Sc in same dc, *ch 2, Ldc over next sc in sc of Rnd 1, ch 2**, sc in center dc of next 3-dc group*; rep from * to * around, ending at ** on last rep. Join to beg sc; ch 1, turn.

Rnd 4 Work 2 sc in each ch2-space and sc in each st around; join to beg sc. Fasten off.

With C and RS facing, draw up a loop in sc above a sc of Rnd 3; ch 1.

Rnd 5 Sc in same sc, (ch 1, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc), *skip 1 sc, 3 dc in next sc, ch 3, 3 dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc**; rep between ( ) twice*; rep from * to * around, ending at ** on last rep, ch 1, join to beg sc. Fasten off.

With D, draw up a loop in second dc to the left of any ch3-space; ch 1.

Rnd 6 Sc in same dc, *shell in next sc, sc in next sc, shell in next sc, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, skip next dc, 7 dc in corner ch3-space, skip next dc**, sc in next dc*; rep from * to * around, ending at ** on last rep; join to beg sc. Fasten off.

Weave in ends on WS of each square.

With E, draw up a loop in first sc to the left of any corner shell. Ch 1.

Rnd 7 Sc in same sc, *[ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) in center dc of next shell, ch 2, sc in next sc] twice. Ch 2, skip 2 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next dc, (sc, ch 4, sc) in next dc, (sc ch 2, sc) in next dc. Ch 2, skip 2 dc **, sc in next sc*; rep from * to * around, ending at ** on last rep; join to beg sc. Fasten off.

Join squares on one side at ch2 and ch4-spaces only, joining so that flower petals go in the same direction from center square out to ends.

Continuing in pattern st, ch 1, drop loop, draw loop under to over through opposite ch2-space, ch 1 and continue; or ch 2, drop loop, draw loop under to over through opposite ch4-space, ch 2 and continue.

Weave in rem ends on WS.

ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES
beg = begin(s)(ning)
ch(s) = chain(s)
dc = double crochet
dec = decreas(e)(s)(ing)
inc = increas(e)(s)(ing)
rem = remain(s)(ing)
rep = repeat(s)(ing)
rnd(s) = round(s)
RS = right side
sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
tog = together
WS = wrong side

Easy Crochet Wrap Up Shawl

Vintage 70's Shawl Pattern

CHAIN 160 (LOOSELY)

Row 1: 1 dc in 7th ch, * ch 2, 1 dc in 3rd chain, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2: Chain 5, turn, 1 dc in the dc of the row below, * ch 2, 1 dc in the next dc, repeat from * to end of row (DO NOT PUT A DOUBLE IN THE CH 5 SPACE, YOU WILL HAVE ONE BLOCK LESS EVERY ROW.)

Repeat Row 2 for Pattern.
Work even in pattern until 10 blocks remain. End off.

Work a shell stitch border on top ONLY as follows: * 1 sc in block, 5 dc in next block, repeat from * to end.

FRINGE the other 2 sides. To make fringe, wrap yarn around a 6" cardboard. Cut 1 end. Hold 6 pieces together and make a slip knot in each block.

The Afterglow

I'm sipping non-diet Coke (the beverage, not the powder) and having some quiet time to myself. It's pretty busy here at the Newmarket house. Three kids and a lot of events, some of them even planned. It's just after 10: pm now and I'm looking for more crochet patterns for the simple minded. I just can't seem to get mine looking anything like the ones in the pictures. I have restarted several patterns a few times and now I'm back looking for more.

Granny Square Slippers

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. Thanks to Happy for making me a star for the day.

Seasons Greetings and Good Night.

Crochet Xmas Tree

Small Christmas Tree

Size 3 + 1/4" tall
Crochet cotton #10
Steel crochet hook size 6
Small amount white and silver.
NOTE: After Rnd 1, work in back lps only of each rnd unless it is otherwise indicated.
TREE: With white cotton, ch3, 7 dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st to join in top of beg. ch3. (8).
Rnd 2: Ch 4 (first tr), tr in same st as beg ch 4, 2 tr in each st around, sl st to join in top of beg ch4 (16).
Rnd 3: Ch 4, 2 tr in next st, (tr in next st, 2 tr in next st) rep around, sl st to join in top of beg ch 4. (24).
Rnd 4: Ch4, tr in next st, 2 tr in next st, (tr in next 2 sts, 2 tr in next st) rep around, sl st to join in top of beg ch4. (32).
Rnd 5: Ch4, tr in next 2 sts, 2 tr in next st, (tr in next 3 sts, 2 tr in next st) rep around, sl st to join in top of beg ch 4. (40).
Rnd 6: Ch 4, tr in next 3 sts, 2 tr in next st, (tr in next 4 sts, 2 tr in next st) rep around, sl st to join in top of beg ch 4. (48).
Rnd 7: Ch 4, tr in next 4 sts, 2 tr in next st, (tr in next 5 sts, 2 tr in next st) rep around, sl st to join in top of beg ch 4. (56).
Rnd 8: Working in both lps, sl st in each st around, fasten off.
BOTTOM BRANCH : With bottom of tree facing, attach white cotton in rem free lp of Rnd 5.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (first dc), dc in each st around, sl st to join in top of beg ch3.
Rnd 2: Working in both lps, ch 4 (first dc, ch 1), (dc in next st, ch1) rep around, sl st to join in 3rd ch of beg ch 4, fasten off.
Rnd 3: Attach silver cotton in first dc of Rnd 2, working in both lps, (ch 5, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 4, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1, sc in next dc) rep around, sl st in same st as beg ch 5, fasten off.MIDDLE BRANCH : With bottom of tree facing, attach white cotton in rem frell lp of Rnd 3.
Rnds 1 - 3: Rep Rnds 1 - 3 of bottom branch.

TOP BRANCH : With bottom of tree facing, attach white cotton in rem free lp of Rnd 1.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc in same st as beg ch 3, 2 dc in each rem st around, sl st to join in top of beg ch 3.
Rnds 2 & 3: Rep Rnds 2 and 3 of bottom branch.
STAR : Rnd 1: With silver cotton, ch 2, 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to join in beg sc. (10).
Rnd 2: (Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, sk 1 sc, sl st in next sc ) 5 times, leaving a length of cotton, fasten off.
Sew star to top of tree.
Saturate tree with fabric stiffener, and stuff tree with plastic wrap to shape like a tree.

I'm adding this in here in case I want to try figuring it out again, say next Christmas. I like the end result, mine just doesn't seem to be turning out to look anything like it.

Crochet Apron Pattern

Daisy Crochet Apron - I like it but doesn't it seem a bit small to be really functional as an apron?

Toronto Crochet Groups

I thought I would see what I could find.

Downtown Knit Collective

Stitch N Bitch Toronto

Toronto Hookups - Seems to be the only one for just crochet. The others are knitting and crochet.

Crochet Flowers

This pattern (copied below) comes from Woolcrafting. I found a lot of crochet flower patterns stemming from Crochet Pattern Central. I'd like to get back to crocheting again. I did a lot of granny squares a few years ago. The crochet flowers would be really nice. I could get a magnetic strip from some craft supplies store and cover my fridge with crocheted posies. It would be really pretty!

For this crochet flower pattern I used a light worsted weight cotton yarn and size 4mm hook. You can just use a hook to suit the yarn you choose. It also depends how 'open' you want the flower to look. I wanted a more 'filled in' look. For a more lacy and delicate - use a finer yarn or thread.

It is all worked from the same side - no need to turn it over after each row. I just use the term 'turning chain' as it is widely recognized.

My crochet flower pattern simple English...

1. Chain 4 and join with slip stitch to form a ring.
2. Chain 1, work 9 single crochets around ring, join with slip stitch to turning chain.
3. Chain 1, double crochet & single crochet in next stitch, *single crochet in next stitch, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet in next stitch), repeat from * 3 more times ending with single crochet in next stitch. Join with slip stitch to starting chain and slip stitch to top of first double crochet.
4. Chain 2, 2 double crochet in same stitch (top of double crochet of previous round), *chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, 5 double crochet into next stitch, repeat from * 3 more times ending with chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, work 2 double crochets into same stitch where this round started and join to turning chain with slip stitch.
5. Chain 2, 2 double crochet into same stitch (middle stitch of 5 double crochets), *chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 1 double crochet into next stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch (single crochet of previous round), chain 2, skip 1 stitch, double crochet into next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 3 double crochet into next stitch, repeat from * 3 more times ending with chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet into next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet into next stitch, chain 1, join to turning chain with slip stitch. Finish off.