Enjoying the Country

Just returned back from the country. Worked on undoing the sweaters and washing them.





Cut up 5 pairs of jeans (on the chair) for either a rag rug or a woven rug-not sure, yet.

Found a quilt holder to wind the yarn into hanks.

Hung the yarn after washing.

Finished a baby rug from this huge ball of leftover yarn before I left.

                                                                                                                                                        

Also, started on another baby round infant rug.
 Had so much fun.

So many things...

After a brief visit to my mother's last month, I decided to start dyeing my own yarn. I realized that more yarn is used for crochet than knitting. In order to save money, I have been recycling old sweaters purchased at thrifts stores in Austin, Tx.
Once frogged, the yarn has been washed and dried and ready for reuse. So exciting. They can be overdyed and make something new again.
I have a lot of left over yarn from projects made and I became interested in rag rugs but didn't want an arsenal of  fabric. I decided tying the left over yarns and crochet with 3 strands and a P hook, I am almost finished with this warm circular rug,or blanket-don't have a title, yet.

It's WAY bigger now!

• Chain 6 and slipped stitch in the 1st ch. (circle made)

• Chain 1 and make 11 single crochet in the circle.
• Place marker for the first stitch and chain 1 and crochet around and slip stitch into the 1st ch 1 st.
• *Ch 1 and  and 2 sc in the next st* Repeat * until you sl st into the 1st ch1,. 
• The next round, ch 1 and sc all around and sl st in the 1st ch1.
• *Ch 1 and sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next sc.*Repeat * until you sl st into the 1st ch 1.
• The next round, ch1 and sc all around and sl st in the 1st ch1.
• Soooooo... Keep repeating the increase such as ch1 and sc in the next___sc(3,4,5,6,7,8,..as big as you want this to be)  and 2 sc in the next sc. Repeat until you  sl st in the next 1st ch 1. Remember, this may not end evenly as you increase every other row. Just go ahead and sc until you come to the 1st ch 1 and watch this grow. Keep the tied strings in the back and you can either weave as you go or cover the back with fabric such as flannel and  use as a blanket. You decide. Enjoy!

One friend  said that this would be great for a baby  mat especially for a newborn so if you visit, you can place the infant on this mini mat. Sounds great. I already have pink colors double stranded ready to go. 

Valis Crochet Shawl Video

New Pattern for Valis Circular Crochet Shawl

Welcome to Valis’ Circular Shawl Pattern

I decided not to do this pattern as a CAL. Too much to do. But, I do believe you will have fun with this project because of the basic stitches and  instructions. I would love feedback on the comment section or you may join Valis Crochet View-A-Long group on Ravelry and discuss any concerns or anything from this project.

Let’s get started!

The Size: 42’ diameter

The Gauge: Rounds 1-3 in dc=4 inch diameter (really, gauge is not critical)

The Materials:

•  Lion brand Pound of Love 1020yds/932.7m or any medium worsted weight yarn

•  Crochet hook: H/8/5.0mm

•  1 tapestry needle

The Stitches:

Chain (ch)

Slip stitch (sl st)

Single crochet (sc)

Double crochet (dc)

V stitch (v st)

Double V stitch (dv st)

Shell stitch (5 or6 sh)

Camelot: from New Directions in Crochet by Anne Rabun Ough, the Viking Press-New York, 1981. Page 143.

The Instructions:

Round 1:

•  Chain (ch) 3.

•  Make a circle by slip stitch (sl st) of 3rd chain (ch) into the 1st ch as a join. (Makes a tiny circle)

•  Ch 1 and insert the hook in the tiny hole and make a single crochet stitch (sc).

•  Make 15 more sc in this circle.

•  Sl st the 15th st into 1st ch 1.

•  Total : 16 sc.

Round 2:

•  Ch 6 (Counts as 1 dc and ch 3.).

•   *1 Double crochet (dc) into the next st, ch 3*.

•  Repeat *from around into the next 14 sc.

•  Sl st the 15th st into the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 6 st.

•  Total : 16 dc and 16 ch 3.

Round 3:

•  Sl st to the first ch, ch 3.

•   Dc in the next 2 ch, ch 1, and skip the next dc st.

•  *1 dc in the next 3 ch and ch 1, and skip the next dc*.

•   Repeat * from around with a sl st to the top of ch 3.

•  Total sts: 48 dc and 16 ch.

Round 4:

Shawl in progress.

•  Ch 8 (Counts as 1 dc and ch 5.).
•  Skip the next 2 dc.
•  1 dc in the ch 1 space (sp).and ch 5.
•  *Skip the next 3 dc, 1 dc in the ch 1 sp, ch 5*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st to the 3rd ch.
•  Total: 16 dc and 16 ch 5 sp.

Round 5:

•  Sl st into the ch 5 sp and ch 3. 4 dc in the ch 5 sp. Ch 1 and skip the next dc.
• *5 dc in the next ch 5 sp. Ch 1 and skip the next dc*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 80 dc and 16 ch 1.

Round 6:

•  Ch 3 and dc in the next 4 dc, skip the next ch 1.
• *Dc in the next 5 dc and skip the next ch 1*
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st to the top of the ch 3.
•  Total: 80 dcs.

Round 7:

•  Ch 5 (Counts as 1 dc and ch 2).  1 dc in the same sp. 
•  Skip the next dc and work v-stitch (v st): [1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc] in the next dc.       
• *Skip next dc, work v st [1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc] in the next dc*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st to the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 40 v sts.

 

Round 8:

•  Sl st into previous row v st space (sp).
•  Ch 5 (Counts as a 1 dc and ch 2) in the v st sp. 1 dc in that same sp.
•  Work v st (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the next v st sp.
•  Continue *v st (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the next v st sp*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 40 v sts.

Round 9:

•  Sl st into the next v st sp.
•  Ch 6 (Counts as a 1 dc, ch 3), 1 dc in that same v st sp.
•  Work *v st (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) into the next v st sp*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 40 v sts.

Round 10-12

•  Repeat Row 9 for the next 3 rounds.
•  Total: 40 v sts.

Round 13

•  Sl st into the next v st sp.

•  Ch 3 (Counts as 1 dc), 1 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in the same v st sp. Double v st made. (dv st)

•  Work *dv st (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) into the next v st sp*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 40 dv sts.

Rounds 14-17

•  Repeat Round 13 for the next 4 rounds.
•  Total: 40 dv sts.

Row 18 set up to use as a guide.

Round 18

•  Ch 2 (Counts as 1 sc, ch 1)
•  Skip the next dc, 5 dc (shell made) in the ch 3 sp of the dv st.
•  Skip the next dc, 1 sc in the next dc, ch 1.
•  Work *skip the next dc, 5 dc (shell) in the dv st sp, skip the next dc, 1 sc in the next dc, ch 1*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 1.
•  Total: 40/5 dc shells (sh), 40 sc.

Round 19:

•  Ch 8 (Counts as 1 dc, ch 5).
•  Skip 2 dc, 1 sc in the next dc (Which is in the middle of the 5 dc sh.), ch 5, 1 dc in the next sc. Ch 5, skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in the next sc.
•  Work *ch 5, skip next 2 dc, 1 sc in the next dc. Ch 5, skip the next 2 dc, 1 dc in the next sc.*
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 40 sc, 40 dc, 80 ch 5.

Round 20:

•  Ch 4 (Counts as 1 dc and ch 1), ch 1, skip ch 5, dv st (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next sc,skip ch 5, v st (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) on top of the 1 dc.

•  Work *skip ch 5, dv st (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next sc. Skip ch 5, V st (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) on top of dc.*
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total : 40 v st, 40 dv st.

Round 21:

•  Sl st into the v st sp.
•  Ch 3 (Counts as 1 dc), 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in that same v st sp. (dv st made)
•  V st (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the next dv st sp.
•  Work * dv st (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next v st sp. V st (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the next dv st sp.*
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 40 v st, 40 dv st.

Do you see the alternating rows of v st and dv st?

Round 22:

•  Repeat Round 20.

Round 23:

•  Repeat Round 21.

Round 24:

•  This time: Turn, and sl st into the v st sp.
•  Ch 3 (Counts as 1 dc.) 3 dc in the same v st sp. Ch 3.
•  Work *4 dc in the next dv st sp, ch 3 and 4 dc, ch 3 in the next v st sp*.
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3.
•  Total: 80 /4dc, 80 ch 3.

Round 25:

Starting the Camelot foundation.

•  Turn. Sl st into the ch 3 sp and ch 1 (Counts as 1 sc.). Ch 6.
•  Work * 1 sc in the ch 3 sp, ch 6.*
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 1.
•  Total: 80 sc, 80/ch 6.

Round 26:

•  Turn. 
•  Ch 1 ( Counts as 1 sc.) and sl st into the next ch 3. Ch 3 (Counts as 1 dc.), 3 dc in that same ch 6 sp.  Ch 3, sc in the next ch 6 sp and ch 3.
•  Work * 4 dc in the next ch 6 sp, ch 3, 1 sc in the next ch 6 sp. *
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Sl st into the top of ch 3 as the 4th dc of the last st of this round.
•  Total: 40 sc, 40/4 dc, 80 ch 3.

Round 27:

•  Repeat Round 25 but Do Not Turn!

Now, you can either continue Rounds 25 and 26 or complete Round 28 as the edging. From Round 1 to Round 28, the diameter is at 42”. It depends on the desired diameter as a shawl, blanket, or afghan.

The Edging

Round 28:

•  Turn. Ch 3 and 1 sc in the next 3 dc. 6 dc (shell made) in the next sc.
•  Work *ch 3 and 1 sc in the next 3 dc. 6 dc (shell made) in the next sc.*
•  Repeat * from around.
•  Total: 40 shells, and 40/3 sc.

This shape and the design of the shawl were inspired by a mathematician and by the botanical gardens in Austin, Texas.

After being here for almost a year, I have recovered from many stressful events. This city is wonderful for healing, making new friends, and creating beautiful fabric.

I want to share this pattern with you and ask only one thing in return. I ask that you make one for charity or give as a gift.

Happy Crocheting! Valis’

Copyright 2010. http://www.valiscrochetmoment.blogspot.com

Completed Valis' Circular Shawl

  Ok! The new crochet circular shawl is completed and here are the photos.
Went to the botanical gardens to display the shawl where I was inspired to make the shawl. Just love the teal color against the brick and on the rail.
Please, join me on the Valis' Crochet View A Long on Ravelry to share the free pattern which is great for beginners and advanced crocheters with simple basic stitches.
Thought this would be great as a sampler. Can be as a shawl or as a blanket/afghan.
This is so beautiful and I enjoyed putting this shawl together to share with you.

See the large shells that make its own button for the front view.

Wrap in full view.

Wrap in back view.

Also.......The first crochet view a long shawl is now completed and with photos, too.
Take a look...
the shawl spread out and hung up to see as a wrap with the front and back view.

Shawl with edging seen.

Shawl laid out.

First Crochet Post to Share

Updated version on August 13, 2010. I feel that if you want to enjoy this project, then it should be right. Sorry for the inconvenience.

  


The Plan:

If you are a beginner or need a refresher, please take the time to review the following: (Referencing Lionbrand Tutorial)
Abbreviations:

1. Make a chain (ch)
2. Make a single crochet (sc)
3. Make a double crochet (dc)
4. Make a triple crochet (tc)
5. Make a slip stitch (ss)
6. Join a chain into a circle. 
7. Make a special shell of 5dc in 1dc stitch (st)

The Set Up:
To learn this pattern, I suggest any worsted weight yarn.

• 1 I/9 5.5mm crochet hook.

• 3 stitch markers. Place marker (pm).

• 1 pr of Scissors

• 1 blunt end needle for weaving in those loose threads.

• 1 measuring tape.   

The Pattern: 

Round 1

1. Chain (ch) 3. 
2. Make a circle by slip stitch (ss) of 3rd chain into the 1st ch as a join. (Makes a tiny circle)

Round 2

1. Ch 1 and insert the hook in the tiny hole and make a single crochet stitch (sc).
2. Make 8  more sc in this circle.
3. Ss the 9th st into 1st ch 1.
4. Total: 9 sts. 
5. This is where we move from the circle to a half circle to work this project back and forth.

Row 3

1. Ch 1 and turn.( This represents the first sc in the row)
2. 1 sc in the next 2 sc and place marker (pm)
3. 3 sc in the next sc.
4. 1 sc in the next sc.
5. 3 sc in the next sc.
6. pm and 1 sc in the last 2 sc and ch 1.
7. Total: 13 sts

Can you see the subtle increase in the center of this shawl?

Row 4

1. Ch 3 and turn.(This represents the first dc in the row)
2. 1 dc in the next 2 dc and pm.
3. 5 dc in the next dc.
4. 1 dc in the next 2 dc.
5. 3 dc in the next dc. (This is the new middle increase) 
6. ******(Place marker in the 2nd dc of the 3 dc made)
7. 1 dc in the next 2 dc
8. 5 dc in the next dc.
9. pm and 1 dc in the last 2 dc and ch 3.
10. Total: 23 sts.

 

Row 5

1. Ch 1 and turn.
2. 1 sc in the next 2 dc and pm.
3. Triple crochet (tc) in the next dc.  (Note: After every ch 3 and 2 sc, you always start with a tc.) 
4. 1 sc in the next dc.
5. Continue (tc in the next dc and 1 sc in the next dc) until you get to the last 3 dc.   
6. (Note: There should always be a tc before the last 3 sc! )
7. pm and 1 sc in the last 2 dc and ch 3.
8. Total: 23 sts or total # sts.

Row 6

1. Ch 3 and turn.
2. Dc in the next  2 sc and pm.
3. Make 5 dc in the next tc.
4. Dc in the next  7  sts.(# sts)
5. 3 dc in the next tc (or next st).( New middle increase) 
6. *****(Place marker in the 2nd dc of the 3 dc made.)
7. Dc in the next  7  sts. (#sts)
8. Make 5 dc in the next tc.
9. pm and dc in the last 2 sc and ch 1.
10. Total:    33sts or total # sts.

This is a schematic of the new increase

Do you see how the pattern works? It alternates with one row of dc and the next row of tc with sc.

Row 7

• Repeat Row 5.

Row 8

• Repeat Row 6.

Continue in this manner until the base of the shawl becomes 60-70 inches long.

15 inches from the top of the semi-circle to the base as a shawlette or go further. Weave in ends. Block.