We may not want to admit it, but winter is hardly over. Here's a quick, versatile cloche hat you can whip up in no time at all. Perhaps it will get so many compliments you'll forget how much you long for Spring...

• 1 ball of Joann's Sensation Angel hair yarn
• K/6.5mm hook
• 1 yard of 1-inch ribbon

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
sk = skip

These Filet Crochet letter charts work up quickly and are a romantic addition to any table.

One of the beautiful aspects of Filet Crochet is that any hook/yarn combination that works together will create a completed piece in the pattern you select -- all that changes from one hook to the next is the size of your completed project. For that reason, you can create a small wine coaster and a larger matching doily for the wine bottle using the same thread and different hook sizes. You could even go up to a fingering weight yarn and an aluminum hook and use the same charts to create decorative monogram placemats.

Filet Crochet can also be worked a few different ways. Traditional filet uses {3 dc} for a block and {2 ch, 1 dc} for a space. However, you can also get a tighter, more closed-up effect by using {2 hdc} for a block and {1 ch, 1 hdc} for a space -- the coaster in the photograph is an example of hdc filet (#10 thread, 2.25mm Steel Hook).

East meets West with a flourish of fashionable pom poms in this simply elegant necklace. It is easy and fun to crochet and requires very little yarn.

• Crochet hook size E (3.5mm)
• Vine: Shaded yarn such as Linie 157 “Tessa” (8 yards)
• Berries: Schaenmayr Nomotta “Bravo” (1 5/8 yards)
• Pom pom blossoms: Schaenmayr Nomotta “Bravo” (3 yards)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

US crochet stitch terms are used in this pattern
ch(s) = chain(s)
st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet

It has occurred to me that while we often play Santa or other generous holiday characters we rarely play Cupid to anyone but our most favorite person. I designed these ‘One and The Other’ scarves to be a quick and personal gift for a favorite couple. Now you may be thinking “But I’m in my favorite couple.” That’s just fine too, but I encourage you to share the love this Valentine’s Day by planning a surprise for a couple you admire or a pair of best friends.

These scarves are worked in a simple pattern of chains and single crochet: easy but substantial. They’re so distinctly non-lumpy that knitters will wonder what they’re missing. One is wider with four main colors and four accent colors. The Other is a bit thinner and reverses the color scheme. I was inspired by Japanese newlyweds who often wear harmonizing outfits to emphasize their new togetherness. So in celebration of people who aren’t afraid to color-coordinate with each other I give you Vice Versa!

• Eight skeins of worsted weight yarn of any soft kind. (92meters/50grams per skein) Choose four main colors for One and four main colors for The Other, making sure they coordinate for use as accents too. (Of course you can adapt the stripes to any combination/number of colors you choose.)
• Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook
• Scissors

One: 17cm x 174cm, The Other: 13.5cm x 174cm

21st/10cm (4in), 17rows/10cm (4in) in pattern (sc1, ch1)

This pattern uses US notation
ch = chain
sc = single crochet

Edges

Changing Colors

The Very Simple Pattern:

One (shown on Peter)

It may still be Winter, but a stylish scarf can take you clear through the cool nights of long-awaited Spring. This one will take you no time at all to crochet in a stitch that mimics the ever-popular knitted drop-stitch you see everywhere. Work it up in a soft wool and you'll be cozy while you catch snowflakes on your tongue; use a ribbon yarn for those warmer days we know are coming soon. Really soon. Really.

• 3 balls of Lion Brand Incredible ribbon yarn
• K/6.5mm hook

This ribbon yarn looks the best when it is worked loosely. A very loose tension is recommended.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
yo = yarn over
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space

This super fun hat will lend flair to anyone's wardrobe -- young or old. This simple pattern can be sized from infant to adult, just by changing the size of the hook you use to make it. Can't get any simpler than that!

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, 3 oz (MC)
• Bernat Boa or Bernat Eyelash Yarn, small amount (CC)

• Size G Hook for Infants Cap
  Size H Hook for Toddlers Cap
  Size I Hook for Childs Cap
  Size J Hook for Teen/Small Adult Cap
  Size K Hook for Adult Cap

US Pattern Notations Used
tr = treble crochet
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st = stitch

This stylized cat-toy is a real quicky to make, and the hemp string really holds up to even kitten-style rough housing.

• Ecolution Fine Hemp Twine (0.8 mm diameter, 325 yds/297 m, 2.3 oz/65 gm) – 1 ball natural.
• Stuffing material: Any kind of stuffing is fine (cotton balls or leftover bits of yarn, for example), but I prefer pieces of cellophane or mylar because they make crinkely noises that cats seem to like. A really excellent source of mylar is from the windows of envelopes from bills and junk mail. Recycling at its finest! Add catnip as desired.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
st(s) = stitch(es)
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
dec = decrease

My sister-in-law swears these keep coffee warmer longer than an insulated mug. You won't burn your fingers and you'll save a few trees.

• Any worsted weight yarn of any type. A small amount of novelty yarn for the border.
• Hook size: H/5mm

All sc are worked in the front loop only throughout the body of this project.

US Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sc 2 tog = single crochet two together

Throw away those pinchy elastic headbands you find in the department store for your baby… and get your crochet hooks out to create these quick, easy and fantastically funky headbands that everyone will notice!

• 1 skein (57 yards/52 meters per 40 grams/1 1/2 oz) Lions Brand Yarn Fun Fur Prints - Rainbow.
• Size K/6.5mm crochet hook

Stitches are worked in the space of the half double crochet rather than attempting to work into the stitch.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet

I’ve dreamed of this bag for a couple of years. Every once in a while I would pick up some yarn and give it a try, but it just wouldn’t come out right. Then, one very gray, very rainy Seattle morning I picked up a chunky, bright fuchsia yarn and started again. As I dreamed of spring and all that’s blooming the bag made itself.

This bag is pretty versatile in design. If you want a slightly less blooming bag, then fasten off your petals after only a couple of rows. If you want fewer layers of petals, just fasten off and pick up the yarn after a round or two and start the petals again. It can be made into a larger bag or a smaller one like a coin purse. You can even do petals on both sides of the bag for an exploding blooms bag, just work the back of the bag as you do for the front. A lining can be added, but since I’m slightly intimidated by sewing I like the option of not having to line. So using the chunky/bulky yarn and medium sized hook makes it sturdy enough to keep from stretching.

• About 165 yards chunky or bulky weight yarn. (Sample used Bernat Softee Chunky (68 yards/1.34 oz/50g) in Hot Fuschia.)
• Size J/6mm hook (if you want a sturdier or bulkier bag try a smaller hook)
• Stitch marker
• Yarn needle for weaving ends
• Two acrylic ring handles

There is really no gauge as the bag can be done in any size. Using a smaller hook would make the bag smaller and more sturdy; using a larger hook or a worsted weight yarn would give it more drape, and you would probably need to have a lining added to counter any stretching.

Back of bag is done in both loops.

The entire body of the bag is made as a spiral, so you will not join to the beginning of the round. Your first stitch will always be where the marker is. You will need to place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. You will always end each round with 2 hdc in the last stitch. When doing a two-color bag, work the back loop only rounds in the color of the flower and work the remaining rounds and back in the second color.

US pattern notations used
Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sl st = slip stitch
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet

Recycle those paper bookmarks you get for free at the bookstore. Chuck those decrepit woven things you've kept since childhood. Take a few minutes to crochet yourself a simple, elegant book thong that will make you feel like the sophisticated intellectual you know you are.

Small amount of size 10 cotton crochet thread

Size 7 (1.65 mm) steel crochet hook

Beads that will fit snugly over the crocheted chain (center hole of approximately 2mm)

Stitch marker

Needle with an eye large enough for the crochet thread

One size.

When you make a chain, the front looks like a series of Vs (and each V has a top and bottom loop) and the back looks like a series of bumps that forms a spine or ridge.

US pattern notations used
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet

Up one side:

You’re starting at the

Not *that* kind of hemp! This is a fine drapey twine that crochets up nice and tight with a smallish hook – flexible enough to wrap around a pony-tail, but stiff enough to hold its shape.

Included here are two stick-barrettes, one hair tie, and a Möbius hair band – a new *twist* on the old scrunchie.

• Ecolution Fine Hemp Twine (0.8 mm diameter, 325 yds/297 m, 2.3 oz/65 gm) – 1 ball each white, purple, and burgundy.
• Hook size US D/3 (3.25mm)
• Hair stick (5” dowel, chopstick, crochet hook, etc., for stick barrettes)
• Elastic hair band, about 2” diameter (for Möbius band)

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet

A couple of years ago, I made this beautiful “one piece” knit baby sweater using a pattern from some magazine from the 70’s. It started from the back and continued in one piece over the shoulders, picking up one side to finish. It was easy enough but it took me 6 weeks to complete, because I just wasn’t that good at knitting. I thought how nice it would be to have a similar pattern in crochet. So, I adapted it, and voila, here it is. The nicest thing about it is that, with the chunky yarn, it only takes about 3 hours to make. There are two options for sweater bands below.

• 1 skein, Lionbrand Homespun Yarn (Bulky/6 oz/185 yards). Note: for 12 months you will need a little more than one skein.
• 1-2 ozs worsted weight yarn in contrast color for edging and buttons.
• Size K (6.5mm) hook for sweater
• 2 buttons
• Size H (5.0mm) hook for optional crocheted buttons
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

6 mos (12 mos)
Length 10” (11”)
Chest 20” (23”)
Sleeve 6.5” (7.5”)

10 hdc and 8 rows = 4”/10cm

Samples used:
Blue: LB Homespun Montana Sky with TLC Lustre Lt Blue
Pink: LB Homespun Boston Rose with TLC Lustre Black
Coral: LB Homespun Coral Gables with Bernat Satin Pink
Green: LB Homespun Florida Keys Green with GGH Samoa Fuchsia

US Pattern Notations Used
Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet
Sl st = slip stitch
Sc2tog = single crochet two together

Sweater is made in one piece starting at the bottom of the back side. The turning chain counts as the first hdc of a row, and the next hdc is made into the next stitch.

Begin
Ch 26 (29)

Row 1: Hdc into 3 rd Ch. Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 25 (28) Hdc

Rows 2-9: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 10: Hdc across. Fasten off.

Row 11: Add sleeves: Ch 15(17). With right side facing, Hdc into 1 st st, where you fastened off (leaving chain hanging off the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook, insert into first st and complete Hdc). Hdc across. Ch 16(18), turn.

Row 12: Hdc into 3 rd ch and Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 55(62) Hdc.

Rows 13-19: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 20: Hdc for 22(24) sts. Sl st in next 11(14) sts. Hdc in last 22(24) sts. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 21-22: Hdc across 22(24) sts. Ch 2, turn.

Row 23: Hdc across. Ch 12(14), turn.

Row 24: Hdc into 3 rd ch. Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 33(37) Hdc.

Rows 25-27: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 28: Hdc into first 18(20) sts. Ch 2, turn. – 18 (20)Hdc

Rows 29-38: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows hdc before fastening off.

Fasten off.

Pick up for the left sleeve.

Row 1: With front of sweater facing you, begin at the outside edge. Insert hook into first st and Ch 2. Hdc in next 21(23) sts. – 22(24) Hdc.

Row 2: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3: Hdc across. Ch 6(8) and turn.

Row 4: Hdc into 3 rd ch and Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 27 (31)Hdc.

Rows 5-7: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 8: Hdc in first 12(14) sts. Ch 2, turn. – 12(14) Hdc

Rows 9-18: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows hdc before fastening off.

Fasten off.

To finish.

Option 1, as shown in Florida Keys Green with fuchsia band (shown left):

With contrast color and with the right side facing you, loosely sc along left placket. Place 3 sc in corner at the beginning of the neckline. Sc around neckline. Place 3 sc in top corner of right placket and sc down the right side. Ch 1, turn. Sc back around, placing 3 sc in the right corner, until you reach the top of the left placket. Place 3 sc in left corner and sc in next st. To make long buttonhole, ch 8 and join with sc to same st. Sc in next 3 sts, ch 8 and join with sc to same st. Sc to end. Fasten off. Add two rows of loose sc in contrast color to short end of both sleeves. Fold sweater along shoulder with right sides facing each other. Connect seams with either whipstitch or slip stitch, along both sides of body and under sleeves. Turn right side out. Place buttons, using buttonholes as a guide, and sew to right side.

Option 2, as shown in Coral Gables with pink band (shown right):

With contrast color and with the right side facing you, loosely sc along left placket. Place 3 sc in corner at the beginning of the neckline. Sc around neckline. Place 3 sc in top corner of right placket and sc down the right side. Ch 1, turn. Sc back around, placing 3 sc in the right corner, until you reach the top of the left placket. Place 3 sc in left corner and sc in next st. To make buttonhole, ch 3, skip two sts and sc in next. Sc in next, ch3, skip two sts, and sc in next. Sc to end. Ch 1 and sc around bottom edge of sweater for two rows. Fasten off. Add two rows of sc in contrast color to short end of both sleeves. Fold sweater along shoulder with right sides facing each other. Connect seams with either whipstitch or slip stitch, along both sides of body and under sleeves. Turn right side out. Place buttons, using buttonholes as a guide, and sew to right side.

To make optional crocheted buttons. With contrast color and smaller hook, chain 4 and join to first ch. Six sc in center and join to first sc. Ch 1, *sc in next two sts, 2 sc in next* repeat to end of round and join. Ch 1, sc2tog around and join. Leaving a long tail for sewing button on, fasten off.