Being a bag-obsessed girl, I’ve always wanted to try crocheting a bag with hemp yarn.  It’s not only a durable fiber but it comes in way cute colors. On a recent trip to a not-so-local yarn store I found some hemp yarn that was half hemp and half wool. It looked perfect for playing with. I tried to conceive of a brilliant design on which I could test the yarn, but I had nothing.

One day, the zipper on my wallet broke. I needed a replacement quick. With Valentine’s Day looming ahead I worked up a heart design and grabbed the hemp. You could say that for all my grand intentions the conception of this pouch was a little half-hearted.

• Hemp Yarn, (55% Hemp, 45% Wool, 200 yds/skein) 1 skein Black, 1 skein Red
• Size F/3.75 mm hook
• Small yarn needle
• Zipper

5" wide x 3.5" high

3.5 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch

When changing colors, always change the yarn when there are still two loops of the last single crochet stitch on the hook. Finish the last yarn over with the new color.

Always pick up the new color and drop the old color on the wrong side of the fabric.

Use one turning chain at the end of each row. The turning chain does not count as a stitch.

I’m so happy to be in Montana where little sheep are running free and being chased by wolves.  No, really! Except instead of wolves it is more like coyotes or mountain lions. The yarn I’ve used for this skirt is certified ‘predator friendly’ meaning that the farm is run with respect for all living things, not just the cute ones. You can read more about it at www.lambandwool.com. It’s certified organic too! I hope you’ll try ordering from them or poke around for a local homespun in your neck of the woods.

I’ve had a bit of culture (and temperature) shock since leaving Japan and I was bemoaning the nippy winds that prevent me from wearing my summer skirt collection during winter.  Cozy yarn to the rescue!  This overskirt is like putting on a sweater, just lower down.  Of a rather chunky weight, it is quick to work up on big hooks and just a little bit delicate with a Kid Silk Haze trim and a nice bell shape.  You can wear it over skirts or pants, depending on how weird you want to look.  Either way, you’ll be warm.  Plus the rhythm of crochet might help you realize where you are and that it is okay (at least it does for me).

• Thirteen Mile Yarn (A) 2 skeins at ~110yds/skein. The color is a natural chocolate brown that comes straight off the sheep. This is a ‘chunky’ weight yarn usually used with size 11 knitting needles.
• 1 ball of Rowan’s Kid Silk Haze (B) in Villian (25g per 229yds). You could substitute another lightweight yarn easily, in either a tonal or contrast color. The gauge isn’t crucial for the trim.  
• Hook sizes F/5 (4mm), and L/11 (8mm), M (9mm), N (10mm), and P (11.5mm)
• ¾”- to 2”-wide ribbon or other belting material, long enough to go around your low waist and tie in a friendly bow. The picture shows a 3/4"-wide knit belt that is 56" long.

Pattern as written has a 36-inch dropped waist that stretches to 42 inches and can be tightened to 32 inches without looking odd.  You can add or remove a pattern repeat to change size 3 inches at a time (details included in pattern).

10 stitches = 4in, 10cm; 10 rows = 4in, 10cm in single crochet with yarn A and 8mm hook.

• The turning chain does not count as a stitch unless indicated.
• Be sure to read the pattern all the way through before beginning.

Waistband

With 8mm hook and thick yarn (A), chain 7.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain and in each chain across.  Ch 1and turn.

Need practice seaming? Looking for something – anything – within your skill level that isn’t rectangular? Trying to find something to work on that you don’t have to think about? This attractive little pillow is just what you’ve been searching for. Simple shapes are sewn together to form a soft heart shape that makes a perfect accent for Valentine’s day – or any day that you want to say ‘I love you.’

I’ve also discovered that this pillow is the perfect size to wedge between your head and your shoulder if you’re trying to get some sleep in a sitting position. Make one for your favorite frequent flyer – now that’s love.

• Red Heart Super Saver (52 yds per ounce), 4 ½ oz Country Rose
• 5.00mm (size H/8) hook
• Fiberfill or stuffing
• Yarn needle

4 sts x 4 rows = 1” x 1”

Semicircle (make 4)

With Country Rose, ch 2.

Row 1: Make 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Work sc inc in each of the next 3 sts. (6 sc) Ch 1, turn.

It’s so easy to take the ones we love for granted. This autumn, my husband came home from the doctor’s with potentially scary news. All of a sudden, I realized that he might not always be there, healthy and energetic, my rock to rely on. Further medical investigations calmed our worries. But they did not suppress my urge to show him how much I love him. And how does a crocheter show her husband she loves him? By crocheting him something of course!

The result was this scarf in cashmere and wool. I crocheted in secret, and gave it to him for his birthday. And yes, he loves it.

• Yarn: Phildar Laine/Cachemire (65 yards/60 meters per 0.88 oz/25 grams), black 5 balls, grey 3 balls, red 2 balls (1 if you don’t make a fringe), off-white 1 ball.
• Hook: 5 mm (US H-8). A hook one size larger for the fringe.
• Notions: Piece of cardboard for fringe.

Excluding fringe: 9.5 x 52 inches / 24 x 132 cms

18 stitches and 23 rows = 4x4 inches/ 10x10 cm

This scarf is worked lengthwise. When crocheting the foundation chain, I suggest you place a marker in at least every 50th chain. This will save you time when counting.

In the pictures (and in real life), my husband wears the scarf folded double. Warm, comfortable and cozy! This is why you only see one of the two colour repeats that make up the width of the scarf.

The yarn I used can be hard to find in many countries. Please substitute at will, adapting number of stitches and number of rows. This stitch patterns lends itself to wonderful colourplay. Do experiment!

Stitch pattern: Granite stitch