Plant Fiber
Happy Cat Candy
Author
Carey Huffman
Introduction
A week or so ago my lovely kitten Rogetts reminded me that every once in a while kitties need a new toy. Or they might riffle through your purse, steal you headphones out and pull the insulation off while leaving a big mess in at least 3 rooms of your house. Oh well I reward the little brat with a new set of toys made that day before she could find anything else to destroy.
I had been thinking about making toys for a while now and had been doing some research on the way the cats see and interact with the world. Cats do not see colors the same as people. Contrast and pattern are more important so I picked colors that contrasted with each other. I read that acrylic yarn taste bad to cats from some website of unknown credentials. But the idea stuck in my head and I have noticed that the cats only run off with wool and cotton. So they get cotton toys because it is so durable. Oh and the cats love to move there toys around so I topped it all off some monk cords on each end. The cats seem to love them. I am sure that catnip stuffing has something to do with it too.
Materials List
• Small amount of two colors of cotton sport weight yarn (the photos is show with saucy sport yarn and sinfonia)
• size c crochet hook, or the smallest size hook you can use with your yarn (you want the stitches to be very tight so the cat nip does not fall out)
• yarn needle
• cotton balls
• catnip
Finished Size
1 inch
Gauge
Gauge is not very important, just make sure that your stitches are tight enough to keep the catnip from falling out.
Notes
The Pattern
Daisy
Author
by Rachel Seeley Merrill
Introduction
This lacy summer skirt was inspired by a gorgeous vintage bedspread pattern. I would never have the patience to crochet hundreds of tiny little squares out of thread to make an entire bedspread, so I designed this skirt as a way to capture the beauty of those patterns in a less painful project. Granted, this is still not a project most could do in a weekend, say, but as you complete each square you get a little thrill of accomplishment to string you along. With a slip or hand-sewn liner, you can wear this beautiful skirt anywhere, or pull it on over your bathing suit for a sexy cover up. Either way, you'll look gorgeous on those hot summer nights.
Materials List
Approximately 6 (7, 8, 9) 123yds (112m) / 50g balls sport weight cotton. I used Paton's Bumblebee 100% cotton, Apple Blossom.- 3.75mm (US F-5) crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Pre-made slip, or ½ yd (46cm) white cotton fabric and 1 yd (91cm) elastic for lining
Finished Size
small (med, large, x-large)
Hips: 38” (40”, 42”, 44”) [96.5cm (1.02m, 1.07m, 1.12m)]
Length: top of zig zag - 19” (20”, 21”, 22”) [48.3cm (50.8cm, 53.3cm, 55.9cm)], bottom of zig zag - 24” (25”, 26”, 27”) [61.0cm (63.5cm, 66.0cm, 68.6cm)]
Ed. note: See comments at the bottom of this page for tips on how to adjust the pattern for smaller sizes.
Gauge
Daisy Square: 12 st = 4” (10cm)
Stretchy Square: 7 patterns and 12 rows = 4” (10cm)
Notes
The Pattern
Galaxy Top
Author
by Katy Westcott
Introduction
Edging patterns present us with the opportunity to transform a garment into something unique and extraordinary. The crocheter is free to decide how edgings will be placed when they are completed. It's fun to piece the elements together and watch them slowly grow into a lacy texture, like stars appearing in an evening sky.
I’ve always loved fancy lace edgings. I have updated the classic white cotton T-shirt by adding a lacy collar and bottom trim. The circle motifs recreate this shirt as more delicate, hip and beautiful. I named this the Galaxy Top because its crocheted motifs remind me of a cluster of stars.
Crochet thread is a great material to work with. It’s inexpensive. It’s small and easy to stuff into your travel bag. It will sometimes even get you a “wow” from someone observing how tiny your project is. Keep in mind that delicate crochet is also incredibly time consuming and will require some patience.
Materials List
- Mercerized cotton crochet thread, size 10. I used 1 ball in white made by Coats & Clark (325 yds / 297 meters).
- 3.25mm (size D-3) hook
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing needle that fits your cotton crochet thread
- Cotton T-shirt. It should be 100% cotton in order for it to have the same washing properties as your cotton crochet thread. Make sure it’s a T-shirt you like and that it's in good enough condition to justify spending a lot of time making pretty.
- Straight pins
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Dress form for shaping. (This is not absolutely necessary, but definitely helpful. I am thankful that I bought mine last summer at a yard sale!)
- Iron (optional)
Finished Size
I used a Medium T-shirt (size 10 from H&M).
Motif measurements are:
Small: 1 ½” (approx. 38mm)
Medium: 1 ¾” (approx. 44mm)
Large: 2” (approx. 51mm)
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this pattern. Sizing will vary with the size of your T-shirt. You will use the top half of your shirt as a template for your motifs. For smaller and larger T-shirts just adjust the amount of space between motifs.
Notes
A note of caution for beginners: This shirt is made by connecting circle motifs to the body of an existing shirt. There is a freeform aspect to connecting the motifs.
Washing instructions: This garment should be hand washed and dried flat.
Special Stitch:
Overcast stitch: Working over the edge of your shirt, insert threaded sewing needle into fabric and bring back through to the front. Keep the height of your stitches consistent and the tension even as you work your way around the shirt.
The Pattern
Circle Motifs
The top part of the shirt requires 40 rings: 23 small, 11 medium, and 6 large. The bottom trim of the shirt requires 20 rings: 13 small, 5 medium, and 2 large.
Two Traveling Bags
Author
by Chloe Nightingale
Introduction
Every year since I learned to crochet, I've made at least one of these bags, and although I'm always promising myself it will be the last one I make, I end up giving it to one of my friends (usually my sister, who must have a huge collection by now) and crocheting another one the next time I'm about to go traveling.
There are two bags in this pattern, the shoulder sling and the passport bag. The shoulder sling is one of those toss-everything-in-and-rummage-for-it-later bags, while the passport bag is designed to hold, well, a passport, travel documents, postcards, writing utensils, and maybe something small, like a tube of lipstick or your keys.
Materials List
For Shoulder Bag
- 420 m/460 yds of Patons 100% Cotton DK, or a similar yarn, such as Tivoli Cruise DK
- 3.75mm (US size F/5) hook
- 3.25mm (US D/3) hook for edging
- 12" x 24" material (to line the shoulder bag)
- Sewing needle
- Sewing thread
For Passport Bag
DMC Cebelia Crochet Cotton, size 20 (370 m/405 yds per 50 g), 1 skein, black. I know black isn't very summery, but I wanted to make a bag that would match my traveling clothes and since my traveling clothes consist of whatever I shoved into my bag at the last minute, black is a safe bet for me. Feel free to use whatever colour is the safest bet for you. Any size 20 thread can be substituted.- 1.50 mm (US size 8) steel hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- 280 – 450 seed beads (see Passport Bag instructions, below, for options)
- 5" x 14" material (to line the bag)
- cord for strap (optional)
- Sewing needle
- Sewing thread
Finished Size
Passport bag is 5" x 6.5"; shoulder bag is approximately 11" x 11" (will stretch if unlined). Strap length can be easily adjusted.
Gauge
Shoulder Bag: 18 sts x 19 rows of sc = 4" x 4" (10cm x 10cm)
Passport Bag: 46 sts x 25 rows of dc = 4" x 4" (10cm x 10cm)
Notes
The Pattern
Thirds
Author
by Annette Petavy
Introduction
This is a light scarf for spring that can also be used as a belt, tied at the hip. It is made up of triangular, rather unusal motifs. The beaded fringe adds a little glamour – and it looks great with jeans!
Materials List
- Yarn: Phildar Licorne (100% cotton, 120 m/131 yards per 50 g/1.75 oz ball), 2 balls colour Jacinthe
- Hook: 3.5 mm / US E-4
- Tapestry needle
- Beads for fringe. When purchasing beads, bring a needle threaded with the yarn to check that the hole in the bead is large enough.
Finished Size
Approximately 12 x 157 cm / 4 ¾ x 62 inches, excluding fringe. The scarf pictured is composed of 16 motifs.
Gauge
The side of a triangle measures 10 cm / 4 inches. Please note that gauge is not critical for this project.
Notes
Ch – chain
Sc – single crochet
Sl st – slip stitch
Dc – double crochet
St(s) – stitch(es)
The Pattern
Triangle motif
Start with a magic adjustable ring.
Half-Hearted Pouch
Author
by Julie Holetz
Introduction
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.
Materials List
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
Finished Size
5" wide x 3.5" high
Gauge
3.5 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch
Notes
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.
The Pattern
Mumsy
Author
by Meg Larned
Introduction
Like many a New Englander, my favorite season is fall. Chrysanthemums are the quintessential fall flower and remind me of my childhood in Connecticut -- waiting for the school bus, playing in fall leaf piles, and apple picking. Wear your mumsy on your favorite light-weight jacket (you know, the one that is too hot to wear in summer, and not warm enough in winter, but is PERFECT for the best season of the year) and bring autumn with you no matter where you live.
This pattern for a chrysanthemum broach is an excellent project for using up scrap yarn. Just substitute the yarn you have on hand and use an appropriately sized crochet hook.
Materials List
- Lily Sugar ‘n Cream (100% cotton; 120 yds/109m per 2.5 oz./70 g skein); color #00001 white; approximately 15 yds.
- US G6 / 4.00mm hook
- 1 safety pin
- tapestry needle
Finished Size
Gauge
Notes
US pattern notations used throughout:
Ch = chain
Sc = single crochet
Sl st = slip stitch
St(s) = stitch(es)
Hdc = half double crochet
Petals are done in three levels. By starting with the middle level of petals you can easily see where the back and front petals will be made.
The Pattern
Beaded Jute Basket
Author
by Donna Hulka
Introduction
If you’ve ever staked plants in your garden, chances are you have a spool of jute twine lying around the house. Put it to a fun, new use with this beaded basket. If you don’t have any jute, you’ll find what you need with a quick stop by the twine section of your local hardware store. While you’re there, take a look at some of the other twine available; you may just find yourself crocheting with alternative materials you never considered before.
Materials List
Finished Size
Approx 4½ inches diameter and 2 7/8 inches tall.
Gauge
Rounds 1-5 = 4¼ inches
Notes
US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
ch-1 sp(s) = chain 1 space(s)
flo = front loop only
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
Beads are sewn into the pattern with hemp cord after the basket is complete, not threaded onto the jute. Hemp jewelry cord is usually available in small quantities (about 10-yard bundles) at craft stores or anywhere jewelry-making supplies are sold. - Some jute has an odor reminiscent of fuel while other jute is virtually odorless except for a very light scent of natural fibers. Give it a good whiff before you buy it. If it smells bad, buy it elsewhere.
The Pattern
Basket
Make an adjustable ring by placing tail end behind working end of yarn, forming a loop.
Water's Edge Cover-up
Author
by Emily Nelson
Introduction
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, skipping rocks on the river, walking by the ocean, or relaxing on the lake, you’ll find that this swimsuit cover-up fits perfectly into the scene. Make one to match each of your swimsuits, and more to match your moods. One simply won’t be enough!
Materials List
- Hook, size H/8 (5.00mm) OR size needed to obtain gauge
- Worsted weight cotton (I used about 2.5 balls of Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream to make a size 32” with 23 pattern rows.)
- Two buttons, about 3/4” diameter
- 1 needle that will fit through the holes in your buttons
Finished Size
Gauge
4 sc per inch
Notes
When choosing a size, measure where you’d like the top of the cover-up to sit.
Sizes: 32” (34”, 36”, 38”, 40”, 42”)
US pattern conventions used
ch(s) = chain(s)
sc(s) = single crochet(s)
dc(s) = double crochet(s)
sk = skip
bet = between
The Pattern
Begin
Foundation: Chain 135 (144, 153, 162, 171, 180).
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 4. Turn.
Jellybean
Author
by Marjorie Brigham
Introduction
Crochet this colorful coin purse for your favorite little miss! Bead crocheted purse and strap, made in one piece with tubular construction and beaded single crochet stitch.
Materials List
|
Bead Type |
Size |
Color |
# Needed |
|
Seed |
6/0 “E” |
Red, rainbow |
800 |
|
Seed |
6/0 “E” |
Red, mixed shades |
500 |
- Size 3/2 perle cotton yarn, 100yds
- Size D, E or F hook (or size that gives you the correct gauge)
- 1 beading needle
- One decorative button
Finished Size
4” X 4 ¼” with a 30” strap
Gauge
37 beads per sq. inch
70 inches yarn per sq. inch
Notes
US Pattern Notation Used
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
PM = place marker
Beaded chain: Draw bead up tight to work, make a chain
Beaded slip stitch (bss): Insert hook in st, slide a bead up close, yo and pull though st. and loop on hook.
Beaded single crochet (bsc):
Insert crochet hook into top of stitch in previous row, yarn over and draw loop through; slide the bead up to the stitch being worked, yarn over and draw loop through both stitches on hook so that the bead is anchored above the stitch of the previous row.
Front bead single crochet, aka Reverse Bead Single Crochet (fbsc): (Beads that you have crocheted in on the previous row will now be facing you.) Push bead up as close to the hook as you can get it, hold on to bead with your thumb, insert hook OVER thread and into sc, thread over, (keep holding the bead), pull through, thread over pull through the two loops on hook. Bead should be in the front. Keep thread tension a little tight so the bead, this will force the bead to stay in place.
The Pattern
Summer Headscarf
Author
by Tiffany Roots
Introduction
Why not look your best in the heat of the summer? This easy cotton headscarf will keep you in style on those hot summer days.
Materials List
- Classic Elite Flash 100% Mercerized Cotton (93 yards per 50 grams), Cactus Flower, 1 hank (or equivalent yarn of your choice)
- Size H (5.00 mm) hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Finished Size
One size.
Gauge
Notes
US Pattern Notations Used
Ch = chain
Sc = single crochet
Sk = skip
St(s) = stitches
The Pattern
The Pattern
Ch 12.
Row 1: sc in 4th ch from hook (counts ch-3 space), [ch 3, sc in next ch, ch 3, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch] twice
Gone Wild Washcloth & Mini Messenger Bag
Author
by Tiffany Roots
Introduction
Even tough big boys need some special attention when they become big brothers. Put some bath crayons in a bag just for him, toss in a washcloth, and bath time will be a celebration of big brotherhood!
Materials List
Gone Wild Washcloth
-
Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn (2½ oz/70g per 120yd/109m), one ball each of (A) Red, (B) Bright Navy, (C) Yellow, and (D) Dark Pine, or colors of your choice
- Size H (5.00 mm) hook
- Yarn needle to weave in ends
Mini Messenger Bag
- Lily Sugar’n Cream (2 ½ oz/70 g per 120 yd/109 m), one ball of Dark Pine
- Size H (5.00 mm)
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Optional Velcro or button for closure
Finished Size
One size.
Gauge
Gauge is unimportant in this pattern.
Notes
US Pattern Notations UsedUS Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease)
sk = skip
st(s) = stitch(es)
The bag body is made in a spiral. If you would like, mark the first stitch of the row with a stitch marker to keep track of your row counts.
The Pattern
Begin Washcloth
With A, ch 30
Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc in each st across (29 sts)
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em - Cigar Case
Author
by Jo Anne Tracy
Introduction
Cigars are the traditional gift among, and for, new fathers. This little case will hold four or five full sized cigars. Made entirely with Tunisian stitch, the fabric for this case is solid and firm, but still flexible. The size can be easily altered by using more or less stitches/row, and increasing or decreasing the number of rows.
If you’re not a big tobacco fan, the case also nicely holds a small package of baby wipes.
You will need a Tunisian or Afghan crochet hook for this project. These long-handled hooks are available at most any place that sells yarn, but often in limited quantities. Occasionally a store will carry double-ended crochet hooks, and one of these works fine. Just wrap a rubber band around one of the ends so there is no confusion about which end of the hook is the working end. While it is possible to make the cigar case with a regular crochet hook because there are so few stitches with which to work, I don’t recommend it. Most crochet hooks have a flat area in the middle to secure and orient your grip. This flat area will distort the shape of the loops. Additionally, the relative shortness of the hook, compared to the longer-handled Tunisian hook, makes it uncomfortable to hold for this particular stitch. Tunisian hooks, on the other hand are smooth and round for the entire length of their long shanks. Likewise, hooks with unusually shaped or large, padded handles won’t do at all. For more information on Tunisian crochet, please see the tutorial appearing in this issue.
Materials List
- Lily Sugar’n Cream, 100% cotton (120 yds/109 m per 2.5oz/70.9g), 1 ball
- Tunisian or Afghan Hook size US size G (4.5 mm)
- Elastic band (such as a hair band)
Finished Size
Gauge
Notes
US pattern notations used
Tss = Tunisian simple stitch. See tutorial.
ch = chain
st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
The Pattern
Comfort Pack
Author
by Donna Hulka
Introduction
If you’ve never used one of these before, you’re in for a treat. Heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer, flax seed and lavender make a fantastically relaxing and comforting combination that soothes the body and mind. Use this pack on your back, neck, feet, or anywhere that could benefit from a little TLC.
You may be familiar with making hot/cold packs with rice. But trust me when I say you’ll thank me for urging you to try flax seed instead. Flax seeds hold heat better and have no odor. Rice smells like, well… rice! Flax seeds are also shiny and smooth, giving the pack a luxurious hand. They can be found at better grocery stores (try the bulk foods section) and health food stores.
And one more thing before we start. Do not fear your sewing machine! Yes, there is a little sewing involved in making one of these, but only three straight seams. Be brave and dig that lonely sewing machine out of the closet. Don’t have one? Try a friend or neighbor. I’m willing to bet you’ll find some crafty soul who’d gladly trade you the sewing work on a flax pack for a little crocheted something-or-other.
Materials List
- 100% cotton fabric, 9x17” piece (A colorful, inexpensive cotton bandana cut to size works nicely.)
- Sewing thread
- Flax seeds, 4 cups (about 24 ounces/680 grams)
- Lavender essential oil, dried lavender flowers, or essential oil of your choice (optional)
- 2 balls (2.5 oz/70.9 g each) Elmore-Pisgah Peaches and Creme or equivalent amount of worsted weight 100% cotton yarn (Note: Do not use synthetic yarn, as it may melt when heated)
- Size G/4.25mm hook or size needed to achieve gauge
- Stitch markers
Finished Size
8-inch (20.3 cm) square flax seed-filled fabric pack
8 x 9¼-inch (20.3 x 23.5cm) crocheted cover with four 1-inch (2.54cm) crocheted buttons
Gauge
18 st and 18 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in pattern stitch (seed stitch)
Notes
US pattern notations used
ch = chain
flo = front loop only
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
sc decr = single crochet decrease (see Note, below)
sl st = slip stitch
The fabric pack should be machine-sewn because flax seeds are very small and can easily work their way out of hand-sewn seams.
The rounds in this pattern are worked in a spiral, therefore you will not join at the end of a round. When indicated, you must use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch in a round because it is not otherwise possible to tell where the round began.
The front of a chain 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 (see chain stitch tutorial). I’ve suggested working into the back ridge of the foundation chain because it gives the beginning edge of the work a more finished look, identical in appearance to the final edge.
How to sc decr: insert hook in st indicated, pull up a loop, insert hook in next st, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through all three loops on hook
The Pattern
Fabric Pack
Starting with a 9x17” piece of fabric (Figure 1, dotted lines indicate seam allowance) fold in half, right sides together.
Spring Shells Washcloth & Bath Fizzy Bag
Author
by Tiffany Roots
Introduction
A washcloth and bag with a touch of spring make new big sisters feel special, too.
Materials List
- Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn (2 ½ oz/70 g per 120 yd/109 m), one ball each of (A) White, (B) Sunshine, and (C) Soft Violet.
- Size H (5.00 mm) hook
- Yarn needle to weave in ends
Finished Size
One size.
Gauge
Gauge is unimportant in this pattern.
Notes
US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sk = skip
st(s) = stitch(es)
Special Instructions:
When changing colors at the end of the row, drop the first color and do not cut. You will pick it up on the appropriate row/color change throughout the pattern. The edging will cover the excess yarn.
The Pattern
Begin
With A, ch 31
