O.F. Patterns and Tutorials

Garter Tab

2011-02-03T12:54:00.002-05:00

This is a photo tutorial I quickly put together of knitting a garter tab for a shawl. Sometimes I use a provisional cast on and many times I don't. In this tutorial, I did not use a provisional cast on. I hope this will help those new to knitting a garter tab. I'm planning to update this tutorial with photos of chunkier yarn. Remember: click each photo to see a full size image.

some changes to this site

2010-12-17T21:01:00.003-05:00

-just a note to let you know that this blog is transitioning to a Knitting/Crochet Patterns and Tutorials site. Also, there may be some future changes to formating, etc.

all patterns will soon be available as free downloads on Ravelry.

K- December 2010.

The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief

2010-05-24T13:27:00.003-04:00

Inspired by classic science fiction and steampunk, this triangular scarf/kerchief is an easy to knit, unisex accessory. All you need is 230 yards of DK weight yarn and size 8 US/ 5mm circular needles for knitting flat.

Download the free PDF on Ravelry HERE. If you are not a member of Ravelry, download here
Enjoy!

note: a correction has been made to the pattern. please click the link to download V2.

Lazy Daisy Shawlette

2010-04-24T21:10:00.002-04:00

Something that I have gotten hooked on this year is spinning with a drop spindle. After only a short period of frustration (learning curve ;) I suddenly 'got it' and I can say that I truly enjoy spinning my own yarn.

In the photos you seen the progression from fiber to knitted shawl. The 80/20 blend of BFL/Silk is from Pigeonroof Studios. I love all of Krista's beautiful colorways. This particular color is called Lazy Daisy. This handspun is special to me because it is the first large skein of yarn I spun with my spindle from an entire 4 oz. braid of fiber. I had to make something special with it; something that highlighted the yarn. This very simple shawlette is what seemed best. No lace or fancy stitches to take the focus away from the yarn, just lots of stockinette with only a touch of texture added near the end.

I made a PDF from my notes and have it available as a free download on Ravelry. If you are not a member of Ravelry, you can download here

Garter Rib Baby Blanket

2010-04-14T20:55:00.008-04:00

Hello! It's been a while since my last post. I'm still making lots of stuff, just not getting online much to post about it. Today I have a PDF pattern for you! This garter rib blanket is such an easy and enjoyable knit. I made it as a gift, dyeing some heavy dk weight merino specifically for the recipient. I love the soft purple, grey, and beige colors that almost look tweedy when knit. I ended up using just under 680 yards of yarn to make this 30"x32" blanket.

I decided to write up a pattern, even though it is so simple, because I think it would be a great project for the beginner knitter. For those of us who are experienced knitters, this is a nice break from complicated projects, making it perfect for working while watching tv or a movie :)

ETA 4/15/10: I have changed the link because of problems with Google Docs. Now download the free PDF pattern on Ravelry. If you are not a member of Ravelry, you can download now

*as always, if you spot any mistakes or need anything clarified, send me an email or leave a comment. Thanks! I hope you enjoy the pattern.

Simple Ribbed Cowl

2009-10-09T19:47:00.009-04:00

This is a quick and easy pattern for a very warm fall and winter accessory. The design includes a bit of detail to keep the attention of the experienced knitter, and simple instructions with helpful photos for the beginner. The cowl works up very quickly in a bulky yarn. The cowl is formed by folding the long knitted tube onto itself, revealing the raised, plait-like ribbing pattern.

If you look in any stitch dictionary, you will find instructions for twisted stitch ribbing and patterns. You can create elaborate raised stitch designs by twisting and traveling stitches across the knitting. For this cowl, one of the most basic ribbing patterns will be used: k3, p1tbl.

If you have not purled through the back loop before, take a look at the following photographs.

With the yarn in front: insert the needle, from back to front, into the back of the loop you will be purling.

Wrap the yarn around the needle and pull through, as you normally would, when making a purl stitch.

The completed p1tbl.

This is what the back side of the p1tbl looks like - a twisted knit stitch. The nice thing about the twisted stitch is that it appears well defined and remains tight and neat even when the ribbing is stretched.

Here is a look inside the tube of knitting. To wear the cowl, you fold down the tube and create the shape you like. Of course, you can also wear it with the opposite side facing out.

Simple Ribbed Cowl

materials:

approx. 160-180 yards bulky weight yarn

(1) 24 inch size 15 US/10mm circular needle for knitting in the round

darning needle

stitch marker

pattern:

k3, p1tbl across

* you can make this cowl any width you prefer, by casting on a number of stitches divisible by 4

gauge:

it isn't too important in this case, just be sure to use bulky yarn.

My gauge is 10 stitches and 14 rows/ 4 inches in the k3, p1tbl pattern, un-stretched.

instructions:

*Cast on 60 stitches and join for knitting in the round. Place a marker to denote the beginning of the round.

*TIP: I always cast on one extra stitch and then slide it over to the left needle. When I begin knitting, I knit the first two stitches together to get back to the correct number of stitches for the pattern. By using that extra stitch, a tighter and neater join is created.

Round 1: K3, p1tbl across

Repeat round 1 until the knitting measures approximately 12.5 inches from the cast on edge, or desired length.
Cast off loosely.
Weave in ends.

To wear, slip the tube over your head, with the raised knit stitches on the inside. Fold down the tube to reveal the pattern. Enjoy your new, very warm neck accessory!

Pattern is for personal use only. All images and text are protected by copyright.

Crocheted Flower

2008-08-29T22:55:00.006-04:00

A quick and easy crocheted flower. Use any gauge yarn and corresponding needle size.

To make the flower:
Chain 2, make 6 sc in second chain from hook
slip stitch into first sc
*(Chain 3, dc, sc) into same stitch, slip stitch into next sc
repeat from* 5 more times to create 6 petals
end

Crocheted Bag: Hexagon Stitch

2008-08-03T02:36:00.007-04:00

This little hand held bag took only a couple of hours to make. I used almost one 50 gram ball of Rowan 4 Ply Cotton yarn. That's about 170 meters. If you would like to try one, here is a quick rundown of what I did:
The Hexagonal Net Stitch:
Chain a multiple of 4 stitches+2
Row 1: Turn. Ch 8. Sk 1 ch of base ch, *dc, sk3 chs, ch4*; repeat from * to * across, ending with dc.
Row 2: Turn. Ch 8. *Dc over ch-4, ch4*; repeat from * to * across, ending with dc over tch (the turning chain).
Repeat Row 2.
For my bag, I chained 50. I worked the pattern until I had a rectangle that was approximately 22 inches long. To sew the side seams, I folded the bag and sc the sides together. I made 3-4 sc in each space. Once the side seams were completed, I turned the bag right sides out. To finish the top, I sc 4 rows around the upper edge. I decided to make little slit handles, so I determined how much of a space I needed for my hand, and marked the space with pins. Starting at one side seam, I single crocheted up to the first pin, chained 18, and sc from the second pin to the side seam. I continued without breaking the yarn on the other side. I worked another 4 rows of sc to complete the top. Finished.

this pattern copyright 2008 orangeflowersketchbook.blogspot.com
for personal use only

Crocheted Basket

2008-08-01T23:15:00.011-04:00

materials:
heavy cotton yarn, worsted weight
crochet hook, size I - or whichever is appropriate for the yarn
yarn needle
optional decorative yarns, buttons, etc.

This project is crocheted in a spiral formation. It is helpful to mark the first stitch on each row, in order to keep track of rows and stitches.

Round 1: make an adjustable ring with 6 sc. (or: ch2, 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook)
Round 2: make 2 sc in each sc = 12 sc
Round 3: sc in next sc, increase in next sc, repeat around = 18 sc
Round 4: *sc in next 2 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=24 sc
Round 5: *sc in next 3 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=30 sc
Round 6: *sc in next 4 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=36 sc
Round 7: *sc in next 5 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=42 sc
Round 8: *sc in next 6 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=48 sc
Round 9: *sc in next 7 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=54 sc
Round 10: *sc in next 8 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=60 sc
Round 11: *sc in next 9 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=66 sc
Round 12: *sc in next 10 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=72 sc
Round 13: *sc in next 11 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from*=78 sc
Round 14: sc in BACK LOOP of each sc around =78 sc
Rounds 15+ sc in each sc around until reaching desired height=78 sc
Top Fold: sc in FRONT LOOP of each stitch = 78 sc
Following rounds: sc in each stitch. Continue to desired length.
End. Hide yarn ends by weaving into fabric w/yarn needle.

OPTIONAL DETAILS:
*Create a decorative edge by crocheting w/ a contrasting yarn on the last row.
*Little handles are easy to make by creating strips of single crochet.
You may need to adjust the number of stitches and rows based upon your gauge and finished size of basket. This is how the green accent handles were made:
Chain 13
sc in second chain from hook, and each chain across = 12 sc
sc in each chain = 12 sc
end.
Add decorative hand embroidery to the strips, if desired.
Fold strip in half, overlapping ends. Tack securely onto opposite sides of basket.

Crocheted Mushroom, version 2

2008-08-01T19:16:00.014-04:00

About:
Another version, perhaps more realistic than version one, but just as cute.

This is an easy crochet pattern that requires very little yarn. The mushroom in the photo is made of both merino wool and acrylic yarn. The yarns are both worsted weight. Please note that a crochet hook that is smaller than the recommended size for worsted weight yarn was used (size F -3.75 mm) to create a very dense fabric.

A note about starting: This project is crocheted in a spiral formation. The magic ring or adjustable ring technique is a way to get the initial round very tight, with no center hole. If you are not familiar with this method, it is easy to find on the internet. Alternately, you could chain 3, slip stitch into the first chain, then sc 6 into the loop to create round one.

To keep track of your stitches in each row, you may like to place a stitch marker in your first stitch, after you complete it. When you crochet back around to meet it, you will know to stop before the marker.

materials:
red yarn
white yarn
crochet hook
yarn needle
polyfil
ribbon

The Stem:
Round 1: using the “adjustable ring” method and WHITE yarn
make 6 single crochet (sc) = 6 sc
Round 2: increase 1 sc in each sc. =12 sc
Round 3: *1 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from *. = 18 sc
Round 4: 1 sc in each sc. = 18 sc
Round 5: 1 sc in each sc. = 18 sc
Round 6: *1 sc, sc next 2 sc together (1 dec), repeat from*. = 12 sc
Round 7: 1 sc in each sc. = 12 sc
Round 8: 1 sc in each sc. = 12 sc
Round 9: 1 sc in each sc. = 12 sc
Round 10: 2 sc, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec, 2 sc. = 10 sc.
Round 11: 1 sc in each sc. = 10 sc
Round 12: *3 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from *, ending with 2 sc in last sc. = 25 sc
Round 13: 1 sc in each sc. = 25 sc
Round 14: *2 sc in next sc, 4 sc, repeat from *. = 30 sc
Round 15: 1 sc in each sc, join red in last sc.
Round 16: *2 sc in next sc, 4 sc, repeat from *. = 36 sc

slip stitch into next sc. Fasten off.
Stuff the stem.

The Cap:
Round 1: using the “adjustable ring” method and RED yarn
make 6 single crochet (sc) = 6 sc
Round 2: increase 1 sc in each sc. =12 sc
Round 3: *1 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from *. = 18 sc
Round 4: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from *. = 27 sc
Round 5: 1 sc in each sc. = 27 sc
Round 6: *2 sc in next sc, sc 2, repeat from *. = 36 sc
Round 7: *2 sc in next sc, sc 2, repeat from *. = 48 sc
Round 8: 1 sc in each sc. = 48 sc
Round 9: *sc 5, dec 1, repeat from *, ending with 6 sc. = 42 sc
fasten off.

Assemble the Mushroom:
Sew in ends. Working from the underside of the cap, sew the two pieces together with red yarn. Because the pieces have different numbers of stitches, you will need to adjust your stitching to compensate. Do this by picking up more of the cap in each stitch you make. The slight size difference helps insure that the top of the stem stays under the cap. Stuff the cap as firmly as desired, however, too much stuffing will distort the shape. Using white yarn, sew spots on the mushroom using french knots, single straight stitches, or even cross stitches. Sew in all the ends. Finally, attach a ribbon or cord to the top of the mushroom. Finished!

Crocheted Mushroom, version 1

2008-07-31T16:46:00.013-04:00

A cute and chubby little mushroom, inspired by vintage pressed cotton mushrooms.
materials:
small amounts of dk or worsted weight yarn in red and white
crochet hook
polyfill or yarn scraps
yarn needle

key:
sc = single crochet
increase = make 2 sc in the same stitch
decrease = sc two stitches together
option - instead of the adjustable ring, chain 3, slip stitch together to make loop and make 6 sc in center of loop to complete Row 1.

Row 1: 6 single crochet using the adjustable ring technique with white yarn
Row 2: 2 sc in each sc = 12sc
Row 3: *1 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from *= 18 sc
Row 4-7: 1 sc in each sc = 18 sc
Row 8: *1 sc, 1 decrease, repeat from * = 12 sc
Row 9: 1 sc in each sc, joining red in last sc = 12 sc
Row 10: 2 sc in each sc = 24 sc
Row 11: 1 sc in each sc = 24 sc
Row 12: *3 sc, increase 1 sc, repeat from * = 30 sc
Row 13: 1 sc in each sc = 30 sc
Row 14: *3 sc, decrease 1 sc, repeat from * = 24 sc
Row 15: 1 sc in each sc = 24 sc
Row 16: *2 sc, decrease 1 sc, repeat from * = 18 sc
Row 17: *1 sc, decrease 1 sc, repeat from * = 12 sc
Row 18: decrease 6 sc by crocheting 2 sc together around = 6 sc

Cut yarn leaving a tail, pull end through last loop on hook to secure.
Stuff mushroom with polyfill or yarn scraps.
Weave yarn end through last 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Tack closed.
Using white yarn, make french knots or take running stitches to decorate mushroom cap.
Attach a ribbon for hanging, if desired.

Check out Crocheted Mushroom, version 2