Sunday, December 14, 2014

New Free Pattern: Sideways Stitch Mug Cozy (with video)


sideways stitch mug cozyIt's getting cold, and I'm drinking more hot beverages... One of these mug cozies decorates my cup and allows me to hold and sip it while it's still hot.

This project also showcases one of my favorite stitch patterns - the "Sideways" stitch! Which looks great with color changing yarn.

I'm getting the hang of video editing, and enjoying making these video patterns lately - there will likely be many more to come! This one was alot longer than the Heart videos, and took a lot more work! Phew. I hope someone enjoys it.

Video:
Written Instructions (PDF):  download now

Materials Required:
Yarn: Worsted Weight (Red Heart Super Saver color  Cherrycola was used in the vid)
Hook: E/ 3.5mm hk ( standard mug 80mm wide x 90mm tall), G/ 4mm hk (mug 95mm wide x 95mm tall)
Buttons: Two buttons, whatever you like.
A Mug (or someone with one to gift the cozy to)

More cozy samples:


The purple cozy was made using Red Heart Super Saver in the color Grape Fizz; The small brown cozy is made with Red Heart Super Saver in Coffee Fleck

Friday, December 12, 2014

Spiral Rose Heart - Free Crochet Pattern (with video)

Simple, quick and easy to make, this 3D swirly heart spirals out from the center like a rose. Makes a pretty applique for hats, bags, pillows, baby items, and more. Or a cute Valentine's gift! Only simple stitches are used (sc, hdc, sl st). Written instructions are posted below, as well as a video.


Materials: Yarn: worsted weight (small amount). Hook: G (or size of choice)
Definitions: FLO=Front Loops Only; BLO=Back Loops Only
Pattern:
1) Ch 2.
2) Make 6 sc in 2nd ch frm hk. (don't join - work in the round)
3) Sc FLO into ea st around (6 sc total)
4) Working into the same sts again, make 2 sc BLO in ea st around (12 sc total)
5) Working into the horizontal thread behind the sts made in step 4, make: Sc, hdc, sc in next (this is the bottom point of the heart); 2 sc in next; sc 1 + hdc 1 in next; hdc 1 + sc 1 in next. Ch 1, sl st into the horizontal thread behind the next st on the row below (on back near center of heart). (22 sts total from center of spiral to end, incl ch 1).
6) Ch 1, turn. Sc around to the bottom point of heart. Ch 1 at bottom point. Continue to sc around to the top of heart. Continue to sc around the spiral. Sl st into the last 2 sc in the center of the spiral.
7) End off (leave long tail for sewing). Pull the tail through the center of the heart to the back. Use it to sew the heart to something.
Video:

Feel free to make and use these hearts for anything you like. I always appreciate a link back to my site, http://HookCandy.com.
Enjoy! <3

Cool effect when adding another row of SC (from the center) with a smaller hk:
spiral rose heart with an extra row of sc
Heart: I hk. Extra row sc: G hk.