Between My Fingers – My Creative Journey

Hug for Janice Shawl – Free Crochet Pattern

November 24, 2015 By: Sharon Frazier15 Comments

Hug for Janice Shawl – Free Crochet Pattern

I wanted to make something beautiful for my Sweetie’s Aunt Janice and thought a shawl would be perfect. She lives in the mountains of Virginia, and even when you’re inside this time of year, you can get chilled. I also loved the idea of a prayer shawl or comfort shawl. It all begins with the crocheter…thinking of the person you’re making it for, sending prayers, blessings or positive energy. Then you give it with love, and the receiver feels that love every time she wraps it around her shoulders! She can use it as prayer or meditation aid, a reminder that she’s loved and treasured, or just as a plain shawl to keep her warm! I decided on a rectangular shape so that it’s totally versatile and doesn’t get tangled when she moves around.

Hug for Janice Shawl – Free crochet pattern from Between My Fingers

Hug for Janice Prayer Shawl by Between My Fingers

This shawl uses a very common stitch pattern called the Tulip stitch. The rhythm (3 chains, 3 double crochets) is very meditative! This is perfect for letting your mind focus on the person you’re making it for as your hands do the work! Now every time she wraps it around her shoulders, it’s like she’s getting a great big hug from my Sweetie and me!

This pattern can easily be adapted to a smaller or larger wrap, a scarf or even a blanket. Just follow the chain instructions below to alter the width.

I’m not crazy about a straight edge on a shawl or blanket, so I added a border of tulip stitch all the way around. It gives the finished product a nice, lacy edge.

Janice – Miss Bituminous 1945

Here at Between My Fingers, we don’t have a big budget for models, but for this post, we were fortunate enough to have a celebrity model this shawl! Janice was crowned Miss Bituminous in 1945 when she was 18 years old. I think you’ll agree that she looks just as pretty today as she did back then!

Hug for Janice – The Smile Says it All!

What You’ll Need:

825 yards of dk weight yarn. I used Cascade Ultra Pima in teal. You can definitely make this shorter and use 3 skeins.
Crochet Hook Size H (5.0 mm)
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Gauge

4 ¼ clusters and 7 rows = 4”
My finished project measured 70” long and 17” wide

Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sk = skip
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sts = stitches
ss = slip stitch

Pattern

If you have any questions about the pattern, take a look at the Hug for Janice Tutorial

Ch 73 (If you’d like to change the width, chain a multiple of 4 + 5)

Row 1 – 3 dc in 5^th ch from hook. Sk 3 ch. 1 sc in next ch. *Ch 3, 3 dc in same ch as sc, sk 3 ch, 1 sc in next ch* Repeat to end. Turn
Row 2 – ch 4. 3 dc in 1^st ch of ch 4. *Sk 3 dc; (1 sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch 3 space.* Repeat to end. Work a sc in ch-4 space. Turn.
Rows 3 – 120 – Repeat row 2
Border
- At end of last row do not turn. (ch 3, 3 dc, sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same st as last sc. *(sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in each ch-space along the edge. * Sk sts between ch-spaces. Repeat along edge.
- In last ch-space on side, place 2 clusters by (sc, ch 3, 3 dc, sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in last ch-space.
- *(sc, ch 3, 3 dc)* in each unused loop of beginning ch. In last unused loop, place 2 clusters by (sc, ch 3, 3 dc, sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in last unused loop.
- *(sc, ch 3, 3 dc)* in each ch-space along side, sk sts between ch- spaces. Repeat along edge.
- Finish by placing (sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same st as first cluster on last full row of shawl. ss to bottom of ch in that first st to complete round.

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Block as needed. With this yarn, I didn’t even need to block it! Bonus!!!

Please post your projects on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

Mandala Sachet or Pin Cushion – Free Crochet Pattern

November 19, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Mandala Sachet and Pin Cushion – Free Crochet Pattern

You’re invited to a friend’s house for dinner and you want to take a handmade gift. Or you’ve spent your Christmas budget, but you haven’t crossed everyone off the list. This pattern is for you! It’s a great stash-buster using little scraps of worsted weight yarn.

And the best news of all…it took me about 1 ½ hours to make each one. Maybe less!

Tea Cup Pin Cushion and Mandala Pin Cushion

I love pin cushions! Here’s one of my favorites made with a teacup from my Mother-In-Law. I’ve been meaning to make a crocheted one to go with it, but never got around to it. Then one rainy afternoon…

In terms of stuffing these, for the pin cushion I used a combination of dried beans and polyfill stuffing. I stuff these into a piece of ladies’ hose from the dollar store. The beans give the pin cushion just a little bit of weight so it stays put when you’re pulling pins out of it. I’ve also heard that some people stuff them with steel wool to keep the pins sharp, but I didn’t have any of that.

Use rice and a few drops of essential oils. Tie ends of ladies’ hose.

For the sachet, I used ¼ cup rice with 8 drops of essential oil. Then I let it sit for an hour or so to dry. Then I stuffed the hose the same way that I did the pin cushion, but used rice only for this one. This smells terrific and is a great way to freshen up your clothes that are stuffed into drawers!

This project starts with a magic ring. You can always start with a chain 3, slip stitch to join, and then crochet inside the loop you just made. However, I think the magic ring gives a much prettier appearance since it closes the hole in the middle. If you want to learn how to do this, here is my favorite video.

What You’ll Need:

Scraps of worsted weight yarn. I used Valley Yarns Goshen. I really love this yarn so I keep a ton of colors around for quick projects!
Crochet hook size F (3.75 mm). I used a small hook for the yarn so it creates a dense fabric.
Women’s hose (I got mine at the dollar store)
Stuffing – polyfill, dried beans, steel wool, or rice with essential oils. I used Aura Cacia Lavender that I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Gauge

Not important for this project
The larger one measure 5” across and the smaller one is 4”. You can make it larger or smaller by varying the yarn weight or hook size

Special Stitches

DC Cluster = *YO, insert hook into st, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops* Repeat 2 more times (4 loops on hook). YO and pull through all 4 loops.

Abbreviations

YO = yarn over
mr = magic ring
dc = double crochet
ss = slip stitch
ch = chain
st = stitch
sp – space
sc – single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sk = skip

Pattern for Smaller Sachet

Front

Round 1 – Make a mr. 12 dc inside. ss to 1^st dc to join. Cut yarn.
Round 2 – Join next color with a ss to any dc. ch 2. *dc cluster, ch 1* into each st. (See special stitches above). Join with ss to first cluster. (12 clusters) Cut yarn.
Round 3 –Join next color with a ss to any dc. Ch 3, 3 dc in same st. 4 dc in each dc around – skipping all sc. ss to top of ch-3. (12 4-dc clusters) Cut yarn.
Weave in ends.

Back – work entire back in same color as round 4 above

Round 1 –Make a mr, 12 dc inside. ss to 1^st
Round 2 – ch 3, 2 dc in same st and each st around ss to 1^st dc skipping the ch-3. (24 dc)
Round 3 – ch 3, 2 dc in each st around. ss to 1^st dc skipping the ch3. (48 dc) Do not cut yarn. Continue to join.

Joining

Hold 2 pieces together with right sides facing out.
Join to 2 pieces – ch1. Insert hook first into same dc on back that you just made your ss into. Then insert your hook into any dc on front of sachet. Sc 2 stitches together. Continue to sc 2 pieces together until you have 10 st left.
Fill a piece of the hose with stuffing. Tie to seal. Stuff it into the sachet.
Continue to sc 2 pieces together.

Border – Use any contrasting color

Join new color with a ss to any sc. Ch 1. *(sc, ch 3, sc) into same st. ch 3, sk 2 st* Repeat around. ss to first sc. Cut yarn.

Weave in ends.

Great stash buster project!

Pattern for Larger Sachet

Front

Round 1 – Make a mr. 12 dc inside. ss to 1^st dc to join. Cut yarn.
Round 2 – Join next color with a ss to any dc. ch 2. *dc cluster, ch 1* into each st. (See special stitches above). Join with ss to first cluster. (12 clusters) Cut yarn.
Round 3 – Join next color with a ss to ch-1 sp. Ch 1, *(sc, dc, sc)* in each ch 1 sp around – skipping clusters. ss to 1^st (12 (sc, dc, sc) groups). Cut yarn.
Round 4 – Join next color with a ss to any dc. Ch 3, 3 dc in same st. 4 dc in each dc around – skipping all sc. ss to top of ch-3. (12 4-dc clusters) Cut yarn.
Finish off. Weave in ends.

Back – work entire back in same color as round 4 above

Round 1 –Make a mr, 12 dc inside. ss to 1^st
Round 2 – ch 3, 2 dc in same st and each st around ss to 1^st dc skipping the ch-3. (24 dc)
Round 3 – ch 3, 2 dc in same st. 1 dc in next. *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next* Repeat around. ss to 1^st dc skipping the ch3. (36 dc)
Round 4 – ch 2, 2 hdc in 1^st 1 hdc in next 2 st. *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 st.* Repeat around. ss to 1^st hdc skipping the ch2. (48 hdc) Do not cut yarn. Continue to join.

Joining

Hold 2 pieces together with right sides facing out.
Join to 2 pieces – ch1. Insert hook first into same hdc on back that you just made your ss into. Then insert your hook into any dc on front of sachet. Sc 2 stitches together. Continue to sc 2 pieces together until you have 10 st left.
Fill a piece of the hose with stuffing. Tie to seal. Stuff it into the sachet.
Continue to sc 2 pieces together.

Border – Use any contrasting color

Join new color with a ss to any sc. Ch 1. *(sc, ch 3, sc) into same st. ch 3, sk 2 st* Repeat around. ss to first sc. Cut yarn.

Please post your projects on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

World’s Easiest Fingerless Gloves – Free Knitting Pattern

November 19, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

World’s Easiest Fingerless Gloves – Free Knitting Pattern

Texting gloves. Wristers. Fingerless Gloves. Whatever you call them, they’re pretty, functional and fashionable! As I’ve written before, I am a very beginner knitter. But I love to practice and actually finish a project in an afternoon.

So here is a project that even a beginner can do in just a couple of hours. They also match my 1-1 Knitted Cowl and I made them using the yarn I had left over from the cowls, making this project an excellent stash buster!

Free Knitting Pattern

What You’ll Need:

70 yards of worsted weight yarn. I used Cascade Eco Duo and Cascade Pure Alpaca .
US Size 8 Knitting Needles
Yarn Needle to sew together and weave in ends

Gauge

4” = 17 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch
Finished gloves measure 7” long and 3” across
I made the natural colored ones a bit smaller because I have small hands and wanted these to fit a little tight

Abbreviations

CO = cast on
K = knit
P = purl
BO = bind off

Pattern

CO – 32 using long-tail cast on. If you’d like to make these bigger or smaller, make sure you’re number of stitches are divisible by 4. I made the smaller ones with a CO of 28 stitches. Men’s gloves could be done with a CO of 40 stitches.
Row 1 – K2, P2. Repeat around.
Row 2-6 – Repeat round 1
Row 7 – Stockinette stitch. (K every stitch)
Row 8 – Stockinette stitch. (P every stitch)
Repeat rows 7 and 8 – until stockinette stitch measures 7” (about 30 rows)
Last 6 rows – K2, P2. Repeat around
BO loosely.
Sew ends together using mattress stitch. I like this video to explain mattress stitch.
You can start sewing at the edge that will be on your wrist. Sew together for 3” and then secure ends and weave them in. Then go to the top edge that will be around your knuckles. Sew 1 ½ – 2 “. This will leave a 2 – 2 ½ inch opening for your thumb.

That’s it! It’s the world’s easiest knitted gloves!

Stashbuster Fingerless Gloves

Please post your gloves on Ravelry or email me a copy so I can see what you’ve done!

1-1 Neck Warmer with a Twist! 1 Skein. 1 Afternoon. Free crochet pattern.

November 11, 2015 By: Sharon Frazier3 Comments

1 Skein. 1 Afternoon. Free crochet pattern.

This neck warmer has an interesting construction technique. It’s twisted in the first row and then you just keep crocheting in an infinity pattern. No turning. No seams. Just round and round. That makes it work up very quickly. Like my other 1-1 patterns, you can make it this afternoon and give it as a gift tonight!

This is a Mobius scarf. Check out the properties on Wikipedia. The easiest way to explain how you’ll be crocheting this is take a strip of paper and give it a half twist so the top of one end connects to the bottom of the other.

Now draw a line down the center of the strip…just keep going. Eventually you will come back to your starting position, having drawn your line all the way around on both sides of the paper. Cool, huh?

That’s how you’ll be crocheting this neckwarmer. All along the edges without turning. Your starting chain will end up in the center of your scarf.

You’ll be starting with a foundation single crochet. If you haven’t done this before,here is a video on how to do it. I really like using foundation single crochet stitches on a cowl or neck warmer because it’s easier to join without getting it all twisted!

I added the contrasting color along the border to show off the Mobius design. The neck warmer looks great without it, but I think the border makes it more interesting!

What You’ll Need:

140 yards of worsted weight yarn. I used Cascade Avalon.
A small amount of a contrasting yarn if you’d like to add the border
A Button
Crochet Hook Size J (6.0 mm)
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Gauge

3 1/2 clusters and 10 rows = 4”
My finished project measured 7” tall by 10” wide (20” circumference)

Abbreviations

fsc = foundation single crochet
ss = slip stitch
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sk = skip
sp = space

Pattern

Fsc 80. If you’d like to change the width of the neck warmer, fsc a multiple of 4
Straighten chain, and make a ½ twist connecting the top of one end with the bottom of the other. Join with a ss.
Round 1 – ch 1. 2 sc in same st as ss. ch 2, 2 sc in next st. *sk 2 st, 2 sc in next. ch 2, 2 sc in next st.* Repeat all the way around. When you get to the beginning, continue on other side of fsc.
Round 2 – (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in each ch-2 sp. Continue around.
Round 3 – 7 – Repeat round 2
At end of round 7 ss to 1^st sc in next group. Join contrasting color with ss to any sc.
Border round 1 – ch 1. sc in each sc and each ch around. ss to 1^st
Border round 2 – Repeat border round 1

Finish off. Weave in ends. Sew on button.

1 Skein. 1 Afternoon. Free crochet pattern.

Please post your projects on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

1-1 Knitted Cowl – One Skein. One Day. World’s Easiest Knitted Cowl!

November 1, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

1 Skein. 1 Day. Worlds Easiest Knitted Cowl. Free Pattern.

Beginner knitting pattern. 1 Skein. 1 Day.

This is a great project for a beginner and an easy handmade gift if you can knit at all!

I am new to knitting, and I am s-l-o-w! The natural colored cowl took me one day and the blue one took me a weekend, but they’re both probably afternoon projects for anyone else!

I’m always seeking projects that offer instant gratification but still look great. Scarves take me too long to knit because I am so slow. So I decided to make the world’s easiest knitted cowl. If you know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off, you’re ready to make this!

I like the 2-by-2 rib at the top and bottom to give the cowl a little structure. Then you just keep knitting round a round for the body of the cowl. I changed needle sizes halfway through so my cowl has a very slight bell shape. This makes it lay nice and flat when I’m wearing it. I also used needles that are a bit on the big side so the cowls have a really nice drape.

What You’ll Need:

115-160 yards aran or worsted weight yarn. I used 114 yards of Cascade Eco Duo for the natural one, and 155 yards of Cascade Pure Alpaca for the blue one.
US Size 10 and 10.5 24” circular needles
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Gauge

15 stitches and 22 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch
My finished project measured approximately:
- Smaller cowl = 9-10 inches wide (18-20 inches in circumference) and 10 inches long
- Longer cowl = 9-10 inches wide (18-20 inches in circumference) and 13 inches long

Abbreviations

CO = cast on
PM = place marker
K = knit
P = purl
BO = bind off

Pattern

Using larger needles, CO – 76 using long-tail cast on. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist stitches. PM to mark beginning of round.

Round 1 – K2, P2. Repeat around.
Round 2 – 10 – Repeat round 1
Round 11 – K every stitch
Repeat round 11 for 3” of stockinette stitch for shorter cowl & 4 1/2” of stockinette stitch for longer cowl
Change to smaller needles
Continue to K every stitch until cowl measures 6” of stockinette stitch for shorter cowl & 9” for longer cowl
Last 10 rows – K2, P2. Repeat around.
BO loosely.
Weave in ends

That’s it! It’s the world’s easiest knitted scarf!

Please post your cowl on Ravelry or email me a copy so I can see what you’ve done!

Here’s a more recent example!

A gift for friends in Paris!

Manly Scarf – Free Crochet Pattern

October 23, 2015 By: Sharon Frazier6 Comments

Easy crocheted scarf for men. Free Pattern

Simple men’s scarf – free crochet pattern.

Makes a nice ladies scarf as well!

I really struggle with making Men’s scarves. Knitted ones are beautiful, but I am the world’s slowest knitter, so it would take me FOREVER to knit a nice long scarf that he could wrap around his neck a couple of times! I’m a fast crocheter, but so many stitches are more suited to women, with shells and lace. Sounds like a challenge!

First step is buying beautiful yarn. This Shepherd’s Wool from Stonehedge Fiber is perfect! I chose the Granite color, but it had a few flecks of white and dark gray/black in it to give it some depth. It’s also incredibly soft!

Shepherd’s Wool by Stonehenge Fiber Mill

And I chose a stitch pattern that alternates half double crochets in the front loop and back loop of the previous row. This creates a light, airy fabric that is hard to tell if it’s knitted or crocheted! I could have finished it off there, but decided that a few rows of single crochet would make it more interesting.

What You’ll Need:

400 yards of worsted weight yarn. I used Shepherd’s Wool from Stonehedge Fiber – 2 skeins
Crochet Hook Size I (5.5 mm)
Yarn Needle to weave in ends
Stitch markers

Gauge

Not important for this project
My finished project measured 78” long and 7” wide

Abbreviations

ch = chain
hdc = half-double crochet
st = stich
BLO = back loop only
FLO = front loop only
sc = single crochet
pm = place marker
ss = slip stitch

Pattern

Ch 25

Row 1 – hdc in 3^rd ch from hook (ch counts as 1 hdc) and in each ch across (23 st)
Row 2 – ch 2 (counts as 1 hdc) *hdc BLO on next st; hdc FLO on next st * . Repeat to last 2 st. HDC in BLO of last st. HDC in top of turning ch (23 st)
Repeat row 2 until scarf measures 75” long

Border – You will be continuing around the scarf and placing a marker in the middle st of each corner.

I like placing the markers in each corner, so I can easily count stitches. It’s okay if you have a different number of stitches on the sides than I do. Just make sure that both sides of your scarf have the same number

Round 1 – ch 1, turn. 3 sc in 1^st st. PM in 2^nd st of 3 st group you just made. 1 sc in each st across. 3 sc in ch 2. PM in middle st of 3 sc group you just made. (23 st between markers.) Sc 288 st evenly down side, 3 sc in corner. PM in middle st. Sc in unused loop of starting ch, 3 sc in corner. PM in middle st. Sc288 st evenly up side. Ss to 1^st sc to join.
Round 2 – ch 1. Sc in 1^st *3 sc in each st with marker. Sc in each st*. Repeat around. Move markers to center st in each corner
Round 3 – Repeat round 2

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Block as needed. I lightly blocked mine to open up the stitches and ensure the scarf was even.

Special thanks to my handsome model, Gary!

As always, please post your projects on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

Reflective Wristers – Free Crochet Pattern

September 25, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Free Pattern

As the days are getting shorter and Trick-or-Treat is coming up, I thought I’d make something for the kids in my life out of Red Heart Reflective yarn.

I took a look on Ravelry and found a ton of really cute projects, but there was one problem with them. It’s not that cold in Virginia Beach! This yarn is thick and warm. So if I made a hat, scarf or fingerless gloves out of it, the kids wouldn’t be able to really wear them until December or January.

The solution…15 minute Wristers! These work up super fast.

Here’s a picture without a flash…

Reflective Wristers without a flash

And here’s what it looks like when light hits the yarn! Wow!

Reflective Wristers using flash

If you’re a beginner, you also get to learn 2 new skills: the foundation single crochet and front-post double crochet!

My favorite Youtube video for foundation single crochet is here.

And here’s one on front-post double crochet.

Don’t worry…they’re both easy!

What You’ll Need:

1 Skein of Red Heart Reflective yarn (You’ll only use about ¼ of a skein on each set)
Crochet Hook Size I (5.5)
Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

In double crochet, 4” = 11 stitches & 6 rows

Sizes

Children’s = 7” wide to fit 14” wrist & get over hand
Women’s & older kids = 7 ½” wide
Men’s = 16% wide

Abbreviations

fsc = foundation single crochet
dc = double crochet
fpdc = front-post double crochet
st = stich
sc = single crochet
ss = slip stitch

Pattern – In kids’ size with women’s and men’s following

Row 1 – 16 (18, 20) fsc. Ss to top of 1^st st being careful not to twist
Round 2 – ch 3 (counts as DC here and throughout). DC in next st and each st around. Join with ss to top of ch3. (16 (18, 20) DC)
Round 3 – ch 1, sc in same st. FPDC in next st. *sc in next st, FPDC in next st* Repeat around. Join with ss to 1^st
Round 4 & 5 – Repeat round 3
Round 6 – ch 1, sc in same st and each st around. ss to 1^st (16 (18, 20) sc)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

As always, please post your baby blankets on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

CGOA Masters Program

September 25, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

When I decided to start blogging about crocheting, I was concerned that I would pass on inaccurate information because I had never taken a formal crochet class. My Grandmother originally taught me, and I’ve expanding my skills by reading and watching Youtube videos. I’ve found drastically different ways to do the same thing. Which way is right? Are they all acceptable?

So I decided to remedy this by attending the Crochet Guild of America’s Conference and by entering their Masters Program. The conference was held in July, and it was terrific! I met designers and took classes like Crochet Pattern Writing School, Design Your Own Crochet Stitch Pattern, and Creative Crochet Lace Shawl. I loved the conference and learned so much!

But the Masters Program was even better! I enrolled in CGOA’s Masters of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program in January. They sent me detailed instructions to create swatches, which once completed, were reviewed by two Masters. The material covered a wide variety of crochet techniques including starting chains, gauge, special stitches, motifs and edgings. The feedback that I received was fabulous! I learned so much!!!!

I recently was notified that I passed, and I have received the CGOA Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques Certification!!! I am thrilled to have completed the program, and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to expand their crochet skills!

Click here if you’d like to learn more.

Cluster & Shell Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern

September 20, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Cluster & Shell baby blanket – Free Crochet Pattern

My niece gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, and I wanted to make something special for her. I decided to create a blanket with a nice texture using easy 3-stitch clusters. Then I finished it off with a few rows of single crochet using the back loop only so the edge really stands out. Finally, I made an open row to weave a pretty ribbon through and soft shells around the edge. I really like it because you can remove the ribbon and wash it easily or change the ribbon for a whole new look!

Cluster & Shell baby blanket

When I start on the edge, I like to use stitch markers to marker the corners. Then I move them when I finish each side. This helps me keep track of where the corners are so my blanket is nice and square. It also helps to ensure that I have the right number of stitches so the shells are uniform around the edge.

Cluster & Shell baby blanket

What You’ll Need:

1000 yards of Worsted weight yarn. I used Berroco Weekend in White
Crochet Hook Size H (5.0)
7 yards of Ribbon – 5/8 inch wide
Fray Check – If you’re not familiar with this product, click Here to learn more
Stitch markers

Gauge

Not important for this project

Abbreviations

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half-double crochet
dc = double crochet
st = stich
sp = space
pm = place marker
sk = skip
ss = slip stitch
blo = back loop only

Special Stiches

3-Stitch Cluster = (sc, hdc, dc) in indicated stitch

Pattern

Ch 102

Row 1 – 1 sc in 2^nd ch from hook and each ch across (101 stitches)
Row 2 – Ch 2 & turn. 1 hdc in 1^st st. *3-Stitch Cluster in next st. Sk 2 sts* Repeat across. Hdc in last st. (33 3-Sitch Clusters + 1 hdc at beginning & end)
Rows 3 -70 – Repeat row 2

At this point, my blanket measured 26” wide by 28” long

Pm in 3 corners that are not where you are currently working. You’ll place the marker in the corner where you’re working in just a minute!

Border Round 1 – Ch 1 & turn. 2 sc in hdc. Pm in 1^st sc. 1 sc in each st to marker. 3 sc in st with marker. PM in center st of 3-sc group you just made. (101 sts between markers)

Do not turn – continue down side. Sc 103 st evenly along edge, ending with 3 sc in st with marker. PM in center st of 3-sc group you just made. (105 sts between markers)

Continue down 1^st row – sc in each st to marker. 3 sc in st with marker. Pm in center st of 3-sc group you just made. (101 sts between markers)

Continue up last side – sc 103 st evenly along edge, ending with 1 sc in first corner. Ss to st with marker in it. (105 sts between markers)

Border Round 2 – WORK ALL ST IN THIS ROUND IN BLO (BACK LOOP ONLY) Ch 1. 3 sc in BLO of st with marker. Move marker to center st. SC in each st around with 3 sc in each corner. Move markers as you go. You will end up with 103 sts between markers on the top & bottom and 107 sts between markers on the sides). Ss to 1^st

Border Round 3 – ss into marked corner. (ch 5, tc, ch 1, tc) into corner. *sk 1 st; ch 1, tc* across to marked corner. In corner st – (ch 1, tc, ch 1, tc, ch 1, tc). Continue *sk 1, ch 1, tc* around with (ch 1, tc, ch 1, tc, ch 1, tc) in each corner. Ss to 4^th ch of beginning ch 5. PM in center TC in each corner. (3 TC in each corner. 51 TC across top & bottom. 53 TC across side)

Border Round 4 – ch 1, sc in 1^st Sc in ch-1 sp. *sc in tc, sc in ch 1 sp* Repeat to marked corner. 3 sc in st with marker. Repeat pattern around, ending with ss to 1^st sc. PM in center sc in each 3-sc group you just made. (109 sts between markers on top & bottom and 113 sts between markers on sides)

Border Round 5 – WORK ALL ST IN THIS ROUND IN BLO (BACK LOOP ONLY) ss into next 3 sts ending in marked corner. Ch 1, 3 sc in BLO of marked st. sc in BLO of each st across putting 3 in each corner and moving markers to center st as you go. Ss to 1^st sc (111 sts between markers on top & bottom and 115 sts between markers on sides)

Border Round 6 (Shells)– ss into corner st with marker. (Ch 3, 4 DC) into same st. *Sk 1 st, sc into next st, sk 1 st, 5 dc into next st* all the way around. You should have a shell in each marked corner st. ss to top of ch 3.

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Weave ribbon through open spaces. Paint ends of ribbon with fray check.

As always, please post your baby blankets on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

Clusters & Shells baby blanket

It’s Crochet Time! Mandala Clock or Hotplate

September 13, 2015 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Crochet Time – Mandala Clock

I’m lucky enough to have a whole room dedicated to crafts! Okay…my treadmill is also in there, and it’s a small room, but I LOVE it!!! I used a couple of old cupboards to hold all my stuff, and when I’m ready to start a new project I just go in and take a look until I get inspiration. My bulletin board helps me organize ideas and things I want to try.

I wanted a clock for the room because time definitely gets away from me when I’m. . . working, but I wanted the clock to be reflective of my crafts so I decided to crochet it!

I created a Mandala design. This pattern can also be used for a doily or hotplate or even a wall hanging.

It’s Crochet Time – Mandala Hotplate

A Mandala is a geometric figure that represents the universe. It’s meaning is “circle”, and it often has a certain balance that symbolizes harmony and unity. Many people use a mandala as a meditation aid so that it serves as a tool for a spiritual journey. The design is meant to be visually appealing so the analytical mind quiets and the creative mind soars! So imagine not just looking at a mandala, but meditating while you create it in crochet!

Mandalas have some meaning, but that can differ dramatically from person to person. For this one, I think of it as ripples on the water. As we go through life, we learn more and our understanding expands. We become a very different person than where we began. Most importantly, the beauty is in the journey! Discovering something new gives me the same feeling of giddy anticipation as that of a child opening a present. Each of our lives is a beautiful journey!

Below are the instructions for the design. If you want to make it into a clock, you’ll also need:

Clock movement set
Poster board – approximately 12” square
Compass for drawing a circle
Glue

What You’ll Need:

Worsted weight yarn in up to 9 colors. You’ll use much less than a skein in each color, making this project a great stash-buster
- I used Valley Yarns – Goshen – A = Bermuda Blue, B = Waterfall, C = Lake, D = Green Apple, E = Lemon Drop, F = Ginger, G = Red, H = Purple Haze, I = Violet,
Crochet Hook size G
Gauge
- Not important for this project
- My finished project measured approximately 10” in diameter
Notes: Weave in ends as you go.

Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- mr = magic ring
- ss = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st = stich
- hdd = half-double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- tc = triple crochet
- dc = double crochet
- yo – yarn over
Special Stiches
- DC Cluster = *YO insert into st, pull up a loop, yo & pull thru 2 loops*, repeat 2 more times (4 loops on hook), YO, pull thru all 4 loops
- V Stitch = (DC, Ch4, DC) into the indicated st
- Petal = (SC, HDC, DC, TC, DC, HDC, SC) into the indicated st
Pattern

With A, Ch 6. Form ring with a ss into 1^st ch (If not making a clock, you can use a MR instead of ch 6.)
- Round 1 – Ch 1,12 SC in ring, join with SS to 1^st Mark 1^st st with marker. (Stitch marker may not be necessary. I find it difficult to locate this stitch in the first few rows, so I use a marker to tell me where to ss)
- Round 2 – Join B with SS in any SC. Ch2. *DC cluster, Ch1 into each stitch. Join with SS to top of ch2. (12 clusters)
- Round 3 – Join C with SS into any ch1 space. Ch2, 2HDC in same sp.(Ch2 counts as a HDC) Sk Cluster. *3 HDC into each ch1 sp. Join with SS to top of ch2. (36 HDC)
- Round 4 – Join D with SS between any 2 HDC groups. Ch1, sc in same sp. SC in each HDC and in space between each HDC group. SS to 1^st (48 SC)
- Round 5 – Stay with D. Ch 3. *Sk 1, DC in next st, Ch 1, DC in next st, Ch1, Sk 1, DC in next st, ch1* to end. SS to 2^nd ch in beg ch3. (29 DC with ch1 sp between. Be sure to count the stitches, because this is the most confusing round)
- Round 6 – Join E with SS into any DC. Ch 1. (SC, HDC, DC) into each DC. Sk ch’s. SS into 1^st (29 3 stich groups)
- Round 7 – Join F with SS into BLO of any st. Ch1. SC in BLO to end. SS to 1^st (87 SC)
- Round 8 – Join G with SS into any SC. Ch6, DC in same st. *Sk 3 st. V stitch into next st.* Repeat to end. SS into 2^nd ch of beg ch 6. (22 ch 4 spaces)
- Round 9 – Join H with SS into any ch4 sp. Ch 1. Petal into each ch 4 sp around. SS to 1^st (22 pedals)
- Round 10 – Join I with SS into 1^st sc of any petal. (Ch 4, DC, Ch 1, DC) in same st. Ch 1, SS to TC in Round 9, Ch 1. * (DC, Ch 1, DC, Ch 1, DC) in 1^st st of next petal. Ch1, SS to TC in Round 9, Ch1* Repeat around. SS to 3^rd ch of beg ch4.
- Round 11 – Join A with SS into any SC, ch1.. SC into each st and ch1 around. SS to 1^st
- Bind off. Weave in ends.
When I made my clock, I first tried using nylon hat wire to stretch the outside of the rim so I could hang it on the wall. This didn’t work well. The clock tilted on the nail that held it to the wall. I finally found the solution. I used poster board cut in a circle the same size as the mandala with a hole in the middle. Then I painted it the same color as the wall. Then I glued the mandala to the poster board and inserted it in the clock movement set. The result is that it looks like the mandala clock floats on the wall. I love it!

As always, please post your clocks or mandalas on Ravelry so I can see what you’ve done!