Spring Has Sprung?

March 21, 2013 in bag, crochet, Ella Rae, Katia, miscellaneous, Mondial, Noro

Wednesday was, supposedly, first day of Spring. That is hard for me to believe up here in the North East where it has been snowing since Tuesday night.

Despite the lack of visible grass and flowers outside, I’m still finding myself drawn to the new cotton yarns arriving for spring and summer knitting and crocheting.

Maybe if I put down my Ella Rae Classic Wool arm warmers and start working on something in cotton Mother Nature will get the hint?

Another thing turning my thoughts to Spring is that Easter is just over a week away! It seems so early this year, but there is still time to whip out a few hand made projects to include in the Easter Baskets.

Cotton Crocheted egg by Katia.

This adorable striped crocheted egg is a free pattern on the Katia website.

The pattern is in 5 languages. English is the middle one.

Worked in a chunky cotton yarn with an L hook, you should be finished in next to no time.

If you can’t find the Katia yarn called for in the pattern at your local yarn store, ask for the new Ella Rae yarn Melbourne. This chunky 100% Cotton yarn should be a good substitute.

Garter Stitch Bag by Ella Rae using Melbourne.

While you’re checking out the Melbourne yarn, flip through the pattern book of the same name. There are great spring and summer sweater patterns for women and girls, and some charming accessories as well.

This simple garter stitch bag from the Melbourne book would be handy for carrying your finds during the Easter Egg hunt and then continue to be a cute summer purse after all the Peeps have been consumed.

Mondial Cable 5 yarn in color #315

As you know, the size of the stuffed egg can be changed by adjusting the yarn and hook used. For a thinner option consider the new Cable 5 yarn from Mondial.

This fingering weight 100% Pure Egyptian Mako Cotton has approximately 220 yards per 50g ball and is available in 35 colors ranging from neutral through pastel to vibrant primaries!

Between those two yarns you’ll find Ella Rae Phoenix. There are 12 new colors of this classic, worsted weight, 100% Egyptian Cotton yarn.

Coco by Ella Rae using Phoenix yarn.

This soft, crisp yarn is great for garments and accessories for the entire family. This cute cabled sweater is the Coco pattern from Ella Rae book #116.

Designed by Debbie Bliss, both patterns are free on our website.

Getting away from cotton, but keeping with the Easter theme, is the adorable Noro Bunny designed by Debbie Bliss. It is a free pattern on our website. (The bear pattern is here.)

They each require just one skein of Noro Kureyon yarn, but look just as good in Noro Silk Garden.

But you can always think Spring and knit them in cotton instead!

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Yelcho Scarf

March 4, 2013 in Araucania, crochet, Free, Scarves

Last week a friend asked if I would knit her a scarf.

I had just finished my Loreto cowl and hadn’t settled on my next project yet, so I said sure.

She wanted the colors purple and teal. After rummaging around a bit I gave her a few options and she selected a lovely shade of Araucania Yelcho yarn in color #1807, which includes both colors.

That was lucky because it meant I wouldn’t have to worry about making stripes. I could just happily knit away.

Doesn’t that look squishy?

Yelcho is a 60% Wool, 20% Kid Mohair, 10% Silk, 10% Nylon blend so it is warm, soft, and crunchy all at the same time. There are a lot of fun textures going on with this yarn!

Each hank has 275 yards per 100g so I knew I’d only need one or two to make a good size scarf.

Yelcho Ribbed Scarf “pattern”

The finished scarf is 108″ long and I’m only 5′ tall!

It’s a knit two, purl two scar, so I can hardly call it a pattern, but here goes.

Size: 5″ wide x 108″ long

Materials: Araucania Yelcho yarn, 2 hanks.

Needles: US 9 or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 30 sts = 4″ in K2, P2 rib, relaxed. 21 rows=4″

Pattern:

Cast on 36 sts

Work in Knit 2, Purl 2 rib until you run out of yarn or can’t stand it any more.

Bind off. Weave in ends.

One skein would make a good cowl.

After one hank the scarf was about 50″ long. That was a bit short for a scarf if you want to wrap it, in my opinion, so I added the second hank. Of course, you can always use one hank, sew the ends together, and call it a cowl.

It’s long enough to wear different ways.

I didn’t add fringe because my friend isn’t fringe type. If you want fringe I suggest you cut them before you get started. Then you can happily knit the scarf until you run out of yarn without worrying about leaving enough for the fringe.

Other Project Ideas

Wrap and snood from Jenny Watson Fall 2011 book.

For a more challenging scarf pattern, check out the lace scarf and snood by Jenny Watson in the Fall 2011 Araucania book.

This book also includes a really nice cardigan using Yelcho yarn along with great projects using Budi yarn and Rinihue yarn.

Yelcho also looks great when crocheted.

This stunning crocheted dress pattern is free on our website.

This stunning crocheted dress is a free pattern on our website. A cabled edging and shell stitch bands make this dress a stand out. It is worked flat and seamed, which helps add stability.

You can add the dress to your Ravelry queue here.

It took me just over a week to knit the scarf for my friend. If you start now, you’ll be able to get a lot of wear out of it before the spring!

Tags: scarf
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Jenny King’s “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns”

November 30, 2012 in crochet, Noro

As though the new hardcover Crochet Noro book wasn’t exciting enough, Australian designer Jenny King has just released (December 1) “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns.”

Your collection of crochet hooks must be standing up and dancing by now, because I know mine are.

The fabulous colors of Noro in the crochet stitches we love…sigh, life is good. (Remember, I grew up crocheting so I can legitimately say things like that.)

Jenny has been designing crochet patterns for 15 years. She also travels around teaching classes and owns a local yarn store in Australia. In addition to books, her pattern have appeared in Vogue Knitting Crochet and Interweave Crochet. You’ve probably seen some!

The patterns in Fashions to Flaunt use yarn from across the Noro line, from the sock yarns to the bulky yarns so you’ll be able to select a project based on how quickly you want to finish. If you’re like me, you crochet faster than you knit anyway, so a lovely new project can be completed quickly.

With 17 garments ranging from accessories to sweaters I could go on and on all day, so I’ll just highlight a few that caught my eye.

These are adorable!

Maybe I’ve been a little slipper obsessed lately, but these are adorable! And they look pretty simple as well. If you are in gift crocheting mode I bet these would be good candidates, they look like they would take next to no time to make.

Bobble Scarf=One ball of Silk Garden Sock

The Bobble Scarf takes just one ball of Silk Garden Sock yarn. I bet you could use Taiyo Sock yarn as well. Jenny tells us this pattern is very popular in Australia because it’s quick and easy to make. I think it’s because the finished scarf is so unique. Aren’t the trailing bobbles fun?

There is a lot of visual interest in this scarf between the textures of the fabric and the great Noro colors.

The Crosscross vest is one of the garments in the book.

I like this one because of the unique construction.

It's mild mannered in front.

The fronts have great flow and drape.

Isn't that cool?

Then the back is like “Ta-da! Didn’t expect that, did you?”

I think this vest would be great for adding extra warmth without making you too hot.

Another neat garment is the Aztec Shawl. Jenny sent us extra pictures that aren’t in the book.

This first one is from the book. “Oh, look at the pretty shawl with the interesting edging.”

There are many ways to wear the Aztec Shawl

But what you should realize is that there are multiple ways to wear it. This is a very flexible garment!

I like how this way forms a collar

Worn this way it looks like a totally different shawl. I like how the edge folds over to form a collar for this option.

This is the way Jenny wears the Aztec Shawl

Jenny says this is the way she wears the shawl. It really shows off the interesting edging. It’s also an excuse to wear some of those pretty shawl fasteners you’ve collected.

Two other shawls and a scarf have multiple wearing options as well.

There are a variety of attractive patterns in this book that range from easy to intermediate skill levels. I think you’ll find plenty of projects to keep your hooks busy.

Keep a sharp eye on your crochet social media next week. There will be a blog tour for the book and I hear some of those reviewers will be giving away a copy of the book and a ball of Silk Garden Sock yarn. cool!

First stop will be The Crochet Dude on Dec. 5. Then Crochetville on Dec 7.

Or, don’t bother waiting, and just buy yourself a copy (print or digital!), then swing by your local yarn store for supplies.

Tags: crochet, Noro, womens
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Crochet Noro Book

October 31, 2012 in bag, crochet, Hats, Mitts, Noro, Scarves, Sweaters

Noro has always been good about including a mix of both knitting and crochet in their pattern books.

You can see examples in the new Noro Passion book by Jane Ellison, in the Volume #31 book, and in the premier issue of Noro Magazine.

Now, after a few hard cover books dedicated to knitting patterns, there is an entire book of crochet patterns!

The Shades of Blue Shawl graces the cover

Crochet Noro brings together many of today’s favorite crochet designers and one of the world’s best-loved yarns to create to create a collection of incomparable beauty and originality. From exquisite shawls to stylish cardigans to quick-to-crochet accessories to fabulous bags and totes, this stylish book contains 30 gorgeous projects to entice every crocheter.

Eisaku Noro has been creating his world-renowned yarns in Japan’s Aichi province for more than forty years. Spun from the finest natural materials with great respect for enviromental concerns, these spectacular yarns are dyed exclusively by hand in a dazzling array of colors. The patterns in this artful collection employ several popular Noro yarns, including Silk Garden, Silk Garden Lite, Silk Garden Sock, Taiyo, Taiyo Sock, Kureyon and Shiraito.

These exciting projects are as much fun to stitch as they are to wear. If you aren’t yet hooked on Noro, you will be.

With so many awesome patterns from which to choose, it’s hard to select favorites.

Fortunately, I find that I crochet faster than I knit, which means I could work through the book at a good pace.

Since many of the projects are accessories that require just one or two balls of yarn there is a lot of crochet gift potential in this book as well.

Here are a few patterns that caught my eye.

Hats

Swirly Tam in Silk Garden Sock

This Swirly Tam is very attractive. I like how the ridges add visual interest.

It takes just one ball of Silk Garden Sock. So if you love that yarn, but don’t like making socks, this could be the pattern you’ve been waiting for.

Engineer Cap in Kureyon

Add a little bit of rebel to your wardrobe with the Engineer Cap. It also gives you a chance to use some of the great buttons you’ve been collecting.

This hat takes two balls of Kureyon. With 8 new colorways for the fall no two hats will be the same.

There are two other hats in the book, as well.

Scarves

Strawberry Lace Scarf in Shiraito

There are several scarf, cowl, and shawl patterns in the book. (See, good gift ideas abound!)

I think my favorite is the Strawberry Lace Scarf. I like the large size of the motifs, which has always been one of my favorite crochet designs.

There is no doubt this scarf is unique!

Crocheted using two hanks of Shiraito, a 45% Cashmere, 45% Angora, 10% Wool blend, this scarf is destined to become a favorite because the yarn is so soft and luxurious.

Mitts

There are two pairs of mitts in the book. The elegant and textured Shell Stitch Wristers and the fun Bobbled Mitts below.

Bobbled Mitts in Silk Garden Lite

The Bobbled Mitts are crocheted using two hanks of Silk Garden Lite.

Maybe it’s because we’re still getting rain and clouds from Hurricane Sandy, but the bright, happy colors used in the sample pair make me smile.

Sweaters

Cap Sleeve Cardigan in Taiyo Sock Yarn

Just because I’ve highlighted small projects don’t think this book is all accessories. There are several sweaters as well and even a skirt.

I like the circular design of the Cap Sleeve Cardigan. It’s very visually appealing.

Crocheted using 3 to 4 balls of Taiyo Sock Yarn, a 50% Cotton, 17% Wool, 17% Nylon, 16% Silk blend, this cardigan will be a year round staple in your wardrobe.

It’s just the right size for chasing a chill in doors or wearing over a sun dress outside.

Purses and more!

Flower Blossom Purse in Kureyon

In addition to the projects you can wear, there are 3 purses, a set of bowls, and a throw blanket.

Of the purses, the Flower Blossom Purse makes me smile. Wouldn’t it be a great way to add a bit of color to a gloomy winter day? Or to use in the spring to encourage the flowers to bloom?

The pattern calls for four balls of Kureyon. While the sample in the book uses a bright happy color, you can always select one of the dark or neutral colorways depending on the season and your wardrobe.

This is just a sampling of the projects in this book. You can preview the rest on our website.

The book has started arriving at local yarn stores across the country. Head down to yours to get your copy and supplies!

Tags: bag, crochet, hats, mitts, Noro, scarves, sweater
3 Comments »

Taggle and Zoink (Monsters CAL)

October 24, 2012 in crochet, Ella Rae, Free

Our monster menagerie is complete!

Taggle and Zoink have joined the parade of crocheted amigurumi monsters designed exclusively for us by Stacey at FreshStitches.

Taggle

Taggle is batty for yarn!

Taggle is a 5 inch tall bundle of love who is as batty for yarn as you are!

Let him fly into your heart on wings of black Ella Rae Classic Wool. Or maybe blue. Or green. There are so many Classic Wool colors it might be hard to decide which one to use!

You can download the free pattern for Taggle here. You can add him to your Ravelry queue here.

Zoink

Zoink has his eye on you!

Zoink is 8 inches of focused attention. He’s got his eye on you and doesn’t intend to loose this staring contest.

Along with Sparkie and Bixi, Zoink is one of my favorites.

I have two more monsters to make! I better get cracking!

You can download the free pattern for Zoink here. You can add him to your Ravelry queue here.

CAL Contest

Don’t forget to enter a picture of your finished monster made using one of our yarns for a chance to win the prize at the end of the crochet along. (US residents. Void were prohibited.)

You can upload it to the Ella Rae Facebook page. Or, if you aren’t on Facebook, email it to Ann at “twitter (at) knittingfever (dot) com”. (Replace the words “at” and “dot” with the appropriate symbol, of course.)

Show us the fun adventures your monsters are having now that they have come to live with you. Our favorite one will win. Some really cute pictures have already been submitted!

The deadline to send in your picture is Friday, Nov 2, which gives you just over a week to finish crocheting your monster.

Monsters on Parade

In case you missed any of the Monsters over the month allow me to present them all.

Alfo the monster

Download Alfo

Bixi, the monster, by Stacey Trock

Download Bixi

Deek says, "Life is better with friends."

Download Deek

Lark says, "Who needs toes when you have ruffles?"

Download Lark

Mixtro is mighty in his affection.

Download Mixtro

Otto is always ready to lend a tentacle.

Download Otto

Plarko looks a little surprised.

Download Plarko

Sparkie might be a robot in disguise!

Download Sparkie

All the monsters are crocheted using Ella Rae Classic Wool. This 100% wool yarn comes in 220 yard balls that are ready to use. Which colors will you select?

Tags: crochet, free pattern, Monsters CAL
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Plarko and Sparkie Monsters CAL

October 16, 2012 in crochet, Ella Rae, Free

The next two monsters have joined the party!

After these two cuties there are just two monsters left in our series of 10 free crocheted amigurumi patterns from FreshStitches.

It’s a good thing they crochet up so quickly or it would be hard to keep up with the invasion!

Plarko

Plarko is a 12 inch tall bundle of monster love. (7″ tall when seated. I wish my legs were that long in comparison to my body, but then I guess it would take me longer to knit socks.)

Plarko looks a little surprised.

This little darling is ready to be amazed by your crochet prowess or otherwise lend a sympathetic ear, er, I mean antenna, when hearing about your day.

You can download the free pattern for Plarko here.

Stacey, the design powerhouse at FreshStitches, crocheted her Plarko using Ella Rae Classic Wool color #318-Sky blue, but there are 6 new shades of blue for the fall. Or a ton of other colors you can use.

I love the contrasting color #70-Tango for Plarko’s appendages. If you check out a color wheel blue and orange are considered complimentary colors because they are opposite each other.

These monsters are a good way to experiment with color pairings since they are so quick to make!

Sparkie

Don’t let the other monsters know, but Sparkie is one of my favorites! I’ve been waiting with bated breath for his release so I can get to work.

Sparkie might be a robot in disguise!

You can download the free pattern for Sparkie here.

Is Sparkie and alien or a robot? You decide!

Of course you also get to decide on the colors you use.

My Sparkie will be spunky in red!

I plan to use color #337 – Wineberry for my Sparkie’s body and #333 – Sand for his accessories. I haven’t decided what color to use for his top knot yet. I’ll decide when I get there!

Are you having fun crocheting your amigurumi monsters?

Remember to share a picture of your finished monsters on the Ella Rae Facebook page so we can all admire them.

Tags: crochet, Monsters CAL
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Crocheted Simple Striped Arm Warmers

October 14, 2012 in crochet, Free, Mirasol, Mitts

As I was posting the pictures and pattern for the Simple Striped Arm Warmers I was knitting last week there were a few requests for a crocheted version.

Since I like to be an equal opportunity stitcher when I can be (I did grow up crocheting, after all) I thought I’d oblige.

Make them as long or short as you like.

Sorry the one in the picture is just barely big enough to cover my hand, that is as far as I got before my wrists started hurting. Sadly the repetitive motion of crochet can quickly sideline me. Happily I’m smart enough to listen to my body and stop when it tells me to.

I learned that lesson the hard way and now know that if I push through I won’t be able to crochet OR knit for several days. I hope you remember to take breaks, too!

Since this is a crocheted version of my knit arm warmers I again used Mirasol Tuhu yarn. As with the knit version I suggest you divide the balls in half before you start so you can ensure you have enough yarn for both arms.

Crocheted Simple Striped Arm Warmers Pattern

Size: 7 1/2″ circumference x desired length

Materials: 2 hanks Mirasol Tuhu yarn (50% Baby Llama, 40% Merino Wool, 10% Angora with approx 109 yards per 50g).

I used colors #2003 – Aquamarine and #2007 – Fawn.

Hook: G or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 4 single crochet x 5 rows = 1″ in the round

Abbreviations: Ch-Chain, SC-single crochet, HDC-half-double crochet

NOTE: I suggest you either divide the balls in half before you start crocheting. This will help ensure they come out even and you don’t run out of yarn on your second arm warmer.

NOTE: Project starts at the fingers and progresses toward the cuff.

NOTE: US crochet terms.

Stripe Pattern: 2 rows color A, 2 rows color B, repeat

The Pattern:

Right hand arm warmer

Chain 30 loosely

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist chain. Place marker for beginning of round

Single crochet in each chain around

Single crochet in each sc around

Keeping stripe pattern correct, continue working in single crochet until 8 rounds have been worked, or desired length from starting chain to thumb.

Make Thumb Hole:

Sc 19, half-double crochet in next sc, ch6 loosely, skip next 6 sc, HDC in next sc, sc to end.

Next round: sc in each stitch (sc, ch, hdc) around.

TIP: Try on the mitt to make sure you like that thumb hole. Make it bigger by adding more chains and skipping more single crochet on the body. In that case you might want to shift it in one direction or the other to keep the seam at the bottom of the hand. The goal of the HDC on either side of the thumb hole is to act as a sort of gusset and give the fabric a little more height. I did NOT work the HDCs and feel the stitches next to the hole are getting strained. But I couldn’t test the theory because my wrist were getting sore. So let me know if it works.

Resume working cuff/arm.

Keeping stripe pattern correct, continue working in sc until piece is desired length.

I was thinking it might be attractive to finish the openings with a crab stitch (reverse single crochet). Or you can work a chain lattice trim on the arm edge. I’m sure you’ll think of something that fits your personality!

Left Arm Warmer

Work as for right reversing shaping.

The thumb hole should be worked after 3 or 4 sc on the target row. Try the mitt on and count stitches to find your ideal placement.

Weave in ends. Wear with flair.

Change the size by adding or subtracting stitches from your foundation chain. Be sure to keep your foundation chain loose or your fingers will be restricted, which won’t be much fun.

Add the pattern to your Ravelry queue here.

Find the knit version of the Simple Striped Arm Warmers here.

Tags: arm warmers, crochet, free pattern
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Assembly Required

October 9, 2012 in crochet, Ella Rae, Free

I spent the weekend baking cookies and finishing up my Bixi.

How was your weekend?

With all the parts crocheted it was time to start putting Bixi together.

The ears were a logical place to start, so I plunged in. Stacey recommends whip stitching the ears shut first and then attaching them to the body.

But why should I listen to her? She’s just the designer after all.

After fumbling my way through the first ear I remembered that I should listen to the designer because she’s already tested various methods. Off the ear came, whip stitch ensued, and the ear was reattached much more quickly.

Let the sewing begin!

On my first attempt the fabric slithered around a little and it was hard to catch all the layers as I was sewing. The second attempt, with the closed ear, was much more stable.

After attaching the ears I moved on to the eyes. Stacey uses cute safety eyes on her creations and I’m sure she’d be happy to recommend sources. Your local yarn store might also have eyes, or at least cute buttons you can use.

Since I’m not giving my Bixi to a small child (and it was a Sunday afternoon and I forgot to plan ahead) I decided to explore other eye options.

First I attempted a French Knot. It had potential but wasn’t visible enough on the dark green yarn.

Then I got out my jar of buttons (every knitter and crocheter has one of those, right). I was able to find a coordinated set that happened to be two different sizes. This was convenient. Since Bixi has the eye patch I was able to put the smaller button on the pink patch and the larger button on it’s own.

A monster with cookies.

When positioning the mouth I found it was easier to place the legs first. On my first attempt I positioned the mouth too low and everything ended up squished together.

By the way, Stacey does recommend which rows to target when positioning your features, but a little bit of judgement is always involved.

Stuffing the arms was made easier by using my crochet hook to push the fiber fill into place.

Speaking of Stuffing

I used traditional fiber fill to stuff my Bixi. I just filled him up.

I’ve heard some people like to put the stuffing in an old panty hose first. This helps keep it in place and reduces the chance small fingers might be able to pull any out.

Keep in mind the shape of your stuffed animal and the compression from the panty hose when considering this option.

You can also buy plastic beads for stuffing at a craft store. Using them will effect the weight and hug-ability of your monster.

One thing I’ve heard people caution against is using rice or beans. Apparently there is the risk those fillings could attract bugs. eewwww!

Bixi Details Recap

The Bixi pattern is a free pattern on our website. Bixi was designed by Stacey Trock exclusively for Knitting Fever and it one in a series of ten monsters.

I used Ella Rae Superwash Classic yarn in colors #103-Parsley for the body and #123 – Red Violet for the accent color.

Next Project?

You might have noticed I acquired black yarn for Bixi’s mouth. hooray!

Future monsters!

I also got my hands on white for eyes for future monsters in the series, as well as some red and beige, which is destined to become monster bodies.

The sharp eyed among you will notice some purple Juniper Moon Farm Findley in the top right corner (color #4 – Renaissance to be precise).

Gable Wrap using Findley yarn

It is enough yarn to make the Gable Wrap, which is a new free pattern on our website.

But before I can plunge into that I really need to get the sleeves attached to my Three Lace Cardigan.

No ears here. Just arms.

It seems all my current projects have some assembly required!

Tags: crochet, Monsters CAL
1 Comment »

Bixi Update

October 5, 2012 in crochet, Ella Rae

My Bixi is starting to look like something.

It's starting to look like something!

See? The potential is there for a monster.

I’m on row 24 of the body. Just a few more rows and I can attach all the appendages.

You’ll notice that I’m missing a mouth. I didn’t have any black yarn when I started crocheting. How wild is that? Black and white yarns should be a staple of any stuffy making stash.

What colors are staples in your stash?

Don’t worry. I have both colors now and a mouth will be made in short order.

My bag of stuffing has also been located. Really, I should have wrangled all these supplies before I chained my first stitch. But who has time to be that organized?

Counting Rows

How do you count your rows when you crochet?

When I knit I use either a plastic row counter that dangles from my needles or I use an app on my phone. It kind of depends on the project.

If I’m working on a flat crochet project I just count the rows since they are usually so clearly defined. I suppose one of the counters I use for knitting would work in that situation, but it doesn’t usually occur to me.

When I crochet in the round counting rows is a much more hands on process. I find that crocheting in the round usually creates such a seamless spiral that I loose my place if I just try to count without a visual marker.

That can be especially tricky when working increases. If I loose track of the beginning of a round my project could end up misshapen!

Contrasting yarn is a great way to keep track of your rows.

I like to use a piece of contrasting color yarn to track my rows when crocheting in the round.

At the beginning of a row, before I work the first stitch, I lay the tracking yarn across the top of the project from back (outside) to front (inside). I work the first stitch over the top of the tracking yarn. Then I flip the tracking yarn back across the project to the outside around the stitch I’ve just made. Then I work the next stitch across the tracking yarn, which traps in in position.

All I have to do is count the bumps when I want to see how far I’ve gone.

You’ll notice in the picture I’d started the process with a piece of green ribbon. Not very smart since it doesn’t stand out from the green yarn very well! Fortunately the ribbon was short and I was forced to change. That happened at a good breaking point, actually, because it was on the row after all the increases where I was working even for a stretch.

Since my tracking yarn is not permanently attached I’ll be able to just tug it out when I no longer need it and return it to my notions box for the next project.

What tips do you have for keep your place in a project?

Tags: crochet, Monsters CAL
3 Comments »

Deek and Lark Monsters CAL

October 2, 2012 in crochet, Ella Rae, Free

How are your Alfo and Bixi coming along?

Well you better finish up quick because Deek and Lark have joined the party!

And these cute crocheted amigurumi have a lot to contribute.

Life is better with friends

If two heads are better than one, Deek knows that three are better than two!

After all, life is more fun when you have friends along. Why not let Deek bring some fun to your life?

You can download the free pattern for Deek here. You can add Deek to your Ravelry queue here.

Who needs toes when you have ruffles?

Stage your own alien invasion with Lark.

This kooky, mollusk based life-form will transport you to a world where cuddles reign supreme!

You can download the free pattern for Lark here. You can add Lark to your Ravelry queue here.

Bixi Update

Don’t feel bad if you haven’t finished your Alfo or Bixi yet. Neither have I. (Well, I had to take a break to finish knitting sleeves for a cardigan I’ve been working on.)

Ears, arms and feet!

I have finished all of Bixi’s appendages–arms, feet, and ears!–and have crocheted a few rows for her body.

She’s working up so quickly, I’m going to have to locate my stuffing soon.

Remember to share pictures of your progress on the Ella Rae Facebook page. That is also the place to ask any questions you might have as your working along.

Tags: crochet, Monsters CAL
1 Comment »

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Spring Has Sprung?

Yelcho Scarf

Yelcho Ribbed Scarf “pattern”

Other Project Ideas

Jenny King’s “Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns”

Crochet Noro Book

Hats

Scarves

Mitts

Sweaters

Purses and more!

Taggle and Zoink (Monsters CAL)

Taggle

Zoink

CAL Contest

Monsters on Parade

Plarko and Sparkie Monsters CAL

Plarko

Sparkie

Crocheted Simple Striped Arm Warmers

Crocheted Simple Striped Arm Warmers Pattern

The Pattern:

Assembly Required

Speaking of Stuffing

Bixi Details Recap

Next Project?

Bixi Update

Counting Rows

Deek and Lark Monsters CAL

Bixi Update

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