Splash Dance Sampler Square

Notes: I did not design the original pattern. I am just a big fan of the pattern. It was originally designed to be a 7” square but I have updated the original instructions to make the square 12” by using a K hook and adding additional rows. I have also corrected any mistakes I found on the original version I had. This is such a beautiful square that I had to share with others so it is not lost.

Materials:
4 ply yarn, size “K” hook

Size measures 12” with a K hook

Main Color (MC) Contrasting Color (CA) Contrasting Color (CB)

With CA ch 5, join to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring, *ch 2, 3 dc in ring, rep from * 2 times. Join with sl st to beg ch 3.

Rnd 2: Ch 5, dc in same corner sp, * in next ch-2 sp work [dc, ch 2, dc (V-st made), ch 2, V-st], rep from * 2 times more, V-st in next sp, ch 1, sc in 3rd ch of beg ch-5.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same beg corner sp, *ch 1, skip V-st, 3 dc in next sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp, rep from * and, end with 3 dc, ch, join with sl st to beg ch-2, (12 3-dc groups made) finish off.

Rnd 4: Join CB with sl st in any corner sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *dc in each of the next 3 dc, [tr in ch-2 sp of V-st one row below, dc in each of next 3 dc] across, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner sp, rep from * and end with sl st in top of beg ch-3.

Rnd 5: Sl st to corner sp, (ch 5, dc, ch 2, V-st) in same corner sp, *[skip 3 sts, V-st in next dc] 3 times in next corner sp work V-st, ch 2, V-st, rep from * and, end with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5.

Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, skip next V-st, *in next corner sp work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), ch 1, [skip next V-st, 3 dc in next sp, ch 1] 4 times, rep from * and, end with last dc, join with sl st to beg ch-3, finish off.

Rnd 7: Join CB with sl st in any corner sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *dc in each of the next 3 dc, [tr in ch-2 sp of V-st one row below, dc in each of next 3 dc] across, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner sp, rep from * and end with sl st in top of beg ch-3.

Rnd 8: Sl st to corner sp, (ch 5, dc, ch 2, V-st) in same corner sp, *[skip 3 sts, V-st in next dc] 3 times in next corner sp work V-st, ch 2, V-st, rep from * and, end with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-5.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, skip next V-st, *in next corner sp work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), ch 1, [skip next V-st, 3 dc in next sp, ch 1] 4 times, rep from * and, end with last dc, join with sl st to beg ch-3, finish off.

Rnd 10: Join MC with sl st in any corner sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *dc in each of next 2 dc, [tr in ch-2 sp of V-st one row below, dc in each of next 3 dc] across to last 2 dc, dc in last 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner sp, rep from * and end with sl st in top of beg ch-3. (8 tr made on each side).

Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in each st around with 3 sc in each corner sp. Join in top of ch 1 and fasten off.

The square in the photo used the following color changes: Rnd 1-3 White, Rnd 4-6 Blue, Rnd 7-9 Red, Rnd 10-11 White.

Double Sided Chair Caddy Pattern

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors. I used a variegated skein (color 1) and a solid skein (color 2).
H crochet hook
Yarn needle to weave in ends

Chain 36 and turn.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3, 7 times.
Fasten off color 1 and attach color 2, turn.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in back loop of each stitch across, turn.
This creates a ridge to make the piece fold easier later on. Do not do this in any other rows unless told to do so.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3, 20 times.
Fasten off color 2 and join color 1.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in back loop of each stitch across, turn.
This is the second place to do this to make the piece fold easier.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3, 8 times.
Ch 1, sc in each st across and fasten off.

You will now fold the piece with the ridges sticking out as shown in the photos below.
Starting in one corner sc the front and back together to work along the side.
Sc along the bottom in the loops left from the fold.
Sc along the other edge catching the front and back together.
Sc along the top in the loops left from the fold.

Weave in ends.








An option I did was to stitch one of the pockets in half (seen above) to make it easier to hold remotes and use the other pocket for notebooks or magazines.

Another option is to place a piece of plastic canvas in one of the pockets and stitch along the open edge. This will stiffen it so this part can slide in between a mattress for you to use for a book in bed or a remote.

My sofa has wide arms so I would need to do the repeats of the center color more times for it to hang better. I think I need to make one for my bed now.

Crochet Christmas Star

Just sat down this morning and wanted to crochet another ornament but wanted something different. I started wanting a poinsettia flower. I tried a few things, frogged a bit and came up with this star that would look pretty in any window or on any tree or as a coaster.

Materials:

Scraps of Worsted weight yarn - I used a red Christmas yarn with a silver thread in it
G crochet hook. A smaller hook will make a smaller star, a larger hook will make a larger star for a potholder
The G hook makes it about 4 1/2 inches across.

Ch 6, join to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 4, 19 tc in ring, join in top of ch 4.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in joining, skip 1 st, *5 dc in next st, skip next st, sc in next st, skip next st* repeat around ending with a sl st in top of 1st sc.

Round 3: Sl st in next st, ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in next st, (2 dc, 1 tc, 2 dc) in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, skip 1 st (located between points), *sc in next st, hdc in next st, (2 dc, 1 tc, 2 dc) in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, skip 1 st (located between points), repeat around for a total of 5 points.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Simple Ball Ornaments in Knit and Crochet

These ball ornaments are very simple but can be snazzier up by using the pretty Christmas yarns or adding some lace or dried flowers. Fixed the knitted ball as it refered to repeating rows 2 and 3 but is repeat rows 1 and 2.

Crocheted Ornament

Materials:
Worsted weight Christmas yarn
Small amount of polyester fiber-fil
E crochet hook

Chain 22 leaving a 12" tail, sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
Row 2 - 21: ch 1, sc in each stitch across.
Fasten off leaving another 12" tail.

Use this tail to sew side seam and gather bottom. Fasten off and weave in end. Turn piece inside out (seam inside).

Lightly stuff ball and gather top with other tail. Use remaining tail after top is gathered to crochet a loop for hanging.



Knit Ornament

Materials:
Worsted weight Christmas yarn
Small amount polyester fiber-fil
Size 5 or 6 knitting needles
Small crochet hook or yarn needle

Cast on 21 sts and turn.
Row 1: Knit across. Turn.
Row 2: Purl across, Turn.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for a total of 17 rows. Do not bind off.
Cut your yarn leaving a 12 - 16" tail.

Using the crochet hook or yarn needle weave the tail through the stitches on the needle and pull tight. Then sew the seam along the side making sure to have the knit side facing itself.

Turn right side out and lightly stuff with fiber-fil.

Gather top and sew tight. Now use crochet hook and remaining tail to crochet a loop for hanging and fasten off. Weave in end.

Sparkling Snowflake

This is a simple yet pretty snowflake that can be used as an ornament, package tie or even a coaster. I love the Christmas yarns so used that for this snowflake.

Materials:
Worsted Weight Yarn. I used the white with a silver thread.
G crochet hook

Notes:
dc cluster - Keeping last loop of each dc on hook, 2 dc in space or
stitch indicated; yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Ch 4; join to form a ring.
Rnd 1: (right side) Ch 2 dc in ring; ch 3; * dc cluster in ring; ch 3; repeat from * 4 more times; ch 3; join in first dc.

Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same space as joining; in dc just made work a picot (ch 3, slip stitch in top of dc)3 times; * ch 3, sc in next ch 3 space, ch 3, dc cluster in next dc cluster; in dc cluster just made work (ch 3, sc) 3 times; repeat from * 4 more times; ch 3, sc in next ch 3 space, ch 3; join in first dc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Crochet Felted Basket with Handles

This is a cute basket for those that crochet and want to felt a basket without having to knit. The first 2 photos are after felting and the last 2 are before felting (the colors in the felted one are correct since my flash decided to work then).

Materials:

100% wool yarn. I used Wool of the Andes from Knit Pics. Variegated would be nice too.

Size K crochet hook

Measurements: before felting 5” x 8”, after felting 4” x 6” (H x W)

Note: always join the end of a round to the beginning of a round by sl st in ch 1. Then ch 1 to begin next rnd. Sc 2 sts tog: draw up loop in next 2 sts, yo and draw through all lps on hook.

Ch 2.

Rnd 1: work 7 sc in 2^nd chain from hook.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around.

Rnd 3: *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, rep * around.

Rnd 4: *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, rep from * around.

Rnd 5: *sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, rep from * around.

Rnd 6: Sc I next 2 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts.

Rnd 7: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, rep from * around.

Rnd 8: Sc in next 3 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts) around, sc in remaining 4 sc.

Rnd 9: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 10: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 16 sts, rep from * around.

Rnd 11: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 12: Sc in next 8 sts, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 17 sts, rep from * once, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts.

Rnd 13 - 21: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 22: Sc next 2 sts tog,

Rnd 23: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 24: Sc in next 8 sts, *sc next 2 sts tog, sc in next 16 sts, repeat from * once, sc next 2 sts tog, sc in next 8 sts.

Rnd 25: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 26: *sc in next 4 sts, sc next 2 sts tog, repeat from * around, sc in last 3 sts.

Rnd 27: Sc in each st around.

Handles:

Rnd 28: Ch 12, sk 7 sts, of row 27, sc in next 15 sc, ch 12, sk 7 sts, sc in remaining sts around.

Rnd 29: Sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. Weave in ends well.

Now you will felt your piece. I use the smallest fill cycle and hot water with a cold rinse; before the first hot cycle is done I start it again with a tea kettle or boiling water to reheat the water. Then allow it to finish wit the cold rinse. You can stretch it over a bowl if desired to dry. I liked the shape from the washer so sat tit to dry the way it was. The pic is of it still wet from the washer.

To make a larger basket you can do the same pattern but use 2 strands and an N hook, or 3 strands and a Q hook. If I did this I would do a few extra rounds between rnd 14 and 21 to give it a little height to help with the additional size.

Crochet Felted Bowl/Pot

I love felting with knit so decided to use some scrap wool yarn to crochet a felted bowl. Here are the pics before and after along with the pattern.

Materials:
Scraps of 100% wool yarn
K crochet hook
Jar to stretch it over when done for shaping

Note: The first sc done at the beginning of each row is done in the joining sc.

Ch 3 and join in the first ch to form a ring. Ch 1.
Rnd 1: Do 10 sc in ring. Join in first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 3: 2 sc in sc, 1 sc in next sc, repeat around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 4: 2 sc in sc, 1 sc in next 2sc, repeat around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 5: 2 sc in sc, 1 sc in next 3sc, repeat around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 6: 2 sc in sc, 1 sc in next 4sc, repeat around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 7: 2 sc in sc, 1 sc in next 5sc, repeat around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Rnd 8: 2 sc in sc, 1 sc in next 6sc, repeat around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.

Note: To make the base wider, continue around in the manner shown above just by increasing the number of stitches in between the 2 sc in each round.

First Side Round: Sc in the back loop of each sc around(done only on this round) Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
SR2: Sc in each sc around. Join in the first sc. Ch 1.
Repeat SR2 until you have the desired number of round needed for the desired height. I did 10 rnds for the one shown (not counting the first round).

Now you can edge your bowl. I used a shell stitch across the top. A reverse sc edge would be nice too or a picot edge. Whatever suits your fancy. The shell edge was worked with sc in 1 sc, sk 1 sc, 4 dc in next sc, sk 1 sc. Repeat around and fudge a little if needed as it will not show in the felting.

I threw it into the washer on the smallest load setting with hot water and a few old dark towels and a small amount of soap. Ran it the full cycle with the rinse being on cold. When done I stretch it over the shape needed. It fit over a drinking glass. Let air dry and your creation is finished. Make a little smaller and you can have a can cozy, a little larger and it will fit a 2 liter bottle. I plan on using this at work to hold wrapped hard candies on my desk.

The colors I used are an olive green and orange (all I had). The colors look dark in the photo but turned out to be rather nice. Boy do I need more wool yarn.