Thursday, April 25, 2013

Summertime Scarf- Free Pattern


This is another pattern to support the handmade especially (handmadeespecially.org) charity that distributes comfort scarves to abused women who enter women's shelters across southern California. If you enjoyed this pattern, please make an extra scarf to donate to the cause. The address for donations can be found on their site. You can also donate to my personal scarf making efforts by purchasing my PDF pattern document, where 100% of your donation goes to make scarves to donate in my southern California area. Each donation pays for one scarf.


Materials:
Size J crochet hook
Soft yarn
Sewing needle

Gauge:
Initial chain should measure around 65 inches. If needed, add multiples of 4 to pattern to increase size.

Pattern:
Ch 163
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hk, dc in each ch across. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 4(counts as dc + ch 1),*sk 1, dc in next ch, repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 3: Repeat row 2, each dc is on the dc from previous row. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 6 (counts as dc + 3 ch),*sk 3 ch, dc in next dc from previous row, ch 3, repeat from* across. Turn.
Row 5-6: Repeat row 2, each dc is on the dc from previous row. Turn.
Row 7: Ch 3, dc in each ch across.
Fasten off. Add tassels if desired.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Spring Scarf - Free Pattern



This is the first of several patterns I will be publishing to support the handmade especially (handmadeespecially.org) charity that distributes comfort scarves to abused women who enter women's shelters across southern California. If you enjoyed this pattern, please make an extra scarf to donate to the cause. The address for donations can be found on their site. You can also donate to my personal scarf making efforts by purchasing my PDF pattern document, where 100% of your donation goes to make scarves to donate in my southern California area. Each donation pays for one scarf.

Materials:
Size J hook
SOFT worsted or light worsted weight yarn

Gauge:
Initial chain should measure no more than 5.5 inches or the scarf will be too wide. Change your hook size to ensure proper size is met.

Pattern:
Ch  20
Row 1: (3dc, ch 2, 3dc, ch 1) in 8th ch from hk, skip 3 ch, dc in next ch, ch 1, sk 3 ch, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc, ch 1) in next ch, sk 3 ch, dc in last ch. turn
Row 2: ch 4, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc, ch 1) in ch-2 sp from previous row, dc in the dc from previous row, ch 1, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc, ch 1) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk the 3 dc and one ch then dc in next ch. turn.
Repeat row 2 about 65 times, or until it measures AT LEAST 60 inches long
Final row: ch 6, sc in ch-2 sp from previous row, ch 3, dc in dc from previous row, ch 3, sk the 3 dc and one ch then dc in next ch.
Fasten off

Solomon's Knot

I played around with and learned how to do the Solomon's knot, or Lover's knot. I made my sister a scarf for her birthday. It turned out fabulous!!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Handmade Especially For You Charity

I am proud to announce that I am now working with "Handmade With Love Especially For You" (HandmadeEspecially.org), a charity that donates handmade comfort scarves to abused women who enter women's shelters in my Southern California area.
I'm going to post FREE charity scarf patterns that satisfy the size requirements, as well as make a list of other free patterns available that satisfy the charity's size requirement. If you enjoy any of my free scarf patterns please make an extra one and donate it as a token of appreciation for the free pattern. Donations can be sent to the organization's central location (Address can be found on their site (HandmadeEspecially.org).

Requirements:
4-5 inches wide and at least 60" long
Large crochet hooks (J,K,N,P)
Bright happy colors
SOFT yarn (these are for COMFORT, so no SuperSaver yarn please. I personally use Caron's Simply Soft or Red Heart Soft brands, but other brands are fine as long as they are SOFT)
Personalized touches such as ribbon, frills, etc, are welcome!


IN ADDITION, 100% of all donations made to this blog through the PDF pattern document will be donated directly to making comfort scarves. Each donation pays for ONE scarf!

I have also compiled a list of other crochet patterns that fit the size requirements on my pinterest board and here:
http://livingthecraftlife.blogspot.com/2013/04/spring-scarf-free-pattern.html
http://livingthecraftlife.blogspot.com/2013/05/horizon-scarf-free-pattern.html
http://livingthecraftlife.blogspot.com/2013/04/summertime-scarf-free-pattern.html
http://fiberflux.blogspot.com/2012/06/free-crochet-patternvanilla-bean-scarf.html
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2011/05/chunky-granny-scarf-tutorial.html
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/SB157-001+Skinny+Scarf.htm
http://busyfingersbusylife.blogspot.com/2012/04/pattern-skinny-scarf.html
http://mrsmicawber.blogspot.com/2011/03/queen-annes-lace-crochet-scarf-tutorial.html
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10594.html?noImages=0
http://bynumber19.com/2012/01/15/papillon-scarf-a-free-crochet-pattern/
http://crochetncrafts.com/crochet/oceanwavesummerscarf.html
http://allcraftsblogs.com/crochet_scarf_patterns/march_scarf/march_scarf_pattern.html
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/california-spring-scarf
http://voices.yahoo.com/crochet-pattern-spring-stash-buster-scarf-3088294.html?cat=24


If you find more patterns or have others that you use to make comfort scarves, let me know and I will add them to the list!

Happy Crocheting!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Crochet for Charity

Do any of you crochet for a charity? If so, which ones, and why?

I'm interested in doing more with my crochet, either donating finished items or donating/dedicating patterns to different causes. Do you know of ones that are legit and have a genuine need?