Happy New Year 2016

Wishing You a Crochet Filled 2016

January brings feelings of new beginnings and thoughtful resolutions though my (Dana) new year feels like it started in October with an fabulous new job (Interweave Crochet – #fwcommunity) working for an awesome boss (Marcy Smith) in a new city (Fort Collins) as a single woman (goodbye troubled marriage).

So now that the new beginnings are established…I’m left with resolutions. This year I’m going to look at resolutions differently. I’m going to focus on the things I enjoy and resolve to do more of them. It’s a matter of perspective, really. I’m not going to worry so much about what I should do, but look at behaviors that are good for me and that I enjoy and do more of those.

So, for 2016, here’s to

  • more crochet
  • more mountain biking
  • more working hard
  • more relaxing with a good book
  • more heartfelt time with friends and family

As for mountain biking…pictures of my twin sister really inspire me to want to get out and ride…and incoporate crochet alongside it!

Crochet and Mountain Biking...who knew they worked so well together! Here's Deborah yarn bombing a friends bike rack.

Crochet and Mountain Biking…who knew they worked so well together! Here’s Deborah yarn bombing a friends bike rack.

Deborah really is my inspiration...and apparently the guys stop and take notice, too!

Deborah really is my mountain biking inspiration…and apparently the guys stop and take notice, too!

For 2016, we plan for Yarnovations to be more of the same. Deborah and I will bring you fun and quirky designs of crocheted projects that we are inspired to make on the spur of the moment or have planned way in advance.

We are currently working on a dishie series. We will publish a dishcloth and other kitchen/household item once a month using FibraNatura Good Earth. This series, sponsored by Universal Yarn, is a great way to learn new techniques on smaller projects. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Happy New Year from one hooked crocheter to another.

Merry Handmade Christmas 2015

We hope you all had a holly jolly Christmas. This year I, Dana, crocheted a few gifts…I felted a purse for my mom, made some lovely catnip filled mice toys for my sister and sister-in-law (well, for their cats anyway), and I crocheted a skull purse for my twin sister. For the latter two crocheted gifts I followed patterns created by fellow designers on the free membership site Ravelry.

Crocheted Skull Granny Purse

This flat bag used nearly every inch of one skein of Lion Brand Vanna’s Glamour. I lined it and added a zipper. The handle is attached with a couple of buttons so the strap length is adjustable. The front and back panel are the same.

If you love skulls, there are a ton of great patterns on ravelry. I modified the Crochet Skull Scarf pattern by Karin Kaufmann. She modified a pattern from the Crochet Skull Shawl / Doskallesjal by Kungen Och Majkis.

My sister originally requested that I make the shawl…but I really wasn’t up to such a large project. A purse is something she can use year around. So I think my modified gift is a win/win.

 

 

My First Pumpkin Patch Pattern

4 in 1 Pattern: Crochet, Knit, Sewing, Pin Loom Weaving

These aren’t the first pumpkins we’ve ever made. But maybe they are yours. And what better way to celebrate fall, harvest and Halloween than to make miniature squash? 

If you or someone you know are learning to knit, crochet, sew or pin loom weave, then these are the perfect projects. Each pumpkin is made from a rectangle that’s joined to create a cylinder which is shaped into a stunning miniature pumpkin.

These are fun and quick little projects and great stash busters. We used worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn for the knit, crochet and pin loom pumpkins. They would look equally adorable in most any yarn type. The fabric pumpkin was made with a 5″ x 10″ piece of material.

Each miniature pumpkin measures about 3 1/2″ wide by 3 1/2″ tall including stem (or there abouts).

Printer Friendly Version on Etsy

The printer friendly My First Pumpkin Patch Pattern is available in our Etsy Shop and includes a TON of extra helpful information and photos for beginner crafters.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

My First Pumpkin Pattern Information

Below we’ll share with you a lot of information. You may be tempted to skip right over that and go right to the pattern…but take a quick second to review. I’m positive it will be helpful.

Supplies List for Beginner Pumpkin Pattern

The supplies you need are really minimal which makes this a great first project for new crocheters and knitters.

ALL PUMPKINS

  • Stuffing
  • Yarn Needle for sewing
  • Tree Branch 2″ long
  • Scissors
  • Pencil (optional for making curly q’s)
  • Spray Starch (optional for making curly q’s)

CROCHET PUMPKIN

  • Yarn: Worsted Weight (4)
  • Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00mm or size recommended on yarn label

KNIT PUMPKIN

  • Yarn: Worsted Weight (4)
  • Knitting Needles: 5.00mm or size recommended on yarn label

PIN LOOM WEAVING PUMPKIN

  • Yarn: Worsted Weight (4)
  • Pin Loom: 4” Square
  • Weaving Needle: 5”

SEWING PUMPKIN

  • Fabric: 10” x 5”
  • Thread & Needle
  • Sewing Machine (optional)

Share the Love

Share the Love, Pin one of these photos to Pinterest.

knit, crochet, sew, pin loom weave a pumpkin

Printable Version Packed Full of Photos

There’s just too much information to put on the blog. For just a couple bucks, you can print the step-by-step tutorial from Etsy. Here’s what’s included in the My First Pumpkin Patch Tutorial on Etsy:

We love bringing you fun and festive designs. Consider purchasing this or other patterns as a way to help us keep you in stitches.

Get the Pumpkin Patch Pattern on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

How to Read a Knit or Crochet Pattern

Patterns can get rather long, because pattern writers want to be clear and concise. But sometimes using more words rather than less can make reading a pattern more challenging. So, abbreviations are used. A lot of information can be given in a small amount of space. Here are the abbreviations you’ll see in the patterns below.

Crochet Pattern Abbreviations

  • blo = back loop only
  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet

Knit Pattern Abbreviations

  • k = knit
  • kfb = knit front and back (for Curly Q only)
  • p = purl

Pattern Notes

  • You will crochet or knit a rectangle then join the first and last rows. Then cinch the sides to create your pumpkin shape.

My First Crochet Pumpkin Pattern

With Orange or color desired

Ch 16

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (15)

Rows 2-34: Ch 1, turn. Work in blo: sc across.

Finish off, cut yarn and leave a long tail for sewing.

Fold project in half so Row 34 is aligned with the foundation chain. Join with whip st through the back loop of row 34 and both loops of the foundation chain, repeat across to form a cylinder.

With an 8” length of orange yarn, sew a running stitch through the ends of Rows 1-34 on one end of the pumpkin and cinch tight. Tie a knot and weave in ends. This creates the bottom.

These are just a few of the photos you’ll find in the Step-by-Step Pumpkin Patch Tutorial in our Etsy Shop.

Stuff pumpkin lightly.

With 20″ length of orange yarn, sew a running stitch through the other ends of Rows 1-34 and cinch tight (insert a twig before closing). Tie a knot. Do not cut yarn. This creates the top.

The pumpkin may look like a round ball. To squish it into more of a pumpkin shape, use the tail from cinching and run the needle down the center of the pumpkin near the stem to the center of the bottom of the pumpkin. Pull tightly. This should force the center of the pumpkin to shorten. Insert the needle a few millimeters away, and pass the needle back up from the bottom to the top in the middle near the stem. You may need to do this a couple of times near the stem. Weave in ends.

More Halloween Patterns

Before you begin stitching your pumpkins, we want to invite you to check out these fun Halloween patterns to crochet and pin loom weave. Stitch costumes, treat bags, cup cozies and more.

Halloween Patterns on our Etsy Shop.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Crochet Curly Q Pattern

Green (Make 2)

Ch 13
Row 1: 2 Sc in 2nd ch from hook and 2 sc in each ch across. (Working 2 sts in each ch will cause the ch to curl.) Finish off, cut yarn leaving a tail for sewing (24). You may need to twist the cord a little to help the stitches all line up and curl correctly.

Sew to top of pumpkin near stem. Weave in ends.

My First Knit Pumpkin Pattern

With Orange or color desired

Cast on 20

Rows 1, 3 & 4: K across, turn. (20)

Row 2: P across, turn.

Repeat Rows 1‐4 until piece measures 9 inches (approx 17 repeats).

Bind Off

Fold project in half so last row is aligned with the cast on row. Join with whip st across.

Using an 8” strand of orange yarn, sew a running stitch through the ends of the Rows 1-68 and cinch tight. Tie a knot and weave in ends. This creates the bottom.

Stuff pumpkin lightly.

These are just a few of the photos you’ll see in the Step-by-Step Pumpkin Patch Pattern in our Etsy Shop.

With a 20″ length of orange yarn, sew a running stitch through the other ends of Rows 1-68 and cinch tight (insert a twig before closing). Tie a knot but do not cut yarn. This creates the top.

The pumpkin may look like a round ball. To squish it into more of a pumpkin shape, use the tail from cinching and run the needle down the center of the pumpkin near the stem to the center of the bottom of the pumpkin. Pull tightly. This should force the center of the pumpkin to shorten. Insert the needle a few millimeters away, and pass the needle back up from the bottom to the top in the middle. You may need to do this a couple of times near the stem. Weave in ends.

Ready for Christmas?

More holiday fun awaits. Crochet, pin loom and sew fun items for Christmas, too. We have ornaments, pillows, home decor, gift bags and more.

Check out these Christmas Patterns in our Etsy Shop.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Knit Curly Q Pattern

Green (Make 2)
Cast on 16
Row 1: K across, turn. (16)
Row 2: Kfb of each st across. (32)
Bind Off
Sew to top of pumpkin near stem. Weave in ends.

My First Sewing Pumpkin Pattern

Cut fabric on the bias 5” tall x 10” wide.

Fold fabric in half with right sides together so it’s 5” x 5”. Sew the side opposite the fold with a straight stitch (on sewing machine) or running stitch (hand sewing).

With needle and thread and fabric still folded in half, hand sew a running stitch along one of the open ends through both layers. Cut thread leaving a long tail at beginning and end. Repeat about 1/8” from the first sewn line so you have two parallel lines of running stitch.

Pull the tails to cinch closed. Knot the thread. This is the bottom of the pumpkin.

Turn work right side out. Stuff pumpkin lightly.

These are just a few photos you find in the My First Pumpkin Patch Pattern on our Etsy Shop.

As before, sew running stitches around the unfolded fabric on the other opening sewing through one layer. Pull the strands adding a stem before cinching closed completely.

With needle and thread (and additional strands as needed), create ribs along sides of Pumpkin. Knot thread to bottom of pumpkin. Run thread outside the pumpkin from center bottom to center top then pass needle down through center of pumpkin back to bottom. Pull to desired tightness to create a rib. Do this where fabric is joined to help hide the join. Then repeat several times around to create additional ribs.

Beginner Friendly Sewing Patterns

beginner friendly sewing patterns

If you are new to sewing, here are some really fun step-by-step sewing patterns with traceable templates! You read that right. All of these patterns are step-by-step tutorials with pictures. The bear pillows make great memory bears…they are so cute and huggable. If you want something with a bit of attitude, the snake and hammerhead are sure to intimidate.

Check out the beginner friendly sewing patterns in our Etsy Shop.

Buy the pattern on etsy

No Sew Curly Q

With Green yarn

  1. Wrap a pencil with yarn leaving a tail on both ends for attaching to the pumpkin later.
  2. Spray liberally with spray starch so the yarn is soaked through. Turn pencil to spray both sides. Allow to dry completely.
  3. Remove from pencil. Cut in half.
  4. Use a yarn needle to sew to pumpkin near stem. Weave in ends.

My First Pin Loom Pumpkin Pattern

Orange

  1. Plain weave (3) 4″ squares.
  2. Lay them out to be 1 square tall by 3 squares wide. Join with whip stitch.
  3. Join the 4” ends together with whip stitches so you have a ring that’s 1 square tall x 3 squares around.
  4. Cut a strand of yarn to 8″ length. Sew a running stitch through each of the loops along one end making sure to go through all the loops on all three squares. Cinch closed. Tie a knot and weave in ends. This is the bottom of the pumpkin.
  5. Stuff pumpkin lightly.
  6. Repeat step 4 on the top with a strand of yarn that’s 24” long, cinch tightly (insert a twig before closing). Do not cut yarn.
  7. Using tails from step 6 and additional strands of yarn as needed, create ribs along sides of Pumpkin. Run yarn outside the pumpkin from center bottom to center top then pass needle down through center of pumpkin back to bottom. Pull to desired tightness to create a rib. Do this where each pin loom square is joined to help hide the joins. Then repeat in between each join to create additional ribs.

These are just a few of the photos you see in the My First Pumpkin Patch Pattern in our Etsy Shop.

Gnomes to Pin Loom Weave

Gnomes for every occasion…pin loom them all! These are ALL step-by-step tutorials with pictures and written instruction. These are great for fans of football, sharks, Halloween, and the Nutcracker! More are coming so be sure to visit the Etsy Shop.

Learn more about Pin Loom Gnomes on our Etsy Shop.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Pin Loom Curly Q

Follow directions above for No Sew Curly Q.

Get the Pumpkin Patch Pattern on Etsy

Get the print friendly version of the 4 in 1 Pumpkin Patch Pattern on our Etsy Shop. It encourages us to keep producing fun and festive patterns for crochet, knit, sewing and pin loom weaving.

My First Pumpkin Patch Pattern on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

New Assistant Editor – Crochet at F+W Media

Dana is now the Assistant Editor – Crochet at F+W Media

Dana Bincer Assistant Editor - Crochet at FW Media

It’s official. I, Dana, am the new Assistant Editor – Crochet at F+W Media…it says so on the name badge on my cubicle wall! Woot. I get to work on both Interweave Crochet and Love of Crochet.

I moved to Fort Collins and started work a week ago and it’s been a blast. To say this is my dream job would be an under statement. My coworkers (and boss) are amazingly talented and very helpful / supportive as I learn my new responsibilities. They are ok with my pink hair and I can wear jeans to work. Oh, and I get to talk crochet all day – I know…pretty awesome. I haven’t picked up a crochet hook since I started…but I’m sure I will once I get settled in a bit more.

Review: Anne Geddes Baby

Review: Anne Geddes Baby Yarn

We used Anne Geddes Baby from Red Heart in our Twins Face Off crocheted witch outfit entitled Witch Way, This Way. Here are our thoughts about the yarn:

Red Heart Anne Geddes Yarn for Twins Face Off

In a word, this yarn is great. It was a real pleasure to work with. It’s labeled “Baby” but we don’t let that limit how we use it. It’s a fabulous yarn for baby and adult items alike.

Yarn Features:

According to the Red Heart website: Red Heart has partnered with iconic baby photographer Anne Geddes to make this wonderful yarn. It is a perfect blend of acrylic and nylon that makes it super soft and just the right weight for those special baby things. You’ll love the color range and the adorable patterns!

Light Weight: 340 yrds / 100 g
80% Acrylic and 20% Nylon

Anne Geddes Baby Pros:

  • Bright and bold color selection. Seriously, babies look cute in all kinds of colors, not just pale blue and pink!
  • Smooth texture glides across fingers nicely. Because it is light weight, it hardly feels like it’s there, especially on the tension finger.
  • Soft yarn
  • Has a good twist, so doesn’t split. Can’t emphasize this enough; it doesn’t split!
  • Has a medium sheen – not too shiney or too dull
  • Washable
  • The lighter weight is nice for projects where smaller stitches and drape are important, whether for baby or not.

Anne Geddes Baby Cons:

  • As in most lines of yarn, we long for more colors. Seriously, babies are drawn to bright colors, so why aren’t most baby lines more colorful?

Patterns Using Anne Geddes Baby:

Witch Goves and Leg WarmersHere are some links to patterns using this yarn:

Winners in the Anne Geddes Baby Twins Face Off

Winnners in the Twins Face Off with Anne Geddes Baby Witch Challenge

Yarn Twins: Dana Bincer and Deborah BagleyI, Dana, officially won the Twins Face Off witch challenge by designing the hat. But I’m sharing this victory with Deborah because she designed the inspiration pieces. Actually, she designed 3 out of the 4 pieces in the Witch Way, This Way set. If the challenge had been hat vs. gloves, I’m not sure who would have won!

Witch OutfitWinners in the Giveaway

1st Place: Nancy S.
Nancy wins 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby and the Witch Way, This Way crochet pattern.

2nd Place: Elizabeth
Elizabeth wins the Witch Way, This Way crochet pattern.

Witch Way on Etsy.

And a big thank you to Red Heart for sponsoring the event. And thank you to everyone for participating in the Twins Face Off Design Challenge. It means a lot to us that you voted and entered the giveaway.

Vote in Witchy Twins Face Off with Anne Geddes

Vote in the Twins Face Off Crochet Design Challenge with Anne Geddes Baby

For this Twins Face Off crochet challenge we used Anne Geddes Baby yarn. It’s up to you to choose, which crocheted Witch Accessory you like better. After you vote below, scroll down to enter the giveaway for your chance to win 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby from Red Heart and a copy of both crochet patterns.

Giveaway ends September 21, 2015 at midnight.

Twins Face Off Witch Hat and Scarf

Left: Witch Hat with Dangling Spider    Right: Extra Long Striped Scarf with skull and spider web applique. See more photos.

crochet witch accessories

The hat and scarf were designed this month to coordinate with some gloves and leg warmers that we crocheted earlier this year. See more photos of the Witch Way, This Way crochet pattern.

The vote is annonymous, so vote with confidence.

Vote

[poll id=”11″]

Enter Anne Geddes Baby Giveaway

US & Canada Only

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Twins Face Off – Anne Geddes Baby Sneak Peek

Sneak Peek of Twins Face Off Crochet Design Challenge with Anne Geddes Baby

Last week we announced that we would be doing a Twins Face Off using Anne Geddes Baby yarn by Red Heart. This month is a little different. We are using the following items as our inspiration piece:

Witch Goves and Leg Warmers

These little pretties are our inspiration for this month’s challenge. Deborah had worked up the witch gloves and leg warmers using Anne Geddes Baby yarn a few months back. Now we’re using them to inspire us for more Halloween fun.

Next week we’ll share photos of the finished projects and ask you to vote for the design you like better. We’ll also be giving away prizes.

  • 1 place: 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby yarn and both crochet patterns;
  • 2nd place: both crochet patterns.

See you next week when we open up the voting and giveaway!

Witch Way pattern on Etsy: Here

Play Ball: New Published Pattern

Play Ball: Published in Love of Crochet Summer 2015….Now Available in Store

Play Ball Baseball and Football Stadium Cushions and Pillows

Love sports? We created a crochet pattern for a throw pillow and stadium cushions to help keep you comfortable at your next baseball, softball or American football game.

These stadium cushions are surprisingly easy to make and have several fun design features. There are shoulder straps to make them easy to carry to the game. There are tie downs on the side so you can tuck the shoulder strap away while in use. And we’ve included zippers so the cushion covers can be washed.

It’s hip to be square…or just a bit cheeky.

Play Ball Available in the Store

Love of Crochet Summer 2015-CoverPlay Ball Stadium Cushions and Throw Pillow first appeared in Love of Crochet Summer 2015. They are now available in the store.

The pattern includes:

  • Baseball / Softball Stadium Cushion
  • American Football Stadium Cushion
  • Baseball / Softball Throw Pillow

Available in the Store

 

Twins Face Off with Red Heart Anne Geddes

Twins Face Off with Anne Geddes Baby Yarn by Red Heart

Red Heart is sponsoring this month’s Twins Face Off with 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby yarn.

Red Heart Anne Geddes Yarn for Twins Face Off

Next week we will announce what cateogry of item we will crochet . We’ll also share sneak peeks at what we’re working on. The week following that we will ask you to vote on the two designs and open up the giveaway!

Giveaway to include:

  • 1st place wins 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby yarn and both crochet patterns;
  • 2nd place wins both crochet patterns.

See you next week for the sneak peek.

Witch Way pattern on Etsy: Here