The February Sky Scarf

Posted on by

When I decided to start blogging about crochet projects I knew I wanted to create a pattern that I could name after my blog. A signature item, if you will. It’s kind of corny, but after many tests and trials and failures and finally success, I’m proud to call this pattern the February Sky Scarf.

I’ve always been a scarf person and I made this one exactly how I like my scarves- long enough to wrap twice around my neck without being tight, a loose fabric that drapes nicely, and an interesting stitch that looks more complicated than it is.

The pattern uses a two-row repeat and only uses one slightly advanced technique (double crocheting stitches together), but once you get the hang of it you’ll have the scarf done in no time!

I made the scarf using two different colors of Caron Simply Soft and the ombre yarn made a really cool gently striped effect.

The February Sky Scarf

Materials

  • 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn (Pictured is Caron Simply Soft in Purple and Grape Purple Ombre)
  • Size N 10 mm crochet hook
  • Large sewing needle

Stitches:

  • Chain (CH)
  • Single Crochet (SC)
  • Double Crochet (DC)
  • Two Double Crochet Together (2DCT)
  • Three Double Crochet Together (3DCT)

Special Stitches:

Two Double Crochet Together (2DCT): Yarn over, insert hook into first stitch, yarn over and pull up one loop (three loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook (two loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into second stitch, pull up a loop (four loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through first two loops, yarn over and pull through last three loops. Stitch finished.

Three Double Crochet Together (3DCT): Yarn over, insert hook into first stitch, yarn over and pull up one loop (three loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook (two loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into second stitch, pull up a loop (four loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through first two loops (three loops on hook). Yarn over and insert hook into third stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop (five loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through first two loops, then yarn over and pull through remaining four loops. Stitch finished.

PATTERN:

Holding two strands of yarn together (if using Caron Simply Soft or similar worsted weight yarn), CH 18.

Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from hook. *Skip one stitch. 3 DC’s in the next stitch. Skip one. SC.* Repeat from * to * across, ending row with a SC.

Row 2: Turn. CH 2 (does not count as a stitch). In the 1st 2 stitches, 2DCT. *CH 1. SC in the next stitch (the middle DC from the previous row). CH 1, do not skip a stitch, and 3DCT in the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * twice more. CH 1, SC, CH 1, end with 2DCT in the last 2 stitches.

Row 3: Turn. CH 1. SC in the first stitch (the top of the 2DCT from the last row). *Skip a stitch (the chain from the last row) and make 3 DC’s in the next stitch (the SC from the previous row). Skip a stitch (CH from last row), and SC (in the top of the 3DCT)*. Repeat from * to * across, ending with a SC in the last stitch.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until scarf reaches desired length. My finished scarf was 60 inches long before I sewed the ends together. You can leave it open or create an infinity scarf, which is 30 inches long and wraps around the neck twice. Adjust the sizing to however fits you best!

I hope you’ll try it and feel empowered when you wear it. For me, it symbolizes going after my goals, even when they’re half-formed and take a lot more work than I originally thought. And beyond any symbolism, I think it’s really pretty and I hope you do too.

This is an original pattern by Christina of February Sky Designs.  Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to it but please do not reprint it on your site or sell it.

You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Christina of February Sky Designs, and link to my blog februaryskydesigns.com. Thank you for respecting creators and their work!

Move Mountains Baby Blanket

Posted on by

I got a text from one of my good friends showing me the beautiful mountain mural she’d put up in the nursery for the baby boy she’s expecting in a couple months. She lives far from me and I knew I wanted to send her a baby care package that included a crochet blanket using the colors in the mural. After browsing through some baby blanket patterns on Pinterest I had an idea- what if I not only incorporated the colors of the mural into the blanket, but the design as well? And so, the Move Mountains baby blanket was born!

“Kid, you’ll move mountains!”- Dr. Seuss
This is the picture she sent me of the nursery! Mountain decal purchased from PearlWall’s Etsy shop.

I had never made a blanket like this before and knew I’d need a visual to keep track of when I should be adding my colors. I used the website Stitch Fiddle to design a template for my blanket, and after a lot of trial and error this was what I came up with:

The blanket is worked entirely in single crochet and is 60 stitches across by 70 rows tall. The finished blanket came out to 36 inches by 32 inches using super bulky yarn and a size P hook.

The trickiest part of the blanket is knowing how to do the color changes correctly. Once you count your stitches and know where you’re supposed to be starting a new color you begin your single crochet in the stitch before the first stitch of the new color, and instead of finishing the single crochet with the first color you pull in the new color to finish it. Then you single crochet with the new color in the next stitch, which is your first stitch of the new color.

Here I was finishing with the light gray yarn and before completing my SC I would pull up the navy blue yarn to finish it and then continue on with the blue yarn, leaving the light gray strand until I came back to it in the next row.

By increasing or decreasing one stitch of a color, depending on where you are in the pattern, your colors will move up and down diagonally and create the mountain slopes.

If you want to cut back on the number of ends you need to weave in, like I always try to do, you’ll be working with multiple balls of yarn at once, picking them up and dropping them as you move across the rows.

Stitch abbreviations:

  • SC = single crochet
  • CH = chain

Materials: 

3 skeins each of-

Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn – San Diego Navy

.

Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn Dallas Grey

.

Lion Brand Yarn Hometown USA Yarn Springfield Silver

.

Crochet Hook, Size P-15, 10mm

.

Large-Eye Sewing Needle

_________

Pattern:

Chain 61

Row 1: Using Color A (dark gray), SC in the 2nd stitch from the hook and continue across. 60 SC.

R2-10: CH 1 (does not count as SC), turn. SC across.

R11:  CH 1, turn. SC across until there are two stitches from the end. Join Color B (navy blue) in SC 59 and do one SC of Color B in SC 60.

R12:  CH 1, turn. SC with Color B in first stitch. Start the SC in the second stitch and pick up Color A yarn to finish. SC across with Color A.

R13:  CH 1, turn. SC with Color A across until the 4th stitch from the end (SC 57). Pick up Color B and SC to end.

R14:  CH 1, turn. SC with Color B for three stitches. Start 4th SC and join Color A. SC across with Color A for 18 stitches. Join a second skein of Color B for one SC. Don’t finish the SC of Color B, but add a second skein of Color A and SC across to the second to last stitch. Join the 3rd skein of Color B and SC the last stitch.

R15-23:  CH 1, turn. Continue to SC with Colors A and B, increasing Color B and decreasing Color A one SC on each side of the mountain peaks with each row.

R24:  CH 1, turn. SC across, dropping 2nd Color B skein and continuing with 1st skein until Color A change.

R25-31:  CH 1, turn. Continue decreasing Color A.

R32-36:  CH 1, turn. SC across with Color B.

R37:  CH 1, turn. SC across with Color B for 15 stitches. Join with Color C (light gray) for one SC, join 2nd ball of Color B, SC across to SC 49, join 2nd skein of Color C, SC one and join 3rd skein of Color B. SC with Color B until second to last stitch, join 3rd skein of Color C, SC one.

R38-53:  CH 1, turn. SC across, decreasing Color B by one on each side of the mountain peaks until they all reach their tops.

R54-70:  CH 1, turn. SC across with Color C.

Note: Be sure to consult the stitch chart for help with color changes and row numbers!

I’ll be mailing the blanket this week, along with a onesie I found with little mountains on it (gotta love a theme!). I love how this blanket came out and I can’t wait to see pictures of it in the nursery and especially with her little boy!

This is an original pattern by Christina of February Sky Designs.  Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to it but please do not reprint it on your site or sell it.
You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Christina of February Sky Designs, and link to my blog februaryskydesigns.com. Thank you for respecting creators and their work!

***This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Two-Toned Tassel Baby Blanket

Posted on by

I love making blankets for friends and family who are having babies and imagining them wrapping their little bundles in something soft and warm and made with love.

This beginner-friendly blanket is worked up quickly using the moss stitch and super bulky yarn and is a perfect gift for winter babies.

The Two-toned Tassel Baby Blanket uses two contrasting colors and the rows are staggered so the colors fade into each other. This is the perfect blanket for tucking into a stroller on a windy day or laying out on the rug for play time.

Materials

  • 6 skeins, 3 of each color, of super bulky (level 6) yarn. I used Lion Brand Yarn’s Hometown USA in Springfield Silver and Montpelier Peacock
  • Size P hook
  • Tapestry needle
  • Piece of cardboard, 4×4 inches
  • Scissors

Stitches Used

  • Chain (CH)
  • Single Crochet (SC)

Notes

The finished blanket is 30 inches by 30 inches (without the tassels). To achieve the fading effect, the rows of each color increase/decrease evenly. For the baby blanket size, my biggest block of each color at the end of the blanket has 7 rows. To increase the size of the blanket, increase the starting chain any even number amount and follow the diagram below to increase the overall number of rows of each color.

Pattern

  • Starting with Color A, CH 56
  • Row 1: SC in second stitch from the hook, CH 1, skip next stitch, SC in the next stitch, CH1, and repeat across, ending with a SC in the last stitch.
  • Row 2: CH 1, turn. SC in the first stitch. SC in the chain spaces from previous row with chains in between (“moss stitch”). End with a SC in the last stitch.
  • Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2.7 rows of Color A.
  • Row 8: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 1 row.
  • Rows 9-14: Join with Color A, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 6 rows.
  • Rows 15-16: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 2 rows.
  • Rows 17-21: Join with Color A, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 5 rows.
  • Rows 22-24: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 3 rows.
  • Rows 25-28: Join with Color A, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 4 rows.
  • Rows 29-32: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 4 rows.
  • Rows 33-35: Join with Color A, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 3 rows.
  • Rows 36-40: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 5 rows.
  • Rows 41-42: Join with Color A, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 2 rows.
  • Rows 43-48: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 6 rows.
  • Row 49: Join with Color A, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 1 row.
  • Rows 50-56: Join with Color B, CH 1 and turn. Moss stitch across, starting and ending with a SC. 7 rows. Tie off and weave in ends!

To make the tassels:

Cut a piece of cardboard to about 4 inches square. I used an old snack box for mine.

Wrap the yarn around the cardboard about 25 times. Using a second piece of yarn, tie off the top of the bundle and slide off the cardboard. Tie it tightly, leaving the two ends about 6 inches long to tie onto the blanket. Cut through the loops at the other end.

Using a third piece of yarn about 6 inches long, tie the middle of the bundle to create the tassel shape.

Trim the bottom of the tassel so the ends are even. Make 6 tassels from Color A and Color B, 12 total. Ready to attach!

For my blanket, I started 4 inches from one side of the top and attached a tassel every 4 inches across, using the contrasting color tassels for each side. Use a tapestry needle to pull the ties back through the tassels to make them more secure.

That’s it! I hope you enjoy making this blanket for a new baby in your life. Follow me on Instagram for more crochet goodness. ~

DIY Hanging Planter

Posted on by

IMG_1558

I hope one of your New Year resolutions was to do more crafting in 2014, since everyone needs more beautiful things in their lives! I decided to liven up my work space during the dull days of January by making this cute and easy hanging planter.

Here’s what you’ll need:

-3 mini terracotta pots (mine are 2 inches tall)

-twine or hemp, multicolored or white

-paint colors of your choice

-felt pom poms (could also use beads)

-glue gun

IMG_4730

Start by painting your pots. I chose a light gray color and I needed to do two coats.

IMG_4734

Let the pots dry. Since they are hanging pots you will see the bottoms, but not the insides, so I rigged up a little drying station with pens and a mug.

IMG_4735

Once the pots are dry you can decorate them like I did by painting the rims in different bright colors, or you could do a ‘dipped’ effect by painting the bottom of the pots a different color. Be creative!

IMG_4737

Measure 4 pieces of plain or colored twine/hemp about 50 inches per piece (if using different sized pots than 2 inches adjust accordingly). This will give you enough twine to tie the top loop and to add the pom poms on the ends.

IMG_4738

Holding all four pieces together, make your first knot about 6 inches from the bottom of the twine. This is where your first pot will rest. Tie three more knots, each 8 inches apart. You’ll have four knots and plenty of leftover twine at the top to decide how long you want your pots to hang and where you should make your final loop. My loop stars around 8 inches above my fourth knot. Tie a large loop and knot it several times, cutting off the excess.

This step is optional, but you can wrap the knots you made with colored twine. This reinforces the knots and adds a little more color.

IMG_4739

Next, tie knots in each piece of twine hanging from the bottom. Hot glue your pom poms or beads to the ends of twine, staggering them a bit so they hang nicely.

IMG_4740

Hang your twine from the loop on a hook or screw and carefully place each pot above a knot, moving the four pieces of twine so they support the pot evenly. That’s it!

Hanging Planter Collage

I need to get some succulents to put in these ASAP. Enjoy your crafty January!

Rustic Winter Engagement Party

Posted on by

Rachel and Hugh's Engagement Party Collage

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life -Confucius (smart guy)

I feel this is never more true for me than when I’m working on decorations for a loved one. One of my best friends since we were 13 recently got engaged to her beau and her mom wanted to throw her an engagement party right after Christmas while friends and family were in town for the holidays. This made a very busy month for me between Christmas shopping and working on decorations, but I loved every minute of it.

I wanted a winter theme that would tie in the Christmas decorations that would still be around the house for the party. I went with a winter woodland theme with birch trees and pops of red and turquoise.

These beautiful invitations were ordered from Oh Happiness Cards on Etsy. Everyone loved the back detail!

IMG_4935

I purchased these awesome birch tree straws for the mimosas at the party, simply displayed in mason jars with ribbon.

IMG_4880

Speaking of mason jars, I also used them as accents around the house filled with cranberries and floating candles.

IMG_4881

Along with mimosas, we also served coffee and tea, so I made custom hot cup sleeve covers with a birch tree stamp and the couple’s initials.

IMG_4911

I love the way covering cups and bottles with printed paper makes them that much more special. I created little custom labels for the champagne bottles that made them really stand out.

IMG_4871

IMG_4870

I decorated the drink table with a painted burlap banner.

IMG_4874

And I added a little festivity to the doorway with simple paper cones strung between the dining room and living room

IMG_4899

IMG_4905

Something I don’t usually tackle for parties (except those I host) is desserts. For this party I actually made two desserts- a cake and sugar cookies.

First the cake: chocolate with vanilla icing, decorated with cranberries and rosemary

IMG_4889

With a custom burlap cake topper!

IMG_4890

The cookies are of Vermont, with a little sprinkle heart on Burlington where Rachel and Hugh met and fell in love.

IMG_4887

(These gave me a very hard time. I wished I could teleport Clara to help me!)

IMG_4886

Thankfully, the cake went easy on me.

IMG_4893

Love the birch round I found at Michaels to use as a cake stand!

Lastly, I painted a sign for the couple that sums up the feeling going into the new year and celebrating their lives together.

IMG_4913

Love you guys!

IMG_4915

Oh, Christmas Tree

Posted on by

Like many people, the smell of a real Christmas tree is one of my all-time favorites. Maybe it’s the memories of childhood associated with it, but it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

This year, however, I decided to go an untraditional route. I’d like to share with you my Christmas ‘tree’-

IMG_4808

This, my friends, is a branch I found laying on the ground in the park near my house. I can only imagine what people thought when they saw me dragging it back to my apartment (in the snow, mind you). But once it was dried out and hung up it was ready to be trimmed with special ornaments and presents underneath.

I have to admit, I’m smitten with it.

IMG_4811

Did I mention it lights up?!

I used little fairy lights that attach to a battery pack (hidden behind the ornament on the far left). When it’s lit up and a spruce-scented candle is burning, it definitely feels like Christmas around here.

IMG_4812

Friendsgiving 2013

Posted on by

IMG_4786

Every year my friends and I make a point to get together around the holidays to celebrate our friendship in the midst of family gatherings and the general busyness that occurs this time of year.

I offered to host Friendsgiving this year, choosing blue, orange and gold for the decorations. I made a few simple things that created a festive atmosphere for the grown-ups to sip white sangria and the littles to run around/lay about bringing joy to our growing friend-family.

IMG_4783

I used paint to add color to the setup, including the vase filler, gold accents on the orange votives, and giving a few little pumpkins a colorful makeover.

IMG_4774

IMG_4779

IMG_4778

I made the banners with brown card stock and paint, and found some pretty orange flowers to brighten up the table.

IMG_4788

Finally, I sent my friends home with simmer jar favors filled with oranges, cinnamon and cloves so they can continue the festivity in their own homes.

IMG_4764

I’m so thankful for the good people in my life. Enjoy celebrating with yours.