Pattern Review: Circle Jacket (with modifications for child size)

disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.

By now, we've all seen stunning circle vests and jackets. I fell in love with this particular pattern and made myself a vest. The vest gets me compliments all the time and is now one of my favorite wardrobe items. Like most of my projects, the jacket seen above (modeled by my beautiful daughter, Zelda) began with a simple request: Zelda wanted a vest like mine. Not only was I flattered, I was worried that I would never find a pattern in her size. After searching patterns for days I gave in to the idea of modifying an adult pattern.  

So let's get started!  You can obtain the original pattern here.  The pattern is available in adult sizes S-XL.  It calls for alpaca yarn double stranded but as you can see I used a worsted yarn single stranded that worked up great.  I recommend using the yarn specified as it drapes much better but on a budget worsted will get the job done.

Now for my modifications.  My daughter wears a size 6 so I literally cut the pattern down by 33%.

I worked the pattern with no changes through round 8.  Then it was time to bind off for armholes.

Round 9: crochet 1 tr, 17 ch, skip over 17 tr, *1 tr, 3 ch, skip over 2 tr*, repeat from *-* 8 MORE times, 1 tr, 17 ch, skip 17 tr, *1 tr, 3 ch, skip 2 tr*, repeat from *-* to end of round.

After round 9 I completed 5 more rounds according to the pattern and fastened off. 

Sleeves: I worked 36 tr around the armhole opening for the 1st round.  I then followed the pattern for 15 MORE rounds.

I also added a seashell border to each sleeve in black.  To do this ch 3 (counts as dc), (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same st as beginning ch, skip 2 tr, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts*.  Repeat from *-* to end.  Join with sl st to beginning chain and FO.

I hope you guys enjoy this pattern as much as I have and that these modifications help others like myself.  If anyone has modified this pattern for other sizes and would like to share, feel free to send me an e-mail from my contact page.

If you decide to make this jacket yourself, please consider buying indie!  Help support other artists like yourself by using this amazing alpaca yarn for your jacket.  It is available in eight beautiful colors and your purchase helps artists like you and me.  It's a win win!

Blue Sky Alpacas - Alpaca Silk Yarn - $15.18 Add a touch of grace and glamour to your next knitted work of art with this luxurious Alpaca-Silk blend. With a fine gauge, glossy sheen, and beautiful drape this yarn is both soft and elegant. It's the perfect pick for a stunning shawl, light shrug, or lovely little cardigan.

Until next time, happy hooking!

Free Pattern Hunger Games Inspired Cowl

I want to look like Katniss! Free Pattern

I love The Hunger Games Trilogy and, upon seeing Catching Fire in the theater, I waited patiently for a pattern for the cowl that Katniss wears in the beginning of the movie.  I knew it would happen, that this item would become huge in the fashion world and judging the number of patterns out there now, I would say my prediction was right--everyone wants one!  This free pattern from happyberry is so perfect.  I admit it isn't a replica from the movie but it looks stunning and literally works up in a day.  I spent two days making this one (I frogged it once and ran out of yarn and had to buy more!).  I also commend the designer for teaching me something!  I had never used a Solomon Knot before and I picked it up easily with her video and the pattern is beautiful.  I glammed it up by using Hobby Lobby Chunky Yarn in a shimmer silver.  I'm also happy to say I'm making a variant of this for Spring that does not have the collar and it's made using lighter cotton yarn for a lacy look.  I suggest you try this pattern (even if you are unfamiliar with the stitch, the videos are helpful!).  I love it love it love it and I know you will too.  Let me know what you think in the comments below and be sure to hit that share button so everyone can see this amazing pattern!


I apologize for my absence the last week.  I am back and better than ever and I have TONS of great things to show off to you guys.  To make it up to you guys here's a link to get 50% of Craftsy classes!  This offer ends at midnight tonight so don't miss out!  I can't wait to catch up with you all.  See you tomorrow!

 **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

Yarnbombs!!!

Yarnbombs!!!

 

Yarnbombing...oh, how I want to do this.  Everyone's heard of it by now and it has received mixed reviews from what I can see.  I personally like it a lot.  I think it's a great way to share our art and, in many cases, adds beauty to the environment.  I can't see that as a bad thing.  Yes, it does require a TON of yarn and time but really, who hasn't--after crocheting for years--said to themselves "I really want to crochet but I don't need anything else".  I've been crocheting for over fifteen years and, while I love to sit and crochet for hours, I don't intend to fill my house with crocheted items until I suffocate under the weight lol.  Some cities are getting behind the movement and even paying artists to decorate the town with crochet!  Well, love it or hate it, today's post is to all the yarnbombers out there.  These are some awesome photos of yarnbombing that I have found (with links!).

Artists Lorna and Jill pose with the Squid Tree Yarnbomb

This Squid Tree Yarnbomb looks amazing and the two ladies pictured above completed this project in just a few days!  Check out their post which tells how they did it and gives great tips for your own yarnbombing project.

I could not call myself a geek and NOT include this R2D2 Yarnbomb.  This bomb was done for International Yarnbombing Day and was only left up for the day as a celebration but I have to revel in it's awesomeness.  As with the squid tree, the link provides plenty of details to recreate this but both this and the squid are knit.  Both can be reconstructed in crochet if you have the time and patience.

This one is inventive.  Unfortunately someone has stolen the clock so it's just a bracelet now but it was a nice gesture anyway.  You can check out the original post here.

This is easily the biggest yarnbombing I've seen.  The Warhol Bridge was covered by over 1,800 artists to celebrate The Warhol Museum's 10th anniversary and was only left up for about two months but how awesome of the city to approve that.

With that, I take my leave.  I think I will be doing this very soon.  My partners in crime may take some convincing but if I do this, I will definitely post some pics for you guys.  I might start with a tree or something.  The ideas are rolling now.  See ya tomorrow guys.  Let me know your thoughts about yarnbombing in the comments below and be sure to share these with everyone you know.  If you're getting a group together for bombing, definitely let me join you!  Haha see ya!

West Lynn Headwrap

West Lynn Headwrap

I found this cute pattern on Ravelry and thought "that's so simple, it'll be done quick!".  The problem is that the headband came out way too big!  I used a size G hook and medium weight yarn (the pattern calls for worsted) and I did the size S/M.  It was huge.  So I frogged it and restarted with a few things in mind: the band needed to be smaller and I wanted the bottom of the band to be narrower so I could wear it under my hair.  I'll try to walk you through what I changed.  I first decided 78 dc was too much and shortened it to 68.  Because I wanted the band narrower on one end, I did the foundation as follows: 16 sc, 4 hdc, 28 dc, 4 hdc, 16 sc.  I did rounds 3 and 5 the same way.  Rounds 2 and 4 I did differently: 12 sl st, 4 sc, 4 hdc, 28 dc, 4 hdc, 4 sc, 12 sl st.  To me, this made the band easier to wear and more comfortable.  The only other change I made was that I only did 6 rounds on the wrap and 4 rows on the band.  It didn't make a huge difference in size to me.  I am overall very pleased with this pattern (the way I did it).  In fact, I've made two of these today!  The pattern is free and you can find it on Ravelry here.  I hope you guys try it out.  I can get three of these from one ball of cotton yarn so it makes a great stashbuster.  Enjoy.  Let me know what you think in the comments below and share your photos on my Facebook page.  Also, as always be sure to hit the share button below.  Thanks for reading!

Free Pattern--Granny Stripe Boutique Bag

Granny Stripe Boutique Bag

     I love making purses!  I found this pattern while browsing Ravelry's database.  I just love how these little bags can be worked up in a few hours and they really look stunning when finished.  This boutique bag was made with 100% cotton yarn in the color Spring Ombre.  Here in Memphis we are covered with ice and I needed a little touch of Spring.  This bag did it!  The color is beautiful and I think the flower just adds to it's appeal.  To use this as an everyday bag you would want to line it to prevent little bits from falling through the fabric but it is the perfect size for a gameboy or iPod or kindle.  You can find the pattern here (very easy pattern, great for beginners) if you want to make one or the bag pictured is for sale in my creations shop (link in sidebar).  Let me know what you think of my new boutique bag below in the comments and hit that share button while you are down there.  Every share helps! :)  If you have suggestions for this site feel free to contact me and let me know!  I hope you enjoy the bag as much as I do.  If you would like to learn crochet, I have plans to make some tutorials in the near future!  Until then, you can check out Craftsy's Crochet Classes.  Craftsy is always running sales on these classes and, having purchased one myself, I can tell you they are great classes.  The platform is great: you can ask questions and share your thoughts (and projects) with other people in the class.  You also get access to the class forever.  Buy once and you can access it whenever you want with no expiration.  I'll be back tomorrow, see ya then!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.  I receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a link in my post.

A Paopu Fruit For My Son Free Pattern

Paopu Fruit (Kingdom Hearts)

Everybody in my family has been sick lately so last night I really wanted to do something special for my oldest son.  He's been playing Kingdom Hearts on the PS2 constantly and, while I wanted to find a pattern for an amigurumi shadow (if you find one, let me know!), I found a pattern for a paopu fruit.  This pattern is super easy (I mean, it's a simple star and a leaf) but it looks really nice when it's finished and it's a really quick and easy gift for any fan of the series.  You can get the pattern free at Crafty Hanako.  So go on, check it out and try it!  It's fun and fast--I promise!  If you try this pattern or are just a fan of Kingdom Hearts, let me know what you think in the comments below.  While you're down there, be sure to click share to let all of your friends know about this free pattern.  If you don't crochet, or if you do, I also sell my crocheted items in my online shop (link in the sidebar).  Thanks for reading!

New Pattern! The Chevron Bangle!

Source: Chevron Bangle via lilkeeblerelf1 on Craftsy

This is my newest original crochet pattern, now available in my Craftsy pattern store (link in the sidebar).  Firstly, the pattern is only $0.99 AND it's super easy.  If you can single crochet, you can complete this project.  I also believe just about anyone can complete this in about an hour which makes it great for last minute gifts.  So check it out and let me know what you think in the comments below.  Be sure to like and share as well.  See ya next time.