A Better Harry Potter scarf

My DS wanted to be Harry Potter for Halloween this year (being the true fiber fellow, that I am thought at once: WooHoo, I get to crochet the scarf!), so I set about immediately scouring the web for all the current free Harry Potter scarf patterns. I tried a few out and tested them with various yarns and crochet hook sizes, but it just wasn’t grabbing me. I mean, I really want to love this project, because it’s the first time ever, my son actually wants something crocheted for him. So without further ado, I present my version of the Harry Potter Gryffindor First year scarf.

A Better Harry Potter Scarf

My version by Caroline Chrisco

1 skein of RHSS Burgundy
1 skein of RHSS Gold

Size H hook

Row 1-With burgundy, chain 22, half-double crochet in second chain from hook, then hdc in each chain(21hdc)turn, ch.1

Row 2- Hdc in each hdc across(21hdc)

Row 3-22 Repeat row 2

*At the end of row 22, do not complete your final hdc on that row, do your first YO and draw up a loop, YO again; draw up this loop, now with 3 loops on your hook, drop the burgundy(cut, leaving about a 6 inch tail for weaving in later.) and draw up the gold yarn through all three loops. Turn, ch.1.(Now tie the burgundy and gold loose ends together, weave in later.) This is how I make the color switch and it looks seamless:

Row 1-Continue using the gold and follow the same established pattern, (21hdc) turn, ch.1 for 22 rows.

I then switched back to burgundy and then back to gold. I did 5 repeats of burgundy(started and ended with burgundy and 4 repeats of gold.)

Finishing:

 Fringe: Using only burgundy, I cut 8, 16 inch lengths and attached them on both ends for the fringe. I like my imperfect perfect of way of deciding where to place the fringe. I find the middle of the scarfs edge and place one there. Next I place one each on the outer edges. Then I divide the section between the outer and the middle fringe in half, and place one there, ditto for the other outer edge. I keep dividing the spaces in half and place fringe until I can no longer squeeze any more in place. Repeat for the other end of the scarf. (Note: I use an overhand knot method of attaching the fringe to a scarf, you may want to use a slightly larger crochet to draw the fringe through.)

 Weaving in ends: Just note about weaving in ends, I know I mentioned the tying of knots as you switched colors. Since this was to be scarf, that may see a lot of action during various Halloween parades, Trunk or Treating, and Trick or Treating, I believe you should tie the ends together so you get a secure scarf, but if you can secure them buying crocheting them in nice and tight, do what makes you most comfortable.

My notes: This of course, is just my opinion and my version of what makes better HP scarf. The main reason why I think it is, is because, the HDC gives the scarf a thicker, richer feel and I only chain one at the turn of every row, which I think makes for neater edges. It's tricky to always find that last stitch before the turn, but I think the precise, squared edges speak for themselves.

Good luck!



Free spider pattern! Is's back!!

Spider! Materials: F hook, worsted weight yarn, polyester stuffung wriggly eyes Work in continuous spiral; do not join rounds This pattern is worked form the bottom of the spiders body up to the head; in one piece. ch 2 rnd. 1- 6 sc into 2nd chain from hook rnd.2-2sc into each sc, repeat around (12sc) rnd.3-1sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat around(18sc) rnd.4-2sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat around(24sc) rnd.5-3sc then2sc in next sc; repeat around(30sc) rnd.6-4 sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat around(36) rnds.7 thru 10-sc around(36sc) rnd.11- 4sc then dec. 1; repeat around(30sc) rnd.12- 3sc then dec 1; repeat around(24sc) rnd.13- 2sc then dec 1; repeat around (18sc) rnd. 14-1sc then dec.1; repeat around(12sc) shape neck: rnds.15 &16- sc around(12sc) stuff body rnd.17- 1sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat aound(18sc) rnd.18- 2sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat around(24sc) rnds. 19 thru 21- sc around(24sc) rnd.22- 2sc then dec. 1 in next sc; repeat around(18sc) rnd.23- 1sc then dec. 1 in next sc; repeat around(12sc) stuff head rnd. 24- dec. around(6 total decreases-6sc left at end of round) Fasten off; take a few small stitches to close hole; weave in ends. Here's what the body looks like completed legs(make 8) H Holding 2 strands of yarn together ch. 25; sc 3 into 2nd chain from hook; repeat until end. fasten off. sew legs to body,embroider mouth,glue or emroider eyes Do not hesitate to contact me for comments or corrections! All feedback is welcome!

Mouse Tri-Ami Free pattern!

Original pattern by Caroline Chrisco

Materials:
Small amounts of ww yarn
9mm safety
Polyester stuffing
Embroidery thread
Yarn needle
Continuous rounds; do not join.

With body color….chain 2
Rnd.1 4 sc in 2nd chain from the hook
Rnd.2 2 sc in each sc around(8sc)
Rnd.3 2sc in next stitch, then 1 sc in next stitch; repeat 3 times. (12sc)
Rnd.4 2sc in next stitch, then sc in next 2 stitches; repeat 3 times. (16sc)
Rnds.5-6 Sc in each stitch around
Rnd.7 2sc in next stitch, then sc in next 3 stitches; repeat 3 times(20sc)
Rnd.8 2sc in next stitch, then sc in next 4 stitches;repeat 3 times(24sc)
Rnd.9 2sc in next stitch, then sc in next 5 stitches; repeat 3 times(28sc)
Rnds.10-12 Sc in each stitch around
Rnd.12 2sc in next stitch, then sc in next 6 stitches: repeat 3 times(32sc)
Rnd. 13 3sc in next stitch, then sc in next 17 stitches, 3sc in next stitch, then 17sc(38sc)
Rnds 14-19 Sc in each stitch around
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the bottom up.

I attach eyes in between rounds 7 and 8
I embroider the whiskers just one row below the eyes.(I use ww yarn for these and tie knots on the ends.
Then, I embroider the mouth just below the whiskers.(I use floss for this)

Ears: (make 2) With the color you have chose for the inner ear; chain 2
Rnd. 1 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook(6sc)
Rnd. 2 2 sc in each stitch around(12sc)
Rnd. 3 Sc in next stitch, then 2sc; repeat around(18sc)
Rnd. 4 Sc in each stitch around
Change to body color.
Rnd. 5 Sc in each of next 2 stitches, then 2sc in next stitch; repeat around(24sc)
Rnd. 6 sc in each stitch around
Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing to head. (You may have to coax the ears into their final shape. I want just the last round of body color flipped over the inner ear color. Refer to picture)
Attach ears to either side of the mouse’s “head”

Stuff.
Whip stitch the bottom together. I sew a few stitches, then stuff the corner where I just came from good and tight, so it will look like a triangle when its complete. (I use the eraser end of a pencil to get the stuffing in all my corners.)
Continue stitching until you have only 2 or 3 stitches left, stuff this corner tightly and finish sewing the corner.

Tail: chain 22( or desired length) Slip stitch in second chain from hook, then slip stitch the next 2 stitches. Fasten off

Wip Wednesday

Crocheting(and knitting!) ADD

This time of year my cup runneth over. It's filled with friends, festivities, and projects! I seem to jump from one to another. So not like me, for those of you who follow, I am a finisher. I start, at the max 3 projects, and then complete each one, before moving on to the next great thing, so this has flustered me. Here's a peek at some of the madness...



White scarf and hat set for my niece in Colorado....done!
"Baby its cold outside snowman" free pattern form the 'ville...not done....

Six of my Santa ornaments I designed this year, gifts for my co-workers, done!

I also dusted off my knitting needles and started, completed the Loopy scarf from Patons. I am wanting to make a matching hat for it too. maybe the one button Banana Republic knock-off. I also downloaded a felted beret from Ravelry. I am anxious to start my first felting project. My sis is doing the same project from her home down north of Wichita, so we'll have to compare notes as we go - kind of a sister crochet-a-long. Here are the first 2 rows of the beret:

Here is a close up of the yarn I used for the loopy scarf:
Here is a shot of the entire scarf...done!
There you have it, a little of this and that. I can't wait to show you more "Done"! :-)

Oh, I almost forget DH got my Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets for my b-day. The concert is tonight...can't wait!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like ........

Christmas!

Using the same shape as my Christmas Tree pattern, I made up a Santa ornament. Kind of folksy, I'm still playing with the design. Look for more to come.......

Today was my last day of school before the Thanksgiving break. Woot! Woot! I will be baking bread and getting ready to feast. Dinner will be here at 1:00 pm on Thursday.

Christmas Tree Ornament or Package Topper: Free Pattern

Christmas Tree Ornament or Package Topper

Original pattern by Caroline Chrisco

Materials:
“G” Hook
Worsted Weight yarn
Small amounts of rickrack and assorted buttons
Polyester Stuffing
Needle and thread

Magic ring, 4 single crochet into ring: do not join, work in a continuous spiral
Round 1 Two sc in each stitch around (8 sc)
Round 2 Sc in each stitch around(8sc)
Round 3 Two sc in next stitch, then one sc in next stitch; repeat 3 more times(12sc)
Round 4 Sc in each stitch around(12sc)
Round 5 Two sc in next stitch then 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches; repeat 3 more times(16sc)
Round 6 Sc in each stitch around
Round 7 Two sc in next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, rpeat 3 more times(20 sc)
Round 8 Sc in each stitch around
Round 9 Two sc in next stitch, then sc in each of the 4 stitches, repeat 3 more times(24 sc)
Round 10-16 Sc in each stitch around
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing bottom together
Do not stuff yet, I find it much easier to sew all the details into place when the tree is "empty" and you can place your hand inside to assist you in sewing items into place.

Decorate:
I took gold rickrack and tacked it down with a needle and thread to resemble garland. Next, I placed buttons for ornaments and tacked them in place with needle and thread.
Finally, I sewed on a star button at the top of the tree.

Hanging Loop:
With the same yarn as the body of the tree, chain 12 ( more or less, depending on your liking). Attach through top of tree. I generally just pull both ends through and tie a knot on the inside. I don't want it falling off the tree or gift!

Stuffing:
Using polyester stuffing, fill your tree. I use the eraser end of a pencil to get it into tight corners and to shape them more sharply., begin sewing the bottom of the tree closed(I use just a plain stitch to do this). As you see the need for stuffing and shaping, do this after every few stitches, you'll be happier with your corners if you do it as you go.

News!!! Noticias!!!

Well, sitting on my front doorstep was a box marked "Simon & Schuster" Ummmmm, I guess I forgot I ordered something. So, after I got the boys settled with a snack I set about opening my box. There were two 2011 Crochet Patter-A-Day calendars. Ummmmmmm, "Mom has lost it", I thought.Sshe meant to only order me one and accidently got the 2 button pushed, but then a little voice popped into my mind. Could it be one of my patterns made the calendar? I submitted last September, could it be???

I'm published!!!!!! Suffice it to say, it made my day. Thanks Christina and Aurora for encouraging me to submit my patterns.

I have added a pattern page to my home page so just click on the page to see a listing of my free patterns. I am removing the Spider! and Mouse Ami patterns for the year, so cutstomers who
purchase the calendar will get them exclusively.

Thanks for all the support!!!!

Pattern writing......

I have finally finished up enough of my chores that I can concentrate on pattern writing. I have been wanting to write my "Ugly" doll patterns up since I first started making them in the spring. I have decided to change the spelling of their name to Uglee, then no one can tell me I'm too close to the felt dolls that go by the name Ugly Dolls. I'm also thinking that I am going to market them by shape. Remember how I had all sorts of "cute" ugly names for them? Maybe if I design them a little more broadly, fiber friends will want just the basic shapes, then they can individualize their Uglee doll like I did. So far, I have a Rectangle Uglee, Triangle Uglee, Square(Baby) Uglee, Round Uglee, and Pyramid Uglee.

Free Octopus Pattern!

Free Octopus pattern
by Caroline Chrisco


Materials:
Small amounts of ww yarn
“G” hook
9mm safety eyes
Fiberfill stuffing
Embroidery thread/needle

Small amount of pink felt

Do not join rounds; work in a continuous spiral
Magic circle; 6 sc in circle
Rnd. 1- 2 sc in each sc around(12sc)
Rnd. 2- 2 sc in next stitch then 1 sc; repeat around(18sc)
Rnd.3- 2 sc in next stitch then 2 sc; repeat around(24sc)
Rnd.4-2 sc in next stitch then 3 sc; repeat around(30sc)
Rnd.5-2 sc in next stitch then 4 sc; repeat around (36 sc)
Rnd. 6- 2 sc in next stitch then 5 sc; repeat around(42sc)
Rnd.7-2sc in next stitch then 6 sc; repeat around(48 sc)
Rnds -8 thru 15 sc around
Rnd. 16- *sc dec then sc in next 6 stitches* repeat around(42sc)
Rnd. 17-*sc dec then sc in next 5 stitches* repeat around(36sc)
Rnd.18-*sc dec then sc in next 4 stitches* repeat around(30sc)
Rnd. 19-*sc dec then sc in next 3 stitches* repeat around(24sc)
Rnd. 20-*sc dec then sc in next 2 stitches* repeat around(18sc)

This is where I stop and work on the facial features:

*Attach 9mm safety eyes(I attach in the middle and with about 9 stitches inbetween)
*Embroider mouth.
*Attach 2 felt circles for cheeks.
*Stuff.
Rnd. 21-*sc dec then sc in next 1 stitch* repeat around(12sc)
Finish stuffing, so you can shape it to a nice circle shape.
Rnd. 22- sc dec in every stitch around (6sc)
Fasten off, I weave my yarn tail in and out of every stitch(6sc) then gently pull inorder to completely close the hole up. Weave in tail.

Legs(make 8)

Using 2 strands of yarn:
Chain 20, then 3 sc in 2nd chain from hook; 3 sc in every stitch down the chain. It should start curling after the first few chains. Fasten off.

Attach all legs to bottom of body. I tend to put 4 on each side, so that it can sit evenly, but let me know if you find a better way.

Roly-poly mouse pattern

Materials:
-small amounts of gray yarn
-even smaller amount of black yarn
"-F" hook
-polyester stuffing
-needle
-9 mm safety eyes

Mouse is worked in continous round. Do not join.

Magic circle
rd. 1 6 sc crochet in circle
rd. 2 sc in each sc around (12sc)
rd. 3 1 sc in next sc then 2 sc in next; repeat around (18sc)
rd. 4 1 sc in each of next 2 sc then 2 sc in next sc; repeat around (24sc)
rd. 5 1 sc in each of next 3 sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat around(30sc)
rd.6 1 sc in each of next 4 sc then 2sc in next sc; repeat around(36sc)
rd.7-16 sc around
rd.8 sc dec in next stitch then 4 sc; repeat around(30sc)
rd.9 sc dec in next stitch then 3 sc; repeat around(24sc)
rd. 10 sc dec in next stitch then 2 sc; repeat around(18sc)
rd. 11 sc dec in next stitch then 1 sc; repeat around(12sc)
-attach eyes(between rds 3-4)
-embroider nose and whisters)
-stuff almost to top
rd. 11 sc dec in every stitch around(6sc)
-finish stuffing
fasten off; stitch close

Legs(make 4)
magic circle
rd. 1 6 sc in center of circle
rd. 2 sc in each sc around(12sc)
rd.3-4sc around
Fasten off, stuff lightly and sew to bottom of body

Ears(make 2)
magic circle
rd. 1 6sc in center of circle
rd. 2 2 sc in each of next 2 stitches then 2sc in next sc; repeat around (9sc)
rd. 3 3 sc in each of next 3 stitches then 2sc in next stitch repeat around(12sc)
rd. 4-5 sc around
rd. 6 sc dec in every stitch around (6sc)
-whipstitch close; pinch slightly at bottom and take a stich to secure so the ear remains puckered.
-Attach to head.
Tail: chain 24 (or desired length) Attach to back of body.
Enjoy!

This pattern has only been tested by me, so if you have questions; do not hesitate to give a lil' yell!

Lil' Bunny pattern

Lil bunny pattern (Original pattern by Caroline Chrisco)

Supplies:
ww yarn
“F’ hook
6mm safety eyes
Fiberfill stuffing
Embroidery thread
Needles

Pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless noted otherwise. Do not join.
Begin at top of head:

Rd. 1 Make a magic circle and sc 6 into it. (6sc)
Rd.2 2 sc in next stitch; repeat around (12sc)
Rd. 3 2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch; repeat around (18sc)
Rd. 4-7 sc around
*I usually place the eyes after this round*
Rd. 8 2sc in next stitch, sc in next 2 stitches; repeat around (24sc)
Rd. 9-12 sc around
*I embroider the mouth after these rounds*
Rd. 13 Sc in inside loop only; repeat around (24sc)
Rd. 14 (Continue working in inside loop only)Sc decrease then sc in next 2 stitches; repeat around(18sc)
Rd. 15(Continue working in inside loop only) Sc decrease then sc in next stitch; repeat around(12sc)
*Stuff only until just past the 13 round(where you started working in the inside loop, there should be a definite line)*
Rd. 16 (Continue working in inside loop only)Sc decrease around (6sc)
Fasten off.
I weave my end in and out of each of the remaining 6sc and pull gently until the hole cinches up neatly, then I weave in my end.
If you didn’t fill too full, you should be able to push in the bottom of your bunny for a flat sitting surface.
(I use the 13th round as my guide, it’s the first round of inside loop stitches. I push it in until it reaches that round.)

Ears(make 2)

Ch 15
Rd. 1 Sc in 2nd chain from hook then 12 sc down, 3 sc in last chain space. Working up opposite end of starting chain 12 sc;
3 sc in the beginning chain.

Rd. 2 12 sc; 3 sc next sc; 14 sc; slip stitch in next stitch; fasten off.

*You should a long, wavy oval.*
Tail:
I make a pom-pom and attach to back. You could also use a store bought one too.

Merry Christmas! Felicidades! (and a free scarf pattern!

Here is the annual picture of my tree before it comes down. Sigh.

My sister and her family are coming up tomorrow if the darn snow doesn't get in their way. It just started in about an hour ago. Keep your fingers and toes crossed. My sister, is my only other fellow hooker in my life. She totally gets the connection between your soul and making something with your hands. Hopefully we'll get time to poor over patterns together or at least sit side by side and hook away.

This is a scarf of my own design. It my fav and I can work on it at any time with very little thought. So without further ado:

My half-dc curly fringe scarf:

Close up of detail:


The pattern:I used a size I hook, but gauge is not important, just how tight you like your stitches.
1 skein of worsted weight yarn(mine is RHSS)
Chain a string of stitches as tall as you are.(Give or take a few depending on your taste.)
Row 1: Half-double crochet into second chain from hook. Repeat to end. Turn, chain 2
Row 2-12: Half-double crochet in every stitch, turn, chain 2 at every row end.
Fasten off at the end of row 12.

Fringe: Holding 2 strands of yarn together.
Chain 25, 3 sc in every chain. Fasten off, leave about six inches of yarn to fasten to scarf.

Make 12 curly Q's, Fasten 6 to each end of the scarf. Viola!

Edited to add:

To make a curly Q:

Ch.15
3 Sc in 2nd chain from hook, then 3sc in each chain across, it should start curling immediately Fasten off, repeat.

Spider!

Here is another original pattern by moi! I think he came out pretty cute. I was so busy designing him I didn't take notes on how he was made. I guess I'll have to deconstruct him and write out the pattern. Hope you like him! He is sitting on my mantle right now and I love him.

Ghost!

This has not been tested by anyone except me! Good luck!

G hook and white worsted weight yarn

chain 2

6 sc in 2nd chain from hook(6sc)

2 sc in each sc around(12 sc)

sc 1 then 2sc in next sc around (18 sc)

sc 2 then 2sc in next sc around( 24)

sc 3 then 2sc in next sc around(30)

sc 4 then 2sc in next sc around(36)

sc next 4 rounds

sc 4, dec 1 in next sc around (30)

sc 3, dec 1 in next sc around(24)

sc 2, dec 1 in next sc aound(18)

sc 1, dec 1 in next sc around(12)

place eyes(I used 15mm safety eyes)

stuff head

sc next 2 rounds for neck(12sc)

sc 1 then 2c in next sc around(18)

sc 2 then 2 sc in next sc around(24)

sc 3 then 2sc in next sc around (30)

sc 4 then 2sc in next sc around(36)

sc to desired length of ghost "skirt"( I did 9 to 10 rounds)

*last row: shell 5 sc, sk 1 sc, sl st next sc, sk 1, sc shell 5 sc in next sc aound(10 shells)

Viola!

I did not stuff the "skirt" of the ghost so that it would look flowy and more spooky. Mine stands about 6 inches tall. I also think I am going to suspend him with invisible thread above my ghost village I have here at home.

Please email me with any questions or corrections! I would love to see any finished products!!!

All comments welcome!