If something important was missed, please contact thegypsy@naughtyknitterz.com !

Knit Happy!

CYC (Craft Yarn Council) Yarn Weight Categories

WPI

WPI stands for Wraps Per Inch. This is a method to determine yarn weight. This means that if you take something like a ruler, and wrap the yarn with the strand wraps side by side, the number of wraps will tell you the weight of the yarn.

Yarns with 6 wraps or less are considered super bulky, like roving.

Yarns with 7 or 8 wraps are considered bulky, like chunky.

Yarns between 9 and 11 wraps are considered medium, like worsted.

Yarns between 12 and 14 wraps are considered light, like DK.

Yarns between 15 and 18 wraps are considered fine, like sport.

Yarns with 19 or more wraps are considered super fine like sock yarn.

More about the CYC can be found at http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/ .

This pattern was created in a fit to satisfy my son’s request for a stuffed squirrel for Christmas. Because I have a problem saying no, I searched online for photos of squirrels and set to work mimicking their shape the best I could. Overall, I’m very satisfied with this pattern and hope you will be too! Let me know how it works for you, what could be improved or what variations you added. I feel like variation is what makes each piece special, so be sure to switch it up as you see fit!

Abbreviations/Stitches

Ch=chain

Sl st=slip stitch

Inc=increase (2 stitches in same stitch)

Dec=decrease

Sc=Single Crochet

Picot=Chain 3, slip stitch into same stitch (making a loop)

Hook: US I/9 (5.50 MM)

(Finished Piece stands about 14” tall)

Head:

Ch 3, sl st to join

Ch 2, 7 sc into ring

Ch 2, *2in1, sc* around X3

Ch 2, sc around X3

Ch2, *3sc, 2in1* around

Ch 2, sc around X4

Ch2. 3sc, 2in1* around

Bind off, stuff with filler of your choice. Set aside.

Make back of head:

Ch 3, sl st tp join.

Ch3, 7 sc into ring

Inc around

Ch2, *2 in 1, sc* around X4

Ch2, 1sc in each st around

Sew to back of head piece.

Eyes:

I used two stacked buttons to make the eyes, because my son is old enough to not worry about him trying to eat them. If you are making this for a smaller child, or just don’t like buttons for eyes, you can do a simple stitch with yarn, embroidery floss, etc. Just stitch over 2 rows, or enough to make the eyes as big as you want.

Nose/Mouth:

This was done in yarn with an embroidery needle. At the nose end of the head piece, stitch around the last round with brown yarn/embroidery floss. I used yarn because of the size of this piece because embroidery floss was too small for my taste. If you like more delicate features/details, the floss might be for you. After making about 7 to 8 stitches for the nose, I stitched straight down for the middle line then over to each side for the mouth. You can anchor these lines by going around 1 stitch and binding off. Make sure to leave a tail! You can stuff the tail in to the piece, out of sight, and it gives more stability to your knot. Nobody likes their mouth coming out!

Ears:

Ch 9. SC in 3^rd from hook and across.

Ch 2, turn. SC across.

*Turn (DO NOT CH2 here!!), SC across* Repeat until ear tapers down to 2 stitches (4 rows or so)

(I trimmed with eyelash yarn to hide the rough edge and make it a little fluffier)

Body: (worked in joined circles, not a spiral)

Ch3, sl st to join.

10 SC into ring

*2SCin1* around

*SC in next 2 st, 2in1* around X 3 rows

SC around

In back loops only SC around (This “turns the corner” from the base of the body to the main portion).

*SC around* X 10 rows (I started stuffing here and kept filling it up as I went).

Dec2, *SC around* X5 rows

Dec4,* SC around* X2 rows

*Dec around*

Finish stuffing and bind off. Sew finished head on.

Tummy:

This is made in an arch pattern. The original ch is worked on the top and bottom, kind of like a circle pattern that starts with a line instead of a magic ring. However, instead of continuing around, you will turn back after completing a round to make an oval that is flat on the bottom.

Ch7, turn

SC across, 5SC in last st, SC across bottom of original ch

Ch2, Turn (to work back over row you just created) and SC in next ST X 8 *2SC in 1* X 3, SC X8

Ch 2, Turn, SC X11 *2SC in 1* X5, SC X11

Ch 2, Turn, SC 13 *2SC in 1* X7, SC 13

Ch 2 Turn, SC 15, *2SC in 1* X 9, SC 15

I did a SC trim around the whole piece for a more finished edge, but that is optional.

Bind off, leaving a very long tail for sewing on to the tummy.

Back Legs: Make 2

Ch 3, sl st to join.

10Sc into ring

Inc around

Inc every other around X2 (2in1, SC)

2sc, 2in1* around

Sc around X2

Dec 1^st & last X 2

Toes: (make 2)

Ch 5, turn. SC in 2^nd ch from hook and across.

*Picot* X 3 (See description above for details on this stitch.)

Bind off leaving a long tail to sew onto the legs with.

Front Legs: Make 2

Ch3, sl st to join

10SC into ring

Inc around

SC, 2in1*around

SC in each st around X2 *THUMB GOES HERE* For the thumb, chain 4, SC into 2^nd ch from hook and back down to round. Continue on rounds from here, leaving the “thumb” tab sticking up.

SC in each st around X6, bind off, sew on.

Tail:

Ch 32. Turn.

SC in 3^rd ch from hook and across

Ch 2, turn. *Add “fun-fur” or eyelash yarn as a second strand here*

SC across.

Continue this until the tail is as long as you’d like it to be. After getting it about 30 rows high, I sewed the side seams together then closed up the top end, making a flat tube that was open on the bottom.

Stuff the tail, making it really bushy looking. Feed a thread of yarn down the back seam in several places. Pulling this strand makes the tail “curl” the way a squirrel’s tail does. Attach the strand to the bottom then stitch the whole thing on, making sure it is secure.

So there it is…clear as mud, right? This is by far the most complicated pattern I’ve ever written, and would not recommend it for the complete novice. If you like a challenge, it’s a great project. The piece itself was pretty easy to make, and if you’ve mastered the SC and straight lines and want to try your hand at making more three-dimensional shapes, this might be your pattern! Just know, it’s a gateway…today it’s stuffed squirrels, tomorrow it’s fun animal pillows, then before you know it you’re up until 3 in the morning surfing Youtube for amigurumi tutorials and making dinosaur dolls for your co-workers kids…(ask me how I know!) It is a very rewarding process to see a toy take shape as you single crochet your way through the pattern. I’d love to see pictures of your finished product, be sure to share them!

Original Pattern by The Gypsy. Feel free to share, but please do not sell the pattern! Thanks!

In Indianapolis on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you have the awesome opportunity to be able to go to the zoo with free admission when you bring a canned food item. Given that today was the coldest day in two years, I decided to forgo the zoo trip and knit something. This super simple pattern will make a fabulous cash bag for my Pure Romance business, or a super cute little clutch for your afternoon out. Enjoy!

Abbreviations:

CO: Cast On

BO: Bind Off

RS: Right Side

K: Knit

STS: Stitches

Materials Needed:

Size US 11 knitting needles

A: One Skein Dark Grey

B: One Skein Bright Pink

(Or whatever colors your stash is begging you to work with)

Yarn Needle

Buttons, Velcro, Bows, or whatever you want to use to help the bag stay shut and look pretty.

With A, CO 40 STS. Knit 4 rows. Switch to B.

With B, K 2 rows. Switch to A. With A, K 4 Rows.

Switch to B. K4 rows. Switch to A. K 4 rows.

Switch to B. K6 rows. Switch to A. K 4 rows.

Switch to B. K8 rows.

Switch to A. K 8 rows. Switch to B. K 4 rows.

Switch to A. K 6 rows. Switch to B. K 4 rows.

Switch to A. K 4 rows. Switch to B. K 4 rows.

Switch to A. K 2 rows. Switch to B. K 4 rows.

Holding strands A and B TOG, BO.

Weave in CO ends. (Both yarns)

 
Thread needle with both strands from BO. Weave ends through the end stitch from BO row to end of 18^th

row. (End of 3^rd to last B stripe) (You are just trying to camouflage it.)

Lay piece flat with RS up.

With CO edge, fold first 3 A stripes away from you. This will be the opening flap.

What is not folded is the bag.

Fold this section in half and seam. Flip RS out. Add any buttons, velcro, bows, etc- whatever suits your fancy to keep it closed and make it pretty.

Knit Happy!

Weekend Knitting is not just a book of fabulous patterns, but of fabulous ideas to enjoy knitting even when needles aren’t at hand. My favorite example of this is the “Knitting Film Festival” section. This section lists many movies good yarny scenes, such as Chicago, Chicken Run, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Wizard of Oz- only to name a few. Honorable Mentions for this category would include the “Gentle Hand Massage” and “A Good Read.”

Choosing my favorite pattern from this book was immensely difficult. The patterns are easy to follow, detailed, and useful. My favorite pattern from the book is actually one I haven’t tried yet, but will be casting on very soon- The Perfect Pie Shawl. The pattern is pretty and delicate looking while still being useful. (Unlike the many lace shawl patterns you find online that look as though a glance at a nail could unravel it.) Honorable Mention patterns would have to be Lace Edged Pillow Cases and The Farmer’s Market Bag.

All in all, this book is a definite must have for all levels of crafters. My best suggestion for you is to buy this book immediately. If you don’t believe me, check it out at your local library first, but it will be VERY hard to send this one back in just two weeks.

Knit Happy!

This book is not the first of Vickie Howell’s that I have reviewed, and I can pretty much assure you that it will not be my last. Vickie Howell’s books are full of color, imagination and patterns that are as amazing for the recipient as they are for the crafter. New Knits on the Block is the perfect example of this- fun knits for kids to enjoy, rather than hide in their locker at school. (Come on, who doesn’t have a picture of them in a horrible Christmas sweater?)

The first thing that I love about this book is that it has toys AND wearables. So many pattern books with toy patterns are either all toys, or one or two mediocre toys that are really only good for two year olds. Another big thing I love about the toy patterns is that, while you are assembling a hand made toy, it does not require Dr. Sheldon Cooper to figure out how to do it.

It is SO hard to choose a favorite toy pattern. I love the tool set, the pirate bath set and the robot jammy bag, but my favorite has got to be the Guitar Pillow. The finished guitar itself is 11 by 33 inches! It is perfect for a little one to play and dance along to their favorite songs or movies without all of the horrible extra noise made by the plastic ones you get at department stores. The pattern is well written, easy to follow, and even comes with a pattern for felted guitar picks! (My nephew is SO getting one of these ASAP.

As far as wearables, I love the range the patterns have. Princesses, firemen, mermaids can all be brought to life with these whimsy and colorful patterns. My favorite wearable, though, is another my nephew will be getting ASAP- the Knight Rider Chain Mail Dress Up. A step outside the modern super-hero, this could even give a reason for the Knight and the Princess to play TOGETHER, rather than a tea party or an Avenger’s fueled battle. (Though I have to admit my nephew will also get two empty coconut shells with his chain mail!)

This book is a must have for those with little ones in their lives. The patterns include some that are great to make for specific children, but also a bit more universal ones to make for a few last minute baby shower gifts to have on hand!

Knit Happy!

Are you low on gifts for the holidays? Simple Garter Stitch hand warmers can be a great unisex gift for anyone- the comfort of gloves mixed with the ability to use a smart phone, swipe a bus pass or keep a grip on that latte would make lots of people happy! A simple coaster set used in a person’s or couple’s favorite colors are a wonderful housewarming gift! (You can add place-mats if you want to go all out!) The beauty of these gifts is that they are simple and easily personalized with the right color scheme. You can even make a stash-buster weekend out of it by knitting or crocheting up a whole bunch of these items for a stock-pile of ready-made gifts!

In an effort to help bring a bit more smart color to yarn crafts, I have compiled a list of color combinations based on anything from the color wheel to pop culture.

Basic Color Mates: (Based on the color wheel- these colors automatically compliment each other. These colors are found opposite of each other on the color wheel!)

Red and Green

Blue and Orange

Yellow and Purple

Harry Potter Houses:

Gryffindor: Red and Gold

Hufflepuff: Yellow and Black

Ravenclaw: Blue and Bronze

Slytherin: Green and Silver

Sports and Academics:

Indiana University: Cream and Crimson

Purdue University: Black and Gold

University of California: Blue and Gold

Columbia University: Blue and White

University of Texas: Orange and White

Indianapolis Colts: Blue and White

Chicago Cubs: White, Red and Blue

New York Jets: Green and White

Obviously, this list could go on forever. Be sure to utilize your favorite search engine to find whatever team or university colors you need!

Pop Culture and Other References:

Sure, everyone won’t get it. But YOU will. And that is what is important!

Blue and White are terrific snow references.

Red and Blue and Green and Blue are great for Mario and Luigi!

Don’t forget White and Green for Yoshi!

Black, White and Silver could be a KISS tribute!

Red, White and Blue could be a Who tribute!

Black, Red, and just a little White would make a FABULOUS Rocky Horror Picture Show reference! (Or even Sweeney Todd, if you did it right!)

Red and Yellow for Winnie the Pooh!

Blue, Magenta and White for Dance Dance Revolution fans!

Red and White for Coca Cola!

Black and Yellow for Batman!

Green and White for Green Lantern!

Brown and Yellow for Curious George!

Yellow and Black for PacMan!

Pink and Green in neon hues would make an awesome Fresh Prince of Bel Air reference!

Orange, Yellow and Brown for Resse’s!

Pink and Black for Pure Romance!

Red and Silver for Smirnoff!

Red, Blue, White with a little Yellow for Ernie! (You know? Burt’s buddy!)

Pink and White for Candy Land!

Blue and Yellow for the Human Rights Campaign!

Light Blue and Yellow for Gleeks!

Black, White, with a little Green for Beeltejuice!

As you can tell, the lists REALLY CAN go on forever! Add a little new life to your tried and true patterns using smart color choices!

Until next time, Knit Happy!!!

It’s built on a simple spiral, with a gradual increase. A little slouchy, a little hippie-y, and a lot of fun to wear, it’s become a staple to my wardrobe (especially now that the cold weather is here!) It’s perfect for bad hair days, too!

As far as materials go, this was a stash-buster for me, so any yarn you have around will do nicely. And switch up the colors to your heart’s content! I am currently working on a version with a different color in each round, so it’s very versatile.

Spiral Slouchy Hippie Hat

Materials:

US G Crochet Hook

Color A: fingering weight acrylic lavender

Color B: fingering weight acrylic magenta

Color C: fingering weight acrylic violet

1. Using Color A, Ch 4, Sl st to join.  

2. Ch 2 (counts as first SC) 6 SC into ring (7 SC)

3. Ch 3 (counts as first DC), 1 DC in same stitch, Ch 1. *2DC in next stitch, Ch 1* Continue ** around. (14DC)

4. *2DC in next stitch,(around chain 3 from previous round) Ch 1, 2DC in next stitch (7 sets of 2DC with a chain separating each) Ch1, switch colors.

5. With B, Join color. Ch 1. *2DC (into space before the next set of DC), Ch1, 2DC (into space before the next set of DC)* Ch1, 2DC into same space, Ch1* Repeat to finish the round. Switch Color.

6. With C, Join Color. 2 DC in next space, Ch 1, repeat for 42 sets. This will make 2 rounds.

7. DC in next 2 sts for 2 rounds.

8. *Ch 1, 2 DC in next stitch, Ch 1 skipping next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch.** Repeat around.

9. *Ch 1, 2 DC into space, Ch 1, **repeat for 2 rounds.

10. 2 DC into next space, NO CHAIN, repeat for 2 rounds.

11. 1 DC into next space, NO CHAIN, repeat for 1 round.

12. With B, 1SC in each space around.

13. FO.

As this is my first written pattern, I welcome critiques! (As long as they’re nice…) 

Hook It Up!

Here are a few basic knitting patterns to help your household projects come to life!

Coffee Cup Cozy

With size US 4 needles, Cast On 40 stitches. Knit 2 rows. On row 3,  knit 1, knit into front and back of next stitch, knit to end of row. Repeat row 3. Work 16 rows in stockinette. Repeat row 3. Repeat row 3. Knit 2 rows. Bind off and seam.

Increase pattern as needed to fit vases, flowerpots, mugs

Dishcloths and washcloths

Dishcloth frenzy is huge right now. There are hundreds of patterns out there. To make a basic cloth, simply cast on anywhere from 35 to 50 stitches on size 7 needles. Work in your favorite stitch. Lace and illusion patterns are great for decorative cloths, and stitches like garter and seed will be better for scrubbing. Just work your piece until it is at your desired length.

Important note: Be sure to use a machine washable yarn. I LOVE cotton yarn for dishcloths!

Increase pattern as needed to make matching hand towels, dish towels, and decrease to make a dusting cloth or seam into a rectangle or try this crochet pattern to make a soap scrubbie!

Coasters

I love square coasters. Mainly, I think, because so many yarn crafted coasters are circles. To make my favorite coasters, follow the pattern below:

    Size US 8 needles

            CO 15 sts. Knit 3 rows. On row 4, knit the first 3 sts, purl until 3 sts remain, then knit remaining 3 sts. Row 5: knit all sts.

            Repeat the last two rows until piece is almost a square. (Will depend on tension.)

            Knit 3 rows

            BO. Weave in ends.

            Increase pattern as needed to make matching placemats or table runners!

Of course, there are MANY more items that can be made for the home, including reusable shopping bags, holders for plastic shopping bags, pincushions for your craft room, felted bowls for odds and ends, pouf-like footstools, rugs, seat covers- the list goes on!!! What items do you want to see on the pattern share? Leave your ideas in the comments below or email thegypsy@naughtyknitterz.com !

~~The Gypsy

This form of crochet is called broomstick lace. Having been around for many years this technique was originally done using an actual broomstick handle and a crochet hook.  That’s obviously how it got the name.

By using the broomstick lace method of crochet a project can be completed in no time at all.  Today you have a much more practical option than using a broomstick- a large knitting needle is used.  I typically use a size 19 knitting needle.  I find it even better to use a lager size needle like a 35.

It helps to have some basic knowledge of crochet such as knowing the chain stitch and double crochet.

In most crochet projects you work a row, then turn your work and then go back down the other side.  With broomstick lace you work on the same side throughout the entire project. Using a large knitting needle you can make quite an eye catching item in little or no time at all.

A basic pattern for a small scarf (using the broomstick lace method) is as follows:

Abbreviations 

Chain = ch

Double Crochet = dbl

Supplies

Size J crochet hook

Size 19 or 35 knitting needles (you only need 1)

Yarn of your choice.  The gauge of the yarn is not important for a broomstick lace project.

Chain 17 – Work a single crochet back across and you should have 16 single crochet. Do not turn your work.

1. Place your hook into the first single and pull up a stitch, place the stitch on to the knitting needle.  Do this across placing every stitch you pick up onto the knitting needle.  By the end of the row you should have 16 stitches on the knitting needle.

2. Slide 4 stitches off your knitting needle and place your crochet hook into these 4 stitches. Take and make a loop pulling yarn back through all 4 stitches and chain 4 (counts as your first dbl work).  3 more double crochet in the same stitch.

You should have 4 stitches worked.  Slip 4 more stitches off and work 4-dbl crochet into the loop.  Repeat this across and you will have 4 sets of 4 going across.

Do not turn your work.

3. Repeat row 1

Do not turn your work.

4. Repeat row 2

Do not turn your work.

Continue until you achieve the desired length for your project.  Finish it off as you would any crochet project by weaving in your ends.