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Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Guess who shouldn't be allowed to use anything sharper than a crochet hook! Me that's who!
I'm working on a deadline for a hat that I'm hoping to have published and what do I do but whack my pinkie finger with a knife while cutting french fries. It's a real bleeder and it hurts like crazy. The only consolation is the hat's red, so maybe my blood won't show up on it. Just kidding. I bandaged the finger and it's not bleeding now, but it sure hurts.
Sorry to gross you out. OK, I'm off to finish this hat, hopefully.
Posted at 07:43 pm by Dot
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Thursday, June 23, 2005
I must truly be a glutton for punishment. My first experience on Ebay was a bust. Got a few bids and even had a winner, but the sale fell through. Even with that, I decided to try it one more time and then I'll quit.
I've listed Gentle Ripples and Elegant Lace both this time.
I'm a lousy salesman! Oh, well, I had to test the waters.
Posted at 02:40 pm by Dot
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Tuesday, June 21, 2005
REFLECTIONS PONCHO
copyright © Dot Matthews 6/15/05
 
Special thanks to SWAPNA for testing this pattern. The corrections she suggested are done in red. Great job, Swapna!
Size: Adult up to 2x. Measures 23" from neckline to hemline
Skill level: easy to intermediate
Materials:
Yarn, Bernat Baby Coordinates, sport weight, white, 2 full 6 oz. skeins and a scant amount of a 3rd skein. (1020 yds)
K hook for beginning chain (optional)
J hook
scissors
blunt needle
stitch marker.
Gauge: 9 dc = 3" and 4 rows dc = almost 3" (2 7/8")
Stitches/abbreviations used: ch=chain; dc=double crochet; sl st=slip stitch; sc=single crochet; hdc=half double crouchet; dec=decrease; beg=beginning; st=stitch; sts=stitches; sp=space; sk=skip; ea=each
Special instructions: Decrease – yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull yarn thru st, (3 loops on hook) insert hook in next st, yo, pull thru st (4 loops on hook), yo and pull thru all 4 loops on hook. Decrease complete.
INSTRUCTIONS
ROUND 1: with K hook, ch 80, join in first ch to form a circle, ch 1, sc in same st as join, *sc in next st. Repeat from * around. join in first st. (80 sc) Switch to J hook.
ROUND 2: ch 3, (beg ch counts as st) dcin same st as join, ch 2, *sk 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (54 dc)
ROUND 3: ch 3, dc in next st, *2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around, ending with 1 dc in last ch-2 sp. Join in top of beg ch. (120 dc)
ROUND 4: ch 3, dc in same st as join, ch 2, *sk next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (80 dc)
ROUND 5: ch 3, dc in next st, *2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around, end with 3 dc in last ch-2 sp. Join in top of beg ch. (180 dc)
ROUND 6: ch 3, dc in same st as join, ch 2, *sk next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (120 dc)
ROUND 7: ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (240 dc)
ROUND 8: ch 1, sc in same st as join, ch 4, *sk next 4 sts, 3 dc in next st, ch 4, sk next 4 sts, sc in next st, ch 4, Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (72 dc)
ROUND 9: ch 1, sc in same st as join, ch 3, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (120 dc)
ROUND 10: ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch-2), 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in ea of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2, *1 dc in next sc, ch 2, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in ea of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join in 3rd ch of beg ch. (192 dc)
ROUND 11: sl st in next 2 chs, sl st in next dc, ch 3, dc in same dc as beg ch, 1 dc in ea of next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 1, *sk next dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in ea of next 5 dc, 2 dc in next st, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (216 dc)
ROUND 12: sl st in next 4 dc, ch 1, sc in same dc as ch 1, ch 4, *sk next 4 dc, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 4, sk next 4 dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 4. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (72 dc)
ROUND 13 thru ROUND 28: (repeat round 9, 10, 11, 12) 4 times.
ROUND 29 thru 31: repeat round 9, 10, 11.
ROUND 32: ch 3, dc in ea dc and ch-1 sp around. Join in top of beg ch. (240 dc)
ROUND 33: ch 1, sc in same st as join, sc in ea st around. Join in first sc. (240 sc)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
NECK EDGE:
With right side facing, attach yarn in any stitch at the back of the neck edge.
ROUND 1: ch 2 (does not count as a st), hdc in same st as ch, *hdc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join in first hdc. (80 hdc)
ROUND 2: ch 2, hdc in same st as join, hdc in next 2 sts, *dec, hdc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. Join in first hdc. (60 hdc)
dec= yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull yarn thru st, (3 loops on hook) insert hook in next st, yo, pull thru st (4 loops on hook), yo and pull thru all 4 loops on hook. Decrease complete.
ROUND 3: ch 2, *sl st in next st, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join in first ch.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Posted at 09:05 am by Dot
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Sunday, June 19, 2005
NO CHAIN ON PEEKS AND VALLEYS
I've had several questions concerning the beginning chain on Peeks and Valleys, so I put a statement on the pattern and a note in the "Pattern Correctoins" page.
THERE IS NO STARTING CHAIN ON PEEKS AND VALLEYS.
If you follow the instructions on Round 1, you will end up with a long strip that you join to form your foundation row. Sorry for the confusion.
Posted at 02:20 pm by Dot
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Monday, June 13, 2005
MY FIRST CAPE - this is not my pattern
I've had several people ask me if I have a cape pattern. Well, I don't. I was curious about capes, so I did a google search and found a free pattern, the Rah Rah Cape. I didn't see any credits on the pattern, so I'm not sure who the designer is. I tried to email "Carole" but my email didn't go through. The best I can do is give you the link to the pattern and show you pictures of my completed project.
THIS IS NOT MY PATTERN, please use the link above to access the pattern if you're interested in making it for yourself.
OK, without further ado, here are pictures of my interpretation of the Rah Rah Cape.
  
This is made with Red Heart Super Saver medium sage, trimmed in black, with 2 gold buttons at the top. It took almost 2 full 6 oz skeins medium sage and a small amount of black. The third picture is to try to convey the actual green color of the cape. (darned camera). The pattern gives 2 sizes and I did the smaller version, which I'm thinking is probably a medium. Don't hold me to that, all I know is it's too small for me (2x). Geez, did I just put my size on the internet. Good grief! I better take a nap.
I enjoyed watching this pattern take shape because I had no idea how to do a cape. The arm slits were a total mystery to me until I did this pattern and then I had one of those aha! moments. It's done entirely in double crochets and trimmed with single crochet and chains. Easy pattern. I recommend this to anyone looking for a cape pattern.
Posted at 05:32 pm by Dot
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Friday, June 10, 2005
PEEKS AND VALLEYS PONCHO
 
copyright 06/10/05 © Dot Matthews
Skill level: easy to intermediate
Size: 1 size fits most up to 2X
Poncho measures 21" to 22" from neckline to hem edge.
Gauge: 1 8dc shell = 2" across and 1 ½" top of shell to bottom of shell;
2 dc/ch groups = 2"
Yarn: Bernat Baby Coordinates, color 131 Blue Bon Bon, 1 ½ 6 oz skeins, 707 yds; 75.2% acrylic, 22.2% acetate, 2.6% nylon
Materials: K hook; scissors, blunt needle, stitch marker (use a purchased stitch marker, piece of yarn, safety pin, bobby pin, or whatever you have available)
Stitches used: chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch
Special Stitches: Shell = 8 dc in ch-3 loop
dc/ch group or group = ch 3, dc in third ch from hook
sc next 2 sts tog = insert hook in next st, yo, pull yarn thru st, insert hook in next st, yo, pull yarn thru st, yo, pull yarn thru all 3 loops on hook.
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
sp = space
st = stitch
tog = together
Note: numbers in ( ) at end of rounds tells the number of stitches you should have for that round.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Peeks and Valleys does not have a "traditional" starting chain.
ROUND 1: *ch 3, dc in third ch from hook. Repeat from * 25 times. Join in space between ch and dc of first group. Be careful not to twist groups. (26 dc/ch groups)
ROUND 2: working in spaces between ch and dc of groups, ch 1, sc in same sp as join, ch 10 *sc in next group, ch 10. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (26 ch 10 loops)
ROUND 3: sl st in next ch-10 loop, ch 1, 11 sc in same ch-10 loop, *11 sc in next ch-10 loop. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (286 sc)
ROUND 4: sl st in next 5 sc, ch 1, sc in same st. Ch 8, *sk next 10 sc, sc in next st, ch 8. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (26 ch-8 loops)
ROUND 5: ch 1, sc in same st as join, 7 sc in next ch-8 loop, *sc in next st, 7 sc in next ch-8 loop. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (207 sc)
ROUND 6: ch 1, sc in same st as join, (sc next 2 sts tog) twice, sc innext 4 sts, *ch 3, sc in next 7 sts. Repeat from * around to last 9 sts. End with ch 3, (sc next 2 sts tog) twice, sc in next 5 sc, ch 3, join in first sc. (29 ch-3 loops and 203 sc)
ROUND 7: sl st in next 3 sts, ch 1, sc in same st, *sk next 3 sts, 8 dc in next ch-3 loop for shell, sk next 3 sts, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (29 shells)
ROUND 8: sl st in next 4 sts, sl st in sp between 4th and 5th dc of shell, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 6, *sc in sp between 4th and 5th dc of next shell, ch 6. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (29 ch-6 loops)
ROUND 9: ch 1, sc in same st as join, *(3 sc, ch 3, 3 sc) in next ch-6 loop, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (29 ch-3 loops)
ROUND 10: ch 1, sc in same st as join, *sk next 3 sts, 8 dc in next ch-3 loop, sk next 3 sts, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (29 shells)
ROUND 11 thru ROUND 31: Repeat rounds 8, 9 and 10.
ROUND 32: ch 1, sc in same st as join, *sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc.
Fasten off, weave in ends
NECK EDGE
Working in spaces between ch and dc of groups, attach yarn in any space on neck edge. Ch 1, sc in same space where yarn was attached, *5 dc in next space, sc in next space. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Posted at 07:53 pm by Dot
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Thursday, June 09, 2005
SASSY A
 
 
copyright © 06/10/05 Dot Matthews
Hat size: 22 1/2" to 23"
Gauge: 6 dc rows = 4" and 13 dc sts=4" (approximately)
Materials: K hook; 3 oz ww yarn, completed hat weighs 2 oz.
Note 1: Beginning chain does NOT count as a stitch.
Note 2: Numbers in ( ) at end of rows depicts total number of stitches for that row.
Note 3: When joining rows, skip over beginning chain and join in first actual stitch.
ROW 1: ch 3, 12 dc in 1st st. Join in first dc. (12 sts)
ROW 2: ch 2, 2 dc in ea st around. Join in first dc. (24 sts)
ROW 3: ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join, 1 dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st. Repeat from * around, join in first dc. (36 sts)
ROW 4: ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join, 1 dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around, join in first dc. (48 sts)
ROW 5: ch 2, 2 dc in same st as join, 1 dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around, join in first dc. (60 sts)
ROW 6: ch 2, dc in same st as join, 1 dc in st to the right of st just made - that's the last stitch of the previous row - *sk the next st, dc in next st, dc in the st just skipped. Repeat from * around, join in first dc. (30 crossed stitch groups)
ROW 7: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in ea st around, join in first sc. (60 sts)
ROW 8: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in ea st around, join in first sc. (60 sts)
ROW 9: ch 1, sc in same st as join, ch 3, *sk 3 sts, sc in next st, ch 3. Repeat from * around, join in first sc. (15 ch-3 spaces and 15 sc's)
ROW 10: ch 1, sc in same st as join, 3 sc over the ch-3 space, *sc in next sc, 3 sc over the next ch-3 space. Repeat from * around, join in the first sc. (60 sts)
ROW 11: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in ea st around. (60 sts)
ROW 12: ch 2, dc in same st as join, 1 dc in st to the right of st just made - that's the last stitch of the previous row - *sk the next st, dc in next st, dc in the st just skipped. Repeat from * around, join in first dc. (30 crossed stitch groups)
ROW 13: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in ea st around, join in first sc. (60 sts)
ROW 14: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in ea st around, join in first sc. (60 sts)
ROW 15: WORK IN BACK LOOP ONLY FOR THIS ROUND: ch 1, TURN, 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next 4 sts *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * around, join in first sc. (72 sts)
ROW 16: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in ea st around, join in first sc. (72 sts)
ROW 17: ch 1, TURN, 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next 5 sts, *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * around, join in first sc. (84 sts)
ROW 18: ch 1, TURN, sc in same st as join and in ea st around, join in first sc. (84 sts)
ROW 19: ch 1, *sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from * around, join in first sc. (96 sts)
ROW 20: sl st in ea st around, join in first sl st.
Posted at 12:42 pm by Dot
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Wednesday, June 08, 2005
I entered Elegant Lace and Gentle Ripples in the Ragshop contest. Got my rejection letter yesterday. I shouldn't let it bother me, but I can't help it. Rejection really takes the wind out of my sails. On the upside, the ponchos are being donated to a worthy cause.
Posted at 07:46 pm by Dot
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Mom went home on May 22. I haven't posted about it before because I didn't know if I could without crying and I'm sitting here now trying to hold back the tears. I can't believe how much I miss her. I've talked to her several times and she's doing great. She had my sister pick her up at the airport and drive her home and as soon as my sister left, mom jumped in her van and drove herself to her BIL and SIL's house and she's been there ever since. I told her when she left here if she was afraid or worried about staying at her own house to go there, they'd be happy to have her. Well, I guess she was a lot more worried about staying at her own house than I thought. I talked to her today and she said she was going to stay with the inlaws.
She had some health issues while she was here and I told her to be sure to go to her doctor when she got home. She's visited the doctor and had her medicines updated and she's scheduled for some tests sometime in July. She has had a problem with her stomach for a long time now and she's finally having it checked out.
She got her foot problems taken care of too. She's got the craziest toenails I've ever seen. They grow very wierd and I'm afraid to clip them for fear of hurting her. Anyway, she had the foot doctor trim them and take care of the worst of them. We're going to find her a foot doctor here so she can have them taken care of while she's here.
I think she's planning on coming back for the winter months, but I don't know. She may decide she's OK where she is now. She is a much more social person than I am. She's used to having lots of people around her all the time and I'm the exact opposite. I crave alone time. It was quite an adjustment for me to have her with me 24/7. Everywhere I went, she went. Funny how much I miss her now.
I kept her checkbook and I've got access to her checking account so I'm writing checks to pay all her bills and I tell her how much money she can spend. She laughed at me today and said "yes, mother" when I told her she could have more if she needed it. I think she's been needing someone to help her take control of her life since her husband died.
Spike has done much better this time when she left than he did the last time. I think he knows she's planning on coming back. He was very distraught the first time she left. We all thought it was the last time we'd ever see her.
Well, I've run off at the fingers again. I really must try to blog more often so I don't end up writing a novel.
Posted at 07:37 pm by Dot
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The winning bid on Elegant Lace was $14.00.
Not exactly what I was hoping for but I learned some lessons with it. Got lots of advice and well wishes from crochet friends on the net. I'm still trying to decide if I'll do it again, but knowing me, I will. Next time, though, starting bid will be higher and if it doesn't sell, I can repost it.
Posted at 07:13 pm by Dot
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