What is the Relationship Stitch?

 I have had so much fun with this stitch.  I was looking for a good border to add to my newest prayer shawl.  I was determined to make it easy, and bring a little bit of texture to the edge of the asymmetric body.
As I swatched, I was swept up in the possible applications,  but it was not the stitch I needed for the job at hand.  In truth,  the Shawl has been set aside,  while I focus on the newly formed passion.

 Just look at the texture of the fabric.  How much movement.  I just love the way it flows and how much opportunity there is.
So,  let's take a look at the reasons for the name I tacked upon it.
In a relationship,  there have to be certain things that are common.  There has to be respect for certain truths. There has to be both give, and take.  This stitch pattern is all about those truths.

When you follow the rules and remember that in order to take,  you have to give, 

Your stitches will be wonderful, and you will be able to cruise right along with nice results .

However,  if in the process of hurrying to finish the task, you forget to give,  when you return to that spot,  there will be nothing to take from.

The same can be said for trying to give too much.  When that happens,  there is no stability in the surrounding fabric.

  You lose out on the beauty of the big picture.
I don't want to even get into the discussion of trying to go it alone.  That changes everything.
This fabric is a fun one to create, I  think the double strand adds to the contrast between high and low,  as well as strengthening the concept of working together for the best results.
The larger hook use allows every strand to have room,  to be seen,  to flourish in unison with the partnering strand.

Am I reaching,  have I made a mockery of a single stitch pattern?
 I suppose to some, but this is how this designer's life happens.  It is part of my thinking process.  It is also undeniable.  If it doesn't relate, the ship will sink.
For a no cost sample pattern using this stitch,  please click here

Buttoned Wrist Band

Finished size:  9 inch long X 1¼ inch wide.

Gauge:  13 csc in 4 inches

Materials:

Small amount  Worsted Weight yarn

Hook to obtain gauge. I used an I, US 9, 5.5mm

Scissors

Yarn needle

Sewing Needle with thread

1- 1 inch Button

Special Stitch:
Center Single Crochet

Pattern:

1. Ch 31, turn, sc in back loop of 2nd ch from hook, and each to the end. (30sc)
2. ch1, turn, sc under the 3 loops of the same st as ch. (see Picture) csc in each st across row. be careful not to stitch into turning ch. (30 csc)
3. ch1, csc in same as ch, sl st in center of next st. ch 3, loosely, sk 3, sl st in center of 4th st.  csc in next, and each to finish the row. (25 Csc, button hole using 5 st )
4. ch 1, turn, repeat row 2, to sl st of button hole. sc in top loops of sl st. 3 sc over ch 3. sc in next sl st, sc in last st.(27 Csc, 3 sc)
5. ch 1, turn, repeat row 2.  cut yarn, bury ends.
6. Position button so that band fits wrist comfortably. Use needle and thread to sew button in place.(30 Csc)

Chain

sc in back loop across

sl st, then ch 3 for Button Hole.

sl st to the 4th st, then resume Csc across row

A cropped tight view of the fabric in this design.

This little band can be a great scrap buster, perhaps BFF Bands, done in matching colors?  Maybe

the Designated Driver for the night out?  Sometimes the Lounge offers free NonAlcoholic beverages to the DD. This could be a very cool way of identifying them in a group.  Just a thought.

Until next time

Happy Hooking

Becky

4~Seasons Shawl

4~Seasons Shawl

One of 4 luscious patterns designed to invoke the feel of the seasons.

Winter Wonders

Through January 12, Eastern Time in the US, place all 4 patterns in your cart, and the price will drop to $3.99 when you apply code 2020gift. This is my gift for the new year crocheters. I cannot express how much I appreciate your support of my work.

This version is Splendid in its mix of texture, and open spaces, providing warmth with delicate intrigue.  
If shawls are special to you, the comfort and beauty of this one is sure to touch your soul.

Constructed in Lion Brand Mandala yarn with attention to the light nature. The self striping cake provides color
changes that are quickly taken in to give strength and interest to the overall design, without being so busy that
the textural base would be lost.
The yarn will provide warmth, and add the desired layer of appeal. Whether a shoulder cover for crisp evenings,
or wrapped around the neck for the Kerchief/Cowl look. The versatility of this design is undeniable.

Reach for your favorite Mandala Cake, in the Color pallet that speaks to you. People will admire your taste, and talent.

The 4~Season Summer Shawl will be Free here, until September 23, when the pattern will Rotate, and I will offer the
Autumn Version. You may purchase the PDF of this pattern on Ravelry Here

Each Pattern is available in PDF format for $1.99, or can be found in it's season here on the blog.

The Spring pattern Was available here until Thursday, June 20, 2019. At that time, 

The Summer Version took the spotlight through September 23, 2019. 

Autumn's  reign was September 24, 2019 to December 21, 2019. Then, as is the natural course,  

Winter takes the stage December 22, 2019 through the New Year, Valentines and St.Patrick's day celebrations, ending it's term On March 18, 2020.

All 4 versions of this design can be purchased for the discounted price of $5.49. Just place all 4 in your cart, and use code  4Seasons

This page contains Affiliate marketing links. Purchases made from those links will allow a small commission, paid to me, without adding any additional cost to you.  If you are interested in a purchase, please consider the support you are showing to your blogging community.

Many thanks to the testers involved in making this pattern set ready for the public. All pictures used with permission from the copyright holder. 

Supplies

1. 1 Cake Lion Brand Mandala Color # of choice 
2. 5.5mm hook (Us size 9 - I) hook
3. Stitch Marker for center point
4. Scissors, tape measure, needle
   

Specifications

Stitches, ch=chain; sc=single crochet; dc=double crochet; tr=treble crochet

Abbreviations, sk=skip; sp=space; st=stitch

Notes

This pattern is written using US terms.

Ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as first dc of that row

Ch 4 at beginning of row is dc, and ch 1

Counts given at the end of each row is for the first run of those rows,
each additional row will add the noted increase in stitches.

Ch 1 at beginning of row 4 does not count as a stitch.

While tr (treble crochet stitch) is generally a taller stitch, in this pattern,

the height is pulled down upon itself, to create the nubby texture.

This process will result in a row about the same height as a row of sc.

• You will find additional notes at the end of pattern rows that directly relate to that row.
• Please read the entire row before working it, to be sure you have all the important information.

Pattern

Shawl

Ch 4, join to form a ring. 

1). Ch 3, 4dc, ch 2, 5 DC in ring. Turn (10 dc + ch 2 space)

2). Ch 3, 2 dc in same as ch, dc in each st to ch 2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch 2 sp. Dc in each st to last st of row, 3dc in last st. Turn (18 dc, + ch 2 sp) [adds 8dc to count] 

3). Repeat row 2 (26 dc + ch 2)

4). Ch 1, turn, sc in same st as ch, *tr in next dc, sc in the following,  repeat from * to last st before ch sp, (tr, sc, ch2, sc, tr) in ch 2 sp, sc in next dc; repeat from * to end of row. (This row increases 4sts in the bottom point only, there are no increases at the top of the shawl)

5).Ch 4, turn, dc in same as ch, ch 1, *dc in top of next tr (nubby) ch 1, sk sc, Repeat from * to last tr before ch 2 sp, dc in last tr, ch 1, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch 2 sp, (move marker up) ch 1, repeat from * to last tr of this side, dc in last tr, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in sc to end row. (20 dc, 18 ch 1, +ch 2 sp)  Each repeat of this row will add [6 dc, 6 ch 1 sps] to the count of the last repeat of this row.

6). Ch 1, turn, sc in same st as ch, *tr in next ch sp, sc in the following dc.  repeat from * to last st before ch 2 sp, (tr, sc, ch2, sc, tr) in ch 2 sp, sc in next dc; repeat from * to end of row. (This row increases in the bottom point only, there are no increases at the top of the shawl)

Repeat Row 2, three times,  and then 4-6 for pattern. 

Continue in pattern until you have run out of yarn.

1. 

   Finishing

Weave in both ends. Block using your favorite method. With Acrylic yarn, Steaming is the only way to permanently set your stitches. Use care not to over do it, as there is no going back.

Treasures Launder Bag.

Save Your Treasures

The perfect pattern came in to view, a design that spoke to your heart. You have worked hard to earn the money, scoured the craft and yarn stores, or perhaps the internet to find the perfect yarn. You have worked long past tired to finish one more row, night after night. Finally, your project is complete.  A moment of pure pride.

Then, the time comes, Your beautiful creation is soiled. 

Load it up, and head to the dry cleaner?  Toss it in the washing machine?  Soak it in a pan of water?  What is the best option?

Each design, Each yarn will have special care needs.

For those precious garments, take the time to be sure you are doing right by your hard work.

Read your yarn label.  Didn't keep one?  Look it up. if the yarn is washable, then you won't need to go to the drycleaners with it.  But perhaps you don't want to toss it in the washer with your jeans or towels.

Here is my suggestion for all Machine Washable Yarn projects.

Place the item into a mesh bag, closing the top of the bag. Set your water temperature to cold, and the machine to the delicate cycle.  Depending on the type of soil, you may use a detergent like Woolite, or perhaps something like Ivory Flakes.  I prefer to use 1/2 cup of baking soda.  It removes most soils, and odors. it adds a softening agent to the water, so there is no need to deal with the coating of fabric softeners and perfumes found in the commercial products.

Don't have a mesh bag?  

I have a crochet pattern for one. 

And, it is #Forever~FREE here on my Blog. 

You may purchase a printer friendly PDF of this pattern here 

Treasures Launder Bag

Supplies needed:

1 ball Aunt Lydia's Baker's Cotton.

5.0mm crochet hook (US size 8, H)

Stitch Marker (a safety pin is a good alternative if you have misplaced your markers)

scissors

tapestry needle for weaving in the ends.

Before you begin the bag, make 2 chains of 108 sts. Set these aside to use as your drawstrings. ( Now you can relax, and work until you run out of yarn.)

To Begin:

1)  Ch 4, tr in the 4th ch from the hook, *ch 3, tr in the joint of the previous loop top.  Repeat from the * until you have 10 loops total. ( this will provide for a bag approximately 12 inches wide, and 14 inches tall. If you want to adjust, Now is the time to do it, just remember, you will need another ball of yarn if you add more loops to your foundation.) 

I received a request for clarification on this,  and in an effort to be sure the information is available to all,  here are just a few photos that I hope will help.

2)  sc in the Foundation loop you just finished, *ch 3, sc in same loop, ch 3, sc in next loop. (Place marker in first ch 3 loop made.) Repeat from star around, working both sides of the foundation eyelets. Do not join, Do not turn,

3. Work (sc, ch 3, sc) in marked loop, *ch 3, sk the next ch sp, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the next loop. Repeat from * working spiral fashion, moving marker up with each round, until you do not have enough yarn to complete another round. I had less than a yard of yarn left.

Finishing:

Using one of the drawstrings you set aside, weave each end through the small ch 3 loops across the top. when you have both ends of the first chain pulled through evenly, tie together in a knot as close to the end of the chains as possible.  Repeat with the other chain, starting on the opposite side of the bag. Be sure you catch all the loops for a good closure.  Tie the two ends into a knot.  Your knots should be directly across from each other. 

Mother's Day 2019

I can't help but wonder how this would have played out if my Mother were still on earth.

My new Crochet design is published,  and available for instant download here
https://www.lovecrochet.com/us/catalog/product/view/id/246615?country=US

It is also being offered as a Crochet-A-Long in my Ravelry shop.

If my Mother were here,  I would invite her to participate, but I would have to send her a copy of the pattern by snail mail.  I don't think she would have been able to navigate Facebook.

I thought of her as I set up the special though, because we had great fun working the same crochet pattern together. Once each month, as we finished our grocery shopping,we would flip through  magazines at the checkout counter to find one we both liked, then stop at the variety store for yarn before heading the 15 miles home.
We always concocted a challenge as we made the drive. Fastest Completion,  Least number of frogging sessions,  Biggest hits with friends,  there was always something.  One time, with a Slipper pattern,  it was Who could make the most pairs in 10 days.  So much fun,  and a tradition so missed.

Today, in honor of the memory of Mother, I am offering a deal.  Join my CAL, and invite a friend to join you. No additional cost. You just have to declare the friend when you request to join the group.

Will you invite your Mother to join you? Is this sort of tradition something you want to adopt?  Mothers are amazing. They will never be perfect, but there is something so darn close, when you have special things you share.

Happy Mother's Day everyone.

Becky