Angel Baby Shawl

Materials:

Approx. 16 Ounces of yarn of choice

Size "I" Crochet Hook (or hook size to match your yarn choice)

Tapestry Needle for weaving ends in securely

Special Stitches:

Shell: (2Dc, Ch2, 2Dc) in space indicated in pattern.

Abbreviations Used:

Sl St- Slip Stitch St- Stitch Sp- Space Ch- Chain Sc- Single Crochet Dc- Double Crochet

Note: When told to "Shell in next Shell" that means to Shell in the Ch2 space in the middle of the Shell St below.

Make Loop (magic loop or Ch3, Sl St in first ch to make loop)

Row 1: Ch4 (Counts as Dc, Ch1), Dc in loop, (Ch1, Dc) in loop 4 times, Turn. (5- Ch1 Sps, 6 Dc)

Row 2: Ch3, (Dc, Ch2, 2 Dc, Ch2, 2Dc) in next Ch1 Sp, Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 Sp, Ch1, Shell in next Ch1 Sp, Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 Sp, Ch1, (2Dc, Ch2, 2Dc,Ch2, Dc) in next Ch1 Sp, Dc in top of Ch3, Turn. (20 Dc, 5 Ch2 Sps, 4 Ch1 Sp)

Row 3: Ch3, (Shell in next Ch2 Sp, Ch1) 2 times, (Dc in next Ch1 Sp, Ch1) 2 times, Shell in next Shell, (Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 Sp) 2 times, Shell in next Ch2 Sp, Ch1, Shell in next Ch2 Sp, Dc in top of Ch3, Turn. (5 Shells, 4 Dc- does not include Dc in Shells, 8 Ch1 Sps)

Row 4: Ch3, Shell in next Shell, Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 sp, Ch1, Shell in next Shell, (Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 Sp) 3 times, Ch1, Shell in next Shell, (Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 sp) 3 times, Ch1, Shell in next Shell, Ch1, Dc in next Ch1 sp, Ch1, Shell in next Shell, Dc in top of Ch3, Turn.

(5 Shells, 8 Dc- does not include Dc in Shells, 12 Ch1 Sps)

Row 5: Ch3, Shell in next Shell, *(Ch1, Dc) in each Ch1 sp to next Shell, Ch1, Shell in next Shell, (Ch1, Dc) in each Ch1 sp to next Shell, Ch1, Shell in next Shell*. Repeat from * to * 1 more time, Dc in top of beg Ch3, Turn. (5 Shells, 12 Dc- does not include Dc in Shells, 16 Ch1 Sps)

Repeat Row 5 until desired size is reached. Weave in ends securely when done.

NEW DESIGN: Small Drawstring Bag *PERFECT CRAFT SHOW ITEM*

Designed this little bag for a craft show I have coming up this weekend! I fell in love with the buttons in the second picture and had to make something to put them on. I figured what's more fitting than a little bag for a little girl. I think these will sell. I know parents usually give their kiddos a few dollars to spend but there usually isn't much for kids to buy at craft shows that cost $5 and under. I'll let you all know how they do! You can find the pattern here: Small Drawstring Bag.

NEW WORK IN PROGRESS!! A CAPE!!

I have a new glorious project to tell you all about. But first a little backstory.

Last year my husband's Grandmother gave me a beautiful cabled sweater she had knit. It is oversized and so cozy. Sometimes I would just throw it over my shoulders and button the top button. In doing this I realized that I love capes. They allows my arms to move freely and I don't have to constantly push long sleeves up to keep them from getting in the way of knitting and crocheting. When you live in a cold area and in a house that is hard to keep warm anything that can keep you from freezing while letting you also stay productive is AWESOME!!! Enter my current project. I am making a cape using yarn that was originally meant for my first sweater. I decided a while back that it wasn't for me and was even going to sell the yarn. Till I realized it would make a lovely cape.

I began to look for a pattern and stumbled upon a pattern by Bernat called the "Top Down Button Front Capelet". I really liked the construction and guess what???? My gauge with the yarn I chose was SPOT ON!!! How often does that happen? This project with this yarn was definitely meant to be.

I have been a little vague on the details of the cape because I made a few short videos last night about it. It was fun showing some of the process and telling everyone about my new project. You can find my project HERE on Ravelry. Enjoy!!

Rainbow "It All Started With a Square"

Have any of y'all ever started a project and were super stoked about it? You diligently worked away on it and made some great progress in a short amount of time. Then, another project bats its eyelashes at you and before you know it your casting on a pair of socks and the poor blanket you once loved making has been put aside. It watches you everyday as you lovingly knit on your newest pair of socks and wonders when it will be loved again. That is my story as of late. But I need to change that. I love this blanket. I want to see it finished. I really don't have that much work to do on it before it's done. As of tomorrow I'm splitting my time between crafts (at least till my blanket is done). Here's a pic and a link to my project page on Ravelry.

It All Started With A Square

Click the pictures to go to the project pages.

And here's what has been stealing my attention away as of late. I absolutely love working with this yarn. The color was great AND it came in a large lot of sock yarn from Goodwill so the price was right. Can't wait to finish these babies for my cold feet.

Guinea Pig Fringed Hide Away Instructions

Guinea Pig Fringe Hide Away Instructions:

You'll need a 23” x 24” piece of fleece. Cut a 10”x10” piece out like you see in the diagram and then sew both sides together as the diagram also shows.

Draw a straight line from side to side that measures 10 1/2" up from the bottom with a washable fabric marker. Mark 1/2" increments on the fabric on both the top and bottom of fringe section.

Cut the fringe using a rotary cutter and ruler or trace a line using your fabric marker if you are cutting the fabric with scissors to ensure that each length of fridge is as close to the same size as possible. 

Cut a 10"x 14" piece of cardboard. Secure fringe hide away to the card board with ribbon or yarn using a sharp needle and piercing through both layers. You'll use this piece of string or yarn to tie your hide away to the cage so make the pieces plenty long. You'll need to make 1 hole in the 3 corners that are touching the sides of the cage in order to make sure the hide away won't fall. 

If you'd like you can decorate with ribbon. I used fabric glue instead of sewing to save myself a little time.

New Pattern Release: 8 Point Cabled Round Ripple

I am so happy to finally release my newest design. It's a fun twist on the ever popular Round Ripple afghan. Let me know what you think and I'd hear about the types of yarns and colors you plan on using when you make your very own.

8 Point Cabled Round Ripple (Click to download)

Studio EB Crafter

The owl keychain I recently won from Studio Eb Crafter. I turned it into a progress keeper for a bulky sweater vest I am currently knitting.

I recently won a wonderful prize from a long time friend. I was so impressed by her work that I just had to tell you about her.

Erin of Studio EB Crafter makes the prettiest necklaces, keychains and charms. I can tell she puts her heart into every thing she makes. She also strives for quality. Something so important in a "Made in China" society. Her prices are more than fair and she shipped my prize out promptly. I know that she would do the same for her customers. 

I highly suggest supporting Erin through a purchase from her Etsy Shop. Not only are you supporting a great business. You are supporting a great person. 

It All Started With A Square.......

I am so excited to share my new pattern with you all. It truly did start with a square. I crocheted the first 2 squares (one in cream and one in green) and had planned on making a square blanket made of alternating green and cream squares. After the cream square was done I just wasn't in love so I decided to try something different. After thinking for a minute I figured out what I wanted to do and 20 minutes later "It All Started With A Square" was born. I am so happy with the results and I know I will be making many, many more of this design.

download now

Note: The green and cream afghan will be given to a local woman that will then give it to a Veteran in this area.

Slanting Shells Fingerless Gloves

I am so excited to announce the release of my newest pattern just in time for some last minute Christmas crocheting.  The pattern is available for download on Ravelry. You can find it by clicking on the photo below. 

New Design Available On Ravelry

After over 2 years (probably closer to 3) of hoarding my favorite headband design I have decided to share it with everyone. I have made HUNDREDS of them and sold lots too. Everyone always loves them. They not only fit great but look great to boot. You can find the pattern by clicking on the photo below. Enjoy everyone and happy crocheting!!

Click for Babies KAL/CAL

Hello Everyone,
I am running a crochet along/knit along in the Dragonflysoars Group on Ravelry for "Click For Babies" (www.clickforbabies.org). Participants are just asked to crochet or knit a baby hat that is at least 50% purple. You can take a peak at the website above for more guidelines. You can send your hats to the address that can be found at the link below or donate them to your local "Click For Babies" chapter. Be sure and take pictures of every hat you finish and post it in THIS THREAD so you have a chance at winning an awesome prize. Each hat equals one entry. You don't have to be a member of the group to enter either. So grab your hook/needles and some soft purple yarn and make a few baby hats for "Click for Babies".

A huge thank you goes out to these awesome people for their prize donations!! I really appreciate the support they are showing for something I care about so much!!

Vicki from the Dragon Fly Soars Podcast has donated two $25.00 electronic gift cards to Etsy. I am grateful not only for her donation but also because she is letting me use her podcast group to run the "Click for Babies" KAL/CAL. I appreciate her generosity and support immensely. Thank you Vicki!!

Christine Marie Chen generously donated 1 pattern from her Ravelry pattern shop. You can view/purchase her patterns HERE. She also is the hostess of the Bayareaknitter Podcast.

Heather of the BunniPhish Crafts Podcast also donated 1 lovely pattern from her shop. Her designs are so unique and well thought out. Her pattern shop can be found HERE.

Ann Templeton of LFK Stitch Markers kindly donated a beautiful set of stitch markers (I will add a photo as soon as they arrive). She has stitch markers for every taste. You can find them all HERE.

Fair Update

Here's a small update from the fair. I entered 12 items (some knit and some crochet). All items received a first place ribbon and the baby blanket received a Reserve Grand Champion which is soooooo exciting. I cannot wait to get everything home so I can hang the ribbons up in my craft room. I'm already planning next years entries. I would really love to win a Grand Champion ribbon some day.

Anyways, I will take better photos of everything tomorrow. Have a great weekend everyone!!

County Fair Prep

My local County Fair is coming up this next week and I am so excited/nervous. I haven't entered anything since 2009. I did quite well considering I started the shawl a couple of days before the fair and finished it minutes before it had to be dropped off.

I'm also entering a shawl this year in a similar color scheme (What can I say? I love that color combo.). It's the South Bay Shawlette by Lion Brand. I did decide to make it larger because I already have a few shawlette/scarves that I wear when it's cool out. I am SOOOOO happy with how it turned out. I hope it will do well.

I also made a baby blanket (in a matter of a few days literally). It was fun. I wanted to finish a large project so bad I just couldn't put it down. I'll be curious to see what it gets at the fair.

On top of all of the projects I've been working on for the fair (the two above are the largest) I've also been trying to get over a cold. Started out of no where early Sunday (July 26th) morning and it's still going although it's not as bad as it was. I had a fever for a full day and for a few days I could hardly get myself off of the couch. So thankful I'm past that part of it.

Well, I need to get busy on one of the last things I want to enter into the fair so I will see you guys here again in the next week or so when I will be giving you an update on my fair entries.

Happy knitting and Crocheting!!

Julee (aka CroJulee on Ravelry and Instagram)

Video Blogging!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I plan on posting a 1-2 time a month video blog entry starting as soon as I get over what ever bug I'm working through right now. I figured it'd be a fun/quick way to get everyone caught up. It won't have a name because it's not a podcast. Just a vlog. I look forward to recording the first update. I'll post it here on my blog when it's done.

Pattern Giveaway Winner Announced!!

Thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway!! I really appreciate it!! I will be doing another one soon!!

"This Way and That Way" Newborn Hat

"This Way and That Way" Newborn Hat

By Julee Fort

Materials:
1 Skein Caron Simply Soft Baby
Size "G" Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle

Gauge: The first 3 rounds of the pattern should measure about 3 1/2” across. If it's a little off it's ok.

Notes: Hat should fit a slightly larger newborns head. You can go down a hook size for a smaller size. I will have additional sizes up soon.

Instructions:

Round 1: Ch4, Make 14 Dc in 4th Chain from Hook. Sl St in top 3rd Ch of Beg Ch 4. (15 Dc)

Round 2: Ch3, Dc in same st as Sl St, 2 Dc in each Dc around. Sl St in top of Beg Ch3. (30 Dc)

Round 3: Ch3, 2 Dc in next Dc, (Dc in next Dc, 2 Dc in next Dc) around. Sl St in top of Beg Ch3. (45 Dc)

Round 4: Ch3, (Dc, Ch2, Sc) in same St as Sl St, *Skip 2 Dc, (2 Dc, Ch2, Sc) in next Dc* 14 times total. Sl St in top of Beg Ch3, and in next Dc and Ch2 Sp. 

(15 Ch2 Spaces, 15 Sc, 30 Dc)

Round 5: Ch1, (Sc, Ch2, 2 Dc) in each Ch2 Sp around including the first Ch2 Sp that was Sl St in. Sl St in top of first Sc and in next Ch2 Sp. 

(15 Ch2 Sps, 15 Sc, 30 Dc)

Round 6: Ch3, (Dc, Ch2, Sc) in same Sp as Sl St, (2 Dc, Ch2, Sc) in each Ch2 Sp around. Sl St in top of Beg Ch3 and in next Dc and Ch2 Sp. 

(15 Ch2 Sps, 15 Sc, 30 Dc)

Rounds 7-13: Repeat rounds 5 and 6. End with Round 5.

Round 14: Ch1, (Sc, 3 Dc) in each Ch2 Sp around including the first Ch2 Sp that was Sl St in. Sl St in top of first Sc.  (15 Sc, 45 Dc)

Fasten off and weave in both ends.

If you think the hat is a little long don't worry. It can be flipped up to shorten it. It looks very cute that way as well.

Disclaimer: This pattern has not been tested yet. If you find an error please let me know.

Pattern Giveaway

I feel like doing something random today so I'd like to give away a pattern that is $6.00 or less on Ravelry (any pattern- I don't sell my designs any longer). To enter this give away you must comment with your Ravelry name so I can get a hold of you if you win. I'll choose a winner by writing names on pieces of paper and pulling one out of a hat (the old fashioned way) and I might even do it in a video. :-) The drawing will end 2 weeks from today. Please share with your friends.

**** In an attempt to get even more entries I'm changing the prize to a pattern (or patterns) that equal $10.00 or less on Ravelry.****

All Free Crochet Top 100 Blogger

I am so excited to announce that one of my designs (Angel Wings Shawl) made it on allfreecrochet.com's 2014 top 100 list. Thank you to everyone that viewed the pattern for making it possible!! All Free Crochet is an awesome website with so many great patterns and resources. I highly suggest checking them out: www.allfreecrochet.com

2 New Patterns Available

I'm so excited to share that I have 2 new patterns available. You can find both patterns by clicking the links under each picture. These hats were specifically designed to be used for charity and/or gift giving. Please don't use these patterns to make items for sale.

Lattice Preemie Hat Pattern

Girly Preemie/Newborn Hat Pattern

**NEW** Cabled Headband Crochet Pattern **NEW**

 download now

Materials:

“G” and “H” Crochet Hooks

Tapestry Needle

1 Skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease or Vanna's Choice

1 Large Button of your choice

Back Post Double Crochet (BpDc):

Yarn over, insert hook behind post of stitch ( insert hook from back to front of stitch), Yarn over, pull through, Yarn over, (pull through 2 loops) 2X’s. That will complete the BPDC.

Front Post Treble Crochet (FpTc):

Yarn over 2X’s, insert hook behind post of stitch, ( insert hook from front to back of stitch), Yarn over, pull through, Yarn over, (pull through 2 loops) 3X’s. That will complete the FPTC.

Hdc2tog: (Yo, Pull up a loop in next St)

2 times, Yo and pull through all 5 loops on hook.

Hdc4tog: (Yo, Pull up a loop in next St)

4 times, Yo and pull through all 9 loops on hook.

Instructions:

Leave enough yarn to sew on your button.

Row 1: Ch 2, 4 Hdc in 2^nd chain from hook. (4 Hdc)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 Hdc in first Hdc, Hdc in next 2 Hdc, 2 Hdc in last Hdc. (6 Hdc)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 Hdc in first Hdc, Hdc in next 4 Hdc, 2 Hdc in last Hdc. (8 Hdc)

Row 4: Ch 1, 2 Hdc in first Hdc, Hdc in next 6 Hdc, 2 Hdc in last Hdc. (10 Hdc)

Row 5: Ch 1, Hdc in first 3 Hdc, Skip next 2 Hdc, FpTc around post of next 2 Hdc, 

FpTc around post of both skipped Hdc, Hdc in last 3 Hdc. (6 Hdc, 4 FpTc)

Row 6: Ch 1, Hdc in first 3 Hdc, BpDc around post of next 4 Tc, Hdc in last 3 Hdc. 

(6 Hdc, 4 BpDc)

Row 7: Ch 1, Hdc in first 3 Hdc, Skip next 2 BpDc, FpTc around post of next 2 BpDc, FpTc around post of both skipped BpDc, Hdc in last 3 Hdc. (6 Hdc, 4 FpTc)

Repeat Rows 6-7 till your headband is 18” from the first row.

Next row: Ch 1, Hdc2tog over first 2 Hdc, Hdc in next Hdc, BpDc around post of next 4 Tc, Hdc in next Hdc, Hdc2tog over last 2 Hdc. (4 Hdc, 4 BpDc)

Next row: Ch 1, Hdc2tog over first 2 Hdc, Hdc in next 4 Hdc, Hdc2tog over last 2 Hdc. (6 Hdc)

Next row: Ch 1, Hdc2tog over first 2 Hdc, Hdc in next 2 Hdc, Hdc2tog over last 2 Hdc. (4 Hdc)

Next row: Ch 1, Hdc4tog over each of the 4 remaining Hdc. (1 Hdc)

Border Option 1: Using a size “G” hook work 2 Sc in the end of each row and 3 Sc in the first end you come to. When you get to the beginning of the border and the last end Sc in that end. Chain enough to go over the button you've chose and then Sc in the same space as your last Sc. Sl St in top of the first Sc, cut your yarn. Sew on your button and weave in all of your ends.

Border Option 2: Use a size “G” hook work 2 Sc in the end of each row and 3 Sc in both ends of the headband. Loosely Sl St in top of first Sc and in each Sc around to the 2^nd St to the last (you'll end up at the middle stitch of the 3 Sc at the ends). Chain enough to go over the button you've chose and then Sl St in the same space as your last Sl St. Sl St in top of the first Sl St, cut your yarn. Sew on your button and weave in all of your ends.

Copy Right Julee A. Reeves 2014 This pattern is meant for personal use. If you would like to sell items made from this pattern please email me at: julee_reeves@yahoo.com