Ruffle Scarf

This adorable, fluffy ruffle scarf was a Christmas gift for my sister.

 This scarf was a unique project and didn't feel much like crocheting-- aside from using a size H crochet hook and Red Heart Boutique Sashay Metallic yarn in Opal.

I started off using a folding technique from Make and Take's Crochet Ruffles Scarf pattern.  For the rest of the scarf, I collected 8 loops at a time according to Tracy's Ruffle Scarf tutorial on Candy Design Studio.

It took only about half of the skein to crochet a 54-inch scarf.

Well, that's it for this project!  Feeling inspired?

Happy hooking,
Jilliane


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Christmas Tree Ornaments

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I've been experimenting with a few crochet patterns for Christmas ornaments.

Candy Cane:

Yarn:  scrap red & white

Hook:  size G

Pattern:  Candy Cane Ornament by Yarnspirations

Size:  6 inches tall

Christmas Bulb:

Materials:  scrap yarn in variety of colors, Silky Soft Ultra Soft Poly-Fil (found at Jo-ann Fabrics)

Hook: size G or H

Pattern:  Christmas Bauble by Greedy for Colour

Size:  4-1/2 inches tall and 11 inches around with size H hook; 3-3/4 inches tall and 9-1/2 inches around with size G hook

size H hook (left) vs. size G hook (right)

Ice Skates:

Yarn:  scrap white, cream, green, & red
Materials:  2 large paperclips, Silky Soft Ultra Soft Poly-Fil (found at Jo-ann Fabrics)

Hook:  size F

Pattern:  Ice Skates Ornament by All Crafts Blogs

Size:  3 inches tall and 2 inches wide

Each of these projects was quick, relatively easy... and addicting!  As you can see, I made multiples of most patterns and plan to gift them to family members for Christmas.

Hope you're feeling inspired to crochet an ornament to decorate your tree!

Happy hooking,
Jilliane


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Leonardo TMNT Beanie Mask

My husband is a big fan of TMNT (and a kid at heart!) so I just couldn't resist crocheting this beanie mask as a Christmas present.

I used a size "I" crochet hook with Loops & Threads Impeccable yarn in Royal and Kelly Green.

I followed the Crochet Ninja Turtle Mask Hat pattern by Holyjeans and My Favorite Things.  It was listed as a child size, but I agree with the author that it's actually an adult size.  The beanie measures 22 inches around and 9 inches tall (mask to tip of hat).

Hope this provides some inspiration for your next project!

Happy hooking,
Jilliane


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Popcorn Cowl

Alright... You're getting another sneak-peek at a Christmas gift for my mother:  what I like to call the Popcorn Cowl!

For this cowl, I followed Crafty Begonia's Julie Cowl pattern.  I'm not sure if I stitched 90 chains like the pattern called for-- I just counted by twos to be sure I stitched an even number of chains.

For yarn, I used Red Heart Super Saver in Grey Heather with a size "H" crochet hook.

This cowl measures 24 inches around and 9 inches tall.  When worn, it folds into cute and cozy layers.  See?

This pattern was fun to do, because it alternated stitches for each row (double-crochet stitches for one row, followed by single-crochet and treble stitches in the next row).  This kept it interesting and enjoyable.  I could see using this pattern again for a blanket-- how cozy!!

Hope you're feeling inspired to start your next crochet project.  

Happy hooking,

Jilliane

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Half-Double Crochet Cowl

Can you keep a secret?  This beautiful cowl will be a Christmas present for my mother!

I used a size "L" crochet hook with less than one skein of Caron yarn in Fresh Green.  For the pattern, I loosely followed the Easy Weekend Afghan pattern by Baby to Boomer Lifestyle. Instead of using three strands of yarn like the pattern calls for, I used just one strand.  I can see how using multiple strands would create a beautiful, thick blanket in no time flat!

To finish, I whip stitched the first and last rows together.  Altogether, the cowl measures 9 inches wide and 22 inches around.  Can't wait to see it on my mom!

Have a wonderful holiday season full of family, fun, and crochet projects!

Happy hooking,
Jilliane


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Winter Blues Chevron Cowl

This super-cute cowl will be a gift in my family's Christmas game-- recipient TBA!

For this cowl, I used a size "I" crochet hook with the following yarn:
- Red Heart Super Saver, Turqua
- Red Heart Super Saver, Grey Heather
- Red Heart Super Saver, Icelandic

As for the pattern of colors-- it's 2 rows of grey, 3 rows of turquoise, 2 rows of grey, and then lots of rows of the blue blend.

I closely followed the Winter Waves Chevron Cowl pattern by Cre8tion Crochet.  One variation right off the bat-- I started with a chain of 34 only.  Also, I inserted the crochet hook into the back loops only (often abbreviated as BLO in crochet patterns).  I'm really glad I did this-- it created a neat ribbed look!

To finish, I did a whip stitch into the back loops only of last row and the front loops only of the first row to try to replicate the other rows.  It came out nearly perfect on one side and a little more noticeable on the other.  Regardless, I like how it turned out.

The cowl measures 26 inches around and 9 inches tall-- creating cozy layers and waves.

Hope you're feeling inspired to start your next crochet project!

Happy hooking,
Jilliane


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Double-Crochet V-Stitch Cowl

This cowl was a birthday present to my best friend, Erin who turned 29 (again!).  I think it will keep her cozy and cute for the long winter ahead.

I used a size "I" crochet hook with the following yarn:
- Loops and Threads Impeccable, Royal
- Red Heart Super Saver, Grey Heather
- Red Heart Super Saver, Turqua

I followed the V Double Crochet Stitch tutorial from Dream a Little Bigger.  For the color pattern, I simply alternated grey and blue every two rows, plus I crocheted four rows in turquoise for an extra pop of color.

You may be thinking:  I love stripes but I hate switching colors.  Have no fear-- I used a trick I learned on Moogly and practiced with the Leaping Stripes and Blocks Baby Blanket earlier this year. With this trick, a short strip of the unused color  runs along the edge of your work and later, your edging covers it up.

The edging is simply a single crochet stitch.  I stitched two single crochets around the last double-crochet for each row.  As you can see, the edging completely covers the unused colors running along the edge (it's our little secret!).

This cowl measures 27 inches around and 9 inches tall.  When worn, it folds into cozy layers that are sure to keep Erin warm through the winter months.

The Birthday Girl :)

Feeling inspired to start your next project?  Sure hope so!

Happy hooking,
Jilliane


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