Pop of Pink Granny Cowl

As I mentioned several months ago (OK, maybe last year) on Instagram, I finally have a granny cowl pattern to share with everyone. I've only worked it through in my head, so the written pattern hasn't been tested, but hopefully it is error-free. If not, please let me know, and I will revise when I can...it has been a busy 2018 already...work, kids, life. 

I hope you enjoy it. I use mine every day in these winter months. After many washes, it has loosened quite a bit, but I like the look and coverage still. The pink one I just finished for my daughter :) She is a skier and it fits snugly over her face from neck to nose.

You can download the pattern here.

Finished size: 18” circumference

(one size fits most)

Materials: (Any worsted weight yarn)

Universal Classic Worsted Yarn

(80% Acrylic, 20% Wool) 3.5 oz

Red Heart with Wool

(80% Acrylic, 20% Wool) 3.5 oz

A - 1 skein pink (light) (Universal)

B - 1 skeins gumball (medium) (RH)

C - 1 skeins pixie (dark) (RH)

D - 1 skein aran or white (Universal)

Crochet Hook - Size I - 9mm

Large Eye Blunt/Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations: 

sl st slip stitch 

ch chain 

sc single crochet 

hdc half double crochet 

dc double crochet 

tr triple crochet 

dtr double triple crochet 

sk skip 

st(s) stitch(es) 

sp(s) space(es) 

beg beginning

Directions: 

Granny square 1 (make 2)

With A, ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring. 

Rnd 1: Ch 3 [counts as first dc here and throughout], 2dc into ring, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 2 more times; join with sl st in top of beg ch. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 2: Join B in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same ch 2 sp (corner made),  (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch 2 sp; rep 2 more times; join with sl st into top of beg ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 3: Join C in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same space (corner made), *3dc in next space, (3dc, ch2, 3dc)*. Repeat *to* 2 more times, 3dc, sl st into top of beginning ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Note: If you are whip stitching add one more round with D. If you are joining-as-you-go, continue on to granny square 2.

Granny square 2 (make 2)

With C, ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring. 

Rnd 1: Ch 3 [counts as first dc here and throughout], 2dc into ring, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 2 more times; join with sl st in top of beg ch. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 2: Join B in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same ch 2 sp (corner made),  (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch 2 sp; rep 2 more times; join with sl st into top of beg ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 3: Join A in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same space (corner made), *3dc in next space, (3dc, ch2, 3dc)*. Repeat *to* 2 more times, 3dc, sl st into top of beginning ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Join-as-you-go

Alternate granny squares 1 and 2 as you use the join-as-yo- go method.

Tip: If you are using the join-as-you-go method, only do a half corner (ch3, 2dc) at the beginning of your last joining square. You will be joining this last square to the first three, but on the opposite side you will be joining it to your first square in the same round.

Finishing: 

Rnd 4 Continue with D (or join if you whip stitched) and ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in every st around. Join with a sl st to top of beg ch. Cut yarn. Repeat this round on the opposite side.

Rnd 5 Join B and ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in every st around. Join with a sl st to top of beg ch. Cut yarn. Repeat this round on the opposite side.

Rnd 6 Join C and ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in every st around. Join with a sl st to top of beg ch. Cut yarn. Repeat this round on the opposite side.

Weave in all ends.

Pig pattern

I'm still working on my pattern writing skills. I must admit, they're pretty lacking, but that's partly because (I have two kids under the age of 6, and) I haven't figured out the best way to keep track of my scribbles, aka chicken scratch, when I'm coming up with new ideas.

I'm usually jotting down notes on a folded piece of paper from my son's schoolwork. I hate throwing away or recycling paper that's only been used on one side, so I always fold them to use for grocery lists...or my crochet patterns! Maybe I need a proper notebook, but my scrappy papers will have to do until I can get my act together.

Then there's the task of trying to decipher what I wrote and put it into a form that makes sense to others! Anyway, with all of that said...

My instructions are for the pieces and parts of the pig - a standard dc beanie can be found on many sites. Personally, I most often start with a ch 4 ring and work 10 dc into it, then 2dc into each dc and continue the following rounds increasing in different increments for different sizes (and depending upon what weight yarn I'm using). Oodles4Noodles has a great sizing chart here. It's a nice guide to crown sizing to obtain a certain hat size.

Little Miss Piggy

I used worsted weight yarn and a size I hook. (You can see the pig in pieces here.)

Snout

ch 5, slip to join

round 1: ch1, 3 sc, 3dc, 3 sc, 3 dc, slip into top of 1st sc

round 2: ch2, dc into same st, 2 dc, 2 dc into next 3 sts, 3 dc, 2 dc into next 3 sts, slip to top of first dc

round 3: ch2, (working in back loops only) hdc into each back loop of round 2, slip into top of first hdc (leave 12"-14" tail to sew onto hat) Note: There is no need to stuff snout, round 3 is meant to add a slight depth.

Eyes (2x)

ch4, slip to join
round 1: 10 sc into ring, slip into top of first sc (leave long tail to sew onto hat)

Outer ears (2x)

ch 11

row 1: 1 sc into 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch

row 2 & 3: ch 1, 1 sc in each sc

row 4: ch 1, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog

row 5: ch1, sc across

row 6: ch 1, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog

row 7: ch1, sc across

row 8: ch 1, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog

row 9: ch 1, (sc2tog) twice

row 10: ch 1, sc2tog and fasten off (leave 8"-10" tail to sew onto hat)

Inner ears (2x) Note: I used a size H hook for these.

ch 7

row 1: 1 sc into 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch

row 2 & 3: ch 1, 1 sc in each sc; turn

row 4: ch 1, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog

row 5: ch1, sc across

row 6: ch 1, (sc2tog) twice

row 7: ch 1, sc2tog and fasten off (leave 8"-10" tail to sew onto outer ear)

Bow

ch 15

row 1: 1 sc into 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch

row 2-5: ch 1, 1 hdc in each st

row 6: (do not turn) *ch 1, sc across to corner*, repeat from * 2 more times, ch 1, slip into top of first st (leave 8"-10" tail to sew onto hat)

Bow "knot"

ch 10

row 1: 1 hdc into 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch

row 2: ch 1, 1 hdc into each ch, fasten off (leave 8"-10" tail to sew onto bow)

Finishing

-Add snout holes (optional) using a contrasting yarn and sew snout with tail to lower center of hat.

-Sew eyes above snout.

-Sew inner ears to outer ears; then sew ears onto hat.

-Wrap bow "knot" around bow (scrunching bow a bit) and sew together at back.

-Sew bow to hat.

Note: If you would like to sell items you have made with my patterns, please do give credit to Tillie Tulip. Thank you.

Adding rounds to the daisy

Several people have asked to explain how I added the border to the daisy square. Here are some photos showing how I do it.

Round 1: Attach new color with a slip stitch to any ch 2 space. Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 2 double crochet (dc), ch 1, 3 dc (corner made).

Into next two spaces: 3 dc

Into next space: 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc (next corner made)

Continue around: 3 dc in next two spaces, and 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc (corner) until you get to the beg ch 2. Slip stitch into top of ch 2.

If you would like to continue, Round 2: slip to corner space and beg with ch 2, 2 dc, ch1, 3 dc, then * 3 dc into next 3 spaces, 3dc, ch 1, 3 dc * repeat from * around and join with a slip stitch.

So, there you have it! I hope that makes sense and happy hooking!

Note: If you would like to sell items you have made with my patterns, please do give credit to Tillie Tulip. Thank you.

How to create a tassel - add fringe

Whenever I need to add a tassel to a crochet project, I always go for the DVDs.

No more measuring or cutting cardboard. Just pull out a DVD (this is my all-time favorite!) and wrap your yarn, however many times you would like your thickness to be, from side to side. Start and end where the DVD opens. This way when you are finished wrapping, there is a perfect little slot for you to insert your scissors and snip.

Fold the strings in half and hold at the halfway point. Insert hook where you would like to add the fringe and pull the strings at the midpoint partially through.

Wrap the bottom of the fringe around the hook and pull through the loop.

Tighten the tassel to secure.

Valentine's Day Card Idea - Scrap Fabric

I bought a heart and Valentine's Day-themed die cut last year when it was on clearance. I finally get a chance to use it: With some scrap fabric, a little Heat n Bond and a generic card, you can create TWO simple, shabby chic valentines for those dear to your heart.

How to add another color to a granny square

This is part 2 from my earlier post.

How to crochet a granny square

Disclaimer: I started this blog yesterday and am new to "blog-land"...

Here is a photo tutorial for creating a 2 round granny square. I will be adding more (rounds and tutorials) as I find the time. Hope it is helpful or at least somewhat inspiring to give it a try!