Come Out of Your Shell!!!

The use of the shell stitch in this project yields a shawl that goes quickly and looks great. You can take it from the mundane to the extraordinary if you crochet it with a fuzzy, mohair type yarn. Either way, you'll look like Venus Rising!

La Bella Shella Shawl

Materials: Knitting Worsted Weight yarn (#4) about 20 oz in color of choice.

Hook sizes K/6.5mm and J/6.0mm

Row 1: With K hook, chain 189 to measure approx 60 inches, switch to J hook, sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each rem ch, ch 1, turn .(188 sc )

ROW 2: sc in first sc, *ch 2, sk 2 sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * to end.
(63, ch-2 spaces.)

ROW 3: ch 1, turn, sc in first sp, * ch 2, 3 dc in next space (this is a shell) ch 2, sc in next space, repeat from * to end.

ROW 4: ch 4, turn, sc in center of dc of first shell * ch 2, sc in next space, repeat from * ending ch 3, sk last ch 2 space, sc in next sc

ROW 5: ch 3, turn, sc in ch 3 space, ch 2, shell in next space * ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2, shell in next space repeat from * ending with ch 3, sk 1 space, sc in last sc.

Repeat rows 4 and 5 until there are three ch-2 spaces in row.

NEXT ROW: ch 3, turn, sc in first space, ch 2, shell in next space, ch 2, sc in next sc

LAST ROW: (wrong side) ch 4, turn, sc in center dc of shell, ch 3, sc in next sc. Fasten off.

FINISHING: FRINGE - Wrap yarn around an 8 in cardboard. Cut at 1 end. Fold 4 strands in half. insert hook from right side in ch 3 space around sides. draw fold thru. Draw cut ends thru, fold to form a knot on wrong side. Knot fringe in each ch 3 space. Trim evenly.

With right side facing you at neck edge attach yarn to first sc, sc in next sc * ch 3, work 1 sc in same st, sk 1 sc and work 1 sc in next 3 sc, repeat from * to end of row keeping work flat.

That newest flavor---Pineapple Popcorn!!!

Grab yourself a big bowl of popcorn and snuggle under this marvelous afghan while you watch Hawaii Five-0 re-runs!

PINEAPPLE POPCORN AFGHAN

Materials: 40 oz of knitting worsted weight yarn such as Caron Pounder, Red Heart Super Saver, or Bernat Berella 4

Hook Size G/4.25

Gauge: Each motif =8 ½ inches square

INSTRUCTIONS:

Motif: (Make 35)—

Rnd 1: Starting at center, ch 10. Join with sl st to form ring. Ch 3; in ring make 4 dc, ch 3 and (5 dc, ch 3) 3 times. Join to top of ch-3.

Rnd 2: Ch 4, (dc in next dc, ch l) 3 times; * dc in next dc, ch 3, in next sp make (dc, ch 3 dc) ch 3, (dc in next dc, ch l) 4 times. Repeat from * around , ending with dc, ch 3 and dc in last sp, ch 3, Join to 3rd ch of ch-4.

Rnd 3: Sl st in next sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp, drop loop from hook, insert hook in top of ch-3 and draw dropped loop through (starting popcorn st made); * (ch 3, make 4 dc in next ch-1 sp, drop loop from hook, draw dropped loop through first dc of this group-popcorn stitch made) 3 times; ch 3, skip next sp, in corner sp make 3 dc, ch 3 and 3 dc; ch 3, skip next sp, make a 4-dc popcorn st in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from * around. Join to top of first popcorn st,

Rnd 4: Sl st in next sp, ch 3, complete a popcorn st, * (ch 2, popcorn st in next sp) twice; ch 3, dc in next 3 dc; in corner sp make (dc, ch 3 and dc); dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, popcorn st in next sp between popcorn sts. Repeat from * around. Join to first popcorn st.

Rnd 5: Sl st in next sp, ch 3, complete pop­corn st, ch 2, popcorn st in next sp,* ch 3, dc in next sp, dc in 4 dc; in corner sp make (dc, ch 3 and dc); dc in 4 dc, dc in sp, ch 3, popcorn st in next sp, ch 2, popcorn st in next sp. Repeat from * around. Join.

Rnd 6: Sl st in next sp, ch 3, complete pop­corn st, * ch 3, dc in next sp, dc in 6 dc; in corner sp make (dc, ch 3, dc) dc in 6 dc; dc in sp, ch 3, pop­corn st in sp between popcorn sts. Repeat from * around. Join.

Rnd 7: Ch 3, * 3 dc in next sp, dc in 8 dc; in corner make (3 dc, ch 3 and 3 dc); dc in 8 dc, 3 dc in sp, dc in popcorn st. Repeat from * around; join to top of ch-3. Break off and fasten.

Finishing: Sew 7 rows of 5 motifs together.

Border:

Attach yarn to any corner space.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, in same sp make 2 dc, ch 3 and 3 dc; dc in each dc around making (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc )in each corner sp. Join.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, making (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc )in each corner sp. Join, fasten off and weave in ends.

More Fun than a Basketful of Rainforest Monkeys!!!

Bring out the nature lover in you with Red Heart Super Saver’s new color, Amazon. I experimented in the round with the Twin Hdc stitch. I was so pleased with how the yarn formed a pattern that looked just like a mossy tree trunk. I recycled a plastic top from a large yogurt container and placed that in the bottom of the basket for more stability.

AMAZON BASKET (Monkey Not Included)

5 inches wide x 3 inches high

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver knitting worsted weight (34) yarn, 5 oz skein in color Amazon

Hook size: H/5.00mm

Gauge: First 2 rounds = 2 ½ inches

Instructions

Bottom of basket:

Rnd 1: Ch 4, join to first ch with a sl st. Ch 3 ( counts as the first dc), 11 dc in the ring. Join with a sl st to top of beg. ch-3. ( 12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, 2 dc in each dc, join with a sl st to top of beg ch 3. (24)

Rnd 3: Rep rnd 2 join with a sL st with a sl st to top of beg ch 3. (48)

Rnd 3-4: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join with a sl st to top of beg ch 3. (48)

Sides:

Rnd 5: Ch 2 ( ch 2 does not count as a stitch), 2 hdc in same st, ( skip next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) 23 times join with a sl st to the first hdc ( 48 hdc or 24 twin hdc)

Rnds 6-10: rep 5

Top Edging:

Rnd 11: Ch1, sl st in each hdc around. Do not join.

Rnd 12: Sl st in each sl st around. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Copyright 2007 Maria Merlino

Personal use only

MMM.....Cherry Chip!!!

This one is so simple but very effective, especially with the new variegated yarns. It’s my new favorite stitch! You get neat squares of color instead of stripes or blocks. The stitch is also very cushy and would make a wonderful baby afghan. I’ve made you a square as an example. You will find it fun to work and fun to look at!

Stitch Pattern:

Twin Hdc: Multiple of 2, plus 1. Chain length required, 2 hdc in the 3^rd ch from the hook, (skip one ch, 2 hdc in next ch) across, ending with 2 hdc in last chain. Ch 1, turn. Row 2: 2 hdc in first hdc( skip next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) across.

CHERRY CHIP SQUARE

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver 5 oz. skein: color is Cherry Chip. Small amount needed.

Hook size, H/5.0mm and I/5.5mm

Gauge: 2 rows = 2 inches

Size: 7 inches

Instructions:

Row 1: With I hook, ch 25, in 3^rd ch from the hook, work 2 hdc, (skip next ch, 2 hdc in next ch) 11 times. Ch 1, turn. You should have 24 hdc or 12 twin stitches.

Row 2: 2 hdc in first hdc, (skip next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) 11 times. You should have 24 hdc or 12 twin stitches.

Rows 3-16: Rep row 2. After row 16, fasten off and weave in ends.

Copyright 2007 Maria Merlino

Personal use only.

Vestivus. The vest for the rest of us!

Just in time the cooler fall weather, this vest can easily be completed in a week-end. Work it in a longer length and you'll have a slimming topper to wear over you skirts or jeans.

VESTIVUS

MATERIALS: Red Heart Super Saver knitting worsted weight (#4) in 7 oz. solid color or 5.oz multi

Small and Medium Sizes 2 skeins in your choice of color

Large size 3 skeins.

Hook sizes J/5.5mm and K/6.00mm

Size worked is small. To change size, work the medium with first numbers in parenthesis and large with second numbers in parenthesis.

INSTRUCTIONS: With K hook, ch 145 (169-193).

Switch to J hook. Dc in the 6th chain from hook (counts as a dc and ch-2) *ch 2, skip 2 chains, dc in the next ch,* repeat between the *’s across row.

46(54-62) mesh spaces.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, work * 2 dc under ch-2 of row below, ch 1* repeat between the *’s across row. Ch 4 (turn).

Row 3: Dc under ch-1 of row below, * ch 2, dc under ch-1 of row below,* repeat between the *’s across row.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 for pattern. Work even until entire length measures 14 (14-14) inches, or desired length to underarm.

FIRST FRONT: Work across 10 (13-15) patterns, working one front at a time. Decrease 1 mesh at front edge every other row 6 (7-7)times. Work even until there are 13 (15-15) rows. Fasten off.

BACK: Omit 4 (4-5) patterns. Then work on 18(20-22) patterns. Work even for 13 (15-15) rows. Fasten off.

SECOND FRONT: Omit 4 (4-5) patterns. Work matching the same as First Front.

FINISHING: Sew shoulder, with right side of work facing you, and at underarm seam.

BORDER: Work one row sc as follows:

2 sc under ch-2 and sc in dc at front bottom, work 4 sc in corner stitch then work 2 sc in each mesh.

Make sure to keep work flat. Work to armhole (beginning of shaping) work 2 sc in corner stitch and work even all around the neck, other side and lower edge, sl st to beginning of row and work another row of sc and fasten off.

ARMHOLE: Work same as border holding in to fit armhole.

TIE: With doubled yarn, making a chain approximately 20 inches. Attach at point where you want to tie you vest closed See picture for detail.

My Husband's Ear Warmer!

Isn't he adorable?!?!? I'll bet your hubby will be as happy as mine when you hand him this easy to make ridge stitch headband (in his favorite color,of course!) along with the snow shovel!

MY HUSBAND'S EARWARMER

MATERIALS

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver 7 oz. or 5 oz skeins of worsted weight (#4) You need 4 oz. of your color of choice.

Hook Size G/4:50 mm

Yarn Needle

GAUGE: 7 sts = 2 inches 4 rows = 1 inch

Ear Warmer

Row 1: Ch 10. s c in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining st, ch 1, turn. (9 s c).

Row 2: s c in BACK LOOP of each s c, ch 1, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 2 inches.

SHAPE FIRST EARFLAP : Row 1: Working in pattern as established, 3 s c in first st, work to end of row, ch 1, turn — 2 sts inc.

Row 2: 1 s c in each st to last st, 3 s c in last st.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1.

Row 4: Work even in pattern as established.

Row 5: Inc 1 st, work to end of row, ch 1, turn.

Repeat Rows 4 and 5 once more. Work even in pattern as established on 17 sts for 5 rows.

Then dec 1 st at shaped edge every other row 4 times. Put a marker in work.

Work even on 13 sts until piece mea­sures 41/2 inches above marker in work.

SHAPE SEC­OND EARFLAP:

On the next row at shaped edge inc 1 st and repeat this inc every other row 3 times more.

Work even on 17 sts for 5 rows.

Then at shaped edge decrease 1 st every other row, twice

and then 2 sts EVERY ROW 3 times.

Work even on 9 sts for 2 inches. Fasten off. Sew back seam.

Green Piece

Let's remind ourselves to Keep It Green with this alternating zig and zag effect. Since you work one panel at a time, if you get bored with it, quit and call it a scarf!

GREEN PIECE AFGHAN

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver 7.0 oz. skeins(#4 worsted weight) in the following colors:

3 skeins each of Frosty Green and Hunter Green

Hook Sizes: J/5.5mm and K/6mm

Yarn needle

Gauge: 3 sc to 1 inch

Size: 45” x 52”

First Strip:

Row 1: With K hook and Hunter Green, ch 22. Switch to J hook, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each of next 20 ch, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Skip first sc, 1 sc in each of next 20, 2 sc in next st, ch 1, turn.

Row 3: 2 sc in first sc, 1 sc in each of next 20, ch 1, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 for pat, always having 22 sc on each row and working until 8 rows of Hunter have been completed, draw Frosty Green through last 2 loops of Hunter Green, sc on 8th row, ch 1, turn.

Alternate 8 rows of Frosty Green and Hunter Green until the 8^th Hunter Green stripe has been completed. Fasten off.

Make 4 more strips.

2nd Strip:

Row 1: With K hook and Frosty Green, ch 23, switch to J hook, sc in 3rd ch from hook, sc in each of next 19 ch, 2 sc in last ch, ch 2, turn.

Row 2: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each of next 20 sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 3: Skip first sc, sc in each of next 20, 2 sc in last sc, ch 2, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 for pattern, working until 8 rows of Frosty Green have been completed, drawing Hunter Green through last 2 loops of last sc on 8th row, ch 2, turn.

Alternating 8 rows of Hunter Green and Frosty Green, work until 8th Frosty Green stripe has been completed. Fasten off. Make 3 more strips.

With a "first" strip at each side, sew strips tog, alternating as shown. With Hunter Green on right side crochet 1 row of sc on each side edge.

Fringe: Cut 80 strands of Dark and 40 Light each 13 inches long. Fold 5 Light in half and draw through each joining between points then knot 1 Dark fringe at each side of Light fringe as shown. Fringe other side the same.

Lipstick On Your Collar!

Red Heart Super Saver's newest printed yarn color is a luscious Lipstick red! The variances of red mono chromatics in the yarn makes this one of the richest hues I've seen in a long time. I also enjoyed the vintage-y feel the yarn gives off when worked up into a project. I'm sure your creativity will take over once you see this dramatic yarn for yourself. Get it while you can.


The pattern for the flower pictured is a variation of the rose in the Yarn Rose Doily. I used a small hook for the center and a larger hook for the petals to give them fullness and depth.

ROSE VARIATION

Hooks: F and K

Rnd 1: With F hook, ch 5, sl st in first ch to form a ring, ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch 2), dc in ring, * ch 2, dc in ring, repeat from * 3 times more, ch 2, sl st in third st of ch 5 first made. Switch to K hook (6 spaces)

Rnd 2: sl st in next loop, ch 1, (sc, 6 dc, sc) in same lp, * (sc, 6 dc, sc) in next loop, repeat from * 4 more times, join. Fasten off.

Freeform in Shaded Browns

Sometimes there are yarns that just lend themselves to a freeform interpretation. The new Red Heart Super Saver in the multi, Shaded Browns demonstrates how by manipulating the colors through your creative stitching, the yarn does all the work for you! I used an H hook and chained a length, then I went back and worked, popcorns, shells, slip stitch, picots, whatever stitch I wanted. And while I was crocheting, I'm turning my work or manipulating it so that the colors "fit" the stitches.

The unit I worked is 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. It's small but satisfying. There are no mistakes that can be made, even if you try! Incorporate it!

37 Year Old Rectangle Granny Afghan Pattern Unearthed!!!

It only cost 50 cents in 1975 to buy a Rectangle Granny Afghan pattern made in the typical colors of that era! I’ve recreated the pattern for you with modern day crochet terminology and substitute yarn.

That 70’s RECTANGULAR GRANNY AFGHAN

Finished size: 54" x 66" before fringing

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn 7 oz. skeins:
3 skeins each of Bright Yellow, Spring Green, Pumpkin;
4 skeins Paddy Green;

Hook sizes: I/5.5mm and H/5.0mm crochet hook (Canadian size 5 or 6) or size needed for gauge.

Gauge: With H hook, rectangle should measure approximately 5" x 151/2" after 4th round is worked (the second orange round).

Notes: Color sequence is * Pumpkin, Bright Yellow, Spring Green, Paddy Green; repeat from * for sequence.

When working 2 or more rounds of the same color in succession, at the end of the first round, join by working a sl st in the ch-3 of the preceding round, but do not cut yarn,. Sl st across the tops of the next 2 dc, sl st in the corner sp. This will bring you in correct position to start the next round.

As you reach each corner space, check back to see that you have made no errors on the preceding side. When you get into a rhythm, it's easy to make a mistake such as working only 2 double crochets in a space, or not making a corner properly. You could probably get away with the 2 dc mistake, but there is no nice way of fudging a corner edging. As the afghan grows, ripping back a whole side to correct an error is a big waste of time! So check as you go.

It's also easier to stop and weave in your yarn ends every few rounds, so you don't have to do it all at one time when you are finished.



Instructions:

Row 1: This is the foundation center row With I hook and Pumpkin, chain 48. dc in 4th chain from hook, switch to H hook, dc in each of next 2 chains, * ch 1, skip next ch, dc in each of next 3 chains. Repeat from * across, ending skip next ch, ch 1, hdc in last chain. Fasten off Pumpkin.

You will now begin working in rounds

Rnd 2: With right side facing, join Bright Yellow with a sl st in ch-1 space at end of previous row, ch 3, work 2 dc in same space (ch1, 3 dc) 3 times in same space; 3 dc in each space between groups to chain space at opposite end of Row 1, work (3 dc, ch 1) 4 times in end space, continue around working 3 dc in each space between groups. Join with a sl st, fasten off yellow.

Rnd 3: Hold rectangle with right side facing and narrow end at top. Join Spring Green with a sl st in ch-1 corner space at right-hand side of top. Ch 3, (2 double crochet, ch 1, 3 dc) all in same space (corner made); 3 dc between next two groups of double crochet (for end); (3 dc, chain 1, 3 dc) all in next ch-1 space (corner made); 3 dc between each group along side; (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next corner ch-1 space; 3 dc between next two groups;
(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) all in next ch-1 space; 3 dc between each group along remaining side, join with a slip stitch to starting chain; fasten off spring green.

Rnd 4: Again holding rectangle with right side facing and narrow end at top, join Paddy Green with a sl st in ch-1 space of upper right corner; (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 3 dc )in space:
* 3 dc between each group along side, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 space of next corner; repeat from * 3 times, 3 dc between each group along last side, join with a slip stitch to starting chain. Fasten off paddy green.


Rnds 4-60: repeat Round 4 working 2 rounds in each color;
Then work 3 rounds in each color;
Then work 4 rounds in each color;
Then work 5 rounds in each of first 3 colors.
Work 2 more rounds in Paddy Green to finish.

At the end of round 60, fasten off.


Fringe: Put one tassel in each corner space and in each space between groups along the two narrow ends for a total of 58 tassels on each side. For each tassel, you need 8 strands of Paddy Green, cut to 14" lengths. Hold all 8 strands together and fold in half.

With crochet hook, and wrong side of afghan facing you, pull folded end through corner or space, pull loose ends through folded end, and pull knot up tightly. Fringe each space and each corner.

A new color in Red Heart Super Saver Yarn---ZEBRA!!!!

When Red Heart’s newest color, Zebra, a white, gray, black colorway, arrived in the mail the other day, the first thing I did was to grab my vintage U.S.A. made Susan Bates Silvalume H/5.00mm hook and get cracking on these swatches. For clarity, each is numbered.

For #1, I chained 17, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each rem ch. I got 16 scs. I chained 1, and turned; then worked even for 7 more rows. The pattern that emerged was stripes with blocks of color.
Now I did # 5 with a double crochet stitch that was worked back and forth, like the first one. The patterning had blocks of color with very few stripes.

#4 is a basic granny square. I worked 3 rounds and the colors lined up like a windmill. For #3, I worked a circle of double crochets, round 1 had 10 sts, round 2 had 20 sts and round 3 had 30 sts. The colors blended fluidly.

My favorite however is #2, a tight circle of sc stitches, worked without joining. The spiral shape that the colors produce has a mesmerizing look.

This is a good “boys” color too. Pair this color with red, black, gray or white, and you’ll have a nice, neutral color pallet.

I predict Zebra will be flying off the shelves.

Here's one for the menfolk!

The ripple stitch is a tried and true favorite. Since men despise “holey” stitches, working a ridged sc in a chevron pattern with 3 different manly colors, can please the most discriminating male in your life.

Masculine Ripple Stitch Afghan

Copyrighted by Maria Merlino 2007

Personal use only

Materials:

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn (7 oz skeins of solid color and 5 oz. skein of multi color) in the following amounts:

2 skeins each Black and Cherry Red

3 skeins Zebra

Crochet hook: Sizes: I/5.5mm and H/5.00mm

Gauge: With H hook: 7 sc to 2 inches

To change color in sc: Draw up a lp in last st before color change, drop color in use, with next color to be used yo and draw through 2 lps on hook.

Notes:

To create a nice ridged effect, the sc stitches are worked in the back loop.

Starting at Row 2, skip the first sc of the row and the last sc of the row. Always keep this in mind when working ripples, otherwise your edges will “grow”.

Instructions:

Row 1: With I hook and Black, ch 220, switch to H hook, sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each of next 6 ch, * 3 sc in next ch, sc in each of next 7 ch, skip 2 ch, sc in each of next 7 ch, repeat from * to last 8 ch, work 3 sc in next ch, sc in each of last 7 ch, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Skip the first sc, sc in back loop of each of next 7 sc, * 3 sc in back loop of next sc, sc in back loop of each of next 7 sc, skip 2 sc, sc in back loop of each of next 7 sc, repeat from * to last 9 sts, end with 3 sc in back loop of next sc, sc in back loop of each of next 7 sc, leaving last st unworked, ch 1, turn.

Repeat Row 2 for pattern working 6 more rows with Black, work off last sc with Zebra, ch 1, turn. Repeat Row 2 working in stripes of 8 rows each of Colors Zebra, Red, Zebra and Black, always working off last sc with next color when changing colors. Work until there are 21 stripes in all. Fasten off.

Join-As-You-Go-Afghans is now in paperback!

I'm proud to say that I have three designs in this book! Published by The Needlecraft Shop and edited by Bobbie Matela and Kathy Wesley, Join-As-You-Go-Afghans is a collaboration of 16 designers, including Carol Alexander, Brenda Stratton, Tammy Hildebrand, Bonnie Pierce, Ann E. Smith, and Martha Brooks Stein, just to give you an idea of the talent.

My own three designs, "Christening Rose"--a pure white Irish rose motif, "Poinsettia Beauties"--a fabulous 3-D Bright Red flower with a Yellow center and Hunter Green background, and "Patriot's Picnic"--thirty-five 8 inch squares with a Snow White 5 pointed stand-up star center and Navy Blue frame, followed rows of Cherry Red and White, are Granny Square type blocks. You can easily make each one individually and then join them with another method.

Mostly using the easy to find knitting worsted, there is a chapter called Furry Frenzy that will help you use up your Fun Fur stash.
I was also happy to see an afghan called Velvety Roses. It's made with 5 skeins of Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick in 5 different flower colors and 5 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Bulky for the background color and uses a P hook--super quick and easy!

If you like making afghans and collecting afghan books, you will enjoy your purchase.

Easy Shell Stitch Dress

Vintage Crochet Shell Stitch Mother and Daughter Dresses

Directions are for Toddler Size (2 to 4). Changes for Child (6 to 8),

Petite Miss (8 to 10) and Average Miss (12 to 14) are in parentheses.

MATERIALS: Knitting worsted ( worsted #4) such as Red Heart Super Saver, Caron, or Bernat 8 (10-12-12) ozs.

HOOKS: For Toddler & Child crochet hook size H/5mm.

For Petite & Average Woman’s crochet hook size I/5.5mm

GAUGE: With size H/mm 3 shells to 5". On size I-3 shells to 5-1/2"

Stitch:

Beginning (beg) shell = ( ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc)

2 dc shell = (2dc, ch2, 2dc)

3 dc shell = (3dc, ch2, 3 dc)

Back:

Row 1: Ch 27 (31-35-39) very loosely for neck and shoulder.

In 7th ch from hook work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) for a shell, * skip 3 ch, shell in next ch, repeat from * 4 (5-6-7) times more, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: shell in ch-2 space of each shell, end dc in turning-ch, ch 3, turn.

Repeat Row 2 having 6 (7-8-9) shells across for pattern, working 4 (4-5-6) more rows; omit turning-ch at end of last row. Fasten off, leave end for marker. Don’t weave it in yet. You will be coming back later, so the yarn tail will mark your place.

Front: Work same as back; do not fasten off, ch 3 at end of last row.

To Join: Work same as Row 2 across front, ending with a dc in turning ch,

ch 3 for underarm, join to back by working a dc in marked dc, shell in each shell across back, dc in last dc, ch 3 for underarm, join to first dc on front. Fasten off.

Body: Join yarn in center ch st at underarm.

Beginning shell (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc ) in center st, shell in each shell across front, shell in center st of underarm chain, shell in each shell across back, sl st to ch-3 of first shell, sl st to ch-2 space of same shell, there are 14 (16-18-20) shells around. Width around is 23 (26½-33-36½) inches.

Row 2: Beg shell in first space, shell in each shell around, join to ch-3 of first shell, ch 1, sl st to space of same shell.

Repeat last row 3 (4-6-6) times more. Working a ( 2 dc, ch 3 ,2 dc ) shell in each shell, work 4 more rows.

Toddler & Child only

Join to ch-3 of first shell, ch 1, sl st in space.

Misses-only:

Working a (3 dc, ch 3 and 3 dc )shell in each shell, work 5 more rows, join to ch-3 of first shell, ch 1, sl st to space.

All Sizes:

Ch 3, work 1 (1-2-2) dc, ch 2 and 2 (2-3-3) dc in space for first shell, * ch 1, in next ch-3 space work 11 dc for scallop, ch 1, 2 (2-3-3) dc,

ch 2 and 2 (2-3-3) dc shell in next shell, repeat from * around, end ch 1, scallop in space of last shell, ch 1, join to ch-3, ch 1, sl st to first space.

Row 2: Work first shell, * * skip 1 dc on scallop, * ch 1, 1 dc in next dc *, repeat from * to * 8 times more, ch 1, skip last dc of scallop, 1 shell in next shell, repeat from * * to last scallop, skip 1 dc, repeat from * to 9 times,

ch 1, join, sl st in space.

Row 3: Work first shell, ** ch 1, 1 sc in space between next 2 dc's on scallop, * ch 3, 1 sc in next ch-1 space *, repeat from * to * 6 times more, ch 1, shell in next shell, repeat from to last scallop, ch 1, sc in first space on scallop, repeat from * to 7 times, ch 1, join, sl st in space.

Row 4: Work first shell, ** ch 1, 1 sc in next ch-3 loop, * ch 3, 1 sc in next loop *, repeat from * to * 5 times more, ch 1, shell in next shell, repeat from * * to last scallop, ch 1, sc in next ch-3 loop, repeat from * to * 6 times, ch 1, join, sl st in space.

Row 5: Work first shell, * * ch 2 (2-3-3), 1 sc in ch-3 loop of scallop, * ch3, 1 sc in next ch-3 loop *, repeat from * to * 4 times more, ch 2 (2-3-3), 1 shell in shell, repeat from * * to last scallop ch 2 (2-3-3), 1 sc in loop, repeat from * to * 5 times, ch 2 (2-3-3), join, sl st in space.

Toddler & Child only fasten off.

Misses only work first shell, * * ch 4, 1 sc in ch-3 loop, * ch 3, 1 sc in next loop *, repeat from * to * 3 times more, ch 4, 1 shell in shell, repeat from * * to last scallop, ch 4, 1 sc in loop, repeat from * to * 4 times, ch 4. join and fasten off.

All Sizes: Sew shoulder seams from outer edge for 1/2 inch. Working backward from left to right crochet 1 row of sc around neck and armholes

My Great Big Yarn Rose Doily

I just loved making this over-sized doily! I took a vintage pattern from my personal library and re-worked it for ease. It works up so fast, you'll be done, lickety-split!

The re-written pattern instructions Copyright 2006 to me, Maria Merlino and is for personal use only.

Materials: 4 ply, medium weight knitting worsted, such as Red Heart Super Saver, Caron, Bernat Berella 4.
1 oz yellow
2 oz White
5 oz. Red
4 oz Green
H/5mm crochet hook

Gauge: One completed Rose = 5 inches



Abbreviations:
Ch (chain) Tr (treble) Sl st (slip stitch) Sc (single crochet) Sk (skip) Dc (double crochet) Sp (space) Rnd (round) Lp (loop)

Cluster stitch= cl: There are variations of the cluster stitch but basically it means there is more than one stitch clustered together. As an example: If you were doing a 3 double crochet cluster you would do each double crochet without completing the last step (you would have 2 loops on the hook after the first dc, 3 loops on the hook after the second dc and 4 loops on the hook when all three dcs are completed. You then yarn over and draw through all of the loops. That is what clusters together the stitch. A beginning cluster uses the beg ch-3 as a dc.

Rose:

Rnd 1: With yellow, ch 5, sl st in first ch to form a ring, ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch 2), dc in ring, * ch 2, dc in ring, repeat from * 3 times more, ch 2, sl st in third st of ch 5 first made, fasten off. (6 spaces) [Note: You can make all ten centers first. Then you can do the rose petals.]

Rnd 2: Join red with a sl st in any lp, (sc, 5 dc, sc) in same lp, * (sc, 5 dc, sc) in next lp, repeat from * 4 times, join.

Rnd 3: * Ch 5, sl st in back of work between next 2 petals, repeat from * 5 times, join. You will have 6 loops of ch-5.

Rnd 4: Over each lp work (sc, 7 dc, sc), join.

Rnd 5: * Ch 7, sl st in back of work between next 2 petals, repeat from * around. You will have 6 loops of ch-7.

Rnd 6: Over each lp work (sc, 2 dc, 5 tr, 2 dc, sc), join and fasten off.

Work 9 more roses in the same manner. Set aside. You will now make the center.

Center:
Rnd 1: With white, ch 7, join with sl st in first ch to form a ring, ch 1, work 10 sc in ring, join.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same place, keeping last lp of each dc on hook, yarn over and pull through all lps at once (beg. cl made), * ch 3, make a 3 dc cluster (to make cluster st, 3 dc in each sc, keeping last lp of each dc on hook, yarn over and pull through all lps at once) in next sc, repeat from
* 8 times, ch 3, join.

Rnd 3: * Ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 4, sc in next cluster st, repeat from
* around (20 lps).

Rnd 4: Sl st into lp, * ch 4, sc in next lp, repeat from * around ending with a ch 1, dc in same sp as beginning—this brings thread in po¬sition to begin next rnd.

Rnd 5: Ch 3 (counts as first dc of cluster), cluster st in same sp, * ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 4, cluster st in next lp, repeat from * around end¬ing with ch 4, sc in next lp, ch 4, join in first cluster.

Rnd 6: Sl st into lp, * ch 5, sc in next lp, repeat from * around.
Rnd 7: Sl st into lp, ch 3, cluster st in same sp, * ch 5, 2 sc in next lp, ch 5, cluster st in next lp, repeat from * around, ending with ch 5, 2 sc in next lp, ch 5, join.

Rnd 8: Sl st into lp, ch 1, 2 sc in same sp, * ch 7, 2 sc in next lp, repeat from * around, ending with ch 3, tr in first sc.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, cluster st in same sp, ch 5, cluster st in same sp, * ch 1, 2 cluster sts with ch 5 between in next lp, repeat from* around, ch 1. Join; cut thread.

Rnd 10: Join green in the ch 1 between cluster sts, ch 4, cluster st in next ch 5 lp, ch 1, sc in center st of any petal of rose, * ch 1, cluster st in same sp on center, ch 4, sc in ch 1 between next 2 cluster sts, ch 4, cluster st in next ch 5 lp, ch 1, sc in center st of next petal of same rose, ch 1, cluster st in same sp on center, ch 4, sc in next ch 1 lp be¬tween next 2 cluster sts, ch 4, cluster st in next ch 5 lp, ch 1, join to center st of any petal of next rose, repeat from * until all roses are joined, ending to correspond, join, fasten off.

Leaf:
With green, ch 11, sc in sec¬ond st from hook, sc in each of the next 8 sts of ch, 3 sc in last st, working on other side of ch, sc in each of the next 8 sts.

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, working through back lp of sts only, sk 1 sc, sc in each of next 8 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 8 sc.

Row 3-7: Repeat row 2 five times.

(The next row is joining leaf to rose)

Next rnd: Ch 1, turn, join to cen¬ter st of second free petal on right hand side of any rose (to join: drop lp from hook, insert in petal, pick up lp and pull through), sk 1 sc on leaf and working through back lp of sts only, sc in each of next 9 sc, join to center st of next free petal of same rose, sc in same sp on leaf, join to center st of first free petal on left hand side of next rose, sc in same sp on leaf, sc in each of the next 8 sc, join to center st of next petal of same rose, ch 1, sc in next sc on leaf, fasten off.

Work 9 more leaves joining between roses in same manner.