Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch

After years of crochet and knit projects, I found myself with a HUGE stash of remnant yarn. 

So many balls of yarn.

This striped herringbone blanket was a great way to whittle down the excess yarn I had hanging around. The Herringbone Double Crochet stitch is a simple variation on a double crochet and adds a nice texture. 

See the simple blanket pattern and stitch tutorial below. 

Written instructions for the Herringbone Double Crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and pull through the stitch ( you should have three loops on your hook) pull the first loop through the second loop, yarn over, pull through second loop, yarn over, pull through two remaining loops. 

Herringbone Half Double Crochet Remnant Lap Blanket

Ch - chain

Sts - stitches 

Hbdc - herringbone double crochet 

Tch - turning chain

Multiple:

Any number of stitches, plus 1 for the chain 

Finished sized about 36x40 inches 

Chain 116 (about 36 inches long)

R1-R5 color 1

Hbdc in 3rd chain from hook (these two chains count as your first stitch)

Hbdc in each chain stitch across (total of 115 sts across)

R6-R10 color 2

Turn, ch 2, hbdc in each stitch across, working last hbdc in tch

R11 color 3

Turn, ch 2, hbdc across, working last hbdc in tch

R12-R87

Repeat, continue hbdc each stitch across changing colors every 5 rows w/color #3 contrast every 10 rows. 

Tie off and weave in ends.

For a quick video tutorial of the hbdc stitch, watch the video below:

Diamond Eyelet Baby Blanket

It seems this little blanket has been on my hook for the better part of a year, and I'm glad to finally have it, and the pattern finished. I'd spotted this diamond eyelet floating around the interwebs in the form of scarfs, baby dresses, table runners, you name it. 

I LOVED it. 

So I grabbed some graph paper and mapped it out. Then took a ball of gray bargain bin yarn and a plastic hook to keep me company on a three hour flight. It took a few starts and lots of frogging to get the spacing just right. Once you get started, the pattern is easy to follow and addictive to watch grow. 

Enjoy!

Diamond Eyelet Baby Blanket

Finished size: 34 x 34 inches

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft - Red

@MichaelsStores Bargain Bin Worsted-Weight - Gray, White

Hook: @boyeyarncrafts Vintage Aluminum Size G

Gauge: dc 20 for 8 rows = 4x4 inches

Chain 142

R1 - dc in third chain from hook, dc in the next 6 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 13 stitches repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7 stitches

R2 - chain 2, dc in next 5 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next stitch (this is the space from the chain stitch in the previous row), chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 11 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next stitch, chain one, dc in next 6 stitches

R3 - chain 2, dc in next 4 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 3 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 9 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 3, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5 stitches

R4 - chain 2, dc in next 3 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 4 stitches

R5 - chain 2, dc in next 2 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7, chain one skip stitch, dc in next 3 stitches

R6 - chain 2, dc in next 1 stitch, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 9 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 3 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 9 , chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 2 stitches

R7 - chain 3, skip stitch, *dc in next 11 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 1 stitch, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 11 stitches, repeat from * 9 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 1 stitch

R8 - chain 2, dc in next 13 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 13 stitches, repeat from * 7 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 14 stitches

R9 - chain 3, skip next stitch, dc in next 11 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 1 stitch, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 11 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 1 stitch

R10 - chain 2, dc in next 1 stitch, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 9 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 3 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 9 , chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 2 stitches

R11 - chain 2, dc in next 2 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7, chain one skip stitch, dc in next 3 stitches

R12 - chain 2, dc in next 3 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 4 stitches

R13 - chain 2, dc in next 4 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 3 stitches, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 9 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 3, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 5 stitches

R14 - chain 2, dc in next 5 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next stitch, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 11 stitches, repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next stitch, chain one, dc in next 6 stitches

R15 - chain 2, dc in the next 6 stitches, *chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 13 stitches repeat from * 8 more times, chain one, skip stitch, dc in next 7 stitches

R16-71 - repeat ties 2-15 in order until you reach your desired length. 

To match my stripes: 

R1-47 Gray

R48-71 alternate Red/White, 4 rows each

Vintage Embroidery Scissors

Mini Egg Basket - Free Crochet Pattern

With Easter right around the corner, I thought I'd share my pattern for these fun little mini egg baskets.  

Enjoy!

 

Materials:

Size G/4.0 mm crochet hook
Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton yarn
yarn needle
scissors

Stitch Guide:

ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
rnd - round
inc - increase (two stitches into the same stitch)

Pattern:

Rnd 1: ch 2, 12 sc in second ch from hook; join with slip stitch.

Rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc inc in every stitch around (24 total); join w/ slip stitch.
 
Rnd 3: ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc inc in every other stitch around (36 total); join w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 4: ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc inc in every 3rd stitch around(48 total); join w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 5: ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc inc in every 4th stitch around (60 total); join w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 6: ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in in every 5th stitch around (72 total); join w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 7: ch 3, dc in every stitch around (72 total); join w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 8-11: ch 3, sc, dc, repeat alternating sc, dc, in each stitch around (72 total, each rnd): join each row w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 12: sc around (72 total): join w/ slip stitch.

Rnd 13: sc 23, ch 14, skip 13 stitches, sc 23, ch 14, skip 13 (74 total); join with slip stitch.

Rnd 14: sc around (74 total)

Join, tie off, and use yarn needle to weave in ends.

copyright 2017 agirlandherneedle/charmain runyon

A Chevron Blanket

I think I've mentioned before how much I love yarn.

I have an obsession with new skeins.  I feel compelled to roll them into a nice, neat little ball.

Maybe it's because, usually, I wash the skeins in a lingerie bag before I using it, especially if I'm using a really cheap, scratchy yarn, and it kind of needs to be rolled up after it's washed.  This stuff seemed soft enough that I didn't do that this time.

Chevron patterns always end up smaller than you anticipate.  They rows naturally squeeze together and they make a nice and tight, thick fabric.  I've made the gauge a little tight on this pattern.  I plan on washing the blanket once it's finished to loosen it up - and to soften it, of course!  I'm hoping by the time I pull it out of the dryer it will be the perfect texture and softness.


It might take me a few weeks to finish, but I'll post pics when I'm done!

Mini Egg Baskets

I know these are a little late for Easter this year, but who can resist a little egg cozy?

Look for them in my Etsy shop in the next few months.

Thank Heaven for Grandmother's

It's late and I should be in bed.  Instead, I've been up working on a few wand orders, and thumbing through old family pictures. I can't seem to shut my mind off tonight.

In less than a week we'll be moving from Southern California back to Texas.

I'm excited, relieved, stressed, and a little sad.

I thought I'd share a picture my cousin unearthed from her dad's stack of old photo's.

 

This is my grandmother and her two oldest boys (I can't get over that darling little bow-tie).  I love this picture. She was such an endearing and kind woman.  And, like so many women of her era, extremely talented. I love seeing all her handiwork in this photo.  

At 93 years old (I was 17) she taught me to crochet. She passed on a gift that will bring me a lifetime of joy.  Somehow I was lucky enough to end up with her crochet hooks. I can't tell you the fond memories that flood into my mind when I pull them out to use on a project.

I wonder if I have time to sew a bow-tie before my machine gets packed away next week?

TipNut Tip Update - Feature!

TipNut has included my tip to make Scratchy Yarn Soft in her weekly Tip Update!

Check it out here (or click the picture).

It's a Pinteresting Party!

Lauren at Tutus & Tea Parties is hosting a "Pinteresting Party" over on her blog.

She's even included my yarn softening tutorial in this weeks "favorites" - Yay!

Click the button below and share a link to your latest creation!

Soften Scratchy Yarn

I love yarn.

I have a HUGE stash that keeps growing.

Did I mention that I love yarn?

But, lets face it, the most durable, most economic, and most forgiving yarn isn't usually the softest, or nicest yarn. I love acrylics because they're durable. They make great baby blankets. And, we all know that with babies comes laundry. Blankets (or anything for that matter) made with acrylic hold up well when washed and dried.

I noticed something after washing an acrylic crochet blanket. It softened up. A lot. It was so nice.

This gave me an idea. What if I washed the yarn before I crocheted with it?!

So, I tried it. What do you know, it worked!

Pin It

It's a simple as that!

I now toss all my scratchy acrylic yarn in a lingerie bag every time I'm using it for a project.

Try it...I promise you won't be disappointed.

Egg Baskets

Pin It
Since having my little kiddos, I discovered my favorite time of day is late at night, when everyone is sleeping. No one to ask me for food. No stinky diapers to chase down and change. No fights over toys. Just peace and quiet.

I've spent the past few nights crocheting into the early morning hours. Making these little darlings...


::Egg Baskets::

Pin It

I've had a slight obsession with crochet baskets lately.

I blame Ravelry.
There are so many great patterns and talented people on that site.

Pin It

Look for this particular set of Basket/Egg Caddy's in my Etsy shop soon.

I hope to be back up and running within the next week or so!

Signed, Sealed, & Delivered...

A blanket and beanie for a new baby.

This baby's momma was my first friend after moving to Texas and soon became my favorite roommate. In December she, her husband, and three kiddos drove from Texas to California for a holiday visit.

She's brave. It's a looooong drive.
I'm so glad we were able to get together.
------------
Some friends you have for a Moment, some for a Season, and others for a Lifetime.

She's a "Lifetimer."

Congratulations on your new baby!

Stitches Midwest - A News Reporters View

If you Crochet or Knit, you'll definitely find the humor in this 3 minute news clip.

Even if you DON'T Crochet or Knit, you'll STILL find the humor in this clip.

Gotta love when local news stations do special interest stories!

Trains for a Little Guy

A little something for a (soon-to-be) new little man.

A friend of mine is having a baby boy. I love being able to pull from my stash to create something darling!

Simple flannel burpcloths w/ freehand crochet around the edges.

I love the way the brick red and cobalt blue compliment each other. I was trying to go for a "train track" look to match the burpcloth theme.

Click here for my inspiration for this blanket.

The Cloth Diaper - So Useful!

Remember these? I couldn't help myself. I had to make more to share....so many new babies this spring!

I LOVE these burpcloths. Whoever thought up using a cloth diaper as a burpcloth was a GENIUS.

This particular blue stripe burpcloth ended up with a super soft afghan for a precious baby boy.

The blanket turned out nice and lightweight.

I really don't love acrylic yarn. It's scratchy and loosens up when it's washed. So this time, I tossed the entire skein in a lingerie bag and pre-washed my acrylic. It softened right up!

I couldn't be happier with the results!

Sharing on Ravelry

I've joined a site for knitters and crocheters called Ravelry.

It's really a neat site. It combines social networking with other knitters and crocheters, and allows you to share projects, patterns, pictures, yarn, forums, etc. It even has a "library" to catalog all your books and patterns.

I know this is all terribly boring to those of you who don't knit or crochet, but if you're on Ravelry - add me as a friend, I'd love to see what you're working on!

http://www.ravelry.com/people/aGirlandherNeedle

A New Pattern

I think I've finally moved past my weave pattern obsession. I found a darling pattern book while browsing at Barnes and Noble a few months back. I liked it enough I was willing to pay the cover price.
However, you can find it on Amazon.com for much cheaper.



I love all the patterns in this book. The only problem - they're written in English. The original English.

English patterns are different from American patterns. Not by much, but we have different names for the same stitches, so you really have to pay attention to your pattern so as not to do a treble when you actually need a double, or a single when you want a double (or is it the other way around - see, I already have the conversion mixed up in my head).

Needless to say, there is a darling little dress pattern in this book (I wish I had a picture) that I'm modifying slightly which makes it even more confusing.

The dress is coming along and when its finished I'll have my cherubic faced 9-month-old model it for some pictures.

Stitch Obsession

I've been slightly obsessed with this weave stitch lately. I've used it in just about everything I've made this season. It's such a simple stitch (dc back loop, dc front loop, repeat), and it has a nice clean look to it.

I'm in love with all the Cowls and Infinity Scarfs I've seen this season on Etsy. Even Macy's tried to get in on the action - I passed a limp version of an Infinity Scarf hanging from one of their mannequins. Nothing comes close to the quality products you'll find in the Handmade Market!


This one is made from 100% Alpaca, and was shipped across the country as a Christmas gift. It was so soft, and warm. I love the rich color, I had a hard time giving it up.


I'll just have to make one for myself. For next year, of course. Southern California's 6 weeks of winter has come and gone!

Featured - Red and Teal/Blue Etsy Treasury

What a BEAUTIFUL Treasury! I love all the bright, fresh colors Mimi Michelle Jewelry picked for this Treasury.

"Red and Teal/Blue - My favorite color combination"

Thanks Mimi Michelle for including my Kids Neck Cowl/Cozy!

You can find it in my Etsy store Here - and check back soon for Adult Cowl's, Cozy's, and Scarfs just in time for the cool weather!

Sneak Peek

Last week we had our first rain of the summer. Which was beautiful, of course, but combine that with 114 degree air and it was a steam-bath!

This week the Desert decided to take a break from the heat and so far we've been in the mid 80's.

It practically feels like winter!

I've been working on some chunky Cowls and Neck Cozies for Kiddos and Adults.

Little Cami was a DARLING neck cozy model - and never complained about standing in the weeds while I was trying to get the best light.



I wish I could take credit for the colorful flower pin! Elaine over at Pemberley Court makes these. She picks fantastic colors and hand stitches each one (so many made these days are glued together with a glue gun). If you're interested in seeing more check out her etsy store...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PemberleyCourt


I'm off to visit family in Utah for a few days. I'm taking nearly half my yarn stash with me. It'll give my nimble fingers something to do on that loooonnng 9+ hour drive.

Look for more Cowls and Cozies in lots of colors soon!