More Patriotic Ideas for Knit and Crochet

There's still a week before the Fourth to do a project or two. Here are a few more ideas.

Crocheted Apron

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0149AD.html?noImages=

Knitted Napkin Holders

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90205AD.html?noImages=

Crocheted bag

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/ccusa-patrioticBag.html?noImages=

Knitted placemats

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kkc-patrioticPlacemats.html?noImages=

Pocket Wrap

Crochet pattern: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/ccusa-patrioticPocketWrap.html?noImages=

Knit Pattern: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kcusa-patrioticPocketWrap.html?noImages=

Happy crafting,

Kathi Linz

Knit Food

It's only fair that the knitter get to make calorie-free food just like the crocheters. Try out these patterns for a little fun with food.

 

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70756AD.html?noImages=

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80368AD.html?noImages=

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80008.html?noImages=

Food for fun and entertainment. 

Happy crafting,

Kathi Linz

Cleaning Up

'Tis the season to scrub the grill, clean up after a graduation party, wash up pots and pans after the family reunion, and other fun events.

Scrubbies and washcloths are quick and easy to make. Some are even cute. Try out one of these patterns to sit next to your sink or grill.

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/fancy-flower-scrubber

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/clean-stripes-dishcloth

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L30181.html?noImages=

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90564AD.html?noImages=

Hope you have a great cook-out. Happy crafting,

Kathi Linz

Modern Baby Patterns

Babies today seem to be bundled in bright colors and spashy patterns. Here are some ideas for a vibrant baby's room.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40054.html?noImages=;ss=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40579.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40311.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40489.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40355.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40071.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32318.html?noImages=

Put a little color in that baby's life.

Happy crafting,
Kathi Linz

Fast Valentine's Projects

Best buds coffee cup cozies

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40735.html?noImages=

Do you need a quick project for someone special in your life? Valentine's Day is coming right up. I'll post some ideas that don't take a lot of time, but still show your heart is in the right place.

A little crocheted gift bag

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40733.html?noImages=

Crocheted Key Chain Decoration

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40734.html?noImages=

Crocheted Phone Cozy

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40736.html?noImages=

Knit Cabled Heart Boot Cuff

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40737.html?noImages=

Knitted Scarf

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40583.html?noImages=

For more ideas and patterns, please remember to check, www.Ravelry.com, www.knittingpatterncentral.com, www.crochetpatterncentral.com, www.allfreecrochet.com, www.allfreeknitting.com, and the Hobbies and Crafts section in INSPIRE.gov. (http://web.a.ebscohost.com/hcrc/search/basic?sid=007924cc-34e0-4bd3-914c-d44ac5f25734%40sessionmgr4001&vid=0&hid=4214)

Happy crafting,

Kathi

Almost Superbowl

The contestants for the Super Bowl are raring to go and I'll be you're having people over to watch the game. Besides getting all the snacks ready, maybe you'd like to decorate the table just a bit.

Knit Placemats and Crochet Napkin Rings

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60669A.html

Maybe you can make them in the colors of the team you hope will win!

And here are a couple of coaster patterns for those drinks.

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/single-square-coasters

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/snowflake-coasters

Happy crafting,

Kathi

New Year's Drink Cozies

As the New Year approaches, you might be planning a get-together with some of your family and friends. In the midst of the festivities, people put their drinks on various pieces of furniture and then forget which one was theirs.

Here are a couple of quick suggestions for keeping it all straight.

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L40617.html?noImages=

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0121AD.html?noImages=

If everyone has a different color or a different design, their drinks won't get confused.

Happy New Year, everybody,

Kathi Linz

Holiday Ideas

It's time to knit and crochet for the holidays. I'm not going to tell you that all of these are GOOD ideas, but you might find something in this list that sparks your creativity.



http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/christmas-love-hearts



http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/christmas-wreath-throw



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L30258.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L30257.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32351.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32307.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20606.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90148B.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90168B.html?noImages=




http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/christmas-coming-throw




http://www.redheart.com/learn/videos/learn-how-crochet-christmas-baubles



http://www.redheart.com/learn/videos/learn-crochet-christmas-coasters

Who's left on your list? Maybe you can gift them with a little something hand crafted.

Happy holidays,

Kathi Linz

Large Hook/Large Needles

Want some patterns that work up at the speed of light?

Here are a couple of knitting patterns that are done using size 50 knitting needles.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20118.html?noImages=

This scarf uses two strands of yarn held together and is only seven stitches wide!



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80978AD.html?noImages=

This baby blanket is done on the diagonal with 4 strands of yarn held together. This particular pattern has a few comments added by people who worked it up. They suggest some adjustments that will help you with the final result.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60681A.html?noImages=

This Lion Brand Yarn pattern suggests using 5 strands of yarn held together and casting on 34 stitches. That is pretty crowded on one speed stick (size 50 needles). If I were doing this pattern. I would use three or four strands.

Crochet patterns usually call any hook larger than a J, a large hook. Some websites pull up patterns for H, I and J hooks when you put in "large hook". When I crochet, I think P, Q, and S hooks are large. So, with that in mind, here are some large hook patterns.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/30224AD.html?noImages=

This is called a Catskills Jacket. It is worked with a N/P hook and a super bulky (6 weight) yarn.




http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/basketweave-hat-0

Red Heart yarn has this basketweave hat for a size K hook.




http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/go-team-go-baby-sweater

One thing to keep in mind about making an afghan or throw with a large hook. If you have a pattern that you like, but you don't want to work small stitches, get out the size hook that you prefer. You can make the same pattern with worsted weight yarn up to a size K - just remember to make fewer stitches in the starting chain. If you use a hook larger than a K, use two or three strands together.

If it's a repeating pattern, try to figure out how many stitches are in the main cluster/pattern (often between 3 and 12) and make a multiple of that number. Then add 2 or 3 stitches for a turning chain.

If you can't figure out the number of chains for the basic pattern, just make the chain longer than you think it should be. Work the first row as directed by the pattern and cut off the extra chain. I usually cut it off about three chains from the place where I ended the first row and unravel the last couple of chains so I have an end to weave in. The chain doesn't unravel after you cut it off. Just tug the end tight and it will be fine.

Happy crafting.

Kathi Linz

Baby Booties

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20323.html?noImages=0

Small items are the perfect project for hot summer days. Perhaps you have a little one in mind that could use a little splash of color on their tiny feet. The link above is for crocheters and the ones below are for knitters.





http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10256.html?noImages=



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10011.html?noImages=

Please don't forget to look for patterns st www.ravelry.com, www.crochetpatterncentral.com, and www.knittingpatterncentral.com as well as hundreds of blogs which share free patterns.

Happy crafting and stay cool,

Kathi Linz