pinwheel pouf for 18" dolls - new crochet pattern by tara schreyer.

I've been hard at work over the last many months, developing a new line of clothing and accessories for dolls. Here is my first design, for you and your little ones to enjoy!  More designs to follow in the next few days, so stay tuned!

Pinwheel Pouf for 18" Dolls

Poufs are everywhere in home decor! Every little girl needs one! They can be used as a seat, a foot stool or a floor pillow, whatever the occasion.

This pouf is crocheted in the round using only post stitches giving it beautiful texture and style. You have the option of two different designs - solid or striped, as well as two options for finishing.
 
The finished size of the pouf is approximately a 37" circumference and 12" diameter and is designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl® or Maplelea®.

Buy Now

tara. 

caron cakes yarn review...

Caron took the fiber world by storm with the introduction of "Caron Cakes", their new and delicious gradient yarn. Prior to the release of this new yarn, at Michaels stores across North America, gradient cakes were something that you only saw in high end yarn stores. As soon as pictures of the new Caron Cakes started to grace the web, I was instantly intrigued and I wondered how this box store gradient yarn would measure up.

In a nut shell...I loved it! It was a fun and affordable way to try something new and exciting. Caron Cakes yarn is 20% wool, so it had no where near the plastic feel of many acrylics, plus the colourways are amazing. Soft and squishy, the Caron Cakes also boast a generous yardage of 350 meters (383 yards), which is more than enough to complete your basic crochet project. The Mostly Harmless pictured was completed with just one cake of Cookies and Cream.

Mostly Harmless Shawl by Kaylie Dawn

The only really negative thing that I had to say about Caron Cakes would be about the abrupt colour changes. It would have been nice to see a more gradual colour change, but at this price point I don't think that it's really worth complaining about. Besides, if you find the colour change bothersome, the yardage is generous enough to fasten off at the end of a row/round and then start the next round with the new colour.

(September 1, 2016 - I forgot to mention that this is an independent post and that we are

not sponsored by Caron Yarns.)

kim.

new crochet pattern - forever young peter pan collar by kim miller.

Forever Young Peter Pan Collar by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

That coveted chic style is simple to achieve with this DIY detachable Peter Pan collar!

This crochet pattern is complete with written instructions, and lots of illustrations to help you to successfully complete your project.

This detailed crochet pattern calls for ½ of a ball of Knit Picks® Comfy Fingering [50 g (1.76 oz)/199 meters (218 yds) per ball], a 2.75 mm (C) crochet hook, a 9 mm (3/8”) button (or size needed), and a yarn needle.

The pattern instructions are written for one size, and the finished collar measures 50.8 cm (20”) in diameter, and 5.7 cm (2¼”) in width. Please note that the size is approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn. 

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "PeterPan20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until Monday September 12th, 2016)

kim.

Now is the perfect time to stock up for winter!! Save 50% on all of your favorite crochet patterns and printable gift tags at knotsewcute design shop!

Enjoy 50% off our entire Etsy Shop by using coupon code SALE50 at the checkout. Remember, the deal of "Buy 5 in one transaction, get 1 free" still applies, so this adds to your savings!! Leave us a note at the checkout as to your free pattern choice and we will be happy to forward it to you!

Hurry!  The sale ends at midnight (PST) on

Sunday, July 31st, 2016.

Don't miss out!

For our Ravelry customers...To Receive 50% off of our crochet patterns on Ravelry.com visit

tearaleaf and/or knotsewcute, and use the coupon code "SALE50" at the check out.

kim and tara.

new crochet pattern - making waves bucket bag by kim miller.

Making Waves Bucket Bag by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

How much fun would it be to crochet this fashionable, striped bucket bag? 

This versatile bag can be used as:

• a purse

• a craft/project bag

• a bag to take on your day at the beach

• a catch-all in your office space

• just about anything...

This crochet pattern is complete with instructions for the striped bag, the rope handle, and anchor. Plus, I've included a chart for the anchor, and I show you an easy way to add stripes without having to fasten off at the end of each round...leaving you with a ton of yarn ends to work in.

This detailed crochet pattern calls for 2 balls of Bernat® Handicrafter® 100% Cotton [50 g (1.75 oz)/73 meters (80 yds) per ball] in Classic Navy, 3½ balls of Bernat® Handicrafter® in Off White, and Scraps of Bernat® Handicrafter® in Red. You will also need a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), four 7/16” [11 mm (inner diameter)] eyelets, grommet tool and a yarn needle. This crochet pattern is complete with colour illustrations and directions on attaching the eyelets. 

The finished bag measures 22.9 cm (9”) high, and 22.9 cm (9”) in diameter. 

Please note that lining instructions are not included with the pattern, but you do choose to go with lining the basic shaping should make it both fun and easy.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "BucketBag20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until July 21st, 2016)

kim.

how to correctly place your post stitches.

I love the looks of front and back post stitches to create beautiful cables and designs on an otherwise flat fabric. But I must admit, I sometimes have difficulty figuring out where my next stitch should be placed, whether I am transitioning to a post stitch or back to a "regular" stitch. This often leads to me having to rip out the row and start over, really concentrating on my stitch placement. 

There are a few tricks that I use for myself that I thought might be useful for everyone else as well. Below is the beginning stages of a pattern that I have in the works.

Instructions for Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), hdc in next hdc and each of the next 4 hdc, four-post cable over the next four stitches, hdc in next hdc and each of the next 7 hdc, four-post cable over the next four stitches, hdc in next hdc and each of the next 4 hdc, hdc in the turning ch, turn

I am about to do my four post cable where I must skip the next two posts and make a front post double crochet (fpdc) around each of the third and fourth post. 

   
It's not always so easy to tell if you are only looking at your current row, as it is hard to see which post your current stitch is actually sitting above. I have goofed up on this many, many times. So now I look at my previous row and count the posts. I just made 6 half double crochet (hdc) so I want to count in 6 posts and then my next two posts will be the ones I skip.

The two posts highlighted in a darker purple are the two posts that I am going to skip and I will place a fpdc around each of the next two posts as you can see in the next picture.

Now I must finish the four post cable by placing a fpdc around the two previously missed posts. After finishing my cable stitches, I return to making half double crochets, but this can also get confusing.

This is when I flip over my work and look at the back side. The post stitches push the tops of the stitches towards the back of the work and they are easy to locate. 

 

The stitches highlighted in soft blue are the tops of the stitches that have been pushed towards the back of the work. The cable was made up of four post stitches so count the four stitches and the next stitch (highlighted in purple) is where you will place your next hdc. 

 
Here it is on the front side again after doing a few half double crochet after the four post cable stitches.

Now you are off and running. Use these little tricks throughout your pattern and you will have no problem with your cables running amok. I know it has worked wonders for me and I hope that you find it useful as well. 

tara. 

sneak peek.

A month or so ago, when I started working in the round with cotton stripes, I couldn't decide if I wanted to create a pattern for storage bins....or a bucket bag....so I created both :)

I was hoping to release the pattern for the Making Waves Bucket Bag this week, but time got away on me, so I should have the pattern up by early next week. In the meantime have a great weekend!!!

kim.