woohoo....tara made the cover!

 

Knit Picks put out a call for submissions last spring and Tara's "Lattice Work Fingerless Mitts" pattern was accepted, but we've been unable to share the excitement with you until today! The book called "Under 100 Crochet Collection" was just released today and what a surprise when we seen that Tara's pattern had made the cover!!! Woohoo and congrats....Tara! I am so super excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book features 10 must have crochet patterns, and the best part is that each project requires under 100 grams of yarn. Not only will you be able to blow through your stash but you will be able to complete each project in record time!

This collection can be purchased as an e-book, hard copy, or if you prefer each pattern in the collection can be purchased individually from knitpicks.com for $1.99!!  

Be sure to check back with us soon as we have more in store for you regarding this new release!

kim.

new crochet pattern - cabled hot water bottle cozy by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Once considered old fashioned, hot water bottles have become a new trend, and stylish cozies for hot water bottles are popping up everywhere!

This knit-look cozy crochets up quickly, and the main body is a 4 row repeat that is easy to memorize. The cozy is designed to slip easily over your bottle and features a button-up closure on the back side.

This crochet pattern calls for 1¾ skeins of Cascade Yarns® 220 [100 g (3.53 oz)/201 meters (220 yds) per skein], which is a worsted weight (4). The pattern features the blue (Summer Sky - 7815) cozy and you should be comfortable with the following stitches and techniques: adjustable ring, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, front post treble crochet, half double crochet 2 together, front post double crochet 2 together, and front post double crochet 3 together.

The crochet instructions are written for one size only, but post stitches and cabling allow lots of room for stretch. The finished hot water bottle cozy measures approximately 19 cm (7.5”) wide and 35.5 cm (14”) at it's highest point.

Buy Now

 

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "cabledcozy20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Friday - January 3rd, 2014) 

 

 

 

kim.

 

another hint for our sneak peek.

Some would consider this cozy for your cozy to be old fashioned, but it has become a new trend and is popping up in stores everywhere...

 

 

This post is with regards to our previous sneak peek. Click here to learn how you could win a copy of our latest crochet design.

 

 

kim.

sneak peek.

Okay....it's more of a peek at the buttons that I just bought for my current crochet pattern in the works. Aren't they the most perfect buttons?

I just bought these adorable scrabble buttons from a wonderful local yarn store called Electric Tree Yarns, and the first person to guess what design I am currently working on will win a copy of the pattern when it is released. Just so you know...the buttons are your first hint ;-)

To enter a chance to win the mystery pattern:

Leave a comment as to your guess, along with your email address. The first person to guess correctly will be contacted as soon as possible via this post, and by email. The contest will remain open until either someone guesses correctly, or until the pattern is released. Which ever comes first. Once the mystery pattern has been published a PDF will be emailed to the winner.

Have a wonderful weekend, and if you have trouble guessing I will help you along the way with additional hints.

kim.

simple tip when adding a crochet border.

The procrastinating, perfectionist in me dreads the first round of a border on any project, but I especially don't like it for a large project like an afghan or a throw! I like to know exactly where each stitch should be placed, but when you are working along the side of a throw there are no stitches to work in. Usually, the pattern simply says something like this, "work 150 dc evenly down the side". Ugggg....I hate that part!!!

So, a simple trick that I started doing is to section the side off into quarters, and mark with a stitch marker, or like item. That way if I am working 150 stitches, then I know that when I reach the quarter mark I should be at about 37 stitches, and at the half way point I should be at 75 stitches.

So much easier then reaching the end of the side row and trying to either stretch out or cram the last few stitches in. It's a simple tip, but it is amazing how much more enjoyable it makes working along the edge.

kim.

new crochet pattern - night owl decorative throw by kim miller.

 

 

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cozy up in style with this beautiful cabled, owl throw! This crochet pattern is marked as an intermediate, but I've included lots of colour illustrations to help you to successfully complete you project.

The pattern calls for 11 balls of Knit Picks Brava worsted weight yarn [100 g (3.53 ounces)/200 meters (219 yards) per ball], but you may need more yarn if you crochet looser than the recommended gauge. Recommended gauge: 12 sc and 16 rows = 10 cm (4”) square with a 5.50 mm crochet hook. The pattern uses the following stitches: hdc, dc, fpdc, bpdc, fptr and picot. The buttons are sewn on after the crochet throw has been completed.

The finished throw measures approximately 89 cm (35”) wide by 122 cm (48”) long.

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "nightowl20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Wednesday - December 18th, 2013) 

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

sneak peek.

This crochet pattern has been in the works forever....

 

Originally, this started out as a baby blanket. I wanted to incorporate some word art into a design, so I came up with the idea of a basket weave, baby blanket with the word "DREAM" worked in popcorn stitch and framed by horizontal cables. I pictured a sweet, little, baby blanket all worked up in a fingering weight organic cotton. I invested quite a bit of time working out the numbers, and graphing the letters but what seemed perfect on paper, as you can see from the picture below, did not translate well when crocheted.

 

 

The post stitches on the basket weave section of the baby blanket worked out to be narrower then the popcorn panel making for a misshaped blanket. I thought about tearing it all out and salvaging the yarn, but I left it, just in case, and I'm glad that I did. Last year when I got into cabled owls I came up with the idea to switch out the popcorn panel and add in it's place a row of adorable owls. I was worried about buttons for little ones, so I chose instead to work the blanket up in a worsted weight yarn making for a beautiful decorative throw, or lapghan, perfect to snuggle up in while watching TV.

 

The crochet pattern for this cozy throw should be ready soon!!

 

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

new crochet pattern - morning frost cowl by tara schreyer.

 

 

Skill Level: Easy Plus

This tunisian stitch cowl is light and airy and sparkles in the sunlight. It reminds me of the hoar frost that lingers on the trees on a crisp winter morning. This is a beautiful simple cowl that snuggles around your neck but is wide enough that it can also be pulled up to be worn like a snood.

The cowl is made up using simple tunisian crochet stitches and the pattern includes figure pictures to assist with some of the stitch placements.

Finished measurement:
25.5" circumference x 14.5" high

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "morningfrost20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Monday - December 9th, 2013) 

 

tara.





sneak peek.

I have been working at some tunisian crochet again and this squishy cowl is my result. It bunches perfectly around the neck but also high enough that you can pull it up around your ears on those crisp days. We are getting some of those days already this year  : (

 

It won't be long before the pattern will be released and you will be able to have your very own "Morning Frost Cowl". 

tara.

new crochet pattern - french twist cowl by kim miller.

 

 

  

Skill Level: Intermediate

This is a fun crochet project that works up surprisingly fast!!! This Möbius cowl is worked from the center outward in a continuous, figure 8 loop. Also, the pattern is a 4 row repeat, so although it is easy to memorize there's lots going on to keep you interested. It is such an addictive pattern that the hardest part will be to make just one!

This crochet pattern calls for 1¾ skeins of Cascade Yarns® Eco Duo [100 g (3.5 oz)/180 meters (197 yds) per skein], which is an aran weight (4). This well written pattern includes tons of illustrations to help you to successfully complete your project.

The crochet instructions are written for one size only, but a multiple has been included making it easy for you to adjust the size, or to experiment with different weight yarns. The finished cowl measures approximately 33 cm (13”) in width and 33 cm (13”) in length.

I should warn you, your friends and family are all going to want you to make one for them!

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 



(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "frenchtwistcowl20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Friday - November 29th, 2013) 

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

flash sale at craftsy - save up to 80% on yarn.

 

 

Head on over to Craftsy.com and check out their yummy yarn sale!!

 

 

 

 

kim and tara.

sneak peek.

Sometimes the hardest part of designing crochet patterns is coming up with a new name, but now that my daughter is taking a hairdressing course I've discovered a whole range of hairdressing terms to tap into. It just so happens that as I was working on this design for a möbius cowl, my daughter was learning how to do a French Twist in hairdressing school. As I was crocheting and listening to my daughter explain how to do a French Twist, I started thinking.....hmmmmm....."French Twist" what a great name for my new cowl design.

The crochet pattern for the French Twist Cowl is so close to being ready for publication that I almost wasn't going to do a sneak peek.

kim.

the joys of working with a live model.

With the shorter days and the overcast skies, I needed something to make me smile. These pictures definitely did the trick for me, so I'm posting them with hopes that they add a little sunshine to your day and bring a smile to your face :) If you click on the link below each picture you can see the pictures that I chose to publish with the pattern. Enjoy!

Button-Up Cowl - Crochet Pattern

 

Drawstring Slouch - Crochet Pattern

 

Vintage Inspired Felted Cloche - Crochet Pattern

 

 

 

kim.

new crochet pattern - button scarf by kim miller.

 

 

 

 

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

You can crochet this beautiful scarf and get the classic look of a handmade sweater without the added bulk! This scarf features a rolled, ribbed collar and 2 front button closures so it stays secure...keeping you warm and toasty!

This well written crochet pattern calls for 2 skeins of Berroco Vintage which is a worsted weight (4) yarn, [100 g (3.5 oz)/200 meters (217 yds) per skein]. The pattern calls for a 5.00 mm (H) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), and a 5.50 mm (I) crochet hook. The pattern uses the following stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and single crochet 2 together. A stitch counter is recommended, but not necessary.

The finished scarf measures 138.4 cm (54 ½”) long and 12.7 cm (5”) wide, and comfortably fits a 30.5 cm (12”) to a 42 cm (16.5”) sized neck.

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "buttonscarf20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Monday - November 18th, 2013) 

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

sneak peek.

 

I don't know what they are called, but I love sweaters with a ribbed, rolled collar! Perhaps one day I will be ready to tackle a pattern for one, but for now I'm still a little nervous about getting into garment design....soooo....instead of a sweater I came up with a scarf pattern that features a rolled collar. Now you can achieve the look of a crocheted sweater without the added bulk, and the commitment to a larger project.

 

 

 

 

 

The crochet pattern for this warm and toasty scarf should be ready for publication sometime this week.

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

 

photo gallery.

Tara and I both love it when customers send us pictures of their finished crochet projects, but today when one of our dear customers shared her picture of the Chunky Cables Decorative Throw with us, and the rest of the world, it was double the fun! This is the picture of the throw that Angie sent us earlier today.

 

Angie used Bernat Softee Chunky in the colour Forest to make her throw. Isn't it stunning? As I was admiring Angie's handiwork and chatting back and forth with her, something happened. Tara and I received this "Popular Listing" email from Etsy.

 

 

We've never received an email like this from Etsy. As I was busy trying to figure out what was going on, I received another email from Angie. A very excited Angie explained that The Crochet Crowd shared her picture of the Chunky Cables Decorative Throw on Facebook, and in less than an hour she had over 800 likes and 70 shares, and the last time that Iooked the numbers were still growing. Beautiful work, Angie, and thanks so much for sharing!!!

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

new crochet pattern - peekaboo mittens by kim miller.

 

 

 

Add some hobo chic to your winter wardrobe with these stylish, yet practical "Peekaboo Mittens"! These mittens feature a button top over the fingers, that easily flips out of the way, allowing for freeness of movement.

Crochet instructions are written for one size (Ladies size S/M), but the post stitches allow for lots of stretch. The finished mittens are 7" in circumference but they stretch to fit 7.5" and they are 6.5" long, excluding the mitten top. Please note that size is approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

 

This crochet pattern calls for a 3.25 mm (D) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), 2.75 mm (C) crochet hook, 2 – 14 mm buttons (or size needed) and 2 balls 2 balls of Patons® Kroy Socks Ragg Shades. The pattern is complete with detailed instructions and colour illustrations.

 

 

 

The mittens are worked in the round from the bottom up. Both the thumb and the mitten top are constructed separately and then sewn on. Skills and techniques used are: sc, hdc, dc, front and back post double crochet, front and back post double crochet 2 together, and front post double crochet 3 together.

 

 

 

 Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "peekaboomittens20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Wednesday - October 16th, 2013) 

 

 

 

kim.

sneak peek.

I've wanted to design a crochet pattern for "Peekaboo Mittens" for sometime now, and finally they are almost complete....

 

 

 

 

 

kim.

yarn bombing in the "loops" - 2013

 

Last year, for the annual Spring Festival, many of the fiber artists of Kamloops B.C. beautified their city with a yarn make over. It was exciting to see, as this was the first local yarn bombing that I had witnessed. You can see some of the photos that I took here. 

 

This summer The Kamloops Art Gallery, in collaboration with the City of Kamloops, KCBIA, Electrictree Yarns and community volunteers, all got together and once again downtown Kamloops was transformed with a colourful, yarn make over. The difference between last year and this was that instead of a few random yarn bombings spread throughout the downtown core, every tree that lined the main street was brightened up with its own knitted, crocheted, or what have you, yarn cozy. The following are just a few examples......

 

 

 

This one reminds me of a giant jelly fish...

 

 

 

 

 

...and this last one proves that everyone can participate in a yarn bombing, even if they don't knit or crochet.

 

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

 

 

 

and the winners are...

Welcome to Monday everyone!  Mondays are always exciting when we have a give-away. It's going to be short and sweet today, and we will get right down to business with announcing the winners.  





The first winner is Deborah who commented "hi! love all of your patterns!". Thanks so much for your comment and congrats!  You will receive the crochet pattern for the Cabled Owl Neck Warmer and 3 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% Merino, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere) in the colour "Slate".







 




The second winner is cmerton who said "I LOVE these two patterns!!".  Congrats, we are so glad that you got your hands on one! You will receive the crochet pattern Felted Baby Slip-ons and 1 ball of Patons Classic Wool (100% Wool) in the colour "Rich Red".








Thanks everyone for participating and for leaving us such wonderful notes.  They made us smile! : )  

Also, don't forget about the sale that we are currently running. To receive 25% off of your entire crochet pattern purchase, simply visit knotsewcute.etsy.com and enter the coupon code sept25 at the check out. Offer expires September 20, 2013. This is our last sale of year, so be sure to stock up for your winter projects!



 tara and kim.

crochet pattern for the Cabled Owl Neck Warmer and - See more at: http://knotsewcute.blogspot.ca/2013/09/random-friday-freebie-and-sale.html#comment-form

hi! love all of your patterns!

hi! love all of your patterns!

hi! love all of your patterns!

new crochet pattern - cascading cables cowl by kim miller.

 

 

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

This cowl features the best of both worlds....beautiful cascading cables, and the look and feel of pretty lace!

This crochet pattern is a simple 2 row repeat, but I've marked it as intermediate as you should be comfortable with basic cabling and triple trebles.

The crochet pattern calls for 1 skein of Malabrigo® Sock 100 g (3.5 ounces)/402 meters (440 yards ) per skein, but the pattern is flexible enough for you to experiment with your favorite yarns. Pattern includes written instructions as well as a chart.

Finished Size:
Unblocked: 16.5 cm (6.5”) to 17¾ (7”) wide and 57” cm (22½”) long.
Blocked: 15¼ cm (6 “) wide and 78¾” cm (31”) long.
Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the

brand of wool.

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

To receive 25% off of this pattern and your entire crochet pattern purchase, simply visit knotsewcute.etsy.com and enter the coupon code sept25 at the check out. The 25% off sale at our Etsy shop expires September 20, 2013. For more details visit http://knotsewcute.blogspot.ca/2013/09/random-friday-freebie-and-sale.html

 

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

random friday freebie and a sale!

We have had a crazy busy summer and we feel like we've been neglecting you. To make it up to you, and to celebrate what we consider to be the beginning of crochet season,
we are having a giveaway and a sale...that way everyone wins!!!
 

 

Since the sale will run the longest we will start with the details of the sale.  To receive 25% off your entire crochet pattern purchase, simply visit knotsewcute.etsy.com and enter the coupon code sept25 at the check out. Also, our regular offer of buy 5 patterns in one transaction and receive 1 free still applies. Just leave us a note in the "Message to Seller" section at checkout regarding your 6th free pattern choice and we will automatically send you your free pattern. 

The 25% off sale expires September 20, 2013.

 

Now for the giveaways (did we forget to mention that we are having 2 giveaways)...

 

 

...the first giveaway is for the crochet pattern for the Cabled Owl Neck Warmer and...

3 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% Merino, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere) in the colour "Slate (340009)" as shown in the picture above. This will give you enough yarn to complete 1 Cabled Owl Neckwarmer. If you have never worked with a yummy, cashmere blend then this is your chance! The 3 balls of yarn will be sent via standard mail to the winner, and a PDF of the pattern will be emailed to the winner the same day.

 

 

...the second giveaway is for the crochet pattern Felted Baby Slip-ons and...

1 ball of Patons Classic Merino Wool (100% Wool) in "Rich Red" - as shown in picture above. This will give you enough wool to complete two pairs of the Felted Baby Slip-ons. These make a sweet gift for a new mom-to-be. The yarn will be sent via standard mail to the winner, and a PDF of the pattern will be emailed to the winner the same day.

 

The draw will begin today and it will end Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). The winners will be randomly picked using random.org on Monday, September 16th, and will be contacted the same day via email. Be sure to check on Monday to see if you are the winner!!

To enter the draw:

Just comment to this post, even to say "Hi". Please make sure to leave us your email address in your comment so we can contact you if your name is drawn. If you prefer to keep your email private, just email us at knotsewcute@gmail.com.

To receive a second chance to win, simply tell your friends about our blog via facebook, twitter, personal blog, whatever and come back and share the link with us in another comment. Again, please leave us your email address. Maximum of 2 entries per person. Each entrant is eligible for one prize only. All entries must be in by Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at midnight PST to be valid. The draw is open worldwide so we look forward to hearing from our international customers too!

kim and tara.