Apple Trivet

Finished size: Approximately 9 x 7 inches

Materials: (US) size G hook, Worsted Weight Cotton: 2 oz main color, scraps of green, and brown. (Example was made using Sugar‘n Cream in Red and Dk Pine, and I Love This Cotton in Brown), tapestry needle

Weave in ends as work progresses.

APPLE (make 2)

ch 6, join with sl st to form loop

Row 1: (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in loop, turn.

Row 2: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, 6 dc in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 3: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 dc, 2 dc in each of next 6 sts, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 4: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 11 sts, (sc, ch 1) in next st, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 5: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 10 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 6: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 9 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 7: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 8 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 8: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 7 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 9: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 6 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 10: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 5 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 11: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same , ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 4 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 12: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 3 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 13: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 2 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 14: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 15: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, sl st in ch 1 sp of beg shell to join bottom, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, fasten off.

LEAVES (make 2)

ch 9

Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 5 ch, (hdc, ch 1, sl st) in next ch, (working along opposite side of starting ch (ch 1, hdc) in first ch, dc in each of next 5 ch, hdc in next ch, sl st in next ch, fasten off.

STEM (hanging loop)

ch 8, join with sl st to form loop

Round 1: 12 sc in loop, fasten off.


ASSEMBLY

1. Using red yarn and holding the 2 apple pieces wrong sides together, sew around the outer edge to join.

2. Arrange leaves on front of trivet as desired (see photo for example) and sew into place one at a time using green yarn.

3. Sew stem/hanging loop into place at top of trivet (see photo for example) using red or brown yarn.

Ribbed Washcloth

Finished size: 7" Square

Materials:
(US) size 7 needles, 2 ounces Worsted Weight Cotton in desired color (Example was made using I Love This Cotton in the Carousel colorway)

Cast on 35.

Row 1: k3, (p1, k3) across. (35 sts)
Row 2: k1, (p1, k3) across to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
Rows 3 - 35: rep rows 1 and 2 ending with a row 1 rep.
Row 36: Bind off in pattern as established in row 2.

Finish off. Weave in ends. Block to 7" square.



Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2010 All rights reserved

Share A Square

During my cyber travels this morning I came across the Share A Square blog. I had heard the name before but didn't know exactly what it was. After reading through the FAQs page this is definitely something I want to help out with. Like many of you I have a jam packed schedule through the holidays, but once my Christmas crocheting & sewing is completed I will be jumping on this project. I just thought I'd share the site with you here in hopes that you'll join me in helping this project meet its goal.

Sweet & Simple Charity Scarf

MATERIALS: (US) size J hook, 1 skein Worsted Weight yarn (I Love This Yarn in the Sweet Mocha Multi colorway was used for example), tapestry needle

NOTE: BLO = back loop only

Ch 20

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (18 dc)

Row 2: ch 3, working in BLO dc in next st and in each st across, turn.

Repeat row 2 (ending on an even row) until scarf is desired length or until skein is used up.  (I usually get somewhere around 80 rows)

Finish off. Weave in ends. Add fringe if desired.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2010 All rights reserved

Odiferous Fiber

I've been seeing a lot of questions pop up on blogs and in groups around the net pertaining to foreign odors in yarn. Whether it's the result of a smoker, the family pet(s), or just plain funkitude (did I just invent a word?) it's something that needs to be dealt with.

First of all, consider the source of the smell. If it comes from smoke, or some other "additive," you are going to want to wash the yarn to remove any remaining residue. Of course you can just wash the yarn and be done with it all in one fell swoop, but it's probably easier to wash a finished item than it is a skein of yarn (plus a finished item will dry WAY faster than a skein of yarn!) Just food for thought.

Secondly, keep in mind that I am in no way an authority on the subject. I just thought I'd gather a few suggestions that I, and others, have found successful for removing those offensive smells.

> Erika over at Crochet by Day used some Febreeze and good ole fashioned sunshine to wipe out her "Yarn Funk".

> This idea is from me but inspired by Cyndi. Of course people have been using baking soda for years in the fridge for keeping odors at bay. Cyndi started sprinkling it on the carpet to avoid the unwanted odors that owning a dog can bring. She also uses it to remove foul odors from anything plastic. So I had the idea to place one of the fridge packs in with a box of offensive yarn. Leave it in the closed box overnight, or a couple of days for stronger smells, and you will have odor free yarn.

> And here is a discussion over on the 'ville regarding washing a whole skein yarn. It seems wrapping it up in a knee high stocking and letting it run through the machine is a go!

That's what I have for now. What have you used to remove unwanted odor from your yarn?

Last Slice of Summer

There is a relatively new forum over on Crochetville entitled "Giveaways" (you may need to be logged in to see it) in which I have been lurking here of late. It's a simple concept. A member posts an item that they've made to the forum and then chooses a fellow member to give it away to.

There are various methods for choosing a recipient. Some post pictures and then have people request to be added to the list, then they choose from the recipient from the compiled list. Others simply choose people at random to receive their lovely gifts.

Many of the "Giveawayers" make and offer an item each month. Usually the same item but in a different color or style. Tammy, of Coffee n' Crafts fame, has been offering a crocheted hook cake each month. Her cases are usually themed for the month, and are always super cute and awesome.

My favorite so far has been the *Summer Time Seeds* Hook Case. I had seen the post and knew I loved it and wished I could have it, but knew there were a LOT of people who felt the same way as I. So imagine my surprise when I saw that big puffy envelope with her return address on it!

Isn't it just AwEsOmE?!

And packed with extra goodies too!

THANK YOU Tammy!!! I love, love, love it!

:)

Algebraic Equation

Ben + Afghan ÷ Scissors = Sad MomMom³

I should know better than to turn my back on a 2 year old, even for a second, for I know terrible and destructive things can, and will, happen. I take full responsibility for it though. I should have put the scissors up.

I had been crocheting dilligently the night before. I was in the homestretch. I was almost finished the project. Nothing like this has happened before. He honestly thought he was helping. He started crying when I cried, the poor thing. I should have put those darn scissors up!

*sigh*

Since Ben's "surgery" on my latest project I've been in a crochet slump. I still haven't brought myself to attempt re-construction. I did, however, finally bring myself to inspect the damage. It won't be impossible to fix. It's an afghan done in strips. One of the strips is beyond repair, but the other 2 that were damaged shouldn't be too difficult to fix. whew

Tears were shed, lessons were learned (on both sides). The scissors are safely hidden away on the highest shelf, where they belong, safe from adventurous little fingers. :)