I've Fallen In Love With The Granny Ripple Pattern!

I was searching online a few weeks ago for a ripple pattern when I couldn't find mine on my hard drive. I found quite a few granny ripples popping up. However, after checking out at least half a dozen of them, and finding them very oddly complicated, I settled on one by Yolanda. Her blog link is at the top of the pattern. Hers is quick and simple to master, ever so easy. For my charity crafting team, quick-and-easy is our mantra!

Anyhow, here are photos of 3 lapghans I finished in this pattern. One is is with one size hook in Simply Soft, one in another hook with worsted, and the third in yet another hook size in worsted. Once I begin one of these, I just can't stop! It is addictive!

I'm pasting my adjusted version here, but if you prefer a pdf instead of copying/pasting, I will be happy to send you a pdf version - just leave a request in the comments below and your email/contact info... Oh, I truly do love this one... can you tell?

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Granny Ripple Stitch, Fast & Easy

by Yolanda on February 17, 2016

https://allcraftschannel.com/tag/granny-ripple

Note: I have adjusted Yolanda's original pattern to make it easier for my charity crafting group... you will find the original at the link above, as well as lots of others she's posted.

NOTE: MUST MAKE SMALL SWATCH TO CALCULATE BEGINNING CHAIN - SEE P.2- pattern is done working multiples of 18; suggested chain counts on p. 2.

(suggested hook: H for worsted)

 Chain 18

Row 1:  3dc in the 5th chain from the hook (loop on hook doesn’t count as a chain), skip 2 ch, 3dc in next ch, skip 2 chains, *[3dc, ch 3, 3dc] in next ch, [3dc in next chain] 2 times,**, skip next 5 chains,[ 3dc, skip next 2 chains] 2 times, rep from *across  to ** (end last rep at **) 1dc, in last chain

Row 2: ch 4, turn work, [3dc, in space between next two 3dc groups] 2 times,  * [3dc, ch 3, 3dc] in next ch-3 sp, [3dc between next two 3dc groups] 2 times,**, skip sp between next two 3dc group, [3dc, between next two groups of 3dc] two times, rep from * across to ** (end last rep at **) skip, next 3 dc, 1dc in top of 3rd ch (turning chain)

Repeat row 2 for pattern until finished.

 Page 2 of 2

Swatch and chain counts:

Make test swatch which is ONE point only (below)

Test Swatch

Ch 18

Row 1: 3dc in the 5th chain from the hook (loop on hook doesn’t count as a chain), skip 2 ch, 3dc in next ch, skip 2 chains, *[3dc, ch 3, 3dc] in next ch, [3dc in next chain] 2 times,**, skip next 5 chains,[ 3dc, skip next 2 chains] 2 times, rep from *across  to ** (end last rep at **) 1dc, in last chain

Row 2: ch 4, turn work, [3dc, in space between next two 3dc groups] 2 times,  * [3dc, ch 3, 3dc] in next ch-3 sp, [3dc between next two 3dc groups] 2 times,**, skip sp between next two 3dc group, [3dc, between next two groups of 3dc] two times, rep from * across to ** (end last rep at **) skip, next 3 dc, 1dc in top of 3rd ch (turning chain)

Repeat row 2 for pattern.

Starting chain, for width:

Measure test swatch across and decide how many "points" you need for your width

          Beginning chain must be multiples of 18, as here:

          1 pt, 18 ch

          2 pts, 36 ch

          3 pts, 54 ch

          4 pts, 72 ch

          5 pts, 90 ch

          6 pts, 108 ch

          7 pts, 126 ch

          8 pts, 144 ch

          9 pts, 162 ch

          10 pts, 180 ch

...and so on...

Length:

Make at least 4 or 5 rows high for gauge for how many rows for length

Free Pattern for Crochet Blanket Stitch Edging

Free Crochet Blanket Stitch Edging

(c) Evelyn Mayfield 2013
(For blocks - e.g., granny squares, shells, or clusters of any sort)

(this is an updated version of a pattern posted back in 2011 - photos of edging on scarf and on lapghan at end of post)

Our charity crafting group has recently been obsessed with the diagonal stitch. This stitch looks very nice when making a project (scarf, lap cover, etc.) from lots of different color scraps. However, the edge is often not very attractive or neat. I wanted a sort of blanket-stitch look and worked this one up. This will also work well, I believe, on a granny square type of pattern.

A beginner should be able to do this. Photos of edged scarf and lap cover below.
=======================
Use same hook size and yarn weight as that used with project
=======================
Abbreviations
ch chain
ss slip stitch
sc single crochet
=======================

Join with ss in space created on one corner; 3 sc for corner shaping

Edging:
Ch 3, sc in space between blocks; ch 3, continue around, with 3 sc in each corner.

Easy, huh? Following are photos of edging on both a scarf and a lapghan.

 For a .pdf file, instead of trying to print this out from the blog, just email me at emayfieldz (at) aol (dot) com and put the pattern name in the subject line.  

Free Pattern for Crocheted Short Rib Edging

Out of necessity, as it often happens, I developed an edging that works well with lumpy or unusual edges for yarn projects. I inherited a bag of not-very-well finished-off granny squares and had decided to use them for scarves for our charity crafting efforts for the local homeless.

Joining the 5" squares to make a scarf was a challenge in itself because of various edging problems. These included stitches which varied between tight and loose, or which were knotty lumps. Once joined, it was long and skinny and not very useful as it was.

I tried working a row of DC's up the long sides and SC's across the short sides. That didn't fix it completely because the edging tended to roll in upon itself. I designed the 2nd row as I went, this time for sheer stability.

Free Crochet Pattern for Short Rib Edging

(For lumpy edges or for patterns with blocks - e.g., granny squares, shells, or clusters of any sort; also for long, skinny projects lacking stability)

An experienced beginner should be able to do it.
=======================
Use same hook size and yarn weight as in finished project
=======================
Abbreviations
ss slip stitch
sc single crochet
dc double crochet
hdc half double crochet
blo back loop only
flo front loop only
=======================
Join with ss in corner space; 3 sc; turn to start down long side
Row 1 -
Long side - dc in same space; dc in tops of next block of stitches, dc in space between blocks, and continue across to end of long side

Corner - 3 sc in corner space

Short side - sc across short end, placing a sc in the top of each stitch of each block and one sc in space between blocks, to long side

Repeat corner, long-side, corner, short side - join to beginning sc with ss

Row 2-
Long side - hdc in blo of dc; dc in flo of next dc; alternate across

Corner - sc, 3 sc in center sc, sc

Short side - sc across

Repeat corner, long side, corner, short side; join to beginning sc; fasten off.

If anyone would like a .pdf file of the pattern, rather than trying to print it from the blog, contact me at emayfieldz (at) aol (dot) com and put the pattern name in the subject line.

Free Pattern - Crocheted Easy Peasy Dishcloth

I have been promising a free pattern for small afghans for almost two months but it might be another week or two. I ran out of yarn and I wanted to complete one for a photo for the pattern. Then my car's engine blew and I was dependent on others for rides. I did not want to waste the time of a generous soul for anything other than food or bill payments. Now that my car is back, it won't be long.

Meanwhile, here is a pattern for an Easy Peasy Dishcloth in crochet. There might be others out there which are close to mine, but this is one I worked up for myself, for my own preferences. See, I need a dishcloth that is flexible enough to get inside glasses and between the tines of a fork. Some really lovely dishcloths are more like hot pads. This one is a workhorse and a friendly one at that. It gets sudsy really quickly and is nice and big but not huge. I will be submitting it to Crochet Pattern Central this week, too, for their free pattern directory.

Oh, and if you find it messy or difficult to copy and paste from a blog page, just email me at emayfieldz (at) aol (dot) com and put "dishcloth pdf" in the subject like and I'll send a .pdf file back within 24 hours.

One more thing. I haven't had this one tested yet, so if you want to be aware of any changes, you might want to "follow" this post.
Have fun!
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Easy Peasy Dishcloth

by Evelyn Mayfleld
(c)2012

This pattern makes a fluffy but durable and strong dishcloth. It is a loose weave but has lots of scrub-ability.

Materials: cotton worsted yarn, less than 2 oz
Hook: K
Finished size: 9.5" square
Gauge: 3 hdc = 1" 3 rows = 2"
Abbreviations and Stitches: ch (chain), hdc (half double crochet), BLO (back loop only)

Directions
Ch 30
Hdc in 3rd ch from hook, and in ea ch across, ch 2, turn
Work in pattern row for 15 more rows (16 rows altogether)

Pattern Row
Hdc in both loops of first hdc (ch 2 does not count as first stitch)
Hdc in BLO of ea hdc across to within next to last stitch
Hdc in both loops of last hdc, ch 2, turn

This makes a very lightweight cloth that is very easy to get into glasses and between fork tines.

Do NOT dry in hot dryer; air dry if possible, to prevent major shrinkage.  

Free Pattern - Crocheted Back Scrubber (thick, ribbed)

  I promised to post my free pattern for a crocheted back scrubber many months ago. I am finally getting around to do it.

For anyone who finds it a burden to print from the blog, just send me an email (emayfieldz at aol dot com) and put "pdf scrubber" in the subject line, and I'll send you a .pdf file within a day or so.

I hope you all enjoy making and using these. I will be submitting this to CrochetPatternCentral this week, also, for their free pattern directory.

Be sure to read the tips after the instructions, on the "care and feeding" of these items.

For anyone who doesn't feel like making their own, I have finished scrubbers in my Etsy shop.

EVIE'S BACK SCRUBBER (THICK, RIBBED) (C) 2011

by Evelyn Mayfield

You may sell whatever you make from this pattern, but you must give me credit for the design. You may NOT sell the pattern itself.

NOTES
Construction
This is made in 3 pieces, using two strands held together. The Scrubbing Surface is made first. Then the two rings are made. Then, the rings are attached, top and bottom.

Tucking/Hiding Ends and Joining Tails
Because of the heavy usage these will get, make sure you tuck in your ends securely. Some crocheters will choose to crochet over their ends; others like to tuck them in with a smaller hook, while still others prefer to leave a long enough tail so they can thread a yarn needle and tuck them in by stitching between the plies of the yarn. It's up to you, but make sure they will not come out easily the first time someone washes with your scrubber.

Supplies
Yarn Cotton Worsted, about 4 oz. (this is made holding two strands together; when using 2-2.5 oz. balls, you will have almost enough for two of these.)
Hook Boye "K"

Skill Level Advanced Beginner
Must know how to join a ring without twisting
Must know how to do "back loop only" stitches
Must know how to increase and decrease

Abbreviations and Stitches Used
sc (single crochet), sl (slip stitch), ch (chain), st (stitch), inc (increase), dec (decrease), blo (back loop only)

Gauge
3 sc = 1 inch
3 rows = 1 inch

Finished size
Scrubbing Surface 19"-20" long, 4" wide, without rings
Rings 3" before pulling

Instructions
Scrubbing Surface
NOTE: starting chains do not count as a stitch in this pattern.
Row 1 - Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea ch across; ch 1, turn (4 sc)
Row 2 - Inc in 1st st (2 sc in same st); sc in ea st across to include next to last st; inc in last st; ch 1, turn (6 sc)
Row 3 - Inc in 1st st (2 sc in same st); sc in ea st across to include next to last st; inc in last st; ch 1, turn (8 sc)
Row 4 - Inc in 1st st (2 sc in same st); sc in ea st across to include next to last st; inc in last st; ch 1, turn (10 sc)
Row 5 - Inc in 1st st (2 sc in same st); sc in ea st across to include next to last st; inc in last st; ch 1, turn (12 sc)
Rows 6 to 45 - In blo, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (12 sc)
Row 46 - Working through both loops from here on, dec in 1st st (work 2 st together), sc across to 2nd to last st, dec over last 2 st, ch 1, turn (10 sc)
Row 47 - Dec in 1st st (work 2 st together), sc across to include 2nd to last st, dec over last 2 st, ch 1, turn (8 sc)
Row 48 -Dec in 1st st (work 2 st together), sc across to include 2nd to last st, dec over last 2 st, ch 1, turn (6 sc)
Row 49 - Dec in 1st st (work 2 st together), sc across to include 2nd to last st, dec over last 2 st, ch 1, turn (4 sc)
Row 50 - Sl across; fasten off, leaving enough of a tail to tuck in or crochet over when joining pieces

Rings (make 2)
Round 1 - Ch 20; sc in ea ch, join to first sc, creating a loop, ch 1 (do NOT turn)
Round 2 - Sc in ea st, join with sl

Joining Rings to Scrubbing Surface
(I used the "crochet the pieces together" method, but you might choose to join by sewing them with a yarn needle - either method works as well)
Join one strand of yarn in any stitch in ring. Holding both the scrubber surface piece and a ring together, sc through 4 stitches together. Fasten off, and tuck in ends.
Do this with the other end.

CAUTION
Be very careful to join the 2nd ring on the same side of the scrubber surface as the 1st ring, for a unified appearance.

Thank you to my testers: Micki, Cindy, and Debbie!

Care and Feeding of Hand Crocheted (Knitted) Back Scrubbers
I have been using mine for a while now, and have noticed some things about these items when made with cotton yarn. I'll share them here. I think I might even print these on a small card to enclose with any orders I get for them.

First, always make them a little shorter than you think they should be. When wet, and pulled diagonally across the back, they stretch. They will also become narrower when being used, so make them a tad wider than you think you need them to be. When they air dry, they remain a bit narrower and a bit longer until laundered.

Next, rinse them as thoroughly as possible after each use. This is easily done while still in the shower or tub. Then, air dry them. I hang my over the shower head. It's best to air dry with the body of the scrubber draped over something, rather than hang by the rings. This helps prevent further stretching.

Finally, toss them into the washer with your towels or other linens, at least once a week. This helps avoid any musty smell generated by un-rinsed or accumulated soap residue. When dried in the dryer, they do NOT shrink to any noticeable degree, and they snap back to their original size and shape.

These three tips will help you enjoy them so much more. Nothing feels better across the back than a well-textured cotton yarn back scrubber, IMHO, so taking care of it just makes sense.

Free Crochet Bell Towel Topper Pattern (for whole towel)

Two days ago, I explained how I get some of my design ideas in my post, Crafting Ideas by Example. I promised to post the free pattern. Here it is. Enjoy! It will also be offered to Crochet Pattern Central and FaveCrafts.

You may sell whatever you make from this pattern, but you must give me credit for the design. You may NOT sell the pattern itself.

Evie's Crochet Bell Towel Topper (c) 2010
by Evelyn Mayfield

Supplies
Cotton Worsted, about 2 oz.
H Hook
4 sc = 1 inch
2 rows = 1 inch
Finished size: 4" tall, without loop

Bottom Bell Rim
Ch 32, join to form circle, being careful not to twist ch. turn.
R1 - Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around (32 hdc), join to top of ch 2.
R2, 3, 4 - Ch 2, hdc in ea stitch around, join to top of ch 2.
Fold up in half; sc around the opening, catching the stitches in both row 1 and row 4. join to top of ch 2. Do not fasten off.

Bell Body
R1 - Ch 3, dc around, join to top of ch 3
R2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - Repeat R1, join. Do not fasten off.

Loop
Ch 49; sc in ea ch, join to first sc, creating a loop; fasten off leaving 12" tail to sew to bell body.
Pull loop through hole at top of Bell, to leave 2/3 in the bottom of the bell; loop at top is the hanging loop, about 1-1/2 inches. Do not fasten off.

Closure at top of Bell
Thread yarn needle with the 2 foot length and weave yarn in-and-out of row 6, every stitch, and then pull to gather; do it again, and a third time, if needed, to be sure closure is tight at the top.
Pull needle through to inside of bell; turn bell inside out.
Secure loop to inside of bell
Tack inside loop at top so that it will not slide up and out. Fasten off.

Tip:
If you avoid towel toppers which use a whole towel folded in half and hung through a loop because it hides up to 1/3 of the towel, try sliding the towel through the loop until just two or three inches are left folded at the top; secure with a big craft (skirt or kilt pins) or big safety pin (similar to old style diaper pins).

Special thanks to my proofreaders: Carol, Debbie, Micki, Lori, Lettetia, Sherrie

If you find it difficult to print from a blog post, you can now get a .pdf file for only $.99 by clicking here.


Feel free to share your thoughts on this pattern or to suggest other patterns you'd like to see. I tend to specialize in quick and easy projects.

Free Pattern - Evie's Popcorn Trimmed Beverage Cozy

I love this pattern and am posting it here and, hopefully, on Crochet Pattern Central, and maybe on Ravelry. It is not only great for the HHH (hazy, hot, humid) days of summer, but also for winter when the heat of the house makes the iced drinks "sweat." They look cute in holiday colors. They are also great for get-togethers when you can not only let your guests use them, but let them take them home! Special thanks to my special "testers."

If you'd like a .pdf version of this pattern, please email me at emayfieldz (at) aol (dot) com with "free cozy pdf" in subject line.

Evie's Beverage Cozy
(c)2010 Evelyn Mayfield

When I adapted this from a friends' pattern, with her permission, I chose the popcorn stitch for the top row. The popcorns keep hands from sliding up the can, bottle or glass.

Skill Level
Advanced Beginner

Materials
H hook
Cotton worsted (such as Peaches & Creme), small amount - a 2 or 2-1/2 oz ball usually makes 3 cozies, depending on your tension.

Gauge
4 dc = 1 inch
2 dc rows = 1 inch

Special Stitches
Popcorn
5 sc in same st; remove hook, leaving loop intact and insert hook in first sc of the 5, grab loop of fifth sc and pull through the first sc, drawing snugly to create popcorn
BLO (Back Loop Only)
Instead of inserting your hook through both loops in the stitch, just insert it in the back loop only, and then do your yarn over.

Directions
Do not turn your project. It is worked joining each round with a slip stitch
Ch 4 and join
R1 - Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC now and throughout), 11 dc; join to top of ch 3 (12 dc in ring)
R2 - Ch 3; dc in same st as ch 3; 2 dc in ea st around; join to top of ch 3 (24 dc)
R3 - Ch 1; sc in BLO of ea st; join with sl st to ch 1
R4 to 9 - Ch 3; dc in ea st; join to top of ch 3
R10 (Popcorn row) - Ch 1, *sc in ea of next 2 dc; popcorn in next st** (repeat around for 8 popcorns); sc in last 2 dc; join to top of ch 3.
Fasten off

You may use my pattern to make gifts or to sell the cozies, but you may not sell the pattern. If you sell the cozies, you must, in some way (tag, label, etc.) give me credit as the designer. This pattern should never end up somewhere without my name on it.

Adapted from pattern by Patti Brothers

Tiny Treasures

I often tuck in small surprises and wee gifts with an order or with a gift.

Lately, I've been having fun tucking in some tiny magnets made of self-adhesive backed foam pieces shaped like jigsaw puzzle pieces and with a letter of the alphabet on each piece. I pick out the person's initials and try to choose their fave color.

I love finding special buys on any self-adhesive foam shapes, whether in Walmart or craft stores, or online. I look for a "bucket" or container that has a good variety of colors and size differences.

The hearts in one of these photos is an example of what can be done with just various sizes of the same shape.

These can be made into magnets or pins or even applied to cardboard or felt for bookmarks.
One container can last a very long time.

These are my tiny treasures and I have fun finding them and working with them.

Free Money Tree Seeds Project

These are great novelty gifts for many occasions. This handmade gift is ideal for giving gifts any time of year.

Older people love it because they remember the wisdom of saving
Young people can begin to learn the value of saving
Great for Christmas stocking stuffers
Easter Basket gifts!
Wonderful for Hanukkah gelt gifts

It's a great way to recycle those pennies we all accumulate. From now on, save all your shiny ones!

Materials:
25 shiny pennies
2”x3” zippered plastic bag
self-adhesive label
printer

Instructions:
Place the shiny pennies into the clear zippered bag.
Print this poem on a label and put the label on the bag.

Money Tree Seeds
Plant these seeds in a safe, dark place
And over the course of the coming year
Add a few more seeds day by day
And in time a money tree will appear
(c) 2009 Evelyn Mayfield

This is a unique gift and a good way to use up all our extra pennies. Labels come in sheets of 30 to a sheet, so you can make a lot of gifts at once and have them around for quick gifts.

I sell these in my Etsy shop but you can imagine how heavy they are and how the postage is far more than what I charge to make them. They are best for local gifts and quick, last-minute token gifts. Still, there will always be some folks who do not have a printer for the labels, or who just do not accumulate enough pennies. For this reason, I keep them listed in my shop.

Tip for Marking Rows Worked in Large/Long Projects

When I began making the Simple Scarf for Homeless pattern, the one thing that drove me nuts was always going back and re-counting the rows to be sure I knew how far I had gone. I wanted the scarves to be between 3 and 4 feet. The pattern is a simple one and repeats the same row over and over. Counting can be a pain.

Using strokes in groups of five was not easy, either, because I always kept thinking I missed one or two, so I'd re-count, yet again.

I finally came up with a method that works for me, and maybe it will work for you.

I'm sure every long-time, experienced knitter/crocheter already does this, but since I only just figured it out, thought I'd share with those of us who didn't already know.



Mark every so many rows, at the outside edge, with a wee scrap of different colored yarn, something that stands out in the piece you are working on (light on dark, dark on light, etc.), and attach it like a piece of fringe. Just pull a loop through, and pull the ends through the loop. It is easily detached later.

For my scarf, I found that 23 rows equal 1 foot. Because I want them between 3 and 4 feet long, I ended up putting a single "fringe" piece every 23 rows. All I had to do was glance at the edge of my scarf every so often, and count, 1 foot, 2 feet, etc.

You could easily mark every 10 rows, or every 30 rows, whatever works with the piece you are making.

Free Crochet Scarf Pattern for Homeless

We have a charity crafting group in our senior mobile home community and among other things, we are trying to accumulate some items for the homeless. My climate is very hot in the summer and a rather mild winter - rarely below 30 at night except when desert breezes can make the wind chill 25 or so. So, fingerless gloves are sufficient and very easy to make. We have dozens of those. Hats and caps are also easy.

The biggest problem we've had is finding a decent, quick-and-easy, but suitable, scarf for the homeless. Their needs are different from ours. They cannot launder them often. They must be able to use them for neck protection, or have them wide enough to also pull up around the ears against the wind, possibly wind them up over their heads, and/or tuck them into a jacket. So, I figured we need at least 3 to 4 foot long scarves. Longer than that, and they'll get caught in things. Complicated patterns take forever to make. We also did not want fringe just to make the length because the fringes are too easily tangled out on the street.

I finally took a stitch idea from the fingerless gloves we make, and adapted it, hook size and all, and started making these. They end up lightweight but cozy and nice looking, a ribbed look. The slightly airy feel acts as a thermal barrier against the cold, and they are soft and flexible because of the large hook size.

I realize there are tons of sites and patterns for the homeless but I just didn't have time to test every one of them, although I'll pass some along when I find some.

This pattern is free for you to use for the homeless. If you use it to sell the item(s) you make, you must give credit to me (Pattern by Evelyn Mayfield). It is a very simple pattern.

Hook - J
Yarn: Knitting Worsted
Amount of yarn: about 5 oz. for a 36" scarf.
Width: 8-1/2" (gauge isn't terribly important)

R 1 - Ch 32, turn
R 2 - HDC in "back loop" of each chain across; ch 2, turn.
R 3 onward - Repeat R 2 in each stitch across for 36 to 48 inches; fasten off.

This is a great way to use up scraps, also. Tomorrow, I'll post a quick and easy way to keep track of how long the scarf is, as you move along.

If you find it difficult to print from a blog post, you can now get a .pdf file for only $.99 by clicking here.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this pattern or to suggest other patterns you'd like to see. I tend to specialize in quick and easy projects.

A Poem for your Angel Gifts

Angels are popular as craft themes these days. I’m glad of that.

I crochet angels, make beaded angels, and plastic canvas angels, among others. Other folks do much, much more to promote the belief in angels.

Throughout the Bible, they are mentioned time and again as God’s messengers.

For years, every time I gave away an angel as a gift, I wished I could somehow convey to the person receiving it how much it meant for me to give it, and how much I hoped it would mean for them to receive it.

Finally, one day, I wrote the verse below.

I set it up on my computer, business-card size, and I print out a page of them on card stock and cut them apart and place them with any angel-themed gifts I make.

I hope you enjoy the verse and feel free to pass it on. I only ask that you be sure to place the (c) 2008 Evelyn Mayfield on each prayer.

Angels are His messengers
And our guardians, too
I made this Angel to protect
And keep watch over you.
(c) 2008 Evelyn Mayfield