Monday, 26 February 2018

FAT BOTTOM SWAG BAG

FAT BOTTOM SWAG BAG - crochet pattern info from Sweet Nothings Crochet
I was gifted a bag full of slinky shiny polyester (malai dori) purse yarn, and my head was spinning with ideas. This is the first crochet fat bottom swag bag I’m making with a part of this stash and my client just loves it.  
Today I've used some polyester silky malai dori with 5.5 mm crochet hook
The fat bottom swag bag is a pretty popular pattern, and one that has been on my ‘to do list’ for a while. Now it’s DONE!  Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  

How labels work : All patterns under a similar label can be found together so when you click on the label for say "crochet baby dress pattern", all my baby dress patterns are available - so scroll down to the very bottom and click on "Older Posts" to move onto the next post in the series. Before you reach that you have several other ways to find my blogs including blog links at the bottom of this blog
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Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation. 

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To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers.


Materials used : Some polyester silky malai dori with 5.5 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends ; stitch markers ; embroidery needle.
For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red rose  or unbranded knitting cotton as well
General yarn info : This polyester yarn is available only in India.
The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.
International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.
For Non-Indians : The malai dori  yarn is available only in India (to my knowledge). This yarn has a 6 / 8-ply thickness.
You can make this project with any yarn and a hook that suits it.
Skill level : Easy to Intermediate. 

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot :  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw 
Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot :  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs 
Foundation Single Crochet : fsc :  https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA  
What is a slip stitch :  https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw
Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ; 
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg
Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8 
Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk); 
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo 
Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0 

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)
lp(s) : Loop(s)                  sc : Single crochet
dc : Double crochet         sp : Space                               
sl-st : Slip stitch               ch : Chain
st(s) : Stitch(es)               hk : Hook
yo : Yarn Over 
fsc : Foundation Single crochet        
e-sc : Extended Single crochet
the cute swag bag modelledpattern detail
For today’s interesting fat bottom swag bag, please go here for the original pattern

So what did I do differently?
a)  As I am working with a pretty thick yarn, I decided to use the e-sc or the extended single crochet. oh, there's a photo tutorial on ‘how to’ at the bottom of this blog too
Extended single crochet (e-sc) : Here is an easy video tutorial 
b)  I changed yarn colours randomly – but did try for some form of uniformity.  I was trying to finish off my stash, so I basically divided all the yarn into two lots and used one set per side.
How to change colors seamlessly :  https://youtu.be/fRzSBja9jno 
How to carry your yarn when using two colors :  https://youtu.be/NuascBU3pxQ 

The explanation on the pattern sheet is pretty good – but I thought I’d just explain how you go about it to give you a visual effect.  I like to visualise what I am about to create – especially when I am using up stash and need to see where I can use which yarn.  As this is the first time I am making a fat bottom bag, I had a lot of ‘winging’ – and would like to save you that bother, if I could.

So we start with 33 sts (or 32 if using fsc start) and then you start an even increase of 2 sts per row.  After a few rows, we stop increases and get that flat fat bottom effect.  We finally start decreasing 2 sts per row to mirror the start and finish off.
We therefore get this funny shaped piece, which is given in the chart at the start of our pattern sheet.

Now to fold it, we simply fold top to bottom.

This is why you get the striped pattern when you are using multiple colours – the stripes of your multiple yarn go top to bottom – because you are working side to side and have folded top to bottom.. got it?
The lovely pattern shows through even if you are using just one colour.

We then run a row of sc along the top and work the handle off this last row. 
I had a lovely handle that matched beautifully, so decided to use that instead.

Right then.. go off to that pattern sheet and have fun crafting & creating something unusual.

JOINING
Fold the body of the bag down in half.
I have sewn part of the sides first.  As I am working with limited yarn, I could not work all the rows as given in the sheet.  I am also working with a pretty thick yarn and felt the ‘flat portion’ of my bag was growing too wide. However, it’s this flat portion that gives you the depth and fat bottom effect.  I think if you work per pattern, you may not need to sew the sides up and that allows you to have a wider opening off the top.  I guess you just need to pick your hook up, make it and see if that works for you 

Whipstitch to join :  https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA
Invisible join :  https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM
Single crochet to join :  https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

How to work an e-sc / extended single crochet photo tutorial :
Extended Single Crochet (e-sc) : hk into st, yo (2 lps on hk), pull through one lp, yo (2 lps on hk),pull through both lps.  One e-sc made.
(An e-sc is basically an sc on an sc)
e-sc photo tutorial 1

e-sc photo tutorial 2

e-sc photo tutorial 3
FINISHING :
For this bag, you may want to line it before you finish off.  There is a link given on the pattern sheet too – but here’s one more
a)   How to line the bag : here 
b)   Easiest I-cord : here
c)   How to attach a zipper : here 

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did..come back right here for more freebie patterns 

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  
 
I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/
Join me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/shyamanivas 
And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.
Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas
Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/
Have a great day and see you soon. 

If you'd like  to check out some of my other bag patterns, here goes
















































































































Sunday, 25 February 2018

FLYING TIGER CHEVRON SCARF

free crochet pattern, free crochet cowl pattern, free crochet infinity scarf pattern, free crochet wrap pattern, free crochet scarf pattern, free crochet pattern, Garn Yarn, Flying Tiger yarn,
FLYING TIGER CHEVRON SCARF

This wonderfully soft variegated yarn was gifted to me by a friend. I instantly wanted to do something with it – and scoured the web for ideas.  The possibilities are endless – but I wanted a light pattern that would allow the lovely soft yarn with its variegations to show through.  Let’s see how this works out.

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.


All my blogs can be printed.  Find the printer friendly (green) link at the bottom of this blog.  You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential.  Save paper – Save Our Earth. 


Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation. 

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.


To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers.


Materials used : Today I’ve used the really soft Garn Yarn – Flying Tiger, (which seems to be like) a 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 4.5 mm crochet hook

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red rose  ; Red rose metallic or  unbranded  knitting cotton as well as Oswal or Vardhaman acrylic yarns

General materials info : You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.  You can make this into a scarf, wrap or cowl using these instructions.

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Skill level : Easy to Intermediate

Abbreviations :
sc : Single crochet                   yo : Yarn Over                          
st(s) : Stitch(es)                        hk : hook
lp(s) : Loop(s)                          dc : Double crochet
sl-st : Slip Stitch
sc-blo : Single Crochet Back Loop Only   
fsc : Foundation single crochet
hdc : Half Double crochet     
                              

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ; 
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8 

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0


Pattern instructions : (Using U.S terminology)  
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog (as well as through the blog) for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

You can make a scarf, wrap or cowl using these instructions with this pattern.

Our stitch count for this pattern is in multiples of 6 + 1.


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Start Row 1 : with fsc in multiples of 6 + 1 for the width you need for your scarf / wrap or cowl.

Note : Check the finishing ideas to see if you would like to work a few rows in plain sc / hdc before you start this pattern.
Please note : Instructions given here are per chart.

Row 2 : dc in the 1st fsc ; ch 3, sk next 2 fsc, sc in the next fsc ;
*ch 6, sk next 5 fsc, sc in the next fsc* ;
rep *to* till the last 3 fsc ;
ch 3, sk next 2 fsc, dc in the last fsc.  Turn

Row 3 : sc in the 1stdc ;
*ch 2, dc in the next sc ; ch 2, sc in the next ch-6 sp* ;
rep *to* till the last dc ; 
ch 2, sc in the last dc.  Turn.

In the following row, we will work a dc-3 tog / cluster stitch.
Double crochet 3-tog : dc 3-tog :   Here is an easy video tutorial at https://youtu.be/qlnqXDB3OUM 

Row 4: sc in the 1st sc ;
*ch 3, dc 3-tog in the next dc ; ch 3, sc in the next sc* ;
rep *to* till the last sc ; 
ch 3, sc in the last sc.  Turn.

Row 5 : dc in the 1st sc ; 
ch 2, sc in the next dc 3-tog ;
*ch 5, sc in the next dc 3-tog* ;
rep *to* till the last sc ; 
ch 2, dc in the last sc.  Turn.

Row 6 : dc in the 1st dc ; ch 3, sc in the next sc ;
*ch 6,  sc in the next sc* ;
rep *to* till the last dc ;
dc in the last dc.  Turn

and as you can see, we’ve completed one repeat.

Rep Rows 2 – 6 till you get the length needed for your scarf / cowl or wrap.

Cowl ideas :
I have decided to make this a cowl... so lemme show you how you can wear it.  You can make it as long as you like -  I just worked it for as long as my yarn would take me :)

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keeps the neck warm

free crochet pattern, free crochet cowl pattern, free crochet infinity scarf pattern, free crochet wrap pattern, free crochet scarf pattern, free crochet pattern, Garn Yarn, Flying Tiger yarn,
keeps the ears warm and holds hair in place ;)

So to whip this scarf into a cowl, first you need to figure out the length (or circumference) you’d like.  
Then just place the end and beginning together, and neatly join the two ends.  
Choose one of the joining methods below.

Whipstitch to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the whipstitch at https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the embroidery needle and whipstitch to get an invisible join at https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the single crochet at https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Scarf / wrap finishing ideas :
If you want to make a scarf or wrap, then I’d suggest before you end off, work a few rows of sc / hdc at the end, just to get a flat edge.  I would then suggest working in a few tassels not just to add the length, but also to give a lighter filigree lacy end result.

Check this video on how to make tassels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xZOQAh5KGA

If you have started as per chart, then after you finish one edge, go to the start fsc row, re-attach your yarn and work the same sc / hdc rows that you have worked at the other end.  Add in your tassels to match the other edge too.

Bead & Bling addition ideas :
You can decide to work in a small bead at the end of each tassel as well. To do that, you just make your tassel first, add in your bead and knot the end up! 
This works really well with lighter yarns.

How to add beads : Check this video at https://youtu.be/EcpgMgBox8I

How to work with beads in crochet : Check out this video at https://youtu.be/yanbAnF_pr0

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did..come back right here for more freebie patterns

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/


Join me on YouTube at http://youtube.com/shyamanivas

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas


Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/


Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some of my earlier neckwear creations.  



















































































































AND for our four legged pals.. some fancy neckwear at



Here are some of my older  bolero / jacket / vest creations.  Have fun with these free patterns too








































and here are some tops.. that a bolero would look swell over..