Look at The Patterns You Can Crochet with Your Scrap Red Heart Worsted Yarn !

I crochet way to many afghans but this medallion afghan pattern used up a lot of my scrap of Red Heart Worsted weight yarns so I couldn't resist. This yarn is so tough and durable and the patterns you can find to make this type of afghan are everywhere. Over the years, I accummulated lots of different colors as I'm sure you have, too. To see another favorite click here to see the smartly knit childs sweater.

If you know how, the medallions can be joined together as you crochet that last row so there's no putting it all together when your done. The medallions are round but when putting them together in the last row, think of them as having four sides and you'll do fine. They're attached in two places on each side. Remember, think in terms of it being square. And then, the spaces in between the large medallions are small medallions that aren't sewn in either but you pick up stitches from each medallion around; again in two places. Really neat. Not super warm but looks wonderful on a sofa or chair!

I don't remember, I'm terribly sorry, where this particular pattern came from. I'm pretty sure it was an Annie's Attic pattern from years ago. Remember the little pattern magazine/book? There's one from Annie's Attic on their web sie but it's not free.



I edged as much as I could with black. The black gives it more of a stained glass look. And the Annie's Attic pattern doesn't put the small medallions in between. Here's the free pattern: Freepatterns.com What you have to do is click on the "link", then click on "crochet", "Afghans & Throws", "Traditional Patterns & Techniques" and you'll find the pattern in the top row far right called Arabesque Afghan. You'll have to register to get the free pattern but that's free and easy. The pattern is a pdf file and begins on page 2.

If you have any questions, let me know. It's a fun project and can almost be done with no pattern. I want to show you that you CAN create beautiful projects with acrylic yarns and you don't have to use the expensive brands. Anyway, just think of open work medallions instead of squares and you'll get that wonderful lace shawl look. Pretty, huh? Just think of the possibilities.

That brings me to another idea. When you see a pattern you love and just have to make, look closely to see just what it is about the pattern you love. If it's definitely the color, then make sure you use that color and you'll love your finished project. Most of the time we love something for it's color more than the style. Color can create a feeling, too.

Remember to leave a comment, pass my blog on to your friends, and become my follower! I also have a survey in the top right corner. Please take time to answer the few questions. I'll know what type of patterns to highlight on my blog if I know what your favorite yarns are. Thanks.
Enjoy !!
Kathy

4 comments:
Analog Buttons - Your source for the lowest price on custom 1" buttons said...
I have been looking for the easiest of easy patterns for a woobie and this one looks really cute but very hard. I am a lefty that doesnt have much time with my business taking out from under me. Is this an easy one to start and stop if I need to?

Sorry for all the questions :)
Tiff

March 12, 2009 3:48 PM
Artsand Crafts dot COM said...
Tiff,

I'm not sure what a woobie is. I'm thinking an afghan or laprobe type blanket? This one certainly is a "take-with-you" type project until it get huge that is. But if you know how to make a medallion, you've got it made! Do you have any help there?

Thank you for commenting and joing my followers. Kathy

March 12, 2009 5:24 PM
Analog Buttons - Your source for the lowest price on custom 1" buttons said...
Sorry about that woobie is like a afgan. I don't have any help here where I am. We have just moved back to Oklahoma from Hawaii. I'll watch some you tube and see what I can find.

I miss Seattle. I lived in West Seattle for some time.

Tiff :)

March 13, 2009 11:31 AM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Tiff, I'm not sure I could help you via internet with something like the medallion afghan but you could always make block or squares instead and then sew them together.

I have been wanting to change my blog URL and name and think I should do it asap before I wait too long. What do you think? I know people do it all the time. Thanks for your help. You could email me if you'd like.
Kathy

March 13, 2009 2:30 PM

If anyone has any great tips for camping, RVing or traveling let me know. Or maybe you have a quick and easy campfire recipe. See my other blog RV Travel blog.

OR, if your interested in arts and crafts, check out my Arts and Crafts blog.

Sock it To Me! Red Heart & Sole Sock Pattern FREE

I know sometimes I'm just a little behind everyone but I must share with everyone what I found while searching on the Coats and Clark web site. I personally got on the band wagon when it came to the "knitting sock" thing awhile ago and paid $14 for a pair of socks that turned out really nice but even though I made sure the two skeins of yarn I purchased had the same dye lot, they sure don't look the same to me. A big disappointment when I paid so much and the only thing I could do was return the yarn BUT I had already spent so much time creating the first one and was halfway down the top when it was discovered. The pattern calls for 2 - 3 skeins depending on the size. Linda's prices are so reasonable, instead of $14 for a pair of socks, you can get the yarn for under $10!

Coats and Clark's Red Heart yarns has a wonderful yarn for socks. It's called Heart & Sole. So cute, huh? It's permeated with all the wonderful properties of aloe vera which helps the yarn glide smoothly on the needles and/or hook. This yarn can also be used for childrens wear, home decor and many accessories. The best thing EVER is that this yarn automatically stripes like the expensive yarns! How cool is that?!

Don't forget this yarn is available at Linda's Yarn Store at http://www.lindasyarnstore.com/ She has a big selection of Coats and Clark Heart & Sole yarns.

Here's the pattern link: http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/Accessories/LW1619+Self-Striping+Knit+Socks.htm

or Heart & Sole self-striping sock pattern

There's also a crocheted version and the pattern is link is here: http://www.knitandcrochettoday.com/episodes/pdf/KTV2005C.pdf

They look a little bulkier but sure are cute!

Please don't forget to become one of my followers, leave a comment or email me. I looking forward to chatting with everyone.
Kathy


5 comments:
Annie said...
Don't feel bad about un-matching dye lots. Some people have even made a business of it. Check this site out:

http://www.socklady.com/index.php

March 10, 2009 1:23 PM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Annie,

thank you. I think I've seen that website but it never hurts to look again. Maybe I'm a perfectionist! I hate it when dye lots are supposed to match and don't. Good to hear from you again.
Kathy

March 10, 2009 3:51 PM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Annie, Love that web site. Thank you. Wish my two socks matched that "cutely". LOL My dye lots were ugly different! Maybe I'll post a photo.

March 10, 2009 4:09 PM
jen said...
i love striped socks...the bulky one are really cute.

March 10, 2009 4:29 PM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Jen, Thank you. I hope you try them. You're gonna love 'em!

If anyone has any great tips for camping, RVing or traveling let me know. Or maybe you have a quick and easy campfire recipe. See my other blog RV Travel blog.

OR, if your interested in arts and crafts, check out my Arts and Crafts blog.

My Favorite Red Heart Yarn Project

Here's one of my favorite Red Heart Yarn projects. If anyone is interested, I can locate the pattern for you but I can guarantee you it was a free one. That's my youngest grandson who is now going on 3 years old so this was knitted a couple Christmases ago. He makes a very good model, don't you think?

There's many many wonderful patterns out there that can make your inexpensive yarns look terrific if used in a different way. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box. Someone did here with the use of just knit and purl and the combination of the two stitches. The color combination was by my design.




My next post I'm going to list my top 10 favorite Red Heart Yarns.
Kathy

3 comments:
Anonymous said...
Kathy, you're right! that sweater is so cute and in its simplicity, its very good-looking, too.

I would love to know where you found the pattern and I'm wondering if I have it already, but because you knit it so nicely, and with those colors, it looks like something I have never seen.

Christine

March 11, 2009 1:11 PM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Christine, I believe it was one of the little free patterns that hang near the yarn. I can email you the pattern if you'd like. It was very easy to make up.
Kathy

March 11, 2009 2:25 PM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Christine, I found it. It's a Lion Brand pattern #60448 and it's on their web site but you have to register and log in to get it. It's free to do so. I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn and it turned out so nice. Hope this helps. Kathy

March 11, 2009 2:31 PM

One of the Free Shamrock Crochet Patterns for March

Well, I found my favorite thread yarn crochet shamrock pattern. This pattern is for our monthly free patterns. Maybe next month I can find a knit pattern for you. I was so happy to find the printed pattern and then also find the web site. The author requests I only submit the URL here but that's wonderful of her to share it this way. Here's a photo so you can tell if you'd like to make them up. I used to make a bunch of them for my Mother to hand out to her friends. Our family name is O'Shea!



The pattern can be found at http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/abbeydale/183/clover.htm

Hope you find this a great way to start out our first month blogging togethr. I'm hoping for some comments. Thanks and happy St. Patrick's Day and crochetng your shamrock!

Kathy

Great Knit and Crochet Blog Ideas ~ Knit Patterns, Crochet Patterns, Beautiful Yarn Finds ?

I just had a wonderful idea since this isn't just my blog but yours, too. Write and tell me what you would like to see here. Blogs were originally meant to be a place to socialize so please use the comment section if you'd like. Maybe you'd prefer crochet patterns over knit patterns. Maybe you'd like to know about new yarn that is coming out. Let me know.

For an update on this post, see the post Big knitting Needles or Small Knitting Needles

Anyway, I was thinking about having a different theme every month. Being it's March, maybe we can do a March Madness or St.Patty's Day pattern. I have a cute shamrock crochet pattern I will find and post it.

How about
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December?

Should we have patterns or contests or something else or all of the above? I can offer free patterns to the winner and maybe round up other prizes from sponsors! This is sounding more fun all the time!

Maybe April could be "pastel ideas", May could be "sprouting ideas" as in flowers, June could be "summr's coming", July the 4th, of course,etc. etc. I you can think of anything, please let me know.

I'll start working on March right away. Come back and see what I've come up with.

Kathy

New Knitting Blog on the Block ~ Knit Crochet Patten Chat

Welcome to my blog! I feel it's more like "welcome home!" You have found a place you can come and share your ideas and tips with other creative people. If you like to knit, crochet, are looking for free patterns or just want to chat. Please, take time to ready my profile and check out my favorite blogs and web sites. And please, don't hesitate to make a comment or email me with more ideas on what you would like to see here. This is OUR blog!

It is my intention to show you that knitting with inexpensive acrylic yarns can be just as beautiful as knitting with the expensive natural fibers and mixed fiber yarns. We can create beautiful items we can be proud of. Stay tuned for my ideas on doing just that.

For years I knitted with Red Heart yarn (Please visit Lindasyarnstore.com for a full range of Red Heart Yarn) and loved everything I created. The durability and vast assortment of colors and types of yarns is wonderful and with todays economy they allow us to continue our beloved hobbies of knit and crochet. It's ok if anyone wants to discuss other forms of creating. I know there's weaving and loom knitting along with some of the old and new gadgets there are to use like hairpin lace and those daisy makers. Let's all get together and keep our love of creating going dispite the economy.

Tell all your friends about this new blog you've found and invite them to join us.

Thank you for stopping by and hope you come back often.

Kathy

Are You A Yarn Collector?

Knitters find themselves to be considered savers and experienced savers at that. If you’re like me, you check out every sale and every store scouting out the best prices and the newest colors and yarns available. We’ll make our purchase, leave that particular check-out and go back through just to be able to use two coupons at the same store! Have you seen some of the new yarns today? Have you felt them? The textures are to die for!

Ok, you find all those wonderful fibers at wonderful prices. The typical knitter buys their stash and then takes it home and stores it someplace. It’s a game we all play but shouldn’t. We should dig that stash out and use it! What are we saving it for? Ok, maybe you’ve stashed it away so good, you can’t find it. Hey, and then when you DO find it, is a wonderful surprise!

Ok, you found your stash. Now what? Feel it, squeeze it, smell it. Dream about what you can create with it. What would that particular yarn be best used for? Wait, did you buy enough? That’s a problem sometimes, too, so take that into consideration. Don’t think too hard about it or you’ll be putting that yarn right back where you found it…..unused! Just think, if you’d use it, you can go buy more!

Have you ever taken that skein of yarn and after squeezing it and smelling it, decided what you want to make with it, finding out you don’t have quite enough; don’t dispare! Many yarns can be combined with other yarns of the same thickness or need the same type of care. Don’t forget that yarns you use need the same care when combined with other yarns to keep your garment or project easy to clean and care for. Let your imagination fly. Different yarns can create stripes or maybe contrasting cuffs or bands.

Don’t hang on to your yarns too long. They can deteriorate and even get moldy if not properly stored. And some yarns do get outdated in they’r look. Remember trendy yarns come and go.

We don’t know what yarns are coming up in the next season so use that yarn and enjoy your project now. It’s most certain that newer yarns and textures will come along and that their place so get it out and use it.

Another thing that dates a yarn, is it’s color or color combination. If you ever get to see a manufacturers sample card take a close look at the colors that are featured first or as their “new” colors and their combinations. What colors are placed together? They have already figured it out for you as to what colors go well together. I always like to use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Check that out.

There are some classic yarns and yarn types that’ll always be “in style” for common projects like afghans but remember home décor changes, too. But don’t forget that older yarns don’t make a great fashion statement. Use that yarn before you find yourself sitting for that yarn and/or color to make a comeback. Then was that such a good bargain?