Free Crochet Pattern: Too Hot to Handle

Here it is, folks!  This is the third, but probably not the final, installment in the Big Girl Kitchen line.  Megan of Crochet Every Day fame suggested a scarf and, of course I thought, "table scarf or neck scarf?"  Who knows what I'll come up with next?  There are so many ideas rolling around in my brain these days that my bucket list  is going to keep me busy typing and crocheting for the next 100 years!  (Let's hope these aching fingers can keep up.)  Truth be told, I've grown very fond of this pattern and I'm not ready to walk away from it yet.  I am considering some ideas for basic table linens (placemats, coasters, and a runner) that use the now familiar repeat from all the Big Girl patterns.  If you have a request of any kind, please post a comment here and I'll add it to the file (no, not the round file!).  Anyhow, thank you one and all for stopping by and for making my blog such a great place for me to hang out.  I hope you like it (the blog and the pattern) as much as I do.  Happy hooking!

About my work:

Any pattern I design and post is my property.  Please do not duplicate my patterns for any reason especially to sell.  Instead, please link to my blog (http://laurielaliberte.blogspot.com/ ) or to the pattern page when referencing one of my patterns.

You are more than welcome to offer finished products made from my patterns for sale.  I see no reason why you should not profit from your hard work.  However, I'd really appreciate it if you gave me credit for the design; please reference my blog or the pattern page.

If you do make any of my patterns I'd love to see your finished items; please feel free to email pictures to me.

If you are not interested in making your own pieces, I occasionally offer finished items in my shops on Etsy and Bonanzle.  I also welcome special orders, so email me and let's work together.

BigGirlJewelry@yahoo.com

Big Girl Pot Holder/Hot Pad 

All instructions use American terminology and standard abbreviations.

Supplies needed:

about 2 oz. or one ball of worsted weight cotton yarn

size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook

smaller hook or yarn needle for weaving in ends

stitch marker or length of scrap yarn (optional)

Flat side

ch28

Row 1:  sc in 2nd ch from hook, [ch1, sk next ch, sc in next ch] across, turn (27 sts)

Row 2:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [sc in ch1 sp, ch1, sk next sc] across, sc in last 2 sc, turn (27 sts)

Row 3:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in ch1 sp] across, ending with your last sc in last sc of previous row, turn (27 sts)

Rows 4-27:  rep Rows 2-3 ending with a Row 3, fo and set aside

Decorated Side

ch28

Row 1:  sc in 2nd ch from hook, [ch1, sk next ch, sc in next ch] across, turn (27 sts)

Row 2:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [sc in ch1 sp, ch1, sk next sc] across, sc in last 2 sc, turn (27 sts)

Row 3:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in ch1 sp] across, ending with your last sc in last sc of previous row, turn (27 sts)

Rows 4-7:  [repeat Rows 2-3] twice

Row 8:  ch1, sc in each sc and ch1 sp across, turn (27 sts)

Row 9:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in each st across, turn (27 sts)

Row 10:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in each st across, turn (27 sts)

Row 11:  repeat Row 9

Row 12:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in 1st st, [dc in next st, sc in next st] repeat to end, turn (27 sts)

Row 13:  ch1, working in back loops only dc in 1st st, [sc in next st, dc in next st] repeat to end, turn (27 sts)

Rows 14-16:  repeat Rows 12-13 ending with a Row 12

Row 17:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in each st across, turn (27 sts)

Row 18:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in each st across, turn (27 sts)

Rows 19-20:  repeat Rows 17-18

Row 21:  ch1, sc in 1st st, [ch1, sk next st, sc in next st] repeat to end, turn (27 sts)

Rows 22-27:  [repeat Rows 2-3] 3 times

do not turn or finish off

Finishing Round

Turn, ch1, holding wrong sides of 2 finished pieces together, sc in each st around working 3sc at each corner, join w/sl st in 1st sc, fo, weave in ends

Guide for optional hanging loop

Choose where you would like to place the hanging loop.  You can place it anywhere you want.  Most common placement would be in a corner or at the center of one side.

As you work the Finishing Round, stop between 2 stitches, ch10, join w/sl st to last sc worked, sl st in each ch of the ch10, join again w/sl st, continue working sc where you left off.

I would love to see your finished project!  Please send me photos so I may post them on my blog.

Okay, this one is totally unplanned and off the cuff:  I was just catching up on the latest posts from the blogs/bloggers I follow and this is one that I really felt the need to share, so this post is more just a link than a post.

Take a look at Angel's "Gambit's View" from yesterday.  It's well worth a two minute break with your coffee.  Aristotle Had it Right

Hard at Work for You!

I was just thinking that it looks as though I'm neglecting my blog.  Perhaps I am just a bit, but it's for a few good reasons:

Grandpa's Sweater Set

First, I've been hard at work developing new patterns to bring to my faithful followers.  I've already posted my newest kitchen set, "Grandpa's Sweater," on Ravelry, Etsy, and Addoway.  As has become my standard, the set consists of a scrubby, pot holder, and towel with variations in the patterns to accommodate certain preferences.  Each element is also available separately.  By the way, if you utilize any of the links and you're told the item has sold, simply check the shop.  If I've sold it, I've relisted it and the URL has changed.  Of course, you may email me for assistance at any time.

Broken Links Set

Another set that will be posted any minute now is the "Broken Links" collection.  This one was sort of a transition from my usual bumpy scrubbies to the aran influence of Grandpa's Sweater.  I love that the bumpy side of the pot holder is thick enough that it makes a great pocket style hot pad.  You see, I'm not one to use an oven mitt; I prefer a double thick pot holder that I can slide over my hand.  That's why I offer that option in the instructions for most of my hot pads.  One note of caution:  Not every design or yarn will protect your hands sufficiently in a single layer, so please use common sense when creating any of these items in your home.  (As the proud auntie I feel the need to mention that the apples in that picture were picked by my nephews and niece.)

Of course, as I promised last month, a third installment of the "Big Girl Kitchen Collection" will be posted at no cost here on the blog, so keep one eye open for that.

Big Girl Pot Holder/Hot Pad

Last, an item I'm perfecting as we speak is a set of three scrubbies done in the simplest of stitches with the beginner or the I-just-want-a-brain-dead-easy-pattern-for-in-front-of-the-TV crocheter. This idea came to me as I read an email from Linda, a terrific lady who tested the Grandpa's Sweater scrubby.  That's all the detail I'm willing to reveal for now because the only thing I like better than receiving a happy surprise, is bestowing one.  Call me a tease if you must but, "You get what you get and you don't get upset."  (That's what my five year old nephew tells me, anyhow.)

Before I go, I'd like to open a discussion:  As we round out the Big Girl Kitchen Collection this month, what would you like to see next?  Shall I continue with this particular theme and do something along the lines of placemats? coasters? a table runner?  Or would you prefer something completely different?  This is all for you; so voice your opinion.  I've got plenty of ideas rolling around in my brain; tell me which one to pull out next!

Versatile Blogger? ME? Aw, shucks!

Okay. . .so. . .um. . .where to begin?  I know, I'm rarely at a loss for words.  If you've ever read one of my emails, you already know it too.  And my posts here are no different...  In fact, I once had an English professor look at me after issuing an assignment to the class for seven pages and say, "ONLY seven pages, Laurie."  I still gave him ten.  (But I also still got an A.)  So what's the deal here?  Well, I'm not one for viral videos, chain letters, and the like. . .and some people love blog awards, and some group them with the aforementioned banes of my existence.  Anyhow, I have mixed feelings about this whole deal.

Don't get me wrong; I AM honored and grateful.  Perhaps I should start at the beginning before my former Prof stumbles across my blog and says, "Hey, I remember that one!"

Angel, a very well named fellow blogger and wonderful all-around human being (NO, I'm not just saying that; read her blog! Besides, I'm a Sagittarius.  I don't have it in me to offer false compliments!) was given this award and thereby obligated to pass it on.  I was one of the recipients.  And just in case she hasn't already heard it:  Thank you, Angel.  You are truly a dear and I'm honestly thrilled that you think highly enough of my humble writing to bestow such an honor upon it.

So here's my dilemma. . .As the recipient of this award, I'm expected to do three things:

1. Thank the award giver
2. Tell you 7 interesting things about myself
3. Give the award to 15 fellow bloggers

I have no problem with #s 1 and 2, but 3 is an issue for me.  Thanking the award giver is a no-brainer; even if it wasn't in the rules, I'd do that.  Hang on a sec.  *runs off to Angel's blog to make sure I posted a comment of thanks before I post any links so I don't look like a complete jerk*

Okay, so #2, here goes:

1.  I learned to read at the age of three and promptly developed a voracious appetite for books, but I mostly binge read these days.  (I'll devour books for weeks on end then not read for a year.)

2.  I almost failed eighth grade English because my teacher sucked.  Now before you freak out at my criticism of the most important profession in our civilization, let me clarify; read on.  The teacher in question spent an entire semester assigning reading, then quizzing our class on the reading assignment.  That's all we did!  For an ENTIRE semester!  IMHO, that is the laziest way to "teach."  (added 9/14 Just to clarify, the teacher in question called ME lazy.  I wasn't lazy, Mrs. Remillard; I was BORED, NOT CHALLENGED, INTELLECTUALLY UNDERNOURISHED by your lack of skill as a teacher!)  Because of my behavior in that class, I was kept from entering the honors level English class the following year.  That leads me to. . .

3.  I'm neither a leader nor a follower.  I've learned when I should do as I'm told and keep my mouth shut, but I'm still rebellious enough to question authority when I feel it's warranted.  I suppose that means I've matured a bit since the eighth grade.  I still march to my own beat, but I choose my battles more carefully these days.  I love to teach people things then let them loose to do as they will with that knowledge.  Perhaps that's why I've developed such a passion for pattern writing; I can say, "Here's how to make it, now move on!"


4.  I adore children, but have no desire to have any of my own.  My two nephews and one niece fully satisfy any maternal instincts that may bubble to the surface.  I totally get why parents find child rearing so rewarding, but I'm far too selfish to give up my freedom to it.  A male friend once told me I'd have a difficult time finding a husband because I didn't want kids.  In the words of Joy Behar, "I want a man in my life, not in my house."


5.  I'm honest, sometimes to my own detriment.  (Didja' read #4?  That should be proof enough.)


6.  I started writing a novel while I was in college and never finished either one.  You see, I write because I love to write and because it's cathartic, but I have the attention span of a fruit fly.  I took a couple of courses but just couldn't deal with the grind of classes every day when I wanted the freedom to write what I wanted to write instead of the assignments for my classes.  (I left with a GPA of 4.0 and never returned.)


7.  This is a toughie because it's the last one.  So what should I tell you that will leave you satisfied yet wanting more?  I thought about posting one fact that is inappropriately self-serving, but that's a fact I only share with people who decide they want to take a stab at making me feel intellectually inferior.  (I used it a LOT when I was a blonde.)  How's this?  I'm a Buddhist who was raised Roman Catholic.  My "crisis of Faith" began at the age of eight, in Catholic school, when our teacher, Sister Mary Leonette, couldn't answer the "tough questions" to my satisfaction and punished me for asking too many of them.


To be perfectly honest, if you want to know anything else, just ask; I'll probably tell you.  I'm just not always so terrific at volunteering information.


Okay, so I suppose it's time to address requirement #3 and pass this award on to 15 (really? 15? Isn't that bit excessive?) new recipients.  I seriously have to follow my heart here and say no.  What I WILL do is refer you all to the section at the bottom of this page appropriately titled, "I Actually READ Every Blog I Follow!"  Every one of them is worth a read.  I'm sorry, Angel, I just can't do it.  I thought about cutting the number down, but I'd be forcing myself to do something that's truly against my nature.  (Yeah, I was always the one who risked bad luck by not passing on chain letters and I asked my BFF to stop forwarding email jokes to me because all I did was delete them without reading them.)  So many people are sincere in passing these awards to their fellow bloggers, that I feel I should be just as spirited or not do it at all.  Love me or hate me for this decision; it's an honest one and I just made it as I reached the second sentence of this paragraph.

You've Waited So Patiently: Free Crochet Pattern

When I posted the free pattern for the Big Girl Dish Scrubby last month I really didn't expect it to be such a hit.  To date, it has received 106 hearts and it's in 26 queues!  More than that, it's brought some very positive attention to my other patterns and I can now support my yarn habit without tapping into an already too tight budget.  So, rather than simply say thank you to the many folks who had their crochet hooks in helping me do this, I offer a gesture of thanks:

A short while ago I promised matching pieces and I've finally set down to keep that promise.  So, with no further ado, I offer the Free Big Girl Kitchen Towel.....and a tease.  The tease is a work in progress and will be my next free pattern offered here.  You'll see it in a couple of the pics in this post.

All instructions use American terminology and standard abbreviations.

Supplies Needed:

about 5-6 oz. of worsted weight cotton yarn (that's about 3 balls of Peaches n Creme or Lily Sugar n Cream)

size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook

one button about 1 1/4" in diameter

yarn needle and/or traditional sewing needle for attaching button and weaving in ends

stitch markers or scraps of yarn for row counting (optional)

Special Stitches Used:

single crochet decrease (sc dec) -- insert hook into both loops of first stitch being worked, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into both loops of next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, draw through all 3 loops on hook

double triple crochet (dtrc) -- yo 3 times, insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops] 4 times

ch 48

Row 1:  sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn (47 sc)

Row 2:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next sc] rep to end, turn (47 sts)

Row 3:  ch1, sc in 1st sc and 1st ch1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep to end, sc in last st, turn (47 sts)

Row 4:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep across ending w/ sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Row 5:  rep Row 3

Row 6:  ch1, sc in 1st sc and in each sc and ch1 sp across, turn (47 sc)

Row 7:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Row 8:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Row 9:  rep Row 7

Row 10:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in 1st sc, [dc in next st, sc in next st] rep to end, turn (47 sts)

Row 11:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in 1st sc, [sc in next dc, dc in next sc] rep across ending w/sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Row 12:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in 1st sc, [dc in next sc, sc in next dc] rep across ending w/sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Rows 13-14:  rep Rows 11-12

Row 15:  ch1, working in back loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Row 16:  ch1, working in front loops only sc in each st across, turn (47 sc)

Rows 17-18:  rep Rows 15-16

Row 19:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next sc] rep to end, turn (47 sts)

Row 20:  ch1, sc in 1st sc and 1st ch1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep to end, sc in last st, turn (47 sts)

Row 21:  ch1, sc in 1st sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch1 sp] rep across ending w/ sc in last sc, turn (47 sts)

Rows 22-59:  rep Rows 20-21

Row 60:  ch1, sc in each sc and ch1 sp across, turn (47 sc)

Row 61:  ch1, sc dec 12 times, sc in next st, sc dec 11 times, turn (24 sts)

Row 62:  ch1, sc dec 12 times, turn (12 sts)

Row 63:  ch1, sc dec 6 times, turn (6 sts)

Row 64:  ch1, sc in each st across, turn (6 sts)

Rows 65-81:  repeat Row 64

Note:  Before proceeding, you may wish to fit your hanging loop to the place where you'd like it to hang.  If worked as instructed it will fit the average drawer pull or oven door handle.  If you need to add length simply continue repeating Row 64 as necessary.

Row 82:  ch3 (counts as dc), trc in next st, dtrc in next 2 sts, trc in next st, dc in next st, turn (6 sts)

Note:  The space between the two dtrc is your buttonhole.

Row 83:  ch1, sc in each of 1st 2 sts, 2sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in each of next 2 sts

Finishing Round:  beginning with last stitch in which you worked, sc around working 3 sc in corners and stopping at Row 82, join w/sl st in 1st sc of Row 83, fo, weave in ends

Attaching button:  Fold end of narrow strip and attach button at desired position making sure that the hanging loop made by this fold allows enough room for you to hang your towel where you wish to hang it.  Take care to attach the button loosely enough that there is sufficient space behind it for the thickness of your fabric.

 

Note:  This pattern has not been tested.  I made it; I wrote it; I'm posting it; done.  If you find any mistakes or have suggestions for clarification, please email me or leave a comment here (preferred).

About my work:


Any pattern I design and post here is my property. Please do not duplicate my patterns for any reason especially to sell. Instead, please link to my blog or to the pattern page when referencing one of my patterns.

You are more than welcome to offer finished items made from my patterns for sale. I see no reason why you should not profit from your hard work. However, I'd really appreciate it if you gave me credit for the design; please reference my blog or the pattern page.

If you do make any of my patterns, I'd love to see your finished items; please feel free to email pictures to me.

If you are not interested in making your own pieces, I occasionally offer finished items in my shops on Etsy and Bonanzle. I also welcome special orders, so email me and let's work together.

BigGirlJewelry@yahoo.com

I Just Got a Bahgin...

That's how we say it here in New England.  And we New Englanders are notorious for sniffing out those bargains AND showing them off.  In a marketing seminar mrrrf-teen years ago, our instructor told the class that New Englanders were (probably still are) the most frugal people in the US.  Moreover, we're the group who will most likely share their experiences, and the prices they paid (or didn't pay) with anyone who will listen.

Now that that's established, I offer you the reason for the title of this post:  http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/specials.htm.  This is the company that makes the famous Peaches 'n Cream cotton yarn.  I found that site a while back and bookmarked it for use at a later date.  I've vowed not to buy too much yarn at one time and to make every effort to only spend what I make from selling my patterns and wares, so I've been squirreling away every cent in my PayPal account until I could justify placing an order.  The two items in which I was most interested were the two at the top of the page:  the Seconds Cones and the 2 lb. Grab Bag.  Take a look at my haul!

I was thrilled when I opened the box because I'm all about blue and yellow for the kitchen right now and I'm working on some projects that lend themselves to beige/hemp colored yarn (including a freebie I'll be posting within the next couple of days).  It's almost as though someone read my mind.  I tend to avoid black for items that will be photographed because It's virtually impossible to get a good shot, but I can always use black yarn.  The verdict: the cones were obviously a huge hit.

The Grab Bag was not as spot on, but definitely useful. First, the two balls of variegated yarn (lower right corner) are first quality AND the same dye lot.  SCORE!  Second, the remaining colors are all ones that I can definitely use.  I'm only minorly disappointed with the amount of crochet thread I received, but I knew I was taking a chance with this order and I'll take the good with the not so bad.  I guess I'll just have to come up with a few more scrubby patterns, right?

I've already finished a project using that royal blue.  There are inconsistencies in the color, but that's not important to me.  If my plan was to sell the finished product, I'd use a first quality yarn, but the seconds are just fine for those items that may or may not end up in my own kitchen.

I should add that the online store also offers first quality balls and cones in every color and fiber that the Pisgah Yarn Company offers, so it's well worth taking a look.  The prices are also very reasonable, better than I've seen locally.

Okay, so here's the BUT:  the shipping fees begin somewhere around $8 which is pretty pricey unless you're placing a large order.  Yes, the shipping rates increase as your order does, but they creep upward rather than ballooning.

Anyhow, I would definitely give this order and the whole experience a big thumbs up.  I will most definitely be placing orders for seconds cones in the future and most likely adding some first quality cones to the next order.

Has anyone out there found a great place to buy acrylics, wools, or even other cottons on the cheap?  I'd love to hear from you, so please share!

Just a side note:  the blue towel is the "Tiny Bubbles Towel" made to match my "Tiny Bubbles" scrubby and pot holder patterns and has just been posted on Etsy and Ravelry.

Look What I Did!

If you're a subscriber of my email newsletter, you've probably already seen this, but I think it bears repeating here (this time with pictures).

Kris and Martha Kringle

I've been hard at work perfecting crochet patterns for my various shops and I'm very excited to share them with you:

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Yes, I realise it's August, and hot as can be outside for many of us, but now is the best time to think about crocheting those smaller Holiday gifts.  Before we settle down with afghans (and afghan projects) on our laps, lets focus on the quickies and get them crossed off our lists.

It's been my experience that the toughest patterns to find online are those for mittens and and unisex or masculine hats, so I've come up with a few and am working on more.  Thus far, I've posted two patterns for hats and one for mittens.  They all use basic worsted weight yarn in your choice of fiber.  More will be forthcoming as soon as I find a moment to type them up properly.  Matching scarf patterns are also in the works, so look for them in the near future.

Simple Astro Hat

Simple Earth Hat

Big Girl Mittens

Many thanks to my handsome nephews for modeling the new hats!

Chubby Nubby Hanging Towel

KITCHEN HELPERS

This one is literally hot off the press.  Just last night I posted the pattern for Chubby Nubby Towels  You guessed it!  The main pattern is for a hanging towel that matches the Chubby Nubby Scrubby which has become quite a hit.  It also includes instructions for a flat towel that matches as well as variations so you can "mix it up" in your own kitchen!  This pattern is available by itself and, by the end of the day today, will be bundled with the matching scrubby at a discounted price.  Fear not; if you have already purchased the scrubby pattern and would like to take advantage of the discount, simply contact me via one of my shops or email and a special listing will be made for you at the discounted price in the shop of your choosing.

Coming soon will be a matching potholder/hot pad and I'm opening my ears to any requests for other matching items.  If you have any requests, send them to me and I'll do my best to oblige.  I plan to do the same for the Tiny Bubbles Scrubby in my shops as well as the free Big Girl Scrubby posted here on my blog, so keep your eyes peeled for those.  Before you even have a chance to ask, yes, the match to the freebie will be here for free!

LIGHTBULB LOVIES

And finally, I've introduced my own amigurumi patterns called "Lightbulb Lovies," so named because the base body is the shape of a lightbulb.  Thus far, three styles are available:  "Lovey" the lightbulb, my mascot and fit model, "Salonga" the panda, and "Jackman" the koala.  Almost ready to go are Kris and Martha Kringle which will be posted soon.

Each of the Lovies sits about 5 1/2 to 6" tall and is worked with a "join as you go" method to eliminate the need for endless sewing once the crochet pieces are finished.  Currently on the drawing board is an entire menagerie and, at the request of one of my valued blog readers, a Nativity which I hope to have done and listed before the end of September.

Jackman

Salonga

Lovey

You will find every pattern described in this post by clicking on any of the following links:

Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/BigGirlJewelry

Bonanzle http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/biggirljewelry

Artfire http://www.artfire.com/users/BigGirlJewelry

Addoway http://www.addoway.com/laurie_biggirljewelry_laliberte/storefront/

As always, if you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've read here, my ears are open!  Simply leave a comment below or drop me a line at BigGirlJewelry@yahoo.com.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Laurie