Flowers in my window cowl crochet pattern

Namaste friends. Sharing my latest pattern - the Flowers in my window cowl crochet pattern.

Did you have pen friends when you were a teen? My brother and I had lots of pen pals all over the globe. Wonder where I am going with this? :)

Our European pen pals would send us beautiful photos in which the houses would have these beautiful boxes in the windows filled with gorgeous colourful flowers. Those lovely flowers were the inspiration behind the name of this cowl. 

Sadly, no one uses snail mail anymore and we are no longer in touch with our pen pals. Somehow an email does not have the same warmth as a beautifully written long letter filled with anecdotes and juicy gossip.

The inspiration for this cowl pattern was a small crochet chart diagram on Pinterest. It looked like small four-petaled flowers strewn across a lattice background.

At first glance, it may look like many motifs have been joined together, but the cowl is worked in one piece. And it is worked in the round no there is no seaming involved.

I modified the pattern slightly to make it seamless. And like most of my patterns, this cowl too starts with a round of foundation single crochet, so no long chains to count.

Yarn:  DK weight approx 150 gms *

Hook: 4.50 mm *

Size: 40 inches around and 10 inches wide. The pattern also has instructions to change the length and width of the cowl. 

The pattern PDF is available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

The cowl would make a gorgeous gift, just right for the coming festive season. Don't you think so?

Let me have your thoughts on this cowl pattern in the comments below. You can also get in touch with me on Facebook and Instagram. 

See you soon with some more crochet goodness...

* This post contains affiliate links which if you use for any purchase, may yield me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you. 

Baby steps and lots to share

Namaste friends, Mumbai is bedecked with flower garlands, strings of colourful lights and everywhere you can hear music that makes you want to get on your feet and dance. All this is in celebration of Navratri - the festival that celebrates Shakti - woman power, and the triumph of good over evil. I have mentioned a bit more about Navratri in this post.

Nav also means New and my BFF Ashlesha egged me on that there is no better time to begin my new foray back into blogging, to write my first post for 2018. So a big thanks to her for her encouragement.

Ahem... by the way, did you see I mentioned Mumbai above! Yes, my friends, we have finally moved back to Mumbai our hometown and we are thrilled to bits. :)

Seven years is a long time to spend away from your family, siblings and friends. But I will always have fond memories of Ahmedabad - the clean and beautiful roads, the tons of fast food options and of course the lovely friends I have there.

Year 2018 brought a lot of wonderful things for us;

- Hubby was offered a new job in Mumbai - hence the move back,

- we shifted to a new house near his workplace, where I got one room especially for my yarn!!

- our son completed his Masters and

- we went to the US for his convocation!! 

Unfortunately, in all this excitement, my blog was neglected, but always on my mind. Now how does one get back into things after such a long gap? With baby steps of course! :)

Now the good thing is that through all this, I was crocheting like crazy. Had to, as that is the only thing that kept me from going bonkers. Even crocheted on the plane from Mumbai to Atlanta and then back from New York to Mumbai! I have a set of wooden crochet hooks specially bought for this purpose. Can't afford to lose my special favourite hooks in airport security, you see. ;)

Here are pics of some of the items I have made. Each item will get a separate post later with all the details.

If you have reached this point, thank you so much for visiting my blog and sticking around. Do watch for the next post as there will be free patterns.

I have added tons of crochet books to my collection which I will share in a later post.

Also, I am now conducting crochet classes and I am super excited about it. More details will be shared on the blog later.

Let me know which of the above projects has piqued your interest.

Or just drop a few lines in the comments. it will mean a lot to me.

See you later, crafters :)

Harmony Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Namaste friends! 

I am sure many of you are frantically crocheting/knitting/sewing/crafting to get your gifts done in time. So it seemed like the perfect time to share my pattern for the Harmony Cowl.

When two of my favourite crochet stitches blended harmoniously to make this cowl, Harmony seemed like an apt name for it.

I like the Camel stitch as it creates a really elegant stitch with a faux knit look and is wonderful for edges. The moss stitch is dainty and produces a soft, lovely fabric.

The Harmony cowl pattern ticks so many boxes - it is unisex, chainless, seamless, a stash buster and works up in a jiffy. Use as many colours as you like in the body of the cowl. The light brown cowl has four colours and the cream cowl uses three colours in the body. 

Now onto the pattern:

Materials:

For light brown cowl:

100 gms of worsted weight yarn in Main colour - A) light brown

20 gms (approx) of worsted weight yarn in each of the three different colours 

- B) cream, C) salmon and D) peach.

Hook: 5 mm

Finished size of cowl: 36" by 9"

Gauge: 16 sts and 16 rows = 4" in moss stitch

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For cream cowl:

70 gms (approx) of DK wt yarn in Main colour - A) cream

20 gms (approx) of DK wt yarn in each of the two different colours

- B) red and C) blue.

Hook: 4.5 mm

Finished size of cowl: 32" by 8"

Gauge: 17 sts and 19 rows = 4" in moss stitch

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stitch abbreviations (In US terms)

Fsc: foundation single crochet

beg: beginning 

ch: chain

sl st; slip stitch

sc: single crochet

hdc: half double crochet

sk: skip

rep: repeat

yo: yarn over

sp: space

Rnd: round

Special stitches:

Fsc: Foundation single crochet

Start with a slipknot, chain 2. Insert hook in second chain from hook, pull up a loop. Yo, draw through 1 loop - “chain” made, Yo, draw through 2 loops on hook - "single crochet" made. (1st Fsc made).  *Insert hook under the 2 loops of the “ch” st of the last st and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 1 loop, yo and draw through 2 loops. Repeat from * to make the required number of Fsc.

Camel stitch: this stitch is made by working a hdc into the horizontal loop, behind the front and back loops of the stitch. This loop is also called the third loop and can be seen on the wrong side of the fabric.

Moss stitch: On camel stitch round - 

1st round - Ch 2, *sk 1 hdc, sc in next hdc, ch 1, rep from * around. Join with sl st in 1st ch.

2nd round - with new colour, join with sc in any ch-1 sp, ch 1,  *sk 1 sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, rep from * around. Join with sl st in 1st sc. 

Rep 2nd round, using a new colour for every round.

The cowl is worked in the round, without turning, which means the right side of the cowl will always be facing you.

Rnd 1: Using main colour A) - keep a long tail and make Fsc 140 (refer Special stitches),      Join with sl st to first sc. 

Use the long tail to join the first "ch" to the last "ch" of the round thus closing the first round.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, pull up the loop to the height of a hdc, make a hdc in the horizontal loop behind the first sc below, work in camel st (or hdc in horizontal loop) around (refer Special stitches), join with sl st into the first chain.

Rnd 3 and 4: Rep Rnd 2.

Rnd 5: Ch 2, sk 1, sc in next st, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next st, rep from * around ending with ch 1, join with sl st in first ch of beg ch 2.

Rnd 6: Using colour B) - Join with sc in any ch 1 sp, ch 1, *sk 1 sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * around ending with sl st in first sc.

Rnd 7: Using colour C) - Rep Rnd 6

Rnd 8: Using colour D) - Rep Rnd 6

Rnds 9 to 12: Rep Rnds 5 to 8 maintaining the colour sequence. #

Rnds 13 to 16: Rep Rnds 5 to 8.

Rnds 17 to 20: Rep Rnds 5 to 8.

Rnds 21 to 24: Rep Rnds 5 to 8.

Rnds 25 to 28: Rep Rnds 5 to 8. 

Colours B, C and D will no longer be used so fasten off each colour at the end of the respective round.

Rnd 29: Using colour A) rep Rnd 6.

Rnd 30: Ch 1, pull up the loop to the height of a hdc, *hdc in the horizontal loop behind the first sc below, hdc in back bump of ch, rep from * around, join with sl st into first chain.

Rnds 31 and 32: Rep Rnd 2.

Rnd 33: Rep Rnd 2, but work the camel st using SC INSTEAD OF HDC. 

This ensures that the upper edge of the cowl resembles the lower edge of the cowl.

Fasten off. Weave in the ends.

If the thought of weaving in all those yarn ends after each round seems daunting, here's a pic of the wrong side of my cowl.

I just carry my yarn up to the next working row. # This means that you end with Only Two ends of each colour to weave in! Great, right? 

If you would like me to show you this method of carrying the yarn up the wrong side in another post just let me know in the comments.

I love this cowl and I hope you enjoy crocheting this pattern. I have made this cowl twice but if you find an error, be a dear and please let me know.

Cupid's Dilemma Cowl pattern + giveaway

Namaste friends. February just flew by and we are already into the third month of 2017!

Are you aware that March is International Crochet Month? I am really excited as it means lots of informative posts, tutorials and free patterns across blogland. I have planned a few crochet posts myself which should hopefully see the light of day! While my mind is buzzing with tons of ideas on some days fatigue is the winner. (More about that later)

In February I released a new cowl pattern, but that is not the reason for the name Cupid's Dilemma :)

The cowl has a rich, elegant texture and will work wonderfully as a unisex pattern. 

Materials used:
Yarn:  DK weight
Hook: US G/6 (4 mm), UK 8
           and US E/4 (3.5 mm), UK 9 (optional)

As gauge is not very important for a cowl, substitution with your preferred yarn is easy as the pattern has instructions to modify the dimensions of the cowl.

Here's a look at the lovely texture and border,

The pattern is chainless as the first row is made up of FHdc (foundation half double crochet).
And seamless too, as it is worked in the round. So only two ends to weave in...Yay!

The pattern is easy and ideal for gifts for either sex. Six pages of photo tutorials are included so crocheting the cowl should be a breeze :)

Light coloured yarns will bring out the texture, but feel free to use your favourite yarns in the colour of your choice.

The pattern is available in my ETSY and CRAFTSY shops.

And now for the Giveaway.
I am giving away one Free copy of the pattern. And you don't even have to like, tweet and heart all over the internet to enter. :) Just let me know why you think the name "Cupid's Dilemma" is suitable for this cowl.

You can write your answer in the comments below OR better still write to me at crochetkari@gmail.com, that way no one will repeat your answer. 

The giveaway is open till 15th March 2017. The person with the most witty and appropriate answer will be the winner and I will announce the name on the blog. The pattern will be sent by email to the winner. 
So, come on start racking your brains :))

The year 2017 started with a bittersweet diagnosis. My doctor advised me a few blood tests for a fever that just refused to subside. And the verdict is that I have hypothroidism! Actually I am quite relieved because it explains a lot of my symptoms which did not seem to have a cause or go away, like the terrible hairfall which even caused a bald spot right on the crown, the excess weight which refused to budge, dry skin which soaked up tons of body lotion, the carpal tunnel pain which sometimes made it difficult to crochet (grrrr), and most of all - the fatigue and body pain which was unbearable sometimes. I believed all this was just part of growing old and to think that it was all treatable! The medication is for lifetime but I am feeling so much better now.
So friends I urge you to please go for regular check ups.  Take good care of yourself, after all you have only one body to live in ;)

Crochet V-Stitch Cowl

Namaste friends. It feels so good to be back on my blog after such a long time. Actually I am almost tongue-tied and had no idea how to begin. But then it is just like getting back with old friends isn't it, after the first few awkward moments you are chatting nineteen to the dozen! :)  :)

Every few weeks/months a new stitch or technique or pattern catches the fancy of everyone in crochet blogland and you see the FOs flying all over the place. For example some time back it was the corner to corner stitch, or the crocodile stitch, or broomstick lace, or the Virus shawl. One such stitch was the V-stitch and there were scarves, blankets and cowls galore on display. So I decided to have a go at it. 

The V-stitch looks best when used with multiple colours. The fabric produced is lacy yet quite snug.

The yarn I used is called Shining Star which is DK weight with a 4mm crochet hook.

The colours used are Aqua blue. Grey, Orange and White.

The cowl turned out really soft and luscious. Very very cosy.

The cowl has a circumference of 50 inches and a width of 19 inches. So it can be lowered across the shoulders like a shrug or pulled over the head to cuddle your face. Really sumptuous.

The V-stitch is very easy and the cowl grew fast. But I had a really tough time with the cowl. Why? Well, for a change I decided to go with a random colour pattern. But the fastidious Virgo in me was just not prepared for it :)) You see everything around me has to be symmetrical or balanced or proportionate, or else I get very uncomfortable. After each round I had to rack my brains regarding the next colour and I was very tempted to repeat a particular colour sequence. I think I finally did manage a "random" sequence! What do you think?

Phew! Random does not come easy to me.

I wish we had winters where such cowls could be used. But then on the other hand I am glad we don't, as I cannot tolerate really cold weather. As you can see in THIS post...LOL.

HERE is a lovely Video tutorial for the V stitch. I hope you try this stitch and have fun while at it.

This cowl is available in my ETSY shop. 

What crafty adventure are you up to? 

See you soon with some new crochet projects. Take care and keep crafting.

Crochet Chevron Infinity Scarf

Namaste Gorgeous! Thank you for joining me here today. You may be wondering at my cheek, just appearing out of nowhere, after being away for so long. Hmmm...guilty as charged! Well, you know... life happens...with its bits and bobs...some good, some bad. 

One good bit that I just cannot resist sharing is that we went on our very first overseas vacation!!! Yippee :)  :)  In the month of May, we went on a 10 day trip to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Yes, I have lots of photos and tons of things to share...you know me - blah, blah, blah. But I will control myself for now. The main reason is that for a blog named "Crochetkari" I have been sharing lots of stories about moving, travelling and vacations and very little crochet! So my next few posts are going to be about crochet, hopefully :) 

The ripple pattern is one of my favourites, so when I came across this pattern for an infinity scarf I just had to try it. 

The pattern is called Rolling in the Deep infinity scarf by Cre8tion Crochet.

I love the three different sections in the scarf and you can decide which colour you want to play up depending on you mood for the day.

While I made this scarf with orange and white, I like the designer's suggestion that you should use two colours which are opposites on the colour wheel. Maybe I will make one more scarf using that idea. 

I am still working on finding the "best" spot for photography in my new home. I am missing my swing so much ...boohoo.

Nevertheless, here are some more photos:

The pattern was free for some time on the Cre8tion Crochet site, but you can still get it HERE.

Do you like my infinity scarf, do let me know.

As my crochet hook is attached to my arm, :)  there are tons of finished projects waiting for their Ta-Dah moment, so do come back.

I have not been commenting much, but believe me I have been keeping up with all your blogs and thoroughly enjoying your posts. But please don't be like me and do comment below. A strange thing I noticed while blog hopping was that many of my blogger friends have been away from their blog and most of them are resurfacing now, just like me.Weird coincidence!

While the internet connection in my new home is very fast, it keeps getting disconnected. So frustrating! 

Here are two more ripple patterns I tried earlier:

The Ocean Waves Ripple Afghan

The Serenity Ripple Scarf

What is on your hook, right now? I would love to know.
See you soon.

Waffle stitch cowl pattern

Hello, gorgeous people! I am so glad you have joined me today. Hope the week has started well for you. Thank you for your super duper comments on my last post, you made my day.

The pattern for my waffle stitch cowl is finally ready. Here is look at the cowl once again.

I think it looks ravishing in red. Definitely is a unisex pattern, what do you say?

The pattern includes instructions to change the width and the length of the cowl which means you can customize it and make a one of a kind cowl.

I love the waffle texture. This cowl would look simply scrumptious in brown, beige, coffee or even cream!  :) And the pattern is worked in the round which means no seaming...YAY!!

You can get the pattern on ETSY as well as CRAFTSY.

Get a head start on your Christmas gifting and have it ready in time for your favorite person.  :)

I am already working on my next pattern. Want a peek?

See you soon.

A small note: If you have any questions about patterns, hooks, yarns or anything else, please write to me only at crochetkari@gmail.com. This will help me to reply to you specifically and you will get faster replies.

Roses are Red, Waffles are Blue...

Sugar is sweet, my love
But not, As sweet as you.....

A beautiful song by Jim Reeves that brings back lovely childhood memories of lazy Sunday mornings. Especially memories of my wonderful Dad bringing out his Grundig tape player and his huge collection of tapes. I think it was his great love for music that taught my brother and me  to appreciate and love music of all kinds, right from Bhimsen Joshi to Michael Jackson. Last month (July) saw his fourth death anniversary and not a day goes by without me remembering my Dad, his zest for life, his belief in the "goodness" of people, and the fact that he was great at maintaining friendships (without Facebook!)....he was still in touch with his kindergarten friends even in his seventies. 

In case you are interested here is a wonderful link I found, to the song mentioned above.

Okay, okay, I know that you are dying to point out the typo in the title. But don't fret as it IS my Waffles that are blue. And if it is me, then the waffles have to be crocheted right?!!

I fell in love with this stitch as it is so true to its name. Also because it produces a lovely thick textured fabric. This scarf was the first item I tried using the crochet waffle stitch. The waffle stitch is excellent for scarves, bags and baby blankets or even afghans. 

As I am a big fan of matching sets I decided to make a matching waffle hat. But while the scarf is worked in rows ie: to and fro, turning the work when you reach the end of the row, a hat has to be worked in the round to ensure a seamless construction. Also as I hate seaming I decided to have a go at modifying the pattern to work in the round.

I am very pleased with the result. What do you think?

The waffle stitch scarf above was sold before I could blog about it, so I decided to have a go at the waffle stitch again. This time I decided to make a cowl as I had already succeeded at modifying the pattern to work in the round.

So here is my very own crochet waffle stitch cowl:

The waffle stitch seems ideal for unisex items. No shells, pineapples or fans...the perfect stitch for men's items!

I am working on the written pattern so watch this space as I will be calling for testers.

The blue waffle cowl and hat are available for purchase in my SHOP. And the pattern will also be available soon.

And, just for nostalgia, here is a picture I found,of a player that very closely resembles the one my Dad had;

Pic source: audiovisualmuseum.blogspot.in

See you soon. Do let me know what crafty adventures you are up to!

A small note: If you have any questions about patterns, hooks, yarns or anything else, please write to me only at crochetkari@gmail.com. This will help me to reply to you specifically and you will get faster replies.