Crochetkari

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

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.

Flowers in my window cowl crochet pattern pink close-up

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.

Flowers in my window cowl crochet pattern by Crochetkari

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.

Flowers in my window cowl crochet pattern by Crochetkari detail

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. 

Flowers in my window cowl crochet pdf pattern by Crochetkari

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?

Flowers in my window crochet cowl pattern by Crochetkari details

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. 

Wednesday, 17 October 2018

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.

Flowers in my window cowl crochetkari

Pastel C2C blanket crochetkari

Cardamom blossoms crochetkari

Lydia crochet blanket crochetkari

Puff and shell cowl

Crochet flower cowl crochetkari

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 :)

Sunday, 31 December 2017

Happy New Year!

Namaste friends, I hope you are looking forward to 2018. I certainly am, and I am hoping it is filled with tons of crafty goodness. Sending you loads of heartfelt best wishes.

HappyNewYear2018

Thursday, 30 November 2017

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

Harmony cowl free crochet pattern

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.

Harmony cowl pattern border

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. 

Harmony cowl Cream

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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.

Harmony cowl wrong side detail

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.

Harmony cowl Beige

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.

Friday, 31 March 2017

Mandala mania 4 - Pretty Pastels + Giveaway winner

Namaste friends. It is crochet month so a mandala post is a must, right?

But before that let me announce the winner of the pattern giveaway for the Cupid's Dilemma cowl
And the winner is:
Susan Guard

Happy crocheting Susan. Your pattern is on the way to your Inbox. :)

This pattern is available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

And now on to my Spring inspired Pretty Pastel Mandala.

crochet lotus mandala

This is the fourth mandala I made using the same pattern. This mandala is a wee bit larger than the previous three mandalas as I modified Round no. 11 (in yellow), and made 3dc clusters instead of puff stitches.

crochet lotus mandala

Here are the details of the mandala;
Pattern source:   Crochet Millan.com
Yarn:                   Laura Knitting cotton
Hook:                  3.50 mm
Size:                   16 inches diameter

crochet lotus mandala

Here is a look at all four mandalas:

crochet lotus mandala collage

Check out mandala 1, mandala 2 and mandala 3.

Crocheting mandalas is very satisfying and almost meditative. Do give it a try.

Keep Calm and Crochet On.

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Crochet Geometry - Book Review

(This post contains affiliate links*)
Namaste friends. Have you ever thought of taking your crochet skills a step further? Something more than doilies, afghans and bags? 

For a long time now I have been wanting to crochet a garment that would actually fit me and not look awkward. So when the magic words "Sizes Small to 5X" jumped at me from the front cover of Crochet Geometry* my interest was piqued! A quick preview online and I was certain that I have to grab this book.

crochet geometry cover

Firstly, the garments are modelled by regular women! Yes, women in all shapes and sizes. Now there are tons of patterns online both free and paid, but the fact that they were always displayed on models who had just walked out of Victoria's Secret runway was a big deterrent. How the garment would look on a regular person was a mystery especially since I am a size mumble mumble...haha. 

crochet geometry 5 easy pieces

crochet geometry T top

Next, the garments are in gorgeous colours, No greys and beiges. Also there is lacework as well as solid patterns. I was "hooked"! (oh, when are crocheters going to stop using this cliche...lol) 

crochet geometry circle t top

crochet geometry shawl collar cardi


Why Geometry? The author Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby takes basic geometric shapes - circles, squares and rectangles and manipulates them to produce gorgeous garments with a lovely drape and elegant fit. Does that mean these patterns are for experienced crocheters? Of course not, this is where your expertise with mandalas, scarves and granny squares will be taken to the next level. 

There are projects for all skill levels - Easy, Intermediate and Experienced.

crochet geometry sleeve shrug

The book has 15 patterns in four categories: Shrugs, Cardigans, Pullovers and Wraps. 
The yarns used are Super-fine to Medium, making the patterns ideal for Indian climate.

crochet geometry half circle wrap

crochet geometry split circle cardi

Each pattern explores a different texture and with charts for every special stitch pattern, one is spoilt for choice. My "favourite" project changes every time I open the book. 

The superb photography by Jason Mullett-Bowlsby which make the garments "pop out" of the pages, doesn't make it any easier to choose :) I often refer to this wonderful article about natural light photography by Jason.

crochet geometry two circles wrap
{All images belong to Shibaguyz Photography and used with permission}

Crochet Geometry is a must-have addition to any serious crocheter's library.

The book is available on Amazon.in* (that's where I bought it) and of course it is also on Amazon.com*.

Check out all the patterns and read more about the Shibaguyz duo HERE

Right now I am busy swatching (my biggest learning from the book), but there should be a Ta-dah post sooner than later, hopefully :)

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post and I have not received any compensation for writing it. I purchased the book and loved it, and all the comments/opinion shared above are mine. This post does contain affiliate links*, check full DISCLOSURE.

Friday, 10 March 2017

Are you on Instagram?

Namaste friends. So, are you an Instagrammer?

Recently I opened my account on Instagram and I am really enjoying it. For reasons unknown it did not allow me to use crochetkari so my account is on my name sangeethavprabhu
My photos are tagged as #crochetkari. 

crochetkari instagram

I am not highly active on Instagram (or any other social platform for that matter) but I like the glimpses it gives into the lives of our favourite bloggers/crocheters.

Like behind-the-scenes pics of design processes, colour selection, or WIP progress. Also latest events, workshops, sales etc. Even recipes, family pics and super cute baby pics.

As the name suggests it is instant, you just click pics with your phone and upload. I have not explored the features yet. It is fast and fun and writing a description is totally up to you which works fine for me.  :) 
To like(heart), follow, and comment you can access your account via your computer too.

If you are on Instagram, please let me know your username, I would love to follow you.

Remember you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

The International Crochet Month gave me an excuse to spend on a lot of supplies and books, so watch out for reviews and Ta-dahs! :) I also added Valentine's Day and International Women's Day to my list of excuses...LOL!

Have you entered the pattern giveaway in my previous post. Go on, it is quick and open only till 15th March '17, so hurry.

How are you celebrating crochet month? I would love to know.

Thursday, 2 March 2017

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 :)


crochet cowl pattern cupids 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,


crochet cowl pattern cupids dilemma

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!


crochet cowl pattern cupids dilemma

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 :)

crochet cowl pattern cupids dilemma

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


crochet cowl pattern cupids dilemma

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 ;)

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