tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31363763435533606472024-03-19T05:32:57.729-04:00Red Berry CrochetRed Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-85520160551790944242015-08-20T16:03:00.001-04:002015-08-20T16:04:26.114-04:00Flamie Award Nomination!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK6O0weA5eHGtTxQiFrhe_6ymUbHDDi0f03UYiZ_M2qyvsOveXZJ5FnlpkmFS4-2asc826_2LSi-n7ojLUdZ4EbTDlPx-4Tm0Z2_oFOgX0In6zS4BZb0IxzuAQk-MJPeKnARSVf_SwsQ/s1600/Flamie+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK6O0weA5eHGtTxQiFrhe_6ymUbHDDi0f03UYiZ_M2qyvsOveXZJ5FnlpkmFS4-2asc826_2LSi-n7ojLUdZ4EbTDlPx-4Tm0Z2_oFOgX0In6zS4BZb0IxzuAQk-MJPeKnARSVf_SwsQ/s320/Flamie+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am so happy to announce that one of my crochet patterns is up for a Flamie Award!<br />
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What’s a Flamie you ask?<br />
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“Our Judges’ Panel scours the crochet universe searching for the best examples of crochet design in each category to present to the public.” <a href="http://www.thecrochetawards.com/">http://www.thecrochetawards.com/</a><br />
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<b>My round crochet rug pattern has been nominated for best rug design of 2015!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqNH3-YpB7ePzOGtLpRbv21YFuPAf8yPa4VYmZqXOSVqh6nD_fXQIC1T6I1cCkGkw8zpfluPOZ5OlyVE6oMuqRE0JX-wUmmvDfPCZvFVYB09cT9mxUM5uJkpsDEqammkheOBpAZHItAI/s1600/FF+round_rug_main_700x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqNH3-YpB7ePzOGtLpRbv21YFuPAf8yPa4VYmZqXOSVqh6nD_fXQIC1T6I1cCkGkw8zpfluPOZ5OlyVE6oMuqRE0JX-wUmmvDfPCZvFVYB09cT9mxUM5uJkpsDEqammkheOBpAZHItAI/s320/FF+round_rug_main_700x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/round-crochet-rug---a-quick-to-stitch-project" target="_blank">Crochet Round Rug Pattern by Red Berry Crochet</a></div>
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Click here to see the latest award info:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCrochetAwards">https://www.facebook.com/TheCrochetAwards</a><br />
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Voting will commence September 13th through the 19th.<br />
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<b>Wish me luck!</b>Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-50822819861887528842015-04-22T08:41:00.000-04:002015-04-22T08:44:15.283-04:00Week of 4/22/15: Earth Day - Welcome to the World!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7daD2p8n5yE_9taAhEqungE3BBKbFsowUaLtpCS28xsIv33tV_IzGvrln8pRbMDEAkvrb8wle_Zc5NK8p4h6E3vPiyXv-EQNwotyN5phs4x5qfpzc2pAjWrzV0yrQhVhz0fDEDgTtH3w/s1600/NEW+2+Fuzzy+Dusters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7daD2p8n5yE_9taAhEqungE3BBKbFsowUaLtpCS28xsIv33tV_IzGvrln8pRbMDEAkvrb8wle_Zc5NK8p4h6E3vPiyXv-EQNwotyN5phs4x5qfpzc2pAjWrzV0yrQhVhz0fDEDgTtH3w/s1600/NEW+2+Fuzzy+Dusters.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eco Friendly Hand Held Duster Crochet Pattern</td></tr>
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In 1970 Earth Day was founded to bring about awareness of environmental issues. Since then, the movement has steadily grown and is now celebrated globally.<br />
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To learn more about Earth Day, check out the websites at:<br />
<a href="http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/earth-day">History.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.earthday.org/">Earth Day Network - www.earthday.org</a><br />
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How do you celebrate Earth Day?</span></div>
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Starting today I am having a sale in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/julie-oparka-designs">Ravelry Pattern Shop</a>. All of my original crochet designs are included in the sale which runs now through Sunday, April 26th to 11:59 pm EST.<br />
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Sale prices will be reflected once items have been placed in the shopping cart.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/julie-oparka-designs"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Red Berry Crochet Designs</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">40% off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>
Happy Earth Day!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6smCcE2p3aodV5izAbZArEQJ95KuncCj03CLoi3nryX5cQ3DIKexkO2Rfw4ZHJXGjt7sDmy4UAesGrAIcC9tP48cRTg0-Cw3UW0dsGVW8qCvDpJs7YbQSoPWCzezOvFI-X6GdvMyEKM/s1600/FF+Mop+Duster+Combo+WC2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6smCcE2p3aodV5izAbZArEQJ95KuncCj03CLoi3nryX5cQ3DIKexkO2Rfw4ZHJXGjt7sDmy4UAesGrAIcC9tP48cRTg0-Cw3UW0dsGVW8qCvDpJs7YbQSoPWCzezOvFI-X6GdvMyEKM/s1600/FF+Mop+Duster+Combo+WC2a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eco Friendly Reusable Mop Head Crochet Pattern</td></tr>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-13103729677129547542015-04-01T09:17:00.002-04:002015-04-01T09:19:34.910-04:00Week of 4/1/2015: Be a Fool!<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Happy April Fools' Day!</h3>
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It's a great week to have some fun with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Your Weekly Crochet Challenge</a>. The challenge is to crochet a jester hat or slippers for yourself or a little one.<br />
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Here's a photo of my hat, it's the <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/crochet-tripod-hat.html" target="_blank">Crochet Tripod Hat</a> from Yarnspirations:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HT1nFW2ovxxJU7cCYhke_SCJLKjfxOQsXp01LYloes1KFgNXfnLhsShrJqC89bRiUbUZ8rijFUXmu3jWX5aO8upoVHp6qvjlYKhlFuCqjc4TDqWmaWAByhxYzqiDohpf3u1pTVa9Sdk/s1600/jester+fools+hat+800x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HT1nFW2ovxxJU7cCYhke_SCJLKjfxOQsXp01LYloes1KFgNXfnLhsShrJqC89bRiUbUZ8rijFUXmu3jWX5aO8upoVHp6qvjlYKhlFuCqjc4TDqWmaWAByhxYzqiDohpf3u1pTVa9Sdk/s1600/jester+fools+hat+800x.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's toddler sized, and I'll be giving it to my niece. I added bells on the points just to drive her parents crazy!<br />
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I enjoy a good prank, and this is one of my favorites (courtesy of<a href="http://prankked.com/funny-pranks-2/april-fools-day-pranks-130-pics/" target="_blank"> prankked.com</a>):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcAmLFIz1Xlw7ChMtBSudTS1EW1PNnBL7nFbYQ75h0zq-ttakIJ6G3iwqRYkxbTxQX5TgFRYI88-CKy5w39_aPmYmhJFa-4jv1DTULiFTzDwzhBRg1DwM_b4b48skwI1BSisOoUAxapQ/s1600/optical+mouse+prank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcAmLFIz1Xlw7ChMtBSudTS1EW1PNnBL7nFbYQ75h0zq-ttakIJ6G3iwqRYkxbTxQX5TgFRYI88-CKy5w39_aPmYmhJFa-4jv1DTULiFTzDwzhBRg1DwM_b4b48skwI1BSisOoUAxapQ/s1600/optical+mouse+prank.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is your favorite April Fools' prank?</h3>
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Join us on Ravelry for the discussion</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Your Weekly Crochet Challenge </a>- 175 members and growing!</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_GkGQWKyG1Zyn7CJmQDcnV66LNOs0_HSSezf3ncZMiRP9LAi2LRh7F4aDOM0hurqgQ7eY-g1hZDDjQkO0jQmRo53hXnWafl559x47-uzYLgGZXJb7QPEXf30fp_2H8VCpJqsr8qMA_g/s1600/frog+fool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_GkGQWKyG1Zyn7CJmQDcnV66LNOs0_HSSezf3ncZMiRP9LAi2LRh7F4aDOM0hurqgQ7eY-g1hZDDjQkO0jQmRo53hXnWafl559x47-uzYLgGZXJb7QPEXf30fp_2H8VCpJqsr8qMA_g/s1600/frog+fool.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-18559173139745440022015-03-26T20:42:00.003-04:002015-03-26T20:42:53.198-04:00Week of 3/25/15: Let's Have a Ball!This week is all about yarn and different yarn weights. Our weekly challenge is to crochet a project using different yarn weights within the same project.<br />
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I made a skinny scarf for my project:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9kj5eiuS52lyuWoK0iUa43L2ZTpLMCH7nL8HkTQGvot2mynKDy8iYHWl7wqiOKsbOv5DNUAFKBnNqNCL5nNdjvHga4xR6c1BuNvUieh785EvC13tQzr9ztsOoSehmKYpaHruzVqE6IY/s1600/S2+Full+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9kj5eiuS52lyuWoK0iUa43L2ZTpLMCH7nL8HkTQGvot2mynKDy8iYHWl7wqiOKsbOv5DNUAFKBnNqNCL5nNdjvHga4xR6c1BuNvUieh785EvC13tQzr9ztsOoSehmKYpaHruzVqE6IY/s1600/S2+Full+size.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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It can also be worn as a cowl:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtif7dKgdI12QibyQPDPhsNahh1eZz4Q3NoKx5jIqiSU4TUvm5Cz6HVCAYJahREW_7G8SD0-m63hnuzFEeZVyTHRGxrz26NGdnCmWr8I502EM-R4XfbHiqQMfK4YxNnQBnzegAbYNMTgg/s1600/S3+Cowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtif7dKgdI12QibyQPDPhsNahh1eZz4Q3NoKx5jIqiSU4TUvm5Cz6HVCAYJahREW_7G8SD0-m63hnuzFEeZVyTHRGxrz26NGdnCmWr8I502EM-R4XfbHiqQMfK4YxNnQBnzegAbYNMTgg/s1600/S3+Cowl.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was pretty simple to make. I used 8 strands of different yarns held together as one, and I finger crocheted a simple chain out of them. The chain twisted in several spots, but I didn't care, I actually like how twisty it looks.<br />
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It was fun to make, and I have a lovely skinny scarf for next fall and winter. (I am so done thinking about winter! Let's get spring springing!) This idea would be a great project for a last minute gift, and is also a great de-stash project.<br />
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What project will you crochet with different yarn weights?</h3>
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Join us and Let's Have a Ball!</h3>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" style="color: #465925; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your Weekly Crochet Challenge </a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" style="color: #465925; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ravelry Group - 170 members and growing!</a></h3>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-8611580114607908152015-03-18T11:01:00.004-04:002015-03-18T11:03:13.250-04:00Week of 3/18/15: Egg-cellent!<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring arrives this week on Friday, March 20th, so our challenge this week is to crochet and decorate an egg. While most of us associate decorated eggs with Easter, the early symbolism of the egg relates to fertility, life, and the renewal of life.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodeggs.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read a great article about the history of eggs from <a href="http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodeggs.html" target="_blank">foodtimeline.org</a>. Scroll down to the symbolism section.<br />
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I crocheted my egg using yarn that I had dyed with Kool-aid, but there are many ways to decorate your egg. You could add beads, “paint your yarn”, add tiny flowers, make it into an amigurumi chick, whatever you wish. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfPxXSpjOoKP4CYKtgxnXREBJug31BJVikJqqH5vov9qPwqjNFV0acfvL6Z4f0OZn0Rej-hmaWMTbzNUyUZfysG5yVoR9oqDuIBx-2tcbi5F4P8XajevYt3hZSHD_zXii4Lswp0_D-fA/s1600/egg+cellent+egg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfPxXSpjOoKP4CYKtgxnXREBJug31BJVikJqqH5vov9qPwqjNFV0acfvL6Z4f0OZn0Rej-hmaWMTbzNUyUZfysG5yVoR9oqDuIBx-2tcbi5F4P8XajevYt3hZSHD_zXii4Lswp0_D-fA/s1600/egg+cellent+egg+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below is my egg pattern to get you started. Have fun with it and be creative!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Egg – cellent egg crochet pattern</b></span><br />
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
Small amounts of medium weight yarn, size H (5 mm) crochet hook, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, stitch marker.<br />
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<b>Special stitch: single crochet decrease (sc dec)</b><br />
I like to use an invisible sc dec when I am crocheting amigurumi, or anything where you won’t see the wrong side. It is worked over two stitches to form a decrease.<br />
Insert hook in front loop of the first st. Keeping this loop on your hook, insert the hook in the next st through the front loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook. Draw your yarn through 2 of the loops on your hook. Yarn over, and draw through the 2 remaining loops on your hook to complete the stitch.<br />
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<b>Notes:</b> this egg is worked from the top down in a continuous spiral. The pattern does not include striping instructions, and I chose to make my sample sample using the continuous spiral because I didn’t want a seam. If you want to crochet stripes and keep them even, you can end each round with a slip stitch in the beginning stitch. To begin the next round, ch 1 and sc in the same stitch.<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
Rnd 1 (RS): ch 2, work 6 sc into 2nd ch from hook. (6 sc)<br />
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Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc. (12 sc)<br />
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Rnd 3: *sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. (18 sc)<br />
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Rnd 4: sc in each sc.<br />
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Rnd 5: *sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. (24 sc)<br />
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Rnd 6: sc in each sc.<br />
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Rnd 7: *sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next. (30 sc)<br />
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Rnd 8 thru 11: sc in each sc.<br />
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Rnd 12: *sc in next 3 sc, sc dec. Rep from * around. (24 sc)<br />
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Rnd 13: *sc in next 2 sc, sc dec. Rep from * around. Stuff with fiberfill. (18 sc)<br />
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Rnd 14: *sc in next sc, sc dec. Rep from * around. (12 sc)<br />
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Rnd 15: *sc dec. Rep from * around. (6 sc)<br />
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Fasten off leaving a length for sewing, and sew remaining rnd closed.<br />
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<b>Abbreviations:</b><br />
Ch(s) – chain(s)<br />
Rnd(s) – round(s)<br />
RS – right side<br />
Sc – single crochet<br />
Sc dec – single crochet decrease<br />
St - stitch<br />
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How will you decorate your egg? Celebrate spring and enjoy!</h3>
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Join us and have some fun<br />as we share a new crochet challenge each week</h4>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Your Weekly Crochet Challenge </a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Ravelry Group - 170 members and growing!</a></h3>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-6943296241150821282015-03-11T11:44:00.002-04:002015-03-11T11:44:35.677-04:00Week of 3/11/2015 - Happy Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week it's all about birthdays for our weekly challenge:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">It’s probably been ten years at least since I received this gift from my friend Christine. It is not a crochet item, but it helps me to crochet every day. She gave me the gift of an Ott-Lite. I didn’t realize how useful and helpful it was until I started using it. I have it next to my chair in my craft room, and I literally do use it every day. I see truer colors in my yarns and of course it helps to see clearly and I'm not straining my eyes to read. It is a floor stand model, and I like it so much that I bought a few table top versions to place elsewhere in the house.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">What was your favorite crochet related gift you received and/or gave to someone else?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fun and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cupcake-4" target="_blank">Cupcakes!</a> Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join us </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and have some fun </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">as we share a new crochet challenge each week</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Your Weekly Crochet Challenge</a> Ravelry Group - 170 members and growing!</span></div>
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Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-6672190472100158272015-03-04T08:26:00.000-05:002015-03-04T08:28:00.724-05:00Week of 3/4/2015 - Whoo hoo! It's a Celebration!<h3>
It's a brand new Ravelry group: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Your Weekly Crochet Challenge</a></h3>
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Kicking off just in time to celebrate National Crochet Month. So jump on in and join us for new challenges, new friends, and all things crochet!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge">http://www.ravelry.com/groups/your-weekly-crochet-challenge</a><br />
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Whoo hoo! It's a Celebration!</h3>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-14615545091905863752015-03-02T12:07:00.001-05:002015-03-02T12:10:11.851-05:00Week 52: Hurray! What a Fun and Challenging Year it's Been. What Was Your Favorite?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! It is so hard to believe that a year has gone by already. This is the final week of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge,</a> and the last challenge is to discuss your favorite challenge and why. (But, they are all my favorites!)<br />
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The most challenging and time consuming, for me, was <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/11/week-37-and-week-38-using-color-theory.html" target="_blank">Week 38: Create an analogous color scarf.</a> I had the squares completed around the date of the challenge, but it took me much, much, longer to actually complete the scarf and take pictures. I am so happy that I completed it, and I have a colorful and bright companion for the last few weeks of winter.<br />
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On the flip side (pun intended!), we had a challenge to make a beach or summer fun project for <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/06/week-17-celebrate-first-day-of-summer.html" target="_blank">Week 17.</a> I designed a pair of <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/06/week-17-celebrate-first-day-of-summer.html" target="_blank">flip flop socks</a> (which I am so looking forward to wearing again!), and I included a tutorial on how to make them on <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/06/week-17-celebrate-first-day-of-summer.html" target="_blank">my blog.</a> This challenge progressed very smoothly and seemed to come together in no time at all.<br />
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This year long project has been a challenge in many respects. When I created it, I told myself that I would not beat myself up if I did not complete every challenge. This attitude made it much more enjoyable, and I did have a lot of fun with it.<br />
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In the beginning, my intentions were to keep <a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my blog</a> updated and to keep a blog roll of participants. I really wanted to discover new things about crochet and to inspire myself to design some new patterns. Over time, my focus moved towards my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Ravelry group.</a> This group has been the most rewarding part of the project. I learned some new things, met some terrific friends, read their heartfelt, funny, wonderful (and sometimes sad) stories, laughed a lot, and found myself loving crochet even more.<br />
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Thanks so much for a great year!<br />
Julie<br />
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Beginning March 4th, 2015:<br />
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Inspire… Motivate… Create… Share… </h4>
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<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">YOUR Weekly Crochet Challenge</a></h4>
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Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-39354685736489370232015-02-24T10:26:00.002-05:002015-02-24T10:28:41.725-05:00Week 51: Make Some Crochet Bling Jewelry In Honor of the OscarsDid you watch the Oscars on Sunday, the 22nd? If not, here is a list of the nominees and winners:<br />
<a href="http://oscar.go.com/nominees">http://oscar.go.com/nominees</a><br />
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In honor of this red carpet event, this week's Challenge was to create some crocheted jewelry. Previously I had found a vintage pattern for a cocktail ring:<br />
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I purchased some Stretch Magic 1mm elastic cord, used re-purposed beads (6mm), and a small hook. To say the least, it was a frustrating experiment! This type of cord is all plastic and extremely slippery to crochet with. Another problem is that the 1mm cord is too large. So, I searched for another pattern and found this <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20011116212809/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/boutique.html" target="_blank">Boutique Ring</a> archived pattern on <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20011116212809/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/boutique.html" target="_blank">Groovy Crochet</a>. I found a <a href="http://www.joann.com/basic-cord-variety-pack/11056256.html#q=bead+cord+variety&start=3" target="_blank">variety pack of cord</a> at Jo-Ann's to experiment with and the .5mm sparkle elastic cord worked great! It is more of a fabric type cord that has a silver thread wound through it. It also helped to use a <i>larger</i> hook, size D/3.<br />
Here's my ring:<br />
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I'm glad I didn't give up and took the time to finish this project. It's been a great reminder that having the proper tools and detailed instructions make crocheting so much more enjoyable!<br />
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Thanks for joining me this week for my Week 51 Crochet Challenge.<br />
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New Challenges and a new format coming soon! </h3>
Join us on Ravelry:<br />
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge<br />
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-23653808316768887902015-01-15T12:13:00.000-05:002015-01-15T12:16:31.295-05:00Week 46: Make a Row Counter Bracelet to Keep Track of Your ProjectsThis week the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a> is to make a row counter bracelet. For inspiration and a great how-to, check out this great tutorial by Sutherland Studios, <a href="http://sutherland-studios.com.au/free/rowcounter.php" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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I decided to go in a different direction with my bracelet. I used silver tone oval shaped memory wire, and two sizes of beads. The smaller beads (6 mm) are for counting rows 1 through 9, and the larger beads (8 mm) are for counting rows in groups of ten. This bracelet will count up to 99 rows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDn9ZL4xi76Yy6Rsm_hIANvKtmvAfRTbfFckXkeFq-oBlELJGKDagt4PjyHDf9Kkc-lEsWlp2_Sa5zYQRSQtm5XJLvyLjRfXceaAO8PqAb9JvfdZVpu29PweS1l5IC7F5CF31GhihFiw/s1600/rowcounter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDn9ZL4xi76Yy6Rsm_hIANvKtmvAfRTbfFckXkeFq-oBlELJGKDagt4PjyHDf9Kkc-lEsWlp2_Sa5zYQRSQtm5XJLvyLjRfXceaAO8PqAb9JvfdZVpu29PweS1l5IC7F5CF31GhihFiw/s1600/rowcounter1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qM1sRbypUbufHSp044qtPPAWsob00aA5fe5zSIIUPwgDFNuAwXN4mJ7ROzy_RFNIFwXbaY-OSoMmN5pDXYkPwoGGlQgywkQlOsdRSVycYdSNuBpL4f09pWdPCdrpUwKer8djEUoKqPQ/s1600/rowcounter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qM1sRbypUbufHSp044qtPPAWsob00aA5fe5zSIIUPwgDFNuAwXN4mJ7ROzy_RFNIFwXbaY-OSoMmN5pDXYkPwoGGlQgywkQlOsdRSVycYdSNuBpL4f09pWdPCdrpUwKer8djEUoKqPQ/s1600/rowcounter3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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To keep the beads centered on each strand, I glued very small silver beads on each side of each bead row, making sure to leave enough room between the beads for attaching a lobster claw clasp. I think the silver beads are actually crimp beads, although I did not crimp them, but used BeadFix glue by Beadalon to secure them. This glue worked very well and dried quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihKZqLBTCeRqnKIf_fM-S6b3lrZ8BzrYxz_Roori2_y6HjkJuPCRMZg_AVxX7Xy_hdLaxRANvvuAx2NJgevc13fqzgM0uuG6kc1ZCqGGTwNnOBizUaLHh1UQyeuKxp6QgKSzrcZThWNs/s1600/DSCN0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihKZqLBTCeRqnKIf_fM-S6b3lrZ8BzrYxz_Roori2_y6HjkJuPCRMZg_AVxX7Xy_hdLaxRANvvuAx2NJgevc13fqzgM0uuG6kc1ZCqGGTwNnOBizUaLHh1UQyeuKxp6QgKSzrcZThWNs/s1600/DSCN0777.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am using a fine silver chain with small lobster claw clasps on each end to keep track of both sets of row counts. In the front view photo above, you can see where I have them attached, and that I have 51 rows completed. I mark the rows right to left, and one clasp is to the left of one small bead (which equals 1 row) and the other is attached after 5 large beads (which equals 50 rows). The nice thing about using these clasps is that they are very secure and you won't lose your place, even when you take the bracelet off.<br />
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Here's another photo to give you a better idea of how I constructed it. On each wire end I used round nose pliers to make small loops so the wire won't scratch my wrists.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSFHbIEWmKhd2H2dKk4ejrL_TCgTnWQ8gqGCJE5N6nu3fyzoh_5xv7cvtYHxFpjEqNw7rb_S4rbnfYUBWQR_rqds7ppYBhyphenhyphengzGnat_hAtkedxSgr6CQ8iriH4v7nMKsv9tvDIHoEChOA/s1600/DSCN0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSFHbIEWmKhd2H2dKk4ejrL_TCgTnWQ8gqGCJE5N6nu3fyzoh_5xv7cvtYHxFpjEqNw7rb_S4rbnfYUBWQR_rqds7ppYBhyphenhyphengzGnat_hAtkedxSgr6CQ8iriH4v7nMKsv9tvDIHoEChOA/s1600/DSCN0776.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Material list:<br />
Silver tone oval shaped memory wire<br />
9 small beads (6 mm)<br />
9 large beads (8 mm)<br />
4 silver crimp beads<br />
2 lobster claw clasps<br />
Silver tone chain, approx. 2 inches long (make sure it's long enough to mark both bead rows, end to end)<br />
2 small jump rings (for attaching the chain to the lobster clasps)<br />
Jewelry/bead glue<br />
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Tools:<br />
Wire cutter<br />
Round nose pliers<br />
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I hope the challenge this week has inspired you to create your own row counter bracelet. Your bracelet just might become one of your favorite and most often used tools.<br />
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Enjoy, and thanks for joining me for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/52-week-crochet-challenge/3115466/1-25#2" target="_blank">week 46</a> of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSAJpXU37eIBLvcAHKViD-Wiukm09AnexiAXCKmtaxN9Z84IMcv2uKIApvjr4Jva6zwGLK7PVwDQMijdTmk4KhWYNSHZrdPfHcGMTDnppWmlTf6pYY0Trv7PipH-_WABPJyGzCivv6h0/s1600/squiggle+divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSAJpXU37eIBLvcAHKViD-Wiukm09AnexiAXCKmtaxN9Z84IMcv2uKIApvjr4Jva6zwGLK7PVwDQMijdTmk4KhWYNSHZrdPfHcGMTDnppWmlTf6pYY0Trv7PipH-_WABPJyGzCivv6h0/s1600/squiggle+divider.png" height="32" width="320" /></a></div>
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Join the conversation on Ravelry:<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge">http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge</a><br />
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Be sure to check back in the coming weeks for an announcement </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
about new Challenges for 2015!</h3>
<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-17440002059354431892014-12-17T10:58:00.000-05:002015-01-24T10:59:30.091-05:00Week 42: Celebrate the First Day of Winter by Crocheting a SnowflakeFor this week's challenge I wanted to take the opportunity to explore new technology and how to incorporate it into my crochet. Many people I know use their phones and tablets exclusively to keep track of their projects and patterns. I, on the other hand, still like to use a paper copy that I can carry in my project bag and make notes on. Inevitably, I make changes to written patterns and I also like to keep track of the small details, such as when I start/complete a project, which hook I am using, and so on. I have a Kindle Paperwhite, which I love and always have with me, so when I found these snowflake patterns available, I decided to give it a go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXYqmOqhN3DRu8IFtpJ04Se_tGbPvIPoNRCjueZ224mEvHaRJ4yFftPPQ0YdqcVfRs0BxH9lOSIDK-sXXw06wiO1KLfWe5iDtbY2BAT6cV2s-sngBm6eU9iUe3V4dhye_I9f1iS-U8sY/s1600/Kindle+Snowflakes+leaflet+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXYqmOqhN3DRu8IFtpJ04Se_tGbPvIPoNRCjueZ224mEvHaRJ4yFftPPQ0YdqcVfRs0BxH9lOSIDK-sXXw06wiO1KLfWe5iDtbY2BAT6cV2s-sngBm6eU9iUe3V4dhye_I9f1iS-U8sY/s1600/Kindle+Snowflakes+leaflet+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SNOWFLAKES-Crochet-Pattern-crochet-symbol-ebook/dp/B00QQC2UEU/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1422113851&sr=1-4&keywords=snowflakes+crochet" target="_blank">leaflet by Petra Tomack-Zimmerman</a> has written instructions as well as crochet charts, which is what I used to create my snowflakes. I ended up making small changes to the last round of Snowflake 3, but it was easy to add notes to the pattern on my Kindle. Since my devices are synced, my notes are available when using my Kindle, tablet, or computer. Below are the results of my experiment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOZdNe9yydF6CvGGKQknM_tu7fhz58dER_pJNxb4uGVLUgMKx93HKXIr8u72kg3jzMtQmHEB4oynZ2xxaGPd0KCQri3iLBS_lWEjTMnPnZwuinBywgIWb33Grk7Oh7_B2Zzns98BftI/s1600/Week+42+Snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOZdNe9yydF6CvGGKQknM_tu7fhz58dER_pJNxb4uGVLUgMKx93HKXIr8u72kg3jzMtQmHEB4oynZ2xxaGPd0KCQri3iLBS_lWEjTMnPnZwuinBywgIWb33Grk7Oh7_B2Zzns98BftI/s1600/Week+42+Snowflakes.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed making these snowflakes using my Kindle, and I can see myself using this technology much more in the future.<br />
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Happy Winter!<br />
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-52017892815068088812014-11-19T12:16:00.000-05:002015-02-27T20:09:39.491-05:00Week 37 and Week 38: Using Color Theory to Create an Analogous Color Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY1mFz8AQbwmN5QU-aQalfZQp4QwLY9B-ri7sj7TrmRY7D_N7Ku3tI-O6KxB-RKK5fQcWxe9oYhaTd6aiuaQVHdbL3LsV6vVXjwi1sRnPiyEwii5TsVtvyNCwzVgkmBRFrpwl4VB4nLI/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY1mFz8AQbwmN5QU-aQalfZQp4QwLY9B-ri7sj7TrmRY7D_N7Ku3tI-O6KxB-RKK5fQcWxe9oYhaTd6aiuaQVHdbL3LsV6vVXjwi1sRnPiyEwii5TsVtvyNCwzVgkmBRFrpwl4VB4nLI/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The Challenge for week 37 is to learn or review color theory and to find a small block crochet pattern of three rounds to be used for next week's project. I found a great tutorial on color theory from <a href="http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm#Color_Wheel" target="_blank">Tiger Color</a> that you can find <a href="http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm#Color_Wheel" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcpceHjTG6sRs9maPhJcuXNv-GbF1sXeuAQZwFxs3AdHSwpFfFYih8sItHc_Pu2dDBHHahCH9Bo_plxAyEs6HxRD5zDPnNj1xYAqN3en2cr8brDuwSfeXl2XZFVeo-OETeh5W__G0d6w/s1600/ColorWheel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcpceHjTG6sRs9maPhJcuXNv-GbF1sXeuAQZwFxs3AdHSwpFfFYih8sItHc_Pu2dDBHHahCH9Bo_plxAyEs6HxRD5zDPnNj1xYAqN3en2cr8brDuwSfeXl2XZFVeo-OETeh5W__G0d6w/s1600/ColorWheel1.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Challenge for week 38 is to create an analogous color scarf using the crochet block pattern from last week. Analogous colors are 3 colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Yellow, yellow green, and green are analogous. Instead of using only 3 colors for my scarf, I got a little bit ambitious and decided to use them all! (Kind of gives you an idea about how much stash I have, lol!)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's the <b>3 Round Block Pattern</b> I created (US terminology):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Small amounts of medium (worsted) weight yarn in three
colors<o:p></o:p></div>
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Size H (5 mm) crochet hook<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Stitches:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Ch 3</u> at beg counts as a dc<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Ch 4</u> at beg counts as a dc plus ch 1<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Beg CL</u> (beginning cluster): * yo, insert hook into st and
pull up a loop, yo, and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * twice. Yo, pull
though rem 4 loops on hook. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>CL</u> (cluster): * yo, insert hook into st and pull up a loop, yo, and
pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * three times. Yo, pull though rem 5
loops on hook.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Dc2tog</u> (to join blocks together): Yo, insert hook in st of
the first block to be joined and pull up a loop, yo, and pull through 2 loops
on hook. Yo, insert hook in the corresponding st of the second block and pull
up a loop (you will have 4 loops on your hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops on
hook, yo, pull through remaining 3 loops on hook. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Instructions:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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With color A, ch 5 and join to form a ring.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Round 1 (RS): ch 4 (counts as a dc and ch 1). * Dc in ring,
ch 1. Rep from * 6 times. Join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch. Fasten off.
(8dc, 8 ch 1s)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Round 2: attach color B with a sl st in any ch 1 sp. Ch 3,
work Beg CL in same ch 1 sp. * (Ch 3, CL) in each ch 1 sp. Rep from * 6 times.
Ch 3, join in top of Beg CL. Fasten off. (8 clusters, 8 ch 3 sps)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Round 3: attach color C with a sl st in any ch 3 sp. Ch 3,
work 2 dc in same ch 3 sp. *(3 dc, ch 3, 3dc) in next ch 3 sp for corner. Work
3 dc in next ch 3 sp. Rep from *2 times. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch 3 sp.
Join in top of beg ch. Fasten off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Abbreviations:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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beg - beginning<o:p></o:p></div>
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ch(s) - chain(s)<o:p></o:p></div>
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dc - double crochet<o:p></o:p></div>
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rep - repeat<o:p></o:p></div>
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RS - right side<o:p></o:p></div>
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sl st - slip stitch<o:p></o:p></div>
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sp(s) – space(s)<o:p></o:p></div>
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st(s) - stitch(es)</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Using the color wheel, going clockwise, I began with yellow for round 1. Round 2 is yellow-orange, and round 3 is orange. This is the first block in row A below.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-TbzYQLgTXzC76yv5zkRyMzCEZcD92yn2EHfqEg9Wyy7PX4jiIyeeojtFP9rqR1_6tvtaGhwmbc-GWolWXN-Ce9ykbZuEI8MsjlwiWnMZa_4HIJkrG4aXZ4n9R-EQraRPz4737JkBkY/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-TbzYQLgTXzC76yv5zkRyMzCEZcD92yn2EHfqEg9Wyy7PX4jiIyeeojtFP9rqR1_6tvtaGhwmbc-GWolWXN-Ce9ykbZuEI8MsjlwiWnMZa_4HIJkrG4aXZ4n9R-EQraRPz4737JkBkY/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+3a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
The next block in row A uses the next 3 colors on the color wheel; red-orange, red, and red-violet. I completed the next 2 blocks in the same manner for a total of 4 blocks, which uses all the colors on the wheel. For the 2nd set of 4 blocks in row A, I did the same thing, but began with the color next to yellow, from which the first block started. Confused yet? Here's some pictures to help you visualize it. Keep in mind I'm only describing the bottom row A.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9YKV2tSF-wXZGXELjoJ0uQJF3XQ4JQKDZdf8J052kidyRScvAVaC3yMpxx7HjTN_z8iJ7HrXOCspyF81JkQNz5FNlIYwmq8d6j6LEHbs1PHzRz-psWJNTUNpaZ739Mit7-1NhIyxDSo/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9YKV2tSF-wXZGXELjoJ0uQJF3XQ4JQKDZdf8J052kidyRScvAVaC3yMpxx7HjTN_z8iJ7HrXOCspyF81JkQNz5FNlIYwmq8d6j6LEHbs1PHzRz-psWJNTUNpaZ739Mit7-1NhIyxDSo/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+2a.JPG" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First 4 blocks, right to left, beginning with yellow on the color wheel going clockwise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupiTDhUVFrCV4UDBMpw6nr4UXTofwnHRntubTkxp8M6dK6IQPOOKMIN4MkaMTPSpggQNvq9MuVwbyormTai2W_OHqwvwqz3gEEXf4TpmEjf77pXcUN-ZaaxekkEP0xXvmCtL8g1513lQ/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+2b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupiTDhUVFrCV4UDBMpw6nr4UXTofwnHRntubTkxp8M6dK6IQPOOKMIN4MkaMTPSpggQNvq9MuVwbyormTai2W_OHqwvwqz3gEEXf4TpmEjf77pXcUN-ZaaxekkEP0xXvmCtL8g1513lQ/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+2b.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd set of 4 blocks, beginning with yellow-orange on the color wheel, again using analogous colors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPN7MH6tabl4kg9wHzElk9oQguK5gG65rHn6MKdO1ne5i42Q2Ahf5XIPPeNwb0naZsGQCYakScxRhFFZj-qEqVB4wpx-XLGiVsJD2M5wPNIVUqOijMts1ViwZtETfGLFl2Kf4nu5TFZc/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+2c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPN7MH6tabl4kg9wHzElk9oQguK5gG65rHn6MKdO1ne5i42Q2Ahf5XIPPeNwb0naZsGQCYakScxRhFFZj-qEqVB4wpx-XLGiVsJD2M5wPNIVUqOijMts1ViwZtETfGLFl2Kf4nu5TFZc/s1600/Analogous+Color+Scarf+2c.JPG" height="197" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3rd set of 4 blocks, beginning with orange.</td></tr>
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For row B of my scarf I inverted each block of color. Block 1 row A is worked in this color order; yellow, yellow-orange, orange. For row B, I began with orange for round 1, yellow-orange for round 2, and yellow for round 3.<br />
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I joined the squares together using black yarn and dc2tog.<br />
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I didn't intend to make it complicated, and it didn't seem so while crocheting it, but explaining it is more difficult. I hope this post makes sense! I really did enjoy making this scarf and it was a fun experiment with lots of color and creativity.<br />
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Thanks for joining me for week 37 and 38 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!<br />
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-54865741146124834442014-10-26T10:43:00.002-04:002014-10-26T10:44:41.045-04:00RBC Etsy shop hits a milestone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxNlRhIzmCWASvZnMofLOyMceVPWdyoIx9NNu8-WFzLpAEulLFrA3iebiA8ItRrLcAxkcGzsnj74KRGGHZmbRw0vKz_FpTS3BDOXs2uaPe3gPxb6zdCoXKEBeEw6uRAxQ9VcE42buASo/s1600/ReflectCelebrateCreate+JPG+Text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxNlRhIzmCWASvZnMofLOyMceVPWdyoIx9NNu8-WFzLpAEulLFrA3iebiA8ItRrLcAxkcGzsnj74KRGGHZmbRw0vKz_FpTS3BDOXs2uaPe3gPxb6zdCoXKEBeEw6uRAxQ9VcE42buASo/s1600/ReflectCelebrateCreate+JPG+Text.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week <a href="http://redberrycrochet.etsy.com/">redberrycrochet.etsy.com</a> reached its 1000th sale! </h3>
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In celebration, now through November 3rd, use coupon code RBC1000 at checkout to receive 15% off your order.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you!</b></span></div>
Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-29937443546401904382014-10-08T10:01:00.000-04:002014-10-08T10:02:49.933-04:00Week 32: Make a Blanket or Toy For Your Furry FriendsI had great hopes for this week's Challenge having thought about what I was going to do well over a week ago. I've been working on my project and I even had a blog post title picked out: Waffles and Sunday Drives.<br />
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Well, the best laid plans . . .<br />
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So, here's what I have so far, a pet blanket that is taking me FOREVER to finish. Believe it or not, this is row 71!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtX3UBtVSRwdPWxB01ovMJkSVuAsl7vmwHXBKTsxyp5Qe_Rgxj2hABmgusy2AEGwgtHCXRMLrcBjs1ulZ65aXu-PM35nhf1w49C1fUFOnMnfuYPredVZqu-p-wmPZWc9xI5JS9ScDeIE/s1600/waffle+st+pet+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtX3UBtVSRwdPWxB01ovMJkSVuAsl7vmwHXBKTsxyp5Qe_Rgxj2hABmgusy2AEGwgtHCXRMLrcBjs1ulZ65aXu-PM35nhf1w49C1fUFOnMnfuYPredVZqu-p-wmPZWc9xI5JS9ScDeIE/s1600/waffle+st+pet+blanket.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is crocheted with the waffle stitch (here's where the waffle part of my original blog title would have come in) and it's a <i>very small </i>stitch. For some reason, I kept on with it despite the wonkiness and its out of shape unevenness. It's pretty much a hot mess. But, since I've gotten this far, I do plan on finishing it. I like to use blankets like these in the car when we are driving (here's the Sunday drive reference for the blog title, but I'm not sure why, we really don't take Sunday drives, maybe it's an idyllic reference?) when I have my Yorkie on my lap. Her feet are very pokey otherwise and this way she can curl up and relax. The waffle stitch is comparable to what you see in thermal wear, small pocket shaped stitches that keep the heat in. It's pretty thick too, like a pad. When I finish it, I plan on putting a simple border around it. My hope is that somehow a border will make it look more even.<br />
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Here's my girl I'm making it for:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKDkbpRtaYbgoxYHJvNIdqjYGyzCejNxyu_ALqvm2k2DdPifuvpmkXJT1DZfVtjMVPAKAqfpHCoiv-pJbnzWfzo5y30SyLx2ZfNMnKzAFDusTFni9-lOXi8wB3m51IUmQWxrRgdiRRg0/s1600/Daph+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKDkbpRtaYbgoxYHJvNIdqjYGyzCejNxyu_ALqvm2k2DdPifuvpmkXJT1DZfVtjMVPAKAqfpHCoiv-pJbnzWfzo5y30SyLx2ZfNMnKzAFDusTFni9-lOXi8wB3m51IUmQWxrRgdiRRg0/s1600/Daph+pic.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Her name is Daphne (a.k.a. The Bean):<br />
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Here's a picture of my "girls", Sally, Daphne and Abby:<br />
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This week for me has really been a challenge, but one I hope to finish soon. I will post a picture of the blanket when I finish it.<br />
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Thanks for joining me for week 32 of the 52 Week Challenge!</h3>
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It's never too late to join in the fun:</h4>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-26634703917398580972014-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T06:00:04.361-04:00Week 31: It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month - Crochet a Toy or Blanket For Your Local Shelter<div class="p0" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and in recognition of that, this week’s Challenge is to make a blanket or toy to give to your local animal shelter. </div>
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When I first started crocheting, making pet blankets was a great way to practice my stitches and it started me on the path to becoming a designer. They are terrific projects for beginner crocheters and the blankets can be made by working rows or by working in rounds. I still have those blankets I made years ago, they wear really well and have been laundered many, many, times. </div>
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Contact your local shelter first to make sure they will accept your blanket or toy donation. You can also check out the <a href="http://www.snugglesproject.org/" target="_blank">Snuggles Project here.</a> This website is a great resource for finding shelters, and they also have a free pattern library. The Snuggles Project has been around for years, and I am happy to see they are still up and running. </div>
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For other ways to help your local shelter, check out the list at <a href="https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/october-is-adopt-a-shelter-dog-month/">PetFinder.com.</a> There are many great suggestions, such as helping to promote special events for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.</div>
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One of my first self published patterns is a swirly cat toy. Pictured below is my most adorable cat B.C., who sadly, is no longer with us. I love to look at this picture of him though, he was quite the character - a fierce warrior, and yet a snuggly cuddle bear. He was the first pet we adopted when we moved into our new home. He got a new home too, and we got the best cat - ever!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirly-mice-toys-for-cats" target="_blank">Click here for the free Swirly Mouse Toy pdf crochet pattern </a></span></div>
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Thanks for joining me for week 31 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</h3>
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It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up,<br />just jump right in:</h4>
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Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-17351578107740422092014-09-17T18:53:00.001-04:002014-09-17T18:54:34.358-04:00Week 29: Celebrate Fall With Colors or LeavesIt’s hard to believe that Fall is almost upon us. It starts September 23rd, and in celebration, this week’s Challenge is to crochet some fall leaves, or to create a project using fall colors. This is an easy challenge for me, because they are my favorite colors.<br />
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I am lucky to have a replica of my maternal grandfather’s family tree hanging in my living room and I’ve used it for my color scheme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreV9yC_AB3Z-5rxHmV_EJOkoETA1LdDNfm-eS5AYWhDIkmTrv_ufztgS5sFwvqbQeDW8RzUeOAf6M3Yeeh5Z6R6-eEmOXjg2FVlpp3rILFkjXprqRaPDu6IeMTAQfus1eSFGwPJw6WRg/s1600/Week+29+FamilyTree+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreV9yC_AB3Z-5rxHmV_EJOkoETA1LdDNfm-eS5AYWhDIkmTrv_ufztgS5sFwvqbQeDW8RzUeOAf6M3Yeeh5Z6R6-eEmOXjg2FVlpp3rILFkjXprqRaPDu6IeMTAQfus1eSFGwPJw6WRg/s1600/Week+29+FamilyTree+1.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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I also have a round braided rug that has the same colors in it. I’ve started a new <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-ripple-baby-blanket" target="_blank">12 point star afghan </a>that will highlight these colors. I’ve been playing around with the stripe pattern, as well as what yarns and colors I’m going to use. I’m still kind of undecided, so we’ll see how it goes.<br />
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I’ve made several of these star blankets, from baby size to huge afghans, and they are a blast to make! Several women in my crochet group have made them, and we all agree that the pattern looks difficult, but is quite easy to do. It’s a great time of year to start a large project like this, and as the days grow colder, it’s nice to have it on my lap while working on it.<br />
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How do you plan to celebrate Fall?<br />
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Thanks for joining me for week 29 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</h3>
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It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up,<br />just jump right in:</h4>
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Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-37063241519253556452014-08-27T11:33:00.000-04:002014-09-03T11:34:34.182-04:00Week 26: Organize Your Project Bag and Crochet KitThese days I tend to travel with a much lighter project bag. A friend of mine gave me the lovely tote bag you see pictured. She made it herself out of a chicken feed bag and I love it immensely! It's very roomy and will even hold an afghan. I have a smaller tote that I carry inside the bag that is meant to be used to hold wine bottles, but it makes a great yarn organizer instead! It holds up to six skeins of yarn and I can tuck my kit and hook in them also. The organizer also makes it a fast job to change out my tote bag too. Lately I've been busy crocheting mittens, texting mittens and fingerless gloves to sell in my other Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/redberry4you" target="_blank">RedBerry4You</a>, this holiday season.<br />
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The pink kit pictured is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Knit-Kit-Essential-Knitting/dp/B00IUZEH8S" target="_blank">The Knit Kit</a> that I purchased online. I can't remember where I bought it, but it was on sale at the time. It is a bit pricey, but I find myself relying on it so much that if I ever lost it I would replace it right away. It has a row counter, tape measure, yarn cutter, scissors, and a small compartment that holds my yarn needles, yarn threader and stitch markers. It also has a crochet hook that knitters use to pick up dropped stitches, but I consider it back up, just in case ;) Oh yeah, and it's pink!<br />
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The most important part of my project bag and kit are that they keep me organized and always ready to get to stitching. How do you organize your projects?<br />
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Thanks for joining me for week 26 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</h3>
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It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up,<br />just jump right in:</h4>
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-89284985230797700022014-08-06T09:29:00.003-04:002014-08-06T09:29:49.838-04:00Week 23: Make Some Crochet Art!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My inspiration for the Challenge this week is from the word art pictured above. I made this a few years ago and it hangs above my desk where I see it every day. The colors are bright and happy and it's a reminder (not that I really need one!) of why I love crochet so much.<br />
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For this week I made another word art creation and used one of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197507852/rectangle-rug-crochet-pattern-pdf-a?ref=listing-0" target="_blank">crochet pattern <u>descriptions</u></a> for the text:<br />
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I really enjoy this medium because I can be artistic without having to draw, or paint, and I love words and typography, and of course, color. To try it yourself, check out <a href="http://wordle.net./" target="_blank">wordle.net.</a><br />
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I hope this inspires you to create some crochet art that you will enjoy, whether it's created from wordle or not. What inspires you?<br />
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<b>Thanks for joining me for Week 23 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</b></div>
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Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-29001107652883681122014-07-23T09:29:00.000-04:002014-09-24T09:36:16.077-04:00Week 21: What is Your Favorite Crochet Hook and Why?This week's challenge is to talk about my favorite crochet hook. That's pretty simple really, I prefer any hook that I happen to have in my hand at the moment! But seriously, I do prefer wood hooks. They are warm in my hand and my "regulars" have a nice patina on them from being used so often. I have a set of birch Brittany hooks that are my "go to" set, and which I use when designing. It's easy for me to keep a consistent tension and gauge with these. I only have a few that are walnut wood, they no longer make them and they have become quite collectible, but you can easily find birch hooks for sale.<br />
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A friend of mine gave me this lovely wood hook with an adorable hen on top. It is such a fun hook!<br />
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I also have a small collection growing. These hooks have polymer clay handles. The flower patterns are very intricate and colorful. I can only imagine that it took many, many, hours just to create the flowers, and yet, they were not very expensive. I found them on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=polymer%20handle%20crochet%20hook" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
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The lovely hook below is made of abalone. It is quite a different feel to use because of its curved handle. These can be found on the <a href="http://www.lacis.com/catalog/data/AB_Crochet.html" target="_blank">Lacis website</a>.<br />
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The hook below was also a gift. It is made of stainless steel and would be used for thread crochet. It's not very comfortable to hold because of the decoration, but it is unique, which is what I love about it.<br />
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I hope you've enjoyed taking a peek at my hook collection. What is your favorite hook? I'm always interested to know what other crocheters prefer.</div>
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Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-3271418703205522272014-07-20T22:16:00.001-04:002014-07-20T22:16:39.973-04:00Week 20: It's Christmas in July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week's challenge makes me feel like I have a chance to get ahead of my holiday crochet projects. One tradition I have is that I like to make a Christmasy potholder to give as gifts to family members. Last year I considered doing something else, but at Thanksgiving dinner my sister-in-laws were talking about them, wondering what the potholder would be. Well, that pleasantly surprised me, so I got busy and found a pretty <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20101124170058/http:/lindaslists.net/snowflakeph.htm" target="_blank">snowflake potholder</a>. Unfortunately, I didn't give myself enough time, so at the last minute I was crocheting like a mad woman, driving myself nuts.<br />
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This year I'm hoping July is early enough! I considered designing my own pattern, but then I found this from the Country Meadow Settings leaflet by The Needlecraft Shop.<br />
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I think I'm going to make the Cardinal. It's Christmas colors but not too Christmasy, but a pretty winter theme. I've already made the front piece of one and the cardinal for it, but my bird is too big, so I'll have to adjust my hook sizes. I'll post pics when I have one finished.<br />
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Merry Christmas in July!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Thanks for joining me for week 20 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up, just jump right in:</b></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia Crocheting In the Garden at Marly<br />
Mary Cassatt, 1880</td></tr>
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I've always joked that crocheting helps to keep me sane. But what if there are health benefits to crochet? I've had students in my beginning classes tell me that their doctor suggested crochet as a way to help with hand pain. I also know from personal experience that it is a stress reliever. Beyond that I hadn't thought much about it at all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/">Kathryn Vercillo, Crochet Concupiscence</a>, however, has thought about it a lot. She's also written about it in her book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Saved-My-Life-Physical/dp/1478190450">Crochet Saved My Life</a></i>. Currently, she is taking a survey on her blog and is asking for more responses. I've taken it myself, and I'm very interested to learn what the results conclude. I hope you'll take a few minutes to share have your experiences. Has crochet had health benefits for you?<br />
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Survey:</div>
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<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/crochetsaveslives">https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/crochetsaveslives</a></div>
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About:</div>
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<a href="http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2014/06/crochet-health-survey-press-release-please-share/">http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2014/06/crochet-health-survey-press-release-please-share/</a></div>
Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-10057880798659825382014-07-02T06:00:00.000-04:002014-07-20T22:17:44.496-04:00Week 18: Crochet in Movies or TV<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Week 18: Name a movie or TV show in which someone is crocheting, or that has a crocheted item in it.</span></div>
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Back in October of 2012 I was watching the TV show <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1759136/" target="_blank">Hollywood Treasures</a></i>. I honestly can't say too much about it except that one of the cast, Tracy McCall was wearing a really fun crocheted hat. I liked it so much that I paused the show long enough to sketch out the hat in my crochet notebook. I think about it sometimes, and may even work one up one of these days.<br />
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Another crocheted item that has caught my eye is from another TV show, but it's one that I haven't watched myself. I was reading the Ravelry forums and came across <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/needlework-on-the-net/2334894/1-25" target="_blank">this thread</a>. It is about the show <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2386354/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Breaking Amish</a> which has a crocheted afghan in it. It 's a very distinctive pattern and one that I am considering starting this fall. It just happened that <a href="http://www.loveofcrochet.com/index.html" target="_blank">Love of Crochet</a> magazine mailed me an offer and they included 2 free patterns, one of which is Rippling Ridges. It's a bit different, but has the same stitch pattern in a shallower chevron. So, I now have a pattern, I'll just need to choose my colors. There are some fabulous colorway examples of this afghan on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/Marthelene/crochet-rippled-afghans-blankets-throws-5/">Pinterest</a>, and below is a photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/30044574@N02/5601902683/in/photostream/">Angelala242.</a><br />
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Do you have any crocheted TV or movie props you'd like to make?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Thanks for joining me for week 18 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up, just jump right in:</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/02/52-week-crochet-challenge-are-you-ready.html">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge">Ravelry Group</a> - 148 members and growing!</span>Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-40497086443955169262014-06-25T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-25T10:53:52.363-04:00Week 17: Celebrate the First Day Of Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Week 17: Celebrate the first day of summer (June 21, 2014) by crocheting a beach or summer fun project.</span></div>
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When I think of summer, I think of flip flops. There's nothing like the "twack, twack", sound and the effortlessness of getting them on and off. Tuck a pair into a beach bag with a swimsuit and towel and you're good to go. I've seen flip flop sock patterns but I decided to make my own. They are a fun and colorful companion for my favorite flip flops and feel great on my feet.<br />
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Instead of creating a pattern, I will share a basic tutorial so you can make a pair for yourself. See the end of the tutorial for special stitch instructions and a list of abbreviations. I used EZC Nautika yarn (85% microfiber acrylic/15% nylon) in turquoise for the main color. The orange and yellow are Frog Tree Pediboo Sock Yarn. I used a size D (3.25 mm) crochet hook, but use whichever size is necessary for your sock yarn.<br />
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Measure the circumference of the width of your foot, then subtract 1 inch to allow for stretching. This is length you will make your foundation double crochet (dc) row. Begin the sock at the toe edge.<br />
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Foundation dc row: With main color yarn, ch 3, and yarn over (yo). Insert your hook into the 3rd ch from your hook and pull up a loop. [Pay attention to this <b>1st loop</b>, you may wish to mark it because you will be working the next stitch into it.] Yo, and draw through 2 loops, twice, to complete the dc stitch. Dc into the <b>1st loop</b> of the previous stitch to create the next dc stitch. Work in this manner, making as many stitches as necessary until the unstretched row measures the length you need. Join with a sl st into the beg dc, taking care to not twist the row.<br />
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Esc rounds: Ch 1 and work extended single crochet (esc) sts in each st around. Do not join at the end of each round,. Work continuously in a spiral until the sock measures 2 1/2 inches, then join with a sl st. Fasten off main color yarn.<br />
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Attach color B (orange in my case) with a sl st in any esc and ch 3. Dc in the next esc and in each esc around. Join in beg dc and fasten off color B.<br />
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Attach color C (I used yellow) with a sl around the post of any dc of the previous round. Ch 3, work a front post dc around each dc of the previous round. Fasten off color C.<br />
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Finishing: Using the beg length of yarn, sew the bottom of the foundation row closed . Place the socks on your feet, with the foundation row closest to your toes, to determine where you would like the toe strap to be. To make the toe strap: use main color yarn and attach with a sl st to the foundation row. Ch 20, skip 6 chs (for buttonhole) and sl st in the remaining 14 chs. [My buttons are 3/4 inch, but you may need to adjust the number of chains depending on your yarn and button size.] Sl st in the beg esc st and fasten off.<br />
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Sew buttons to the tops of your socks that align with the toe loops. Fasten off and weave in all ends.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Enjoy your flip flop socks!</b></span><br />
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<i><b>Additional information:</b></i></div>
<b>Special stitch:</b><br />
Extended single crochet (esc): insert hook into the st and pull up a loop. Yo, and draw through 1 loop on hook. You will have 2 loops on your hook. Yo, draw through 2 loops to complete the esc stitch.<br />
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<b>Abbreviations:</b><br />
beg - beginning, ch(s) - chains, dc - double crochet, esc - extended single crochet, sl st - slip stitch, st(s) - stitch(es)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HktWvGzXVY5hUQMNy3fXpqKp2Cnn4H1SiQlMdKjnbvxiUnWS-iYqfoEsTkRfFyXvjq8bhqIuxoVBB28UnKit8CB3QQmt2BfazVWh-KABinDOMc7Hzk-9vAkR1tPVqkyH1x09KvWXgkE/s1600/flipflops-borderh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HktWvGzXVY5hUQMNy3fXpqKp2Cnn4H1SiQlMdKjnbvxiUnWS-iYqfoEsTkRfFyXvjq8bhqIuxoVBB28UnKit8CB3QQmt2BfazVWh-KABinDOMc7Hzk-9vAkR1tPVqkyH1x09KvWXgkE/s1600/flipflops-borderh.gif" height="33" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for joining me for week 17 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!<br />
It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up, just jump right in:<br />
<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" />
<a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/02/52-week-crochet-challenge-are-you-ready.html" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank"><span style="color: #465925; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Ravelry Group</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> - 148 members and growing</span></a>Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-89984224782309941852014-06-20T14:21:00.000-04:002014-06-20T14:42:26.480-04:00 Weeks 15 and 16: "Interpret" a Crochet Pattern and Crochet a Project From a Chart<b>Week 15:</b> Did you know that crochet terminology is different in the US and UK? Google search UK crochet patterns (or vice versa) and find a pattern you'd like to "interpret".<br />
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<b>Week 16: </b>Find a small crochet pattern, such as a square or motif, that has a stitch chart. Work the project from only the chart, without following any written instructions.<br />
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Understanding the differences between US and UK crochet terminology opens up so many new patterns to explore and crochet. One of my favorite sites for UK patterns is <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/kategori_oversikt.php" target="_blank">Drops Design</a>.<br />
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However, instead of using a published pattern, I decided to design my own, <i><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/julie-oparka" target="_blank">Hexagon Potholder Pattern</a></i>. I also combined both Challenges into one and created complete symbol charts of the Hexagon. I made pdf files in both US and UK crochet terminology. I've really enjoyed this as it's been awhile since I published a new pattern and it gave me some practice, especially with my crochet charting software. It's a simple design, but practical and useful. I hope you enjoy crocheting this project as much as I have. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Click the links below</b></span> to download the pdf files, which are available as free Ravelry downloads:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/julie-oparka-designs/217781?filename=Hexagon_potholder_US_PATT_CHRT.pdf" target="_blank">Hexagon Potholder Pattern US Crochet Terms</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/julie-oparka-designs/217782?filename=Hexagon_potholder_UK_PATT_CHRT.pdf" target="_blank">Hexagon Potholder Pattern UK Crochet Terms</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks for joining me for Week 15 and 16 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's never too late to join in the fun and there's no need to catch up, just jump right in:</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/02/52-week-crochet-challenge-are-you-ready.html" target="_blank">52 Week Crochet Challenge</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/52-week-crochet-challenge" target="_blank">Ravelry Group</a> - 148 members and growing<br />
<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136376343553360647.post-17082770625979108292014-05-30T22:07:00.002-04:002014-05-30T22:08:48.463-04:00Audiobooks Two Free Titles Each Week from SYNC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like to listen to audiobooks while I am crocheting. It's combining my two loves, crochet and reading! I found about this fabulous offer from <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/about/what-is-sync/?/" target="_blank">SYNC</a> through my library. Each week they are offering free downloads of two audiobooks. One is a current young adult title and the other is a classic. This summer a total of 26 titles will be offered. The MP3 files are downloaded through the <a href="http://omc.overdrive.com/" target="_blank">OverDrive Media Console</a>, but are yours to keep with no due dates.<br />
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This week's offerings:<br />
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<br />Red Berry Crochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764465125007123976noreply@blogger.com0