Tag: crochet

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V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder – Free Pattern

Water Bottle Holder

This V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder pattern has been a long time coming. I created it a couple of years ago, and have been meaning to publish it for ages. But things kept popping up and it got put on the back burner, again and again.
This week I finally stopped procrastinating and edited the photos and polished the pattern and here we go!
This water bottle holder will hold bottles of just about any shape up to around 700ml.

Please find the free pattern below, or if you would like an ad-free PDF, you can purchase a copy for only $2 by clicking here

crochet V-stitch water bottle holders in pink, green and mustard

Free V-stitch Water Bottle Holder Pattern

Materials

10ply, worsted or aran weight cotton.
I used a little over half (55 g)of 1 skein of Knit Picks Dishie yarn,<3.5 oz/100g. 190 yds/173 m>
4.5mm hook
Stitch markers
Scissors
Needle

Stitches

ch – chain
ss – Slip Stitch
sc – Single Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
V-Stitch – 1DC, Ch1, 1dc all in the same stitch

Main Body

Start with a magic ring or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to the first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout), 12 dc into the ring, join to your first dc with a ss. (12)
Round2: Ch 2, 2dc in each stitch around, join to first dc with a ss (24)
Round 3: Ch 2 *1dc in the first stitch, 2dc in next stitch* repeat from * around, join with a ss (36)
Round 4: Ch 2, In back loops only, 1 dc in each stitch around. Join with a ss ch2, (36)
Round 5: Ch 2, 1 dc in each stitch around, join with a ss (36)

V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder - Round 4, Dc in Back loops only


Round 6: Ch 4 (counts as 1dc and 1 chain), dc in the same stitch, skip 2 stitches V-stitch in next stitch, repeat around, join with a ss into 3rd ch of the ch 4 (12 V-Stitches)
Round 7: slip stitch into chain space of the first v stitch, ch 4 (counts as 1dc and 1 chain) Dc in the same stitch, V stitch into the centre of next V- Stitch, repeat around, join with a ss into 3rd ch of the ch4 (12 V-Stitches)
Rounds 8 -13; repeat round 7. (36)
Round 14: Ch 2, 1dc in the same stitch as ss, *1dc in ch space 1dc in next 2 dc; repeat 11 times, join with a ss. (36)
Round 15: Ch1, sc in each stitch around then join with a ss. (36)

V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder - Round 15 - sc in each stitch

The Strap

Round 1: Continuing on from the slip stitch, ch 131, (or to the length you would like the strap)
Round 2: sc in 2nd ch from hook and every ch stitch along, ss into the 2nd sc of the bag body and then ss into the 3rd stitch along, turn
Round 3: sc in the last sc of the previous round on the strap and each stitch along, finish off leaving a long tail to sew the free end of the trap to the bag.
Count along 16 of the unworked stitches on the top of the bag and place a stitch marker in this stitch.
This marks the first of the 3 stitches you will sew the strap to.
Then sew the end of the strap to the body of the bag, starting with the stitch you marked and going across the 17th and 18th stitches.
Finish off and sew in all your ends, and your V-Stitch water bottle holder is complete.

V-Stitch Water Bottle Holder

I really hope you like the pattern. If you had any issues or questions please send me a message.
Carmen
xoxo

This pattern and its images are copyright protected and the sole property of Crochet by Carms.
Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern, or alter it to claim it as your own. You may sell any products you create from this pattern. Please credit the designer by linking online listings www.crochetbycarms.com or tagging @crochetbycarms.

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WIP Update

WIP Update -Bright Rainbow Ripple Blanket

Happy WIP Update Wednesday Everyone!
I know it’s been a long time between posts. The end of last year was just crazy! I had to have my gall bladder removed, and then it was the end of school, and then Christmas, and school holidays. The kids’ birthdays were in the mix too. Not to mention this endless heat in Sydney has sapped my will to do anything lately.
Then you blink and it’s nearly February and it’s 2019!

So for the first post of 2019 I thought I’d come back to you all with a WIP update and show you what I have been doing, crochet-wise, lately.
I actually managed to finish some projects over the last few weeks, it’s almost a miracle.

Riverbend Cardigan

The first thing I finished was the Riverbend cardigan. Okay, technically it’s not quite finished, I have yet to sew on the pockets and sew in the ends. But the crochet part is done! And I will complete the rest when it gets cool enough to wear it.

WIP Update - Almost finished Riverbend Cardigan
Almost finished Riverbend Cardigan

Bright Rainbow Ripple Blanket

Next on my hooking list was a rainbow ripple baby blanket that I started a while ago. I had wanted to do a star blanket for a while. I started this one with acrylics I already had in my stash, but i did have to buy more in suitable colours to finish it.
I used this free pattern by Celeste Young that I found on Ravelry. It’s a lovely simple pattern but so effective.
I am really pleased by how this one turned out, it’s much brighter than the colours I usually work with, but you have to get outside your comfort zone sometimes. I think I’m going to make a pastel version of this next, and then one using the Moda Vera ombre delights yarn packs I have laying around.

The blanket ended up quite large at 124cm across from point to point.
This one I’m going to try and sell, I will take some better photos and list it in the shop soon.

WIP Update -Bright Rainbow Ripple Blanket
Bright Rainbow Ripple Blanket

C2C Blanket

I have had a c2c blanket in my stash for ages. I started making it using sweet roll yarn I found in mill-end bags in Spotlight. The yarn is premier sweet rolls in Cherry swirl and I love the yarn, it is so soft and lovely to work with. I even bought more of the yarn so I could get a decent-sized blanket.

But when I picked this up the other day to start working on it, I wasn’t happy with it. It was going to end up quite small, and as I had used a 5mm hook it wasn’t as drapey (is that a word?) as I wanted it to be.
I ummed and ahhed, but in the end, It was not bringing me joy so I frogged it!

I am not sure yet what I am going to do with all that lovely yarn, maybe make scarves and cowls and matching beanies ready to sell in winter.

WIP Update - Results of frogging

But that is a WIP for another day, right now I have dug out my luila shawl and am about to add some more rows to it. I am determined I am going to make a dent in current projects before starting something new again.

Now that school is back I might have more time for the blog again, and of course, time to get more crochet done.
Hope you all had a fabulous New Year!

Carmen
xoxo

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Minecraft TNT Graphgan

Minecraft TNT Graphgan - crochet by carms

Hello beautiful people, you may have noticed I didn’t have a Wednesday WIP post this week, and that is because I have actually been spending some time finishing up this Minecraft TNT Graphgan for my 7yr old.

I am so happy that it is done, and no longer taking up space in my craft room/study. I may have even done a little happy dance after the last end was sewed in.
My Son is also happy it is finally finished, even though the first words out of his mouth when he received it were “it’s pretty small”! Kids huh. 

Minecraft TNT Graphgan - crochet by carms
Minecraft TNT graphgan

The end results of all that work is a pretty heavy blanket that measures almost 110cm each side.
It was crocheted in the C2C technique using Spotlight USA Style yarn, using a 5mm hook. Unfortunately, I am not 100% sure of the amount of yarn I ended up using as I wasn’t keeping track. It was probably only 1 skein of black, not quite 2 of white and 3-4 of the red. 
Though you can make this in any yarn you like with any hook.

Now that it is finally complete, I am happily sharing the graph I created to make it.
Below you will find the whole graph, as well as smaller ones with it broken down into 4 parts for easier printing and following.

To save the images, just right-click on them and select save image/picture as…

Minecraft TNT Graph
Minecraft TNT Graph
Minecraft TNT Graph - part 1
Minecraft TNT Graph – part 1
Minecraft TNT Graph - part 2
Minecraft TNT Graph – part 2
Minecraft TNT Graph - part 3
Minecraft TNT Graph – part 3
Minecraft TNT Graph - part 4
Minecraft TNT Graph – part 4

If you use the graph, please let me know, either in the comments below or tag me on Instagram (crochetbycarms) with your creation. I would love to see it.

Love
Carmen
xoxo

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Wednesday WIP #4 – Nomad Shawl

I can’t believe I am up to Wednesday WIP #4 already. This week my WIP is a beautiful project that I wish I had more time to devote to. 
I don’t think I have mentioned it on this blog as yet, but I am a subscriber to Crochet Coach, an online crochet community. It is led and run by Carly Jacobs, a writer and blogger who you may also know from the blog Smaggle. 
Carly’s occasional crochet posts on Smaggle’s Facebook is what made me pick up a crochet hook again for the first time since I was a kid. So when Carly started Crochet Coach, I was all in.

One of the first patterns she released on Crochet coach was the gorgeous *Nomad Shawl. It is a huge colourful garment that uses multiple yarns and blocks of different stitches and I knew I had to do it, and I knew it was going to take me a looooong time!

Wednesday WIP #4 - Crochet Coach's Nomad Shawl
Image used with permission from www.crochetcoach.com

The first challenge was picking the right yarn to create the shawl. There are so many beautiful yarns out there. I started my search in Spotlight, thinking maybe Moda Vera faith yarn might work, or an acrylic baby yarn. But nothing really worked for me, until I saw a gorgeous trio of Merino sock yarn from Fiber Lily. It was love at first sight and I knew it had to be mine. This was my first purchase of hand-dyed yarn, but it certainly wasn’t my last. 

So 15 months ago I bought the yarn, and yet I still didn’t start my shawl until January this year. Other things kept pushing to the front of the crochet queue. Currently, it is only 20cm long, and it needs to be about 210cm long. But when I finish it would have been so worth it. 

Wednesday WIP #4 - Nomad Shawl by crochet coach
Progress on the Nomad Shawl

What project has taken you the longest to complete? Please tell me in the comments below.

Love
Carmen
xoxo

*Please note the Nomad Shawl pattern is only available to crochet coach subscribers

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Wednesday WIP #2 – Riverbend Cardigan

Half Finished River Cardigan - Wednesday WIP #2

Welcome to Wednesday WIP #2! Considering the crazy week I had, it is almost a miracle I was able to write this.

Today I’m going to show you a project I have had on the go since the end of Summer here in Sydney, and that is the  Riverbend cardigan from Moogly Blog.

I wanted to make something for me to wear that wasn’t a hat or scarf, and this cardigan looked like a good way to do it. As it just basic shapes, and no crazy increasing or decreasing required to acquire the correct size.

I’m using the USA style value balls from Spotlight for this one, it is lovely and soft, especially in this Silver. I’m not doing the colour changes suggested in the pattern, as I wanted it a solid colour. But I might make the border and pocket a contrasting colour if I am feeling brave. So keep an eye out for the finished product, which I hope should be soon!

But 6 months later and I am only just over halfway. But I did a little happy dance when I got that halfway point, let me tell you. 

Half Finished River Cardigan - Wednesday WIP #2
Half Finished River Cardigan

I am going to try my best to finish this one soon. As it will be the perfect Spring Cardigan to throw on for school drop-offs and errands, and just slouching around the house. 

What’s your favourite pattern from Moogly? Let me know in the comments below. 

Regards
Carmen
xoxo

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My First Wednesday WIP

C2C Minecraft blanket - My First Wednesday WIP

Hello and welcome to My First Wednesday WIP,  where I show you 1 of the (many many) projects I have on the go. 

I have heard rumours that there are people out there that finish off a project before starting another one. That is not me. At a guess, I have approximately 8 long-term projects going at the moment. 

Today’s project has been a labour of love. I had a request for a Minecraft a blanket from my then 6yr old son, And with my newly found skills at C2C figured I could easily do a graphgan. Over a year later this baby still isn’t finished, though it is close.

I had to go looking through my Instagram posts to see when I started it, and my First post about on May 8th last year.


I think I was going to give it to him for his Birthday in October, that never happened. I get distracted too easily. Though I have been warned by him that it had better be ready for his birthday this year!

As simple as this graph looks, the multiple small colour changes did my head in. Lesson learnt, even if I do have to sew in a million ends, next time (if there is a next time) I will use bobbins to contain the mess. 

C2C Minecraft blanket - My First Wednesday WIP
Almost finished

In the meantime, it is sitting in a basket in the living room reminding me to finish it every time I go in there. Think I need to choose a  TV show to binge and just sit down and do it. Soon, I promise.

I would love to hear what other projects people are currently working on. Let me know in the comments

Love Carmen
xoxo

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Simple Ribbed Cowl – Free Pattern

If you are after an easy to make and wear unisex project, the simple ribbed cowl is for you.

This last winter has been a shocker here in Sydney, with some really cold days, and especially cold mornings in which Ben (my other half) has to leave for work early in the morning on his motorbike.

I do not envy him those cold mornings, but I figured I could make him something to help. I have crocheted things for pretty much everyone else in my family, but not my other half, as what do you make the man who has everything?

Ben is a metal head from way back, and his wardrobe consists mostly of old faded black tour shirts, dark denim and more black, so no bright colours was a given. Plus I had to make sure that is was designed so as not to cause him trouble when riding down a dark and windy highway, hence the simple ribbed cowl was born.

The Patons Inca yarn is lovely and soft and so easy to work with, and being a wool blend I knew it would be lovely and warm. The cowl is constructed in joined rounds and I crocheted into the back loops only to give it some texture.

Simple Ribbed Cowl
Simple Ribbed Cowl
Simple Ribbed Cowl

Simple Ribbed Cowl Pattern

Finished Size
63cm x 20 cm

Materials

  • Chunky Yarn – I used 2 balls of Patons Inca (50% Pure new wool, 30% acrylic, 20% alpaca, 50g and 58m) in colour 7019, but any chunky yarn will do.
  • 7mm Hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

Gauge
Gauge was not super critical for this project, just measure your first row of HDC before joining, if it’s around 63cm long, then you are good to go.

Skills

  • Foundation Half Double Crochet
  • Chain
  • Half Double Crochet
  • Slip Stitch
  • Working in the Back Loop only

Abbreviations Used

  • fhdc – foundation half double crochet
  • ch – Chain
  • hdc – Half Double Crochet
  • ss- Slip Stitch

Pattern Notes
If you are not sure on how to do a foundation HDC, you can find many tutorials on youtube, or you can just start with a ch and HDC into the chain.
Make sure to leave a good long tail of yarn at the beginning to assist in sewing fhdc round together

Instructions

Row 1: fhdc 70 or
chain 72 then hdc into 3rd chain from the hook and all remaining chains (70)
Join with a ss to the first HDC to form a circle, being careful not to twist your work.

Join with ss to first HDC, without twisting the row

Note: all hdc stitches from now on are done in Back Loops only

Rows 2-12: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch) hdc in Back Loop Only of the first stitch and every stitch around, join with ss to 1st hdc (70)

HDC in back loops only


Row 13: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch) hdc in Back Loop Only of first stitch and every stitch around, join with ss to 1st hdc (70)

Fasten off

Sew in your ends, and your simple ribbed cowl is complete.

 

After i finished the first one, i decided to experiment with different yarns and made the cowl in Moda Vera Fayette, which is a colour changing yarn. It is not a chunky yarn, more of a variable 8ply, but I still used the 7mm hook to make it nice and drapey. I love how this one turned out too.

Rainbow simple ribbed cowl
Rainbow simple ribbed cowl

I hope you love making this as much as I did, and please share your pictures if you do, would love to see them!

Love

Carmen

xoxo

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Welcome to Crochet by Carms

Crochet Granny Squares - crochet by carms

Hello,

Welcome to Crochet by Carms, My name is Carmen and this is my newest home on the web. If you knew me before my love of crochet blossomed, you may have seen my previous blog called Paint Powder and Polish, which was dedicated to my love of makeup, nail polish and all beauty products in general. Since having my second child in January ’16, my love affair with beauty has waned, mostly due to lack of time, but also due to a reordering of my priorities. Don’t get me wrong,  I still love a good lipstick and I would love to paint my nails again when I have a spare moment, but I no longer have the urge to collect all the makeup.

So with a newborn baby and a  school-aged child to keep most of my waking hours busy.  Between the feeding sessions, and burping, nappy changes, and school runs, I  turned to crochet to keep me sane and grounded. It became my sanctuary and my happy place. My first large project was a chevron blanket for the new baby. I started it at 20 weeks pregnant when I found out I was having another boy and finished it when he was about 8 months old. Then I dove into amigurumi as I wanted to make my boys cute things to play with, and it escalated from there. And of course with the love of crochet came a love of yarn and the need to collect it all.

Which brings me to now. I am an intermediate crocheter who loves a good challenge. My makes include blankets, scarves, beanies, booties, amigurumi, and lots more.  I am currently subscribed to two crochet subscription boxes, Little box of Crochet and Crochet Crate.  And I follow a whole lot of indie yarn dyers on Instagram and drool over their wares.

So, if you are still reading, I thank you. If you want to read more about what I am working on, any yarn I may have bought or what is in the latest gorgeous subscription box, please come back, subscribe, follow, etc and I hope to entertain you further.

Have a fabulous day and stay gorgeous!

Carms
xoxo

Oh and if you like you can also find Crochet by Carms on Instagram  or Facebook

Crochet Granny Squares - crochet by carms