Meet the Designer: Emily Davies

This month, I was so pleased to have Emily Davies of Hooked Hazel as this stripe’s designer! (Click if you are looking for the August Pattern) You are going to LOVE it. Get to know Emily, by reading her Q&A responses and be sure to visit her channels below them!

Name: Emily Davies
Places you’ve lived: I was born in Colorado, and moved to Kansas when I was a baby. I lived in Ohio for a year in middle school, before moving back to Kansas. Then, after high school I moved to Nashville, TN for a couple years. But now I’m back in Kansas. I’m a Midwest girl at heart!
Temperature blanket strategy: I went with a lot of greys, but some fun colors like mustard and cranberry to break it up!
Describe your perfect day: A perfect day for me would be exploring somewhere new with my family! We love checking out new places. Of course, I’d have to take my crochet with me!
Favorite season: Definitely fall. My town is full of maple trees, and the colors in fall are unreal – everything from pumpkin orange to deep red to bright yellow. It’s so inspiring! 
Favorite crochet stitch or technique: I love half double crochet because it’s so squishy and it’s the perfect height!
Favorite project to date: Hmmm, that’s a tough one! It might by my Striped Down Cardi by Knitatude because it’s so soft and goes with everything. I wear that one A LOT!
What was your first ever project: A potholder! I made a ton of potholders when I first learned crochet!
How do you craft (workspace, setting, beverages): I work in my bedroom a lot. It’s the only place the dog isn’t allowed. I do have a craft room but my daughter has sort of taken it over as her painting studio.
Favorite non-yarn hobbies: Definitely reading! I also love going beer or wine tasting, especially in a new town. Exploring new towns or areas is also something I really enjoy.
What is your inspiration for this design: I’ve been loving granny stripes lately, so I wanted to do something similar, but different from a tradition granny stitch. I also thought the bobbles would tie in with previous months.
Most unusual talent: Hmmm, I’m not sure it’s unusual, but I’m really good with math because my day job is as an accountant. So I am constantly thinking in numbers.
Favorite book and why: Easily the Harry Potter series. I think it is really a timeless series and has so many parallels to real life and situations people face (though on a, you know, much larger scale) and the differences between good and evil. My favorite quote from the series is “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” I think of that a lot and try to apply it to my life.
Favorite toy as a kid: Oh goodness! I had a doll, similar to a Cabbage Patch doll, that I named “Old Baby”. I have no clue why I named her that, but she was my favorite. I remember sitting in front of the wash machine once because she was dirty, and my mom insisted on washing her. I was so scared she would drown.
Favorite Beatles song: Usually I would say Blackbird, but I just saw the movie “Yesterday”, and have been listening to that soundtrack a lot, specifically The Long & Winding Road and Yesterday. There are so many great songs to choose from though!

Be sure to visit Emily on her channels:

Hooked Hazel on IG

Hooked Hazel on Etsy

Hooked Hazel website

Hooked Hazel on Ravelry

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August Pattern by Emily Davies

August was the quickest month for me and my family! We did SO much soaking up the end of summer that it seemed to just FLY by!

While it was hard to see summer go, this fantastic stripe by Emily Davies of Hooked Hazel made it a bit easier to wave goodbye to August. You will LOVE this stripe!

You can read more about Emily HERE, but before you visit her feature Q & A, I’ll gush about her! Emily is an extremely talented designer whose garments and accessories never fail to evoke the “I-need-to-make-that” reaction. What’s more, she is a supportive member of the online crafting community and I feel lucky to call her a friend! Thanks, Emily for creating this beautiful stripe to share with us!

Without Further Ado, here is

The August Stripe:

**Some Notes about August– You will begin Row 1 with the Wrong Side facing.

Color changes happen on the same side, so if you plan to participate in the border for this piece, you can carry your colors up the side!

The bobbles (as always) May need a bit of help being pushed to the Right Side as you make them.

Materials:

Yarn

• High color – 220 yards
• Low color – 120 yards

Hook: 6.00 mm

 

Abbreviations:

Ch – chain

St – stitch

Sk – skip

Sc – single crochet

Dc – double crochet

Bo – bobble

YO – yarn over

[ ] – instructions in brackets are worked in one stitch

 

Special Stitches:

1 below (may be a dc or a sc, depending on the row) – work the indicated st into the stitch one row directly below, as shown in the following photo:

 

Bobble – *YO, insert hook into st, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 of the loops.* Repeat from * to * two more times, 4 loops remain on hook. YO and pull through remaining loops.

Pattern:

Row 1: (In low color) Dc across. Ch 1, turn. (180 dc)

Row 2: (In low color) Sc 1, *bo, sc 3*, repeat from * to * across until 3 sts remain, bo, sc 2. Ch 2, turn. (45 bo, 135 sc)

Row 3: (In high color) Dc in first st, *ch 1, sk 3, 3dc in next st*, repeat from * to * across, until 3 sts remain, ch 1,sk 2, dc in final st. Ch 2, turn. (135 dc)

Row 4: (In high color) *[Dc, dc 1 below, dc] in ch sp, ch 1, sk3*, repeat from * to * across, dc in turning ch. Ch 2, turn. (136 dc)

Row 5: (In low color) Dc in first st, *ch 1, sk 3, [dc, dc 1 below, dc] in ch sp, *, repeat from * to * across, until 3 sts remain, ch1,sk 2, dc in final st. Ch 2, turn. (135 dc)

Row 6: (In low color), repeat row 4

Row 7: (In high color), repeat row 5

Row 8: (In high color), repeat row 4

Row 9: (In low color), repeat row 5

Row 10: (In low color) repeat row 4

Row 11: (In high color), repeat row 5

Row 12: (In high color), repeat row 4

Row 13: (In low color), repeat row 4 (only ch 1, turn).

Row 14: (In low color), *sc 1, sc 1 below, bo, sc 1* repeat from * to * across. Ch 2, turn. (45 bo, 135 sc)                 

Row 15: (In low color) Dc across. (180 dc)

And that’s a wrap on the August Pattern!

Make sure to visit Emily’s channels for more of her photos and patterns by following the links below:

Hooked Hazel on IG

Hooked Hazel on Etsy

Hooked Hazel website

Hooked Hazel on Ravelry

 

 

 

 

July Pattern- by Theresa Denham

The end of July is always a bittersweet time for me. I love the long hot days of July, the inevitable vacations that we embark on during the only full month of summer, but the closing of this month reminds me of sending kiddos back to school and bracing for the upcoming colder weather. So this month, I figured we would keep this pattern as stress free as possible with a simple and quick motif, so it won’t take up much of your August, since we only have so many minutes of Summer left! I hope you enjoy this pattern!

Abbreviations:

HDC: Half Double Crochet

DC: Double Crochet

CH: Chain

SK: skip a stitch

5 DC is sometimes referred to as “shell stitch” to explain placement of stitches.

Pattern:

Beginning on either side with the LOW TEMP color — as this pattern is reversible.

Row 1: HDC across. Ch1 and Turn. (180 sts)

Row 2: HDC across, switch to HIGH TEMP color on last stitch. CH2 (will count as first DC) and turn.

Row 3: SK 2, 5DC, *SK 2, DC, SK 2, 5DC* Repeat ** across until two sts remain, SK 1 and DC in last stitch. CH 2 and turn.

Row 4: 2DC in same st, SK 2, DC (in third st of 5DC from previous row), *SK 2, 5DC (in DC from previous row), SK 2, DC* Repeat ** until three sts remain. SK 2 and 3DC in turning chain of previous row. Change to LOW TEMP color, CH 2 and Turn.

Rows 5 – 6: Repeat rows 3 and 4 in LOW TEMP color. (Change color and CH 1 at the end of row 6.)

Row 7 (HIGH TEMP): HDC in first 2 sts, *CH 1, SK 1, DC, CH 1, SK 1, HDC in next 3 sts* Repeat ** across. CH 1 and turn.

Row 8: HDC in each stitch across being sure to work into chain spaces as well (180 sts). Change to LOW TEMP color on last stitch, CH 1 and turn.

Row 9: HDC between each stitch across (making sure to work 180 sts). Change to HIGH TEMP color, CH 1 and Turn.

Row 10: HDC between each stitch across (making sure to work 180 sts). Change to LOW TEMP color, CH 1 and Turn.

Row 11 (LOW TEMP color): HDC between each stitch across (making sure to work 180 sts). CH 2 and turn.

Row 12 (LOW TEMP): SK 2, 5DC, *SK 2, DC, SK 2, 5DC* Repeat ** across until two sts remain, SK 1 and DC in last stitch. CH 2 and turn.

Row 13 (LOW TEMP): 2DC in same st, SK 2, DC (in third st of 5DC from previous row), *SK 2, 5DC (in DC from previous row), SK 2, DC* Repeat ** until three sts remain. SK 2 and 3DC in turning chain of previous row. Change to HIGH TEMP color, CH 2 and Turn.

Rows 14-15: Repeat rows 12 and 13 in HIGH TEMP color. CH 1 and Turn.

Row 16 (HIGH TEMP): HDC in first 2 sts, *CH 1, SK 1, DC, CH 1, SK 1, HDC in next 3 sts* Repeat ** across. CH 1 and turn.

Row 17: HDC in each stitch across being sure to work into chain spaces as well (180 sts).

Bind OFF and weave ends.

June Stripe by Jessy Rought

Materials:

6mm Crochet hook

180 yds of High Temp Color

220 yds of Low Temp Color

Tapestry Needle

Key:

CH: Chain

SC: Single Crochet

DC: Double Crochet

FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet

YO: Yarn Over

Special Stitch- Front Post Double Crochet around DC below

When working the FDPC below, identify the stitch you’ll work around.

Insert hook behind the post of the stitch and DC (making sure to pull up a bit after the YO so thebstitches meet the current row’s height)

For more tutorials and videos of this stitch, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzXoXijBfGx/?igshid=12u9h7h5n0e0g

Pattern:

Starting with the wrong side facing you.

Colors can be carried up the side if you desire.

Begin with the low temp color

Row 1: Ch 1, SC across. Turn(180)

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 DC) DC in next st and each st across. Turn (180) 

We will be working Alpine Stitch.

Row 3: Ch 1, SC across. Turn (180)

Row 4: Ch 2 (Doesn’t count), DC in first (Same) st, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until two sts are left. DC in last two sts. Turn (180)

Row 5: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Change to high temp color

Row 6: Ch 2, DC in first 2 sts, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until the end of the row. You should end on a DC. Turn (180)

Row 7: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Change to low temp color

Row 8: Ch 2, DC in first st, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until two sts are left. DC in last two sts. Turn (180)

Row 9: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Change to high temp color

Row 10: Ch 2, DC in first 2 sts, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until the end of the row. You should end on a DC. Turn (180)

Row 11: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Change to low temp color

Row 12: Ch 2, DC in first st, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until two sts are left. DC in last two sts. Turn (180)

Row 13: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Change to high temp color

Row 14: Ch 2, DC in first 2 sts, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until the end of the row. You should end on a DC. Turn (180)

Row 15: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Change to low temp color

Row 16: Ch 2, DC in first st, *FPDC around the DC below the next st, skipping the st behind FPDC, DC in next St* repeat * to * until two sts are left. DC in last two sts. Turn (180)

Row 17: Ch 1, SC across. (180)

Row 18-20: Ch 1, SC across. Turn (180)

Tess Tank Top: A free beginner clothing pattern

 

 I have to admit that when I first started taking crochet seriously, I still resisted making garments. I gave myself about a million reasons why crochet garments just weren’t worth my time. As you know by looking at this blog, I like to keep things simple. I love crochet in its most calming form. I don’t need to overcomplicate things to get a lot out of my stitching, and in general, I just love simple, classic-looking pieces. So, I counted garments out for a really long time.

It wasn’t until I dove head first into designing that I gave garment making a try. And, let me tell you, once you go garment, it is so hard to go back. In the past year, I have dipped my toes into garment making and now garment designing and making wearable items is pretty addictive. 

Sidenote: I’ve also been studying up on just how to design garments that are more fitted and flattering to all sorts of body types. I have found so much inspiration through this book: The Crocheter’s Skill – Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein Fellow designers, or aspiring designers, this one is a must read. Once I work my way through it completely I will definitely dedicate a blog post to this one:

I still like to keep things simple, though. My favorite projects are completed in a few short sessions, and I’ll always love something that everyone feels like they can wear. And, I think the Tess Tank Top IS that garment. 

This piece can absolutely and easily be made by a beginner, and the result is a unique-looking, flattering top that really is for everyone. So, I decided to offer this top on my blog for free, in hopes that it would become your “gateway project” into tackling garments. 

This top is constructed really simply and can be easily adapted to get a custom fit. I hope you love making it. I’ve included the pattern here, but if you would like to purchase an Ad-Free PDF, that can be found on my Ravelry and Etsy sites (coming soon).

Also, the links you see below are affiliate links through Amazon and Lion Brand. This means that if you purchase something by way of the link I have provided, I get a small kickback. 

This top has been tested extensively, but always look at the comments below (and leave one too!) to make sure that I haven’t added or clarified anything since originally published. Without further ado, here is the pattern for the Tess Tank Top. 

I hope you love making it! Please share your finished makes with my by tagging me on Instagram or Facebook. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my designs come to life in your hands! 

 

 

Materials:

5.0mm Crochet Hook like my favorite clover hooks

Between 600 and 1500 yds of Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn (or any 3 weight yarn that is able to stretch easily)

(3 Pack) Lion Brand Yarn 756-709 Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn, Ocean Breeze

Measuring Tape

Tapestry needle

Safety pin style stitch markers

Scissors

Abbreviations:

CH: Chain

SC: Single Crochet

HDC: Half Double Crochet

DC: Double Crochet

EDC: Extended Double Crochet

IS: Iris Stitch (2DC in Same st, CH1, 2DC in same St)

SlSt: Slip Stitch

FSC: Foundation Single Crochet

Gauge Pattern:

Using the 5mm hook

Ch 22

Row 1: Beginning in second ch from hook, SC across. Turn.

Row 2: CH 2,* sk 2, IS* repeat across and EDC into last st.

Row 3: CH2, IS in the center of each IS from previous row. DC in final st.

Rows 4- 10: Repeat Row 3.

4×4=  4 Iris stitches (at their widest edge) by 5.5 Iris Rows

Sizing Guide and fit statement:

This garment is designed using the sizing guidelines from the Craft Yarn Council. It is designed as a true to size, close fitting garment. It is designed with 0-1” positive ease for the true measurements of each size, however, length of the top can easily be adapted to create a longer top (yarn amounts do not reflect these changes for each size).

Please examine the size chart below with special attention to the bust measurements to determine what size suits the fit you desire.

https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/woman-size

Note on construction:

This piece is constructed by creating two flat panels and joining at the shoulder seams and sides. You will finish the piece by adding the neckline and sleeves as your final finishing steps.

The panels will be identical in size for this top, with the only difference being the added shoulder straps for the front panel.

After your first Iris rows, you’ll notice a slight curve to each of the panels. That’s OK! Once it is seamed, it should even out.

Obtaining a Custom Fit:

Should you choose to make this top a bit longer or wider than written, first measure the widest part of your body that the top will cover, and begin your FSC to match or exceed that measurement (foundation should be in multiples of 3 stitches), then simply measure your torso from the shoulder blade, over the chest, to area you’d like the top to begin to cinch. Work each panel’s Iris Stitches to that measurement. Continue on with the finishing directions.

Pattern notes

  • Stitch counts for each size appear in this format XS (S, M, L, XL)
  • Please contact the designer directly if you would like help converting to larger sizes. I am happy to help you get the best fit possible!
  • Turning Chain 2  stitches will always count
  • Turning Chain 1 stitches will never count

Pattern:

Front Panel — in 5.0mm hook

 FSC 48 (54, 60, 66, 72)

Row 1: Working into the first stitch from the hook, HDC into each CH across. CH 1 and Turn. 48 (54, 60, 66, 72)

Row 2: HDC across. CH 2 and turn.  48 (54, 60, 66, 72)

Row 3: *Sk 2, IS* Repeat across to last 2 st, SK 1 and EDC in final st.  CH 2 and Turn. 15 (17, 19, 21, 23 Iris Stitches)

Row 4: IS in each ch sp from the IS from the previous row. EDC in final stitch (turning chain from previous row). CH 2 and turn.

Rows 5 – 30 (32, 34, 36, 38): Repeat Row 4. (At the end of final row, CH 1 and Turn.)

Row 31 (33, 35, 37, 39) : SC in same st, *sk 1, SC* to end. SC in last two sts. CH 1 and turn. 39 (45, 50, 57, 63 SC)

Rows 32 (34, 36, 38, 40) – 36(38, 41, 44, 46) : SC in next  8 (10, 12, 12, 12) sts. Ch 1 and turn.

Break Yarn and attach at opposite side.

Repeat for opposite arm.

Bind Off.

 

Back Panel – REPEAT ROWS 1 – 31 (33, 35, 37, 39)

Construct Your Top:

With Wrong sides facing one another, use the mattress stitch to seamlessly attach the back and front panels at the shoulder.

Once joined at the shoulder, turn inside out and place a stitch marker where you prefer the armhole depth. CYC recommends 6” (6.5”, 7”, 7.5”, 8”) . Using your favorite method of seaming, seam both sides from the bottom, up to the stitch marker and flip right side out.

Finishing: Using the 5 mm hook

(Bottom Band is optional)

Bottom Band:

Along the bottom of your top (and working on the right side), attach yarn.

Round 1: SC around, joining with a SlSt. Ch 1.

Rounds  2 – Desired length: SC around. Joining each round with a SlSt.

Arms:

Round 1: Joining at the bottom of the arm hole, SC evenly around and SlSt.

Round 2: SC around joining with a SlSt.

Bind off and repeat on opposite arm.

Neckline:

With top right side out, attach yarn at the front right edge of the neckline.

Rounds 1 – 3: SC around in each st.

Weave in all ends and your top is complete!


Shop Amazon – Top Gift Ideas

Meet the Designer: Caitlin Reum

I’ll always be amazed at this little crafter community and how much the friendships I’ve made being a part of it mean to me. Caitlin, of WildwoodDesignsME, has been one of the kindest, most generous and supportive friends I’ve had the pleasure of “meeting” in our community. I’m always in awe of her skill and her sense of style and I’m so lucky to call her a friend. I hope you enjoy learning more about this terrific designer, dyer, business owner and momma!

Name: Caitlin Reum

Location: Bridgton, Maine

Places You’ve lived: I was born in Waltham, Massachusetts but my family moved to Naples, Maine when I was about 6 months old. I lived there up until I was about 19, then I moved to Bridgton with my husband. 

Temperature blanket strategy: I just picked some of my favorite colors. Purples, blues and greys!

Describe your perfect day: A perfect day for me is just laying low. Bringing my daughter to the park, coming home for her nap time while I crochet/knit and watch some Netflix! It would be even better if my husband cooks dinner or we get take out!

Favorite season: Fall for sure! It’s absolutely beautiful here in Maine! I love when the leaves change colors and the chill in the air!

Favorite crochet stitch or technique: HDC! There’s so much you can do with it!

Favorite project to date: It’s hard to pick just one but I most recently finished the Tunisian Express shawl by Everyday Yarnworks and I love it so much! I want to make another in a different color soon!

Favorite people to make things for? My daughter for sure! I’ve made her a blanket and a few cardigans so far. I also love making things for friends/family who have new babies!

What was your first ever project? It was a long time ago so I’m not 100% sure, but I know I used to make really simple scarves so that’s probably it. I used to only know DC so I’d just chain a really long length and DC for each row until it seemed big enough!

How do you craft (workspace, setting, beverages)? My work space is basically my bedroom. I usually work while my daughter naps/sleeps at night. I’ll watch YouTube, Netflix or Hulu and have a snack until I can’t keep my eyes open anymore and just go to bed!

Favorite Non- Yarn hobbies? One of my favorite hobbies is thrifting, antique shops and yard sales! I love going “hunting” for treasures or a good deal! Before my daughter was born I would go out looking for vintage Pyrex. I have accumulated quite the collection!

What is your inspiration for this design?  I’ve always loved the spike stitch but wanted to add a little something extra, so I included the bobbles! Everyone loves bobbles! I’m really happy with how it came out!

Most unusual talent? I can’t think of anything unusual. 

Favorite Book and Why? I’ve never been much of a reader. I find I don’t really have the patience for it and just get distracted *SQUIRREL!*

What was your favorite Toy as a kid? I have the worst memory but I do remember having a mermaid toy that changed colors in the water. So I’d play with her in the bath tub!

Favorite Beatles song? Let it be!

May Pattern by Wildwood Designs ME

Raise your hand if you have NO idea how it’s already June! It feels like we are just flying through this year and I’m loving keeping up with this project as we go. I know you will all love this new stripe from Caitlin from WildwoodDesignsME! She is a talented designer, dyer, and truly one of my favorite people I’ve (n)ever met! Enjoy her lovely contribution to the Stress Free Temp Blanket.

May Pattern

by Wildwood Designs ME

Materials:

145 yds of both high and low temp yarn

6.0mm crochet hook

Key:

CH: Chain

FL: Front Loop

BL: Back Loop

SC: Single Crochet

HDC: Half Double Crochet HBS: Half Bobble Stitch

SP-2: Spike Stitch 2 rows down SP-3: Spike Stitch 3 rows down SP-4: Spike Stitch 4 rows down

Special Stitch:

Half Bobble Stitch:

1. YO, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop. YO, pull through 2 loops.

2. Repeat number one in the same stitch until you have a total of 4 loops on your hook. 3. YO, pull through all 4 loops at once.

Spike Stitch: https://youtu.be/jeculRaoLkI

Front Loop: The picture below shows the front loop, where you should be placing your SC for row 2. The first picture shows the top of the stitch (the V shape) where you normally would crochet into. The second picture shows your work from the side and the loop that you should work into. The third picture shows how your work should look on the opposite side once this row is complete.

Pattern:

Starting with right side facing you and working in high temp color. Each color change can be carried up the side of the blanket. No need to cut yarn and weave in extra ends! The floats of yarn you carry up the sides can be hidden by the border when your blanket is done.

Start with high temp color

Row 1: HDC in each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 2: SC in FL of each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Change to low temp color

Row 3: SC in each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 4: SC 1, **HBS, SC 5**, repeat. Ending with SC 4. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 5-6: SC in each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Change to high temp color

Row 7: SP-3, SP-4, SP-3, SP-2, **SC, SP-2, SP-3, SP-4, SP-3, SP-2**, repeat. Ending with SC, SP-2. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 8: SC 4, **HBS, SC 5**, repeat. Ending with HBS, SC 1. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 9-10: SC in each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Change to low temp color

Row 11: SP-2, **SC, SP-2, SP-3, SP-4, SP-3, SP-2**, repeat. Ending with SP-3. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 12: SC 1, **HBS, SC 5**, repeat. Ending with SC 4. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 13-14: SC in each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Change to high temp color

Row 15-18: Repeat rows 7-10

Change to low temp color

Row 19-22: Repeat rows 11-14

Change to high temp color

Row 23: Repeat row 7

Row 24: HDC in each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Row 25: SC in the BL of each stitch across. CH 1, turn. (180)

Meet the Designer: Jessy Rought

I had the pleasure of meeting this month’s designer in person at Yarn Con Chicago this year! She is kind, friendly and just SO talented as a designer, maker and seamstress. AND, we lucky Temp Blanket makers will get TWO monthly patterns from our designer for April: Jessy Rought! Learn a bit more about her below:

Name: Jessy Rought

Location: Mattawan, Michigan

 

Places You’ve lived: I was actually born in California but I spent my early years growing up in Toledo Ohio. When I was 11 or 12, I moved up to a teeny tiny town called Reading, Michigan. I moved up to Kalamazoo, Michigan for college and I’ve been in this area ever since!

 

Temperature blanket strategy: I didn’t really have much of a strategy other than I knew I had to have bobbles! I did a lot of playing around with my design on paper before I actually made a swatch!

 

Describe your perfect day: it has to be a day that I can open all of my windows to have fresh air in the house! My husband and I love taking our girls to the park so that would be a must. I’d need some time for crocheting or knitting obviously! And take-out for dinner because I HATE cooking and dishes🤣 I’m pretty introverted, so an easy going day like this sounds perfect to me!

 

Favorite season: FALL! 100% fall. Spring is a close second. But fall has my heart. The colors and the crisp air. Market season. ohhh I just can’t wait!

 

Favorite crochet stitch or technique: HDC all day! I love how mindless and quick it works up. I do really like TC because it always feels like I’m waving a magic wand around

Favorite project to date: I don’t think I can answer this one.. I really don’t know if I can choose. My top three are all patterns from @madebyhaileybailey the starling cardigan (I made two) the cross bill cardigan and the monarch sweater.

 

Favorite people to make things for? My daughters! Reagan and Riley. They aren’t very happy when it comes to modeling anything I make for them but they are so fun to make for!

 

What was your first ever project? Besides some really awful washcloths when my mom first started teaching me, I made a huge blanket. It’s the only full blanket I’ve ever finished. I had to be 17 or 18 at the time.

 

How do you craft (workspace, setting, beverages)? I’m pretty much a work whenever and whereever I can person. I gave up my craft room when I found out I was pregnant with Rey so she could have her own room. My amazing husband let me turn half of our bedroom into a “Work space”. There is where I do most of my sewing. I do like to have a glass of something while I work. Depends on the time of day what I’m drinking.

 

Favorite Non- Yarn hobbies? I love reading. Reading has been one of my favorite pass times since I was in third grade and I read Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets. I actually just finished my 13th book for 2019. I also love going to the movies. My husband and I are huge theater nerds cinema and Broadway.

 

What is your inspiration for this design? I’m actually working on my own pattern currently that has a similar design with colorwork instead of bobbles. I did the math and it turned out it worked perfect for this project. How could I say now?

 

 

Most unusual talent? Im really not sure I have any unusual talents? I’d usually say crochet or knit for something like that but I don’t think that would be very unusual in this instance.

 

Favorite Book and Why? There is no way I could every pick just one book. Harry Potter series has been with me since childhood. That would have to be one of my favorites. But I’ve read a lot this year and I have many “favorites”. I recently read A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah Maas and I LOVED it.

 

What was your favorite Toy as a kid? I guess it would have to depend on my age. I recall loving barbies. But also was very into my Gameboy when those were first released. I also have the worst memory. So this isn’t the easiest question for me.

 

Favorite Beatles song? I really really love “Hey Jude” but I have “All you need is love” literally tattooed on my body. So I will have to go with “All you need is love”

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April Pattern By Jessy Rought

April showers bring… A new Temperature Blanket Pattern!

Materials:

100 yds High Temp Color Worsted

210 yds Low Temp Color Worsted

6.0mm crochet hook

Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)

Key:

 

ch: chain

hdc: half double crochet

sc: single crochet

PS: Puff Stitch

ch sp: Chain Space

Special Stitch:

Puff stitch: YO, insert hook through stitch and pull up a loop. YO, pull through two loops on hook. YO insert through the same stitch, pull up a loop. YO pull through two loops (three loops left on hook). YO, insert through the same stitch, pull up a loop. YO pull through two loops (four loops left on hook). YO, insert through the same stitch, pull up a loop. YO pull through two loops (five loops left on hook). YO pull through remaining loops.

 

Pattern:

Starting with the wrong side towards you and working in the 

low temp color

 

Row 1: Sc across, ch1 turn (180)

 

Switch to High temp color

Row 2: HDC across, ch1 turn (180)

 

Switch to low temp color

Row 3: HDC in first two stitches, *Ch1, sk next stitch, HDC* repeat * to * until three stitches remain. Ch 1, Skip next stitch, HDC in last two ch1, turn (180)

Row 4: Sc across (working in the ch sp), ch1, turn (180)

Row 5: Sc across, ch1, turn (180)

 

Now we will be starting the color work sections. Have both colors ready to go. 

 

Continue with the low temp

Row 6: HDC 2, *switch to High Temp color, PS in the next st. Switch to Low Temp Color, HDC 5* Repeat * to * until last 3 sts. HDC 3. Ch1, Turn.

 

Continue with low temp color

Row 7: SC in each stitch across, ch1, turn. 

 

We will be doing another color work section. 

Low temp color

 

Row 8: HDC in first st, *switch to High Temp color, PS in next stitch, switch to Low Temp Color HDC 1, Switch to High Temp Color PS in next, Switch to Low Temp Color HDC in next 3* Repeat * to * until 5 sts remain. Switch to High Temp color PS in next stitch, Switch to Low Temp Color HDC 1, Switch to High Temp Color PS 1, Switch to low temp color HDC 2. Ch 1 and turn. (180)

 

Row 9: sc across, ch1, turn (180)

 

Starting in the High Temp Color

Row 10: *PS in first st. Switch to low temp color, HDC in next 3. Switch to High Temp Color, PS in next. Switch to low temp color, HDC 1 in next.* Repeat * to * to end. 

 

 

Row 11: sc across, ch1 turn  (180)

 

Row 12: repeat row 8

 

Row 13: sc across. Ch1. Turn (180)

 

Row 14: repeat row 6

 

Working in low temp color

Row 15: sc across, ch1, turn (180)

 

Row 16: HDC in first two stitches, *Ch1, sk next stitch, HDC* repeat * to * until three stitches remain. Ch 1, Skip next stitch, HDC in last two ch1, turn (180)

 

Working in high temp color

Row 17: HDC in each st and ch space across, ch1 turn. 

 

Working in low temp color

Row 18: Sc across (180)

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