My First Knitted Diagonal Dishcloth
If you are a beginning knitter, have you ever wondered how to make one of these Diagonal Knitted Dishcloths? I did, ever since receiving one as part of a birthday package years ago, from a ladies group. Whenever using the dishcloth, I marveled at the diagonal pattern, and it made me want to learn how to make my own. After finding a pattern that worked for me, on Pinterest, I made this one.
I used the pattern from Ravelry, developed by Jane Lake. It was fairly easy, although I followed the instructions, line by line, very carefully. On the third time (after frogging it twice), I finished it. This was my first time, with this type of pattern.
Since the HR lady at my former workplace liked it so much, I sold it to her for a few bucks. If you want to know what yarn I used, it’s Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn in “Green Dream.” This yarn is harder to find, so look online on either Walmart.com or Amazon. These greens, in my mind, were perfect for Spring. Everything was in renewal, fresh, and bright. If you want to stretch yourself a bit, as a knitter, try making this dishcloth.
Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission, as an Amazon Associate, depending on whether or not you click the link to Amazon, to purchase the yarn featured in this post.
Crocheted Kitchen & Drink Set
One day, I crocheted this set, while helping my aunt care for my terminally-ill mother. This set consisted of a double-sided potholder, cup cozy, and 4 coasters. I used 2 different colorways with Red Heart Yarn: Pink Camo and Petal Pink. A good place to find these, are on Amazon, if other retailers are out of stock. What I did was pull out how every many lengths of yarn, snipped, and repeated with the other color, then tied them together.
It was fun to make, and sold on eBay, like my other set. I asked myself if this would sell; it did. It’s a good thing I gave crocheting this set a try.
Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission, as an Amazon Associate, depending on whether or not you click the link to Amazon, to purchase the yarn featured in this post.
My First Crocheted Doily
For the longest time, I’ve admired the intricate detail and laciness of doilies. I would look at one, and wonder how it was made. I knew someday, that I had to try making doilies, but didn’t expect to suddenly make it. This is the first doily that I ever crocheted.
One Thursday evening, I was at my Crochet/Knit group in a local yarn store, near where I used to live. After getting up to take a break & my husband’s call to chat, I happened upon this beautiful blue and white variegated crochet thread. It was in the Discount Basket. Of course, I grabbed it to purchase.
All of a sudden, I felt like working on a new project: a doily, which I totally improvised. It helped to have crocheted coasters, which had some of the same types of stitches. I used single and double crochet stitches.
Since I dearly love shopping at Michael’s Arts & Crafts, they are recommended. used the “Shaded Blues” Cotton Size 10 crochet thread by Aunt Lydia.You can find their crochet thread here. I’ll provide a link, once I’m part of an affiliate program.
Bright Scrubby Set
Three years ago, I crocheted this scrubby set to sell in my eBay store (now closed). I needed something exciting, and the bright tropical colors appealed to me. I think these would brighten a kitchen, don’t you?.
To make this set, I used Peaches ‘n’ Creme Cotton yarn, and Scrubby by Red Heart Yarns. I used both a solid color Cotton and the Scrubby yarn, crocheting them together in circular shapes. If you know to crochet rounds, this is a pretty easy project.
This set is for sale in my new eBid online store, PurpleKittyPlace26. I discontinued selling with eBay. I may include a pattern for these. The best place to find these colors is in Michael’s Arts & Crafts.
Coaster with Open Rainbow Scallop Edge
This is one of my favorite projects, that I work on, from time to time. Whenever I make coasters, they are crocheted most of the time, like this one pictured. I like to crochet with a solid color; then add the edging in a variegated pattern to coordinate with the main color.
I developed this design in my head, over a decade ago. For this one, I used the Red Heart Yarn Brand in Black (coaster body) and Mexicana (edging). You can find these on Amazon, or at Walmart, whether in-store or online. What I love about the variegated Mexicana is the versatility; it can be used with other different solid colors, like red, Sunny D orange, yellow, greens, blue, etc.
One time, I made a whole rainbow set of coasters, and sold them. Let me know if you want me to “make ‘N’ post.”
Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission, as an Amazon Associate, depending on whether or not you click the link to Amazon, to purchase the yarn featured in this post.
“Ocean & Sand” Crochet Mini-tote Bag
January 14, 2021
With all of the reusable bags out there, most of them being made of plastic, it’s even better to have one that is handmade of more natural fiber, like cotton. At some point, this one can be thrown into the wash.
I was sitting during my meal break at work, thinking that it would be nice to have a smaller bag to shop with, to either buy a few items or small ones (like cosmetics, jewelry, etc.), rather than the usual full-sized ones.
To crochet this bag, I used (more natural) cotton yarn, “Denim” by the Peaches ‘n’ Cream brand. If you buy each ball of it at Walmart, it’s under $2 each. It’s easier to make each piece (sides, bottom, handles) separately, before stitching together. To get a prettier texture, I alternated between the single and double crochet stitches.
SUPPLIES
*Cotton Yarn (Worsted Weight 4)
*Size G6/4.00 MM (US) Crochet Hook
*Scissors
*Blunt-pointed big needle (optional)
ABBREVIATIONS
CH – Chain
DC – Double Crochet
SC – Single Crochet
SL ST – Slip Stitch
ST – Stitch
STEPS
Bottom (1 Piece) Row 1: CH 26 and turn. Row 2: Starting in 1st CH from the hook, SC in each ST across (26). Rows 3-11: *Starting in 1st ST, SC, then DC in the 2nd ST; alternate between these 2 types of STs to the end of the row.* Row 12: Repeat row 2 then tie off, leaving 2 inches of yarn.
Sides (Thinner-2 Pieces) Row 1: CH 12 and turn. Row 2: Starting in 1st CH from the hook, SC across in all 12 STs. Rows 3-35: Alternate between SC and DC across: SC-DC. * Row 36: Repeat row 2, then tie off, leaving 2 inches of yarn.
Front/Back Panels (2 Pieces) Begin like the Bottom Piece, only there will be 36 rows. CH 26 and turn. Row 1: SC in each ST across (26). Turn. Rows 2-35: *SC in first SC stitch, DC in second ST.* Repeat in row until the end (you should finish with a DC). Turn. Row 36: Repeat row 2, then tie off, leaving 2 inches of yarn.
Straps (2 Pieces) With each piece, CH 44, and turn. Rows 1 & 2: SC in first ST, DC in the second ST. Repeat across the row and turn. (Make sure with both rows that you finish with a DC. Tie off with 2 inches of yarn.
ASSEMBLY To assemble the purse, line up all the other pieces to the bottom one, to make sure they are the same height. To attach the sides, you have the option of stitching with the needle, or using the SL ST with the hook (I used the hook and SL ST). I recommend attaching the front / back panels to the bottom, first; then the thinner sides. Make sure that the same-sized sides face directly opposite each other.
Once the sides are attached to one another, attach the straps on top of the stitches. Count 4 STs in, and by using the remaining 2 inches of yarn, weave it up and down, through the STs. This will attach each end of the handle to the bag. Repeat with each remaining end of the straps. Tie off with a knot, and weave in any remaining yarn.
Congratulations on making your own reusable small shopping tote bag! Now you can show it off to anyone you’d like.
SPARKLY RIBBED CUP COZY
One day, as I was getting a coffee at a major coffee chain, I thought to myself as the barista put a sleeve on my cup: “I could crochet myself one of these, and use again many times.” I like to make, and use my own cup cozies, rather than slip on a disposable cardboard one, when going to Starbucks or other places. I’ve made several, but was not totally satisfied with the product. Then, I discovered the flexibility of the ribbed design, and the fact that it helps the cozy conform to the cup’s shape. I’m finally satisfied with a cup cozy that I made, and in my favorite color group.
Rainbow Glitter (Gold) (mostly) Cotton yarn, by Hobbii, was used. It is a super fine yarn (size 1), in Color 040, which appears to be a lighter lavender shade, on the rosy side. It is 95% cotton, and 5% metallic polyester. The ribbed design lends flexibility, to help the cozy stretch more easily over cups for hot beverages. The scalloped edge at the top gives a decorative touch, with the body being 12 STs high. The ribbing is achieved by crocheting in back loops in the STs. So now function, and beauty can be combined, with pizzaz.
MATERIALS:
*Cotton yarn: Featured: Rainbow Glitter (Gold) Yarn
*Size E Crochet Hook
*Blunt needle (for seaming)
*Scissors
ABBREVIATION OF TERMS
BL – Back Loop
CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
ST – Stitch(es).
STEPS:
1 CH 16, then turn. SC in 4th CH from hook (12th from the slip knot) in the back loop. Then SC in the rest of the STs, across the row. Turn.
2 In the back loop (BL) of 1st CH, SC. In the remaining 11 STs, SC in each ST across to the end (12 STS in all). Turn.
3 Repeat step 2, then turn.
4 Repeat step 1, then step 2.
5 Repeat 10 more times. Tie off.
6 With the 3-inch tail of yarn, thread the needle with it, and use it to sew the ends together, weaving the yarn in and out between the loops. Tie off ends.
7 Admire your handiwork and its beauty.
8a Take your new cozy with you, and go get a hot beverage.
8b Slip it on the cup, enjoy showing it off, with a sustainable message in motion (whenever).
I hope that you enjoy using this, many times over. In fact, I encourage you to make more of these, to give as gifts.