Tag: crochet pattern

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The Gradient Afghan

The Gradient Afghan

There is so much crocheting happening here. Two baby blankets, 1 regular sized afghan and another in the works. It’s going well and I hope to have it done by next week. Other than that, I have been sewing masks and cooking for the people in my house. Oh, and laundry, lest anyone think that our work is ever done. I’ve received several custom orders.

The Gradient Afghan

The Gradient Afghan is finished, not only is it finished but the pattern is actually written! Yay! It is crocheted out of LIon Brand yarn. It sure makes it easier for U.S. crocheters to find the colors. I believe that most are available in most big craft stores. The pattern is available in the Etsy shop and will be available soon in the Studio shop. It was such fun to play with the yarn gradients that I might try another afghan out of the same yarns.

Gardening

Gardening has been filling our time as we’ve been building raised garden beds and then hauling pick up truck loads of dirt by the garden cart load to fill each bed. It was nothing but seriously hard work. Keeping the dogs out of the vegetable garden has also been an issue. We resorted to a very lightweight fence of garden string and bamboo poles. I do think that this low cost method is working and I hope that the veggies revive after the visits from the big dog paws.Time is flying and our garden is looking good. It is probably the best garden that we have ever had. There has been one funny. At the beginning of the great quarantine, I was concerned about finding onions. Onions are a natural anti inflammatory and we eat a bunch of onions so I bought onions online and then they said that it would be weeks before they would be delivered. Our sweet daughter in law said that they would pick some up for us. Our daughter also thought we needed onions so she ordered and we received about 30 onions sets. I thought sure why not more onions are great. Every garden bed is full on onions and we still have one more set to be delivered this week. The laughs on us as we will “get” to eat onions at every meal. I may get to sell them door to door. Gardening has been filling our time as we’ve been building raised garden beds and then hauling pick up truck loads of dirt by the garden cart load to fill each bed. It was nothing but seriously hard work. Keeping the dogs out of the vegetable garden has also been an issue. We resorted to a very lightweight fence of garden string and bamboo poles. I do think that this low cost method is working and I hope that the veggies revive after the visits from the big dog paws.

Self Quarantining

We are still all here at home and I think we are all beginning to get on each other’s nerves. I seem to be the one that most everyone is unhappy about, while I am unhappy that the dishes never seem to be completed and the counters are never cleared off crumbs. I guess it is a matched set of issues and we are at an impasse on solving this issue. It is finals week so I am giving us all some much needed grace on these issues, providing good food and allowing us to be ok with slightly lower standards.

Painting

I am starting to paint furniture again as I recently bought 5, yes 5 matched chairs and I am over the moon excited about them. I can’t wait to bring them inside but there is no where to put them. The paint is on order and should be here in several weeks for at least one of them. Two of these lovely chairs sold straight off, which makes me smile.

A tray table that will works as a tv tray or computer desk as needed.

Work

We keep hearing bad news on the work front for many of our friends and family. We do live in Oklahoma where oil has so much to do with everyone’s employment. I know that the job front for many people is at risk or over. I am sorry and am praying daily for everyone’s employment to kick back in strongly.

Talk to you later,

Karen

p.s. This was written before the worries about killer hornets.

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Crochet and Painting

The weeks have been speeding by and much has happened here at the Studio; painting and more painting, and also tons of crochet. Sharing my painting is more uncomfortable for me as it is so much more personal. Only recently has it been that I’ve felt that what has been painted is good enough to share. That not good enough feeling keeps so many of us creatives down. The painting is such an outpouring of the joy in my heart these days that I can’t not paint.

Painting

Painting has been taking over my life and I couldn’t be happier. It is a good thing and keeps me moving around and busy. If you follow chocodogstudio on instagram then you have seen these pieces in process. It seems like time has flown by and it has. At least 5-6 pieces have been painted since the first of the year with several others in a partially painted state. The studio is so full with furniture that it can be hard to move around and open the curtains.

Hand Painted curio shelving unit with each shelf smaller than the other. The shelf supports are turned wood and painted in a variety of very bright colors and finished to a high gloss. Each shelf is painted in a different rainbow color with patterns painted on each shelf.
This shelf unit is also a custom piece and is already home.
A brightly painted patterned table about the right size for an entry hall. It has a piecrust edge and is oval in shape with six legs.
This table isn’t quite finished but it’s getting close to the end.
This photo shows an oblong octagon shaped table with 3 legs next to a brown leather couch. The table is hand painted in a variety of patterns and colors.
Here you can see how pretty and practical the painted table is in a living room. The glass top protects the table from hard use.
This little occasional table was a custom painted piece. These are the legs to the table shown above.

Crochet

The newest project is this cute granny square that I’m sharing with you. It’s will be used in a memory afghan using my client’s Mother’s yarn stash. Isn’t that a sweet idea and such a good one. There will be two blankets coming out of this yarn stash. Blocking the squares will get rid of the wonky squares and ease the slight difference in them. Since this is crocheted out of varying brands of yarns the difference in the gauge of the yarns is affecting the size of the squares slightly.

Floral Memories Granny Square Tutorial

Center

Using an infinity ring, CH2 and HDC into the ring 11 times, for 12 total stitches. Pull the center tight to close the center of the flower. Weave in all ends as you go.

2nd round

Ch 3 HDC in next space chain 1,* HDC in next space chain1, Repeat from * around the circle. Slip stitch to join. There should be 12 CH 1. ch1

3 round (petal round)

*Crochet 4 DC into the next CH1 space from the previous round. CH 1 into the next space. Repeat from * around the circle. SS to join to the first ch1.

4th round

Chain 4, ss to join to 3 DC in petal. CH 3, DC to the SS from the previous row. *Chain 3, ss to join to the 3rd DC in the petal. Continue from * around the flower. SS to join CH 4.

5th Round

CH 2, HDC 2 into same CH 4 group. *HDC 3 times into next CH 3 group.
Create 1st Corner in the next CH 3 group, HDC 1, DC 1, CH1, DC 1 HDC1. HDC3 times into next CH3 group,

Continue from * around the block creating three more corners. SS to join to 1st HDC group.

6th Round

CH 2, HDC in each stitch until corner. At corner, HDC 2 times, CH 2 times, and HDC 2 times. Continue crocheting HDC in each stitch. Treat the other three corners the same as above, SS to join, Tie off and cut yarn.

This pattern is short on photos but this blog post doesn’t post today it might be months before you see anything!

Talk to you later,

Karen

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Cathedral Window Granny Square Free Pattern

Cathedral Window Granny Square

A few weeks ago, a friend brought me an afghan to repair. It was her mother’s favorite and was crocheted sometime in the ’70s. I was fascinated with the pattern as I have never seen a granny square quite like it. I decided to write-up a pattern based on the squares as I repaired the unraveled spots. It’s called a Cathedral Window Granny Square, and I’d like to share that pattern with you today.

Cathedral Window Granny Square

(I think I need to show you how to repair afghans because things happen– like dogs– but that is another post, or maybe another YouTube video!)

Cathedral Window Granny Square

As you can see in the photo, this square is done in 4 colors.

  • Color 1–The first two rounds are a light main color
  • Color 2– The third and fourth rounds are a medium main color
  • Color 3– The fifth round is the darkest shade of the main color
  • Color 4– The sixth round (in the example above) is white.

The yarn in the example afghan is baby weight yarn and the hook used was smaller than a G-size.

Notes: 

  • The sample square is crocheted in DK Stylecraft Special
  • I used a G-size hook and my instructions are in US crochet terminology

Abbreviations:

  • hdc — half double crochet
  • sc — single crochet
  • tc — triple crochet
  • dc — double crochet
  • ch — chain

Notes:

This square was crocheted with Stylecraft Special DK  with a size G hook. The instructions are written in U.S. crochet terminology. I crocheted several different squares using various color yarns. The photos are color accurate. The square will look misshapen until the last round and may still need blocking to get it truly square.

Instructions

Start of Cathedral Window Granny SquareRound 1

Using color 1, ch 3 and join into a circle with a slip stitch.

Ch 2 and dc into center of circle, *ch 3 and dc twice into circle (corner loop group created).

Repeat from * two more times, until you have four double crochet groups, ch 3 and join to beginning ch 2 with a slip stitch (4 corner loop groups created).

 

Row 2

Ch 2, *hdc into loop group 2 times, (hdc into space created between 2 dc of previous round). Hdc twice into next corner space (5 hdc created). Ch 4 and continue from * three more times. Join to beginning ch 2 with slip stitch to complete the round.

There should be 5 hdc on each side. Fasten off yarn.

Round 3

Join color 2 at loop group on corner.

Ch 2 (counts as 1hdc), hdc into loop group and in each space between hdc across and 2 hdc in corner loop group (8 hdc created per side). *Ch 5, hdc twice into loop group from previous row. Hdc in between each hdc across the side and 2 in corner loop group ch 5. Continue from * two more times. Join to beginning ch 2 with slip stitch.

Middle of Cathedral Window Granny SquareRound 4

Ch 2 (counts as 1 hdc). Hdc into loop group and in each space between hdc across and 2 hdc in corner loop group (10 hdc created per side). *Ch 2, hdc twice into loop group from previous row. Hdc in between each hdc across and 2 in corner, ch 5. Continue from * two more times. Join to beginning ch 2 with slip stitch.

Fasten off yarn.

 

 

Round 5

Join color 3 in corner loop group. Ch 2 (counts as 1 hdc) crochet 1 hdc in corner loop group and in each space between each hdc across ending with 2 hdc in corner loop group (total of 14 hdc).

*Chain 5 and crochet 2 hdc in corner loop and in each space between hdc from previous round ending with 2 hdc in corner loop and ch 3. Continue from * 2 more times. Join to beginning ch 2 with slip stitch. Fasten off yarn.

Round 6

Join color 4 (white) to corner chain loop.

Ch 1, sc in corner loop group, sc in next 2 spaces between hdc from previous round, hdc in next 2 spaces. Dc in next 5 spaces. Hdc in next 2 spaces between hdc from previous round. Sc in next 2 spaces and 2 times in corner loop and then ch 5.

Completed Cathedral Window Granny Square* Sc twice in corner chain loop. Sc in next 2 spaces between hdc from previous round, hdc in next 2 spaces. Dc in next 5 spaces. Hdc in next 2 spaces between hdc from previous round. Sc in next 2 spaces and 2 times in corner loop and then ch 5. Repeat from * two more times.  Join to beginning ch 1 with slip stitch. Tie off.

 

Cathedral Window Granny Square is complete.

Pattern based on vintage crochet blanket from a friend.

 

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Easy Fingerless Gloves Pattern

fingerless gloves

These Fingerless gloves make a great gift. They keep your hands warm while you are texting or typing. The pattern is easy to follow with lots of photos to make it perfect for beginners. The pattern comes in two sizes, small and medium, allowing it to fit most women and men. Our pattern testers found that the small pattern fits from petite to large; the medium fits from XL to 2XL in women’s sizes.easy fingerless gloves pattern

I used the James C Brett Yarn, “Marble Chunky,” to create the fingerless gloves shown on this page. The yarn is color-changing, making it look striped in the finished gloves. You will simply love the look without all the tedious work of changing colors and weaving in ends.

(There are affiliate links in this post and I receive a small percentage of any purchase that you make.)

The chunky yarn crochets up quickly. You can personalize these gloves in any color you choose, whether it’s your favorite color or the color of your coat. Below are just a few of the colors this yarn comes in. I had so much fun creating this pattern for you!

color changing yarn

Easy Fingerless Gloves Pattern

You can find this pattern at my Etsy or Craftsy pattern shops. The yarn is available online at various retailers. You can also use any bulky yarn that you have left over in your stash. If you do crochet these gloves, send me a photo via Facebook– I would love to see your results!

fingerless gloves

What I’ve Been Up To

This past week has been spent writing up patterns; I’m working hard on preparing for the holiday season. The more work I get done now, the less I have to do then. The weather here has been crisp and beautiful. The yard is being mowed as I type, for the last time this season, I think. It will be nice to put the mower away and focus on other things.

I decorated a little bit for the season with some pumpkins, but I need to add some flowers for color. It is time to put some pansies and mums into the front flower beds. All I need to do is get out there and dig some holes.

I also had a chance recently to re-pot my succulents into a more permanent container. They have been hanging out in plastic containers all summer. (I am notorious for killing plants!) I was trying to see if they would live long enough to warrant a pretty pot. They have; I think I like them. It will be good to have some houseplants that don’t die if I don’t water them all the time. Even the Aloe Vera plant is still alive after about six months in my home! Maybe there’s hope for my green thumb yet– and for the succulents this winter!

Talk to you later,

Karen

 

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Beautiful Ruby Red Afghan Pattern

I have just listed my Ruby Red Afghan pattern for sale in my Etsy and Craftsy stores. I have included the supplies and skills list you need to be able to complete it. This afghan pattern is a step up for beginners. The yarn is a lovely wool blend but can be difficult to frog (or take out) as the fibers can mat together. Even with that challenge, it is a beautiful, soft and warm blanket. It is a good “first jump” into specialty yarns.

Ruby Red Afghan Pattern, www.chocolatedogstudio

Ruby Red Afghan Pattern, www.chocolatedogstudio

Ruby Red Afghan Pattern, www.chocolatedogstudio

Ruby Red Afghan Pattern, www.chocolatedogstudio

Ruby Red Afghan Pattern

It is crocheted and photographed in this lovely red yarn but you can choose from any of the yarn colors which this yarn comes in to make yours unique. There are so many different choices; from icy blues and greens to purples and yellows. Just…so many choices! I know you will find the perfect color combination to fit your personality.

Ruby Red Afghan Pattern, www.chocolatedogstudio

Warm, soft and wooly, it makes a great lightweight blanket with all the warmth of wool. The yarn for this blanket is usually easy to find.

What I’ve Been Up To

October seems to be when I gear up for Christmas and begin creating any handmade gifts that I might want to give to bless friends and family. This blanket is a wonderful gift to give or receive. Spare time is always at a premium during these months and this year is no exception. My goal is to get some new patterns up in the shops soon, so keep dropping in (at the Etsy store and Craftsy store) to look around. (And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! Doing so will keep you up-to-date on patterns, finished products, and all that I’ve been up to in life.) I am also concentrating on my giveaway for November. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Talk to you later,

Karen

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Scalloped blanket is finished

I have finally finished this beautiful afghan that I have named the scalloped blanket. I use this beautiful yarn that comes in so many different colors.

2016-01-04 14.00.44

Aren’t they gorgeous? I decided to write the tutorial and share it with you but it is still in the process.

2016-02-25 13.11.55

This close up of the different colors in the yarn makes it a beautiful addition to your home.

IMG_9032

It is a truly wonderful blanket full of texture. The design  and pattern are very simple and the yarn is easy to work with. I think this is a step up from a basic beginner blanket. I can’t wait to share the instructions with you.IMG_9035

The colors look different in different lights. Reds, blues and grays can be so hard to photograph. There is tan and browns in the blanket as well.

IMG_9059

I was hoping to have this tutorial written by now. Things have been busy at home. Our oldest dear daughter graduated from college this past weekend. We had tons of work to do getting her things loaded up into the cars and then attending the lovely graduation ceremony. Celebrating this wonderful accomplishment was an honor. Then there was a super fast loading of her stuff and the 5+ hour drive home in three different cars. It was a long drive but incredibly worth it. We are very proud of her. She worked incredibly hard and is now ready to start the next chapter in her life!

You can see why writing the crochet pattern just didn’t happen this past week.

talk to you later,

Karen

 

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Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern!

The Checkerboard Afghan pattern is now available! Do you remember this beautiful afghan?

Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern, crochet pattern ChocolateDogStudio

It has such a simple yet beautiful border. There is not much to remember and it all just flows together so easily.

Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern, crochet pattern ChocolateDogStudio

Lovely masculine squares and stripes with incredibly soft yarn.

Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern, crochet pattern ChocolateDogStudio

There are several different color combinations of this easily found yarn. You can shop your local craft store to find the perfect colors for your checkerboard afghan.

Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern, crochet pattern ChocolateDogStudio

Incredible visual texture and a soft, warm cuddly exterior.

Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern, crochet pattern ChocolateDogStudio

I have ranked this afghan a beginner + 1. It is a little bit more complex than the other afghan patterns I have created. This is a perfect step up. One of the easier parts is the lovely border which is included in the pattern with step by step instructions.

Checkerboard Crochet Afghan Pattern, crochet pattern ChocolateDogStudio
Skills needed:
• Double crochet
• Slip stitch
• Weave ends in
• Change colors
• Single crochet

Supplies needed:
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Large eye needle
• Size g crochet hook or size needed for gauge

These instructions are written in U.S. crochet terminology.

You can find the pattern for sale on Craftsy

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/home-decor/checkerboard-afghan/199395

and Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/288035203/crochet-afghan-checkerboard-pattern

FYI:

I also have links on this webpage to several shops that also sell the yarn. Should you purchase from any of the links on this page I will receive a small percentage of the sale, which will help fund my future yarn purchases!

It has been a full week. I have been crocheting on these flowers and I just can’t seem to crochet them fast enough. Here they are several days ago. The were taking over the coffee table and I finally popped them all in the basket lid to contain them. I am trying not to repeat any color combinations but it is difficult. I have been crocheting early in the morning and late into the night trying to get them all crocheted.

2016-03-29 10.19.34

I, also,  just found out that one of my favorite fabric shops is having a going out of business sale. I am headed over there after lunch with my daughter-in-law. I am going to try to teach her to sew a log cabin quilt. I think we will be purchasing fabric and goodness knows what else. I might stock up on craft staples like sewing machine needles, yarn, quilt batting and other sewing necessities. Now I know that yarn is not a sewing necessity but it is Necessary for happiness  in my house! I hope to find some great deals as thing are supposedly 50% off in some cases. You just never know if what you want is actually on sale or not.

Talk to you later,

Karen

P.S. ChocolatesBabyShop is now closed. I have been stretched too thin trying to keep two shops up. I was pleased with the results of the shop but all the crochet afghans can been shown in one shop! If you are looking for baby afghans you can now find them here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateDogStudio?section_id=11215540

 

 

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New Granny Stripe Scarf Pattern

I am finally finished with all the  little details of the new granny stripe scarf pattern. This is a cute variation and is bordered with a whimsical picot border. It is a fun pattern to crochet and is a great way to learn to start combining stitches. Once you learn the picot border you can add it to any crochet item.  This scarf is 5′ long and 6″ wide. This is a great size for adults or older children. The bright sunshine colors will brighten any day.

New Granny Stripe Scarf Pattern

I love this photo of the border on the blanket.

New Granny Stripe Scarf Pattern

You can find the pattern in both my Etsy shop, and Craftsy shop!

Life has been busy here as I am in full Spring Cleaning mode.  Yes, that does deserve a being written in bold. We are finishing up some DIY projects around the house and I am changing out all of the photos, artwork, table top decor and stuff to give the house an fresh, updated look.

Here I have gathered all the wall art together so I can see which things go together.   New Granny Stripe Scarf Pattern

Most of these items are things that I put together. The green bottle on the wicker drawer unit is an olive oil bottle. I use it as a flower vase. The vases on the floor I made for the craft show. I have been shopping my home for my accessories as I refuse to spend much money for my decorating. The rest of the room is in an uproar as I am going through our bookcases and getting rid of books that we have out grown. It is just time to clean up and clear things out.

talk to you later,

Karen

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Work in Progress this week 2/12/2016

There has been so much going on this week that I decided to show you my work in progress. The days seem to run together without slowing down. I have been working on so many different projects this week. I have been painting, framing, crocheting, pattern writing, cleaning, donating and trashing! It has been good but I am also tired tonight. Here are a few  of the highlights.

I have been framing a couple of needlework projects. This one is a cross stitch I finished a couple of years ago. I love the curly frame on this one.

Work in Progress

This fantastic needlework is my Aunt’s. She gave it to my mom, and Mom gave it to me. I love it. It is going to hang in my living room as it has all the colors I love in it.

Work in Progress

I have been crocheting on tons of tiny circles for a new afghan. There isn’t much done yet and no beautiful photos of them for you to see.

I have also been crocheting on this afghan. It doesn’t look like much does it. This is what 120+ flower centers look like.

Work in Progress

I have been writing a pattern for a scarf and it is about ready to go out in the world. It is a beauty and fairly easy for beginners.

Work in Progress

This is part of it. It will stretch you a bit as the border is a bit more complicated than most beginner projects. This pattern will be released on Wednesday to both the craftsy shop and the Etsy shop.

FYI: I’m also an affiliate to various different craft shops and if you click to their shops from this page I get a small percentage.  This is a new step for me and I am trying it on for size. It shouldn’t affect anything I say or do here but I believe in being upfront about such things.

Talk to you later,

Karen

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Neon Crochet Afghan Pattern

I just broke through a pattern writing slump and finished up the pattern for the Neon Crochet Afghan blanket. I first showed this blanket to you in February.

Neon Crochet Afghan Pattern Neon Crochet Afghan Pattern Neon Crochet Afghan Pattern Neon Crochet Afghan Pattern The black was rather difficult to photograph at different parts so I did those parts (for the pattern) in the pink and orange yarn instead. I hope it turns out well. I have it listed on Etsy and Craftsy if you are interested. This is another beginner level pattern, half double crochet and double crochet are the only stitches used. You do need to be comfortable in changing colors and counting stitches. The blanket is  45″ x 60″.

See you later,

Karen