Purple Plaid Poncho

Come along as I show you how to accomplish this pretty plaid fabric which you can make into any project you like. I've made 2 panels 17" wide by 26" long and seamed them together to make a poncho. I also picked up stitches around the neck opening and knit a 2 by 2 ribbing for about an inch and then I added a k1 to the k2 to make a k3, p2 ribbing for another inch before binding off in rib. I also added a 3 stitch i-cord in the darker purple about 27" long and I weaved it in and out of the seam area on the front and back of the poncho. The ch 3 at the beginning of each row makes holes along the edge making it perfect for weaving this i-cord in. You could also use ribbon. I let this i-cord hang out at the bottom the same length as the fringe and then at the top I also pulled it through the collar which not only makes it a design element but it also keeps the collar folded down.

The video is more of a guide to show you how to crochet the fabric that makes the plaid. You can make this into any project you want. I just decided to make a poncho. The instructions below are also more of a guide and not really a pattern. You will have to adjust number of stitches and length of panels to make what size poncho you need. Add more squares to make your panel wider and panels longer for a larger size poncho and adjust them smaller for a smaller poncho. It really depends on yarn used and how loose or tightly you crochet.

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

Poncho Instructions

Main Color = Dusty Purple (medium shade)

Light Color = Linen (light shade)

Dark Color = (darkest shade)

I used a size I hook. Chain 50 - sc in 2nd chain from hook and continue to sc across to the last chain. = 49 sc

~Row 1~ 

Using main color ch 3, (counts as 1st dc throughout) dc in 2nd sc of previous row, however don't complete the stitch. Leave the last 2 loops on your hook and now bring in your second yarn color to complete the stitch.

Now work 2 dc with the new second color while carrying the main color and working your stitches over the main color. Work 1 more dc halfway, keeping the last 2 loops on your hook. Drop the second color and picking up the main color again, complete the stitch.

Continue in this pattern working 3 dc, alternating between the main and second color and stranding the opposite color as you go. Remember to work the last dc of each 3 dc set only halfway leaving the last 2 loops on your hook in preparation to pull up the next color. The last 2 dc will be in the main color. Ch 3 and turn and repeat this row once more, this will be row 2.

~Row 2~ 

Repeat  Row 1

~Row 3~

After you have worked your ch 3 in the main color and turned, work 4 dc. Cut your second color of yarn leaving a tail to work in later with your tapestry needle. Now bring in your third color of yarn when you have those last 2 loops on your hook from that last halfway completed dc. Work as before alternating now between the main  and third color. Work one more row in these two colors, this will be row 4.

~Row 4~

Repeat Row 3

Crochet above 4 rows 8 more times. End working one last first row of the main and second color. This will give you a panel 17" wide and 26" long. You need to make 2 for this poncho.

Dana Buchman Crochet Open-Front Cardigan

~Finishing~
I made the fringe using all 3 colors of yarn. I picked up 56 stitches around the neck and knit a turtleneck 2 by 2 rib for about an inch. Then I increased one stitch in every k2 to make the ribbing k3, p2 for another inch. I BO in rib.

I placed a 3 stitch i-cord down the seam area in the front and back as there are holes perfect for this. These were caused by the ch 3 at the beginning of each row. I ran it up through the ribbing and when pulled and tucked under the i-cord strand down the front it keeps the collar down neatly. Otherwise it can be un-tucked so the collar can stand up.

I hope you'll give this technique a try soon and I think you'll really enjoy the process!

Easy Ponytail Holder

Here is an easy and fast project for that little girl you love. I know when my daughter was young she was always putting her hair up in a ponytail. In fact she is all grown up now and married and she still puts her hair up in a ponytail. So, although the colorful variegated version of this is wonderfully fun for little girls, make a few up in plain colors for that older gal you know who still pulls their hair up!

Fantasia 36-Pk. Ponytail Holders

You'll need a thick covered ponytail holder, Size H crochet hook and any 100% cotton  yarn. I find that Peaches and Cream or Sugar and Cream works best. Making a slip knot, slip stitch and single crochet are the skills needed for this project.

Fantasia 36-Pk. Star Ponytail Holders 

Pinwheel Christmas Coaster Set

Here is another easy coaster project for you. I love these coaster sets because they are quick and easy to make and everyone can use coasters! They work great and a set of these would make a perfect Christmas gift for the upcoming holidays!

You can download the pattern for this set of coasters in PDF format here. It's not necessary but there is a product called Plasti-Dip that you could use to coat the back of your coasters. This is totally optional and I find that the coasters work fine without this, but I wanted you to have the information.

Here is the video tutorial series showing you step by step how to crochet these coasters from beginning to end.

I would love to see photos of sets that you have made! Please comment with a link to share your photo url!

Enjoy!

Pinwheel Place Setting, Coaster and Garland Pattern PDF HERE

Thirstystone American Flag Coaster Set

Thirstystone Tuscany Coaster Set

Thirstystone Pansies Coaster Set

Let's make a Springtime Coaster Set

This is a pretty set of coasters that look like flowers!

These are made from 100% cotton and are crocheted in the round. These coasters only have 5 rounds so they work up quickly. Make a set of 4 - 6 and tie with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful gift for yourself or someone you love!

Here is the link to the FREE pattern at Ravelry and if you aren't on Ravelry you can also download it directly from the designer, Doni Speigle's blog here.

www.ravelry.com is a wonderful fiber community where you can keep a notebook of your projects and so much more! You can find me as conicuts on Ravelry!

This is a 5 part video series. Enjoy!

Thirstystone Bamboo And Faux-Leather Coaster Set

Thirstystone Coffee Cups Coaster Set

Thirstystone Seashell Coaster Set

Thirstystone Cinnabar Coaster Set

Scalloped Crochet Edge

Video showing you how to add a scalloped crocheted edge to your next dishcloth, loomed or knitted project.

This scalloped edge is worked in two rows, the first row all around is just single crochet. The next row will be your pattern that makes the scalloped edges.

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
st = stitch

Rnd. 1.  Start by working single crochet stitches all around your dishcloth by making holes about 1/4" apart. Work 3 sc's in the corners. You will end back at the corner you started on. Join with a slip st to first sc. ch 1

Rnd. 2.  Sc into same sc as slip st, ch 3, 4 dc into same sc as slip st, skip next 3 sc, sc into next sc, * ch 3, 4 dc into same sc as last sc, skip next 3 sc, sc into next sc. Repeat from * all around then join with a slip st to first sc.

Size H Crochet Hook

Crocheting a Ruffled Edge

Hi everyone, I am going to be posting some older videos that I have made in the past over the next week or so. I hope that you enjoy them and that they will help you with your next crochet project.

Video showing how to add a crocheted ruffled edge to your next dishcloth, loomed or knitted project.

ch (ch) yo (yo)

*ch 2, insert hook into item edge
yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through both loops

Repeat from * to end of item

Slip stitch knot to first stitch to end.

Work stitch twice in same hole every other stitch. Work stitch three times in each corner.

Size H Crochet Hook

Learn to Crochet the Crab Stitch

In this video you will learn how to crochet the Crab Stitch. This stitch uses the single crochet stitch but instead of being worked going right to left as normal you work it going left to right! Sort of a backward single crochet. It's lots of fun and quick and easy to accomplish.

How to Crochet an I-Cord

Double Crochet Chainless Foundation

Half Double Crochet Chainless Foundation

Single Crochet Chainless Foundation

Crocheted Scarflette

 Crocheted Scarflette

Here is a pretty scarflette for you to crochet that is fun and fast to make. These make wonderful gifts as they easily fit most people. You can adjust the size if need be by just lengthening or shortening the body of the scarflette.

This is about 4 1/2" wide by 27" long (total length) It will fit a 17" to 19" neck size.

You can use any type of bulky yarn. It takes just a little over a skein of yarn. However that depends upon how much yardage your skein has. I used Patons Shetland Chunky Tweeds in Medium Blue and just about 1/4 of one skein of Cascade 220 in a dark purple for the end flounce. I would suggest using a soft, washable yarn since this will be worn close to the neck. 

You can download a PDF of the pattern here. Crocheted Scarflette

The video instruction is in 4 parts...

How to start a Scarflette - How to begin and have even sc rows.

A Scarflette Loop - Making the pocket for the end of the scarf to pull through.

Learning Front/Back Post Double Crochet - Making the body of the scarflette.

Completing the Scarflette - Finishing and making the flounce and scalloped edge.

Annabelle Infinity Scarf

Enjoy!

Introducing my New Easy Video Crochet Blog!

Hi and Welcome to my new blog called Easy Video Crochet!

I'll be sharing techniques, projects and instruction on many aspects of crochet, and all in video format!

I know that when I learned how to crochet it was easier because I had my mom sitting right beside of me showing me how. Some of us just learn much easier if we can see what is being done. I will show beginner tips and instruction as well as more advanced instruction. I'll also have projects that you can crochet from start to finish! I'm looking forward to sitting beside of you and sharing with you my love of crochet!

 Look for the first series of videos soon!