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ONE SKEIN SCARF – SO PRETTY FOR SPRING

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I am always interested in patterns that are touted as taking one skein. Tempts me because I have lots of odds and ends (otherwise called orphan) skeins in my stash. However, all skeins are not created equal – as you know. Some contain less than 100 yards of yarn. Others contain well over 200 yards. So, that one skein project could easily turn into a 2 or more skein project, especially if you don’t pay close attention to gauge.

I don’t tend to swatch for scarves. I figure I’ll just make the scarf a bit shorter or longer if my gauge is off. I’ve also been known to arbitrarily change the hook size to one not indicated in a pattern or on a yarn sleeve. Sometimes I’m just lazy – other times I can’t lay my hands on the proper size hook. Either way, I can well end up with a scarf considerably different in size than the one shown.

http://heather-thegoodlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/branching-leaves-scarf-fini.html

Isn’t this pink scarf pretty?  It’s called Branching Leaves – and that’s just what it looks like to me.  However, as pretty as it is, it didn’t really attract my attention til I saw the one pictured below.

http://sandyshook.blogspot.com/

This pretty number on the sandyshook blog caught my attention since she said it took her one skein of Lustersheen to make it.  Not only do I love Lustersheen and have a bunch in my stash, I believe it would make a perfect scarf for Spring.  The easy care fiber in Lustersheen is cost effective and works up easily on my hooks.  Perfection!

To help you along, there’s a great schematic available here .  Hope you like it!

Comments

  5. I am really impressed with your beautiful work and talent. I wished you lived next door to me! Linda W in Flint, Mi.

  7. I have tried and tried and tried this chart – I don’t get it – sorry to say and have posted all over Crafster and other places and no answers. Someone told me to repeat rows 3, 4 and 5 – but do you do the whole chart first or after 3 , 4 and 5 are done the first time, repeat them only till you ar ready to finish and then finish up the rest? I wish so much when people right out charts they say something ofr those of us that have some trouble with charts 🙁

  8. Take a look at this:

    http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=qosbraquftups9b04jkkaqi7n0&topic=105697.0

    the close up picture may help you a bit more. It looks to me like the repeat starts at row 4 so you have to work the pattern as unique rows til you get to row 4 then you can begin to repeat the rows in order. You won’t repeat any row more than once in each ‘motif’. For more help than this, I’ll have to get out my hook and yarn and work the pattern again myself. Can’t do that immediately. Maybe someone else has better advice.
    jd

  9. Hi Deborah. If you want to be strict, make the whole chart then repeat rows 3 to 8 until you get the desired length. Note: at the 8th row, the chart lacks a chain before and a chain after the central dc.

  11. Thanks JD for the extra help – I’ll see what I can do. Also thanks Debbie – I goofed is what I am seeing now. I did the who chart once and then tried to match up row 3, 4 and 5 and it wouldn’t match up. I think if I stop at five it will make sense! Thanks so much all of you! I really want to make this scarf! JD you are a love for asking the group!

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.