Mermaid Tail Giveaway! Check it out!

My youngest daughter has loved mermaids as far back as she can remember. Her favorite Disney Princess is Ariel, she has a variety of mermaid Barbie dolls, and has even gone as Ariel for Halloween. She has always dreamed of being a mermaid herself and after witnessing her friend's transformation into a mermaid this last week during a late night swim, she is hoping to get her wish.

Do you have a girl or boy as interested in mermaids/mermen as my girl? Well head over to Fin Fun Mermaid Tails and check out the contest on this wonderful blog! They are giving away a mermaid tail. Go there soon! The contest ends on Tuesday!

NATCROMO Charity Project

March is National Crochet Month (NATCROMO) and as part of the celebration, Anastaciaknits suggested crocheting something for charity. As it happens, I am already in the process of crocheting for a couple of charities, Online Angels (via SmoothFox) and Project Linus. I just completed my squares for Online Angels and will be mailing them before the end of the month. Of all the squares I made, SmoothFox's Charity Square Number 3 was my favorite. I like it so much, I'm looking forward to making myself an afghan with it in the near future!

FO Friday

I've had the opportunity to test patterns for several designers over the last year and recently tested a couple spiral patterns for SmoothFox. I love the way these came together and envision making several lapghans with these patterns. Hope you like them as much as I do!

Fox's Spiral Granny Square


Fox's 4 color spiral blanket

WIP Wednesday

Wednesday is here again and I have another WIP to share with you. This one's been on the list for a long time. You see, when I started crocheting again last year, my sister requested an afghan. I actually finished most of it in the first half of 2010, but took a break from it to improve my technique. When I revisited it in the fall, I finished the body but am still struggling with the border. As of right now, it reminds me of a man's rugby shirt. I want to add a touch of femininity to it but haven't decided what border to use just yet. Hmmm...maybe I'll get this done in time for next winter. Watch for it on a FO Friday!

FO Friday!

Today is FO (Finished Object) Friday! And would you believe it?! I have a FO to share with you! This is a lovely shawl designed by Anastacia Zittel (one of my favorite designers and a dear friend) in honor of another great crocheter and friend, Hobobird (Ravelry ID). I really love the way it came together!



Happy Friday to all and Happy Crocheting!

Thrilled Thursday!

Ok, so this won't necessarily be a reoccurring theme, but today I am posting a Thrilled Thursday! post. You see, I am part of a square swap on Ravelry called Baker's Dozen, and this month is my month to receive squares. Well, I got my first square today! It's a beautiful teal square and came with an adorable sheep stitchmarker. Thank you, Linda!

WIP Wednesday

One of my goals for 2011 is to blog more often, so I am adding a few themes to my blog, one of which is WIP (Work-in-progress) Wednesdays. You'll probably see a lot of crochet projects but I might throw a few "other" projects in as well, just to keep it exciting! So, without any further ado...

I am trying to finish these hats for my daughter and her friends. There is another one not shown below that is lime green that I haven't determined what accent it will have yet. I'm hoping these will appear in my blog again in the near future on a FO Friday (that's Finished Object Friday for my non-yarnie friends)!

The second one is actually a rich royal purple, but my phone's camera doesn't pick it up too well with indoor light. I really like the way these are coming together. :) Stay tuned! More to come!

Diamonds Are Forever 12" Crochet Square

I must say, I'm really liking the design side of crochet. I especially love the challenge it poses for my easily distracted brain. My bestie recommended I design a square with a similar filet pattern to my Diamondhead Hat. This one's for you, Christine!

Supplies needed:
Hook: US I / 5.5mm
Any worsted weight yarn
Yarn needle

Terms:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk st = skip stitch
ch sp = chain space

Gauge: 3 ¾” across (diameter) after 1st 3 rounds

Create a circle per your choice (join a small chain, magic ring, or ch 1)

Rnd 1: ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), (3dc in beg circle, ch 2) 3 times, 2 dc, join with sl st to ch 3 of beg ch [12 dc, 8 ch]

Rnd 2: sl st into ch space, (ch 3 (counts as first dc from here on), dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [28 dc, 8 ch]

Rnd 3: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *sk st, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, sk st, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [32 dc, 12 ch]

Rnd 4: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [44 dc, 16 ch]

Rnd 5: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [52 dc, 16 ch]

Rnd 6: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 4 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 4 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [68 dc, 16 ch]

Rnd 7: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 6 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 6 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 6 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 6 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [84 dc, 16 ch]

Rnd 8: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 9 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 9 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 9 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 9 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [96 dc, 16 ch]

Rnd 9: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, *dc in next 12 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 12 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), repeat from * twice more, dc in next 12 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk st, dc in ch sp, dc in next 12 dc, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [120 dc, 12 ch]

Rnd 10: sl st into next dc, then into ch space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch sp, dc in each dc and ch 1 sp and (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner, join with sl st in ch 3 of beg ch [136 dc, 8 ch]

Rnd 11: ch 1, hdc in each dc and 5 hdc in each corner, join with sl st in beg ch. Finish off.


Thanks to BlogStarr for her awesome test crocheting skills! Although this pattern has been tested, should you find an error, please email me or message me in Ravelry.

This pattern is free, but should not be distributed by anyone without my permission. Please feel free to make as many of these as you like for local craft fairs, auctions, raffles, etc., but please do not sell finished items online without my permission. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me via email at redcurlysuecrochet@yahoo.com or through my Ravelry ID redcurlysue. Thank you!

Created by Melissa Dalton aka redcurlysue © 2011

Diamondhead Hat (my first published crochet pattern!)

Ok, here it is! My first published crochet pattern! Well, self-published anyway. Enjoy!

I really enjoyed making the hat after being inspired by one of my favorite designers, Anastacia Zittel. You can check out her beautiful designs on her blog or on her Ravelry designer profile. I test crocheted her Xcellent Scarf and immediately wanted to design a matching hat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

To request a PDF of this pattern, please email me at redcurlysuecrochet@yahoo.com.

Supplies needed:
Hook: US I / 5.5mm or size necessary to meet gauge
Any worsted weight yarn (Pound of Love Denim used in photos)
Yarn needle
Stitch markers, if desired

Terms:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
p = picot (ch 3 then sl st into 3rd ch from hook [aka beg ch])

Gauge: 3 ½” across (diameter) after 1st 3 rounds (for large child/small adult size hat)

Ch 3 (or, if you prefer, start with a magic ring/circle or join to make a circle)

Rnd 1: 12 dc in 1st ch of beg ch, join with sl st in 1st dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, sl st in 1st dc. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: ch 2, 1 dc in same st, (2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc) 15 times, 2 dc in last dc, join with sl st in 1st dc (36 dc)

Begin diamond-shaped filet
Rnd 4: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sp, *dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * 4 times, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (42 dc, 6 ch)

Rnd 5: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sp, dc in next 2 dc, *ch 1, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 6 dc, repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 2 dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (42 dc, 12 ch)

Rnd 6: sl st in next 2 dc, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), *sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, repeat from * 4 times, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (42 dc, 12ch)

Rnd 7: sl st into ch sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc, ch1, dc in next ch sp, repeat from * 4 more times, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc, ch1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)

Rnd 8: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 4 dc, *dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 5 dc, repeat from * 4 times, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)

Rnd 9: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 4 dc, *ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 5 dc, repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)

Rnd 10: sl st into next dc, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 dc, *ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next 3 dc, repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)

Rnd 11: sl st into next dc, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), *sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 5 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, repeat from * 4 times, sk dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next 5 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (48 dc, 12 ch)

Rnd 12: sl st into next ch sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 7 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, dc in ch sp, repeat from * 4 more times, dc in next 7 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 1, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch (54 dc, 6 ch)

Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in each dc and ch sp, join with sl st in 1st dc (60 dc)

Rnd 14: ch 2, dc in each dc, join with sl st in 1st dc (60 dc)

Rnd 15: ch 1, sc in each dc, join with sl st in 1st sc (60 sc)

Rnd 16: ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 3 st, *p, sc in next 5 sc, repeat from * 10 times, p, sc in next sc, join with sl st in 1st sc. (60 sc, 12 p) Finish off.

Thanks to gumby28, bjlark63, BlogStarr, anastaciaknits, honeystalks, NokturnalKnyts, and snapdragon928 for their awesome test crocheting skills!

This pattern is free, but should not be distributed by anyone without my permission. Please feel free to make as many of these as you like for local craft fairs, auctions, raffles, etc., but please do not sell finished items online without my permission. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me via email at redcurlysuecrochet@yahoo.com or through my Ravelry ID redcurlysue. Thank you!

Created by Melissa Dalton aka redcurlysue © 2011