Free Pattern: Cozy Cabled Scarf

While crocheting away working on Christmas presents, I came up with a fun new little scarf pattern.  The Cozy Cabled Scarf is textured, is perfect for guys and gals, and works up super quick!
I was going to list it for sale this week, but I think I would much rather give it away.

It's very simple (perfect for beginners), and I think you will have plenty of time to whip up a few for the holidays.

So here it is!  Enjoy!
I will also be adding it as a free Ravelry download soon, for those of you who would like to store it in your libraries.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and I would love to see your finished scarves on my facebook page!
Happy Crocheting!

Materials:

Medium worsted weight yarn (approximately 170-230yds.)
*I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
J hook
Yarn needle (for weaving in tails)

*These materials will create a scarf approximately 6” wide and   48“ long.  However, it may be worked in the yarn weight or hook of your choice, depending on your desired result.  Worked in a bulky yarn with an N hook, will result in a lovely and chunky scarf, which will work up quickly.  For a fashionable “skinny” scarf, try a sport weight yarn with an H hook.

Abbreviations:

ch- chain st/sts- stitch/stitches dc- double crochet fpdc- front post double crochet

bpdc- back post double crochet

Cross Cable Stitch:

Skip 2dc, dc in the next 2, then cross back over to dc in the first 2 skipped sts.

Row 1:  ch22, turn, dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn,(20dc total, including the turning st)

Row 2:  ch3, sk first st, dc in second, fpdc the next 2sts, dc in next 4sts, crossed cable stitch over the next 4sts, dc in next 4, fpdc the next 2sts, dc in the last 2 sts. turn

Row 3:  ch3, sk first st, dc in second, bpdc the next 2sts, dc in next 4sts, crossed cable stitch over the next 4sts, dc in next 4, bpdc the next 2sts, dc in the last 2sts. turn

Rows 4-80:  Repeat rows 2 and 3, tie off, weave in ends.
* Fringe may be added if desired

Cyber Monday Sale

I don't know about all of you, but the crowds of Black Friday just aren't my thing.  How about getting all of your holiday shopping done while sitting in your pj's sipping coffee/tea/cocoa (insert beverage of choice here)?  Now we're talking!
Well, I have kicked off my Cyber Monday sale in my Etsy shop a little early, and it will run through till December 3rd!  Simply type in coupon code CYBERMONDAY when you checkout, and you will receive 40% off your purchase!
This applies to everything in my shop.  We're talking patterns, pattern pack deals, finished items, and several made to order items, all at 40% off!

Happy shopping!

Hat Season Has Arrived!

 Hat season is officially here, and I have been cranking them out lately.

First on the list was this Rainbow Sugar Skull Slouchy for a friend at work.  The sugar skull pattern is from Glamour4You (I won the pattern when she first released it, and just now finally got to put it to use!), and I sort of winged it on the rest of the hat.

 After I finished it, I realized that I wanted it for myself; I mean it's just plain cool:)
So, I made myself one in some nice blue and purple shades, which totally match my new sneakers, by the way (extra added bonus)!

 Love how these look!  And I am getting so many compliments and requests for them now!

My little cutie decided that the hat looked better one her, so we are now sharing it.

 I tend to agree with her.

 I made some warm winter berets as well.  The above one in purple is still available, and I may add it to my Etsy shop this week.

 The camo one has already sold.

 I am running so behind on my patterns lately.  I have a bunch in the works, including the cute tunic pictured below.  I am hoping to get some of these typed up and to testers soon.

So, what's on your hooks lately?

A Week of Apples- Crock Pot Applesauce Recipe

 It has been a week of apples here, beginning with a fun filled day of apple picking with friends, and continuing on throughout the days with tons of apple recipes.

 We picked a good 20lbs. of apples, so we had lots to bake with.  We went to Hackleboro Orchards in Canterbury, New Hampshire.  It is completely in the middle of nowhere, and a fantastic place to visit, if you 

 are ever in the area.  They have a tractor ride, goats, chickens, bunnies....

 ...and fun little wagons to pull your apples, um er, your children in.

My friend Barbara pulled her around, while my husband pulled the 100+ pounds of apples.lol

 We baked an apple crumb cake that night, and some apple bread the next day, which was used for french toast (yummmy!!!)

Later in the week, we went for a fun fall walk and returned home for some apple cooking.

A dinner of pork tenderloin with apple slices baked into it, followed by homemade crock pot applesauce.

Want to make your own crock pot applesauce?

It is really easy, and delicious!  There is something so rewarding in making your own.  It just tastes better, and you know exactly what is going into it, especially if you picked the apples yourself.

Here's what you need:

About 20 average sized apples (peeled and chopped)

3/4 cup of water

About a tablespoon of lemon juice 

Cinnamon and sugar to taste

and a potato masher (your applesauce will be a little chunky)

In that wonderful crock pot way, you will set it and forget it!

All ingredients go in, you can adjust the flavor with the cinnamon and sugar, and mash it at the end.

Cook on high for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Delish!

Huzzah! It's Finished! CAL Sweater

 I am so excited that it's finally finished!  My ladies shrug/cardigan is now complete; sleeves and all!

The best part, is I got to wear it apple picking today :-)

We went with some friends to an orchard, and the weather definitely warranted a toasty sweater.

 I really was worried that I would not get that final sleeve done in time, but I stayed up late, woke up early, and put in the finishing touches.

I had to make several adjustments to the sleeves, as I previously mentioned in my last post, but they came out beautifully.  They are a nice wide sleeve, comfortable, and fall just right below the wrist. I was afraid to make my first sweater, especially when it came to the sleeves, but everything worked out well.

I don't know how many of you worked this pattern, but I would highly recommend it to any and all crocheters looking for a nice cardi pattern.  It is easy to follow, with basic stitches, helpful photos, and the results are fabulous!

This is definitely my new favorite sweater, and I can't wait to make more!

Now it is on to many other projects.  I have quite a list of WIP's that desperately need my attention, Christmas presents, a custom order for Halloween, and a couple of new items for my daughter.  My next post may be entirely devoted to my current WIP's.

How many projects do you have going at any one given time?

Have a great Columbus Weekend!

CAL Progress- Sleeves

 Ok, so it all came down to the sleeves.  I loved it as a vest, don't get me wrong, but this was to be a sweater.
The sleeves seemed very straightforward, and although I have always despised making sleeves (I can't help but fail to make them the same way as the other without oodles of stress along the way), I had full confidence that this would move along quickly.

 Wrong!
I realized when working around the armhole, that my count was 10 more than in the pattern.  Hmmm.... I thought....
Oh well, I continued along.  Once I reached the point of the sleeve where you switch stitch work, I realized that they would not be long enough.  Hmmm....again....
So I made the necessary adjustments by adding several more rows, and the result was a very nice sleeve, which I am quite fond of.
The problem is, I now believe the reason for the difference may have been the way I seamed up the sweater sides.  Oh crap!  Yup, of course I would realize this after doing an ENTIRE SLEEVE!!!  I am most definitely not wanting to rip it out and start again.  Against my better judgement, I am continuing onto sleeve number 2.  I hope that it will fall/drape the way it is supposed to and that it will match the other.

If the second sleeve doesn't work out, I will rip out both, and it may stay a vest for an indeterminate period of time.
Wish me luck!
How are you all progressing with your sweaters?

CAL Progress- Ladies Shrug/Cardigan

Ta-dah!  It's a vest!  

I buckled down this week and made some serious progress on the sweater.  I finished the cowl, seamed up both sides, and voila: a vest!  I do fully intend to add the sleeves, but I was so excited to be able to wear it, that I just had to show it off for the day.  I do love it as just a vest, but I really wanted a long sleeved sweater, so that is what it will be.

The sleeve part of the pattern seems pretty straight forward, and I don't think they should take me too long to finish.  Sleeves are usually my nemesis, so I'm pleased with the simplicity of this pattern. 

 As with all of Mon Petit Violon's patterns, it is very easy to follow; there are several helpful pictures and clear instructions.  If you aren't currently working this project along with me, or if you've never tried her patterns, I would highly recommend them.  This is definitely a great beginner's sweater, and it works up quickly, if you're looking for something to wear this fall/winter.

I am hoping to wear this sweater apple picking next week, so I am off to work on my sleeves.  I would love to hear about your progress on the CAL!  Feel free to share pictures/links here in the comments or on my facebook page.

Pattern Release!

My latest pattern has been released!  My homage to the 20's flapper look, ...And All That Jazz, is now available for purchase in all three of my shops.  For today only, you can get your copy for just $3.50!

This is a very simple pattern, perfect for beginners, and works up quite quickly.  Would make an adorable Halloween costume, or just a fun "dress up" outfit.

It is written out for one size, with instructions on making it to fit any measurements.

Available for purchase here:
Etsy:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/cavendishclassiccraf
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/clothing/and-all-that-jazz/71357?fresh=true&NAVIGATION_PAGE_CONTEXT_ATTR=PATTERN
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/and-all-that-jazz

...And All That Jazz!

This dress is the bee's knees!

The 20's style flapper girl, just in time for Halloween! 

Pattern release date is scheduled for Friday October 4th, and there may just be a Pin It to Win It contest involved.....

Ladies Shrug CAL Progress

 I have been cruising along this week on my Ladies Shrug/Cardigan for the CAL, and I just can't wait to wear it!  The weather in New England has been very chilly this past week, so all the more reason to speed things up.

 The more rows I finish, the more I am LOVING these colors!  It's a tonal alpaca/wool/acrylic blend, so not only are the colors fabulous, but it will be super soft, warm, and lightweight.  What more could you want in a sweater?

The excitement of creating my very first sweater (well my first sweater for an adult) has me in full blown sweater mode.  I have been finding myself glued to pinterest and ravelry lately looking for more sweaters to create.  I have a vision of crocheting myself an entire fall wardrobe (never gonna happen.lol), and I am planning my next piece.

Can you believe the fabulousness (not a word? it should be) of this textured sweater?!  The colors are perfection too; utterly autumn :)
It is done in tunisian, which means that it's time for me to learn a new technique.  I have been wanting to try it for a while, and I think this sweater is the perfect motivation, don't you?

But before I attempt the tunisian sweater, this cute cabled v-neck is next on my agenda.  It is another great pattern from my favorite designer, Mon Petit Violon, and I'm hoping I have enough of my yarn leftover to make it for my daughter.
Perfect for boys and girls, I think I will have to make several of these this season for all the kiddos in the family.

So, are any of you taking part in the CAL?  I know several people had shown interest last month and purchased the pattern.  I would love to hear about your progress, and even better, see some pics!

Here is a progress pic from the ever so talented Lisa, over at I Crochet It!  Great job Lisa, and I look forward to seeing more!

Please feel free to comment below about your progress or any current fall weather projects you are working on.