Stitch of the Day #22 - Up and Down Stitch

So this stitch is listed as intermediate. I'd say it borders on easy, but that might be from someone with some experience. A newbie would need to know how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and triple (or treble) crochet. There are videos on those and they're not really hard. If you can double crochet, then you can triple crochet. It's just an extra loop.

I found this to be super easy. I kept waiting for the 'difficulty' to start. LOL!

Here is my lovely version:

I actually show you the front and back here so you can see what it should look like.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

If you want the PDF written pattern, you can find it here: Up and Down Stitch

Stitch of the Day #21 - Tunisian Two Stitch

So I am finding that, as neat as it looks, I'm not a huge fan of the Tunisian stitches. I feel like they take a lot of time and I'm not sure why I'd use them. That being said, I did make this tiny swatch and hope you can see the fine details in it.

My version has the front and back sides, just cuz. It's a neat looking stitch, but requires a lot of focus.

You can follow the video tutorial below. Creative Grandma always makes these look so easy!

Here is where you can find the PDF pattern for the Tunisian Two Stitch.

Stitch of the Day #20 - Double Trouble Stitch

This stitch started out interesting... ok, lots of single crochet stitches to begin. Then the double crochet stitch.. from behind... ???? I had to rewind that video a couple of times, try it and... voila! So it may look intimidating at first, but as Ms. Winkleman says, "Once you get it, it is real easy." or something like that.. You might like it so much you may, as she suggests, find excuses to use it as often as you can.

It has a really nice bulky texture to it. I used a chunky yarn, but I think it just adds some texture and bulk to whatever yarn.

Here's mine:

It came out really nice.

Here is the video tutorial:

You can find the written PDF Pattern here: Double Trouble Stitch #220

Stitch of the Day #19 - Tunisian Smock Stitch

This is a very intricate stitch. I screwed up on the finishing part, apparently thinking I knew what she was going to say or do. Apparently, I was wrong. So, my finished swatch is actually NOT finished. Regardless, it's staying put for now and in the future, I will do it again and follow through. I got confused on it, thinking the video was replaying the ending. Hah.

I'm very frustrated today and this stitch took too much effort, too much concentration for me. As such, I don't think it got a fair shake. I'll come back to it and try again. I've been so very interested in the Tunisian stitches before and I'm fascinated by them still. Now, I know how to get them going!

I just need to learn to finish it. Anyways, this came out pretty good anyways...

My version:

Here's the video tutorial by Creative Grandma for you to use:

Here's the written PDF pattern for Tunisian Smock Stitch #215

Stitch of the Day #18 - Interlocking Shell Stitch

I am not a fan of this stitch... Because it beat my butt. I can't tell at all if it looks right. To me it's a mess. I had a hard time finding the stitches I needed to work other stitches. I had trouble counting my chain. It's clearly a bad day to crochet. *GASP* I know, right? Maybe I'll do it better another day.

My version:

I used this video tutorial by Creative Grandma to make my swatch:

You can find the PDF Pattern here: Interlocking Shell Stitch

Stitch of the Day #17 - Crumpled Griddle Stitch

This is a very super easy stitch. Great practice for beginners! You need to know how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches. This was a fun stitch to do, actually. If you need practice with crochet, you can make placemats, pot holders, and so on. Lots of little things.

Here's my swatch:

I gave it a single crochet border to just make it neat. I love how it turned out and am thinking of making some hot pads with this stitch!

This is the video I used to make the stitch by Creative Grandma: 

You can find the PDF pattern here: Crumpled Griddle Stitch.

2018 Project - Mike's Hat

My hubby asked for a beanie last year to put under his bicycle helmet. I obliged and he has, on occasion, commented on how many 'holes' it has. He means he's not a fan of the spaces between double crochet stitches. Since the idea was for it to warm his head, but let it breathe, and still fit snuggly under his helmet; I did as he had asked.

However, for just a winter hat, it won't do. He wanted something more substantial. So after some practice and him watching others get winter hats, I finally got around to his.

This is made with yarn from Premier yarns: Serenity Chunky and the color is Stormy. It's a really cool color combination.

I borrowed various patterns for ideas for this. First, I like to have a 'trim' to make it look finished, something in a color found in the main yarn. The brim is ribbed. His head measured 23 inches around, but with this chunky yarn, that was too big and stretchy. I believe this measured a circumference of about 18" when it was done. These are all single crochet stitches.

The 'head' of the hat is a combination of stitches.
   Row 1: Single crochet (SC) around 

   Rows 2 & 3: Ribbed stitch (SC around)
   Rows 4-5: Half Double Crochet stitch (HDC)
   Rows 6-7: HDC decrease
   Rows 8-end: SC decrease

   Finish: Sewed the remaining together and tied it off.

Stitch of the Day #16 - The Fan Tail Stitch

I do not recommend this for beginners. While not difficult, it's intricate with different stitches. Double, Half Double, and Single Crochet stitches, plus chaining. Kind of basic, but used over a 3 row repeat pattern. I'd likely have a written pattern beside me or watch/rewatch the video as I went along for awhile.

My attempt:

My swatch looks a tad messy, but I just followed along with the video as Ms. Winkleman taught the stitch.

If you want the PDF Pattern, you can get it here: Fan Tail Stitch

Here's Creative Grandma's Video Tutorial:

Stitch of the Day #15 - Trinity Stitch

Here's another fairly simple stitch. Beginners don't need to know much, just how to chain and single crochet. Very basic.

My versions of the stitch:

The first attempt went sideways. I chained 20, but kept ending up with an extra stitch which went unused in the first row, no matter what. I decided to let it go and just do the stitch, work out the problem later.

This is using my Red Heart Super Saver Stripes yarn. I chained 20 here.

After reviewing my PDF instructions, I realized I was not starting the clusters in the stitch where my last cluster ended. So I tried again and, voila! No more missing that last stitch!!!

I used Bernat Living yarn for the second attempt. It came out much better! I chained 40 here. 

Comparison of the swatches.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma. I used it as a way to help me see what the PDF pattern told me.

The PDF pattern can be found here for the Trinity Stitch.

UPDATE:

I made this as a beginning to a placemate... not sure if I'm into it being that big...

Stitch of the Day #14 - Tulip Stitch

This is a very simple stitch. Beginners need to know how to chain, single and double crochet. That's it. This could make a pretty scarf or place mat. Anything, really.

My attempt:

I used my Red Heart Super Saver Stripes yarn. It came out pretty cool, showing off the tulips really well, I think. It's just interesting to see how the colors come out between the black.

You can watch the tutorial for the Tulip Stitch by Creative Grandma here or on YouTube:

The PDF for this pattern is here: Tulip Stitch.

Stitch of the Day #13 - Block by Block Stitch

This stitch is super easy. Great for beginners as the pattern is the same, over and over. You could totally make a blanket with this stitch or whatever you like.

My versions...

I used Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny Yarn in Sunflower and Red Barn for the first one. It's a size G hook yarn, but I used an I hook.

I don't really recommend this yarn for work that is not tight. You can see the messy corner. It's flimsy and not so fantastic to work with. It's hard to see the individual stitches, no matter how bright the light. It's soft, so it's great for things that go against your skin, like slippers or gloves, but not much else, I think.

I used Red Heart Super Saver Stripes for the next swatch. It's fantastic! I still used the I hook, which is the recommended hook for this yarn. I love how the colors are popping out. I'm curious what it'd look like with a bigger swatch... I may do that another day and put it here just to see!

Here's a comparison of the two together. Clearly, the Red Heart yarn is better, more sturdy, and more interesting to look at.

Here is the video tutorial on YouTube by Creative Grandma:

Here is where you can find the PDF Pattern: Block by Block Stitch

Stitch of the Day #12 - Lacy Shell Ripple Stitch

UPDATE BELOW

Stitch #12 for me. I like the ripple stitch a lot, but this was more challenging with a shell in it. It's a mess.

The second row gave me no end of grief. You can compare my swatch to Ms. Winkleman's and see, clearly, that mine is not at all how it should be. After some frustration, I opted to settle for what I made and will come back to it later and see if I can't improve it.

Here is the tutorial video on YouTube:

This is where you can find the PDF Pattern: Lacey Shell Ripple Stitch

UPDATE Jan. 16th, 2018:

After a few more views of the video and reviews of the PDF, I realized my mistake. First, I had two many of the ripples (3dc, 3ch, 3dc) and I was not doing the shell right (using 1 stitch to make it, not 3 together).

So, here is my updated version, with a comparison below:

This is the new version all by its lonesome...

 Now the comparison...

It's much better looking this way...

Stitch of the Day #11 - Diamond Trellis Stitch

This is an amazingly challenging stitch to start, but as the Creative Grandma says in her tutorial, it's easy to pick up the pattern once you get it.

I admit, at one point, I said, "Uh, no. It's beyond me. I quit." Then, I said, "Uh... ok, let's at least really try it." And voila! I caught on, but it was still a tad tricksy!

My version:

I do see the diamond in it and I think it's lovely. I'm not sure I'd want to do it in multiple colors for a blanket or something. Perhaps I might if the design is to be a long-term project. I am not great at projects that take too long. I get frustrated.

Here's the tutorial that I followed on YouTube:

You can find the PDF Pattern here at Creative Grandma's Patterns.

Stitch of the Day #10 - Chevron Ripple Stitch

I've made the chevron pattern before, so this was only challenging in that it changes from a double crochet stitch to a single crochet stitch and she decreases the last stitch of each row.

My version, using Red Hear Super Saver Stripes:

I know if you make this into a blanket, which I've done, it doesn't look like an M. I made a baby blanket with Bernat yarn using a similar Chevron stitch.

Her PDF pattern is here: Two Stitch Chevron Stitch #206

And this is the video on YouTube:

Stitch of the Day #9 - The Waffle Stitch

So today, I finally got around to doing the Stitch of the Day - The Waffle Stitch!! 

So this is my version:

I used Red Heart Super Saver Stripes yarn. It is kind of hard to see the waffle stitch, but it's there and easy to do!

You can see the pattern here: Creative Grandma's Patterns for the Stitch of the Week/Day.

Here's the video on YouTube.

Stitch of the Day #8 - The Triple Puff -V-Stitch

While I've had trouble with a couple others, I've never had one take me 3 days to do. On Monday, I tried multiple times, unable to manage the stitch or the count. On Tuesday, I was very tired and frustrated, but all my attempts were sad things. Unraveling is my friend.

Finally, I managed this:

It doesn't look too bad, but it feels messy to me. Also, I'm annoyed with the constant curve that seems to happen with the chain row.

I did have to use her written pattern, finally, by going to the site: Creative Grandma Patterns

At any rate, Creative Grandma shows this pattern marvelously in her How-To.

Stitch of the Day #7 - Hound Tooth Shell Stitch

So this stitch was not hard at all, but my yarn gave me some grief. I'm not a fan of this yarn. It's too loose and has no backbone, as I call it. Still, you can see the pattern.

I just followed this video from Creative Grandma. It's very easy to do and she provides, as usual, the written pattern at the end.

If you want the written pattern to download: Hound Tooth Shell Stitch

Crochet Project - Messy Bun Hat

Or, ponytail hat. Whatever.

It came out loverly.

I used this video by KraftsByYvonne that I found on YouTube.

It's great for beginners or folks, like me, who mess up hats.

This is the messy bun/ponytail hat that I made off this video - also used her written pattern.

Stitch of the Day #6 - Crochet Herringbone Stitch

Updated February 28th, 2018:

 I didn't like how my previous swatches in January looked, so I have a new one. Other than being too tightly chained, again, it came out very nicely, I think.

Here it is:

This is fairly complicated. I don't like how my yarn turned a bit, looking like a crescent moon unless I pull the lower corners straight.

It's hard to see with the variegated colors. But it wasn't really too hard to make.

Here's one in a solid color.

Here is where you can get the written pattern. Creative Grandma's Stitch of the Week Patterns

And the video tutorial by Creative Grandma...

Stitch of the Day #5 - Shell by Shell Stitch

UPDATED Feb 28th, 2016:

This is my newest version and I think it's much easier to see the pattern.

This is fairly easy to master. You just need to be comfortable with the double crochet stitch.

The pattern for the Shell by Shell Stitch by Creative Grandma is here. She has it as #201, but it's my #5.

This is my version:

I am using up my leftover yarn. I really like how this came out and may continue it for kicks. I don't have much of that solid blue yarn, but I'll use what I have since it goes so nicely with that variegated yarn.


You can check out the How-To video:

Stitch of the Day #4 - Rib Stitch

So this is actually Creative Grandma's Stitch of the Week #110 ... I varied it.

So in her tutorial, she uses a single crochet stitch only to make the ribbed swatch. I started with a single stitch, then did a half double crochet, then a double crochet stitch.

Here's the video for the Single Crochet Rib Stitch... you can do it with a half double crochet stitch or even a double crochet stitch. You just use the back loop.

Again, my thanks to Creative Grandma as I learn different stitches and gain master of these new stitches or a more practiced hand at the ones I'm familiar with.

I've used this rib stitch, using a half double crochet stitch, in my wrap. There is also a shell stitch in the wrap.

Stitch of the Day #3 - The Cozy Cable Stitch

This was an easy stitch to learn!

I followed the video from Creative Grandma on YouTube for this stitch:

My version:

You can find the written pattern to download at CreativeGrandma.Net.

There are links to the videos as well!

Stitch of the Day #2 - The Slanted Shell Stitch

Updated Feb. 21st, 2018:

So, I think I was just using the wrong yarn. Instead of the bulky yarn, I used a worsted weight with a size I hook. Here's the result:

I was not too far off the first time, but you can really see this stitch now. I took my time. I think I was hurried back in January. 

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In keeping with my 2018 goal, I am onto my 2nd stitch.

If this were a duel, I would have never seen this one coming. I'd have been lying face down on the ground trying to figure out what had happened. This stitch is not easy for me. I'd be ok, but the last part of the stitch and then the subsequent following of the next row ... well, I kept losing stitches and it was hard for me to stick them back in.

I tried with different kinds of yarns. No dice.

Click for Creative Grandma's Stitch of the Week.

Here's the How-To video:

This is what I ended up with... kind of a mess...

I will keep practicing this stitch, but I'm ok with not mastering it right away.

Stitch of the Day #1 - Delicate Baby Shell Pattern

Updated on Feb. 21st, 2018:

So I wasn't a fan of my very first attempt at this stitch and did a second. Now, I've done a third. I think this looks a bit less messy, but I'm not sure why I have this hole in the center. LOL. Didn't even see it until I took the picture. 

Here is my new version: 

I'm not seeing a lot of difference or improvement here. I think my originals, in comparison, are better. However, I felt like I was more in touch with how this worked. 

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In an effort to have some sort of goal this year, something to do each day, I am going to attempt a new crochet stitch every day. I am inspired by Creative Grandma's Stitch of the Week. I'll be using her stitch of the week for each day until I catch up with her.

Here's the How-To video:

Here is my version: 

I used a J-hook and some leftover Lion Brand yarn - sort of a reddish brown that came up nearly cream here in this pic. Clearly, I need to get a little more practice on this.

The practiced version in teal:

And the comparison of both...

Click for Creative Grandma's Stitch of the Week