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...