Friday, February 20, 2015

Crochet Heart Shawl Made from Alice Merlino's Heart Scarf


So I finished the Crochet Heart Scarf a couple of weeks ago and while I was working on it, I was inspired to create a fun shawl using the same motifs.  So I did!  This is how it came out.
The yarn is absolutely beautiful.  Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Petunia.  The color variegation is really nice and it has a cool mohair feel even though it is 100% acrylic.

After talking to Alice Merlino about using her pattern, she agreed that I could make the pattern available for everyone if I refer to her original pattern and do not rewrite her words or use her pictures.  Her words and pictures are awesome so check them out when you make my shawl.  Here's her pattern and here's my shawl pattern:
 
Yarn:  Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable
Hook:  J
Gauge:  not important

Complete foundation row and rows 1-4 of Alice Merlino’s Heart Scarf.  Finish off.
 
Ch 13, sl st into the fourth bump from your hook (makes a chain loop), ch 9, dc in last dc of completed motif, work across top of motif as in row 5, and at of row, complete foundation row again, turn. 
 
Complete rows 1-4 across to make 3 connected motifs.  Finish off. 
 
Work as established until shawl is desired size.
 
Work row 5 across all motifs to finish then cut yarn.  Weave in ends and block. 
 
Enjoy!!

Friday, February 13, 2015

Valentine's Day...The Next Big Knitting Holiday!

Ok, so when I say "knitting," (Note:  I kind of use it as a general term for "knitting" or "crocheting."  I just find "crocheting" to be an awkward kind of word.)  Anyway, I guess I was inspired this year.  Usually Valentine's Day just kind of sneaks up on me then passes without much fanfare.  My birthday was last month.  My husband's birthday was last week.  We just had our anniversary and Christmas.  I think we are usually holidayed out.  But this year is different for some reason, at least on the "Knitting Front."  (See note above).

So here are some of the projects I just finished.  A couple of hats, of course, because it is still cold up here in Montana.  Anyway, these are pretty simple and I finished them in a day or two. Theses are original designs.  I haven't written up the pattern but I will if I have requests.    

 Next was a cute heart scarf.  This is a design by Alice Merlino from Ravelry.  Also really easy and worked up super quick!  I actually had to take some motifs out because it worked up so quickly, that I had more than 8 feet of scarf before I even realized it.

While I was working on this piece, I started thinking about how to make this into a triangle shawl with the heart pattern all over it.  I pictured the back coming down in little squares. So that is what I tried next.


What do you think?!  I really like it.  I got permission from the designer of the scarf to make the pattern available.  It will be on my Ravelry site when I get it done.  The yarn is Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable.  It is 100% acrylic so it is easy care but it looks and feels like a mohair blend.  I love the color variegation.