Month: August 2014

Heart Mandala: Octagon to Square

  This Heart Mandala is absolutely addictive and completely, divinely beautiful! I’m in love with it 🙂 Check out the related links at the end of this post. Try this fun pattern in a built tough, but super soft DK weight yarn like: Scheepjes Colour Crafter Knitpicks Brava Sport Stylecraft Special DK  Square Off Heart Mandala Special Stitches (American terms) DC Cluster:  In the same stitch, work 2 DC stitches up to the final step, leaving behind a loop each time. YO and draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook. TR Cluster: In the same stitch, work 3 TR stitches up to the final step, leaving behind a loop each time. YO and draw yarn through all 4 loops on hook. DTR stitch: Wrap yarn around hook 3 times. YO and pull through 2 loops on hook until all loops are used (4 times total). 2DCdec: Make a DC cluster, but instead of working both “legs” in the same stitch, work them in the two stitches indicated. 2SCdec: Decrease the 2 indicated stitches together by working (insert hook …

Zipper Stripe Blanket

The Zipper Stripe Blanket came about when I wanted to make a unisex design – it’s kind of like a Granny Stripe, but I didn’t want to use the word “Granny” 🙂 To make the blanket, I like to use the yarn held double, but it isn’t necessary. Pattern (US Terms): Foundation Chain: Start off by chaining an even number of stitches plus 3 (for turning) I make my chain a tad smaller than what I want my final measurement to be because this blanket has a tendency to expand on row 2. Row 1: DC in the 3rd chain from hook and in all chains across. You should have an odd number of stitches. Chain 2 and turn work. I also recommend an alternate method: Turn work without chaining up, work SC in first DC and chain 1. This is what I do. Row 2 (Pattern row): Work DC *between* the first and second DC of the row below. Skip 2 DC, and 2DC between the DC of the row below. Repeat across blanket until you reach the final …