I learned a new stitch! (Pattern included)

As a yarn shop owner, I purchase LOTS of yarn. I love getting samples of yarn to play with, and I love getting yarn from small farms or small yarn suppliers. Feels good to have something different in the shop that most shops can't get.
The yarn I purchased recently was from a small supplier. It was a recycled cotton sweater that someone patiently took apart and wrapped into a center-pull ball. Wonderful!

This is more true to color than the picture of finished product

I sat down, tried to figure out the perfect pattern worthy of this beautiful yarn, and on Ravelry I went. Searched, searched, and searched... couldn't find anything. Then, since I couldn't figure something out, I decided to look at stitches I never used.... and "ta-da!", the Pink Cloud Scarf was born!

Then I started working it... and after about 3 rows, I HATED the yarn! It's still soft, it's still beautiful, and I have a nice scarf, but the yarn! OH!!! It is made with 10 strings together... try crocheting without dropping one - it doesn't work! Also, since it is recycled, there were several places where either two, three, or all ten strings were tied together. There were even some areas where two or three strings were NOT tied... that was even more annoying! I finished working with it, and I do love my scarf. I was going to make a matching hat, but I can't even think to pick up the yarn again. 

What I did get out of this experience was the Pink Cloud Scarf Pattern! Now, it's VERY easy - it's only two stitches, one that I've never used before, but very easy. If you make this, PLEASE try not to use a recycled, stringy yarn. 

Pink Cloud Scarf

Advanced Beginner

Materials:

Approx 300 yards ww yarn

N-9.00mm hook (I'm a Boye hook kind of girl)

No gauge required

Abbreviations (pattern uses US terms):

ch: chain

rep: repeat

dc: double crochet

blo: back loops only

st: stitch

Special stitch:

Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HBhdc)- yo, insert hook, yo, draw through st and first loop on hook, yo, draw through both loops on hook.

Here's a great video tutorial for Moogly (I LOVE that blog!)

Scarf:
Ch 132. You can add or decrease as you wish, but add two at the end, as this is the first stitch of the next row. 

Row 1 - HBhdc in 3rd loop from hook and each ch across. Ch 2, turn. 

Row 2 - 12 - HBhdc in blo of next st and each st across. Do not fasten off. 

Edging:

Ch 3, turn. 3dc in each st across. Fasten off. Do the same for other side. Weave in edges. 

All done! Easy, peasy! 

Tell me what you think! And show me your finished product - with better yarn! 

I've been missing!

I'm so sorry I've neglected my blog for so long! I won't do that again!
I'm here - I haven't been feeling well lately, but hopefully that will change soon. The yarn shop has been closed since last Tuesday, and I'm not sure if I'll be open this week. I'm so sorry I can't give you your yarn fix right now...

I can tell you that I'm having a giveaway!! (Yaaayyy!)

This giveaway features two skeins of Plymouth Encore and the Melissa Slipper Boot pattern from Jessica's Crochet (click the link to go right to her store) to compliment your new yarn!
Jessica made these boots to honor her friend Melissa, who lost her valiant fight to breast cancer in 2012. Make sure you read the story about the pattern. What a nice way to honor her friend. Melissa Slipper Boot Pattern and story.

Make sure you share this with your friends!

Entry-Form

Meladora's Creations Thick Mesh Slouch Hat

I made this hat and cowl set using Medora's easy and free hat pattern. The pattern was easy to translate into a cowl for a matching set. Everyone loves it, and now I have orders for it!! 

Keiko Emily Braided Cowl

Although I made the ties rather long, I love this pattern. I made 4 in one day! It's so fast and easy to work up, and very cute and different for the winter. 

This sweater was my own creation. It was very simple and easy to create, and it's a nice and cozy wool. I love wearing it - dressed up or down. I was happy to be able to make something for myself.

I'm making a few items for the holidays right now - but they're not ready enough to show. I'm making several Christmas stockings, I'm going to start on some ornaments, and I'm going to make a few scarves for family.

Let me know what you're making for the holidays!

Until next time!

Yarn, bowls, classes, and goals...

... this is the name of my donation campaign.
I need help keeping my store open, and you all can help me! I have great incentives... check them out!



I have been struggling with the store - I know, I know, it takes a while for a new business to get started. BUT... without help, I'll close early... and lose money... LOTS of money...
So, please help.

I'm also having a HUGE sale!! In the store and online!! https://squareup.com/market/leslies-crochet

The sale is on until all of the yarn is gone! I have to make room (and money) for new stock.

As far as items I'm working on and patterns I'm in love with right now: 

Lacy WrapAround Shawl
https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/160067758/lacy-wrap-around-shawl-crochet-pattern?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

I love the versatility of this shawl! It's perfect for fall - and winter here in Charlotte

Prarie Point
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/prairie-point

Simple yet beautiful skirt with great edging. 

I can't wait until I finish these projects. I'll show them off soon. 

Please check out my donation sight and my sale. 

Thanks!

It's Christmas in July!!!

And that means...

Yes! We are having a 50% off sale from now until July 31st! 

I don't have much stock, so you'd better get here fast! You can check my Square shop like on the side of this post to check out a sampling of what I have and order online! 

Oh, don't let me forget.... we're also having another giveaway! This time for 

FIVE SKEINS OF YARN! 

Yes, that's right! You can win five skeins of banana fiber yarn! You know I love this yarn, and I want everyone else to love it as well! 

Here's your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another giveaway!!

I love my giveaways, and I am giving away another two skeins of my favorite - Darn Good Yarn Banana Fiber Yarn!! Here's the info!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!!

Vacation time! (pattern link for Fernanda Shawl)

I am on vacation until 6/16.

Yes, I just opened on 4/19.... BUT my kids are graduating. My 5th grader on 6/10, and my 12th grader on 6/11. We're running around preparing for that, cleaning for company... and the in-laws will be in town. Well, maybe I'll go to the store ONE day this week...

Since I'm going to be closed for so long, I wanted to have another giveaway!! This one is for two balls of Adriafil Knitcol yarn! It's such a pretty yarn with great color repeats.

Baabaa in her sweater made from Adriafil Knitcol

Here's what you need to do to enter the contest:
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good luck!!

Also, I wanted to share my new pattern obsession. No, it's not the c2c (although I'm almost finished my second), it's called the Fernanda Shawl.

The pattern is on Ravelry, the link is here - Fernanda pattern by Ana Luisa Galvan. 

For me, the pattern was a little tricky at first - I actually had to read each step out loud while starting the shawl. But once I figured it out, it worked up so fast! 

I used 3 hanks of Phymouth Yarn Covington 100% mercerized cotton yarn. I didn't make it as big as the photo in the pattern, and I didn't do the shell edge - just the picot. It's a great spring or late summer night shawl. 

In love with the C2C, big event, contest, and discount code!

First - let me tell you about my new website and online store - www.lesliesloops.com. From now until Monday at 5pm, you can go on the site and get 20% off your entire order. Type KNIT20 for the coupon code, and that's it!
Why only until 5pm on Monday? Well, after 5pm, I am having a huge event that no one wants to miss! Check my Facebook page - Leslies Loops - for more info. I also have contest running where if you like my page, you can get two skeins of Plymouth yarn and a $10 Starbucks card! Check it out!!

Have you visited The Crochet Crowd website? I follow them on Facebook, and LOVE the patterns and tutorials they post. 

It's been up on their site for a while (and on Youtube), but I finally created the corner to corner afghan! 

It's an amazingly easy pattern. It works up so quickly, and the color combinations with this are endless! 

I'm working on my second one right now, but here's my first one - 

Here's the youtube tutorial link:

Corner to Corner afghan link

I hope you make one just as nice (or nicer), and check out my contest! 

Until next time!

The store is OPEN!!

Yaaayyy!!

You are all invited to my new store - we're located in Matthews, NC. The address is 167 S. Trade Street, Unit I, Matthews, NC. Store hours are 10am - 7pm, Monday - Saturday and 1pm - 6pm every third Sunday.

At my grand opening on Saturday, one of my customers asked me to make her a large beret out of the yarn she purchased.
The yarn? Darn Good Yarn's thick 3-ply silk yarn. The color she chose was Unicorn Kisses. The color is muted while hanging, however as I was creating the hat, the colors became more vibrant! It's beautiful!

I loosely followed the Beret with a simple cable stitch pattern from Cat's Rockin' Crochet (who has great patterns, by the way). If you decide to make this hat, you'll see where the differences are. 

Let me know if you have any questions, and check out my new website, www.lesliesloops.com! 

I just quit my job (and made a shawl)!

After almost 5 years of working for Habitat Charlotte - a great ministry - I decided I needed to move on and mainly focus on my future as an entrepreneur.

I am SO excited!!!

My store doesn't open until April 19th, so in my spare time, I get to crochet! This shawl is the Zinnia Flower Shawl (click for pattern) from the Fiber Flux Blog. I LOVE how it looks!
I made two small changes - I used worsted weight yarn from Darn Good Yarn, which is starting to be my go-to yarn. Their reclaimed silk cloud yarn and their banana fiber yarn is so great to work with.

Here are the pictures:

(adorable pants! Lol!)

All links are provided above.

I hope you like it! 

I hate edging afghans! *new pattern*

So, my husband came to me on 2/26 and said his cousin is having a baby shower, that he wanted me to make something unisex (they didn't want to know the sex of the baby), and he wanted it done so she can get it for her baby shower on 3/8. They live in Philly. I live in NC. 

Let's just say it didn't happen in his time frame. Especially since I didn't buy my yarn until March 1st...

But I did finish it! 

Now, onto that pesky edging...

I don't mind edging the top and bottom, because there are spaces there available for it. But once you get to the sides, what do you do?? It's so hard for me to find the perfect space on the side of the afghan to crochet into. I did it, be it ever so carefully.

This is my "Sunshine Stripes" afghan. 

I used the pattern from Suzie's Stuff blog (link provided) and her slant stitch scarf, but I made a couple of very small changes.

Materials:
2 skeins each Red Heart Super Saver Pale Yellow and White
K hook
Scissors

Abbreviations:
Ch - chain
dc - double crochet
hdc - half double crochet
sk - skip
sp - space
st - stitch
** - repeat the instructions in between the asterisks.

Ch 139
Row 1: (With color A) hdc first ch from hook to end. Ch 3, turn
Row 2: Sk next 2 hdc sp, *dc in next three hdc sp, dc in sk sp, sk next hdc sp*, repeat ** to next to last hdc sp, dc in last sp. With color B, ch 2, turn.
Row 3: hdc in each sp across to end. Ch 3, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3, alternating color on each hdc row, until desired length. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Edging:
I completed two rows of sc throughout, but be creative! As you read above, I'm not a fan of edging the sides of afghans, but there are some beautiful edging patterns out there.

Show me what you've done! I have a Facebook page - Leslie's Loops Yarn - and I want you to share photos of your crochet or knit projects.

Can't wait to see what you've done!

New location, New opening date, New skirt pattern!

Hello all!

So, remember that whole "Opening in Gastonia on 2/1/14"? Well, that didn't happen. I'm not even opening in Gastonia....
....BUT I am opening! In Charlotte!! April 19th!! Stay tuned for more info... I'm excited, mostly because right now my dining room is a yarn and furniture storage place...

Anyway, back to my new pattern. I've never made a skirt before, and I wanted some new skirts for Sunday service.

This is the yarn I used. I purchased 10 skeins on eBay some time last year, and I thought it would make a nice skirt. I thought about using some of thousands of skeins of acrylic yarn I have, but I wanted to change it up a little. 

The pattern is rather easy - just like the last one. I started this on Saturday afternoon, and although I had to play chauffer with my children after service, I was still able to finish it today. I LOVE the fit and the color - I will definitely make this in other colors. 

So here's the pattern for the "4122" skirt. 

Now the size is done more by measuring the first chain around your waist, so I can't tell you how many skeins you will need to use. I will tell you that I'm a size 1X, and I used 6 complete skeins of yarn (I have not a scrap left over - and I like it that way). So, if you're smaller, you know you won't need more than 6 skeins. 

It's called "4122" because that's the way you work the rows to get the design you see. It's not an "in your face" type of design, but you can see it, and I think it gives the skirt a little character. 

4122 skirt

For 1X, you need:

6 skeins (620 yards) of Filatura Lanarota Wool Sprinkles yarn (or any worsted weight yarn)

J/10 6mm hook

Yarn needle

Scissors

Abbreviations (US terms):

blo - back loops only

ch - chain

hdc - half double crochet

sk - skip

sc - single crochet

slst - slip stitch

st - stitch

sp - space

trc - triple or treble crochet

Chain as many as will fit around your waist. For 1X, I chained 126. Measure the ch around your waist, increase or decrease ch as needed. 

Row 1: hdc in second chain from hook, hdc in each ch to end. Turn. 

Row 2: ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in BLO in each hdc to end. Turn. 

Row 3-4: Repeat row 2. Turn. 

Row 5: ch 4 (counts as first trc), trc in blo in each st to end. Turn. 

Row 6-7: Repeat row 2. Turn. 

Row 8-9: repeat row 5. Turn. 

Repeat this pattern (rows 1-7) until desired length. My skirt is 32 rows. Skirt should end with four rows of hdc.

Fold skirt on wrong side and sew ends together using yarn needle. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Ruffle bottom (optional):

Start where the ends were sewn together, ch 4. Three trc in each st to end. Sl st in top of ch 4 space. Fasten off, weave in ends. 

Waistband:

Start on other end where ends are sewn together, ch 2. Sc in each st to end. Slst in top of ch 2 space. 

Rd 2: ch 3, sk st, *hdc in blo of next st, ch1, sk st*, repeat ** to end. Slst in ch 2 sp of ch 3.  

Rd 3: ch 3, hdc in each ch 1 sp to end. Slst in ch 2 sp of ch 3. 

Rd 4: ch 4, trc in next 4 st, *ch 1, sk st, trc in next 5 st*, repeat ** to end. Slst in top of ch 4 sp. Fasten off, weave in ends. 

For the drawstring, ch 40 more than your original chain (the one for your waist). You can sc through the ch if you want, or leave it as is. Weave it through the ch 1 spaces of rd 4 in the waistband. 

You can also use a store bought belt or ribbon - your ch 1 spaces should be wide enough. 

That's it! 

Easy, right? 

Lovely baby bunny!!

So, do you all remember this cute picture? It's from my blog post on 1/26/2013 (click the date for the post).
Well, in the post, I talk about how I learned how to make the bunny ears, but never posted a pattern.

It's getting close to the holiday, and I know many people will be looking for some cute bunny ears, so here you are! You can attach these adorable oversized ears to any hat. I made a basic hat and used this newborn diaper cover.

Materials:
I used Caron Simply Soft yarn in grey
I/9 hook
yarn needle

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
dctog = double crochet together

Oversized Bunny Ears

Ch 7

Row 1: dc in 4^th chain from the hook. Turn (5dc)

Row 2: Ch 3 (this will count as 1 dc throughout), dc in each dc. Turn (5dc)

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in last dc.  Turn (7dc)

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in each dc. Turn (7dc)

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 5dc, 2dc in last dc, Turn (9dc)

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in each dc. Turn (9dc)

Row 7: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 7dc, 2dc in last dc, Turn (11dc)

Row 8-9: Repeat row 7. Turn. (13dc row 8, 15dc row 9)

Row 10 – 11: Ch 3, dc in each dc. Turn (15dc)

*Decrease*

Row 12: Ch 3, dctog in next two dc, dc in next 10dc, dctog in last 2dc. Turn (13dc)

Row 13: Ch 3, dctog in next two dc, dc in next 8dc, dctog in last 2dc. Turn (11dc)

Row 14: Ch 3, dctog in next two dc, dc in next 6dc, dctog in last 2dc. Turn (9dc)

Row 15: Ch 3, dctog in next two dc, dc in next 4dc, dctog in last 2dc. Turn (7dc)

Row 16: Ch 3, dctog in next two dc, dc in next 2dc, dctog in last 2dc. Turn (5dc)

Row 17: Ch 3, dctog in next two dc, dc in next dc, dc tog in last 2dc. (3dc)

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Repeat for second ear. 

Sew the ears to the hat. 

Adorable!!

As you may have seen, I am opening a new store. I need funding. Please consider donating to my gofundme page. Share it with everyone you know!
Here's the link: Leslie's Loops Yarn Shop GoFundMe page

Thanks!

Until next time!

BIG changes and a new pattern!

First, yes - I haven't been here in a LONG while! It took much longer than I expected to recover from my shoulder surgery. I'm still not 100%, and that's what brings me to...

Second, yes - I changed the site name. If you didn't know I am opening a new yarn shop. *EDIT* I will update name and opening date soon! I hope you can join me for my grand opening, and I hope you follow me as I embark on this INCREDIBLE journey!
I am looking for funding. The funding source I had fell through... which sucks.
Please consider donating to my store and share with your friends!
Leslie's Loops GoFundMe page

Alright! Now that that's out of the way, time to share my VERY FIRST crochet pattern! I'm so excited! It's SUPER EASY - anyone learning to crochet should be able to use this pattern to create great items.

It's called the Chain One Shawlette and Slouch Beanie.

Tadaaa!! 

Like it? I LOVE it!! I'm so happy with what I've made... hope you're happy, too!

*I do ask that you give me credit for my pattern, and if you post it that you use my link and not post it as your own.*

Here's the pattern:

Materials

I used one skein Universal Yarn Uptown DK Colors Parfait for each project. Use more than one skein if you want a longer scarf/shawlette, or make the hat first – you will have about ½ skein left.

Size 15/N (9.00mm) hook
Size 9/I (5.5mm) hook

Stitch markers (optional)

Chain One Shawlette/Scarf
With N hook

Ch 111

Row 1: hdc 4^th ch from hook *ch1, skip ch, hdc in next ch,*. Repeat ** to end, ending with hdc. Turn.

Row 2: ch3 (counts as hdc and ch1 throughout), hdc in next ch1 space, *ch1, hdc, ch1* in each ch1 space. Turn.

Row 3 – 23: Repeat row 2. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Chain One Slouch beanie
With I hook

Magic circle (or ch3 and insert hook into first ch then slipstitch to make circle.

Rd 1: Chain 3 (counts as 1dc), work 11dc into circle. Slip stitch to top of ch3 to join.

Rd 2: Chain 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc. Join.

Rd 3: Chain 3, dc in same st, *1 dc in next dc, 2dc in next dc*, repeat ** to end, join.

Rd 4: Chain 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in next dc*, repeat ** to end, join.

Rd 5: Chain 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in next dc*, repeat ** to end, join.

Rd 6: Chain 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 4 dc, 2dc in next dc*, repeat ** to end, join.

Rd 7: Chain 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 8 dc, 2dv in next dc*, repeat ** to end, join.

Rd 8: Chain 3, hdc in next dc, *ch1, skip ch, hdc in next ch,*, repeat ** to end, join.

Rd 9: Chain 3, hdc in next ch1 space, *ch1, hdc, ch1* in each ch1 space to end, join.

Rd 10 – 22: Repeat Rd 9.

Rd 23: Chain 3, hdc in each hdc and chain space, join.

Rd 24: Sc in each hdc, join.

Rd 25 – 28: repeat Rd 24. Join. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Easy, right? Let me know how it goes for you.

Bye for now!!