Marly Bird's Blog, page 159

Hidden Starting Chain Technique in Planned Pooling Crochet

[image error] Planned Pooling Crochet: Hidden Starting Chain Technique

Photo Tutorial by: RockinLola

Marly has demonstrated how to moss stitch around the starting chain for Row 1. This photo tutorial takes it one step further by showing you how to flip your work upside down and moss stitch around the other side of the starting chain for Row 2.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a portion will go to support the blog. The price that you pay does not change. Thank you for your continued support of the blog.*
Materials for Tutorial:

YARN: Red Heart Super Saver in Sunrise

HOOK: Susan Bates Bamboo Handle Silvalume Crochet Hook size I hook, 5.50mm (this may vary for you depending on tension and yarn dye lot)

STITCHES USED: chain (ch), moss stitch (single crochet, ch1)

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Planned Pooling Crochet Tip:

Make a swatch to determine the proper hook size you should use as well as to determine how many stitches per color are in your color sequence. This may take a few times through the entire color sequence. If you aren’t sure how to pick the best hook size you can learn more on Marly’s blog post about selecting the hook size for your planned pooling projects.

Purpose of this tutorial:

Marly has demonstrated how to moss stitch around the starting chain for Row 1. This photo tutorial takes it one step further by showing you how to flip your work upside down and moss stitch around the other side of the starting chain for Row 2. This technique has several benefits:

1) It makes the starting chain virtually invisible.

2) There are no colors that stand out where they shouldn’t belong. The edge colors are aligned with the rest of your project.

3) Your finished product comes out looking cleaner when adding a border or fringe.

4) The first row and the last row will look similar and make your product appear more finished looking, even without adding a border or fringe.

5) When you crochet around both sides of the chain, it helps to better secure the starting chain in place.

Let’s begin!

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Hidden Starting Chain in Planned Pooling Tutorial:

Using your pooling yarn, make a chain long enough for your project, either single or multiple sequences. You could also use a separate solid color chain if you prefer. For this tutorial, I am demonstrating working through one color sequence. There is already a great tutorial on how to do planned pooling with multiple color sequences on Marly’s blog that you will want to check out before getting started.

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Make a single crochet in either the 3rd or the 4th chain from the hook (I prefer the 3rd chain from the hook). Crocheting into the chain for the first stitch will help to lock the starting chain in place so that it will not slip out when working around the chain for the remainder of Row 1.

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Chain 1 and continue to moss stitch around your starting chain.

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When you reach the end of Row 1, you should have the color that you started with on Row 1 on your hook. Now flip your piece 180 degrees upside down. You will now be working Row 2 on the opposite side of Row 1.

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After you flip your work, chain 2. You will now moss stitch around the starting chain and in between the stitches on Row 1. Your first stitch on Row 2 will go between the last 2 blue stitches on Row 1.

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Continue to moss stitch until you reach the end of Row 2, maintaining your correct stitch counts for your color sequence.

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When you reach the end of Row 2, chain 2 and continue to Row 3.

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When you reach Row 3, you should be able to see the color shifting over one stitch from Row 1.

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Continue to the end of Row 3 and chain 2.

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Notice how Row 3 has shifted one stitch over from Row 1.

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Continue to Row 4. You should now be able to see the shift in both directions. Row 1 and Row 3 have shifted over by one stitch. Row 2 and Row 4 have also shifted over by one stitch in the other direction.

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The white line shows where the starting chain lies- between Row 1 and Row 2.

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Continue your project until you have reached your desired size.

This is my project after 5 rows of moss stitch. Notice how the starting chain is almost invisible.

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Here is a close up detail of the starting chain. It is not perfectly invisible, but it is pretty clean. If you look closely, you can see the blue yarn of the starting chain peeking through.

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If you are a perfectionist like me, you could take this another step further and avoid this issue by using a separate solid starting chain (not your pooling yarn). While it makes sense to use the same pooling yarn for thin projects like scarves, you may not want to waste your pooling yarn on larger multiple sequence projects such as blankets or clothing.

I tend to plan ahead to the end of my project and make my starting chain in the color that I intend to use for the border. Here is an example of a separate solid chain that I made using Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red.

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Here is a close up of this same section. Notice how the Cherry Red starting chain is not as noticeable as the pooling yarn starting chain.

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I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and learned some of the benefits of the hidden starting chain technique. Happy Pooling!

WHO IS ROCKY:

My name is Rocky and I am owner and designer at RockinLola. I taught myself how to crochet when I was in middle school by reading patterns in magazines and crochet books. I love color and find myself drawn to bright colors and rainbow themes. I began to design baby blankets and clothing for friends of mine having children and I haven’t stopped since. I work in the public school system and am able to incorporate teaching children how to crochet as part of my job. When I get home after a long day of work, I get to play with yarn and design new things. In October 2016, planned pooling became my new obsession which opened a ton of new possibilities and design concepts. I love to be able to share things that I’ve learned along the way and always hope to inspire the creativity of others.

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PLANNED POOLING CROCHET BLOG POSTS WITH MARLY BIRD:

Thanks so much to Brenda-Leigh for sharing with us planned pooling crochet basics. If you want to learn more about Crochet Planned Pooling you can view my other posts on the topic. Prefer learning through video? On the Marly Bird YouTube Channel you will find an entire Planned Pooling Playlist. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a new video.

The Best Crochet Planned Pooling Argyle Tutorial
10 Secrets to Perfect Planned Pooling in Crochet
Planned Pooling-Finished Starting Chains
How to create Crochet Planned Pooling Argyle Charts
Multiple Sequence Planned Pooling Crochet
Granny Stitch Planned Pooling Crochet
Planned Pooling Crochet: Choosing the Best Hook Size
Planned Pooling Crochet: Color Placement
Planned Pooling Crochet: Deciding Where to Create Your Offset Shift
Basics of Planned Pooling
Planned Pooling Basics: Crisscross Pattern

Yarn Pooling Made Easy by Marly Bird:

Did you know that Marly has published a book on Planned Pooling Crochet? In this book, published by Leisure Arts, you will find 10 beautiful designed patterns that you can create using Red Heart yarns.

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Also on the Blog:

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The post Hidden Starting Chain Technique in Planned Pooling Crochet appeared first on Marly Bird.

Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird 9/7/17 to 9/13/17

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 It’s time for Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird and Red Heart Yarns!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase a small portion will go back to the blog. Thank you for your support*
What can you win in Thursday Trivia:

For you to have a chance to win a prize package of $25 from Red Heart Yarns you must answer this week’s trivia question correctly. Make sure you read to the bottom of the post to get your clue for where to find the answer. Rafflecopter will help us choose a correct answer randomly to win, be sure you enter your email address so we can verify the winner.

Giveaway Timeframe:

You have one week to answer the question.
Winner will be announced the following Thursday at the launch of next week’s question.
Be sure to come back and see if you were the winner.

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This Week’s question:

Please comment on this blog post (and enter the Rafflecopter widget)–What project will Marly being sharing from her new book, Yarn Pooling Made Easy, on September 13th on YouTube?

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Spread the word:

Help spread the word about #ThursdayTrivia. You can find each week’s question on the blog under Thursday Trivia.

[image error] FINE PRINT:

The Thursday Trivia Giveaway with Marly Bird and Red Heart Yarns is open to US and Canada addresses only. One winner will win a $25 prize package from Red Heart Yarns. This giveaway ends on 9/6/17 at 11:59 pm Mountain US time. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. You must enter a blog post comment on THIS post and click the Rafflecopter button to be eligible. Click the button below to enter your information to be entered to win.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Also on the Blog:

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The post Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird 9/7/17 to 9/13/17 appeared first on Marly Bird.

Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan Section 1

The Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan Section 1

That’s right, it’s that time of year for a crochet-along and boy do I have a good one for you. Welcome to Section 1 for the Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan Crochet-along.

 

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Once the CAL is complete the full pattern will be available at RedHeart.com

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Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry

 *This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a portion will go to the blog. The price you pay will not be changed. Thank you for your support of the blog.*

Find all the CAL details you need on the announcement page here http://www.marlybird.com/announcing-2017-crochet-along-marly-bird

THE DETAILS
MATERIALS

RED HEART® Boutique Unforgettable®:, Art. E793, available in 3½ oz (100 g), 270 yd (247 m) balls; 6 (9, 11) balls [sample shown in Regatta 3968]

Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 4 mm [US G-6]

Susan Bates® split lock stitch markers

Bent Tip Tapestry needle

MEASUREMENTS

Directions are for size S/M years; changes for sizes L/XL and 2X/3X are in parentheses.  

Cocoon measures 48 (56, 64)” (122 (142, 163) cm) in width including cuffs, and 21½ (25, 28½)” (55 (64, 72) cm) in length not including collar.

Please make a note that the schematic only shows the dimensions of the body of the garment, it does NOT include cuffs or collar!

Need help choosing which size to make? Not a problem, I can help with that. CLICK HERE

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GAUGE 

1 Motif = 3½ x 3½” (9 x 9 cm) CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

SPECIAL STITCHES

Picot – Ch 3, slip st in last dc made

PATTERN

Below you will find the Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan SECTION 1 instructions. You have a choice to follow along with the written pattern or the chart for the crochet motif and the join as you go motifs. Both are provided for you.

BODY

Make 66 (91, 120) Motifs, joining them into a rectangle of 6 (7, 8) by 11 (13, 15) as you go, as follows:

First Motif

Ch 10, and slip st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 23 dc in ring, join with slip st to 3rd of beginning ch-3 – 24 dc.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining slip st and in each of next 2 dc, (sc, ch 7, sc) in next dc, * sc in each of next 5 sc, (sc, ch 7, sc) in next dc; repeat from * twice more, sc in each of last 2 dc, join with slip st in first sc.

Round 3: Ch 1, (sc, ch 7, sc) in first sc, * skip 3 sc, (7 dc, picot, 6 dc) in next ch-7 space, skip 3 sc, (sc, ch 7, sc) in next sc; repeat from * twice more, skip 3 sc, (7 dc, picot, 6 dc) in next ch-7 space, skip 3 sc, join with slip st in first sc.

Fasten off.

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All Remaining Join As You Go Motifs

Ch 10, and slip st in first ch to form a ring.

Rounds 1 and 2: Work same as first Motif.

Round 3: Ch 1, (sc, ch 7, sc) in first sc, skip 3 sc, 7 dc in next ch-7 sp, ch 1, slip st in corresponding picot on adjoining Motif, ch 1, slip st in last dc made on current Motif, 6 more dc in same ch-7 space as last 7 dc made, * skip 3 sc, sc in next sc, ch 3, sc in corresponding ch-7 space on adjoining motif, ch 3, sc again in same sc as last sc made, skip 3 sc, 7 dc in next ch-7 sp, ch 1, slip st in corresponding picot on adjoining Motif, ch 1, slip st in last dc made on current Motif, 6 more dc in same ch-7 space as last 7 dc made; repeat from * for each edge to be joined, then complete Round 3 same as first Motif.

Fasten off.

Designer Tip: WEAVE IN YOUR ENDS AS YOU GO! Do not wait until the very end!

ABBREVIATIONS:

ch = chain; dc = double crochet; sc = single crochet; st(s) = stitch(es); * or ** = repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated.

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Chart for Motif and Join As You Go (JAYGO) as seen in the video 

Follow this chart for the Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan just as is written in the pattern. Make 1 full square, then join the remaining squares to the completed square(s) in round 3 as indicated in the chart.

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Purple-Foundation chains

Blue-Rnd 1

Pink-Rnd 2

Orange-Rnd 3 (this is also the joining round)

Green Arrow-points to where the joining motif will be joined to the already made motif(s).

 

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Full JAYGO Motif Chart

I am also including a chart below that has the full image of the Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan crochet joining squares because I know some of you like to see full motifs vs the partial bit that is getting joined. Please note, this is the same chart/same process as the chart above.

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Charts  as referred to in the video

These charts are here to help you decide how many squares you need to make for your cardigan. I explain how to use them in the Video #2 for the CAL (it is below).

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Video

You wouldn’t believe how difficult it is to film, read a chart, crochet, and talk at the same time. LOL. Having said that…I had one little flub up on the videos.

Heads up, At 17:22 I meant to say ‘chain 3’ not ‘chain 7’.

Right Handed:

Left Handed:

I recommend learning this new motif with stash yarn first, then do another motif for your actual cardigan to measure gauge.

Do not forget that it is a MUST that you get the correct gauge on your squares or you will have to make mathematical adjustments to the pattern.

 

Homework

You need to get started on the body of your cardigan. Begin to make the motifs and join them together as you go. Week 1 and week 2 are virtually the same because there are so many motifs that have to be made. I suggest dividing the number of motifs you have to do by the number of days you have to do them and make a point of doing that may per day. Makes it a little easier to swallow

Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan Choose a Size

Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan Choose a Size for you to make! It is easy…let me show you how!

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Once the CAL is complete the full pattern will be available at RedHeart.com

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Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry

Selecting Your Size:

When you are making a garment the first thing that you need to do is decide on what size you will be making. Garment patterns typically state the bust size that matches to each size. In this pattern we have three sizes to choose from. When selecting your size remember that this is an oversized sweater.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a portion will go to the blog. The price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*

Week 1 will talk to you about selecting the size that you want for your cardigan. I also talk about the changes that you can make to the cardigan and what you should be thinking about as you pick your size. Be sure to watch the whole video at least once before picking your size. Join us over in the Facebook community if you have more questions about picking the best size for you.

In order to have all of the information you will need to pick your size you will need to measure your bust and you will need to make a gauge swatch of the yarn that you will be using. The gauge will tell you if you are close to what the pattern calls for. Even just being off a quarter of an inch will make a HUGE difference when you have worked this over the 11 (for the smallest size) rows.

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Week 1 Video-Selecting Your Size:

Schematic as seen in the video
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Pattern Page for Video 1 and 2

Typically, each week Marly releases a portion of the pattern for you to work on. Well, because you are working on the motifs for weeks 1 and 2, there is only the one section of the pattern to release so far. That is the section with the instructions for the motif and the join as you go motifs.

You can visit that page here: http://www.marlybird.com/marly-bird-granny-square-motif-cardigan-section-1

 

CAL COMMUNITY:

Before we get started on the CAL please head over to Facebook and join our group. In this group you will be joined by the many other people that will be participating in the CAL. In this group we share progress photos, talk about tips and tricks, and help each other through the tricky parts of the pattern. I will be there in the group answering your questions along with my team of admins and other crochet lovers.

The Facebook group is also where you can enter to win prizes, but more about that later.

Use the hashtag #MarlyBirdCAL to share your projects! The hashtag will make it easier for us to find the projects.

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CROCHET ALONG SCHEDULE:

Each week on Wednesday during the CAL you will be able to get the new section of the pattern here on my blog. At the end of the CAL you will be able to get the full pattern in PDF form for FREE on the Red Heart website. Even after the CAL the information will be available for FREE on my blog.

Along with the new written pattern each week there will be a video released to help explain the new section. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to be sure you are notified as soon as the video goes live.

Introduction Wednesday, August 30

Learn about the CAL and get your materials ready to get started

Week 1 Wednesday, September 6

Selecting the your size, and motif construction (Right Handed) & (Left Handed)

Week 2 Wednesday, September 13

Join as you go motifs

Week 3 Wednesday, September 20

Edging

Week 4 Wednesday, September 27

Cuffs and seaming

Week 5 Wednesday, October 4

Collar

Week 6 Wednesday, October 11

Finishing, styling, altering, and how to use this as blueprint

CROCHET ALONG GIVEAWAYS:

We can’t finish this post without talking about the giveaways that are available throughout the CAL. I bet you are glad that you made it this far in the post to hear about this!!!

Each week Red Heart will be offering a $25 prize package to one lucky person who posts a photo of their progress in the Facebook group.

Only photos posted in the Facebook group will be counted as an entry for the giveaway.

After the final video is released you will have one week to finish and post your final project photo to be entered to win a $50 prize package from Red Heart! Best of all there will be 3 winners selected from the finished projects.

To enter: Post your picture of your in-progress sweater in the Facebook group before Tuesday at 11:59pm Mountain Time (my time zone) to be entered. Winners will be announced on Wednesdays.

Week 1: Post your progress picture by Tuesday, September 12; 1 winner of a $25 prize pack announced Wednesday, September 14

Week 2: Post your progress picture by Tuesday, September 19; 1 winner of a $25 prize pack announced Wednesday, September 20

Week 3: Post your progress picture by Tuesday, September 26; 1 winner of a $25 prize pack announced Wednesday, September 27

Week 4: Post your progress picture by Tuesday, October 3; 1 winner of a $25 prize pack announced Wednesday, October 4

Week 5: Post your progress picture by Tuesday, October 10; 1 winner of a $25 prize pack announced Wednesday, October 11

Week 6: Post your completed sweater picture by Tuesday, October 17; 3 winners of $50 prize packs announced Wednesday, October 18

 

The post Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan Choose a Size appeared first on Marly Bird.

Lakota Crochet Cardigan

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Through midnight MST tonight (9/6/17) you can purchase the Lakota Crochet Cardigan for only $1 in the Marly Bird Ravelry Store. Pattern must be purchase in the Marly Bird Ravelry Store. The code must be applied to the purchase before the discount will be applied. Click the image above for the code to automatically be applied to your basket. Due to the nature of digital products I will not be able to offer a refund, be sure to use the code and be logged into your account before you purchase.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase something I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed.*

[image error]The Lakota Cardigan has a unique construction coupled with exquisite yarn make this piece a perfect addition to any wardrobe. With so many techniques used any crocheter will find this piece exciting. The design makes it easy to adjust measurements as you go just by adding or eliminating stitch repeats.

It is made in two pieces then seamed together using an invisible join making it fun and easy. The collar and scallop edging add that little pop of color that is coordinated with the decorative button band at the back.

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Lakota Crochet Cardigan Materials:




Buffalo Gold Premium Fiber, 50g/183m/200yd, 90% buffalo down 10% nylon, MC: natural brown, 6 (6, 7, 9, 9, 10, 10), CC: burgundy, 1
US G (4mm) or size to obtain correct gauge
Stitch markers
tapestry needle
2 matching buttons 1 1⁄4” (32mm)
3 sets of hook and eye closures
1/2” grosgrain ribbon
matching sewing thread
sewing needle

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GAUGE IS IMPORTANT:

As in all of the other garments that I make, I highly suggest making a hanging gauge swatch before you get started. This is important to see how gravity will alter the size of your cardigan after wearing it. Starting with a swatch will also save you the headache of making the wrong size before you even start. To make a hanging gauge swatch I start by making a swatch of the stitch pattern that is at least 6 inches square. Then I hang the swatch to a hanger or cloths line and add additional cloths pins to the bottom to simulate gravity. Take a before and after measurement of your swatch to see what happens to it.

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Ravelry Favorites:

[image error]Be sure to add this pattern to your Ravelry Favorites and show me your version of the Lakota Crochet Cardigan as you finish.

Also on the Blog:

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The post Lakota Crochet Cardigan appeared first on Marly Bird.

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary with Andrea Rangel on the Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird

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Join Marly Bird and guest Andrea Rangel on the Yarn Thing Podcast at 10am MST on Tuesday September 5th. Learn all about Andrea’s new book “AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary” and more!

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion comes back to the blog. The price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
About Andrea Rangel:

Andrea Rangel is a knitwear designer and teacher. She’s the author of AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary and Rugged Knits (Interweave), and her patterns have been published in Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Brooklyn Tweed Wool People, Twist Collective, and other publications, as well as independently. She lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary:

Full show notes will appear here after the show has ended. Please check back later for full notes of the show.

Find Andrea online in the following locations:

Andrea’s Website

Andrea’s Ravelry Page

Andrea on Facebook

Andrea on Instagram

Andrea on Pinterest

Shop Andrea’s books

Yarn Thing Podcast Sponsors:

Without the help from our wonderful sponsors I wouldn’t be able to create this amazing show for you. Please show the sponsors some love and visit their website.

Special thanks to:

STITCHES EVENTS
RED HEART YARNS
CRAFTSY
BUFFALO WOOL CO. 
ERIN LANE BAGS
CREATIVEBUG
Also on the Blog:

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The post AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary with Andrea Rangel on the Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird appeared first on Marly Bird.

Yarn Pooling Made Easy-A Planned Pooling Blog Tour

[image error]Recently I teamed up with Leisure Arts to bring you a brand new pattern book for planned pooling crochet. The book is titled ‘Yarn Pooling Made Easy’ and you can purchase your copy now. In order to really celebrate this new book I wanted to throw a party. Leisure Arts and Red Heart have graciously agreed to join in the party with us and will be offering some great giveaways.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a portion of your order will go to the blog. The price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*

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About Planned Pooling:

Planned pooling crochet has been a hot topic for about a year now. Although people have been crazy about the technique it isn’t always an easy one to pick up. Anyone who needs some guidance of where to start with planned pooling should head to my YouTube channel and watch the videos in my planned pooling playlist. Along with the videos I also have a section on my blog with quite a few articles about the topic.

Reading through my blog posts you will see that I have been lucky to have two wonderful ladies help me get the information out to you on the planned pooling topic. These two ladies are also a part of the Planned Pooling Crochet Facebook group. Head over to the group page for some amazing support from others who love to work with planned pooling crochet.

With 8 new designs in the book I hope that you will find something that you love. All of the patterns are designed in Red Heart yarns. Red Heart will be offering us a giveaway for each of the patterns in the book and a grand prize at the end.

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Book Reviews and Giveaway:

When I make a purchase I always feel better when a friend has recommended the item. To help you see how great the new projects are I shared a copy of the book with some of my friends so they could review it and share their honest opinion.

Over the next 10 days please join me with some of my blogger friends with a review of the book. Each day a new blogger will be featured. For each of these bloggers you will have the chance to win you very own copy of the Yarn Pooling Made Easy book. Thank you to Leisure Arts for sponsoring this giveaway.

Here is a schedule of the blogs that will be sharing a review:

Date : Blogger

9/5/17 : Calleighs Clips and Crochet Creations

9/6/17 : ACCROchet

9/7/17 : The Stitchin Mommy

9/8/17 : Crochet Memories

9/11/17 : Pattern Paradise

9/12/17 : 5 Little Monsters

9/13/17 : YARNutopia

9/14/17 : Same DiNamics Crochet

9/15/17 : Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

9/18/17 : Looping with Love

9/19/17 : Underground Crafter

*NOTE: Winners will be chose at the discretion of each blogger host, and by their rules. All winners will be notified within one week of the last tour date. All winners will need to respond to the host with their information by 9/25/17 or they will forfeit their prize. All books will be sent at the same time at the end of the tour, regardless of when the winner was chosen. Winner must have a US or Canadian address.

Project Giveaway:

Not only do we have an AMAZING blog tour giveaway where you have the chance to win a copy of the book but Red Heart is getting in on the tour as well.

On my YouTube channel I will be taking you on a virtual tour of the book. In this tour I will talk to you more about the yarn choices, tips and tricks, as well as some of the story behind the pattern. With each of these videos you will have a chance to win a copy of the book AND enough yarn to make the featured pattern that day.

At the very end of the virtual tour we will have a GRAND PRIZE giveaway. One lucky winner will not only receive their own copy of the book but also enough yarn to make ALL OF THE PATTERNS in the book!!!

The project yarn giveaway is only happening on my YouTube channel. Head there to get more details and enter each day.

Date : Featured Project

9/4/17 : Full Scarf

9/5/17 : Wristers, Cowl & Hat Set

9/6/17 : Zig-Zag Scarf

9/7/17 : Car Seat Cover

9/8/17 : Baby Cocoon

9/11/17 : Hooded Scarf

9/12/17 : Child’s Sweater

9/13/17 : Poncho with Raglan Yoke

9/14/17 : GRAND PRIZE VIDEO

*NOTE: Winners will be selected from the valid entries with a random number generator. All winners will be notified within one week of the last tour date. All winners will need to respond to their email with their information by 9/25/17 or they will forfeit their prize. All books and yarn will be sent at the same time at the end of the tour, regardless of when the winner was chosen. Winner must have a US or Canadian address.

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Also on the Blog:
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The post Yarn Pooling Made Easy-A Planned Pooling Blog Tour appeared first on Marly Bird.

Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird 8/31/17 to 9/6/17

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 It’s time for Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird and Red Heart Yarns!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase a small portion will go back to the blog. Thank you for your support*
What can you win in Thursday Trivia:

For you to have a chance to win a prize package of $25 from Red Heart Yarns you must answer this week’s trivia question correctly. Make sure you read to the bottom of the post to get your clue for where to find the answer. Rafflecopter will help us choose a correct answer randomly to win, be sure you enter your email address so we can verify the winner.

Giveaway Timeframe:

You have one week to answer the question.
Winner will be announced the following Thursday at the launch of next week’s question.
Be sure to come back and see if you were the winner.

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This Week’s question:

Please comment on this blog post (and enter the Rafflecopter widget)–What is the start date for the 2017 crochet along from Marly Bird and Red Heart?

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Spread the word:

Help spread the word about #ThursdayTrivia. You can find each week’s question on the blog under Thursday Trivia.

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The Thursday Trivia Giveaway with Marly Bird and Red Heart Yarns is open to US and Canada addresses only. One winner will win a $25 prize package from Red Heart Yarns. This giveaway ends on 9/6/17 at 11:59 pm Mountain US time. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. You must enter a blog post comment on THIS post and click the Rafflecopter button to be eligible. Click the button below to enter your information to be entered to win.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The post Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird 8/31/17 to 9/6/17 appeared first on Marly Bird.

Team Marly Bird-Meet The New Team Members

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The Marly Bird team has grown by TWO over the past year. As many of you may know I am VERY busy! I was at the point where I knew that I needed some help to keep doing everything that I was and I lucked out and found two people that complete my team. Come meet my newest team members on Team Marly Bird.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a portion of your purchase will go to the blog. The price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Why I Expanded Team Marly Bird:

I am sure you all know what it is like to have a million things to do and feel like you are never making a dent in your list. That is how I was starting to feel about the business and new that I had to do something. Not only do I design my own patterns but I create YouTube videos for Red Heart, work on CALs and KALs for Red Heart, teach and travel, host the Yarn Thing Podcast, write books, and so many other things.

On top of all of that I was running my business and trying to keep up with blogging and social media to stay connected with all of you. At the time there were holes in my communication and I hated leaving community questions unanswered. Instead of struggling I found two team members that are perfect to help me accomplish everything that needs to be done.

This post is to introduce you to these two great girls so you know who is behind all of the things that are getting accomplished. They really allow me to stay on top of the small things while I work on the big picture projects and designing, two things I do best.

Expanding Team Marly Bird:

Back in November of last year I found Katelyn and convinced her to come on board and keep all the balls in the air. She agreed, without really knowing what was coming, and we have been going strong ever since. Katelyn helps me with blog posts and general business management. She is the one that makes sure you get a $1 Wednesday and a Thursday Trivia. We talk every week to go over what the posts will be and for me to give her notes about what to write.

Once I had Katelyn around and saw how much time freed up for me to work on my other projects I knew that I needed to do something about Facebook. There are so many great things that I wanted to share with you there and know that you all love to hang out there. I was in the CAL and KAL group but beyond that I know there were holes in my posts.

To help keep my Facebook goals on track I was able to bring Brittani-Pearl onto the team. Lindsey, from Erin Lane Bags, was kind enough to share her with me and what a game changer that has been. Brittani has been wonderful in making sure that we have content flowing throughout the day. Not only does she help me schedule posts but she is also there making sure your comments and questions don’t go too long without a response.

Please don’t feel that I have left you by bringing on two new team members. I am still here reading your comments and questions and getting them answered. These two ladies are here to make sure nothing gets missed. They are my eyes and ears, my finger on the pulse, so that I don’t miss what is going on with all of you.

Take a minute to read a little about these two wonderful ladies and learn about their love of yarn, knitting and crochet. They have been a great addition to Team Marly Bird.

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Marly Bird Team Members:
Katelyn-Social Media Manager

Hi my name is Katelyn and I have been knitting and crocheting for 12+ years. Crafting has always been a passion of mine and I try to find as many DIY projects as I can. Along with Knitting and crochet I also love making jewelry. My education is in Marketing and before kids I worked for a men’s apparel company in their digital marketing group.

My mom taught me how to chain and single crochet when I was younger. Although I only made scarves I loved making things. I didn’t really stick with learning more about the craft until I found a few of my great grandmother’s granny square blankets a few years later. I figured it didn’t look that hard and tried to get my mom to teach me how to make it.

Since she couldn’t remember how to connect the granny square getting to the next round, I ended up learning from a Klutz book for kids. After that it just spiraled out of control!!! After I got started I kept looking for more complex patterns and just keep teaching myself how to do things from searching online.

I am lucky enough to be able to work in an industry that I love with wonderful designers like Marly Bird. I am grateful every day for my ‘job’ and the great community that I have found through working with her.

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Brittani-Pearl-Facebook Assistant

Brittani-Pearl MacFadden is a freelancer who handles social media for small businesses in the crafting and gaming communities-you can find her most anywhere @Vylkira.

While her grandmother had always fostered a love of arts and crafts, and she’d attempted to learn crochet with her mother (which she thinks is total yarn wizardry), she began knitting as part of her research before joining the team at Erin.Lane Bags.

Lindsey recommended Marly’s videos to learn. Marly’s videos made the process much easier (and made her want to throw her needles way less often). Her current project is a cowl using Red Heart’s Unforgettable yarn in Tealberry. As part of Team Marly Bird, she gathers up our weekly Facebook content and posts all the goodies she can find while promoting engagement with our fantastic community.

Also on the Blog:

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The post Team Marly Bird-Meet The New Team Members appeared first on Marly Bird.

Karis Cable Sweater

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Through midnight MST tonight (8/30/17) you can purchase the Karis Cable Sweater for only $1 in the Marly Bird Ravelry Store. Pattern must be purchase in the Marly Bird Ravelry Store. The code must be applied to the purchase before the discount will be applied. Click the image above for the code to automatically be applied to your basket. Due to the nature of digital products I will not be able to offer a refund, be sure to use the code and be signed into your account before you purchase.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase something I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed.*
Karis Cable Sweater:

Made with the soft and supple yarn, Cottonista. This full yoke sweater with delicate cable details is perfect for warmer weather. Made in the round from the bottom up with a pin tuck hem at the hem and sleeves. Plus, the yarn is a real treat.

The Karis Cable Sweater contains both written and charted instructions so that you can work from what you understand best.

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Karis Cable Sweater Materials:




Fiesta Yarns “Cottonista” (50% pima cotton and 50% tencil; 110 yds, 2 oz [50g]): 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins
Size US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles, 24”, 32”; or size to obtain correct gauge
US 5 (3.75 mm) DPN’s; or size to obtain correct gauge
Stitch marker (or make your own stitch markers with my video tutorial)
cable needle
stitch holders or waste yarn
tapestry needle

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GAUGE IS IMPORTANT:

As in all of the other garments that I make, I highly suggest making a hanging gauge swatch before you get started. This is important to see how gravity will alter the size of your cardigan after wearing it. Starting with a swatch will also save you the headache of making the wrong size before you even start. To make a hanging gauge swatch I start by making a swatch of the stitch pattern that is at least 6 inches square. Then I hang the swatch to a hanger or cloths line and add additional cloths pins to the bottom to simulate gravity. Take a before and after measurement of your swatch to see what happens to it.

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The post Karis Cable Sweater appeared first on Marly Bird.