Marly Bird's Blog, page 162
July 28, 2017
Planned Pooling Crochet: Deciding Where to Create your Offset Shift
Today we have a special guest on the blog. Please welcome back Rockin Lola who is here today to teach us about planned pooling crochet and deciding where to create your offset shift.
When you are starting a planned pooling project and using a new color, it is always best to do a swatch first. I know, I know – we all hate doing a gauge swatch, but trust me, you want to do one for your pooling projects. There are 3 reasons why making a swatch is worth the time in a pooling project.
This blog is the third part in our series on why creating a swatch is so important for your planned pooling project. First we talked about choosing the right hook size for your project. After that we moved on to talking about picking the dominant color and color placement in your planned pooling crochet projects.
Finally we are going to be talking about deciding where to put your offset shift in your planned pooling crochet project.
THREE REASONS WHY TO SWATCH IN PLANNED POOLING CROCHET:
Choosing the best hook size
Choosing the color placement
Deciding where to create your offset
In order to get the best results from your planned pooling project you will want to work through these three reasons in order. Each reason for making a swatch first builds off of the knowledge you learn in the previous reasons.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase part of the purchase price goes to the blog. The price that you pay is not changed. Thank you for your support of the blog*
TUTORIAL MATERIALS:
For this tutorial, I will be using Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Tickle. Making a swatch for planned pooling isn’t quite the same as making one to check gauge, yet they both have a purpose and provide valuable information before starting a project. Because a planned pooling swatch and a gauge swatch serve two different purposes we came up with three reasons to swatch series to help you understand the purpose.
HOOK: Susan Bates silvalume Crochet Hook size G hook, 4.00mm (this may vary for you depending on tension and yarn dye lot)
STITCHES USED: chain (ch), moss stitch (single crochet, ch1)
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. To learn more about how to do this please see the first blog post in this series.
When I started planned pooling, I noticed that the edges of my piece were different. One side of my project was straight and uniform while the other side was loose and inconsistent. I looked for a solution to this problem and found one, which I will explain how to do in this tutorial.
Purpose of this tutorial:
This tutorial will show you how to determine which color in your sequence you will use for your offset shift (rather than counting the chain 2 at the end as a stitch). This will help the edges of your project to be uniform and consistent.
Why won’t the yarn automatically offset (shift over) by one stitch?
Let’s say that you were consistent with your color sequence and always had 18 stitches in your sequence. If you remained with 18 and did one color sequence wide, your colors will stack on top of each other. In order for the colors to shift over by 1 stitch, every other row your moss stitch project needs to have either 1 more or 1 less stitch in the color sequence (17 or 19 stitches in a color sequence every other row). You will need to manipulate the yarn by tightening or loosening your tension in order to get 1 more or less stitch.
This yarn has 6 sections of color in each color sequence before it repeats. Each section of color is consistent and is approximately the same length as all of the other colors in the sequence. After I made a swatch with a G 4.00mm hook, I was able to get 3 moss stitches out of all 6 colors in the sequence. I decided that this was the appropriate hook size for my project.
For instructions on how to determine your proper hook size, see part one of this series where you will learn about choosing the best hook size for your project.
Choosing the Color Placement:
The way that your project will look depends on where you start in your color sequence. Since it is the most dominant color in the skein, I wanted the Purple to come out of the edges. For instructions on how to determine your color placement, see part two of this series where you will learn about choosing color placement.
Choosing the Offset Shifting Color:
It is important that your offset color (the stitch that you will add or subtract in the same color throughout your project) is a color that does not stand out, otherwise it would be too noticeable. Using the dominant color of the sequence, Purple in this case, would be too distracting and noticeable in the overall project if there were a different number in stitch counts. After I made a swatch, I noticed that my 1st green color was slightly longer than all of the other colors in the sequence. It would be easy to make this the offset color by making this instance of green have 4 moss stitches (as opposed to 3 moss stitches) in every other row of the color sequence.
Therefore, to get a 1 stitch diagonal offset, my FIRST row and every other row will have 19 moss stitches in a color sequence. My SECOND row and every other row will have 18 moss stitches in a color sequence.
Row 1: I made a chain long enough for 19 moss stitches and started with the Blue. I followed the color sequence according to Chart 1 and made 19 moss stitches across.
*The Red stars represent 4 Green moss stitches in a color sequence here and throughout this tutorial.
*The Black stars represents 3 Green moss stitches in a color sequence here and throughout this tutorial.
This sequence will only occur EVERY OTHER ROW.
Row 2: Chain 2 (I choose to make a tight ch2) and continue to moss stitch across the row, following the color sequence from Chart 2 (3 moss stitches each). You should end after your 3rd Purple stitch and still have 1 spot remaining for a moss stitch at the end of Row 2. The first color of your new sequence, Blue in this case, (Chart 1) should be on your hook.
Make your final sc to end Row 2.
Row 2 should contain 3 moss stitches in each color and end with the first moss stitch of the new color sequence.
Row 3: Continue to follow Chart 1, finishing the remaining 2 moss stitches in Blue and following the rest of the color sequence. Remember that your first instance of Green will have 4 moss stitches.
Row 4: Continue following where Chart 2 left off, making sure to make 3 moss stitches in each color.
Row 5: Continue following where Chart 1 left off, remembering that your first instance of Green will have 4 moss stitches.
Rows 6 and on: Continue to follow your pattern, alternating between Chart 1 and Chart 2, remembering that you will have 4 Green moss stitches on every other row.
Notice how the difference in stitch numbers is not noticeable as a whole piece. The edges are straight and uniform. There is not one side that is looser than the other.
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Here is where the offset color is:
Enjoy! And Happy pooling!!
PLANNED POOLING CROCHET BLOG POSTS WITH MARLY BIRD:
Thanks so much to Rockin Lola for sharing with us planned pooling color placement and picking your dominate color. 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
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About Rockin Lola:
My name is Rocky and I am owner and designer at RockinLola. In middle school I taught myself how to crochet by reading patterns in magazines and crochet books. I love color and find myself drawn to bright colors and rainbow themes. When friends of mine started to have babies I began to design baby blankets and clothing 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.
Also on the Blog:
The post Planned Pooling Crochet: Deciding Where to Create your Offset Shift appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 27, 2017
Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird-7/27/17 to 8/2/17
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.
This Week’s question:
Please comment on this blog post (and enter the Rafflecopter widget)–In planned pooling how many options for setting up the offsets did I mention?
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 8/2/17 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.
Also on the Blog:
The post Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird-7/27/17 to 8/2/17 appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 26, 2017
Simona Vest Knit Pattern By Marly Bird
Through midnight MST tonight (7/26/17) you can purchase the Simona Vest Pattern 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. BY CLICKING ON ONE OF THESE LINKS AND MAKING A PURCHASE A SMALL PORTION OF THE PURCHASE WILL GO TO THE BLOG. THE PRICE THAT YOU PAY WILL NOT CHANGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG.*
The Simona vest is a must have modern cardigan with shawl collar. Twisted stitch patterns are combined to create a texture rich fabric with flattering lines and details. The body shaping adds just the right fit, skimming your curves. Add hand-crafted buttons for that truly dazzling look.
DOWNLOAD THE SIMONA VEST PATTERN FROM RAVELRY HERE
Pattern comes with written and charted instructions along with schematic. No matter how you learn you will find it in this pattern.
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.
Simona Vest Materials:
Fiesta Yarns “Boomerang” (100% extra fine super wash merino; 255 yds, 4 oz 100g): #73 Cherry 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) hanks.
Size US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 32” in length, or size to obtain correct gauge, plus a spare needle in same size.
Stitch marker
stitch holders or waste yarn
tapestry needle
5 buttons, approx. 1” 2.5 cm in diameter.
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Also on the Blog:
The post Simona Vest Knit Pattern By Marly Bird appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 25, 2017
8 Free Shark Crochet Patterns for Shark Week
[image error]If you didn’t know already this is the annual Shark Week over on the Discovery Channel. All week long they have amazing shows about sharks. To honor this week, as many of you LOVE to watch this week, I have pulled together 8 FREE Shark Crochet Patterns for Shark Week.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on one of these links and making a purchase a portion of your purchase will go to the blog. The price you pay is not changed. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
All of these patterns can be made from Red Heart yarns. Some of them are already designed with Red Heart but some are not. Super Saver is a great option for any of these patterns.
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8 FREE Shark Crochet Patterns:
[image error] Materials Needed for Adult Shark Blanket:
Red Heart Super Saver Medium (worsted) weight yarn: (Click links to get yarn)
For the Large size I used approximately 1700 yards of Gray Heather, Small amounts of Black, White, and Cherry Red.
Size K-6.50mm AND I-5.50mm crochet hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Stuffing (optional)
FREE Adult Shark Blanket Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Crochet Shark Amigurumi:
H (5 mm) hook
Red Heart With Love in White, Pewter, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Solids in Linen (replace this with Red Heart with love in Eggshell)
Each color required less than 1 skein. The Pewter was the most used and that was maybe half a skein.
12 mm safety eyes
Lion Brand BonBons in Black (there is only a small amount used of black-can use any black yarn)
embroidery needle
scissors
polyester fiberfill
FREE Crochet Shark Amigurumi Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Crochet Shark Hat:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarn in Gray (I used Silver Gray), Red (Scarlet) and White (Can be replaced with super saver or Red Heart With Love)
Size H Crochet Hook
Tapestry needle
Buttons for eyes
Poly-fil (or you could use scrap yarn to stuff top fin)
Stitch marker
FREE Crochet Shark Hat Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Shark Bag:
Red Heart Yarns With Love in Pewter (less than 300 yards), Red Heart Yarns Super Saver in Black (Less than 10 yards), Red Heart Yarns Super Saver in Soft White (Less than 20 yards)
I-5.50mm Crochet Hook
Stitch Markers
Yarn Needle
Scissors
FREE Shark Bag Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Shark Beverage Cozy:
Worsted weight yarn (Blue, Gray, White, Black)
Size H/8 (5.00mm) crochet hook
Yarn needle
FREE Shark Beverage Cozy Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Shark Granny Square:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Silver Heather (gray), White, Black
6 mm safety eye
G hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
FREE Granny Square Shark Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Shark Puppet Scrubby:
RED HEART® Scrubby™: 1 ball each 510 Glacier A, 905 Cherry B, and 10 Coconut C
Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]
Yarn needle
2 yds black worsted weight yarn
sewing needle
white carpet thread
FREE Shark Scrubby Puppet Pattern Download
Materials Needed for Shark Time Pouch:
US – G/6 hook, 4.25 mm
Main color: 100 yards of Sport or Worsted Weight gray yarn, any fiber
Gill slit color: 2 yards of Sport or Worsted Weight darker gray yarn, any fiber
Thread: gray to match main color, black, and white, a few yards of each
2 black buttons or toy/doll eyes
6″ white zipper
7″ x 1″ piece of white felt
Yarn Needle
FREE Shark Time Pouch Pattern Download
Also on the Blog:
The post 8 Free Shark Crochet Patterns for Shark Week appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 24, 2017
Planned Pooling Crochet: Planned Pooling Color Placement
[image error]Today we have a special guest on the blog. Please welcome back Brenda-Leigh who is here today to teach us about planned pooling color placement and dominate color selection.
When you are starting a planned pooling project and using a new color, it is always best to do a swatch first. I know, I know – we all hate doing a gauge swatch, but trust me, you want to do one for your pooling projects. There are 3 reasons why making a swatch is worth the time in a pooling project.
Three Reasons Why to Swatch in Planned Pooling Crochet:
Choosing the best hook size
Choosing the color placement
Deciding where to create your offset
In order to get the best results from your planned pooling project you will want to work through these three reasons in order. Each reason for making a swatch first builds off of the knowledge you learn in the previous reasons. This tutorial will address choosing planned pooling color placement and dominate color selection. Be sure to look out for the last reason in our series to swatch for planned pooling coming to the blog soon!
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of your purchase will go to the blog, but the price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Tutorial Materials:
For this tutorial, I will be using Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Tickle. Making a swatch for planned pooling isn’t quite the same as making one to check gauge, yet they both have a purpose and provide valuable information before starting a project. Because a planned pooling swatch and a gauge swatch serve two different purposes we came up with three reasons to swatch series to help you understand the purpose.
In part one I choose the 4 mm (G) Susan Bates crochet hook and created this fabulously wobbly swatch, pictured below. I am using the Susan Bates Silvalume crochet hook set, as they are my favorite and I find the finish moves very smoothly through any yarn.
Using your swatch to pick the dominate color:
Before you can work on color placement you will need to determine the dominate color for your project. To accomplish this I will be using my swatch from the last time, picking the right hook size, to get the answers to my question.
Looking at the swatch on the left I will determine which color stands out to me the most. You should do the same thing with your swatch to figure out what color speaks to you in your yarn choice. This is a very personal thing that no one else can choose for you.
To get a clear picture of the colors it is best to set your hook down and back away from the crochet. I suggest you give some space because it is often easier to see a the dominate color from a few feet away. Or take a picture with your camera if you don’t have the space to back away. What color do you see first/more, that is your dominant color.
After Picking Your Dominate Color:
Now that I’ve decided on purple as my dominant color, I want to plan how it will look in my project. As you work through the colors, every stitch will be the first stitch in the row at some point. If you recall from my last post on Choosing the Best Hook Size, I was able to get three stitches from each color. I can decide if I want to start my row on the first purple stitch, the second purple stitch, the third purple stitch, the first blue (after purple), the second blue (after purple), etc.
Not all colors move the same way for all crocheters. On the Planned Pooling Facebook page we often see people say the new color on your hook has to come before that same color two rows below. Others are adamant that it must come after. The truth is there are a number of things that will influence where your colors land.
To set up pooling in moss stitch, you need to add or remove one stitch every other row. This is why the turning chain sometimes counts as a stitch and sometimes doesn’t. Most tutorials have you removing a stitch on row one. My previous post about Multiple Sequence Pooling has you set up the offset at the end of row two.
Four options to set up the offset:
One Less stitch on row one
One Less stitch on row two
One Extra stitch on row one
One Extra stitch on row two
It is important to note here that when we say add or remove a stitch, we are not altering the total stitch count for the row. A more proper way to say this might be to work an extra stitch in one color or to work one fewer in one color. Part three of this tutorial will address choosing a color for the offset, which may help this concept become more clear to you.
I would recommend you try each of these options to find the one that best suits you. My preference is to add one stitch on row two, but that is just what makes my brain happy. I’m going to show you all four options here using the same yarn, same hook size and always starting in the same place within the sequence.
Setting up the offset-One Less Stitch on Row One:
The green arrow indicates my starting position. You will see that in my color sequence I have 3 blue, 3 purple, 3 blue, 2 green, 3 white, 3 green.
The black arrow pointing up shows where I did two sc in one space. The black arrow pointing down shows the next time I used up yarn in the same manner.
It is quite noticeable so you can easily see it. Notice how the starting blue moves directly away from the corner towards the center.
Setting up the offset-One Less Stitch on Row Two:
My starting position is denoted again by the green arrow in the picture. By using this offset it is causing me to have 3 blue, 3 purple, 3 blue, 3 green, 3 white, 3 green stitches. The black arrow shows the blue stitch following only 2 green.
I have marked the blue on the opposite side for clarity, but as you can see it is moving toward the edge, rather than the center.
Setting up the offset-One Extra Stitch on Row One:
The green arrow indicates my starting position. I numbered the white stitches here because they are harder to understand.
The black arrow is pointing to one that is half green and half white (it is all white on the other side and I was fooled). So my extra stitch is really between the green and white.
Again, notice the starting blue moves to the edge before coming back to the center.
Setting up the offset-One Extra Stitch on Row Two:
Again my starting position is denoted by the green arrow. You will notice that I have 3 blue, 3 purple, 3 blue, 3 green, 3 white, 3 green. The black arrow shows the fourth white stitch. As you can see this causes the starting blue to move from the corner to the center.
Planning your Pooling:So, now you have chosen your dominant color and, based on how you do your offset, you know how your color will travel in your project.
Do you want your dominant color to move from the corner to the center?
Would you rather it to form a solid half square in the corners?
Do you want it to start in the middle of your project and move outward?
This is where the real planning of planned pooling comes into play. We all know where you start won’t affect your ability to pool a yarn, but it certainly has an influence on what your finished product looks like.
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Swatch with large purple X
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Swatch with large purple diamond
Here is a swatch of one full color sequence. You will see that one has a large purple X and the other a large purple diamond. Maybe, you find the white as dominant, in which case you will see the one swatch has a large white X and the other a large white diamond.
Now that you understand how your offset method effects the color movement within your project, you can start with the design you like best. A little extra time in planning makes a big difference in the beauty of the finished project.
Planned Pooling Crochet Blog Posts with Marly Bird:
Thanks so much to Brenda-Leigh for sharing with us planned pooling color placement and picking your dominate color. If you want to learn more about Crochet Planned Pooling you can view my other posts on the topic.
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
About Brenda-Leigh:
My name is Brenda-Leigh and I taught myself how to knit when I was seven using a book. Shortly after I began knitting my mother wanted to learn as well so I taught her. It was a great bonding experience to be able to show her something I had learned.
When I was eleven I taught myself how to crochet and my first project was a pineapple doily made with crochet thread.
I’ve continued with both over the years and have recently fallen in love with crochet. When planned pooling became popular last fall, I caught on right away and have had to opportunity to teach others. Since that early experience with my mother, I’ve loved being able to teach others and witness their success. Nothing makes me happier than giving someone that “aha!” moment.
You can find me on Ravelry as CrochetbyAlexina.
Also on the Blog:
The post Planned Pooling Crochet: Planned Pooling Color Placement appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 21, 2017
Planned Pooling Crochet: How to Pick the Best Planned Pooling Crochet Hook Size
[image error]Today we have a special guest on the blog. Please welcome back Brenda-Leigh who is here today to teach us about picking the best planned pooling crochet hook size for your next project.
When you are starting a planned pooling project and using a new color, it is always best to start with a swatch first. I know, I know – we all hate doing a gauge swatch, but trust me, you want to do one for your pooling projects. There are 3 reasons why making a swatch is worth the time in a pooling project.
Three Reasons Why to Swatch in Planned Pooling Crochet:
Choosing the best hook size
Choosing the color placement
Deciding where to create your offset
This tutorial will address choosing the best planed pooling crochet hook size. Look for the next two reasons to swatch for planned pooling coming to the blog soon!
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of your purchase will go to the blog, but the price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Tutorial Materials:
For this tutorial, I will be using Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Tickle. Making a swatch to plan pooling isn’t quite the same as making one to check gauge.
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I am using the Susan Bates Silvalume crochet hook set , as they are my favorite and I find the finish moves very smoothly through any yarn.
I always start with the hook recommended on the yarn label. In this case, that is a 5.5 mm (I) hook. Start with a foundation chain of between 18 and 25 without worrying about where you start in the color sequence. You can work your first row into the chain, around the chain, or into the spine as you please; we won’t be looking at the first row anyway, so do what is most comfortable.
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Using the 5.5 mm hook, work in moss stitch the entire length of your chain and through at least three full sequences, not counting row one. Work these rows using your normal, most comfortable tension. I find sitting in my “crochet” chair with a cool beverage nearby works best.
Working at your most comfortable tension will help us identify which hook will give you the least amount of manual tension adjustment in your actual project. That means less vigil is required and you will have way fewer stitches to tear out and do over. And over, and over.
Let’s take a look at the rows done with the 5.5 mm hook.
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You can see there are many instances where the stitches are different colors on each ‘leg.’ I always check both sides because it happens frequently that a stitch will look fine on one side and be split colors on the other side. If I choose to move forward with this hook, I know I will have to be making constant adjustments and tearing stitches out to get single color stitches.
After trying the suggested hook, I like to go to the next larger one rather than the next smaller one, so in this case that is the 6 mm (J) hook. I am going to chain however many I need to have the next hook size start with a distinct color change. You can see here I have had to chain several stitches to get to the lime green. Since we will take this swatch apart after it has served its purpose, wobbly and wonky ends are okay.
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Again, work through several sequences at your normal, relaxed tension with the 6 mm hook. You may find it helpful to use a stitch marker on the first stitch completed with each hook size. Let’s take a look at the stitches here and again, we can see many stitches with different colors within one stitch. Additionally for this hook, I find the fabric to be very loose and less pleasing; however, that is a personal choice.
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Since the larger hook didn’t work, I will now try the next smaller one, which is the 5 mm (H). Again, work through at least three full sequences at your most comfortable tension.
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Looking at the rows completed with the 5 mm hook, we can see there are far fewer split color stitches. Looking at this section here, you can see I have 2 lime stitches, 1 half lime half white, 2 white, another half lime half white and 2 more lime.
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To resolve it, I would have to tighten up the first lime section to get three full stitches, or loosen it to give that yarn to the white stitch. Then I have to do the same thing again for the second lime section. I would most likely end up with 3 tight lime, 3 natural tension white, 3 tight lime. I don’t like having to tighten the tension to make the pooling work because there is only so much you can do before you run out of that color.
Most of the time when I do a swatch, I find my hook in the first three. In this case, I am not happy with the results of the five so before I start my Tickle Me Blanket, I am going to try the next smaller hook, which is the 4 mm (6).
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Right away I can see I am almost getting 3 of each color using my natural tension. There are a few split color stitches, but not as many as some of the other hooks sizes. Here is an example where one side looks great, but the other has a few split stitches.
In this case, either the 5 mm or the 4 mm hook will work for this project.
Things to consider when choosing planned pooling crochet hook size:
The 5 mm requires tighter stitches in places
It is easier to use up yarn, than to make yarn available
I personally tend to crochet loosely, so I will have to be very vigilant if using the 5mm. I also love the idea of having all of the colors the same number of stitches (4 mm hook). Before I make my final decision, I am going to work a few rows in the 4 mm, paying attention and adjusting as necessary to see how it will feel when working the project.
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NOTE: The orange stitch marker is the beginning of using the size 4 hook and the blue shows where I was trying to manage the stitch counts.
I find I can achieve 3 stitches of each color with a little extra attention and the stitches are comfortably loose for me. I have my hook size and one very funky looking swatch.[image error]
The extra work in choosing the right hook was well worth my time. The process for making the swatch only took me about 15 minutes, but it saved me hours of frustration trying to get a yarn to pool with the wrong hook size. The resulting fabric and blanket was worth the time it took to find my hook size.
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Only you can determine the right hook size for you for any given color you wish to pool.
Planned Pooling Crochet Blog Posts with Marly Bird:
Thanks so much to Brenda-Leigh for sharing with us why picking the right hook size is important for planned pooling crochet. If you want to learn more about Crochet Planned Pooling you can view my other posts on how to use the moss stitch.
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
About Brenda-Leigh:
My name is Brenda-Leigh and I taught myself how to knit when I was seven using a book. Shortly after I began knitting my mother wanted to learn as well so I taught her. It was a great bonding experience to be able to show her something I had learned.
When I was eleven I taught myself how to crochet and my first project was a pineapple doily made with crochet thread.
I’ve continued with both over the years and have recently fallen in love with crochet. When planned pooling became popular last fall, I caught on right away and have had to opportunity to teach others. Since that early experience with my mother, I’ve loved being able to teach others and witness their success. Nothing makes me happier than giving someone that “aha!” moment.
You can find me on Ravelry as CrochetbyAlexina.
Also on the Blog:
The post Planned Pooling Crochet: How to Pick the Best Planned Pooling Crochet Hook Size appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 18, 2017
Learn How to Count Cable Rows Quickly-Video Tutorial
[image error]Today I want to continue from the Exquisite Cable Throw Knitting Pattern tutorial with a pro tip about counting your cables. Although I am using the Exquisite Cable Throw for my demonstration you can use this tip for any knitting cable. Join me and learn how to count knit cable rows.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links a small portion of your purchase will go to the blog, the price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Not long ago I showed you how to make the Exquisite Cable Throw, a FREE knitting pattern from Red Heart. The Exquisite Cable Throw is designed with a four stitch cable. Throughout the tutorial I show tips for making your knitting easier while working cables. One of the tips that I talked about was knitting cables without a needle, a great technique to have in your tool box. Knowing how to do simple cables without a needle makes the process progress faster.
As you work your cables you will need to know when to work each repeat. Paper and pencils notes are a great way to keep track of where you are in the pattern but it does become labor intensive. My tip for you in this tutorial is how to track your cables quickly.
By using a removable stitch marker on the row that had a cable you can easily count the rows until the next cable. As you work through the next cable crosses you can move, or add a second, your removable stitch marker to that row. The stitch marker allows you to easily count your cable row repeats. These can be purchased or you can make your own. Learn how to make removable stitch markers with a few supplies from the Jewelry Making isle of your craft store in my FREE removable stitch markers video tutorial.
Exquisite Cable Throw Tutorials:
Pattern Tutorial and Download
4 Stitch Back/Right Cable
4 Stitch Front/Left Cable
Knitting Cables without a Cable Needle
Don’t miss another tutorial! Subscribe to the Marly Bird YouTube channel today.
Also on the Blog:
The post Learn How to Count Cable Rows Quickly-Video Tutorial appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 17, 2017
Step into Crochet with Rohn Strong
Step into Crochet with Rohn Strong is a new book and we are just tickled he has returned to Yarn Thing with Marly
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Bird to share it!
Rohn Strong is one of the most passionate crafters you’ll find. He’s an author, designer, instructor, and broadcast
personality in the knitting and crochet world. He specializes in crochet, tunisian crochet, hand knitting, and loom knitting.
Start crocheting socks on the right foot. Step into Crochet is the most comprehensive guide to creating crocheted socks. Author Rohn Strong shares 19 patterns for cozy socks, along with a wide variety of techniques, in this must-have reference and pattern book.
The first section of Step into Crochet focuses on construction methods: you’ll learn basic toe-up and cuff-down construction, while being introduced to a variety of heel and toe treatments. Plus, you’ll find out what makes a certain heel/toe combination perfect for socks!
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The pattern section includes 19 socks ranging from basic ribbed and simple socks (great for customizing) to more technique-based pieces, focusing on colorwork, lace, cables, and motifs. Whether you’re ready to jump into crocheting socks feet first, or just dipping your toe in to try out a few fun patterns, Step into Crochet is your go-to resource.
Keep up with this very busy guy through his website. www.RohnStrong.com, also through other media, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, plus his Ravelry Designer page and Group.
Rohn has visited the Yarn Thing podcast a few times, because we love him so, the first time was in 2013, again in 2014 , with his book New Methods in Crochet Socks 2015 and then about his Craftsy Class last year.
If you missed getting to hear this live, Marly’s Facebook page has video from her studio (her awesome laugh with Rohn’s voice!) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/07/18/step-into-crochet-with-rohn-strong
The post Step into Crochet with Rohn Strong appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 14, 2017
Fun at the Beach Red Heart Scrubby Washcloth Patterns
[image error]I can hardly believe that we are into the next month of amazing FREE Red Heart Scrubby Washcloth Patterns. These patterns are part of the 7 Months of Scrubby campaign that Red Heart is running to feature their Scrubby family of yarns. July brings us summertime patterns that are perfect for your next beach trip.
*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 IS NOT CHANGED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG.*
7 Months of Scrubby LIVE Facebook Video:
If you missed the LIVE Facebook video that I did on the 12th on the Marly Bird Facebook page be sure to head over and like the page and sign up for notifications. On the 12th of each month, during the campaign, you can find me LIVE on the Red Heart Facebook page, or my own Facebook page, showing you some of the patterns from the current month.[image error]
August’s theme will be Shapes and you aren’t going to want to miss the reveal of the patterns. Head over to the Red Heart Yarns Facebook page now to like and follow them.
Best of all, if you watch LIVE you can have the chance to win a $25 prize package from Red Heart Yarns. ONLY live watchers in the US and Canada are eligible.
7 Months of Scrubby July-Summertime Scrubby Washcloth Patterns:
A sunny (or cloudy) summer day is the perfect time to keep your fingers busy with fun-loving beach-themed Scrubby patterns. Red Heart’s designs give you the opportunity to try all three versions of Red Heart Scrubby – Scrubby Cotton, Scrubby Sparkle and the original Scrubby.
When you think of summertime many thing of the sun and being on the beach. Included this month you will find a pattern for a seashell, starfish, pair of suns, swim trunks, beach ball and flip flops. All are perfect for reminding you of summer throughout the year.
Interested in making the FREE beach ball scrubby pattern? Watch the video tutorial that I put together on my YouTube Channel for full details on how to put the pattern together. There you will also find a Scrubby playlist that includes all of my Scrubby patterns.
7 Months of Scrubby Knit and Crochet Patterns:
March-Animals
April-Food
May-Spa
June-Flowers
Scrubby FREE Patterns:
Red Heart has so many FREE Scrubby cotton patterns to choose from. Not only do they have Scrubby Cotton patterns but they also have Scrubby original and Scrubby Sparkle FREE patterns. One of the great things about the Scrubby line is that you can interchange the yarn types in the Scrubby patterns. (Always be sure to swatch before starting a project. This will ensure that you are getting a gauge similar to the pattern.)
Scrubby Cotton Patterns
Scrubby Original Patterns
Scrubby Sparkle Patterns
Also on the Blog:
The post Fun at the Beach Red Heart Scrubby Washcloth Patterns appeared first on Marly Bird.
July 13, 2017
Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird
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.
This Week’s question:
Please comment on this blog post (and enter the Rafflecopter widget)–What is my caution to you for the Plaid Christmas Blanket Pattern?
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 7/19/17 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.
Also on the Blog:
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