Marly Bird's Blog, page 163
July 12, 2017
Garden Party Crochet Sweater Pattern by Marly Bird
[image error]Through midnight MST tonight (7/12/17) you can purchase the Garden Party Crochet Sweater 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.*
Download the pattern from Ravelry.
Soft cotton and classic shaping form a posh design. The simple double crochet stitch pattern produces an artistic lace for a polished feel, while the oversized scallops add a touch of whimsy for a charming finish. The Garden Party crochet sweater pattern is the ideal piece for your summer wardrobe.
Pattern comes with written and charted instructions along with schematic. No matter how you learn you will find it in this pattern. Originally published in Love of Crochet, I want to share this wonderful summer pattern with you.
Plus size patterns are important to me. Garden Party Crochet Sweater is written for size small to 3XL. With the simple shaping of the cardigan sweater it will flatter most sizes. Head over the to the Ravelry pattern page to see the 40+ projects that have already been made from 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.
Garden Party Crochet Sweater Materials:
4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 7) skeins Roslyn by Bijou Basin Ranch, 90% cotton, 10% cashmere (175 yds/50g) in color 01 Snow
U.S. size F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook, or size required for gauge
Also on the Blog:
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July 11, 2017
How to Crochet Plaid Christmas Afghan
We are already in the second week of July and it is time to start thinking about your holiday crochet. With only six months until Christmas now is the perfect time to start working on the beautiful Plaid Christmas Afghan.
*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.*
This video will show you how to crochet the Plaid Christmas Afghan. Red Heart Yarn is generous enough to offer the Plaid Christmas Afghan for free. You can download the pattern from their website. Christmas is only six months away and the Plaid Christmas Afghan is sure to be a crowd favorite. Marly teaches you everything you need to know to make this beautiful plaid blanket which looks harder than it is.
Download the FREE Plaid Christmas Afghan crochet pattern now and get started.
CAUTION: This pattern does produce quite a few ends to weave in. My tip is to weave them in as you go. I stop about every 10 inches into the blanket to weave in my ends so that I don’t save them all for the end. Watch the video to see my cautionary tale if you don’t follow my tip!
This blanket is made in two parts. Starting with the mesh, the pattern has you making the base of the pattern first. After making the filet fabric you will make chains to weave into the mesh. Watch the video to see how I complete this technique.
Download the Plaid Christmas Afghan Crochet Pattern and get started.
Plaid Christmas Afghan Crochet Pattern Materials:
RED HEART® Super Saver®: 6 skeins 368 Paddy Green A, 4 skeins 319 Cherry Red B, and 3 skeins each 316 Soft White C, 312 Black D, and 672 Spring Green E
Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 6 mm [US J-10]
Yarn needle
Grab your materials and join me to make the Plaid Christmas Afghan Crochet Pattern.
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Download the FREE Plaid Christmas Afghan Crochet Pattern and get started.
Also on the Blog:
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How to Crochet Beach Ball Crochet Pattern Scrubby
This video will show you how to crochet the Beach Ball Scrubby. Red Heart Yarn is generous enough to offer the Beach Ball Scrubby pattern for free. You can download the pattern from their website. This beach ball crochet pattern is a crowd favorite for summer days. Marly teaches you everything you need to know to make this easy and fun scrubby.
Our Beach Ball Crochet Pattern Scrubby is made of six individual triangles and then sewn together. Because the Scrubby yarn has the extra pieces of yarn sticking out it can be hard to always see your stitches. Most of the work that I do with Scrubby yarn is done by feeling the stitches. I highly recommend using removable stitch markers to help you know where to start and finish a row.
Beach Ball Crochet Pattern Materials:
RED HEART® Scrubby Sparkle™: 1 ball each of 8001 Marshmallow A, 8215 Lemon B, 8506 Icepop C, and 8260 Orange D
Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8].
Yarn needle
Grab your materials and join me to make the Beach Ball Crochet Pattern Scrubby.
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July 10, 2017
Halos of Hope a Thon at Wall of Yarn with the Yarn Guys
[image error]Franklin Habit in the middle, Jeffrey, left, and Dennis, right, are The Yarn Guys.
Halos of Hope a Thon at Wall of Yarn with the Yarn Guys, Dennis and Jeffrey, in Freeport, IL, next week, was the event we’ve gathered around the mic to hear about on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.
We’ve recently met the Yarn Guys, just last summer, they are diving in head first into the fiber industry. They’ve become sponsors of the Stitches Events, and now they are hosting the Halos of Hope a Thon. This isn’t the first 24-hour marathon knitting event like this, there were earlier events hosted by Purlescence Yarn in California, but since that shop has closed, sadly, there hasn’t been another such event. Thankfully, Dennis and Jeffrey have offered their shop to host this overnight marathon, laced with TONS of extra. [image error]
Classes and Lectures by Franklin Habit at the nearby Wagner House are the creamy filling to this event. On Friday, he will be sharing his presentation Impractical Magic: Oddities and Curiosities of Weldon’s Practical Needlework, then teaching Introduction to the History, Methods, and Styles of Lace Knitting, and Introduction to the History, Methods, and Styles of Lace Knitting on Saturday. In addition to that, two awesome and smart designer/teachers that we love, Jen Lucas and Laura Krzak will also be in attendance. How sweet will it be to sit with them, learn from them, compete with them to see who can get more hats done!
All of this is for Halos of Hope, we’ve featured this wonderful charity on the program a few times, also. Pam Haschke, on Yarn Thing podcast. Her organization finds ways of getting hats to locations where cancer patients might choose one. We create hats, knitted, crocheted, sewn fleecy soft hats, they also collect dollar donations to help with shipping costs, and the hats find their way to those who need a little comfort, a little pick-me-up. Check out their website: www.HalosofHope.org for patterns (mostly for sale to help raise funds to ship), opportunities to volunteer and the BEyond contest StevenBe mentioned last time.
For more information about this event happening next week, on the July 21st and 22nd, see the website.
If you missed this live today, it’s still a video on Marly’s Facebook page, and the audio is available as archived podcast episode: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/07/11/halos-of-hope-a-thon-at-wall-of-yarn-with-the-yarn-guys
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July 7, 2017
Chasing Rainbows Crochet Baby Blanket with Video Tutorial
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Over on Red Heart’s website you will find the Chasing Rainbows crochet baby blanket as a FREE pattern to download. I created this pattern to be the perfect bright and cheery gift for the next baby show you go to. With 15 colors to choose from you can customize this blanket for the child that will love it forever.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on one of the links and making a purchase the blog will earn a small commission. The price that you pay for the item is not changed. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Many of you have been requesting that I put together a video tutorial about the Chasing Rainbows crochet baby blanket that I designed for Red Heart. You have been asking me to show you how to work the stitch pattern so that you can make this crochet baby blanket for someone special in your life. Designed using Red Heart Gumdrop, which comes in 15 colors, you will be able to pick the perfect color combination.
In the video tutorial you will find a few important teaching points. Be on the look out for the following tips. The following are great ways to expand your crochet skill set.
Chasing Rainbows Crochet Baby Blanket Video Tutorial Learning Points:
Standing single crochet and double crochet join
Secure method of weaving in ends
Camel stitch
[image error]Although this pattern is written as a baby blanket size, it can be customized into any size. Using a stitch multiple of 6 + 4 to create the pattern allows you to easily change the size. Change up the size to make this blanket for a child or adult simply by increasing the number of chains you make, as long as they follow the stitch multiple.
If you hadn’t guessed by looking at the finished blanket let me warn you that there are a LOT of ends to weave in at the end of this project. Each row is fastened off before starting the next. This translates into two ends to weave in for every row. Because there are so many ends to weave in, and because I want you to feel confident when giving this as a gift, I added a section to the tutorial on how to weave your ends in.
Those with children will know that baby items are washed often. They are loved hard and washed often. Acrylic yarn is a great choice when making crochet baby items, and Gumdrop is 100% acrylic. Although acrylic may not be as luxurious as some of the natural fibers out there, it is machine washable and dryer friendly. Two things that every new mom wants to hear! If you don’t take the time to weave in your ends well, making sure that they are very secure, the first time the blanket is washed the ends may start to pop out. If you are taking the time to make this beautiful blanket, please take the time to weave in your ends securely.
Chasing Rainbows Crochet Baby Blanket Materials:
RED HEART® With Love®: 2 skeins 1001 White B
RED HEART® Gumdrop®: 1 ball each 750 Grape A, 625 Apple C, 530 Blueberry D, 620 Cherry E, 501 Smoothie F, and 202 Lemon G
Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]
Yarn needle
Also on the Blog:
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June 30, 2017
Knit Cables without a Cable Needle
In this video tutorial I show you how to knit cables without a cable needle. Join me and learn to be liberated from the cable needle!
*This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to purchase from one of these links. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Completing a knit cable is most often done using a cable needle. This tool allows you to hold the stitches in your cable while you rearrange them to create the cable. Although this tool helps you to complete the stitches it is one more thing that you have to carry around with the project.
This video tutorial will show you how to create a 4 stitch cable, both left and right leaning cables. Knitting cables without a needle can be done over any stitch multiple that you are comfortable with. I will caution you when using slippery yarn. Slippery yarn will make it harder to control your stitches without the needle.
[image error]Personally I find that this technique is ideal for smaller stitch counts for your cable. My favorite stitch pattern to use this technique with is the honeycomb stitch. Before you start cables without a needle you may feel more comfortable learning how to do cables with a needle.
Other video tutorials on knitting cables can be found in my Knitter Basics playlist on YouTube or in the following links. See a video on creating right leaning cables and left leaning cables in my previous blog posts.
Knit Cables Without a Cable Needle Video Tutorial:
Also on the Blog:
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June 29, 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 the make up of the yarn used in the Biased Cable Vest by Marly Bird?
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 7/5/17 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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June 28, 2017
Biased Cable Vest Knit Pattern by Marly Bird
Through midnight MST tonight (6/28/17) you can purchase the Biased Cable Vest 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.*
Knitting on the bias creates a diagonal fabric with a naturally beautiful drape. The opulence of the slanting cables is enhanced by both the weight and sheen of the yak and bamboo blend yarn. The vest naturally hangs slightly open for a very flattering fit.
Written out and with a chart this pattern is easy to follow along with. After you have learned how to do knit cables this would be a project to really push your skills to the next level. If you haven’t done knit cables before I would suggest starting with something simpler to get an understanding of how cables work first. Learn about knit cables on my YouTube channel.
Biased Cable Vest Materials:
Yarn: Bijou Basin Ranch “Lhasa Wilderness”, 75% yak / 25% bamboo; 180 yards; 2 oz (56 grams); natural brown
Needles: Size US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 5 (3.75 mm) or size to obtain correct gauge.
Notions: Stitch markers; stitch holders or waste yarn; a third needle size US 4 (3.5 mm) for Three Needle BO; tapestry needle; sewing thread; sewing needle; one _” button.
Also on the Blog:
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June 25, 2017
Just Back from Africa, Tell Us StevenBe
Just Back from Africa, Tell Us StevenBe, all about everything on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. [image error]
Steven Berg told us at Stitches United that he was about to take a trip to South Africa to research Mohair and he will be having some featured in his shop in Minneapolis, according to the shop’s Facebook page.
Because of the unique sense of play he puts together, he’s been asked lend his magic to Stitches Midwest in support of Halos of Hope, with contest that is BeYond. The goal is to raise money for hats to be shipped to the various cancer centers around the country. There is more information at THIS LINK (takes you to Halos of Hope’s Website). Participating are Universal Yarns, Purl Soho, Three Irish Girls, Draw Four in launching this event.
[image error]He has a cruise sailing away to Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico from Orlando on October 29 to November 5th. He’ll be teaching with Rebecca Combs and Cascade Yarns is a sponsor. Check out the website for more information.
There is a recent announcement, too, that he will be part of Knit Stars 2.0 with friend and queen of brioche, Nancy Marchant, in the first free video!
StevenBe has a website: www.stevenbe.com Also Check out StevenBe.TV where the motto is: All the class and twice the sass for your viewing pleasure! His shop StevenBe, is a converted firehouse in downtown Minneapolis. If you happen to be in the area, the shop address and hours are listed here. Steven made his first visit to the Yarn Thing podcast last summer.
If you missed getting to hear this episode of the Yarn Thing podcast, you can watch Marly’s video that she posted on live on her Facebook page, or listen to the audio as an archived episode: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/06/27/just-back-from-africa-tell-us-stevenbe
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June 22, 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 technique is used in the Shimmer Shawl Pattern by Marly Bird?
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 6/28/17 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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