Marly Bird's Blog, page 177

2016 Marly Bird Popular Poncho Crochet Along

After a lot of work we have wrapped up the 2016 Marly Bird Popular Poncho Crochet Along, sponsored by Red Heart Yarns. Thank you to everyone who participated. I had a great time and I hope that you did too. There were so many BEAUTIFUL renditions of this pattern that I pulled together as many finished ponchos from our Facebook Group as I could find to share with you.

As a recap the 2016 Marly Bird Popular Poncho Crochet Along was a 4 part series. Each section included the pattern and a video tutorial, you can see each link below. The sample ponchos were made from Red Heart’s Unforgettable yarn. I also offered you four options for the collar and four options for finishing. You could have made the poncho as a crew neck, simple cowl neck, dramatic cowl neck, or turtle neck. There was also the choice of adding a plain edge, scalloped edge, fringe or dreadlock fringe.

If you haven’t started your Poncho yet now is the perfect time to start. The tutorial videos are there to help you though your journey. Take the time to subscribe to my YouTube channel and Facebook page to get updates on when the Spring 2017 Knit Along will start.

Pattern Sections:

You can find the links to each pattern section, with my personal notes, and the videos below. The links above will take you to the printable PDF from Red Heart’s website but the links here will take you to the blog post about each section where you can see my additional comments and notes.

Section 1 Pattern Link—Section 1 Video Link
Section 3 Pattern—Section 3 Video
Section 3 Pattern Link—Section 3 Video Link
Section 4 Pattern Link—Section 4 Video Link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My First Series-Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho

It’s finally here! The poncho project that I have been teasing you about is FINALLY here. I just released the newest FREE pattern in the Red Heart’s My First Series-Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho.

This is the last pattern for the My First Series in 2016, and we are sure going out with a BANG. This pattern can take your planned pooling love to the next level. This is one of those projects that people will ask you where you purchased it. It is a trendy, yet classic wardrobe piece.

When designing this pattern I started with a planned pooling argyle scarf and then added on to it to make the rest of the poncho. One of the great things about this project is that the entire piece is made out of the same stitch. The design may look complicated but really it is all done in moss stitch.

The Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho was designed with the beginner planned pooler in mind. Please note that this is not the best project to start with for a beginner crocheter. If you are new to planned pooling you can take a look at my 10 Secretes to Planned Pooling post and video or my Best Crochet Tutorial For Planned Pooling Argyle post and video.

Not only can you get the pattern for FREE but I also released a tutorial video on my YouTube channel. I walk you through everything you need to know about the project. The project is made from a really affordable yarn, Red Heart Super Saver. You will need your variegated color choice and a coordinating color for the remainder of the poncho.

You can see all of the patterns in Red Heart’s My First Series on my YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss when the next one is released, there is a new one each month. I can’t wait to share something new with you next year.

 

The post My First Series-Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho appeared first on Marly Bird.

My First Series-Planned Pooling Arglye Poncho

It’s finally here! The poncho project that I have been teasing you about is FINALLY here. I just released the newest FREE pattern in the Red Heart’s My First Series-Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho.

This is the last pattern for the My First Series in 2016, and we are sure going out with a BANG. This pattern can take your planned pooling love to the next level. This is one of those projects that people will ask you where you purchased it. It is a trendy, yet classic wardrobe piece.

When designing this pattern I started with a planned pooling argyle scarf and then added on to it to make the rest of the poncho. One of the great things about this project is that the entire piece is made out of the same stitch. The design may look complicated but really it is all done in moss stitch.

The Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho was designed with the beginner planned pooler in mind. Please note that this is not the best project to start with for a beginner crocheter. If you are new to planned pooling you can take a look at my 10 Secretes to Planned Pooling post and video or my Best Crochet Tutorial For Planned Pooling Argyle post and video.

Not only can you get the pattern for FREE but I also released a tutorial video on my YouTube channel. I walk you through everything you need to know about the project. The project is made from a really affordable yarn, Red Heart Super Saver. You will need your variegated color choice and a coordinating color for the remainder of the poncho.

You can see all of the patterns in Red Heart’s My First Series on my YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss when the next one is released, there is a new one each month. I can’t wait to share something new with you next year.

 

The post My First Series-Planned Pooling Arglye Poncho appeared first on Marly Bird.

ErinLane Bags special project shared by Lindsey Martin

ErinLane Bags special project shared by Lindsey Martin made for a HAPPY Friday edition of the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

If you missed getting to hear or WATCH this happen live, there is an audio recording where it aired as a podcast originally: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/12/02/erinlane-bags-special-project-shared-by-lindsey-martin or listen with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio. There will be a link RIGHT HERE for the video as it was recorded in Marly’s Facebook page.

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Corner-to-Corner Rectangle Using Half Double Crochet

Not too long ago I shared with you the corner to corner concept as a square using half double crochet, today I want to share with you how to do corner to corner rectangle using half double crochet. I just posted a brand new YouTube video to show you how to read a corner-to-corner chart and walk you through the concept.

Remember that I am showing you in half double crochet stitches, since that is how I designed my patterns. Most C2C patterns are written for double crochet stitches. Fear not, the technique is the same just the stitch size changes.

Both the rectangle and square increase and decrease the same, it is the middle that is different and makes the shape different. When crocheting the rectangle you will continue the max width for a longer period of time before starting your decrease. I show you exactly how to do this in the video below. 

If you are looking for a pattern to test out this technique check out my NEW Snowflake Corner-to-Corner Blanket which is a FREE pattern on Red Heart’s Website. The Snowflake Corner-to-Corner blanket also comes with its own video tutorial.

Then there is the Heart Throb Blanket, another FREE pattern from Red Heart. You can see all of the FREE Corner-to-Corner patterns that Red Heart has on their website.

Grab some worsted weight yarn, your hook and the chart below to get started!

*affiliate links in post*

Corner to Corner Rectangle Using Half Double Crochet
Pattern Instructions:

Row 1 (right side): Ch 6, hdc in 4th ch from hook and in each of 2 remaining ch, turn – 1 square made.

Row 2 (wrong side): Ch 6, hdc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in ch-3 space of Row 1, turn – 2 squares.

Row 3: Ch 6, skip 3 ch, hdc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in each ch-3 space of previous row, turn – 3 squares.

 

Row 4: Slip st to ch-3 space, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in each ch-3 space of previous row, including last space, turn – 3 squares.

Row 5: Repeat row 3

Row 6: Slip st to ch-3 space, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in each ch-3 space of previous row to last space, slip st in last space, turn – 2 squares.

Row 7: Slip st to ch-3 space, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in ch-3 space of previous row, slip st in last space, turn – 1 square.

If you are interested in learning more about Corner-to-Corner you can check out Sarah Zimmerman’s (aka Repeat Crafter Me) Corner-to-Corner class on Annie’s.

The post Corner-to-Corner Rectangle Using Half Double Crochet appeared first on Marly Bird.

Corner-to-Corner as a Rectangle

Not too long ago I shared with you the corner-to-corner concept as a square, today I want to share with you how to do corner-to-corner as a rectangle. I just posted a brand new YouTube video to show you how to read a corner-to-corner chart and walk you through the concept.

Remember that I am showing you in half double crochet stitches, since that is how I designed my patterns. Most corner-to-corner patterns are written for double crochet stitches. Fear not, the technique is the same just the stitch size changes.

Both the rectangle and square increase and decrease the same, it is the middle that is different. When working the rectangle you will continue the max width for a longer period of time before starting your decrease. I show you exactly how to do this in the video below.

If you are looking for a pattern to test out this technique check out my NEW Snowflake Corner-to-Corner Blanket which is a FREE pattern on Red Heart’s Website. The Snowflake Corner-to-Corner blanket also comes with its own video tutorial. I have also designed the Heart Throb Blanket, another FREE pattern from Red Heart. You can see all of the FREE Corner-to-Corner patterns that Red Heart has on their website.

Grab some worsted weight yarn, your hook and the chart below to get started!

Pattern Instructions:

Row 1 (right side): Ch 6, hdc in 4th ch from hook and in each of 2 remaining ch, turn – 1 square made.

Row 2 (wrong side): Ch 6, hdc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in ch-3 space of Row 1, turn – 2 squares.

Row 3: Ch 6, skip 3 ch, hdc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in each ch-3 space of previous row, turn – 3 squares.

Row 4: Slip st to ch-3 space, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in each ch-3 space of previous row, including last space, turn – 3 squares.

Row 5: Repeat row 3

Row 6: Slip st to ch-3 space, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in each ch-3 space of previous row to last space, slip st in last space, turn – 2 squares.

Row 7: Slip st to ch-3 space, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, 3 hdc) in ch-3 space of previous row, slip st in last space, turn – 1 square.

If you are interested in learning more about Corner-to-Corner you can check out Sarah Zimmerman’s Corner-to-Corner class on Annie’s.

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Freshstitches update from Stacey Trock

FreshStitches update from Stacey Trock happened on the Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird today. 

Stacey Trock can be followed through her website, FreshStitches.com also through her Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy shop, she also has a Ravelry Designer Page and Group.

You can listen to the previous visit Stacey Trock made to the Yarn Thing podcast in 2014.

If you missed getting to hear this visit live it’s still available as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/12/01/freshstitches-update-from-stacey-trock or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

 

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Curls Two author Hunter Hammersen

Curls Two author Hunter Hammersen on Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird was the perfect ending to a full weekend of holiday and internet shopping.

Hunter Hammersen says she began her knitting career by accident. As a grad student she knitted for her own pleasure and once she got the hang of it began doing her own thing. Others would ask her for the patterns, and she admits she is ‘kinda bossy’ so writing the patterns wasn’t that big a deal. It kinda clicked. Then, thanks to Ravelry, she was very busy and contacted by publishers. She began self-publishing with Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet in 2012, which has had three volumes, then Curls in 2015 and now Curls 2.

Hunter says she works hard to create her self-published book in a way that stands beside others or she wouldn’t create books this way.

Curls began with a swatch, and she admired the curl it created and found that she couldn’t put it down. It was also pretty cool that it an interesting shape that could be a cute cowl, if you kept going it could be a scarf and then when it was bigger it made a shawl. She discovered that it was more important to get the shape and desired texture than to get gauge. Hunter loved the idea of letting the knitter be in charge, with the freedom to pick the yarn weight and working with their own gauge. The shape doesn’t really have a designated shape, Marly calls it ‘a cornucopia’ shape, but it’s an asymmetrical with a curve…. totally fun and interesting. On previous visits, Hunter really admired how it just wraps or CURLS around our shoulder so comfy.

As far as stitch techniques, most of the patterns are lace and occasionally with cables. As long as the knitter has some experience they will be able to accomplish something from Curls 2. Some people have created things from the book after completing a wash cloth! You may need to access the various resources to learn how to make the increases or decreases that gets the shape or accomplishes the stitch patterns, but she has heard from many that have been successful.

The first thing one may notice when viewing the patterns in Ravelry is that all the shown suggestions for gray (going with the American spelling) some yarns are favorites, and can be found in our local yarn shops, but others may be specialty colorways or independent and harder to find. Again, because the gauge isn’t set in stone we can use our favorites, too. The stitch patterns that Hunter chose look pretty on it’s reverse side and some are even Reversible, so if it doesn’t stay put somehow, it still looks sweet.

She also wants people to hear her when she say ‘Block Your Swatches’ including washing. You really need to see how the swatch turns out to know how your finished shawl will drape. She even suggests blocking while it’s on the needles, letting it dry, if it appears to be what you hope it will be, keep knitting. It will save so much time and heartache. She has included a section in this book on blocking. This is the first book that she used blocking wires. Marly has recommended THESE to us before, from Fiber Dreams.

TRIVIA: The names in Curls 2 are like shades of gray, shades of the truth or shades of lies. Most find this funny, but one knitter, surprisingly, said she didn’t to ‘wrap herself up in that negativity’. That’s OK, too, more lovely lace shawls for me!

Curls 2: Versatile Wearable Wraps to Knit at Any Gauge by Hunter Hammersen is available through Amazon with Marly’s affililate link. (Here is one for ANY of Hunter’s books.) Hunter can be followed through her website: ViolentlyDomestic.com Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, in Ravelry check out her Designer Page and the Violently Domestic Group.

Hunter has visited with us on Yarn Thing in the past, in 2012, 2013, 2015 with Curls, and again in 2015 with Fine Things.

If you missed getting to hear this visit live, it is still available as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/11/29/curls-two-with-hunter-hammersen or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio. There is a great story about the Police getting involved in her photoshoot, worth listening to the whole episode.  There is also video filmed behind-the-scenes from Marly’s Birds of a Feather Studio that was LIVE on Facebook.

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Curls TWO with Hunter Hammersen

Curls TWO with Hunter Hammerson closes out the Month of November on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

If you missed getting to hear this visit live, it is still available as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/11/29/curls-two-with-hunter-hammersen or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

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Yarn Review-Red Heart Sweet

If you watch my Facebook Live videos you will have seen the video I recently recorded about Red Heart’s NEW yarn. In the video I did a yarn review of Red Heart Sweet.

This is a fabulous new yarn and I know you will just love it once you get your hands on it. It is classified as a Jumbo weight yarn (7 weight) and is so soft and squishy I can’t keep my hands off of it! It is suggested that you use a size P hook for crochet projects and size US 17 needles for knit projects.

Coming in eight colors this is perfect for home decor and accessories. Each of the classic colors coordinate together to make beautiful combinations. The colors include Bark, Gray, Ivory, Mauve, Navy, Olive, Rust and Teal.

Check out the video to see the yarn in action. There are also a few FREE patterns already designed in the Sweet Yarn on Red Heart’s site. Don’t forget to head over to Red Heart’s website to check out the colors and get some for yourself. Grab your FREE pattern, you needle or hook and some Sweet yarn and give your hands a treat.

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