One-Skein Maze Scarf

Here is a quick, one skein scarf that looks complicated but is really quite easy.  To me the pattern looks like a garden maze, but the yarn I used also looks like Maize corn.  So I guess it could really be called a Maze, Maize scarf.

Materials:

• Loops and Threads (Michaels Store Brand) Impeccable, Gensing 1 skein
• H Hook (5 mm)

Gauge:

Gauge is not really important for this pattern, but if you want to be sure to use only one skein of yarn,

8 scs = 2 inches

6 FPDC rows (not stretched out) = 2 inches

Abbreviations:

ch(s)--chain(s)              sc(s)--single crochet(s)

dc--double crochet       FPDC--front post double crochet

Special Stitches

FPDC--Front Post Double Crochet, go to this page for a how-to.

Pattern:

Ch 22.

Row 1:  Sc in second ch from hook (I did my foundation row in the back nub of the ch) and in each ch to the end (21 scs.) Turn.

Front of Chain

Insert hook into the nub.  It helps if you chain loosely

bottom

Top.  See how they both look the same, it gives it a more finished look.

Row 2:  Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), sk one sc, dc in next sc, *ch 1, sk sc, dc in next sc* 9 times (11 dcs and 10 ch-1 sps). Turn.

Row 3:  Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), FPDC in second dc of previous row *ch 1, FPDC in next dc of previous row*8 times, ch 1, FPDC over top of turning ch. (11 dcs and 10 ch-1 sps). Turn.

Rows 4-7: Repeat Row 3.

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *sc in ch-1 sp, sc in FPDC* 9, sc in last ch-1 sp, sc in top of turning ch. (21 scs). Turn.

sc in first dc

sc in ch-1 sp

Row 9:  Ch 3, sk 1st and second scs, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sk 2 scs, sc in next sc* 6 times. (7 ch-3 sps, 7 scs). Turn.

Rows 10: Ch 3, sc in second sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc* 5 times, ch 3, sc in first ch of beginning ch-3 sp. (7 ch-3 sps, 7 scs). Turn.

sc in first ch of beginning ch-3 sp

Rows 11-14:  Repeat Row 10.

Row 15:  Ch 1, sc in first sc, 2 scs in ch-3 sp, *sc in sc, 2 scs in ch-3 sp* 6 times,  (21 scs). Turn.

Now go back and repeat from Row 2 to Row 15 until you have used up most of your yarn.  I ended my scarf on a Row 8 so that it looks the same on both ends.  I was able to repeat the full pattern (from beginning to end) 9 times, and then added Rows 2 to 8 at the end.  Weave in ends.

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Snowflake Napkin Rings

We all like to have nice things to decorate our table for Christmas.  Here are some simple napkin rings that will give some extra sparkle to your holiday table.

Materials:

• Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour Yarn, Ruby Red and Topaz

• Size 3/3.25 mm Hook   
• Tapestry or Darning needle

Abbreviations:

ch(s)--chain(s)              sc(s)--single crochet(s)
sl st-- (slip stitch)         hdc(s)--half double crochet(s)
st(s)--stitch(es)             sp(s)--space

Pattern:

Starting with Topaz yarn and a magic circle

Rnd 1:  Ch 1, 6 scs in magic circle, sl st in first sc. (6 scs)

Rnd 2:  Ch 2, hdc in same st, *ch 2, 2 hdcs in next sc* 5 times, ch 2, sl st in top of first ch 2.  Fasten off.

Rnd 3:  Attach Ruby Red yarn in any ch-2 sp.  (Ch 2, hdc, ch 2, 2 hdcs)  all in same ch-2 sp.  *Ch 2, (2 hdcs, ch 2, 2 hdcs) in same sp* 5 times, ch 2 sl st in first ch 2.

Ring:

Ch 22, sl st in 12th hdc through the back, sl st in ch-2 sp.  Hdc in first ch and in each ch across, sl st in ch-2 sp. Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Ch 22

12th hdc

Attach ch with sl st

  

Sl st in ch-2 sp

After finishing hdcs on ch, sl st to ch-2 sp at beginning of ch

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Day of the Dead Banner

I decided to take my skull graph that I made for the Skull iPad Case pattern and use it to make a decorative banner for the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.  I made three different skull graphs.  You can make all three or just use your favorite and make it over and over.  I also show you how to do cross stitch on top of the crocheted, blank skulls if you would prefer to make your skull that way instead of crocheting the whole graph.

Materials:

For one skull graph:

• 60 yds of yarn for background  (I used Red Heart Super Saver Yarn)
• 24 yds of yarn for the skull
• Small hanks of yarn for the other colors
• G Hook
• Tapestry needle for weaving in and cross stitching

To crochet the entire piece, you can use the graph with the skull already decorated.  This graph represents 28 scs across and 34 rows all together.  Each square is one single crochet stitch.  For instructions on how to carry the yarn and change color, check out the Skull iPad Case pattern.

Here I am carrying the purple yarn underneath the blue sc

I find it easier to deal with multiple yarns by pulling the yarn strands down out of the way until I need them.  I' m getting ready to pull up the pink yarn to change color.

All of this skull is crocheted except for the cross in the center of the forehead.

If you would rather cross stitch the decorations onto the skull, you can use a blank skull graph.  It is actually easier to do a more elaborate design with cross stitches.

Then you can use the decorated graph to help you determine where to put your cross stitches.  This is just like counted cross stitch.  Remember each square represents 1 sc, so count the scs to see where you need to add the color.  For instance if you start at the top of the head, you need to insert your needle, threaded with red yarn, behind the top left corner of the 3rd (st number 11 on the graph) yellow sc.

These pictures illustrate how to do the cross stitches for rows 30 and 29 on stitches 17 to 19.  Leave a tail of yarn sticking out the back of the skull, just like you would when adding a new yarn color, then weave it in later.

Here's how I did the pink skull motif.

Back
purple yarn is carried behind the pink yarn, then the ends are woven in

Front

To connect three skull motifs,  first ch 119 in red yarn.  Then sc in second ch from hook and in 14 more chs.  Then insert your hook through the top of the first skull motif you want to attach to the ch.  Sl st into the ch, make sure it is on the back of the skull motif.  Sl st into each st and ch across the top of the motif (28 sl sts).

Sc into two chs then attach the next skull motif, sl st 28 times across.  Then continue with each motif you add.  If you want to make your banner longer, just add 30 chs for each new motif.  To finish, sc in last 15 chs and then fasten off.  Weave in all ends.

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