Felted Kindle Kaddy

Made for my daughters Birthday and all those books she reads. Take your time with the instructions and you will have a kaddy of your own in a few days.

Kindle Kaddy   (A felted carrier for your Kindle or Nook)

By Berta Gilholm
*Corrections made and pattern has been updated 6/10/11

Materials: 100 % Wool, #4 worsted weight, 100g/3.5 oz.

I used: 1 skein Patons Classic Wool in Cognac Heather(a rusty color) and off brands of old leftover Goldenrod, Orange and Dark Olive. Note: For the off brands I suggest; a Patons color in yellow, pumpkin and dark olive hues.

Crochet Hook: US I-9/5.5mm
Yarn Needle
Washing Machine, detergent, 2 tennis balls, 3 small cloth bags or pillow cases, towel (for felting)
Size: Kaddy is approx. 9” x 12” before felting and 6” x 9” after felting, the strap is approx. 44” long before felting and 38” long after sewing in and felting.                                    Pic before felting:
Stitches:
ch = chain
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet
Dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
Tr = triple crochet
Other Abbreviations: Rnd = round, St = Stitch
(Color Key: (A) = Cognac Heather Color, (B) = Goldenrod, (C) = Orange, (D) = Olive
Pattern:
Propeller Square: (Make 2)
With (D) Ch 3, join with a sl st to first ch to form a circle (or start with a sliding loop to form a circle)
Rnd 1: Ch 1, 12 Sc in ring, join with a sl st to first sc
Rnd 2: *Sl st on next sc, Ch 4, Tr in next 2 sc, Ch 4, Repeat from * 3 times, join with slst to first ch, fasten off (D)
Rnd 3: Join (C) to top ch of last ch 4 of previous rnd,*Ch 4, tr in next 2 ch, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Ch 4, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Repeat from * 3 times, fasten off (C)
Rnd 4: Join (B) to top ch of last ch 4 of previous rnd,*Ch 4, tr in next 2 ch, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Ch 4, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Repeat from * around, fasten off (B)
Rnd 5: Join (A) to top ch of last ch 4 of previous rnd,*Ch 4, tr in next 2 ch, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, (Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd) 2 times, Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Ch 4, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Repeat from * around, fasten off  to keep in pattern
Rnd 6: Join (A) to top ch of last ch 4 of previous rnd,*Ch 4, tr in next 2 ch, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, (Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd) 3 times, Ch 4, Tr in next 2 tr, Ch 4, Sl st in top of next ch 4 of previous rnd, Repeat from * around, fasten off  to keep in pattern
Rnd 7: Join (A) to top ch of last ch 4 of previous rnd, Ch 1, *Sc in same ch, Hdc in next ch, Dc in next ch,  Tr in next ch, [Sc in top of next ch 4, Hdc in next tr, (Dc, Tr) in next tr] 3 times, (Sc, Hdc) in top of next ch 4, (Dc, ch 2, dc) in next tr, (Hdc, sc) in next tr, Repeat from * 3 times, join with a sl st to first sc, Do Not fasten off
Rnd 8: Ch 1, Sc in next 23 stitches, Sc, ch 1, sc in next corner, *Sc in next 26 st, Sc, ch 1, sc in next corner,  Repeat from * 2 times, Sc in next 3 st, join with a sl st to first sc, fasten off, weave in ends
Note: From this point on you will be working in rows until piece is complete.
Row 1: Join (A) in any ch 1 corner  (working across square from right to left on the back-side facing you), Ch 3, (counts as dc), Dc in next 27 sc, turn
Row 2: Ch 3, (counts as dc), Dc in next 27 dc, fasten off (A), turn
Row 3: Join (C) in top of last dc worked, Repeat Row 2, fasten off (C), turn
Row 4: Join (D) in top of last dc worked, Ch 1 (counts as first sc), Sc in next 27 dc, fasten off (D), turn
Row 5: Join (B) in top of last sc worked, Repeat Row 2, fasten off (B), turn
Row 6: Join (A) in top of last dc worked, Repeat Row 2, Do Not fasten off, turn
Row 7: Ch 3, (counts as dc), Dc in next 27 dc, fasten off (A) weave in ends
Fastener: Join (A)  to one of the Propeller Squares on the front side of work, around the post of the 14^th dc on row 6 of pattern (2^nd row from top), Ch 26, Slst in the post of the 15^th dc in same area, fasten off, weave in ends.
Strap: (make 1)
With (A) Ch 158
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, Sc in each ch across, turn
Row 2: Ch 4, Skip next sc, *Dc in next sc, Ch 1, skip next sc, Repeat from * to last sc, Dc in last sc, turn
Row 3: Ch 1 (counts as first sc), Sc in each dc and each ch 1 space across, turn
Row 4: Ch 1, Sc in each sc across, fasten off, weave in ends
Weaving chains: (Make 3 Chains, one of each color (B), (C) and (D))
Leave a tail of 8 inches at beginning of ch and end of chain for braiding. Chain 174 for each color. Tie one end of tails together and hold
Finishing: (Picture before felting)
Weave chains in and out of chain stitches between dc on strap.
Put each square piece and strap in it’s own pillow case and tie closed with a piece of yarn. Place pillow cases, tennis balls and detergent into washer. Wash on hot with a small load until just before spin cycle. Remove squares and strap from cases and flatten out on towel to check shrinkage. Rewash the same way until your squares measure 6 ” x  9” and lay squares flat on the towel or tacked to a board and let dry for 24 hours in a dry warm spot. Your strap should measure 40”, I tacked mine vertically on the hinge side of a door with staples, dry 24 hours.
Sew sides and the bottom of the squares together to form a kaddy and attach one side of strap 1 inch inside each side of  kaddy. I used regular matching thread and a sewing machine for this, for a smoother seam.
Sew a half inch round solid button to the middle top of the goldenrod row on front of kaddy for fastener. Weave in and trim loose ends and shave bag lightly with razor to remove fuzz.

What a Gourd Idea!

Just searched the internet for gourd ideas and they had some really great tips on growing, cleaning and using gourds. My daughter just sent me a whole box of clean ready to cut and paint gourds that she grew. According to favecrafts, if you grow your own, don't plant them again in the same spot next time, because they deplete the minerals, etc. from the soil. Good to know, because I'm going to start trying to grow my own. So I'm assuming, rich soil! My daughter is so crafty and a natural artist. I am posting a picture here of gourds grown and made by her for me. I thought these would be very good ideas for someone out there, looking for ideas.
I use the gourds to model my pictures for my crochet hats, etc. They also make great cookie jars, or jars for parts in the craft room.

Here's my daughters Gourd renditions: The snowman is painted and decked out with a hat, scarf, button, etc. The other two gourds are bird houses, the blue one has beautiful flowers painted on with puffy paint and the other red one is decoupaged and painted red. Great ideas, hope you enjoy them.

If you want to try your own skills at gourd crafting;

These are good places to start to learn how to grow, clean and come up with some very special ways to use your gourds:


Growing: http://www.foothillsfarm.com/ginnysgourds/growingtips/growingtips.htm

Cleaning: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1780/ 

Crafting: http://www.favecrafts.com/Craft-Videos/How-to-Make-a-Gourd-Bowl/ct/1 for a bowl.

Crafting and basic Great ideas: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/nature/gourd-crafts.shtml

What can I do - Granny?

Did you ever have a project that drove you nuts??
These are little Basic Grannies that are hanging out in my to-do stuff. It's my favorite G-square and I have used it with pillows, afghans, baby blankets, etc. Now I've come up with something new in my creative brain. I asked my  daughters for suggestions, just for fun and so far haven't made up my mind. I have 64 squares for my project. Here's the squares with one idea for joining them and the picture, any ideas will be appreciated??

So far I have these suggestions: kitchen curtain, vest, apron, afghan, pillow cover, poncho and shower curtain. I still haven't made up my mind!! Help?

I used sock yarn with a size US/F crochet hook.

For the basic pattern for the 2 color squares I'm making:

Yarn = (A) yellow, (B)Turqoise, (C) Blue, (D) Navy

Pattern (For Square 1): With (A) Ch 3, slst in 3rd ch from hook to make a ring, do not fasten off,

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring, *ch 3, 3 dc, repeat from * 2 more times, ch 3, join with slst to top of ch 3, fasten off (A)

Rnd 2: Join (B) in ch 3 corner, Ch 3, 1 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner,  *dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner), repeat from * 2 more times, Dc in next 3 dc,  join with slst to top of ch 3, fasten off (B)

Rnd 3: Join (C) in ch 3 corner, Ch 3, 1 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner,  *dc in next 7 dc, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner), repeat from * 2 more times, Dc in next 7 dc,  join with slst to top of ch 3, fasten off (C)

Rnd 4: Join (D) in ch 3 corner, Ch 3, 1 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner,  *dc in next 11 dc, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner), repeat from * 2 more times, Dc in next 11 dc,  join with slst to top of ch 3, do not fasten off

Rnd 5: Slst in next dc, Ch 3, 1 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner,  *dc in next 15 dc, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner), repeat from * 2 more times, Dc in next 15 dc,  join with slst to top of ch 3, fasten off 

(For Square 2 )  Repeat ring and round 1 with (A), repeat rnd 2 with (C), repeat rnd 3 with (D) and repeat rnd 4 and 5 with (B).

Of course the end project, colors, yarn thickness and hook are up to who ever wants to try making something out of the squares. My hopes are that you will create a different project using the square pattern and let me know what you come up with.

A Perfect Purse

I was hunting around on the free pattern sites for a purse to go with the poncho for Fall and came across this pattern called "A Perfect Hobo Bag". As all crocheters know, not all patterns work out as one would expect, right? Well this is the most perfect pattern I've ever tried, one piece continuous exactly as written. I used the same yarn as in my poncho. I had to pass it on, so here is the picture of the one I made and the site where you get the pattern:
Thank you Crochetspot.com.

http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-perfect-fit-hobo-bag/

A Soft Comfy Poncho for Fall

I like to stay ahead of my seasons and gift time for Fall Holidays. I had this sale yarn in my stash and it is so-o-o-o soft (like a bunny), I had to make something to wear out of it. The yarn is a Gala discontinued yarn and I couldn't find a real name even on the Gala web site. But, it is made of Polyester (weird huh??), is 2 woven strands (1 fuzzy and I stable), and I think any nice soft DK yarn would work with this pattern. The pattern works up quick and is fairly easy, hope all that make it will get as much joy out of it as I did. I am also working on a hat and purse to go with it.

SOFT COMFY PONCHO

By Berta Gilholm

SKILL LEVEL: Easy/Intermediate

SIZES: One Size: Fits most woman (approximately 26 inches long with fringe x 44 inches wide at widest point.

MATERIALS:

Gala Yarns, 100% Polyester, 50 gr. 1.76 oz., DK weight, 104 yds

Olive/Yellow Multi  3 balls

One size 6.00mm (US 10/I) crochet hook

Yarn Needle

STITCHES USED: Ch= chain, Sc= single crochet, Dc= double crochet, Tr= triple crochet, Slst= slip stitch.

OTHER ABBREVIATIONS: rnd=round

INSTRUCTIONS

Ch 71, be careful not to twist chain and join to form a circle, (work in rounds)

Rnd 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch to end of rnd. (70 sc) join rnd with a sl st in the beginning ch, mark this slst with a safety pin or clip.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in first 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc (increase made), *sc in next 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc (increase made), repeat from * 3 more times, (75 sc) join rnd with a sl st in the beginning ch.

Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in first 6 sc, 2 dc in next sc (increase made), *dc in next 6 sc, 2 dc in next sc (increase made), repeat from * 8 more times, dc in last 5 sc (85 dc) join rnd with a slst top of the beginning ch.

Rnd 4: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same space (increase made) dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc (increase made), *dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc (increase made), repeat from * 12 more times, dc in last dc (100 dc) join rnd with a slst in top of the beginning ch.

Rnd 5: Ch 4 (counts as first Tr + Ch 1 set), tr, ch 1 in same space as ch 4 (increase made), 1 tr in next dc, ch 1, skip dc (4 times),  *tr in the next dc, ch 1 skip dc (9 times) 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch1 in next dc (increase made),  repeat from* 8 times, 1 tr in next dc, ch 1, skip dc (5 times), join rnd with a sl st in 3^rd ch of the beginning ch, (110 stitches – 55 Tr + 55 Ch 1)

Repeat round 5 for pattern with the following increases for each row:

Rnd 6: Keep to pattern add 14 (Tr/Ch 1 sets) evenly spaced around, (total 124/ 62 tr/ 62 ch)

Rnd 7: Keep to pattern add 16 (Tr/Ch 1 sets) evenly spaced around, (total 140/ 70 tr/ 70 ch)

Rnd 8: Keep to pattern add 16 (Tr/Ch 1 sets) evenly spaced around, (total 156/ 78 tr/ 78 ch)

Rnd 9: Keep to pattern add 20 (Tr/Ch 1 sets) evenly spaced around, (total 176/ 88 tr/ 88 ch)

Rnd 10: Keep to pattern add 22 (Tr/Ch 1 sets) evenly spaced around, (total 198/ 99 tr/ 99 ch)

Rnd 11: Keep to pattern add 24 (Tr/Ch 1 sets) evenly spaced around, (total 222/ 111 tr/ 111 ch)

Rnd 12 - 20: Keep to pattern working - Ch 4 (counts as first Tr + Ch 1 set),  1Tr/Ch 1 in every other tr around, join rnd with a slst in 3^rd ch of the beginning ch, (222 stitches/111 Tr/111 Ch 1),

Do not fasten off.

Rnd 21:  *Ch 10, skip next (ch 1, Tr, ch1) sc in next tr, Repeat all the way around, join rnd with a slst in first ch of the beginning ch, fasten off, weave in ends.

FLOWER BROOCH:

With 2 strands held together and leaving a 5” loose tail,  Ch 2, slst in 2^nd ch from hook, (small ring made)

Rnd 1: Work 8 sc in ring, join with slst to first sc,

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc, join with slst to first sc, join to first sc with slst (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, 1 hdc in same st, 2 dc in next sc, hdc - sl st in next sc, *Ch 1 - 1 hdc in next sc, 2 dc in next sc, hdc - sl st in next sc, repeat from * around, (5 flower petals), join to first sc with a slst,  Fasten off and leave a 5” loose tail.

Center of Flower:

Pull both the beginning and ending tails through center of flower so they lay in the back. Sew a ¾” to 1” decorative antique type button to the center of the flower and weave the tails through the 2^nd and 3^rd row of the poncho a few times, knot behind flower and trim leaving some of the tail hanging loose.

Flower Choker, Tee Band, Bracelet and Earrings

I created this project for a new tropical outfit that I bought for a club function. It's fairly simple and cute. You could make a bunch of these and sell them at the Flea Market or on your web site. The pattern is free to copy, please don't sell the pattern. The Choker, Bracelet and Earrings speak for themselves, but, what is a Tee Band? It's a bracelet you wear over your tee shirt sleeve! You could also measure your leg circumference and make one to fit your thigh  to wear over your jeans Call that one (Jeans Band). Teen's like this idea, so I hope you enjoy it!

Tropical Flower Choker, and/or Tee Shirt Band, Bracelet and Earrings

By Berta Gilholm

Materials:

Any Sock Yarn size #1 – fine, 50g/1.75 oz.: 1 skein each of Aqua, Lime, and Navy (used approx. ¼ or less of a skein, so enough leftovers for project will do.

Crochet Hook: 2.75mm [US C-2].

Split stitch markers, yarn needle, tiny button (to match colors), earring posts.

Gauge: 13 sts = 2” in sc, 4 rows = ¾ ” in sc. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Size: Choker = 14 ½ /15” x ¾”, Tee Shirt Band = 13 ½ /14” x ¾”, Bracelet = 6 ½ /7” x ¾”, Flower approximately ¾ to 1”.

Abbreviations and Stitches: Chain = ch, Slip stitch = slst, Single Crochet = sc, Half Double Crochet = hdc,

Note: Instructions given for Choker (Tee Shirt Band/ Bracelet in parenthesis) for Earrings make only the flower.

Pattern Instructions:

Band:

Ch 91 (81/36)

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—90 (80/35) sc.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, ch 5, join to last sc in  bottom of row 1 with a slst this makes a button closure, Fasten off Aqua, weave in turn,

Row 3: Join navy in last aqua sc, (weave in tail as you work), Ch 1, sc in each sc across, Fasten off Navy, turn,

Row 4: Join aqua, (weave in both color tails as you work), Ch 1, sc in each sc across, Fasten off,  weave in tail.

Flower for Choker, Tee Shirt Band, Bracelet and Earrings (make 1 for bands and 2 for earrings):

With Navy ch 2, slst in 2^nd ch from hook, (small Ring made)

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in ring, join with slst to first sc, work in rounds, fasten off navy, weave in tail, join lime in first sc with slst,

If needed place a marker in first st for beg of rnd, move marker up as you work.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc, join with slst to first sc, join to first sc with slst (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, *2 hdc in next sc, (2 hdc, sl st) in next sc, repeat from * around, (5 flower petals), join to first sc with a slst,  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Center of Flower:

Leaving a 4” to 5” tail (for earrings 3” and weave in) for the rest carry this tail loosely in back of flower,  join Aqua to one of the front posts of a sc in (round 1/navy), ch 2, skip 1 sc, sc in front post of next sc, ch 1, sc in front post of next sc, ch 1, sc in front post of  last sc, join to first sc of that rnd., Fasten off leaving 5” tail (for earrings leave 3” tail, fasten off and weave in ends), For bands, weave tail through front of work to back in center of flower. For Choker/Tee Band and Bracelet: Attach flower with yarn needle, sew each tail through the center of the band securely, tie the 2 tails in a knot behind band. Chain stitch the tails behind band until you run out of yarn, let hang loosely down behind and below band. Sew the button on the opposite end of band from button closure, weave in all ends.

For Earrings:  Slip a long-post earring that has a medium pearl,  bead, etc. through center of each  flower earring to wear.