New Patterns NOW Available in Ad-Free PDF! Check out The Pattern Shop

Mary Beth Temple: Curvy Girl Crochet

By 11 Comments

Crochet book cover featuring a woman in a brown crocheted top with floral embroidery, titled "Curvy Girl Crochet.You know and love her…Mary Beth Temple is back to tell us about her newest book Curvy Girl Crochet! From costume designer to antique dealing, writing The Secret Language of Knitters, designing, and podcasting Getting Loopy, she has done it all, including raising a teenager! There is still more to come – keep an eye out for big announcements a few months down the road.

Curvy Girl Crochet has 25 patterns to fit and flatter, with designs by Mary Beth Temple, Marly Bird, Karen Ratto-Whooley, Andee Graves,  and more! Also included is text about modifying projects to fit you.  If you are going to spend the time working on a project you should be happy with the results.  Crochet does not mean boxy and ill-fitting!

Would you like to win a copy of Curvy Girl Crochet? Please leave a comment telling us something about making garments – don’t forget the keyword! A winner will be picked in about 4 weeks!

  • Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/review on iTunes to let other know about it!
  • Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.
  • Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marlybird
  • This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter’s Magazine, Craftsy, Fiesta Yarns, Kollage Yarns and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s this “Curvy Girl Crochet” book all about?

So here’s the thing… Mary Beth Temple has a brand new book out called “Curvy Girl Crochet”! It’s got 25 patterns designed to fit and flatter, with contributions from some awesome designers like Marly Bird herself. Plus, it includes tips on how to modify projects to fit YOU perfectly!

Can you actually make crochet garments that aren’t boxy?

Honestly… yes! The whole point of “Curvy Girl Crochet” is to show that crochet doesn’t have to mean shapeless garments. This book is packed with designs that are meant to fit and flatter, so you can make beautiful crochet clothes that you’ll love wearing.

I struggle with buttons gaping… is there anything in the book for that?

Yes! Several commenters mentioned struggling with buttons, and one even brought up the idea of decorative buttons to avoid gaping. While the page doesn’t go into super specific detail about button solutions within the book, it does highlight that there are patterns to flatter all shapes and sizes, which often includes clever design elements.

Who are some of the designers featured in “Curvy Girl Crochet”?

Well, we know for sure that Mary Beth Temple and Marly Bird are featured designers! Other talented folks like Karen Ratto-Whooley and Andee Graves also contributed designs to this collection. It sounds like a really great group of creatives!

Is there a way to win a copy of the book?

You bet! The post mentions a giveaway where you can win a copy of “Curvy Girl Crochet.” All you need to do is leave a comment telling us something about making garments… and make sure to include the keyword they mentioned. A winner will be picked in about 4 weeks!

Hunter Hammersen: The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet

By 25 Comments

Hunter Hammersen picked up the needles in 2001 and taught herself to knit and purl. After an ambitious start that didn’t quite work out, she put down the needles for a while.  Eventally she came back to knitting with a pair of socks and she has been going strong since!

Two feet wearing knitted, mustard-yellow lace socks with floral patterns, set against a window backdrop.In 2011, she attended Cat Bordhi’s retreat for designers. With her first adventure in to self publishing, Hunter Hammersen has hit the mark! The book, The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet, is full of patterns drawn from vintage botanical prints. Each print is used for 2 patterns, 1 for a sock and 1 for an accessory. The book includes 10 socks, 3 cowls, 3 cuffs, 2 hats, and 2 shawls.It is availabe in paper and electronic versions. You can find out more about the book and the author by visiting her blog www.violentlydomestic.com or visit her book’s website www.knitterscuriositycabinet.com

The colors of the yarns used are faithful to the botanical prints and the yarns used are from many independent dyers.  Hunter is a big fan of the slightly heavier “fat sock yarns” that are often found in a merino-cashmere-nylon blend.

 

You know the drill – please leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet! Answer Marly’s question and include Hunter’s keyword!  A winner will be drawn in 2-3 weeks!

 

Model wearing fingerless gloves in shades of purple and pink, showcasing intricate stitch patterns on a rustic backdrop.Beyond the The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet, Hunter has another ebook, Rabble Rousers! It is a mini collection of what to knit when you are up to no good! You can see the patterns here, or on Ravelry!

Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/review on iTunes to let other know about it!

Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.

Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on facebook at www.facebook.com/marlybird

 

This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter’s Magazine, Craftsy.com, Kollage Yarns, Fiesta Yarns, and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s this book, “The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet,” all about?

So here’s the thing… Hunter Hammersen’s book is filled with patterns inspired by vintage botanical prints! Each print has two patterns designed for it… one for a sock and one for an accessory. It’s a really neat concept!

What kind of things can I make from this book?

Honestly… you get a lot of goodies in this book! There are 10 socks, 3 cowls, 3 cuffs, 2 hats, and 2 shawls. Plenty to keep those needles busy!

What kind of yarn does Hunter like to use?

Yes! Hunter is a big fan of the slightly heavier “fat sock yarns,” especially those yummy merino-cashmere-nylon blends. She uses yarns from lots of independent dyers, so the colors are just gorgeous and true to the botanical prints!

Can I enter to win a copy of the book?

You know it! Just leave a comment on this post and answer Marly’s question while including Hunter’s keyword. A winner will be picked in about 2-3 weeks!

Does Hunter have other books out?

Oh, absolutely! Besides “The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet,” she also has an ebook called “Rabble Rousers.” It’s a fun little collection of patterns for when you’re feeling a bit mischievous!

Sous Chef to the Ratatouille

By Leave a Comment

THIS POST HAS BEEN REDIRECTED TO THE NEW SOUS CHEF HAT POST: https://marlybird.com/free-crochet-patterns/free-slouchy-crochet-hat-pattern-sous-chef-crochet-hat/

Teaching beginner knitting at my local yarn shop was something that I enjoyed for 4 years. It is only because of my new travel schedule and my work load that I gave it up.  But there isn’t a Monday or Wednesday night that goes by when I don’t miss it.  Seeing the light bulb flicker on in the eyes of the students as they became knitters never-got-old.

IMG_6148

When I first started teaching I didn’t have a project for the class that really worked.  So, I set out to design something that really encompassed everything that the students learned in class.  The first has was the Gerri Hat, named after the yarn shop owner and my friend.  I used that hat for a year and a half.  Then, I decided that I needed a new hat.

So, I wound up some Cascade 220 wool and began.  I didn’t really have a plan.  However, I figured if I made a band (knit flat) for the head the length could be adjusted pretty easily so a new knitter would be guaranteed that it would fit around his/her head.   Then, by picking up stitches along the edge of the band and joining to knitting in the round would help with the problem of twisted cast-on’s.  Also, it would make it pretty easy to learn how to knit in the round without having to begin at the very beginning.  After it was all said and done I designed the Ratatouille Hat.

Now, why was it named Ratatouille?  When I finished the hat I put it on my head and asked my kids what they thought.  Immediately my son’s and daughter exclaimed, “Mommy! You look like Ratatouille!”  In actuality, I looked like Remy the rat from Ratatouille but I understood what they meant.

From that day on I called the hat Ratatouille and the name stuck. And the hat was a hit! For the rest of the time I taught at Knit Knack I had beginner knitters graduate my class with a Ratatouille of their own.

As I mentioned in the post about STITCHES West, I put an offer out there to the PJ Party participants to knit the Ratatouille hat so we all looked alike at the PJ Party. It was well received.  After the PJ Party many of the knitters gave the hat they made (in some cases several hats) to the wonderful organization Halo’s of Hope.

Anyway, after having people make the Ratatouille hat for both STITCHES West and South I finally got around to designing a crochet version of the hat.

Say hello to Sous Chef.  I figured it was the perfect name since it was second in line to the head chef (no pun intended).

This hat is constructed the same way its predecessor only instead of using two needles you use a HOOK!

YAY!  This hat is very customizable.  If you lengthen or shorten the brim to fit your head that is awesome…but make sure you pick up and crochet a multiple of 8 sts along the brim to make the decreases work.  Having said that, you do know that if you change numbers to begin with the final stitch counts at the end of each row will change but I figure if you are good enough to alter the pattern you are good enough to know that 🙂

I have a special deal for you! From now until the end of October 2012, if you use the coupon code “pjparty” at the Ravelry Checkout you will get 50% off this pattern!  What a deal right?

Now, go and favorite it on Ravelry and tell all your friends!

AD-FREE Downloadable PDF
Cozy knitted blanket in shades of blue and gray featuring a textured stitch pattern, draped over a couch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait, where’s the pattern for the Ratatouille Hat?

So here’s the thing… this post has actually been redirected! You can find the new Sous Chef Hat post with the pattern right here: https://marlybird.com/free-crochet-patterns/free-slouchy-crochet-hat-pattern-sous-chef-crochet-hat/

How did the Ratatouille Hat get its name?

Honestly… it was my kids! When I finished the original knit version, they took one look and said I looked like Ratatouille, or more specifically, Remy the rat from the movie. The name just stuck!

What’s the difference between the Ratatouille Hat and the Sous Chef Hat?

Yes! The Sous Chef hat is the crochet version of the original knit Ratatouille Hat. It’s constructed the same way, just with a hook instead of needles.

I’m a beginner knitter, can I make this hat?

The original Ratatouille Hat was designed with beginners in mind… The knit version had a flat band that was easy to adjust for fit and picking up stitches to knit in the round helped new knitters get the hang of it without starting from scratch.

Is there a discount on the Sous Chef pattern?

Oh yes! From now until the end of October 2012, you can get 50% off the Sous Chef pattern on Ravelry by using the coupon code “pjparty” at checkout. What a deal!

Fir Trees Cowl

By 5 Comments

One of the best parts of my job is when I get a new ball of yarn to play with.  There is nothing like getting a ball of yarn that isn’t even on the market and asked to design something with it. Sky is the limit…free to do anything I want…that much freedom is almost crippling!  

When I got the new Angora yarn from Bijou Bain Ranch called Seraphim I was giddy with excitement.  Not only are the colors right up my ally but it is an angora yarn that I can actually use without sneezing every five minutes.  See, this angora yarn doesn’t get super fuzzy like other yarns I have used in the past.  It has the perfect hand while knitting and the finished project has a soft halo.  Not a lot of fuzz at all but a nice classy look.  So what should I make?

Should I make a garment?  Should I make an accessory?  Yes, and accessory…that’s the ticket.  But what kind of accessory; hat, scarf, gloves, cowl…YES, a COWL!!!  Oversized–definitely!  It will really show off the yarn.  I knew I wanted a fairly easy lace stitch so I went to my trusty stitch dictionaries and picked a few that I thought would be a great fit with this yarn.

Model wearing a light gray lace infinity scarf against a brick background, showcasing intricate stitches and drape.

The end result is the Fir Trees Cowl, named after the stitch I used.  It is an oversized cowl that combines two of my favorite elements: openwork/lacy patterning and an angora yarn. Seraphim is perfect at showing off stitch definition and is amazingly soft against the skin. Make with only one ball of yarn it’s the perfect pattern to try something new.

NOTE: Pattern written to be knit flat but can easily be made to be knit in the round by eliminating 2 stitches at the ends.

It is available for purchase from Bijou Basin Ranch for 6.00

The cowl was debuted at STITCHES West along side the new yarn.  It was very well received!  But, you have to know that since I got the yarn at the end of January  that meant that I had little time to actually design a piece, get the piece made and then photograph it before I had to leave for STITCHES!

Call in the cavalry!  I thank GOD everyday for my outstanding team of contract knitters and crocheters.  I called one of them and she got it done in three days.  Then it was on to one of my most beautiful friends to model the piece.  Again, I thank GOD everyday for my best friend.

Smiling child wearing a gray hoodie with a hood, outdoors in a sunny setting. Background is blurred with greenery.

On the day we were able to do the photo shoot s it was a SUPER WINDY!  But we did it!  With all 7 kids (my 3 and her 4) we met up and I did a photo shoot.  Thinking back, we are lucky that her son wasn’t blown away with the reflector as he held it for me while I took photos.  However, I was so happy he was there because he was a HUGE HELP!  

At the end of the day we did finally get a good shot but it took a lot of not-so-great shots to get there.  Totally not Jenni’s fault…since I am totally new to this whole photography thing I didn’t exactly get the right shots but hey, I am learning 🙂

I am leaving you with a LOT of shots from the photo shoot.  Take a look and tell me which one you like!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of yarn did you use for the Fir Trees Cowl?

Honestly… I used the Bijou Basin Ranch Seraphim yarn. It’s an angora yarn that’s super soft and doesn’t get too fuzzy, which is perfect for showing off stitch definition. Plus, it gave the finished cowl a lovely halo effect!

Is the Fir Trees Cowl pattern difficult to make?

So here’s the thing… I wanted a fairly easy lace stitch for this cowl, and the final pattern is designed to be pretty straightforward. It’s even written to be knit flat, but you can totally make it in the round if you prefer!

Can I make the Fir Trees Cowl with just one ball of yarn?

Yes! The pattern is designed to be made with just one ball of yarn, which makes it a great project to try if you want to experiment with something new. The Angora yarn really shows off the stitch definition beautifully.

How much does the Fir Trees Cowl pattern cost?

Well… the pattern itself is available for purchase from Bijou Basin Ranch for $6.00. But, if you buy your yarn from their online shop, you can get a FREE PDF copy if you enter “May KAL” in the notes at checkout!

Can you tell me more about the photoshoot for the cowl?

Oh, it was quite the adventure! It was super windy that day, and we had all seven kids with us… talk about chaotic! We were lucky to get a good shot, but I’m still learning about photography, so there were a lot of not-so-great shots too!