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Prancing Through the Holidays || Crochet And Knit Stocking Course

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Looking to make an heirloom stocking that can be handed down from generation to generation? Then let us help you with that! Prancing Through the Holidays Crochet And Knit Stocking Course by Marly Bird and Briana K Designs walks you through every step to creating a stocking masterpiece.

Prancing through the holidays crochet and knit stocking course - Marly Bird & Briana K
I DON’T NEED TO HEAR MORE! CLICK HERE TO GET LOW PRICE OFFER
Knit Christmas stocking with reindeer and diamonds

Evergreen Online Course

1 Make Along Knit Stocking
1 Make Along Crochet Stocking
Available 24/7
Ad-Free Printable PDF Patterns
14 High-Quality Videos
Interactive Charts for Make Along Stockings
⭐ 3 Bonus Heirloom Stocking Patterns (2 Knit & 1 Crochet) ⭐
⭐ Snow Day Crochet Throw Pattern ⭐
⭐ Snowflake Mosaic Blanket Pattern ⭐

…all housed in one course in the Marly Bird House!

Prancing through the holidays crochet and knit stocking course package - Marly Bird & Briana K

Enjoy a memorable, stress-free crochet and knit stocking course experience, making stockings to display for years to come. The step-by-step online course for any knitter or crocheter who wants to make the stocking heirloom of their dreams.

I’M IN! I WANT ALL THE AMAZING STUFF
Crochet and knit stocking course testimonial - "I am sooooo freaking happy with my workshop purchase! This is the best thing I've ever seen!!!" Allison R.
Crochet or knit stocking course costs.

AND IT GETS WORSE…….

If you’re dropping $50 to learn just 1 stocking construction and one method, that’s a spendy way to learn just ONE way to make one stocking. You would have to take more courses to really build skills, and that will cost $100s.

Maybe it doesn’t sound so bad, except when you realize THIS is SO much more than just a holiday stocking course. It’s learning the skills and construction to make socks too! These are skills you can easily transfer to other future projects. Each step is important, and you don’t want to feel rushed.

Forgetting what you just learned in a course. People forget 70% of what they learn in in-person courses.
I’VE HEARD ENOUGH, LET’S GET CREATING ON MY SCHEDULE!

I remember my first in-person course, and it seemed like I was always juggling note-taking and working up swatches as fast as I could…

⚫ After a 2-hour course,  I JUST couldn’t remember all the skills, and I felt like I needed to take the course again.

⚫ Even though I thought I took great notes, connecting my notes with all the details of what I learned was hard.

⚫ So I ended up using Google and sifting through tons of links to find video clips of skills I’d already paid to learn.

Worry Free Purchase! With this course, you don’t have to worry if it’s going to be worth it. Guaranteed ‘Nice List’ Workshop! 

YES, I’M IN! LET’S GET CREATING!

The Prancing Holiday Stockings

Prancing through the holidays crochet and knit stocking course package - Marly Bird & Briana K

Enjoy a memorable, stress-free learning experience you’ll display for years to come with the step-by-step planning system to enjoy making the most out of your stocking home decor.

PERFECT FOR CROCHETERS & KNITTERS!

Visual Learners • Chart Lovers • Instruction Followers • First-Time Stocking Makers • On A Budget!

Testimonial: "My husband bought me this workshop as a Birthday gift and I am so excited! This surpassed every expectation I had." Susan F.

WHAT WILL THIS Prancing Through the Holidays Crochet AND KNIT Stocking Course DO FOR YOU?

  • Get the “pro’s” secrets to avoid working up a stocking without a roadmap.
  • Enjoy crafting without driving across town (so you can crochet and knit more in less time!)
  • Select the time that works for you. Calling all night owls.
  • Work through the course knowing you have a community of crafters to enjoy the experience with you in a positive online environment.
  • Decrease frustration by knowing where and how to learn different stocking constructions (perfect for crafters who hate googling and clicking a million links).
  • Transform your home around the holidays with magical memories. A physical trinket can bring back feelings and fond memories. Has your grandma’s home decor ever sparked a nice memory? Give that to generations to come.
  • Know that your dollars are being spent on a supported course that will make memories to last a lifetime.

WHAT’S INSIDE THE PRANCING HOLIDAY STOCKING COURSE?

Prancing through the holidays crochet and knit stocking course package - Marly Bird & Briana K
I’M READY TO GET STARTED!

Most first-time crocheters and knitters make one of two mistakes. They jump into patterns outside their skill level without proper and successful instructions or never advance their skills.

In this module, you’ll learn how to create crochet & knit stockings with an optimized plan drawing from the wisdom of design experts. Even if you’ve made stockings before, you’ll use our one-of-kind teaching method to ensure you’re building skills and enjoying creating.

  • Come away with your heirloom stocking home decor complete!
  • We’ll even give you video tutorials for each step.
  • Top-Down Knit
  • Bottom-Up Crochet
  • Forethought Heel
  • Casting On
  • Latvian Braid
  • Working In The Round
  • Carrying Yarn
  • Colorwork With Charts

BONUS: Your timeline and pace.

Get to the fun faster + without a headache!

Many people can only afford to spend money on courses once in a while, so you’ll want to make.it.count.

EXPERIENCED CRAFTER?

We know some crocheters and knitters can whip up stockings in a day. And that’s great! You won’t have to wait on the instructor for your next section. If you already know how to cast on and do ribbing, that’s perfect! Feel free to skip ahead at your pace.

NEW TO STOCKINGS?

Is this your first time making a stocking? Or has it been so long you need a little refresher? We’re here for you too, and you can hit that pause button at any time. Feel free to rewind, relax, and learn at your comfort level.

Did you know it can take a toddler to try a food 10 times before they like it? I sometimes feel this way with new skills, I need to see them, practice them, and review them before it clicks.

This is not a race and is created for your comfort level.

I WANT TO MAKE STOCKINGS WITH CONFIDENCE!
Ten day refund promise
I DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT

Take a look at the bonus patterns!

Crochet Top Down Hat Free Pattern

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(BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet for Knitters: Lesson 11)

We are ready for the next lesson in BiCrafty Bootcamp. You’ve already learned so much. And yet, it’s time to level up and start a 3-dimensional project that we can wear. It is time to make a hat! This will be a crochet top-down hat worked in the round.

BiCrafty Bootcamp header banner - beginner crochet lessons for knitters. Pink camo background and crochet chart showing top of crochet top down hat.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of that purchase will go to support the blog. The price that you pay does not change. Thank you for your continued support.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 11 Crochet Video: Crochet Top-Down Hat

It’s often easier to learn from video instruction than just from written instructions, isn’t it? Therefore, in addition to the detailed written instructions below, here’s the crochet top down hat video tutorial.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Top Down Hat Basic Free Pattern Details

Here are all of the details that you need in order to complete the crochet top down hat worked in the round.

Finished Measurements of Crochet Top Down Hat

To fit these sizes, you want to have a hat that measures close to the measurements below: 3-6 months (6-12 months, 12-24 months, Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult X-Large)

 3-6 months6-12 months12-24 monthsToddlerChildAdult SmallAdult MediumAdult LargeAdult X-Large
Circumference         
Inches171819202122232425
Centimeters43.1845.7248.2650.853.3455.8858.4260.9663.5
          
Height of Hat         
Inches66.256.57.257.588.599.5
Centimeters15.2415.87516.5118.41519.0520.3221.5922.8624.13
Hat Size Chart for BiCrafty Bootcamp

Gauge: 10 dc = 4″ (10 cm)

Materials used in Crochet Top Down Hat

Yarn: Wonderfluff 1 – 2 balls, depending on size.

Hook: K/10.5 (6.5 mm) or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Stitch Markers, Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations used in Crochet Top Down Hat Pattern

  • ch     Chain
  • sl st   Slip Stitch
  • sc      Single Crochet
  • hdc   Half Double Crochet
  • dc     Double Crochet
  • beg ch   Beginning Chain

General Diagram for Crown Increases of Crochet Top Down Hat

We’ve worked a lot with learning how to read crochet symbol charts throughout BiCrafty Bootcamp. You’re going to learn how to read them in a circle in the round now for this hat, which builds on what you already learned from working with granny squares. Read the chart from right to left and in rounds. NOTE: You will not turn on this project.

Chart showing crochet increases for crochet top down hat. Marly Bird

Pattern for BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Top-Down Hat

Crown

Make an adjustable ring.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, 8 sc in ring, pull ring closed, sl st to first sc, do not turn — 8 sc.

Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 2 hdc in each sc around, sl st to first hdc, do not turn — 16 hdc.

Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as a dc throughout), *2 dc in next hdc, dc in next hdc; repeat from * around to last st, 2 dc in last hdc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 24 dc.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in top of beg ch (in same sp as join), *dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around to last 2 sts, dc in last 2 dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 32 dc.

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc; repeat from * around to last st, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 40 dc.

Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * around to last 4 sts, 2 dc in next dc, dc in last 3 dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 48 dc. 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months stop on crown and move to body.

Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc; repeat from * around to last st, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 56 dc. Toddler, Child, Adult Small stop on crown and move to body.

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next 13 dc; repeat from * around to end of round, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn — 60 dc. Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult XLarge stop on crown and move to body.

Body

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), dc in each dc around, sl st to top of beg ch-3, do not turn. (56, 64, 72, 80 dc)

Repeat Round 1 until hat measures desired length (see hat size chart). 

Finishing

Optional: add front post/back post ribbing around the base.

Weave in all ends. >> See Video <<

Make 3″ pom pom >> See Video <<

Sew pom pom to top of hat >> See Video <<

Another Free Crochet Hat Pattern: Chic and Simple Crochet Hat Pattern

Are you looking to try something a little different? Take a look at the Chic and Simple Crochet Hat Pattern. It is made from the bottom up and is very easy to master. This free crochet hat pattern can be found here on the MarlyBird website.

Chic & Simple Perfect Hat: guy wearing green crochet hat. Marly Bird

Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

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For those of you who joined us for the Game Day make-along back in February, you know the great time we had making a mystery project together. Make-alongs, especially mystery make-alongs, are among your favorite projects here at Marly Bird. And it’s time for our next one: Tournament of Stitches 2022. Over the years, we have learned a LOT from our many mystery make-alongs and are using what we learned to make this one better!

Things will be run a little different for this mystery make-along, so be sure to read the full post below to know how it works and how to participate.

There is a pattern for the knitters, crocheters, and Tunisian crocheters because we know this is a bicrafty community! All skill levels will be covered so please be sure to join in the fun!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of that purchase will go to support the blog. The price that you pay does not change. Thank you for your continued support.

History of the Tournament of Stitches 2022 Mystery Make-Along

We started this annual event in 2018 during March Madness. Therefore, 2022 is the fifth annual Tournament of Stitches event. We’re excited to keep growing this each year. More and more people participate each year. We get better at streamlining the whole process, design new creative projects, and keeping it all running smoothly.

Past Tournament of Stitches Patterns

It’s the most fun if you join in during the make-along, so you can be part of the community and uncover what we’re making together. That said, though, we put a lot of effort into creating great timeless patterns that you’ll want to use again and again. See what we’ve made in the past:

Each post has the clues to the patterns as well as links to the ad-free PDF versions of the completed patterns where available.

What is the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

The Tournament of Stitches mystery make-along is held during the time of college basketball March Madness. It is a great way for us to come together as a community and make something that is the same but different. Sound confusing? I hope not.

For the Knit and Crochet projects, think of the old, “choose your own adventure” stories you probably read as a kid, this will be similar to that.

(**Note: the Tunisian project is only one pattern without concentration levels**)

Your first choice is whether you want to make a shawl or a cowl. Once you decide that, you will follow along with the instructions for that piece.

Each week there will be a set of plays for you to choose and each play will have the concentration level attached (see chart below). You get to choose the concentration level you want to use for each week’s instruction.

Once you select concentration level, simply work up the pattern for that play, then wait for the next week to continue with the project.

On the next week, you will have another set of plays to choose from, and again, you can select which concentration level you want to follow for that week.

The cool thing is we’ve written the pattern in such a way that you can mix and match concentration levels. Therefore, you don’t have to stick to the same one each week.

After five weeks you will have a finished shawl or cowl that was a mystery to you (and to us) prior to you making it.

Tournament of Stitches Make-Along Concentration Levels

Concentration levels are based on how much concentration you need to put into the pattern as you are working it. We have broken them out as the following:

  • “Netflix and Chill” Knitter/Crocheter–This is a knitter/crocheter who might be watching something more detailed that they want to pay attention to but aren’t so involved in what they are doing that they don’t want to keep track of what they are working on. These plays have detailed stitch patterns that still allow you to hold a conversion with one person or watch a light TV program.
  • “Smooth Jazz” Knitter/Crocheter–This is a knitter/crocheter who can have some noise in the background but not something that they need to focus on. When you listen to music, think smooth jazz, you can hear the music but you don’t really need to be listening to the words. These plays will have stitch patterns that are more beefy than the first concentration level and will require some thinking.
  • “Be Quiet, I’m Knitting/Crocheting” Knitter/Crocheter–This is a knitter/crocheter who will need to have a quiet house so they can count and make sure they are following the stitch pattern correctly. These plays will have more complicated stitch patterns and will need more counting as you work them. These plays require the most focus

When is the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

Every year the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along is held around the same time as the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament.

How do I Participate in the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?

  • To participate in the ⭐️ There is a sign up form ⭐️.
  • Join the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group where we chat about the event all month long.
  • Get your materials – This is sent to your email inbox after you sign up.
  • Add your project to Ravelry ➡️ Knitting ➡️ Crochet ➡️ Tunisian
  • Mark you calendar! 
  • Return to the blog throughout the event for the plays, which you’ll find linked below.
  • As you work on the project, post progress pictures on Facebook and Instagram with the tag #tournamentofstitches #tosMarlyBird #MMMDI. When you do, you’ll have the chance to win various surprise mystery prizes!
  • Grand Prize details coming soon.

How Do I get the Plays for Each Week for the Tournament of Stitches 2022?

Beginning March 15, 2022, the plays will be added in a post here on the MarlyBird.com website. After the event, the free version of the patterns will be removed this year and made available for purchase as a set under the name Stitch Switch.

Get the Stitch Switch vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. As they are available they are listed in my Etsy Shop, Ravelry and Marly Bird Pattern Store.

  • Collage of various crochet shawls displayed by a smiling person. Text overlay reads: "Stitch Swich vol. 1 Crochet Shawls - 3 pattern collection to mix and match, inspired by the Tournament of Stitches 2022. -Marly Bird
  • A collage image displays four knit shawls in blue, gray, pink, and light blue. Text overlaid reads, "Stitch Swish vol. 2 Knit Shawls" and "3 pattern collection to mix and match," featuring designs from the Tournament of Stitches 2022. -Marly Bird
  • Display of three different knit cowls in vibrant colors, adorned with flowers and beads. Text reads "Stitch Switch vol. 4 Knit Cowls, 3 pattern collection to mix and match." Featuring the creative flair from Tournament of Stitches 2022. -Marly Bird

Sounds Great, What are We Making?

So traditionally, when it is a mystery make-along it is truly a mystery from start to finish. This one is slightly different in that I want you to know what the final project is so that you can decide which plays you want to follow, but the mystery is that you still don’t have any idea what it looks like.

As I mentioned before, you need to decide if you are making the shawl or cowl before you get started.

Then, each week select with concentration level play you want to follow.

Remember, you can mix and match concentration levels each week. So, if you select “Netflix and Chill” in week one, you can still choose “Be Quiet, I’m knitting/crocheting” in week 2.

Materials for Tournament of Stitches 2022 Mystery Make-Along

We chose a yarn weight that is easily accessible to most. This year, we are featuring the WeCrochet and KnitPicks Yarn for the samples, but you can use any yarn you choose that is fingering weight for the knit and crochet project, or DK for tunisian crochet, as long as you get gauge!

As for color choice, the sample is made in one color.

Also, because I know you all are going to ask, like many of the Game Day Mystery Make-along events, we do not suggest using any variegated yarns. We think it is best to choose solid or semi solid colors of yarn.

The yarn amounts are different for each craft … and notice this year we are including another craft option for those of you who are triple threat bicrafters…TUNISIAN CROCHET*!

As noted above, the Tunisian project is just a normal pattern without concentration levels. For those of you wanting to try tunisian, you will have fun with the “normal” mystery make-along 🙂

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before the event begins:

Crochet

Materials needed for Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

Gauge: 20 dc sts & 11 rows = 4″ (10 cm)

Tunisian Crochet

Materials needed for Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

Gauge: 13 TSS & 12 rows = 4″ (10 cm)

Knitting

Materials needed for Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along 2022

Gauge: 24 sts & 48 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Garter Stitch UNBLOCKED

Like this project? Don’t forget to like it and queue it up on Ravelry

CLICK IMAGE TO ADD CROCHET PROJECT TO RAVELRY
CLICK IMAGE TO ADD TUNISIAN PROJECT TO RAVELRY
CLICK IMAGE TO ADD KNITTING PROJECT TO RAVELRY

Get LINKS TO ALL THE Patterns Are No Longer Available

Tournament of Stitches Crochet Shawl

Tournament of Stitches Crochet Cowl

Tournament of Stitches Tunisian Crochet Shawl

Tournament of Stitches Tunisian Crochet Cowl

Tournament of Stitches Knitting Shawl

Tournament of Stitches Knitting Cowl

89 Free Fringe Patterns to Crochet and Knit

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Fringe is a general term for decorative things hanging off the edge of a piece. It’s a fun decorative touch, and can totally change the feel of a project. The pattern might incorporate fringe the stitching, or it is often added later in small bundles. It is usually made of individual pieces of yarn, but it can also be stitched items such as bobbles or just crochet chains.

Fringe is common on blankets and the ends of scarves, but it can also be on pillows, baskets, cowls, shawls, and more!

Be inspired with the new ways you can add fringe, shown in this collection of 89 Yarnspirations patterns!

89 Free Fringe Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Fringed Pillows

Tasseled Fringe Knit Pillow Free Knitting Pattern

Fringed Blankets

Garden Flowers Crochet Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Wall Hangings and Buntings

Bold Fringe Wall Hanging Free Craft Pattern

Baskets with Fringe

Abundant Fringe Crochet Basket Free Crochet Pattern

Other Home Decor with Fringe

Macrame Big Fringe Plant Hanger

Fringed Cowls and Scarves

Cozy Fringed Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Fringed Shawls and Ponchos

Fringed Knit Pocket Shawl Free Knit Pattern

Other Wearable Items with Fringe

Fringe Benefits Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Marly Bird 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers

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Everybody loves a good mitten, but what about a mitten that has a removable top or a pair of fingerless mitts? YESSSS! I hear you; those are equally loved. Trust me, I know and because of that, I want to make sure that you know about my 3-in-1 knit and crochet handwarmers patterns. Originally this was a Yarnspirations CAL/KAL but now the free patterns are available for you on their website. Moreover, you have video support for each step of the way, making it easy to make these handwarmers that you can craft in three different styles each.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. BY CLICKING ONE OF THESE LINKS AND MAKING A PURCHASE A SMALL PORTION COMES BACK TO THE BLOG. THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL NOT CHANGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG.

3 in 1 handwarmers crochet and knit patterns

Mittens, Fingerless Mitts, and Convertible Mittens

Learn three ways to make a pair of hand warmers – six ways if you are bicrafty and can both knit and crochet! I’ve designed a basic pattern that can be turned into a pair of mittens, fingerless mittens, or convertible mittens depending on the finishing techniques that you select. Choose to knit or crochet or follow use both patterns; end up with 1 pair or 3 pairs or 6 pairs of hand warmers you will love.

Customizable Designs For Everyone!

Make a pair for anyone that you want to give a gift to. Make several pairs for yourself. Change up the colors to fit your style and enjoy the fun of making along with others.

CLICK THE PICTURES BELOW TO GET THE PATTERNS ????

knit handwarmers free pattern
crochet handwarmers free pattern

Skill Level Required for 3-in-1 Knit and Crochet Handwarmers Patterns

This project was originally a Yarnspirations CAL/KAL. Before those begin, many people ask me, “how good do I need to be at the craft to join in?” I understand that. You want to make sure you can actually make the project before you start. However, oftentimes these patterns have more to do with your drive than your current skill level. The pattern and video support make it so that you can finish these patterns.

Here is my best skill level advice as to what is needed for these knit and crochet handwarmer patterns. If you’re a confident beginner crocheter who is comfortable with making chains and single crochets, then I think you can absolutely do this. If you are an advanced beginner knitter who is comfortable with knits and purls and is ready to try something a little more challenging, then you can do this. The biggest challenge for you will be using the double pointed needles and working the stranded knitting but I go over that in the videos.

You might also want to check out BiCrafty Bootcamp: To Learn Knitting or To Learn Crochet … the tips in these posts and videos are invaluable for helping you when you get stuck.

Notes For The Knit and Crochet Handwarmer Patterns

SPOILER ALERT: In the videos, I’ve offered some alternative patterns for the body of the hand warmers on my website that might be a little easier for those who struggle with the colorwork on this pattern.

Because I know there are going to be knitters who ask, yes, you can make these fingerless mittens, mittens or convertible mittens with the magic loop technique or two circulars or even 9″ circular needles. I discuss how to do this in the videos but the pattern is written for double pointed needles.

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Video Tutorials

You’ll find 3 knit videos and 3 crochet videos that go with these patterns. These videos are progressive, meaning each video will build upon the previous video as I teach you how to make these fun mittens, fingerless mittens or convertible mittens. Therefore, you want to start with the first video for either craft and move through them accordingly.

Here are those video links:

Click HERE for Knitting PatternClick HERE for Crochet Pattern
Video 1: Nov. 16, 2020
<click here>		Video 1: Nov. 16, 2020
<click here>
Video 2: Nov. 19, 2020
<click here>		Video 2: Nov. 19, 2020
<click here>
Video 3: Nov. 23, 2020
<click here>		Video 3: Nov. 23, 2020
<click here>

Join me for one pair of hand warmers or all six! The pattern was designed by me and I must say, I am in love!

3 in 1 Hand Warmer Materials

Crochet

SIZE

One size to fit average adult. Size 8” hand circumference

GAUGE

16  sc  and  16  rows  =  4″  [10  cm] with smaller hook.

14 splsc and 14 rounds = 4″ [10 cm] with larger hook.

YARN

Red Heart® With Love™

1 ball each color

Color A: Oxford

Color B: Rainforest Stripe

HOOK

US 7/G

US 8/H

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Knitting

SIZE

One size to fit average adult. Size 8″ hand circumference

GAUGE

16 sts 20 rows = 4” [10 cm] with U.S. 8 (5 mm) in pat.

YARN

Red Heart® With Love™

1 ball each color

Color A: Sweet Pink          

Color B:   Passion Stripe

NEEDLES

Sizes U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) and U.S. 8 (5 mm) Double Pointed Needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

If you like crocheting and knitting hand accessories then you might also like these posts:

Everyone likes different knit and crochet hand warmer patterns, which these 3-in-1 designs accommodate. We’re curious: what kind do you like best? Fingerless? Fingerless with thumb hole? Convertible? Mittens? Gloves? Share your thoughts.

7 Crafty Ways to Kick The New Year Off Right

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Happy Crafty New Year! Do you have big plans and goals and resolutions for 2021? Or are you taking it more mellow and easing into the year instead, just happy to have survived 2020 mostly intact? Whether you want to start off big or small, indulging in your love for craft can be a great way to start the new year. Here are 7 crafty ways to kick the new year off right:

https://marlybird.com/7-crafty-ways-to-kick-the-new-year-off-right/

1. Pick a Word of the Year

One way to approach a new year is to choose a “word of the year.” It’s a word that you can use a touchstone throughout the months to come. It can help guide you, center you, and remind you of what your priorities are. How do you apply that to crafting? Check out our full post on Choosing and Using a Crafty Word of the Year.

2. Start a Year-Long (or Big) Project

Get yourself on the right foot with the crafty new year by starting a huge project today. It might be a year-long project. Examples include:

  • Crocheting one motif every day to be put together into a blanket at the end of the year.
  • Taking a photo every day for Instagram related to yarn, knitting, or crochet.
  • Joining a 365 project on social media.
  • Starting a knitting or crochet blog.
  • Choosing a “one every month” project (making one scarf per month for example) and starting the first one today.

One really wonderful type of project that people often begin at New Year’s is the temperature blanket. Learn more:

We also suggest doing a variation on the temperature blanket this year by tying it to another goal you care about. It’s called a Habit Tracker Blanket.

2a. Join Marly Bird’s Daily Prompts

Each day, we’ll give you a daily prompt for your knitting / crochet. Prompts include project ideas, book recommendations, articles to read, days to buy yarn, etc. More details coming on the blog on 1/1/22.

3. Take Five Minutes to Knit or Crochet

Kicking off the new year doesn’t have to mean doing something big. You can take just five minutes today to knit or crochet. This is a way of honoring the craft and the value that it has in your life. It’s a way of reminding yourself that it’s important to you, important enough to make room for it at the beginning of a new year. And it’s a good time to stop and think about what you want in crafting in 2021.

4. Reflect Upon Your Last Year in Craft

Take some time to reflect upon your last year in craft. This can be a big thing or a small thing. For example:

  • Many people use the Top 9 tool to collect their most popular nine Instagram photos of the year – are any of yours craft related?
  • You might also do a short social media story or slide show highlighting your favorite makes of the year.
  • Did you accomplish something you’re really proud of? Print out a blank certificate of accomplishment for it and give yourself an award.
  • Or go back through all of your WIP and FO images of the past year and catalog them in a scrapbook or journal.

5. Learn a New Craft or Technique

Challenge yourself to learn something new this year. If you knit, learn to crochet (or weave or embroider or whatever). Or choose a new technique to learn within your craft. If you crochet, try broomstick lace or tapestry crochet. You might not actually start learning the craft today (although you could!) But you can take initial steps including:

  • Choosing the craft or technique that you’ll learn.
  • Committing to a plan publicly through social media. (Hashtag #marlymademedoit if you want me to see it!)
  • Ordering (or taking out of storage) the supplies that you’ll need to get started.
  • Finding a class and signing up for it.
  • Locating a blog, online tutorials, or other resources that can help you learn.
  • Reaching out to friends to see if anyone else wants to learn with you.

6. Make Something For Yourself

Take some time today to knit or crochet something just for yourself. It might be something small. Or it might be a small start on a bigger gift to yourself. So often we craft for others (especially throughout the holiday season.) Turn your attention to yourself. It’s a great way to start a crafty new year.

7. Give Gratitude to Your Craft

Craft gives you so much. It may provide comfort, healing, excitement, inspiration, focus, distraction, community … and so much more. Take the time today, through prayer or making a list or whatever works for you, to just give a little gratitude for the craft. If you want to go further, consider how you learned the craft, who has influenced you, and how you get your craft supplies as areas for additional gratitude.

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