Another week and another review of a yarn I got from Red Heart. Last week was kind of a rave this week, I can’t say I loved this yarn as much, but it’s a yarn with a personality all its own. Honestly, it was so outside my wheelhouse that I didn’t know what to do with it at first. It reminded me of Lion Brand’s HomeSpun, which I’ve tried to work with but didn’t really like. As I worked this pattern up I had to frog it, a couple of times, because it took me a bit to “get” this yarn. I kept trying to think of fancy designs but I came to the conclusion that it’s the texture of the yarn itself, not the design, that needs to shine when you’re working with this yarn. Oh, and a note for frogging this, go slowly and use your finger nails to pull the strands so you can ease out the working piece. This yarn will frog just fine, just don’t rush it.
Over all, I like the way this yarn turned out and, wow, is it cozy and soft to wear.
Oh! This pattern, as indicated by the name, is the Cheryl design I had years ago, but instead of hdcs (in the original) I used dcs for this. The use of any st and the repeating front loop only/ back loop only combo creates great stretch and a really fun look for a stocking scarf, in my opinion.
First up is a giveaway, sponsored by Red Heart Yarns and me! I got a bunch of cool yarns from RH and I wanted to share some with you, also I made an Ida Neckalce with Aunt Annie’s crochet thread so it fits with the theme. 😀
Please read the rules, as at the moment this giveaway will only be open to the contiguous 48 states in the US but later I hope have giveaways with worldwide entries.

In all my excitement for this post, I forgot to celebrate the release of my 100th (101st now) pattern to Ravelry! So, in the spirit of celebration, here’s a new promotion. Use the code 101designs to get 70% off your total purchase in my Ravelry shop. The coupon will be good through November 24th. 

Giveaway time!

Win:

1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Treasure in Spectrum
1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Boulevard in Veranda
1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Sashay Fringe in Surf
1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Fur in Teaberry
1 Ida Necklace in white and light blue

Rules:
Must be 18 or older to enter.
This giveaway is only open to residents of the contiguous 48 United States.
This giveaway ends 12pm EST on December 1st.
Winner will be contacted via e-mail, so be sure your e-mail is correct.
Winner will be selected randomly.
Winner must reply to notification email with a valid shipping address within 1 week or a new winner will be chosen.

Red Heart Giveaway

Materials:

• US P (11.50 mm) crochet hook
• Size #6/ super bulky weight yarn
  • 3.99 oz/ 59 yards
  • I used a whole skein of Red Hearts Mixology Swirl in Retro
• Tapestry/ Yarn Needle

Gauge:

• Gauge is not critical for this project.

Terms/ stitches used:

• RS: right side (the side facing out)
• Ch: chain
• St: stitch
• Dc: double crochet

Notes:

• This scarf is worked flat, row by row, and then you seam up the first row to the last row.
• As stated above, this yarn is difficult to work with at first, so go slow and don’t be too tight with your stitches.
• You can make this scarf longer or shorter by adding rows to the overall scarf or chains to the first row- any stitch count will do.
• When weaving in your ends, also go very slow and be delicate.
• You will need to know how to work into the back loop only and front loop only for this pattern.

Finished measurements:

• Height: 9″
• Diameter: 12.5″

Pattern instructions:

Row 1: Ch 18, dc into the 4th ch from the hook and across – 16 dcs
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc here and throughout), turn, dc into the front loop only of the next 15 sts – 16 dcs
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, dc into the back loop only of the next 15 sts – 16 dcs
Rows 4 – 18: repeat rows 2 – 3, ending on a repeat of row 2.

Securing:
Use your tail and secure row 18 to row 1 with your preferred method, using the back loop of the original chain and the front loop of row 18.

Fasten off and weave in all your ends.

I hope you like this simple pattern and use it to create pretty, pretty things and if you’ve already picked up a skein of Mixology Swirl (if you’re like me and you buy yarn without thinking of what to make with it), I hope you give my pattern a shot.

In other news, I took part in a competition brought to us by HodgePodge Crochet. While I didn’t win, I did release a new pattern on Sunday, the Laura Scoodie and it’s on sale for $1.00 until November 22nd.

This post is linked to the Linky Ladies Community Link Party #26, Hookin’ on Hump Day #107, Fiber Tuesday #36, Yarn Along, Ginger Snap Crafts’ Wow Me Wednesday #232, & Oombawka Design’s Link Party #119.