Friday, March 16, 2012

Super Versitile Wavy Flower Pattern

I like big happy flowers.  I also like flower patterns that can be used with multiple types of yarn.  This pattern comes from lots of practice and trial and error.

The pattern:
Into a magic circle, 10 DC and slip stitch to join.

Chain 1 and SC into the same stitch as joining.  *Chain 2, skip 1 stitch, and SC in the 2nd stitch.* Repeat from * 3 times, chain 2 and end with a slip stitch into the first SC.

Into the first chain 2 space *1 SC, 1 HDC, 6 DC, 1 HDC, 1 SC*  Repeat from * to * in each chain 2 space around.  (5 petals)     Quick note: You can make your petals more "ruffled" by increasing the number of DCs in the space.  I've done 8 DC in place of the 6 DC from time to time.

You could stop here, if you like, but you can also continue the flower to give it more depth.

To continue, slip stitch into the first SC of the round before and again into the next open chain space from your original circle.  Chain 1 and SC into the same stitch.  Then, *chain 2, and SC into the next open chain space.* Repeat * to * around and end with a slip stitch in the first SC.

Into the first chain 2 space *1 SC, 1 HDC, 6 DC, 1 HDC, 1 SC*  Repeat from * to * in each chain 2 space around.  (5 petals) Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

You can leave your flower as is and add a button in the center or you can use the ruffle shape to create a different design.  Use the long tail to sew together the 2nd row of petals at the SCs.  Slip you needle through the yarn above the SCs and go around from in a complete circle.  Pull the yarn tail tight and fasten off.

Be creative about how you sew the petals together.  You can create all kinds of different patterns and shapes of flowers.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Ruffle Phone Wristlet

In two weeks, my friend, Nikki, and I are sponsoring a table at our school's trade fair.  Half of our profits go to MSCF, the student charitable fund at our school.  I've made a bunch of things: flowers, E-Reader bags with wristet handles, and phone wristlet bags.  Most have been very simple, but tonight, I had a thought.

I was working on a ruffle scarf pattern and made it about 14 inches in when I decided I was bored.  So I folded the piece in half and started the ruffle portion of the scarf in the front loops.  I continued to ruffle in a spiral pattern AROUND the piece, effectively closing the two pieces together to form a bag.  This is the result:
Ruffle Phone Wristlet
Adorable, right?  I want to make a purple one! 
I finished this in about an hour and a half.  I'm so excited.