The Saturday Evening Post » Crochet

Versatile Crochet Scarf Pattern

Sarah Anderson — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:46:43 +0000

I have a problem. I hoard yarn. Seriously.

Ask anyone who knows me. I am a notorious neat freak and can’t stand piles of stuff and clutter—except when it comes to yarn. I won’t toss out the little leftover scraps after a project is finished. So I end up with bags of scraps of yarn like this:

So I decided that I needed to find a way to use up my teensy little scraps. Enter the Stash-buster Scarf.

This simple scarf pattern can be used with any kind of yarn and any size hook. It’s super fast and easy … and the scarves you make are great for gifts. As you can see, the type of yarn you use changes the look of the scarf … but they all look fantastic!

Stash-buster Scarf Crochet Pattern

Materials

Yarn – any kind

Tools

Crochet hook – any size that complements your yarn choice
Yarn needle

Abbreviations

ch = chain
sk = skip
dc = double crochet
st = stitch

Special Stitches

Vst = dc, ch 1, dc in same st
Shell = 5 dc in same st

Directions

Ch 17.
Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as 1st Vst). Sk next 2 ch; Shell in next ch; Sk next 2 ch; Vst in next ch; Sk next 2 ch; Shell in next ch; Sk next 2 ch; Vst in last ch. Ch 3 turn.
Row 2: 2 dc in 1st Vst. Vst in top of next shell. Shell in next Vst. Vst in top of next shell. 3 dc in last Vst. Ch 4, turn.
Row 3: Dc in same st (counts as 1st Vst, now and throughout). Shell in next Vst. Vst in next shell. Shell in next Vst. Vst in top of ch from previous row. Ch 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until desired length is reached.
End on a Row 3 pattern row. Ch 1, sc in same st; Sc in Vst; ch 2, sc in top of shell; Ch 2, sc in Vst; Ch 2, sc in top of shell; Ch 2, sc in last Vst. Sc in top of beg ch from previous row. Finish off, weave in ends.

You can leave the scarf long, or sew the two ends together to make a circle scarf or cowl. You can add buttons and other embellishments if desired. Have fun with it!

Pattern copyright 2012 by Sarah Anderson. This pattern is free for personal use. Please do not sell this pattern, or claim it to be of your own making. You are free to sell items made using this pattern, as long as credit is given to Sarah Anderson of Sarahndipities for the pattern used.

Versatile Crochet Scarf Pattern The Saturday Evening Post

From Craft Consumer to Craft Vendor

Jesika St Clair — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:30:22 +0000

As a craft dabbler, I love summer craft shows. I enjoy not only buying crafts (although that’s always fun), but also getting craft ideas. And, briefly, after every craft fair, I wonder, “Could I profit from my own adventures in crafting?”

Apparently I’m not the only one asking this question! Many craft-show attendees voice these thoughts, says Martha Latta, who has participated in over 73 craft shows in the past three years. “Sometimes, they’ll just walk up to you and say, ‘I want to set up my booth here. Where do I sign up?’”

And, although supportive of these newbies, she also finds the question frustrating. “It’s just not that simple,” she explains.

Martha has been crafting professionally under the moniker Sunday Afternoon Housewife for four years. Her clothing, jewelry, and magnets are sold in craft fairs, online, and in 19 different U.S. shops—from Massachusetts to Texas. A part-time teacher at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana, she’s no stranger to helping people learn new things. So, here are Martha’s well-practiced tips to go from craft consumer to craft vendor.

Martha’s Craft Vending Tips

Know Your Shows.

There’s a big difference between juried and non-juried shows. Juried shows are generally larger, nationally renowned, and will not accept walk-ins. “Usually, you have to fill out an application three to five months in advance,” says Martha.

To find application dates for juried shows:

Check their website at least five months before the show.
Sign up for their e-newsletter.
Follow them on Facebook. (Martha advises that this is the best way.)

The non-juried craft shows are generally first-come, first-serve. “Some you could email a week before [the show] and still get in.”

For beginners, Martha suggests attending a few non-juried shows. But do your research, she warns. “You have to ask, what do you want to surround yourself with? At non-juried shows there are a lot of hobbyists. And Tupperware and Mary Kay. And wholesale stuff; it might be handmade, but probably in China. You can’t compete with wholesale prices.”

Before jumping into any old craft show, it might be a good idea to ask around—unless you want to compete with thousands of 99-cent lilac sachets or machine-made plastic tubs.

Get Organized.

Martha’s an expert in scheduling. In 2004, Sunday Afternoon Housewife began as a self-published zine. It was dedicated to band interviews and local show times. So, even then, Martha was honing her planning and scheduling skills. Now she keeps all the dates for her upcoming craft shows in a calendar.

What to include on your calendar:

Application deadlines
Acceptance dates for shows
Show set-up and tear-down times
Dates of shows in which you’ll be participating

Start Crafting.

Find one craft you can do quickly.
Master it.
Make as many as you can.

When asked about her first show, Martha just laughs. “The weather was terrible,” she says. “We weren’t prepared. We had an awkward mix of crafts, and we ran out. That’s when I realized I needed to find one craft I wanted to do, and stick with it. I don’t make money off of knit and crochet—I’m too slow. One girl I know can knit a hat in an hour! That’s not me.”

Martha is author of the e-book, The Blogging Adventure: Tips & Prompts for a Crafter by a Crafter, and offers an e-course titled “30 Day Blogging for Crafters.” To purchase Martha’s e-course, e-book, jewelry, magnets, and clothes, or see a checklist of what items you should bring to your first craft show, visit SundayAfternoonHousewife.com.

From Craft Consumer to Craft Vendor The Saturday Evening Post

Exclusive Crochet Pattern

Heather Ray — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:00:31 +0000

You asked for it, and here it is. Former President of The Crochet Guild of America Karen Klemp is sharing her exclusive Sedona Rainfall quilt pattern with Post readers.

Download the instructions [PDF].

For more Karen Klemp designs, visit almostamy.com.

Exclusive Crochet Pattern The Saturday Evening Post

Crochet for Kids

Heather Ray — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:00:36 +0000

Get your kids hooked on a skill that will last a lifetime. Teaching your kids or grandkids the art of crocheting is more than an opportunity for family bonding: It’s a way to stimulate their creative side, improve motor coordination, reading, and problem-solving abilities, while offering an opportunity for them to participate in community service and other activities.

The Crochet Guild of America (CGOA)provides helpful instructions for parents, grandparents, and educators who are interested in keeping this valuable art form alive for a new generation to enjoy.

Marty Miller, president of the CGOA, has noticed a steady increase in the popularity of this art among a younger generation. “More and more children, preteens, and teens are crocheting. We see them at our conferences, at guild meetings, and classes and workshops,” says Miller, who suspects the trend has something to do with crocheting’s soothing effects and being able to creative resources. “You can use all sorts of materials—yarn, thread, wire, rags, plastic bags, clothesline, and even candy licorice strips.”

People of all ages, however, take away valuable life lessons. “If you don’t like what you’re making,” Miller points out, “it’s easy to change.” It’s a craft that also encourages trying new things. “If something doesn’t work, rip it up, and try again. … Eventually, you’ll get a result you like. We shouldn’t be afraid to try.” An important lesson for more than just children.

Many brand-name craft stores offer local classes—beginning through advanced. You can also find original patterns available for purchase (and some for free) from Etsy sellers, at etsy.com.

Additionally, the Craft Yarn Council of America is home to a plethora of knitting and crocheting project ideas, patterns, and tips as well as serving as a resource for charitable opportunities and upcoming events.

If long distance is keeping you from teaching the young loved one in your life the art of crochet, let them know you’re thinking about them with a handmade ice-cream surprise. Try this sweet pattern, courtesy of eCrochetPatterns.com.

Download the Ice Cream Cone Necklace Purse Crochet pattern instructions [PDF].

Crochet for Kids The Saturday Evening Post

Exclusive Magdalena Crochet Pattern by Mia Zamora-Johnson

Mia Zamora-Johnson — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:00:21 +0000

Now you can crochet this adorable Magdalena doll created exclusively for SaturdayEveningPost.com readers by designer Mia Zamora-Johnson. (http://owlishly.typepad.com and http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Mia)

Download the instructions (PDF).

Exclusive Magdalena Crochet Pattern by Mia Zamora-Johnson The Saturday Evening Post