The Saturday Evening Post » Yarn

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

Make a Beaded Bookmark

Jesika St Clair — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:00:41 +0000

Sure, an e-reader like the Kindle, iPad, or Nook can satisfy you with a library of delightful reads, but they still can’t mimic the warm, woodsy smell of a good book.

So grab a length of ribbon, yarn, or cord; gather some beads, charms, or coins; and craft a beaded bookmark to hold a savory spot in your favorite tangible bestseller.

How to Make a Beaded Bookmark

Cut 18 inches of cord, ribbon, or yarn. Tie a knot three inches from one end.
String beads to cover 1 1/2 inches of cord and knot at bottom of beads.

Tie knot five inches from opposite end of cord (leaving 10 inches between knots).
String beads to cover 3 inches of cord to make “bottom” of bookmark, adding a unique bead or charm if desired. Tie knot. Trim cord 1/4 inch on each end.*

*If you do not want any cord hanging on the end of your bookmark, dab a little craft glue on the end knots, let dry, and then cut the excess cord at the knot’s edge.

Make a Beaded Bookmark The Saturday Evening Post

Get Ready, Get Knitting!

Wendy Braun — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:27:44 +0000

A couple months ago, we asked Saturday Evening Post magazine readers who knit or crochet for charity to send in a description and photo of their latest projects. And wow! What an inspiring response! So far, we’ve heard from generous souls in 21 states who, for years (sometimes decades), have been comforting babies, cancer survivors, soldiers, and others facing difficult situations around the world. It’s Living Well times two! The craftspeople enjoy companionship and the joy of giving. The recipients are warmed inside and out by caring thoughts, blankets, hats, mittens, socks, sweaters, toys, and prayer shawls.

I’m ready to get knitting, are you? Call one friend or form a group! Pick up an instruction book or learn from a pro. Local hospitals and charities may provide yarn or check out garage sales and secondhand stores for discounted supplies.

For project ideas call local social service groups and search online. Favorite causes of the groups pictured here include Knit for Kids, The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, and Warm Up America. What’s yours?

Get Ready, Get Knitting! The Saturday Evening Post