Easy One Cake Shawl

Hi knitters! When I design a new piece, I love to go all out and try my hand at every possibility no matter the difficulty, I feel like the harder I challenge myself, the more amusing and satisfying the results are. I'll spare you the details of my numerus trials and errors and only present you with the final polished piece. For this shawl, I chose to knit it using Caron's Big Cake, which I've bought recently. I aimed for it to look both complex and tricky, yet very easy to do.

The tricky part of this pattern is actually very easy; you will need to knit both the beginning and the end of the cake at the same time. This does not mean that you use both ends together, but alternately. To put it simply, you start the row with one end of the cake and you keep going until you reach the middle of the row. The center stitch is knitted using the yarn of both ends of the cake, then you complete the rest of the row by switching to the other end. As you keep on knitting, you will see the colors of the yarn switch up and meet in at the center in different arrangements. This means that depending on the cake you have, each time you knit this shawl you will get your own unique version.

You can only imagine how many times I've tried and failed until I figured out the most suitable number of stitches to cast on. I kept trying because I was adamant about using all the cake and not letting any yarn go to waste, and in the end I think I nailed it. I hope you all have a nice knitting day and welcome the soon coming spring with new wonderful projects.

Skill level: Easy

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Materials:

• Yarn: Caron Big Cake, 100% acrylic, 10.5 oz. (300 g), 603 yards (551 m), in the color Blueberry Scone “26019” (1 cake).
• Circular knitting needles, 32" (80 cm) long, size US 9 (5.5 mm). 
• Tapestry needle.

Measurements: width = 21.25" (54 cm), length = 69" (175 cm), approx.

Yardage: 546 - 556 yards (500 - 510 m) approx.

Gauge: 15 sts and 29 rows = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch.

Knitting terms:

• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• k: knit.
• yo: yarn over.
• k2tog: knit two stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the 2 sts together through back loops.
• k3tog: knit three stitches together.
• RS: right side.

Instructions:

Note: 

• Outer strand = the beginning of the cake.
• Inner strand = the other end of the cake.

With the outer strand of the cake, cast on 119 sts, k 1 row, then work as follows:

Row 1 (RS): k 1, yo, k 1 (center st), yo, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.

Row 2: ssk, k to last 3 sts (center st and the sts after), bind on the inner strand of the big cake, k the center st with both strands, k 2 with inner strand.

General pattern

Row 1 (RS): with inner strand, k to center st, yo, with both strands, k center st, with outer strand, yo, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.

Row 2: with outer strand, ssk, k to center st, with both strands, k center st, with inner strand, k to end.

Repeat rows (1-2) until you have 59 sts on each side of the center st (ending with row 2).

General decreasing pattern:

Row 1 (RS): with inner strand, ssk, k to center st, yo, with both strands, k center st, with outer strand, yo, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.

Row 2: with outer strand, ssk, k to center st, with both strands, k center st, with inner strand, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.

Repeat rows (1-2) until you have 1 st on each side of the center st (ending with row 2), k3tog and cut yarn. Weave in loose ends.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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Valentine's Mittens

Hello crocheters! This is my second project for Valentines this year. I designed these mittens to include the same heart pattern I used in my Valentines' Costars. These mittens are really easy and quick to make, they will take you maybe a couple of hours to make, and they require so little yarn you'll need less than 2 oz. (50 g) to finish them. So, if you are out of thoughts and running out of time, and still want to crochet a Valentines inspired piece, give these mittens a try.

Skill level: Intermediate

Materials

• Yarn: you can use any light worsted yarn. I used Nako Vizon, 100% premium acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 213 yards (195 m). You can use white yarn plus any colored yarn you like.
• Crochet Hook: 6 US (4 mm).
• Tapestry needle.

Sizes: S/M and M/L.

Gauge: 20 sts x 10 rows = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in dc stitch.

Yardage: 94 - 96 yards (86 - 88 m).

Crochet Terms (US):

• ch: chain.
• ss: slip stitch. 
• sc: single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• sctbl: single stitch through back loop.

Instructions:

Mitten Band: 
With white yarn, make a knot and chain 13, sc into the second ch from hook, sc into each ch, turn. (12 sts)
General Band Row: ch 1, sctbl into each st, turn. (12 sts)
Repeat the row 32 (36) times, ss into each st  of the band ends together, don't cut yarn.

Mitten Palm:

Work first round into each row end of the band:

Round 1: ch 1 and sc in first st, sc into each row end, sl st into the first sc. 32(36) sts

Round 2: ch 1, [sc in st 5(6) times, skip 2 sts, (dc 3, ch 2, dc 3) in st, skip 2 sts, sc in st 6(7) times] twice, sl st into the first sc.

 

Round 3: ch 1, [sc in st 4(5) times, skip 1 st, dc in st 3 times, with red yarn (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, with white yarn, dc in st 3 times, skip 1 st, sc in st 5(6) times] twice, sl st into the first sc. 

Round 4: ch 1, [sc in st 3(4) times, skip 1 st, dc in st 3 times, with red yarn, dc in st twice, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, dc in st twice, with white yarn, dc in st 3 times, skip 1 st, sc in st 4(5) times] twice, sl st into the first sc.

Round 5: ch 1, [sc in st 2(3), skip 1 st, dc in st 4 times, with red yarn, dc in st 5 times, with white yarn, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, with red yarn, dc in st 5 times. Cut red yarn, with white yarn, dc in st 4 times, skip 1 st, sc in st 3(4) times] twice, sl st into the first sc.

Round 6: ch 1, [sc in st 1(2) times, skip 1 st, dc in st 11 times, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, dc in st 11 times, skip 1 st, sc in st 2(3) times] twice, sl st into the first sc.

Round 7: ch 1, [sc in st 0(1) times, skip 1 st,  dc in st 13 times,  (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, dc in st 13 times, skip 1 st, sc in st 1(2) times] twice, sl st into the first sc. 

For size M/L only:

Round 8: ch 1, [skip 1 st,  dc in st 15 times,  (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, dc in st 15 times, skip 1 st, sc in st once] twice, sl st into the first sc.

Cut white yarn, with red yarn and into any ch 2 space:

Last Round: ch 1, [make a reverse sc in ch 2 space and in each st to next ch 2 space] twice, sl st to first ch. Cut yarn. Weave in loose ends.

Middle finger ring:

Round 1: With white yarn, ch 1 and sc in any ch 2 space, ch 5(6), sc in the other ch 2 space, ch 5(6), sl st into the first sc.

Round 2: ch 2 and hdc in sc, hdc 6(7) in ch 5(6) space, hdc in sc, hdc in ch 5(6) space, sl st into first hdc, cut yarn, weave in loose ends.

Make the second mitten the same as the first one.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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Valentine's Coaster

Hi everyone! what a fast paced year, it's already February! This means two wonderful events are upon us; Valentines first, then the Chinese New Year. It took me a while to figure out what my contribution for this year's Valentines will be, and It's all about love and gifts, reminding our nearest and dearest that they are always in our hearts, so I thought "hearts it shall be!". One of the simplest and quickest pieces that you can work for this occasion is making a coaster set, It has a personal touch, could be gifted to whoever you fancy, whether young or old, far or near. So a coaster with a cute heart pattern seemed like the best idea, since it requires no time to make, a few yards of material is all you'll need, and a verity of versions can be made. Happy Valentines day to you and all your family members and loved ones.

Skill level: Easy

Materials

• Yarn: you can use any light worsted yarn. I used Nako Vizon, 100% premium acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 213 yards (195m). You can use white yarn plus any colored yarn you like.
• Crochet Hook: 6 US (4 mm).
• Tapestry needle.

Measurements: 5.5" x 5.5" (14 cm x 14 cm) approx.

Gauge: 20 sts x 10 rows = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in dc stitch.

Yardage: 33 - 35 yards (30 - 32 m).

Crochet Terms (US):

• ch: chain.
• ss: slip stitch. 
• dc: double crochet.

Are you a beginner in Crocheting? Check out AllFreeCrochet's Ultimate Beginner Guide of Tutorials and Patterns: 

Instructions:

With white yarn make a magic ring:

Round 1: ch 2 (count as one dc), dc 2, ch 2, *(dc 3, ch 2) repeat 3 times, sl st into the second ch of the first ch 2.

Round 2: ch 3 (always count as one dc), dc in st twice, *with colored yarn (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, with white yarn dc in st 3 times, repeat from * 3 times, with colored yarn (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, sl st into third ch of the first ch 3.

Round 3: ch 3, dc in st twice, *with colored yarn, dc in st twice, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, dc in st twice, with white yarn dc in st 3 times, repeat from * 3 times, with colored yarn, dc in st twice, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, dc in st twice, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3.

Round 4: ch 3, dc in st twice, *with colored yarn, dc in st 4 times, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, dc in st 4 times, with white yarn dc in st 3 times, repeat from * 3 times, with colored yarn, dc in st 4 times, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, dc in st 4 times, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3.

Round 5: ch 3, dc in st three times, *with colored yarn, dc in st 5 times, with white yarn, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, with colored yarn, dc in st 5 times, with white yarn dc in st 5 times, repeat from * 3 times, with colored yarn, dc in st 5 times, with white yarn, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, with colored yarn, dc in st 5 times, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3.
With white yarn only (don't cut colored yarn):

Round 6: ch 3, *dc in each st to next ch 2 space, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the ch 2 space, repeat from * 4 times, dc in each st to first ch 3, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3.
Cut white yarn, with colored yarn:

Round 7: ch 1, make a reverse sc in first st and in each st around, and 2 reverse sc into each ch 2 space, sl st to first ch. Cut yarn. Weave in loose ends.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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Hashtag Mittens

Hi knitters! As I mentioned in my previous post, when I finish a project and still have some yarn left, I try to make use of it by creating accessories for the main piece. So first I made the Hashtag Jacket, then with the leftover yarn I made the Hashtag Slouchy, and now, made with the last remains of the skeins, I present to you the Hashtag Mittens. Making mittens was a challenge for me at first, because it took me a while to get used to the double pointed knitting needles, a must for knitting a small tube shape. In addition to that, I was using more than one yarn, and adopting the mosaic pattern into the mittens' pattern, all at the same time. But the result was worth the hard work, and I'm very pleased with these mittens. 2020 was the year of hats for me, so maybe this year will be the year of mitten projects. Be sure that I'll share my future designs with you all. Stay safe and healthy and have happy knitting days!

Hashtag Jacket		Hashtag Slouchy

Skill level: Advanced

Materials:

• Yarn: 
  1. Nako Calico: 50% Cotton, 50% Premium Acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 268 yard (245 meter). black: 1 skein. 
  2. Paint Box yarn: 100% Cotton, 1.7 oz. (50 g), 93 yard (85 meter). For size S/M: one skein of Slate Green 1010 (yarn D). For size M/L, one skein of each of the following colors:
     • Light Caramel 1337 (yarn A). 
     • Pistachio green 1346 (yarn B).
     • Vanilla Cream 1346 (yarn C).
• Set of double pointed needles, size US 5 (3.75 mm), and US 6 (4 mm).
• Stitch marker. 
• Tapestry needle.

Sizes:

• S/M
• M/L

Gauge:

• Paint Box yarn: 19 sts and 26 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
• Nako Calico yarn: 20 sts and 29 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.

Yardage:

• Size S/M: Paint Box = 44- 46 yards (40- 42 m), Nako Calico = 112- 115 yards (102- 105 m) Nako Calico.
• Size M/L: Paint Box = 55- 58 yards (50- 53 m), Nako Calico = 128- 131 yards (117- 120 m).

Knitting Terms:

• st = stitch.
• sts = stitches.
• k = knit.
• p = purl.
• M 1= make 1 st increase.
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together.
• sm = stitch marker.

 

Instructions:

Mitten (Make 2):
With black yarn and 3.75 mm double pointed needles, cast on 44 (48) sts. Join in the round. Put the ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, knit 1 round. Work as follows:
Ribs round: k 2, p 2, repeat to end.
Repeat ribs round 17 times.
Change to 4 mm circular needles, and work next round:
For Size S/M:
Purl one round decreasing 8 sts evenly. (36 sts)
For Size M/L:
Purl one round. (48 sts)

Hashtag Pattern:
For size S/M, use color D and black yarn.
For size M/L, use color A and black yarn.
Round 1 [yarn D (A)]: k 6, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, repeat to end.
Round 2 (A) and every even number row: purl the knit sts and slip the slipped sts purl-wise (with yarn in back).
Round 3 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 5, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.
Round 5 [yarn D (A)]: sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.
Round 7 (black): k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.
Round 9 [yarn D (A)]: sl st 1, k 9, sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.
Round 11 (black): k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.
Round 13 [yarn D (A)]: sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 9, repeat to end.
Round 15 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 1 sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.
Round 17 [yarn D (A)] repeat row 5.
Round 19 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 5, sl st, repeat to end.
Round 21 [yarn D (A)]: k 4, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 5, repeat to end.
Round 23 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 9, sl st, repeat to end.
Round 24 (black): repeat row 2. Cut colored yarn.
Slip first 8 sts into stitch holder for thumb. Cast on 8 sts at the beginning of the round. 36(48) sts
Size S/M: repeat the 24 rows of the Hashtag Pattern twice more.
Size M/L: repeat the 24 rows of the Hashtag Pattern using yarn B and C, alternately.

Decreasing rounds:
With black yarn, work as follows:
Round 1: k 2, k2tog, repeat to end. 24(36) sts
Round 2: p to end.
Round 3: k 1, k2tog, repeat to end. 18(24) sts
Round 4: p to end.
Round 5: k2tog to end. 9(12)
Cut a 10 cm / 4" long yarn, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

THUMB:
Slip the 8 sts of the thumb back on double pointed needles size 4 mm. pick up 8 sts in the edge behind the thumb, and insert sm into the beginning of round. 16(16) sts
knit 20(22) rounds, then Work as follows:
Round 1: k2tog, repeat to end. 8(8) sts
Round 2: p to end.
Round 3: k2tog, repeat to end. 4(4) sts
Cut a 10 cm / 4" long yarn, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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Hashtag Slouchy

Hi everyone! After I was done making my Hashtag Jacket, I still had some yarn left from my Paint Box skeins, and since I'm not one to waste leftover thread, I decided to make a couple of accessories for the jacket. Making a matching hat seemed like the best option, however it was challenging to incorporate the hashtag pattern into the design, and I had to talk myself into using double pointed needles, because they make it easier to work the top of the hat. Finally, after lots of research and trials, I was able to make this nice and simple slouchy hat, the perfect piece to complement the jacket. You can absolutely skip on the jacket and make this hat on its own, either way the hashtag pattern is a beautiful motif to knit and you should try your hand at it. Stay tuned for the matching project in the making. January 22nd, 2021 update: I've posted the matching mittens, so click on the link to check it out!

Hashtag Jacket	Hashtag Mittens

Skill level: Intermediate

Materials:

·       Yarn:

1.    Nako Calico: 50% Cotton, 50% Premium Acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 268 yards (245 meter). black: 1 skein. 

2.    Paint Box: 100% Cotton, 1.7 oz. (50 g), 93 yards (85 meter). 1 skein of each:

o   Light Caramel 1337 (yarn A). 

o   Pistachio green 1346 (yarn B).

o   Vanilla Cream 1346 (yarn C).

·       Circular Knitting needles, 16" (40 cm) long, sizes US 6 (4 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm).

·       Set of double pointed needles size US 7 (4.5 mm).

·       Stitch marker. 

·       Tapestry needle.

Sizes and head circumference measurements:

• Size S/M: 21.25"- 22" (54- 56 cm).
• Size M/L: 22.5"- 23.25" (57- 59 cm).

Gauge:

• Paint Box yarn: 19 sts and 26 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
• Nako Calico yarn: 20 sts and 29 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.

Yardage:

• Size S/M: Paint Box = 85- 90 yards (75- 80 m), Nako Calico =120- 125 yards (110- 115 m) Nako Calico.
• Size M/L: Paint Box = 100- 105 yards (90- 95 m), Nako Calico = 135- 140 yards (125- 130 m).

Knitting Terms:

• st = stitch.
• sts = stitches.
• k = knit.
• p = purl.
• M 1 = make 1 st increase.
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together.

Instructions:

With black yarn and 4 mm circular needles, cast on 100 (110) sts. Join in the round. Don't know how to join in the round? here is a short tutorial on how to do it (from 0:26 - 1:15 min): 

 

Put the ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, knit 1 round. Work as follows:

Ribs round: k 2, p 2, repeat to end.

Repeat ribs round 8 times.

Change to 4.5 mm circular needles, and work next round:

For Size S/M:

Increase round: *p 12, m 1, p 13, m 1, repeat from * to end. (108 sts)

For Size M/L:

Increase round: p 10, m 1, repeat to last 10 sts, k 10. (120 sts)

 

Hashtag Pattern:

With color A and black yarn, work as follows:

Round 1 (A): k 6, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, repeat to end.

Round 2 (A) and every even number row: purl the knit sts and slip the slipped sts purl-wise (with yarn in back).

Round 3 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 5, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.

Round 5 (A): sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.

Round 7 (black):  k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.

Round 9 (A): sl st 1, k 9, sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.

Round 11 (black): k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.

Round 13 (A): sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 9, repeat to end.

Round 15 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 1 sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.

Round 17 (A): repeat row 5.

Row 19 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 5, sl st, repeat to end.

Row 21 (A): k 4, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 5, repeat to end.

Round 23 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 9, sl st, repeat to end.

Round 24 (black): repeat row 2. Cut yarn A.

Repeat the 24 rows of the Hashtag Pattern using yarn B and C alternately.

With black yarn, k 1 round and purl 1 round once (twice).

 

Decreasing Rounds:

Round 1: k 2, k2tog, repeat to end. 81 (90) sts

Change to the set of double pointed needles and continue:

Round 2 and every even number round: p to end.

Round 3: k 7, k2tog, repeat to end. 72 (80) sts

Round 5: k 6, k2tog, repeat to end. 63 (70) sts

Round 7: k 5, k2tog, repeat to end. 54 (60) sts

Round 9: k 4, k2tog, repeat to end. 45 (50) sts

Round 11: k 3, k2tog, repeat to end. 36 (40) sts

Round 13: k 2, k2tog, repeat to end. 27 (30) sts

Round 15: k 1, k2tog, repeat to end. 18 (20) sts

Round 17: k2tog, repeat to end. 9 (10) sts

Cut a 15 cm / 6" long yarn, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends. 

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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