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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Red and White Polka Dots

Red and white polka dots never fail to make me smile.

In light of this happiness, a red and white polka dot dishcloth
was a must make!
BIG smile!
The design goes well with red and white polka dishes,

rose and gingham dishes,

 European inspired canisters and tea towels,

and just plain ol' red and white polka dot stool covers.
(This stool was covered from a twin duvet set purchased at IKEA,
the fabric can be found in the most curious places in our home.)

But most of all it's practical and functional.
I love it's germ-resistant qualities.
The loop on the cloth hangs over the faucet for quick drying time.
Stays clean and smelling fresh!
(Looks happy too!)

Here's how you can make your own:

Dishcloth:
First, make a mitered dishcloth from the pattern 
found by clicking here.
With red cotton yarn (I used worsted weight), follow the pattern
however, do not work in the back or front loops only-
work in both loops. Just like a regular sc.
This will create a flatter surface for your dots to rest on.

Switch to white cotton yarn, on the last two rows.
Then crochet along the edge to the other side with one row.
Cut yarn and weave in ends:

Dots:

Make 7-14 dots based on your preference.
(Mine has 14.)

Like this:

With a lighter white cotton yarn (this is dk.)
Start with a magic circle:

Then ch 3 (this will count as your first dc.)

dc 11 into circle.
(check total for 12 including that first 3 h.)

sl st into the third ch of your beg 3 ch to close circle.
 Or you can do an invisible join here, if preferred:

Weave in that end,
and leave the other end for sewing onto dishcloth.

Place dots,
 I pinned mine in place (sorry no photo.)

Sew into place with leftover end,
taking care not to go all the way through the red,
 so the white yarn does not show through the back:

And there you have it...

The front:

The back:
You can also make two and crochet them together for a potholder, if you would like.

This one was a stashbuster.
(That's why there is only one.)
But I have some light blue, green and a little red and white left.
I'm thinking maybe a cherry dishcloth???
Cherries are happy too!

Stay tuned!

Friday, June 26, 2015

CAL Homies Update on Pastel Rose Afghan IV

It is with great pleasure that I present to you
M.L's incredible Granny Rose Afghan:
What a wonderful carnival of color set-off with white!

M.L. emailed these photos along with the sweetest message as follows:

"Hi Astri,
Thank you for your kind words.  I'm usually a knitter but when I happened upon your blog I stopped what I was knitting and ran to get my crochet hook.  My family has decided that it must stay in the family.   I think that I will be making another very soon.  Yes you may post pictures and info. I live in the Garden State NJ.
M.L."
M.L's family is very lucky!
Thank you so much for sharing M.L.!
You are inspiring me to think about a stash-busting version of the
Granny Rose CAL.

What kind of possibilities are you thinking of?

If those possibilities have come to fruition,
then email me and I will feature your project in a post, as well.
Send your link and/or photos to:
astri.bowlin@gmail.com

The steps to make this blanket along with the link to purchase the pattern can be found by clicking on the following links:

or to purchase the pattern go here.

A big warm thank you to all of you that have participated in the CAL
 and another big thank you for purchasing my pattern.


Your projects fill my heart with joy!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

CAL Homies Update on Pastel Rose Afghan III

Hello there,
and happy summer to you all!

It's gone nutsy busy here.
Or maybe it's me that's just simply nutsy!
Hmmmm.....

Well, anyway here are some long overdue photo updates from the lovely
Sandra of the progress on her beautiful afghan!
Not only can Sandra crochet in the most perfect fashion but she is a photographer beyond belief.
If you are interested in a heartwarming flower story
about some real flowers, then her latest post is an absolute must read!


If you would like to make an afghan like this,
the 5 steps can be found by clicking on the following links:


And look at this wonderful wreath that Sandra decorated with the roses
from Step 2 of the CAL.
Another visual delight!!!
So soft and ethereal.

Thank you Sandra!

Stay tuned as I have recently received photos of another granny rose afghan made from stash yarn.
It's amazing!

Friday, June 5, 2015

WEEK 6 - Granny Rose CAL: REVEAL

TADA!

Granny Rose CAL Reveal:
 All done and I'm thinking all the time put into it,
was worth it!

 Please keep in mind that you can
go back at anytime and follow all the steps to make this or a variation of this afghan.

Click on the steps below for a link to each step:

or to purchase the pattern click here

A rare shot of the Granny Rose Afghan from the back:

I hope you all had fun!
It was so good to have you!

Please share you pictures on Instagram: #grannyrosecal
or email them to me and I will post them on this website.
astri.bowlin@gmail.com