Crochet shell thoughts

I´ve been wanting to make these wrist warmers now for some time, but the pattern on the garnstudio / drops design page, esp. the scematic one, was giving me headaches.

I found this video on youtube with very good instructions on making dc shells, and made one piece to learn it, and it came out pretty well, and was easy to understand.

5 dc in shell, 2 chain space, sc (6 chains for a shell)

Comparing it with the picture from garnstudio, the shells do look bigger and more space in between the rows.

I used what I had learnd crocheting along the video, and took a new look at the pattern from garnstudio. Instead of 5 dc to make a shell, they do 9 tr and skip 3 chains not 2. So I made some chains (18) to be able to make 2 shells in a row.

9 tr in shell, 3 chain space, sc (9 chains for a shell)

I think I almost got it now.

Just have to figure out how the V´s are made... any idea?? 

same as above, but in between shell rows, to get the V look, sc in the upper stiches of the shells, then tr,  chain 1, tr into the same loop to build the V and sc in the stiches of the shell top (maybe back loops only is better, so the shells will not get this thicker edge look!)

This time with the written pattern in the back of my mind, I added the "extra rows" you seem to see on the pattern chart.

I definitely like this look better than the prior one.

Next change I did, is that I did crochet the shell stiches (no chain made) the same as before, but in the back loop only, this way the shells look better and the wrist warmers look "fluffier" this way. (I really don´t like wrist warmers that look more lika a cast from the doctor ;)). I finished one already, once you figure it out, it really isn´t hard and pretty fast to crochet. I will add picture soon.

Now I just need to do the second one, but the first one is warm and cozy :) I´m planning on making a loop scarf in the same style too, something like this here on the picture below :)

The funny thing is, on the Drops design page, they write: "Beautiful details, quick to make!"  well the details are beautiful but untill you understand the pattern, it´s not quick to make. But afterwards I guess they are.

Here is the scematic pattern for the shells from Drops design, that is very confusing (my free opinion)

Not just because the sign for tr is on this picture like the one for dc, and whats with all the - - - - - arent those sc?!?! So at first I made chains, and it just didn´t look anything like the picture. It was the first pattern I ever tried to follow. 

I really wish drops design would write what to do in the M.1 part as well, and not just leave this confusing chart.

Update: Both wrist warmers are finished :) After it starts rolling, it really rolls fast.  Pictures will be posted soon. 

Kitty got my key

 Another small project from buddyrumi I ran out of yarn, so my version of the kitty is just her head. The pattern is free and if you klick the link it is yours too :) I didn´t have any bead eyes, but found small yellow buttons for the eyes and added some more details to the face as well. Attached it to the keyring and volà.

Crochet Kitty

I found this pattern for a small kitty on pinterest last night and gave it a try as I was on a small break from my other projects. It's a fast crochet, since you do the body and head in one piece including the ears. Then you just have to make the tail and sew it on.

He reminds me of the icelandic christmas cat (jólakötturinn)

Knitting away - mistake rib scarf

Finished :)

Day One - My first knitting project

Mistake rib scarf with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, (55% Merino, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere yarn) colour 300041, and needles nr. 5. Ball weight is 50g, and length 100 yards or 90 meter.

Pattern is from knitfreedom.com, it´s called mistake rib ´cause it is made in easy 2×2 ribbing (2k, 2p), but the secret is to cast on an uneven number of stitches (a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3, to be exact) so that the knit and purl stitches don’t line up. I am also using the tip I got from the nice wool lady at wawawools in Bexhill on sea (East Sussex), where I bought the yarn and needles at, last year (yes I bought it a year ago, and thought I will have to knit this at last, before the next winter is over ;)) I did start it a couple of times, but my boarders always looked so bad, that I ripped it up again. The trick is to go with your needle in the second and third chain and pull them a little looser and then fasten the first chain (that is always sooo loose and ugly for me) that way you get an even boarder at last. I guess this is a common "new to knitting" problem. If you are ever in Bexhill on sea (near Hastings, UK) that is a shop you should definately go see. 

Now the days are getting colder again and soon winter will come and that´s why I told myself to practice knitting and finish this scarf at last. Now my second ball of yarn is nearly finished, so there is hope that I will finish this scarf this month.

I´m using a 27 cast on and out of one ball of yarn I got around 70cm of scarflength. I got a total of 3 balls, so I hope it´s enough yarn.

The yarn is soft and it´s colour changes depending on the sunlight, it´s a greenish-grey and super soft. 

When I have the desired length I will stitch the end and the beginning of it together forming a loop. That´s why my tail is a bit long. Not sure yet if I will make it a straight loop or with a twist.

I will soon add more pictures and ofcourse a final one around the special neck I am making it for ;)

Update:

Almost finished with the seond yarn ball and it fits around the neck twice now. I will knit some more :)

2 balls of yarn aprox 136cm. After fitting, it was decided to kast off :) Now I need to sew it together and take some pictures. It's soft and cozy. 

ready to go out in the cold