Lacey Shrug for Girls

Have you ever looked and looked for a pattern but just could not find the right one? Recently I found myself in this situation. My beautiful sister in law is getting married in a couple months, and my sweet 6 year old is going to be one of her flower girls. My daughter is so excited! My problem is she is super tall and thin, meaning we never can get clothes to fit just right! Her dress is adorable, but in order to get the length right it is so wide on her shoulders and mid section. Normally it isn't a huge deal, but the dress is a tank and it causes all sorts of problems on her. I had the idea to make her a little shrug jacket to go with her dress. I absolutely adore shrugs, a short little sweater/jacket not only adds a little bit of modesty but I also think it can add so much personality to an outfit!

Once I decided to make her a shrug I knew right away it needed to be light and airy since the wedding is in July. I chose to go with a cotton yarn since cotton is really breathable and light. Normally I just pick up what yarn I need at our local Walmart, since our nearest crafting store is about an hour away, except in this case our Walmart does not carry any cotton yarn except for Peaches and Creme (which is great for dish cloths and scrubbies, not so much for clothing). I contemplated about buying online, but I like to feel the yarn before I buy, so I made the hour trip to Joann Fabric. I ended up purchasing Bernat Softee Baby Cotton which is a cotton/acrylic blend. Since it is baby yarn, its soft, light weight and great for this project!

So back to finding a pattern. I knew in my head what I wanted her to wear, but was struggling to find a pattern just right. Naturally I searched google images for inspiration, I found a lot of shrugs, but some had aspects I really liked but nothing exactly like I wanted. You know that feeling right? I found several that had the shape I liked, they were the ones with two half circles used for the front panels. This is the direction I chose to go with. So clearly this isn't really a new technic but I didn't follow another's pattern, just went with my own creativity. I had no intentions of even writing this down. I figured it would be a one done sort of project but I was quite please with myself once I finished it, and decided to share a photo in a Facebook crochet group. There was such an overwhelming response from other lovely crocheters, who all wanted a pattern (probably most of you reading this) that I figured I better just write it up as a thank-you for all you kind souls that help boost my confidence in crochet!

Lacey shrug

Size S/M Girls. I made this to fit my 6 year old daughter who normally wears a size 8, but as I mentioned she is quite thin. I used one of her other tops as a guide, which was a size 6x. So I am pretty confident this would fit girls in the 6-8 range. Although, you could easily adapt this pattern to fit other sizes by adding or subtracting increase rows. Eventually I would like to add other sizes and clean this up a little and make it a PDF document on Ravelry.com but for now this will have to do.  Because this is my first garment pattern, please be patient with me.  I didn't intend on writing this up so I'll probably have a few mistakes to correct as I make more, but I wanted to get it out to you all as quickly as I could.

Disclaimer: Constructing a shrug like this is not a new process, and I do not claim that as my idea. I found several images online that looked similar but not exactly what I wanted. I did not follow a pattern but I used Google images for inspiration and this the result. You are welcome to use this pattern to sell the items you make from it, but I do request that you give credit where due. Please do not copy and sell any part of this written pattern. I respectfully ask that instead of printing this page, please continue to visit the page when possible. I would love to continue to blog and offer lots of free patterns, but to make this work I need page visits to show there is an interest. Thank you so much.

This garment is constructed in 5 separate pieces. Back square, 2 front semi-circles, 2 semi-circle cap sleeves. You will have a ch3 at the beginning of each row, but it does not count as the first DC+ch1. To avoid confusion, you will notice that each row ends in a DC+ch1, and then a ch2 on the next row, that is your ch3. Do not omit it, you need that space for the following row.

Supplies:
Bernat Softee Baby Cotton,  3 weight, 4.2 oz/120 g 254 yd. -  1 Skein.   I probably used 2/3.
4 mm G hook.   (I used a Clover hook, this might be useful since I've noticed different brands can slightly vary in size)


Stitch abbreviations in US terms:
ch – chain
dc- Double Crochet
sc- single crochet
MC – Magic Circle
DC+ch1- You will make a double crochet and a chain 1 in the space. Where there are increases, you will work 2 DC+ch1 (DC+ch1, DC+ch1) in the same space.
Sc+ch1 -- single crochet and a chain one.

Front Semi-circles:

Row 1- Form MC Chain 3. Crochet 4 DC+ch1 inside MC.
Work in ch1 spaces.
Row 2- Ch2. Work 2 DC+ch1 in each space. (8)
Row 3 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next space } Repeat around. (12)
Row 4 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 2 spaces } Repeat around. (16)
Row 5 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 3 spaces } Repeat around. (20)
Row 6 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 4 spaces } Repeat around. (24)
Row 7 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 5 spaces } Repeat around. (28)
Row 8 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 6 spaces } Repeat around. (32)
Row 9 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 7 spaces } Repeat around. (36)
Row 10 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 8 spaces } Repeat around. (40)

Back Square:

Chain 43. DC+ch1 in 4th loop from hook, (skip ch., DC+ch1 in next chain) repeat to end. Turn.

For the rest of the pattern, you will be working in the ch1 spaces. You should have 20 DC+ch1 in each row.

Row 2 - row 22:   Ch2. Work DC+ch1 in each chain space.
     Repeat until square is the same length as half circles  Depending on how tightly or loosely you crochet you may make more or less rows.


Cap Sleeves:
Row 1- Form MC Chain 3. Crochet 4 DC+ch1 inside MC.
Work in ch1 spaces.
Row 2- Ch2. Work 2 DC+ch1 in each space. (8)
Row 3 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next space } Repeat around. (12)
Row 4 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 2 spaces } Repeat around. (16)
Row 5 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 3 spaces } Repeat around. (20)
Row 6 – Ch2. Work {2 DC+ch1, DC+ch1 in next 4 spaces } Repeat around. (24)
Row 7 – Ch2. DC+ch1 in each space around. (24)

Construction:  

There isn’t a real right or wrong way to sew this together, but here is what I did.   I lined up the straight edge of one of front semi-circles on the square back.   I used a whip stitch and sewed slightly less than 1”  of the tops together.    Then I sewed from bottom up approximately 2” (it happened to be about 5 rows for me)      Repeat with the other semi-circle.     You have now created your arm holes.   They should be approximately  6.5”.  

The sleeves might be a little trickier, but better if you pin it in place.  Keep in mind that the bottom of the shrug has the longer 2” seam.    The curve of the cap sleeve is the top of the sleeve.  Fold the sleeve semi-circle in half to locate the middle.   Pin the middle to the upper seam (the 1” seam) and around if needed.  Attach the sleeve by whip stitching the curved portion to the top half of the arm hold.   Repeat with other side. 

Once you have all your pieces attached, sew in your ends and move on to the finishing edge. 

Edge:

Attach yarn to edge of arm hole.   Sc+ch1 around the sleeve.   If you notice too much pulling in or making your arm hole too tight, try adding some increases.   This really depends on how tight or loose you crochet.    Repeat on other sleeve.  

Row1-   Attach yarn to bottom of the back piece.   Working in the tops of the DC, work sc+ch1 in each stitch around.  Join with  Sl st.  *NOTE  I chose to do a few decreases along the top to taper it in some because my girl has narrow shoulders.  I don't think it is necessary unless the girl you are making it for also has narrow shoulders.    

Row2-   Working in the tops of the sc:   Ch1 sc in next stitch, chain5, skip 3 ch1 spaces, **sc+ch1 in next sc, sc in next, chain 5, skip 3 ch1 spaces**   repeat ** around.  Join with Sl st.  (   You may end up with extra sc or not enough, just chain less or more to make up the different.   You most likely won’t notice it anyway.  )

Row3 -   SC around, placing 1 sc in the ch1 spaces and, 7 in the chain 5 spaces.   Join with sl st.   weave in ends. 

You can try other edges, or contrasting colors.  I think this pattern will adapt to many ways depending on your style.   Please feel free to comment with questions and I will do my best to answer them.   I normally work on amigurumi or hats, so making a garment, not to mention writing a pattern for one,  is completely new to me.  I hope I was able to make enough sense for you to follow.     

If you make something from this pattern I’d love to see!  You can tag me on Instagram @bsquarecrochet  #bsquarepatterns , or on Facebook Bsquare Crochet.   Thank you again for all your support!   I hope to post again soon! 

Children's Shell Poncho-- Pattern Review

Hey everyone!  I told you I was going to do a write up on the poncho pattern I made recently.   The pattern is from Lorene at Cre8tion Crochet.  If you haven't checked out her site, you definitely need to.   She has so many amazing patterns you can find.    I am no way affiliated with her, I just stumbled on her blog one day while searching google and just fell in love with the beautiful things she creates!

Anyway on to this poncho pattern.  If you are looking to make something that works up super duper fast this is it!   I made both sizes but used different yarns on each one.   The S/M was with the Premier Sweet Roll yarn found from JoAnn.    The L-XL I made using the Lion Brand Mandala yarn that I found at my local Walmart.      

The pattern is cute and girly with the shells.  It was pretty easy to follow although it did take me a few reads the first time around, but once you get going it's really easy.  

The fit seems to be pretty much right on track for these two sizes.   I made the small one for my niece who is a very small 4 year old, but it fit my 2 1/2 year old son who is a little smaller than her. I was able to get through 1 Sweet Roll and a small amount into another roll.  

 


I made the Large for my 6 year old, who is just about 52" tall.  It was a little wide in the neck, but I think loose fits are expected with ponchos.  I used the Mandala yarn which is thinner, its a 3 weight, but did not adjust the hook size, so the stitches were looser and could explain the wider neck. I was really happy with the length, not too frumpy or too small.  For this size I only used 1 cake of the Mandala yarn, and still had some left over that I was able to add for an embellishment.

I added my own flower to give it a little something extra.  I'll post the pattern for that in the next few days.

If you want to make this Children's Shell Poncho visit Cre8tion Crochet to get her FREE pattern!   She also has links to purchase this pattern in Adult sizes!

Thanks for Visiting!   If you have patterns you want me to test and review, leave the links in the comment section!

Happy Crocheting!

Lion Brand Mandala Yarn

Are you curious if the new Lion Brand Mandala Yarn lives up to the hype?     Well I'm here to tell you my thoughts on it!

** Disclaimer, I am in no way affiliated with Lion Brand or Walmart.  I bought the yarn and just want to give you my honest opinion of the product and my experience.

Last week while casually strolling through the yarn isle at our local Walmart (who are we kidding I run straight there), I came across this awesome end cap!   Fellow  "yarnies" have been posting about these for weeks.   I'll be honest, I have been stalking ours for a while, but then I found out that only 500 stores had them.  Being in a very rural area I lost hope of finding any in our store, until last week!  

  

My initial thoughts were " WOW these are bigger than I thought!"   and "Sigh these colors are to DIE FOR!" and "Boy these have been pretty picked through thoroughly already!"   

 I grabbed a few and went home to try them out.    

I knew I needed to make my kids some ponchos after the one I just made for my niece and these would be perfect for them.    Here are the completed projects (I'm going to post a pattern review later on the Shell Poncho from Cre8tion Crochet)

Pattern Credit Cre8tion Crochet - Children's Shell Poncho
Lion Brand Mandala in Pheonix

Pattern, my own.  I'm still debating on writing it up.
Lion Brand Mandala in Spirit

So what are the final thoughts on the yarn?  The cakes have 590 yards to them which was more than enough for the girls poncho, and I only used half on the toddler sized boy poncho.   The Spirit (blue and grey) had some color imperfections where there was light blue specks in the darker colors, it didn't look bad but not what I was hoping for.   I still love the long color changes though, perfect for these ponchos or a blanket.   It is a 3 weight yarn which I don't love. It split easily with my hook if i wasn't paying attention, and when frogging there was a point I was ready to just cut it and take my loss because it snagged so much.   It takes longer to finish a pattern (which I get bored easily if it takes too long) even with a 6.0 mm hook.  It will be nice to wear in spring since it is thinner.   It's pretty soft and I didn't find it scratchy to touch.  The price was less than $5 at my Walmart, although it is more on the Lion Brand website (but you aren't limited on color selection).

Overall I think it was still a great buy.   Not often can you get that much yarn and beautiful colors for that great of of price.   I'm on a SAHM on a budget so I think the price point is what will bring me back to this yarn for future projects.  

Have you used this yarn?    I'd love to see your projects and know your thoughts  :)      Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @Bsquarecrochet or like my page on Facebook 

New Pattern Release!!!

***UPDATE***  This is now is a FREEBIE!   So go add it to your library, eventually I'll post the entire pattern here on the Blog.

I just published another pattern on Ravelry!     You can get it FREE for a limited time with the code
"celebrate".   Promotion ends on Monday February 20 at 12 pm MST.     Click here to get this cute pattern!  

Now that I've let you in on the exciting news, let me tell you about this pattern.    

I love octopus.   I think they are incredible creatures not to mention super cool.  They are equally as cool as a Amigurumi and so cute!  I wanted to make one FAST and did not want any extra parts to make and sew on.   So I came up with these little guys that come together in less than an hour!  Best part is there are NO extra parts to make and sew on (eh hem 8 tentacles!)   My kiddos just adore how little they are and have fun stacking them up and playing with them.  Just the right size for little hands!    

Anyway until my next post...... Crochet on! 

You're the Balm!

Here is one that you can get it done in 20 minutes or less.

The other day I had this fantastic idea for my daughter's teacher for Valentine's Day.   You know those cute lip moisturizers that are round, the EOS lip balm, they would be perfect inside a little Bomb pouch.  I would pair it with a "You're the Balm" card.   So cute and original right?  Wrong?!  Apparently the "You're the Balm" slogan has been done lots of time and I'm not that original.  I still love the saying and this it is adorable for a teacher's gift, so I'm going for it anyway with my own crochet style.  

Materials:

4.5 mm hook
Black yarn, worsted weight
Small amount of yellow yarn
Small amount of orange yarn
1 EOS lip balm

**Do not join rows, this pattern will continue in the round, use stitch markers if needed.

Rd 1: Start with 8 sc inside a Magic Circle (or the ch 2 method)
Rd 2: Crochet 2 SC in each stitch [16]
Rd 3-12:  SC in each stitch [16]
   *You may need to add additional rows if it isn't long enough to cover your Balm.  

At this point I finish off with a long chain of 18 to 20 stitches.  I leave a 2-3 inch tail to attach a pom pom.  Using a darning needle, weave the chain in and out  of row 11 every 3-4 stitches to make the drawstring.  

 I used 2 colors for the pom by wrapping both orange and yellow yarn at the same time around a fork.  Tie a strand of yarn around the middle between the middle prongs and then slide off and cut the loops.  Attach the pom to the end of the chain and cut any long strands.

Create your own card using this image I created.   

I am not affiliated with EOS in anyway. I am a normal consumer and happen to like their product and thought it would be great for this project.

Photos and graphics used in this post are my own, so please do not copy or use them without permission.   You may not copy and paste this pattern in part or whole to post online or share with others without written consent of Brittany Bentley.  You are welcome to sell items from this pattern and use your own photos, I do ask that if you sell online that you credit Bsquare Crochet as the designer and link back to the original pattern.    Thank you! 

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Valentine Hugs! Free Printable!

Need a last minute idea for Valentine's for your child's class?   Well here is a fun one I put together last night, and I'm sharing it with you!    

What you need:

Little Hug Fruit Barrels (box of 20 is less than $3 at my Walmart)
Printer
Free Printable (link at bottom of post)

Cut the strips at apply to the Hugs with tape!  Super quick and easy!

Valentine Hug to You {FREE} printable

Please note:   Please do not reproduce this document in anyway.   By downloading this you are given permission for Personal Use only.   Any other use please get writtenpermission from Brittany Bentley, Bsquare Crochet.  Sharing this post is encourage and please give credit to Bsquare Crochet where due.   Thank you for your support.  

Plaid Hat by Whistle and Ivy

Today is National Flannel Day!!   What is more flannel than a plaid print?  I recently finished the Plaid Slouchy Hat by the very talented Bethany at Whistle & Ivy.    I loved this pattern!    It's really easy and works up quick!

I wanted to share my color alternative with you and tips if you want to add more color variation to it. I just used scraps from my stash.   I used a Black, White, Grey, and 3 shades of green.     Here is the color change pattern I repeated:  

row 1:   Black,  Green 1, Grey
row 2:  Grey, Green 2, White
row 3:  Green1, Green3, Green1

Repeat those 3 rows through the pattern.   Also because I used 6 colors instead of 3 carrying the colors up through the work didn't really work with out causing major tangles, so I cut 2 of the 3 colors each row.  I didn't cut the grey from the first color row because I used it in the next row, and so on.  

This would work with really any colors you want to substitute, but the green is great for St. Patty's day coming up!

Check out all the great plaid projects from Whistle & Ivy HERE!


Crochet on!

Introduction

My name is Brittany and  I'm a wife, a mother, crochet enthusiast and yarn addict.   I am self taught, mostly from videos found on the internet.  I love that I can create almost anything I want or need out of yarn, and find it exciting to come up with patterns.   My kids are still little, 2 and 6, so I get to make all sorts of fun things for them to enjoy, and it makes crocheting even more fun to watch them love the things I make for them.   

I have been debating publishing a blog for quite some time now, over a year.  But have been so nervous to actually do it.  Last week I decided to publish my very first pattern on Ravelry, and had such an amazing and kind response I decided to go for a blog.   I'm starting out small because I'm new at all of this, and need something simple to start out on.  My hope is to share patterns, projects and inspiration for those who love crochet as much as I do.  Maybe you are just starting out, I hope that you'll get some encouragement and maybe I can help you learn something new.  For now, I am choosing to publish most patterns on Ravelry.com.   Some will be paid and some will be free, but each time I release a new pattern I will post it as free for an entire wee, so all my loyal fans get a chance to get it downloaded without cost for limited time.   

Thanks for your support.   I can't wait to share some amazing things with you.  

 

~Brittany

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