Triple-stitch Mesh Scarf

 [images forthcoming]

Recommended Yarn: Caron Cakes; sample is Vanilla Bean

Yardage: 383 yards

Weight: Worsted #4

Hook: 6.5mm or K

Stitches needed: chain stitch, triple-crochet

Difficulty: simple

 

Instructions:

Chain 43

Foundation Row: Insert needle into fourth chain from hook and triple-crochet (TC). Chain 1, skip one chain, TC in next. Repeat to end (20 TCs, 20 ch-1)

Row 2: Chain four (counts as TC and ch-1), turn. (TC 1, ch-1, skip 1) in ch-1 space; repeat to end.

Repeat Row 2 until desired length or until yarn is gone.

[images forthcoming]

Triple-Crochet tutorial

Wind yarn around hook twice. 

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Insert hook into indicated stitch.

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Pull up one loop, yarn over and pull through two loops.

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Yarn over and pull through two loops.

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Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. 

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Crafting Transparency

 So, I've been thinking about reviving my crafting blog. I haven't knit much since the last posts in this blog (which are... what, seven years ago?) but I have been crocheting a whole bunch. I'm starting to get more requests for commissions again. Interestingly, I've been reconsidering how I charge for projects. 

I got to thinking about it and realized that materials x2 really is absurdly low for hand-made things. I found an app that tracks time in monetary values. I realized that my calculating brain was going into overdrive. 

I'm going to start listing my projects here and assigning prices to them based on a few factors:

• material costs 
• surcharge for difficult yarn
• discount for sustainable yarn
  
• pattern complexity
• workshop time
• swatching
• learning the pattern
• working out illogical factors and mistakes
  
• crafting time
• time taken to crochet or knit
  
• finishing time
• weaving in ends
• assembling pieces
• stuffing 
• attaching buttons or other findings

From these factors, I'll give an asking price and, if it's a commission, a settled price. I feel like this would be useful for other crafters who have questions about how to price their handiwork. 

 

Watch this space!

Wishful Thinking

I've been considering adding a few variety options to the shop.  Currently, I sell Cunning Hats in four sizes.  They are knitted in acrylic yarn (Vanna's Choice, since that's what has the correct colorways).  I'd like to start knitting them in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, a very nice cotton/wool blend that I've been using for my R2-D2 beanies.

My issue is cost.  Right now, to buy Cotton Fleece from most online sellers, it's $8.50-$10.00 a skein.  I can probably make two hats from three skeins, which means $15.00 in materials per hat.  I usually double for my commission, which makes Cunning Hats in cotton/wool at $30.00, plus shipping.  I really hate to charge that much, especially since I don't think they'd sell (my acrylic ones are currently the cheapest on Etsy at $15.00).  Most casual shoppers are more interested in price and appearance over material texture, so the acrylic hats are fine with them.

I would really love to knit a few up to put in the shop, but I can't justify the $30.00 for a "maybe" sale that will probably sit there and expire, rather like ready-to-ship scarves I've had sitting there since January. 

Anyway, what I really want is a place to find Brown Sheep seconds.  I've found a few sellers and those usually go for $4-$6 a skein.  The hard part is finding the right colors.  I need Barn Red, Wild Orange and Gold Dust.  If anyone happens to spot a sale on Cotton Fleece, I'd really appreciate a heads-up. 

Feburary Brainstorming

TMNT
--Beanie with bandana
--Scarf with edge
--Hex-scarf with edge

New Commission!

I've made my first sale on Etsy!  Now, I've had to make a new commission link to my Jayne Cobb "Cunning" hat.  Must admit, I'm very excited about this.

Jayne Cobb's Cunning Hat

January Brainstorming ideas:

FiveFingers-friendly ankle warmers
 - elasticized sock yarn
FiveFingers-sized shoe bags
Figure out a barefoot-style logo in colorworking
Tri-force colorwork
Autobots scarf
Serenity illusion scarf - Donate percentage to http://www.equalitynow.org/
Hooded scarf - 4 braid/double cable; 6 braid/3 braid

Illusion ideas:
--hooded scarf/triforce
--TARDIS 6-window block (new scarf)
--Cactar

Slip-stitch Scarf

Materials:
1 ball Lion Brand Casey (or other DK-weight yarn)
One pair #8 needles

Instructions:

Cast on 32 stitches.

Knit two rows.

Begin pattern stitches:
Row 1: Knit 3, yarn to front and slip purlwise, *knit 2, yarn to front and slip purlwise, repeat from * until last stitch.  Slip last stitch purlwise.
Row 2: Knit 2, yarn to front and slip purlwise, *knit 1, yarn to front and slip purlwise, repeat from * until last stitch.  Slip last stitch purlwise.
Row 3: Knit 3, purl 1, *knit 2, yarn to front and slip purlwise, knit 2, purl 1, repeat from * until last stitch.  Slip last stitch purlwise.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Continue in this pattern until desired length is reached.

Knit two rows.

Bind off.