Great Sites For Crochet Bikini and Cover-ups That'll Make You Want To Start Hooking

Pinterest is a great place to find patterns for crochet as well as photos that may give you lots of inspiration or motivation to crochet.

Here are some of my favorite bikini pattern and inspiring photo links for bikinis and cover-ups for the beach.

Babyblog    This is  a Russian site and if you translate the page you won't, unfortunately, find a pattern for this suit but it's one the best I've seen and could be great inspiration to make a bikini similar or just like it.
 

Crochet Vs Ethnic: The call of the jungle   Not a pattern either but I really like the use of a lacy poncho over a crocheted suit for the beach or desert.  Only thing is, I wonder what my tan would look like if I wore a poncho like this all day.  

Kool Bikini Dot Com This item, the "Hand Crochet Bikini Cover-up" sells on KOOL Bikini site for $28.  Looking at it I am pretty sure anyone who knows how to crochet could probably make this look the same (or darn close to) the one you see below.  If anyone requests, I can try to come up with a very similar pattern (I don't want to infringe on anyone's copyright).  I chose this as a great site because it has tons of inspirational photos for an experienced crocheter to get ideas from.  

I chose this photo in particular because this skirt has lacing up the sides that are not just a fashion statement but they are functional and can be adjusted for nearly any body type.
  ( I also chose it selfishly for myself because it's the perfect cover-up to hide my old age sagging skin when I wear a swim suit, heh heh)

Revolve Clothing   lists the unikini (uni-kini) they call "The Throwback Crochet Swimsuit" for $175 and they are currently out of stock for this item.  Does that motivate you to pick up a hook??  Does me!  In fact I'm modifying a previously posted bikini top to something like the one pictured below but I'm "winging it" and didn't write a pattern for it.  It would be fairly easy for someone with crochet experience to use one of my bikini top patterns (find them by using the search box for this blog at the top right of any post) and then to add the bodice (between panties and top) and attach it to a bottom.  

You could even attach the top-bodice ensemble to a pair of swim suit or bikini bottoms you already own (fabric!) by embroidering a blanket stitch (click here to view tutorial on wikiHow) around the top edge of the bikini bottoms (this makes a loop for you to insert crochet stitches into). Then you are able to attach your crocheting to your fabric bikini bottoms (or a skirted bottom if you prefer) by using any of the smaller common crochet stitches such as a slip stitch or single crochet depending on the look you want to achieve.  A half double crochet might be a bit chunky depending on the size of your yarn or thread but would prove to be more sturdy than the other two stitches I mentioned.

Ok, that's it for now I realize there aren't that many on this list but I'll continue to post similar photos with links and I'll find some great sites or blogs that actually have patterns for you as well.  

I hope you've been charmed or inspired or motivated to begin a bikini or swim suit of your own.

Bye for now, God bless you and yours.

~ Cynthia 

Crochet Pattern: Delicate Flower Motif

Delicate Flower Motif: Free Crochet Pattern
copyright 2012 by Cynthia J Luciene aka anitalite

Finished Size Larger Motif:  2 7/8"
Finished Size Smaller Motif:  1 1/4"

Materials:
size 10 thread in colors of your choice. I used pink for the color A and green for the color B.
size 6 steel crochet hook
large eyed needle for weaving in ends

Special Stitches:
TrTrCluster; (following ch 4) yo twice, insert hook into next st, yo, draw through st, (yo, draw through two loops) twice, *yo twice, insert hook into same stitch, yo, draw through stitch, (yo, draw through 2 loops on hook) twice, repeat from * once more, yo, draw through all 4 loops on hook. TrTrCluster made.
(It's easier than it sounds)
Tri-picot: (ch3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook)3 times, sl st into top loop and front post of sc just worked (previous to tri-picot) to close picot.

Instructions:

Using color A (pink), ch 7, join with sl st to form ring
Round 1: ch 1, 16 sc inside ring, join to first sc with sl st
Round 2:  ch 1, sc in same st; *ch 4, TrTrCluster in next st, ch 4, sc in next stitch; repeat from * 8 times; after last ch 4, sl st to beg sc to join.
Fasten off, weave in ends with large-eyed needle

Attach color B (green) at top of any petal with sc, (ch 7, sc in top of next petal) 8 times - at last ch 7, sl st into top of first sc to join.
Round 2: sl st into ch 7 loop, ch 1, (12 sc inside ch 7 loop) 8 times.
Round 3: sl st in next two sc (first two sc of next 12 sc group) ch 1, *sc in next 4 sc, tri-picot, sc in next 4 sc, ch 4, skip 4 sc (last 2 of same 12 sc group, first 2 of next 12 sc group); repeat from * around, ending with sl st into first sc made of this round.
Fasten off, weave in ends.

Space filler motif: (smaller motif - optional)

 With color A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.
Round 1: 8 sc inside ring, join with sl st
 Round 2: ch 1, sc in same as ch 1, *ch 2, dc-cluster in next st, ch 2, sc in next; repeat from * around, ending with sl st in first sc made.  Fasten off, weave in ends.
Attach color B to top of any petal with sc
Round 1: *ch 5, sc in next sc, ch 5, sc in top of next petal; repeat from * around (8 ch 5 loops); join last ch 5 to first sc with sl st
Round 2: sl st into next ch 5 loop, 6 sc in each ch 5 loop around, sl st to first sc to join
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Use this smaller motif to fill in spaces as you sew work together, if desired, depending on how you choose to put the larger motifs together.  It can be done in several ways, experiment and see which way you like best:

Crochet Pattern: Snapdragon Bag

Free Crochet Pattern:

Snapdragon Bag
by Cynthia J Luciene aka anitalite copyright July 5, 2012
Please link to this page to distribute this pattern.  It may not be sold by you, however,  you may sell whatever you make using this pattern.

With worsted weight yarn and a "J" size hook, ch 32
Round 1:  sc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, making a total of 5 sc in end ch, turn clockwise and working in the unused loops of beginning chs, sc in each ch across, work 4 sc in end ch and sl st to 1st sc to join. (38 sc total)
Round 2: ch 1, sc in each sc up to last two sc on same side.  2 sc in next-to-last and end sc (middle sc of 5 sc group from prev round) then still working in the round, sc in rem sc to last two.  2 sc in next-to-last and 2 sc in end sc as mentioned prev. sl st to 1st sc to join. (42 sc)
Rounds 3 and on:  Continue same as Round 2 until there are 80 sc all the way around once.
(Continue to work in the round for the following rows:)
Round 6:  ch 5, dc in same st as ch 3 (beg v-stitch made), *skip 2 st. 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 st, v-stitch in next st; repeat from * around until last v-stitch then skip 2 st, shell in next, join to top of ch 3 with sl st to join.
Round 7:  sl st into next ch 2 space (middle of v-st), ch 3, 4 dc in same ch 2 sp (beg shell made), *v-stitch in middle dc of next shell, shell in next v-st - continue around from * until last shell then v-st in middle dc of next shell, join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 to join.
Rounds 8 and on:
Continue following stitch pattern in order Rounds 6 and 7 until bag is desired size.  (For the bag shown, 10 rounds of the snapdragon stitch pattern were used.)
Fasten off, weave in ends. 

For Handles As Shown:
(Of course you can use any handle you prefer, I thought fancy cording would also work well with this bag, I just didn't happen to have any on hand.)

Attach (with a sl st leaving a long - 10 " tail) worsted weight yarn to either side where you'd like the handle to be placed.  ch 3, dc in same stitch as ch 3, ch 2, 2 dc in SAME stitch. turn.
Row 2: sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch2 sp; turn.
Rows 3 and on:  repeat row 2 until desired length is achieved.  If you want the open shells in the handle to all face upward instead of having one side of the handle with shell st up and then going down on the opposite side, just make your handle half as long as you really want it and then fasten off.  Attach to opposite side in the manner stated at the beginning of handle instructions and follow the directions from there.  When both sides of your handle are even just slip st together the ends that meet in the middle.  I used a longer tail than I normally do so I'd have plenty of yarn to weave in, assuring the handle won't pull apart with weight inside the bag as it's being used.

 Closure: 
I simply attached the worsted weight yarn to the middle-est stitch of the bag and made a ch long enough to go around an old vintage button I had from one of my mother's old coats.  Then I back-tracked on the ch with sc all the way to where I attached it.  I did use a bit extra of a tail here too, to ensure it wouldn't unravel with use.  This tail was about 10" long as well.  (Probably a bit overkill but better safe than sorry, right?)

Hope the directions are okay.  If you have any questions please comment below and I'll get back to you asap.  Thanks and have a wonderful day and fun making this bag.  I found it to work up quickly and the snapdragon stitch gives it a very fancy look without  being a complicated stitch pattern.  I am very happy with the results, are you?

God bless you and yours.  God bless America

Crochet Pattern: Beaded Scallop Earrings

Here's a free crochet pattern for my beaded scallop earrings.  It's been a while since I've made jewelry with thread and beads, this pattern is very easy and satisfying.  You can whip up a pair of these earrings in an hour or less!  I've gotten lots of compliments on them, I'm sure you will too.  They'd also make a great gift for a special friend, just because.

Beaded Scallop Earrings

by Cynthia J Luciene copyright April 2012
You may share this pattern freely using the link to this post, and you may sell anything you make using this pattern.  You may not, however, sell this pattern in any way or form.  Thank you for respecting the copyright and for giving credit where credit is due.

Materials:

Remnant of crochet thread size 10; two yards per earring should be plenty

7 small crystals or beads, 

1 larger bead or crystal (see photos)

1 pair of hoop earrings, approximately 1 1/8" in diameter

Size 6 steel crochet hook

Instructions 

(Note: for help "casting" onto hoop earring with a sc, please see tutorial HERE.  There is a photo tutorial at the bottom of the post at that link).

Before beginning, thread beads or crystals onto size 10 crochet thread in the following order, for each earring:

5 small, 1 large, 2 small  repeat this order for the second earring.  Now you have a total of 16 beads or crystals strung onto thread.

Begin: "Cast onto" hoop beginning with a slip stitch.  (see the tutorial mentioned in Note: above)

Row 1:  12 sc onto hoop;

Row 2: ch 1 turn, working into front loops only, sl st into first sc, Beaded HDC in next, sl st in next, HDC in next, dc, in next (beaded TRC, beaded picot, beaded TRC) all in next st, dc in next, HDC in next, sl st in next, beaded HDC in next, slip stitch in rem st.

Row 3: TURN, ch 3, beaded ch, ch 3, sc into next dc (just before beaded trc), ch 6, beaded ch, ch 6, sc into next dc (just after second beaded trc), ch 3, beaded ch, ch 3, sl st into last st of row 2.

Row 4: ch 1, turn; 4sc, ch 3 past bead, 4 sc on other side of bead (all in the ch 3-beaded ch-ch3 loop); in next ch sp: 2 sc, picot, 5 sc before next bead, ch 3 over bead, 5 sc, picot, 2 sc in ch sp after bead; 4 sc in ch sp before next bead, ch 3 over bead, 4 sc in ch sp after bead.  Join to Row 3 with sl st.

Fasten off weave in ends, repeat for second earring NOTE when making second earring, hold hoop in opposite direction you held your hoop the first time so you'll have one earring for each ear and not two right earrings two lefties - OR you can just pop the crystals or beads through to the other side, it's real easy to do that.

...On my jewelry tree, they fit right in.  ;-)


 Note:  My laptop got dropped ;-( and the screen broke so I'm not able to make a PDF file for this pattern as yet.  I ordered a laptop this morning and ought to be getting it very soon in which case I'll make a PDF file for easy printing, without all the gobbly-goop photos to soak up your printer ink.  ;-) 

Crochet Update: Mandala Throw: Finished!

For the past couple of weeks I've been working on the Blue Mandala Throw by Sharon Mullett Bowlsby as found in Crochet World magazine June 2011 issue.  (The link will open in a new window and is the link that will allow you to purchase the back issue of Crochet World magazine for $5.99).  The issue has many wonderful patterns in it so the purchase price of $5.99 is well worth the price and the link has a PDF download option so you can get your issue immediately upon purchase which I find not only convenient but necessary!  I just hate having to wait for something to come in the mail, don't you?  lol

Here's a photo of what the pattern's throw looks like:

I enjoyed working this pattern because I didn't have to keep referring back to the pattern for each round - once the initial round was done I could do the following rounds in the set on my own until the next set of rounds came due, so rounds 5-25 were done on my own (without the pattern in my hand!) and then rounds 28-50 the same way, without the pattern right in front of me.  It made the project go along real easily and also easy to carry around with me wherever I went with it.  Being a throw, not as big as an afghan, made it okay to bring along as well.

Here's some shots of my project from beginning to end.  I used Premier Everyday Soft Worsted for mine because of it's anti-piling, softness, and beautiful color combinations.  My little Chihuahua Baby wouldn't get off the throw for me to take photos so he's in some of them, the little stinker.  lol.

Why this is sideways I have no freaking clue!  lol

  

 

This color yarn is called Mint Chocolate Chip, YUM!  It's got lovely pink, brown, and greens in it.

Moving right along, rounds 5-25 coming along nicely.  It started to bunch up though, like there were too many stitches in the rounds but it all worked out nicely in the end so if you work the pattern just keep on keeping on in spite of the bunching.  You'll like the results in the end.

Just beginning rounds 28-50 now, the bunching has started to "mellow out" and the star is coming together.  I love the way this ombre yarn colors are patterned out in this project.  Seeing it in person really is best though, the camera (the camera operator!) doesn't do it justice. 

Just a bird's eye view of the same stage in the pattern as the one above...

Finally, my finished Mandala throw!  I love it, and can't wait to give it to my sister tomorrow.  Green is her favorite color and this has plenty of green in it as well as my favorite color, pink, in a subtle way as if to say we are always together.

The border was a bit tricky at first but after I figured it out and corrected a few mistakes in the written pattern, I didn't have any trouble with it.  It's an unusual border that I would like to add to another afghan or even washcloth of my  own someday.  For pattern correction, please see my notes on Ravelry.com for this project.  (link will take you to my project page on Ravelry)

Well, that's it!  What do you think?  It's the first afghan/throw that didn't take me more than a year to finish!  lol.  (Note my son's afghan took me 12 years to finish!!! lol)

Okaaaaayyy!!! One more photo of my throw and my ham bone puppy dog!  Ha ha ha.  Couldn't help myself.

Crochet Motifs: Putting It All Together

If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

Benjamin Franklin US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

I've always wanted to crochet a top or skirt or handbag using motifs so I picked a motif pattern from a Japanese book I have called 300 crochet motif, edging.  I thought "This is going to be fun and easy and is going to look gorgeous."   An investment in knowledge would have been the better way to go, but not me.  I think I know what I'm doing.  Ha.

Let me tell you, it's not as easy as it looks!  Making the motifs was easy enough and went along quickly.  As soon as I had enough - or what I thought was enough - motifs to make a handbag with, I started sewing them together. 

This is what I ended up with because I didn't have a good plan in mind to begin with....

I mean, YIKES!  So I went on a search on the internet to see if I could find a pattern for putting all these together without having to ruin what I've already started....

I found several patterns that would accommodate what I already had laid out and sewn together...

This one looks very similar to what I had going so I'm working on following the lay out that was pictured on this blog:
Stitch And Chat. 

I've learned a lesson by all this, that I can't just crochet and expect everything to turn out easily.  I have to have a plan in mind besides just picturing something in my head.  I think in the future I'll make paper motifs and put them together first, making a pattern outline for my crocheted motifs.  Taking out the stitching after motifs were already sewn together was very difficult and nerve wracking.  I was fearful I would cut the wrong thread of yarn and ruin a motif or two.  A few times I pulled on the wrong loop when trying to take out a stitch and had to work the yarn back into the motif so it wouldn't hang like a dead leaf about to fall off a tree. 

I'm going to finish this bag, even if it kills me and it might do just that.  lol.  It's been a headache but once I'm done with this one I'll be able to make the next one (for my daughter) in no time at all.  I found crocheting the motifs was fun and easy and went along very quickly.  I'm really looking forward to the next motif bag because I know what I need to do now.  **take the time to check a pattern before just sewing motifs together and hoping I'm doing it right**  duh.

Will post the finished product as soon as I'm done (which at this rate could be in a year or so!  lol)

Crochet Pattern: Favorite Beanie For A Lady

Of all the hats I've made I think I like this one the best.  It's fast and easy to make if you already know how to do the cross stitch.  If you don't know how to make a cross stitch there are several video tutorials on Youtube but you ought to be able to figure it out from the written directions below.

If you haven't already guessed, the cross stitch is one of my favorite stitches to add a lacy, textured effect to my projects.  It works well with ombre and solid yarn colors, and can be substituted for other stitches in almost any pattern you might be following.

For this beanie I used the cross stitch to give it a more lacy, lady-like effect and it looks marvelous on.  It can be worn as most beanies are,

or the bottom can be turned up to make a cuff so more of your hair shows and giving the beanie an entirely different look.

Good Beanie, Bad Photography, Really Bad Hair

Pattern For Favorite Beanie:
(Note:  beg ch 3 of each round counts as a dc)

Using an H hook and worsted weight yarn (I use Painted by Red Heart - it's a pleasantly soft yarn in beautiful colors that my photographs do not do justice)

ch 5, join with sl st to fifth ch from hook to form ring
Round 1:  ch 3, 11 dc inside ring, join w/ sl st to top of beg ch 3 (12 dc)
Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around, join to top of beg ch 3 with sl st (24 dc)
Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st as joining, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) repeat ( ) around, join to top of beg ch 3 with sl st (36 dc)
Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st as joining, dc in next 2 st, (2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 2 st); repeat ( ) around, join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (48 dc)
Round 5: ch 3, dc in same st as joining, dc in next 3 st, (2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st) repeat ( ) around, join to top of beg ch 3 w/ sl st (60 dc)
Round 6: ch 3, dc in same st as joining, dc in next 4 st, (2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 4 st) repeat ( ) around, join to top of beg ch 3 w/ sl st (72 dc)
Round 7 - 10: ch 3, (dc in next st ) around, join to top of beg ch 3 w/ sl st (72 dc)
Round 11:  ch 3, (skip 2 st, tr in next, ch 1, tr in first skipped st)  repeat around, skipping last st and sl st into top of beg ch 3 to join.
Round 12: ch 3, dc in each tr and ch 1 sp around, sl st into top of beg ch 3 to join.
Round 13-16: repeat rounds 11-12 respectively

Round 17-18: ch 1, sc in each st around, join to first sc with sl st
Fasten off, weave in ends, enjoy!

Cross Stitch Up Close

When making the cross stitch, hold the stitches on the hook together as you're yo and drawing through, that way your stitches won't become super elongated when back tracking to the previous skipped stitches (the cross over stitch that makes the X).  Also, be careful about which tutorial videos you watch for this stitch.  Here's one that is for a dc cross stitch but it's done correctly with the same idea in mind.  With a dc cross stitch you use a dc instead of a tr and skip 1 stitch rather than 2.  I prefer the tr cross stitch, it's a much more dramatic effect and being the drama queen that I am, well, you get the idea.  heh, heh.

Crochet News: Snowflakes In The Works

 I found a beautiful snowflake pattern, well, actually two very similar patterns for snowflakes, in an old Crochet World magazine (12-2008 issue).  Since Christmas is coming faster than I am ever ready for, I decided to start my Christmas crocheting for decorations and gifts.

I haven't starched this yet, I'll wait till I have three or four snowflakes and do them all at once.  I just hate cleaning up anything at all so starching each one as I go along is something I wouldn't even consider.  heh, heh. 

The original pattern (which you may be able to get in the Dec. 2008 issue of Crochet World at your local public library, I'm thinking) did not call for beads but I am a lover of crystals and added them on my own:
Before I started this snowflake I counted the picots around the perimeter of the flake and noticing the group of three and then the single picot in between the 3-picots groups, I strung the crystals as follows:
(One tear drop, three small diamond shaped) six times.  I added the crystals to my stitches in the third ch of each picot so it would come out at the tip of each picot.
It'll be interesting to see if the starch I use will hold the crystals up properly.  I'll let you know about that after I block and starch it.

Sorry to bring up Christmas so soon, I can't help but wonder what everyone is making for gifts this year?  I have so many people to make gifts for I'd better get on the ball!

Crochet News: Free Pattern; Toddler Ballet Beret

When I missed my great-niece's third birthday party I felt so sad I had to do something constructive and creative to make myself feel better and to give my little niece a handmade gift by Great Aunt Cyndi.  (Emphasize the GREAT!  j/k)

Since Emma wants to be a ballerina (along with my grand daughter Madison and about every other  toddler out there!) I decided to make her a pair of ballet leg warmers (pattern coming soon!) and this little beret to match the leg warmers.  Winter IS coming, it's just around the corner and that means CHRISTMAS! (Let me be the  first to be so mean as to remind you how close Christmas really is, especially if you hand make all your gifts.)

Here's the pattern for the beret, as I said a leg warmer pattern to match is on it's way.

Make It In A Day:
Crochet Toddler Ballet Beret
copyright 2011
by Cynthia J Luciene

PDF download for this pattern is here
*Note:  You don't have to download the file, it is possible to just open it to view using Adobe Acrobat Reader.   (Choose the "view" option when the download  window pops up)
The file is hosted by Mediafire which has turned out to be a very reliable and stable file host for me...  And it's free, you don't have to register to download my files.

Have fun, send photos of your completed Ballet Beret projects to me HERE 

I can't wait to see my little great-niece wearing her beret and leg warmers with the ballet dress and tutu my mother got her for her birthday this year!

Crochet News: Bikini Top Pattern Finally Here

Finally, now that summer is almost over, I finished writing the pattern for the lacy bikini top, what I call Booby Traps.  heh, heh.  I'm trying to think of what to call the bottoms?  Butt hatches?  Not.  I dunno.  Anyway, here's the pattern for free, for the yellow top by request.

As I said in an earlier post, I don't recommend wearing the top like this, with a tee shirt underneath but I'm too bashful to show anymore skin than you see here.  heh heh.


(pattern is also available free of charge as a PDF download on HERE)


Please link to this page when sharing this pattern, thank you.











Lacy Bikini Top Pattern
aka
Boobie Traps
crochet
copyright 2011 by Cynthia J Luciene
You may share this pattern but you may not sell it.
You can however, sell anything you make using this pattern.

Materials:
1 Ball (less than 1) 100 % cotton crochet thread size 3 (I like Aunt Lydia's Fashion Crochet or Royale Fashion Crochet Thread because it has a nice sheen)
Size F hook

NOTE: Work in U-shaped rows
Terms: sc ; single crochet
dc; double crochet
ch; chain
dc group; 2 dc worked in same stitch
st; stitch
rem; remaining
Instructions: (Make 2)
ch 14
Row 1: sc in 3rd ch from hook and in next 11 chs across. 3 sc in 12th ch (end), turning work 90 degrees,
sc in each of the unused loops from beginning ch 14. ch 1, turn. (25 sc total in u-shape)
Row 2: 1 sc in each of next 12 st, 3 sc in next (middle of 3sc group in end), sc in each 12 rem st. ch 1,
turn. (27 sc)
Row 3: sc in next 13 st, 3 sc in end sc; sc in rem 13 st (29 sc) ch 1, turn
Row 4: sc in next 14 st, 3 sc in end sc; sc in rem 14 st (31 sc) ch1, turn
Row 5: ch 2 more, dc in same st as ch 3 – dc group made - , (skip 1 st, 2 dc in next – dc group made - )
repeat 14 times, dc in last st, ch 3, turn.
Row 6: (2 dc between dc in next dc group) 7 times, 2 dc in next space between dc group just worked
and next 2 dc group, 2 dc between next 2 dc, (2 dc between dc of next dc group) 7 times, 2 dc between
last stitch and turning ch 3. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7: sc between first 2 dc, (ch 3, sc between dc of next dc group) repeat around: 17 ch 3 loops. Ch
1. turn.
Row 8: sc in first ch 3 loop, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 loop) 17 times. Ch 3, turn.
Row 9: sc in first ch 3 loop, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 loop) 16 times. Ch 1, turn.
Row 10: sc in first ch 3 loop, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 loop) 16 times. Ch 1, turn. (16 ch 3 loops)
Row 11: 3 sc in first ch 3 loop and in each ch 3 loop around.
Turn work so you can make following row using ends of rows 1-11.
(This will be the bottom edge of cup)
Row 12: ch 3, work 29 dc evenly across the ends of rows 1-11. Turn.
Row 13: ch 4 -counts as 1 dc plus ch 1- skip 1 st, dc in next, (ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next) across (14 dc
and ch 1 spaces) (This makes a “casing” for the tie that goes underneath the boobies.)
Row 14: ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, sc in next ch1 space, (sc in next dc, sc in next ch1 space) 13 more
times across, sc in top of turning ch. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Ties
Measure your midriff and make a chain that long plus enough to make a secure bow tie in the middle of
your back. Everyone's trunks are different sizes, it's best to figure this part out yourself and to how
long you prefer the tie in back. I made mine quite long, which irritated me because the ends of the ties
tickled the small of my back. If they were too short the tie in back could come undone easily and then
your boobies would no longer be trapped! Yikes!
Once you've got a chain the length appropriate for you and before you weave the ends in, string one
end (single strand at end of your chain) into a yarn needle and use that to weave the chain length in and
out of the “casing” you made in Row 13.
Neck Ties:
Find the middle of Row 11 at the top of the cup (rounded side). This ought to be the space between 2
of the 3-sc groups.
Attach crochet thread with a slip stitch, ch 1, sc in same space and start chaining until you get a
satisfactory length to suit you.
Make a long enough chain that will reach from the top of the bikini cup, reach the middle of your neck,
and have enough to make a secure bow tie at nape of neck. I tried very hard to count how many chains
it took but was not able to keep track of my stitches, I am sorry. That's the way things are in my house,
lots of interruptions and needy humans and animals.
Repeat instructions above for other cup.
Weave in ends and you're done. Now you just have to be coordinated enough to get those ties tied
without help. Good luck. I found by putting the top on backwards, with the cups in back first, and
tying the bow for the middle of my back, turning the top around, placing the traps (cups) where they
should be, (and placing my boobies where they should be!) then I pulled the neck ties up and tied a
bow at the nape of my neck. Whew!
Enjoy your Boobie Traps! It is easy to make this bikini top larger (I”m SO jealous!) by adding rows
after row 11. Just keep working the chain 3 loops around in a u-shape as you'd been doing and you will
do fine. If you have questions about this pattern or any other I have posted on my blogsite, you can email me  HERE

Crochet News:: A Great Site For Free Patterns

I stumbled upon another great website for free crochet patterns, a site I don't see listed in everyone's "favorite links" list on their blogs. It's Berocco.com, and has crochet and knitting patterns for free or booklets for purchase, a wide variety of absolutely gorgeous yarns to choose from in brilliant, dazzling color schemes.

One particular pattern that is included in one of the booklets for purchase, struck me as not only beautiful but unusual. A feminine scarf, lacy and flowery and is nice enough that anyone would love to receive it as a gift (I'm thinking Christmas but it would make a nice gift any time of year if you live by the beach in California that is. )

I do love scarves and am always looking for interesting and beautiful scarf patterns that look like they would be fun to make, not just the tedious dc across every row. A pattern like that is difficult for me to finish because I get so dang bored with it. heh. heh.

I'm definitely going to add this scarf to my que and probably a few more (if not many more) from the Berroco crochet pattern directory and I'll definitely be purchasing some of the crochet pattern books Berocco has for purchase.

Let me know if you've made any of Berocco's patterns, if you've used any of their yarns, etc. in the comments below. Have a great crochet day.

Signing off with a new handle (not another one! ) changed to The Mad Hooker! (That would be the crazy mad, not the angry mad. )

Cynthia

Crochet News: I'm Actually Blocking My Project!

Can you believe this?  I am actually blocking and starching (is that being redundant?) my snowflakes.  Well, one snowflake anyway:

I just finished crocheting Snowflake 41 from the Big Book Of Thread Ornaments

I strung tiny red beads onto my crochet thread before I started the snowflake and added them as I went along wherever I felt like.  Midway into crocheting and beading I had the thought that the beads could possibly weight down the ornament, making it droop when hung on the tree.  (I have no experience with this so bear with me).
I added many beads to the middle and less as I went along and actually like how it turned out.

Following the instructions I've read on many a crochet blog or craft web site, I:

• soaked my snowflake in fabric starch (100% strength for maximum stiffness)
• squeezed out the excess starch
• laid the snowflake flat on some paper towels and rolled it up to get a bit more of the extra starch out
• placed waxed paper on top of a sturdy cardboard box lid
• used nickel plated pins to shape and hold the snowflake
• waited
• and waited 
• and waited for the dang thing to dry!  
• ate dinner
• went to bed
• woke up in the morning
• waited for the starch to dry
• decided the old saying "watched water doesn't boil" is TOO true
• started working on a completely different project knowing that if I forgot about this one completely it would magically and suddenly dry when I wasn't looking
• realized I was right about the last bullet-ed step above
• forgot what I was doing and started pattern browsing

When I remember what I was blogging about in this post I'll let you know how it turned out.
Signing off to pattern browse some more and try to remember what the heck I forgot about and to practice being a serious grown-up, a discipline I never mastered, thank goodness.

UPDATE:
Here's the finished, almost dry product of all that waiting and wondering and worrying...

This last photo was taken before the snowflake was dry after starching.  For a follow up on my first block and starch project, see next newer post....

Crochet Pattern - Sunny Snowflake

For ease in printing this pattern or others I've posted,  or elsewhere on the web, here's a comment Viola left on one of my patterns that may help you:

"...As for the printing, if you do a "print preview" first, you can select only the pattern pages. I just tried it and the print is small, but nothing in the pattern was cut off...."
(signed),
Viola's Hook
----
Thank you Viola!
-----


Sunny Snowflake Ornament


Small amount size 10 crochet thread (Aunt Lydia's or other)
Size 10 steel crochet hook,
Size 7 steel crochet hook
Small beads, optional


I already had some beads on my thread and used what I had (6 beads) for this project, kind of by accident.  Beads are optional, you can place them anywhere you like while working along to give your sunny snowflake some shine.




String desired number of beads before beginning work.


With size 10 hook, ch 2


Round 1:  (sc, ch1) inside second chain from hook 6 times.  Join with sl st to first sc.  (total 6 sc, 6 ch1)

Round 2:  ch 4, dc in first st, *ch 1, dc in next st; repeat from * around, ending round with ch 1, sl st into third ch of beg ch 4 (top of ch dc)

Round 3:  ch 6. * tr in next ch 1 space, ch 3, repeat from * around, ending with tr in last ch 1 space, ch 3, sl st into third ch of beg ch 6 to join

Round 4: ch 1, * sc, hdc, sc in first ch 3 space and in each ch 3 space around, join with sl st to first sc this round.

Round 5: Use size 7 hook for this round! sl st to first hdc;  *sc in hdc, ch 3,   tr in next st, ch 3, skip 1 st,  sc in next, ch 3; repeat from * around and join with sl st to first sc and fasten off.

Weave in ends, block and starch as desired, attach red or white ribbon and hang!
In case you didn't click the previous link "starch as desired", it is a link that will take you to Crafters Love Crafts site page that tells several different ways to stiffen your crochet projects including instructions for using liquid starch or fabric glue (recommended), spray starch, sugar (low recommend), salt, etc.

Crochet Snow Flower Ornament Pattern

For ease in printing this pattern or others I've posted,  or elsewhere on the web, here's a comment Viola left on one of my patterns that may help you:

"...As for the printing, if you do a "print preview" first, you can select only the pattern pages. I just tried it and the print is small, but nothing in the pattern was cut off...."
(signed),
Viola's Hook
----
Thank you Viola!
----


Crochet Snow Flower Pattern by anitalite
copyright 2010 Cynthia Luciene
For personal use only.  You may sell your work but not this pattern.


Size 10 crochet thread
Size 11 steel crochet hook


chain 6, join with sl st to form ring


Round 1:  14 sc inside ring, join to first sc with sl st


Round 2: ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, 1 ch) ;  *dc in next st, ch 1; Repeat from * around, join to third ch made in beg of this round with sl st (14 dc, 14 ch 1 spaces)


Round 3:   *ch 3, sc in next ch 1 space ; Repeat from * around until last sc made then ch 3, join with sl st to beg ch of this round.



Round 4: sl st to first ch 3 space, * (ch 4, 2 tr, ch 4, sl st into same ch 3 sp) all in first ch 3 space; ch 1, sl st into next ch 3 space, triple picot (ch 3, sl st into first ch made), sl st into same ch 3 space, ch 1, sl st into next ch 3 space; Repeat from * around, join to first sl st made with sl st,


Round 5: sl st into middle of next picot, * ch 7, tr between next 2 tr, picot, sl st into top of tr just made, ch 7, sc into top of next picot, ch 7, tr between next 3 tr, picot, sl st into top of tr just made, ch 7 ; Repeat from * around, joining to first sl st in picot made this round.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Block and starch as desired.  Go to Crafters Love Crafts site to learn how to stiffen your crochet snowflakes.


Attach hanger to use as ornaments or hang on suction cups to use for window decorations.

Beaded Pineapple Crochet Earrings Pattern

I used different lighting for this photo in an attempt to get the beading to show up better.  I am not entirely sure it does but it gives you a slightly different perspective on them.









Note:
For ease in printing this pattern or others I've posted,  or elsewhere on the web, here's a comment Viola left on one of my patterns that may help you:

"...As for the printing, if you do a "print preview" first, you can select only the pattern pages. I just tried it and the print is small, but nothing in the pattern was cut off...."
(signed),
Viola's Hook
----
Thank you Viola!



Beaded Pineapple Crochet Earrings Free Pattern
copyright Aug. 2010 by Cynthia aka anitalite

Materials
size 10 crochet thread
size 10 steel crochet hook
40 small glass beads the thread is willing to string through. (optional)
2 post earrings or 2 earring hooks for dangle

Special Instructions:
Bead tr:  work tr as follows:  YO twice, insert hook into st, YO, draw through two loops on hook twice, slide bead up and work into very last YO before drawing through last two loops on hook.

Bead sc :  slide a bead up and add to your stich during the YO after inserting your hook

Bead ch:  slide a bead up and add to your stitch during the YO of the chain

Pull beaded stitches tight so beads will stay in place and not travel.

Gauge: 
Gauge for this pattern not very important but keeping tension "firm" or slightly tight will keep the stitches neat and uniform.  A loose gauge is okay too, the earrings appear even more lacy.  Have fun, experiment to get the look you desire.

Begin by stringing 40 glass beads onto crochet thread.
(You'll only need 19 for each earring but I always add an extra or two, just to be safe.)

ch 5, dc in fifth chain from hook to form ring.

Row 1:  ch 4, sliding bead up and work into 4th ch; (counts as 1 bead tr)  bead tr X 6  (total 7 bead tr)

Row 2: ch 4, (counts as dc + 1 ch)  (dc in next  bead tr, ch 1) across, dc in top of ch 4 from previous row.

Row 3: turn, ch 3, skip first ch 1 space, (bead sc in next ch 1 space, ch 3) X 6

Row 4: turn, sl st in first ch 3 space, ch 1, sc in same space; (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 space) across

Row 5: turn, sl st in first ch 3 space, ch 1, bead sc in same space, (ch 3, bead sc in next ch 3 space)  X 4

Row 6: turn, sl st in first ch 3 space, ch 1, sc in same space; (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 space) X 3

Row 7:  turn, sl st in first ch 3 space, ch 1, bead sc in same space, (ch 3, bead sc in next ch 3 space) X 2

Row 8:  turn,  sl st in first ch 3 space, ch 1, sc in same space; ch 3, sc in last ch 3 space

Row  9: turn, sl st in ch 3 space, bead ch 1, sc in same space;
Fasten off, weave in ends.

Repeat from beginning (following the stringing of beads)
to make your pair of earrings complete.

Attach hooks or posts to beg ring.  Shape and starch to hold shape as necessary.  I used a fine mist of spray starch on these and a flat iron on low to set the starch and hold the stitches in place.  You can learn about other ways to stiffen your crochet thread projects at Crafters Love Crafts site.


If you have any questions please contact me here
and / or leave me a comment below

Please remember :  It is okay to share this pattern using a link to THIS PAGE.  You may also sell the work you make from this pattern.  You MAY NOT sell this pattern or copy it for profit by any means.

Delicate Butterfly Doily Finally Finished

 I started this project - Delicate Butterfly Doily.... well, I guess it's been months ago now, and last night I sat down with it, determined to finish it off.  It has been hibernating in my pile of WIP (works in progress) for quite some time.  I am struggling with forcing myself to finish the WIP that I put aside before I begin anything new.  Yea, like that's going to happen!  Give me a break.  ha.


The beginning of the butterfly is posted HERE, if you care to take a gander at it.


I stupidly thought it was okay to use a crochet thread size 3 just because it was a pretty color.  It's okay to use size 3 thread - just not with a size 7 crochet hook.  If you're going to use the size 3 thread I recommend using a larger hook, possibly a 5 or even a size 3 hook.  The pattern itself doesn't have a material list so it's basically up to you.  The crochet bug that posted the pattern used size 10 thread and a size 7 hook which sounds like it would be great for the butterfly but it'll come out smaller than the one I made.


Here's the updated photos, please let me know if you've made this public domain pattern.  It's beautiful and I would love to post your photos of your delicate butterfly doily to show off here for others to be inspired and just say "Ahhhh, isn't that pretty?"  (grin)

Notes are below photos...

 The pattern was relatively easy to follow as long as I didn't have any distractions and was able to concentrate intently on each word and abbreviation in it.
Keeping careful track of the stitches and rows I made made it go along smoothly.  Once I forgot what row I was on and it was hell trying to figure out where I left off. 
Mark your pattern and your work as you go along and it should be okay.  (The rows are hard to count as they aren't in a straight line - advanced crocheters may not have a problem with this but I can see where a beginner might.  Keep in mind this pattern is do-able for a beginner, but definitely a good challenge.)

Crocheted Boobie Trap (t)

I made a second attempt to crochet a bikini top at the request of several girls I know.  They like their Fat Bottom Bags but this is California and I live near the ocean where a lot of us like to bathe in the sun almost daily.  Well, not me, I am still white as winter.  ugh.

I am much happier with this top, dubbed the Boobie Trap by one of the girls I know.  That name is copyrighted for my design and I am in the process of finding out if I can trademark it.  At any rate, the top here fits me, size small / medium , about cup size B, or C.  It can be easily adjusted in the making for a smaller or larger cup size.

I haven't decided whether I want to sell the tops as Boobie Traps by Cynthia or to sell the pattern for them. What do you think?

Snapdragon Washcloth Free Pattern

Materials

4 ply worsted weight cotton crochet yarn,

1 ball solid

1/4 ball variegated or contrast color

size G crochet hook



Using 100 % cotton yarn (I chose Peaches N Creme because it's softer than the others that I know)
And a size G crochet hook,

ch 41 (stitches are in sets of 8 plus 5 ch for beg st and turn)

Row 1:  dc in fifth ch from hook *skip next 3 chs, 5 dc in next ch, skip next 3 chs, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch; repeat from * across

Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc) turn; 2 dc in next ch-1 sp.  skip next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, * 5 dc in next ch-1 sp, skip next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc; repeat from * across to last sp, 3 dc in last sp.

Row 3: ch 4, turn; dc in first dc, * 5 dc in next ch-1 sp, skip next 3 dc, (dc, ch-1, dc) in next dc; repeat from * across.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for pattern, until cloth is same length on all sides.  You can check this by folding the cloth on the diagonal to see if all sides meet evenly.  (Of course, you can also measure it to check that the sides are all the same but I'm too lazy to look for my ruler and folding my work is SO much easier.  ha.)

When cloth is square, fasten off main color and weave in ends.


Round 1 Edging:  Attach contrast/variegated color with sc.  Sc in each st across, evenly down left side into ends of rows and stitches, across bottom into unused loop of beg ch, and evenly up right side into ends of rows and stitches as you did for left side.  sl st to beg sc to join, ch 1.

Round 2 Edging:  Sc in same sc as joining, dc in next sc, tr in next sc, dc in next sc, sc in next sc, following the same sc, dc, tr, dc, sc, across (one st per each sc) and around corners

Fasten off, weave in ends.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me, I'd love to hear from you!

Five Point Motif - Free Pattern by Cynthia

I used Caron's Simply Soft in Black and a size F hook to make this motif.  It measures 3 1/4" wide from point to point. 



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If  you put the point together so they're almost touching, a square filler is necessary which I am working on next. 
Free pattern is below.  If you have any questions please feel free to comment or tell me how you like this too.

Thank you!

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Free Pattern For Five Point Motif by Cynthia

With hook size F and Caron's Simply Soft black (or any other color)
Ch 2 loosely

R 1:  10 sc inside second chain from hook.  If you push the sc around the ch you are working in every three stitches, it helps make room for all the sc.   Join with sl st to first sc   (10 sc around)

R 2:     ch 3, 2 dc in same st as sl st from last round, ch 3, *skip next sc, 3 dc in next sc, ch 3 ,  Repeat from * around, join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 of this round  (Five dc groups, five ch 3 groups made)

R 3: (do not ch 1) sl st into next dc (middle dc of group here and throughout) *ch 3, sc inside 2nd (middle) ch of ch 3 group, ch 3, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc; Repeat from * around  (10 ch 3 groups made, 10 sc around)
sl st into beg sl st of this round to join

R 4:  * (3 sc, hdc, dc) all inside next ch 3 loop, ch 2, (dc, hdc, 3 sc) all in next ch 3 loop; Repeat from * around
Join with sl st to first sc of this round

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Motif can be used for just about anything.  I'm going to make a top of some sort (I hope) with mine, maybe using a contrast color for the filler squares, maybe not, I haven't decided yet. 

If you have any questions or comments please use the comment boxes below, thank you.

copyright 2010 anitalite ;-)_  cynthia J rupp luciene

Please do not distribute this pattern by any means other than the link to this page, thank you!


This pattern is meant for personal use only.

Fun Zebra Cloths and Star Cloths

I had a good time making these for my etsy store.  If anyone wants a free pattern for any of these, please contact me here and I'll do my best to write them out for you or post them here.