Friday 17 January 2014

KAJU KATLI SCARF

Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern for a gorgeous scarf, modelled photo of the kaju katli scarf
KAJU KATLI SCARF

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

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To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers. ðŸ˜€


Materials used :  Today I’ve used a combination of our lovely Indian acrylic yarns with a 3.0 mm crochet hook
For Indians : You could use Anchor or  Red rose knitting cotton as well

International yarns :  I have used a regular knitting cotton that technically uses a 2 – 2.5 mm crochet hook (recommended).  I use a larger hook as I like the extra stretch it affords the end product.  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.

As kids, we used to look forward to all the festivals, as each one brought with it a different cuisine, activity and sometimes, new clothes  
These days, sadly, even though all the festivals are still celebrated in every home, they've seem to have lost the "romance"  

Yes, we still have the different cuisine, but its sometimes ‘bought’ or ‘made-to-order’ by some professional.. the activity is hmmm, sometimes a ‘one-up-on-the-Joneses’, and the clothing, well, it’s not like we need a ‘festival’ to give us a chance to purchase new clothes – every visit to the mall gets you that..not to mention the tantalizing word “sale sale” or the more frequent “buy one get…free” .. the ‘free’ being the extremely irresistible and tantalizing word..often in red – a colour that activates the ‘buy’ button in humans ;)

While all the above sounds critical, I should add that I too have fallen prey to the ‘bought-from-store’ category – of course my justification here is 
(a)   that they are professionals, know what they’re doing, 
(b)  have done it so many times that they’re bound to get it right.. whereas I will suffer through the pain and tension and probably have to throw it all out at the end,
(c) & of course, the even better justification is that all of us are now so careful with our diet(s) that it is not even cost effective making that quarter kilo 😊


The kaju katli sweetmeat below is my all time favourite – I have never tried to make it at home, from scratch or otherwise – it’s way simpler and tastier to get this from the local store(s) 

This super Indian delicacy (once bought especially during Diwali, our festival of lights, that comes around Oct-Nov each year), is made from cashew nuts (kaju, in Hindi).  The original diamond shaped (topped with slivers of pure silver paper) has also gone through several changes, in shape and ingredients (as you have a Kaju-Pista ‘roll’, Kaju and almond .. etc).

Now this ain’t a blog about the great kaju katli sweetmeat, but it is this lovely delicacy that was the inspiration for my crochet creation.

My Kaju Katli Scarf (Pronunciation : ‘ka-joo  cut-lee), is worked sideways, and after the first few lines, the pattern goes diagonally.  The increases are evenly worked on both sides, till you reach your desired width.



Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern for a gorgeous scarf,


This tested pattern is fairly easy, but has been marked an Advanced beginner or Intermediate Skill Level.

This project has been testing using : 
1.  3-ply acrylic yarn from Oswal Mills, 100g / 570 yds, with a 4 mm crochet hook ;
2.   Drops Fabel, about 40 g (only half a scarf - width : 20 cm), with 4 mm crochet hook ; Pattern rated : Easy/Medium ;
3.   Noro Silk Garden Lite , 3.5 skeins 175 g / 476 yds / 435 m ; 4.5 mm crochet hook, Comment : Took approx 10 hrs ; Skill level : Fairly easy.
4.   Bebito by Filati Deluxe 250m /50g ; 4.5 mm crochet hook, Comments : Clear instructions, took about 6-7 hrs but depends on how wide and long you want it to be ; Skill level : Intermediate

Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern for a gorgeous scarf,

While this is a paid pattern, I have a lot of free patterns on my blog.

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. Come back right here for more freebie patterns

Remember to share this blog post when you share your photos with me on Facebook.  I’d love to feature your photos on my FB page.  Cheers.

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/


Join me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/shyamanivas

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas


Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/


Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some of my other neckwear patterns 






















































































































Saturday 11 January 2014

OOH A 3-IN-1

Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, three easy paid patterns in this blog for a bottle cover, a pencil pouch or jewelry pouch and a slim sling bag,
OOH  A 3-IN-1 BLOG

I am fortunate that most of my creations are readily used by my daughter, her friends, my nieces and their friends.. and they are also my inspirations for my creations.

Some years back when my younger niece was studying in Miami, I’d made a small pencil case for her with some yarn I’d had lying around.  It was some green and red polyester (4 ply), remainder from some Xmas project.  She loved it, and used it so extensively, and on her return home, had actually ‘given’ it as a ‘keep-sake’ to her friend in Miami.  So this pencil case was a replacement.

A really fast project that only requires the yarn, your fingers and the television – as it’s a simple one line repeat and can be totally done while watching a movie.. ok, let’s make that two movies.  What actually takes longer is the zipper, and of course if you are going to line it, then well … let’s add some more time to this project then.. else you’re done in a day – zipper and all  

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.


All my blogs can be printed.  Find the printer friendly (green) link on the right side of this blog.  You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential.  Save paper – Save Our Earth. 


Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation. 

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.


To purchase this or similar yarn online, click the highlighted links below to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers.


Materials used : Just over one cone (in each color) of polyester purse yarn in cones , with a 4 mm crochet hook ; embroidery needle sewing needle ; fabric glue to seal ends ; crochet stitch markers 

For Indians You could use Red rose , 4-ply knitting cotton , or unbranded knitting cotton or White Rose or bamboo knitting cotton , Milk cotton ; Silk yarns  ; Baby soft acrylic yarn , Ganga Spectrum ; Oswal & Vardhman yarns as well

General yarn info : The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.
     
International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn , Lily Sugar n' Cream cotton yarn, Caron Simply Soft , Bernat Softee chunky.


EASY DAILY USE PENCIL CASE

Sweet Nothings crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern for a pencil case, or jewelry pouch

the polyester purse/cone yarn used

This simple pencil case is in two parts. 
The first part is the body done in a rectangle and then there are two round sides. 
This gives the finished product a nice rounded look. 
A quick project and a lovely gift as well.


This pattern has been tested using :
a) Cone (Polyester / Purse / 4-ply) yarn ; 55 g (313.5 yds); 4mm (G) hook
b) Oswal Acrylic (stash) ; 4mm (G) hook, Gauge: 8 st=2”; Comment : took about 3 hrs to complete project
c) Debbie Bliss Prima ; 35g approx , 4mm (G) hook, Gauge: 9 stitches = 2 inches ; Comment : about 2 hrs to complete crochet, then lining and zipper took about 2 hrs.


EASY BOTTLE COZY

Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern fora  bottle cover for wine bottle and water bottle 750 and 500 ml tested patterns,
so the wine-bottle is nice n cozy

Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern fora  bottle cover for wine bottle and water bottle 750 and 500 ml tested patterns,
and your 'water' bottle is nice and hidden

While testing a bag for Anastacia Zittel (Decommission tote), I decided to present this to my niece-in-law & nephew who’ve recently been ‘blessed’ by the ‘visiting stork’ – and thought that a ‘bottle cozy’ would be ‘just right’ with this .. ta da!
Now what started off as a bottle cozy for a water bottle (mum's always need 'regular room temp water for a zillion baby needs), has also 'doubled-up' as a neat 'wine' bottle cover, and a 'yarn stash keeper' and one of my testers even carried her yarn in this when she was out for the day!
.. and another tester has been inspired to make a 'matching mug-hug' for her constant Starbucks trips

Visit me at my Ravelry store at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-bottle-cozy  or


This bottle cozy has been tested for 750 ml and 1 litre bottles. 
It is worked from the bottom up - and easily adaptable for several sizes. 
Addition of contrast colour is optional.
750 ml : (L) 9” x (Circumference) 3.5” ;
1 litre : (L) 10.5” c (Circumference) 3.5”
Gauge : 3.5” over 8 rounds, worked in a circle
This pattern has been tested using :
1.        4-ply acrylic from Oswal Mills ;  50 g (165 yds MC); 10-20 g each CC ;5 mm (H) crochet hook,
2.      Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Weight yarn in MC & CC, 5 mm (H) crochet hook, Gauge 3.5” in 8 rounds, Comment : Versatile usage, as it fits even slightly smaller (500 ml) juice bottles to 750 ml wine bottles ;
3.      Caron One Pound (Iris), 5 mm (H) crochet hook, 19 yards, 10 grams = 19.0 yards (17.4m) ; with Craft Smart Value Solids (Black) , 92 yards, 50 grams = 92.0 yards (84.1m) ; with Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Aqua) ; 14 yards, 8 grams = 14.0 yards (12.8m) ; & Red Heart Super Saver Solids (real teal) ; 11 yards, 6 grams = 11.0 yards (10.1m) ;
4.     Vardhaman Millenium (Red) ; 30 g (99 yds) + CC (combined approx 15 g / 49.5 yds); 5 mm (H) crochet hook
5.      Sock/4Ply Of Unknown Origin ,11.9 yards, 3 grams 0.06 skeins = 11.9 yards (10.9m) ; Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply, 11.9 yards, 3 grams 0.06 skeins = 11.9 yards (10.9m); & Patons UK Fairytale Dreamtime 4ply, 14.9 yards, 4 grams 0.08 skeins = 14.9 yards (13.6m) ; with a 5 mm (H) crochet hook ; Comment : Nice and easy ; the pattern is nice and fits my drinking bottle well
6.     Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Bright Green - 64 yds / Bright Red - 36 yds) ; 5 mm crochet hook, Comment : quick project for gift or personal use.
7.      Sugar ‘n’ Cream Twist (MC) 90 yds & Martha Stewart Cotton Hemp (CC) 13.5 yds ; 6 mm crochet hook, Completed in a few hours, skill level : easy Comment : another useful FO from you!
8.      Caron One Pound (MC) 83 yds & Bernat Super Value Solids (CC) 83 yds, “G” Crochet hook, Comment : Love it..my 3rd project :)


SLIM SLING BAG


Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern for a small sling bag,

Sweet Nothings Crochet pattern blog, easy paid pattern for a small sling bag,


A few days back, during a Rav-meet (“Rav-meet” being the meeting of the Mumbaites who are a part of this Ravelry ‘crochet-knitting’ group online, I mean), one of the young ladies was looking for a bag for her ma-in-law. When her ma-in-law went for her evening walks, she did not like carrying her usual purse, but needed to carry her mobile phone, house keys and maybe some cash.. so Nidhi was looking for a smallish bag that could be easily slung around & light-weight too.  We saw several, but like the story of the “3-bears”, none of them were ‘just right’. The following day, by chance I saw some super yarn – and I bought it thinking I’d fashion a small bag.. and voila! The Slim Sling Bag was born.. and presented to dear Nidhi’s ma-in-law J
If not for Nidhi, and my other (above listed) cooperative people, I’d be making stuff that ain’t goin nowhere ;)

..  and then we’d have a problem (Houston!) as then my other half could rightly ask me why I was wasting hard earned money.. so thank you all.. for indulging me… and saving me an ear-full.

 
the yarn that beckoned

This slim bag can be made in any size that suits the user, so the time it takes varies from half a day to a day – but it’s still a quick, lovely gift. The designer has used a polyester yarn to avoid lining it, but it can also be made in acrylic or other materials as well.
Its been tested using variegated yarn(s) as well as two different coloured yarns, each giving the pattern a different look.
Gauge is not critical as the size is adjustable.
The idea came to me during our recent Mumbai rav-meet when a friend wanted to purchase a bag for her ma-in-law, but couldn’t find anything suitable. I made her this quick project, so she can now put her keys, wallet, and mobile in when she goes for her walks. 
One of my testers has made this to carry her kindle, though she added another row to ‘toughen’ the handle/strap.
This pattern has been tested using : 
1. Tahki yarns Monterey ; nearly 2 skeins ; “F” crochet hk,
1.        Sensations Bamboo & Ewe (discontinued) ; 1 1/4 oz - 155 yds, “G”/4 mm crochet hook, Skill level : Advanced beginner ; Comment : My yarn was chosen because it was handy and the right weight/thickness, but I do not recommend it as it is very stretchy and will not hold up well for this, in my opinion
2.      Polyester purse yarn (unbranded) ; 120 g ; 4 mm crochet hook, Comment : Lovely pattern ; and

3.      Polyester purse yarn (unbranded) nearly 2 skeins, & 4 mm crochet hook.

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. Come back right here for more freebie patterns

Remember to share this blog post when you share your photos with me on Facebook.  I’d love to feature your photos on my FB page.  Cheers.

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/


Join me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/shyamanivas

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas


Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/

Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some other miscellaneous home use patterns you may like to look at