Crochet Exercise #3: Palm Fronds

In a book bursting with intricate and beckoning lace patterns, this week’s practice piece could have been easily overlooked in favor of the more elaborate ones.

However, it reminded me of pretty palm fronds and the image of a breezy beach cover-up flashed before my eyes ❤

I just had to try it out! 🙂

Chain 30

1st row – dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 2 ch, chain 5, skip 4 ch, sc in next 3 ch, ch 5, skip 4 ch, 1 trbl in next ch, ch 5, skip 4 ch, 1 sc in next 3 ch, ch 5, skip 4 ch, 1 dc in next 3 ch, ch 5, turn

2nd row – sl st in base of ch 5 (to create picot), ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 dc, ch 5, sc in next 3 sc, ch 5, 1 sc in sp,  1 sc on top of trbl, 1 sc in next sp, ch 5, sc in next 3 sc, ch 5, 1 dc in next 3 dc, ch 5, turn

3rd row – sl st in base of ch 5, ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 dc, ch 5, 1 trbl in 2nd sc, ch 5, sc in 3 sc, ch 5, 1 trbl in 2nd sc, ch 5, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 1 dc under ch 3 of previous row, ch 5, turn

4th row – sl st in base of ch 5, ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 1 sc in sp, 1 sc on top of trbl, 1 sc in next sp, ch 5, 1 trbl in 2nd sc, ch 5, sc in 3 sc, ch 5, 1 sc in sp, 1 sc on top of trbl, 1 sc in sp, ch 5, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 1 dc under ch 3 of previous row, ch 5, turn

Repeat from 2nd row onward till desired length is achieved.

Create happy! 🙂

Crochet Exercise #2: Versatile Lace Insertion

This week my crochet exercise led me to this versatile beauty also found in the Priscilla Crochet Book Edgings & Insertions (pages 6 & 7) available for free at the Antique Pattern Library.

Despite her beauty, she’s really made up of only 2 rows. So simple, I could crochet her even while following my favorite crime series on TV 🙂

When done I thought this one can certainly be more than just an insertion.

I can so totally see this as a whimsical headband, or starched up, beaded, worn as a choker or bracelet in deep colors.  I can even see this waking up drab closet items such as hats, bags, boring tees …?  The possibilities are endless! ❤

Here’s the version above embellished with 3 additional rows:

Here I’ve written the pattern in US terms and based on my execution. Give it a try 🙂

Chain 9,

Row 1: dc in 1st ch, (ch 3, 1 dc in same ch) 3 times, chain 5, turn

Row 2: 1 dc in 2nd mesh below, (ch 3, 1 dc in same mesh) 3 times, chain 5, turn

Repeat row 2 for desired length.

To make the second (embellished) version:

Chain 5, turn

Row 1: 4 dc’s in every chain 5 space with ch 2 in between each

Row 2: same as row 1, ch 1, turn

Row 3: slip st to middle of 4 dc group, 1 sc in same st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, make a picot on top of dc, ch 3, dc in same sp, sc in middle of next 4 dc group, repeat for length desired

Fasten off and do the same on the other side.

Note:  I ended mine with a sl st to the very end of the last 4dc group before fastening off.

Create happy! ❤

Crochet Exercise #1: Scallops Lace Insertion

The only way to learn crochet is to crochet 🙂 So I got hold of some old crochet books that are available online for free at the Antique Pattern Library.  They have some really beautiful antique lace designs that I can practice on and collect for future use.

This one is found on page 5 of the book Priscilla Crochet Book Edgings and Insertions, and is referred to as Figure 10 insertion.

What is an insertion?

Based on my understanding, it is a strip of crochet fabric -usually in a different, eye-catching design- that we can add to projects for added oomph.

The pattern I chose for this exercise is made up of scallops and is quite easy to make, there are only 3 rows and connecting the scallops is very simple. Give it a try! 🙂

 

The pattern is written in UK terms and, based on my execution, is as follows:

Chain 10 and join with a slip stitch. Chain 3.

Row 1 – 11 dc in ring (do not join!), chain 3, turn.

Row 2 – 1 dc in the next 4 dc’s, (chain 2, 1 dc in next dc) 6 times, chain 2, 1 dc on top of previous row’s chain 3, chain 6, turn.

Row 3 – 1 sc at base of chain 6 (forming a loop), *(chain 5, 1 sc in next dc) 7 times, chain 6, skip 3 dc’s, 1 sc on previous row’s starting chain 3, chain 3, turn*.

This finishes the scallop. Start back at the 1st row by making the 11 dc’s in the chain 6 loop.

 

To connect scallops:

Start at the end of the 2nd row of the 3rd scallop, as follows:

Chain 3, 1 sc in 2nd loop of previous scallop, chain 3, turn.

1 sc at base of chain 3 (on current scallop being worked), then repeat from * to *.

Continue happily along until desired length is achieved.

 

Do let me know how it turned out 🙂