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Yarning.

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I just want to sit at home
​and play with my yarn

Not Your Granny’s Granny Square Jacket

2/26/2022

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Sleeker sleeves and lots of customized options update this classic sweater jacket.
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Two years and six jackets later; I‘m finally ready to share this pattern with confidence!
Over 2 years ago, I was inspired by a granny square jacket worn on “THIS IS US”. A quick internet search produced a plethora of granny square jacket patterns. Many were “one size fits all”, others had cute variations, wonderful colorways; even basic sizing S, M, L; but none of the pattern photos showed a granny jacket designed to focus on FIT!
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My inspiration sent me to the net to find a (more) classic Granny Square Jacket. Two years later, an explosion of granny jackets have materialized... "Not Your Granny’s Granny Square Jacket" is unique with a deep dive on customization!
I downloaded the simplest “vintage” pattern I could find; a classic granny square with a small layout diagram depicting a cross-like layout of uniform squares and basic joining instructions.

Years of sewing and pattern-making experience kicked in as I happily made my squares. I wondered how square armholes, non-tapered sleeves (same size shoulders to wrist?), and same size front/back panels (what about BOOBS?) would satisfy my love of creating my own garments to fit like a glove!?
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I downloaded the simplest “vintage” pattern I could find...
After joining that first Granny Jacket my suspicions were confirmed. Without any sizing and customized fit instruction; this jacket was swimming on my 5’11”, size 8-10 frame. I set to work on my second jacket; designing a sleeker, fitted sleeve with more options echoed in the border to ease and build a nicely fitted collar and customize the front center jacket panels.
With each subsequent jacket test, I realized there's a wide variety of worsted weight #4 yarns on the market; with each unique fiber combination producing subtle differences in the drape, warmth and feel of each test jacket I made.
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​​Each yarns unique mix of fibers and “softness” effected the final fit and drape of the garment...
Made with "I Love This Yarn" #4 worsted (value) yarn this jacket resulted in a more structured, jacket with a denser weave and less drape than some of the "softer" yarns in its class.
Two years and six jackets later; I‘m finally ready to share this pattern with confidence! Obviously, I’ve simply tweaked a classic age old pattern.  However..

What makes this “Not Your Granny’s Granny Square Jacket” pattern different are custom fit details starting with the yarn you choose; a variety of accurate sizing options (SM-XL*), sleeker fitted sleeves and adjustable sleeve and jacket lengths.

This is an adaptable pattern designed for enjoyable crocheting without the months of fit trial and errors I made while frogging, testing and documenting this fun and easy pattern to share.
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Fave tester @Earlybird_Stitches in her granny jacket made with soft and drapey Vintage Berroco #4 Worsted (MEDIUM).
Every time I wear one of these jackets, people stop and ask me where I got it. When I say “you can make your own with my pattern...” the response is always laughter and the shake of a head.

Happy yarning,
🧶💭👌🏻💕
Paula

Buy the instant download pattern here, for $4.95:
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*NOTE: XL Granny Jacket has not been tested, but is consistent with the sizing, and successful tests performed on sizes SM, MED and LARGE. Proceed with confidence, make sure you have a bit more "Base Color A" yarn.
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FREE Crochet Mandala Placemat Pattern

2/16/2022

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These fun Mandala Placemats are a quick and easy project. I used “I Love This Cotton” yarn; pattern also works well with acrylic worsted if you prefer. Make 2, 4, 6 or 8 fourteen-inch diameter placemats. And, its extra fun making more than one!
US Terms
You Will Need 
  • 5, 3.5oz skeins 5 colors, #4 worsted weight cotton or acrylic make 4 placements; 14 - 16" diameter*
  • 5mm hook
  • 1 tapestry needle
​
Abbreviations
st(s) stitch(s)
ch chain
ch-sp(s) chain space
sp(s) space(s)
sc single crochet
dc double crochet
hdc half double crochet
tr treble crochet
sp dc spike double crochet
2dc-cl  2 double crochet cluster 
ss slip stitch ss slip stitch    
sk skip
yo yarn over hook

Notes All Rounds:
• All rounds are worked front side facing 
• Pattern repeat in bold type for each round makes pattern reading easy once you know how to start each row.
• Join new yarn at the beginning of each round.
Count/fasten off:
• Count after every round, if stitch count is off, pattern won’t work and you’ll need to inc/dec as necessary or frog!
• Fasten off every, weave in tail in well.
​
Special Stitches
Spike dc (sp dc): Yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch in row below, and draw up a loop to the height of the current row. Yarn over and draw through 2 loops twice.
2dc cluster: Yo, insert hook into stitch and draw up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo and draw through 2 loops. Yo. Insert hook into the same stitch, and draw up a loop (4 loops on hook). yo and draw through 2 loops. Yo and draw through remaining 3 loops. 
Picot: Ch5, ss to 1st ch.
*PLEASE NOTE! Your choice of yarn and tension will vary the finished size to approx. 14-16" diameter when using different brands of cotton yarns:

I used Hobby Lobbies "I Love This Cotton" #4, medium weight 100% cotton in this project, which resulted in 14.5" placemats. Here is the colorway shown on the pattern:
•    306/Dark Denim
•    300/Pale Denim
•    302/Stonewash
•    95/Antique Cream
•    6/White

When I subbed "Sugar & Cream" or "Peaches & Cream" and crocheted tight (ouch) those yarns produced 16" placements. Acrylic yarns are a good alternative but the .

For details and alternatives on choosing #4 cotton yarns check out these helpful posts:
​hearthookhome.com/cotton-a-cotton-yarn-comparison-for-crafters/
​www.tinycurl.co/2017/09/15/all-about-cotton-yarns/

If you are using these "rougher yarns", you might want to sub double crochet where trebles are specified! Using DK/Fingering weight yarns produced an 11" mandala -a nice oversized doily.
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Round 1: Into magic loop, ch3 (counts as first dc), ch1. *1dc, ch1 * repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to top first ch3. Count/fasten off (12 dc, 12ch1 sp). HINT: keep tail intact from magic circle to easily identify wrong side.
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Round 2:  Join in any ch1 sp from round 1. Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc, ch2. *2dc-cl in next ch1 sp, ch2* repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to top first ch3 (12 dc-cl, 12 ch2 sp).
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Round 3:  Join in any ch2 sp from round 2. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 3dc in same ch1 sp. Make 4dc in each ch2sp around. Join with a ss st to the top of first ch3. Count/fasten off (48 dc).
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Round 4: Join in any dc from round 3. Ch3, (counts as first dc); 1dc in same st. *dc in next 7 sts; 2 dc in next st* repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to first dc. Count/fasten off (54 dc).
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Round 5: Join in any 2dc from round 4. Ch 2 (counts as first sc). *Ch3, skip 2 st, sc (loosely) in next st*. Repeat from *to * around. On last repeat, ch3 and Join with ss to  first sc. Count/fasten off (18 sc, 54 ch).
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Round 6: Join in any ch3 sp from round 6. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 3dc in same ch3 sp. *4dc in each ch3 sp*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to the top of the initial ch3. Count/fasten off (72 dc).
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Round 7:  Join in the 1st dc of any group of 4dc from round 6. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in next 3 sts. Sp dc in the sc of round 5 directly below. *Hdc in the next 4 st, sp dc in the sc of round 6 directly below*. Repeat from * to * around, and join with ss to the top of the initial ch2. Count/fasten off (72 hdc, 18 sp dc).
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Round 8: Join in any sp dc from round 7. Ch5 (counts as dc, ch2), dc in same st (1 v-stitch made). *Skip 2 st, dc, ch2, dc in same st*. Repeat from * to * around, and join with ss to 3rd ch first ch5. Count/fasten off (30 v-stitch).
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Round 9: Join in any ch2 sp from round 8. Ch3, dc, ch2, 2 dc cluster in same ch2 sp. *2dc cluster, ch2, 2dc cluster in next ch2 sp*. Repeat from * to * around and join with ss to top of the 1st dc. Count/fasten off (60 2 dc cluster, 30 ch2 sp).
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Round 10: Join in any ch2 sp from round 9. Ch2 (counts as first hdc) *hdc in top of next two 2 dc cluster from round 10, 2hdc in next ch2 sp*. Repeat from * to * around and join with ss to top first hdc. Count/fasten off (120 hdc).
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Round 11: Join in any hdc from round 10. Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st. Dc in next 9 st(s). *2dc in next st, dc in next 9 st*. Repeat from * to * around and Join with ss to top first ch3. Count/fasten off (132 dc).
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Round 12: Join in any dc, ch4 (counts as first tr), 2tr in the same dc, ch 1, miss 2 sts, *3 tr in next st, ch 1, miss 2 st*. Repeat from * to * around, join with a ss in 4th ch of beginning ch4. Count/fasten off (44 3tr clusters, 44 ch1 sp).
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Round 13: Join in any ch 1 sp, ch3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in the same space, *4 dc in next ch 1sp, 3dc in next ch1 sp*. Repeat from * to * around, join with a ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch3. Count/fasten off (154 dc).
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Round 14: Join in any dc, ch 2, (counts as first hdc), hdc in each st to end of round, join with a ss in 2nd ch of beginning ch2. Count/fasten off (154 st).
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Round 15: You will decrease 1 st, two times in this round. Fold mandala in half and mark one on each side at the fold  (saves time counting). Join in any hdc, ch 4,(counts as first tr), tr in each stitch to end of round, dec 2 marked st(s). Join with a ss in 4th ch of beginning ch4. Count/fasten off (152 st).
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Round 16: Join in any tr, ch 2 (counts as first sc), sk 2 st, *7 dc in next st, sk 2 st, 1sc in next st, sk 2 st*.Repeat from * to * around, join to top of 1st sc with a ss. Count/fasten off (25 shells, 25 sc).
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Round 17:  Join in any sc between ‘shells’, ch2 (counts as first sc), *1 sc in each of next 4 sts (brings you center dc from the shell), 1picot, 1sc in each of next 4 sts*. Repeat from * to * around, join to top of 1st sc with a ss. Count/fasten off, weave in any pesky ends and tail from magic ring on back side. You're Done! Don't skip the most important part...

BLOCK IT! Soak in cool water, squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Place all placements on a flat surface, pull each point straight, gently adjust each placemat so they are all uniform in size and let dry well. No need to pin to blocking boards; this simple method works well.
Enjoy this FREE PATTERN!
If you prefer to work with printed patterns; this easy-to-follow instant download will have you starting this fun project within minutes! Pattern download includes all directions from this blog post (13 pages if printed directly from this page) with photo blowups in a handy 2 page pdf ready to travel or read without a screen or wasting ink and paper. 
Follow this link to purchase this 2 page pdf with all the details for printing for $2.95!
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8 Crochet Cat Couch Tips!

2/9/2022

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Want to make a Kitty Couch for your cat? Read this first! Pattern link at end of post.
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When I stumbled on a free pattern for this cat couch, I knew it was a must make...

1. DOWNLOAD THE MOST RECENT PATTERN UPDATE.

I downloaded the pattern, added it to “next list”, then started it 3 months later. First, I read the entire pattern and had lots of questions. I checked online and discovered the pattern had been revised with an update after I downloaded the first version, answering most of my questions. This is the correct pattern (download link, end of post):
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Yarnspirations.com Free "CROCHET KITTY COUCH" #RHC0720-029832M • Revised 9/7/21
The 2nd version of this pattern shown here is well written. The actual crochet is beginner level, relaxing and fun. If you’re good at following step-by-step instructions, constructing assembling the foam couch foundation is easy too, but, read on... 

​2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH YARN.

This may be obvious, but it's key. I used stash-yarn because I had lots of navy yarn that went with my living room decor. It always begins that way, right?

It didn't take long to realize I had miscalculated the yarn and needed several more skeins and could only get it on-line (two orders!). So much for stash busting. This pattern requires a LOT of yarn.


After that experience I'd recommend using a value yarn like the Red Heart Supersaver® yarn designated on the pattern. At least for the main portion of the couch (and, I'm not a RH ambassador) but after all, it IS their pattern! It's affordable, washable, durable and easy to find for most. Choose a color similar to your cats dominant color so shedded fur doesn’t show as much. 

After completion I had used approximately 35 ozs. of #4 worsted; just under five 7oz. Red Heart Super-Saver® skeins for the base color (gray alone). The picture doesn't look like it takes a lot of yarn, but there is a lot of relaxing crochet that's invisable until you start making the individual pieces!

3. UPHOLSTERY FOAM IS PRICEY,  RE-PURPOSE IF YOU CAN.

I realized the “foam foundation” (couch form) should be made before any crochet begins. That way, you can hold each piece up against the corresponding part of the couch to confirm it fits correctly as you go, saving time and frogging. The foam foundation instructions are on page 5 of the pattern –skip to that part first.

On-line, the upholstery foam would cost  $60+/- which I expected. After trips to Joanne and Hobby Lobby coupons in-hand, I found upholstery foam to be costly there too, so I resorted to some old cushion foam stashed at home.

I'd had two pieces of high-density foam in the attic. Not the precise measurements, in two different colors, but perfefct for this foam foundation considering the savings. High density upholstery foam is firmer and more expensive, but it's not really necessary for this project because most cats are light, right? If you have something that works, use it.

Following the foam foundation instructions (pgs. 5, 4), mark the exact measurements on craft paper (or newsprint, etc), and cut out pattern pieces. This step makes it easy to lay the pattern out on the foam to see the best cutting layout.

Place the largest pattern pieces on your foam first, then the smaller pieces, moving the pattern parts like a jigsaw puzzle to fit every piece before cutting the foam.
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Cut the foam with a serrated bread or steak knife, cutting the sides with the straightest right angles possible trying not to slope those sides.
Then, take a sharpie pen and mark each pattern piece directly onto foam. If you have a key piece that’s a bit too small, consider piecing it with a leftover piece of foam, it won’t show even if the seaming is a bit uneven after gluing. As you can see below, I reallly got piece-happy and saved $60. Remember to cut 2 pieces of foam for armrest.

Cut the foam with a serrated knife, cutting the sides with the straightest right angles possible, trying not to slope those sides as you cut. Relax! With a nice big serrated bread or steak knife, it’s easier than you think. Your crocheted slip cover will be forgiving and cover little irregularities as these photos attest.

The older pattern (that I started with) specified foam glue for assembly. I purchased the upholstery foam glue which looked like Elmers® or tacky glue. It didn’t  fuse well, taking over 2 days to dry completely.

The updated pattern (shown above) specified a hot glue gun👍🏻, so I reinforced the weak spots with my hot glue and it bonded firmly, immediately. Don’t use foam glue, it’s inferior to hot glue.
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If you have a key piece that’s a bit too small, consider piecing it with a leftover piece of foam.
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I painted the form with (water based) latex paint so the (lighter) foam wouldn't show through the stitching.
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In the end, it wasn't a necessary step. For other yarn over foam scenarios, it's an option (water based paints ONLY).
Concerned the navy (stash-buster) yarn I chose for my cover would show the (lighter) foam underneath through my stitching, I painted the foam foundation with navy (water based, LATEX) paint. It dried in approx 24 hrs. while I happily crocheted.

In the end, I discovered that the foam didn't show through my stitches, but  my sad looking patchwork foundation looked  a lot nicer, and I stopped worrying about show through! An easy option if you’re concerned about that.

Final foam note: I used 1/2” foam for the cushions as specified in the first pattern. The revised pattern calls for six pieces of quilt batting, stacking 3 layers in each cushion.  Because I had neither on hand, I chose foam for a spongy, firmer cushion –more like an actual couch cushion.

4. TIME TO CROCHET –AFTER A TEST SWATCH!

Depending on the yarn you use and how tight or loose your stitches are, your measurements may not match up to the pattern if you don’t do a gauge test-swatch first.

After choosing my yarn, I made a 4” x 4” [10 cm] swatch as noted on the pattern. My yarn/tension/gauge fit perfectly. If your swatch isn’t 4” x 4”, adjust your hook size to achieve gauge before starting. Take 10 minutes now to avoid an hours of frogging/redo! 

Keep checking your work laying it on the foam structure to confirm the fit of each piece as you crochet. After confirming that I was crocheting with correct gauge for my yarn, hook and tension, every piece I made fit perfectly (except when I wasn't paying attention and made mistakes 😳).
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Keep checking your work against the foam structure to confirm the fit as you crochet.

5. MAKE THE COUCH FIRST, THEN THE LITTLE BLANKET.

This sweet granny square blanket is the icing on the cake. Instructions for the blanket are on page 2, save it for last. Who wants to make a blanket for a couch that isn't made yet?
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The sweet granny square blanket is the icing on the cake.
Instead, skip to Couch Seat and Back Cushion on pg. 3; moving on to Back of Couch and Top  on pg. 4. As you complete each of these pieces, place it on the couch form to make sure they fit.Checking your work/fit as you go, helps to detect problems (in my case silly mistakes) as you go. Next move on to all the other pieces.

6. A BIT ABOUT COUCH COVER ASSEMBLY.

The assembly diagram on the pattern is all you need to put your couch together, just follow  it step-by-step. The instructions say “sew the couch together.” Instead, I used a slip stitch join because I personally find joining easier using a bit smaller hook for most of the seams.
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Sewing the bottom to the lower egde of the perimeter strip. And, NO FOAM SHOW-THROUGH!
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A slip stitch join on the dust ruffle adds a cording-like look to finish the Dust ruffle seam.
Once the base perimeter strip was attached to the couch, be sure turn the cover right side out, then fit it over the foam foundation permanently. I found it better to skip adding the dust ruffle at this stage, and “sewed the bottom to lower edge of base” first.

Next pin fit the dust ruffle attaching it last. This way, you can be sure the ruffle just barely and evenly meets the floor. Using my slip stitch join on the dust ruffle join made a cording-like finished look, much like a real couch dust ruffle seam. These last 2 joins were made with the lightweight couch sitting easily in my lap.

​7. WARNING: REPETITIVE CROCHET CAN CAUSE TENNIS ELBOW!

I loved crocheting this project. Countless hours of easy, relaxing crochet is my jam and this was the ultimate. That said, I couldn’t put this #wip down; which resulted in a searing pain shooting down my right arm elbow to wrist and sending me to the net to confirm my suspicions. Yup. My first bout of tennis (or crochet) elbow –something many of us yarn addicts develop at some point. Fortunately, I had to wait for snail mail to deliver more yarn curtailing my crochet frenzy for a few days as the pain faded...

I also ordered an affordable Arm Compression Sleeve which helped reduce the pain for a few days. Now that the project is over and I’m back to variety in my stitching, my tennis elbow hasn’t reoccurred. But, if I ever start a “relaxing crochet project” like this again, I’ll put the compression sleeve on to avoid tendon/muscle pain.

​8. CONSIDER SEWING THE COVER FOR A QUICKER PROJECT!?

Odd to end on this final note, right? I just can’t help thinking this couch would have been just as cute and much quicker to make if I’d simply cut the couch out of denim fabric. Or, better still  home dec fabric that  complements my living room furniture fabric. I’m saving the pattern pieces in case I want to update the look with a slipcover in the future 🤭

Hope this helps you complete a couch for your cat. It’s so much fun to see my kitty lounging where I want her to be –on her own couch!
Download the free pattern HERE.
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    Paula Heckathorn

    Sharing some yarn fun.

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