Granny Chic a Week - Crochet and Fabric Coasters

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase I can earn a commission.  But I only link to products that I recommend based on my experience with them, not because of the commission. :)

This week I decided to try out something I have been wanting to do for a while.  I love pairing different mediums, especially when it is yarn/cotton thread and fabric!

So this week, we are doing crochet and fabric granny chic coasters!

Here is what you need:

• Scissors
• Size 10 crochet hook 
• Crochet thread
• Quarter yard of fabric
• Iron
• Optional Variation - Upholstery needle to make a blanket stitch

How To Make Some Awesome Coasters:

Abbreviations:

Ch - Chain

Sl St - Slip Stitch

Sc - Single Crochet

Dc - Double Crochet

Grab your fabric and cut 4 rectangles (or however many coasters you would like).  I made mine about 4in wide by 8in tall.  

After you cut these out, press in each side about a 1/4in like so....

Then press in half so wrong sides are facing and all edges are turned under, like this...

Now you have 2 choices - you can either use your crochet hook to pierce through the fabric or you can do a blanket stitch around and crochet off of that.  I chose to pierce the fabric with the hook, so that is the tutorial below, but if you would prefer to do a blanket stitch, here is a great tutorial over at Red Brolly. (If you do this method, skip down to the singe crochet section.)

For those of you using the crochet hook, start near a corner and carefully press the hook through all layers of the fabric like so...

Next, hook your crochet thread and pull through, leaving the loop around your hook and pull enough through so it is even with the edge of the fabric so it doesn't pucker up.  Then wrap thread around hook and pull through, as if to slip stitch.  It will look something like this...

Continue like this.  Pierce through the fabric again about 1/8in away from the first one, pull loop through, making a long loop and slip stitch.

Also, beware silly kitties who want to attack your work...

I spaced it to where there are about 14 stitches on the sides (not including the corners.) When you get to the corner, chain one, insert hook back into the hole you pierced for your last stitch, sl st, ch 1 and then insert into same hole one more time, slip stitch and then continue across as you did before.

Once you have worked all the way around (or after you have you finished a blanket stitch around), ch 1 and sc across.  For the size I made, you will need to space 28 stitches across. (But if you want a larger square, the scallops are worked in sets of 4.  So increase or decrease your sc's across by 4 stitches.)

At each corner, ch 1 to turn the corner, and sc 28 across next side.

When you reach the end, slip stitch to join. Then sl st across 3 sc so you will start your first shell (or scallop) in the 4th stitch from the corner.

Ch 2 (will act as first dc), dc5 times into same hole. Sk 3, 6 dc into 4th hole.  Continue across, making 6 shells/scallops.

When you reach the corner (after your 6th shell), ch1, 6 dc into corner turn ch, and ch 1. Sk 3, and 6 dc into 4th hole from corner.  Continue in this fashion all the way around.

When you reach the last corner, join last dc with a sl st to the first dc (the 2 chains) and finish off.  Weave in ends.  And tada!  Your awesome new granny chic coasters!

PS - If you want to print this bad boy out, click here for a downloadable PDF.

Holiday sale at Fiberton!

It is definitely the holiday season!  This evening it even rained here on the Central Coast of Cali, which is kind of the closest we get to winter weather!  I wasn't sure I was ready for the cooler weather, but I broke out my big crazy bulky knit house socks and my sweaters and I am feeling pretty good about it now.  Plus, it is kind of the best time of the year to be in the fiber arts!

Speaking of which, we totally want to extend the fun and cheer to our awesome blog readers with a little sale at our Etsy shop. 

We already have a deal going right now that if you buy a hook or needle organizer, an upcycled project bag, or a ball of yarn you get a free hand carved crochet hook.  BUT...drumroll please...for all our awesome blog readers, we are offering free shipping! Just use the coupon code "secret" (wink wink) at checkout now until Dec 18th! Check out our shop here!

I have been working on new yarns which will be up on the shop tomorrow, as well as knitting some cowls with fibers we spun and lovely chunky buttons we made.

Drop spinning alpaca by the tree.

Knitting in the evening (note all the yarn related objects in the background...haha!)

We hope the season treats you well!  

Ash and Ric

Cottage Chic Crochet Stocking Tutorial

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase I can earn a commission.  But I only link to products that I recommend based on my experience with them, not because of the commission. :)

It is rounding the bend quickly (too quickly!) to the holidays, and I have been in full maker mode!  I recently made a crochet stocking that was inspired by vintage everything - colors, style, feel - basically anything that invoked a feeling of nostalgia for my Etsy shop. (As you may remember from a previous post.) And I thought, "Hey Ashley, you should share this pattern with the world!"

So this is just that!  Here is the tutorial here, but down at the bottom you can find the downloadable and printable pdf for your crocheting ease.

Fiberton Acres' Cottage Chic Stocking Pattern

Tools/Materials:

Size I Crochet Hook
1 Skein (~200 yards) worsted weight yarn (on the thicker worsted weight side) in color of your choice
Alternative for yarn: Use up your stash or small balls for striping or if you have thinner yarn, use two strands of yarn or a fun multipack of yarn like this...

Abbreviations:

Ch: Chain
Sl: Slip Stitch
Sc: Single Crochet

Hdc:  Half double crochet
Dc: Double Crochet

Dc2tog: Double crochet 2 together for decrease

Cbl: Cable Stitch

The Pattern:

Note: This pattern is crocheted in the round until we reach the heel, then after the heel, you will resume crocheting in the round.

Step 1: Chain 3 and then slip stitch into first ch to create a loop.

Round 1: Ch 2 (this will act as first dc), dc 14 into loop, resulting in 15 dc. Sl st to join.

Round 2: Ch 2, dc into same stitch, then 2 dc into each around, sl st to join. 30 dc total.

Round 3: Ch 2, dc into same stitch, dc next stitch, *2 dc next stitch, 1dc into next 2 stitches*, continue from *  to last stitch, sl st to join. 41 stitches

Round 4: Ch 2, dc into same, dc to end, sl st to join. 42 stitches

Round 5: Same as Round 4.  43 stitches

At this point will have a little 'hat'.  This is the toe of the stocking. 

Round 6: Begin the crochet cable stitch.  Ch 2, 1 dc in next 2 so you have a total of 3 stitches like this:

Then wrap yarn as to dc, but reach back across all 3 stitches and insert hook into the last dc of the prior row and dc as normal.

Basically this will create  a cable look back across the last 3 stitches.  To continue, skip the next stitch, and dc in the next 3 stitches, as seen below.

Once again, wrap your yarn as if to dc, reach back to skipped stitch and finish dc.

Continue in this fashion to end of row, sl st to join.

Round 7: Dc across and sl st to join.

Rounds 8-10: Repeat rows 6 and 7. 

Heel: The heel is worked back and forth.  

Heel Row 1: Ch 2, Dc 19 stitches - 20 stitches total

Heel Row 2: Ch 2, dc 7 stitches, dc2tog twice, dc 8 - 18 stitches total

Heel Row 3: Ch2, dc 6, dc2tog twice, dc 7 - 16 stitches total

Heel Row 4: Ch 2, dc 5, dc2tog twice, dc 6 - 14 stitches total

Heel Row 5: Ch 2, dc 4, dc2tog twice, dc 5 - 12 stitches total

Your heel will look like this (above.)

Closing the heel: 

Turn wrong side out and fold in half as pictured below.

Then slip stitch closed and cut yarn.  I like to use a little Fray Check to make sure end won't come undone.

You should end up with a heel that looks like this:

Picking up stitches to continue in the round - a.k.a - Round 11:

Now we will pick up stitches around the heel and foot to make the ankle part of the stocking.  Starting at the seem of the heel, pick up and sc 8 stitches to corner.

At the corner, skip a stitch and continue to sc across.  Do the same when you reach the next corner, skipping a stitch, and then pick up and sc 8 and sl st to join.  

You should get back to your original 43 stitches. (Hey - don't panic if the numbers are not quite right! Just rip back a little and add a stitch or sc2tog to subtract a stitch to make up for it. But 43 is the magic number to get back to.)

Now we will resume the pattern! Yay!

 Rounds 12-25: Repeat rows 6 and 7

Round 26: Ch 2, dc around

Round 27: Ch 2, turn, dc around and sl st to join. (Here you will be dc-ing around in the opposite direction, which will create a nice fold for the cuff.)

Round 28 - Scalloped Edging: Ch 2, dc 6into same stitch, skip 3, *7dc into next stitch, skip 3*, repeat from * around to end, sl st to join.  

Finishing: Cut yarn and weave in ends and now only one thing left to do!  Make your loop to hang the bad boy from!

For the loop: Chain 20, turn and skip 2 ch, hdc across. Cut yarn and then sew in your desired location for the stocking to hang how you'd like.  

And tada!  A lovely cottage chic, vintage inspired stocking of your own!  Make the whole family one, or use it as a very special way to wrap your packages.  

For the downloadable pdf - click here.

Or, if this all sounds like a little more than you want to bite off, you can buy one at our Etsy shop here!

We hope you love this pattern as much as we loved making it!  And make sure to share your finished creations on Ravelry, or your favorite social media (use hashtag #fibertonstocking)

Ash

How is it already November? (AKA - Time to start the holiday crafts!)

Ok, ok, I know November has just begun, but in the crafting world it is totally time to get ready for the holidays!  And I have to admit, I am kind of having fun.

Little Leia also likes the colors I chose for the Autumn Bunting Banners...

I have started on new bunting banners for the holidays, including this one with Thanksgiving or Autumn colors.  Perfect for decorating your front door or your dining room for the holiday festivities.

I have also begun working on stockings.  I love the chunky, big, sort-of-pottery-barn stockings.  So I created my own pattern (which I will release soon) for a fun crochet stocking.

I am pretty happy with how it turned out!  I will be offering folks the option to choose whatever color they like that will match their home.

I have a few other holiday items on the hooks and needles I will show off soon!

Are you getting ready for the holidays at all yet?  Or are you like the hubby and think I am way too early?

Ash

Sweet and Simple Crochet Clutch Pattern

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase I can earn a commission.  But I only link to products that I recommend based on my experience with them, not because of the commission. :)

We are so excited to share our first DIY pattern!  This one is a little clutch we have been working on here at Fiberton Acres.

We have been selling these at our local markets and shows, and they are a lot of fun to make.  Great for beginners, but also such a great stash buster for any level.  Plus, I LOVE buttons!  So I have a blast finding adorable buttons to go with each one of these little beauts!

I have the whole pattern below, but if you'd like to print it off, click here.

Fiberton's Sweet and Simple Crocheted Clutch

Tools/Materials:

• Size G Crochet Hook
• 1 Skein (~150 yards) worsted weight yarn (on the thicker worsted weight side) in main color
• Small ball (~10-15 yards) in contrasting color
• Alternative for yarn: Use up your stash or small balls for striping! Or a fun multipack of yarn like this...!
• Thread and needle to secure button.

Abbreviations:

Ch: Chain

Sl: Slip Stitch

Sc: Single Crochet

Hdc: Half Double Crochet



The Pattern:


Chain 40 in main color.


Row 1:


Turn, and skipping the first 2 ch, half double crochet (hdc) into 3rd chain from hook. The first 2 ch will become your first hdc. Continue in hdc to end of row - 38 hdc total.

Row 2:


Ch 2 and turn. Hdc into each stitch to end.


Row 3:


Ch 2 and turn. Hdc into each stitch to end, but at last stitch, don't pull the final loop through, leaving the 3 loops on your hook, like this:

Then grab your next color and pull that through to complete that hdc. This is the best way to switch colors smoothly.

Row 4:


Ch 2, turn and hdc to end.


Row 5:


Same as row 3, you will ch 2, turn, hdc to end but don't complete the last stitch to change back to main color (see row 3).


Clip off contrasting color to get it out of the way while you finish. Pick the main color back up and complete last stitch with it as you did above.


Rows 6-10:


Ch 2, turn, hdc to end.


Row 11 (buttonhole row):


Ch 2, turn, hdc 32 times, ch 1, skip next stitch, hdc remaining stitches. (This will fit up to a 1 in button. If you want a larger or chunkier button, hdc to 31 stitches, ch 2, and then skip next 2 stitches and hdc to end.)


Row 12:


Ch 2, turn, hdc to end, including 1 (2) around chain. 38 stitches total still.


Rows 13-21:


Ch 2, turn, hdc to end.


Finishing:


First, fold the bottom of your clutch most of the way up, like this… (You will want to check to see where you like the buttonhole to sit on your top flap.)

Next, starting at the bottom right of the clutch, sl through all thicknesses of your piece. (Right by the fold, as we are about to secure the pouch in place.)


Then sc up the right side through all thicknesses and continue on to flap edging. This will give your clutch a more finished look. At the corner, chain 1 and sc back into the same stitch you just sc'd into. This will create a clean turn. Continue across top. (You will be crocheting into what is called the ‘post’ now, which is wider than a normal stitch, so you may find you need to make 2 stitches into each post to create a clean look. Let me know if you have questions on this.)

At the next corner, do as you did on the last corner with 1 ch and sc back into same stitch as the last sc, then continue down the left side to secure the last side of the pouch. Cut yarn and slip through loop on hook to secure.

At this point, turn inside out and pull all yarn ends through to wrong side and weave in. (I often then secure them further with FrayCheck. Also found at most craft supply store.)


Now your clutch should look something like this! Time to pick out your button! The hole will stretch a fair amount if you want a chunkier button, but I'd say no more than 1 in. If you did a bigger hole, you can do a much larger button.

Mark where your button will sit, and stitch on with thread and needle and secure well.

And ta da!!

Your very own handmade clutch! These are so fun and fast that you will want to make them for:

• gifts (your friends will think you're the coolest)
• every outfit you own
• anytime you see an adorable button
• to use up those scraps
• or when you want some quick gratification!

Thanks for joining in the fun! We’d love to see your creation! Share your clutch (or ask us questions) on our Facebook, Instagram or Ravelry! Or, if you think this is cute and fun and all, but don't want to pick up your hook, head on over to our etsy shop and pick one out for yourself. :)


Ash


PS - We are working on growing our patterns and DIY section on our website, and we have a few already on there you can check out for both knitting and crochet.