*This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. For more information on this, please see my policies page.
Design Inspiration: Books and Ball Gowns
It might not be readily apparent by looking at this casual beanie, but I was inspired by an iconic yellow ball gown worn by my favorite bookworm movie princess from my childhood. Oh, isn’t it amazing?
The main design elements I knew I wanted with this hat were the scalloped ridges and the vibrant color. Those details are what make it really special, but it is also a fairly classic, slightly-slouchy beanie hat.
The Chapter Three Beanie is one that works up quickly once you get into the groove of the ridges, and it is totally cute. Awesome gifting material, I’d say. 🙂
The Free Pattern
The Chapter Three Beanie is made with worsted-weight (aka #4 or medium weight) yarn. I used all of one skein of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in mustard. I used two sizes of crochet hooks, an H-8 (5 mm) for the brim section and J-10 (6 mm) for the rest. This makes the brim nice and snug and the rest of the hat a bit comfy and just the right amount of slouchy.
Get a printer-friendly, low cost PDF file of this pattern at my Etsy shop. Download it here.
Get the PDF file download, optimized for printing HERE
PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE
Approximately 12 sts & 7 rows = 4″ in double crochet
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
ss = slip stitch
fpdc = front post double crochet
bpdc = back post double crochet
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sk = skip a stitch
3rd loop = the loop directly behind and slightly below the top two “normal” loops”
hdc = half double crochet
tc = treble crochet
tog = together
pm = place marker
Instructions:
With H-8 hook, chain 63.
Dc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Join with ss to work in the round. (60 dc)
*Note – there will be a little gap at the bottom where you joined – you can use the tail from the foundation chain to sew the gap later.
Round 1: Ch 2. Work (fpdc, bpdc) around. Join with ss. (60)
Rounds 2-3: Repeat Round 1. (60)
*CHANGE TO J-10 HOOK for next round and all rounds hereafter.
Round 4: Ch 1. (sc 9, 2sc in next, pm if desired) around. Join with ss. (66 sc)
*You will now have 6 sections of 11 stitches each. The markers are not necessary, but they are useful.
Round 5: Ch 3. 2 dc in same st (ch 3 counts as a dc here and hereafter). dc in next st, sk 1 sc, dc in next, sk 1 sc, dc in next, sk 1 sc, dc in next, sk 1 sc, dc in next, 3 dc in next. *(3 dc in next, dc in next, sk 1 sc, dc in next, sk 1 sc, dc in next, sk 1, dc in next, sk 1, dc in next, 3 dc). Repeat from * around. Join with ss. (66)
Round 6: Ch 3. 2 dc in same st, dc in next, sk 1 dc, dc in next, sk 1, dc in next, sk 1, dc, sk 1, dc, 3 dc in next. *(3 dc in next st, dc, sk 1, dc, sk 1, dc, sk 1, dc, sk 1, dc, 3 dc in next). Repeat from * around. Join with ss. (66)
Cut yarn. With the yarn needle, draw through remaining stitches and secure. Weave in all loose ends, remembering to use the tail from the starting chain to sew up the small gap at the join from the foundation round.
And that’s it! A cozy and fun beanie for you or to gift!
Get a printer-friendly, low cost PDF file of this pattern at my Etsy shop. Download it here.
If you have any questions about the pattern or supplies, or you just want to talk Outlander or share your project photos (or even to request a fandom themed project), join me in the free, private facebook group “Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.” I’d love to see you there!
If you make this project, share it with me on Instagram: @fandom.knitting.crochet
Make a quick and quirky cat cup sleeve using scrap yarn.
A Crochet Pattern by Jeris from Fandom Knitting + Crochet
*This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy here.
Quick Scrap Yarn Crochet Pattern for Cat Cup Cozy
Not sure what to do with those tiny scraps of sock yarn? Want to make a quick and quirky crochet gift for a cat-loving friend? Sick of the cardboard cup sleeves on your Starbucks runs? Then you will need the Professor M Cup Sleeve in your life!
This pattern was born of my love of cats, coffee, and magical professors. If you are new to Fandom Knitting + Crochet, it’s kinda my thing to design patterns inspired by (in a very loose, non-literal way) my favorite books, movies, and tv.
So, what we have here is the Professor M Cup Sleeve in a crochet version, made with fingering weight yarn. I had a lot of fingering weight yarn scraps because I like to make socks and shawls with it. We recently had a crochet along in the Fandom Knitting + Crochet group, where I used this cool green color, and I wanted a quick way to use up the scraps of leftover yarn.
It is a bit of a resolution of mine to use up my yarn scraps this year, so that’s what I’ve been working on. Also, it is a totally practical project because I LOVE coffee, and I use the reusable Starbucks cups a lot. They do get really hot, and a cup sleeve is totally handy when using them. You can also use them with the regular disposable cups you get at the coffee shop, so just go ahead and throw one in your bag and ditch the cardboard sleeve.
These are great to stitch up in between larger projects and to stock up on for fast little gifts for teachers or neighbors or any coffee or tea drinker. (Or cat or magical professor fan.)
The pattern has written instructions, a graph for the cat image, and tips for working a graph in the round. This pattern is not currently available as a free pattern on the blog, but you can snag a printer-friendly copy of the pattern, complete with chart and instructions for a very small fee at my Etsy shop:
The pattern uses two colors of fingering-weight (1) yarn and an E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook. The pattern is worked in the round, and a chart is included (along with tips on color-changing).
I hope you have fun whipping up one or two of these guys to decorate your coffee cup! If you like this pattern, I appreciate any sharing or pinning – it really means so much to me. 🙂
Let’s Connect!
If you have any questions about the pattern or supplies, or you just want to talk fandom, knitting, or crocheting – or share your project photos (or even to request a fandom themed project), join me in the free, private facebook group “Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.” I’d love to see you there!
Make a quick and easy cup sleeve using scraps of sock yarn.
A Crochet Pattern by Jeris from Fandom Knitting + Crochet
*This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy here.
Quick and Easy Crochet Pattern for Sock Yarn Cup Sleeve
If you have ever used fingering weight yarn, aka sock yarn, aka superfine yarn, you’ll likely know that it can result in some of the most beautiful projects, from socks to shawls, and more.
But what do you do with those little scraps of sock yarn left over after making one of those gorgeous pieces? It’s not enough to make something large, but it is too much to just toss. I have the answer for you, my friends, and it’s the Sock Yarn Cup Sleeve Crochet Pattern!
This is a quick (and fairly simple) project to whip up, and it really doesn’t use much yarn. It results in a fabulous, reusable cup sleeve, which you can just stick in your yarn bag for when you go to the coffee shop (or if you use a reusable coffee cup like in the photo).
These are great to stitch up in between larger projects and to stock up on for fast little gifts for teachers or neighbors or any coffee or tea drinker.
Read on for the FREE pattern instructions right here on the blog. You can also download a lovely, printer-friendly PDF file for a very small fee at my Etsy shop.
More fun designs are coming – like the green cat version in the photo above.
Pattern for the Sock Yarn Coffee Sleeve
The Sock Yarn Cup Sleeve Crochet Pattern is a quick and easy pattern, perfect for using up scraps of sock yarn leftover from larger projects. Whether you are a tea or coffee drinker, brighten up your cup with an environmentally-friendly sleeve.
The pattern is worked in rounds using superfine yarn and an E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.
I hope you have fun whipping up one or two of these guys to decorate your coffee cup! If you like this pattern, I appreciate any sharing or pinning – it really means so much to me. 🙂
Let’s Connect!
If you have any questions about the pattern or supplies, or you just want to talk fandom, knitting, or crocheting – or share your project photos (or even to request a fandom themed project), join me in the free, private facebook group “Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.” I’d love to see you there!
Learn how to block knit and crochet projects: Tutorial and Video Demo
*This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Blocking. Yes, you have to do it.
Many of us knitters and crocheters have avoided blocking at all costs. It is a term used by those that seem to have more know-how and time than we do. But, it doesn’t have to be daunting, and it is actually very do-able. Trust me.
Why would you need to block something? Well, when you knit or crochet a project that curls on the edges, or the stitches look a bit wonky, or it isn’t really the right shape you were hoping for – blocking is the answer. It is not a cure-all, but it is a cure-most-things solution.
If you want the hard work you put in to stitching that fantastic shawl or beautiful sweater, you should take the time to block the item and show it off to its full potential. You’ll be glad you did.
What I have here is a video demo showing how I block my items. It is pretty easy, actually, and all told takes about 24 hours from start to dry finish. This tutorial is for wet blocking, and I’m using blocking mats and stainless steel t-pins. You can make do with any large, flat surface (bed, table, floor), a few towels and t-pins.
If you’d like to invest in a set of mats and pins like the ones in the video, you can get them right at Amazon:
If you try blocking, I’d love to see your before and after pics! If you aren’t already a member of the Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group on Facebook, head over and join. You can also share pics on Instagram – tag us: @fandom.knitting.crochet.
An interview with Author Diana Peterfreund about crocheting, writing, and fandoms.
When I started the Facebook group Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group, I was pleasantly surprised to see oodles of talented knitters and crocheters quickly join the community. There were others out there – people that love to knit, crochet, and binge-watch TV with total abandon. Voracious readers, movie-goers and gamers, all who use those fandoms as inspiration for their yarn crafts.
What I didn’t expect was to find group members meeting creators of their own fandoms within the group. In one of those early weeks, a member, minding her own business and chatting crochet, was asked, “Wait…are you THE Diana Peterfreund?”
Yes, yes she is. And whether she likes it or not, she is a bit of a celeb for some of her fellow fandom yarnies. For those of you that don’t already know Diana and her work, she is a novelist, know for her Secret Society Girl Series, Killer Unicorn Series, Star Series, and the Omega City Series. She has also written short stories and non-fiction.
So, I went out and read one of her books, For Darkness Shows the Stars, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I asked Diana which of her books I should read first, and she sold me on this one by describing it as “angsty and romantic…a futuristic Austen retelling.” Totally fit that description – well worth a read.
The Interview
What I knew about Diana (from the group) was that she was a master at making fantastic crochet and knitwear to wear to conventions and for fun. So, I thought I’d ask her to share a bit about her writing AND her knitting and crochet in this interview.
She was kind enough to agree to answer some questions, so here is a good chunk of the interview. I hope you enjoy and find it as interesting as I do to learn a bit more about a fellow yarny fangirl.
Interview:
I think it was within the first few weeks of starting the group that a member said… “Wait…you are THE Diana Peterfreund??” It was pretty cool to see that we have an author in our group. So – how did a writer find herself in a knitting and crochet group?
DP: I’m actually in a couple of Facebook groups for crochet–but yours is by far the best! That was a great moment, I’ll admit. And it was so much fun because Crystal and I got to talking and she made me this awesome set of comic book art fingerless gloves and we met up at DragonCon. I love these gloves. I wear them all the time because my hands get cold on the keyboards in winter.
I was taught how to crochet by my grandmother when I was younger, and then I learned to knit (poorly) in college. I would make the occasional thing over the years, but then in 2017 I made a hat for the Women’s March for a friend and it was just such a huge stress reliever and very meditative and I became obsessed. I found the website Ravelry (I’m “dianablue”) at the same time, I realized that crochet was so much more than those sort of 70s patterns that I thought I knew, I learned I could teach myself new techniques with YouTube, I could join Facebook groups… it became a deeply important hobby for me.
As a writer, you have taken inspiration from other writers (such as Jane Austen). What writers inspire you most?
DP: One of the things I love about retellings or adaptations is the idea that you are connecting to the collective unconscious, these characters or storylines that have become the fabric of our society. Which is kind of what fandom is, right? This sort of wink and nod that you know what I know, and that’s whether or not you say “I’m writing this story based on Jane Austen” or you’re walking around in a Dr. Who scarf. It gives you this extra sense of connection with the people who also see it and recognize it and then you are starting from a place of commonality.
I think we’re all inspired by the life around us and by the stories we love, whether we’re explicitly writing a retelling or not. When I sat down to write Omega City, my middle grade series, I wanted to write a story for kids that gave me that same funny, adventurous treasure-hunting feel I got from watching The Goonies as a kid. So I can say to you, this is an adventure story, and you may know what I mean, but it would be better if I say, “It’s like the Goonies, but with spaceships” and then you remember the Goonies, and how it made you feel, and you understand I’m trying to create that same experience.
I was a literature major in college, too (though I certainly didn’t go to Yale! Holy impressive, Batman!) – was there one book or writer that really sparked you to say…”this is it. I am going to be a writer”?
DP: I always wanted to be a writer. My 5th grade English teacher wrote YA novels on the side, and when I was in high school I knew that, say, Michael Crichton was a doctor before making it big as a novelist, so I always had it on my head that writing was what you did on the side, and I just intended that to be my plan, too. I’ve been very lucky in my career that I’ve been able to make it my main profession for the last decade or so.
I do a lot of school visits and students often ask me what they should major in to become writers, and I always say not to major in creative writing. That part you can pick up — you should study something worth writing ABOUT. I was actually a Geology major in college. I double majored. The literature one was because Yale doesn’t have “minors” and I realized that because I took so many of those classes I could basically add it in at the last minute for the price of a thesis.
I read For Darkness Shows the Stars, and I really loved it. I am an Austen fan, and I enjoy a good love story. Throw in some sci-fi, and I am sold. Elliot is a fantastic character – is it a mission of yours to write strong female characters? [I personally think she is a great example of feminism – making her own choices for her own reasons.]
DP: Thank you! I had a real mission with Elliott. I had just come off four books writing about Amy Haskell, who is my loud mouth, in your face, Ivy League co-ed in the Secret Society Girl series, and then two books writing about Astrid Llewellyn, who is a badass warrior in the killer unicorn books, and I wanted to write about a different kind of strength. Elliot is not outspoken. She is not physically strong. I wanted to portray a woman who found her strength in another way. I think her counterpart, Anne Elliot, in Jane Austen doesn’t have the flash and sparkle of say, Elizabeth Bennet, and it’s easy to forget how strong she is. So I wanted to see if I could write someone like that.
For someone unfamiliar with your work, which book should she start with?
DP: I guess it depends on what they want to read. For funny, modern, chick litty type of stuff: Secret Society Girl. If they are a fan of urban fantasy (like Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the killer unicorn books Rampant and Ascendant. Jane Austen lovers or people who like post apocalyptic sci fi should go for For Darkness Shows the Stars. For a lush, glitzy sci fi novel, or if you can’t get enough Scarlet Pimpernel in your life, Across a Star-Swept Sea. And if you like the Goonies, Omega City! I know, I’m not a person who can stay in her lane.
Aside from the literary, what are some of your main fandoms (tv, movies, pop culture)? What was the last thing you got really hooked on watching?
DP: I’m a real TV addict. I think if I could go back in time, I’d go into television writing instead of novels. Current TV obsessions are The Good Place, because the marriage of Mike Schur and Kristen Bell is basically my dream team, and Schitt’s Creek. I’m waiting on tenterhooks for my beloved Game of Thrones to return. I just heard Jordan Peele is rebooting The Twilight Zone? There are some more obscure shows I was obsessed with, like the recent, totally-bananas BBC Dirk Gently adaptation and the trippy Legion starring my television boyfriend Dan Stevens (from Downton Abbey, which I also loved). For movies, almost everything I see is either Marvel or for kids, or both (Spiderverse was incredible!). I’m also obsessed with Riverdale but I haven’t seen the most recent season.
If you could knit or crochet for any three fictional characters from any fandom, who would they be and what would you make?
DP: This makes me think I should write some characters that knit and crochet. There are not enough characters that knit or wear knitwear in fandom! It’s like, Mrs. Weasley, and Jayne from Firefly, mostly. Nakia’s cowl from Black Panther made me gasp out loud in the theater. I loved all the attention to fiber and detail in that movie. I also love all Sabrina Spellman’s gorgeous sweaters. (I like the costumes more than the show!)
Because I cosplay at DragonCon every summer, I’m always looking for characters who could wear yarncraft. I made that Katniss cowl from Catching Fire, but it’s way too hot to wear that in August in Atlanta. You have to get creative. Last year, my friends and I did a group costume: Leiapalooza, and we did different versions of Leias as if she were at a music festival. (This is what we do — either mashups or twists on our cosplay. Another year we did Elsa and Anna on summer vacation, in bathing suits and sarongs.) I was Cloud City Leia and instead of her long white robe, I crocheted an airy, boho long white vest with the symbol of the rebellion on it. I designed it myself. I should probably put up the pattern somewhere.
What type of projects do you like to crochet/knit? What is your favorite knitted or crocheted project to date?
DP: I mostly do things I can wear. I get bored too quickly to tackle blankets, though my grandmother is an afghan goddess. I also like to make presents for friends that match their books. The best piece of advice I ever got was from my friend Katee Robert, who is also a novelist and the faster knitter I know, to not do easy, boring stuff, but to pick challenges that you really wanted, because it would push you to learn the skill to complete it. And this is so true. I learned continental knitting, color stranding, AND intarsia to make this Chewbacca-themed shawl (Fuzzball Bandolier is the name of the pattern) I made last summer. But I wanted that darn shawl. It was such a labor of love. My other favorite project was this beaded mermaid tail hat I made for my mermaid-obsessed daughter. Basically I just added beads and a few flourishes to a Osage County Crochet pattern (I believe Sadie is a member of the group too). Beading is shockingly easy for how fancy it makes your finished project look (I used the dental floss method). I encourage everyone to bead something if they have the chance.
What are you working on now (writing-wise and yarn-wise)?
And I’m still working on a very complex colorwork scarf project that I picked up in order to learn more about colorwork. It’s supposed to look like the Maryland flag when it’s done. We’ll see!
A huge thanks to Diana for taking the time to share with us!
Let’s Connect!
If you aren’t already a member, and you like knitting, crochet, and/or fandom, join us in the “Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.” I’d love to see you there!
You should also hop over to the sidebar and subscribe to the newsletter to keep up to date on all the new patterns and fandom, yarny goodness.
Welcome to the kickoff of the Fandom Knitting & Crochet GoT Shawls Knit/Crochet-along! This week, we begin work on some lovely, dragon wing-inspired creations, either the “Lizard” crochet shawl or the “Martinmas” knit shawl.
If you are new to this and haven’t selected a pattern, go back to the original Knit/Crochet-along post to see the options and get all the specifics.
Also, if you landed on this page and haven’t already joined the Knit/Crochet along, you can do that by signing up right here to get all the updates: JOIN THE KCAL NOW!
So, let’s do this thing!
(This post is in no way affiliated with Game of Thrones or HBO. It is simply a fan activity. This post may contain affiliate links.)
Week 1 Schedule: March 4-10th
Have your pattern selected? Your yarn ready? Your hook or needles in hand? Then you are ready to start the Week 1 portion of the patterns. In other words, this is the fun part!
For “Lizard”:
For Week 1 on “Lizard,” work Rows 1-19 of the pattern.
I highly recommend using the written translation instead of/in addition to the chart. I like to print my patterns out, so that’s what I did to begin.
Even with the written-out instructions, “Lizard” can be a bit confusing at first. It is not written in the same manner as other patterns I’ve seen, so it took a bit of deciphering.
Helpful things to note:
The instructions don’t say to turn at the beginning of each row (they do, but only at the top fo the pattern, rather than within each row’s instructions. So, don’t forget to turn.)
The instructions will indicate things like “DC in the last dc from Row 1.” It might help to think of that as the “first DC” facing you.
ALWAYS check your counts at the end of each row. For instance, if the pattern indicates “total of 6dc and 5 ch spaces” make sure that is what you have. If not, go back and see where you went wrong. You will want an accurate count.
The turning chain is counted as a stitch throughout the pattern.
Here’s what my progress looked like after completing the first 19 rows. I did use fingering weight yarn and an E-4 hook, as recommended in the pattern. I love the way it is looking so far!
Are you working on the “Lizard” pattern? Be sure to share with us in the Fandom Knitting & Crochet Facebook Group. We’d love to see all of these fantastic shawls in progress!
For “Martinmas”:
For Week 1 on “Martinmas,” complete the Setup and Section 1.
This may not sound like much, but “Martinmas” is a bear to cast-on and setup. You are starting with the bottom of the shawl, which is the largest number of stitches. So, it is an undertaking right from the get-go.
Yarn and Sizing Notes
I worked my “Martinmas” is medium weight yarn. So, the pattern recommends fingering weight (or light fingering, even), but I went with the gorgeous Lion Brand Heartland yarns in Badlands and Black Canyon (which I recommended in an earlier post) because I couldn’t resist the color combo and because it would make a larger shawl. I did size up the needles, too, to a size US 9. With the larger yarn and needles, I opted to work the “small” version of the shawl, knowing it will work out to be pretty sizable.
Helpful things to note:
You will need looooooong circular needles. The pattern calls for 40″ circular needles, and I was all, “no one needs that long of a circular cord.” But, turns out it is very challenging to squeeze all the cast on and setup stitches onto a 29″ cord. So, do yourself a favor and go with at least a 36″ cord.
You will need stitch markers. 3 to be exact (and more in a contrasting color if you are worried about keeping track of all those stitches). It will be very hard to keep track of where you are and what you are doing without them.
The pattern suggests using a cable cast-on. I am solely a long-tail cast-on gal, so I just pulled out about 10 yards worth of yarn before starting my long-tail cast on. It may have been a bit excessive, but I would much rather have too much yarn pulled out than not enough and have to start over.
Here’s what my progress on the “Martinmas” looks like after the cast on, and first four rows of Section 1 (before the repeats and color changes). Hard to tell what it will look like at this point, but I am hopeful!
ARE YOU WORKING ON THE “Martinmas” PATTERN? BE SURE TO SHARE WITH US IN THE FANDOM KNITTING & CROCHET FACEBOOK GROUP. WE’D LOVE TO SEE ALL OF THESE FANTASTIC SHAWLS IN PROGRESS!
The Inspiration: The Dragons!
My Lizard shawl is very much a Viserion-inspired color and the Martinmas is all Drogon. Sorry, Rhaegal. Maybe next time.
If you are on Instagram, share your pics with the hashtags #gotshawls #fkcal #fandomkal or #fandomcal. Follow me there to see my photographic updates, too: @fandom.knitting.crochet
Again, if you haven’t already signed up for the email list, you will want to do that to get all the official KAL/CAL updates and weekly schedule. Also, be sure to join the Fandom Knitting & Crochet Facebook Group to share your progress and interact with your fellow stitchers throughout the process!
Shawls are coming! It is almost time to kick-off our Game of Thrones-inspired Knit and Crochet Along here at Fandom Knitting + Crochet. We are going to be making some lovely shawls as we await the premiere for the FINAL season of Game of Thrones, which airs on April 14th.
So, how do you get started?
(This post is in no way affiliated with Game of Thrones or HBO. It is simply a fan activity. This post may contain affiliate links.)
Step 1: Sign up to Get the Updates
First thing’s first – if you would like to get the email updates, including the weekly schedule, tips, etc, you can sign up here: JOIN THE KCAL NOW!
Step 2: Choose your Pattern & Prep
We will be working two shawls – one knit and one crochet. These were the most popular choices (as determined in the Fandom Knitting & Crochet FB Group) (Not a member? Go and join – you will find many fandom/yarny friends and you can share your progress there.)
So, we have a knit shawl and a crochet shawl. They are not meant to look the same, just a general “feel” in common. They are loosely inspired by the dragons from Game of Thrones. Here at FKC, we tend to lean toward the more “inspired by” rather than literal interpretations of fandoms. (Note: we LOVE literal fandom projects – we just try to skew toward loose interpretations for our KCals.)
You can get the full scoop on these pattern choices by going to the original GoT Shawls KCAL post right here: GoT Shawls.
Step 3: Get Your Supplies
The beauty of a shawl is that you don’t have to follow the yarn and needle/hook guidelines precisely. If you want to make the shawl larger or smaller, you can adjust your yarn size and how many rows you complete. Easy peasy. So, if you want to work up the shawl faster, try using a light weight yarn, rather than fingering. Just be sure to size-up your needles or hook accordingly, as well.
The recommended yarn weight and yardages are here, and I have some specific yarn and supply recommendations included here, as well.
Note: I am providing two yarn weight suggestion options: fingering weight and medium weight. The patterns call for fingering weight, so I’m giving some of those suggestions, but I’m also including medium-weight suggestions for people that would rather use a larger yarn.
You will have time to find or order some yarn as we will be working on this over 6 weeks. So, you can catch up if your yarn is a few days late. 😉 Of course, any yarn from your stash dying to be used will work just as well, too.
The Inspiration: The Dragons!
I decided to go with color schemes inspired by Dany’s dragons from GoT, Drogon (black with red markings), Rhaegal (green with bronze markings), and Viscerion (cream with gold markings).
Yardage Needed: 350-420 yards each of two different colors (if using a great yarn weight, you’ll need fewer yards)
I recommend:
1-2. Lindy Chain in Black and Hollyberry (Fingering weight, Drogon); Lindy Chain in Linen and Tumeric (Fingering weight, Rhaegal) – http://shrsl.com/1h7lb3-5. Heartland in Black Canyon and Badlands (Medium weight, Drogon); Acadia and Grand Canyon (Medium weight, Rhaegal); Heartland in Saguaro and Mammoth Cave (Medium weight, Viscerion) – http://shrsl.com/1h7in
Step 4: Mark your Calendar
Mark you calendar for the schedule of the Starting Date! You’ll want to get your supplies by the first week, if possible. Our kick-off is March 4th!
Again, if you haven’t already signed up for the email list, you will want to do that to get all the official KAL/CAL updates and weekly schedule. Also, be sure to join the Fandom Knitting & Crochet Facebook Group to share your progress and interact with your fellow stitchers throughout the process!
By popular demand in the Fandom Knitting + Crochet Facebook Group, here is the unveiling of the Spring 2019 GoT Shawls FKC Knit/Crochet-along. That is a mouthful, no? How about GoTFKCal, for short?
Because these are shawls, gauge is not as important as in other projects. So, if you are not a fan of fingering weight yarn and want to size up, go for it! Just increase or decrease the hook or needle sizes to get the look you want for your yarn. I strongly recommend just making a swatch to see if you like the way the stitches look and the size of them.
For “Lizard,” the recommendations are:
Fingering weight yarn ( Category 1), 776 yards.
Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.
I’ll try to put out some specific yarn recommendations based on GoT, too, so keep an eye out.
For “Martinmas,” the recommendations are:
Light fingering/Fingering weight yarn (Category 1), 350-420 yards each of two different colors.
Just as for the crochet pattern, I’ll have some ideas on specific yarns to share with you, too, if you aren’t sure what to use. Remember – if you don’t want to work with fingering weight yarn, you can always size up with shawls!
Timeline
Kickoff March 4th working on sections each week for 6 weeks until April 14th.
As you may know, I’m seriously not big into having a lot of “rules” for our group or our K/Cals. No change to that philosophy now. But, I’m happy to give some guidelines so we can try to keep on pace with one another and have the fun of working along with our fellow Fanatics.
Of course, you can work at your own pace, faster or slower than this suggested schedule. I just thought it might be helpful to break the patterns down a bit to help people stay on track. So, we have a 6-Week timetable, which is designed to make it a comfortable pace for people to keep up but still get this baby done by the April 14 Game of Thrones premiere!
Specific weekly details will be given out week by week. Be sure to sign up for the FKC mailing list to get all the weekly KCal updates.
Throughout the process, no matter the stage, I highly encourage you to share and get support in the Fandom Knitting & Crochet Facebook Group. We’re in this together, after all, so if you need help, have tips, or simply want to share pics of your progress, be sure to do so! I’d love to see it (and so will the rest of the group).
A Knitting Pattern by Jeris from Fandom Knitting + Crochet
*This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy here.
Quick and Easy Knitting Pattern for Cozy Pillow Cover
Binge-watching is serious business here at Fandom Knitting + Crochet. Who would we even be if we didn’t watch all seasons of Peaky Blinders in a single weekend? One does not simply watch one Harry Potter movie. Come on.
With that in mind, I thought it would only be appropriate to create something both pretty and functional (pretty functional?) to fit in with the fandom lifestyle. Admittedly, I also really needed a new throw pillow cover as my old one was worn and torn and not handmade. So, through those two reasons the Binge-watcher pillow cover was born.
My requirements were a chunky, quick project that was also stylish and fit into the decor of my house. I love neutrals – they are just classic – so I went with the lovely “marble” colorway. For extra coziness and quickness, I held two strands together throughout. It is a bit of a yarn-eater of a project, I’ll fully fess up to that. But, it is oh-so-worth it.
I started with a crochet version, because the Fandom Crew is full of crocheters and knitters alike, so you can find that version right here.
What you’ll find here is a knit pillow cover pattern that includes FREE written instructions right here on the blog.
The Binge-watcher pillow cover is a chunky knitting pattern that is done holding two strands of super-bulky-weight yarn held together and size US 35 knitting needles. The finished pillow cover fits an 18″ x 18″ square pillow form.
The pattern is worked in rows and results in a rectangle. It will be wrapped around the pillow form with the ends overlapping where the buttons are sewn. The sides are seamed with a whipstitch.
*Note: The finished item will be roughly 15.5″ x 15.5″ but will stretch to fit the pillow snugly.
abbreviations:
sts = stitches
K = knit
sl = slip
Pattern:
The pillow cover is worked in one piece, which is worked in flat rows and
will wrap around the pillow form fully and overlap a bit for the button closure.
The sides will be sewn together with a whipstitch.
Hold two strands of yarn together throughout.
Construct the Pillow Cover:
Row 1: Cast on 34 stitches. I used the long-tail cast-on for its appearance and flexibility.
Row 2: Sl 1, K 33.
Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 38 inches from the beginning.
Bind off all stitches.
Attach Buttons:
Lay pillow cover flat. Place pillow form on top at the center of the finished piece.
Wrap the pillow cover around the pillow form so that the ends of the pillow cover overlap slightly.
Sew buttons evenly along the edge of the pillow cover that is the bottom of the overlapped edges.
Button the top overlapped edge (there are no “button holes,” so just use stitches opposite the buttons. The stitches will stretch just enough to fit the buttons through.) This will hold the pillow cover in place enough to seam the sides.
Seaming:
Keeping the pillow cover in place, sew the open sides closed using the yarn needle and a whipstitch or other seaming method. I prefer the whipstitch as it looks neat and tidy and doesn’t make the seam too rigid.
I hope you have fun whipping up one or two of these guys to decorate your space with a handmade touch! I personally have mine in my craft room to make it oh-so-cozy!
Let’s Connect!
If you have any questions about the pattern or supplies, or you just want to talk fandom, knitting, or crocheting – or share your project photos (or even to request a fandom themed project), join me in the free, private facebook group “Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.” I’d love to see you there!
You should also hop over to the sidebar and subscribe to the newsletter to keep up to date on all the new patterns.
If you make this project, share it with me on Instagram: @fandom.knitting.crochet.
2018 was a HUGE year for Fandom Knitting + Crochet. Why? Well, it was this blog and community’s birth year! I started this blog in March of 2018 to share my love of fandom-inspired knitting and crocheting, and I was just crossing my fingers that I would find other crafters with similar interests out there in the world.
And…I did! I am so grateful for the fantastic, supportive, inspiring community that is the Fandom Knitting + Crochet Group (which you should totally join if you haven’t already), and these awards are just an indication of the amount of complete geekiness and craftiness and fandom-ness that happen on this blog and in that group.
2018 Fandom Knitting + Crochet Award Categories, Nominations & Votes
The idea of creating our own FKC Awards was really the result of two things. 1) I LOVE awards shows, top 10 (or any number, really) lists, countdowns, etc. and 2) I wanted to have a sort-of time capsule of what was “in” and beloved by people in this group at the end of a year as a sort of recap for posterity.
The categories were just things I thought people would like to vote on and things that we often discuss in the FKC community. Looking back, there are some categories I would like to add, but there’s always next year. (If you have suggestions for categories, let me know in the comments.)
After a call for nominations in those categories, I took the most requested nominees and put together a quick ballot. Voting took place for about a week, and the results were then tallied.
So, without further delay….here are our 2018 Fandom Knitting + Crochet Award Winners!
So, that’s it, folks. We can close the book on 2018 and start discussing all our current faves in 2019!
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear what your thoughts are – which winners do you find surprising? What categories would you like to see next year (song of the year, perhaps)? Let us know in the comments!
Are you a Fandom Knitting + Crochet group member on Facebook? If so, good decision. 😉 If not, come on over and join us! Join the group right here.
Want to keep up with all the latest updates from Fandom Knitting + Crochet? Free patterns, yarn suggestions, tips + tutorials, nonsensical annual awards…of course you do! Subscribe to our mailing list right here.
