Project 8: Fandom GAL

Nov. 11-24: Lush Life Blanket & Hermione’s Everyday Socks

Photos: Bernat Design Studio, Dreamsinfiber

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

It’s Time for Project 8 of the Gift-Along!

November has been whipping by at warp speed, and we are already into Project 8 of the Gift-Along! This is meant to be a 2-week project, but, if you’re in the same boat as I am, you might have to play catch-up and try to squeeze it in to less than that, which can absolutely be done. The two projects are lovely and will make stunning gifts!

Project 8: Crochet: Lush Life Blanket by Bernat Design Studio (Yarnspirations)

This one is soooo soft and cozy, crocheters! This blanket may require a bit of an investment in yarn, but it makes a truly lovely, soft, show-stopper of a gift.

Lush Life Blanket by Bernat Design Studio (Yarnspirations) – Photo courtesy of Berant Design Studio

The super bulky, soft blanket yarn, combined with the large-hook crochet stitches make such a squishy, comfy blanket. This one is sure to put a smile on the face of the lucky gift recipient!

  • Get the free pattern HERE.
  • Share your project progress photos/questions/finished photos with the hashtag: #FandomGAL #GALProject8 #FKCGAL on Facebook, in our Facebook Group or on Instagram. Be sure to tag @fandom.knitting.crochet on Insta! I’d love to repost some projects.

Project 8: Knit: Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder

If you are a knitter and follow Fandom Knitting & Crochet, you’ll probably know that these are my go-to socks. I LOVE them. The texture is lovely, they fit like a dream, and they have the slight fandom inspiration that I always enjoy.

So, pick your favorite sock yarn and dive in to these lovelies! I like to knit them two at a time to avoid the dreaded “second sock syndrome.”

Photo: Dreamsinfiber
  • Get the free pattern on Ravelry HERE.
  • Share your project progress photos/questions/finished photos with the hashtag: #FandomGAL #GALProject8 #FKCGAL on Facebook, in our Facebook Group or on Instagram. Be sure to tag @fandom.knitting.crochet on Insta! I’d love to repost some projects.

I’m really looking forward to seeing all of your projects, so be sure to share, share, share in the Facebook group or on Instagram! Happy gifting!

2019 Gift-Along

Knit or Crochet 10 Gifts Between Now & Christmas

Gift Along Knitting and Crochet Patterns
Photo credits: B. Crochet-tive Designs, Fandom Knitting & Crochet, Osage County Crochet

One of our absolute FAVORITE things to do in the Fandom Knitting + Crochet Facebook Group is a knit or crochet along! What you have here is our BIGGEST and BEST one ever – The 2019 FKC Gift-Along!

Join the Gift-Along Now!

What is a Gift-Along, Exactly?

So glad you asked! This gift-along is for knitters and crocheters, and it is a way to make 10 gifts between August 5th and Christmas. The best part? You will be working along with fellow yarny friends to keep you on track and share in the fun!

What’s involved?

  • 10 Knitting Patterns (a mix of free and discounted for us)
  • 10 Crochet Patterns (a mix of free and discounted for us)
  • A schedule to keep you on track
  • Email updates with links to patterns and the schedule
  • A community of fellow knitters and crocheters to work along with you and

Who should participate?

Anyone who knits and/or crochets! There are 10 knitting patterns and 10 crochet patterns, and the schedule is designed to do either a knit project or crochet project following the schedule. So, at the end of the gift-along, you should have 10 gifts!

Do you have to make all 10? Absolutely not. You can do as many or as few as you want. 🙂

When does it start?

It all officially kicks off on August 5th and go until December 15. There is a mixture of 1-week projects and 2-week projects with some breaks in there to play catch-up or rest. You can jump in at any point, as well. There are no real rules here.

The hope is to try to stick to the schedule, though, so we can keep on track and all finish all our gifts on time.

A specific schedule will be provided, including the length for each project and which project will happen at which dates.

Why sign up?

There are plenty of reasons, but I’ll give you a few of the biggies –

  1. Stay on track with gift-making
  2. Work alongside friends and fellow knitters/crocheters
  3. Patterns are tried-and-true, many of them free
  4. Paid pattern discounts just for our participants
  5. Recommendations, tips, support and encouragement from our community

Specific weekly details will be given out project by project. Be sure to sign up for the FKC mailing list to get all the weekly KCal updates.

How do I sign up?

We’ll be sending the schedule and updates via email throughout the process. You can join right here:

Sharing & Support

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).

I can’t wait to see what everyone creates!

Join the Gift-Along Now!

Crochet Pocket Cup Cozy

Crochet a coffee cup sleeve with a gift card holder (or tea bag) pocket.

Crochet Cup Cozy with Pocket
A Crochet Pattern by Jeris from Fandom Knitting + Crochet

Crochet a quick and easy cup cozy with a handy pocket to stash a gift card or tea bag for the perfect gift.

*This post may contain affiliate links.  See my full disclosure policy here.  

Gift Card Holder Coffee Cozy Crochet Pattern

If you know me, you know I am all about the coffee. Because I love coffee, and I love giving gifts, and, of course, I love crocheting, I make a lot of coffee cozies to gift to people – my sons’ teachers, hostesses, random people on the gift list.

I decided to make a whole little gift of it by purchasing a reusable Starbucks cup, putting the crochet sleeve on there, and giving a gift card. And that’s where the idea came for making a little pocket on the sleeve to hold the gift card. It could also be used to hold a tea bag for a non-coffee drinker, or really anything roughly card sized.

So, next time you need to stock up for a craft fair or just want to have a few quick gifts handy that anyone will love, crochet the perfect gift – a gift card holder cup sleeve! This is an easy crochet pattern great for beginners.

What you’ll find here is the crochet pattern that includes FREE written instructions right here on the blog.  There is also the option to get a printable version, which is a PDF Download formatted for printing with large print instructions. It is available for a very small fee, which you can get right here.

Download the Pocket Cup Cozy here.

Gift Card Holder Cup Sleeve Crochet Pattern
Pattern for the Crochet Gift Card Holder Cup Cozy

For this pattern, you’ll use medium weight yarn (#4 weight). I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Silver Heather. You’ll need size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle for seaming and sewing in loose ends.

This pattern is worked flat as a rectangle and seamed along the back.

Download the Printable PDF: Pocket Cup Cozy Pattern.
Easy Crochet Patterns

Materials:

  • Medium weight (#4) yarn (less than 100 yds)
    G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook
    Yarn needle

Gauge:

Approximately 15 stitches and 13 rows = 4″

abbreviations:

  • ch = chain
    hdc = half double crochet
    st = stitch

Pattern:

Ch 15. Hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each across. (14 hdc)

Ch 2. Turn. Hdc in each hdc across. (14 hdc)

Repeat the last row until the piece measures approximately 8″ from the chain row or until it stretches to fit snugly around your cup.

Fasten off.

Sew the back seam.  For seaming instructions, check out my YouTube tutorial here.

Weave in loose ends.

For the Pocket:

Chain 10 sts.

Hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each across. (9 hdc)

Ch 2. Turn. Hdc in each hdc across. (9 hdc)

Repeat the last row 6 more times or until pocket is desired length.

Fasten off.

Sew the pocket onto the cup cozy in desired spot. I used whipstitch, which worked really well. Here is a tutorial for whipstitch.

*TIP – ensure that you place the pocket where the gift card or tea bag will fit nicely on the cup. Also, consider pinning the pocket in place while sewing the three sides with whipstitch. That will help keep the pocket even as you sew.

Weave in loose ends.

Ta-da! That’s it. You can then stuff the pocket with a gift card or tea bag and even give a reusable to-go cup with it for a delightful, easy gift.

Want more crochet patterns?

Check out my Crochet Patterns library right here: Crochet Patterns

Download the PDF PRintable pattern here.

Quick Crochet Gifts

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.

Thanks for checking out the pattern!

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts to Crochet

Need to make a quick gift for Mother’s Day? Here are some crochet patterns you can whip up in no time!

Quick Crochet Gifts for Mother's Day
Crochet Patterns for Mother’s Day: A Roundup

Whip up a DIY Mother’s Day gift in no time with these gorgeous and quick crochet patterns.

*This post may contain affiliate links.  See my full disclosure policy here.  

Last Minute Crochet Mother’s Day Gifts

We don’t intend to wait until the last minute to settle on a Mother’s Day Gift. We truly don’t. But, every once in a while it creeps up on us, catching us by surprise. Then, we find ourselves panicking about what we will give mom that shows her that we care (and not that we waited until the last minute!).

Have no fear! We have the crochet patterns here!

This is a roundup of some super-quick and easy gifts to make for Mom. She will love them and you will have them done in no time.

Crochet Patterns for Quick Gifts

Some of these patterns are my own design, and some are from other designers that I really love. Check them out at make one (or more) for Mom.

Mother's Day Crochet Pattern Ideas

  • Bingewatcher Crochet Pillow Cover: This quick and easy pillow cover is a great decorative addition to any room in the house. You can get the free pattern right here: Bingewatcher Crochet Pillow Cover.
  • Mommy & Me Top Knot Turban Set: Make mom and her little one a matching set of turban-style headbands! Get the adorable set pattern from Osage County Crochet right here: Mommy & Me Top Knot Turban Pattern.
  • Scarf Love Scarf: This light and airy (not to mention lightning-fast to work up) scarf is sure to delight any mom. Choose a fun cake yarn, grab your hook, and you’re good to go! Get the free pattern right here: Scarf Love Crochet Pattern.
Last minute crochet gift patterns

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 one of these projects, share it with me on Instagram: @fandom.knitting.crochet.

Thanks for checking out the patterns!

Binge-watcher Crochet Pillow Cover – Pattern

Crochet Button-closure Pillow Cover Pattern

A Crochet Pattern by Jeris from Fandom Knitting + Crochet

*This post may contain affiliate links.  See my full disclosure policy here.  

Style + Coziness = Binge-watcher Pillow Cover!

Binge-watching is the unofficial sport of Fandom Knitting + Crochet. Who would we be without our Harry Potter marathons, our Outlander obsession or our the unparalleled bliss of discovering a new series that we just cannot. stop. watching?

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 crochet 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 “fossil” 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.

What you’ll find here is a crochet pillow cover pattern that includes FREE written instructions right here on the blog. 

Add to your Ravelry queue here: Bingewatcher Pillow Cover

Pattern for Binge-watcher Pillow Cover

The pattern is worked with two strands of super bulky-weight yarn held together throughout and a size Q-19 crochet hook. I used Lion Brand Wool-ease Thick & Quick yarn in Fossil and Fisherman. If your gauge is too large or small, just jump down or up a hook size or two. Easy peasy.

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.

Download the Printable PDF:  Binge-watcher Pattern PDF Download.

Materials:

Gauge:

Approximately 6 hdc stitches & 4 rows = 4″

*Note: The finished item will be roughly 16″ x 16″ but will stretch to fit the pillow snugly.

abbreviations:

  • ch = chain
  • st = stitch
  • hdc = half-double crochet
  • fl = front loop (the loop closest to you at the top of the next crochet stitch)

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: Ch 22. hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across (21 hdc). Ch 2. Turn.

Row 2: Working in the front loop only, hdc in the first hdc and in each across (21 fl hdc). Ch 2. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 40″ from the beginning.

Fasten off.

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.

Here’s a whipstitch tutorial: whipstitch.

*Note – you will be sewing through three edges at the overlapped part. Make sure you go through all layers there.

Finishing:

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Weave in all loose ends, ensuring that the loose ends from the seaming are secured well.

There is also a knit version of the Bingewatcher Pillow Cover, which you can find right here.

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.

Thanks for checking out the pattern!

Fan-tastic Crochet Christmas Ornament: Solid

Fan-tastic Crochet Christmas Ornament: Solid
A Crochet Pattern by Jeris from Fandom Knitting & Crochet

*This post may contain affiliate links.  All opinions are my own.  

Christmas is totally a fandom

Here at Fandom Knitting & Crochet, everything is inspired by a fandom of sorts.  In our FKC Group, we discuss what makes something a fandom.  Really, it’s anything that you love so much that you want it to seep into your knitting and/or crochet.  Some may call it an obsession.  We accept that.  So, Christmas clearly qualifies as a fandom for many of us.

So, my lofty goal was to design a basic ornament cover pattern and then proceed to fandom-ize it with different color work patterns.  What I’ve found is that is much easier said than done.  It took me a good deal of tinkering to create a pattern to fit well and look decent around an ornament.  Then, it took me a good deal more tinkering to figure out a what to create a color work graph that will work with the increases and decreases required in covering a sphere.

What I have for you here is the basic crochet ornament in a solid color, which is the “base” more or less that I am using for the fandom-inspired patterns. I’ll share those as they are ready, but they may be fewer and farther-between than I would have hoped. But I hope you’ll stick with me on this, because they are so much fun to make once they are ready!

But, as it has been established that Christmas is a fandom, too, this basic, solid ornament still fits here on the blog! I hope you go forth and make some of these – they work up quickly, and it’s so fun to see the handmade bulbs adorn the tree.

Add to your Ravelry queue right here.

Want to make a more fandom-ized ornament? Check out the Oculus Ornament version (glasses) right here: Oculus Ornament Pattern.

Pattern for Fan-tastic Crochet Christmas Ornaments: Solid

The pattern is worked with worsted-weight yarn and a size G-6 crochet hook. I originally did it with a smaller hook, but the stitches were very tight and stretching it to fit was difficult.  If your gauge is too large, just jump down a hook size or two. Easy peasy.

The pattern is worked in rows, which will be seamed around the plastic bulb. The top is open enough to fit around the top of the bulb, and the bottom is cinched and the back seam sewn with the yarn needle.

If you would like to download a printable version of the pattern, you can purchase a handy-dandy pdf file here: Downloadable PDF Pattern File.

Materials:

Gauge:

Approximately 8 stitches & 8 rows = 2″

*Note: These will be stretched around the ornament, and this gauge was calculated after stretched to fit the ornament.

abbreviations:

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

2sc – create two single crochet stitches in the next stitch

sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together

Pattern:

Row 1: Ch 17. Sc in 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (16 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 2: (sc 3, 2sc in next stitch) across. (20 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 3: (sc 4, 2 sc in next stitch) across. (24 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 4: (sc 5, 2 sc in next stitch) across. (28 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 5: (sc 6, 2 sc in next stitch) across. (32 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 6: (sc 7, 2 sc in next stitch) across. (36 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 7: (sc 8, 2 sc in next stitch) across. (40 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Rows 8-10: sc across. (40 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 11: (sc 8, sc2tog) across. (36 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 12: (sc 7, sc2tog) across. (32 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 13: (sc 6, sc2tog) across. (28 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 14: (sc 5, sc2tog) across. (24 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 15: (sc 4, sc2tog) across. (20 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 16: (sc 3, sc2tog) across. (16 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 17: (sc 2, sc2tog) across. (12 sc). Ch 1. Turn.

Row 18: (sc2tog) across. (6 sc).

Finishing:

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail to sew the ornament seam.  I leave about 18″ of yarn just to be safe.

Weave in the loose end at the beginning of your piece.

Using the long tail from where you fastened off, draw the yarn through the remaining 6 stitches, cinching them up.

Place the crochet piece around the plastic ornament. NOTE: You’ll need to pull the crochet piece to stretch around the ornament.  You want the stitches to be taught. 

Sew the back seam of the ornament. I like to use whipstitch, but you can seam any way you like.

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!

If you make this project, share it with me on Instagram: @fandom.knitting.crochet

Guest Post: Alex from Two Hearts Crochet Shares Princes Graphs

Guest Post: Alex from Two Hearts Crochet Shares 11 “Princes” Graphs

Guest Contributor, Alex of Two Hearts Crochet, Shares 11 Graphs of “Princes” or  Male Lead Disney Characters

I cannot explain how thrilled I am that Alex from Two Hearts Crochet is sharing some of her graphing magic with us here at Fandom Knitting + Crochet!  If you are unfamiliar with her blog, she is the graphgan guru, a real-life crochet master.

Truly, I am so beyond excited to share her fabulous new graphs with you, not only because they are spectacular, but because it means a lot to me to collaborate with a fellow fangirl/nerdy crafter.  As anyone in the Fandom Knitting and Crochet Group or Two Hearts Crochet Family groups on Facebook know, it is all about supporting and building up one another.  Alex was kind enough to share some of her talents and knowledge with me (and us) and I am so grateful.

Without further ado, here is Alex’s guest post.  Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: This is solely a not-for-profit fan art activity, and in no way intends to infringe on copyrights held by Disney, Disney Enterprises, or other professional Disney-related agencies.

Guest Post Begins Here!

Hi! My name is Alex, and I am super excited to be guest posting here on the Fandom Knitting + Crochet blog.

Here’s a little snippet about me: I live in eastern Washington state (which is currently on fire, as per usual this time of year). I spend as much of my free time crocheting as possible, though I’ve been dabbling in both cross stitch and acrylic painting over the last several months. I’m a bit of a nerd myself, and I started my own blog as a way to share my nerdy crochet patterns.

A few years back, I posted amigurumi doll patterns on my blog for each of the Disney princesses. After the phenomenal response to the dolls, I knew I wanted to offer other “nerdy” patterns and designs!

I can’t list all of my fandoms here for you (we’d be here all day!), but I can tell you that my favorites are Doctor Who, Star Trek, Harry Potter, and Supernatural. Of course, I love all things related to Disney and Pixar, and I’ve just recently fallen in love with the Netflix original series Anne With an “E”, so if there’s a fandom for that, count me in!

My blog is called Two Hearts Crochet (time lord, you know?), and it’s grown a lot in the last few years. I offer mainly amigurumi patterns and graphghan designs featuring different nerdy/fandom characters, but I am also starting to offer a few home décor items and even some garments! I also share lots of tips and crochet resources, and I even teach a couple of online “ecourses”—one on making amigurumi dolls and one on making graphghans!

Okay, now for the good stuff!

For my guest post, I wanted to share with you some brand new graph designs I made that can either be used on their own OR can be paired with the graphs for my Disney Princess & Villains graphghan.

I’ve been wanting to make these graphs for a long time, and this opportunity to guest blog here at Fandom Knitting + Crochet was the perfect excuse to get started.

There are 11 princes (or otherwise male-lead characters) included in this pattern set:

  • Prince Florian (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
  • Prince Henry/Prince Charming (Cinderella)
  • Prince Phillip (Sleeping Beauty)
  • Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid)
  • The Beast (Beauty and the Beast)
  • Aladdin (Aladdin)
  • John Smith (Pocahontas)
  • Li Shang (Mulan)
  • Prince Naveen (The Princess & The Frog)
  • Eugene/Flynn Rider (Tangled)
  • Kristoff (Frozen)

These graphs were designed to match the style of the other graphs in the Disney Princess & Villains graphghan, which were used with the Mini Corner-to-Corner stitch. As such, the arrows on these graphs are for use with Mini C2C (or regular C2C—either one works!)

Also included with each graph is a list of suggested yarn colors. For the Disney Princess & Villains graphghan, I recommended using Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarns. To remain consistent with that recommendation, I decided to suggest the same yarn for these Disney Princes graphs.

These graphs turned out better than even I imagined! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’m especially happy without both Beast and Aladdin turned out.

Download the graphs here: Disney Prince Graphs.

I hope you enjoy these graph designs as much as I’ve enjoyed making them! They’re a perfect addition to the graphs for my Disney Princess & Villains graphghan. You can mix-and-match to make a blanket that’s truly unique!

For more graphghan goodness, I encourage you to visit my blog—there are lots of free patterns available to choose from!

Nifty Gifty Cowl – Free Crochet Pattern

Nifty Gifty Cowl – Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet an Easy, Reversible Cowl – A Perfect Gift Pattern

While it may only be August while I type this up, a crafter knows that the time from August to December 25 flies.  Many a knitter and crocheter know the mad-dash feeling of mid-December when all the gifts you had hoped to finish are likely going to end up in the “finish for next Christmas” pile.

With a fresh resolution to not wait until the last minute, I’ve been starting my giftable knitting and crocheting nice and early this year, and I think you should, too!  So, what I’ve got for you today is the “Nifty Gifty Cowl,” which is a super-easy, fast and fun crochet pattern.  It is a perfect gift item because it is versatile, one-size-fits-all, and works up in a flash.

I personally love the look of this cowl with the “knit-look” stitches on the outside, but the texture of the other side is just as lovely, so it is truly reversible, and it works for just about anyone on your gift list (heck-you may even want to make one or two for yourself)!

What’s the fandom inspiration?  Well, there really isn’t one.  This is a fandom knitting and crochet blog, but sometimes, I just make stuff that is neutral and classic.  So, here we are.  The name, however, is fandom-inspired.  My favorite comedy series of all time is the American version of The Office, and there is an episode where Michael Scott hands out “Nifty Gifties” to his new employees, so there you have it.  I couldn’t truly go without any fandom references, now could I?

I hope you enjoy, favorite, queue, share, pin, etc.

*This post contains affiliate links.  All opinions are my own.  

Materials:
Gauge:

While gauge is not important for this project, my gauge was approximately 5 stitches and 5 rows = 4″

Finished Size:

Approximately 16.5″ wide by 10.5″ tall, unstretched

Instructions:

Chain 42.

Half-double crochet (hdc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each across.  Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc.  (*Note – you will have a small gap at the bottom of your first round.  You can sew that up with the tail from the beginning of your starting chain when you are done.)

Chain 1.  Hdc in the 3rd loop around.  Join with a slip stitch. (*Note – the 3rd loop is the loop right under/behind the back loop of your stitch.  See the image.)

Repeat the last round 10 more times.

Fasten off.  Weave in loose ends with the yarn needle, attaching the bottom of the first round with the tail from your starting chain.

Download a Printer-friendly pdf version of the pattern right here.

Want More Crochet Patterns?

Check out my other crochet patterns in the Crochet Patterns section of the blog right here.

Let’s Connect!

I hope you like this pattern! Let me know if you make one by commenting here or connecting with me on Facebook or Instagram.  Follow the blog with your email address (sign up on the side bar) and be sure to join the “Fandom Knitting & Crochet Group” on Facebook.  We talk all things fandom and yarn.  I’m also on Instagram: @fandom.knitting.crochet.

Thanks for stopping by!

Reflections on Our First Knit and Crochet-Along

After finishing the first ever Fandom Knitting and Crochet Knit/Crochet-Along, I share my finished projects, thoughts, and some plans for the future.

That’s a Wrap! (or, more aptly, a Shawl)

The very first Fandom Knit/Crochet-Along has come to an end, and man, did I have fun!  Not only did I complete two shawls I would never have finished otherwise, I got to work along with some awesome fellow knitters and crocheters.  What you’ll find here are some photos of my finished projects, a few comments and notes about the patterns and the kal/cal process, and some ideas for the future.  Spoiler: I learned a lot and can’t wait for the next one!

(This post contains affiliate links.  All opinions are my own.  I recommend things that I personally love.)

The Projects: Secret Paths Shawl and Reyna Shawl (and Power Wave Scarf)

For the knit/crochet-along, we (the members of the FKC Facebook Group – if you aren’t already a member, you should join!), decided to work on a shawl.  That said, we have some knitters, some crocheters, and plenty of folks not really wanting to commit to a “big” project.  So, the patterns we worked from were:

For me, it was go big or go home, so I went with both the Secret Paths and the Reyna Shawls.

My Secret Paths Shawl

The biggest surprise for me in the whole CAL was how much I loved the Secret Paths Shawl.  I am not a “shawl person,” per se, and I’ve only really made and wore one shawl.  So, much to my surprise and delight, I really loved making this shawl (it works up quickly!) and I am so happy with the result.

I used Lion Brand Mandala yarn in Centaur, which is a dk weight yarn, and a H-8 crochet hook.  This is a larger yarn and hook than specified in the pattern, but the result is a good-sized cozy (and really, really cute) shawl.  In other words…I strongly urge you to give this pattern and yarn a try.  There are so many gorgeous colors of Mandala, and it is really affordable.  So, go treat yo’ self to some and make this delightful shawl.  You can shop Mandala yarn here.

My Reyna Shawl

Ah…the Reyna Shawl.  I have some mixed feelings about how my Reyna turned out.  First off, it is really much more of a “shawlette” than a shawl when knitted with the recommended yarn and needles, which I did.  So, I used fingering-weight yarn in three solid colors: white, grey, and black.  My inspiration were the dire wolves from Game of Thrones, and I used white as my predominant color for my favorite of the dire wolves, Jon Snow’s “Ghost.”

While I do think it is a nice pattern and am overall happy with it, I would do a few things differently.  I would likely use a nice, hand-dyed, fancy yarn next time around.  The color changes were not fun on this because there is such a delicate edge for weaving in loose ends, and it adds bulk.  I’d probably also use a larger weight yarn and needles so the finished shawl would be bigger.  Just personal preference.

Oh, and I’d pay better attention as I was going so I wouldn’t have made mistakes in my mesh sections.  I love the mesh sections and feel like they really “make” the shawl what it is.  However, I Shruted it (Office fans, anyone?) and have some “character” in my mesh sections.  Such is life, I suppose.  I can live with it.

Reflections on the Process and Looking to the Future

Overall, the Fandom Knit/Crochet-Along was a huge success.  Not only did we have an overwhelming amount of participation from fellow stitchers, which made it so much fun, I personally completed two projects I might not have had the motivation to finish all on my own.

One thing I’d do differently is to shorten the overall amount of weeks on the schedule.  I didn’t want to rush or overwhelm people, so I really spread it out, but I think some people lost their momentum in the process.

So, would I do it again? You betcha!

I’m currently planning a Halloween-themed Knit/Crochet-Along.  So, if you have some ideas of what you’d like to make, comment and let me know!  Halloween is one of my favorite times of year and I have some fabulous yarns in mind to work with.  Who’s excited?!?

Let’s Connect!

I’d love for you to follow Fandom Knitting & Crochet.  I so appreciate any support, and I love the community of fellow knitters and crocheters!  Join our email list here: Sign up! I also have a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group, which you can join here: Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Crochet Pattern: Wizard School Spirit Beanie

Hogwarts house colors hat crochet pattern

Hogwarts-inspired Hat Crochet Pattern

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Harry Potter hat crochet pattern

Recently, I shared a free knitting pattern for the Wizard School Spirit Beanie.  It went over well, so, by popular demand, here’s a crochet version.  It is a bit different – this version is a little “slouchier,” which I think works nicely with the crochet stitches.  It retains the same Hogwarts Houses inspired design, this time worked up in Slytherin and Ravenclaw colors.

One tip as you are working on this – you don’t need to cut yarn on the color changes.  You can just carry the strands up with you.  Those strands will only show on the inside, and it will be all good from the outside and save you time weaving in unnecessary ends.

The pattern is a pretty easy one to work up, but you will need to know now to crochet in the back loops and the third loops.  If you aren’t familiar you can check out the tutorials I have linked here:

Crochet Wizard School Spirit Beanie (2)

The Pattern: Crochet Wizard School Spirit Beanie

  • Get the printer-friendly PDF download right HERE.
  • Pin for later to your Pinterest boards HERE.
  • Save to your Ravelry queue right HERE.
  • Read on for the free pattern below.

The samples I made are in the child (Slytherin colors) and adult sizes (Ravenclaw colors).  After working with the Heartland yarn, I decided to modify the recommended yarns to all Heartland, so the pictured Slytherin beanie isn’t in Heartland, but I assure you, it will look fabulous worked up in the Heartland shades.

Sizes:

To fit: 0-6 Months (6-12 Months, Toddler, Child, Adult)

Materials:

Lion Brand Heartland Yarn in Main Color and Contrast Color

For the Hogwarts-inspired house colors, I recommend:

  • Ravenclaw: Glacier Bay or Lake Clark with Mammoth Cave
  • Slytherin: Kings Canyon and Mount Rainier
  • Hufflepuff: Yellowstone and Black Canyon
  • Gryffindor: Redwood and Yellowstone

Size H-8 Crochet Hook

Yarn Needle

Gauge:

Approximately 15 stitches and 7 rows = 4″ in HDC

Abbreviations and Terms:

  • MC – Main color
  • CC – Contrast color
  • St – stitch
  • Ch – chain
  • HDC – half-double crochet
  • Back loop – work only through the back loop rather than the front and back loop of that stitch.
  • Third loop – work in the loop directly behind (and slightly below) the back loop.
  • ss – slip stitch
  • tog – together
Harry Potter Crochet Hat Pattern

Instructions:

Instructions are written for the smallest size with the larger sizes in the parentheses.

Band:

With MC, chain 8.

Row 1: HDC in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across.  Turn.

Row 2: HDC in the back loop of each HDC across.  Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the band measures 14 (16, 18, 19, 20) inches from the beginning.

Join the band with slip stitches to work in the round.

Hat ‘Body’:

Round 1: Working with the yarn still connected from the joining, you’ll now be working around the top edge of the band.  Chain 2.  Work HDC stitches evenly around the band.  You’ll want approximately 40 (48, 56, 64, 72) HDC stitches (or another multiple of 4 around there).  Join with ss.

Round 2: Ch 2. Work HDC in each HDC around.

Repeat Round 2 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) more times.

* Switch to CC

Work through the third loops of each HDC for 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) rounds, joining with a ss at the end of each round.

*Switch to MC

Work HDC through the third loops of each HDC around. Join with ss.

*Switch to CC

Work through the third loops of each HDC for 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) rounds, joining with a ss at the end of each round.

*Switch to MC

Work 1 round HDC through the third loop of each HDC around.  Join with ss.

Work 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) rounds of HDC through both loops as in normal HDC, joining rounds with ss.

* Switch to CC

Work through the third loops of each HDC for 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) rounds, joining with a ss at the end of each round.

*Switch to MC

Work HDC through the third loops of each HDC around. Join with ss.

*Switch to CC

Work through the third loops of each HDC for 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) rounds, joining with a ss at the end of each round.

*Switch to MC

Work 1 round HDC through the third loop of each HDC around.  Join with ss.

Work 0 (0, 0, 1, 2) rounds of HDC through both loops as in normal HDC, joining rounds with ss.

Decrease for Crown:

Round 1: (HDC 2, HDC 2tog) around.

Round 2: (HDC, HDC2 tog) around.

Round 3: HDC 2tog around.

Round 4: HDC 2tog around.

Finishing:

Fasten off.  Cut yarn, leaving a long tail.  Draw through the remaining stitches to close and secure the top of the hat.  Weave in all loose ends.

That’s it! You have yourself a lovely Crochet Wizard School Spirit Beanie! Now go ahead and make one in each house color. 🙂

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