Patriotic Crochet Coasters – 4th of July

4th of July Crochet Coasters

patriotic coasters

4th of July coasters

Crochet these fun and patriotic coasters.  They make the perfect hostess gift.  They work up very fast and are easy to make.   Using only basic stitches and medium weight yarn in Red, White and Blue.   Just toss them into the washer or wash by hand if they get dirty.  You can have these be a take away gift after your 4th of July or other patriotic holiday parties.   They are also a great way to use up all your yarn scarps.

Supplies:

Medium worsted weight yarn in  Red, White and Blue
Hook:  Size   J/ 6.0 mm
To Begin:   Magic circle   or ch 5, sl st into 1stch
Round  1:  Ch 3 (counts as 1 DC),  17 dc into circle, (Change  color to white before slipping thru 3rdch) sl st into 3rd ch
Round  2:   Ch 1, (work tails into work here and thru out), hdc into same st,  2hdc, *hdc into next 2 st, 2hdc* repeat from * to *,  sl st into 1st st  (Change  color to red before slipping thru 1st st)
Round 3:  ch 1, *hdc into next 2 st, 2hdc, 2hdc*, repeat from * to *,  2hdc into last st, sl st into 1stst (Change  color to white before slipping thru 1st st)
Round 4: ch 1, *hdc in the next 3 st, 2hdc*, repeat from * to *, 1hdc into last 3 st, (Change  color to red before slipping thru 1st st), sl st into first st
Round 5:  Ch 1, *1hdc into next 4 st, 2hdc* repeat from * to *, *, 1hdc into last 3 st, fasten off, sew in your tails
Stars into center of blue circle are optional:  Embroider stars into blue center using white embroidery floss, or take your 4 ply yarn, pull 2 plys off and use as embroidery thread.
Happy 4th of July !

Prefer a video tutorial?  Click on the link below

 

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Crochet Trefoil Loop Trim

Make a foundation chain as long as you need.  Remember your chain must be a multiple of 8 plus 2.
Row 1:  1sc into each chain beginning with 2nd ch from hook
Row 2:  ch 1, 1sc into first sc, *ch 9, skip next 7 ch, sc into next ch, repeat from * to end of row
Row 3: ch 4, 1tr into first sc, ch 4, 1sc into the first ch-9 space, *ch 9, sc into the next ch-9 sp, repeat from * to end of ch-9 loops, ch 4, 1tr into last sc

Row 4:  ch1, 1sc into first tr, *ch 7, sc into 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, sc into 3rdch from hook, ch 3, ch into 3rd ch from hook, sl st into first sc of the ch-3 work,  ch 4, sc into next ch-9 sp, rep from * to end, sc into last tr stitch 
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Crochet Soda Tab Purse

Have you seen those soda tab purses and wanted to make one.  Well, there really isn’t a good way to describe how to make one other than to show you how.   For that reason I am just going to add the link to the 2 video tutorials for this bag.   Remember, you can make them larger or smaller depending on your needs, but make sure all of your panels are the same height.  
I used what is known as Rat’s Tail nylon cording.  It is available in hobby shops and amazon.com  Here is a link:  http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=KC_Accessories&index=arts-crafts&search-type=ss
You will need at least 150 yards for this bag.  It will vary depending on if you use 2sc in ea space or choose only 1 sc.  Either way, be prepared to use at least 100 yards or more.  
You can save soda tabs or you can buy them on ebay.   Just put in soda tabs and there are several sellers.  This bag uses 740 tabs,  be on the safe side and just order the 1000 package.  
Good luck.  Here are the video links:    If the links do not appear, clear on the tab above YouTube videos and you will see the videos there.  Thank you.  
Video 1 

Video 2

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Crochet “Hello Kitty” Inspired Little Girls Purse

Photo of Crochet Hello Kitty Purse

Crochet Hello Kitty Inspired Purse

Hello Kitty  was always a favorite of my daughter.  She just loved anything with Hello Kitty on it.  She had sheets, towels, little miniature toys.  You name it she had it.

I wish I had made this little crochet bag for her.  I designed this little Hello Kitty Inspired little girls purse for my granddaughter a few years ago.  Guess what?  She loved it!

I strongly recommend that you use stitch markers and a row counter to keep track of your work.  It is so easy to get confused and lost when working in rounds.

I’m always impressed and a bit intimidated by people who don’t seem to need to use stitch markers or row counters.   How do they manage to keep track or all of that in their heads…. I don’t know but I am impressed.

I hope you will enjoy this project.  At the end of this post I have also added links to other projects that might interest you.

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Label your WIP’s (works in progress) and never be confused again.

Don’t you hate it when you’re going thru you stash of unfinished projects (or as I like to call them UFO’s – Unfinished objects) and you can’t remember what hook you used?   Or maybe you can’t recall the dye lot.  Whatever it is this is a quick method for labeling your items and never being confused again.  

1.)  Take an index card, fold in 4 parts and cut  (see photos)

2)  Write down information needed to complete project such as hook/needle size, Brand or yarn, color, dye lot or other special instructions on the card.  (see photo) 
3)  Get a piece of yarn (or crochet thread)  about 10 inches long and thread thru a sharp pointed needle 
4)  Sew thru label 
5)  With crochet hook pull yarn thru crochet project. 
6)  Make a knot at the end of your yarn and wrap label thru yarn loop 
Now you’re all done.  No more confusion when you go back to complete your project.  Whether it’s tomorrow or next year.    
If you prefer a video tutorial check out the link below: 

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