Winter Bliss Square - Crochet Pattern

Winter Bliss Square by The Perfect Knot

Hello my Tangled Friends!

I know I have been MIA for several months now and I have definitely missed all of you!
Life gets in the way of play and sometimes you just have to put play on hold.

Anyway though... I'm BACK!!!!!!! And I have a goodie for you all to play with!

It's winter time in the US here and my brain is thinking "I want snow", while my body is going "Not yet!" LOL. So to fight the war between the two, I opted for Snow in Yarn! That way everyone wins and you can be warm while thinking cold. ;)

So without any further ado, here is the Free Pattern I promised you!
Enjoy and happy crocheting!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot Crochet and More

Winter Bliss Square

This is an Intermediate level pattern written in US Crochet terms.

Materials Needed:

Size 4.0mm Crochet Hook                 

Tapestry Needle                                 Tape Measure

Scissors       

Size 4 Worsted Weight Yarn in 2 Colors (I used Red Heart With Love in my Example.)

Stitch Legend:

Ch – Chain                                        Sl St – Slip Stitch

SC – Single Crochet                          DC – Double Crochet

Trbl – Treble Crochet                        HDC – Half Double Crochet

FO – Fasten Off                                IJ – Invisible Join

St – Stitch                                          Sts – Stitches

[ ] – Stitches worked into the same space or Stitch

* – Repeat instructions from *

Special Stitches or Directions:

Triple Loop Start: Alternative to a Magic Circle that does not slide open like a traditional Magic Circle.

HOW TO DO A TRIPLE LOOP START: Wrap yarn around finger 3 times, insert hook under first 2 loops, catch 3^rd loop with hook and pull through under the 2 loops on your finger. Once you pull the loop through, then you will begin your chain to secure the loops and start your first stitch. You will pull the tail of the yarn from the loop to close the loop tight. You may need to pull one strand of the loop & then the second strand of the loop so that you can fully close the yarn tail of the loop.

Your square should measure 6” when completed.

Let’s Begin!

Round 1: Begin with White yarn and a Triple Loop Start or a Magic Circle, Ch 5 (counts as 1^st DC & Ch 2 space), Working all Sts into the loop, DC, Ch 2, *DC, Ch 2, Repeat from * 5 More Times & Sl St to the 3^rd Ch of the beginning Ch 5 to join (8 DC & 8 Ch 2 spaces) Pull yarn tail to close loop

Round 2: Sl St into Ch 2 space, Ch 3 (counts as 1^st DC), 3 DC in same Space, Ch 2, *4 DC in next Ch 2 space, Ch 2, Repeat from * around and Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3 to join (32 DC & 8 Ch 2 spaces)

Round 3: *Sl St into each DC to next Ch 2 space, Working in the Ch 2 space [Ch 3, Sl St in same Ch 2 space, Ch 5, Sl St in same Ch 2 space, Ch 7, Sl St in same Ch 2 space, Ch 5, Sl St in same Ch 2 space, Ch 3, Sl St in same Ch 2 space], Repeat from * around in each Ch 2 space, Sl St in 1^st Sl St to join & FO White yarn (5 Ch space Cluster Petals in each Ch 2 space)

Round 4: Attach 2^nd Color with a Sl St into the Ch 5 space on the left side of the 5 Ch space cluster petal (Right Ch 5 space if you are left handed) SEE PHOTO, 

Attach yarn here

Attach Yarn in the Ch 5 space indicated.

Ch 1, SC in same Space, *Ch 3, SC in next Ch 5 space on next petal, working behind Ch 7 space, Ch 3, SC in next Ch 5 space on same petal, Repeat from * around and Sl St to 1^st SC to join (16 Ch 3 spaces, 16 SC)

Round 5 See Photo Tutorial Below if you have trouble with this round: Sl St into Ch 3 Space, [Ch 3 (counts as 1^st DC), 2 Trbl, Ch 3, 2 Trbl, DC in same Space] corner made, *in next Ch 3 space DC, HDC in Ch 7 space at the point of the snowflake from Round 3 & around Ch 3 space from Round 4, DC in same Ch 3 space from Round 4, 3 HDC in next Ch 3 space, in next Ch 3 space DC, HDC in Ch 7 space at the point of the snowflake from Round 3 & Around Ch 3 space from Round 4, DC in same Ch 3 space from Round 4, in next Ch 3 space [DC, 2 Trbl, Ch 3, 2 Trbl, DC] corner made, Repeat from * around omitting last corner instructions, Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3 to join (60 Sts) 

After First Corner

After the first corner is formed you will be working into the Ch 3 space behind the point of the snowflake.

Make first DC into the Ch space BEHIND the point

Make the First DC into the Ch space behind the point.

Insert Hook Into the Ch 7 Space at the Point of the Snowflake

Make your HDC INTO the Ch 7 Space at the point of the Snowflake and insert your hook UNDER the Ch 3 space to complete the stitch worked Around the Ch space.

Finished HDC through the point should look like this

Your Stitch should look like this once completing the HDC through the point.

Make last DC into the Ch space behind the snowflake

Work the next DC into the Same Ch 3 space as the previous 2 stitches.

After Round 5 your square should measure 5”.

Round 6: Ch 1, SC in same St, SC in next 2 Sts to Ch 3 corner space, [2 SC, Ch 2, 2 SC] in Ch 3 corner space, *SC in next 15 Sts to next Ch 3 corner space, [2 SC, Ch 2, 2 SC] in next Ch 3 Corner space, Repeat from * to last corner, SC in next 12 Sts, Sl St to 1^st SC to join (76 SC)

Round 7: Ch 1, SC in Same St, SC in next 4 Sts, in Ch 2 corner space [2 SC, Ch 2, 2 SC], *SC in next 19 Sts, in Ch 2 corner space [2 SC, Ch 2, 2 SC], Repeat from * to last corner, SC in next 14 Sts, Sl St to 1^st SC to join, FO with an IJ and cut yarn tail (92 SC)

Using the tapestry needle, weave in your ends and discard remaining yarn tails.

Ta-Da! You’re finished!

© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2012 - 2014. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under federal & international copyright laws. This is my original pattern. Do Not Copy, Modify, Reproduce, Redistribute, Sell or Claim as your own. You may sell items made from this pattern, but please Do NOT claim it as your own unique design. Please refer back to me as the original designer for any items you may sell. http://www.facebook.com/ThePerfectKnotCrochet  

Chair Sox Pattern

Chair Sox

In our house we have this linoleum flooring that looks like stone.
It's really pretty and I like the look of it in our kitchen.

Unfortunately though, we have an old dining set that all the chairs are losing their little rubber bottoms off the feet.

Our floor was getting scratched up or getting little marks in it so I decided I could come up with something that would help keep the chairs from messing up the floors. LOL And so Chair Sox were born!
I'm hoping that some of you out there can use this clever little invention of mine to help protect your hard wood, tile or linoleum floors! Enjoy and thanks for stopping by The Perfect Knot Crochet and More!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot

Chair Sox

This is a beginner level pattern written in US Crochet terms.

Materials Needed:

Size 4.0mm Crochet Hook                           Stitch Marker

Tapestry Needle                                           Scissors

Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn (I used Premier Cotton Big Ball in my examples.)

Stitch Legend:

Mgc Rng – Magic Ring                                SC – Single Crochet

FO – Fasten Off                                          BLO – Back Loops Only

St – Stitch                                                    Sl St – Slip Stitch

* – Repeat from * around

NOTE: Pattern is worked in a spiral and not joined at the end of each Round. Use a Stitch Marker to mark the last stitch of each round and continue onto the next round’s directions.

Pattern is designed to fit about a 1” diameter chair leg either wooden or metal. Pattern is worked throughout using TWO strands of worsted weight cotton yarn.

CHAIR SOX – Make 4

Let’s begin!

Round 1: Begin with a Mgc Rng, 6 SC into ring, pull yarn tail to close (6 SC)

Round 2: *2 SC in next St, Repeat around (12 SC)

Round 3: SC in each St around (12 SC)

Round 4: Working into the BLO, SC in each St around (12 SC)

Rounds 5 – 8: SC in both loops of each St around, after last St on Round 8, Sl St into next St and FO and weave in yarn tails using the tapestry needle. (12 SC)

Slide Chair Sox over the bottoms of your chair legs to help protect your hard wood or linoleum flooring.

Congratulations! You’re finished!

© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2014. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under federal & international copyright laws. This is my original pattern. Do Not Copy, Modify, Reproduce, Redistribute, Sell or Claim as your own. You may sell items made from this pattern, but please Do NOT claim it as your own unique design. Please refer back to me as the original designer for any items you may sell.

http://www.facebook.com/ThePerfectKnotCrochet  

Fantastic Fruit Salsa Recipe

Fantastic Fruit Salsa

If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a bit of an adventurous eater and I love trying new things. I'm also all about as Fresh as I can get, because well, Fresh just tastes better!

One of my favorite types of combinations is mixing sweet with savory or sweet with spicy. That's exactly what this recipe is! A delicious mix of both sweet and spicy and a little bit savory. :)

I could literally eat this salsa all by itself as a meal! It's also great with grilled chicken, fish, rice, with tortilla chips or as a salad topping or with anything else you can think to pair it with.

So without any further ado, here is the recipe for Fantastic Fruit Salsa!

Ingredients:
1 Peach or Mango (Or Both if you prefer)
1 Red Bell Pepper
12 Strawberries
3 Green Onions
1 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (Chopped fine)
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
1 Tsp Stevia in the Raw or Sugar
Garlic Salt to Taste (optional)

Dice all fruits and vegetables into bite sized pieces, chop cilantro leaves finely and add all fruits and vegetables to a medium sized bowl.

Add Lime Juice, Sea Salt & Stevia/Sugar to mixture of fruits and veggies. Mix thoroughly together and chill in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes prior to serving.

You can add a little garlic salt to the mixture if you want something a little more savory than sweet. :)

Serve with your favorite grilled chicken, fish, rice, or whatever you choose.

As always, if you try this recipe, I'd love to know how you liked it!

Enjoy!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by The Perfect Knot!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot

Raindrops on Roses ... or Look up, look down, look all around!

Raindrops on Roses

Last night it Rained! I absolutely love it when it rains in the summer and everything smells so clean! I love that it cools the temperature off and the Earth is refreshed!
The colors of the flowers, grass and leaves are so vibrant like someone painted them anew!

There's a word for that smell, it's called Petrichor and it's just a phenomenal smell like no other!

That smell is what woke me up this morning extremely early (before 6 am) and made me decide to get up and grab my camera to do a little photo exploration around our house.
I haven't done that in so long, but after today's adventure, I definitely need to do it some more. It's the best therapy I know of next to playing with my yarn and beads. ;)

So come with me on my little backyard adventure and I'll share with you some of the beautiful things I found on my little journey.

 As I started off on my adventure, I spotted the beautiful miniature roses that my neighbor has growing in her yard along the wall that is shared with our driveways.

They are so delicate and tiny and just perfectly shaped. The velvety petals made for an amazing canvas to cradle the raindrops on each of the flowers.
The flowers were very dry in parts of the bush, so I know they must have been very grateful for this little drink early in the morning.

 The colors of the flowers are so beautiful! The most delicate Antique Ivory, Peach and Soft White. And then there was my favorite in the vibrant Red and White of the miniature Peppermint Rose! I knew that one needed to have a special spotlight with it's two lovely about to open baby buds right next to it. :)

I could have stayed right there for hours and shot every single little tiny flower on each little bush. They were all so gorgeous!

Roses are my second favorite flower next to Sunflowers and I love the variety of colors and scents they have! God truly knew how to make them just perfect enough. (Thorns and all.)

Next on my adventure, I had a few little birdie friends stop by to say hello!

First was this lovely little green Finch that decided to sit on the wire above my head and sing me a pretty tune.

He didn't stay very long though as he was in a hurry to catch his breakfast.

Next I met a little sleeping blue bird that was nestled between the seed pods of the pretty tree that lives in our front yard. I decided it best not to wake her up and let her get her beauty sleep as I continued on my way.

 I then met another blue bird who was quite the curious little fellow. He watched me for quite a while until he decided I wasn't going to bother him, but only wanted to take his picture.

 He stared me down for a couple of seconds while sizing me up. I can hear the thoughts running through his head "Are you a friend or a foe? What is that big black thing you're carrying? What are you going to do with it?" LOL

He decided I wasn't an enemy and that he would give me his best profile pose before snagging the little yellow leaf in front of him and taking off with it somewhere to parts unknown.
He was a friendly little fellow and I hope he found something good for his breakfast besides the leaf. ;)

My last little friend was a very LOUD squawking Jay Robber or Blue Jay as they are called out here.
He sat on the back fence next to the neighbor's shed and decided he would squawk me his story. He strutted around on the fence line and made himself known to everyone in the neighborhood.
He did decide to pose for me long enough to get his portrait though and for that I am grateful! Fun, noisy little guy!

After my conversation with the Jay Robber, I decided to go check out the black berry bushes that randomly grow in our yard. Seems like they can pop up just about anywhere!
I love the shape of their leaves and the wonderful sweet berries they produce.
The raindrops were so perfectly placed on these leaves it almost looked like someone took an eye dropper and just left perfect little wet spots on the leaves.

I found another little sprig of the bush growing out from between the rocks near our fence line. This one even has a few berries on it! In a few days, maybe I can pick a few when they are ripe and have myself a great little fresh snack. :)

Where we live there are mountains and trees everywhere! (And not much else. LOL)
I decided I would admire the storm clouds rolling in over the trees on the mountain side.
They were so dark and I wondered when the next bit of rain would come. Would it bring thunder and lightning as well, or just a few sprinkles? Only time would tell.

Ahhhhh, yes, there's always an out-take when it comes to a photo story isn't there? LOL
In my case, I had to take the shot of the storm clouds more than once because one of my little feathered friends decided he needed to photo-bomb me!

And not just once, TWICE! The little stinker! LOL

Anyway, after being photo-bombed by the bird...

I did manage to spot a little patch of blue sky trying to peek through the clouds, so there was some hope that it might still clear up.
Aren't those trees all just the most perfect shades of green? Like I said, they all look freshly painted. So beautiful and clean!

 As I continued my adventure around the yard, I spotted a vacated spider's web that had been soaked from the rain.
The raindrops were held in this amazing silken hammock that the spider had made for his home. (Not to worry, I'm sure he can make another one some place drier. ;) )

As I ended my journey in the backyard because it was starting to rain and thunder again, I found one more vacated spider's canopy that had held suspended little bits of our cedar tree as well as hundreds of little raindrops all trapped between the ground an the side of our house.

It looked like little diamonds trapped within the water droplets. I thought it was such an interesting place for all of them to come to rest. So beautiful!

So that last picture concludes my little photo exploration around my yard because as I mentioned it was starting to storm again and I did not want to risk soaking me or my camera. It was a fun little trip and I'll have to make another one very soon! Maybe next time I will walk around my neighborhood or find another little place to see what is about. :)

I enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells on my little adventure this morning! Thank you for coming with me and seeing my world through my little cock-eyed view.

Thanks for stopping by The Perfect Knot Crochet and More!

Have a great day!

Michelle K.

New Beach Accessories for The My First Babies!

My First Babies Beach Boy Accessories

It's summer here in the Northern Hemisphere and for many that means sun, fun, beaches, pool parties and swimming!
I know that's how I enjoy spending my summers. :)

I just wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the latest accessories set for the My First Babies Collection!

This is the My First Babies Beach Boy Accessories. He's ready to hit the beach, have some fun, surf a few waves and catch some rays!

Pattern includes Surfboard, Surf Shorts, Beach Towel, Beach Ball, Bucket and Shovel, and a cool pair of Shades!

You can purchase the pattern here in my Ravelry Shop. (PLEASE NOTE THIS PATTERN IS FOR THE ACCESSORIES ONLY. If you wish to create the dolls that the accessories fit you will need to purchase The My First Babies Dolls Pattern separately.)

While you're checking out the pattern in my Ravelry shop, be sure to take a look at all the other My First Babies accessories!

I'm having so much fun with these patterns and I hope you will enjoy making them as much as I have. Not to worry, more accessories for both babies are coming soon!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by The Perfect Knot Crochet and More!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot

Independence Day Weekend Sale!

Independence Day Weekend Sale

Just wanted to let all of my Tangled friends know that all patterns are 50% off in my Ravelry Shop until 7-7-14!

There are currently 156 designs available for you to create with!


Hope you all enjoy your Independence Day Weekend!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot Crochet and More

Paisley Rose Headband Pattern

Paisley Rose Headband

Introducing the Paisley Rose Headband!

This is a pretty little accessory that can easily be adapted to fit any head size.

Something simple that you can easily dress up by adding the Rose to it or keep it simple by leaving the flower off.

So, without any further ado... The Paisley Rose Headband!

Paisley Rose Headband

This is an Intermediate level pattern written in US Crochet terms.

Materials Needed:

Size 4.0mm Crochet Hook

Tapestry Needle

Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Red Heart Soft Rose Blush & Caron Simply Soft Off White & Sage in my example.)

Stitch Legend:

Ch – Chain                                        Sl St – Slip Stitch

HDC – Half Double Crochet              DC – Double Crochet

St – Stitch                                          Sts – Stitches

FO – Fasten Off

Finished Measurements: 14” around

Gauge: 5 Stitches in 1”

HEADBAND – Pattern is written for a baby size but you can easily adjust the length of this headband to fit any head just by repeating Shell 3 until you reach your desired length.

Row 1: Ch 4, 5 HDC in 4^th Ch from hook, Ch 30 (this will be the back of the headband), Sl St into 2^nd Ch & into each Ch back to Shell, Sl St into the center of the Shell

Shell 2: Ch 2, working around the beginning Ch 4, 5 HDC, Ch 3, Sl St back into center of Shell

Shell 3: Ch 2 & turn, working around Ch 3, 5 HDC, Ch 3, Sl St back into center of Shell

Repeat Shell 3 until you have 13 Shells or until you desired length

Last Shell: Ch 2 & turn, working around Ch 3, 6 HDC, bring Ch with Sl Sts up without twisting it & Sl St into 1^st St at end of Ch to join, Ch 1 & FO.

Using the tapestry needle, weave in your ends & cut excess yarn.

ROSE

Row 1: Begin with Off White yarn Ch 16, SC in 2^nd Ch from hook & to each St across (15 SC)

Row 2: Ch 1 & turn, 5 HDC in same St, *Sl St into next St, 5 HDC in next St, Repeat across & Sl St into last St as same petal, (40 HDC) FO leaving a long tail for sewing. (18 – 24”)

Using the tapestry needle weave in your beginning yarn tail. Starting at the end where you last FO, twist your petals into a spiral & stitch rose together.

LEAF – Make 2

Round 1: Begin with Sage colored yarn & a longer tail on one leaf for sewing (12 – 15”), Ch 6, SC in 2^nd Ch from hook, HDC in next Ch, DC in next Ch, HDC in next Ch, 3 SC in last Ch, working into bottom of Ch, HDC in next Ch, DC in next Ch, HDC in next Ch, SC in last Ch, Ch 2, Invisible join to 1^st SC to join, FO (11 Sts)

Using the tapestry needle weave in your ending yarn tail, Stitch each leaf to bottom of rose so that leaves show out the sides of the Rose. Stitch the Rose onto the 4^th Shell of one side of the headband. Weave in remaining ends & cut excess yarn.

© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2012 - 2014. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under federal & international copyright laws. This is my original pattern. Do Not Copy, Modify, Reproduce, Redistribute, Sell or Claim as your own. You may sell items made from this pattern, but please Do NOT claim it as your own unique design. Please refer back to me as the original designer for any items you may sell. http://www.facebook.com/ThePerfectKnotCrochet