Thursday, May 1, 2014

Lightning Bolt Amigurumi Throwing Toy By The Perfect Knot

Lightning Bolt Throwing Toy Amigurumi by The Perfect Knot

This is just a cute little toy for your kids or your pets to play with.
Nothing too shocking, just a little soft lightning stuffie to play with.
Make one or make a bunch & create your own little Storm of fun!
Pattern works up in about 30-45 minutes & can be played with for all ages.
Thanks for Stopping by The Perfect Knot Crochet and More!

Lightning Bolt Amigurumi Throwing Toy

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

Materials Needed:
Size 4.0mm Crochet Hook
Size 4 Worsted Weight Yarn
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Polyfil Stuffing

Stitch Legend:
Ch – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
Sts – Stitches
SC2Tog – Single Crochet invisible decrease



LIGHTNING BOLT - MAKE 2

Row 1: Ch 8, 1 SC in 2nd Ch from hook & into each Ch across (7 SC)

Rows 2 – 5: Ch 1 & turn, 1 SC into each St across (7 SC)

Row 6: Ch 5, 1 SC in 2nd Ch from hook & into next 4 Ch, 1 SC into next 7 Sts (11 SC)

Rows 7 – 9: Ch 1 & turn, 1 SC into each St across (11 SC)

Rows 10 - 13: Ch 1 & turn, 1 SC into the next 7 Sts (7 SC)

Row 14: Ch 5, 1 SC in 2nd Ch from hook & into the next 4 Ch, 1 SC into the next 3 Sts (7 SC)

Rows 15 - 16: Ch 1 & turn, 1 SC into each St across (7 SC)

Row 17: Ch 1 & turn, Sl St into the next 4 Sts, 1 SC into the next 3 Sts (3 SC)

Row 18: Ch 1 & turn, 1 SC into the next 3 Sts, (3 SC)

Row 19: Ch 1 & turn, SC2Tog, 1 SC in next St (2 SC)

Row 20: Ch 1 & turn, SC2Tog (1 SC), Ch 1 & Fasten off. Weave in ends on 1st piece. 

DO NOT FASTEN OFF SECOND PIECE & leave a longer tail for sewing, match pieces together after completing second piece & stitch piece up & stuff before stitching completely closed. Weave in remaining ends & cut excess yarn.

© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2012 - 2014. All rights reserved. This is my original pattern. Do Not Copy, Modify, Reproduce, 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

Mad Pig Amigurumi Pattern by The Perfect Knot

Mad Pig Amigurumi by The Perfect Knot

Meet the Mad Pig!
My little nephew came to visit & asked me to create him a Mad Pig since he’s a bit obsessed with this game. :)
He said he needed to be “green, have little eyes, the mad smirk & a crown”. So of course being the Auntie who loves this little guy, I had to oblige him & make him the Mad Pig. ;)
I hope you will enjoy making your own Mad Pig too!
Thanks for stopping by The Perfect Knot Crochet and More!

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

Materials needed:
Size 4.0mm Crochet hook
Green, White, Black & Yellow Size 4 Worsted Weight Yarn
Tapestry needle
Stitch Marker
6.0mm Safety Eyes (2)

Stitch Legend:
Ch – Chain
Mgc Rng – Magic Ring
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
DC – Double Crochet
SC2Tog – Single Crochet Decrease
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
Sts – Stitches
* – Repeat from *
FO – Fasten Off

TUTORIAL
If you need help with top-stitching, you can find this tutorial on my blog.

EYES – Make 2



Round 1:  With White yarn & a Mgc Rng, Ch 2 (counts as 1st HDC), 7 HDC into ring, pull yarn tail to close, Sl St to 1st HDC to join (8 HDC)
Round 2: Ch 1, 1 SC into each St around, Sl St to 1st SC to join, Ch 1 & FO leaving a longer tail for sewing (8 SC)
Weave in your beginning yarn tails & set aside for later.

PIG HEAD
NOTE – Pig head is worked in a spiral & not joined. Attach Stitch Marker into last St of each round & continue to next round. Use the beginning start of the Pig head as the top & stitch on your parts with the beginning Mgc Rng oriented at the top of the piece.

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

Round 2: *2 SC into each St around (12 SC)

Round 3: *1 SC into next St, 2 SC in next St, Repeat around (18 SC)

Round 4: *1 SC into the next 2 Sts, 2 SC in next St, Repeat around (24 SC)

Round 5: *1 SC into next 3 Sts, 2 SC into next St, Repeat around (30 SC)

Round 6: *1 SC into next 4 Sts, 2 SC into next St, Repeat around (36 SC)

Rounds 7 – 11: 1 SC into each St around (36 SC)

Round 12: *1 SC into next 4 Sts, SC2Tog into next St, Repeat around (30 SC)

Round 13: 1 SC into each St around (30 SC)

Round 14*1 SC into next 3 Sts, SC2Tog into next St, Repeat around (24 SC)

Round 15: 1 SC into each St around (24 SC)

Round 16: *1 SC into next 2 Sts, SC2Tog into next St, Repeat around, pull up a long loop & remove hook, continue to Snout piece (18 SC)


SNOUT – Make 1












Round 1: Begin with Green Yarn & a Mgc Rng, Ch 3, 15 DC into ring, pull yarn tail to close & Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3 to join (16 DC)

Round 2: Sl St into the BACK LOOP of the next St, Working in BACK LOOPS ONLY of each St, Ch 1, 1 SC into the same St, 1 SC into each St around, Sl St to 1st SC to join (16 SC)

Round 3: Working through both loops of the St, Ch 1, 1 SC into same St, 1 SC into each St around, Sl St to 1st SC to join, Ch 1 & FO leaving a longer tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Weave in starting yarn ends & cut excess yarn.


NOSTRILS
Using Black yarn, embroider 2 vertical stitches in the center of the nose for nostril detail using 4 wraps of the stitch. Weave in starting yarn tails & embroidery yarn to the inside of the Snout.

Top Stitch 1St Eye to the side of the head & insert Safety eye into Eye. Weave in your ends at the back side of the head & cut excess yarn.

Stuff Snout with a small amount of Polyfil & attach snout to center of Pig Head, rotate the snout so that the nostrils have one slightly higher than the other & using a top whip stitching method only catching the top loops of the Stitches next to the 1st Eye. Weave in your ends at the back side of the head & cut excess yarn.

Top Stitch 2nd Eye to the side of the head & insert Safety eye into Eye. Weave in your ends at the back side of the head & cut excess yarn.


MOUTH DETAIL












Using Black yarn embroider a sort of crooked smirk of a smile to the side & just below the Snout. Weave in ends to the inside of the head.

Reattach hook to Pig Head & Stuff Pig Head Here

PIG HEAD CONTINUED

Round 17: *1 SC into next St, SC2Tog into next St, Repeat around, (12 SC)

Round 18: *SC2Tog, Repeat around, Sl St into next St, Ch 1 & FO leaving a longer tail for sewing, Stitch closed using the tapestry needle & weave in all ends. (6 SC)


CROWN












Begin: With Yellow yarn, leaving a longer starting tail for sewing, Ch 8, Sl St to 1st Ch to join

Rounds 1 – 3: Ch 1, SC into each Ch around, Sl St to 1st SC to join (8 SC)

Round 4: Ch 4 (Counts as 1st HDC & Ch 2), HDC in same St, Sl St into next St, *[HDC, Ch 2, HDC] in next St, Sl St into next St, Repeat around, Sl St into 1st Ch of beginning Ch 4 to join, Ch 1 & FO (8 HDC)
Weave in ending yarn tail & use beginning yarn tail to Top Stitch the crown to the head angled over the Right Eye.

EAR – Make 1 or 2

NOTE – Ears are worked in a spiral & not joined. Attach Stitch Marker into last St of each round & continue to next round.

Round 1:  With Green yarn & a Mgc Ring, 6 SC into ring, pull yarn tail to close (6 SC)

Round 2: *2 SC into each St around (12 SC)

Rounds 3 – 5: *SC into each St around (12 SC) At the end of Round 5, Sl St into the next St, Ch 1 & FO leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave in the beginning yarn tail, pinch Ear closed in the center & whip stitch it shut at the bottom. Pinch bottom of each into a “C” shape & stitch the two sides at the bottom together. Set the ear on the head at an angle over the Left Eye & Top Stitch around the bottom of the ear to secure it to the head, weave in your ends & cut excess yarn.

If you make 2 Ears set the 2nd Ear closer to the crown & top stitch it on.

© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2012 - 2014. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under 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




Hissy Snake Amigurumi Pattern

Hissy Snake Amigurumi by The Perfect Knot

Meet the Hissy Snake!
This little guy came about because my niece came for a visit & asked me to make her a “Wainbowed Snake, wif a tongue & eyes. This long
--------------“, as she held out her little hands to show me just exactly how long he should be.
How could I say no to such cuteness? She is a sweet little 4 year old after all who loves her auntie & who’s auntie loves her. ;)
And so the Hissy Snake was born & when she got him, she was Thrilled to pieces & was loving on him & twirling him around & playing with him the whole time. :) Made this auntie happy just to see it.
I hope you & all your little snake lovers will enjoy making him too.

Hissy Snake Amigurumi Pattern
This is an Intermediate level pattern written in US Crochet Terms.
Materials Needed:                                                                                                            
Size 4.0mm Crochet Hook
Worsted Weight Yarn in 2 colors
6.0mm Safety Eyes
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Stitch Markers
Polyfil Fiber Stuffing

Stitch Legend:
Ch – Chain
Mgc Rng – Magic Ring
SC – Single Crochet
SC2Tog – Single Crochet Decrease
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
Sts – Stitches
* – Repeat from *
FO – Fasten Off


HISSY THE SNAKE
Hissy The Snake



















NOTE – Pattern is worked in a spiral & not joined. Attach St marker in the last St of each round & continue on to the next rounds directions.

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

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

Rounds 3 – 5: 1 SC into each St around (12 SC)

Round 6: *2 SC into next St, Repeat around (24 SC)

Rounds 7 – 9: 1 SC into each St around (24 SC)

Round 10: *1 SC into next 2 Sts, SC2Tog into next St, Repeat around (18 SC)

Round 11: 1 SC into each St around (18 SC)

Insert Safety Eyes at Round 9, set them 6 Sts apart from each other.


Stuff head here with a small amount of Stuffing


Round 12: *SC into next St, SC2Tog, Repeat around (12 SC)

Round 13: 1 SC into each St around (12 SC)

Round 14: *1 SC into next 3 Sts, 2 SC in next St, Repeat around (15 SC)

Rounds 15 – Desired Length: 1 SC into each St around (15 SC)

Add a small amount of Stuffing about every 5-10 rounds as you build. I used about a cotton ball’s size amount of stuffing for each time I stuffed the length of the body. Remember not to over stuff the piece as you want it to still remain flexible & move like a Snake would.


DECREASE ROUNDS

Decrease Round 1: *1 SC into next 3 Sts, SC2Tog, Repeat around (12 SC)

Next 3 Rounds: 1 SC into each St around (12 SC)

Decrease Round 2: * 1 SC into next 2 Sts, SC2Tog, Repeat around (9 SC)

Next 3 Rounds: 1 SC into each St around (9 SC)

Finish stuffing your piece here

Decrease Round 3: *SC into next St, SC2Tog, Repeat around (6 SC)

Final Round: 1 SC into each St around, Sl St into next St after last SC, Ch 1 & FO leaving a longer tail to sew end closed. (6 SC)

Using the Tapestry needle, stitch the end of the snake closed & weave in your end to secure.


TONGUE
With Pink or Red yarn, Ch 8, Sl St into 6th Ch from hook, Ch 5, Sl St into same Ch as last Sl St, Sl St into next 2 Ch, Ch 1 & FO leaving a longer tail for sewing.

Weave in your beginning yarn tail & stitch the tongue to the front of the snake’s head where the tongue should be. Weave in all ends to secure & cut excess yarn.













© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2012 - 2014. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under 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

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Angel Wings Crochet Pattern by The Perfect Knot


Angel Wings Applique by The Perfect Knot

Angel Wings Applique
These pretty little Angel wings are a great add-on applique to any project you may think may need a little bit of Heaven!
Add them to your favorite projects for squares, t-shirts, blankets, stuffed toys or anything else you can think of for their use.




Angel Wings Applique

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

Materials Needed:
Small amount of worsted weight yarn
Size 3.75mm crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Stitch Legend:
Ch – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk – Skip
St – Stitch
Sts – Stitches
FO – Fasten Off

Finished Wing measures 4” long by 1.75” wide.

NOTE: If you catch the back loops of the Stitches in the round below as shown in the photo your wings will be reversible












WING – Make 2 & turn one oriented right & one oriented left

Round 1: Ch 13, SC in 2nd Ch from hook & into next 10 Ch, 5 SC in last Ch, working into bottom of Ch, SC into next 9 Ch, (25 SC)

Round 2: Ch 1 & turn, SC into next 11 Sts, 3 SC in next St, SC into next 13 Sts (27 SC)

Round 3: Ch 1 & turn, Sk 1st SC, Sl St into next St, SC into next 11 Sts, 3 HDC into each of the next 3 Sts, SC into next 8 Sts, Sl St into next St (28 Sts)

Round 4: Ch 1 & turn, Sk Sl St, Sl St into next St, SC into next 10 Sts, 2 HDC into each of the next 4 Sts, SC into the next 12 Sts, Sl St into next 3 Sts to point of wing, Ch 1 & FO (30 Sts)
Weave in all ends with the tapestry needle to secure & cut excess yarn.
© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2012-2014. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under 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

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Candy Applique Pattern

Candy Applique by The Perfect Knot

These sweet little treats are a great addition to your favorite projects. Add them to squares, blankets, shirts or anything else you want to sweeten up!
Use a larger hook for a bigger applique.
Make one or make a ton in your favorite colors. You can use them as sweet little treats for the little ones as rewards, or stitch a bunch together to make a garland or other decoration.

Candy Applique Pattern

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

Materials Needed:
Size 4.5mm Crochet Hook
Size 4 Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors
Stitch Marker
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Stitch Legend:
Mgc Rng – Magic Ring
Ch – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Trbl – Treble Crochet
FO – Fasten off
St – Stitch
Sts - Stitches
* – Repeat instructions from *
[ ] – Stitches worked into the same Space or Stitch

NOTE – Pattern is worked in a Spiral & not joined. You will be crocheting over & carrying your yarn as you continue around & switching colors every other round. Use a Stitch Marker at the end of each round & continue on to the next round’s directions.

Round 1: Begin with a Mgc Rng & Color A, 6 SC into ring, Change to color B on the last half of the 6th SC, pull yarn tail to close & continue to Round 2 (6 SC)

Round 2: With Color B, *2 SC into next St, Repeat around & Change back to Color A on the last half of the last SC (12 SC)

Round 3: With Color A, *SC into next St, 2 SC in next St, Repeat around & switch to Color B on the last half of the last SC (Cut Color A leaving a longer tail to weave in your ends)  (18 SC)

Round 4: With Color B, *SC into each of the next 2 Sts, 2 SC into next St, Repeat around, Sl St into next St, Ch 1 & FO (24 SC)

Weave in your tails for the spiral part of the piece.

WRAPPER
In Same St as last FO Attach White yarn with a Sl St, [Ch 4 (Counts as 1st Trbl), 4 Trbl into same Space, Ch 4 & Sl St back into same St], Ch 1 & FO

Count 12 Sts around one side or the other & attach white yarn on the opposite side & repeat instructions above for 2nd side of Wrapper.

Weave in all tails & cut excess yarn to secure.


© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2013. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under 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

Friday, April 25, 2014

The Perfect Knot Turns 2!

The Perfect Knot Turns 2 Dollar Days Sale!

Holy Smokes! Where does the time go?
I swear it wasn't but more than a couple of weeks ago that I was writing a post saying that The Perfect Knot was turning 1!

Well now here we are & it's a WHOLE YEAR later & TPK is celebrating another year! 2 YEARS OLD! Wooo Hooo!
Hard to believe that we're already here. :)


Anyway to celebrate The Perfect Knot's 2nd Anniversary, I am doing something I have never done before & I am marking down all individual patterns in my Ravelry Shop to just $1 until 4-28-14!

I've had so much fun with this tangled journey & I so enjoy all of your friendships, love and support!

Thank you all so much for making The Perfect Knot a fun & colorful place!

All the best,

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot Crochet and More


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Bunny Head Applique from The Perfect Knot

Bunny Head Applique by The Perfect Knot

With spring & Easter upon us, I thought I would make a cute little spring bunny for everyone to play with!
He's a great little embellishment to all your favorite Spring/Easter type projects!

I have included the pattern here for everyone to enjoy!





Bunny Head Applique

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

Materials Needed:
Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors (I used Red Heart With Love & Red Heart Super Saver in my example.)
Size 4.0mm crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Stitch Legend:
Ch – Chain                                          SC – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch                                 SC3Tog – Single Crochet 3 Stitches Together (Decrease)
St – Stitch                                            Sts – Stitches
FO – Fasten Off                                 FLO – Front Loops Only
RS – Right Side                                   WS – Wrong Side
* – Repeat Instructions from *                        YO – Yarn Over

Special Stitch:
Puff Stitch (Puff) – Yarn over, insert hook into designated stitch or chain, pull up a loop, repeat process until you have 9 loops on the hook. (The Puff Stitch will be the nose of the bunny.)

Special Skills Required:
For this tutorial you will need to know how to do short & long stitch embroidery for the details of the facial features of the Bunny.
You will also need to know how to Top Stitch your applique to your project. I have created a tutorial for this technique on my blog which can be found here: http://theperfectknotcrochetandmore.blogspot.com/2013/08/top-stitching-photo-tutorial-and-goggle.html

Finished Measurements: 4” tall x 2 ½” wide

Gauge: 6 Sts in 1” in the round.

BUNNY APPLIQUE

NOSE
Round 1: Begin with Pink yarn, Ch 3, Puff St in 3rd Ch from hook, Ch 3, Sl St to bottom of Puff to join, Ch 1 & FO Pink yarn (1 Puff St)

HEAD

Round 2: Working in FLO of Ch around Puff, Attach white yarn with a Sl St into the same St as last FO in the bottom of the Puff St, Ch 1, 2 SC into same St, SC in next Ch, 2 SC in next Ch, SC in next Ch, 2 SC in top of Puff St, SC in next Ch, 2 SC in next Ch, SC in next Ch, Sl St through Both Loops of 1st SC to join (12 SC)

Round 3: Working through both loops of the Sts, Ch 1, 2 SC in same St, *2 SC in next St, Repeat from * around & Sl St to 1st SC to join (24 SC)

Round 4: Ch 1, SC in same St, 2 SC in next St, *SC in next St, 2 SC in next St, Repeat from * around & Sl St to 1st SC to join (36 SC)

EAR #1 – Switching to Rows now

Row 1: Sl St into next 2 Sts, Ch 1 & turn, SC in same St as last Sl St, SC into next 2 Sts (3 SC)

Row 2: Ch 1 & turn, SC into each St across (3 SC)

Rows 3 – 5:  Repeat Row 2 (3 SC)

Row 6: RS facing you, SC3Tog, Ch 1 (1 SC), Working along the side of Ear Sl St to the bottom of the Ear, Sl St into next St on head

EAR #2

Row 1: SC into next 3 Sts (3 SC)

Row 2:  Ch 1 & turn, SC into each St across (3 SC)

Rows 3 – 5:  Repeat Row 2 (3 SC)

Row 6: WS facing you, SC3Tog, Ch 1, Working along the inside of the Ear towards the head, Sl St to the top of the head, Sl St into the Sl St between the Ears, Ch 1 & FO leaving a long tail for sewing on your applique to your project later (36 – 48”).

Using the tapestry needle weave in all your ends except for your sewing end to secure. Embroider eyes & mouth detail using black yarn & the tapestry needle. Weave in your ends from your embroidery yarn & Top Stitch your applique to your project.

Bunny Head Applique by The Perfect Knot

Bunny Head Applique by The Perfect Knot

© 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

Enjoy & Happy Crocheting!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot

Thursday, April 3, 2014

The Latest & Greatest! New Patterns Round-up

It's been a while since I've had a chance to write a blog post.
I just wanted to give you all a quick update of all the latest & greatest new patterns available from The Perfect Knot!

First up is the Felicity Flapper Cloche! It's a beautiful little convertible flapper style cloche that can be worn several different ways.














Next up is the Arianna's Lace Square. It's a pretty little lacy looking square that can be added to all your favorite afghans or squares projects.










Followed by the lovely Vestured Scarf with it's matching Vestured Hat. This is a great DK weight hat & scarf perfect for the warmer spring weather, but still comfortable in those cooler nights.








And I certainly can't forget my Knitter Friends! A great Basket Weave Hat with a wonderful texture in a great pattern that works up really quickly!





















With Spring right around the corner we have a couple pretty little flower squares! The MaKenzie's Blossom Square & the Rose in Full Bloom Square.









And last but not least a Rainbow to brighten up any day!










All of these great new patterns are available for sale in my Ravelry Shop & on sale 50% off until 4-7-14!


Thanks for stopping by The Perfect Knot Crochet and More!

Have a great day!

Michelle K

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Why do I make squares?


I know many of you have found me through my Facebook page & you all often comment on the pictures I share with you. I so Love that! It makes it even more fun for me to share what I have created with all of you. And I love it even more when I receive a lovely message from someone regarding something I posted.

The other day I was asked "Why do you make squares for this project?" & I really sat down & thought about it for quite some time before I answered because it is both simple and complex at the same time as to WHY I do it. I wanted to take the time to expand a little bit about that here.

I know I recently shared with you all about the Join The Love Ministry in this post; and as I mentioned before, this ministry is very personal to me. A few years ago I went through my own series of losses & I think if I had the type of comfort, love & support that we try to provide through the Join the Love ministry, it would have helped me immensely instead of me struggling through it on my own in such a dark place.

We receive the most heartfelt requests on the Join the Love page from the most amazing, strong, loving families that can only hope & pray for just a little piece of their child back. With our blankets, we try our best to give them something that is filled with things they loved about their child or that their child loved & was so personal to them. Each request comes with specific colors and themes that remind them of the child, or things that they would like incorporated into the squares.

Each one of our blankets is completely unique just like their child was. Each square is filled with love, hope & compassion that we wish to pour out on the families nominated. Each square is just a small piece of something beautiful that comes together in the end to make a much larger whole.

So to answer the question "Why do I make squares?", the answer is simple: "Out of Love". I donate my squares because it all becomes something far bigger than myself. My one or two little squares get added to 56 other squares to make it one beautiful piece that gets given away & shared. It becomes Love that can be shared then with every person in that person's family or circle. It becomes peace, comfort & healing to a broken family going through such a difficult time in their lives, that unless you have been through it, you cannot even begin to understand it. We try our best to make each blanket created like a big giant hug for the family receiving it.

So for me to donate my time, my yarn, my heart & my love to make something beautiful for someone else, it just makes sense to me! It's all a part of something bigger, something un-explainable in the sense of why I do it, but yet I love doing it. It allows me to give back just a little piece of something that cannot be replaced.

My 15-60 minutes of time spent making my squares or my few yards of yarn, are never as priceless or as precious as the final gift that is given to the families receiving that blankets. It brings me so much joy & happiness to be able to love on them in this way. To some it may just be one small 6" square, but to those that receive these blankets, it becomes something so much more. Something so indescribable that there are often no words for the love, gratitude & appreciation they feel when they receive the blankets.

So if you really & truly want to know as to "Why I make squares?", I encourage you to try it just once. See what it's like to give back to families like this & to experience for yourself the joy you feel when you get to hear back on your own from one of the families who are gifted our blankets & to see how happy they are to receive them. It's an amazing feeling and something far beyond words can express!

All it takes is one square for you to help! If you want to help let us know at https://www.facebook.com/JointheLove.page

Have a great day!

Michelle K
The Perfect Knot Crochet and More

Monday, December 16, 2013

Simple Says It Best!

Simple Says It Best Square

SIMPLE SAYS IT BEST

I needed a really quick and easy closed weave square for some appliques and to use as solid color fillers in a blanket project.

I looked and looked and couldn't find exactly what I needed or wanted; so me being me and the designer that I am, I of course opted to make my own.
And of course I thought of all my Tangled Friends would probably like this pattern too, so I have written it out and am posting it here for all of you!

So without any further ado ... Drum roll please....

The Simple Says It Best 6 Inch Square! Ta da!


Simple Says It Best Square

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

Materials Needed:

Size 5.0mm Crochet Hook
Worsted Weight Yarn
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Tape Measure

Stitch Legend:

Mgc Rng – Magic Ring
Ch – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
DC – Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
Sts – Stitches
* – Repeat Instructions between *’s
FO – Fasten Off
[ ] – Stitches worked in same Space or Stitch

Round 1: Begin with a Mgc Rng, Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC here & throughout), 15 DC into the ring, pull yarn tail to close & Sl St to top of Ch 3 to join (16 DC)

Round 2: [Ch 3, 1 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] (corner made) into the same St as joining, *1 DC in next 3 Sts, [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next St, Repeat from * around omitting last corner instructions, Sl St to top of Ch 3 to join (28 DC)

Round 3: Sl St into next St & into Ch 2 space, [Ch 3, 1 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC], *1 DC into each St across to corner, in Ch 2 corner space [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC], Repeat from * around omitting last corner instructions, Sl St to top of Ch 3 to join (44 DC)

Rounds 4 & 5: Repeat Round 3, after last Sl St on Round 5, Ch 1 & FO (Round 4 Count 60 DC, Round 5 Count (76 DC)

Using the tapestry needle, weave in all ends to secure & cut excess yarn.

Enjoy!

© Copyright Michelle R. Kovach/The Perfect Knot 2013. All rights reserved. All content & images in this pattern are protected under 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