monica brown

Bejewelled Tank Top

The Bejewelled Tank Top can now be found in Issue 4 (October/November) of Inside Crochet! This sleeveless tank can be dressed up for the evening, and it can just as easily be worn as a more casual piece all the way through summer.

The body is worked side to side in two identical pieces (Side 1 and 2).  After both pieces are completed, Side 2 is turned inside out to form the left side of the body.  The two pieces are seamed together in the center front.  A bottom band is picked up once the body is seamed together, and is worked back and forth.  A collar is crocheted separately which is sewn onto the body.

Queen Anne's Lace Blouse

As seen in Interweave Crochet Summer 2008...the Queen Anne's Lace Blouse.

This close-fitting pullover sweater was designed to be similar to a feminine blouse. It includes a beautiful (but easy) pattern stitch that is anchored by borders of half double crochet. The sweater includes a separate bib that is sewn onto the front, and is finished with a mandarin style collar.

 

Finished Size 31 (35, 39, 43, 46.5)" bust/chest circumference. Sweater shown measures 35”.

Yarn Katia, mississippi 3 (60% cotton, 40% acrylic; 230 yd, [210m]/1¾[50g]; CYCA #1 superfine): #786 (MC), 5 (6, 7, 8, 8) skeins, #312 (CC), 1(1, 2, 2, 2).

Hook Sizes E/4 (3.5 mm) and C/2 (3mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry needle; 3/8" buttons, 6.]

Gauge 18 sts and 18 rows = 4" in patt st on larger hook; 18 sts and 14 rows = 4" in hdc  on larger hook.

Tolmie Cardi Vest

    As seen in Interweave Crochet Spring 2008...the "Tolmie Cardi Vest"!

This vest is worked from the top down, and includes a yoke with several rows of half double crochet with mitered corners. The pattern stitch for the bodice is a simple two row repeat pattern. After the waist, a larger hook is used to create a slightly wider bottom edge and flattering “V” shape in the front.  The vest includes instructions for a crocheted belt and buttons, but you can use your own belt and buttons for a truly unique look.

Finished Size: 34 (36 3/4, 38 3/4, 42 1/4)" bust circumference, buttoned. Garment shown measures 36 3/4". Fit of vest is standard, with 1–2" of ease.

Hook Sizes F/5 (3.75mm), G/6 (4mm), and 7 (4.5mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Yarn needle, removable stitch markers (m), 4; ¾” plastic rings for buttons, 9.

Gauge: 17 sts and 16 rows = 4" in hdc with medium hook; 5 patt st set of V-st and shell = 7", 10 rows in patt st = 4" on medium hook.

Yarn GGH Bali (50% cotton , 40% acrylic;154 yd [145m]/1¾ oz [50g]; CYCA #4 worsted): #64, 7 (8, 9,10) balls. (My version was done in Crystal Palace Breeze.)

Crochet Crop Cardigan

This cardigan is an easy top down project.  The cardigan begins at the neck and is worked back and forth in half double crochet until reaching the underarms.  On every row the yoke of the cardigan is increased along raglan lines.  After the yoke is completed, the cardigan continues in a solid shell stitch pattern.  This double breasted cropped cardigan is meant to be close-fitting with a slightly boxy shape, but it is easy to adjust both the sleeve and body length.

This pattern is available for free Cropped Crochet Cardigan(updated0909)

Sizes

· XS, S, M, and L 

· Finished Bust: 31 (35, 39, 43)” / 77.5 (87.5, 97.5, 107.5)cm

· Finished Total Length: 14 (14.5, 15, 15.5)”/35 (36.3, 37.5, 38.8)cm

Materials

· Classic Elite, Premiere, 50% Cotton/50% Tencel,  108yd /100m per 50 g

· Color –#5276 Cocoa Bean,  10 (11, 12, 13) skeins

· US E/4 (3.5mm)  & US F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hooks or size needed to obtain gauge

More Than an Apron

Here is my latest crochet pattern as published in the Spring 2007 edition of Crochet me.  The pattern can be found here.

This is an apron with style that reaches beyond the kitchen.  You can wear the piece apron-style with it open in the back, but you can also wear it open in the front like a jumper.  Also, it can be worn as a fashion statement, or it can be worn for practical purposes as a “true” apron in the kitchen or garden.  Finally, you can wear this garment year round!  Wear it in the winter with a sweater under it or with a tank in the summer.  This is a simple piece to crochet.  It includes only a few different crochet stitches and easy color changes.  The wrap style is practical for a tunic length garment as you can sit down and not worry about quickly stretching out a hand-crocheted item. 

Tristan Wrap

This crochet wrapped cardigan is both easy and quick to crochet.  The majority of the wrap is crocheted in double crochet with simple decreases along the front edges. The garment is crocheted in three pieces with cap sleeves created by increasing at the armholes.  The ribbon at the waist and armhole allows adjustments in these areas by tightening or loosening as desired.  Small scallops along the neck and front edges finish off this stunning wrap.      

Yarn: Louet Sales Merlin Tristan, 100 gram hanks, 250 yd/273m (merino/linen)

4 (4, 5) hanks in color #2573 (french blue)

Crochet Hook: 4 mm (F/5) or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge:  4.25 stitches and 2.5 rows to 1”/2.5 cm over double crochet

Size:  S (M, L)

Finished Bust Measurements: 15.5 (17.5, 19.5)”/38.75 (43.75, 48.75)cm

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Crocheted Market Bag

This bag is an ideal first crochet project.  The bag is crocheted in the round from the top to the bottom.   The majority of the stitches are chains, and the big open spaces make it go fast!  Now about the color, I am always a little wary of white yarn, but this “white” is so perfect. It is an ideal shade in a machine washable hemp yarn.  Take this bag to your local market, and be prepared to receive some compliments on your bag!

Yarn: Hemp for Knitting AllHemp6 DK Weight, 90 gram balls, each 150 yd/137 m (hemp)
4 balls (yarn is doubled) in color pearl

Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) or size needed to get gauge

Gauge
In pattern with yarn doubled: 4”/2.5cm = 3 arch spaces (measuring horizontally from beginning of one intersection of arch to end of intersection of last arch) 

Size: One size fits a lot from the market

Finished Measurements: 16”/40cm long x 13”/32.5cm wide

This pattern is available using PayPal for $5.  To order, click the "Buy Now" button below and the pattern will be emailed to you after purchase.

All Hemp Crocheted Hat

Do you want a comfortable, but fashionable hat?  Here you go!  The hat is crocheted in the round from the top to the bottom brim.  You begin at top of the hat, crocheting in the round through the back loop and the loop from the row below.  Then, you continue to crochet in the round for the body of hat without going through the back loop and the loop from the row below.  This change causes the hat to fold over.  Finally, the brim is worked in the round in double crochet and half double crochet.  You will be wearing this hat all summer long!
   
Yarn: Hemp for Knitting AllHemp6 DK Weight:  90 gram balls, each 150 yd/137 m (hemp)

2 balls in deep sea 

Crochet Hook: 4 mm (F/5) or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 18 sts and 12 rds in hdc to 4”/10 cm

Hat Size: One size fits many!

Finished Measurements
Body (from top edge to brim) = 4”/10cm deep (not including brim)
Top of hat = 7”/17.5cm in diameter
Circumference of hat = 22”/55cm

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Easy Scalloped Skirt

This beautiful ankle skimming skirt is simple to crochet!  The waistband is crocheted back and forth in double crochet.  The reminder of the skirt is worked in the round in a simple scallop stitch.  Increasing the hook size creates a flattering A-line shape without any stitch increases. Buttons at the side of the double crochet waistband secure the waist. 

P.S. This skirt is easy to shorten! Check out a short version at http://www.craftster.org/

Yarn: Moda Dea Eclipse, 50g balls, each 125yd/115m (wool/nylon)

8 (9, 10, 11, 13) balls in color #2551 (linen)

Crochet Hook: Sizes G/7, H/8, and I/9 (4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain the gauge

Gauge: 12 sts and 8 rows to 4”/10 cm over double crochet stitch and using largest hook 

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL)

Finished Hip Measurements: 36 (38, 41, 45, 48.5)” / (91.5 (96.5, 104, 114, 123) cm

This pattern is free from Crochet Today!