monica brown

Svelte Satchel

This svelte satchel takes my addiction to felted bags with hardware to a new level! When I designed this bag, I tried to add as many hardware pieces as I could while creating a stylish handbag! I added buckles, grommets, purse feet, D-rings, and hooks! If all this hardware is not for you, most of the pieces are optional. The knitting part of this project would be a great one to take along to the movie theater.  It is straighforward to knit with three rectangles of stockinette stitch! 

Yarn: Nashua Handknits Julia, 50 g skeins, approximately 97 yd/88 m (alpaca/mohair/wool)

8 balls in color # 8118 (Espresso) and in color # 8126 (Dried Lavender)

Needle: US #8.00 (5 mm) needle or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 16 sts and 21 rows to 4"/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch BEFORE FELTING

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Cotonade Wrap

I liked this cropped sweater so much that I knit two of them! It is really versatile! You can wear it pinned in the front as a wrap.  Or you can leave it open in the front and it becomes a swingy cardigan!  The construction of this sweater is a bit unique, which makes it fun to knit.  It is knit in two pieces.  The lower body is a rectangle from the bottom edge up to the armholes.  The upper body is knit from one sleeve across the back to the second sleeve.  The collar is knit after the two pieces have been sewn together. 

Yarn: Knit One, Crochet Too Cotonade, 50 g balls, approximately 83 yd/ 76 m (cotton)

6 (7, 7, 8, 10) balls in color #648 (Teal)

Needle: US #8 or 5.0 mm needles (plus one extra for 3–Needle Bind-Off) or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 16 sts and 23 rows to  4”/10cm in Stockinette Stitch 

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

Finished Measurements:
Length: 13.5 (15, 16.5, 18.5, 20.5)”/33.75 (37.5, 41.3, 46.3, 51.3) cm
Bust Circumference (worn without fronts meeting at bust):  26 (30, 34, 38, 42)” / 65 (75, 85, 95,105) cm

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.

Lace Stitch Vest

I loved knitting this vest because you basically knit two simple lace panels and then add a waistband! You begin the lace panel at the front, working over the shoulders to the back.   You create “faux” sleeves by casting on and binding off one pattern repeat.  Seaming the pieces at the center back creates a slight opening at the back neck and an open V-neck in the front. After you have completed both panels, you pick up stitches on the lace panel edges to create a waistband.   The only finishing for this project is to sew three seams and weave in your ends!

Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic, 50g balls, each 153 yd/140 m (lambswool/kid mohair/nylon)

4 (4, 5) balls in color #844 (Frilly)

Needle: US 10/6.0mm or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 14 sts and 22 rows to 4”/10cm in Stockinette Stitch

Sizes: S (M, L)

Finished Bust Measurements: 41 (49, 57)” /102.5 (122.5, 142.5) cm

The fit of this sweater is relaxed and loose more like a wrap.  The measurements are fairly generous to give the sweater the correct drape.

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Hobo Grommet Bag

This bag was my first felting project where I incorporated hardware into the finished item.  I added grommets and D-rings after I felted it.  The grommets are fun, but the bag is a canvas for the knitter.  Instead of grommets, you could add sequins, snaps or buttons.  Once you have felted it, you can decide how you want to paint your canvas with the endless list of possible emblishments.   

This bag would be a great first felting project.  I designed the bag in a simple shape so that the knitter would not need to felt the bag to an exact size.  If your bag felts too much or too little you may just need to use different D-rings to attach the strap. 

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220, 100 g hanks, each 220 yd/240 m (wool)

3 hanks in color # 8013

Needle: US #10.00 (6 mm) needle or size needed to obtain the gauge

Gauge: 14 sts and 19 rows to 4"/10cm  in Stockinette Stitch BEFORE FELTING

Finished Measurements
After Felting (excluding straps): Length: 28"/70cm round X 15"/37.5cm high

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

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!