Free Pattern--Looks Knit Crochet Kindle Cover

Full disclosure...I fell in love with Mamachee's Can't Knit Cowl pattern. It was just beautiful and genius way to use crochet to appear knit. Please go check out her Ravelry store, linked above, she's a very talented pattern writer! Her pattern is the inspiration for this pattern.

This pattern has NOT been tested, if you find any errors, have suggestions, or what not please leave a comment or drop me a line over at Ravelry.

Materials:
Acrylic worsted weight yarn. I used Vanna's choice.
G Hook

Gauge:
I don't do gauge. I know, cardinal sin. I'm just too lazy. This cover is based on a Kindle Touch. Finished cover measures 5 1/4 inches x 7 1/4 inches. Adjust for your kindle. Go up a hook size for a less tight stitch, use a lighter weight yarn for a looser stitch. Experiment as how you see fit!

Stitches:
hdc: half double crochet
slst: slipstitch


Notes:
After Round 2, you work in a spiral, in one continuous round. Majority of this pattern is written in 3rd LOOP of the hdc stitch. Please see photos below.

Round 1: Ch 23, hdc in 3rd chain from hook. hdc across, slst in beginning chain and slst in next chain (the base of starting slipknot.

Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, and working on opposite side of the foundation row, hdc across and slst in last chain. In other words, you are crocheting on the opposite side of the starting chain. This makes the base for your cover.

Round 3-27: DO NOT join, hdc in 3rd loop of next stitch. (SEE PHOTO)

Continue on in this fashion, around and round. The first few rounded curves can be a little tricky. Continue on, even if it looks a little wonky, it will start to look like a tube. You don't have to keep strict count, you can easily count your rows by counting the "knit" rows. If you choose to change colors, continue on for however many rows of one color you want. I used six rounds of gray before switching to blue.

I did 6 rows of gray, 6 of blue, 6 of gray, 6 of blue. Try to change colors in the same spot, on the "back" of the cover, so the color change isn't too noticeable.

When you reach the 26th row (or whatever row is as tall as you want for your kindle), you'll be attaching the elastic for the closure. An elastic hair band works great!

Row 26: hdc until you are about in the middle of the BACK of the cover. Crochet OVER the elastic ponytail for 3-4 stitches. (see photo)

Continue around for one last row of hdc in the 3rd loop until you reach the 'start' point on the back. Slst into the last stitch.

Sew on a button on the FRONT of the kindle cover to hook the elastic on. Where you put your button will vary. I put mine in the 2nd row of the top blue section. I didn't want the elastic to pull too tight, as my son is very rough on things and this one is for him.

Alternative closures:
Instead of an elastic hairband, chain a long chain, attach where the elastic was, and use it to wrap around and around the button.

Add a flap of regular hdc, leaving space for a button hole.

Add a snap.

Add two lengths of chained yarn, no button and make a tie.
~~~~~~
That's it! You're done! I love the look of the 3rd loop stitch and it's soft, squishy and very protective for your electronic devices.

This pattern can be adapted for many other things! It would make a super comfy hot water bottle holder, an ice pack holder, a bag to be felted, etc. This stitch is very versatile and super easy.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, corrections!!

Enjoy!!
~~Amy

Finished Projects and What's Happening

Here's a little bit of what's been on the hook lately and what's been new :)

I discovered on a cold night I was a walking advertisement for handmade...

We did a little park time...yes...they are wearing shorts and t-shirts in winter. Thus is Louisiana.

 I did a little crochet while the boys played.

Played a little ball at Grandma and Grandpa's. He can smack the ball pretty hard...I see a baseball team in his future..

I worked on some hats and cozies for the shop. These baby hats were so fun and bright on the dreary winter days.

His and her mug cozies :) 

I've been free from work since January 11th and I have yet to get back in the swing of home life. It's either been appointments and meetings..then I got sick, then my oldest got sick and has been for six straight days (I may very well lose my mind.) I'm looking forward to everyone getting healthy and mama getting her groove back!

Hope your January is going well!

~~Amy

Free Crochet Pattern--Ice Cream Cozy

I thought I'd try another crochet pattern :)

I know there are some ice cream pint cozies floating around, but I thought I'd do a simple one.

NOTES:
I chained 30 but 32 might be good too, I liked it to be a little more snug.
Terms:
Ch=chain
hdc=half double crochet
st=stitch
ss=slipstitch

Yarn: I Love This Cotton (or any cotton)
Hook: H hook


Chain 30
ROW ONE: HDC in 3rd ch from hook. HDC in each st until the end of the row.

Ch 2. Turn.

ROW TWO: HDC in each st across until the end of the row. Ch 2. Turn.

Rows 3-7: repeat Row Two. (do a 1-2 more rows if you want it longer.

To Join Edges SS seam closed. Fasten off and weave in edges. (I liked the seam showing, but if you don't you can turn it inside out.)

That's it! Now enjoy your ice cream without your fingers freezing! :) I'm going to go eat my prop in a bit.

~Amy