Tapestry Crochet

When I think of tapestry crochet, the name Carol Ventura comes to mind! She is the GOAT of tapestry crochet. She was first introduced to the technique in 1976 while in Guatemala. Back in the 90’s, I borrowed her book, Tapestry Crochet from the library. I love how she included instructions for left and right handed and that she included design pages for both as well! Carol has published two other books on this technique, More Tapestry Crochet available as a digital through Amazon and Beaded And Felted Tapestry Crochet also available on her website!

What makes Tapestry different from other color work techniques is that you will carry one or more yarns as you crochet.

Rose Window Top by Natasha Robarge Pattern & Yarn available at crochet.com

The Rose Window Top pattern is a tapestry crochet pattern using double crochet in Luminance lace weight yarn. I worked on this project on a recent trip to Ohio! I am finally getting to use the chart keeper I got from Crochet.com! It is still work in progress. As I am Left-handed, I had to adjust the chart, if I wanted to make it the same!

Another Tapestry project I have started is the Birds of a Feather tote/purse by Cherie Mellick! For this project I am stash busting some Cotlin and Darn Good Yarn silk. This pattern was part of the CGOA June Quarterly CAL. This is a fun tapestry pattern using sport weight yarn and back loop only single crochet. Also reversing the chart on this one too!

Birds of a Feather by Cherie Mellick

Doing these projects gives me inspiration to maybe someday create my own design! I will definitely include charts for both hands, like Carol Ventura! Various color work techniques are very popular! Recently Brenda K. B. Anderson published Hooktionary available at crochet.com. It is on my list to buy or maybe I can borrow it from my local library!

It’s fun exploring all the different techniques of crochet! Follow me on Instagram to see my progress on on these two projects!

Enjoy!

Art Show Items

Getting some pieces ready for an upcoming art show at the The Art Garage. It is a gallery in Green Bay, WI. These pieces will be participating in the show, My Voice, My Truth.

Love In A Crowd

Love In A Crowd is a place that is open to everyone, celebrating one another with acknowledgement, belonging and love. Representation matters! My goal as an artist is to provide an opportunity for anyone to see themselves within my art pieces.

Just For Fun
Warm Love

Warm Love is part of my Love the Skin You’re In series. This series is all about celebrating our collective diversity pairing various skin tone yarns together. Each heart begins as spiral of two different shades blooming into a heart. Each heart is embellished with yarns celebrating diversity, growth and beauty within.

Earlier this year, I was part of another show at The Art Garage, which was titled In Bloom. I had two pieces in that show, Aura and Community Garden.

My piece Aura, one honorable mention!

Enjoy!

Winding Up Some Yarn

Something I started to feel last year was overwhelmed! I love yarn and have a hard time saying no to just about any of it! And thus my stash has grown exponentially in the past few years. During the pandemic, I found myself buying yarn to help small businesses stay in business as every bit counts. I also absolutely love indie-dyed yarn thus have collected a bunch. I am a big fan of turning 1 skein of gorgeous yarn into something beautiful. Anyway, this year to feel less overwhelmed I am winding yarn, planning projects to work on along with some secret project designs!

These are just some the skeins I wound up one day! Yarn from Mitchell’s Creations, Hearts on Fiber, Sister Ananse, LeFrancis Handmade, and Hanging on a String!

First up this gorgeous skein from Mitchell’s Creations, I really love this color way it makes me think of spring. It reminds me of spring flowers like Crocus and Irises.

I thought this yarn would look great in my Electra Cowl pattern. It is a quick to stitch lacy wave pattern. After you complete the foundation row, the pattern continues in rounds.

It is my take along project for when my daughter is practicing driving and then waiting while she has a cello lesson.

Once this pattern gets started though it works up so quick. Within 17 rounds of shells, single crochets, and chain spaces, this pattern is complete and ready for blocking!

Enjoy!

It’s CAL time

As part of the I love Indie Dyers Yarnament Event from ChannyPeasCorner, I have designed a wrap of motifs, celebrating these fantastic color ways! Yarns participating in this event are Ancestral Fiber Co, The Periwinkle Sheep, Hearts On Fiber, FlyyDyed, Lola Bean Yarn Co, Moon Drake, Five Burough Yarns, Alwan Sultan, Jilly & Kiddles, Kim Dyes Yarn, Teal Torch Knits, and ChannyPeasCorner! Along with the Main Color from LeFrances Handmade

While making the motifs in the Main Color (MC) I am alternating between making them from the center pull and from the outside of the cake.

My goal is to highlight the beauty of each individual yarn. So if you want to join along in the fun! All you need is a full skein of fingering wt yarn, some minis and a F/3.75mm crochet hook. The pattern is available on Etsy, Ravelry and LoveCrafts.

Join the fun! Tag me on your social media and use hashtag #yarnamentwrap

Enjoy!

Baris Snowflake

Happy Holidays! Happy Winter Solstice!

Baris is a Turkish name meaning peaceful, and a perfect description of a snowflake. Make a little bit of peace with this little snowflake. It works up quick in 2 rounds making great little ornaments for a Christmas tree or to create a snowy window. This is an easy pattern.

Finished Size  3” diameter

Materials                                                      

  • Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Cotton, Size 10, 100% Cotton Thread, White or color of choice
  • Size 7 (1.65mm) Steel Crochet Hook or size to obtain gauge
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Glue & Water
  • Craft Paintbrush
  • T-pins

Gauge   It is not critical for this project.

Pattern Notes                                                                                                

  • Chain 4 counts as treble crochet. 
  • Join with slip stitch as indicated unless otherwise stated.
  • Stiffen with 1:2 parts glue to water and brush with paintbrush on back side of snowflake.

Instructions

Rnd 1: Make slip ring, ch 4, tr, ch 3, [2 tr, ch 3] 5 times into ring, join to first st. 


Rnd 2: Sl st in next st, *(2 sc, ch 9, sl st in 7th ch from hook, ch 2, 2 sc) in ch-3 sp**, sl st in next 2 sts; rep from *, 5 times, ending last rep at **, join to first cl. Fasten off. 

Finishing

Stiffen by brushing on the glue/water mixture and pin to shape.

Abbreviations (US Terminology)

ch: chain 

sc: single crochet

tr: treble crochet

sp: space

ch-sp: chain space

sl st: slip stitch

rep: repeat

st(s): stitch(es)

yo: yarn over

Rnd(s): Round(s)

Peace & Love! Enjoy!

Holiday Stashdown CAL Pattern

This is my contribution to the Holiday Stashdown CAL, The Holiday Stashdown CAL is hosted in the CAL Central Facebook and Ravelry groups.  It is a one skein project, quick to stitch and would be a fabulous gift for anyone! See my last post on the details of this fun CAL and a chance to win prizes!

Freely Cowl

By Gwen Buttke McGannon

Let that gorgeous skein of DK shine with this lacy cowl pattern.  A perfect one skein pattern, this cowl is a two-row repeat worked in the round. This pattern offers choices in length and works up quick for that last minute gift.  This is an easy pattern.

Finished Sizes

32 (40, 44)” circumference, 8 (9, 10)” long  

Gauge

3 shells; 8 rows =4”

Materials 

  • DK Wt yarn, Wool Blends, 100g/231-245yds, possibilities include:
    • – 1 skein Flyy Dyed DK, City Lights (pictured on left)
    • – 1 skein Serendipitous Wool Company, Earthen (center)
    • – 1 skein Five Burroughs, Girls Night In (pictured on right)
  • G/4.0mm Clover Amour Crochet Hook 
  • Tapestry Needle 

Pattern Notes  

Before starting the cowl, measure 10 yards, this will be used for edging the cowl. 

Pattern is worked in rounds.   

Chain-3 at beginning of round counts as dc. 

Special Stitches 

Beginning Shell (Beg Shell) : Ch 3, dc, ch 1, 2 dc in indicated st. 

Shell (Shell): (2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) in indicated st.

Picot: Ch 3, sc in 3rd ch from hook.  

Instructions

Measure out 10 yards, to complete edge round. Ch 140 (155, 170) careful not to twist, join with a sl st. to first ch. 

Rnd 1: Beg shell in first ch, ch 1, *sk next 4 ch, shell in next ch, ch 1; rep from * around join to first shell. –28 (31, 34)shells, ch-1 sps

Rnd 2:  Sl st in next 2 sts, ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3,** dc in next ch-1 sp of shell, ch 3; rep from * around ending at **, join to first st. –28 (31, 34) dc, sc 

Rnds 3: Beg shell in first dc, ch 1, *sk next (ch 2, sc, ch 2), shell in next dc, ch 1; rep from * around join to first shell. –28 (31, 34)shells, ch-1 sps

Rnds 4-16 (14, 12): Rep Rnds 2-3 ending on Rnd 2. 

Rnd 18 (16, 14): Sl st in next 2 sts, ch 1, sc in ch-1 sp of shell, *ch 4, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, join to first st. –28 (31, 34)sc, ch-4 sps

Finishing

Rnd 19 (17, 15): Sl st in next 2 ch, ch 1, sc in same ch-4 sp, *(ch 2, picot, ch 2), sc in next ch-4 sp; rep from * around, (ch 2, picot, ch 2), join to first sc. Fasten off. –28 (31, 34)sc, ch-4 sps, picots

With saved yarn from beginning, Rep Rnd 19, (17, 15) on opposite side. 

Abbreviations (US Terminology)

ch: chain 

sp: space

tr: treble crochet

dc: double crochet

ch-sp: chain space

sl st: slip stitch

rep: repeat

st(s): stitch(es)

© 2022, Gwen Buttke McGannon, GwenGoods design. All rights reserved.

Pattern for personal use only.

Holiday Stashdown CAL

This year I am participating in the Holiday Stashdown CAL is the fifth and final crochet along of 2022 hosted in the CAL Central Facebook and Ravelry groups. We’ve brought together 22 of your favorite crochet designers to bring you free crochet patterns for winter holiday gifts, decorations, gift wrap, and more! Join us to make wonderful projects, chat with other crocheters, and enter for your chance to win a prize!

How To Join the 2022 Holiday Stashdown CAL

  • Sign up for Crochet Along updates and the Underground Crafter newsletter to get regular updates, including links to new CAL patterns as they are released. When you sign up, you’ll also get access to my subscriber vault which includes exclusive free PDF patterns, a coupon code for your choice of any crochet or knitting pattern or ebook from my Ravelry shop, and coupon codes from other indie designers and crafts businesses. 
  • You can join in by crocheting the patterns as you have time.
  • Share your progress and post pictures of your finished projects. Tag your projects and posts #CALCentralCrochet and #HolidayStashdownCAL on all social media.
  • If you’d like to chat with other crocheters, join the CAL Central Crochet Facebook group, or visit this thread in the CAL Central Ravelry group.
  • By the end of the CAL, you’ll have up to 22 gifts, decorations, or gift wrap projects for the winter holidays. 

2022 Holiday Stashdown Crochet Along Schedule

This list will be updated during the CAL to include links to each pattern as it is released.

2022 Holiday Stashdown CAL End-of-CAL Giveaway Prizes

Crochet alongs are always more fun when there are prizes at the end. We’ve teamed up with 11 of our favorite companies –  AndeanSun Yarns, Babé Crochet, Clover USA, Eucalan, GlassEyesOnline, Hooked for Life Publishing, KennyClayCo, KnitPal, Knitter’s Relief Balm, Unicorn, and Walnut Farm Designs – to bring you 11 amazing prizes for our end-of-CAL giveaway. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway by scrolling to the bottom of this post by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022!

AndeanSun Yarns will provide one lucky winner with their choice of a 3-pack of Umayo bulky, DK, or fingering weight yarn in winner’s choice of color. These luxurious, soft, strong, and durable yarns are a blend of 35% alpaca, 15% wool, and 50% acrylic fibers with great stitch definition. Show your support by following AndeanSun Yarns on Facebook | Instagram.

I’m Back With Big News

Have you seen season 1 of Foundation on Apple TV?

Adiaha of Ancestral Fiber Co has created a team of designers including yours truly to bring you a Foundations inspired kits! I am super excited to be part of this collection!! And my design, Gaal’s Origins debuts today!

Gaal’s Origins Tunic Pattern available at Ancestral Fiber Co

Gaal’s Origins is inspired by when we first meet Gaal’s character on Foundation, she is a young brilliant mathematician born on Synnax. Adiaha really captured the essence of Gaal’s homeland with this gorgeous shade of green. I chose to create a design that would be light and lacy.

Gaal’s Origins Tunic available at Ancestral Fiber Co

Gaal’s Origins is a size inclusive design incorporating broomstick lace along with textured stitches within a gorgeous tunic! Available exclusively at Ancestral Fiber Co.

I am looking forward to seeing the other designs as they are revealed all month long!

Enjoy!

Exciting News

Calling all yarn lovers!! My friend Channy of ChannyPeasCorner has put together a Yarnament Advent and it is Epic!! She has created a tribute to some of our favorite yarn dyers! I am truly honored to design a project with these beautiful yarns! I am so excited!!

Here is the details and follow Channy on Instragram for more information!!

Created and Designed by Channy @channypeascorner. 
Artwork: @dkgraham

Yarnament Advent includes : 
12 minis ( 10 or 20g in a variety of bases) by your favorites.. ALL IN ONE BOX !!

@lolabeanyarnco – (Adella) 
@channypeascorner – (Channy) 
@moondrakeco – (Rachelle ) 
@jillyandkiddles ( Jill ) 
@Alwansultanfiber (Sultan) 
@Flyydyed – ( Rachel ) 
@Ancestral_fiber_co -( Adiaha) 
@heartsonfiber – ( Kim C) 
@Kimdyesyarn – (Kim R) 
@fiveboroughyarns – ( Lindsay ) 
@Periwinklesheep -( Karin) 
@TealTorchknits – (Christina)

12 yarnaments ( an “ornament” soft enamel magnet in each dyers colorway )

A magnetic board for all your yarnament magnets. Arrange your favorites any way you like.

I ❤️ Indie Dyers soft enamel pin and sticker. Designed by @dkgraham (Kirstan)

Sparkly glitter heart stitchmarkers by Jess @monarchythreads

A surprise full skein by @lefranceshandmade ( May )

A Pattern by @gwengoods ( Gwen) 
And a few surprises!!!

Preorder closes July 15th 
Yarnament Advent boxes ship Mid November. 
All the minis and magnets will be wrapped so you will be surprised ! Open when you want , but best to start mid December 13th!!

Thank you so much for supporting our shops!! ❤️ I’m honored to be in their company and supporting them as well ! 
A portion of all sales will go to https://www.everytown.org/

https://channypeascorner.com

Love the Skin You’re In

Filling your Friday with love! It all started with this heart…

My first freeform Crochet heart.

That got me thinking of how I could create a way to celebrate us! Each one of us is truly unique and one of a kind. To celebrate our diversity and community with love!

So one weekend I grabbed some of my skin tone yarns from Bzy Peach, a hook, and the notes I had formulated to create these freeform hearts in the car on our way home.

The first 2 Love The Skin You’re In Hearts

Each heart starts as a spiral, that spreads into a heart.

Freeform Crochet Heart.

Then each heart is layered with texture and embellishments. As we all have layers within ourselves these pins are a reminder that are beauty comes from within.

This heart contains yarns from Bzy Peach, RedHeart, Tahki, Art Yarns, and LionBrand.
This heart contains yarns from Bzy Peach, Mitchell’s Creations, Schjeepes, FairyTale Yarns, RedHeart, and LionBrand.
This heart contains yarns from Bzy Peach, AmigurumiMe Mitchell’s Creations, RedHeart, and LionBrand.

Celebrate our beauty and love our skin from within! Each pin is available in my Etsy shop! Click on you favorite and save it your favorites!

Enjoy!