February 25, 2009

SmoothFox's Agape Square - Testers Found

Testing is now open for this 7" x 7" square. This square works up super-fast!

If you are a follower and would like to test the square, please email me your FOLLOWER name and be one of the first 5 people requesting to test the pattern.

I'd like testing to be completed by Saturday at noon. Those that test must be able to email me an attached picture of their square. You can use whatever yarn you wish, just not varigated yarn.

Donna aka SmoothFoxLover@yahoo.com



February 21, 2009

SmoothFox's Crochet Illusion Heart Scarf- Free Pattern


Created by Donna Mason-Svara aka SmoothFox ©2009 Version 3.0

THIS PATTERN CAN BE USED TO MAKE RECTANGLES FOR AN AFGHAN OR YOU CAN REPEAT THE PATTERN TO MAKE A SCARF.

I ORIGINALLY CREATED THIS PATTERN USING SC'S WHERE YOU NOW SEE HDC'S WITHIN THIS PATTERN. THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THAT SOME TESTERS OF THE PATTERN SAID THAT THEIR HEART'S DIDN'T STAND OUT ENOUGH. IF YOUR HEARTS STAND OUT TOO MUCH USING HDC'S, PLEASE SUBSTITUTE SC THROUGHOUT THE PATTERN WHERE I REFERENCE HDC'S.

Red Heart Super Saver Medium Worsted 4 ply
Heart Color: Pretty n’ Pink
Background Color: Black

Hook Size: H 5.00 MM
Size: 5 1/2 ” x 8” - each repeat
Skill level: Advanced beginner

Color changes: All color changes are worked during completion of last stitch of a row. For a color change on a half double crochet when 2 loops remain of final stitch. Example: YO, insert hook into current stitch, YO and pull through {2 loops on hook} - using new yarn color, YO and pull through the new color to complete the stitch. For a sc color change, insert hook into current stitch, YO with old color and pull through, YO with new color and pull through both loops on hook.

Special Stitches:
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
BL – Back Loop
FL - Free Loop - Look on side of crochet piece that is facing away from you. In the immediate row below you crocheted a BL stitch, insert hook in the unused free loop or better known front loop of this stitch and work a sc.

My Ravelry Store: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/smoothfox-crochet-designs
My Etsy Store: http://smoothfox.etsy.com/
My Crochet & Knit related gifts: http://zazzle.com/smoothfox*
My blog: http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/

PLEASE READ BEFORE BEGINNING:
DO NOT FINISH OFF AND CUT THE YARN WHEN TOLD TO CHANGE COLORS. JUST DROP THE OLD YARN COLOR AND BRING IT UP THE SIDE OF THE WORK WHEN TOLD TO JOIN THE NEW COLOR. SEE ABOVE NOTES ON HOW TO CHANGE COLORS.


For a scarf with the same color hearts throughout - After working rows 1 – 34, then repeat rows 3 through 34 for each heart illusion section of your scarf.


For a scarf alternating the heart colors for each repeat throughout - After working rows 1 – 34, repeat rows 5 through 34 and then repeat rows 3 and 4 for a complete illusion section. When the pattern says to use Heart color, switch to your “new” heart color. In my example picture, I worked pink as my first heart color and the second repeat I used black for my heart which had been the background color in the first section of the heart.


In order that both halves of your scarf have the hearts going the proper way, you will need to repeat the heart illusion 4 times and then finish off both yarn colors and restart the pattern from row 1 to 34, then follow instructions according to which color scheme you are using for the pattern.

If you want a .pdf copy of this pattern or if you crochet this item – please click on this link and add your own pictures as a project on Ravelry.  Just click on the crochet hook with the words “Hook It” near the top right side and this will add your item as a project.  Then you can add the pictures when you have completed your project.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/free-smoothfoxs-crochet-illusion-shadow-hearts

INSTRUCTIONS:

Row 1: Using Heart Color, ch 18. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 16 ch’s. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 2: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, [change to Background Color in last stitch– SEE INSTRUCTIONS] Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 3: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 4: Using Background Color – Sc in each stitch across,  [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 5: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 6: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 8 sts, hdc in BL of next st, sc in next 8 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (1 hdc, 16 sc)

Row 7: Using Background Color - Sc in next 8 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL [see special instructions] of next st, sc in next 8 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc) PICTURE BELOW IS THE VIEW FROM BEHIND TO SHOW YOU WHERE THE FL IS DONE.

Row 8: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 9: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 10: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 7 sts, hdc in BL of next 3 sts, sc in next 7 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (3 hdc, 14 sc)

Row 11: Using Background Color - Sc in next 7 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 3 sts, sc in next 7 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 12: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 13: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 14: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 6 sts, hdc in BL of next 5 sts, sc in next 6 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (5 hdc, 12 sc)

Row 15: Using Background Color - Sc in next 6 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 5 sts, sc in next 6 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 16: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 17: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 18: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 5 sts, hdc in BL of next 7 sts, sc in next 5 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (7 hdc, 10 sc)

Row 19: Using Background Color - Sc in next 5 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 7 sts, sc in next 5 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 20: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 21: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 22: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 4 sts, hdc in BL of next 9 sts, sc in next 4 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (9 hdc, 8 sc)

Row 23: Using Background Color - Sc in next 4 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 9 sts, sc in next 4 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 24: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 25: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 26: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 4 sts, hdc in BL of next 4 sts, sc in next st, hdc in BL of next 4 sts, sc in next 4 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (8 hdc, 9 sc)

Row 27: Using Background Color - Sc in next 4 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 4 sts, sc in st, sc in FL of next 4 sts, sc in next 4 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 28: Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 29: Using Heart Color – Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 30: Using Heart Color - Sc in first 5 sts, hdc in BL of next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in BL of next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts [change to Background Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (4 hdc, 13 sc)

Row 31: Using Background Color - Sc in next 5 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, sc in Free Loop - FL of next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 32 Using Background Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Heart Color in last stitch]. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 33: Using Heart Color, Sc in each stitch across, Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 34: Using Heart Color - Sc in each stitch across, [change to Background Color in last stitch] Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

ASSEMBLY:

Once both halves are completed, lay the two pieces with right sides together. Hold tops of each side together. Match stitches across the top. Insert hook through both sc’s of each piece and sc or sl across the top of the two pieces to join the two halves together.

OPTIONAL BORDER:

Join either the Heart color or the Background color any corner with a sc. Sc in each stitch across to the next corner, turn scarf sideways and sc in each st to the next corner, repeat around all four sides.
Created by Donna Mason-Svara aka SmoothFoxLover@yahoo.com ©2009

This pattern has been tested. Please notify me of any pattern corrections. I will answer any and all questions you may have with the instructions. Do not plagiarize this pattern. All patterns are my original designs. Please do not re-sell my patterns or give them away for free or post my patterns on the internet. You may sell items you make from my patterns at craft fairs, fund raisers or custom orders for friends and family but please do not sell finished items on the internet without my written permission. Do not claim designs as your own.

This pattern is copyrighted by me and I give my permission for you to post pictures of items made from my pattern on your website if you will post a link back to my ETSY store if the pattern is for sale. If the pattern is free, please direct people to my blog. Be sure to list the name SmoothFox as the designer.

February 19, 2009

Fox's A Bit of Love - Testers Found


So many people make comfortghan's for their friends and relatives that are in need of comforting due to life's tragedies. With each stitch they are offering a bit of love when they crochet their afghans to comfort those loved ones. Hence the name of this 12" x 12" square - Fox's A Bit of Love.

I'd like to ask if there is anyone out there today that has never tested one of my patterns to come forward and email me their FOLLOWER name and test this new pattern. I'll take the first 5 newbies to testing for me. If I don't get enough people who haven't tested before, I'll be open for those of you who are Followers and have tested patterns before.

You'll be looking for pattern errors, stitch counts etc. and you must be willing to email me the information about errors and a picture or two of your finished square after the ends are weaved in.

SmoothFoxLover at yahoo.com
Donna

Crochet Illusion Heart Scarf



Here's a picture from a follower named Annabelle. She's coming right along on the Crochet Illusion Heart scarf. The pattern will be a free pattern and will be posted in the next few days.

WTG!!!!!

February 14, 2009

Crochet Illusion Heart Scarf anyone? - Testers Found



UPDATE: TESTERS FOUND - THANK YOU
Most people have heard about knitting illusion or knitting shadow illusion. For those that don't know what it is, from just looking at the above piece straight on, all you see are stripes. When you look at it from an angle, it reveals a pattern.

Did you know that you can also do crochet illusion? Both pictures above are of a heart pattern done in Crochet Illusion. I'm out of the color Red so I used orange. I was thinking that this pattern when done over and over again would make a pretty scarf.

If you wanted to use different primary color yarns, you could alternate at the end of each repeat of the heart pattern. You'd have to work each half of the scarf separately and then slip stitch them together at the back of the neck area so that each half looks like the heart is going the correct way.

I'd prefer a couple of testers who really want to make a scarf. Not just the "square". Maybe there are a few of you who are in a scarf club or something like that. If you are interested in making a crochet illusion heart scarf - please email me at SmoothFoxLover@yahoo.com with your Follower name. You'll need 2 contrasting colors of yarn and the ability to send me an emailed picture of your completed project.
Donna





February 13, 2009

Show off your blog or works in progress using my patterns

I received an email from a follower showing me an afghan she is making where she combined a few different pattern's I designed together. It got me to thinking that it would be great to see more of your accomplishments and masterpieces.

I'll post them here on the blog and if you have a blog with the pictures posted, email me a picture and the location of your blog and I'll post it here.


Here's the first blog showing the Fox's Quick and Simple being used in a sampler afghan! If you look at the picture with all the squares Ann has.. it’s the green one outlined in pink above the cream square with the pink heart in the middle. Thanks Ann!!!

http://meettheboyles.blogspot.com/2009/02/joining-rowans-afgan.html

Lauren C. has provided her blog location. Please take a minute and check it out. I've also posted her wonderful afghan she is making using the Fox's Revised Heart of a Child and the Fox's Easy Snowflake. Thanks Lauren for yoru great work.

http://crochetstitches.blogspot.com/

Kathy Anderson is a follower and she has a wonderful blog chock full of places to go and wonderful patterns. Check it out.

http://knitandcrochetpatternchat.blogspot.com/search/label/crochet


Donna

February 8, 2009

Fox's Peace Granny - Testing Closed




This square is a 6 x 6 and or an 8 x 8 or a 12 x 12. If you are currently testing the 7" x 7" version, please give me the input from the 7" x 7" version first. This square might look like the 7 x 7 version but has many differences. Anyways, I'm only taking the first 5 testers so be quick!


I'd like the testers to make the 12 x 12 version but please take pictures of the 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 versions also as you work towards the completion of the 12 x 12 version. I'd like testing to be done by Wednesday. You can use whatever yarn you like.


If you are interested, please send me the email and be sure to include your FOLLOWER name. Please email me at SmoothFoxLover@yahoo.com


Donna

February 7, 2009

Fox's Peace Out 7 x 7 Testers Found




This pattern is open for testing. There will be a 12 x 12 version in a few days open for testing. You must be a Follower and email me with your Follower name.

I'll take the first 5 people who email me that they want to test. I need pattern errors/corrections and a emailed picture or two sent to me when you're done. My email address is SmoothFoxLover@yahoo.com




Donna

February 3, 2009

Peace sign I'm working on


UPDATE:

THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY PEOPLE EMAILING ME TO TEST THIS PATTERN THAT I THOUGHT I SHOULD LET YOU KNOW THAT I'M STILL WORKING ON IT AND TWEEKING IT. WHEN I DO OPEN IT FOR TESTING, I'LL ONLY TAKE THE FIRST FIVE PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME THAT THEY WANT TO TEST THE SQUARE. AS WITH ALL PATTERN TESTING - TO TEST YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER.

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I've had fun designing this peace sign. Need to write up the instructions and tweek it a bit.

Donna

Foxs Easy Snowflake Square 12 x 12- Testers Wanted


The new 12" x 12" version is complete and ready for testing. I only want to ask for 5 testers. If you are currently testing the 7" x 7" square - please don't ask to test this one until you're done with the smaller sized square. By then though, I'll probably have enough people to test the larger square - but you never can tell. There might not be that many people who like the larger squares.

Be sure you send me your follower name when you email me at SmoothFoxLover at yahoo.com
Donna

February 1, 2009

Fox's Easy Snowflake 7 x 7 Square - TESTERS FOUND


UPDATE: I HAVE ENOUGH TESTERS - THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ASKED TO TEST THE PATTERN.

Testing is open for the snowflake square. I'm also working on a 12 x 12 version while testing will be going on with this 7 x 7 version.

I'd like emailed pictures, pattern corrections etc. and testing to be over by Thursday. If you're interested in testing this pattern, please send me an email and include your follower name.
Donna