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.

Timeless in Inside Crochet!

The "Timeless Cardigan" can be found in the Spring 2009 issue of Inside Crochet! This cardigan looks more complicated to make than it actually is…as the cardigan is basically three rectangles.  The upper portion of the cardigan is created by two identical panels that are worked side to side from the sleeve A waistband is picked at the bottom edge of the upper body pieces in hdc, and is shaped by strategically placed decreases.  The sleeves are fashioned by gathering the edges and adding bands.

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

Sweet Roses Tank Top

This sweet little tank top is for the special little girl in your life.  Scalloped edges with easy to embroider roses make this garment one of a kind.  The smocking stitch in the bodice is simple, and gives an updated look to old fashioned smocking.  It is simple to knit with two body pieces and two small flutter sleeves.   This pattern is a Decidedly Hilltop pattern from the Hilltop Yarn Store. 

Yarn: Brown Sheep Company, Cotton Fleece, 80% Cotton, 20% Merino Wool, 215 yards/197 meters, 3.5 oz (100 grams)

MC : CW-100 Cotton Ball, 1 ball for Size 6 months to 1 year, 2 balls for other sizes (exactly 2 balls for size 4)

CC1: Moss Green, 1 ball for all sizes

CC2: CW230, Victorian Pink, 1 ball for all sizes

Sizes: 6 months-1 year, 2-3 years and 4-6 years

Finished Measurements:

Bust: 21 (23, 25)”

Length (including straps): 11 (13.5 15)”

Circumference at Bottom Edge: 26 (30, 36)”

Gauge: In St st: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4"

This Hilltop Yarn Store pattern is available using PayPal for $3.  To order, click the "Buy Now" button below and the pattern will be emailed to you after purchase.

Additional photos can be found on Flickr here.

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. 

The Office Bag

This is my latest felted bag with hardware.  This time, you do not need to make a trip to the hardware store.  Instead, you can make a trip to your local office supply store or maybe even just raid your home office! This bag uses office supplies for embellishments! It also incorporates felted pleats to create a bag so chic you will have all your office mates asking where you bought your new bag!

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

4 hanks in color #8422 (teal) 
(It is highly advisable to buy an extra ball to knit a large swatch)

Needle : US #10 or 6.0 mm needles (plus one extra for 3 –Needle Bind-Off) or size to obtain gauge.  A circular needle (US #10/6.0mm) or double pointed needles are needed to create the I-cord straps.

Size: One size

Gauge: 14 sts and 19 rows to 4”/2.5cm in Stockinette Stitch (before felting)

After Felting Measurements
Length (across bottom piece): 18”/45cm
Height: (excluding straps): 8.5”/21.25cm

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.

Mountain Goat Gathered Tunic

Knitted garments that cover your lower half always make me a bit nervous.  But the blend of mohair and wool is perfect for this tunic.  The mohair keeps it from stretching out too much when you sit in it.  The clean simple lines of this tunic are quite slimming.  In addition, the slight gathering above the bust line gives the tunic some visual interest.    This tunic is simple to knit with little shaping.  I also think this tunic would be beautiful for a summer garment in a cotton yarn.

Yarn: Mountain Goat Mountain Colors, 100 gram balls each 230 yd/251 m   (mohair/wool) 

4 (5, 6) in color burgundy

Needle:   US 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to get gauge and one similar sized needle for 3-Needle BO

Crochet Hook: H (5 mm)

Gauge: 18 sts and 25 rows to 4”/2.5 cm in St st 

Sizes
S (M, L)

Finished Measurements
Bust = 34 (38, 42)”/85 (95,105) cm
Total Length = 31 (32, 33)”/77.5 (80, 82.5) cm
Hip = 37 (41.5, 46)”/92.5 (103.75, 115) cm

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Vintage Clutch

This felted clutch takes felting out on the town!  Felted objects need not be limited to laptop or diaper bags.  Rowan’s Soft Lux is so amazing when it is felted.  The metallic fiber creates just the slightest hint of shimmer.  Ribbon yarn and a metal purse frame pull the clutch together to create an air of sophistication.  It knits so quickly, you can take this clutch out on the town this weekend!    

Yarn: Rowan Yarns Classic, Soft Lux, 50 g balls, each 137 yd/ 125 m (merino wool/ angora/nylon/metallic fiber)
2 balls in color #03 (cashmere)

Lousia Harding Yarns Sari Ribbon, 50 g balls, each 66 yarnds/60 meters (nylon/metallic)
1 ball in color #07 (browns/rose)

Needle: US #9/5.5 mm needles or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 14.5 sts and 20 rows to 4"/10cm in Stockinette Stitch BEFORE FELTING

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.