January 2020 - Crochets By Trista

Garnet Cowl

Birthstone Collection

The Garnet Cowl is the first pattern available from the “Birthstone Collection.” The idea behind the collection is that I wanted a theme for some of my 2020 patterns.

I decided that a collection of cowls, scarves, and shawls would be perfect items to help bring the theme together. Each month I will release a pattern in the color of the month’s birthstone.

Amethyst Scarf – February
Zoe’s Aquamarine Infinity Scarf – March
Diamond Shawl – April
Emerald Asymmetrical Shawl – May
Pearl Infinity Cowl – June
Ruby Shawl – July
Peridot Shawl– August
Sapphire Shawl – September
Opal Shawl – October
Citrine Scarf – November
Turquoise Scarf – December

The Yarn

The garnet stone isn’t a simple solid red, it has hints of orange and yellow within it. Because of this I had a hard time finding the perfect shade. After searching all the yarn aisles of my local craft stores, I finally found the perfect color. Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in the colorway ‘Claret’ is the perfect color to help bring out the beauty of the garnet.

Supplies

– Approximately 180 yards of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick or similar weight/style yarn
– N/10.00 mm crochet hook
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Yarn needle

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St- Slip Stitch
St – Stitch

Black and white photo of Girl wearing "Garnet Cowl' — She loves the dramatic effect of the black and white. What she doesn’t get is that it doesn’t showcase the beauty of the yarn. But as you can see, the Garnet Cowl is a great fit at any age.

Gauge & Finished Size

Gauge: 8 Stitches x 6 Rows = 4” Square of stitch pattern

Finished Size: 15” wide x 12” tall

Design

Winters can be really cold here in Massachusetts. When designing this pattern I wanted something that would keep me nice and warm. I also wanted something that wasn’t really plain either. I’m a big fan of simple designs that pair well with the classic ‘jeans and t-shirt’ outfit.

Availability

You can purchase the Garnet Cowl on Ravelry, Etsy, & Ribblr.

Purchase on Ravelry

Purchase on Etsy

Purchase on Ribblr

Trista from Crochets By Trista modeling the "Garnet Cowl" — This is what happens when the lighting is perfect to show how the beautiful colors of the yarn but you’ve put zero effort into your appearance for the day.

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I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com

If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.

You may sell finished items made with my pattern, I just ask that you credit the design to Crochets By Trista.

Keep Moving Forward

Where I’ve been

For the last few months I’ve been a member of the Crochetpreneur Business Academy (CBA). Since joining the CBA I have learned so much about myself. I’ve learned about the strengths that I wasn’t aware of, but most of my friends and family are. I also learned more about my weakness and how I can build on them so they can’t hold me back.

One of my weaknesses is that I’m not really great with staying on task. I have intentions of doing it but I always delay it until I forget about it completely. For example, we all start the new year off thinking were going to start going to the gym daily or were going to start a new diet and stick to it. By the first week in February you’ve already stopped going to the gym and the new diet doesn’t exist anymore. That was always me; UNTIL NOW!

Since learning that staying on task is a weakness I’ve looked for help within the CBA community. Guess what, most of the members are too. When set with a deadline we can accomplish any goal you put in front of us, but without it the task just falls to the side. We need someone to keep us accountable so we can stay on task.

I stepped up

One way I’ve grown from this weakness is that I’ve become the accountability team leader. Each Monday I ask all the members what their goals are for the week. I check in every few days to see how we’re staying on task. Sometimes life happens and things don’t get done, but most of the time having a team member keep you accountable has really helped our businesses soar.

The CBA is by far the best group of crochet business owners you will meet. We are all each others cheerleaders. We are there to give you the small push that you need so you can move forward within your business. We are also there to catch you when you fall or struggle.

Here I Am

So here I am the third week of 2020 and I have already accomplished so much. I wouldn’t be here thinking I was 100% capable of what I have planned for the year without the support of my family, especially my husband, friends, and my crochet family.

As you can see; I’ve officially become a business with the city, started a blog, released my first design, opened an Etsy shop, opened a designer page on Ravelry, and the best part, I’m just getting started!

Want to learn more about the CBA?

Click here

Quick and Easy – Free Crochet Pattern – “Winter Hills Cozie”

Free Winter Hills Cozie Pattern

"Winter Hills Cozie" in purple on a reusable travel mug. Purple tulip in background — “Winter Hills Coffee Cozie”

Simple And Easy Idea

We all know that gifts for the kids’ teachers are one of those things that we dread each holiday season. They deserve something more than a card that says “Happy Holidays,” but many families can’t afford to go and spend over $10.00 for each teacher.

Each year I try to make crocheted gifts for the kids’ teachers. Each of my kids has 3 teacher; the main teacher and then 2 paraprofessional. If I planned ahead, I would be able to make 6 completely different and yet similar projects. But lets be real, who is thinking about holiday gifts in September?

Like most parents, life happens and things slip through the cracks. Here I was the week after Thanksgiving and saying to myself “Oh crap, what am I going to do for the teacher gifts?!”

Luckily, I practically live at a local craft store. I spotted the reusable travel mugs while walking around one day and had my ‘Eureka’ moment. Decision made! I’m going to make cozies for the mugs, add a few bags of tea and I’ll be all done and it will be relatively inexpensive.

The Issue.

But of course I can’t make it that simple. I then decide that I HAVE to design the cozie, because if you know me I tend to always make things harder for myself.

I wanted a pattern that was easy and simple to follow but not just the same stitch each row. I’m a big fan of texture within my designs, although there may be few of my designs that aren’t. So after a few swatches I came to the conclusion: “This is it!” I hope that you enjoy this free pattern as much as I do.

Be sure to add your project to Ravelry.

Supplies & Materials

Approx. 50 yards of worsted weight yarn (Caron Simply Soft)
I/5.50 mm crochet hook
Measuring tape
Scissors
Yarn needle

Gauge & Sizes

Gauge: 14 Sts by 13 rows= 4”x4”

Finished Sizes: Approx. 4”x 3” & 4”x 4”

Pattern Notes

This cozie is worked in the round.

Starting chain does not count first stitch.

Stitch count is listed at the end of each row.

Cozie fits most single use cups available at your local coffee spots. (Dunkin, Starbucks etc.).

The reusable cup I used is available at my local craft store.

Stitches & Abbreviations:

All stitches are in US. terms

Ch – Chain

St(s) – Stitch(es)

Sl St – Slip Stitch

SC – Single Crochet

DC – Double Crochet

Pattern:

Ch 31.

Row 1.) SC in 2nd chain from the hook and each St across. Join with a Sl to the 1st St. (30)

Row 2.) Ch 1, SC in same St as join. *DC in next St, SC in next St* repeat from * around to last St, DC in last St. Join with Sl St. (30)

Row 3.) Ch 1, DC in same St as join, *SC in next DC, DC in next SC* repeat from * around to last St. SC in last ST. Join with a Sl St. (30)

Row 4.) Ch 1, SC in same St as join. Sc around. (30)

Rows 5-10.) repeat Rows 2-4, ending with row 4.

Optional larger size – Rows 11-13. Repeat rows 2-4, ending with row 4.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Availability

You can purchase the PDF on Ravelry, Etsy, LoveCrafts & Ribblr

Purchase on Etsy

Purchase on Ravelry

Purchase on LoveCrafts

Purchase on Ribblr

You may sell finished items made with my pattern, I just ask that you credit the design to Crochets By Trista.

There you have it!
My first official pattern release!

***Updated 02/07/21***

Like the Winter Hills Cozie? Check out the Buttercream Dishcloth – part of the Frosting Collection!

Join the
“Crochets By Trista Crochet Group”
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Follow Crochets By Trista on:
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Ravelry
Etsy
Ribblr
Love Crafts

If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.