FREE PATTERN TUTORIAL: How to use fabric flowers with crochet and knit items!

I love crochet flowers, don't get me wrong, but I have absolutely fallen in love with the shabby/vintage style flowers that are so popular. When you combine the two, and add them to a hat, a create a clip for a scarf, shawl, or headband, they are luscious! In my opinion, they take your designs up a notch, add an extra touch of chic, and stand out from the "standard" adornments on handmade yarn items.


Are they appropriate for everything? NO. But they have their place. So here is a little tutorial with a simple free crochet flower pattern, and how to add layers of fabric flowers and rhinestones to finish the look.



Now - I'm not referring to the yucky fake kind of flowers that are trying to hard to look real, mind you, made of vinyl and fake silk looking junk. I'm talking the chiffon, the real satin, and the various prints and textures you just can't do with yarn.

Yes, these are all available in both The Gimpy Hooker for smaller quantities and mixes, and the Shabby Peacock Shack for bulk orders at a discount. The reason I started supplying these is because I love them so much, and my clients do to!

Shopbevel Decadant Drops Earrings Contest!

This week begins the Shopbevel "Decadent Drops" earrings contest I was invited to participate in.

Here is the design they chose, you can click to take you to my profile to vote! If chosen, I will work with the Shopbevel team, and they will be mass produced at a discounted rate. I will earn royalties and be able to participate in the whole process. It's a great opportunity to partner with a large company and get my designs out there!

So please take a few minutes to vote! Thanks!

If you'd like to stay up to date on the contest, I created an event through my Horizontal Designs Facebook page.

10% Off Coupon!

Right now, if you go LIKE our Facebook page, you get a 10% coupon for everything and anything in the shop. 




I'll apply it to any custom orders as well.  So go LIKE our page!

Crochet Sneak Peak!

Wanted to share a few crochet pics - here are some of the items that will be up on Etsy and the new websites! 

I'll have a crochet website site and a separate jewelry site, but both will be sold on Etsy in the Horizontal Designs shop. Also will be adding more free patterns in the next week!

Girls Sparkly Shawl and Hat Set, Vintage Inspired

Free Crochet Pattern: Vintage Ruffled Curtain Tie Backs

This is a quick and easy (and super cute!) way to whip up curtain tie backs that are versatile, customizable, and use up scrap yarn.

They can be hooked on to wall hardware, or tied around your curtains without anything extra. They can be looped once for a looser look, or looped multiple times. The yarn used is very stretchy, so you have a lot of options!  I looped mine twice, and don't have them attached to anything.

Materials:

• I used Red Heart Shimmer Yarn (Teal), but you can use any yarn 
• 5mm hook, adjust according to your yarn size
• A large button, or other ornamentation to tie your loop over
• Yarn needle

 Stitches/Abreviations:

• ss = slip stitch
• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• st = stitch

 Pattern: 

• Ch 75 (or whatever length you want)
• Row 1: dc into 4th st, this counts as 2 dc's, then dc in to the next st. *2 dc's in next st, 1 dc in next st* and repeat across row.
• Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc into next 2 st. *2 dc in next stitch, then dc in to next 2 st's* and repeat across row. Do not tie off.
• I stopped here. You could make yours thinker and keep increasing by adding a single dc to each*repeated increase* - for example: Row 3 would be *2 dc in st, dc into next 3 st* and so on.
• Once you have the desire amount of rows, at the end of your final row, ch 10. Then form a loop and ss into your last dc. This will be your loop that goes around your button. Tie off and weave in any ends.
• Attach a button to the other end of the piece, tie off and secure yarn, and that's it! Enjoy!

  
 Other custom ideas (I'll try some of these when I have time!): Adding beading, using cool vintage fabric covered buttons, using fuzzy or unique textured yarn, the possibilities go on and on. Have fun!
      
***Feel free to use free patterns for whatever purpose you like, but please link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. You may share photos that include the Horizontal Designs text only.