Crochet Tip: How to Fix a Foundation Chain that’s too short or too long

October 16, 2018 by Bethany Leave a Comment

Tip Tuesday is a weekly post on Whistle and Ivy sharing one awesome tip to help make your crochet hobby easier and even more fun! This week’s tip comes from Marie from Underground Crafter. She shares how to fix a foundation chain that is too short or too long.

Happy Tuesday everyone! We have been in our new home for about 3 days and I am making good progress on getting the house unpacked. My craft room still needs a lot of work, but since I haven’t crocheted anything in over week, I decided to take a day or two off. Self care is important, even if it means putting off chores for a bit! PLUS I haven’t released a new pattern on my blog for far too long (Releasing my Plaid Course, then moving homes required me to put some of my WIP’s on the back burner).

Today’s fabulous tip is provided by Marie from Underground Crafter. I am sure you have found yourself in this situation: you are making a long scarf or blanket and you spend 10 minutes working your foundation chain only to realize at the end of the 1st row of the pattern that you miscounted! This is frustrating as I have done this many times. Until today I thought the only fix was to frog the whole project and start over (taking extra extra care to make sure my count is correct.

Thanks to Marie’s fix, there is an easy to fast way to fix both a too-long chain and a too-short chain!
Head over to Marie’s blog to read all the details. It’s so so easy. I love this crochet tip!

Enjoy your Tuesday!

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Crochet Tip: How to Dip Dye Crochet Projects

October 9, 2018 by Bethany 4 Comments

Today’s crochet tip comes to you from Make and Do Crew. She teaches you how to dip-dye your finished crochet items for a custom look! Turn your hard work into a one-of-a-kind colored treasure. Choose to either color your crochet project all one color or use her tips to make your piece rainbow, striped or ombre. Read on!

How to Crochet Buffalo Plaid – The Plaid Stitch

September 28, 2018 by Bethany 36 Comments

Did you know you can create crochet that looks like buffalo plaid? You can! With simple crochet stitches and strategic color changes, you can create beatufuil crochet buffalo plaid. This post will teach you how to crochet buffalo plaid basics, gives you free crochet patterns using the buffalo plaid technique AND if you are ready to take your skills up a notch, you can enroll in the Learn Crochet Plaid online course! This post includes affiliate links, which means I get a small commissions if you make a purchase using one of my links (with zero cost to you!). Thanks for your support!

The Plaid Course – Learn Crochet Plaid

September 24, 2018 by Bethany 57 Comments

Have you been wanting to try crochet plaid but it looks too intimiding? Or maybe you tried it but the increases and decreases were frustrating. I hear you. And it may have taken me two years (face palm) but I have created a course that will fix all your worries and frustrations. The Plaid Course will take your Holiday Gift list to the next level when you finally learn crochet plaid!

Two winters ago, I had a small idea. I had the idea to alternate colors to make a plaid-look hat. I realized that black + red makes a pretty burgundy color if you really squint your eyes a bit. Maybe this was a new cool way (and simple way) to do crochet hats!

Well, I’ll tell you, I was absolutely floored at the reaction my humble crochet plaid hat received. It gave me some ideas. Some really awesome ideas. Of course the world needs a crochet plaid scarf, some plaid decor, some plaid for baby and kids and plaid everything. This lead to my first Plaid Week, which was such a big hit that I did it again in 2017.

However, I chose to ignore the timid voices saying “That is way above my skill level” or “I wish I could do that, but it looks way to complicated”. Still others were scared off saying “That looks so cool, but way too many ends for me!” or “I am intimated to try working with more than one color”.

So I owe you an apology. A big one.
What kind of crochet designer and instructor am I if I don’t provide the instructions you need to feel comfortable making my plaid crochet patterns? Not a good one.
So I aim to change that.

This week I am launching the first course in the newly founded Whistle and Ivy Crochet School: Learn Crochet Plaid.

This course includes all you need to know to feel comfortable working all my past and future plaid patterns. The course includes basics for those who haven’t tried plaid yet, and other techniques like increases and decreases for those of you who are comfortable with making a plaid hat, but the tree skirt from last year gave you pause.

The course also includes 3 FULL crochet plaid project tutorials: Included are my Triangle Plaid Cowl, which I know was a struggle for many of you during Plaid Week 2016. I am also including one of the patterns that will be released during Plaid Week 2018, and I ~~know~~ hope you are going to love it.

Ready to master plaid?

Head over to The Learn Crochet Plaid course page, it’s available NOW!

How to Make Worn Crochet Projects Like New Again!

September 18, 2018 by Bethany 3 Comments

Tip Tuesday for Crocheters: Learn how to breathe new life into your well-loved crochet projects with this super easy tip! This easy hack will restore your favorite crochet hat, sweater or scarf back to it’s original beauty. This little tip will soon be part of your regular maintanace routine of your handmade crochet items.

CROCHET TIP: How to Block your Crochet Projects

September 4, 2018 by Bethany 2 Comments

Today’s Tip Tuesday explain best practices for blocking your finished crochet projects! Michele from Stitch and Hustle will show you her favorite ways to block finished items and share her expertise on how well these methods work. Take your finished crochet projects to the next level with blocking!

Hey everyone! Today for Tip Tuesday, I will be sending you over to Michele’s blog Stitch and Hustle to learn some tips about how to block your crochet projects. Personally, this not a step I take often enough when I finish whatever project I am making (my Colorful Rica Clutch, for example, would have benefited greatly from blocking as well as my Puppy Love Blanket [pictured]).

WHY SHOULD I BLOCK MY FINISHED CROCHET ITEMS

Honestly, blocking is one of the last thing I think about when I complete a project. Once I finish making my crochet item, and all I have left to do is weave in one last end, I am about DONE. Right?
Well, maybe not. If you are like me, you are missing out on the last finishing touch that may take your crochet piece from homemade to handmade, truly making it a beautiful, finished treasure.

Blocking makes your piece perfectly shaped,drape how it was meant to drape, and sized the way it’s supposed to be sized. It’s the final step that you (and I) need to stop skipping!
Maybe you are familiar with the concept of blocking but you were intimidated or not sure how this is to be done.

Today’s guest for Tip Tuesday is Michele from Stitch and Hustle, and she has some valuable insight on her favorite methods for blocking and how to get it done right.

Read Michele’s article here.

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Crochet Tip: How to keep your yarn from getting tangled

August 7, 2018 by Bethany 21 Comments

Your quick crochet tip of the week: how to keep your yarn from getting tangled when working with two colors. You will be surprised at how easy this little tip is, and how much frustration and time you will save by using it! Be sure to scroll down and watch the video.

Crochet Mushroom Pouch – Free Crochet Pattern

August 6, 2018 by Bethany 18 Comments

This darling woodland crochet mushroom pouch features cute little red polkadot toadstools. The design comes to life using the tapestry crochet technique in this free crochet pattern. This post contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. The beautiful Chic Sheep yarn that I used for this crochet project was provided by Red Heart. Thank you!

16 Crochet Gift Ideas (crochet gifts for any occasion) – A Free Crochet Pattern Collection

August 2, 2018 by Bethany 6 Comments

Last week was the first-ever Christmas Gifts in July series on Whistle and Ivy. It got me thinking big time about some exciting events happening in a few months (more on that soon!), but most importantly how I would like to be prepared this upcoming holiday season. If you are like me, then you love making crochet gifts for the loved ones on your list. But again, if you are like me, I like these crochet gifts to be useable all year long. This list of crochet gift ideas is perfect if you are thinking ahead to the holidays in a few months, but these gift ideas would also work for other occasions as well! Read to get ahead this year?
Keep scrolling, my friend.

Rica Colorful Crochet Clutch – Free Crochet Pattern

July 28, 2018 by Bethany 42 Comments

This colorful crochet clutch is made up of simple stitches, but has a stunning color effect. Mix and match different colors to make your clutch totally unique! This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I get a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Ankle Tie Crochet Slippers Pattern

July 26, 2018 by Bethany 6 Comments

These pretty Ankle Tie Crochet Slippers add an extra touch of style with a tie around the ankle. The double layer sole make them extra comfortable. Be sure to make them non-slip with one of these methods! This post contains affiliate links, wich means I get a small commission if you made a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Crochet Chevron Hat – Free Crochet Pattern

July 25, 2018 by Bethany 92 Comments

This cute crochet chevron hat is made up of single crochet stitches and alternates between two colors to make up the graph creating a stunning chevron effect. Watch the video and learn how to easily change colors and read the graph. This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Southwest Style Crochet Tablet Pouch – Free Crochet Pattern

July 24, 2018 by Bethany 10 Comments

Using a simple single crochet stitch and a graph, make this beautiful crochet tablet pouch featuring a pretty southwest-style design. A video is included to show how to read a graph and how to change colors easily. This post contains affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Ribbed Crochet Pom-Pom Scarf – Free Crochet Pattern

July 23, 2018 by Bethany 6 Comments

Get the free crochet pattern for this ribbed crochet pom-pom scarf, the first pattern of our Christmas Gifts in July series! This squishy, soft scarf is simple to make and cozy to wear. This post includes affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Announcing Crochet Christmas in July

July 19, 2018 by Bethany 44 Comments

Summer has been busy! I thought it might be a slow time for the blog, but I continually heap stuff onto my own plate (why do I do that?!). At the beginning of the year, I thought about planning a Crochet Christmas-in-July series, but didn’t get going on the designing until late spring. I planned to do 7 Christmas-themed projects over a week. I got almost totally done with the 6th project and decided to switch gears and focus on Christmas Gift Ideas. It seemed to make more sense since Holiday gifts seem to take the most time each year. Plus, now I have even more Christmas stuff to share in a few months. We will be busy this fall and winter ;)

Crochet Serape Lovey – Free Crochet Pattern

July 10, 2018 by Bethany 19 Comments

Learn how to make this adorable southwestern-style crochet serape lovey, featuring a cute crochet coyote on top! The pattern is worked with Red Heart Baby Hugs, a soft, squishy yarn designed specifically for babies. Also included is a full video tutorial and a FREE crochet pattern PDF download, courtesy of Red Heart, who has graciously sponsored this post. The post also contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Crochet Flip Flops Upcycle – Free Crochet Pattern

June 29, 2018 by Bethany 20 Comments

Learn how to turn cheap foam flip-flops into fab boho crochet sandals! Follow the free crochet pattern and make yourself cute new crochet flip flops in just a few minutes. This post contains affiliate links, which helps support Whistle and Ivy at no extra cost to you.

Etsy 13th Birthday Sale!

June 21, 2018 by Bethany 4 Comments

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Whistle and Ivy!

This week is Etsy’s 13th birthday! If you are new to Etsy, it’s an online marketplace for handmade and vintage items. If you are not new, then you know its home to thousands of indie crochet pattern shops! There are so many shops that I adore. As I scoured through the thousands of crochet patterns that have been discounted for Etsy’s 13th birthday sales event, I decided to put my favorites in a list and share with you. I hope you find something here that you love!

Etsy’s 13th Birthday Party Sale

I decided to organize the patterns into percentages, starting with 20% and going up to 50%. Browse through my favorites, you can you browse through over 25o pages of sale patterns here.

Crochet Pattern 20 – 25% off

The Almond Snug – 20% off any two patterns – Tropic Summer Top – Posh Patterns – 25% off 4 patterns – Spring Flower Hat – Safari Animals Pattern Pack – Airali – 20% off any 3 patterns – Flip-Flop Crochet Oxfords – Bubbles the Turtle Security Blanket – Color and Shape Design – 20% off 4 patterns

Crochet Patterns 30% off

Corki the Unicorn – Crochet Pug – Camping Appliqué Set (Owl, Camper, Campfire Squirrel)

Totoro Trio Pattern Pack – Debra OLeary Pattern Shop – 30% off of 3 patterns

Fruits Applique Pattern Pack – Allessa Poncho – Brockton Slouchy Hat – Niffler Crochet Pattern

Crochet Patterns 40%

Blummy the Dragon – Katula Cardigan – Adorable Dragon – Blue Monkey – Harry the Owlet – Cute Panda Amigurumi – Favorite Pullover Sweater

Crochet Patterns 50% off

Rachel’s Blessing Beanie – Kenzie Kimono – McKenna Round Purse – Arya Throw Pattern

Sugar Glider Patterns (so cute!) – Sweet Giraffe – Unicorn Baby Rattle

Enjoy your shopping!

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Bow Crochet iPad Pouch – Free Crochet Pattern

June 16, 2018 by Bethany 11 Comments

In blogger land, it’s time to start working on Christmas and fall (crazy, right?). I have some super fun things planned. I think this will be the best crochet season yet! In between the massive design-fest, I am using extra time to go through old patterns and refresh them a bit. I design this crochet iPad pouch last spring, and oh! it did not turn out the way I wanted. But I had spent so much time I couldn’t bring myself to abandon it. I pushed the Publish button with reckless abandon. I finally found myself ready to redo the pattern for the crochet iPad pouch this week, and man-o-man, the updated version is much, much prettier!

The pattern for this crochet iPad pouch is more of a guide. I wanted to give you basic directions so you could make it fit whatever device you own. You could make this pouch for your phone, tablet or laptop! My iPad mini is in the photo.

Boho Crochet Headband – Free Crochet Pattern

June 8, 2018 by Bethany 16 Comments

What have you been working on this summer? I have been focusing on light and fast projects, and brainstorming Christmas and Fall (yes, it’s time to start thinking about it!). This boho crochet headband was a pattern I designed four years ago, and it was always a design I liked, but the delivery and pattern design were seriously lacking (if you don’t remember, it had a large button on the back and was worked rather funky with unattached chains). The pattern was confusing but since it was 4 years ago, I wasn’t sure how to make it better. I’m happy that I finally got around to fixing the pattern for this cute boho crochet headband this week! Not only is it easy, but it’s super fast too. You will want to make them for everyone :) I have included 3 sizes, but this headband is super easy to change into whatever size you want or need.

Crochet Plant Hanger – Free Crochet Pattern

June 1, 2018 by Bethany 2 Comments

My mind has been bubbling with ideas since I first tried out Bernat’s new Outdoor Yarn. Have you tried it yet? I designed the free crochet pattern for this adorable Bike Basket Bunting last week and have been cruising around in style. This week I got my yarn out again and made a cute and FAST crochet plant hanger for my porch (well, a few actually!). These ones are made are for smaller plants, so I am excited to make a few more to hold larger planters. This free crochet pattern is easy customizable for any size planter you want to hang.

Crochet Bike Basket Bunting (with OUTDOOR Yarn!) – Free Crochet Pattern

May 26, 2018 by Bethany 8 Comments

This Crochet Bike Basket Bunting post contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I also received this Bernat Outdoor yarn free of charge, but am not receiving additional compensation for this post. Thanks for your support!

Okay guys, let me drop a game changer on you: outdoor yarn. About two weeks ago Bernat let me in on a little secret and sent me a few balls of their NEW outdoor yarn, Bernat Maker Outdoor. It’s mold resistant and won’t fade in the sun. How cool is this?! I immediately got going on a project that, unfortunately, ended in total failure. However, I got a new, cuter idea to make crochet bike basket bunting and it turned out so adorable!

Crochet Pizza Coasters

May 14, 2018 by Bethany 8 Comments

I’ll admit something weird: I don’t like pepperoni pizza. I guess I am crazy or something, because everyone seems to love it except me (and both my kids, who are apparently as strange as I am). Even as a kid I would peel off the pepperonis whenever we ate pizza, turning it into a delicious cheese pizza. I am a total cheese pizza girl all the way. However, cheese pizza is kinda boring, don’t you think? When I decided to make some crochet pizza coasters, I decided FOR pepperoni.
Good choice, right?

Crochet Fringe Clutch – Free Crochet Pattern

May 8, 2018 by Bethany Leave a Comment

This crochet fringe clutch is a makeover pattern! I designed this crochet pattern in thick acrylic/wool yarn last summer. I actually really like it in the bulky yarn, and it works up so fast, but I really wanted to make it in t-shirt yarn. I had searched but hadn’t found an affordable, readily available t-shirt yarn, so I settled for a bulky acrylic. However, a few weeks ago I discovered Bernat Home! I am currently working a few projects with it, and I made these deliciously comfortable flip-flops sandals last month. The stretchy texture is perfect for slippers. It’s SO comfortable. And of course I decided to remake my crochet fringe clutch with this newfound yarn.