Happenings (blog)

August Showcase 2021

August Showcase 2021

Posted on by Sati <3

Our monthly wrap-up

Spinning

August has not been very kind to me. This has been a month of almosts, not-quites, and OH-NO!!s at R&R Y&F, all the way down the line. I even worked right through a weekend, spending 12 days straight in the shop. Of course I’m exhausted and stressed, but very thankful for the light at the end of the tunnel. The hard work is finally- FINALLY!- done, and now I’m just about ready to put my feet up.

What saved me this month was all the fun stuff I got to make. Take a look at the latest commissions and patterns and you’ll see. I am so happy with how all of these things turned out!

Fun stuff this month!

Patterns and Such

Strawberry Toast
Ofrenda

Strawberry Toast

This little tank makes me so ridiculously happy. Don’t the little tan pieces look like toasties with jam on them?
I designed this summer top using WeCrochet’s Shine Sport, a decadent blend of cotton and Modal. Silky smooth to the touch and machine washable, I bet this top will make you just as happy as it makes me.

Ofrenda Cowl

Now here’s a fun design. Lauren of Treehouse Knits asked me to design something for her new Coco collection, and this one-skein cowl was just the thing!
Faux cables on a lace background put a new twist on the granny stitch, for a quick accessory that is just as much fun to make as it is to wear. You’ll even have enough yarn left over for a small matching coffee cozy or change purse.

Thanks for looking! Until next time, friends… I hope your August ends well and your September begins even better ♥

Brand New Web Store

Brand New Web Store

Posted on by Sati <3

Shop online with us!

Rainbow yarn

This is the most exciting news I’ve had in a long time, y’all. Drumroll…..

Rows & Roses Yarn & Fiber is now online for your shopping convenience!

This has been such a long time coming, but with the help of an amazing team of wonderful ladies, we have brought this to you and we hope you love it as much as we do. After countless hours of taking and uploading pictures, counting inventory, and adding descriptions and specs on hundreds upon hundreds of items, we now have an online yarn store that we can be proud of.

Of course there's a sale!

Let’s add a little more excitement to sweeten the pot, yeah?
From now until August 31, I’m offering you 15% off all summertime yarns.

Think cotton, linen, and bamboo yarns. All of your summer favorites are discounted through August to help us make room for new winter yarns and colors. Let’s look at some of our faves, such as this gorgeous Bamboo Pop Sock. This yarn is 50/50 cotton and bamboo, and makes great wool-free socks as well as shawls and tops. It’s so silky to the touch!

Bamboo Pop Sock

While we’re talking bamboo, the original Bamboo Pop is our #1 best-selling yarn in the shop! It’s easy to see why: this machine washable DK yarn, which is also 50/50 cotton and bamboo, is cool against your skin and won’t heat you up in the summer months. It makes amazing shawls (I should know, I’ve made a few!) and I especially love the top I knit from it.
Everyone who touches it loves it. Come try some if you haven’t yet. At this price, you’ll be so pleased.

Chai by Berroco is my personal favorite for summer tops. I am a HUGE fan of linen, as it never gets fuzzy, and only gets softer and stronger the more abuse it takes.
This yarn is extra special, however, as the linen is blended with silk to give it a subtle sheen. The silk also makes it a little easier to work with than pure linen as it cuts down on the “crunchy” feel.
My all-time favorite tank top is knit out of Chai and I just can’t get enough of it. This is another yarn that, if you haven’t used it yet, this sale is just what you need to discover a new love.

Be sure to come in or shop online to see the whole collection of sale yarn, as these are just the beginning!

Growing and Growing and Growing...

This new web store is only the latest addition to Rows & Roses Yarn & Fiber. We are growing all the time, adding new inventory, new classes, new kits and workshops, and I just *might* be working on another BIG DEAL that will hopefully be ready to announce in September.

Thank you so much for hanging around and supporting this little shop. Big things have happened in the past year, big things are in the works, and big things are planned.
Every time you share a blog post, share a facebook post, like an Instagram pic, make a purchase, or even just make a suggestion, you are investing your time and energy into helping us grow. You’ll never know how much I appreciate all that you do ♥

Punch Runner

Punch Runner

Posted on by Sati <3

Free crochet pattern!

Punch Runner

Punch Runner came about as a quick project for instant gratification. This table runner is crocheted in worsted weight yarn with a largish hook, and the stitch pattern is simply a two-row repeat. You’ll get the hang of it in no time, and it looks so interesting without having to learn a bunch of new stuff. Sometimes we just need to play with yarn and be happy, yeah? Well here it is.

Want a printable .pdf of this pattern for just $1.99? Click here.

Getting Started

Stitches:  Ch, dc, dc3tog (double crochet 3 together)
Yarn:  Worsted (#4) approx. 380 yards
Shown in WeCrochet’s Chroma Twist worsted in “Tiki,” 2 balls
Hook:  J10/6mm
Sizes: 17″ wide, 48″ long (but please make it however you want!)

Gauge:  15 st x 5 rows = 4″, in patt

NOTES:
~ The dc3tog in row 3 will be worked in current sp (space,) next dc, and next sp. This means that each sp will contain both the last “leg” of the dc3tog you just finished, and the first “leg” of the dc3tog you are making now. This may not make much sense yet, just reading it, but once you’re making the pattern, you should see it 🙂

~This runner is meant to be made for any size table, I just wrote the pattern for *my* size table. You can add or subtract stitches in increments of 5 to make it wider or narrower, and you can work as many or as few rows as you want. Just remember that the yardage listed is for this particular size. If you make yours bigger, you’ll need more yarn.

Let's Do It!

Pattern:

Ch 64

Row 1) Dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1, *dc3tog, ch 2; rep from * to last 4 ch, dc3tog, ch 1, dc. Turn.  = 20 dc3tog

Row 2) Ch 2 (does not count as st, here and throughout,) dc, ch 1, dc in top of dc3tog, *ch 2 dc in top of dc3tog; rep from * to last st, ch 1, dc.  Turn.

Row 3) Ch 2, dc, ch 1, dc3tog in sp/dc/sp, *ch 2, dc3tog in sp/dc/sp; rep from * to last st, ch 1, dc. Turn.

Row 4-61) Rep Rows 2-3

And now, my friend, you have a super cool table runner. Quick and painless, yes?  I’d love to see your creation! Share a pic to your favorite social media and tag @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesPunchRunner so we can all see your creation. As always, if you need me, I’m just a click or two away.

July Showcase

July Showcase

Posted on by Sati <3

Monthly round up

Pineapple Skirt

Another month has come and almost gone. Where did it go? I swear it was just June a few days ago…
This month was challenging for me. So much to do in the shop, so many events, so many patterns to finalize. However, July was full of blessings and that’s the really important part. We kicked off Summer Specials & Customs, WeCrochet sent me a new test proposal, I put together a new blog post, and I’m one whole month ahead on pattern designing. I’m counting this month as a huge success, even if it did cause me to shed a few tears. The big picture looks bright, so let’s go with that!

Yarny Goodness

Patterns and Such

Dad's Textured Scarf
Ebook Collage

I released a free pattern this month for Dad’s Textured Scarf, and I bet you’re going to love making this! My dad has become a lover of yarn after spending so much time in my shop, and he always asks me to make him scarves. He will have a whole room full of them soon, haha. He picked this ball of Colorburst and I created a pattern for it, so now I am sharing it with you. I hope you enjoy it!

Y’all? Y’ALL!! This Knotions e-book is rolling along ahead of schedule and I am so happy about this!
If you haven’t been following along with this project, I was approached by Jody of Knotions to write four patterns for my VERY OWN E-BOOK! 
I wanted my e-book to be special, something to really knock your socks off, so I wrote all of the patterns for the “drop & swap” technique, and they are all worked on the bias.
I haven’t been this excited in a long time. We’re set for an October 2021 release, and I will keep you all posted as things progress ♥

Sari Scarf product review

Sari Scarf product review

Posted on by Sati <3

This stuff is DARN good!

DGY

I am bursting at the seams to share this product review with all of you! As an affiliate, I recently had the opportunity to test out a gorgeous Sari silk scarf from Darn Good Yarn. I wasn’t even all the way sure what I was signing up for, I just knew I was intrigued (try a new product for free? Yes please!).

Oh. My. Goodness. I knew as soon as I opened the package that this was going to be great. They sent me a gorgeous teal-tending-toward-forest-green scarf, and the color all by itself made me giddy. I took it out, and it flowed like water in my hands. It is so silky against my skin, but that’s not the best part. I present to you: the many ways I found to wear this scarf. Check out the gallery below.

Sari Scarf
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A little about the company

I’ve been purchasing yarn from DGY for years now. Their silk purses are one of the hottest items in my little yarn shop, and I even have a few of their gorgeous Sari skirts in my closet. This company is amazing for a lot of reasons. First, they are woman veteran owned. From their website:
“Darn Good Yarn was founded in 2008 by Nicole Snow. Our brand is built by special stories of hard work, love, and creativity. From the artisan to the person who packs our orders, we are inspired to deliver high-quality eco-friendly products.”
~ 600+ artisans employed around the globe ~ 1,200,000 pounds of waste materials saved from landfills ~ 4 partnered organizations ~ 400+ patterns designed by independent artists.
How could you not LOVE this company?! Be sure to click the affiliate links in the post to check them out. If you’re local, keep in mind that I have an account with them for my shop, so if there’s something you would like me to pick up for you in my next order, just ask!

Dad’s Textured Scarf

Dad’s Textured Scarf

Posted on by Sati <3

Free Crochet Pattern

Dad's Textured Scarf

Sometimes it’s hard to crochet for a guy. My dad loves my work, and has become a lover of yarn as well (hanging out in a yarn shop will do that to ya, I hear.) He asks for scarves, but I don’t want to keep making the same one or two patterns over and over and over. So I’ve decided to write a few, just for him 🙂 This scarf turned out just right: textured for interest, but not lacy or full of shells or picots. Plain enough to be masculine, but still soft and beautiful, and fun to make! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did, and wearing it as much as my dad does!

Want a printable .pdf of this pattern for just $1.99? Click here.

A little info first...

Stitches:  Ch, sc, dc, FpTreb (front post treble crochet)
Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) 640 yards
Shown in Universal Yarn’s Colorburst in Aurora Borealis 
Hook:  J10/6mm
Sizes:  10” wide, 60” long, blocked

Gauge:  8st x 6 rows = 2”

NOTES:
You can make this scarf narrower or wider by adding or subtracting chains. Just make sure you end up with an even number of chains so you’ll have an odd number of stitches.

Let's get textured!

Pattern:

Ch 36

1) Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.  = 35 st

2) Ch 2 (does not count as a st, here and throughout,) dc across. Turn.

3) Ch 1, sc across. Turn.

4) Ch 2, *dc in next st, FpTreb in next st two rows below; rep from * across to last st, dc in last st. Turn.

5) Rep Row 3

6) Ch 2, dc in first st, *FpTreb in next st two rows below, dc in next st; rep from * across. Turn.

7) Rep Row 3

Repeat Rows 4-7 until scarf measures approx. 60” long.

Cut yarn, weave in ends. Block if desired.

Well now, wasn’t that fun? And not difficult, either! I’d love to see your Dad’s Textured Scarf. Just post on your favorite social media and tag @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesTexturedScarf so we can all see your creation! As always, if you need me, I’m only a click or two away.

Hand Wash Only

Hand Wash Only

Posted on by Sati <3

It’s not what you think…

washer woman

When you see a yarn label that says “hand wash, lay flat to dry,” do you get scared? Do you quickly drop the skein like it’s hot, knowing that you are not dedicated enough for all that? Perhaps you’re envisioning having to “work” when washing the item you were going to make, but are definitely NOT making now?

Oh honey. No. Seriously, this is not even close to a good reason to put that gorgeous skein of yarn back. When it comes to handwashing knit- and crochet-wear, there is absolutely nothing to be scared about, I promise! Let me walk you through this…

No washboard necessary!

The very first myth to dispel here, I think, is the amount of work involved. There’s like….. zero. 
You read that right.
Fill a bucket/basin/sink with warm water and a drop of something. Wool wash, or even liquid dish soap, both work well. I love Kookaburra wool wash and Eucalan, but I’ve been known to use any Palmolive or Dawn I had on hand in a pinch.
You want to make sure you have enough water to completely submerge your item. It may float up to the top again, and that’s okay, you just need to have enough.

hand washing

When I hand wash, I like to put my hand-wash items in a lingerie bag. I got a whole set that zip from Amazon, and I love them! Push the bagged item into the water and submerge it. Gently press the air out of it (this may take two or three “pressings,”) and then…… just let it soak. I always let mine soak for at least an hour to get good and saturated but, if I can, I like to soak it overnight.

When you’re ready, dump it all into the washing machine for a spin cycle. This is SPIN ONLY- no agitation, no wash-and-rinse. Just spin the water out. If you do not have the kind of machine that will allow this, you can gently squeeze the water out of the whole bag, then wrap the bag in a towel (or two!) and step on it. This will squeeze most of the water out without stressing the garment itself and the friction and pressure will be on the bag. Then take the item out and lay flat to dry. I like to lay mine on the washer itself, on top of a towel. Flip it over the next day for a bit to make sure the back is also dry.

And you're done!

Like, completely. How easy was that? Did it feel like work? If so, you probably did it wrong 😉

A few extra tips for success:

~ Don’t wring, only squeeze.
~ Make sure the water is not hot, only warm.
~ Just a tiny bit of soap. If your water foams up a lot, it’s too much.
~ Never hang a wet garment! It will stretch out something awful. Either block it, or just lay it flat to dry if blocking isn’t necessary. Hanging it will cause massive regrets. Trust me.

I hope I was able to shed some light on the hand wash only issues if you had ever been under the impression that it was hard work. My wardrobe holds so many beloved sweaters, shawls, and accessories that I am happy to hand wash anytime they need it. I hope that you, too, will now feel this way. There are many many types of yarns and fibers that we would all be missing out on if we let our hand wash worries take the lead!
If you found value in this post, I would be thrilled if you shared it, left a comment, or added it to your fibery bookmarks. Thanks so much for reading!

June Showcase

June Showcase

Posted on by Sati <3

Our monthly round-up

Sweater with bird pin

I’m kinda surprised it’s already time for another monthly showcase. If you blinked at all, you probably missed June. I’ve been super busy this month in the shop, and have been writing patterns for so many different companies! This round may have everything but the kitchen sink. Sometimes that’s a good thing, right? No boredom here!

All the Pretty Little Things!

So many things happened this month! I started learning hairpin lace, which I’ve been wanting to do for some time now. It’s much easier than I thought it would be, and very enjoyable. I’m also working on a new pattern for Universal Yarn, and my first crochet pattern for Treehouse Knits. Isn’t that “Lighthouse” to die for?

Besides learning new things and writing new patterns, I also finished up all the Pride stuff this month, crocheted two rainbow baby blankets for my friend Hattie, made a half-size Pineapply Market Bag for a workshop, and finally finished my fingering weight cabled sweater that I worked on for years. I can’t believe it’s finished! As soon as fall gets here, guess what I’ll be wearing?

Patterns and Such

Doilies

This month I released a free pattern on my blog called Doily Plant Mat. I whipped one of these up off the top of my head back when I first opened my shop, and people have been asking me for a pattern ever since. Here ya go! I hope you all enjoy it ♥
(Samples shown in all WeCrochet yarn.) #WeCJune21

If you’ve been around for a while, you already know that I’m working with Knotions Crochet to release a pattern eBook this October. I finally finished the last pattern in June.
The samples have shipped out for photography and the patterns have all been sent to the tech editor! I seriously can’t wait for you all to see this book. I bet you’ll love it!

Thanks for looking. I hope you found some inspiration here. If you’ve enjoyed this showcase, why not consider sharing it, or leaving a comment? Every little thing you do helps this business to keep growing. And you know, if ever you need me, I’m only a click or two away.

Doily Plant Mat

Doily Plant Mat

Posted on by Sati <3

FREE crochet pattern

Doily Plant Mat

Why should tables get all the fun and frill of doilies, when they’re so much fun to make? This summer, let’s let the plants have them! This doily plant mat is designed for any yarn and any hook so you can get some of your stash leftovers out of the way. Crocheted in simple stitches, these little beauties whip right up in no time.

Want a printable .pdf of this pattern for just $1.99? Click here.

Getting Started

Stitches:  Ch, sl st, sdc (standing double crochet,) dc
Yarn:  Any
Shown in WeCrochet’s Comfy Worsted (Zinnia,) Curio #3 (Blue,) and Lindy Chain (Linen)
Hook:  Any
Shown in Zinnia (I9/5.5mm,) Blue (E4/3.5mm,) and Linen (US7/4.5mm)
Sizes:  Depends on what you use!
Shown in Zinnia (10.5”) Blue (8”) and Linen (9”)

NOTES:
This pattern is written for any yarn and any hook. As long as you’re getting a fabric you love, you’re doing it right! 

Doilies

Let's Do It!

Pattern:

Ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.

1) Sdc, 11 dc in circle. Join.

2) Sdc, ch 1, *dc, ch 1; rep from * around. Join.

3) Sl st into ch-1 sp, (sdc, ch 1, dc) in first ch-1 sp, *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join.

4) Sl st into ch-1 sp, (sdc, ch 1, dc) in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(dc, ch 1, dc) into next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * around. Join.

5) Sl st into ch-1 sp, (sdc, dc, ch 1, 2dc) in first ch-1 sp, sk next ch-1 sp, *(2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in ch-1 sp, sk next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join.

6) Sl st over to ch-1 sp, (sdc, dc, ch 1, 2dc) into first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * around. Join.

7) Sl st over to ch-1 sp, (sdc, 2dc, ch 1 3dc) into first ch-1 sp, sk next ch-1 sp, *(3dc, ch 1, 3dc) into next ch-1 sp, sk next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join.

8) Sl st over to ch-1 sp, (sdc, 2dc, ch 1, 3dc) in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3dc, ch 1, 3dc) into next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * around. Join.

9) Sl st over to ch-1 sp, (sdc, 3dc, ch 1, 4dc) in first ch-1 sp, sk next ch-1 sp, *(4dc, ch 1, 4dc) in next ch-1 sp, sk next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join.

Cut yarn, weave in ends. Block.

Voila, you’re done! Now won’t your plants look smashing on their sweet little doilies? I bet you can’t wait to put them on your counter and in your window, huh? Just make sure you block them! If you need help with blocking, I have a whole post for that.
I’d love to see your doilies! Just post a pic to your favorite social media and tag @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesDoilyPlantMat so we can all be inspired by your creations. As always, if you need me, I’m just a click or two away.

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