Shell Scarf Pattern - Crochet

Years ago, Grandma made me a crocheted blanket, using a shell pattern. I've always loved using it, and especially loved the pattern. So I decided to convert the pattern to fit a scarf. I guess I could have looked up a pattern on the internet, but instead I looked at the blanket and tried to copy it. It took me trial-and-error, and lots of stitch ripping, before coming up with a good approximation. So.... here is my first pattern! :)

- this is not detailed in terms of which type of yarn to use, or size of the crochet hook. Use what you like, and the larger the hook, the easier and faster you will go.


Shell Scarf - crochet

1st row: chain 35 stiches, turn

2nd row: slip stitch 1, single crochet in each stitch (you should have 35 total), turn

3rd row: slip stitch 1, double crochet in each of next 4 stitches (stitches 1-4)
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything) (5-7)
             - count three stitches on your 2nd row, and in the 4th stitch, double crochet 1 (8)
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything) (9-11)
             - double crochet in each of next 3 stitches (12-14)
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything) (15-17)
             - count three stitches on your 2nd row, and in the 4th stitch, double crochet 1 (18)
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything) (19-21)
             - double crochet in each of next 3 stitches (22-24)
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything) (25-27)
             - count three stitches on your 2nd row, and in the 4th stitch, double crochet 1 (28)
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything) (29-31)
             - double crochet in each of next 4 stitches (32-35)

4th row: slip stitch 1, double crochet in each of next 4 stitches (stitches 1-4)
             - skip next three stitches (5-7), and in stitch 8, double crochet 6 stitches
                (you will see a fan shape forming)
             - skip next thee stitches (9-11), double crochet 1 in each of next 3 stitches (stitches 12-14)
             - skip next three stitches (15-17), and in stitch 18, double crochet 6 stitches
             - skip next thee stitches (19-21), double crochet 1 in each of next 3 stitches (22-24)

             - skip next thee stitches (25-27), and in stitch 28, double crochet 6 stitches

             - skip next thee stitches (29-31) 

             - double crochet in each of next 4 stitches (stitches 32-35)

5th row: slip stitch 1, double crochet in each of next 4 stitches

             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything)

             - count three stitches on your previous row (this is part of the fan, therefore fan stitch 1-3),

                     BETWEEN fan stitch 3 and 4, single crochet 1

             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything)

             - double crochet 1 in each of next 3 stitches

             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything)

             - count three stitches in the fan, BETWEEN fan stitch 3 and 4, single crochet 1

             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything)
             - double crochet 1 in each of next 3 stitches
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything)
             - count three stitches in the fan, BETWEEN fan stitch 3 and 4, single crochet 1
             - slip stitch 3 (not hooking into anything)
             - double crochet 1 in each of next 4 stitches
             - (you should have 35 stitches on this row)

row 6: repeat row 4

row 7: repeat row 5

keep repeating rows 4 and 5 until the scarf is as long as you want it to be. To finish, end of a "row 5", then turn and single crochet across. You are now finished, tassels are desired!!!!! exciting!!!!

In this picture, this pattern is in the middle scarf and the scarf on the right. Can you see the shell/fan pattern?

A little of this, a little of that

I have been hearing about a popular website for awhile now. It's called Pinterest, where one can post and save different ideas about anything. Now, I haven't joined because I have lots of fun ideas already, and do not need more. But by using links from facebook, I have found a couple new websites for recipes. But then poking around, I found the follwing idea and wanted to try it. Grandma is always needing more magnets to keep all her pictures on the fridge. I liked this idea as I could customize each one. Here is what I have come up with. What do you think? The first set are snowflakes, and the second bunch are fall leaves.

I have found a few blogs which describe home life raising large families. And by large, I mean 10 kids, some biological and some adopted. It is neat reading their struggles and joys, and how they rely on God. Not that I want that many kids, but I feel as though God is leading me to help kids even more in-depth than I am through work. Time will tell as to Gods plans, Kelby's ideas, and where life leads us.

I had to say goodbye to a family whom I had worked with for awhile. This boy captured my heart, and I will always think about him. I'm not sure why I become closer to some kids over others. I wonder if at some point I will feel less, but then my heart continues to open and love. I always try to enjoy my visits and have fun; because if I am not having fun, than neither is the child and they are less motivated to learn. J, you have a piece of my heart. Now, my heart is growing to love new kids.

Here is Sophie tired after lots of playtime. Kelby thought she looked cute panting. I'm not sure about that deer skull in the background...

 Sophie and Skipper are fun to watch together. Sophie follows Skipper on walks, and where he smells, she smells. Sometimes she is in Skippers way, and he uses his body to push her over. Sophie watches Skipper as he chews on a bone, and the second he stops, she runs in to get the bone, and runs away carrying it. Skipper has learned that sometimes Sophie leaves food behind in her cage, and when she gets out, he goes in looking for food. Once in awhile, we let the puppies in bed to cuddle. Here I am going to sleep, and I called Kelby in to take a picture. They are both in their preferred positions, Skipper under the blanket next to me, and Sophie on top of the blanket but still getting body heat from my legs. hehe

Sophie loves to try and play with more than one toy at a time. Here she is, unable to decide if she wants to chew on the monkey, or the ring. 

And I couldn't end a post without a picture of Skipper. Typically, he has a scared expression on his face when he hears the shutter on the camera, but not this day!

A Park with the puppies

One advantage to my job is that I have some flexibiliy in my schedule. I try on friday afternoons to use my flex time in order to leave early. I had driven by this park for my job, and I knew I wanted the puppies to go with me. It was a beautiful day, with lot of space for Skipper and Sophie to play.

I tried to get a few nice pictures, and it reminded me how hard it is to focus two dogs at the same time.

I received my first fixed lens from Mom and Dad for Christmas, and was able to try it out. I wanted a picture of a butterfly, and wow I had to work to get it. I have a stronger appreciation for all animal and nature pictures after this. It took me around 45 minutes to get a remotely ok picture. Every time I moved closer to the butterfly, thet flew away. Can you believe that! I next tried sitting next to a flower, but now I was at the total mercy of the butterfly. And then one time, instead of a butterfly, I captured a fly. Cool!

  

On our way home, I took a detour to see if I could find a house that I had driven by years ago. I found it, and I love this house. I love older homes, especially in this style. Sorry for the crooked picture, I was driving and didn't want to stop and become that creepy person. But I would love to live in a house like this one day... hopefully sooner rather than later.

Random thoughts

I was at walmart the other night to buy a few groceries. As I was checking out, an elderly gentleman started talking to me. After a couple of pleasantries, he asked it I was a movie star. Now to put this question into perspective - I was wearing workout pants and a baggy sweatshirt. I smiled back at him and said no, I'm not. Hehe

Sophie loves to eat Skipper's food. Typically, she will stand next to him and watch. If he leaves a piece behind, she is quick to eat it. If she finds his food bowl on the floor before I pick it up, she will grab a few pieces. When I notice this happening, I tell her "no. Drop it"  and take the food out of her mouh. Since this has happened numerous times, now I primarily just have to look at her and she will drop the food and run off. She knows, but I guess the food tastes too good.

I leave my dog-walking sneakers outside our front door. I only use this pair when walking on the grass with the puppies, as there are lots of owners who don't pick up after their dog. So when these sneakers get dirty or muddy, I dont become (too) frustrated. But this weeken, I opened the door, and my sneakers were not there. Some of Kelby's shoes were, but not my sneakers. Someone took them! I'm not sure who would want dirty sneakers, but someone did. Oh so frustrating and annoying.


I've had an image in my mind of what I was hoping this blog would turn into. Over this past year, the image has shifted and changed. I have read one blog where a couple both quit their jobs to run the blog full-time, and make enough money to support their family. They also have a book on the way! You can find them HERE. That is such a neat concept, to write in this manner, get paid, and reach millions of people. I am NOT saying I want this blog to go that far, but as someone who never liked to write, and never thought I was good at writing, it is neat to have this possibility. 


Writing without pressure, to pass information or thoughts on to others is encouraging. As I write, something an english teacher once said comes to mind. He said that every phrase we write should not be a cliche or popular saying. I think about this, but then still write how I want to. I wonder what teachers or professors think about this style of writing. And not just the common sayings/slang, but the conversational aspect. But on the other hand, it does not matter. What does matter is God's approval.  :)