CrochetandKnitting Newsletter - Ready for Christmas?

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Hello Everyone,

We are getting a big snow storm tonight! It's been
snowing since noon but not much down yet, but the
worst is coming overnight.

Are you all ready for Christmas yet?

I am almost ready.

Every year when all the knitting and crocheting was
done for Christmas, I used to wonder what I was going
to do now! I always like to have a project on the go.

So I would crochet ornaments. I liked doing the
little projects and adding new items to my
Christmas decorations.

But I have so many now that it would not be a good
idea to make more. :) I will give you some ideas for
last minute ornaments to make while you are waiting
for the big day.

There was a pattern I found online years ago and I
can't find it again. I thought I had printed it out, well
I'm quite sure I did, but can't find it now.

It was a crocheted mesh cover to put over ball ornaments
to hang on the tree. I put the crocheted cover on those
plastic balls that have the red thread coverings and also
on some glass ball ornaments. I used a white crochet thread
that had a gold strand in it. They look awesome!

I had some of these plastic balls that were getting old and
the red thread was beginning to unravel. So I took the
thread off completely and crocheted some new covers
using a variegated yarn of Christmas colors. They looked
great too. I can't find that yarn pattern now either.

So if anyone wants to give their old ornaments a new look,
here's some patterns I found online that are close to the
thread ornament cover that I had used.

http://www.wrights.com/wrights/class/needlework/croornamcover2/croornamcover2.htm
http://www.wrights.com/wrights/class/needlework/croornamcover1/croornamcover1.htm
http://pandacrochet.8m.com/ornaments.html
http://www.geocities.com/azulmaribel/curlyballcover.html

I also crocheted little wreaths to hang on the tree.
http://www.crochetnmore.com/christmaswreathornament.htm
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/lffunt/wreathorn.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6340/wreath.html
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/ornaments/f103012wreath.shtml

Crocheted snowflakes too! I'm not sure which patterns I
used for the snowflakes, so here is a link to LOTS of them:
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/snowflakes.php

My daugher made a lot of these little crocheted angels to
hang on the tree. She made some for her grandmothers
too and they just loved them!
http://www.crochetnmore.com/littleangelornament.htm
She used a white thread with a strand of gold and she
made some with a white thread with a strand of silver.

I crocheted this Christmas Candle
http://crochetnmore.com/christmascandle.htm

I also crocheted a snowman and snowwoman, but
I had no pattern so I just made it up as I went and
didn't bother to write it down. This pattern is close
to what I made,
http://www.wrights.com/wrights/class/12_xmas/crosnowman/crosnowman.htm
but my snowman has a red stocking cap with green trim.
I stuffed my snow people with cotton balls and cut out a
round piece of cardboard to put inside at the base. This
made them stand up nicely. My snowwoman is wearing a
red cape with green trim instead of a scarf.

I just found this video that you may be interested in:
How To Crochet A Snowman
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-crochet-a-snowman

==> At the forum

Over at my forum, R3n331 has shared some of her
own patterns. They are really great! Come and see
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi
A lot of these patterns would make great last minute
Christmas gifts! She has a holder for remote controls
for the TV, satellite, etc. She has a coffee cup cozy
(I love this idea!), a saggy hat, tablet cozy and more.
Thanks to R3n331 (Renee) for sharing!

In case I don't get another newsletter out before Christmas,
I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and for those
who do not celebrate Christmas, I wish you all the best
too!

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Supplies
and much more.
Craft Discussions and Pattern Search Forum

Stockings, mittens and crochet lessons.

CrochetandKnitting Newsletter
Friday, November 30, 2007

Hello Everyone,

Here we are at the end of November already! Time sure
flies and Christmas is creeping up on us. I see the stores
are decorated and people are trimming up the outside of
their houses. So I put some decorations up on my site, too.
http://crochetandknitting.com/

On my forum at
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi
someone is looking for a specific knit personalized Christmas
stocking pattern. If anyone can help her find the pattern, it
would be appreciated. It's the thread titled "pattern search,
knitted xmas stocking w/bells,santa,cane"

I found this one, but it's not the one she was looking for.
However, I wanted to give you the link as it's a nice
pattern and has a graph of all the letters of the alphabet.
You could use that to make your own personalized stocking
or use it at the top of any other stocking pattern.


Someone had emailed me to say they had seen my crocheted
mittens/fingerless gloves and was wondering if I knew of where
they could get a knit pattern. She said she had searched for hours
to find a pattern with no luck.

Well, there certainly is a knit pattern online.
Magical Mittens. I had made these before. It was this
pattern that inspired me to design a crocheted version.

Here are the links to my crocheted versions:
Women's (Women's medium, or teens. For a smaller size to fit
pre-teens, use a smaller hook.)
http://crochetandknitting.com/mitglov2.htm
Men's (Medium Men's or older teenage boys, also may fit
women with larger hands. )
http://crochetandknitting.com/mittglov.htm


My friend, Sarah Beth, author of The Knitting Tips
free 5 day mini course and author of the free
Online Advanced Knitting Course has a new e-book!

This one is for crochet. It's called "Lessons in Crochet"


This book has a very cool new ebook technology, which
is a "page turning technology" that makes the book look
absolutely stunning on your screen, and lets you turn
pages just like a normal book.

With this e-book, you can learn how to crochet beautiful
projects in only three weeks, starting from scratch.

And in as little as 3 days, you'll review (and master)
fundamental crocheting techniques explained and illustrated
in the clearest manner you've ever seen.

Here Is Just A Sample Of What Is Included:

* A detailed description of yarns and what all those symbols
mean on the yarn skein.

* A never fail way to find the end of a skein, yes there really
is a trick to it!

* Learn all about the different weights of yarn and how you
can combine them.

* Foolproof techniques for choosing the right yarn for your
projects

* All the most common crocheting abbreviations in one
place

* How to select the best pattern stitch for your next project.

* The trick to keeping tight stitches and a uniform appearance
around color and yarn changes

* Learn the secrets of beautiful finishing, including...
- How to join seams "seamlessly" and weave ends in securely so
that they won't be noticed
- Amazingly beautiful edgings that you can add to your project
- Lovely yet simple crocheted inserts for turning everyday linens
into fabulous guest linens fit for your best company or expensive
looking gifts.

* Fabulous motifs of stars, flowers and geometric shapes that
can be used for coasters, to dress up hats or other craft projects,
or to combine into an afghan.

* How to put your hook into the correct place in the stitch
every single time

* Technique for holding the hook correctly and keeping an even
tension across your work

* And so much more...

If this interests you, check out "Lessons in Crochet".


That is all for today. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Supplies
and much more.
Craft Discussions and Pattern Search Forum

Greetings and a Tip

CrochetandKnitting Newsletter - Greetings and a Tip

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Hello Everyone,

I want to wish all our U.S. friends a Happy Thanksgiving
for tomorrow. I know you will all be busy with family
and friends. I hope you enjoy your day and give thanks
for all that you have and don't get too stuffed on turkey!

I wanted to let you know that Bernat is having a survey
right now for all those who are registered on their site.
If you take the survey, I have a tip for you so you don't
make the same mistake that I did.

This survey runs until Nov. 26. If you complete the survey,
Bernat will give you two pattern books (3.99 value
each). I think there were 6 different pattern books and
you get to select two that you get for free by download.

If you are not already registered on the Bernat site, the
link to their site is http://www.bernat.com
It's free to register and they have some great free
patterns there as well. I'm not sure if they will send you
the link to the survey if you just register now, but it's
worth a try.

Well, I took the survey and I made a mistake so I don't
think I will be getting the pattern books. Here is what I
did.

While filling out the survey on the second page they asked
what types of Bernat yarn that you like the best. You get
three choices, which I did.

Then on the third page, I thought of another type of Bernat
yarn that I like better. So I hit my back button to go back
to the previous page and select another type of yarn. Then
I clicked on "Continue". The next page to come up said I
could not change my answers and only the answers I had
previously selected will be used.

There was no way to bring up the last page again, which
had asked me what I liked most about Bernat yarns and
what I disliked most about Bernat yarns. I guess I
screwed up and won't be getting the free pattern books
as they were probably available for download after
completing the survey, which I apparently didn't do
right.

So if you take the survey, double check and be sure of
your answers and DON'T click on the "back" button!

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Supplies
and much more.
Craft Discussions and Pattern Search Forum

A Quick Note

CrochetandKnitting Newsletter - A Quick Note
Saturday, November 3, 2007

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that
CrochetingandKnitting.com has been down all
day.

I found out this morning that the server move, which
I thought happened last weekend... did not.

This morning when my site was down for hours, I checked
my webhost's site and the server move is happening this
weekend. They never even let me know that they had
cancelled last weekend and changed it to this weekend!

I checked my webhost's site and they have a notice that
the move is happening now and it is taking longer than they
had planned and should be over by 6 PM EST, but it is long
past that time now.

On top of that, they are moving the server to Maine and I
am just above there. Hurricane Noel was hitting the New England
states and has moved up into my area. So they may be running
into problems because of that.

It is very windy with heavy rain here right now and it is
forecaster to get worse overnight. I just hope the weather does
not get any worse and everyone is safe, and my webhosting
company can safely complete their work on moving the server.

The new forum is also down right now as it's on the same
server as my website.
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi
But the old forum is still up as it's on the bravenet server.
http://pub44.bravenet.com/forum/3703436600


Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Discussions
and Pattern Search Board, Craft Supplies and much more.

Dishcloths Galore!

CrochetandKnitting Newsletter - Dishcloths Galore!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007

(To have the newsletter sent to you by email, visit
http://crochetandknitting.com/newsletter )

Hello Everyone,

Halloween is almost upon us. I hope all the little ones
enjoy their "trick or treating" and stay safe!

Andi in MD contacted me to ask if my Knit Dishcloth pattern
http://crochetandknitting.com/dishcloth.htm
could be used for their "Knit a-long". Of course I said yes!

Here is Andi's description of the Knit a-long:
"I run a Yahoo Group called Monthly Dishcloths and we
have a knit a-long twice a month. I sent out about 7 rows
a day for about 5 days and at the end, the knitters all have
a beautiful dishcloth."
Here's the link to the group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/

Now, you've got to see this link!
http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/
This is what they have done so far. I never seen such
beautiful knitted dishcloths! It's amazing!

== Forum News

I have decided to keep both my forums running.
The New Forum:
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi
and The Old Forum:
http://pub44.bravenet.com/forum/3703436600

Some people still do not like the format of the new forum.
You can choose to use the new forum or the old forum,
or you can post at both!

With the old forum, I will not be renewing it to the pro
version, so it will revert to the free version. That means
there could be ads and pop ups by Bravenet on it. I'm
actually surprised that it doesn't have the ads yet, the pro
version expired on Oct. 6, 2007, but they haven't
downgraded it yet.

Remember you can't edit posts at the old forum. And you
have to know the HTML codes to post pictures and to
make clickable links.

That is all for today. Have a great day everyone!

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Discussions
and Pattern Search Board, Craft Supplies and much more.

Halloween Crafts

The CrochetandKnitting Newsletter
Sunday, October 14, 2007

Hello Everyone,

I have an important notice to make first. My website,
http://crochetandknitting.com
including the forum will be down for approximately
10 - 12 hours on Oct. 20, 2007 starting at 11:00pm
Eastern Time.

My webhost informed me that they are relocating to a new
facility in Andover MA. They are moving for an array of
reasons that include faster, more reliable connections to
the Internet backbones, and new Sun server technology.
So I guess that is good.


With Halloween coming many are probably looking for
some patterns to craft.

Here are some cute ones I found online:

Jack O' Lantern (crochet)
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/pat44.htm

Curly Purly Pumpkin (knit)
http://www.curlypurly.com/pumpkin.html

Jack O' Lantern Fridgie (crochet)
Jack O’ Lantern Coaster (crochet)
Jack O’ Lantern Hot Pad (crochet)
these 3 patterns are on this page.
http://chezcrochet.com/page45.html

Jack-O-Lantern (crochet)
Can be a pin or fridgie
http://dayna.tdgservices.com/ShowPattern.aspx?PatternID=10

Jack-Glow-Lantern (knit)
http://www.fjsmjs.com/Mary/glowlantern.htm

Spider on a Web (crochet)
http://crochet.about.com/library/nspider.htm

Hallowig (knit)
http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATThallowig.html

Ghost Fridgie (crochet)
http://www.geocities.com/crochetrat/ghostfridgie.html

Ghost (knit)
http://knitting.about.com/od/accessories/p/ghost.htm

Witch Hat (crochet)
http://homepage.mac.com/coxsalida/Personal44.html

Witch's Hat (knit)
http://www.maggiesrags.com/freewitchhat.html

9" Witch Doll (crochet)
http://www.crochetsal.com/lilwitch.html

Black Cat Fridgie (crochet)
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/blackcatfridgie.html

Felt Pumpkins (knit)
http://www.geocities.com/joyjannotti/feltpumpkinpattern.html

Halloween Treat Basket (crochet)
http://stormyzpatterns.blogspot.com/2006/10/halloween-treat-basket-materials.html

Hallowe'en Trick-or-Treat Bag (knit)
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kms-treatBag.html

Bat (crochet)
http://www.crochetnmore.com/bat.htm

Batty Dishcloth (knit)
http://www.blackrayne.com/pages/batty.html

Of course there are lots of things you can craft for kids at
Halloween that doesn't use knit or crochet. My grandson
and grand niece get me to make them ghosts every
Halloween.

I make them from the small white plastic kitchen garbage
bags. I stuff the head with paper towels, then use clear
tape around the neck. Then tape down any edges on the
head. I then use a black marker to make two big oval
shaped eyes and an oval shaped mouth. Then I take
a darning needle and some string and sew through the
top of the head, going down into the paper towels and
back out and tie together.

The kids just love them. They play with them for days
around Halloween. They like to hang on the string and run
with them to make their ghosts fly. They throw them up in
the air and watch them fly back down.

My grandson likes to get my husband to play a game with
him too, called "Find the ghost". They will hide it and the
other has to try to find it. They give them hints by saying
you are "cold", if they are far away from it, or "getting
warmer", when they are getting close, and "hot" when
they are nearby it.

They play that game for hours and it can be so comical.
My husband usually hides it "in plain site". For example,
he will sit it up on top of a curtain rod or mirror or put it
in the oven with it's face peeking out up against the oven
door window (a cold oven of course!) It is usually harder
for my grandson to find it when it's hidden in plain site
as he goes for the cupboards and drawers to search for
it first. But when he does find it in plain site, he will
laugh and laugh.

So that is a very simple Halloween craft that you can make
at home with things you already have in your house. For
other craft ideas, Joann is having a sale on Halloween craft
supplies, such as Halloween Costume Patterns, Halloween
& Harvest Fabric, Halloween Scrapbooking, Halloween
Cake & Candy Kits, and Autumn Floral & Wreaths.
Click here.

You can also enter to win a $500 Yarn Lover's Dream
Package. No purchase necessary. It certainly would be
a dream to win that!


I was busy all last week working on a crocheted picture
of my son. I have just completed it yesterday and I have
posted a photo of it on my forum at
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi


That is all for today. Have a great day everyone!

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Discussions
and Pattern Search Board, Craft Supplies and much more.

CrochetandKnitting Newsletter - Some Pattern Talk

The CrochetandKnitting Newsletter
Friday, September 21, 2007

Hello Everyone,

Rhonda posted on the Craft Discussions and Pattern
Search Forum
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi
that she was looking for a Noah's Ark pattern, that includes
the ark and all the animals. She found it at this site.
http://www.e-patternscentral.com/
All patterns there are only .99 each. Thanks for sharing
that link, Rhonda.


I posted a photo on the forum of my latest completed
project, a granny square baby afghan. This pattern was free
on the label of a skein of Red Heart yarn.
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi

Making granny squares and sewing them together can
take a lot of time. However, I love the look of the
granny squares and you just can't get that look any
way else. I almost changed my mind and went for a
pattern where you just crochet straight with no sewing,
but then I told myself not to be so lazy, a little sewing
wouldn't hurt me.... :)


I also posted on the forum some tips for crocheting a graph
pattern. I then decided to also turn that into an article,
titled "Crochet Graph Pattern Tips". I have posted it on
my website in the Craft and Hobbies Article section at
http://crochetandknitting.com/articles/


Make your own graph patterns from your photos.

Here is handy site if you would like to make your own
graph patterns. My daughter took a picture of my son
and turned it into a black and white photo. I put it into
the online software program at
http://www.microrevolt.org/knitPro/

I intend on crocheting the picture of him someday. I
had done a crocheted "Elvis" at one time as a wall
hanging. So I think it would be neat to have one of
my son as well.

You can use this software free to make graphs to use
for Knit, Needlepoint, Cross Stitch and Crochet.


Past issues of the "CrochetandKnitting Newsletter" can be
found in the archive at
http://crochetandknitting.com/newsletter/archives.htm
However, from now on I will post them on my blog at
http://crocheandknitting.blogspot.com

That is all for today.

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Discussions
and Pattern Search Board, Craft Supplies and much more.

New Variation of Slipper Pattern

I will be archiving past issues of The CrochetandKnitting
Newsletter here on my blog from now on.

Previous issues from before can be found on my site at
http://crochetandknitting.com/newsletter/archives.htm


The CrochetandKnitting Newsletter
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Hello Everyone,

I just completed a pair of the Knitted Slip Stitch Slippers
for my husband. He tends to wear out the bottoms of
slippers quickly if they are done in one strand, so I made
these slippers with two strands of yarn held together.

I kept notes and wrote up a pattern.
Men's Slip Stitch Knitted Slippers
http://crochetandknitting.com/ssknit2.htm

Of course they could be for women too, if you would like
a thicker slipper. They should be easy to adjust.

If you haven't been to the new forum yet, Craft Discussions
and Pattern Search Forum, drop on over and check it out
http://crochetandknitting.com/cgi-bin/iB_cgi/ikonboard.cgi

Rhonda (CoxMartinez) is looking for anyone who would
like to knit for charity. It is for the Arkansas Children's
Hospital. They need 30,000 caps/hats for children, babies,
teenagers and even some adults.

Mary (mmcelroy) was wondering if there was a knitted
suspenders pattern for men. I searched everywhere and
couldn't find such a thing, neither free nor for sale. So if
anyone else knows of one, it would be greatly appreciated
if you would let Mary know on the forum.

Janet (janet119) was looking for a crochet fly bonnet
pattern for horses. Janet said, "It covers their ears and hangs
down between their eyes. Usually has shiney stuff or beads
crocheted into them along the edge. They usually wear
them during a show or competition."

I couldn't find any such thing, but Char55 came to rescue
with a website link with many beautiful patterns for horses.

Maddison was stuck on a knit sweater pattern for her
husband. She gave a link to the pattern with a picture.
It is absolutely beautiful. mirl56 is helping her with the
problems she is having.

That is just a few of the interesting topics going on over
there. Hope to see you there!

That is all for today.

Sincerely,

Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com - Free Patterns, Craft Discussions
and Pattern Search Board, Craft Supplies and much more.
http://www.crochetandknitting.com/

An update.

I haven't kept my blog up very well. I have been busy
with work and gardening.

But I did get my newsletter out today. If you would like
to subscribe, just visit my site and fill out the form.
http://crochetandknitting.com
I have an archive of past issues too.

I was looking around the net at some free pattern
sites today. I found a lot of interesting things that I
would like to make.

It's hard to find the time to crochet or knit right now,
but I always have a project on the go. It just takes longer
to get them finished.

I am also thinking about what new designs I can come
up with to create during the winter months.

Sue

Skorts Pattern Finished

I simplified the pattern. I did not need separate instructions
for a left and right of the front and back pieces. There is no
"right side" as with the Seed Stitch both sides look the same.

So you only have to use the one instructions for the back and
front pieces, make two each and turn one over for the other side.

I have updated the pattern. You will find it below in my first
post.

My smaller version did fit me. I reduced it by 4 sts on each of the
four pieces and 8 sts on the front panel. However, when I sewed
it up, I put the front panel on wrong and the button hole is on the
wrong side..... arrgghhh. I'll have to fix that.

That is all for today,

Sue
http://crochetandknitting.com

Another update to the Skorts pattern

I have the Back Right of the Skorts pattern updated.
Nothing major, just changed it to the new format, which
I will also do for the rest of the pattern as I work away
on my second pair.

I have added this under "This pattern is done in the Seed Stitch".
"On the decrease rows, it may appear that you should start
with 1 dc, but that is not necessary, you can begin each row
with 1 sc and then work the Seed Stitch."

That is all for today,

Sue
http://crochetandknitting.com

Some Updates on The Skorts Pattern

I have made some changes to the Skorts pattern posted below.

I am still on the first piece the "Back Left" of the second pair I
am making.

I have changed where it says "*1sc, 1dc* to end of row" and
replaced it with "Seed st (1sc, 1dc) to end of row", as everyone
will know from the instructions that Seed St means to make a sc
in the dc of the previous row and a dc in the sc on the previous
row. I will also do that on the other sections as I work away on
the second pair.

As well I corrected a few mistakes, such as Row 12 where it said
to seed st over 42 sts, it should be 43 sts. Rows 14 and 16 had the
wrong st counts too.

That is all for today,

Sue
http://crochetandknitting.com

Crocheted Skorts

This pattern has been checked and updated.

I am doing another pair now in dark blue to test the pattern
and correct mistakes as I go. I am making this pair smaller
but I am keeping the larger instructions for those who want
to make a bigger pair. I will still be able to find any typos
or mistakes even though I am making this pair smaller.
(Edit: The second pair has been completed.)

It will be very easy to modify the size simply by reducing or
increasing the starting chain.


Crocheted Skorts




Materials:
- 4 ply worsted weight yarn - I am not sure how much I used as I had a
huge ball of yarn that I had ripped out of another project that I didn't
want to complete. I would guess that I used at least 3 - 175 gram skeins.
- 5.00 mm hook
- zipper or you could use a tie made from a crocheted chain.
- button
- needle for sewing seams


This pattern is done in the seed stitch, which is 1 sc in the dc of the
previous row, then 1 dc in the sc of the previous row. So wherever the
instructions say "Seed St" you will know to do that. I will also put
(1 sc, 1 dc) in brackets after "Seed St" to remind you.

On the decrease rows, it may appear that you should start
with 1 dc, but that is not necessary, you can begin each row
with 1 sc and then work the Seed Stitch.

Gauge: 3.5 stitches = 1 inch. 3.5 rows of seed stitch = 1 inch

Size: I made these by comparing each piece to a cloth pair of skorts
that I have. My crocheted version came out too big for me. I guess
the yarn stretches so that could be why they came out much too big.
So I took the seams in and they were still too big.


I will have to take the seams in again, however that leaves a bulky
seam. So I made another pair and decreased each piece by 4 sts
and the front panel by 8 sts. But I am leaving this pattern as is,
for those who would like to make them bigger. If you want them
smaller, just reduce each piece by the desired numbered of stitches
based on the gauge.

The Skorts from these instructions measures 34 inches around the
outside of the waist.


BACK PIECES (Make two, then turn one over so you have a left and right piece)
Ch 59
Row 1 - 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each ch, ch 1, turn. (58 sts)
Row 2 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) repeat to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Rows 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - Same as Row 2
Row 11 - Skip first st, ss in next 11 sts, 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (45 sts)
Row 12 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) over 42 sts (this will be more or less sts if you are making them smaller or larger), 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (44 sts)
Row 13 - 2 sc tog, 1 dc in next st, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (43 sts)
Row 14 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) over 41 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (42 sts)
Row 15 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (41 sts)
Row 16 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) over 39 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (40 sts)
Row 17 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Row 18 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Rows 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 - Same as Row 18.
Row 25 - 2sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 26 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (38 sts)
Row 27 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 28 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 29 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 30 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) , ch 2, turn. (38 sts)
Row 31 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 2, turn. (37 sts)
Row 32 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc), ch 1, turn. (37 sts)
Row 33 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) , ch 1, turn. (36 sts)
Row 34 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (35 sts)
Row 35 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (35 sts)
Row 36 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (35 sts)
Row 37 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 2, turn. (34 sts)
Row 38 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Row 39 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (33 sts)
Row 40 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (33 sts)
Row 41 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (33 sts)
Row 42 - 2 sc tog, 1 sc in each st to end of row, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)
Rows 43, 44 - 1 sc in each st to end of row, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)
Row 45 - 1 sc in each st to end of row, fasten off. (32 sts)

FRONT PIECES (Make two, then turn one over so you have a left and right piece)
Ch 43
Row 1 - 1 sc in snd ch from hook, 1 sc in each ch, ch 1, turn. (42 sts)
Row 2 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Rows 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - Same as Row 2
Row 11 - Skip first st, 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (40 sts)
Row 12 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Row 13 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (38 sts)
Row 14 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (37 sts)
Row 15 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (36 sts)
Row 16 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (35 sts)
Row 17 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Row 18 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Rows 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 - Same as Row 18.
Row 25 - 2sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (33 sts)
Rows 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (33 sts)
Row 31 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 2, turn. (32 sts)
Row 32 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)
Row 33 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (31 sts)
Row 34 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (30 sts)
Rows 35, 36 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (30 sts)
Row 37 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (29 sts)
Row 38 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (29 sts)
Row 39 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (28 sts)
Rows 40, 41 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (28 sts)
Row 42 - 2 sc tog, 1 sc in each st to end of row, ch 1, turn. (27 sts)
Rows 43, 44 - 1 sc in each st to end of row, ch 1, turn. (27 sts)
Row 45 - 1 sc in each st to end of row, fasten off. (27 sts)

FRONT PANEL
Ch 59
Row 1 - 1 sc in snd ch from hook, 1 sc in each ch, ch 1, turn. (58 sts)
Row 2 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (58 sts)
Rows 3 to 24 - Same as Row 2
Row 25 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 2, turn. (56 sts)
Row 26 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (56 sts)
Rows 27, 28, 29, 30 - Same as Row 26
Row 31 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, sc 2 tog, ch 1, turn. (54 sts)
Row 32 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (54 sts)
Row 33 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (52 sts)
Row 34 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, ch 1, turn. (50 sts)
Rows 35, 36 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (50 sts)
Row 37 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 2, turn. (48 sts)
Row 38 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn. (48 sts)
Row 39 - 2 sc tog, Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (46 sts)
Rows 40, 41 - Seed st (1 sc, 1 dc) to end of row, ch 1, turn (46 sts)
Row 42 - 2 sc tog, 1 sc in each st to last 2 sts, 2 sc tog, ch 1, turn. (44 sts)
Row 43 - 1 sc in each st to end of row, ch 1, turn. (44 sts)
Row 44 - 1 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sts (for buttonhole), 1 sc in each st to end of row, ch 1, turn. (42 sc, 2 chs)
Row 45 - 1 sc in each st to end of row, fasten off. (44 sts)

With right side facing you, do a row sc down the right edge of front panel. Space the scs evenly along the end of each row. I got 44 sc, but if you get 43 or 45 sc, that would be Ok too.

Sew up Seams:
Take back left and right front. With right sides facing each,
sew leg seam.

Take back right and left front. With right sides facing each other,
sew leg seam.

Take back left and back right, with right sides facing each other
and starting at waist band of center seam, sew down around
crotch and up the front center seam, leaving an opening of 6 to
7 inches for the zipper (or you can use a drawstring for the opening).
With front of skort facing you, sew up the seam on the right by
turning the pieces so right sides are facing each other.

With front of skort facing you, place front panel on top of skorts
left front, turn so sides are facing the right side of back right. Make
sure you get the buttonhole on the correct side. Sew seam.

I have found that the open end of the front panel may stretch and
hang down below the shorts part. If so, you could sew up a hem
at that end or sew a tuck under the button or when you do a row
of sc down the right edge of the front panel, do not do a sc at the
end of every row on the bottom, instead skip a row between the
scs. That will pull up the bottom.

Finishing Up:
Sew a seam around front zipper opening. Sew in zipper, or you
could make a drawstring by doing a chain of the desired length
and weaving it through the stitches to the top, as if you were
lacing up a shoe.

Sew on button. I made a crocheted cover for my button. I chained
3 and joined with a slip stitch, then slip stitched around it adding
an extra ch here and there so it would widen out. When it was the
same size as the button, I continued around in slip stitch until it
covered the edge of the button. Then I slip stitched around
skipping a slip stitch on the previous row here and there so it
came in over the bottom of the button. When I fastened off I
left enough yarn on the tail end to sew onto the skorts.

Sue Norrad
http://crochetandknitting.com