Shell Wine Caddy
Materials:
H hook
Preferred Yarn: Red heart (any colorway)
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Measuring tape (to check gauge)
Two beads for drawstring ends (optional)
Skill level: Beginner
Gauge:
With H hook:
2’’ x 2’’ square = 7 dc x 3 rows
A Note about Gauge: For those of you who do not understand how gauge works, or are looking to learn more on the subject, I have written a very helpful blog on gauge that has proved helpful when trying to figure out how big/small of a hook/yarn to use. If you still need help after you’ve browsed this, please let me know and I will try to help in any way that I can. https://articlesofadomesticgoddess.com/2014/05/matching-gauge-and-why-it-is-so-important/
A Note about Technique (The Golden Loop Method): This is not just for amigurumi items; it will help in ALL areas where crochet is involved. (Although, it helps most with amigurumi because of the nature of tight stitching.) I know I often hear of people having trouble “making their stitches tight enough” or they frequently have problems matching gauge (even if their items turn out okay on sizing, it doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t improvement to be made.) I too had many problems when learning to create amigurumi objects when I first started out. I have written a helpful blog that should help to pinpoint the areas that need improvement so that you, too, can create beautiful amigurumi items. There is ALWAYS room for improvements to be made, no matter how long you have been crocheting. Later, you will notice that all items are improved by using this easy method! If you still need help after you’ve browsed this, please let me know and I will try to help in any way that I can. https://articlesofadomesticgoddess.com/2014/04/amigurimi-technique-that-will-always-work-and-will-change-the-way-you-crochet-forever/
Abbreviations:
A Note about Stitches: When I first started, I had to look up stitches every time I started a new project. I have compiled some of the videos and articles I used to walk me through the basic stitches (and some others) in a blog on my website. They are the best I’ve found around the internet, all compiled in one spot for ease.
MC – Magic Circle For a tutorial on the magic circle, visit my blog at the following link:
CH – Chain
ST; STS – Stitch or stitches
SC – Single Crochet
SC2TOG – Single Crochet 2 together
HDC – Half Double Crochet
HDC2TOG – Half Double Crochet 2 together
DC – Double Crochet
DC2TOG- Double Crochet 2 together
TR – Treble Crochet
TR2TOG – Treble Crochet 2 together
SLST – Slip Stitch
FO – Fasten Off
X after a number = number of stitches to work in after current stitch (ex: sc 2X = sc in next two stitches)
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Caddy:
Round 1: 6sc in mc, join to top of first sc (6)
Round 2: (2sc), Repeat () around, join to top of first sc (12)
Round 3: (sc, 2sc), Repeat () around, join to top of first sc (18)
Round 4: (sc 2X, 2sc), Repeat () around, join to top of first sc (24)
Round 5: (sc 3X, 2sc), Repeat () around, join to top of first sc (30)
Round 6: (sc 4x, 2sc), Repeat () around, join to top of first sc (36)
Round 7: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch1, 3 dc in same st,
(sk 3 sts, 3dc in next st, ch 1, 3dc in same st),
Repeat () around, join to top of ch 3 (9 shells) (27)
Round 8: Sl st in next st, sl st into ch 1 sp,
Ch 3, 2 dc in ch 1 sp, ch1, 3 dc in same space,
(sk 3 sts, 3dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 3dc in same space),
Repeat () around, join to top of ch 3. (9 shells) (27)
Round 9-26: Repeat Round 8 (9 shells) (27)
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Note: Stop at 13 rounds and this will fit a soda can and you can use the drawstring to keep it cool as you leave the house. I do it all the time!
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Drawstring:
Note: This drawstring is short and ties loosely without a bow. If you wish to tie drawstring with a bow, make drawstring longer. You may consider 50 or 75 chains to start with instead of 25.
With tapestry needle, thread yarn through the two beads you have selected to be at the ends of your drawstring.
Ch 25 and move one of the beads up so that it can be worked into your next st.
Crochet around it as if it is not there.
Turn and sc in each st back to the beginning,
Ch an additional 25, and move your second bead up so that it can be worked into your next st.
Crochet around it as if it is not there.
Turn and sc back to the beginning and sl st to join in the middle. FO (25)
Weave drawstring in and out between the shells. Pull tight and tie to secure.
For a smaller wine bottle, move drawstring to appropriate row of shells to secure properly.
This wine caddy should work for just about any size wine bottle, even the larger ones.
It looks just as nice on a smaller wine bottle. 🙂