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Welcome to Rise and Twine and thank you for stopping by!

I've been an avid crocheter since I picked up my first hook and discovered the countless possibilities of creations. I've always had a desire and need to express my artistic side but found myself putting it on the back burner due to the ever expanding demands of life. Being a mom, I know that making time for myself can be a struggle which was why crocheting was the perfect medium for me. I love how adaptable and easy it is to work on a project, just toss it in your bag and go!

Rise and Twine was created with the hope of helping others find and nurture their inner artist. There is also such an amazing community of people out there who work with yarn that have influenced and encouraged me. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have had the courage to start this blog without them and I aspire to pass that on to others.

Looking forward to the many patterns and projects that have yet to be born. Lets wake up and create together!

Warm hugs,
Jessica

When life gives you lemons....make a bag to carry them in

A few months ago I accepted a part-time position working for a small business. As much as I was excited, motivated and learning a great deal, I was wary. Call it intuition or awareness, but I just couldn't shake it. You know that feeling in your stomach that is a cross between butterflies and knots? Yeah, I had that. And like most times, I ignored it and put it off as new job jitters.
Flash forward to 6 weeks later when I told my boss that I was looking forward to having my review and receiving some feedback on my performance so far. The answer I gathered wasn't what I was looking for and I felt passively dismissed.
The next week I got a phone call on my day off and was told unapologetically that I was being let go due to "lack of resources." I was so blindsided that the only thing I could say was "okay." I was then informed that this decision was effective immediately and I wouldn't have a job to go to the following Monday.
I would like to take a moment to humbly state that I had not received any negative feedback while working for this company which made the news even more shocking.
But wait. There is more. I was running late for an appointment when I got the phone call and had to jump in the car without having time to process the bad news. Holding back tears, I pulled into the busy parking lot and ran into the office. And then this happened. I tripped over a concrete median and bailed. Hard. The strangers around me whipped their heads around to witness a red-faced woman burst into tears and go running into the building. It wasn't a soft sob either, it was a full on, uncontrollable, ugly cry and there was no stopping it. The man in the elevator awkwardly held the door open for me as I waved him to go on and darted up the stairs.
When it rains it pours, and we all take our turns eating sh*t.
This story has a happy ending though, once I got home I decided that I had 3 options:
1) Post a rant on the companies website and complain about the lack of integrity, morals and overall compassion that I was treated with.
2) Find a mudain job in a factory screwing caps on tubes of toothpaste.
3) Decide to use the free time that I had to create a pattern for my newly born blog.
I'm not going to lie, option 1 and 2 seemed like they may have been the best ideas at the time. However, after some processing I determined that channeling my new found freedom into creating a pattern was the best choice for me.
So here it is in all its glory; the beach bag that was conceived out of a bad day, because I determined that with the lemons I was given, I needed a fashionable bag to carry them in. View Pattern Get PDF Version

Life's a beach-bag

Size

Height: 20" Width: 22"

Level

Easy

Stitches

Single crochet

Crochet Hook

5.5mm

Gauge

not important

Legend

Ch - chain, yoh - yarn over hook, st(s) - stitch(es),

Yarn

Bernat Handicrafter Off white - 710 yds Weight: Medium (4) 100% cotton

Other Supplies

Approx 14 feet of bag cord - 11mm around (7 feet for each handle) Tapestry needle

Comments

Instructions

Foundation row: Ch 61, insert hook into the 3rd ch from the hook and pull up a loop, yoh, insert into the same ch and pull up a loop. Yoh and pull through all 4 loops, ch 1 to close the st, skip the next st; repeat from * to end. Turn. - 60 sts

Rows 1-14: Ch 1, *insert hook into the side of the bean st from the previous row, pull up a loop, yoh, insert hook into the same ch and pull up a loop, Yoh and pull through all 4 loops, skip the next st; repeat from * to end. Ch 1 to close the st, turn. - 58 sts

Rows 15-105: Ch 1, sc into same space as ch 1 and into each stitch across. Turn. - 58 sts

Row 106: Ch 2 (counts as stitch) skip 1. *Insert hook into the following st, pull up a loop, yoh, insert into the same ch and pull up a loop. Yoh and pull through all 4 loops, ch 1 to close the st, skip the next st; repeat from * to end. Turn. - 58 sts

Rows 107-120: Ch 1, *insert hook into the side of the bean st from the previous row, pull up a loop, yoh, insert hook into the same ch and pull up a loop, Yoh and pull through all 4 loops, skip the next st; repeat from * to end. Ch 1 to close the st, turn. - 58 sts

Tie off and cut yarn

Fold project in half and stitch along both sides (both sides are right side facing out so it doesn't matter which way its folded)

Turn project right side out so the seams are now on the inside. using 1 piece of rope, place either side through the back of the bag. Place the other piece of rope through the front of the bag Tie the rope together in a knot on the sides. Sew in ends with a tapestry needle.

How I became "hooked"

Here is the back story of my crochet journey:

About 5 years ago I was going through a terrible breakup from a highly dysfunctional relationship. You know when you are left thinking "What was the purpose of all this pain? What did I learn from this? How can I grow and create meaning to this part of my journey?"

Enter stage left, my friend Lucy; I met her through my ex boyfriend as the relationship was dissolving. Not only did she walk me through my heartache and distress, but she also put a crochet hook in my hand. At the time, she was working on her first blanket and expressed to me how relaxing and peaceful it was to morph yarn into a project.

She started out teaching me how to chain and then would lovingly make my first row for me. I can't even count the nights we spent drinking tea, eating chips and watching terrible movies on Netflix. It would take us 45 minutes to pick a show and then would end up chatting through the entire thing anyways.

Lucy was my saving grace during that difficult time. I had no idea how much of an impact the simple act of having a crochet hook placed in my hand was about to shape my world.

So here I am, 5 years later starting my own blog. Thank you so much, Lucy. This one is for you. View Pattern Get PDF Version

Lucy Triangle Wrap

Size

60" across the top, 26" from bottom to point

Level

Easy/Intermediate

Stitches

dc, hdc

Crochet Hook

5.5mm

Gauge

not important

Legend

ch - chain, dc - double crochet, sl/st - slip stitch, hdc - half double crochet

Yarn

Loops and Threads - Joy DK Color: Mint, Approx: 810 yds Weight: 3 (light) 100% anti pilling acrylic

Other Supplies

Stitch marker, tapestry needle

Comments

Wrap is worked c2c Ch 3 counts as a dc

Instructions

Row 1 - ch 6, 1 dc into the 4th ch from the hook and in each of the next 2 ch to the end. You have now completed your first rectangle. Turn. - 1 rectangle
Row 2 - ch 6, 1dc into the 4th ch from the hook and in each of the next 2 ch. You have now completed your second rectangle. Turn your first rectangle 180 degrees and sl/st into the ch 3 space at the top of the rectangle from row 1. Ch 3, place 3 dc into the ch 3 space. Turn. - 2 rectangles
*See instruction picture at bottom of pattern for a visual*
Row 3 - ch 6, 1 dc into the 4th ch from the hook and in each of the next 2 ch. Turn the rectangle you just created 180 degrees and sl/st into the ch 3 space at the top of the rectangle from row 2. Ch 3, place 3 dc into the ch 3 space. Sl/st into the ch 3 space at the top of the next rectangle, ch 3, place 3 dc into the ch 3 space. turn. - 3 rectangles
Rows 4-48 - ch 6, 1 dc into the 4th ch from the hook and in each of the next 2 ch. Turn the rectangle you just created 180 degrees and sl/st into the ch 3 space at the top of the rectangle from row 3. *Ch 3, place 3 dc into the ch 3 space, sl/st into the ch 3 space at the top of the next rectangle; repeat from * to * until you have worked a sl/st into the ch 3 space of the last rectangle from the previous row. Ch 3, place 3 dc into the ch 3 space. turn.
Each row you will increase by one rectangle.
Row 49 - *ch 3, sl/st between the 3rd and 4th posts from the previous round; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Row 49 - ch 3, place 3 dc into the same space as the ch 3. *Place 3 dc into each ch 3 space from the previous row; repeat from * across, place 4 dc into the last space. Turn.
Row 50 - ch 2, hdc into the same space as the ch 2. Hdc into each st across, place 2 hdc into the last st. Tie off and cut yarn. Sew in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.

Pattern Procrastination

Have you ever created a new pattern thinking " I don't need to write this down, I will figure it out after and then post the instructions." Me neither. With the exception of this pattern and many other creations that were made on the fly. Thankfully, with this wrap it was fairly easy to go back and count the chains and rows.

I love grabbing a skein of yarn and playing around with it until I've found my inspiration and the direction I want to go. I just have a strong dislike for having to write out the steps as I move along. I have no idea why, maybe I'm a pattern rebel? Or maybe it's the fact that I have my PHD in procrastination.

Isn't there someone out there who would just like to donate their time following me around and writing down my pattern as I go? While they're at it, I actually have 2 weeks of recycling that needs to go out.

I hope you enjoy this pattern that turned into a make work project for myself. I'll get better at it, but I'm curious to see how many blogs from now I'll be confessing that I've done it again ;) View Pattern Get PDF Version

In Bloom Wrap

Size

width - 13.5" length - 84"

Level

Easy

Stitches

single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet

Crochet Hook

J/10 6mm

Gauge

not important

Legend

ch-chain, sc-single crochet, hdc-half double crochet, dc-double crochet

Yarn

Caron Cakes White Truffle (2 balls, approx 800 yds) Weight: 4 (medium) 80% acrylic, 20% wool

Other Supplies

stitch marker, tapestry needle

Comments

The shell stitch used in this wrap is called the Primrose stitch

Instructions

Ch 245
Row 1 - (sc, ch 2, sc) into the 3rd chain from the hook, *skip the next 2 chs, (sc, ch2, sc) into the following ch; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in the last ch. Turn. - 243 sts

Row 2 - ch 3, *3dc into the next ch 2 space from previous row; repeat from * across, ending with 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn. - 81 shells

Row 3 - ch 2, *(sc, ch2, sc) into top of second dc of next shell, repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in top of turning ch. Turn. - 243 sts

Rows 4-26 - repeat rows 2 and 3

Row 27 - repeat row 3 to finish

Tie off yarn and cut, sew in loose ends

Springtime Slouchy Hat

I'm kind of obsessed with hats, especially toques (yes, I'm Canadian). I'll admit, I was known for rocking the toque no matter the season; in my defence I was going through my skater phase.
The thing I love about this hat is that I actually could wear it through the summer without repeating my previous fashion mistakes. When I made this, I was thinking about campfires and summer evenings by the ocean.
This only took me one and a half episodes of 'Evil Genius' on Netflix from start to finish, which is always so satisfying. Side note: if you haven't seen 'Evil Genius' I highly recommend it. I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil it, but it's a true crime documentary with plenty of twists and turns.
So there you have it, I basically just planned your evening for you, no need to thank me ;) View Pattern Get PDF Version

Springtime Slouchy Hat

Size

Circumference at band: 19" Circumference mid point: 21" Height:10"

Level

Easy

Stitches

single crochet, mini basket weave stitch

Crochet Hook

G/4.25mm

Gauge

4"= 15 stitches x 18 rows

Legend

ch-chain, sl/st-slip stitch, sc-single crochet, st(s)-stitch(es), dc-double crochet, fpdc-front post double crochet, bpdc-back post double crochet, sc2tog-single crochet 2 together (decrease)

Yarn

Loops and Threads - Joy DK Color: Latte, Approx: 200 yds Weight: 3 (light) 100% anti pilling acrylic

Other Supplies

scissors, tapestry needle

Comments

This pattern is worked in the round to avoid a seam, use a stitch marker Ch 1 in round one does not count as a stitch Mini basket weave stitch is used and explained rounds 23 and 24

Instructions

Ch 4, sl/st into the first ch to form a loop

Round 1 - ch1, place 12 sc into the center of the loop - 12 sts
Round 2 - 2 sc into each st around - 24 sts
Round 3 - 1 sc into each st around - 24 sts
Round 4 - *sc into the next sts, 2 sc into the following st; repeat from * to end - 36 sts
Round 5 - 1 sc into each st around - 36 sts
Round 6 - *1 sc into each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc into the following st; repeat from * to end - 48 sts
Round 7 - 1 sc into each st around - 48 sts
Round 8 - *1 sc into each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc into the following st; repeat from * to end - 60 sts
Round 9 - 1 sc into each st around - 60 sts
Round 10 - *1 sc into each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc into the following st; repeat from * to end - 72 sts
Round 11 - 1 sc into each st around - 72 sts
Round 12 - *1 sc into each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc into the following st; repeat from * to end - 84 sts
Rounds 13-21 - sc into each st around - 84 sts
Round 22 - dc in each st around - 84 sts
Round 23 - *fpdc into next st, bpdc into following st; repeat from * to end and dc into the last st - 84 sts
Round 24 - *bpdc into the next st, fpdc into the following st; repeat from * to end and dc into the last st - 84 sts
Rounds 25-27 - sc into each st around - 84 sts
Rounds 28-30 - repeat rounds 22-24 - 84 sts
Round 31 - *sc, sc2tog; repeat from * to end - 56 sts
Rounds 32-33 - sc in each st around - 56 sts
Rounds 34-36 - repeat rounds 22-24 - 56 sts
Rounds 37-39 - sc in each st around - 56 sts
Round 40 - dc in each st around - 56 sts
Round 41 - dc in each sts around, sl/st into the last st. Tie off, cut yarn and weave in ends - 56 sts

Easy Country Pillow

Crocheting pillows has quickly become one of my favorite things to make. Not only do they add flair to your living space, but they also provide instant gratification once you realize how fast they work up. I love this gorgeous design, the variegated yarn provides beautiful striping through out and the alternation stitches create texture. The soft tones remind me of a country sunset the way the relaxing shades melt into each other.
This project is perfect for beginners. It's simply made in once piece, folded in half and sewn together. Does it get much easier than that?! Grab some yarn and a hook and let's get started.
Bonus: The pattern is easy and repetitive enough that you can crochet AND watch Netflix without missing the plot ;) View Pattern Get PDF Version

Easy Country Pillow

Size

18x18"

Level

Beginner/Easy

Stitches

Alternating spike stitch, single crochet

Crochet Hook

J/10 6mm

Gauge

4x4" = 10 sc x 8 rows

Legend

ch-chain, sc-single crochet, st(s)-stitch(es),

Yarn

Bernat Pop - Foggy Notion 560 yds 100% acrylic, (4) medium weight

Other Supplies

scissors, tapestry needle, stitch marker, 18x18" pillow form or polyester filling

Comments

sc counts as a stitch This pillow is the same on both sides so it doesn't matter which side is facing out The alternating spike stitch is worked in multiples of 2 If you don't have a pillow form you can also use polyester filling

Instructions

Ch 91
Row 1 - sc into the second ch from hook and in each ch across - 90 sts
Rows 2-9 - ch 1, turn, *sc into the following st, in the next st, sc under the sc from the previous row making sure to pull yarn up to the height of the current row; repeat from * to end - 90 sts
Rows 10-18 - ch 1, turn, sc into each st across - 90 sts
Rows 19-27 - ch 1, turn, *sc into the following st, in the next st sc under the sc from the previous row making sure to pull yarn up to the height of the current row ; repeat from * to end - 90 sts
Rows 28-36 - repeat rows 10-18
Rows 37-45 - repeat rows 19-27

Tie off and cut yarn leaving a tail of approx 55"

Fold pillow in half and pin together 2 sides. Using a tapestry needle, stitch together 2 sides and then turn inside out for cleaner looking edges. Place pillow form or polyester filling inside of case and stitch together remaining open side. Sew in any loose ends.

Your Daily Dose of Fiber

Let's get started

When life gives you lemons....make a bag to carry them in

Life's a beach-bag

Size

Level

Stitches

Crochet Hook

Gauge

Legend

Yarn

Other Supplies

Comments

Instructions

How I became "hooked"

Lucy Triangle Wrap

Size

Level

Stitches

Crochet Hook

Gauge

Legend

Yarn

Other Supplies

Comments

Instructions

Pattern Procrastination

In Bloom Wrap

Size

Level

Stitches

Crochet Hook

Gauge

Legend

Yarn

Other Supplies

Comments

Instructions

Springtime Slouchy Hat

Springtime Slouchy Hat

Size

Level

Stitches

Crochet Hook

Gauge

Legend

Yarn

Other Supplies

Comments

Instructions

Easy Country Pillow

Easy Country Pillow

Size

Level

Stitches

Crochet Hook

Gauge

Legend

Yarn

Other Supplies

Comments

Instructions

Recommended Books (available on Amazon)