Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Keep warm and cozy with a Crochet Blanket


SUN and STARS Crochet Blanket was designed specifically for my first grandchild. It is my very first attempt at designing a motif blanket.  I had long resisted granny squares for the simple fact of having to hide all those ends, and then attaching all those motifs to each other.  What a chore!


However, when the time came to making something really special for my daughter's first born, I decided to create something totally new and different from any other baby blanket or afghan blanket I have seen.  I hope you like the result?  I know for a fact my daughter loved it. 


WHY I HAVEN'T POSTED FOR A WHILE 


Simply I am suffering with a lovely pinched nerve in my neck, caused obviously by too much crochet and too much pattern designing, and too much computer work, and too much mouse use; not to mention the unforgivable cursed word - AGING and early signs of degenerative disc disease.   SOUNDS AWFUL... but it really is manageable.  I just have to undergo physiotherapy and acupuncture and totally limit my activities which aggravate the situation.  I am now in my 7th week and starting to feel normal again, but I think the days of 8-10 hours of crochet are gone for me.  Boo hoo!

crochet patterns, blanket, afghan, baby, cot, pram,


HISTORY:

The design of this motif afghan blanket began in February 2012, and it's creation took a few months, due to other more urgent projects needing my attention, so it's completion was in May 2012, in plenty of time for the birth of baby girl CC born on June 30, 2012.  Yes, of course I was there for the birth!

PUBLISHED:

This pattern has been published in INSIDE CROCHET magazine Issue 37, January 2013.

crochet patterns, blanket, afghan, baby, cot, pram,



PATTERN DETAILS:

This is the perfect pram or cot blanket for a boy or girl.

A simple octagon and a small square create this warm and comfy blanket made from organic wool cotton yarn.



crochet patterns, blanket, afghan, baby, cot, pram,



This pattern written in UK - BRITISH and USA - AMERICAN crochet terms.

Please SELECT the CORRECT PATTERN TERMINOLOGY prior to purchase.



Skill Level: Intermediate 

Yarn: Rowan Belle Organic Aran 
Hook: 5mm (H-8) 

Measurements: Blanket consisting of 20 octagon motifs will measure approximately 76cm/30in by 61cm/24in


crochet patterns, blanket, afghan, baby, cot, pram,


PATTERN AVAILABLE 

from my online shop



enjoy
ciao, ciao!

---ooOOOoo---

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Tuesday 26 June 2012

Crochet Baby Blanket RAINBOW

crochet patterns, how to crochet, baby blankets, afghans,

Last minute DOT crochet...  yes that's right just one week before my flight to Oz I decided to make another baby blanket for my daughter's first born.

QUICK PROJECT
I decided to make it easy on myself and just get something out fast and the only way to do that was to follow Helen Ardley's pattern for a "Snuggle Blanket".

I found the pattern in her book "Cute Crochet for Tiny Tots"... this book was available in my local KENT library.

The pattern is written for Rowan Wool Cotton using a 3.5mm hook; and the measurements are 42 x 58cm (16.5 x 22.25in).
Basically it is a small blanket and made with a Rowan yarn I had already used for my other baby blanket (which I will talk about in another blog soon)....  and I wanted this blanket to be different.

YARN CHOICE
I decided to use up my stash of Bendigo Woollen Mills "Cotton 8ply"... a few years ago Bendigo carried a range of colours in this beautiful soft cotton... and of course I managed to purchase at most 2 x 200g balls in each colour.... so obviously I had a good range of colours to choose from... hence the 12 colour blanket.

Unfortunately today the same colours are no longer available; however they still provide a nice selection of 10 colours... check it out here.

crochet patterns, baby blankets, how to crochet, afghans,

IN LOVE WITH BENDIGO
From the first time I used this cotton yarn I fell in love with it... it is just so soft... and at the time when I started using the yarn there was no other yarn on the market that even came close to the softness of this cotton yarn by Bendigo Woollen Mills.

You may know this yarn by it's other name "HEIRLOOM" Cotton 8ply which is available in 50g balls.

However, buying direct from the mill is a more economical purchase and you get the bonus of 200g balls which are perfect for larger projects.

RAINBOW BLANKET
Materials:  Heirloom/Bendigo Cotton 8ply in 12 colours
I used my stash of 200g balls in each colour.
If you use 50g balls I estimate approximately 1 to 1.5 x 50g balls of each colour; depending on size of blanket, and your tension/gauge.
Hook:  4mm
Size:  86.4 x 86.4cm (34 x 34in) (excluding the edging)
Tension/Gauge:  2.5 fans/shells over 10cm (4in)
The pattern is written in British Crochet terms, but it is easy to follow and easy to convert to US Crochet terms.
crochet patterns, how to crochet, baby blankets, afghans,

and there you have it... a "simply perfect" colourful baby blanket in rainbow colours... and what's even better is .... you can wash this cotton blanket in the washing machine... on a quick gentle wash... so perfect for new mums who may not have the time to wash by hand.

All you have to do is head off to your local library and borrow the book or purchase your own copy... the book includes a good number of easy crochet projects for your baby and toddler... and all worth trying...  I myself may have to revisit this book.... I enjoyed this blanket project so much and managed to complete it very quickly... estimate about 20hrs total from start to finish... and that includes 1hr of hiding yarn ends.

GO FOR IT... GIVE IT A TRY... YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED...


crochet patterns, how to crochet, baby blankets, afghans,


Ciao, Ciao...  
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Tuesday 13 September 2011

Simple, quick, easy crochet mittens

How to crochet, free crochet patterns, mittens, fingerless, mitts,

Autumnal equinox is coming!

Here in the northern hemisphere the sun will soon cross the celestial equator and move south, taking the warmth and long daylight hours with it!

However, before the coming of the winter darkness, the autumnal equinox which occurs about 22/23rd September also heralds the time of the harvest moon, which is the full moon closest to this date, and that is happening right now, today is Sept 12 and it's a full moon!

OMG, I am going out right now to see if the night is clear of clouds to get a photo.

Harvest Moon, Sept 12, 2011
Oh yes here it is a photo of the harvest moon, shame I didn't think of it before now (it is 9.30pm) anyway I have a photo for you.  I also took a photo yesterday as well it was taken a bit earlier in the evening but today is the moon that counts.

Harvest Moon, Sept 11, 2011
Wow, how exciting! you would not believe how often the full moon is obscured by clouds here. Of course, I get very excited when I can actually get to view the full moon. WOW, I seem to have gone right off track here, where is the crochet stuff?

Well, all this moon stuff started with thinking about the coming of cooler autumn days, and how it is now a good time to start those projects for some simple and quick fingerless mittens. I also have a collection of new patterns coming soon,  just need to tear myself away from the actual crocheting and set myself down and put the words into the computer, so I can release the patterns.

Here is the list of new patterns coming soon!


Crochet Mobius "Country Tracks"

It's a man thing! Long crochet Mobius with a country tracks texture pattern, designed to roll. Keep it simple - worked in the round, no seams to sew. Made with Jarol Pure British Wool Aran. View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Lilac"

This lovely pair of mittens with accompanying headband can be made with Bendigo 8ply Cotton or any similar 8ply or DK yarn. The pattern has a ribbed texture and complimented with a simple contrast edge and two buttons. The crochet headband is worked using the famous Mobius style with some surprise features. View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Country"

Another It's a man thing! pattern. My husband will be the first recipient of these fingerless mittens. Robust and manly, made with Patons Wool Blend Aran.

Crochet Headband and Fingerless Mittens "Loopy"

This is a simple crochet pattern for a headband (neckwarmer) and fingerless mittens with optional thumb section and made with James C. Brett Pure Merino DK. Perfect for spring/autumn wear.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Shells"

This is a revised version of my very early pattern Crochet Mittens Aran (NO longer available).  I have totally rewritten the pattern and improved the instructions and thrown out some bits. So basically you could say it's a brand new pattern.  Made with Sirdar Balmoral, this yarn is now discontinued, so before I release the pattern I will find a substitute yarn.  View details.

For your information: all my fingerless mitten patterns are crochet in the round, starting at the cuff, no seams to sew and some have an optional thumb section.  You can wear the mittens on either hand, the pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

That's all for now, folks!
Ciao, Ciao!

Monday 11 July 2011

Midsummer Super Special Offer!

Grab "Any 5 Patterns" for a very low midsummer Super Special Offer of £8



Offer is available from today Monday July 11 until Friday July 15 ....

so hurry along and grab your 5 now....  

this is a once only super summer special! 

available here...



cut off time will be London, UK midday Saturday

Wednesday 11 May 2011

STRIPES ARE US!

Mourning stripes..

Early last week, in the very early hours of the day, whilst attempting to update my website, my laptop expired.

Various attempts at revival failed dismally with the annoying beeping sounds bellowing from the black screen.

With despair and disbelief, I reluctantly accepted the inevitable - a trip to the local "fix it" place.  A mere two hours later and the bad news hailed - the motherboard - "she is kaput" - and considering the age of the laptop (44 months) plus the cost of labour, advice was that I be better to replace it with a new laptop!



Basically I was NOT happy! 

All my docs where retrieved and downloaded onto my external hard drive and 24hrs later I took possession of the remains.


To console myself, what else could I do but crochet, and inbetween I had to spend time getting up to speed with my husband's laptop, with all it's bells and whistles, and Windows 7.  Nothing like getting taken out of my comfort zone, having to download software I had become dependent on and familiar with, and having to share a laptop. OMG !

Simple pleasures!

So with all the technological stuff going on I really needed an escape into a  simple creative project and I found myself creating a simple stripes pattern which can be used in a number of ways.

Firstly, I will introduce you to the Crochet Hat "Simple Stripes" 



It is the perfect sun hat - bucket style with alternating colours and varying stripe widths. Absolutely simple and all you need is a knowledge of colour change.

PATTERN DETAILS:
Basic stitches are single, half double and reverse crochet.  
YARN:  King Cole "Bamboo Cotton" 
HOOK: 4.5mm 

SIZE:  The hat will fit 45.5cm (18in) to 50.8cm (20in) head circumference.  
TERMINOLOGY: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Included is the "Flower Brooch" pattern and an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit.  
This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

Secondly, is the Crochet Hat "Persimmon Stripes"



A simple crochet hat pattern with a turn-up brim and Perfect Heart Brooch and featuring the alternating colours and varying stripe widths.

PATTERN DETAILS:
YARN: Rowan "Belle Organic DK"
HOOK: 4.5mm
SIZES: The hat will fit 44.5cm (17.5in) to 48cm (19in) head circumference.
TERMINOLOGY: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Included is the "Perfect Heart Brooch" pattern.
This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

Thirdly,  to cater for the little boys in our lives Crochet Hat "Bucket Stripes"




It is the brother of Crochet Hat "Simple Stripes" -  the perfect bucket sun hat for your little man, with alternating colours and varying stripe widths.

PATTERN DETAILS:
YARN: Bendigo Cotton 8ply
HOOK: 4.5mm
TERMINLOGY: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Included is a "Starfish Motif" pattern and an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit.

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

Optimism reins!

So, there you have it... whilst one door had closed (laptop dying), another door had opened (a flurry of crochet hat patterns) now on with the not so interesting stuff, proof-reading the pattern and checking, checking, and re-checking. Ho Hum!

Ciao! Ciao!

Friday 11 February 2011

Perfect Heart Mania!

Perfect Heart Projects


Obsessive Behaviour? That's me!
Its seems I have become a little bit, only a little bit, obsessed with my "perfect heart" crochet pattern - well, only when I have been home and not out walking or touring.  I just want to see how many different ways I can use this crochet heart pattern.  My brain has got a pile of ideas but I have a reluctance to even try some of those ideas - mainly because my general philosophy for crocheting is to make things that are useful and practical.  Yes, I may admire those artistic crocheters who crochet up cup cakes and other odd vegetables and fruits - but for me it is not the direction I want to go!

Big Heart Effort
In the last week, my crochet hours have been limited and my time has been filled with other things.  But as soon as I had the chance I was trying different yarns and deciding on ways to turn my perfect hearts into a useful, practical item.

Of course my most basic use of the heart is:

Perfect Heart Motif/Brooch
No.1:  attach heart to a hat, scarf, bag, whatever.














No. 2:  my favourite use make two hearts, join and fill with dried lavender, to hang in the wardrobe. I really like these lavender pouches and I am glad I have a good supply of lavender which I bought last summer from the Norfolk Lavender Farm.
Perfect Heart Lavender Pouch



















No. 3:  making heart decos, make two hearts, join together, make a chain loop, and attach to handbag, keyring, hang on tree, make a garland.









No. 4:  make a wristband, headband, belt etc. and attach a heart motif.

I am thinking of writing up and posting this wristband pattern.  Anyone interested?

Let me know.



No. 5:  still working on it.... thinking cap is on and crochet hook is working....



All this talk about hearts reminds me of a fantastic poem written by E.E. Cummings:

i carry your heart with me
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) 
i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

Heart me!  I love it!






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Friday 4 February 2011

Perfect Hearts - Filling you with Love

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Day of the Restless!

I was feeling a bit fidgety yesterday, must have something to do with the New Moon!  I was not at all inspired to finish writing out the instructions for one of my baby hat designs, and I was totally indecisive about what kind of crochet hat to work on next.

Instead, I spent some time flicking through cook books, flicking through self-help books, found some great stuff again from Louise Hay.  Yes, she is my favourite, you know all that love stuff, love thyself, honour thyself, all is well in the world.  Which lead me to designing the thinking about designing a crochet HEART.

Ages ago, I used to have a great little heart pattern which I used to attach as a motif or as a brooch to my crochet hats. The simple heart pattern was the centre of a crochet granny square, however, this pattern is now buried somewhere in one of my storage boxes back in Australia.  AND for the life of me I can't remember how the pattern went.  

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And try as I may, I have not found a heart pattern which is as good, or simple, or as pleasing.  

So, whilst watching "Farscape" last night (yes, it's a Sci-Fi TV series from the late 1990's - which I have not seen before). I came up with this cute little heart pattern, easy and quick, and a very pleasing heart shape (even if I say so myself) and it's not too complex. 

I hope you find it useful.  Do try it, AND let me know what you think.  

Crochet Heart Pattern:
Yarn:  Patons 100% Cotton DK OR any other similar yarn
Hook:  3.5mm
Terminology: US
Gauge:  not so important, but I recommend using a hook half to one size smaller than recommended on yarn label.


 Perfect Heart Motif for use as:
  • a heart motif, heart applique,
  • make it into a brooch by joining two hearts together and then attach a brooch backing;
  • join two hearts, make a chain loop and fill with lavender, to hang in your wardrobe;
  • make loads of hearts and join with a chain to make a crochet heart garland, or heart bunting.
I am sure you will find other ways to use this crochet heart pattern.  


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PERFECT HEARTS CROCHET PATTERN 
is available from my online stores 

LOVECROCHET       RAVELRY        CRAFTSY 

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CIAO, CIAO !
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Monday 9 August 2010

Wrist Warmers 2



At long last, my wrist warmers are now finished.


Actually they don't take long to crochet.




I have just been too, too busy for crochet ....







which is just unbelievable...









now must write up the pattern....













Mattress Stitch Seam



Basic "mattress stitch seam" can be used to finish your garments.


Saturday 31 July 2010

Wrist Warmers

 Wrist Warmers ... wrist warmers ... where have you been?
 I've been in the cupboard awaiting the queen....
and now she has risen ...                  
                                       I may finally get done...
                                                                                  soon to be worn by my cold mum.....

Saturday 19 June 2010

Final adornments!

I have finally managed to finish embellishing my summer crochet hat and the lime head band .......

needed to leave them be for a while ......

brain ticking away...

decisions, decisions.........

sometimes the creative juices need to brew on the back burner.....







well it's always a challenge creating with what you have in your stash.....



or not even knowing what it's going to be when you start.....


playing around with the idea......

trying something out.....

letting your fingers create as you go...

never knowing where it will end....


and the surprise of the finished product....

I love following where the crochet takes me....

sometimes it flows....
and sometimes it stops abruptly....

but every now and then it just takes over...

stitches come from the heavens....

creation with feeling...