Filet Hearts in a line. Colour is added with chain lengths, threaded through the holes.Throw in a Pompom or two, and you have a fun Boho Scarf that is unique to you. Choose the colours that suit you, and you want to spice up your look.This is a great project to use up some of that scrap yarn that has been piling up.The main Body of the Scarf uses two balls of Stylecraft Special Dk Yarn in Graphite but any dk yarn could be used.If you don't have any leftover yarn (Hah! Sure!), I used part of a ball of Magenta in the Stylecraft and a Gold I had.This is an Easy Project, using simple stitches, Double/Treble Crochet and Chains to create a Filet Crochet Technique. It works up quickly!4mm hook.The pattern comes in Uk and USA terms.Finished size: 148cm/58.5’ x 22cm/8.5’
The pattern is available on:CraftsyLove CrochetAnd Ravelry
The Mystery of Surface Slip Stitch!
I can do anything with a Big Ball of String, or yarn, as the case may be!We all have our favourite or 'go-to' things. I know I do. I have several design techniques that I tend to default to, when working up a new design.I like to work borders for Blankets, one side at a time. I also like throwing in a bit of Surface Slip Stitch, in many of my designs.Surface Slip Stitch can turn a simple single/double Crochet into a work of art! A masterpiece of epic proportions!That plain cushion cover can become interesting or fluffy (depending upon yarn choice).It's also a great way to use up left over balls of yarn in your stash. It is so easy to do too!The main photo shows my Shaggadelic Vest. This turned out fluffy and warm, using Drops Melody for the Surface Slip Stitch.Also, my Wish Upon A Star Cushion. This uses Paint Box Simply Chunky I just love the look.Lastly my Dragonflies in Spring Blanket, made from dk Cotton yarn. The Surface Slip Stitch on this just makes the pattern pop.Three different items and three different looks. How to Complete a Surface Slip Stitch
- If beginning your Surface Slip Stitch at an edge, Slip Stitch to attach your yarn. If your Surface Slip Stitch begins in the middle of your work or elsewhere, I just start right from step 2 and leave a long tail to sew in later
- Insert hook through face of work
- Pull up a loop from the back of work, through to front of work and through loop on hook.
- Insert hook into next st. Repeat.
The Yarn Stash, Swallowed My Sunshine!
I have been in the process of a new design (aren't I always). It started out simple enough as, a child hat pattern. Then of course it grew. Before I knew it I had done calculations for 5 sizes.I got the child size made and was working on an Adult version, when I ran out (or thought I had) of Stylecraft Special DK in Sunshine.Getting towards that last little bit of yarn, I crossed my fingers, crochet twice as fast, made my work a little tighter, but all in vain. I needed another ball!I looked through the Stash. Nope! None to be seen!I glared at the hat. I glared at the yarn stash, but it made no difference. So, with huge haste and a pout on my face (which really is quite silly, as the pout won't help and it still takes about 10 days to get a delivery no matter how fast I order) I ordered another ball.A couple of days passed and then I remembered. That cushion I started and grouped the yarn for! I am sure it had a ball of Sunshine in it!After a small search I had Sunshine in my hand ( and the room did seem to brighten a bit on my finding it).So I have a yarn order on the way I don't really need (and yes, of course I added more yarn to the order than, that one ball) and I have a hat to finish.Note to self: I must downsize my stash, so it is manageable and I must organise my stash, so yarn cannot get eaten up by it.Wonder if anyone else's stash, eats their yarn?
Pumpkin Spice Crochet Hat
I had a ball of Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury, that had been begging me to use it. So the name of the hat comes from the Colour of the yarn used. 'Pumpkin Spice".King Cole Merino Blend Aran is a good match if you can't get your hands on some BWM Luxury but trust me you would love it. It is just as the name says.I guess designing is a lot about trial and error and I sure found it to be the case designing this hat.I have written about the journey to design this, previously on my blog. It did test me to the limits. a number of times.Getting the stitches right took quite some time. Too loose, too tight, the pattern running with a slant on it. Some days it was a case of 'this hat just hates me!' And then I ran out of cream yarn!!!!!!!!!!!So dejected, but not defeated I had to wait for another ball of yarn to arrive.So I am happy to say that it is now Published on Love Crochet Ravelry , Etsy and Craftsy a
Crochet Metallic Flower
I had a wedding to attend earlier this year and I was very excited at the prospect of attending. I wanted to (hopefully) look nice.I am one of those people, who go and try on a dress and just cannot find anything I like. I also do not want to spend a million dollars on a dress (if I had a million dollars, I would not spend it on a dress anyway). I have to also say that I do have my own style. What I rather like, may not be something others would wear, but that's okay and I will own it!I had some ideas for a dress, swishing around in my head and so I took a trip to my local yarn store. I walked away with a number of balls of Madame Tricot Metallic Gold yarn (full disclosure, I also grabbed a few other squishy lovelies that were calling my name. We all know you can never have enough!).I set to and began making my dress. I wanted a yoke with flowers around it. After trying several different flowers and a lot of frogging, I finally, settled on this design.
The pattern for the flower is available for free on my RavelryGetting the yoke just right was a lot of trial and error. In the end I was very pleased with the result.Once the Yoke was done, the rest was smooth sailing. I placed another row of flowers at the waist and then again near the bottom of the dress.The day of the wedding was quite warm and my dress was just right for it.At times, I like to enter some of my crochet into the local shows and decided to enter the dress. I was quite pleased that it won a prize. 
One day I may write the pattern for the dress up. But at this stage there is only the pattern for the flower.
PATTERN PERMISSIONS
This is a FREE pattern (download is available on ravelry), and by using it, you’re agreeing to the following conditions.You’re welcome to sell what you make with it; for online listings, please link back to my blog using something like this:
- Do not resell the pattern, altered or in its original form.
- Do not copy and paste the pattern onto your own blog, in a Facebook group, or anywhere else. Link to this page instead (or my ravelry). Doing anything else is copyright theft.
- Do not use any of my photos from this site (or any of my other sites) to promote yourself or your crochet business on your own blog, Facebook page, or anywhere else.
- Do not post a translation of the pattern anywhere – this is copyright theft. If you would like to help make a translation available, please contact me.
- Do not make a video tutorial of this pattern (or any of my patterns).
Introducing Mallory & A 'How To' Cover A Head in Fabric.
Find a person, with a head and wrap it in material. There, done!No, not really, just kidding!INTRODUCING MALLORY!Mallory has recently signed on, to do some modelling for Auburncraft Designs.I carried out some extensive interviews, as I am rather particular, as to who works for me. Mallory was the successful applicant. Now I know that we are not meant to discriminate and I did try hard not to. But just quietly some of the other applicants were not all that attractive (ebay has a massive amount of different heads, with different shapes). So I took my time and waited patiently till Mallory applied for the position.I am finding working with her a dream. She is rather a bit on the quiet side, but she does exactly as I ask first time and is willing to work extended hours for nothing more than a warm, crochet hat, as payment.Nothing is too much trouble. Turn that way! Hold still! Stay that way for an hour or so! And I hope you don't mind if I cover your head with Glue?Where else could I get such dedication!Now, if only she could do some of those pesky Math Calculations (that have been plaguing me lately) for my crochet. I did ask her if she would, but she refused to answer!So if you are looking for a model for your Hats, Scarves etc. And you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for one. The 'how to' is below!
HOW TO COVER YOUR OWN FOAM HEAD
- Get a Foam Head (I bought my head on Ebay. There were so many different shaped heads to choose from, but I liked this one. They are only a few dollars).
- Modge Podge. (This is a water based glue. I think the MATTE, would possibly give a better result, but I had some Gloss on hand so mine was done in that. Most large craft places have it, or buy online)
- A paintbrush
- Scissors
- Some scrap material ( I had some batik material leftover from making the Hygge Shawl Cal last year)
- A bowl of water to dip your brush into
Step 1. Cut the material into approx 2 inch squares.Step 2. Using your paintbrush, cover an area on the head ready to attach the material.Step 3. Place a square of material onto the Head.Step 4. Dip your brush into the water and damp the material slightly.Step 5. Add some more Modge Podge to cover the piece of material.Continue adding pieces of material till the head is covered. Allow to dry.Give the Head a Name!
One W.I.P, Two W.I.P, Three W.I.P...Zombies!
I think that Crocheting is kind of addictive!You start one project and that is good. Then you see another and just have to start that one. Before you know it, you have a room, cupboard, shed, house full of W.I.P.SDesigning for me is pretty much the same! If I stop to count how many W.I.P.S I have, it would take me all day to get a proper number.Two reasons for that. First one is that math is not, my strongest point and second, I have way too many W.I.P.SDon't get me wrong. Like many, who started school in the 60's, I can recite my times tables by rote and I can add and subtract basic percentages, in my head.Butttttttttt..... when you are talking about designing crochet, at times there is a ton of calculations. If you happen to be designing something that has several sizes, then ooh, my goodness.Starting chains for each size and you have to take into account the first stitch makes two.Decreases and increases for each size. Odd numbers and even number and numbers, numbers, numbers! ARrGh!I get there in the end. I often find myself going between the calculator, a sheet of paper and then I resort to drawing it out, to try and make certain I have it right. My testers at times, find that I am not right and then I have to sit in the naughty corner, for a bit.Yesterday I was doing calculations for a new fun hat design. My head was slowly turning to flummery. I thought about sending out a life line, by phoning a friend. I did message a designer friend and ask for her brain. It's okay, I said I wanted it in a non Zombie like way.Yes, back with the Zombies again! I love shows like 'The Walking Dead'. So Zombies are going to creep (or stagger) into the conversation sooner or later.At times when I am all tangled up in a Math haze, I ponder if the design is really worth it. I do have to say, I am pretty pleased with how this is turning out. Hopefully it will be ready for the testers within the next week.I just have a few more CALCULATIONS to do!!!Stay Tuned for the Reveal SOOON! Image at top of page is a sneak peek!This is made from Stylecraft Dk Yarn. Available on Love Crochet
Stella Caplet!
I had a few balls of James C Brett Twinkle Dk laying around, in my stash. I pondered for quite a while, as to what use I would put them.Once those thoughts festered into an idea, I set to and designed this Capelet.I thought of all those times I was going somewhere special and wanted to wear that nice dress, or lovely top. I knew I was going to be cold, but it is all about the look, isn’t it? One of my testers first comment on this project was how elegant it looks as you are working it up. So you can wear that gorgeous dress and still look great without being cold.I added beading to the edging and I quite love doing beads. I know a lot of people take one look and think, BEADS! NO WAY!But beading is rather simple and fun. I added a photo tutorial to show just how easy they can be.I don't fuss with threading a ton of beads onto my yarn prior to crocheting. I use a needle and thread to place the bead onto the yarn. And, if you are thinking I sew them on, then you would be wrong. The needle and thread are used to pull the bead onto the yarn.Guess you will have to get the pattern if you want a closer look.This pattern works up quickly. USA terms are used in this patternSkill Level: IntermediateSize: S, M, with a guide to making it larger or smallerFinished Measurements:Length: 16. 5” - 41 cmMaterials: James C Brett Twinkle used double 100 % AcrylicHooks: 6mm/J Hook for everything excepting flowers4.5mm Hook for FlowersThe pattern can be found on Love CrochetEtsy , Ravelry , and Craftsy
Main Picture is of my good friend Erin modelling for me.
Make Lemonade and Clay Hook Handles!
How To Make Your Own Clay Handles, At The Bottom of Page.
When life gives you lemons make lemonade! So the saying goes!Over the past 10 odd years, I have made that much lemonade that I could open a lemonade franchise, to rival any of the big companies! This week alone would be a great script for a TV Soapie, with all that has been thrown my way (I wonder who would be cast to play me?). I got so sick of making lemonade, that I dug out my crochet hook and became a hooker instead. Or rather, I now sip my lemonade, whilst tuning out to the world around, fully immersed in my crochet.And a
As far as this year is concerned, all I know is that I will be rather glad when October is gone and hopeful that November brings good luck with it.
From talking to people it would seem that many crochet to relieve the stress, from their day to day lives and all the things that keep piling up on us.
There's Martha, who has whipped up ten scarves, six pair of gloves and 40 hats in the last month. She did not strangle one person during this month! Thank goodness for the crochet! And Sally is doing well! She has made 5 blankets in the past two weeks! She may be buried neck deep in blankets but she hasn't driven off the edge of a cliff yet. Well done!
Crochet is a type of therapy! It may cost pretty much the same as if you had to pay someone to analyse you, but you do end up with a ton of wearables and gifts for those around you.
So yep! I crochet so I don't punch people! And if you want me to punch you, just try and take my crochet away! Maybe the prisons should be implementing a compulsory crochet program!
Lemonade anyone!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just love my Clover Crochet Hooks! BUT, starting out on my crochet path, I ended up with a ton of cheap Aluminium Hooks.
I prefer a handle that is slightly wider, than what, these provide. With Polymer Clay and a few minutes of your time you can make those cheap hooks useful again. AND IT'S FUN!!
I have and always will be, one to improvise. I don't have a heap of clay sculpting tools. I use what I have. This includes Darning Needles to scratch in the size and another hook to make the little groove in the clay (you don't have to have a groove but I like one).
Material:
Polymer clay in various colors. I used Fimo but there are many different brands available.
Straight blade or sharp knife
Heavy rolling pin (and quite a bit of muscle)
Non stick Baking Paper
Crochet hooks to cover
Extra 1.5 to 2mm hook for making groove
Solid surface or chopping board
Darning Needle
Sculpey Bake & Bond Glue
Baking Tray
Directions:
Choose the colours you wish to work with and break or cut off approx half a block of each. (if using Fimo).
On your solid surface, spread a layer of baking paper.
Roll your blocks out, so as to make them more workable. Then mix the two together to combine the colours.
Roll the combined clay out flat and about 5mm thickness. With a knife cut a piece that will be wide enough to wrap around the hook and long enough to cover the hook, where you want the handle to be.
Add a small amount of Glue to the hook, where the clay will be.
Position the hook on the clay and gently wrap the clay around it.
With your fingers, work at the spot where the clay meets, till the join does not show any longer. Then gently roll the clay (with the hook inside) to make sure you have a smooth, uniform handle.
If necessary, trim the top edge and also cut the edge where the hook protrudes so it is even and at the right position for you.
Using your 1.5/2mm hook, gently press the side or handle of this into the spot you want a groove (I put two grooves in mine, see the picture in the heading). While holding your 1.5/2mm in position, roll your clay covered hook back and forth to get the groove around the hook.
At the top of the hook handle, use your darning needle to scratch the size into the hook (this is very necessary to know what size your hook is later).
Place the clay covered crochet hook onto a baking paper, covered oven tray. Cook in the oven at 275 degrees F for 15 minutes. Add extra time if your clay is thicker.
Take out of oven, allow to cool.
Once you have the hang of making your own, you can get adventurous. Make shaped handles and add moulded little characters to the top! The sky's the limit!
Shaggadelic Key-hole Scarf
It’s Shaggadelic Baby!Shaggadelic Key Hole Scarf. A fun warm scarf/neck warmerFor the pattern I use Drops Melody to get that fluffy look and the base is Stylecraft Aran . But this is a great pattern for those (if like me) that have a few of those fluffy balls of yarn, even eyelash yarn and you don’t quite know what to do with it.One size fits mostAvailable in UK and USA termsFinished measurement of scarf is 112cmScarf is crochet in Single/Double crochet and then has surface slip stitch over the entire scarf. This works up quickly and would suit most levels of ability.7mm hookStylecraft AranDrops MelodyThe pattern is available in Uk terms and USA termsThis pattern is for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.This pattern is available as a free download on RavelryAlso available on Love CrochetIf you download and make this Scarf please be a sport and pop up a picture as a project on Ravelry. Not many people bother to and I do love to see the results!!!!!
PATTERN PERMISSIONS
This is a FREE pattern (download is available on ravelry), and by using it, you’re agreeing to the following conditions.You’re welcome to sell what you make with it; for online listings, please link back to my blog (or ravelry) using something like this:
- Do not resell the pattern, altered or in its original form.
- Do not copy and paste the pattern onto your own blog, in a Facebook group, or anywhere else. Link to this page instead (or my ravelry). Doing anything else is copyright theft.
- Do not use any of my photos from this site (or any of my other sites) to promote yourself or your crochet business on your own blog, Facebook page, or anywhere else.
- Do not post a translation of the pattern anywhere – this is copyright theft. If you would like to help make a translation available, please contact me.
- Do not make a video tutorial of this pattern (or any of my patterns).
Chaos or a Leadlight Blanket?
There is beauty in Chaos! Or that is my theory and I am sticking to it!My Leadlight Blanket is progressing slowly.I wanted a Challenge! Something a bit different!Working from only one ball of yarn at a time, is not living on the edge. So what do I do? I design a pattern that in this colour work section, uses 96 bobbins of yarn.How it all Began!I saw a Mandala type Stained Glass and thought, Mmmmmmmmmm, something like this would look great in crochet. So my mind began constructing, breaking down and forming how I would go about this.You know how it is when you are actually trying to sleep. Instead of going to sleep my mind is figuring out how I can turn this Stained Glass into a workable blanket. I thought about how I was going to construct this for several weeks. Then I chose my yarn.I am using Stylecraft Batik Dk and while I have never been a person who likes green, (there is only a minimal amount of true green in, it) I am extremely happy with the outcome.Normally, I have a tendency to go for Oranges or Purples, as I just love those colours. So I jumped out of my comfort zone and went for Teals, blues and the odd bit of green (which I do have to admit I put in grudgingly).Yes, Yes. It sure looks like a huge mess!But there is order in my chaos. I only have 13 Rounds remaining of this section and while each round now takes quite a while, I will get there.It is different and the Challenge I was looking for.I keep adding up in my head, how long this will take to complete.Assuming I don't get tangled in my own yarn and have to call for emergency services to rescue me. IF I do half a round each day, I can have this section done in 26 days. Who knows I may get more done in a day. I like to do a certain amount of a more challenging project each day and then revert to something a little more mindless.Then I can look forward to sewing in 192 ends!But, it already looks FABULOUS! And I really think that when done it will be Super, Duper FABULOUS! Yes, I can see how it would be a bit hard, to tell from this picture. You will just have to trust me on this.I hope to have this pattern out to testing by the end of 2018 and published early next year.With each round of the blanket growing, this pattern will use quite a few balls of yarn. Stylecraft Batik is available here on Love Crochet
Flower Diamonds Blanket
This is the third in my Diamond Blanket range.
I was on a role after doing Butterfly Diamonds and Dragonfly Diamonds. So I just had to round it all up with Flower Diamonds.
I am super pleased with how it turned out and think that I am now done, with Diamonds for a while.
The border of this is my signature style and done working one side, at a time. A little flash of colour is then added with Surface Slip Stitch
This would also be a great blanket to have ready made waiting to hear the gender of an expected arrival, as the Surface Slip Stitch can quickly be added to suit.
I always get a buzz out of seeing the colour combo's that my testers come up with.
Flower Diamonds Pattern now available on Love Crochet, Etsy And Ravelry.
Check out Butterfly Diamonds and Dragonfly Diamonds on Love Crochet.
This post may contain affliliate links.
Snowman's Kiss Mohair Hat
I just love this hat!It is warm and light. Super quick to make and only uses 2 balls of Cleckheaton Mohair 12ply.I think, nearly all serious yarn hoarders have a ball or two of Mohair laying around and just don't know what to do with it.I struggled to find a name for this hat, so I asked on one of the Crochet Facebook groups. I got suggestions of winter sounding names, from several people and while I was not completely happy with any of them, they got me headed in the right direction for a name.I gave the pattern out to the four people who had helped me decide on the name.The pattern has been tested by my fabulous testers and they produced some beautiful hats.So if you want to 'Kiss a Snowman', the pattern is now live on ravelry and Etsy
Dragonfly Blanket
My very first attempt at pattern writing (quite a few moons ago).
I really love Dragonflies! In fact if you go by how many patterns I have with dragonflies, you could say I have a bit of a thing for them.
You kind of know it is Spring in the air when you start to see them buzzing around.
At the time I decided to make this pattern NO ONE had done a blanket with Dragonflies in boxes. I did quite a bit of research prior to making this one, just to make sure there was not a pattern already.
I had a number of blue/white balls of King Cole Dk (available here) in my yarn stash and it was just perfect for this project.
I really did not now much about writing a pattern and was so happy with the results. This is still one of my most downloaded patterns (even though several others quickly followed suit by doing similar blankets).
The border on this is done in what has become, a kind of signature thing with me. You work each side individually.
I have made this baby a number of times, as it is so quick to work up. Great for when your husband tells you, clients of his, have just had a baby and he forgot to mention it.
One day I will make it again and get better pictures. I had no idea about trying to get decent photographs at that time and I am still learning.
This one is only in US Terms. ( I really must translate this one day to UK. Note to self, to add to 'to do' list).
This has been made in many different yarns from Dk to Aran. Done in Dk sizing is approx 103cm x 130cm.
Pattern available on ravelry , Etsy and Love Crochet
Pumpkin Spice Hat.
If you have read my post 'A Journey for a New Design', you would know that this hat and I have history.This hat stubbornly refused to be finished!The pattern itself took me forever to get the stitches just how I wanted them, to get that effect of two colours. Frogging, frogging and more frogging!Throw in some swearing!Running out of Yarn! And one hat in the naughty corner, via air express!Well I am very pleased to report that I won!The hat is completed and now out to testing with my fabulous and long suffering testers!At times I do wish I had been better at math in school than I am. Calculating stitches for different sizes tends to give me a headache. But I got there in the end (Well I believe I have. I will have to wait on the reports from my testers to see if I am right). The hat will be available in Child, Teen and Adult sizing.I also think (coincidently) that this is rather a well timed hat. I used Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 10ply/Aran. One of the colours is Pumpkin Spice. Just in time for Halloween!I rather like this yarn as it is just as its name describes 'Luxury'.So to the 'Pumpkin Spice' Hat, I say 'You thought you would get the better of me, but I won!'I also have to say that if you don't own a pom pom maker, put one on your Christmas list as these things make Pom Pom making a breeze. One of these days I may do a 'how to' on using them.Keep an eye out for the pattern coming very soon, to a ravelry, etsy, Love Crochet store near you!I won!
Crochet Lingo!
Have you ever received strange looks from people who are not highly fluent in Crochet lingo? I know I have.We have our own secret language!Words like:De- Stashing- Parting with some of your precious, precious yarn. For me not something I do easily. Try and get some of my yarn, I dare you!Frog or Frogging- Undoing or ripping out your hard done work. Supposedly as it makes a 'ribbit' sound when you say it.Hoth- Hot off the HookHooker- Me! A proud Crocheter.Yarn Barf- What my yarn usually looks like when I frog something (tangled mess). I always say I will wind as I go. But I know it won't happen-Yart- Which stands for, Yarn Aquisition, road trip. This is where you often drive a ridiculous distance to get one ball of yarn and come home with a car load.These are just a sample of Crochet Lingo.I often see posts online from people just starting their crochet journey, who are quite perplexed at what some of these words mean. I can understand how Newbies could feel, especially if you use the Urban Dictionary to try and help you out with some of these terms. If you want a laugh I suggest you take a look at some of the meanings (according to Urban Dictionary)A Sample of what you get on Urban DictionaryHoth- The ice planet in The Empire strikes back where the rebels get their asses kicked by the empire.
This is The best sequel ever for any movie (so they say).
Frogging- The act of going out on many dates to find your Prince.That is the only one I would print on here. The other meanings are 'R' rated and I certainly hope people don't think I am doing any of them, any time soon. Sure I may be frogging but I am not doing, THAT!Yart- A slang word for Marijuana. (See this is why crocheters are getting strange looks)Hooker- I simply refuse to type what the Urban Dictionary describes this one as. You will have to look yourself.I openly admit to being a Hooker! And I am proud of it! But I am not what is described in the Urban Dictionary................................As you can see I am easily amused!I also enjoy teasing Siri on my phone by asking her strange questions. Sometimes she seems to get annoyed with me. I asked for the definition of 'Yarn Barf' and she got quite snippy. Hardly my fault she doesn't know!I have to say that it seems understandable that at times I get strange looks, especially if people think I am a Marijuana smoking, Hooker who is performing several acts, that do not want describing. One of which is done in public. (According to the Urban Dictionary. Frogging. Remember, I said to look it up).
More Than a Crochet Hook!
Yes, Yes! Crochet is my quiet place. The calming thing in my life! But I do, do other things. When I am not working on my own property, helping my husband with our business or at the gym (I am a gym junkie), I also enjoy painting and any form of art (well most forms).Over recent months, I have taken an interest in Resin Art. Not the type where you just pour the resin on to make pretty patterns. I make a base for my art with air dry clay. I then attach it to a mdf board. The resin is then mixed with acrylic paint, ( I have rather an expert in the family, on all things resin as hubby started working life out as a boat builder). I love the depth that I can get working with resin. I am slowly finding what works when starting to pour and what doesn't. I have also moved from using art resin to resin that is more specific, to boat construction and I find this works better and actually dries better.I find it a little amusing, that I am now the one playing with resin. When I met my husband he was always covered in the stuff. I remember prior to our wedding, he was on a resin and glue ban, about a week out. He also spent a lot of time scrubbing his hands to try and make them clean enough for the wedding. No doubt I would have married him anyway, if he had turned up with his hands partially stuck together with resin, but he did try to get them half respectable. So it is a little bit of a reversal.So now when I am not tangled up in yarn, I am covered in resin. So watch out crazy crochet, resin covered person on the loose.Some of my resin art is for sale. I just finished a yacht piece and it just needs framing now. One of my favourite pieces, (which I may keep for myself) is my fish resin art.My mind has always been a whirlwind of ideas when it comes to being creative and I just love the outlets of crochet, art and anything else that happens to jump into my mind.I love finding that item in an opportunity or thrift shop and knowing I can repurpose it into something wonderful. A few of my favourite things to wear, was once something else, till I attacked it.So from time to time I may put up some of my resin art on this page. I am just about to start my next piece and the ideas are buzzing (or rattling) around in my head.
We Have Skills! Zombies Beware!
While I am not going to be getting any job offers as a I.T. Tech any time soon, my computer skills are not too bad. And I have always been able to type quite fast. A few years of high school typing class, is something that seems to have come in handy in life. Probably one of the few classes that have. Learning how to make a banana fritter in cookery, sure never did. I hate bananas!BUT.... I don't know everything! What does that button do? And where do you stick this piece of Code (without being rude). Widgets, plugins and I, are not the best of friends.I was lucky enough today, to have someone help me to tweak, some of the settings on my blog. This someone was on a first name basis, with these widgets and plugins.I got talking to this person as I marvelled at his skills, knowing how to do things on the computer, that I wish I knew. I think he also learnt a few things about crochet (whether he wanted to or not). No doubt much of the information, would go into the 'I really never needed to know that' box, and that is okay. I know my son's are totally not interested in my crochet and while my husband tries to pretend he is, I am sure he could live without it. It isn't for everyone! My daughter does tend to, ooh and ahh, over what I make and I chalk that up to a darn good reason for having a daughter. While I don't think she will be grabbing a hook any time soon, but she is supportive of my need to be a hooker.Today I showed my computer whiz, one of my crochet patterns and we talked about the hours it takes to write a pattern and produce a finished item that others can make. The process of testing the written work, to try and make sure it doesn't have boo, boo's in it. Uk terms vs USA and the many things involved in the pattern writing process. I think he may have been surprised.I know many people look at those of us who crochet and instantly we are shoved into the 'Granny' corner. (no offense to any Grannies out there). Crochet isn't just for Grannies. People of all ages crochet.Thing is, we all need to stand tall and proud. We have skills. We know things!Crochet is creative. Whether it be, by someone else's pattern or your own grand design. It uses math skills and techniques that take time to master. We speak another language and we use terms like 'frogging' and W.I.P.S. Crochet is a fantastic stress reliever. Trust me on that one, as I have a grown child, who is a professional in a very dangerous sport. Crochet is useful!I also stand by my theory, that if ever there is a Zombie Apocalypse and the world is falling apart, people will be begging me to make them a rug or jumper. And did you know that I have seen people crochet with wire? A chainmail suit has to keep those zombies teeth away. And if that fails, a crochet hook to the head of any insistent zombie, will also come in handy.So for those who don't appreciate a handmade crochet item, take note. Whoever made it, has given up many hours of their time to produce this masterpiece. So marvel at their skills and make them feel their work means something to you.And if anyone wants a crochet chainmail suit, any time in the future, please form a line to the left. Image is of my Wish Upon A Star Cushion. Find the link in my Paid Pattern section of the blog.
Sacagawea Poncho
A comfy and warm Sweater style poncho.Sacagawea Crochet Poncho with Sleeves comes in two sizes. Small/Medium and Large.It is designed for comfort of fit and will obviously be larger on a small than a medium if you are purchasing the small/medium size . It is also available in a Large. I may do other sizes at a later date but for now this is it.The pattern is available in Uk terms and USA termsMany hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.Materials7mm hook6mm for sleeve bands and pocketsC1. 5 balls Lion Brand Scarfie Col203 Ochre Navy S/M 285m/312yd per ballC1.6 balls Lion Brand Scarfie Col203 Ochre Navy L 285m/312yd per ballC2.1 Ball Stylecraft Chunky Cream Col 1002 148m/162yd per ballDarning NeedleScissorsMeasurementsNeck to Poncho Point. S/M 31”/ 78.5cm. L 36”/91.5cmArmpit to Armpit S/M 18”/46cm L 20”/51cmAcross back S/M/18”/46cm L 20”/51cmSleeve length from shoulder S/M 26”/66cm L 27”/ 68.5cmGauge12 stitches to 4”/ 10cm8.5 Rows to 4”/10cmThis pattern is available on ravelry
Butterfly Diamonds Blanket
Butterfly Diamonds Filet Crochet BlanketButterflies nestled inside a diamond shape!This is a fun blanket that works up quickly.3.5mm hook4mm hook for borders and surface slip stitch7 balls Yarn Sirdar Snuggly Col 0321 Pastel Blue 164m balls1 Ball Yarn Sirdar Snuggly Col 0303 Cream 164m ballsThe pattern is comprised of basic stitches and some surface slip stitch. Filet Crochet technique.Finished size: 94cm/37” x 85cm/33.5”This pattern is worked from the bottom up, but the Butterflies will be upside down at this stage. On completion the top becomes the bottom. This makes the Butterflies sit the right way around.The pattern is available in Uk terms and USA termsMany hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.This pattern has been tested by my fabulous testers. They do a great job. Also available Dragonfly Diamondsand Flower Diamonds
This pattern is available on Love Crochet ravelry
And Craftsy