Sometimes the cogs in my brain just start turning, and an idea pops into my head that just has to be turned into reality.
The other week I had the idea for the Boho Bikini Wrap and I found myself grabbing for my magic wand (crochet hook) and working away in a designer frenzy.
Boho Bikini Wrap modelled by Layne.
Which as the dictionary states is:
frenzy/ˈfrɛnzi
a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behaviour."Auburncraft Design worked herself into a frenzy of rage"synonyms:hysteria, madness, mania, insanity, derangement, dementedness, delirium, feverishness, fever, wildness, distraction, agitation, turmoil, tumult; wild excitement, euphoria, elation, ecstasy; informalcraziness; raredeliration"the crowd (change to,no just me) worked themselves (herself) into a state of frenzy"fit, seizure, paroxysm, spasm, bout, outburst;ferment, fever, storm"she contorted her face in a frenzy of anger (perhaps change this one to crochet excitement)"
Well, whatever. I guess you are getting the picture!
The results of this frenzy are the Boho Bikini Wrap. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here). Soon also on Love Crochet. The pattern is available in Uk and USA terms
This cute little wrap can be used as a bikini accessory or even a belt. It looks great over both bikinis, leggings, jeans etc. The fringe length can be adjusted to suit your height or style.
Worn over leggings.
I am fortunate enough to have some fantastic friends who are willing to loan out their daughters to model for me.
My main model for this is over 6ft tall, and an approx Australian size 8. She is a fantastic person and even though she was laid up with her foot in a moon boot, due to breaking it playing rugby, she didn't hesitate to throw on a swim suit and model for me.
Now to the boring stuff.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading 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.
If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.
Velvet Scrunchies seem to be everywhere at the moment. I thought I would jump on the band wagon and do my own little version. These are something that I tend to wear often. They can be useful to keep my long hair out of the way when working out at the gym.
I don't know about anyone else, but sewing items together is not a huge favourite of mine. These Scrunchies pretty much a no sew item. That is of course if you don't count sewing in the tails created, but two tails I can cope with.
These are super easy! Super fast to make and super fun!!!
The free pattern is available below in USA terms. For Uk terms and a pdf version (also free), you can visit my ravelry store (click here) or my Love Crochet page (click here) and download it free!!! If you download from ravelry please give my patterns some love and add a few to your favourites!!!
Elastic Hair Tie(available at most pharmacies and many retail stores).
Needle tosew in ends.
Hair Elastic. Bernat Velvet
Notes:
This is worked in a continuous spiral.
Follow the instructions in Row 1 to prevent twisting of the starting chain.
Numbers in rows indicate corresponding photographs. Example [5]
Do not make the starting chain overly tight. A 6mm/I hook can be used for the starting chains or a foundation row can be substituted, if you find it necessary.
Add a stitch marker at the beginning of the row to easily count your rows.
Count your stitches each row.
Stitch counts appear at the end of each row. Example [20].
Gauge and finished measurements are not applicable for this project.
Abbreviations:
Ch- Chain.
Hk- Hook.
Yo- Yarn over.
St- Stitch.
Sc- Single Crochet.
Rs- Right Side.
Slst- Slip Stitch.
Row 1: [1]Ch10. Remove hook from Ch and insert Hk throughfirst Ch (furthest from hook) and working Ch. With both loops on Hk, Ch 35. Toclose the Ch and form a circle Yo and pull through both loops on Hk. [45]
Pictures 1 and 2
Row 2: [2]Ch1 (does not countas a St). Sc into same Ch and into eachCh around. Do not close round. Place a St marker to indicate beginning ofrounds. [45]
Row 3: Continue in a spiral. Sc into each St. Do not close round. [45]
Row 4: Sc into each St. Do not close round. [45]
Row 5: [3] Sc into each St. Donot close round. [45]
Pictures 3, 4, 5, 6
Row 6: [4] With RS facing,place elastic hair band to the back of the Scrunchie. [5] [6] Fold the Scrunchie over the elastic. Work 1 Scthrough Row 1 and Row 5 inserting hk through both and enclosing hair elastic. [7] Do not close round. [45]
Pictures 7 and 8
(Round 7 is optional to add picots)
Row 7: Ch4 (counts as Scand 3 Chs), Slst into third Ch from Hk (picot made). Sc into next 3 Sts. [Ch3, Slst into third Chfrom Hk. Sc into next 3 Sts]x13. Ch3, Slst into third ch from Hk. Slst to Ch1at beginning or round. Fasten off andcut yarn.
Sew in ends.
Now for the boring stuff!!!
This pattern is free and will remain free unless it is found that this is being abused. Even free patterns have copyright. To read about my last bad experience with a limited time free pattern, please go to my blog https://auburncraftcrochet.com/2019/03/26/crochet-pattern...
This pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwiss. This includes posting a copy of my PDF to your own web page or facebook group. 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 very capable band of testers. If you do find an error please let me know.
I guess the answer to that is in the eye of the beholder!The Dictionary says this:
Crochet is a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a textured fabric by means of a hooked needle. "a crochet hook".
Some who don't like or get Crochet may answer like this:
"Crochet is a complete waste of time and money".
But to those of us who know the true secret of Crochet and the wonder of creating it is much more.
You see, you get (or are maybe given) this magic wand (crochet hook). You wave this wand and incredible things appear. Well, that is what is meant to happen. Sometimes there is a lot of frustration along the way. A lot of Frogging and the occasional swear word all added into the mix.
We crochet because we enjoy creating something of beauty. We crochet to help avoid stress. To keep our minds active. To create that item for our loved ones, that is unique and special.
And to those who don't get the need to Crochet I say "Full Speed Ahead and damn the torpedoes. Hooks (or wands), Charge!!!"
If you have ever given thought to entering local events that judge crochet, but have just not been game enough to go ahead, I say re-think this, as entering show, events etc can be a positive thing.
Sure I have had a few unpleasant experiences. Take the larger show that miss labelled my king size afghan and then decided to sell it for approximately half of what it was worth. And if that wasn't bad enough, try adding the fact that the Afghan they sold, was not actually for sale. I almost got into a tug of war with the supposed new owners of my Afghan, on trying to retreive it. But this is hopefully an isolated incident!!!
A few years back I stumbled across an advertisment for local upcoming show. It had a schedule of events, with sections that could be entered for Arts and Crafts. I thought about this for a good while, wondering if any of my crochet could possibly be good enough to enter.
I decided to take the plunge and enter. I spent a bit of time figuring out how to fill out the forms and where to drop my crochet beauties off etc. Then I waited for the big day to come. Finding I had won a couple of prizes was a huge buzz.
I have been entering the local shows ever since. Sometimes I do well, sometimes not as well. It can all be a little cloak and dagger. You find yourself stalking posts in local crochet groups as to who is entering what, and trying to size up the competition to see if what they have produced might be better. Doing this, is of course a complete waste of time, as you really never can tell what a judge will decide to really like, or perhaps not like.
Over the past few years I have gained quite a few ribbons for my efforts and a couple of times even taken out Best in Show and runner up to Grand Champion. I received lovely big sashes for those effort.
Best in Show Crochet Section
I had the pleasure of dropping a few items off this morning, to the final show of the year in my area. It is a small show, and drop off is in a small hall in a rural community. I parked the car outside and could hear the ladies calling out to me as I grabbed my crochet from the back of the car. The excitement in their voices, with the prospect of someone bringing interesting goodies was evident and they showed it with a ton of enthusiasm.
They remembered me from last year and began going through my entries, oohing and ahhhing, over each and every one. They especially liked my Technicolour Yawn vest and my Leadlight Afghan.
Technicolour Yawn Vest. Made using freeform technique
Leadlight Afghan. pattern available on ravelry
One lady suggested I try my vest on to show them, and do a modelling session. I smiled and told her that they were all welcome to try it on, and model it themselves. I drove away wondering if they were now all giggling and strutting around in my Technicolour Yawn Vest.
I will now have to wait and see if I am lucky enough to win something. Regardless, it brightened my day to see how excited these women were over what they were doing. I even had one of the ladies, reach for a crochet blanket she was working on, to ask advice on how to join squares and avoid that ridge you can get when joining using a Single Crochet method.
Following on from my two triangle shawls, Clematis Shawl and Vintage Clematis Shawl (shawl pictures and links at bottom of page), and at the suggestion of one of my testers, I designed this really cute Christening blanket. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here) and Love Crochet (click here).
The blanket is named after the tester, who decided I should turn this design into a blanket. And so it became the 'Amanda Christening Blanket'.
I wanted something that was special, and had a special border that stood out. I think I have achieved that goal with this blanket.
It has spent the past month with my testers, who have helped to make the pattern what it is. They impressed me not only with finding my errors (or what I like to call my Boo, Boos), but they also used varied yarns and the results were really amazing.
Amanda Christening Blanket
4mm/G hook
· 4 x James C Brett Supersoft Shade BB4 290m/317yd per ball. Total yarn used approx. 1100m/1202yd.
James C Brett Supersoft available on Love Crochet
The choice of yarn can define a pattern and how it looks. I used James C Brett Dk (click here). Below are a few example of my testers work and what they produced. I love them all!!!
Top Left: Blanket by Hannah Schmaker, made from scrap yarn and achieving a boho look.
Bottom Left: Blanket by Sharon C Coys Elderton, very pretty in Robin Paintbox.
Centre: Blanket by Leslie Hanson, gorgeous in blue.
Right: Blanket by Kathy Mant, in soft grey using Patons Big Baby 4 Ply and 3.5mm hook. Pram size
L
eft: Blanket by Jane Wynne made from Kartopu Love Cotton Prints. Right: Blanket by Amy Elizabeth Peterson made from Bernat Baby Softee. Both came out looking fabulous!
This uses simple stitches and surface slip stitch to create an interesting textured look. Stylecraft Batik is used for best results. This is available on Love Crochet.
For me the design process is a journey!
Yes, I know. You are now thinking 'Oh she used the journey word, I'm out of here'. Can't say I like sentences that begin that way myself!
I mean it in almost a literal kind of way. I start with one idea in my head and end up taking a few turns along the way. I headed down the motorway of crochet, decided to take one of the exits and ended up in the side streets in a very cute little boho town.
My mind just kicks into overdrive and what I began to make, morphs into something else.
This was the case with this beauty! I find myself looking at it and making mmmmmmmmm noises.
Just a Little Bit Batik began its life thinking it was going to be a basic shawl. Somewhere along the way, the gremlins that keep the cogs in my brain moving, decided to go rogue and it ended up something a little bit more and I would like to think, a little bit more special.
It is now a Shawl/Shrug/Capelet/Wrap (to be honest I have no idea how to classify it) and rather puffed up with itself for being special. It is designed to be worn with the top edge rolled back to form a collar and a button closure to hold it in place.
It's a really unique fashion accessory that I would wear! And while I do tend to have a bit of an 'out there' style of dress sense (or so I have been told), I hope that this pattern will be loved by many.
It is colourful! And I love colour! It is also an easy crochet project and beginner friendly!
When I design something, I don't really think about it in the sense of what may, or may not be a popular item for people to want to purchase. I think about what I like and what appeals to my ideas of what colour, and shape should be. I like original things and will always be the crazy person wearing the tie dye leggings, or the over the top sunglasses. I don't care if they are in fashion. I wear what makes me happy! I design what makes me happy! And if it makes others happy too, all the better!
I can see a blanket in this same style in the near future!!!
This post may contain affiliate links. These help to keep my blog open.
I speak to so many people about their crochet projects, and the question of gauge comes up often. Many will admit that they NEVER check gauge. I know, I often don't bother.
Sure at times you can just pick up your magic wand (hook) and start hooking away and everything will turn out wonderful.
This won't always be the case. The necessity to check gauge, can very much depend upon the type of project you are making. Things like blankets, scarves and dishclothes will give you a free pass, as it really doesn't matter if they are a little bigger or smaller.
Clothing is one area that can end in disaster if gauge is not checked.
Checking gauge may be a pain, but it is much better to do so, than to find out half way through that gorgeous vest/coat/top etc pattern, that you spent a fortune on yarn for and fell in love with, could fit half your family inside it and still have room, when sadly you were making a size small.
Or that cute baby hat you wanted to gift to a newborn actually fits you. You could wait to this baby is a teenager to gift it, cross your fingers the newborn is blessed with a huge head or resolve the issue by checking gauge.
If gauge is not checked you can also find yourself running out of yarn. Yarn quantities stated in a pattern, will be dependant on your project turning out the same size as the designers. This can then make that blanket ( yes, the one that gauge didn't really matter on) unfinished. You ran out of yarn on the last few rows, as yours is several inches larger than the designers, so you need an extra Skein or two. Then you find yourself in panic mode, as maybe you can't get this yarn any longer, or perhaps you can but the dye lot is SO different, that extra skein stands out like a neon light.
How to Check Gauge:
Using the yarn your project requires, and the stitch used in the pattern, make a 4"/10cm x 4"/10cm square.
Place your square on a flat surface and lay a tape measure horizontally over the stitches.
Count how many stitches you have in 4"/10cm.
Now turn the tape measure vertical and count how many rows you have in 4"/10cm.
If your measurements show that you have less stitches than the designers, you need to go up a hook size till you have the same.
If your measurements show that you have more stitches than the designers, you need to go down a hook size till you have the same.
Altering your hook size and yarn choice can often fix many gauge issues, but not all.
In many crochet articles, you will see them mention Lifters, Riders, and Yankers.
Lifters pull up on the loops, making them higher than the working row.
Yankers pull their work tight, making it very snug
Riders keep stitches closer to the working row.
I know my own stitches tend to be shorter in height and tighter, or closer to other stitches, than most peoples.
This was really evident during the testing process of my Billy Thunder Tote. My testers were having cupping issues (circle would not lay flat) with the mandala type bag. It took a lot of work, but we finally got the pattern through testing. Many of my USA Treble stitches were the same height as the testers USA Double crochet. A few adjustments had to be made, and stitch heights for each row, added to the pattern to make it user friendly and suit most.
If after you have tried adjusting hook size, and still cannot meet gauge, it may be your stitch heights causing the problem. Fixing this is possible, and best tutorial I have found to address the stitch height issue is by Crochet Ever After (click name).
Billy Thunder Tote. Beaded both sides.
So, next time you are itching to start that new project, stop for a minute and think about gauge. It may save you a lot of trouble later.
Pattern just released this week. This is a simplified version of my Clematis Shawl. The flowers appear at the edge only. The pattern is available on Love Crochet, Ravelry and Etsy.
*Ravelry Discount . For two weeks only (till 26th Aug 19) buy both the Clematis Shawl and the Vintage Clematis Shawl using the code 'Clematis' and get both for $6. *
Vintage Clematis Shawl made from Vintage Cleckheaton Fleur 8Ply
This was made from Vintage Cleckheaton Fleur, found in a local Opportunity/Thrift Store. It was just begging to come home with me, and so I granted its wish! I enjoy finding treasures (like this yarn)in these shops. When you spot a find like this, it kind of makes you want to do an arm pump in the middle of the store and yell, 'Yes, score!' Maybe I did do that or maybe I didn't, you just had to be there!!!
Kelly Thompson Shoemaker's test shawl. Bernat Baby Sport yarn used.
I love anything refurbished. There is nothing like taking something that has been discarded and turning it into something useful.
I have quite a habit of improvising, instead of spending money on items or tools for a specific job, it is much more satisfying to use an everyday item you have on hand and adapt it.
One of the items I repurposed is a broken mini fridge. My delivery man was getting a bit snippy as the letterbox was too small for the many parcels (most likely yarn) that were arriving. So hubby and I went to the re-cycling centre attached to the local tip. We found this mini fridge and so home it came. I spent a few dollars on paints and set about turning it into a unique parcel container.
Fridge refurbished into a parcel fridge.
I think my delivery guy was quite impressed, and now has tons of room to shove all those parcels of yarn arriving at my place.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a yarn link on my page and purchase yarn, I get a small commission. This does not affect you in any way but helps me to keep my blog going.
If you were to fill a room with serious Knitters and Crocheters and ask those who do not have a HUGE stash to step forward, what do you think the outcome would be?
Sure there may be one, or two who step forward as their stash is small and controlled. But maybe they have only just stepped into the dark side of Crocheting/Knitting and are yet to succumb to the lure of those soft, squishy skeins of beauty!!!
The rest of the room would be either trying to avert their gaze, as they know they have more yarn than they can ever possibly use in one lifetime Or they would be standing tall and defiant as it's their yarn, and the world can go suck a big one if they think they are going to change their ways!
I have too much yarn. I do know this. But then how much is too much? Like really!! I have sorted through my skeins of beauty and considered downsizing. I even got rid of a few balls of really cheap acrylic that I was never going to use. It went to someone who does crochet for charity.
But as for the rest, I need them!! What happens if an idea jumps into my head, and I have to wait weeks for an order to arrive? That would just never do!
W.I.P.S, I have them everywhere. I really don't make things from other peoples patterns now. I have way too many ideas careering around in my head to even think about doing other peoples patterns.
If I am being honest I would have over 20 W.I.P.S at least. I do a bit, move on to another one and repeat. Sooner or later I finish most of them, but not always. There is that Ruana that I started well over a year ago, and I am just not feeling it any more.
I am very proud of myself at the moment though! I had an idea leap into my head yesterday and I was itching to place an order for some really lovely yarn I saw. It looks so NICE! It wanted me to buy it!!! I was so close to pressing that order BUTTON. It was begging me to press it!
Go on, you know you want to.
I looked at my stash and pondered it for a bit. Then I remember all that Stylecraft Batik Dk (here), that I had left over from my own Leadlight Afghan (here) and also from many years back where I made Sue Pinners beautiful Carousel Blanket. I had some lovely purples (my favourite) left from that one. This would work! It would look wonderful with what I had in mind. I dragged my hand away from that nasy order button. It was of course still begging me to press it. The order button did not get pressed, and I am using up my stash. Someone please give me a medal or two!!
What a superior feeling! I dug through my stash and found all those bits and pieces of Stylecraft Batik (which turned out to be quite a bit). I am just loving the colours and this is going to be really lovely. The stitches will be easy and very beginner friendly. It is the colours that will make this special. Excitement Plus!!!
Sneaky Peek of 'Just a Little Bit Batik Shawl'.
So stay tuned for my 'Just a Little Bit Batik Shawl'. Pattern coming soon!!! (That is if I don't decided to start another W.I.P. or even finish something I started ages ago, I really should do that). I can also feel a vest or jacket in this same style is going to be in order.
I may even gift this shawl to a very special relative of mine who loves to follow my crochet with EXTREME interest. I am sure they will love it!!!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a yarn link on my page and purchase yarn, I get a small commission. This does not affect you in any way but helps me to keep my blog going.
*Ravelry Discount Link in post . For two weeks only (till 26th Aug 19) buy both the Clematis Shawl and the Vintage Clematis Shawl using the code 'Clematis' and get both for $6. *
I have a few favourite things in life!
Flowers! I love flowers! Many of the things I crochet incorporate flowers in them as flowers make me happy! The Clematis flower is supposed to be part of the Buttercup family and if this is so, then it must be the cool Aunt, due to its beautiful colours (usually purples, pinks and creams).
Clematis Flower!
I love Purple! Purple makes me happy!
Chances are if I am looking at yarn, my hands will automatically be drawn to the purples. I have always had a love of purple. When I got my own bedroom as a child, my father was silly enough to ask me what colours I wanted in my room. While he didn't let me paint the walls purple, I did get purple curtains and a purple chest of drawers.
So while shopping for some unnecessary yarn (haven't we all been there?), I spotted the Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake (which also comes in a ball). They had a few different colours on offer but of course that Mindful Mauve was just calling to me.
My long suffering pattern testers were outstanding during the test process. They produced some really beautiful shawls, each with their own individual yarn choices and colours.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a yarn link on my page and purchase yarn, I get a small commission. This does not affect you in any way but helps me to keep my blog going.
This is a paid pattern but will be available on ravelry free for 2 days, ending 27th June Midday Australian Time. The code to use on ravelry is at the bottom of this post. PLEASE GIVE THIS POST A LIKE AND PERHAPS CONSIDER FOLLOWING MY BLOG. This helps me to keep offering free patterns and discounts. So please do not just grab the code and run as this is a small request. The like button for this post is at the bottom of the page.
I love different things!
I especially love things that are colourful and unique! Yes, I would wear this hat if I had made it in Adult size, but this time I decided to stick with just the three sizes. Babies, Toddlers and Children, have all the fun!
My Very Own Daisy Hat
This is a fun hat for Babies, Toddlers and Children.
Filigree Flowers is a delicate shawl comprised of simple shells for the border and for the main body of the shawl, Solomons/Lovers Knots.
Nestled in between the knots are 4 petal flowers. These are constructed of chains all grouped together. Photo tutorials show how to create these delicate flowers.
If you are looking at this shawl and thinking 'Oh, I can't do that stitch, it looks too difficult,' then you would be wrong!
Lovers/Solomons knot may look a difficult stitch, but it is in fact a simple stitch and works up quickly. Combined together with a shell border and simple flowers the result is quite satisfying.
This is a written pattern in Uk and USA terms, with pictures and graphs to help along the way.
The pattern is a four row repeat and best results are achieved with a light fingering weight yarn. I used Alize Angora Gold Simli for mine.
I love both yarns and while the shawl looks great in the Alize, this is often a little harder to source than the Lion Brand yarn.
I am extremely fortunate to have some fabulous testers and they produced some really lovely shawls.
As for the naming of this shawl....Yes! most of us know what the word Filigree means, but for me it is a little more. I had a gorgeous pure bred Appaloosa Horse with the name Filigree. Her full name was TTT Bar Filigree. I lost her at the age of 23 due to Cushings disease.
She was a character, and was known to push our shed roller door up with her nose, to get at the feed barrels inside.
My husband often had his lunch stolen by her. If he left his esky in the back of his ute and she happened to be in the yard, she would get the lid off with her nose and take his sandwiches.
The birdseed in the bird feeder was a favourite snack of hers, when she was not eating the heads off my dahlia flowers. My kids loved her, and would stop to pat her when they walked down our drive after school! She had a delicate white pattern over her rump and so I named this delicate shawl after her.
Some of my testers shawls. 1. Kim Carlos. 2. Natishia M Curry. 3. Kathy Mant. They all came out beautiful.
This post may contain affliliate links.Clicking on these links does not cost you anything but can help me to keep my blog open. Thank you.
My Diamonds crochet blanket pattern is available in Butterfly Diamonds, Dragonfly Diamonds and Flower Diamonds.
Simple stitches are used making this a beginner friendly pattern. This works up quickly.
Dk yarn is used, although a larger blanket could be achieved with the use of an Aran weight yarn. I used Sirdar Snuggly(available here) which is a lovely soft nylon-acrylic yarn, very suitable for babies.
3.5mm hook 4mm hook for borders and surface slip stitch
Four separate pieces come together to make this a sturdy little purse. The inner circle adds a feature of its own, with colour peeping through the outer mandala. The flowers are made as you go and not sewn on later.
Instructions are also included in the pattern to make your own polymer clay beads and button. This is quite easy. I don't use any fancy tools to make these as I am always one to improvise and use what you have on hand. Items such as a crochet hook and a lipstick lid are used to get the holes and shapes.
This purse works up quickly and I know several of my testers had family members claiming their finished purses the minute they were finished. Definately a popular item for teenagers.
My testers made this purse in a variety of yarns and colours, each one unique to them. The results were stunning!
A few of my testers bags. 1. By Christy Schuler. In navy and cream and looking fabulous with a two-tone fringe. 2. By Jane Wynne. I love this in the cream with just a hint of blue. 3. By Sharon C. Coys Elderton. I joked with Sharon as anyone who knows me, knows I really don't like green, but Sharon won me over with her beautifully neat stitches. She also made her own polymer clay beads and button (instructions for this are in the pattern ).
This is an advanced beginner to intermediate level project. Instructions include how to make your own polymer clay button and beads if you choose to. Materials: 3.5mm/E hook 5mm/H hook for I-cord 3 x balls Lincraft Dk cotton in black. 100m/109yd per ball. 3 x balls Lincraft Dk cotton in Red. 100m/109yd per ball. 7 x Beads 10mm/0.38-inch or larger. 1 x 40mm button 2 x d-rings or bead circles. 2 x Metal necklace caps/tassel ends. Tapestry Needle. Craft Glue (optional). Polymer Clay (optional if making your button and beads). Acrylic Varnish for craft (optional if making your button and beads.
Most people have probably seen the ads for the American Express card in which the motto is, 'Don't leave home without it'.
Yes, a few of you are nodding as you know the ads I mean!
Well for us die-hard crochet maniacs, while a credit card is a very important thing to have on hand, say for if you need to duck into a yarn store or two. Michaels could be having a flash sale and then that card will be your best friend............but I think for most of us, the top of the list of what to take on leaving home, would be an emergency crochet WIP.
You know how it is! You are going about your day and the unexpected happens and you get stuck somewhere. I had one of those days this morning.
I was leaving the gym after a rather strenuous pump class and got to my car, my car must have been in a rather selfish mood as it had a flat tyre. Surely it knew I was actually a bit tired and would rather not have this delay. I did plead with it to not have a flat tyre, but it was refusing to listen. As I stated, SELFISH!
I looked at the tyre and thought about it for a bit. My dad ensured that I knew how to change a tyre and I am pretty darn good at it. Mind you I have told my long-suffering husband that we really need a better jack than what is in the car. It takes longer to get the car up on the jack, than it does to change the tyre. So with this in mind I considered just how much air was left in this tyre, how tired I was, and I made the sensible decision to drive the 200 metres to the tyre shop down the road.
Now they were great and got stuck into changing that tyre right away. But as I sat there, waiting I was also kicking myself. This was prime crochet time. Sitting there, hands idle, nothing to do. I had left all approximately 30 WIPS at home.
I thought about the Girl Guides we have in Australia (for anyone in the USA this is sort of like a Scout) and their Motto "Be Prepared". Well I was not! I guess I can excuse my lack of preparedness due to the fact that I was never a Girl Guide, although I was a Brownie, which is sort of an understudy to Girl Guides. Once initiated into this group you get put into a sub group, some of which were Pixies, Elfs, Leprechauns and I forget what else. As an added incentive to becoming a Brownie you get to wear a hideous poo brown pinafore. I wanted to be a Pixie, but of all the sections to be put in, I got Leprechaun. No wonder I hate green!
Well being a Brownie was obviously a waste of time. Don't think I paid a lot of attention to the Brownie code at all as none of it helped me today. I was not prepared!!
So lesson learnt. I won't make that mistake again! What a boring 15 MINUTES that was! Imagine how many rows I could have done in that time!
Time to pack the car with an emergency WIP!
SO, DON'T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR CROCHET WHEN YOU LEAVE HOME!!!
Sounds great in theory! And I always have grand ideas that seem to take forever from idea to completion.
Last huge idea I had took over two years to complete, and I think I am sizing myself up for a similar experience.
I bought yarn for a large size Afghan approximately a year ago. For this one I am using Stylecraft Aran with wool. (available here). These are fabulous for a larger project as they come in these huge 400g balls.
Then I spent many hours designing a graph for it. In my head the Afghan has two picture panels. These panels have cats on them.
Sounds easy doesn't it? I got as far as putting the cats on the crochet panel via cross stitch and found I was a stitch out somewhere.
Cross-stitch on crochet is not hard. At least it isn't till you make a boo, boo and have to frog back several hours work. These cats were staring at me with their yellow eyes in a mocking manner. Something wasn't right! The cats refused to tell me what the issue was, selfish things!!!
So this has been one of those projects that gets taken out of the naughty corner for a bit, stared at, glared at, and I even begged it to show me what I was doing wrong.
For ages this horrid thing refused to answer and lay despondent in the naughty corner, cats, half done and sulking.
I worked my way through several million WIPS that had been piling up and decided it was time to take another look. It was as if a light bulb went off and all of a sudden it was clear. Why didn't I see that ages ago? After all it is pretty darn obvious!!!
I am now happily working on my Cat Afghan again and while this is going to take a bit of time to complete, it is going to be A-MAZ-ING!!!
I had been playing around with Daffodils for a new bag design and decided to turn one of them into a bookmark. If you are looking for a quick and easy make, or maybe you need an end of year teachers gift, these work up fast and look great!
The free version of the pattern is below. A PDF copy is available for a small purchase amount on my ravelry page.
Daffodil Bookmark
USA terms are used.
Materials:
3.5mm/E hook
This is a perfect scrap buster project as only a small amount of each ball is used.
1 ball Cotton Dk in Orange = C1
1 ball Cotton Dk in Yellow = C2
1 ball Cotton Dk in Green = C3
Tapestry needle.
To cater for different size books, adjust the stem chain length.
2large beads with wide holes. I made mine from Polymer clay. Instructions aregiven if you wish to make your own.
Jewellery cap.
Small amount of craft glue.
Abbreviations:
Sc- Single crochet
Dc- Double crochet
Tr- Treble crochet
Slst- Slip stitch
Blsc- Back loop single crochet
Fl- Front loop
Lp- Loop
Ch- Chain
Measurements: 15 ½ inches/39.37cm from top of flower to endof tassel.
Notes:
Chains count as a stitch unless otherwisestated.
Gauge is not a necessity for this project.Size will be determined by hook and yarn selection.
Keep the orange yarn and stitch marker to thefront of your flower when working round 2.
Stitch counts and hints appear in purple.
Making your own polymer beads is optional. Ifpurchasing beads, be sure to buy ones with large holes.
This bookmark is sized for a medium book.Reduce the stem chains if you wish for a shorter bookmark. Increase the stemchains for a larger bookmark.
Flower head:
Round 1: With C1 make a magic circle. Ch1 into a magiccircle (does not count as a st). Sc15 intocircle. Slst to ch1. Remove hook and insert a st marker. Do not fasten off. [15]
Round 2:With C2. Attach yarn with a slst into any back loop of round 1 .*( Ch2, dc1,tr1) into same back lp. Ch3, slst intofirst ch (picot made). (Tr1, dc1,ch2, slst) into next back loop. Slst across next 2 back loop of sc* Rep from *to * 5 times in total. Slst to first ch2 to close round. Fasten off and cut yarn. [5 petals]
Round 3:Remove st marker from C1. Ch1. Sc into each Fl of round 1. Slst to ch1 toclose. [15]
Round 4:Ch1. Sc into each st around. Slst to ch1to close. [15]
Round 5:Ch1 does not count as a st. Place next sc into same sp). * Sc. Ch2, slst backinto first ch of ch2. Sc2tog over next 2 sts.* Rep from * to * around. Closewith a slst. Fasten off and cut yarn.
Stem:
With C3. Ch50. Scinto 2nd ch from hk. Sc acrossto last ch. Work 3sc into the lastch. Turn and work sc along the otherside of the ch. Work 2sc into the last ch. Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a long tail to sew to flower head. Using a tapestry needle sew one end securelyto the back of your flower. [48sc + 3sc + 48sc + 2sc]
Stem
Leaves: (make2)
Leaf make 2.
Using C3. Ch16.Slst into 2nd ch from hook. Sc into next ch. Hdc into next 2chs. Dc across to last 3 chs. Hdc intonext ch. Sc into next ch. Slst into last ch. Fasten off and cut yarn (leave a long tail for sewing). Sew the leaves to the stem, just above thebeads. [2sc,3hdc, 10dc]
Polymer Beads (optional):
Materials Needed
Polymerclay in any colours (available at most craft outlets: I used red for thisproject).
A rollingpin
5mmcrochet hook.
Acrylicgloss varnish.
Paintbrush
Step 1: If using more than one colour ofclay, combine these by working them together. Roll balls approx 10 to 15mm indiameter.
Step 2: Push ahole through the centre of each ball with a 5mm crochet hook end. Push the hookthrough several times from each end of the hole. This ensures the hole is even.
Step 3:Place your beads on an oven tray and bake in a slow oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool. Note: It is a good idea to place foil over your beads and tray, prior to baking. This helps keep any smell from the clay contained.
Step 4: Paint with Acrylic Gloss varnishmaking sure to brush out any bubbles. Allow to dry.
Adding Beads and Jewellery cap:
Thread your beads onto the stem end, not attached to the flower. Place a small amount of craft glue inside thejewellery cap and push the stem end onto it. Allow to dry.
Tassel:
1. Wrap yarn 10times around an iPhone or a piece of cardboard approx 3 inches/7.5cm wide.
2. Thread adarning needle with 15cm/5.90inches of yarn and tie the top of the tasseltightly, leaving the tail to tie to your jewellery cap.
3. Remove the yarn from the iPhone/cardboard.
Diagram showing the making of the tassel (above) is from another project. The same technique applies. Wrap yarn around iPhone or cardboard 10 times as per the instructions.
4. Thread adarning needle with approx 20cm/7.87inches of yarn and wrap around the tassel6-8 times tightly. Knot and push the needle down through the wrapping so it canbecome part of the ends.
You know that moment, that very special moment when you have worked really hard at something so it is unique, one of a kind? You press the publish button on the pattern and fingers crossed, people will like it and want to make it.
Today has been a button pressing and publishing day for me! My Leadlight Afghan decided to become an idea in my head in 2016. And today it has finally found its way to being published.
It took my testers around four months to work their way through the 96 pages of pattern. They did a fantastic job. So Thank you to Carrie Skach, Kathy Mant, Bethany Colhoff and Corlia Van Zyl. This was a LOT of work to test!
I made the 'Billy Thunder' Tote and was pleased with that (and I got to play with beads, which is always a good thing.)!
Billy Thunder Tote
Next was my Re-mojonation purse/bag and I was super happy with that one.
Re-mojonation bag
Then I moved on to 'Field of Flowers' (which is a mess of flowers on a bag and a fantastic stash buster). I do love flowers! I also got to play with polymer clay with this one. Clay is fun to play with, as long as you remember to keep the oven to a slow temperature. Not a lot of fun if you forget. Toxic fumes are not fun!
Field of Flowers is at present in the hands of my long-suffering testers and will hopefully be listed early next month. I am forcing them to work day and night to get it done, so it should be good!
Field of Flowers Tote
I showed Field of Flowers to one of my non-crocheting friends (Yes, I do have one!). This friend is mad, crazy, obsessed with the colour 'RED'. Red is not a colour that I am totally drawn to. I prefer purples and oranges. Anything on the spectrum of those colours and I'm drawn like a moth to a flame.
If I was asked to get rid of a couple of colours in the world, never to be seen again. I would probably get rid of GREEN first, as I hate green. I told my red obsessed friend the other day that green should only ever be seen on a plant or grass. She did agree!
There I would be acting as colour designer to the world and banishing Red and Green. I can imagine them both sulking and refusing to leave! Begging me to let them stay. But I would be firm in my decision as they headed for the exit door offering excuses as to why they should stay! Although I guess Red Roses would be missed! Maybe I could be generous and make a dispensation for Valentines day!
I could make a proclamation: Here yee, here yee. I hereby declare that there may be Red (and I guess Green too) on Valentines Day! But only on Valentines Day!
The world could do without green for sure. Imagine a world full of Purple and orange trees and plants! Throw in a bit of pink and this is a world I could dance in! That would rock!
We could do without red! Couldn't we? My red obsessed friend would vehemently disagree with me and I do have to admit it would seem rather odd not seeing this person dressed in red and driving her red car.
And I guess it could be an issue, due to the fact that I am a redhead.
Yes, yes, this sounds like a contradiction as I love my hair colour, but red hair is totally different to the actual primary colour red, so don't start there! I guess if I ended up with purple hair it would not be the end of the world. Look at how many nannas rock the purple dyed look!
My father would have hated a world without red in it. Red was his favourite colour and he loved his red truck. But this is my imaginary world and RED has to go!!!
I wonder where my dislike of Green and Red comes from. Red is just such an, in your face colour and doesn't go with that many other colours all that well. And always having people suggest I should wear green, probably didn't help the colour green. 'It will go with your hair' they say. Yeah sure, if you want me to look like a potplant! Yes, I love flowers, but I don't want to look like a potplant! Every time I put on something green I just hated it.
But bags, back to the subject of bags! After showing off my Field of Flowers Tote, I decided (after talking to the red obsessed friend) that I did need to produce one with red flowers in purse size. I added a red lining inside so the red peeps through from the back, adding an extra touch to the design. This little beauty is in the capable hands of my testers!
Poppy Meadow Bag
I have two other bags in the works. One is part done, and the other is just stewing around as an idea in my head (and no, in my head it is not red or green in colour, but a lovely shade of lilacs and blues).
I have a ton of ideas for different crochet bags! And I have the stash to do them all (insert evil laugh here)!!! I will take over the world one crochet bag at a time!
Keep an eye out for my latest two coming soon to a ravelry/etsy/love crochet pattern store near you (well at least a computer click away).
I love colour! I love flowers! I love crochet! What a great mix of things!
They just had to be combined together. So I started this Freeform Vest around an aeon ago!
Freeform can be challenging and I thought this one had got the better of me. It got thrown into the naughty corner as I was not happy with it. I refused to even look at it for quite a while. I had darts in the back and they were just not working.
I dragged it out from the depths of the cupboard two weeks ago. I took to it with the scissors in a mad frenzy and removed the darts. Of course this left gaping holes where they were. So I slowly started to repair the damage. I would do a bit, undo a bit more, repeat, repeat, repeat!
The armholes were a pain! They were too small! The wrong shape! The wrong colour! Just not right and blatantly mocking me! So out came the scissors again!
I love purple!
Once I had the vest together and was happy with it, I then had to face the ends and sewing them in.
The ends! Oh the ends! So many ends! I did despair that I would never get them all sewn in. But last night I sewed the very last one in. This was followed by happy dancing! No humans were around, so I shared my excitment with my best friend and constant companion, Stella (cocker spaniel). Needless to say she was impressed. Not only with the vest, but with my dancing too!
This is made from pure wool, so is rather heavy. The buttons I made from polymer clay and there is a 'how to' on my blog about making them.
I intended to do sleeves on this, but decided I may actually get to wear it here in QLD if I made it sleeveless. Who knows I may even add sleeves at a later date. Although I did run out of purple yarn in the final stages, and had to join several pieces to finish the armholes.
