Category: crochet

Maleny Knitfest 2023 wrap up…

It’s hard to believe, exactly one week ago today, I was packing the van for Knitfest, fretting about whether I had everything, hadn’t forgotten anything; those of you who do these type of events will know exactly what I mean. Of course, once my trade stall was set up & all the hellos & hugs with familiar folk was done, the nerves & doubts disappeared.

Knitfest 2023, what a fabulous weekend it turned out to be with thousands of fibre enthusiasts creating a cheerful buzz over the 3 days. The variety of trade stalls delighted everyone & the workshops generated positive feelings of activity & fibre joy.

I’d like to thank everyone who attended my workshops. I hope you learnt something new & feel inspired to carry on with your crochet journey. Thank you to all the customers & well wishers. It was a pleasure meeting you all. Thank you also to everyone who voted in the competition, awarding me first place. The theme this year was ‘Wild Women’ – my entry was ‘Girls with Attitude (our future wild women)’

And, last but not least, the biggest thank you must go to Robyn Baily who attended my trade stall while I workshopped. I couldn’t have done it without you. Your cheerfulness & energy is amazing & appears to have no limits.

So, that’s it for Knitfest 2023, in my opinion, the best one ever. Rumour has it that, Debs, the industrious organiser & originator of the event may retire. The hope is that others can fill her shoes, take the reins & keep the momentum going.

And so, that’s a wrap…

The Boucan Stitch Pattern.

Welcome to the Boucan Stitch, also know as Interlocking Blocks or Grid Stitch. No more cutting off yarn at the end of each row, therefore less tail ends to weave in later.

2 patterns that are worked in horizontal stripes using 3 colours. Pattern No 1 is worked using 3 tr (US:dc) & pattern No 2 is worked using 2 tr (US: dc).

The colour change is at end of each row by dropping the working colour & carrying up & bringing in the new colour in the last 2 loops of last stitch, therefore no need to cut off yarn at each end. 

I find this technique neat enough to eliminate edging, but this is a personal choice. If you prefer to edge, there is no reason why you can’t, just remember to keep the same stitch count for each 4 sides.

The Boucan Stitch produces a thick, denser fabric. Work in your own yarn of choice & appropriate hook. This is your project, experiment with colours & yarn & have fun.

The Boucan Stitch patterns are available for purchase in my shop.

Button & Simple Infinity Cowl Patterns

It’s been a while but here are… Two, no fuss, quick & easy crochet cowl patterns; jazz up your winter wardrobe or, as a lovely gift for someone special.

Both patterns are worked by size rather than number of stitches. The given stitch counts & hook size are guides only, & will vary according to yarn ply & hook used. A thick yarn requires less foundation stitches than a finer yarn.

  • The infinity cowl is worked round (tubular) in even number of chains to size.
  • The Button cowl is worked flat in rows & the buttons are sewn on once complete with the spaces between stitches used as button holes. The foundation row can be worked as an uneven number if chains to size or, as Chainless foundation trebles (US:dc)

Requirements: 8 ply or yarn choice, hook size 4.50 (G) or appropriate hook for yarn ply, darning needle to weave in tail ends, scissors, stitch markers, 3 large buttons

  • The patterns include:
  • both UK & US terminology written pattern
  • clear stitch drawings & pattern diagrams (charts) where applicable
  • How to work the chainless foundation treble (US:dc)

Two patterns, one purchase, available in my shop

I’m committed to, & take great pride in, providing accurate info, both written & diagram. However, should you come across any problems, questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me – Renate

~ Thank you for visiting my shop & supporting Handmade. ~

Basic Crochet Basket Pattern.

This popular crochet project, ideal for gifts & fund raisers or something beautiful for yourself is a practical & adaptable, basic crochet basket that can be made deep or shallow, with or without handles to best suit your storage needs.

Requirements: 8 ply yarn in 3 different colours or work with 3 treads of same colour, darning needle to weave in tail ends, scissors, stitch markers

Hook size: 7.00mm

Keep in mind, even though I’ve given yarn & hook requirements, this is your project; work with your own preferred colours & appropriate hook & give your project its own unique result.

  • The pattern includes:
  • basic basket pattern
  • both UK & US terminology written pattern
  • clear stitch drawings & pattern diagrams (charts) where applicable
  • How to make the tassel
  • pattern & chart for both small flower & leaf

Purchase the pattern here

I hope you enjoy this practical pattern, please contact me if you have any question or comments – Renate

Merry Christmas 2021

I’d like to thank everyone who supported me throughout 2021: class ladies, customers, family & friends… you are what makes it all worthwhile.

2021 is coming to an end &, not a moment too soon, I hear you say. I’m sure many of us are Covid weary & look forward to a fresh, new year &, with borders now open, family & friends can reunite once more. I hope everyone is faring well in this ‘Big Wet’. The rain, of course, is very welcomed after such a long dry, but my heart goes out to those experiencing floods, especially farmers who always seem to do it hard. I for one have a drenched garden, raging weeds & bedraggled chooks.

I didn’t manage an entry for the Alice Springs Beanie competition this year, but Maleny Knitfest was a wonderful success despite the Covid obstacles that almost stopped the event. Unfortunately, this was the last Knitfest due to the coordinators retiring. Sadly, the Landsborough Market is still on hold for the time being although I have heard that it will resume some time in the future. I so miss this little market, the friends I’ve made, the lovely locals who supported it &, of course, the opportunity to showcase & sell my creations.

With 2022 just around the corner I’d like to wish you a wonderful Christmas & every happiness for the New Year. Stay well, stay safe, be happy. There is so much to be grateful for… cheers Renate

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