Category: pattern

Scrap Yarn Crochet to help the lockdown hours

Life, as we knew it, has changed for most of us; social distancing, lockdowns & travel restrictions, to name just a few, have placed limits on what we can & can’t do. Here in Qld, Covid-19 hasn’t impacted our health as it has in other states, so we are luckier than most being able to live somewhat normally.

Nevertheless, I for one only go out when I need to, leaving more unnecessary shopping for another time (which hopefully will be sooner rather than later)… Scrap Yarn Crochet has become my go to consolation.

The Stained Glass Diamond Motif scarp yarn rug (afghan) has proven to be a popular pattern & I thank everyone who has purchased & taken the time to email lovely comments.

I’m guessing there are lots of you who want to reduce that ever-growing yarn stash & what better time than in this turbulent year.

With that in mind, I’ve come up with another 2 scrap yarn crochet projects. Both are suitable for novices & interesting enough for the more experienced. Both are available  in my Online shop

The first, ‘4 Leaf Clover Motif Rug (Afghan),’ is the easiest of the 2 & the one I’d recommend to beginners before trying the others.

 

 

The second, ‘The Lattice Emblem Motif Rug (afghan)’, is also easy to make, taking a little more concentration but not so much that it becomes a chore.

I hope these new scrap yarn patterns bring a little creative joy & distraction in these unpredictable times.

 

Amigurumi Crochet Projects to help fill the lock-down hours…

We are living in harrowing times & I hope everyone is staying happy & safe, despite the distress & tragic outcomes many are going through right now.

Filling the lock-down hours can be difficult but it can also be a time to finish UFO’s, try new things & start new projects. That’s why I’ve created these Aussie patterns. Although I don’t have a great deal of experience with Amigurumi, I do make these little Aussie animals & birds to sell at my local market & people love them. I’m also constantly asked for the patterns… Well, the patterns were on slips of paper with scrawls & scribbles that only I can decipher. So the task was to sit down & write them down so others can understand them. It’s taken a while but I think each of these 6 patterns will be a fun project for those who enjoy the Amigurumi technique.

Amigurumi is worked in continuous rounds therefore it’s important to use stitch markers, either commercial ones, if you have them, or do as I do & use a long scrap of yarn that you bring up as you work.

I don’t consider Gauge important, working with a smaller or larger hook will produce a smaller or larger toy. I give hook sizes for both crochet cotton & 8 ply yarn. Choose what works best for you.

Because these are small projects, they use small amounts of yarn. Great for stash-busting & no need for racing off to the craft shop, use what you have. These are quick little projects using simple stitches so, hopefully, even beginners can have a go.

I’ve used embroidery thread for eyes & facial features, but use plastic eyes with safety backs if you prefer. However be aware that these toys are then not suitable for young kiddies.

The 6 patterns are available in my shop. My hope is they bring some welcomed relief & creative joy in these testing times… happy crocheting & stay safe everyone

 

5 Stash Busting Crochet Purse Patterns

… due to some health issues of late, large projects have been put on the back-burner for the time being. However, one can’t be completely idle.  I’ve been working on a few small, quick crochet projects like the Booties Pattern  posted a short while ago.  Patterns that are fun to make & will delight your friends & fundraising groups.

Today I have a collection of 5 stash busting crochet purse patterns for you just in time for the holiday season. The Patterns are worked in multiples of 2 chs, therefore, can be made larger, smaller, even tiny, to suit any purpose.

All you need to make these vibrant, useful little purses is: your yarn of choice & appropriate hook, Buttons/beads, large eye darning needle & scissors.

Each of the 5 patterns includes: both UK & US terminology, written & chart formats with stitch drawings & instruction for lesser known stitches, photos & assembly instruction.

Have a rummage through your yarn stash & buttons/beads box, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find. Experiment with different yarns & colour combinations. And don’t forget embellishments; sew on some beads, a crochet flower, straps & handles. Make this project your own.

Enjoy these 5 versatile patterns & have hours of creative fun…

Basic Crochet Baby Booties/shoes pattern.

 

To everyone who has been asking for this baby bootie/shoes pattern; It’s here at last.

Not only are these cute, colourful baby booties/shoes (size 0 to 3 mths) one of my best sellers at the local Landsborough Market which I attend every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, people also constantly ask for the pattern.

The pattern, however, was in my head & on a scrappy bit of paper. I really had to get on & apply myself to the task & get it done.

Turns out, it’s a good beginners pattern & a quickie for the more experienced &  includes:~ written pattern & chart ~ both UK & US terminology~ clear photos & stitch instructions

I mostly use 8 ply 100% cotton for these baby booties/shoes but the pattern works just a well with wool & acrylic yarn. It’s great that we have such an array of bright colourful yarns to choose from these days &, that baby apparel is no longer limited to soft pascals.

I use a 3.50 (US:E) hook but going up a size will result in a slight larger bootie/shoe. So experiment to find what suits you best.

This is a basic pattern that allows for experimentation with colours, yarn, hooks & embellishments so, go on,  have fun with this one.

The Basic Baby Bootie/shoe pattern is available for purchase here in my online shop.

working Crochet in the Round

I’ve been getting quite a few queries lately about Working Crochet in the Round. Rather than continually answering each individual question, I decided to put together this basic instruction sheet for Working Crochet in the Round. Understanding the basic formulas for keeping your work flat & avoiding your crochet work from going astray is important so, I trust the instruction sheet is helpful.

The 2 most common questions: 

1)Why is my work cupping? – this usually means there are not enough increases 

2) Why is my work wavy? – this usually means there are too many increases

Working in the round is a little different from working on rows. To keep your work flat you must evenly increase every round & this varies when working circles or squares. I’ve given both written instructions & charts to help you better understand.