Tag: crochet

The Crochet Cactus Garden – 7 Patterns.

In today’s world, Cacti & succulents are considered very trendy indoor decor. Crochet Cacti & Succulents give any space natural beauty; whether a small one in a little pot on a desk, a large one for a corner cabinet, or a whole garden for a showy display. Think  gift-giving, for special friends, favourite teachers, loved ones in care or hospital…

The Crochet Cactus Garden is ideal for those who love indoor plants but, for whatever reason, don’t want to deal with the care & maintenance or have small kiddies & pets who like to touch & poke things they shouldn’t.

One of my crochet class groups encouraged me to come up with some basic crochet cactus patterns; ones they could play with to create their own indoor gardens,… stress free gardening if you like. 

I came up with these 7, easy, yet interesting, basic cactus crochet patterns, each different from the other leaving lots of room for creativity. The patterns are mostly worked in dc (US: sc) in the Amigurumi Technique. 

Patterns are in written form with both UK & US terminology 

I encourage you to experiment with different yarns from cotton to sock yarn, acrylics to natural fibres, all give unique effects. 

Tip: remember plants in nature aren’t always perfect, so don’t stress about any imperfections they only add to the charm.

I hope you have fun & enjoy creating a cactus garden for yourself or the special people in your life.

The Cactus Garden Crochet Patterns E-Book is available for purchase here

  • 1. Easter Cactus
  • 2. Succulent
  • 3. Round 9 Lobed Segment Cactus
  • 4. Tall Cactus
  • 5. Ball Cactus
  • 6. Prickly Pear Cactus
  • 7. Agave

Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2022 update

Yesterday, the Postie delivered a package from Alice Springs with my winning trophy. I had been expecting it & was really excited to see it. I’m sure you all agree, it’s quite the quirkiest trophy ever. I feel very proud & ever so delighted. Also enclosed was a packet of beautiful Biggan Design Merino Wool in Autumn tones…

Again, my thanks to the judges & congratulations to the creator/s of this & all the unique trophies, works of art in themselves…

The 2023 theme is ‘A Travellers Tale’ so get your thinking caps on & needles & hooks working… till next year

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.

Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2022

It’s here again… Another spectacular year for the Alice Springs Beanie Festival with over 6,000 wonderful beanies & tea cosies to choose from. Not only to keep us snug & warm but also to delight the senses with colour, texture & fun.

This year’s theme “Stitching Hearts” inspired amazing creations & it’s interesting how imagination can interpret & bring the theme alive. View the winning beanie & tea cosies here. I’m so proud to be among  these fabulous creations.  A big Thank You to the judges; it must be a challenging task with so many sensational entries.

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. ~

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