Tag: easy pattern

Stained Glass Diamond Motif Afghan Rug Crochet Pattern

It’s been a while since my last post. Hopefully the Covid lockdown hasn’t been too stressful for anyone & it’s been a somewhat useful time to get those ‘gunna-do-things’ done… Nevertheless, it’s been a difficult time keeping mojos flowing so, it comes with some relief that restrictions are beginning to ease & we can start planning our lives again & resume some social enjoyments.

For me &, I’m sure for many of you also, the past few months have been rather surreal, as though we are all taking part in a B-grade Si-fi movie; certainly interesting times we won’t forget for some time.

There’s always heaps to keep one busy, gardening, reading, re-organising cupboards, wardrobes, workshops & of course cleaning & more cleaning. But these are not activities that can replace our creative motivations.

Being in the more vulnerable ‘senior’ group (although I prefer the term ‘more mature’ group) I’ve been unable to shop for new yarn & have had to rely on my stash. Not really a bad thing as that certainly need thinning out.

So here’s a dazzling, colourful scrap yarn crochet rug (afghan) pattern  to cheer the senses. Suitable for beginners yet also an interesting project for the more experienced. Each square measures approx 15.5 cm (6”) x 15.5 cm (6”). Make as many squares as you need depending on your project – a little cot cover, a medium TV knee rug or a king size bedspread

Requirements: for the 6 square x 6 square rug (afghan) I used: scrap yarn from my stash for colours & approx 230 grams for edging & border

Hook size 4.00mm (US G) 

Each square measures approx: 15.5 cm (6”) x 15.5 (6”)

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

  • The pattern includes:
  • Diamond motif square pattern
  • joining square together & border instructions
  • both UK & US terminology 
  • clear stitch drawings & pattern diagrams (charts)

The pattern can be purchased from my shop here

 

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

 

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.

A Beginners’ Crochet Notebook…

A Beginners’ Crochet Notebook… click here for the tutorial

I receive many, many emails from folk needing help with their crochet; not only from frustrated beginners, but also from those who have been crocheting for a while asking, what for some are, fairly basic questions… But there is no such thing as a silly, stupid or ‘I should know this’ type of query, even after many years of crocheting there are always new things to learn.

 

And so, I’ve put together this Beginners’ Crochet Notebook to help those of you who want to start crocheting but don’t know where to begin. And, even though I’ve written this notebook mainly with the novice in mind, that doesn’t mean the more experience crocheter won’t find a few helpful tips as well.

~What hooks to use with which yarn. 

~Which yarns are: animal, plant or synthetic. 

~How to read patterns. 

~What those scary, abbreviations & symbols mean…&  lots more.

 

I’ve done my best to gathered together answers to the most frequent questions I receive, but of course, it’s impossible to have an answer for everything. There is so much more information I could have included in this Notebook; so much more the reader might find useful; but it’s such a fine line between cramming in too much & overwhelming you.

Nevertheless, I trust this tutorial is a comprehensive journey through the crochet basics for the beginner & others, & that it encourages you to venture forth with a little more confidence & understanding of this wonderful craft.