Tag: women

Fingerless Mittens with ribbed cuff & bobbled wrist… warm hands, nibble fingers…

I often have to pinch myself because I really am so fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful places in the world… gorgeous, lush tropical foliage, flowers & brightly feathered birds & the sun shines almost every day… so, it might surprise many of you to know that I’ve become a bit of a complainer of late… ‘This year’s winter has been COLD…’ or am I just becoming more woosy & sensitive with age?

In any case, as I sit at my computer, something I seem to be doing more & more, my fingers icy cold & numb, I decided I needed some fingerless mittens that would keep my hands warm but my fingers free for the keyboard… something practical yet stylish (in case I have to answer the door… ha!) – after much thought, working out, doing & re-doing… Voilà… I came up with what I trust is an easy, quick & versatile Fingerless Mittens with Ribbed Cuff & Bobbled Wrist pattern…. The mittens take very little time to make, a frugal amount of yarn & I’ve made them with all sorts of 8ply yarn with consistent results.

They make lovely gifts too & are a great little item for fundraisers – I hope you’ll give this new pattern a go – warm hands & nibble fingers… how can you not?  Enjoy!

The pattern includes:

  • the mitten/cuff pattern, 3 different edging patterns & the crochet flower pattern
  • both UK & US terminology
  • clear stitch drawings & pattern diagrams (charts)

Although it’s not imperative to work differently for right & left hand mittens, I have, nevertheless, giving instructions for both right & left hand mitten because I personally like the cuff join to be on the inside wrist – if this doesn’t matter to you then just follow instructions for either right or left, the cuff instruction are the same for both.

Size: suit most adult women

Requirements:

approx 50/75grams 8 ply for one pair (depending on yarn used)

Hook size: 5.00 (US H)

Cheeky Freestyle Crochet Vest/Top….

The idea for this cheeky freestyle crochet vest/top has been mulling around in my head for months &  I’m overjoyed to have finally finished it but now that it’s in front of me, I’m not entirely sure if it’s a vest, a top or perhaps a half jumper (sweater).

In any case, I was so happy with the result that I made another one just to prove to myself that it wasn’t a fluke.

Here’s what I did for No 1….

Gathered together a collection of complementary yarns (10 in all) & chose a large crochet hook [12mm] then, on my dressmakers dummy, I measured from the centre front to under the arm across the hip, approx 32 cm [12 1/2″] & made a chain.

From here on I worked in rows of dc [US sc] & tr [US dc] (not necessarily in that order), alternating yarns at random & increasing on one side only until it measured approx 79 cm [31″] across the top (shoulders)

~ I made 2 of these sort of triangles ~

From there it’s just a matter of sewing or crocheting the 2 pieces together across the top leaving a space for the neck opening & doing the same along the straight seam from the bottom up & leaving a space for the arm hole… done… well almost…. I just couldn’t leave well enough alone & decided to add some interesting tassels on each end of the sleeves.

The Cheeky Vest/top No 1 is available for sale in my Etsy shop

For No 2… I worked in the same way but I used only one yarn, the beautiful Noro Silk Garden yarn & No 9 (M/N) hook, this one turned out a bit longer in length but that’s OK because I’m keeping it for myself…

So there you go… something new to try out for yourself… experiment with yarns, hook size & stitches… easy enough to do & lots of pleasure & creativity in the process.. have fun…

Aussie Beach inspired…

Introducing ‘Beaches’ a freeform crochet/knit handbag, inspired by the golden sands & blue waters of Australia….

The colours & textures for this piece have been in my mind for a long time & I’m so happy to finally have it done –  little knitting, some Tunisian & of course lots of crochet motifs all came together beautifully I think….

Crochet Beanie & Cowl Sets – beautiful & practical….

My freeform inspirations have been at a low ebb lately but, never one to be idle for long, I’ve been crocheting these lovely beanie/cowl sets  just to keep my hands busy – hopefully I’ll get the pattern written soon too… meanwhile these items can be purchased from my Etsy & Zibbet shops

Peppermint & Dust….

The Esty ‘Down Under Street Team’ is currently running an Add in the Peppermint Magazine where Participating Shops are offering generous discounts until the end of August 2010

~ To claim your discount, simply enter the code featured in Peppermint magazine into the “comments to seller box” when you make your purchase and enjoy the discounts! ~