Wednesday 30 December 2015

'Animal Design' Plastic Carrier Bag Holders - Free Crochet Pattern

As a follow on to the little plastic bag holders I made yesterday - see here if you missed them: Plastic Carrier Bag Holder Pattern

I have now made some animal versions, so far just a pig and a rabbit - or it could be a lamb :)


I did these in double crochet to give a tighter finish and to make adding the features a little easier than on treble crochet.

They make a crochet plastic bag holder which can fit neatly into your pocket or handbag or fit a keychain to fit to your handbag or keys,  keeping the plastic bag tightly packed until needed.

Basic pattern which makes all animals or bag, just change colours accordingly, you will need:

One elastic hair band - try to match to colour of yarn if possible
Oddment of yarn - I used double knit
Crochet hook - I used 4 mm
A plastic carrier bag
If you don't have any elastic hair ties you could use some plain elastic and tie or sew it into a circle.

You simply roll up your bag and stuff it into the holder. The elastic band will stretch to allow it to pass through but then close up to keep it inside.

Note: for larger bags just increase size either by adding more groups of 2dc 2ch, or by doing more rows/rounds or by using a larger hook and thicker yarn. You will also need a larger hair tie or use elastic made into a ring.




To begin you need to crochet around the elastic band - if you need to know how to do this you can follow my instructions in this short video here:



Note that I use UK crochet terms:

First round: You will be crocheting around the hair tie -  Crochet 2 double crochet followed by two chain - repeat 6 times more and join with a slip stitch into the first double crochet. (28 stitches) - The reason for adding the chains is to allow the elastic to stretch more easily, if you did all double crochet it might be too tight.

2nd round: 2 chain, one dc in every stitch (e.g: on this round one double crochet in each double crochet of previous round and one double crochet in each chain of previous round) - join with a slip stitch when you get back to the first 2 chain.

3rd round: 2 chain, one dc in every stitch
4 - 8th round: Repeat round three 5 times more

9th round: 2 chain, decrease by working one double crochet into two stitches, repeat to end and join round with a slip stitch

10th and 11th Round: Repeat round 9.

Fasten off, cut yarn leaving a large enough tail to thread through end to close any remaining hole, sew in end. Also sew in end of starting thread.






Features:


Pig: 

Snout: make 15 chain cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread the yarn back through the chain stitches and draw up - this creates a blob which you can pull into shape and sew on for the snout.




Ears:


Leave a long tail as you begin as this will make sewing them on easier.

Make 6 chain, work 1 double crochet in 2nd chain from hook and then 1 double crochet in next 4 chain. Turn
Slip stitch into next double crochet, then slip stitch into the next.
Fasten off and weave in end.

Sew in place with pointed end upwards as the top of the ear





Then embroider features. See my blog post here for adding french knot eyes French Knot Features


Rabbit (or lamb!)


Ears:



Using contrast colour (I used pink) make 7 chain and work 1 double crochet in 2nd chain from hook, 1 double crochet in next 5 chains. Fasten off.

Join main colour (I used white) Working in back loops of double crochet only, start at one end and work 5 double crochet up one side, two in the top to make a point and 5 down the other side in the starting chain edges. (Hope this makes sense!)




Fasten off and sew in ends, sew in place.
Add features.

Now simply stuff your plastic bag into the animal head and you are ready to go, add a keychain fixed to the hair tie if you wish, then you can then carry your little holder on your handbag.


I must say that the piggy looks a bit more like a pink Shrek! :)

You could experiment with features adding your own ideas and using other colours to create different animals.


Happy crocheting!

Terms of use:
The pattern is free to use for personal use only. You may not copy, reproduce, sell, distribute physically or digitally or put the pattern on your own blog/website - instead please provide a link back to my blog or Ravelry pattern link. Please do not claim the pattern as your own. Please credit Pookie Doodle Crafts www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk as the designer and provide a link where possible. If you make something similar using my idea please add "inspired by Pookie Doodle Crafts" and if you let me know I will promote yours too - I think we should all work together to share ideas :)
The items you make: You may do what you like with the items you make from the pattern but please give me credit for the design where possible. I would love to see your creations please do share them. If you sell them and make a reasonable profit please consider making a little donation to a charity from it - I would really appreciate that and thank you in advance :)

 



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Tuesday 29 December 2015

Plastic carrier bag holder - free pattern

I'm feeling inventive today!

Are you like me and still getting used to carrying a plastic bag with you when you go shopping? - Here in the UK we now pay 5p for plastic carrier bags in the shops.

I've always been used to taking large bags for supermarket shopping but I seem to forget that I now need one for all items, including clothes!

I don't mind paying 5p for one if I have to but it seems better to recycle where we can and I've found my pockets now bulge with bags or things get tangled in them in my handbag, keys get caught up and I pull things out when trying to get the bag out.

Maybe it's just me and you've all found a way to stop your plastic bag from unfolding in your handbag! Oh you clever lot. But not me, no I needed a solution so today I came up with this little invention, a crochet plastic bag holder which can fit neatly into your pocket or handbag keeping the plastic bag tightly packed until needed.



All you need is:

One elastic hair band
Oddment of yarn - I used double knit
Crochet hook - I used 4 mm
A plastic carrier bag

If you don't have any elastic hair ties you could use some plain elastic and tie or sew it into a circle.


To begin you need to crochet around the elastic - if you need to know how to do this you can follow my instructions for crocheting around hoops and rings in this video here, the technique is the same:

Note that I use UK crochet terms:

First round: You will be crocheting around the hair tie -  Crochet 2 double crochet followed by two chain - repeat 4 times more and join with a slip stitch into the first double crochet. (20 stitches) - The reason for adding the chains is to allow the elastic to stretch more easily, if you did all double crochet it might be too tight.

2nd round: 3 chain, one treble in every stitch (e.g: one treble in each double crochet and one treble in each chain) - join with a slip stitch when you get back to the first 3 chain.

3rd - 6th round: Repeat 2nd round 4 times more

7th round: 3 chain, decrease by working one treble into two stitches, repeat to end and join round with a slip stitch

8th Round: Repeat round 7

Fasten off, cut yarn leaving a large enough tail to thread through end to close any remaining hole, sew in end. Also sew in end of starting thread.


You can now roll up your bag and stuff it into the holder. The elastic band will stretch to allow it to pass through but then close up to keep it inside.

Note: for larger bags just increase size either by doing more rows/rounds or by using a larger hook and thicker yarn. You will also need a larger hair tie or use elastic made into a ring.

You could also add a key chain so that you can fasten your bag holder to your handbag so you always have it with you.


  The possibilities are endless and you could make all sorts of designs, I put this together in a matter of minutes, but you can spend some time with colours and design - have fun!

Happy crocheting!

Terms of use:
The pattern is free to use for personal use only. You may not copy, reproduce, sell, distribute physically or digitally or put the pattern on your own blog/website - instead please provide a link back to my blog or Ravelry pattern link. Please do not claim the pattern as your own. Please credit Pookie Doodle Crafts www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk as the designer and provide a link where possible. If you make something similar using my idea please add "inspired by Pookie Doodle Crafts" and if you let me know I will promote yours too - I think we should all work together to share ideas :)
The items you make: You may do what you like with the items you make from the pattern but please give me credit for the design where possible. I would love to see your creations please do share them. If you sell them and make a reasonable profit please consider making a little donation to a charity from it - I would really appreciate that and thank you in advance :)

 



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Monday 28 December 2015

Butterfly stitch crochet shawl

After the success of my Summer Sprigs scarf I felt like getting into some more fine lace type work so have begun another but larger project.

This is more a shawl that a scarf and as it begins at the neck you can make it as long as you wish.

The design is by njSharon and DebiAdams and can be found as a free download on Ravlery: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/butterfly-stitch-prayer-shawl

I am doing it in the 100% mercerised crochet cotton again which I used for the Summer Sprigs Scarf. This time I am using Ecru, which has a nice shiny gold look to it. I am using a 2.00 mm crochet hook.

I'm tempted to try some bead work on the edging, something I've never done before but will see how it looks when finished. You can add a choice of edging, or your own if you wish so I might find something that would work well with a bead on each point, I am thinking that it would give a bit of edge weight to the shawl too.

As you can see the design makes little butterfly shapes which are staggered on alternate rows, they are easy to do using chain stitch and a long double treble which draws up the chains by being placed in one of the rows below.

Each pattern repeat (4 rows) adds another butterfly at each end so the shawl grows very quickly. I only started this yesterday and is just a few hours of work so far.

It is worth noting that the pattern is written in US crochet terms so you will have to convert them to English terms. However, it only uses basic stitches so it was really easy to go through the pattern to change them. There is also a drawn chart of the stitches included in the pattern.


I will post updates when the shawl has grown a little more.

The shawl is now finished and you can see more details and photos here:

http://www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk/2016/04/butterfly-stitch-crochet-shawl.html

Happy crocheting!




Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts and 
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle
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Saturday 12 December 2015

Summer Sprigs Lace Scarf Crochet Pattern Review

If you saw my post from last month you would have read that I was looking for a project that was light and easy to carry. I wanted something to make while I was away on a winter holiday and this pattern really fit the bill. It fitted easily into a small bag to carry around with me and crochet when the fancy took me.

It took 2 weeks to complete and the pattern is easy to follow with drawn diagrams too to help describe the stitches and where they go on the pattern.
It is a free pattern by Esther at Make My Day Creative and it certainly did make my day and the finished scarf is beautiful and it cost me just £3.20 (Nov 2015) using 100% mercerised crochet cotton from 'Boyes' the high street store.
The nearest yarn I can find online to what I used is this crochet cotton on Amazon:
http://tiny.cc/a5t96x 
I used a 2.00 mm needle and used all but a few yards of the ball. (I began to wonder if I was going to run out at one point!)


You could use many other yarns such as light lace ones, alpaca, cottons and wool. You might need to block some of the other yarns but I didn't find it necessary with the cotton I used.

Below is a link to a video so you can see just what my finished scarf looks like.


I would like to thank Esther at www.makemydaycreative.com for making and sharing for FREE such a beautiful pattern.

Happy crocheting!



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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Light and Lacy Crochet - A Summer Scarf

I was looking for a project that would be easy to carry, I didn't want any bulky knitting like jumpers on circular needles this time, I needed something that would fit in a small bag and I could carry with me to work on when I felt like it.

I've decided on this 'Summer Sprigs Lace Scarf' by Esther - you can find the pattern here: http://makemydaycreative.com/2014/05/02/summer-sprigs-lace-scarf

It looks perfect for what I want and I am trying it in a 100% mercerised crochet cotton, which I got from 'Boyes', a British high street store, I'm using a 2.00mm crochet hook.

The pattern is worked over 386 stitches which are decreased on each row to finally end at the point of the scarf. A two row edging is then applied to finish it off. The main area is a one row pattern repeat and I've read that it is easy to remember once you get into it.

So far so good, I've not had any problems with the pattern so far and it is easy to understand and there is also a drawn chart for those who prefer their stitches shown in diagram form, rather than written. The picture below shows three rows so you can see how fine the work is but I'm finding it easy enough to see the stitches in the white yarn and as each row decreases it should grow quickly.

I'm hoping this will be a nice scarf for a Spring or Summer evening.

I will let you know how it progresses!



Happy crocheting!


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Thursday 12 November 2015

Handmade Gift Bags

I've been making these bags for many years, in fact I used to sell them on eBay at one time until it got too time consuming and expensive to post. I remember a lovely lady in the USA who used to have a cat paw print design for her handmade jewellery.

I thought I would now share the design and template so you can all enjoy making them yourself.

They are fairly simple to do and the small bag can be made from one sheet of A4 paper, the larger bag needs two sheets.

All you need to do is download my FREE template which you can find in the Pattern or Template download page either from this link: http://www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk/p/pattern-or-template-downloads.html or from the tabs at the top of the page.

Once downloaded you need to print them on to A4 paper. You can either use already decorated paper (print the template onto the back of the paper) or decorate your bag with your own design - this is a great idea for children as they can get creative!

I've made a video tutorial here giving full instructions on how to make the bags:




All I would ask is that you respect my terms of use below, I've spent a lot of time and effort on these templates and share them freely to you, for personal use only.

Have fun!!



Terms of use:

The templates is free to use for your personal use only.

You may not copy, reproduce, sell, distribute physically or digitally or put the template on your own blog/website - instead please provide a link back to my blog.

Please do not claim the template as your own.

Please credit Pookie Doodle Crafts www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk as the designer and
provide a link where possible.

The items you make: You may do what you like with the items you make from the template but please give me credit for the
design where possible. I would love to see your creations please do share them.

If you sell them and make a reasonable profit please consider making a little donation to a charity from it - I would really
appreciate that and thank you in advance :) 
 



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Sunday 8 November 2015

Cats and crafts

I am very much a cat lover and cats or kittens feature in many of my creations.

Here are just a few, there are more which I will post about on another day:

Cat footstool - this was a tapestry design taken from the Crafty Cat Workbasket by Julie S. Hasler

I changed the design from that in the book to match the colours of my black and white cat at that time. The footstool was made from a piece of wood with some wadding placed between the tapestry and then the tapestry was held in place with decorative wood pins. (Similar to drawing pins but a little stronger, available from most hardware stores). I then added four small legs at each corner. Alternatively you might be able to pick up a small footstool from a charity shop and alter the design to fit the size.

Another design from the same book was this cross stitch scented bag. Once the cross stitch was finished I added a backing and a lace edge then filled it with a little soft wadding soaked in perfume.






You can still purchase this book at Amazon: The Crafty Cat Workbasket









These decorated T. Shirts were made using the 'Waste Canvas' technique.

Waste Canvas is a type of cross stitch canvas, it has an even weave. At the time I used waste canvas that was single threads and when you have finished your cross stitch you simply pull out each thread, from the top and then from the side, leaving your cross stitch in place on the work. You can still purchase this type of canvas but you can also now get waste canvas that will dissolve when wet thus providing another way of removing it. Here is an example, but it is available in many different counts: Waste Canvas

One tip for working with waste canvas is to make sure you do not catch any of the canvas in your stitches as you work, otherwise it will not pull out when you have finished.
I did two patterns both taken from 'Cute Cats and Teddy Bears' by Debbie Minton, one was a cat face and the other a sleeping kitten.

They look very effective when worn and many people were keen to know where I had got the T. Shirt.

You can still purchase this book at Amazon here: Cute Cats and Teddy Bears
I hope you have fun if you have a go at making something 'catty' :) I will come back another day and share my plastic canvas cat creations, a large cat tapestry and cat face cushion.

Happy crafting!


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Saturday 31 October 2015

Joining yarns with a 'Magic Knot' technique

Hi all

I was taught this technique for joining two yarns together to form a very well hidden knot by my friend Mary last year.

I must admit I was very skeptical that it would work, I fully expected the knot to simply come undone, but they don't and I've been using it ever since as a quick and easy way to join yarn.

I've found that it does not work with the fancy yarns like tinsel or any that are very shiny, but otherwise it works well and it is lovely not having to sew in all those yarn ends into the back of work!

It is not easy to put into words how to do it so I've created a quick video tutorial which you can see here:


Hope you find this idea useful.

Happy crafting!



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Wednesday 21 October 2015

Drops/Garnstudio 'Lace Affair' 159-2 Knitted Jacket/Cardigan

Hi All

Well I've finally finished my knitted jacket, I started it in April 2015 and finished it October 2015, I have been working on other things in between as I found the pattern needed good concentration to begin with and it was hard to do unless all was quiet or I was on my own!

It got easier with time and by the end I could do it while watching TV but still made a few mistakes particularly with the shaping of the armholes - there are no pattern stitch instructions on how to incorporate increased or decreased stitches into the design, all it says is 'keep pattern correct', which I found a bit easier said than done.

I'm a little bit disappointed with the length, the pattern showed it as almost thigh length and although my tension was correct and I stuck to the measurements in the instructions it actually came out at around hip length.

Having said all that I am really pleased with it, the effect is fabulous with no side seams to stitch so the pattern goes all the way around with no breaks.

It did however mean that you have a very large piece of work to deal with.

I did it in Drops Love You 5 in 'Heather', it is an Aran weight yarn.

Recommended yarn is Drops Bomull-Lin
Link to Free Pattern: Lace Affair 159-2 Drops Garnstudio



I've done a video review of the pattern and my experience of knitting it, along with a few tips and ideas which I hope will help if you try the pattern.


Happy knitting!



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Sunday 11 October 2015

Christmas Toys and Decorations


Is it too early to talk about Christmas? ;)

Just wanted to share some of the things I've done or in the process of making that you might like to have a go at.

Knitted Santa and Snowmen Toys
Last year I did these lovely little Santa and Snowmen dolls, they are so quick and easy to knit and you can use up oddments of yarn. They stand around 6" high and all my grandchildren loved them.



They are designed by Jean Greenhowe and available in her Christmas Special book, which also has lots of other patterns (including a nativity scene) and is currently on Amazon: Jean Greenhowe Knitting Pattern Book - Christmas Special 

I also have a video tutorial of how I made my tiny quick and easy pompoms using just a fork, for the hats of the dolls:- 



Crochet Snowflakes
I am currently making these little snowflakes which measure approx. 2" across.


The pattern is really easy and consists of only 3 rounds mainly of chains and a few double crochet. The patterns is from Attic24: http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-snowflake.html
I made them in 4ply cotton and did have to firm them using the PVA wash (see my video tutorial here if you want to know how to do a firming wash:  https://youtu.be/Ci0br4YfnpE

I am also going to try them in a pale ice blue as I think it could be quite an effective colour.

Whatever you are up to I hope you have great fun planning your Christmas makes!

Happy crafting!




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Tuesday 6 October 2015

Crochet around hoops and rings to decorate them

In this video I show you how to cover rings and hoops with crochet stitches to decorate them - I used old curtain hoops, plastic bangles and key chain rings - they can be used for all sorts of decorative effect, including Christmas tree decorations.

I also used this effect on my crochet African Flower Bag, using the hoops for the handle holders: http://www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk/2015/10/african-flower-crochet-tutorial.html




A great way to use up odd balls and scrap yarn plus you can often rings and hoops very cheaply in pound shops, charity shops, car boots etc.


Happy crocheting!




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African Flower Crochet Tutorial

African flowers are a lovely hexagonal version of a granny square using simple crochet stitches - chain, double crochet and treble - to produce a really pretty effect.

They can be used for all sorts of things from blankets, mats and shawls to more elaborate things like toys and bags.

Below is a bag I made using 11 African Flower motifs which I crocheted together and added covered hoops and crochet handle. I was really pleased with the result.


A few people have asked for a tutorial on how to make the African Flowers so I've put together a video which I hope you enjoy. https://youtu.be/x66KXt_1h3w










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Wednesday 30 September 2015

Drops Garnstudio Knitting Pattern; Singlet 'Madeline' number 136-7

This was a really easy pattern to knit, it is all done in stocking stitch and grew very quickly.

I actually started it on holiday and the first week sat on the beach in the sunshine knitting it, then the second week I got to wear it! It looks lovely with leggings or jeans.

It is worked in an aran yarn, which you might think would be too thick for summer, but because it contains cotton it is fine. You begin by making the front and back top part of the bodice separately, then you put them both onto circular needles where you knit in the round.

Increases at each side create lots of width which in turn gives the lovely dropped side point when it is worn.

The only problem I had was that the edge kept rolling up and as I was on holiday it wasn't possible to block it, which might have helped,  so I added an extra row of crochet edging around the bottom edge and it seems to have cured it. I did one double crochet into each stitch.

I didn't use the recommended yarn as I had some Stylecraft 'Malabar' in my stash to use up. It was lovely to work with and is 78% cotton 22% silk, which gives it a lovely soft feel and a sheen to the surface.


Link to buy the Stylecraft Malabar yarn I used: http://bit.ly/1YOJv8k

My video about this project:




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Monday 28 September 2015

Crochet Photo Star - Free Pattern

I've finally finished writing the pattern for the crochet photo star.

This is an all year round pattern and can be used for wall art photo frames but is also ideal as Christmas decorations for tree or wall, or to give as gifts.

This is the first pattern I've ever written, even though I've been knitting and crocheting for over 50 years and wow was it hard! Creating the Photostar was easy, it took just an hour to design, but writing down the instructions so that a novice could understand proved to be quite a feat so I take my hat off to those who create patterns on a regular basis.

Download Pattern by clicking here

If you have any problems or questions please do get in touch. 

I would also love to see photos of your finished items, please share them here or on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/pookiedoodlecrafts

There is also a video tutorial here:  


The pattern is free to download, however please do read the terms of use at the bottom of the pattern before you begin.

Happy crocheting!

Update October 2015:

I noticed an error in the pattern so have corrected the written pattern and added an error message to the video. If you downloaded the pattern prior to October please either download v3 above, or simply add 1 extra treble in the starting ring - there should be 18 sts not 17 as mentioned in first pattern - sorry about that, I said this pattern writing wasn't easy!

Having made quite a few now it suddenly came to me that you could perhaps add a chocolate coin instead of a photo, might be nice for the children at Christmas.




Friday 25 September 2015

Stiffening wash for small crochet and knitted items, especially decorations

I've put together a quick video of how to make a stiffening wash for those small items that need to be a bit firmer, especially Christmas decorations and the like.

The wash is made from Children's craft PVA glue, mixed with water; 1 part glue to 3 parts water. I have tried it 50/50 but I find that it gets a bit too thick and you can get lumps of dried glue forming between the stitches.

With this more watered down method you don't see any of the glue once it has dried and if you do need your item even firmer, simply do more coats once it has dried until you are happy with the firmness.

I use an old padded mailing envelope covered with a bit of cling film - cling film so that the item doesn't stick to the bag - and then pin your work into shape, pushing the pins into the envelope.

I find using the envelope method gives a firmer base to work on. Some people use a folded towel, which does work but it can sometimes be a bit too soft and your work can get bent.

Whatever works best for you is the way to go! 

Remember - always do a small test on your fabric or yarn before stiffening, you wouldn't want to spoil your hard work by causing shrinkage, damage or colour loss.


 

Happy crafting!




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Wednesday 23 September 2015

Drops/Garstudio "Call it Spring" and "Mykonos" - my next projects


Drops "Call it Spring" Pattern number 159-4 and "Mykonos" 152-22 

These are my next planned projects.

"Call it Spring" I plan to do in a mint green and the "Mykonos" in the same white as I think it looks super for summer. Both in Drops Cotton Light.


DMC Crochet Tunic Top Pattern number 15092L/2

This is my review of the pattern and tips on making the crochet top.

I found it a lovely pattern to do, it does need LOTS of concentration, not the sort of thing you do while watching the TV (well not for me anyway!). Having said that I really enjoyed it and although I would agree with the pattern recommendation as being for an 'experienced' crocheter, I would say if you are confident to try - have a go. All the stitches are basic ones, double crochet, chain, trebles, so it is just a matter of concentrating and keep reading the instructions.

The sleeves are small cap sleeves with a lovely decoration around the edges.

You do need to wear it with something underneath, such as a t.shirt or camisole/vest, unless you are very young or very confident :) It could look nice with a contrast colour underneath such as a black top.

It is hard to write out some of the things I found as a crocheted it, so to help I've made a video showing various parts of the work as I went along and my tips on working them, scroll down to see the video.

One criticism I have of the pattern is the tension recommendation - it says that the tension check is to do one pattern repeat and then gives measurements for each size. However,  a pattern repeat is 14 very complicated rows, so you have to do a lot of work just to check your tension, it is a shame there is not an easier way.

Link to pattern: http://bit.ly/1Eca7Do
Link to the recommended yarn: http://bit.ly/1JVD0um

Close up
Sleeve decoration
To help anyone thinking of doing this DMC tunic top pattern, I've done a  help video with a few tips: https://youtu.be/hUMBH-T_kL8


Happy crocheting!



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Drops/Garnstudio knitted Bolero Jacket - Pattern number 130-12

This is my experience of using the Drops/Garnstudio free pattern for the knitted Bolero Jacket Pattern number 130-12



This is a short Bolero jacket and although the pattern is not a difficult one I did find myself undoing it several times. There are lots of different panels made with simple stitches such as stocking stitch, reverse stocking stitch, garter st etc. but I kept forgetting which I was doing and would knit when I should be purling or purl when I should be knitting. Concentration is definitely needed for this pattern!

The pieces are made into a curved shape by making short rows: You do a row half way, then turn around and go back, then the next two rows are knitted normally, then you repeat the process. It is quiet effective and easy to do.
Once the pieces are finished the two sides are sewn around the back piece, the pattern gives really good instructions on how to do this, with diagrams showing which piece joins where.


The sides and back have a pretty half diamond pattern running through them.


 

The two side pieces were a bit difficult to join as each had a point from the pattern (as shown below), I joined them by folding back the point, but wonder if I did something wrong, although I'm sure I followed the pattern carefully. I did change the sleeves slightly as I wanted them a bit different to the pattern.




You can also see my video here: https://youtu.be/rNSBHNjGKkM



I used Drops Love You 5 which is an aran yarn, 100% recycled cotton. The recommended yarn is Drops Paris, but Love You 5 is listed as an alternative.

Hope I've helped you decide if this pattern is for you!

Happy knitting!



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Tuesday 22 September 2015

Writing patterns

Hi all,

I've been away this last week but haven't been idle! I'm working on writing a pattern for a crochet Christmas decoration which will hold a small photo of a loved one, or without a photo if you want - it works just as well as a decoration.

Wow, I never thought writing a pattern would be so hard! Designing it was easy and within an hour or so I'd created quite a few, but when it comes to actually writing out the instructions so that a novice can follow it is proving to be much harder than it sounds. I take my hat off to all you pattern writers!

So bear with me and the pattern and tutorial video will be available soon - I appreciate that Christmas is just around the corner when it comes to knitting and crocheting items so I will be as quick as possible, hopefully early next week.

Happy crafting!



Wednesday 9 September 2015

Haze jacket by Drops Design/Garnstudio, Free Pattern Number 150-22

"Haze" Jacket from Drops/Garnstudio, knitted in Drops Big Delight 100% Wool.

This is knitted diagonally starting in the bottom corner, on circular needles so you can fit on all the stitches. A really easy pattern as it is knitted in garter stitch (all rows knit) the varigated yarn making the pattern, plus being a thick aran yarn it grew very quickly.

I loved doing this and would definitely do it again. The back is really effective and is created by starting the back pieces in the corner on two stitches and the putting both sides on the needles, by decreasing at the centre it makes the effect of the yarn into a 'V' shape.

Lovely and warm for an Autumn evening, I've had lots of compliments on it.

Remember being wool that you need to take care when washing or it will shrink!

Pictures show front and back view:



Lots of colours to choose from, this one is greys and creams. Free pattern http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/pattern.php?id=6195&lang=en


Video of the finished item and some details of how it was worked:
https://youtu.be/upGH1f14tNY







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Tuesday 8 September 2015

Cute Amigurumi Unicorn

This is a little Unicorn spotted by a good friend who fell in love with it but she couldn't crochet - so I made it for her.
Really cute and easy to do, pattern is easy to follow and well written.

I love it when people make free patterns and share them with everyone - a big "thank you" to all you free pattern writers!

Free pattern here: http://crochet.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-rainbow-unicorn

Here is my finished Unicorn, it stands about 6" high, I used up lots of odds and ends of yarn to make it.





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Monday 7 September 2015

Daisy centre granny squares - crochet tutorial

I've been asked how I made the daisy squares which I featured on Facebook. They are quite easy to do and very effective, having a pretty daisy flower centre.


I've made a video tutorial, hope it helps you to make them and that you enjoy having a go, don't forget that it can take a bit of practice to get it right, but it is worth it in the end.  https://youtu.be/8rT2NU0Eb2E




Happy crocheting!


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