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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