Crochet Flower Blanket or Playmat Pattern Review

 Spoke Flower Blanket by The Crochet Fix.

This pattern was something I’d wanted to do for a long time so was really happy when I got time to get started.

It did start off a bit of a nightmare, nothing to do with the pattern which is extremely well written by the way, no it was me not reading it properly!

I got through the first full pattern repeat and all looked fine, it was nice and flat and looked really nice in the colours I’d chosen.

So I continued on but it started to pucker at one side of the spoke of each petal and twist around, like this ......

So I checked the pattern, felt sure I was right but undid it back to the dark purple where it had been fine.

Off I went again but the same thing happened, I thought maybe it would improve when blocked so carried on, but sadly it got worse and the puckering looked awful, no way was this going to come out with blocking.......

Sadly it was time to undo again! 😥

I nearly gave up, it was so much work to undo but decided to really sit and read the pattern again, I must be missing something and indeed I was, where the pattern called for UK treble/US dc down the side of each petal and UK half treble/US hdc hdc at the spoke, I was doing all half treble from the increase at the petal point! 

Studying the numbered round chart I had a eureka moment realising how I’d misunderstood. What a relief, it meant I could get back on track and actually finish it.

My advice is read, read, read, study, study,study. Look at the charts which give all the stitch counts for each round and you won’t go wrong. 

Here’s my finished blanket or it can be a baby playmat. It measures 36” across from point to point, worked in double knit on a 4mm hook.

I’ve also used the same pattern to make some placemats and coasters, doing just the first few rounds. For the small coasters I did just one colour each round, for the larger mat I did two rounds per colour.

An absolutely brilliant pattern and offered for free which is so kind bearing in mind the amount of work that must have gone into it. Thank you The Crochet Fix. 

Find the pattern on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spoke-flower-blanket




Happy crocheting!

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Rudolf Christmas Crochet Amigurumi and Soft Toy

Who doesn't love Rudolf!

Using the Reindeer Ralf rattle pattern which is free on Ravelry from Stip and Haak https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rammelaar-rendiertje-ralf

The pattern is really easy to follow and has photo instructions as well as written ones.

I made a Christmas tree decoration by using the basic pattern for the head but not attaching it to the rattle part. I made a tree hanger by making  a loop between the antlers. Using 4ply cotton yarn (Drops Safran) and a 3.5mm hook they came out a good size for a tree decoration.

I then made a large reindeer doll the same way but using a larger hook and DK yarn and  used my knowledge from making other soft toys to make a body and arms/legs to go with it.

I later found that Stip and Haak have a full pattern available for the same idea! So if you don't know how to do a body you can buy the pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rendier-ralf

They make lovely Christmas decorations and it's a shame they have to be put away in the loft for the majority of the year because they are so lovely!

Happy crocheting!

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Short Story by C.J. Brady crochet cowl pattern review

 I think this is one of my favourite C.J. Brady patterns, so quick and easy it can be made in a couple of evenings.

It is a cowl/infinity scarf which can be made larger around the neck if necessary, instructions in the pattern although I just did the basic pattern instructions and it fits me fine.

It has a panel in the centre with patterned edge which comes down to a point at the centre front.

I did make a mistake on my first one, on row 41 it gives the row instructions then says repeat twice, I thought this meant you do the instruction then repeat two more times, making three in total but it actually means do it twice only. If you study the diagram you can see how it looks. The mistake didn't spoil the cowl, unless you studied it and knew about the mistake you wouldn't know it was wrong so I didn't bother undoing it.

The pattern is well written with a diagram and stitch count chart. 

The first one I did in Cygnet Watercolour yarn, it is a double knit and made a warm cosy cowl. It took about 60g of DK so you can't quite get two from one 100g ball which is a shame.

I then made a second one which I called Short Story - The Sequel!

This one I did in a hand dyed merino and nylon 4ply sock yarn. It used about 40g. The colours looked lovely and really defined the pattern.

 The pattern can be bought on Ravelry or on CJ Brady's Etsy shop.

I've done quite a few of her patterns which you can find on the blog by searching the tag C.J.Brady

Happy crocheting!

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Crochet Lamb pattern review

Pookie_Doodle

I  made this little lamb from the free pattern I found via Ravelry.

The pattern is very easy to follow and well set out with clear instructions. I made it in a couple of evenings.

I couldn’t get the recommended yarn but did have a ball of Drops Boucle which I thought would be good for the fleece effect.

I found the Boucle impossible to crochet with though. I just couldn’t see the stitches and kept missing them and getting holes and mis counted rounds.

So I tried holding the yarn along with some cream 4ply I had and it made the stitch definition much better and actually gave the fleece a two tone look.

The face, ears and hooves were done in brown double knit.

I recommend following the instructions for defining the eyes, it really made a big difference to the face and also the yarn wrapping to make the split hooves, it really finished off the look.

Very pleased with the finished lamb.

Free pattern here:

 https://hobbii.co.uk/teddy-basserne

Happy crocheting!

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Plot Twist. C J Brady pattern review

I couldn’t find the yarn locally but found a lovely 100% cotton yarn by James C Brett. Although it is a DK and not a blend of cotton and alpaca it still feels lovely, soft and silky.

The pattern is, as always, well written and easy to follow and can be found on Ravelry or CJ Brady’s Etsy shop. 

The cross stitch seems tricky at first but stick with it, it’s easy once you get used to it. It feels wrong to be going backwards and I found my fingers didn’t want to obey but it didn’t take long before they got used to it and it’s only a small panel, not the whole row.

I just did the tassels a little differently by simply cutting the yarn and folding in half, putting the loop through a hole then wrapping back through itself.

Colour is a lovely silver grey and I’m really pleased with the finished shawl.

It’s large and very cosy wrapped around you and the panel really stands out being an unusual stitch.

Highly recommend all C J Brady’s patterns, always a good price too and very detailed instructions. 

See other blog posts for reviews of others I’ve done. You can search using the tag C.J.Brady

Happy crocheting!

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Shine On by C J Brady crochet pattern review

Pookie_Doodle

I love C J Brady patterns so when I saw this one called Shine On I wanted to make it. Quite often she has special offers where you can buy one get one free and I got Shine On when buying another of her patterns called Plot Twist, I’ll review that in another blog post. 

Shine On is an infinity type scarf /small cowl crochet in one long piece and joined with a short seam to make it circular. The decorative lace edging gives a lovely drop at the centre front.

I loved the lace section so much that I made a second one but made it wider, I added another two repeats.
I used Lion brand shawl in a ball metallic.  One x150g ball will make two shawls.

Happy crocheting!

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Fire and Ice Shawl Pattern Review

Pookie_Doodle

This pattern makes a lovely shawl, I used the recommended yarn Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball metallic. "Moonstone" shade.

It is beautiful to work with and although described as an aran yarn it is much thinner, works more like a double knit to me. It is cotton and acrylic with added metallic thread.

I used a 6mm crochet hook to get the recommended gauge.


The pattern is by Marie Segares and is easy to follow, a free version is available on Marie's blog or you can buy a pdf ready made copy. Full details on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fire-and-ice-shawl-2

I did get a little confused with the instructions - for instance at the end of some rows it says "(Decrease 1 st to an even number of sts)" I thought this meant that you then decreased at the end of the row but what it is actually doing is just confirming what you have done in that row, you've decreased one stitch

After reading some comments on Ravelry I understood it better and I think once you get into actually working something it makes more sense than just reading a pattern. 

It is worked from side to side, starting at one point, working to a wide centre then decreasing down to the other side point.

One thing I did not like was the idea of making a separate small circle and stitching it on to the end to match the start. This is simply because I really hate sewing/joining :)

So, once I had come to the end instead of cutting my yarn I slip stitched over the the other side to make a small loop and into this I crocheted 6 trebles (dc in US terms) and weaved in the end to make it into a circle. It looks fine and certainly matches the start and any discrepancies, if there are any,  are hidden by the multi colour of the yarn. That's the best thing about multi colour yarns, they hide a multitude of sins. :)

I did work the edging stitches, someone said they didn't bother as they thought it did not look right as the colours changed along the row due to the yarn changes, but I think mine looked lovely and was happy with it. It's whatever suits you that matters.

I would highly recommend this pattern.

Happy crocheting!

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Jordan Sleeveless Pineapple Top Pattern Review

Pookie_Doodle

I love how this crochet pineapple pattern top has come out.

The pattern is easy to follow with well written and diagram instructions.

I made the L/XL size and it fits perfectly - I am a UK 12/14 size.

I used Drops Safran yarn which is 100% cotton 4ply, I used the Denim Blue shade.

I used a 4.00mm crochet hook

It is a paid for pattern available via Ravelry, well worth the money.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jordan-sleeveless-pineapple-top
 
I did add a few extra rounds around the neck as it seemed very low cut.

I love how the pineapple design shows up if you wear a neutral colour beneath it. It looks better with something under it, rather than just your underwear but youngesters could probably get away with it! :)

I also like the pointed drop edges at each side which gives a lovely floaty look, much better than a straight finished.

Once you have made the yolk section you work from the top down, all in the round, all the way down to the bottom so if you wanted it would be possible to add more rows to make it longer. 


This also means there are no side seams to sew YAY!

 It might look a complicated design but once you get into the row repeats you begin to see how it comes together and can remember what stitches to do. The main thing is to add stitch markers at each side so you know where to increase as that is what gives the flare.


Happy crocheting!

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Yarn the Sheep free pattern from Yarnspirations. Pattern review

Pookie_Doodle


The pattern is free which is brilliant. It makes a lovely cuddly baby cocoon which fastens up the front and has a textured stitch which looks like the wool of a sheep.

Two ears on the hood and a pair of feet finish off the lovely little Lamb baby nest.

I did have a few problems with the pattern. I'm sure I have read it correctly but it just would not come right.

First there was a mistake for the buttonhole edging on the front it says to use MC (main colour, which is white) but it should be the grey contrast (A) 

Then when making up the pattern says "sew buttons to back and raglan button edgings" but there are no instructions to add a button edging to the back, the only instructions are for the 30 stitches down the front raglan on the sleeve and the button hole bands on the front.

This is how it looked once complete, nowhere to sew the buttons except on the actual back piece:

So I added my own button band to the back in grey by crocheting the 30 stitches down the front raglan as per the pattern but I didn't turn,  I continued down the back edge (around 35 stitches) then turned and worked the 5 rows.

This was a bit of a nightmare because I had already sewn it all together so had to undo the sleeves and in doing so accidentally cut one of the stitches so had to make the whole sleeve again:(

Never mind, it all came good in the end and I am really pleased with it. This is the back band looked, much nicer to sew the buttons on there:

Perfect gift for any new baby and a fun item too, baby is bound to turn a few heads. 

The bobbly fleece looks is super:

The pattern can be found free on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yawn-the-sheep

Happy crocheting!

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Selling my handmade crafts, knitted and crochet on Etsy

Wow! Has it really been 6 months since my last post? Where on earth does the time go? I must get more of the things I've made listed.

Well I've been so busy just lately, I looked in my craft cupboard and found there were so many things that I had made that were just sitting there I decided to try to sell them and raise money for a support group I am involved with.

I had a look at Etsy with a view to selling and decided to set up a shop.
You can find it here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PookieDoodleCrafts

I'm selling mainly shawls and scarves at the moment but there are also a few other things like baby clothes and teddies.

If you fancy having a go at selling on Etsy yourself and would like 40 free listings to get you started - YES 40 FREE then use this link:

https://etsy.me/2IJzmZP and it will give you the 40 free listings once you set up.

If you do buy anything - thank you so much for helping our support group.

Find me on:

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Carol Singing Amigurumi Mice

Fell in love with these mice the first time I saw them and decided to make three, not for blind mice! but for a carol singing trio.

The pattern is free from Sharon at Amigurumi to Go. Thanks Sharon x

https://www.amigurumitogo.com/2015/12/crochet-mouse-free-pattern.html

An easy pattern to follow but I must admit after making three bodies, three heads, six arms, six ears and three tails I couldn't be bothered making six legs! So I hit on this idea:

I cut three circles of card crosswise from a loo roll, about half an inch high and glued them to a piece of card. These were going to hold the bottom ends of the mice so they stood up without falling over.

I then covered these and the card with acrylic toy stuffing to hide them, you could use cotton wool.

I made a lantern free hand by just crocheting a tube, stuffing it and surface crocheting a few lines to suggest glass panels. The lantern holder was a flexible drinking straw crocheted over. This I glued to the base of one of the mice.

The music stand was again made free hand, a rectangle of crochet for the music and a shorter straw for the stand.

I'm so pleased with it, everyone loves it and it is a lovely Christmas decoration.

Happy crocheting!

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Nativity Crochet Figures Set Amigurumi

I wanted to make a Nativity Set and came across this pattern from 5 Little Monsters: https://www.5littlemonsters.com/2015/11/crocheted-nativity-set.html

It is a FREE pattern - thank you for that Erica! - I found it a really easy pattern to follow, it was very detailed in it's instructions.

I didn't make the animals but did make Three Kings, these were made using the Joseph pattern and using a variety of bright yarns - I made up a few hat designs and a beard for one of them. Each is holding a gift, again I just made up a few shapes and added some gold thread.

For the weighted bases I cut out discs of plastic from the backs of those small notebooks you can buy as it was more rigid than any card that I had. I also sewed a small stitch through the centre of the disc to the base of the figure, to stop it moving about.

For the actual weights I filled those small plastic money bags that you get from the bank with gravel, folded over the top flap and then wrapped sellotape around to secure it and make sure the gravel could not come out. I then packed stuffing around the weight.

The figures stand approximately 8" high for the tallest.

The pattern does not give instructions for any features and this looks fine but I did decide to add just eyes - I did a half moon line in thin thread, which gives a closed eye, almost reverent look I thought.

I used lots of oddments of yarn from my stash, mainly DK or 4 ply and a 3.5mm crochet hook. 

It took me a whole year to make, not because it was hard or complicated but simply because I started in January 2018 and then kept stopping to do other things during the Spring and Summer, finally finishing it just in time for Christmas 2018! 

I sold it at a charity event raising money for a charity I work for :) I'm really happy that it was bought by a good friend of mine and now adorns her Christmas decorations.

Hope you have a go, it was great fun to make.

Happy crocheting!

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Winter Bunny Amigurumi with Carrot Sledge

When I first saw this pattern I fell in love with it, how cute is this little bunny pulling his/her little carrot sledge. 

The pattern is free (link below) from Amigurumitogo. Sharon creates beautiful amigurumi and her patterns are always free, no matter how complicated. How kind is that?

I did make a few slight changes to the pattern:

1: I didn't have enough yarn to make two sides to the sledge and sandwich plastic between to strengthen it.

So instead I used some fine wire and crocheted it to the edge to attach it to the carrot shaped piece, you can just see the wire on the wrong side, between the stitches. I was then able to pull and shape it to get the carrot look just right.

2. In the pattern Sharon says that the bunny will not stand up alone, she used pins to make it stand up for photos. I wanted to be able to make it stand as a Christmas decoration without pins as young grandchildren would probably be picking it up, so after a bit of pondering I decided to make the tail quite large and position it so that it acted like a third leg and supported the back, allowing it to stand.

I made it in two evenings, the pattern is very easy to follow with lots of photo help and instructions.

I used Drops Safran 100% cotton yarn and a 3.00 mm crochet hook. The finished size is approx. 6" long on the sledge (including the curve) and the bunny is 6" tall from foot to tip of ear.

Find the pattern here: https://www.amigurumitogo.com/2015/12/winter-bunny-free-amigurumi-pattern.html or on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-bunny

There is also a separate pattern for the hat and scarf which is linked from the bunny pattern.


Happy crocheting!

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