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.

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

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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!

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

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Drops/Garnstudio free pattern for the crochet top 'Shy Violet' Pattern number 162-15

This is my experience of using the Drops/Garnstudio free pattern for the crochet top 'Shy Violet' Pattern number 162-15


I really loved doing this pattern, it was the first Garnstudio/Drops pattern that I'd ever done and I wasn't disappointed.

The patterns are written well and if you do have a problem you can submit a request for help, I found that any questions I had were answered within a few hours.

Crocheted in what they call 'top down', you start at the shoulders working the sleeves at the same time, then join the pieces at the sides.


I used the recommended yarn - Drops Safran, which is a cotton yarn, 4 ply. I used peach colour. The yarn is soft and has a silky feel, was really nice to work with and didn't split like some cotton yarns do.


I did find that the side seams were a bit tight, might have been my tension but I added an extra chain stitch on each turning chain section just to help ease the tightness.

The pattern repeat is 7 rows and the instructions are given in diagram form which to be honest I can't get on with, so once I've studied the pattern I always write it out into a notebook writing the instructions for each row stitch by stitch.  (e.g. 1 dc, 10 treble in next stitch etc.)

Below is a video of the finished top https://youtu.be/p_aQN1KNZmg:

Happy Crocheting!

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

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Joining granny squares using crochet to make a flat chain stitch seam

Have you ever tried to join granny squares and found that the seam is thick or bulky and your work will not lay flat? 

This tutorial will show you how to keep the squares flat and create a flat join with a decorative chain stitch between the squares like this (right side):

and this is how it will look on the wrong side, a dotted line:

It was hard to get a close enough video of how to do this because you really need to be working on a flat surface and I had to hold the work to the camera, but hopefully it will help you understand how to do it and you can than have a go - practice makes perfect so don't give up if you find it hard to begin with. https://youtu.be/g1qKDJwCxmo

Happy crocheting!

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

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Garnstudio / Drops Free Patterns

The vast array of FREE patterns available from Garnstudio never ceases to amaze me, they are often unusual designs too, away from the run of  the mill stuff.

You can find everything from accessories such as shawls, boleros and bags to dresses, cardigans, jumpers etc. Both in knitted and crochet patterns.

There are lots of children's clothes and toys too.

I don't think I will ever have to buy another pattern again as the ones available for free are fabulous.

If you haven't discovered Garnstudio and their wonderful "Drops" yarn then pop over there now!

www.garnstudio.com

I will be sharing my experiences of all the things I knit from their patterns, so check back soon.

I've already done 3 items - a knitted jacket, crochet top and a hat, which I will review soon. I am in the process of making a knitted bolero and a cardigan - the cardigan is knitted all in one on circular needles, fronts and back all in one piece.

Happy knitting ..... and crocheting!

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

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French knot emboridered eyes for toys and amigurumi

A quick video tutorial on how to add little eyes to soft toys using the French knot technique. https://youtu.be/QVJC5bdZtX4

It does work well as the eyes tend to be a better more rounded shape and size than trying to embroider them by over sewing.

I find that weaving the start and end of the thread through the stuffing to hide it makes for a better finish that trying to over sew any were on the toy - that often leads to the thread showing through and spoiling the effect.

See also my tutorial on simple knotted eyes: http://www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk/2016/03/tutorial-for-quick-and-simple-eyes-for.html

Happy sewing!

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

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Kids Craft - Making Bookmarks from old envelopes

Do you need a quick and easy craft to do with the children?

We made these bookmarks using old envelopes or paper bags.

You don't have to use new envelopes any old one will do and it is worth saving old Christmas or birthday card envelopes as they are often coloured so are even better.
 
See my tutorial video: https://youtu.be/SewlFe4uD4s

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

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