Crocheted Buttons.

No, not the type you put on your cardigan, this type! I decided that, as I was revamping the web site, I would crochet my buttons for it. Here is the first one. Watch out for more!

Teddy Bears Picnic

The Teddy Bears Picnic pattern is finally finished and on Rainbow Valley.

I had a ball of this yarn sitting on the sofa and it was just shouting at me to become a Teddy Bear. How could I resist? Of course, when I had made one, I had to make more.

The pattern is almost all in dc (US-sc) and aimed at beginners. There is a more difficult round to join the legs and arms but I have included a photo tutorial the first time this is used in the pattern along with a schematic to help explain it.

Materials: Sirdar Simply Recycled DK, 3 x Clay (13), 1 x Camomile (15), 1 x Denim Wash (16), 1 x Fleck (18) 1 x Pollen (19), toy stuffing, black embroidery thread. 3 balls is enough for 4 bears. 1 ball will make 1 large bear or 2 small bears. The other colours are for the clothes and are optional. If you buy all of the other colours you will be able to make an additional set of multicoloured bears.

Equipment: 2.50mm hook, needle for sewing in ends and embroidering features.

Tension: This is not important but you do need to keep your stitches tight so that the stuffing can not be seen.

Remember those Crochet Cables?

Well, what got me started on them was creating a Poncho for Inside Crochet.

I love this poncho and it has been so difficult to keep it a secret. Thankfully, it is now published so I can share!

I had the poncho back in October and have been wearing it. It is so warm and snuggly.

I used Aran Tweed Knitting Wool from Kilcar in Donegal, Ireland. It comes in 200g skeins (Length = 320 m / 350 yards) Lilac-4812. The Poncho uses 8 skeins. You can buy online from COMMODUM art and design. They also sell on eBay, just search for “Donegal yarn”.

It is aran weight and 100% wool. It may seem a bit expensive, the conversion rate (at the time of designing) made it about £10 (GBP) for 200g. But when you consider that the Sirdar Click cost me £3.25 for 50g, it is actually a very reasonable price. It is lovely to work with and gorgeous to wear. The poncho is in Januarys Inside Crochet (issue 37) which was out at the end of December.

And there is a matching Hat and Mitten set on Rainbow Valley. The Hat uses 1 skein and the mittens use 1 skein.

Crochet Cables

I love crochet cables. Actually, I love the whole effect of crocheted aran. I think I am going to be doing a lot more of it very soon.

Yes, it takes up a lot more yarn than regular crochet but it creates a thick and warm fabric - perfect for chilly autumn days. And just as perfect for fresh spring days!

To ease you in gradually, I have two new patterns which are quick and easy to make.

This is the Chunky version. Materials 2 balls Sirdar Click (chunky), 1 for the headband and 1 for the mitts. Equipment 6.00mm hook and a needle for sewing in ends. Tension (UK terms) 9 htr and 7 rows to 8 cm

And this is the Aran version. Materials 1 balls Cygnet Aran. Equipment 4.00mm hook and a needle for sewing in ends. Tension (UK terms) 11 htr and 9 rows to 8 cm

You can find them both on Rainbow Valley

Daisy & Sweetheart Couch Potatoes

These Cushion covers are designed to be fun items for your home.  They use a standard 16inch cushion insert.

Materials:  Cygnet Aran: 4 x Harvest (A), 1 x Coffee (B), 1 x Red (C), and White (D), small amounts of Green and colour of choice for flower, 4 buttons. Equipment:  4.00mm hook and a needle for sewing in ends. Tension:  15 dc and 20 rows to 10 cm Graphs:  Written instructions and graphs are given for each cushion. You can follow which ever you find easiest. Finished Size:  42cm (16 in) wide x 42cm (16in) tall.

Flower Power uses just over 2 balls of Harvest and Sweetheart uses just under 2 balls. 4 balls should be enough to complete both cushions.

As the flower and leaves are made and stitched on separately, you can use any yarn you would like to because size and tension is not important.

The pattern is available on Rainbow Valley

I have been really naughty!

I haven't blogged in what seems like forever!

So, I am going to try to be good, and blog a bit more.

For those of you who don't know, I went to Ally Pally in London to demonstrate those gorgeous Tulip Etimo hooks. I hade a wonderful time. Four whole days at the Knit & Stitch show. Four whole days without cooking, cleaning and washing the dishes. And I got paid for it!

And, as you can see, it wasn't only me who had a good time. Thank you to everybody who came and made weekend very enjoyable! There are more photos on Facebook.

I am please to announce.......

.......That I have finished my Clematis pattern and it is up on Rainbow Valley. And I am even more pleased to announce that it didn't take as long as I thought it would. I am not going to post loads of picture here but if you click on "Clematis" in the labels at the bottom of the post, you can find plenty.

About that Clematis.............

After being featured in Issue 26 of Inside Crochet, I have had lots of requests for the Clematis pattern. So I thought I had better get on and write it. It isn't a quick project as it will include the frame, stems, leaves, fluffy heads, six different flowers and three differnt buds. Well, if you are going to do something, best do it properly.

The original one was quite large and has attracted a lot of interest. The new one I am making for the pattern will be a lot smaller, the bamboo poles are about 40cm long. I have also crocheted the stems rather than luceted them as it is meant to be a crochet pattern.

I have also changed the colour of the leaves. I thought the new colour would look better but until I see them with the flowers, I am not so sure. I am hoping to have the pattern finished and up for sale by the end of the month. In the meantime, I will keep you updated on my progress.