EXTREME crochet

I've only gone and done it again.

Not satisfied with writing one book this year, I decided to do another...

And not just any old crochet book, either. 

EXTREME crochet.

But what on earth can you do with EXTREME crochet*, I bet you're wondering...?

My answer, dear reader is this: Imagine the biggest hooks, the chunkiest yarns and some stuff that's not even yarn at all and you're on the right track. Choose chunky, high-loft woollen yarns, or fabric and T-shirt yarns, string, rope, washing line or even make your own. If it's long and cord-like, then you can probably crochet with it. So what can you do with extreme crochet? Anything you like! It's perfect for maxing out the classics; want a cushion? Super-size it with big yarn. A blanket? Whip up one in a day with mega wool. A necklace? Walk on the wild side with funky T-shirt yarn. Extreme crochet doesn't have to mean that everything you make is massive, just that everything you make is awesome. 

*apologies to some of my friends who had hoped that Extreme crochet meant crocheting whilst abseiling down a cliff, or strapped to the roof of a tank. That will be another book, I promise.

And so my book is a collection of 8 simple patterns, from homewares to accessories and is available (to date) from here.

Enjoy!

Sarah xx

Easy-Peasy, super-quick, one ball of yarn Crochet Bobble Hat (THE perfect last minute Christmas gift

Yep.

The title says it all.

Perfect for beginners, this hat uses chunky yarn, a big-ish hook and UK treble crochet (US doubles) to create a hat in about half an hour. And as it only uses one ball (plus some extra yarn from your stash to create a pompom) it's a bargain to boot. 

I bought some Drops Andes a looooong time ago to make a thing. The thing never happened and so I had some yarn which needed a new thing, so I decided on a hat. 

Not just any old hat; a bobble hat. 

You know- the one with the pompom. 

And not just any old pompom. A BIG pompom.

You can probably tell from the photo that this yarn is mega-lush. Slightly fluffy, being 65% wool and 35% alpaca, this stuff comes in a nice range of colours and is the perfect ingredient for winter woolies (and at the time of posting, I've found it online for less than 3 quid a ball... so a very reasonable price for a super-warm hat).

'Enough of the waffle,' I hear you say. 'Give us the pattern!'
 Here it is. The pattern fits an adult. Adjustments to make it fit smaller people are given, too.

Now if you're not a written-pattern kind-of person, then don't worry- I've got a YouTube video to guide you through, step by step. You'll find it below.

Enjoy, you lovely lot and have a wonderful Christmas!

Bobble Hat pattern (In UK terms. For US, substitute treble crochet (tr) for double crochet (dc)

Abbreviations:

Chain = ch

Stitches = sts

Slip stitch = sl st 

Treble crochet = tr

You will need:

1 X 100g ball Drops Andes in colour of your choice (or any other yarn which requires a 9mm hook)

9mm hook.

85 mm pompom maker (optional)

Worked in joined rounds. 

Note: I used a chain of 2, rather than 3 at the beginning of each round- I found a ch3 just too tall. It still counts as a stitch in the pattern.

Rnd 1: Ch2 (counts as tr here and throughout), 11 tr in magic ring or ch2, make ch2 and 11tr into 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to top of ch2. (12sts)

Rnd 2: Ch2, 1tr in same st, then 2tr in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch2. (24)

Rnd 3. Ch2, 2tr in next st, then *tr 1 in next st, 2tr in following st* repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch2. (36)

Rnd 4: Ch2, tr 1 in each of next 7 sts, 2tr in next st, *tr 8, 2tr in next st* repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch2. (39)

Rnds 5-11: Ch2, 1tr in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch2.

Brim

Rnd 12: Ch2, TURN, 1tr in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch2. 

Rnds 13-14: Ch2, 1tr in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch2. 

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Make pompom and stitch to top of hat!
Job done.

To make this hat fit smaller heads, then simply leave out round 4 and even round 3. Then continue making just one treble stitch in each stitch around. Simply adjust the number of rounds to fit the size head you need. 

Here's the YouTube video:

Happy crocheting, 

Sarah xx

Crochet with twine (2)

Crochet with twine?

What?! The stuff I use in the garden to tie up the Sweet Peas??!

Oh yes, dear Reader, the very same.

When I think of normal twine, I think natural-coloured, very nice, common-or-garden beige stuff. In fact I used some of it to make a mini plant pot holder. See here.

Imagine my surprise when I was asked by the very lovely Rose from Unwrap Colour whether I'd like to try her coloured twine.

Coloured?! Count me in, I said.

And so she kindly sent me some red and orange to try. AND she has offered you an exclusive 10% discount, valid until the end of November to use of any products in her Etsy shop (no minimum spend, either, 'cos she's nice like that). Just enter the discount code ANNABOOS at the checkout.

Well, I fancied making a wall-hanging. One crocheted on a twig (as you do). 

Before I begin, I feel I should share a few words of advice about crocheting with twine:

1. It is tough stuff; we are not working with baby-soft Alpaca here. 

2. That said, we are only making a small project, so bear with it, you'll be fine.

3. Work with loose tension to avoid it rubbing too hard on your fingers.

4. Be aware that coloured twine may not be colourfast, particularly >when wet.

How to crochet along the stick (UK dc / US sc). This is actually much easier than it sounds:

Put the yarn on your hook and swing it underneath the stick. Yarn over and complete the stitch. 

It takes a little getting used to, but you should end up with something a bit like this:

Ok. If you'd like to make my wall hanging, then here's the pattern: (UK first, US below) and there's a handy chart right at the bottom of the post for those who prefer.

Stitches used

Chain = ch

Double crochet = dc

Treble crochet = tr

Treble three together = tr3tog

To make the tr3tog stitch: 

*Yarn over hook, hook into st and pull through a loop. YOH and pull the yarn through the first two loops* repeat from *  to * 3 times. YOH pull yarn through all four loops.

You will need:

Jute Craft Twine in Pumpkin Orange and King Crimson

7mm / 10.5 / K hook 

Or any twine and a hook to match

A stick or twiggy-thing approx 27cm long/ 1cm diameter

Crochet Twine Wall Hanging Pattern:

The ch 3 at the beginning of each row counts as a treble stitch. When making the last stitch of each row, remember to work it into the top of this chain, from the row below.

In Pumpkin Orange

Row 1: dc 17 along the stick. Turn.

Row 2: ch 3. Beginning in 5th st from hook, tr 16. Turn. (17 sts)

Row 3: ch 3, (1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in 6th stitch from hook, *skip 2 sts, (1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in next st* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches left, skip st, 1 tr in last st.

Row 4: ch 3, (1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in each ch1-sp along row, 1 tr in last st.

Row 5: repeat Row 2.

Row 6: change to Crimson King, repeat Row 2.

Row 7: ch 4 (counts as tr and 1ch), 1 tr in 7th st from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next st* repeat from * to * along row.

Row 8: repeat Row 2.

Row 9: change to Pumpkin Orange, repeat Row 3.

Row 10: ch 4 (counts as tr and 1ch), tr3tog in ch1-sp, *ch 2,  tr3tog in ch1-sp*, repeat from * to * across. After last tr3tog, ch 1 and 1 tr in last st.

Row 11: change to Crimson King, ch 3, 1 tr in first ch1-sp, 3 tr in ch2-sp, 3 tr in ch2-sp, ch 1, 3 tr in ch2-sp, 3 tr in ch2-sp, 1 tr in last ch1-sp, 1 tr in last st.

Rows 12 - 13: change to Pumpkin Orange, repeat Row 2.

Row 14: repeat Row 3.

Row 15: repeat Row 4.

Row 16: ch 3, 1 tr in same st, 1 dc in next ch1-sp, *(2 tr, 2 ch, 2 tr) in next ch1-sp, 1 dc in next ch1-sp* repeat from * to * again, 2 tr in last st.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

US pattern

:

Stitches used

Chain = ch

Single crochet = sc

Double crochet = dc

Double crochet three together = dc3tog

To make the dc3tog stitch: 

*Yarn over hook, hook into st and pull through a loop. YOH and pull the yarn through the first two loops* repeat from * to * 3 times. YOH pull yarn through all four loops.

You will need:

Jute Craft Twine in Pumpkin Orange and King Crimson

7mm  / 10.5 / K hook 

Or any twine and a hook to match

A stick or twiggy-thing approx 27cm long/ 1cm diameter

Pattern:

The ch 3 at the beginning of each row counts as a double crochet stitch. When making the last stitch of each row, remember to work it into the top of this chain, from the row below.

In Pumpkin Orange

Row 1: sc 17 along the stick. Turn.

Row 2: ch 3. Beginning in 5th st from hook, dc 16. Turn. (17 sts)

Row 3: ch 3, (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in 6th stitch from hook, *skip 2 sts, (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next st* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches left, skip st, 1 dc in last st.

Row 4: ch 3, (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in each ch1-sp along row, 1 dc in last st.

Row 5: repeat Row 2.

Row 6: change to Crimson King, repeat Row 2.

Row 7: ch 4 (counts as dc and 1ch), 1 dc in 7th st from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next st* repeat from * to * along row.

Row 8: repeat Row 2.

Row 9: change to Pumpkin Orange, repeat Row 3.

Row 10: ch 4 (counts as dc and 1ch), dc3tog in ch1-sp, *ch 2,  dc3tog in ch1-sp*, repeat from * to * across. After last dc3tog, ch 1 and 1 dc in last st.

Row 11: change to Crimson King, ch 3, 1 dc in first ch1-sp, 3 dc in ch2-sp, 3 dc in ch2-sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch2-sp, 3 dc in ch2-sp, 1 dc in last ch1-sp, 1 dc in last st.

Rows 12 - 13: change to Pumpkin Orange, repeat Row 2.

Row 14: repeat Row 3.

Row 15: repeat Row 4.

Row 16: ch 3, 1 dc in same st, 1 sc in next ch1-sp, *(2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc) in next ch1-sp, 1 sc in next ch1-sp* repeat from * to * again, 2 dc in last st.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

So that's it!

Very simple and a nice quick project, too.

Crochet Twine Wall Hanging Chart

Enjoy making, and don't forget to find me in my various social media haunts and tag me in your makes, too.

Have a fab week,

Sarah xx

The Very Lazy Blanket

You know me - I loves an easy project.

I wanted something colourful that I could work on without having to faff around with lots of balls of yarn and weaving in lots of ends. (And don't get me wrong - I have one of those projects in my WIP pile, but I just yearned for something a bit more portable.)

And so, may I present the Very Lazy Blanket....

...er, well it's more like a Very Lazy table-runner at the moment, but it has every intention of becoming a blanket one day. My original plan was to finish it, do a big 'tadaaah' post and then share the pattern, but I just haven't managed it... And as lots of you have been asking for the pattern, I just couldn't wait any longer.

What makes this a Very Lazy Blanket are two vital components:

1. Self-striping yarn

The yarn I found is this very lovely stuff from Ice Yarns. It's called Magic Light and is acrylic DK/ Worsted weight in 100g balls. It's soft to the touch and works up very nicely indeed. I found it cheapest to buy direct from the manufacturer in Turkey and ordered 12 balls, so that I've got plenty. I've found that you can make around 18 squares with one ball, with each motif measuring 10cms (4 inches) square.

2. Join as you go method.

I have a handy YouTube tutorial to show you how- just click on the YouTube tab at the top of the page and you'll find it.

The Very Lazy Blanket Pattern (UK terms)  - U.S. Below

Stitches used

Chain = ch

Slip stitch = sl st 

Treble crochet = tr

Half Treble Crochet = htr

Ice Yarn Magic Light in Green, Pink, Blue, Purple, Yellow

4.5 mm hook

Ch4, join with a sl st to make a ring.

Round 1: Ch3 (counts as tr here and throughout), 11tr in ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. 

Round 2: Ch3, 1tr in same space, ch1, (2tr, ch1 between each of the trebles from Rnd 1). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Round 3: Ch3, 2tr in same space, ch1, (3tr, ch1 in each ch1-space). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Round 4: Ch3, 2tr, ch2, 3tr in same space, ch1, (3htr, ch1 in next ch1-space twice), *(3tr, ch2, 3tr in next ch1-space), ch1, (3htr, ch1 in next ch1-space twice)* repeat from * to * three times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. Sl st across into ch2-space.

Round 5: Join as you go (see YouTube tutorial above) Or - 

Ch3, 2tr, ch2, 3tr in same space, ch1, (3tr, ch1 in next ch1-space 3 times), *(3tr, ch2, 3tr in next ch1-space), ch1, (3tr, ch1 in next ch1-space 3 times) * repeat from * to * 3 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

The Very Lazy Blanket Pattern (US terms)

Stitches used:

Chain = ch

Slip stitch = sl st 

Double crochet = dc

Half Double Crochet = hdc

Ice Yarn Magic Light in Green, Pink, Blue, Purple, Yellow

4.5 mm hook

Ch4, join with a sl st to make a ring.

Round 1: Ch3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 11dc in ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. 

Round 2: Ch3, 1dc in same space, ch1, (2dc, ch1 between each of the doubles from Rnd 1). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Round 3: Ch3, 2dc in same space, ch1, (3dc, ch1 in each ch1-space). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Round 4: Ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc in same space, ch1, (3hdc, ch1 in next ch1-space twice), *(3dc, ch2, 3dc in next ch1-space), ch1, (3hdc, ch1 in next ch1-space twice)* repeat from * to * three times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. Sl st across into ch2-space.

Round 5: Join as you go (see YouTube tutorial above) Or - 

Ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc in same space, ch1, (3dc, ch1 in next ch1-space 3 times), *(3dc, ch2, 3dc in next ch1-space), ch1, (3dc, ch1 in next ch1-space 3 times) * repeat from * to * 3 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

I hope you enjoy the pattern. And I'd love to see your completed blankets, too.

Have a great week,

Sarah x

An Autumn Project

I made this little guy yonks ago and thought he'd be the perfect project for an Autumn day.

To tell the truth, I am super-busy at the moment, with a new book underway which will be available around Christmas time (eeeeeeek, terrifying deadline to meet- all projects to be completed by end of this month!!). I'm also continuing to design for various magazines and have even worked on a couple of projects for DMC yarns. A quick look at my Instagram or Twitter feeds and you'll see some of what I've been doing.)

So here's something old to me, but new to you.

If you'd like to make a little pine-cone Imp, then you'll need:

A 2.5cm wooden bead,

Some strong glue,

4mm hook

Oddments of dk /8ply yarn for hat and scarf

Small button to decorate.

Marker pen

UK Hat Pattern:

1.  3dc in magic ring or ch2, 3dc in 2nd ch from hook.
2. 2dc in each st (6 sts)
3. Dc 6
4. (Dc 1, 2dc in next st) rep 3 times (9)
5. Dc 9
6. (Dc 2, 2dc in next st) rep 3 times (12)
7. Dc 12
8. (Dc 3, 2dc in next st ) rep 3 times (16)
9. Dc 16
10-12. Dc 16

Fasten off, weave in ends.

US Hat Pattern
1.  3sc in magic ring or 2ch, 3sc in 2nd ch from hook
2. 2sc in each sc (6sts)
3. Sc 6
4. (sc 1, 2sc in next sc) rep 3 times (9)
5. Sc 9
6. (Sc 2, 2sc in next sc) rep 3 times (12)
7. Sc 12
8. (Sc 3, 2sc in next sc) rep 3 times (16)
9. Sc 16
10-12. Sc 16

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Scarf pattern

1. Ch45

2. Dc (US sc) 45

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Use the strong glue to attach the bead to the top of the pine cone. Leave to dry.

Draw eyes using the marker pen, add the spiffy hat and tie the scarf in a natty bow.

Ta dahhhhhh!

Cheerio!

Sarah x

Happy Mr Sunflower

Aww, look at this little chap.

Happy fella, isn't he?

I was inspired by the fairly miserable weather we've been having here in Sussex recently and wanted my own sunny friend indoors.

Fancy making one?

Good-o.

(Oh, and a quick apology about the photos. They were all taken against a white background, but the light has made some of them blue. I've tried to fix it using filters etc, but to no avail. I give up. Modern technology has defeated me, so blue photos it must be - sorry about that.)

Here's what to do. The pattern is written in UK terms first.Scroll down for US Pattern.

Mr Sunflower

UK Pattern

Abbreviations:

Chain = ch

Stitches = sts

Slip stitch = sl st 

Double crochet = dc

Half Treble = htr 

Treble crochet = tr

Double Treble crochet = dtr

Wrong Side = WS

Back Loops Only = BLO

You will need:

Any brown, yellow and green yarn and hook. I used oddments of Rico Creative Cotton Aran and a 4mm hook.

Toy stuffing

6mm eyes

Black embroidery thread

An old wooden 4mm knitting needle/ pencil or other pointy, solid object (I'll explain in a bit)

Spray Starch (if you want to stop the petals and leaves from flopping)

Face pattern Make 2 in brown.

(Worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to identify the first stitch of the round)

1. 5dc in magic ring or ch2, make 5dc into 2nd ch from hook. (5sts)

2. 2dc in each st around (10)

3. 2dc in each st around (20)

4. (3dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (25)

5. (4dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (30)

6. (5dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (35)

7. (6dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (40)

8. (7dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (45)

Fasten off

Add eyes between rounds 5-6, 3sts apart.

Stitch mouth.

With WS together, and using yellow yarn, dc the edges closed. Stuff before closing completely. Do not cut yarn - you'll attach the petals with this in a bit.

Petals make 9 in yellow

Work along both sides of the chain (see photos)

Chain 10 

1. (make one st in each ch) >Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2dc, 2htr, 4tr, ch3, turn, sl st in 1st unused loop on other side of ch, ch2, 1tr in same st, 3tr, 2htr, 2dc, 1sl st, ch2, join with sl st to 1st sl st of row.

Turn your work and make the slip stitch into this unused loop of the other side of the chain

After making a chain of 2, the first htr is made in the same stitch

Block petals using spray starch (if wanted) and allow to dry before continuing.

To join petals to head, use length of yellow yarn from closing head. Ch1 and turn so that the back of the head is facing you. Hold petal with WS facing and sl st across the BLO of the 5 ch stitches from the petal to 5 sts (also BLO) of the sunflower head.

See what I mean about the blue? Why, oh why???

Stem

In Green, work in the round.

1. 5dc in magic ring or ch2, make 5dc into 2nd ch from hook.

2 - ? 1dc in each st around.

Repeat as many times until desired length is reached. Leave long tail at end for stitching to the head.

Leaves

In Green, make 2

Work along both sides of the chain

Leave long tail at the beginning for sewing to the stem.

Chain 13

1. (make one st in each ch) Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2dc, 2htr, 2tr, 1dtr, 2tr, 2htr, ch2, turn, sl st in 1st unused loop on other side of ch, ch2, 1htr in same st, 1htr, 2tr, 1dtr, 2tr, 2htr, 2dc, 1sl st, fasten off.

Block leaves using spray starch (if wanted) and allow to dry before continuing.

Use long tail from beginning to stitch to stem.

Now for the 4mm needle*. Break off the end (carefully) and make it safe by wrapping tape around the end. Insert the blunt end into the stem and leave the long pointy end sticking out of the top. Push the pointy end into the head and stitch the stem in place.

* obviously this isn't suitable for a child's toy. 

And that's it. Your very own sunshine to brighten up your days!

Enjoy making,

Sarah xx

Mr Sunflower
US Pattern

Abbreviations:

Chain = ch

Stitches = sts

Slip stitch = sl st 

Single crochet = sc

Double crochet = dc 

Half Double = hdc 

Treble crochet = tr

Wrong Side = WS

Back Loops Only = BLO

You will need:

Any brown, yellow and green yarn and hook. I used oddments of Rico Creative Cotton Aran and a 4mm hook.

Toy stuffing

6mm eyes

Black embroidery thread

An old wooden 4mm knitting needle/ pencil or other pointy, solid object (I'll explain in a bit)

Spray Starch (if you want to stop the petals and leaves from flopping)

Face pattern Make 2 in brown.

(Worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to identify the first stitch of the round)

1. 5sc in magic ring or ch2, make 5sc into 2nd ch from hook. (5sts)

2. 2sc in each st around (10)

3. 2sc in each st around (20)

4. (3sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around (25)

5. (4sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around (30)

6. (5sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around (35)

7. (6sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around (40)

8. (7sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around (45)

Fasten off

Add eyes between rounds 5-6, 3sts apart.

Stitch mouth.

With WS together, and using yellow yarn, sc the edges closed. Stuff before closing completely. Do not cut yarn - you'll attach the petals with this in a bit.

Petals make 9 in yellow

Work along both sides of the chain (see photos)

Chain 10 

1. (make one st in each ch) Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2sc, 2hdc, 4dc, ch3, turn, sl st in 1st unused loop on other side of ch, ch2, 1dc in same st, 3dc, 2hdc, 2sc, 1sl st, ch2, join with sl st to 1st sl st of row. 

Turn your work and make the slip stitch into this unused loop of the other side of the chain

After making a chain of 2, the first htr is made in the same stitch

Block petals using spray starch (if wanted) and allow to dry before continuing.

To join petals to head, use length of yellow yarn from closing head. Ch1 and turn so that the back of the head is facing you. Hold petal with WS facing and sl st across the BLO of the 5 ch stitches from the petal to 5 sts (also BLO) of the sunflower head.

See what I mean about the blue? Why, oh why???

Stem

In Green, work in the round.

1. 5sc in magic ring or ch2, make 5sc into 2nd ch from hook.

2 - ? 1sc in each st around.

Repeat as many times until desired length is reached. Leave long tail at end for stitching to the head.

Leaves

In Green, make 2

Work along both sides of the chain

Leave long tail at the beginning for sewing to the stem.

Chain 13

1. (make one st in each ch) Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2sc, 2hdc, 2dc, 1tr, 2dc, 2hdc, ch2, turn, sl st in 1st unused loop on other side of ch, ch2, 1hdc in same st, 1hdc, 2dc, 1tr, 2dc, 2hdc, 2sc, 1sl st, fasten off.

Block leaves using spray starch (if wanted) and allow to dry before continuing.

Use long tail from beginning to stitch to stem.

Now for the 4mm needle*. Break off the end (carefully) and make it safe by wrapping tape around the end. Insert the blunt end into the stem and leave the long pointy end sticking out of the top. Push the pointy end into the head and stitch the stem in place.

* obviously this isn't suitable for a child's toy. 

And that's it. Your very own sunshine to brighten up your days!

Enjoy making,

Sarah xx

Flowers Abound Winner

The winner (chosen at random) of Shelley's wonderful book, Flowers Abound is....

Comment number 25- theamiproject  !!

Well done to you!

I'll be in touch.

Thanks to everyone for entering.

Have a fab week,

Sarah xx

Flowers Abound giveaway

Hooray, it's another giveaway!

This time, I was asked by the ever-fabulous Shelley Husband from Spincushions blog if I'd like to have a little look at her new ebook before its release... And maybe host a giveaway...?

It took me all of 3 milliseconds to reply with a resounding 'yes'! - I've loved following Shelly on Instagram and watching her crochet designs take shape. She is a very talented designer and blogger and hosts amazing CALs (crochet-a-longs) and already has two very successful ebooks.

Her new book, Flowers Abound will be available later on this month, either as an ebook, or as a PDF and features 20 beautiful flower motifs. Why not use them to make a blanket, cushion cover, rug, bedspread, or a scarf?

And what a smashing book it is! There's lots of advice, tips and tricks for how to make these squares. Shelley's even designed a border to finish off your project beautifully.

I had to have a little play and so crocheted Zahra and Fhool squares. 

Aren't they pretty?

My plan is to make a cushion cover. I think I'll choose a few more motifs from the book, too.

Would you like to win a copy?

I thought so.

Just leave a comment below and I'll draw a winner on Saturday (22nd Aug).

Have a great week, everyone.

Sarah xx

A cotton project

Cottons are one of my favourite yarns to work with; they have that lovely feel through the hands and are smooth on my hook.

Usually, I stick to my old favourites. Rico Creative Cotton Aran, or Drops Paris Cotton - both come in a huge array of colours, are inexpensive and have a wonderful, matte finish.

But I had an idea to make something else - something for me. Something for me to wear.

(Did you know that I have never made myself an actual, crocheted garment before. This is new territory for me.)

And so for that, I needed a different yarn. I still wanted cotton, but I wanted something finely spun, that would produce a nice drape....

And so I am trying this:

Patons 100% Cotton DK. It's mercerised, too (which has always scared me a bit). But is basically a manufacturing process which strengthens the yarn and produces a lustrous sheen. 

And so this is what I've managed so far:

Admittedly, it's not much, but I'm making it up as I go.

I like the stitch definition and I think the sheen is rather lovely. The label recommends a 4mm hook, but I'm using a slightly larger 5mm to give a better (I hope) drape.

My plan is for it to be a summer cardigan....

...at this rate it might be finished by next summer. 

I'll keep you posted!

And if you'd like to purchase some of this yarn, then you could try the very lovely folk at Stitch Craft Create, who will be only too happy to help.

Have a great weekend,

Sarah x