Easy Knit Cowl

It's a well-known fact that us Brits are obsessed with the weather

Some people might find this strange, but we love to talk about it - how cold it is, how warm it is, how windy it is, when it might rain, how much it has rained, why it hasn't rained.... you get the idea.

The simple reason is that here in the UK, we can literally have four seasons in one day (apparently it's something to do with the cold air from the north pushing against the warm air from the tropics which does this).  Take today, for instance - snow this morning (the children were THRILLED) but now it's just damp and cold. Yesterday though, it was positively balmy.  

But with such bonkers weather, I often find myself feeling the cold throughout the year, which is exactly why I love ALLLLLLLLL the warm, woolly things, especially those to wear around my neck and is why I can never pass on an opportunity to make shawls, wraps, scarves and cowls.

And this one is no exception.

I was very kindly sent some chunky yarns from Sirdar to try and I couldn't resist this gorgeous Bohemia in Teal Appeal.

It's a fabulously super-chunky yarn (you know how much I love 'em) in 51% Wool 49% Acrylic mix and is a low-twist, single ply. The hank size is 150g/ 50m. And it's really, really soft. 

Now as much as I love crochet, I knew that to get the most out of a single skein of this glorious yarn, I'd have to knit it. 

Sirdar do have a free snood pattern but I decided I wanted something a bit more snug around my neck and I wanted to knit it in the round, cos I am too lazy to sew it all together at the end.

And so my version is super-quick 'n' easy and because it's in the round, you only need to make a knit stitch (seriously, if I can do it, you can, too).

Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

Finished size approximately 60cm circumference / 27cm tall

Here's what you'll need to know to complete the project (click on each for link to video):

*Long tail cast on

*Knitting in the round

*Knit stitch 

*Cast off 

You'll need:

1 hank of Sirdar Bohemia

20mm x 80cm circular needles (mine are from Woolly Mahoosive)

Tension isn't really important, but gauge is roughly 5 sts and 7 rows to 10cm x 10cm

Cast on 30 stitches using the Long Tail Cast On Method

Rnds 1 - 19*: Knit all stitches

Cast off loosely.

*or until you run out of yarn (leave enough for cast-off)

Sew in ends

That's it - it'll take about an hour of your time to make and will keep you warm and snug throughout the cold winter months.

And the cold summer months, for that matter.

Wishing you all a very happy and crafty New Year!

Sarah xx

BTW, to find out more about all things chunky-yarny, read my feature in Inside Crochet Issue 97.

Supersize your wreath

Honestly, this is one of THE speediest and easiest crochet projects I have ever made and perfect for a beginner, too.

It has been one of those projects I've wanted to make for ages, since I do love a bit of giant-yarn-action. And there's been plenty of inspiration online, so I am totally not claiming any points for originality here (check out Pony McTate's gorgeous wreaths on Instagram here)

If you fancy having a go, then you need a wreath frame (36cm / 14inch), and around 250g of giant yarn*. If you've got a 40mm hook hanging around, then use it, if not, try a smaller hook, or you can use your fingers.

And then, dear friends, you simply make UK double crochet stitches (US sc) around the edge of the frame until you're back to the beginning. 

It will take you under 10 minutes, I kid you not.

* I used a Wreath kit from Woolly Mahoosive available here which contains enough materials to make two wreaths) 

Fancy a step-by-step? Then check out my tutorial below, which shows you how to make it with and without a hook.

  
Happy hooking, crochet pals
Sarah xx

Textured coasters

It all started with the yarn bargain of the century...

Let me take you back to late September, when I'd been invited to Yarndale for the weekend by my pal and Supersize Crochet supplier, Andrea from Woolly Mahoosive. We had the most totally fab time,  I met the most wonderful people and I'm so pleased to say, many new friends, too.

Now, those of you who have been to a yarny festival before will know a bit about what to expect - lots and lots of different companies, both big and small, selling all their different wares - yarn in every colour imaginable, tools, patterns, baskets, accessories and just about everything in between.

I love it all.
Especially the yarn *sigh*
But, I already have lots of beautiful hand-dyed skeins (with soooooo many projects in mind,) so these days, I'm on the look-out for something a bit different.
And I struck gold this time:
These little balls of 100% wool at 50p each in the MOST gorgeously perfect autumnal colours!

Now, they're not the sort of yarn you'd want to wear - they're the sort of yarn you'd use to make hard-wearing, rugged homewares, so I decided (to start with) I'd make some sweet little coasters.

(As a person with two small-ish children and one excitable dog, I find yarn coasters to be the most brilliant thing, 'cos they don't break when they are inevitably knocked off the coffee table)

Anyhoos, here's the pattern. They're worked in the round, but with a few turns in direction to create the most lovely texture:

You'll need a small amount of any yarn you like with a hook to match - these will work in everything from double knit, worsted and aran weights to chunky.

UK pattern first, US below:

Textured Coasters UK pattern

Stitches to know:
sl st  - slip stitch
ch - chain
ch-sp - chain space
dc - double crochet
tr - treble crochet
FLO - front loops only
BLO - back loops only

To make the 2-bobble stitch, work two trebles in the indicated stitch, leaving the last part of each treble unworked. (Three loops on hook). Yoh, draw through all three loops.

 

To make the 3-bobble stitch, work three trebles in the indicated stitch, leaving the last part of each treble unworked. (Four loops on hook). Yoh, draw through all four loops.


Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as tr), 11tr in magic ring or 5ch (counts as 2ch + tr), 11tr in 4th ch from hook, sl st to 3rd ch to join rnd, turn.

Rnd 2: 3ch, 2-bobble in same st as 3ch, 1ch, *3-bobble, 1ch around; repeat from * to end, sl st to FLO of 1st tr of 2-bobble, turn.

Rnd 3: 3ch, 2tr in same st  BLO, 1tr in 1ch-sp, *3tr in next st BLO, 1tr in 1ch-sp; repeat from * to end, sl st to 3rd ch to join rnd.

Rnd 4: 1ch, 1dc BLO in each st to end.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Textured Coasters US pattern

Stitches to know:
sl st  - slip stitch
ch - chain
ch-sp - chain space
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
FLO - front loops only
BLO - back loops only

To make the 2-bobble stitch, work two double crochets in the indicated stitch, leaving the last part of each dc unworked. (Three loops on hook). Yoh, draw through all three loops.

 
To make the 3-bobble stitch, work three double crochets in the indicated stitch, leaving the last part of each dc unworked. (Four loops on hook). Yoh, draw through all four loops.


Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as dc), 11dc in magic ring or 5ch (counts as 2ch + dc), 11dc in 4th ch from hook, sl st to 3rd ch to join rnd, turn.

Rnd 2: 2ch, 2-bobble in same st as 3ch, 1ch, *3-bobble, 1ch around; repeat from * to end, sl st to FLO of 1st tr of 2-bobble, turn.

Rnd 3: 3ch, 2dc in same st  BLO, 1dc in 1ch-sp, *3dc in next st BLO, 1dc in 1ch-sp; repeat from * to end, sl st to 3rd ch to join rnd.

Rnd 4: 1ch, 1sc BLO in each st to end.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

And that's all there is to it!

Happy crocheting,
Sarah xx

Home Decoration in Crochet - a book review

It seems to be book review season here at the moment

And I'm not complaining, I'm really not - this particular one is a corker!

It's written by Tanya Eberhardt, a fellow crochet designer, who I've known for ages through her blog, Little Things Blogged and her Instagram account, Ltblogged.

It's a book packed to the brim with 25 colourful designs to brighten your home - everything you could imagine, from beautiful blankets to these adorable jar cosies *adds to ever-growing future projects list*

This is another of the projects which caught my eye - a vintage-inspired cushion cover.

And this stool cover is such a fun make, too.

But I've always been a storage girl at heart and I loved the simplicity and stitch definition of these sweet little baskets.

I had some cute little balls of yarn I'd picked up at Yarndale (for a bargainous 50p each) and thought they'd be the perfect match.

And they are!
The pattern was well written and very easy to follow and it even had a chart, too. I love the way this has turned out and am planning to make the other two sizes, too.

(I've just realised that I actually did not complete as many rows as Tanya's pattern states - that's what I get for crocheting late at night!) but I'm still just as pleased. I might make the taller version next.

 

I've really enjoying looking through Tanya's book - there are projects in here to suit everyone, from a complete newbie to an experienced pro and there's even a tunisian crochet project included. 

The patterns are written in US terms throughout and all have them feature a chart. At the back of the book there is a brief section containing descriptions of the stitches and techniques you'll need to know.

If you'd like to purchase Home Decoration In Crochet by Tanya Eberhardt, then it's available here.

Enjoy!

Sarah

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of Home Decoration in Crochet for free. However, the opinions I’ve posted are my own.

Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies - Blog Hop

When I was asked by my publisher if I'd like to review one of their new titles and I discovered it was LalyLala's, I literally squealed with excitement.

 

You see, I've been an admirer of Lydia's amigurumi for aaaaaaages. She is such a clever, talented designer - if you're not familiar with her projects, then here's a little snippet: 

Image from www.lalylala.com

As if THAT isn't enough cuteness for you, then how about this? 

Lydia's first book: 

 

It is just beautiful! 

First, there's a sweet little story to introduce you to the characters... 

 

 

 

Next up is the techniques section, which covers everything you need to know about creating your little character. 

 

And in the final section are all the patterns - YAY! 

 

This is where the magic happens; You can choose how your bug looks by combining different components. Not only does Lydia show you how to make your caterpillar a pair of beautiful wings to make him into a fabulous butterfly, she has patterns for an egg and pupa, and even the leaf for him to munch, too!

Below is my caterpillar, with his little hat to complete the look.

Truly adorable. 

 

The patterns are written in US terms and are very clearly explained. I had no trouble at all navigating the sections of the book I needed and followed the pattern directions easily.. 

 

And I totally love my little guy - I'm already choosing yarn to make him a fabulous set of wings and I simply cannot decide which friend to make for him next - Ladybird? Stag beetle? Snail?? Aphid??

The answer, dear Reader is ALL OF THEM.

Gah, too much cuteness!! 

If you want to purchase a copy, then click HERE to find out how.

And if you pop along to All About Ami tomorrow, you can find out what Stephanie's been making from the book, too - I can't wait to see.

Enjoy,

Sarah xxx

Book details: 

• PUBLISHING DATE: October 27, 2017 • Hardcover: 128 pages • Language: English / US crochet terms • Publisher: SewandSo • ISBN-10: 1446306666 • ISBN-13: 978-1446306666 • Price: £ 16.99 / $ 24.99 • Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 1,4 cm • Weight: 600 grams