The (not my idea) t-shirt yarn bag

I cannot take any credit for the idea behind this bag - you see my good friend, Sharna made one and shared it on Instagram and I loved it.

Find Sharna's inspiring Insta feed here and her blog here

A quick search through my stash at home revealed lots of odds and ends of t-shirt yarn and a deeper dig unearthed some wooden bag handles, too.

And so, inspired by her totally marvellous idea, I decided to come up with my own original design pretty much completely copy it.

If you'd also like to be cool like Sharna and strut around with a copy-cat bag like me, then here's what to do:

You'll need around 350g-ish of t-shirt yarn oddments, a 15mm hook and D-shaped wooden handles (approx 17cms width) find similar here. (Some of my t-shirt yarn was a bit thin, so I worked holding two strands together to even things up a bit.) 

Pattern UK terms (US below)

Make Two

Rnd 1: 4ch (counts as 1ch and 1tr), make 7tr in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st to 3rd ch. (8sts)

Rnd 2: 2ch, 1tr in same st (counts as tr2tog), 1ch, [tr2tog, 1ch] in each st around. Join with sl st to 1st st. (8st, 8ch)

Rnd 3: Beginning in any 1ch-sp, [2ch, 1tr (counts as tr2tog), 1ch, tr2tog] in 1ch-sp, [tr2tog, 1ch, tr2tog] in each 1ch-sp around. Join with sl st to 1st st. (16sts, 8ch)

Rnd 4: Beginning in any 1ch-sp, [3ch, 1tr, 2ch, 2tr] in 1ch-sp, 2tr between the next two sts, 2tr in 1ch-sp, 2tr between next two sts, *[2tr, 2ch, 2tr] in same 1ch-sp, 2tr between the next two sts, 2tr in 1ch-sp, 2tr between next two sts; rep from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch. (40 sts, 8ch)

Handle/joining

Rnd 1: (this will vary slightly, depending on your handle). Beginning with one of the squares, in any 2ch-sp, [1ch, 2dc] in 2ch-sp, 1dc BLO in each st over handle, 2dc in 1ch-sp

Now put the other square, with WS facing the WS of the piece you are working on. Make 1dc in the same 2ch-sp and the corresponding 2ch-sp of the square behind, then work your way around the two pieces, joining them by working 1dc BLO of front square to join FLO of back square. Make 3dc in the 2ch-sp space and repeat around, making 1dc in the first 2ch sp where you started.

Now you will just work across the back square. Make 2dc in the same 2ch-sp, 1dc FLO in each st over handle, 2dc in 1ch-sp.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

(Or if you're really lazy like me, tie the ends in a knot on the inside of the bag and snip them.

Job done.

Enjoy your bag - it really is the perfect summer accessory!

Pattern US terms 

Make Two

Rnd 1: 4ch (counts as 1ch and 1dc), make 7dc in 4th ch from hook. Join with sl st to 3rd ch. (8sts)

Rnd 2: 2ch, 1dc in same st (counts as dc2tog), 1ch, [dc2tog, 1ch] in each st around. Join with sl st to 1st st (8st, 8ch)

Rnd 3: Beginning in any 1ch-sp, [2ch, 1dc (counts as dc2tog), 1ch, dc2tog] in 1ch-sp, [dc2tog, 1ch, dc2tog] in each 1ch-sp around. Join with sl st to 1st st. (16sts, 8ch)

Rnd 4: Beginning in any 1ch-sp, [3ch, 1dc, 2ch, 2dc] in 1ch-sp, 2dc between the next two sts, 2dc in 1ch-sp, 2dc between next two sts, *[2dc, 2ch, 2dc] in same 1ch-sp, 2dc between the next two sts, 2dc in 1ch-sp, 2dc between next two sts; rep from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch. (40 sts, 8ch)

Handle/joining

Rnd 1: (this will vary slightly, depending on your handle). Beginning with one of the squares, in any 2ch-sp, [1ch, 2sc] in 2ch-sp, 1sc BLO in each st over handle, 2sc in 1ch-sp

Now put the other square, with WS facing the WS of the piece you are working on. Make 1sc in the same 2ch-sp and the corresponding 2ch-sp of the square behind, then work your way around the two pieces, joining them by working 1sc BLO of front square to join FLO of back square. Make 3sc in the 2ch-sp space and repeat around, making 1sc in the first 2ch sp where you started.

Now you will just work across the back square. Make 2sc in the same 2ch-sp, 1sc FLO in each st over handle, 2sc in 1ch-sp.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

(Or if you're really lazy like me, tie the ends in a knot on the inside of the bag and snip them.

Job done.

Enjoy your bag - it really is the perfect summer accessory!

Have a great weekend,

Sarah xx

The Last Cowl

Ok. So I know I have been a BIT obsessed with cowls and scarves and wraps and all things shawl-y recently, but I PROMISE this is the last scarf pattern for a while, especially as Spring is supposedly just around the corner.

But as we are due some verrrry cold weather here in the UK, I couldn't resist making a gorgeously soft and cosy cowl with some super-chunky and super-gorgeous yarn. And it will be my last one for now. 

I promise.

This is the stuff:

Isn't is lush?
Bet you wish you had squish-o-vision ...

It's called Naturalia by Borgo de Pazzi and you can find it at Woolly Mahoosive. (AND you can receive 10% off this yarn with the code Annaboos)

And so I made a loooooong cowl. The sort you can wrap around twice for extra-cosiness.

The pattern is extremely difficult * very easy and very quick.

*I'd love to actually write that on one of my patterns, but no. Simple all the way

You need 1 x 200g / 120m hank of Naturalia by Borgo De Pazzi (or similar)
and a 15mm hook

UK Pattern: (US below)

ch 13
Row 1: 1tr in 4th ch from hook and each st, turn. (11 sts)
Rows 2 - 3: 3ch (counts as tr throughout), 1tr in each st, turn.
Row 4: 3ch, 4tr, 1ch, sk st, 5tr, turn.
Row 5: 3ch, 2tr, 1ch, sk st, 1tr, 1tr in 1ch-sp, 1tr, 1ch, sk st, 3tr, turn.
Row 6: 4ch (counts as 1tr + 1ch), sk st, 1tr, 1tr in 1ch-sp, 3tr, 1tr in 1ch-sp, 1tr, 1ch, sk st, 1tr, turn.
Row 7: Repeat row 5
Rows 8 - 36: repeat rows 4-7
Rows 37 - 38: Repeat rows 2-3
Do not fasten off - slip stitch the top and bottom edges together.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

US Pattern:

ch 13
Row 1: 1dc in 4th ch from hook and each st, turn. (11 sts)
Rows 2 - 3: 3ch (counts as dc throughout), 1dc in each st, turn.
Row 4: 3ch, 4dc, 1ch, sk st, 5dc, turn.
Row 5: 3ch, 2dc, 1ch, sk st, 1dc, 1dc in 1ch-sp, 1dc, 1ch, sk st, 3dc, turn.
Row 6: 4ch (counts as 1dc + 1ch), sk st, 1dc, 1dc in 1ch-sp, 3dc, 1dc in 1ch-sp, 1dc, 1ch, sk st, 1dc, turn.
Row 7: Repeat row 5
Rows 8 - 36: repeat rows 4-7
Rows 37 - 38: Repeat rows 2-3
Do not fasten off - slip stitch the top and bottom edges together.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

So there you are.
I intend to wear this for the entirety of next week, whilst the Siberian winter takes it grip.

Keep cosy!

Sarah xxxx

Swift Knit MEGA scarves

Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know that I am a chunky-yarn-lover. 

The bigger the better, in my opinion. 

My good friends at Stylecraft Yarns are no strangers to chunky yarn and recently, I used Swift Knit for my slouchy hat in Supersize Crochet - I just loved the softness and warmth of the yarn and the way the different colours worked together. So when they launched Swift Knit MEGA and asked if any of the Blogstars would like to try it, I knew it would be a winner.

And I wasn't disappoined. It's the same mix of 80% Acrylic 20% Wool, but in a huge 200g ball, with 70m of yarn and a recommended hook/needle of 15mm.

My first experiments were with crochet, where I tried an easy textured stitch and I loved the result. In fact, I adapted this slightly and used the Wedgewood colourway for a super-chunky cowl in Issue 97 of Inside Crochet magazine.

Now, you might have noticed that there has also been a LOT of knitting going on here recently. I am loving the easy-knit projects I've been working on and, as someone who is still a novice in these matters, simplicity is the way forward for me.

And so, when the kids asked for warm scarves, I knew exactly what I'd do with my Swift Knit Mega: knit them in one each in garter stitch.

There are two things I love about garter stitch: 

1) it's just knit stitch on repeat

2) it's SOOOOOOO squishy 

The Swift Knit Mega works beautifully in this pattern - I love the subtle colour changes and the squishiness of the yarn is just perfection. Plus, it only takes one ball to make a good-length scarf.

Here's what you'll need if you want to make one:

1x ball of Stylecraft Swift Knit Mega; my colours were Peony (2143) and Wedgewood (2144)

15mm needles

Cast on 8 stitches

Knit every row until you run out of yarn, leaving enough for cast-off.

Job done.

Happy kids.

If you'd like to read more about the Stylecraft Blogstars and see what they've been up to, then follow the link.

Enjoy your week, and stay warm

Sarah xxx

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

The perfect little bag

It's a bag.

Just a little bag, but so useful. 

The perfect size, in fact for all the essentials*.

What makes it even more perfect is the fact that it takes about an hour to make and it doesn't need lining (what a Godsend - I blimmin' HATE lining bags).

Oh, and it has tassels. 

What's not to love??

Fancy making one?

*There is, in fact a bigger, tote-style bag in my NEW BOOK, Supersize Crochet (and it doesn't need a lining, either - hoorah! Take a quick look over there on the sidebar →

You'll need around 500g/ 71 meters of your favourite t-shirt yarn (I love this shop) and a small amount in a contrasting colour for the tassels, 17cm / 6.5" bag handles (mine are from here) and a 12mm hook.

The finished bag measures around 26 x 19 x 6cm

Pattern notes 

I used the cross-dc variation of the double crochet (US single crochet) stitch - see my post Quest for a Stitch to find out how to do it. If you prefer, you can use the normal dc (sc), the pattern will work just fine.

I also worked from round 2 in continuous rounds without a slip stitch to join or ch1 at the beginning, which was to avoid a seam. If you'd prefer joined rounds, then feel free to do so. Again, the pattern will work.

Don't want tassels? Simply work rnd 5 as regular dc (US sc) stitches and leave off the tassels!

Nope, I'm not crocheting glasses - it's how you work across the bag handles on Round 1

UK Pattern (US Below)

Rnd 1: Make 10dc across the first handle, 5ch, 10dc across the second handle, 5ch. Join with a sl st to the first dc to join. (30 sts)

Rnd 2 - 3: 1ch, 1dc in each st around (do not join - work in continuous rnds from here on).

Rnd 4: (Short row) 5dc (leave 25 stitches unworked).

Rnd 5: 1dc in each st BLO.

Rnds 6 - 12: 1dc in each st around.

Base 

18ch

Row 1: 1tr in each of 12 chains, beginning in the 4th ch from your hook, sk 2 ch, sl st in last ch.

To join base to bag, and with RS facing, sl st through FLO of rnd 12 to stitches around the base piece.

Fasten off.

To make up:

Cut tassels to the desired length and attach to the exposed loops from Rnd 5.

Joining the base to the bag

US Pattern

Rnd 1: Make 10sc across the first handle, 5ch, 10sc across the second handle, 5ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc to join. (30 sts)

Rnd 2 - 3: 1ch, 1sc in each st around (do not join - work in continuous rnds from here on).

Rnd 4: (Short row) 5sc (leave 25 stitches unworked).

Rnd 5: 1sc in each st BLO.

Rnds 6 - 12: 1sc in each st around.

Base 

18ch

Row 1: 1dc in each of 12 chains, beginning in the 4th ch from your hook, sk 2 ch, sl st in last ch.

To join base to bag, and with RS facing, sl st through FLO of rnd 12 to stitches around the base piece.

Fasten off.

To make up:

Cut tassels to the desired length and attach to the exposed loops from Rnd 5. 

Taaa daaaaah!

See? Quick and easy !!

Enjoy crocheting and don't forget to tag me so I can see what you've been making!

Have a fab week,

Sarah xxx

The One with a SUPERSIZE blog hop

Yep, not any old-sized blog hop - a SUPERSIZED one, of course.

And so, to celebrate the launch of my new book, Supersize Crochet (eeeeeeek!!! totally excited!!!), there's an amazing blog hop taking place from the 1st - 19th May.

It features the most AWESOME crochet bloggers from across the entire blimmin' planet, who will be taking a look at the book and trying out some of the projects, too.

Want to know more?
Here's what's happening:

Monday 1st May - watch out! I'll be taking over the Sew and So Instagram Account
Tuesday 2nd May - read my guest blog over at Sew and So

Wednesday 3rd May - the first of the guest bloggers is Maria from Dinki Dots
Thursday 4th May - then it's Shelley from Spincushions
Friday 5th May - next up, Ashley from Lazy Daisy Jones

Monday 8th May - another great week begins with Tamara from Moogly
Tuesday 9th May - next it's Sarah from Crafts from the Cwtch
Wednesday 10th May - happy hump day with Sara from Crochet Me
Friday 12th May - a lot of FriYAY love with Marianne from MaRRose
Sunday 14th May - enjoy the weekend with Ruby and Kim from Frank & Olive
 
Monday 15th May -start a new week with Kathryn from Crochet Concupiscence
Tuesday 16th May - then it's Twinkie from Twinkie Chan
Wednesday 17th May - everything is HUGE with Andrea from Woolly Mahoosive
Thursday 18th May - the penultimate post from Kerry at Interweave
Friday 19th May - ah, it's all over. Read the Blog Hop Round Up

Wow! It's a line-up of Mega stars!! I can't wait to see what they all get up to. Join us for the blog hop and don't forget to take part across social media with the hashtags #supersizecrochet and #annabooshousetakeover .

 

Have a great week,
Sarah xx

The one with a chunky yarn rug-let

Rug-let?

Yep, I made it up.

Well there are piglets (small pigs) and capelets (small capes) and now there are ruglets (small...er...rugs).

I know - I am a semantic genius.

This all came about when I received some gorgeous super-chunky yarn from my good friend Andrea at Woolly Mahoosive (excellent name for a shop selling mega-yarn, eh?).

Andrea has kindly supplied me with lots of her fab yarn for my new book, Supersize crochet (available for pre-order here). 

This yarn is called Squiggly in Peach. It's 100% acrylic and comes in gigantic skeins of 300g (ish) and it is SOOOOOOOO soft. And I mean really, really soft.

I wanted to create a project which would use as much of a skein as possible and so decided something in the round might be the way forward. And so the ruglet was born.

I just love how it turned out.

 

And here it is, in situ next to my roaring fire*

You can see what I mean by 'Ruglet' - it's quite petite. My plan is to make several and lie them next to another on the floor, OR, I'd like to put them on the wall. I'm sure the Mister would be thrilled by that idea.

*kindly made by my 7 year old, using black card and torn strips of fiery coloured paper, should you want to recreate your own.

To see more about the chunky yarns, then take a look at my latest YouTube video here, or over in my sidebar ----->>>

If you'd like to make a ruglet (or many ruglets), then here's the pattern:

Have a great week,
Sarah xx

A Chunky Ruglet (Uk first, US below)

size = approx 50cms

You'll need:
Approx 300g Squiggly Yarn in Peach
20mm hook

To make a picot, 3ch, then sl st in 3rd ch.

To tr2tog, *yarn over hook, hook into stitch, yoh, pull yarn through st, yoh, pull yarn through 2 loops. repeat from * (3 loops on hook), yoh, pull yarn through all loops.

Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as tr here and throughout), 9tr in magic ring, or 4ch, 9tr in 4th ch fom hook. Sl st to 3rd ch to join.
Rnd 2: 2ch, 1tr in same st (counts as tr2tog), 2ch, then (tr2tog, 2ch) in each st around. Sl st to 1st tr to join, then sl st into 2ch-sp.
Rnd 3: 3ch, 2tr in 2ch-sp, 2ch, then (3tr, 2ch) in each 2ch-sp around. Sl st to 3rd ch to join.
Rnd 4: 2ch (counts as htr), 1tr, picot, 1htr, 1dc in ch1-sp. *1htr, 1tr, picot, 1htr, 1dc in ch1-sp. Repeat from * around.

Fasten off

US version

size = approx 50cms

You'll need:
Approx 300g Squiggly Yarn in Peach
20mm hook

To make a picot, 3ch, then sl st in 3rd ch.

To dc2tog, *yarn over hook, hook into stitch, yoh, pull yarn through st, yoh, pull yarn through 2 loops. repeat from * (3 loops on hook), yoh, pull yarn through all loops.

Rnd 1: 3ch (counts as dc here and throughout), 9dc in magic ring, or 4ch, 9dc in 4th ch fom hook. Sl st to 3rd ch to join.
Rnd 2: 2ch, 1dc in same st (counts as dc2tog), 2ch, then (dc2tog, 2ch) in each st around. Sl st to 1st dc to join, then sl st into 2ch-sp.
Rnd 3: 3ch, 2dc in 2ch-sp, 2ch, then (3dc, 2ch) in each 2ch-sp around. Sl st to 3rd ch to join.
Rnd 4: 2ch (counts as hdc), 1dc, picot, 1hdc, 1sc in ch1-sp. *1hdc, 1dc, picot, 1hdc, 1sc in ch1-sp. Repeat from * around.

Fasten off

Episode 3: Chunky Yarn Show Notes

Drops Polaris 100% Wool in Grey

Tshirt Yarn available from Tshirt Yarn Shop

Stylecraft Special XL in Plum

Woolly Mahoosive Mammoth Yarn in Turquoise
Woolly Mahoosive Superfine Giant Merino in Navy
Woolly Mahoosive Wiggly (not available at present)
Woolly Mahoosive Squiggly in Peach, Orange and Cream
New Woolly Mahoosive Yarns in Navy and Purple available soon.

Supersize hooks

Glow in the Dark Yarn from Unique Yarns Co

Yarn and Colors Must-Have Minis

Inside Crochet Magazine

Bilum PukPuk (shawl yarn)

Supersize Crochet - a new book

Oh yes, it's very nearly here...
My new book is currently at the printers, ready to be released in May 2017 .
*supresses squeals of excitement*

There are 20 projects to choose from ranging from larger-than-life rugs and blankets to an oversized colour block cowl and hat for super-sized accessorising. The projects are simple enough to be tackled by beginner crocheters and you’ll be amazed by how quickly they work up.
All you need to get started is a big hook and some yarn and you’re good to go!

So why tell you about it now?
Well, I thought it would be jolly nice to offer this free BONUS pattern for anyone who decides to pre-order a copy.

Here's what you need to do:

Want a FREE copy of my “Gelato Snood” pattern?
(Offer valid until 25/05/17)
If you pre-order my book on Amazon, it’s yours with my thanks! Here’s how to get it:
1) Preorder Supersize Crochet on Amazon by clicking here:

2) After you have placed your order, click here to visit the link to receive your free bonus project (you’ll need to input your order number, so have that handy).

3) Enjoy your free pattern right now!

I hope you all like the new book - it's been a real pleasure to design the projects for you.

And if you fancy a quick peek at all 20 projects, then check out the Ravelry page here.

Happy crocheting,
Sarah xx