Summer Bunting

Bunting

The perfect way to brighten up a mantlepiece, hang across the garden or adorn an otherwise plain wall.

And the Mister hates it, of course, but let's not worry about that for now...

Recently, I was sent a beautiful set of these Ricorumi cotton DK yarns to try. At just 25g each, they are designed especially for crocheting small Amigurumi and I thought they'd be brilliant for my bunting.

And so I've created* an easy peasy pattern which uses some of the pretty, summery colours available. You could any yarn you like for this - it would be a great stash-busting project. 

*I say 'created, but really this pattern is based on a traditional Granny Triangle pattern, which you can find everywhere. I just decided to add a dangly-bit. To make it pretty.

To make pom-pom: (US tr3tog = dc3tog)
(3ch, in 3rd ch from hook, tr3tog) twice, sl st at base of first tr3tog to close pompom (see blue arrow)

UK version (US below)

I used:

1 x 25g ball each of Rico Design 'Ricorumi' in Vanilla (5), Salmon (21), Nude (23), Light Blue (33) and Pale Green (45)

3.5 mm hook

4ch (counts as 1ch and 1tr)

Rnd 1: 2tr in 4th ch from hook, 3ch, [3tr, 3ch] twice. Join with sl st to 4th ch. 

Rnd 2: in any 3ch-sp, 3ch (counts as tr throughout) 2tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch in same sp, *[3tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch] in next 3ch-sp; repeat from * twice. Join with sl st to 3rd ch.

Rnd 3: in any 3ch-sp, [3ch, 2tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch] in same sp,  [3tr, 1ch] in next 1ch-sp, *[3tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch] in next 3ch-sp, [3tr, 1ch] in next 1ch-sp; repeat from * twice. Join with sl st to 3rd ch.

Rnd 4: in any 3ch-sp, [3ch, 2tr, 3ch, 3tr, 1ch] in same sp,  (3tr, 1ch in next 1ch-sp) twice, [3tr, 2ch, pompom, 2ch, 3tr, 1ch] in next 3ch-sp, (3tr, 1ch in next 1ch-sp) twice, [3tr, 3ch, 3tr] in next 3ch-sp, (3tr, 1ch in next 1ch-sp) twice. Join with sl st to 3rd ch.

Joining

20ch at beginning for hanging loop, then make [3tr, 1ch] in each 1ch-sp. When joining the next triangle, omit the 1ch.

US version

4ch (counts as 1ch and 1dc)

Rnd 1: 2tr in 4th ch from hook, 3ch, [3dc, 3ch] twice. Join with sl st to 4th ch. 

Rnd 2: in any 3ch-sp, 3ch (counts as dc throughout) 2dc, 3ch, 3dc, 1ch in same sp, *[3dc, 3ch, 3dc, 1ch] in next 3ch-sp; repeat from * twice. Join with sl st to 3rd ch.

Rnd 3: in any 3ch-sp, [3ch, 2dc, 3ch, 3dc, 1ch] in same sp,  [3dc, 1ch] in next 1ch-sp, *[3dc, 3ch, 3dc, 1ch] in next 3ch-sp, [3dc, 1ch] in next 1ch-sp; repeat from * twice. Join with sl st to 3rd ch.

Rnd 4: in any 3ch-sp, [3ch, 2dc, 3ch, 3dc, 1ch] in same sp,  (3dc, 1ch in next 1ch-sp) twice, [3dc, 2ch, pompom, 2ch, 3dc, 1ch] in next 3ch-sp, (3dc, 1ch in next 1ch-sp) twice, [3dc, 3ch, 3dc] in next 3ch-sp, (3dc, 1ch in next 1ch-sp) twice. Join with sl st to 3rd ch.

Joining

20ch at beginning for hanging loop, then make [3dc, 1ch] in each 1ch-sp. When joining the next triangle, omit the 1ch.

And that's it. It goes without saying that you can keep adding triangles until your bunting measures the length you desire. And if, like me, you REALLY want to annoy your other half, just keep making more and more and more to festoon every corner of your home.

Have a great week,
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

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

The Croobs

So when your good friend, who is a lactation consultant asks if you can make some Croobs (crochet boobs), what do you say?

Obvious, really.

The perfect gift for a midwife, breastfeeding councillor, health visitor or any other in-need-of-a-boob-type-person. 

Here's the pattern, written in UK terms:

By varying it slightly you can create a normal, inverted and flat Croob (explanations below). 

Each Croob measures approx 10cms in diameter.

You need:

Hook and yarn (any dk or Aran weight will do it)

Toy stuffing

I used a 4.5mm hook and Drops Paris Cotton in Dark Beige (26) for the nipple and Powder Pink (58) for the flesh. You'll probably need 2 balls of the pink to make all three Croobs.

Normal Croob

In beige

Rnd 1: 6dc in magic ring or ch2, 6dc in 2nd ch from hook.

Rnds 2 and 3: 1dc in each st around 

Rnd 4: 2dc in each st around (12 sts)

Rnd 5: (1dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (18)

Rnd 6: (2dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (24)

Rnd 7: (3dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (30)

Change to pink

Rnd 8: (4dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (36)

Rnd 9: (5dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (42)

Rnd 10: 1dc in each st around

Rnd 11: (6dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (48)

Rnd 12: (7dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around (54)

Rnds 13-17: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 18: (7dc, dc2tog) repeat around (48)

Rnd 19: (6dc, dc2tog) repeat around (42)

Rnd 20: 1dc in each st around

Rnd 21: (5dc, dc2tog) repeat around (36)

Rnd 22: (4dc, dc2tog) repeat around (30)

Rnd 23: (3dc, dc2tog) repeat around (24)

Rnd 24: (2dc, dc2tog) repeat around (18)

Stuff firmly

Rnd 25: (1dc, dc2tog) repeat around (12)

Rnd 26: dc2tog around (6)

Finish stuffing and sew closed.

Flat Croob

Make as normal, but miss out rounds 2 and 3.

Inverted Croob

Make as normal, but leave a long tail of the beige when you begin. Once you get to round 24, pull the tail to invert the nipple. Stuff as usual and complete the pattern. Tie the beige tail to the pink to prevent the nipple from un-inverting and sew closed.

Happy days!

Enjoy your crochet,

Sarah xx

A BIG Crocheted Christmas tree (Free pattern)

'Could you design us a large, free-standing, crocheted Christmas tree?' the lovely Lesley from Black Sheep Wools asked me.

Yep. 

Sure can.

I used one of my favourite yarns, Rico Creative Cotton Aran, as the colours are bright and it's sturdy stuff.

If you'd like to make yourself a large, free-standing, crocheted Christmas tree, then head on over to Black Sheep Wools, where you'll find the FREE pattern (yes, free- it IS Christmas, after all) AND there's a jolly super 10% discount code to use on Rico Creative Cotton Aran if you use the code 'ABXMAS'. It's valid until the 2nd December, too.

Have fun making and do show me if you make one- I love to see what you've been up to!

Happy Wednesday, everyone.

Sarah xx

Grey Mouse

A little while back now, I was asked by the lovely Emma at Lemonade Yarns if I could design a little pattern for her yarn shop.

I'd love to, I said.

How about a mouse? I said.

Yes, she said.

So here he is. (Inspired by Beatrix Potter's wonderful illustrations)

If you'd like to make him then just follow the link here to Emma's wonderful online yarn and craft emporium. 

And why not pick up all the supplies you need, too?

And some extra yarn.

And a few crafty things.

And a book.

Or is just me who shops like that?

Anyhoos, enjoy making!

Sarah x

Wubberducky Crochet Duck: A free pattern

 

 

This was a really quick little make and uses only a small amount of yarn.

The pattern is worked amigurumi-style in continuous spirals, so you'll need to mark the beginning of each round.

 

You will need:

Yarn of your choice and a hook to match

(I used RICO Creative Cotton, main colour 63 [light yellow] and bill colour 74 [orange] and a 4mm hook)

Stitch Marker

Toy stuffing

Embroidery thread (to coordinate with face and bill colours) and needle

Tapestry (blunt needle)

Felt (for face, optional)

2x 9mm black safety eyes

1x 12mm safety eye if you want a moving head (optional)

 

Stitches and Abbreviations:

I use US terms, so single crochet is the same as UK double crochet here.

Chain (ch)

Single crochet (sc)

Stitches (sts)

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

 

To single crochet 2 together:

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

 

PATTERN

Head (beginning with neck and working up)

1. 5sc in magic ring OR

ch2, 5sc in 2nd chain from hook.

2. 2sc in each sc (10)

3. 2sc in each sc (20)

4. Sc 20

5. (3sc, 2sc in next sc) repeat around (25)

6. Sc 25

7. (4sc, 2sc in next sc) repeat around (30)

8-9. Sc 30

10. (4sc, sc2tog) repeat around (25)

11. (3sc, sc2tog) repeat around (20)

12. Sc 20

Measure 2 arm lengths of yarn and cut. You'll finish the head in a bit...

 

Body (neck down)

1. 5sc in magic ring OR

ch2, 5sc in 2nd chain from hook.

2. 2sc in each sc (10)

3. 2sc in each sc (20)

4. Sc 20

5. (1sc, 2sc in next sc) repeat around (30)

6. Sc 30

7. (5sc, 2sc in next sc) repeat around (35)

8-11. Sc 35

12. Sc 10, 2sc in each of next 5 stitches, sc10, sc2tog over next 10 stitches (35 sts)

13. Sc 35

14. (3sc, sc2tog) repeat around (28)

15. Sc2tog around (14)

Attach the body to the head (if using safety eye): push the eye shank into the bottom of the head and into the neck of the body and attach the collar tightly.

Stuff firmly.

16. Sc2tog around (7)

Sew closed.

 

Bill:

1. 6sc

2. (2scs in each of next 2 sts, Sc, 2scs in each of next 2scs, Sc) (10sts)

3. Sc 10

4. Sc 10

Fasten off

 

Finish Head:

Make small slits in the felt 'face' and push safety eyes through. Push eye shanks into crochet face and attach collars behind.

Sew on felt face

Attach beak

Stuff firmly

13. Sc2tog around (10)

14. Sc2tog around (5)

Sew closed.

And that should be it!

Enjoy making

Xxx

 

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