A Chevron Necklace

 

It needs no introduction, really -

All you need is the teeniest bit of t-shirt yarn, a hook and about 5 minutes of your time.

 

Now, most of you who visit my blog, or see my stuff on Instagram will know that I am not one for tricksy, difficult projects.

Nope.

Simple and quick is the way I roll.

In fact, this project is SO easy that I taught a non-crocheter how to make one (which she did, and it was rather brilliant, I must say).

Ok.
You'll need some t-shirt yarn (about 15g / 2 metres - this is the perfect stash-busting project)
A big hook - a 10mm or 12mm will work fine.

• Chain 14

• Starting in the 2nd chain from your hook, make 1dc in the first 5 chains, skip 3 chains, make 1dc in each of the last 5 stitches.

To make up, simply pull the yarn end through your final stitch and use this to make the necklace, tying it securely on the other side of the chevron, at the right length to fit.

Now hide your yarn tails by weaving them into the back of your chevron.

And that is that.

 Have fun using up all your t-shirt yarn ends with this super-easy project!

Enjoy your week,

Sarah xxx

Book review - Colourful Crochet

Would I like the opportunity to review a new crochet book and be a part of its blog tour?
Would I 'eck!!
(Especially when it's been designed by a fellow crochet pal, Marianne Dekkers-Roos)

Marianne and I have 'known' each other through blogging and social media for many years now and I'm very honoured that she has reviewed both my books, so was super-glad of the opportunity to repay the favour - and what a treat it is.

I love Marianne's designs; they're bright, colourful and completely inspiring, and if you follow her on Instagram, or via her blog, you'll know exactly what I mean.

This book does not disappoint.

There are 23 projects listed, but what I really like is that some of them show two or three different items you could make with the motifs - clever, eh?

The patterns themselves are varied and are a mix of projects for your home and accessories to wear. They also range in difficulty from beginner-friendly to something more challenging, too. 

Each project is written clearly, with each step well-explained and there is an accompanying chart too; perfect for those of us who prefer a visual approach to making patterns.

AND, Marianne has a top tip for getting your granny square to stop being squiffy (you know how they kind-of lean?) anyhoos, I cannot reveal the secret - you'll have to read the book.

So, what did I choose to make?

Not an easy decision- there are so many designs I wanted to try, but I settled on the Geometric Triangle Blanket. I was intrigued to see how this pattern came together.

Ok, so I may have lied a teeny bit. 

I have not made a human-sized blanket. I have made a tiddly mouse-blanket.

Here's the first row done. Isn't it clever? I love how the triangles are constructed.

And this is the beginning of the third row. It's a lovely pattern to crochet and not as tricky as I thought it might be - there's a lovely rhythm in its making, with a two row repeat, which I really enjoy. 

If you'd like to join the blog tour and see what other crochet peeps have made (there's some crochet royalty taking part, let me tell you) then take a look here for all the links.

And if you'd like to purchase your very own copy, then see here.

Well done, Marianne - it's a really wonderful book.

Sarah xx

A whole load of new yarn

Lucky me!
The postman has been a busy bee, delivering lots of new yarny goodness.

Watch the Youtube tutorial below (or click here )to see close-ups of the yarn and find the show notes with details below.

Have a great week,

Sarah x

Episode 5: The one with all the new yarn. 

Show notes

Yarn: 

Stylecraft Special Dk in Vintage Peach, Buttermilk and Mushroom - 100g / 100% Acrylic

Stylecraft Classique Cotton 4-ply 50g / 100% Cotton

Stylecraft Mystique 50g / 70% Polyester/ 30% Viscose

Stylecraft Head Over Heels Sock Yarn  in Sugarloaf and Etna 100g / 75% Superwash wool / 25% Nylon

Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry-go-round DK in Pastel Rainbow and Dark Rainbow 100g / 100% Acrylic 

Stylecraft Candy Swirl DK in Apple Sour 150g / 100% Acrylic

Bilum PukPuk yarn

Scheepjes Whirl in Slice 'O Cherry Pie 225g / 60% Cotton /40% Acrylic

Blog post with shawl started in Head Over Heels here

Ombre Shawl from Inside Crochet Issue 87

Sheep from Inside Crochet Issue 88

 

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

A little crochet storage bowl

I'm always in need of storage - you?

I have big baskets for yarn and boxes for projects, tins for hooks and pots for needles.  

But I hadn't got anything for all those little bits.

You know - the  tiny gubbins which find their way down the sides of the sofa - those little stitchmarkers, yarn needles, tape measure...

 

And then I had a simple idea for a simple bowl.
So I made it.
And I made a video, too.

Want to make one for all your bits and pieces?

Here's the YouTube video, or see below for the written pattern:

 *This pattern is written in UK terms, for US, substitute double crochet for single crochet*  

Pattern:
You will need: 85g  / 17m (approx) tshirt yarn
12mm hook
Yarn needle
Stitch marker

Stitches used:
dc = double crochet
cdc = centre double crochet (to make a cdc, insert your hook into the 'legs' of the stitch  - see pic)

Row 1: 6dc in magic ring
Row 2: 2cdc in each st around. (12 sts)
Row 3: (1cdc, 2cdc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)
Rows 4 - 5: 1cdc in each st around.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Easy peasy!

Enjoy your week,

Sarah xx

Crochet a cosy draught excluder (and stay warm this winter)

I live in a new-ish house.
But still, the draught which sneaks in from under the front door can be arctic.

So I had a draught excluder - I say HAD, because it is retired from service, having most definitely seen better days; it's lost all stuffing from being dragged around by the kids, in fact, child 1 used to regularly take the dirty, fluff-covered thing to bed with him *sigh*. 

The Mister has been suggesting for ages that I should make a new one. And I have:

Now, my two prerequisites for any project are this; it must be
a) quick and b) easy.

So I decided on tshirt yarn as the perfect stuff - it's big, works up quickly and is also heavy enough to give weight to the draught excluder and keep the cold air out when laid by the front door.

I chose a simple design, which uses the centre double crochet stitch, as it's great for creating a dense and non-gappy stitch (I don't want the stuffing falling out, or the dog will eat it *big sigh*).

So the best thing about a draught excluder is that it's a great way to keep your toes warm and save energy too. And why not keep track of the energy used in your home by having a smart meter installed?  It's easy, free and means you only pay for the energy you use. Visit Smart Energy GB to find out lots more.

If you fancy keeping cosy this winter, then first is my YouTube tutorial, or scroll down for the written pattern.
It goes without saying that you can change the width and length of your draught excluder to fit the doors in your house.

(Patterns are in UK terminology- for US, change 'dc' to 'sc')

Pattern 
You'll need:
approx. 1280g / 256m of tshirt yarn (about a third of this is colour A, two-thirds, colour B)
12mm hook
approx. 500g cushion stuffing 

From Rnd 1, the draught excluder is made in a continuous round of stitches, but you don't need to bother with a stitch-marker.

Stuff as you go.

In colour A, chain 20, join with a sl st to first ch. 
Round 1: 1ch (doesn't count as a st), 1dc in each st around.
Rnds 2 - 18: 1cdc in each st around.

Flatten the beginning end and slip stitch the two sides closed.

Rnds 19 - 20: change to yarn B, 1cdc in each st around.
Rnds 21: change to yarn A, 1cdc in each st around.
Rnds 22 - 67*: change to yarn B, 1cdc in each st around. 
*or until desired length reached - mine needed to be 90 cms . 

To make up.
Finish stuffing and slip stitch the other end closed.
Fasten off and push the ends inside.


Do share pictures of your projects - you can find me at all my favourite places - I love to see what you've been making!

How will you stay warm and save energy this winter?

Have a great week, and stay cosy,

Sarah xx

(This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Smart Energy GB)  

The Little Snowman

Our story begins early one December morning...

It had been snowing overnight and two children from the little Alpine village made a Snowman.

In wonder he watched as they carefully dressed him in an old blue hat, with a carrot for a nose and a bright red scarf to keep him warm. 

But they had forgotten one thing and this made the Snowman sad.

Day by day, as Christmas approched, the festivities of the Yule market surrounded him.

He loved to see the magnificent tree and hear the bustle and chatter of the people preparing for the holidays.

But still, he was sad.  

Even the arrival of a man dressed in red, who bought gifts for the children and made them so happy, could not lift the Snowman's spirits. 

It was Christmas Eve when the Snowman noticed that the children had made another Snowman in the village and he looked enviously upon him, for he had the one thing the Snowman desired...

The next morning was Christmas Day and the church bells rang as the villagers celebrated, sharing presents and singing together. 

And the Snowman? 

His heart overflowed with happiness and joy, for he had the one thing he wanted so much - arms of his very own.



Footnote. When questioned by the children, the Snowman claimed that he 'found' the arms on the floor and that he had 'no idea' what happened to the children's second Snowman, suggesting that there must have been a freak accident, of which he was 'not involved'.

If you'd like to make your own Little Snowman, here's the pattern (written in U.K. Terms. - for US , read dc as sc)

You'll need
A small amount of DK yarn (I used Rico Creative Cotton Aran in White, Turquoise, Orange and Red)
3.5mm hook (or one which matches your yarn)
Toy stuffing
2 x 6mm safety eyes
Glue gun - cos I am lazy (optional)
Small piece of card (optional)

Pattern 
Worked in rounds. Stuff as you go.
Snowman
1: In white, 6dc in magic ring or ch2, 6dc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sts)
2-3: 2dc in each st around. (24)
4-8: 1dc in each st around.
9: (2dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (18) Insert eyes.
10: dc2tog around (9)
11: 1dc in each st around.
12: 2dc in each st around. (18)
13-14: 1dc in each st around.
15: (2dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (24)
16-17: 1dc in each st around.
18: (7dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (27)
19-20: 1dc in each st around.
21: (1dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (18)
22: dc2tog around. (9)
23: dc2tog x 3
Sew closed.

Hat 
1: In turquoise, 5dc in magic ring or ch2, 5dc in 2nd ch from hook. (5sts)
2-3: 2dc in each st around. (20 sts)
4: in BLO, (dc2, dc2tog) repeat around. (15)
5: 1dc in each st around.
6. (1dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (10)
 7. 1dc in each st around.
8: in FLO, 2dc in each st around. (20)
 9. (3dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (25)

Carrot 
1: In Orange, 3dc in magic ring or ch2, 3dc in 2nd ch from hook (3sts)
2-3: 1dc in each st around.

Scarf
1: in red, ch40
2: 1tr in each st to end (beginning in 4th ch from hook)

To make up:
Cut around a 2p coin and insert into top of hat. Stuff hat.

Because I am sooooo lazy (and because my snowman is for decorative purposes only) I fired up my hot glue gun and stuck the hat and carrot in place. PVA glue would work, too.
Don't feel you have to adhere to my slovenly ways- you can stitch yours if you'd prefer.
 

I hope your Little Snowman is happy in your house this Christmas time  - just don't let him near the playmobile Snowman- there's no telling what he might get up to...

Happy, happy Christmas to you all,

Sarah xxx    

The Little Mitts

The Little Mitts. Perfect for those times when it's not quite cold enough for full-on gloves.
Or when you need your fingers to be free (trying to find money for the parking meter, shopping, crocheting at the bus stop - you get the idea).

I picked up this lovely butter-soft yarn from my recent trip to Yarndale and knew it would be just the thing for a small project.

  I tried a few different stitch ideas before opting for my current favourite - recognise it?

Yep, you guessed it - it's the same one I used for my Enormous, Squishy Blanket!  I think it works really well and shows off the colours, without creating something too chaotic. 

If you fancy making your own, then the pattern is quick and simple and only uses one skein. And if you'd like to use your own yarn, or change the fit - it's no problem-  I'll tell you how to adjust the pattern at the end of the post.  

The Little Mitts - UK pattern (US below)

You'll need:
1x 50g/ 135m/ 150y skein of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend DK yarn (70% extra fine Merino, 30% silk)
3.5 mm hook
Or desired yarn and hook to match.

Stitches:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
htr = half treble crochet
tr = treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch  

LEFT mitt (RIGHT in [brackets] - rows 9 and 10 differ only)

Chainless foundation 40 stitches (for how-to see here) (must be an even number of stitches) OR ch 40, join with sl st, ch1, turn, 1dc in each st. Join with sl st to 1st st, turn.
Row 1:  1ch, (1htr, 1tr) in next st, sk st, *(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st repeat from *, 1dc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Row 2:  1ch, (1htr, 1tr) in 3rd st from hook, sk st, *(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st repeat from *, 1dc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Rows 3 - 8: repeat row 2
Row 9: 1ch, (1htr, 1tr) in 3rd st from hook, sk st, *(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st repeat from * 8 [6] times, 7ch, sk 7 sts, **(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st repeat from ** to end, 1dc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Row 10: 1ch, (1htr, 1tr) in 3rd st from hook, sk st, *(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st repeat from * 7 [9] times, 6dc in ch1-sp, sl st **(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st repeat from ** to end, 1dc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Rows 11 - 29: repeat row 2. Fasten off, weave in ends.

The Little Mitts - US pattern  

You'll need:
1x 50g/ 135m/ 150y skein of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend DK yarn (70% extra fine Merino, 30% silk)
 3.5 mm hook 
Or desired yarn and hook to match.  

Stitches:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch    

LEFT mitt (RIGHT in [brackets] - rows 9 and 10 differ only)

Chainless foundation 40 stitches (for how-to see here) (must be an even number of stitches) OR ch 40, join with sl st, ch1, turn, 1sc in each st. Join with sl st to 1st st, turn.
Row 1:  1ch, (1hdc, 1dc) in next st, sk st, *(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st repeat from *, 1sc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Row 2:  1ch, (1hdc, 1dc) in 3rd st from hook, sk st, *(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st repeat from *, 1sc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Rows 3 - 8: repeat row 2
Row 9: 1ch, (1hdc, 1dc) in 3rd st from hook, sk st, *(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st repeat from * 8 [6] times, 7ch, sk 7 sts, **(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st repeat from ** to end, 1sc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Row 10: 1ch, (1hdc, 1dc) in 3rd st from hook, sk st, *(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st repeat from * 7 [9] times, 6sc in ch1-sp, sl st **(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st repeat from ** to end, 1sc in last st, sl st to 1ch, turn.
Rows 11 - 29: repeat row 2. Fasten off, weave in ends.  

To adjust the pattern for your own yarn / fit.

This pattern is very simple and is based on a tube of crochet stitches, big enough to fit your hand, with a hole for the thumb:
Make a chainless foundation (see pattern for alternative) an even number of stitches to fit the widest part your hand. Follow the pattern for a few rows until you reach the desired length for a thumb-hole. In this row, work a few repeats of the pattern, so that the seam is at the edge of your hand, then when you're ready to make a thumb-hole, chain an odd number of stitches and skip the same number of stitches before continuing with the pattern for the rest of the row. On the next row, work around until you reach the chain-space and double crochet (or US sc) one less stitch than the chain into the thumb hole. Skip the first stitch after the hole and continue with the pattern for the rest of the row. Now continue making rows until you've reached the desired length.

I hope you have fun making your own Little Mitts!
Enjoy your week,
Sarah xx  

The Enormous, Squishy Blanket

It's that time of year when scarves, gloves, boots and warm coats come out of hiding.

And inside the house, there's a need to find the winter duvets, hot water bottles and of course, the blankets.

Ah, yes. The blankets.

Regular readers will know that my success with blankets is very limited. I make a good start, but that's all it ever is - a start.
The problem for me is that I get bored, I lose interest.
And it goes into the WIP pile of stuff and never re-surfaces.

Until now.
You see, I've discovered that if you choose really big squishy yarn, you get a really big squishy blanket in no time at all.
And using this principle, I've already made 2 (yes, 2!!) blankets for my next book.

This is my 3rd:

 

Isn't it a beauty?  I found this yarn from B&M homestores, but you could use any yarn you like.

And you can make this any size you like, too. Simply adjust the number of chains in your foundation and alter the number of rows you complete.


Enormous, Squishy Blanket Pattern (US pattern below)
 Finished size : 140 x 180 cm

UK pattern:

Stitches used:
Chain = ch
Double crochet = dc
Half-treble crochet = htr
Treble crochet = tr
Skip stitch = sk st

I used 27 x 150g balls of Cable Knit super-chunky yarn and a 15mm hook. (4 x blue, 5 x cream, 9 x coral, 9 x grey)

Chain 69 (any odd number of stitches will work)
Row 1- 64: ch1, (1htr, 1tr) in 2nd stitch from hook, sk st, *(1dc, 1tr) in next st, sk st; repeat from *. 1dc in last st. Turn.
Fasten off, weave in ends.

Colour changes:
Rows 1-2: Cream
Rows 3-4: Blue
Rows 5-6: Cream
Rows 7-8: Blue
Rows 9-10: Cream
Rows 11-21: Coral
Rows 22-43: Grey
Rows 44-54: Coral
Rows 55-56: Cream
Rows 57-58: Blue
Rows 59-60: Cream
Rows 61-62: Blue
Rows 63-64: Cream

US pattern:

Stitches used:
Chain = ch
Single crochet = sc
Double crochet = dc
Half-double crochet = hdc
Skip stitch = sk st

I used 27 x 150g balls of Cable Knit super-chunky yarn and a 15mm hook. (4 x blue, 5 x cream, 9 x coral, 9 x grey)

Chain 69 (any odd number of stitches will work)

Row 1- 64: ch1, (1hdc, 1dc) in 2nd stitch from hook, sk st, *(1sc, 1dc) in next st, sk st; repeat from *. 1sc in last st. Turn.
Fasten off, weave in ends.


Colour changes:
Rows 1-2: Cream
Rows 3-4: Blue
Rows 5-6: Cream
Rows 7-8: Blue
Rows 9-10: Cream
Rows 11-21: Coral
Rows 22-43: Grey
Rows 44-54: Coral
Rows 55-56: Cream
Rows 57-58: Blue
Rows 59-60: Cream
Rows 61-62: Blue
Rows 63-64: Cream

The Mister despairs. Where on earth are all these big blankets going to live, he wonders?

I ignore him, of course and plan to make more ginormous blankets in every colour of the rainbow.

Enjoy your week!
Sarah xx