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