Mini Crochet Stocking

So one of the lovely gals from the world of Instagram asked me if I had a simple pattern for a mini Christmas stocking.

I didn't. 

So I sat down and made one. (No, this is a lie. I stood and made it whilst cooking the kid's tea)

It ain't nothing grand, but a simple stocking it is.

The pattern is worked in continuous rounds, so don't turn your work. The Double Crochets (UK Trebles) make up the heel part of the stocking.

Mini Crochet Stocking

You will need:

Yarn of your choice and a hook to match.

(I used RICO Creative Cotton and a 4mm hook)

Stitch Marker

Tapestry (blunt needle) for fastening off the end.

 

Stitches and Abbreviations:

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

Single crochet (sc)

Double crochet (dc)

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 starting with the toe

1. Sc 5 in magic ring OR

ch2, sc 5 in 2nd chain from hook.

2. 2scs in each sc around (10)

3. Sc 10

4. Change colour, sc 10

5. Sc 10

6. Sc 2, sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog, sc2 (8 sts)

7. Sc 2, 2 scs in next st, sc 2, 2 scs in next st, sc 2 (10 sts)

8. Sc 7, dc 3 (10)

9. Sc 7, dc 3 (10)

10. Sc 4, 2 scs in next st, sc 3, sc2tog (10)

11-14. Sc 10

15-18. Change colour Sc 10

Fasten off, turn top down.

These would make cute little tree decorations- just attach a little ribbon and maybe a jingle bell or two. Or make into a brooch. Or keyring. Or bag charm.

Enjoy making!

Sarah x

Upcycled wristwarmers

When I saw a wool jumper at a carboot sale, in its already felted and pre-shrunk state, I knew that one day it would be fated for an upcyling project. It was just too good to be cast aside (100% wool? 50p? - it's a dead cert in my book). 

You may remember some upcycled legwarmers I made from the Mister's cashmere jumper (the one I accidentally shrank/felted in the wash)? Well, with the weather turning decidedly brrrrrrrrr here in the UK, I decided that wristwarmers were what was needed and that the same technique would be perfect.

This project is super-quick and easy.

You need to make sure that your jumper has been felted and will not fray, otherwise you may end up in a pickle.

First, cut off the arms.

Next, cut a vertical hole for your thumb. Remember the original cuff now becomes the bottom of your wristwarmers.

Try them on and trim off any excess from the top.

You could just leave them plain, but I decided a crochet trim would finish them off nicely.

With your choice of yarn, stitch a blanket stitch around the edges, including the thumb hole.

Now with your crochet hook, single crochet (UK double crochet) around your blanket stitch. You must ensure you end up with a final number of stitches which is a multiple of 3. Ideally, make 3 scs between each stitch and then you'll be sorted.

To make the scallop edge, ch1 and make 1 single crochet (sc) in the first st, *skip 2 stitches, make 5 double crochets (UK trebles) in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch* repeat between ** around. 

Fasten off.

Now, laugh in the face of the Autumnal chill and wear those wristwarmers with pride. You may also add a nonchalant 'oh, I made these' when your neighbour comments on how nice they are.

Cheerio!

Sarah x

Life's a Beach (hut)

I've got a bit of a thing for beach huts, so it seems.

Must be because I grew up near the coast. 

I'd love to own one, but they are a little out of my price-range. So instead I thought I'd make my own.

Far cheaper. And still cheerful on a rainy day, too.

If you fancy making this beach hut cushion, then pop into my Etsy shop (just over there on the left) for the pattern. It's available to download instantly too, so no faffing around waiting for an email to appear.

Wishing you all a very happy weekend,

Sarah x 

Beachhuts: Cut out and Keep

If you'd like to make my little Crochet Beach huts, then head on over to Cut Out And Keep's fab website.

If you love free stuff as much as I do, then this is the place for you.

While you're there have a mooch around- it is seriously brilliant- you'll find tonnes of patterns, tutorials and inspiration for anyone of a crafty bent. (knitting, sewing, recipes, papercraft, DIY, beauty etc etc)

Each week, a featured Superstar shows you how to make something fabulous, too.

Do check it out... 

.....hmmm, not sure about this one- she looks a bit iffy..

Enjoy your weekend, and happy crafting!

Sarah x

Decoupage Votives

You may remember the Vintage Votives I made once upon a time? 

Super-quick-and-easy to make (the only kind of project I like) they looked pretty during the day and magical when illuminated at night.

Well here's an idea for some colourful votives:

You'll need:

A Glass/ tumbler

Decoupage paper or tissue paper

Tacky Glue (this is basically a very thick PVA glue which stops the paper from sliding around too much)

Method:

Using a paintbrush, apply the glue around the outside of the glass, wherever you want the paper to cover.

Tear your decoupage paper into manageable portions and stick onto the glass, covering the glue.

Once covered, add a little water to a small amount of glue (this loosens it slightly) and apply a coat all over the paper.

Leave to dry.

Add a tea light and bingo! A lovely votive.

Or how about using it as a pencil tidy for your desk?

Enjoy making!

Sarah x