Crochet Bohemian Summer - inspiration

 

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Ah! Bohemian Summer.... A topic I excitedly touch every year.

 

A favourite past time filler is hunting after some bohemian crochet gems, and though there are tons, this is my selection for this post. 

 

One of the greatest finds were the crocheted pieces by the Peruvian Connection (link below these two pictures) - they have some amazing designs. 

 

 

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Madison Top - pattern release

 

It fills my heart over the brim to see the expansion of crochet blouses and tops in the shops.  The trend is having a storm and I can't be happier. 

When I stormed ideas about my first summer top, I immediately felt an urge to make it a retro, and I believe the color palette I chose fits the idea fantastically. 

The top employs the granny stripe stitch, enriched with a ruffled edging. 

What I used:

Crochet yarn and hook: I used 100% cotton sport yarn in 5 colors (terracotta {150gr}, mustard {40 gr}, sunny yellow {20 gr}, brown and off-white {15 gr each}) metal 3 mm hook (UK11) (US 10/3).
The granny stripe pattern is used to make this top.

Used terms in American terminology: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st.), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), dc2tog, 3-ch picot

Other: 4 buttons, sewing needle and thread, tapestry needle. The tutorial shows how to make crochet covered buttons (buttons size 2mm).

Length of finished top buttoned up: 39 cm (15.3”) across and 26 cm (10.2”) down. Fit size: S/M.

The top can be made in one color only, for which you will need about 240-250 grams of yarn depending on whether you crochet more loosely or tensely. Leftover yarn is great for this project.

The pattern is in my etsy and ravelry shops. 

Crochet Edgings: Ruffles

 

When it comes to interesting crochet edging techniques, ruffles first come to mind, because they are not just easy to make, but they give the crochet project beautiful, feminine and charming edge. 

Ruffles can be added to any kind of projects, whether home decor (pillows and blankets), clothing or  accessories. 

The beauty of ruffles is that you can use it with every stitch; the trick is that you have to double (triple) the number of stitches made into a single stitch. 

In my top I am going to show you this Friday, I used ruffles to give it a frilly finish, and I am quite stoked how they turned out. 

I have used in my scarves and the sleeves of the baby dress bellow. I love to make a summer top with ruffled sleeves. Actually, dreaming it up is all I have been doing lately.  

What is your go-to crochet edging technique?

 

If you missed my last post, click here for the free poppy pattern.

Crochet Poppy Flower - free pattern

 

 

Happy Monday crafty friends! Today I am sharing the poppy pattern I made more than a year ago. Poppies possess a wide range of meanings, but the red poppy symbolizes undying love, hope, remembrance and sacrifice. In Asian countries they are also symbols of success and good fortune as well as romantic love.  

Supplies:

*sport yarn and a 1.9mm hook (UK 3) (US 5) for the poppy and leaves 

*sewing thread in color matching the color of the poppy.

* sewing needle for sewing the poppy, leaves and beads.

* black seed beads

Stitches: chain (ch), chain space (ch-space), skip (sk), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble (tr), picot.  American terminology used.

Measurements of finished poppy: 8cm (3.5”) curled.

Measurements of finished leaves: 6 cm (2.5”). 

 

Poppy pattern:

Foundation and round 1: ch8 and join to make a ring. Sc12 in ring. From here we are going to work just the 1^st 6 stitches to make one petal for the poppy. 

Row 1: hdc1 in every of those 6 stitches (6). 

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as the 1^st dc) dc1 again in 1^st st and then dc2 in all (12).                   

Row 3: Ch3 and dc1 in 2^nd st, dc2 in next, dc1 in next, dc2 in next, then in the 6^th st, dc1 and tr1, tr1 and dc1 in the next st, dc2 in next, dc1 in next, dc2 in next and dc1 in last two remaining stitches (18).   

Row 4: ch2 and then hdc1 in all (18).  

Row 5: ch1 and sc1 in all (18). Cut yarn and work the tail.        

Insert yarn in 1^st st. of the other remaining 6 stitches and work the other side with the same pattern. Make another such petal. 

Place two sets of petals at opposite sides. For the filament in yellow (the center) ch6 and join to make a ring, then sc6 in ring. Work tails. Sew both center and poppy petals. Sew (scattered) beads in the center.

Leaves pattern

For the leaves, ch15, and work the following starting from 2^nd st from hook: sc1, hdc1, dc1 in next 3 sts, tr1 in next 2 sts, dc1 in next 3 sts, hdc1, sc1, sl st. One side down. Now repeat the pattern for the other side (in reverse): sl st, sc1, hdc1, dc1 in next 3 sts, tr1 in next 2 sts, dc1 in next 3 sts,, hdc1, sc1. To make a double leaf, chain 16 (1 more which you’ll leave as is, so that you can better overlap when sewing) and repeat leaf pattern.  When done, cut yarn and work the tail(s).  

 

The amazing Poppies canvas in the pictures is from Photowall, (you can read about it over here), and there is still an ongoing 25% discount on their products, just apply code:  thelittletreasures25 at checkout. 

Crochet Covered Buttons - free pattern

 

 

For a crocheted top that I designed, I needed crochet-covered buttons, and when I saw how beautifully they came out, I immediately got the itch to try the pattern with different sizes of buttons, and voila! 

 

 

These are so versatile and I have so many ideas how to use them, my brain is literally bursting at the seams :)

For my "button" project I chose 4 sizes of buttons, one of which  goes to the extreme, but that one proved to be my newest and best canvas for creative expression.  

 

To cover buttons, use sport yarn and a 1.9mm / 2mm hook. The recommended hook for sport yarn is a 3.00mm hook, but we want our stitches to be tighter and compact, hence the smaller hook. 

 

Pattern (in American terminology)

 

Foundation and round 1: ch5 and join to make a ring. Sc2 in each chain (not in ring) (10).

Round 2: sc1 in 1st st., sc2 in next. Repeat this pattern around. (15)

Round 3: sc1 in first two stitches, sc2 in next. Repeat this pattern around. (20)

Round 4: sc1 in first three stitches, sc2 in next. Repeat this pattern around. (25)

 

Now, this is important. Whatever the size of your button, crochet as many rounds that will fit your button. Place the button onto the crochet circle and if it is the same size, stop increasing there. Make another round of sc1 in all stitches. In the next round, sc1, sc2tog. Insert the button after this round. After that, sc2tog until there are 5-6 stitches left. Cut yarn, weave a threading needle and sew the remaining stitches in a zig-zag manner. If you sc2tog to the end, the back will become bulky and you don't want that to happen.

For example, for the pink button in the pictures below, I needed to crochet just the first two rounds and ended up with 15 st in the round. From there, I sc1 all around, and sc2tog to nearly the end (as described above). Another thing I might mention is that I always insert the button with its face up - where the back of the crocheted piece is going to be. And that is it! As easy as a pie!

Have you tried crocheting over buttons? What's your experience?

Grace Head Scarf - pattern release

 

The inspiration for this head scarf came from the old Hollywood actresses' hair styling. I aimed to make a hair scarf that would look vintage and create a dramatic look - hence, my Grace scarf. 

The netted kerchief features a big flower for emphasis and long ties for purposeful styling so that dramatic look is further intensified. 

The pattern is in my etsy and ravelry shops.

Poppies by Photowall

This is a sponsored post!

I am profoundly excited to show you another collaboration with Photowall! 

The Poppies canvas print, which is the newest addition to our living room, has not only beautified the room, but it has brought an immense freshness and  exuberance, and is an absolute conversation starter. I cannot help myself, but constantly steal glances at it! To say I've been incurably in love with it would be an understatement!

Why I love Photowall? 

They are led by a strong and unwavering passion for design and quality! 

They are an environmentally- friendly wall mural factory that strives to minimize environmental impact, hence they produce only the quantity of products require, none are held in stock or discarded unnecessarily. The printing ink they use does not contain solvents or hazardous chemicals, and is biodegradable. All their canvases are 100% cotton. They always recycle their waste material.

They work with the most incredibly talented and inspiring designers, proudly showing off their own unique style and story. 

Every single of their products will bring a paramount satisfaction!

 

Now let me get back to my poppies! The canvas print arrived in literally 3 days, meticulously packed with every single thing you need to assemble and mount the canvas. We mounted it onto the frame in a matter of minutes and we had great help from their video. 

To read about my past experience with Photowall, click here and here. 

To get a 25% discount on their products, apply code:  thelittletreasures25 at checkout. 

If you have any questions about their products, please ask in the comments.

Crochet Kanzashi Flower - free pattern

In my last post I talked about my trial to turn a hair comb look like a distant Kanzashi hair accessory, which to be honest I didn't like much, so I decided to make resembling Kanzashi flowers in crochet. I am delighted with how my newest hair accessory turned out, but I am going to show that one later as I want to put the pattern into my shop. For today, I am sharing the free pattern of a big piece (I call it "the Kanzashi flower"), which would be perfect as a brooch, or a hair fascinator if you feel adventurous. 

Pattern requirements: 

*sport yarn in 2 colors and a (smaller hook than the one required for sport yarn) 1.9 mm /2.00 mm hook.  

* tapestry needle for weaving ends, and sewing needle and thread for sewing petals together

*pearl beads (optional)

Crochet stitches in American terminology:  chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc). 

Kanzashi Flower Pattern

Small petal - foundation and round 1: ch7 and sl st into 2nd st, then sc1, hdc1, dc2, hdc1, sc1 (on one side), turn work clockwise (to work the opposite side) and repeat the above pattern in reverse: sc1, hdc1, dc2, hdc1, sc1, sl st.

Round 2: Ch2 (counts as the 1st hdc), and starting from 1st st, hdc1 all around. Sl st with 1st st to end round.

Round  3: sl st in every stitch of the round. Small petal made

Big Petal - foundation and round 1: ch15 and sl st into 2nd st, then sc1, hdc1, dc9, hdc1, sc1 (on one side), turn work clockwise (to work the opposite side) and repeat the above pattern in reverse: sc1, hdc1, dc9, hdc1, sc1, sl st2.

Round 2: Ch3 (counts as the 1st dc), and starting from 1st st, dc1 all around. Sl st with 1st st to end round.

Round 3: Sl st 5 times, then sk1, sl st in next st. Repeat this once more. Continue sl stitching to the end of round. Big petal made. Work petals tails. 

Both petals will gain a boat-like shape with one side  slightly sloped inward. Insert smaller petal into that sloped part and sew it on. Do so with the other petals. Sew pearls inside small petal (this is optional) and then sew all 5 petals together as shown to get the look of the flower in the pictures. Decorate the center as well (if desired). 

Do let me know if you have questions in the comments.

Flower Hair Comb Trial

 

 

Happy Saturday all!

Today I am showing you a flower-decorated comb that was supposed to accompany one of the summer dresses I have been making, but somehow the idea I had in my head didn't turn out as I was expecting. If you ask me to point a finger at what's off, I wouldn't know what to say. Maybe the flowers are too big, or maybe the thread going along the comb is the one that pokes me in the eyes. Maybe I should have added it just as far as the flowers go.  

With this one, I was aiming at achieving the effect of Japanese Kanzashi hair ornaments, but I obviously have to ditch the comb and think of something else.

 

Anyways, how is your Saturday going?

Wood Scraps to Drink Coasters

 

Important: this post contains affiliate links

Being crazy over bringing nature into my home, I must tell you that I am a proud owner of a couple of thick wood slices. They are constantly on display around the house, and their main purpose is to host various decorations depending on the festive season (or not), so in winter they prop Santa and his missus, in spring they embrace tiny flower wreaths and most often they serve as the podium for my candle-holders. 

I was unwilling to make them a face lift and they have been left literally raw and rustic, but upon seeing this fantastic tutorial by Christen Hammons published in the Stampington magazine, I am convinced they really need one. 

Click here to find a wonderful subscription offer to Stampington Magazines.

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

Happy Monday friends!

Hubs and I spend a fantastic weekend with friends, exploring the hidden gems of our beautiful country. I am dead tired, but unbelievably fulfilled and happy. 

Hoping that you are all safe and sound, I wave you goodbye!
 

Sunshine Yarn Holding Bag - pattern release

 Hello friends! 

I have a new bag pattern. I designed this bag to be a yarn holding bag. If you are like me and like crocheting while on the road,  commuting or just sitting in the park, this bag comes quite handy. You put the skein inside and pull the yarn through the loop / hole at the center. With the bag on your hand, crocheting will be a pleasurable experience with no yarn rolling around.

However, it can be used as a normal bag as well, with the handles crocheted to your preferred length.

The written pattern is accompanied with numerous pictures for easier comprehension. It does NOT come with lining instructions. 

The technicalities

Yarn and hook: DK yarn of your choice (150 gr) and a 4.00 mm hook. Tapestry needle for sewing the bag and weaving ends.

Used terms (American terminology): chain (ch), chain space (ch-sp), slip stitch (sl st), skip (sk), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), crossed double crochet (X), bobble stitch.

Instructions for the bobble stitch: https://www.yarnspirations.com/row-en/how-to-crochet-bobbles.html

Finished measurements: 26 x 24 cm (10.2 x 9.4”) of bag’s circle body. Depth: 6 cm (2.36”). Handle: 29 cm (11.4”).  

The pattern is in my etsy and ravelry shops.

Use limited time 10% off promo code: sunshine