Crochet blankets #3,4,5

 

  

Disclaimer: This is not my work. I only joined the squares into blankets. To learn more about the drive, read here.

 

I am slowly coming to an end posting about the crocheted blankets. These are the three ones that were the most challenging. Most of the squares were either bigger or smaller than the required dimensions we had for the squares, but we didn't want to diminish the ladies' effort and time they spent making the squares, so we took them all. 

 

Now joining them together was a bit of a hustle, tweaking here and there, frogging and also adding rows (rounds), but in the end everything turned out fine.

There is just one left to be shown- and that's my own. And with that one, I will end the series and we'll focus on the next project for the upcoming winter.

 

 

The Cosmos Blanket (blanket #2)

 

Finally, all 5 blankets are joined, washed, and ready for delivery! It's been an exhausting task as we had a scorchingly hot August, where I could barely hold the squares with my hands, but the effort was worth it!

For you that are new to this post - we are working on a project where we make blankets and/ or squares to be joined into blankets for a local orphanage. The idea behind is that the kiddos will have a handmade, heirloom blanket to hold on.

This is not my work - I only joined the squares and added the border.

 

Crochet Granny Stripe Bandana - free pattern + video

I am glad I managed to get a good use for this wonderful, variegated cotton yarn, as it is discontinued. It was the perfect fit for the granny stripe bandana.

I published the video for it last week, but as I am having new yarn delivery for the shop, I am up to my elbows sorting everything out, meaning I am late posting about it here.   

The bandana is an adult size, so please note that you will need less rows if you want to make it for a child.

 

Supplies

Yarn and hook: DK yarn and a 4.00 mm hook.

Crochet US terms: hook (hk), chain (ch), stitch (st), chain space (ch-sp), slip stitch (sl st), double crochet (dc), (3dc into ch-sp = granny stripe)

 

For the bandana I am using the granny stripe stitch. As the granny stripe loves changing colors in every new row, I suggest you either use self-striping or variegated yarn, because you'll be free from working the tails of every new color addition if you decide to make it in solid / or a palette of colors. 

Pattern:

 

Foundation /row 1:  make a slip knot, ch4 (counts as 1dc+ a working st), dc2 in 1st st (or the last from hk). Ch3 and turn work. (1 granny stripe made)

Row 2: Dc2 in 1st st, ch1, dc3 in last st. Ch3 and turn work.  (2 granny stripes made)

Row 3: Dc2 in 1st st, ch1, dc3 in ch-sp, ch1, ch3 in the last st. Ch3 and turn work.  (3 granny stripes made)

Row 4-19: repeat row 3.  

Here, as the granny stripes and ch-spaces increase with each row, always make 3 dcs in the first and last stitch, and also 3dcs in the ch-sps.  

When done with row 19, do not cut yarn as we are going to make the ties. 

Row 19 continuation / Ties added: as you finish making the 19th row, ch70 and starting from the 2nd st, sl st all the way across both the tie and the body of the bandana. Sl st in every stitch including the ch-spaces. When you come to the other end, ch70, and starting from the 2nd st, sl st all the way across to the beginning of the body of the bandana. Cut yarn and work the tails. 

 

 

If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments.

Have fun!

 

Crochet Hexagons - video tutorials

Just a short, guerilla post to let you know I have two video tutorials regarding hexies - one is for the traditional hexagon and the other for the granny striped one. 

Have fun!

 

Charity Blanket #1

Our charity project is coming to an end. August is planned to be a blanket joining month, so we are going to join the donated squares into blankets. I took to join 5 blankets, each consisting of 35 squares that have to be matched and joined. 

 

I finished the first one, and for this one I simply sewed everything together. I was debating with myself whether it needs a border or not, but decided to leave it as is. 

Moving onto the second blanket. Stay tuned!

Crochet Bikini

This is the summer I will always remember as the first one that my daughter asked for and wore every single crochet piece I made for her. 

Let me explain shortly: I am into romantic crochet - Eva is a sporty girl. 

 

However, that is undergoing some changes, because she realizes now that all the rage in crochet clothes and accessories that she sees on social media can be made by mom! There's no end to my joy!

 

So in total (yes, I am counting!), I made her 4 pieces: a mesh skirt and a dress, a top and these bikinis. They were the latest addition and I literally made them hours before she took off for her vacation.

 

The top is simple, two stringed triangles, while for the bottoms, I used bikinis that fitted her best as pattern. 

 

I cannot wait to be asked to do more for her!

 

Crochet Mesh Dress

 

This summer appears to be all about mesh crochet. Eva requested a mesh dress last summer, but for reasons I cannot remember, I didn't make one, although we have selected the cotton yarn for it. Now, my daughter is an "earth tones" girl, so I was quite surprised when she chose this hot orange and pink as a combination. 

 

 She is currently on her summer holiday and I hope she has lots of happy wears.

 

 

Christmas in July - crochet trees

For years I have wanted to join the Christmas in July event, but never actually did, until now, and for my first celebration of the event, I made a video for these cute Christmas trees. 

 

Mixed Media Necklace

 

Honestly, I don't even remember when was the last time I made a mixed media necklace.  Or any crochet necklace for that matter.  

While organizing my stash, I came upon this very simple necklace. I made it with just a single crochet rose and glass beads. 

When making a mixed media jewelry, I like to have many different materials; textiles, crochet pieces, wooden / other beads and metal findings, everything spilling over the top, but when I made this one, I felt like doing something simple, clean and minimalistic. 

At the time, I bought powder rose, sage, grey and these orange beads, so I am itching to use the others for some more jewelry. 

 

Beach mesh skirt

 

I love crocheting mesh because:

a) it is fast;

b) does not require full brain cell capacity when working on it;

c)  I love the look of mesh crochet!

Luckily, my daughter loves it too, so I made her a bikini cover, and I used the same flower pattern from the flower top I made recently. These are so beautiful, needless to say I am obsessed with them, and will certainly used them in other projects as well. 

For this skirt I used variegated (sport/cotton) yarn I have in the shop.

P.S. I am still waiting for the photos of the top. 

My Customers are Talented People #2

 

 

The most wanted yarn this time of the year is of course cotton, for clothes, bags and accessories, and the second best is bag making yarn (polyester mostly).

For this post I've chosen a couple of my customers that have quite unique makes.

PixieCrochet is a young girl who specializes in making one of a kind tops, bikinis and bags.  

 

 

 

 

Carino specializes in jewelry and accessories. Their bags and hats are exquisite. 

 

And this last bag is from a lady called Suzana, who although a beginner, managed to make a wondrous granny square bag!
 

Gifted Crochet Treasures Series - an oval runner/doily

I forgot all about the gifted crochet treasures series, although I have them stored in a cupboard in my shop, at the reach of the hand. But, a customer showed me a video on IG, where a lady used a thrifted tablecloth and just by adding satin ribbons, she transformed it into a blouse. And... I cannot take that image out of my head. It lives rent free in my head :)

So I took the bigger tablecloths and runners out to see if any would be good transforming - but the thing is that they are all so beautiful, I feel guilty ruining them. On the other hand, I try to justify the action by repeating to myself that this way they would be used and not just stored, aging away. 

 

 

I decided on this small doily/runner with an intricately made circles. This one would be a lovely top if I lined it and either add satin ribbons (much faster), or crochet the ties (much slower). I have to try and remove the yellowing spots at certain points, and we'll  see how everything works out.  

I'll show you how it turned out as soon as I get to it. 

Crochet a Rustic Mug Rug - pattern release

 

My newest mug rugs to bring cheer to the table!

This is such a lovely project that adds immediate cuteness. Although the pattern might look intricate - it does not go beyond the basic crochet stitches.

The pattern is easy to follow and works up fast, so this could be a go-to project when you have to whip up a gift whether to give at Christmas, or as a house -warming gift.

The written pattern is here: etsy, ravelry

I also have a video tutorial on YouTube for this rug.

Enjoy!

 

How to Crochet a Flower Granny Triangle - video

After flower granny squares, the granny triangles are my second best. 

I just love seeing these in a bunting - they do bring a lovely cheer when hung!

You can learn how to make them in my newest video.

Hot off the hook - a flower top

I am so excited to see this finished! Just tied the last knot. 

It is a flower top my daughter asked to make her, with a bare back, with just ties to hold everything in place. 

This is one of those rewarding projects that you can mindlessly work on, and the final result is amazing. I am turning this into a pattern, so stay tuned. 

How to crochet a flower granny square- video tutorial

 

 

My newest video - and this time it is about a 3D flower granny. 

Hope you enjoy it!

Happy Summer!

Happy first day of summer!

We have been having tropical, unbearable heat waves, and we are all at the point of melting. Hope it is much nicer in the corner of the world you are reading this.

May we all have a creative and fulfilling summer!

Boho shrug - pattern release

The bohemian bolero is here. There are two in this collection and I am in love with the sleeves of both. This is something I would wear myself!

I used Ayda's Fabrika yarn, which is a DK yarn,and I completely fell for it! It flew on my hook!

More technicalities in the pattern info. More photos on my model, once she is available.

The pattern is in my shops: etsy, ravelry.

 

How to crochet granny squares - video tutorial

I've made a video on how to crochet a traditional granny square. 

You know how much I love granny squares, and it is a real pleasure designing clothes, bags and blankets using them. 

I hope you find your perfect project to use them!

 

Finshed crochet pieces

 I pulled this off, and even I cannot believe this! I worked simultaneously on several crochet projects and managed to finish them all. 

What's missing is my Secret garden granny square cardigan (because it's being blocked right now), and 3 of my granny square motifs (because they wouldn't be seen if put on top of the pile).

The pile contains boleros, shrugs, cardis and vests. Stay tuned for the (free) patterns.