Granny Square Bolero

Another thing I made for myself this winter is this granny square bolero. It had been on my list for ages, and I am glad I had this crossed off. 

 

It is one giant square, sewed at the sides. I envisioned it with the ribbing pattern for the sleeves, which was a spectacular idea, because they complement the granny stripe pattern fantastically. When put on, they give the upper part of the bolero a bit of a puff. I wish I could have taken a picture of me with it on, but if you read my last post, this place is still in a state of utter and complete mayhem.

 

Along with the poncho, this is my second best worn piece this winter. 

Elbows Deep in Yarn

I've been in yarn heaven for the past two weeks and still cannot come to my senses! 

However, yarn heavens sometimes have overhanging fluffy clouds, especially if they are messy. I received a large shipment of yarn and must admit, sorting, cataloguing and taking photos of it has been a little bit overwhelming, but I am not complaining. 

My place is horrific - with skeins lying over / scattered about and over almost everything, but my family has been extremely supportive and do lend a hand whenever necessary.

I am working round the clock to sort my new shop/studio out and hopefully I'll be able to show more of it here.

2023 Crochet Summit

 

 

Important: This post contains affiliate links. 

 

Rebecca Page Crochet Summit is coming live in less than an hour ! There you can find my video lesson for the Penelope Scarf.

  

Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet or wanted to level up your crocheting skills so you can tackle any project with ease?

Crochet 101 will help you finally learn how to crochet and have you starting your next project with confidence!

Whether you are a beginner, or have been crocheting 30+ years, Crochet 101 is for you!

In Crochet 101 you'll discover the 18 basic crochet techniques and stitches you need to know to get started so that you can get crocheting with confidence. The exclusive bonus classes will have you using your new skills to create various projects and will teach you even more techniques to crochet any project!

• 18x Crochet Mini-Classes
• 4x PDF Crochet Patterns
• 11x Exclusive Bonus Classes

Watch anytime, from anywhere | Unlimited Replays | Expert Tuition

Yarn Heaven in Istanbul - Kurkchu Han

Hello crafty friends!

Long time no write, but here am I, ending my radio silence.

Recently, we've been on a trip to Istanbul (Turkey) and one absolutely unmissable spot for every crafter, especially crocheters and knitters, is a place in the heart of the Grand Bazaar called Kürkçü Han.

 

This is our fourth visit to Istanbul and every time I set foot into the han, I fell like Alice in Wonderland. The han is filled with mind blowing number of little shops selling everything a crafter would need, from haberdashery and all sorts of accessories, to yarn of all types and quality. While there are several big yarn shops on the ground floor, the second floor of it is exclusively reserved for yarn, and every shop will blow your mind. Literally. The incredible offer ranges from the thinnest (cotton, silk, acrylic) threads to wool and cashmere yarn. 

Due to the recent inflation Turkey is facing, the yarn is way pricier than it was on our last visit. The good thing is the sellers often have discounts on different brands, so you might find some real gems and steals on those deals.

The Best of TLT in 2022

We are counting the last days of 2022; a year filled with tons of wonderful crochet creations that sprang to life, and an equal measure of the ones yet to see the light of day. I'll add another successful tally mark on my crochet journey.

In numbers, there were 14 free and 17 paid patterns published, lots of tips, tricks and techniques shared. 

 

The highlights: my continuous collaboration as a crochet teacher with Rebecca Page and the invitation to design a summer necklace for the Homespun Magazine. 

Cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store for me!

 

 

Past best ofs on the blog:

Best of 2021

Best of 2020 

Best of 2019 

Best of 2018

Best of 2017
Best of 2016

Best of 2015

Best of 2014

Best of 2013

Best of 2012 

Best of 2011 

Mermaid's Dreamcatcher Necklace - pattern available

If you remember, back in June I had this design published in the summer crochet issue of Homespun Magazine, and the mandatory waiting period being over, I am now able to offer it as a pattern in my shops (etsy / ravelry).

 

The pattern comes in both UK and US crochet terminology. 

 

At the time, I also made the pink one above using sequins and pearl beads, and it is quite interesting how the same pattern can look so completely different by using different colors and altering the decorative notions. Don't you agree?

 

Open Sided Crochet Vest

 

 

Open side vests are obviously a thing now, so we simply had to make one. Eva insisted to make her a "plain" vest, meaning I was to use just half /double crochet stitches for it, but I knew she wanted to spare me from working on a more textured pattern. However, if I was to invest time and effort into a piece she so desperately wanted, I wouldn't let myself make her something plain. 

So, I used the "V" stitch for it, and we both agreed it was an interesting and playful pattern for this vest. 

Though, if you ask me, I would definitely make the next one as a regular vest. I was itching to sew the sides of this one :)

Gorgeous Autumn Poncho Pattern Release

Finally! My poncho pattern is live.

My mom and aunt fell so madly in love with mine, so I had to make one for each of them. I used different color distribution for these two as I didn't want to make them look like uniforms. Mom and auntie are identical twins and I thought it would be weird for two 70-years young ladies to wear identical ponchos. 

Needless to say they were a hit with them.

Pattern: etsy / ravelry.

Mesh Shrug

Eva spent a romantic week with her boyfriend in Rome (Italy) and she wanted to have a mesh shrug for the trip, so I whipped one for her. These seem to be quite popular right now. The funny thing is that the sleeves have to be oversized, meaning they have to cover your hands, which bears no logic with me - but who am I to question a style? 

 

For this shrug I used Nako Denim for the first time and I fell in love with the softness and the velvet feel of the yarn. 

Let The Holiday Crafting Begin!

 

This post contains affiliate links! 

I am happy to announce that Rebecca Page's Holiday Crafting has commenced! 

Many wonderful teachers offer fantastic projects to spark the holiday crafting spirit.  From making your own letter decorations, embroidered gift envelops, sweater ornaments, to Christmas wreaths and stockings - there are projects including all crafts. 

Candy Cardi

 

 

Hello friends!

I've been away for a while, but with a good reason. I am helping my daughter launch her own brand, and we've been working around the clock for a number of designs to be brought to life.

As things are getting back to normal, I hope to resume posting more regularly. 

Here's one of the projects that was started in spring, left aside and picked up again in September. 

I made this cardi for myself.  I used the granny stripe pattern and it is worked top-down. What I love most about it is the enormous sleeves. 

 

What I think is "meh" about it - it's the collar. Sweet Lord, I tried about 5 times to make it work with it, but didn't like the final looks, and settled for this one. I imagined it with a Peter Pan collar, but it simply didn't work. 

 

I am planning another post, showing it off and how to style it with other clothes.  

 

 

Crochet Bobble Pumpkin - free pattern

 

One of the things that add up to my list of things I love about fall is pumpkins. I don't think I will ever get tired of them, both real or crocheted (fabric ones). 

If you want to enrich your Halloween decor more, this is the perfect weekend project.  

Before I share the pattern, please note that: The written  pattern in its entirety along with the photos are for personal use only. All property rights belong to Maya Kuzman of The Little Treasures.

Yarn and hook: Dk yarn and a 3.00 mm hook (UK11/US D) for the pumpkin and sport yarn and a 2.00 mm hook (UK14 / US B) for the handle. Note that you can use whatever yarn size/ weight (and relevant hook for that weight ) you like/have at hand. That will only influence the size of your pumpkins. Hence, smaller weights will yield tinier pumpkins, heavier weights will yield bigger pumpkins.

Stitches (American terminology): chain (ch),  slip stitch (sl st), half double crochet (hdc), hdc2tog, double crochet (dc).

Other: tapestry needle for weaving ends, filling for the pumpkin.  

Pattern

Foundation and round 1: Ch4 and hdc7 in last st from hook (8). Sl st through 1st st to end round. 

Round 2: Ch2 (counts as 1st hdc) and hdc2 in 1st st, hdc2 in all rest (17). Sl st with 1st st to end round.

Round 3: Ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc1 in next st, make a 4-dc bobble in next. Repeat this pattern (2dc, 4-dc bobble) around.  Sl st with 1st st to end round. 

 

 

Round 4: Repeat round 3. 

Round 5 to end: hdc2tog 8 times, fill the pumpkin with polyfill, continue hdc2tog to end. Cut yarn and weave ends through the body of the pumpkin.

Handle

Insert yarn through pumpkin's center and ch8. Starting from 2nd st from hook, sl st across (7). Sl st again in the body of the pumpkin, cut yarn, tie both tails into a knot. Put tails through tapestry needle and push the needle through the pumpkin body to hide them.

I hope you like this!

If you are interested in crochet fall decor, check out my patterns here and here.

Have a cozy and wonderful Saturday!

Crochet Trends in 2022/'23: Oh, my Mod!!

 

 Image via Pinterest

 

I find the crochet trends for the next year quite appealing and interesting. Apparently, the '60s will have a heavy influence, so the mod will be at its peak. 

 

In terms of patterns, polka dots, mosaic crochet, chevron/checkered / striped, and multi-motifs will reign the scene. 

 

Image via Pinterest

As for crochet apparel, vests and sweaters will boom in both variants: neat and form-fitting as well as boxy, comfy and oversized. Turtlenecks and square -neckline dresses are in the game. The emphasis is on the layered look. 

 

 Free pattern by Two of Wands

 

Eva has been bombing me with pictures of vests, so if I find the time to squeeze it in, I guess that will be my next project...

Autumnal Rhapsody - pattern release

 

I've been immensely enjoying the change of nature's attire, and I am always left speechless watching its mesmerizing palette. 

The inspiration resulted in these gorgeous Irish roses and leafy accents.

The pattern is in my shops on etsy & ravelry. 

 

Embroidered Fabric Pendant Necklace

For this year's summit at Rebecca Page, I opted to do something different than crochet. As cross stitching and embroidery were the first crafts I tried as a child, I decided to put my floss at play and make a video class for an interesting embroidered (and beaded) fabric pendant necklace. 

 

To make the pendant, I used two small, different pieces of fabric, and for the embroidered "patch" I recommend using heavily patterned fabric piece that will serve as a canvas onto which the patterns/designs will be emphasized with embroidery and beading. 

Registration for the summit is free. To learn more, click here.

Baby Shell Blanket Gift

Recently my kids' godparents became grandparents to a baby boy, and I immediately knew I was going to make a blanket as a welcoming gift. I was (and still am) toying with ideas of making something shell-related (this necklace started it all), so I decided to make a shell blanket. 

 

I started rather ambitiously and made a really big one, because when it comes to baby blankets, I don't do tiny things. I want the mothers and babies as well to have it and use it for a long time, and not overgrew it in a couple of months.

I debated with myself about the border; tried several different, didn't like anything decorative because the pattern doesn't allow a heavily lace-y or intricate border, so I just added a plain one. In hindsight, I should've added a couple of rows more. 

 

Makes me sad that at the time I took the pictures the weather was awful so these pictures don't do it justice.