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. 

Holiday Crafts Summit now Open

I am happy to announce that a FREE Registration is open for Rebecca Page's Holiday Crafts Summit!

Last year's summit had rave reviews, and this year's is lined up to be even better! You’ll learn how to sew, knit, crochet, quilt, and paper craft a HUGE range of wonderfully quick and satisfying holiday gifts!! 

 

I have the honor and pleasure to once again join a team of amazing crafters with a class of my own for embroidered (and beaded) pendant necklace.  

More about it later this week.

 

The online summit runs November 14-18th!

Register for FREE here.

It's Poncho Season!

Happy October! 

How are you guys? Long time no post. 

I am finally fully back from taking a break in September and have so many new things to show and write about. 

Days here have become significantly colder and I will be able to wear my new poncho often. By the time I got it finished, it got hotter and I just wore it twice, but I am sure it is going to be my favourite thing to throw onto (or over) this fall. 

The pattern is in the make and I named it "Glorious Autumn". 

 

I am immensely satisfied with the colors I chose for it, and it makes my heart skip whenever I look at it. 

If you are a subscriber, check out for my newsletter this evening - there might be something interesting for you. 

 

The Last of Summer

Our two weeks of summer holiday have come up to a close. We literally soaked up the last crumbles of summer. And every minute was worth cherishing.

I've made tons of breath-taking pictures, which I hope will help me endure the bleak winter ahead :)

 

My favorite activities on the beach, aside from swimming and beach-combing are reading books and crocheting; I read all the books I took with me and highly recommend "Home Before Dark" by Riley Sager if you are a thriller/horror lover - it kept me on my toes until the end. 

 

When packing for our holiday, I had second thoughts of taking my crochet with me. Shocking, I know! I never leave my crochet work even when we go away for the weekend, but this time I wanted to let my brain rest. Luckily, I decided against it and have already made a pattern for a crocheted sewing kit. 

Beach-combing was not as successful as I hoped it would be, because the places we visited had hardly any shells (due to the rocky/sandy bed), and the ones that had, cradled broken ones. I am already brainstorming a craft project with the shell remnants I brought back with me. 

 

 

Frida Top in Gray

Here is the Frida top in gray with a different flower set-up. Unlike the first top where the flowers are arranged in such a way to make (certain parts of) the bust area inconspicuous, this flower arrangement requires a strapless bra top to be worn underneath.  

 

For this one I also used sport yarn, but changed the hook to a bigger size. 

The pink Frida is made with a 3 mm (UK11) (US 10/3), and this one is made with a 4 mm (UK 8/US F). With a simple change to a DK yarn (150gr for the top and leftover yarn for the flowers) and a 4 mm hook, a size M is achieved. 

 

The pattern: etsy, ravelry, lovecrafts. 

 

 

My Office For Now

Greetings dear blog friends!

This has been the view of my office for the past several days and will continue to be for the next week :)

We are in Greece, enjoying the last crumbles of summer. We are refreshing and thoroughly replenishing our bodies, minds and souls. 

It is amazing how vitamin sea can have and immense and powerful impact!

I hope you are all well!

On My Hook - Crochet Folk Art

This past winter I wanted to delve more into folk art and make some Scandinavian inspired crochet decor, but I got carried away with everything life served me on my plate, and the idea did not sprout further from my drawing pad.

However, that little spark continued to smoulder and I finally got round to shape the designs. Normally, the flowers were the first I focused on, the other designs, which I am still wavering whether to include or not are still just drawings.

 

It seems I need more time to cook the designs in my head for a while.

Our Newest Dangling Earrings

I love dangling earrings, though I don't wear such often, and I've made the design of these to go with my Frida top. 

However, I didn't match the colors of the flowers to go with the top (God knows why), so we didn't include them with it. I think these would be a great addition, and my next project is to make them matching.

What project are you currently working on?

What I have Pinned Lately - Vintage Crochet

Vintage crochet is very dear to my heart. I swoon and drool at lovely, vintage, lace crochet clothes, but I have lost the patience of working with tiny hooks. I wonder if that would change over time? I'd like though to have something similar to these in my closet. Maybe I should transform some of my tablecloths and runners? 

 

Another thing I've noticed is that I cannot stand written patterns. Strange coming this from me that earns money by writing patterns, but the patterns given in magazines, and those that I create are two completely different things. 

 

Recently, a friend requested I look at a written pattern for a mesh dress, and I dropped it at row 3. It could have been an alien tongue if you ask me. I didn't have the nerves, the head, nor the inclination to continue deciphering it, and said that I'd rather make it up on my own, than burning and blowing my brains out with it. 

 

So, I guess I'll just keep swooning and drooling over lace crochet blouse until something changes :)

 

The credits for all the photos in this post can be found on my  Crochet-My Obsession and Vintage Crochet boards. 

Frida Top - pattern release

This a top inspired by Frida Kahlo. I used the mash front of it as canvas to add the flowers and turn this into a joyful bohemian piece. 

This top is made by working the front-mesh side first, and then the back. They are not done separately, but after the front is crocheted, we continue by working the back. The pattern given in the pattern fits a size XS/S. However, by following the given instructions, you can make this a custom top per your own measurements. 

The pattern is here: etsy, ravelry.

 

Rose Ring - free pattern

My youngest niece simply adores my kids' crochet necklaces that she is a proud owner of several and she  wears them often, so I decided to surprise her with a couple of rings.

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: sport yarn of your choice and colors (I love working with Phil Cotton #3 and Tango) and a 1.9 mm hook (UK4) (US 6). 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 flowers. Hence, smaller weights will yield tinier flowers, heavier weights will yield bigger flowers.

Stitches (American terminology): chain (ch), chain space (ch-sp), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc).

Other: tapestry needle for weaving ends, sewing needle for sewing the ring, and scissors.  

Pattern

Foundation and round 1: In color 1, ch4 and join to make a ring. Sc6 in ring (6).  

Round 2: Sl st into next st BUT at the back. Ch5 and sl st into the 1st st of that chain. This is very important: we are next going to single crochet inside that ch(space) we just made, and we are going to do it counter-clockwise. So the petal has to stay in parallel with the center and always facing up. To not let it twist and turn, (with center face up), bring yarn up-front (last picture of collage above) and sc6 inside that ch-sp. Sl st into next st and repeat petal pattern (ch5, sl st in 1st st of that chain, sc6 inside chain).

 

Continue working the petal pattern around. After the 5th petal, sk the last st and sl st into the 1st one to end round. Do not cut yarn.

 

Round 3: Ch6, sl st into 1st st of that chain, and then holding chain and yarn as before, sc8 in that ch-sp. Sl st between next 2 petals at the back, ch6 and work the next petal. Repeat pattern to make a total of 5 petals. When done, sl st into 1st one of this round, cut yarn and work tails. 

Adding leaves

Row 1: Insert green color in-between 2 petals and sc7. Sl st in 2nd st, then sc1, hdc1,dc1 in next 3 sts. One leaf is made. Sl st it between next 2 petals. Again ch7 and repeat the leaf pattern for the second leaf.  

 

 

Making the ring

Foundation and row 1: Insert green yarn in the stitch of the end of the petal opposite the leaves, and sc1, then sc1 in-between that petal and the next one, and then sc1 in the stitch (beginning) of second petal = 3 sts. 

Row 2: ch2 (counts as 1hdc), turn work , sk1, hdc1 in next 2 sts (3). 

Rows 3-5: repeat row 2.  The length should be sufficient for a kid's finger. For adults, work row 2 until the base-ring part fits on a finger. When appropriate length is achieved, cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread tail and sew it at the leaves on the other side. Weave tails when done. 

 

To make these roses more interesting, use 2 shades of the same (or maybe contrasting) color for each round of petals.