Special Request Crochet Pattern

It has been an interesting exercise to review an earlier creation and write a pattern for it.  The terminology is in English/Australian, as my knowledge of the descriptions used in the U.S.A. are limited.  Some abreviations have been used, such as :- sp = space, ch = chain, tr = treble, htr = half treble, dtr = double treble, dc = double crochet, st = stitch.

To save disappointment and unpicking later, it is best to work out a colour combination before beginning a square.  This one measures 4.1/2" x 4.1/2"  (11 x 11cms) - worked in 8 ply on a 3.50 mm hook.
For those who haven't tried double trebles before :-  Yarn over hook twice, insert hook into required space, yarn over, draw through space, yarn over, draw through first 2 loops on hook, yarn over, draw through next 2 loops, yarn over, draw through remaining 2 loops on hook.

PATTERN -  make 6 chain, join with slip st to form ring.
round 1 - 3ch (counts as 1tr) work 12 tr into ring, join with slip st to 3rd ch of 1st 3ch - drawing through the next colour.
round 2 - 3ch (counts as 1tr) 1tr into same sp. 2tr into top of each tr of last round.  Join as before, drawing through next colour. 24 tr
round 3 - * 4ch, miss 2 tr, dc into next, working into the back 2 loops ( this gives a better finished look) rep from * all round.  Slip into top of 1st tr of last round.  This is the petal colour and base for them - 8 spaces.
round 4 -  Into next 4ch sp, work * 1htr, 1tr, 3dtr, 1tr, 1htr. Slip st into top of next dc.  Rep from * all round.  8 petals.  Slip into 1st dc, drawing through next colour.
round 5 -  4ch, 1dc into top of 1st dtr (again working into back 2 loops of st) 3ch, miss 1dtr,1dc into next dtr, 1ch, 1tr into the slip st between petals, 1ch, 1dc into 1st dtr of next patal, 3ch etc.. all round.  Join to 3rd ch of 1st 4ch.  Keeping same colour, begin next round.
round 6 -  3ch (counts as 1st tr) 2tr into same space.  1ch * 3dtr, 2ch, 3dtr into 3ch sp on top of next petal.  (this is the corner of the square) 1ch, 3tr into top of next tr, 1ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp on top of next petal, 1ch, 3tr into top of next tr, 1ch - rep from * all round.
After the last 3dc, 1ch, slip into 2nd ch of 1st group.

Happy Crocheting :-)

Big Crochet Flower Scarf

A new 'over the top' crochet flower motif, joined to make a long neck scarf.  The ice-cream colours match well with pastels, although against black or navy, it would make a strong impact.  A blue varigated yarn was used for the loopy edging and fringe, in keeping with the similar yarn on the last round of motifs.

Patchwork Handknit Jumper

Knitting a jumper in random colours and shapes is quite a challenge - one I find creatively inspiring, even though sometimes there is undoing if a colour or gauge isn't right.  This one was made from different yarns, mostly 100% wool, because I wanted the "worn in" woolly look.  Knobbly and flecky yarns, sometimes vintage finds, can help with this.  In parts, two yarns were knitted together to make up the thickness.

There is a little pocket on the left side which I lined with cotton fabric.  Normally, they would have a knitted lining, but I didn't want the bulk, especially at hip level.  I felt the little pocket added to the ' country ' feel of the jumper.

New Look Chair

Rather exotic, but interesting and certainly groovy.  A very old wooden dining chair was given 3 coats of bright lime green paint, then re-upholstered with Swedish decor fabric in a bold, dramatic pattern.

Groovy Legwarmers

Another way to use small amounts of wool is to create some stripey legwarmers, knitted in 8 ply.  Starting at the ankle, cast on 42 stitches with 4.00mm needles - working a single rib band, then change to 4.50mm needles.  Increase each end on every 6th row, until a width is reached that corresponds to the measurement of the thigh, or however long you want them to be.  Change back to smaller needles to finish with a 3.5cm (1 1/2") band at the top.

There's a lot of ending off to do, but don't hurry and it will be done in no time.  :)

p.s. 42 stitches is enough to fit over a slim foot.  You can start with any amount, to fit over foot and heel - slightly stretched.

New Grunge Brooches

These new crochet brooches aren't actually grungy.  The name is used as a link to the style that evolved out of early 70's rock music and the colourful woolly look that went with it.
Made from pure wool, in keeping with the theme, they make an exciting accessory to pin a scarf, or on a jumper - especially a handknitted garment.

The dusty pink "Rose Bouquet" measures 5.5cm.  The "Autumn Leaf" 7.5cm across, and the "Psychedelic stripes" knitted brooch is 7.5cm across also.

Red Crochet Poncho

There's something about crochet in red that's really very pretty.  Each time red is used, I think this, but forget and remember it anew when choosing the colour again.  This little poncho will fit a 2 to 3 year old.  Worked in 8 ply acrylic yarn, lightweight and machine washable.  A fun and cosy addition to a tiny tots wardrobe.

New Children's Handknits

It has been some time since the last post.  Fortunately, the house hasn't been sold yet, and I've been able to enjoy some knitting time.  It is such a tactile craft, simple in it's requirements - beautiful bamboo needles and soft luxurious wool - a wonderful combination.
The weather now is cool enough to wear the light green top pictured in the previous post.  Children's knits have been a main item on the agenda for a few weeks.  This little boy's style is handknitted from new season's luxury machine wash wool, from the Bendigo Mills in Victoria.  A bold rib pattern worked on 5.50mm needles.  The wool needs to knit to 12 ply for this size needle.  Pattern repeats over 4 + 3 stitches and 2 rows.  Very easy and gives a wonderful texture.

Pattern : Row 1 : K3 *P1,K3 rep.from* to end.

               Row 2 : K1 *P1,K3 rep.from * to last 2 stitches, P1,K1.

New Winter Handknit

A soft and simply styled, casual top for winter.  Ideal to wear over a thin close fitting tee shirt or skivy.  The pattern is easy, although slow growing.  Good to do, just for the pleasure of knitting.  Stitches are picked up from the shoulder and worked down to the length desired.
A vintage style pendant necklace is the choice to wear with this jumper.  Delicate ocean jasper from Madagascar on a long beaded chain.  The beads have been collected over time ..... a variety of gemstone, glass, vintage, and antique jet with pearl and silver.

Embroidered Baby Jacket

When there's just one or two balls of wool left over, plus a few scraps, it can be an interesting project to create something useful from them.

This warm little cardigan / jacket is sized for a baby girl from 1 to 2 years. It took quite awhile to make..... the embroidered sprouting daisies are across the back and fronts. Freehand embroidery such as this, requires patience and an eye for calculating measurements. Definitely a one off garment - for some time, anyway. :)

Vintage Style Children's Knits

1970's adult styles made into miniture - recycled and updated with a touch of modern, are becomming a very popular choice. The little pink bolero/shrug is size 3 to 4 yrs. It has a lacey pattern with crochet edges and a 2.5cm flower button closure.

Blue/grey in colour, the cardigan - vest is ideal for inbetween seasons. Vintage found buttons compliment the style and add a childlike appeal to an otherwise quite conservative garment. Both are handknitted in 8ply.

Blog Posts may be on hold for awhile now, due to the rented house I live in, being placed on the market, for sale. A new chapter will begin in a different place.

Crochet Bolero / Shrug

A little girl's crochet shrug with granny squares around the bottom and a vintage button at the neck. Worked in soft 8ply acrylic yarn on a 3.50mm hook. Just right for over a long sleeved tee shirt or skivy, for the cooler autumn days ..... spring days for northern friends. Inspired by the 70's trend.