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.

Blue Mood Granny Flowers

Crochet cushion cover for a 16" x 16" insert. Worked in 8 ply acrylic yarn on a 3.50mm hook.

Granny Squares Cushion Cover

The idea for this pattern was easy, but creating it took some trial and error. It's always worth it in the end, and I've used the same design for another in blues. Sized for a 40cm square insert. .

Crochet a Pencilcase

This one is really - just for fun ..... although, practical as well. Three granny squares are joined with slip stitch, treble crochet worked around to bring it to the size of the zip. A cotton lining was made for the inside and a charm attached to the zipper handle. Measurements are 10cm x 25cm.

Pretty Fair Isle with Bobbles

Varigated yarn and novelty bobble wool, were used in this little cardigan. The matching printed buttons give a party feeling to the design. Crochet edges and cap sleeves hold the soft knitting together. Sized for a 2 to 3 year old. Worked on 4.50mm needles.

Vintage Style Teacosy

Teacosies as a practicality, never seem to go out of fashion. They lend themselves to whimsical creative experiments while keeping the tea hot at the same time.

Urban Chic - Easy Knitting Pattern

Stripes on a bold rib design makes interesting and enjoyable knitting - suitable for a girl or boy. The size 3 yr girl's jumper was made with 10 ply wool. Quantities of leftovers became a challenge in setting the stripes pattern. Two balls each of pink and mauve were found, plus single balls of flecky wool in different colours. Only a half ball of the rose colour was available.

Pattern : multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.

1st row : K3 * P1, K3 rep. from * to end.

2nd row: K1 * P1,K3 rep. from * to last 2 sts. P1, K1.

Two row pattern ..... repeat rows 1 & 2.