crochet patterns Archives - Zeens and Roger

Celebrating the Granny Stitch with 18 Crochet Patterns

December 12, 2022May 11, 2024crochet2 Comments

For the Love of Granny

When one thinks of crochet, it is almost guaranteed that most of us will conjure up a picture of a colourful square with rounds of uniform granny clusters. It is THE quintessential stitch that represents crochet whether we like it or not. The granny square has been around since the Victorians, growing in popularity during the 1960’s and 70’s. Then it seemed to disappear for a while, along with crochet in general. But for the last few years it has exploded in popularity again, hasn’t it? Crochet, and the granny stitch, is everywhere!

Crochet is definitely back in fashion and the symbol upon its banners is a granny square! We are in a granny renaissance! And luckily this means a whole new generation of fans who are learning to love, not only the granny, but all things crochet.

What I want to do here is celebrate the humble granny (everyone always calls it humble, don’t they?!). I thought it would be a good idea to get a selection of granny stitch patterns where there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read on…

Why Granny is the Greatest

Honestly, I could be here forever and a day, sing songing about all the fab reasons about why the granny stitch is just soooo good but let’s stick to a small handful…

Firstly, rose-tinted nostalgia! For me, and for others I know, crochet harks back to a time when our mothers and grandmothers were, with busy hands, stitching away at yarn crafts (and yes, fathers and grandfathers too!). For decades my Nanna would stash bust her way through yarn scraps with a make do and mend mentality. She was always making giant granny square blankets from leftover yarn. Yarn that was left over from all the knitted jumpers she made. It’s satisfying to know that we’re carrying on a version of those traditions, and being economical too.

Secondly, it’s how we learn to crochet isn’t it? Not that I think it’s the best way to learn, it really isn’t (that would be the methodical process of learning rows and rows of single/double crochet before graduating to row and rows of other stitches. But that’s not as exciting though, hey?!). Nevertheless, a granny square seems to be the most taught pattern for beginners and that’s because it has an easy pattern repeat and is quick to work up. Instant gratification!

It doesn’t need to be written down, it just gets handed down from generation to generation like an old fairy tale. Sometimes there are slight differences but ultimately it’s a square of squishy goodness.

A classic Granny Square blanket, made for my sister.

Other Reasons to Celebrate the Granny Stitch

One of the other reasons I love this classic stitch so much is because it is the ultimate in comfort crochet. Whenever life gets too much, or I’m working on a pattern that’s a bit complicated, I turn to Granny for a bit of soothing stitchery. It works wonders! Almost like a hug from your real granny! It’s the ultimate in mindfulness.

You can literally do it with your eyes closed! With a little bit of practice, the granny is the best stitch for resting your eyes and crocheting at the same time. Those gaps between each cluster are easily found by touch alone.

Like Nanna knew decades ago, granny stitch projects are fantastic for busting that stash. Granny squares are perfect for using small scraps, you only need small amounts to create a pretty mishmash of colourful squares.

Granny is the gateway drug to “proper” crochet. I say this knowing that some of you might tell me off and argue that granny is real crochet! Yes, of course it is, I don’t dispute that (this whole post is a big love letter to Granny so it would be remiss of me to throw it under the bus) but there is also soooo much more to crochet than this stitch alone. It’s really exciting to see new and different designs coming out that really push the boundaries of what crochet can do. Once you’ve conquered how to make a granny, why not try something new?!

The Ultimate Versatile Crochet Stitch

You can pretty much grannify anything you want. This is because it’s such a simple, no frills crochet stitch. If you’re not ready to move on to pastures new just yet then there is plenty of fun things that Granny has to offer. Oh, the limitless potential!!

To be honest, I don’t think the granny will ever truly go out of style as there are so many options for patterns. Even when the time comes when it’s not featuring in Vogue or whatever, there will still be crocheters building little piles of squares, or working on their stripes in all kinds of ingenious ways.

One day it is my goal to decorate my old Nikes in bright squares. I’ve seen it, it has been done, and it looks amazing!

Collection of Granny Patterns

So after all the waffle, extolling the virtues of my fave stitch of all time (probably…), here is a selection of granny patterns to check out. Not gonna lie, I have more than enough to ensure that this post could be all about me me me, but I have also added awesome patterns that are from other designers. I’ve made them and can attest to their brilliance.

The majority of patterns below are available as written instructions. I have also created video tutorials for a few of them too. There are lot of shawls, scarves & cowls, bags aplenty, a blanket and garments here and there too. Phew!!

Wayward Sisters – Granny Stripe Shawl

Wayward Sisters, a granny stripe crochet shawl.

I’m starting with my latest granny pattern. This is the Wayward Sisters and it’s a free crochet pattern. You can find it here. It’s a straightforward pattern using granny stripes and is super fast to work up. I pretty much made this in one weekend!

Granny Market Bag

A granny stitch market bag. — Photo courtesy of Inside Crochet magazine

Another new pattern from me! I love love love how this awesome crochet market bag turned out. It’s stripey clusters worked diagonally from corner to corner which is then magically transformed into a super modern shopper. You can find it on Etsy or Ravelry.

Miu Miu Inspired Granny Stripe Scarf

This is from last year when Miu Miu had granny stripe scarves on sale for a LOT of money. Make one for free here on my lovely crochet blog!

See My Vest – Crochet Tank Top

See My Vest, a Crochet Tank Top using the granny stitch.

See My Vest, See My Vest, not made from gorilla chest! (sorry, it’s a rubbish Simpsons reference, I apologise). I came up with this design as homework for upping my grading game. It was a good lesson as this colourful crochet tank top comes in 9 different sizes. You can get a copy of the pattern from Ravelry, Etsy, Lovecrafts or Ribblr (that’s a lot of pattern platforms!)

Chevron Cowl Pattern

This chevron cowl is just so quick to work up! Find the pattern and tutorial here so you can make one, two, three or more! It’s a snug fitting cowl but you can keep on going to make a version that’s more like an infinity scarf.

Granny Christmas Hat

As hats go, I have only designed a Christmas hat with clusters of extra chunky yarn. Perhaps I should consider more hats (even balaclavas) to add to my catalogue of grannies…

Granny Stitch Cowl

Another crochet cowl but this one is super contemporary and cool. It brings the granny stitch to the modern day and looks totally effortless. Find the pattern on Etsy and Ravelry.

Gudrun – A Modern Shawl Design

Gudrun, a contemporary crochet shawl suing the granny stitch.

This is the Gudrun pattern and is my interpretation of what “grown up” granny looks like!

Fun fact, did you know that this shawl is named after Gudrun Ure, the actress who played Super Gran in the eighties kid’s TV show! Thanks to Alyson Chu of Moorit magazine for coming up with that gem.

A Bag for more Crochet Projects!

https://zeensandroger.com/2019/07/11/granny-square-bag-free-crochet-pattern-video-tutorial/

Join As You Go squares are worked in a rectangle, folded in half and joined at the sides. The bag is lined so nothing can escape through granny’s holes! Find the free pattern and tutorial here.

Another Crochet Market Bag Pattern!

Oh my goodness I have made a lot of these cotton market bags! A lot of market bags in general to be fair! I use every single one and they make fabulous crochet gifts too. This one has lots of drape. If that’s not your thing, go down a hook size or two.

Hotchpotch Granny Purse

You can make this Hotchpotch purse in so many different sizes. Add a zip, add a magnetic clasp, add handles. Do whatever you like! Worked from the bottom up, in the round, it’s a very easy pattern to adapt. The video tutorial shows you how to line it too.

Granny Edged Rainbow

This one is going back a bit and is more of a recipe rather than a standard pattern. I mean, do you need a pattern for a granny square? OK, sorry, you might be looking for one here. Fear not, you’re in luck, this one has a video tutorial! Find the blanket recipe here.

Simple Granny Stitch Shawl

A very early pattern from me that is a step by step photo tutorial of this very easy crochet shawl, which is super useful for beginner crocheters.

Asymmetric Cowl Pattern & Tutorial

I know, I know, another cowl. Better to have all the choices, no? This one is another speedy project as it’s nice chunky yarn on a big hook so it has a nice drape. Although it’s not very “me” I still have a soft spot for it even if the yarn I used left fibres EVERYWHERE! Find the pattern here.

Perpetual Dawn Granny. Retro Square Shawl

This is a recent design I came up with for a crochet collection from The Fibre Co. You can find the pattern on their website and get the kit if you wish. I love the summery retro feel of this one. The lace weight yarn makes is floaty light and ever so silky.

Revival – A Granny Square Jumper

This fabulous crochet sweater is by crochet designer, Heather of HG Designs. The granny stitch is her modus operandi and definitely someone to visit if you are a major fan of all things granny. Revival is a jumper that always gets checked out when I wear it.

Just Feel Festive Shawl

I wear this colourful stripey shawl scarf allllll the time. I wear a lot of plain colours in real life and if I feel that something needs a splash of colour, then this is the scarf I reach for. You can can this free crochet pattern from Caleisha Ryan. Mine is made from all my DK acrylic scraps, it is the perfect stash buster!! But do make a luxury version, like the original beauty, by using your pretty merino minis. They will look stunning!

Granny Go Round Jumper

Everyone has made a Granny Go Round, right? Oh my goodness, how many versions could you make? As with all Grannies, there are so many options for colour work. I went off piste in a couple of places when making this, including making the sleeves more balloony by adding some decreases near the cuff. I love this top down jumper. It’s fab!!

Which is Your Favourite?

I mean, if you got this far I know you must be a fan, right? What have I missed? Is there a Granny pattern you love that deserves a mention? Let me know!

Also note that I haven’t included all of my granny projects. make sure to look at my FREE CROCHET PATTERNS for more inspo, not just for the clever little clusters that we all love but for other patterns outside the Granny arena too.

Cheers! x

Zeens & Roger Crochet Podcast E49.

March 16, 2019vlogging1 Comment

Hi, welcome to Episode 49 of the Z&R crochet podcast. How are you?! I’m OK, only slightly off centre today, I think I manage to hold it together! Please click on the pic above to go to the episode or go HERE to my YouTube channel. Ta very much. x

The winner of the Crochet Succulents book is Cyan Steffani. Please send me an email at zeensandroger@gmail.com

Links:

Granny CAL 2019

Granny market bag. Free pattern.

The Grainbow Shawl is out Now! Go HERE to read the blog post and go HERE to get straight to Ravelry. There’s 20% off until 29th March 19.

Leaping Waves is also now available on Ravelry. To see it in action, I talk about it from about 12 minutes in Episode 43.

Global Hook up. A monthly live video chat for crafters run by Fay of the Crochet Circle Podcast.

Find me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Share a post, pin a picture or leave a lovely comment…

Havana Nights blanket – it’s the one on the sofa behind me!

Crochet Easter Egg. Free written pattern HERE, video tutorial HERE

Ball Bag tote.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Asymmetric granny cowl. Pattern and tutorial coming soon.

The Frost shawl by Hannah of the Cozy Cottage Crochet

Another Granny cowl from my design in Mollie Makes issue 103.
x

25% off Crochet Patterns This Weekend

May 26, 2018May 30, 2018crochetLeave a Comment

*offer now closed*

To celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend I’m offering a 25% discount off of all my patterns over on Ravelry and Etsy. There’s no need to enter a code, the money is automatically taken off at the check out. Offer ends Tuesday morning.

So, if you fancy making a new shawl, bag or blanket (or bow, or hat etc …!!) please go to Ravelry HERE or if you prefer Etsy, go HERE!

Thank you so much. xxx

How I Became a Crochet Designer (& How You Can Become One Too)

January 31, 2018May 15, 2023crochet23 Comments

How I Became a Crochet Designer

I’ve had “write blog post – How to become a crochet designer” on my To-do list for months. I’d been procrastinating as I knew it would be a long one. Today is the day, I have put some time aside especially, because sometimes, you just have to do the thing you’ve been putting off. I’d like to share some of my thoughts and tell you a little bit about how I started my small creative business as a crochet designer.

EDIT:: I thought you might be interested in this YouTube video for my process on how to get crochet designs published. and Publish your Crochet Designs, part 2!

Laying the Yarny Foundations

Before I begin, here’s a little bit of background about me. There are three moments in my crafty past that have really stuck with me and led me to where I am now:

1 At eight years old, Nanna told me “you won’t learn to crochet if you hold the hook like that.” Hmm, nothing quite like turning you off a craft by setting unnecessary rules. Truly, I believe Nanna’s intentions were to create a solid foundation of learning but in reality, it had the opposite effect. I also think it had something to do with the way Queen Victoria and polite “ladies” held their hooks but my memory is foggy now. Anyway, I’m no “lady”. I’m a woman who eventually learned how to crochet. Via Youtube, on my own terms, twenty years later.

2 Just over half way through that twenty year break (sometime in my early twenties) I saw my artist friend crochet cups and saucers out of plastic tubing and I casually sighed “I wish I could crochet.” Her breezy reply was “It’s easy! Go for it”. I didn’t go for it. I really should have. Much like writing this blog post, I put it off.

3 The birth of my first baby. Nanna crocheted him a giant granny square blanket and I just knew I had to make him one too. So I did. Sort of. It was actually a ripple stitch blanket and it wasn’t the first thing I made, but you know, same difference. That was just over seven years ago and with the flick of a switch, I became obsessed with crochet.

Then I was a Craft Blogger

The first real step I took towards taking my crochet hobby more seriously was to set up this creative / lifestyle blog. Admittedly, it took me about five years of just thinking about it. I was daft to delay but it’s about confidence and I didn’t have any. I had very few crochet patterns at first and was constantly fretting that no other design ideas would come to me. So not true!

I have written many crochet blog posts now, but if you are a long time reader, you will know that I also blog about other things too. I have written about my garden numerous times, typed up records of when we’ve been on our summer hols and I have shared other creative ventures (some good, some bad!).

The point is, I just started. I wrote what was in my head that day, added a few photographs and hit publish. I didn’t wait for perfection because, if that were the case, this crafty blog wouldn’t exist at all.

The more you tinker and play, the more ideas you get, I promise. It will either lead to something, or it won’t but at least you will have tried. If you are curious about the ways you can create something new with just a yarn and hook, you have the right skills for the job to start blogging about your own crochet adventures.

How I Started My Creative Business

Magazine Work

Several small, teeny tiny baby steps later I (nervously) decided the time was right. So, in October 2016 I sent out emails to three crochet magazines (you can find contact details at the front of your favourite magazines). I sent out pictures of a few different designs I’d created, asking if any publishers were interested.

The designs were all originals that I hadn’t shown to anyone else. Craft magazines prefer exclusive ideas, which is why I don’t say anything about a crochet commission until it’s about to go on sale. That, and I’m scared they’ll pull a design from the issue (it can happen, but not very often). I’m really good at keeping secrets these days. I never used to be!

One of the designs I sent was immediately accepted by Inside Crochet. Not only that but they also asked to feature my blog in their magazine! I properly freaked out, I was gobsmacked and completely delighted! Since then I’ve featured in all three magazines and had crochet designs in many issues [my work is on the front cover of each of those magazines in the above pic!!]. I’ve also designed for Hobbycraft. I am super proud of myself and if I can do it then so can you!

You don’t initially have to send in ideas like I did. You can just ask to be emailed the Calls. I was added to a Call for Submissions list by all three of the mags I contacted. Then you get to see mood board and future magazine themes, for which you then send in your ideas. Keep your eyes on social media too, you often see when a publisher is on the hunt for new designers.

You can skip the magazine bit if you prefer and just sell independently. However, you and your creative business do get positive exposure from being featured in crochet magazines.

Selling Online Patterns

Did you know that you can publish those magazine crochet patterns independently?!

In most cases (check the contract for this), after a period of time, the rights to your work are yours again and you can sell individual crochet designs to makers across the globe!

I like Ravelry as a platform for selling crochet designs. I’m still learning about it even though I’ve been on there for years. I’ve experienced some really good sales but it’s often seasonal and it’s better to have at least a handful of fabulous crochet designs available to bring in more income.

Once you’ve established how to add your design details and upload a pdf version of your crochet pattern (I need quiet for all of this as I’m well known for temper tantrums when it comes to filling stuff out online), you cross your fingers for the initial flurry of interest followed by delightful passive sales.

Etsy has been good for me too and I’ve just dipped my toe in LoveCrochet.com so I don’t have much experience of that yet. If you use these platforms, I’d love to hear what you make of them. There are other platforms too, or you can choose to open up your own online shop. I haven’t done that as the platforms I use sort out sales tax for me and I’m too lazy to do that myself at the moment.

Hints and Tips for Becoming a Crochet Designer

This is the list of info I think will be helpful for you if you need the extra push to start your own small creative business. I’ve had it scribbled down in my note book since the autumn…

Always be crocheting. You get better everyday.
Set up a blog to show case your work. After some research, I chose WordPress. If you haven’t got time for the world of blogging, then Instagram is an excellent choice. Show up though, you have to be consistent.
Keep a sketch book nearby (or scrawl ideas on your phone/tablet). Write down/sketch out every crochet design idea. If it’s a wearable item, draw someone wearing it as well as providing a basic schematic. You’ll need simple sketches for submissions too.
Swatch swatch swatch. Make good crochet swatches for all submissions. Swatches will help you work out little tweaks that need doing, help with shaping and help you work out if the maths is right etc. I dislike making swatches, but they are necessary and useful.
Practice pattern writing with small design projects. Maybe they can become freebies on your blog. Free crochet patterns are a lovely thing to offer but I wouldn’t recommend busting a gut on big, time consuming designs unless you have a large audience. It can be a lot of hard work for very little in return. Make it work with what’s relative to your readership so that you don’t lose out. Essentially, when your blog is monetized, you can bring in an income from ad revenue. You need a lot of traffic to make this work.
Don’t underestimate your worth. If a yarn company is offering you three balls of yarn in exchange for a review, ask yourself if the deal is worth it. Follow your gut on this as some collaborations are great, whereas others can exploit your good nature. Remember, exposure doesn’t pay the rent! Three balls of free yarn for an Instagram post and a Story is pretty alright. Three balls of free yarn in exhange for two IG posts, 3 Stories, a Reel and a Youtube review is not a good deal!
Be the best you can be. Don’t release crochet patterns that you aren’t super proud of. I frog A LOT of crochet and 99% of the time it is the right decision.
Keep abreast of what others are up to. What are the latest fashion trends? Popular yarns for crocheters and knitters? Popular colours? What season should be you working towards?
Have a look at this post about choosing colour in your projects. It might help with the point above.
Keep the pattern writing simple. I use Google Docs. If I’m creating a crochet pattern to sell independently, I add a small intro, a few good photographs of the design, “how-to” pics if I think it needs them, and a crochet chart (Stitchfiddle.com is what I often use).
Just do it! Please start. Don’t put it off, find the time to do it now!
And don’t forget to tell the tax man…

Like other creatives I just wanna make stuff. I’ve learned a ridiculous amount by playing around (making lots of mistakes) and I’ve probably not even covered the half of it here. Crikey, I still have a ridiculous amount to learn. I’m coming up to my third year of craft blogging but have only considered myself to be a crochet designer for about a year. That’s not a long time so I reckon I should come back and look at this next year to see what’s changed!

Please let me know if there is anything else you’d like to know or if you think I’ve missed out a vital piece of information. If you are a crochet designer too, I’d love to know what your experience has been. Tell me! Thanks ever so much! X

Crochet Granny Stripe Scarf. Free Pattern

December 8, 2017June 22, 2019crochet, free pattern23 Comments

Here it is, a super simple yet surprisingly effective granny stripe scarf (I’m all over crochet colour block stuff at the moment). My arm doesn’t stretch far enough to allow all the scarf to get in on the action I’m afraid but I do show it off a bit more in Episode 20 of my crochet podcast. I shan’t dilly dally, it’s the pattern you’re after isn’t it?! Here goes…

You will need around 350g dk yarn, a 4mm hook and marginal approximations of brain power. I used Drops Lima: 2x dark grey mix, 2x powder pink, 3x dark blue. I’m not sure it’s the best idea to use something that’s not machine washable, maybe I should have gone for the super wash merino…

If you wanted to, you could go down a hook size for the ribbing, I did (you can see the effect in the above photo). However, it isn’t necessary and I sort of wish I hadn’t.

If you would like to support my crochet adventures, please consider supporting me on Patreon. It would mean the world. Thank you. x

Multiples of three are what’s needed. Chain as many as you like, I chained 54.
OK, this is the (sort of) tricky bit but it is important. It will make one teeny little difference depending on whether you have an even or odd number of multiples, it will determine whether you land on a Front Post st or a Back Post st on the second to last stitch of the row. It really doesn’t matter but it will change what you work first on the next row. All you have to remember is to work a BP in an FP and an FP in a BP. That’s what creates the rib effect.
UK terms are used here but I use both in the video. A UK treble is a US double.
I changed colour after I ran out of each ball. I counted to double check that the end mirrored the beginning (you never know, your tension might change a bit).
Go here to check out the YouTube tutorial

Row 1. 1 tr in 4th ch from hook, 1tr along, turn. For neatness, work in the back bumps of the chain.

Row 2: Chain 3 (counts a first stitch), *1BP, 1FP; rep from * to second to last st. 1 tr in last st, turn (please read notes about BP & FP).

Row 3-8: Rep row 2 making BPs & FPs accordingly, turn

Row 9: (1dc, 1ch, 1tr) in first st, *miss 2st, 3tr in next st; rep from * finishing with 2tr in the end st, turn.

Row 10: (1dc, 1ch) in first st, *3tr in next space between clusters; rep from * to end, finish with 1tr in last st, turn.

Row 11: (1dc, 1ch, 1tr) in first st, *3tr between each cluster; rep from * to end, finish with two tr in last st, turn.

Repeat rows 10 & 11 until you’re happy with the length. End on Row 11.

Row 12. Chain 3, 1tr in each st along to end, turn.

Row 13-19. Rep row 2 (remember what I said in the notes!!). Fasten off and sew in ends.

Check out the quick tutorial to see exactly where those BP and FP stitches go! Thanks ever so much.

Tell me when you’ve made one. Here I am on Instagram. #grannystripescarf #zeensandroger or add it to Ravelry!

This scarf was inspired by the colour block jumper by cleck heaton, which I love! My scarf is a free pattern, you’re welcome to make as many as you like but please let people know where you got the pattern from. No, you can’t reproduce the pattern, or sell it. Nor can you pretend it is yours. It stings when people claim your things as their own. And it ain’t legal!

Don’t forget to come and say hi!! x

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The Craft Blogger’s Seasonal Nightmare.

November 30, 2016crafty, crochet, felt18 Comments

All old crochet blankets (and I don’t mean really old, they’re all this year’s but they’re just not mega recent – I renewed my Etsy listings yesterday and I’ve chosen to show these as they’re all on there waiting for someone to love them). What else can I do at this time of year?! Everything else that’s going on right now will be a Christmas present and I can’t show those. It’s a serious dilemma for a crafty blogger, I’ve got nuffink to talk about! Actually, I have managed to scrape a few bits together…

I enjoyed last Saturday at the local school Christmas craft fayre. Not exactly a money spinner but it still counted as a success in my eyes. Plus it gave me an excuse to make things and making things is what I Iike best! (The owls are my new favourite).

I won’t blather on, I did that last week. Needless to say, I’ve got enough Christmas felt designs to write a book! (I even looked into that the other day but I’m still not entirely sure how it works. I’m too much of a chicken to ask the experts all the stupid questions that have arisen in me noggin).

Anyway, Christmas came early for one person (sort of). I took part in my first (of three) secret santa type sign ups. It turns out that these things are absolutely brilliant. You get exactly the very best presents! Why wouldn’t you when like-minded crafty people are doing the buying and making? It’s great!

This crazy dolphin/reindeer was the present I made for my Colour Pop Craft Swap person. This swap was arranged by Miki at Set Free My Gypsy Soul. In my head it was the stuff of Legend: A Grand Stag of Epic Proportions! It ended up more cutesy and feeble than I’d envisaged, but do you know what? The recipient loved it and that’s what counts.

I used a pattern I’d found in a magazine from a couple of years ago. It’s also on Ravelry as Little Deer Toy. I designed the antlers and made two pairs, which I stitched together for a bit of stability. I also made up a little sparkly star to jazz up his rump.

I felt the need to compensate somewhat (I had rushed my deer and he didn’t turn out as expertly crafted as I wanted). Into the parcel, I also popped a few cotton coasters and a little toadstool brooch. I love these coasters, so so quick to knock up; I bet every crocheter has had a go at making these at some point.

These are my Christmas spoils. They arrived beautifully packaged, from the Netherlands. I was so happy to receive this fabulous bundle. I can tell you that the cat has had her eye on the spangly jangly stars. She pounced on them this morning and I’ve had to put them out of reach. I’ve been wearing my wrist warmers ( I changed to mittens this morning cos it was -2) and I absolutely love my Father Christmas. He is super awesome! Mirjam from Stin’s Place is the creator behind all these marvels.

The last few days have been focussed on getting my winter set of cosy things ready. The patterns need typing up and some photographs need sorting. Then I can hopefully have a pattern for sale. This will probably take longer than I want because I’ll be making it up as I go along (when am I not?)! I’m aiming to work on it all day on Friday and I think that should get me a good way into it. Given more time and more energy, I’d make a whole other set in different colours. I really like it all would love to see it in a different guise. What I need now is a need a name!

Well, I haven’t done too badly with this blog post. This time of year is definitely a struggle. I’ll be scraping the bottom of the barrel next time. Crikey, what’ll I do!? Anyone else suffering from the same problem? At least there will be plenty to talk about in January!

The Usual Crochet Catchup.

November 4, 2016crafty, crochet9 Comments

This week I haven’t been making my giant crochet granny blanket but here is what I’ve done so far. It is a pick up, put down type thing. I’m using up any reject colours and leftovers. I’m determined to go as big as possible. I’m itching to pick it up right now but I’ll be sewing for the next few weeks.

I’m making loads of Christmas decorations for the school fayre (fair?) in about 3 weeks. The living room is scattered with lost sequins and discarded threads. The hoover objects.

Last weekend I got a delightful parcel in the form of some Paintbox yarns. A present from Emma of Potter and Bloom. I was lucky to be one of the first to finish pattern testing for Emma’s Geoffrey Scarf and this was my prize! It’s aran and I haven’t decided what it’ll be. Do I focus on the colours I’ve got or do I get silly and buy loads more to go with? For some reason these colours are telling me poncho but I fear it might turn out Ugly Betty. Or I could do another scarf…?

I met in the middle with mohair, that was tempting me recently. I wouldn’t have given this a second look a few weeks ago but after playing with Wool and the Gang’s Take Care Mohair I went on the prowl for cheaper alternatives. I really couldn’t afford to buy the lovely stuff they gave me so I thought I’d try Drops Melody. It is a lot cheaper but it isn’t real mohair. I’ll be tinkering with it in between Christmas decorations. I also got some silk stuff to compare. I think it was on offer.

I also got a mixture of cotton double knits to experiment with. These ones have been stored with the fluffy Melody and are covered in yarny short n curlies. There are worse kinds. I have a design to work on that I think will look good in cotton. I wish I had more time! I need more time.

Over on Instagram I try my best to comment on things I like. Last week, maybe the week before, I casually joined in a conversation about naming some patterns for The Crochet Project. They are releasing a gorgeous quartet of wintery patterns this weekend. I didn’t really think my comments would be considered. I’ve only been fortunate enough to name two of the four projects!! And I got the patterns for free!! I am so chuffed. I had no clue that there would be a gift or even that they’d like my suggestions. I’m very happy indeed. If you see the Kelpie hat or the Selkie cowl, I named those! (I do like my fairy lore). However, now I need to get some yarn so that I can make the patterns. It’ll need to be a little bit special too. I also have The Crochet Project shawl books on my Christmas list. I want to make it everything!

On that note, I’m off. I’m hoping that my next blog post will be about this weekend’s Tar Barrels. If I survive.

Crochet Catch up. October.

October 21, 2016October 21, 2016crochet, free pattern24 Comments

I may as well start with more pictures of me! (I know why I keep having to do this, it’s because I keep making hats and scarves that have to be worn to show what they’re like). I promise it really isn’t going to be a regular occurence.

It’s my Tunisian crochet cowl, which is a fabulous free pattern by BHooked. Once I got stuck in it took next to no time. I wrote about the beginnings of it a couple of weeks ago. I’m wearing it right now, I’m absolutely freezing. I used different colours to the original pattern. I ordered mustard and barley Lionbrand, Wool Ease Thick and Quick from Woolwarehouse. When I first put it on it was quite stiff even though my tension couldn’t have been that tight (I would have had loads of yarn left over if it was too tight and I didn’t). It’s sitting a lot better now that I’ve worn it a few times.

To go with my new snood/cowl, I made a hat with Drops Big Merino. The pompom matches the cowl but the cat found it and has mauled the hat slightly. I came down stairs the other morning to find lots of mustardy worms sprinkled on the carpet. She does love a pompom.

Can I get away with this combo? I’ll at least be warm!

I finally got this made. A cute kitty purse by Nicki Trench (from the book Cute and Easy Crochet). It had been sat waiting (half made) for a few weeks. I was gearing myself up towards getting out the sewing machine. The thought of dragging it out from the cupboard under the stairs and then setting it all up was a bit of an effort (so lazy). I thought it’d be better to wait until I had a few sewing jobs and get them all done at the same time. Mine looks more like a mouse but, whatever.

It has been posted to my niece whose birthday was in the middle of August. Seeing as she’s only two I didn’t think she’d notice that it was a momentarily delayed.

The lining is my favourite! More kitties! It’s from Fabricland. I bought it a year or two ago but I think they still sell it.

Marceline is always nosey. She came over and sat on top of all the crochet.

Sorry, more selfies. I had no idea how tricky it’d be to take a picture of a scarf! The angle you need to get it all in! This is the Geoffrey Scarf by Potter and Bloom.

Isn’t it lovely?! I watch podcasts every now and again (they’re vlogs really but podcast seems to be the word that has caught on) and I have recently found one by Potter and Bloom. I have now stalked Emma everywhere: You Tube, Twitter, Instagram, Ravelry, her blog; I have probably made quite a nuisance of myself. But it has paid off because when she asked for pattern testers for her Geoffrey scarf I was there shouting “pick me, pick me”. I spent last weekend scrutinising every last word, number, asterix of the pattern… It was like a really weird crochet exam.

I have never read a pattern so intensely in my life. I wanted to do it properly though. I thought it’d be a doddle; it was only a scarf! I thought I’d get it done and dusted in a few hours. It was actually a lot of work. It was a good experience though and I’m glad I’ve done it. It also turned out that I was the first of a handful of testers to finish. That means I get a lovely gift of Paintbox yarn from Emma! I’ll report back on that another day.

There’s a nice intersection of motifs in the centre of the scarf. When it’s wrapped around your neck they sit nicely at the front. My middle motif looks like an eye. It’ll be staring at whomever I talk to when I’m wearing it. Except for it won’t. I’m not keeping it, I’m putting it aside as a Christmas present. I’ve got my chunky Tunisian cowl!

Should I add tassels to the pointy ends, or leave it as it is? I think Emma decided to leave hers, she had pondered over the idea of pompoms.

If you’d like to hear more about the Geoffrey scarf, pop over to You Tube to watch Episode 10 of Potter and Bloom’s podcast. Just before the six minute mark is the part where my fellow testers and I are mentioned. And If you watch Episode 9 just before the 27 minute mark she starts talking about yarn for a shawl. Yeah, that was my joke!! How exciting to be mentioned! I was watching the podcast whilst cooking the tea (sausage and mash!) and had to “rewind” as I hadn’t been quite sure I’d heard right. But you should watch all of them! Not just the bits I’m in!

And there have been so many other exciting things happen this week. It has been ridiculously busy… A winner for the Take Care Mohair Giveaway was picked yesterday (that was over on Instagram), I’ve been to an event run by The Creative Business Network to get a massive injection of motivation (the artist Sarah J Perry gave a talk on Imposter Syndrome) and I’ve actually been writing out some new crochet patterns. It all feels great! But I must get on, I need to continue writing patterns. I forgot that it’s half term next week, which means I lose time I thought I had!

Finding time in the Holidays.

August 15, 2016crafty, crochet14 Comments

Finding time in the holidays to do crafty things… it isn’t really happening. I’ve got some new ideas too; I’d like to play but can’t. But this is the holidys and I’m just busy. Mind you, the lovely day out I planned only took about two hours and we’ve been at home all afternoon. All the “fun” things are getting on my nerves. I’ll snap out of it and share the stuff I have managed to tinker with.

I’m trying out an idea for something. It’s slow going because I don’t actually know how to write patterns. I wonder if there is a secret that I’m not party to? I just keep trying different ways until I get it the way I want it. Is there a formula I should know about?

This sort of thing happened a lot over the weekend.

But also this! I found sparkly yarn in Poundland. I wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for folk talking about it on Instagram. It’s Granny Square day today so I made this granny square to put on IG.

Why wasn’t the green sparkly?!

I also made this. Aaages and aaages ago I took part in a craft destash swap on Twitter. It was very exciting to think about what parcel I might send to my crafty partner and even more exciting to receive a present of all things that appeal to me. I got this crazy yarn, as well as many other lovely things. One of the things we had to do was make something and share it on social media. I have no idea what I’ll do with the other stuff (I might have already messed up the lovely fabric I got). Have a look at the bottom of my birthday post from May to see the other things.

It’s a little purse. It’s just rows of half trebles, with a button hole. I lined it with some cheap Ikea fabric and roughly stitched it together. I don’t mind that it’s not neat, it isn’t supposed to be neat.

Remember my trip down memory lane? The basket I’m supposed to be fixing has been commandeered by the cat. Youngest thought this was great and wanted to carry her about. She wasn’t best pleased.

And this hastily put together post is pretty much all I’ve had time to do. You can even spot that I was in my pyjamas for most of it! I keep forgetting to take pictures of a blanket I finished too. I’ll do that next (as long as I don’t forget again).