stylecraft Archives - Zeens and Roger

Corner to Corner Geometric Crochet Cushion.

September 13, 2016January 27, 2017crafty, crochet, free pattern31 Comments

At last, I’ve finished my crochet cushion! I’m really pleased with it, even though it goes with absolutely nothing in the rest of the house! It was one of those things that just popped in my head one day. All other projects were put aside whilst I got the first couple of squares done. It has lead to other ideas too, which is great. It means that this cushion isn’t the end of my geometric crochet design (I’ve got another pattern/tutorial up my sleeve for some time soon).

Basically, it’s corner to corner in US single crochet stitches. For some reason I’ve adopted US speak for a lot, but not all crochet terminology (I still call UK trebles, trebles which can get confusing!). I added the tip of colour to make it more interesting; there wouldn’t have been much point in a plain c2c. Ultimately, what I want to do is work out the pattern in Tunisian crochet as I think you could do it all in one piece. Sadly, I don’t know how to do Tunisian crochet yet. This might well be the catalyst…

I bought an 18″ feather cushion and a plain cover (both v cheap from Amazon). This turned out to be a great fit for a 5×5 set of squares.

Stitching the squares together was easy. Right sides together and use matching yarn colours.

There are many ways to line them up but I went for all corners pointing in the same direction.

I did a crab stitch around the outside thinking it would be a bit like piping. Turns out, it isn’t like that at all but it was a good foundation for stitching the crochet to the cushion.

I took the actual cushion out to begin stitching.

I pinned it in place and then went around with a good strong needle, as close to the edge as possible.

And then it was done!

Do you like it?! I do! The balance of colours isn’t perfect. It was de-stash time again and I ran out of some colours before others. In an ideal world I would have planned that better but you can’t go out and buy new balls just for the sake of a few metres. I even scrounged some of the lavender colour off my friend up the road.

If anyone fancies having a go, here is the pattern:

I used Stylecraft Special DK and a 4.5 hook.

Ch2
2sc in 2nd chain from hook. Chain 1 and turn.[2]
2sc in both stitches. Chain 1 and turn. [4]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 2 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [6]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 4 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [8]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 6 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [10]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 8 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [12]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 10 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [14]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 12 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [16]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 14 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [18]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 16stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [20]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 18 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [22]
2sc in first stitch, 1sc in next 20 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Chain 1 and turn. [24]
Sc the first two stitches together (decrease), 1sc in next 20 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [22]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 18 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [20]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 16 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [18]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 14 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [16]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 12 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. Change colour. [14]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 10 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [12]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 8 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [10]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 6 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [8]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 4 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [6]
1 decrease, 1sc in the next 2 stitches, 1 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [4]
2 decrease. Chain 1 and turn. [2]
1 decrease. Fasten off and sew in ends.

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A Crochet Blanket for the Autumn.

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016blanket, crochet, devon14 Comments

I completely forgot to write about this cosy crochet blanket. I finished it before the summer holidays. It got a wash and was then stored away before I realised I should probably show it off a bit and then put it up for sale on Etsy (which it now is!). Actually, now is a pretty good time to do it because the colours remind me of autumn and that’s just where we’re heading.

Amazingly for me, this is the first time I’ve done a join-as-you-go granny square blanket. Whilst I’ve done plenty of continuous joins, this is slightly different due to all the colour changes. It looks so much better than if I’d whip stitched the squares together (which is what I always used to do).

The border is quite plain but I didn’t think it wanted flouncy. Just some scallops between every other cluster. In the alternating clusters, it’s just a UK dc (US sc). To stop it curling too much, there are chains between them.

There’s something about this blanket I really like and I’ll be jiggered if I know what it is. Maybe it’s the simplicity of it, or it could be the autumn colour palette. I haven’t quite put my finger on it yet but it doesn’t really matter, does it? I like it because I do!

The colour scheme wasn’t a choice I made, it was more determined by what I had left hidden in the cupboard under the stairs. Over the last few months I’ve been making an attempt to get that down to a more manageable collection. I’m trying to train myself not to impulse buy yarn too. It’s not working that well, I’ve just transferred my lustings to fabric instead. Anyway, if you are at all curious about the colours, they are Stylecraft Special DK in: Saffron, Gold, Pomegrante, Petrol, Spice, Parma Violet, Khaki, Spring Green, Magenta and Lavender. It’s deffo less than a ball of each but I couldn’t tell you how much exactly as none were full balls to begin with.

It’s a blanket that I wish I’d made bigger. Well, I couldn’t; didn’t have enough stash! I hope that it finds a home…

In a complete random change of subject, I popped out to have a very speedy look at the Tour of Britain this morning. This was at the end of my road just before midday today. I timed it very well, I was out and back home within fifteen minutes.

I had to leap out of the way because they were extremely close. I don’t know how they managed to do it so fast, this is the top of the hill. They had an even bigger hill to climb a few minutes later, one which my car struggles with. Wish I’d seen that!

I thought it was great and I’m not even a cycling enthusiast! Bit of excitement on a rainy day anyway. I bet all those cars have a crochet blankets in the boot…

Block Colour Crochet Ripple blanket.

July 12, 2016July 12, 2016crafty, crochet, devon, felt19 Comments

Excuse me whilst I saturate one single blog post in several pictures of the same thing. I took many photographs and enjoyed doing so. I’m spreading my joy. There also might be a “reward” at the end, in the shape of different things.

This will be on Etsy by the end of the week (I tell myself), along with many others. I need to stop hoarding.

This was such a quick and easy blanket to make. It was one of those ones where you don’t have to think. Love those ones. The only fretful moment was when I ran half a row short of the shrimp. Luckily I had a small ball (less than a handful) left from previous adventures so I didn’t have to buy a new ball just for the sake of a few metres.

I’m now wondering what other colour combinations will work well. For many years I would make all sorts of blankets, in all sorts of colour combinations but I’ve recently begun to notice a pattern emerging. I think I might be developing some sort of crochet style. It might not be a good style but I suspect there’s one there nevertheless.

Taking repeated pictures of the same thing is confusing, I hope I’m not posting the same pictures twice.

This is still me using up the significant yarn stash I have. I’ve been really good recently, I don’t think I’ve bought any yarn since May. (I’m not including the stuff I bought at the Bovey Craft Festival. Special circumstances).

Here are the details: It’s Stylecraft Special dk in Denim, Shrimp, Navy, Mustard and Sage. I used Attic 24’s Neat Ripple and I think I chained 115 to begin, just right for a baby blanket. The border is Parchment and I used it to fill in the ripples and make a sort of picot edging.

These are some other blankets that I’m planning on Etsifying this week. I’ve bagged them up and weighed them. Looking at Royal Mail yesterday was exhausting. The pricing schemes are baffling. In the past I’ve made the mistake of not charging enough for p&p and I want to avoid doing that again. It’s blinkin expensive no matter which way you do it and I worry it’ll put people off. But! I shall stop looking for excuses and just give it a go.

And on a different note, I’ve put up a picture on my facebook page to show my summer fete stall. Feel free to go and have a look. It was a very hot and sunny day, which was great (I feared rain). I had no idea what to expect, hmm, it was OK. Having shared the fete blog post locally, I had a few visitors who came over especially to see me, which was lovely. But overall, I don’t think I had stuff that made people spontaneously decide to splurge. Eeh, I don’t know! It was a learning experience and I’ve even had interest off the back of it, so that’s good. Exposure innit!? I hadn’t considered that that could happen.

And in the interests of sharing all that I do (not just the stuff that makes me feel pleased with myself), here are some cheeky pixies!

Er, yep, I made those!

I have no idea what was going on in my brain. A bit cutesy aren’t they?! At least they make me laugh and that can only be a good thing! What you must do is go and look up Pixie Day in Ottery (try wikipedia too). It’s another tradition here, in town, alongside the more famous Tar Barrels. The local kids from scouts, guides, beavers etc run around the town dressed up as pixies for Midsummer. It’s a long story but a fun one.

Anyway, I’m off to do some stitching now. The sewing machine is calling to me this week. This morning I drove to Exmouth, to go a closing down sale at a fabric shop. I spent so long choosing that I didn’t have time to go to the other fabric shop (probably a good thing; I’ve spent all my pocket money).

I’ve linked up to…

A Quick Crochet Catch Up.

June 20, 2016June 21, 2016crafty, crochet25 Comments

I’ve been doing a load of crochet over the past couple of weeks. It’s time to put up a few pictures I reckon.

The latest blankets are a quick diamond blanket and an equally speedy crochet granny square. Both are baby sized. Both use stylecraft special dk. I like making baby blankets, they can be finished in a few days.

I have so many colour combinations and/or new stitches I want to try. The waiting would take forever if I were to make them all massive. These ones are a lovely size. My youngest boy still uses his. He can’t sleep without Blankey.

I’ve got quite a few stashed away now. I have to wait until next month before they go on Etsy though. I’m going to have a craft stall at the school summer fete. I feel that I ought to have some blankets there even though I don’t think they’ll sell. People like to buy small things for a couple of quid rather than bigger, pricier items.

If they don’t sell, I still have others that I really should get on Etsy now. I don’t know why I’m not doing it. Meh.

I’ve made these coaster type things using Rico Creative cotton in aran. I want to get some cotton dk next but I have to use up the existing stash first.

I only have scraps left, I don’t know if I’ll be able to make more than one of each colour.

These flowers are made using scraps of all different things. Some are merino, some have cashmere in them, others are less smart. Not sure what these will turn into yet. We shall see. The rose pattern is Attic 24’s May Rose and the other is by Crochet with Raymond. I really like seeing the 4ply ones next to the aran jobs. Same pattern, completely different effect.

I started making bows using a pattern from the book Geek Chic Crochet by Nicki Trench (about £3 in The Works). I soon got bored of those. They were taking too long so I started using fewer stitches to get them smaller and I used trebles so I didn’t need as many rows. I’m thinking brooches?

I made lots of hearts yesterday. The original pattern is found via Attic 24 and then her May rose is used too.

And that’s the sort of thing I’ve been up to. It’s not all my cup of tea but I hope it’ll appeal to others. What I’m really hankering after is a good shawl. And some embroidery. And I wouldn’t mind a snooze. :p

I’ve linked up here…

Birthday

May 9, 2016crafty, crochet, drawing, fabric, sewing23 Comments

I’ve had a week filled with lovely birthday things. I’ve been out for dinner/lunch, twice, no! three times. I’ve had lots of awesome presents and there has been gorgeous weather. Smashin’.

I got my hair cut off too, so when I went out to dinner on Saturday night (The Five Bells in Clyst Hydon- very nice) I felt all new and swooshy. I didn’t feel so new and swooshy when we went out for lunch on Sunday (The Rock Inn on Dartmoor). A roast dinner sorted me out but, crikey, I felt rough yesterday. I took loads of pictures of Haytor whilst there, which I’ll post in a day or two.

I also finished a blanket, one that I’m really pleased with. I especially love the border, which is the same pattern I used for my granny shawl. It’s Stylecraft Special dk.

At some point this blanket will end up in my Etsy shop. I will sort out a link when I’ve got some blankets and other things in there.

Other things I managed to finish last week were two little bag/purse type things. One is for my unimpressive collection of barely used knitting needles and the other is for keeping small projects in so I can take it out and about. I used the fabric I bought in Totnes shops during the Easter hols. They both need pressing again because I made a very lacklustre job of it.

I had all my sewing laid out on the table. I’ve made a half hearted pledge to take part in Me Made May. Since last week, I’ve worn hand made things already and I made a dress! I’ll take pictures of the dress before the end of May, I’m sure.

Another work in progress is a new shawl. I’m doing a variation of my granny shawl just to play around. I’m using Drops Baby Merino. I went on a Drops spending frenzy last weekend. They had a sale at Woolwarehouse so I went a bit bonkers.

See! Drops. I have an idea.

More Drops. I cannot wait to start this, Cherry Heart’s Victoria shawl. Pattern bought and printed, ready to start any second.

Some lovely presents were received, I got a bunch of fat quarters from my mother-in-law. She went to a quilting shop in Bovey Tracey. I know about this shop but I’ve not been. It’s supposed to be good.

I got lots of fab books. Looking forward to getting stuck into those…

I got these bowls too. I got loads of stuff, I won’t show it all, but needless to say it’s all good gear. One of my favourites is the drawing from the photo at the top. It’s by my friend who is an artist and graphic designer. It’s a picture of me doing me crochet! I guess I should frame it, I think it’s beautiful but then so is the subject matter, obvs.

And then the week before last, I got this wonderful bundle of stuff from Samantha at createitsamantha.co.uk We took part in the #craftblogclub spring clean challenge on twitter. Essentially it was a craft stash swap. It was such a lovely surprise to open up the parcel and have lots of delightful things tumble out. The Power Ranger didn’t come with my new stuff; Three year old thought I should take a picture of it. I have some ideas of what I might do, I’m looking forward to playing around in the next week or two.

I love getting birthday flowers!

Anyway, I’m off. Got a house to tidy and a child to entertain. Can’t watch A Bug’s Life all day. Actually, we did sit down and watch the local secondary school do a live Q&A with Tim Peak on the International Space Station a couple of hours ago (via the internet). I thought it was interesting but Three year old only managed five minutes before going off to look at a Lego book.