Pattern Release & Giveaway | The Breton Bag

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, Giveaways, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Stripes are all the rage this season! Whether its horizontal or vertical you will undoubtedly start to see stripes feature in a range of accessories. Now you can line up with this years stripe trend with my new Breton Bag.

Big enough to stow all your essentials in you can now complement your own look using your own colour palette. The Breton Bag cross-body design also allows you to go hands free making it a practical style essential.

Inspired by a holiday I had in Brittany (France) and a homage to the the crisp Breton stripes which I think effortlessly express a classic Parisian style; clean and stylish in its graphic simplicity.

Make your bag with in the traditional white and blue sailor-like stripes for a touch of *Riviera Chic* or go wild with different colour variations; either way will result in an aesthetically appealing bag.

Included with the pattern is written guidance on how to add a lining and a magnetic bag clasp to your bag and two options for attaching the bag handle.

Exclusive Giveaway 🎉

The Breton Bag is now available and on sale on Ravelry (until 10 May 2017) but for your chance to win a copy keep reading!

Simply head on over to Ravelry and add the pattern to your favourites or show it some love by commenting below this post with your Ravelry username / or email address.

Bonus Entry: Re-pin any of the pictures on this post and copy & paste the URL of your re-pin in the comments below.

Winners will be randomly chosen on 10 May 2017 evening around 7pm GMT

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

4Jan2017

2016 in a Nutshell

Posted in Blanket, Crochet, Family, For Adult, For Baby, For Child, Free Patterns, From the Stash, In A Nutshell, Inspiration, Life, Pattern Release, Patterns, Round Up, Stitches, Tah-Dah, Works in Progress, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I thought I’d do a little review of my hooky year in pictures…

January saw the release of the biggest thing I worked on all year. It’s also the item and design which I am ultimately most proud of. The Everything Is Cool and Groovyghan 2016 Crochet-A-Long is definitely the most challenging thing I have designed and shared so far and the finished groovyghans made by other crafters have just blown me away (you lot are amazing!). Although the crochet-a-long has now finished you can still make a groovyghan of your very own by checking out the details on the blog here.

February and March I was busy growing a human which turned out to be quite hard work! So, aside from the groovyghan, there wasn’t a whole lot of crocheting going on…

Then in April my new shawl pattern, The Spring Blossom Wrap, was released in iLikeCrochet Magazine. Worked in a smooth 4ply cotton yarn and a 3.5mm hook I was really pleased with the floral look I eventually achieved on this shawl which I based on cherry blossoms.

In May and June baby had finally arrived so I got back to a little hooking by working up some quick little hats and a headband for my new arrival. I just chose some patterns on Ravelry that I liked the look of and they actually turned out to be all free patterns. The hats and tie back I made include the Sedge Stitch Newborn Beanie, the Bonnie Bell Bonnet, the TopKnot Baby Hat and the 15 Minute Tieback. The Bonnie Bell Bonnet was one of the first hats I hooked up. It’s such a cute design and as its worked in Aran (Worsted) weight yarn it’s very quick to work up.

In July I hooked up a little Amineko cat for Little G’s summer fayre, such a fun design and super cute!

In August and September I was working on some exciting patterns for October (more on that later) but I still found time to hook up a little Pumpkin hat for the baby and Baabara for this years Yarndale charity project…

and I finally finished a work in progress which had been started a year previously! The Corner to Corner Granny Stitch Throw was a great pattern to use up loads of odds and ends of double knit in my stash…

So October was a busy and exciting month; my RainBOW Clip Organiser was released in Issue 31 of Happily Hooked Magazine…and I was completely delighted to be asked to take part in the Stylecraft Blog Tour for 2016 for which I designed the Harmonious Hexagon Blanket (free pattern here).

In November and December I hooked up several Christmassy items for my girls including some cute Elfin baby boots and some fabulous elf hats. I also hooked up a fab little mouse baby hat for a Micky fan – unfortunately this particular pattern is no longer available, there are plenty of alternatives out there though if you are looking for this style.

I also hooked up my special animals from my TOFT yarn and some awesome little Princesses for some gorgeous little girls; but I’m going to blog about those later so I’ll save those ta-dah moments for 2017!

Wow, I enjoyed that stroll down memory lane! I find when it’s all written down like this that I have accomplished more than I realised! Crochet is such a big part of my life that sometimes I forget what I have been up to in the year as I’m concentrating on the next design or project. The most fantastic thing about crochet is that it continually brings me happiness, fun challenges, surprises, satisfaction at a job completed and most of all relaxation.

So what can you look forward to in 2017 from me?

I have so many plans for 2017! I’m extremely excited to be working with several crochet magazines this year on new designs, I’ve also got various exciting collaborations coming up, I’m going to be catching up with patterns that I didn’t finish due to being pregnant (and ill) and then having a newborn (for those waiting for Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – this is at the top of the list!) AND we’ve got a brand new crochet-a-long to look forward to (starting in March) which is also in development behind the scenes as we speak.

Finally I’d like to say a mahoosive thank you to everyone who has followed me on the blog or on social media in 2016…

My thanks is to everyone who may have brought and/or made any of my patterns, who have read my musings following me here on the blog and for those who have offered / or continued to offer their hands in friendship. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your support, enthusiasm and your camaraderie and how much I love to see your finished work!

Well until next time, happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

28Dec2016

Book Review | Winter Crochet (Collection 7) by Marie Wallin

Posted in Book Review, Crochet, For Adult, Inspiration by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Winter Crochet is Marie Wallin‘s seventh book which includes a collection of eight beautiful contemporary crochet patterns. Many of the designs combine knitting and crochet together which is perfect for bi-stitchual crafters. The blend of knitting and crochet creates a group of very wearable winter clothes including, amongst other things, jumpers, cardigans and a jacket.

Each pattern is written in English Crochet terminology but US alternate details, along with photos of close ups of each design, tension, sizing, finishing and aftercare is included in the back of the book.

The book is a bit of a work of art! The photos of each garment are gorgeously set alongside a charming seaside background. I love the rustic looking colour palette that has been used, very much my type of colours, which compliment the natural surroundings perfectly.

The yarn used in the book is Rowan Felted Tweed and Felted Tweed Aran but if you didn’t want to use that you could try substituting with KnitPicks City Tweed Aran, Katia Maerino Tweed, Berroco Inca Tweed, Cascade Yarns Melilla, James C. Brett Rustic With Wool Aran, Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool or Stylecraft Aran with Wool. Remember to always swatch to measure your gauge if using a different yarn.

All the patterns in the book have been given lovely Celtic names ;

Gael (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
Caitlin (Crochet) – Jumper
Keela (Crochet) – Jacket
Finnoula (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
Meara (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
Siobhan (Crochet) – Cardigan
Niamh (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
Catriona (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper

There are some really interestingly intricate stitch details, all of which have been clearly explained throughout the book, but the beautiful motifs used to create Finnoula caught my eye. Just stunning!

I love how versatile crochet is in that you can re-invent or re-use elements of one thing to turn it into something else. I decided to use one of the motifs from Finnoula, which reminded me of a poinsettia, to make a small ornamental mat which I could sit my actual poinsettia on.

The motif worked up beautifully with some spare Aran (Worsted) weight cotton I had in my stash. The pattern was clear and easy to follow and I had no trouble at all making the motif. My little mat was just perfect for my Poinsettia and will now come out every year for that purpose.

If you are interested in having this book for your very own it is currently available for purchase via laughinghens.com

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Disclaimer: I received a sample copy of the book to write this review. I have not been financially compensated by the supplier, book company or the designer to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of using the book / pattern.

21Dec2016

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Posted in Crochet, Family, For Adult, For Baby, For Child, Free Patterns, Life, Pattern Review, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Only 4 more sleeps until Chrisssstttttmmaaassss!!!! I’m totally writing this post listening to Christmas carols, eating turkey, wrapping presents, baking mince-pies, sipping Baileys, trimming a tree all with a Santa hat on – well the carols are playing at least. I do so love, love, love Christmas -it’s definitely my most favourite time of year. I love how decorations appear everywhere and twinkly lights adorn everything, (my inner magpie is totally satisfied), and as always I am looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

So as far as Christmas and crochet goes I’ve been busy making some presents, which I can’t share details of yet, and I found the most amazing wrapping paper to wrap my gifts in…

Love this fabulous knitted Santa wrapping paper!

I have also hooked up a few seasonal items for my gorgeous girls. I had in my head that I wanted to do a photo shoot with the girls for family Christmas cards; plus they were a couple of Christmas parties scheduled where I knew they would need dressing up outfits.

Little G chose the theme of Santa and his elf; she was to be a lady Santa and Little Miss was to be her helper. We found some costumes but they needed some accessories – cue Mummy with her magic hook 😉

First off I made the Elfin Baby Booties by DIY Maven for Little Miss. The booties are a super cute free pattern for sizes 0-6 month made in Aran (worsted) weight yarn which are really quick to hook up. As Little Miss is a beautiful big baby I did go up from a 4mm to a 5.5mm hook size to accommodate her tootsies, which meant the booties then fit perfectly, other than that the pattern is very easy to follow and the result is a fab set of booties perfect for any pixie babe.

The yarn I used for the booties was the new Paintbox Yarn which, if you are a yarn addict like myself, you have probably seen photos and reviews of floating about on the web and social media.

The yarns come in acrylic DK, aran, chunky and cotton yarns and are exclusive to LoveKnitting.com and LoveCrochet.com and comes in 60 fabulous colours.

I have been waiting for the right project to give this yarn a try and I have to say it’s super lovely yarn to work with. The ‘Grass Green’ was the perfect shade, I thought, for my little elfin booties.

Next they both needed hats; a Santa hat for Little G and an elf hat for Little Miss. I’d had the free Crochet Elf Hat by Repeat Crafter Me saved for ages as I thought they were really cute and oh my goodness they were so awesome when they were finished and looked fabulous – just how I wanted the hats to look with a nice long tail and chunky pom pom! I used the Aran (Worsted Weight) Paintbox Yarn again (in ‘Paper White’ and ‘Pillar Red’ along with the ‘Grass Green’)

And the finished result…well after many outtakes we managed to get the most lovely photo, I was so pleased with how they turned out.

Well I think all that’s left for me to do is wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

I’ve got lots planned for 2017, including a new exciting crochet-along to start Feb/Mar 2017, but I’ve still got one more post next week before the New Year kicks in. You can read it in your pyjamas if you want – I’m hoping I’ll be writing the post in mine!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

7Dec2016

Free Pattern | Superbly Simple Baby Blanket

Posted in Blanket, Crochet, For Adult, For Baby, For Child, Free Patterns, From the Stash, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

What’s a crochet designer to do when they are having a baby – design a new blanket pattern of course! So without further ado I’d like to introduce my new free pattern to you; the Superbly Simple Baby Blanket. The great thing about this blanket is that it works up quickly and looks more complicated than it actually is! This baby blanket is a great for beginning crocheters to use for their very first crocheted afghans.

Worked in double knit this lightweight blanket is easy to memorise making it a perfect pattern for relaxing hooky time! However you may use any yarn type and hook size of your choice with this pattern (it’s that simple) so no need to worry about meeting a specific gauge.

Make it a baby sized blanket, as shown, or go as big as you like by simply adding more rounds! The addition of a simple border finishes off the blanket nicely.

For my blanket I used Stylecraft Special DK from my stash, which is lovely and soft, in white, lemon and grey – great unisex colours when you aren’t sure if it’s a boy or girl (which we didn’t). There are so many options for how you could arrange colours on this blanket and it would also make a fab stash buster for using up odds and ends.

This pattern is definitely my new favourite go-to blanket for new babies or a last minute baby shower gift.

Little Miss certainly loves her blanket.

Click the following link to add the Superbly Simple Baby Blanket to your 💗 Favourites and Ravelry Queue or keep scrolling for the pattern. For a print friendly version of this page please scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the Print & PDF button.

Pattern:

Yarn: Weight #3; 4 x 100 g / 1200 m / 1300 yards

Hook: 4 mm / US size G

Gauge: 6 tr/dc sts or 2 clusters = 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm

Establishing the correct gauge is not critical to this pattern. Pattern will work in other yarns though gauge/size will be different.

Size: 36 x 36 inches / 91.4 x 91.4 cm

Make it a baby sized blanket, as shown, or go as big as you like by simply adding more rounds!

Abbreviations:

st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space
sl st = slip stitch
ch(s) = chain
dc/sc = UK double crochet / US single crochet
tr/dc = UK treble / US double crochet
Cl = 3 tr/dc
V-St= 1 tr/dc, ch 1, 1 tr/dc
[ ] = work pattern in brackets into 1 st

Stitch Guidance:

Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
Double Crochet/Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops on hook.
UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/dc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.

Pattern:

Rnd 1: With YARN A, Ch 4, sl st to form a ring, sl st into the ring, ch 3 (counts as first tr/dc), 2 tr/dc into the ring, ch 3, * 3 tr/dc into the ring, ch 3*, repeat from * to * twice more, sl st to top of ch 3 to join, then sl st to the nearest ch 3 corner (12 sts + 4 x 3 ch sps)

Rnd 2: [1 dc/sc in to the ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc/sc into the same sp], * ch 3, [1dc/sc, ch 3, 1 dc/sc] into the next ch 3 sp * repeat from * to * twice, ch 3, sl st to top of beginning dc/sc to join, sl st to the next ch 3 sp (8 sts, + 8 x 3 ch sps)

Rnd 3: [Ch 4 (counts as first tr/dc + ch), 1 tr/dc ch 3, 1 V-St into the ch 3 sp], * 1 V-St, in the next ch 3 sp [1 V-St, ch 3, 1 V St] into the next ch 3 sp * repeat from * to * twice, 1 V-St in the last ch sp, sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4 to join, sl st to the next ch 3 sp (12 V-Sts + 4 x 3 ch sps)

Rnd 4: [Ch 3 (counts as first tr/dc), 2 tr/dc , ch 3, 1 Cl into the ch 3 sp], * 1 Cl between each of the 2 V-Sts of row 3 (there should be TWO Cl in-between each corner), [1 Cl, ch 3, 1 Cl] on the next ch 3 sp * repeat from * to * twice, 1 Cl between each of the 2 V-Sts of row 3, sl st to top of ch 3 to join, then sl st to the nearest ch 3 corner (16 Cls + 4 x 3 ch sps)

Rnd 5: [1 dc/sc in to the ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc/sc into the same sp], * ch 3, 1 dc/sc between each of the 2 Cl’s of row 4 (there should be THREE ch 3 + dc/sc in-between each corner), [1 dc/sc, ch 3, 1 dc/sc] on the next ch 3 sp * repeat from * to * twice, 1 dc/sc between each of the 2 Cl’s of row 4, sl st to top of the first dc/sc to join, then sl st into the ch 3 sp (20 dc/sc + 20 x 3 ch sps)

Note: Rnds 3 – 5 make up the repeats of this pattern. You will just increase either the number of V-Sts (rnd 3) or Cl (rnd 4), chs (rnd 5) in-between each corner.

Continue working rows until you have worked 47 rows in total.

For the blanket shown in the photos I worked the following colour change repeats; YARN A: 9 rows, YARN B: 9 rows, YARN C: 6 rows

Edging:

Begin edging in any sp between Cls; * [dc/sc, ch 3, 2 tr/dc] into same sp * repeat from * to * in each sp around the edge and in each corner.

23Nov2016

Free Pattern | Easy Cuff Mitts

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, For Child, Free Patterns, From the Stash, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The weather is just cold enough for a new hand warming crochet project don’t you think! Fingerless gloves are fantastic for keeping you cosy whilst still allowing you the important use of your digits. That’s where my new free pattern comes in…introducing the Easy Cuff Mitts! These mitts are a quick and simple pattern that you can make with less than 1 ball (100g / 295m / 322yds) of Aran (Worsted) weight yarn.

It’s also super easy to create a custom fit, make as long or as short as you wish just working in multiples of 2. You can create the mitts in minutes and use up some of your scrap yarn stash at the same time. Beginners…this is a great project for you!

Make chic looking mitts by using block colours and simple buttons or have some fun using variegated yarn and contrasting buttons to create something special and unique. The colour combinations are virtually endless – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Click here to add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favourites. Why not whip up a pair for you or a friend today!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

14Mar2016

I Like Crochet | Spring Blossom Wrap

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, Magazine, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Oooh guess what! I’m extremely excited to say that a new pattern of mine has been featured in this month’s issue of I Like Crochet magazine!

I Like Crochet is a US bi-monthly digital magazine which is published by the creators of AllFreeCrochet.com and the April issue is jam packed full of Spring themed loveliness.

This month’s features:

· 28+ spectacular spring projects.

· Fanciful floral’s to brighten your day.

· Jewellery, scarves and shawls ideas for Mum.

· Pastel colours of the season.

Spring is the perfect time for flowers, and my new simple Spring Blossom Wrap pattern will add a fabulously floral feel to any outfit. Worked up in a decadent shade of fuchsia, this airy shawl provides just the right amount of warmth for a chilly spring day.

I used Egyptian combed cotton (Drops Safran); a lovely soft, light yarn which has a subtle sheen and is available in many beautiful colours.

For your copy of my new pattern plus more subscribe today to I Like Crochet magazine.

18May2015

Pattern Release: Daisy Chain Flourish Blanket

Posted in Blanket, Crochet, For Adult, For Baby, For Child, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m proud to introduce my next blanket; it’s been a work in progress for awhile now as it’s most certainly the most ambitious project size wise I have ever designed as I have included details how to make the blanket from bassinet to king sized in three different weight yarns (4 ply, 8 ply and 10 ply) phew!

This is my Daisy Chain Flourish Blanket…

Worked in 4ply cotton as shown this vintage style blanket has the makings of a family heirloom. Or make it in bright soft baby double knit or aran for a delightful summer blanket for baby. Worked in strong bold colours a king-sized blanket would be a statement piece in any room.

There are many options for how you could arrange colours on this blanket. Use a darker colour as an outline for a stained glass window effect combined with a bright or muted palette or try contrasting colours on different rows.

The motifs work up quickly with simple stitches that make it the perfect pattern for advanced beginners looking to expand their crochet techniques.

Click here to add the Daisy Chain Flourish to your Favourites and Ravelry Queue.

AND to celebrate the release of the pattern I’m a 40% discount on Ravelry for a week (no coupon needed) so grab yourself a copy quick!

Happy Hooking!

10Apr2015

Pattern Release: Springs Grace Ponchette

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Today I’m excited to finally release my Springs Grace Ponchette which finally, thanks to folks who commented on my Facebook page, now has a name!

The Springs Grace Ponchette is perfect for Spring or any time the weather doesn’t know quite what to do with itself!

This is a quick project intermediate pattern worked in a combination of rows and rounds using two strands of double knit and a 7mm hook.

I used Stylecraft special double knit in ‘Claret’ because I loved the super squishy loveliness and drape of my Margaret’s Hug Shawl and wanted to create the same sort of feel for the Ponchette.

Click here to add the Spring Grace Ponchette to your Favourites and Ravelry Queue.

AND to celebrate the release of the pattern I’m a 40% discount on Ravelry for a week (no coupon needed) so grab yourself a copy quick!

11Jan2015

Video Tutorial – Margaret’s Hug Healing / Prayer Shawl

Posted in Crochet, For Adult, Free Patterns, Tutorial by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Margaret's Hug Healing / Prayer Shawl

It makes me so happy that my Margaret’s Hug Healing / Prayer Shawl has been downloaded over 13,800 times since I first shared it in February last year. I really love the thought of all these shawls being made up and going to someone that could do with a hug.

However I have had a couple of requests for a video tutorial for this pattern so I’ve had a go to create one for you. Now it’s a bit shaky as it’s my first go at trying to do something like this but I hope it helps!