New Pattern Release | Cat Bells Men’s Cowl

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Finding men’s crochet patterns is not as easy as finding crochet designs for women or children. Dads, granddads, husbands, sons and friends – there’s potentially a lot of folks out there that would love something you specifically crocheted for them. That’s where my new design, the Cat Bells Cowl, comes in…

Close up of the head and neck of a man who is standing next to a old stone building alongside trees and a country path. They are wearing the royal blue crocheted Cat Bells textured cowl around their neck.

I actually designed this cowl for my husband; he’s a keen hiker and one of his most favourite places in the world is The Lake District in Cumbria. It’s a place we go as a family at least once a year, and a place he frequents, whenever he gets the opportunity, to go hiking or cycling.

The name of the ‘Cat Bells’ Cowl is actually taken from one of the most popular fells in the area by the same name. Cat Bells is a short, sharp, steep climb richly rewarded by spectacular views that my husband has completed a couple of times. I wanted to create something sharp, steep and with texture to compliment the place that he loves.

Close up of the head and neck of a man who is standing in the countryside on a sunny day. They are wearing the royal blue crocheted Cat Bells textured cowl around their neck.

Snood, buff, neck-warmer or cowl (the descriptions are pretty interchangeable) are great for men (and women) as they keep the neck and ears warm without the gappiness of a scarf! Designed to keep you cosy and warm cowls can add a stylish, yet minimalist, finish to your winter look.

Although I designed the cowl for a man, the pattern is fairly unisex so you could use different colours to crochet cowls for all your family members!

Image of a hand holding a skein of handyed bluey-teal solid yarn by Rosie's Moments.

The yarn I used for this cowl was from my stash; and was actually a gift from my lovely mum for Christmas 2022. It’s a gorgeous deep teal-to-blues blended yarn called Royal Robe and it was hand-dyed by Rosie’s Moments. I only had one skein so I thought a lovely lightweight cowl would be the perfect way to go.

I would recommend a semi-solid colourway for this design so that you can see the stitch definition. Variegated yarns are wonderful; but they often don’t work well with textured patterns as the colours can hide the effect of the stitches.

Close up of a half ball of handdyed yarn, a crochet hook and a textured work in progress piece of crochet.

The yarn blend I used was sock weight (4ply) 75% Superwashed Merino, 25% nylon; the natural properties of merino will mean that skin should remain cool and dry, and heat will be diverted into the upper and lower body during wear.

The cowl is the perfect accessory to pull up to protect the face from the winter chill, and simple enough to wear around the neck for warmth and wind protection. Ideal for cycling, hiking or any outdoor sport (or just to compliment your winter wardrobe).

I’m in love with the texture on this cowl, in fact I’ve kind of envisioned three ‘kindred cowls’ working with similar textures and stitches for three different looks – I’m pretty much finished with the second cowl so watch this space!

Close up of the slanted textured Cat Bells cowl held up to the camera with a background of an old stone building.

❤️ SAVE CATBELLS COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

I designed the cowl specifically as a single 4ply (fingering weight) 100g skein project which I combined with a with a 3.25mm hook. It’s important to note though that not all single 100g skeins are the same length. For this cowl you need a skein that is 425m or more – anything smaller and you might not have enough yarn to finish the project (and that would just be annoying!).

The Cat Bells Cowl pattern can easily be adjusted, to make it smaller or larger, (with more yarn) and the pattern will work in other yarn weights – I can’t wait to see what variations you come up with!

Close up of the slanted textured Cat Bells cowl on the neck of a man standing next to Lake Windermere

This pattern is perfect for adventurous crocheter that loves a mindful pattern with gorgeous texture. It’s a fairly easy pattern to master, once you get the hang of the stitch repeats and is a great project to take out and about with it only being a single skein of yarn.

The pattern now available for purchase, in both UK and US terms, from my usual pattern platforms – but scroll down to see limited special offer!

This pattern will be available for FREE from 12pm GMT (8am EST) on 20 September 2023 for 24hrs as part of the Just for Men Blog Hop by Two Brothers Blankets and Sunflower Cottage Crochet.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit Sunflower Cottage Crochet and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Cat Bells Cowl on Ravelry.

3: Click “buy it now,” click “use a coupon code,” enter code, click apply and the pattern will be yours for free!

4: If you are reading this after the promotion has passed you can purchase the cowl from any of the links to my patterns stores (links above)

Button image to get free pattern PDF from Ravelry

All the patterns from Just for Men Blog Hop are available in a limited edition bundle which is a fabulous collection of menswear accessories like hats, pillows, cowls, scarfs and more. Go straight to the bundle via the link below:

Button image to buy all the patterns from the Just for Him Event

It includes all 21 designs featured in the blog hop in one bundle that you can download to your favourite device. You’ll then be able to print out individual patterns as your convenience. This pattern bundle of crochet men’s accessories won’t last for long. It will only be available until Friday, 22 September 2023.

Pin for Later:

Collage of the crocheted Cat Bells Unisex Cowl for Pinterest

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Cat Bells Cowl. I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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20Jul2023

New Crochet Pattern Release | Festival Fade Shawl

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m really excited to share with you a brand new pattern release today, this design has a bit of a history about it, so bear with me as I introduce to you the Festival Fade Shawl.

Image of the colourful asymmetric crochet Festival Fade Shawl made from Hook and Cwtch hand dyed yarn.

The Festival Fade shawl is a unique asymmetric triangular shawl which means that each side of the ‘triangle’ is a different length giving the finished piece a unique look.

Asymmetrical shawls seem to be increasing popular and I wanted to have a go at creating an unusual eye-catching shape.

Image of the crocheted Festival Fade shawl laid out on a wooden floor.

The shawl came into creation partly due to a conversation I had with the lovely Jess from Hook and Cwtch who I happened to be sitting next to when attending a Crochet Sanctuary weekend in April.

There had been chat, amongst our crochet friends, about attending the Carry on Crafting Festival in July. I hadn’t agreed that I was going, but by the end of the weekend I’d not only checked the dates with my husband for childcare, I’d been offered a lift to get there, and on the Monday I’d booked an Airbnb room and bought my ticket! Sometimes these things happen fast!

What also happened fast was the conversation that continued with Jess…As we both got over excited about going to the Festival (as she’d already booked) we started talking about crochet projects. This then developed into an idea of doing a collaboration between myself, Jess and Amanda from Mrs G Makes (who was also at the Sanctuary that weekend, and who had already booked the Festival).

Image of the colourful asymmetric crochet Festival Fade Shawl wrapped around the neck of a white mannikin against a back drop of ivy.

We wondered about creating an exclusive Carry on Crafting Kit for all the yarny friends we knew that were going to the festival so we could all work on the same project whilst we were there. The kit would include beautiful hand-dyed yarn by Jess, a brand new pattern designed by me and some wonderful goodies from Amanda – and yes I know I’m so lucky to have these wonderful creatives in my life!

We put forward the suggestion to our friends and a resounding YES, DO IT, came back so we started planning and the idea for the pattern and it’s kit was born.

In my last post about my visit to Carry on Crafting I did mention the kit and share a few photos but to recap Jess had outdone herself with her gorgeous colourways and Amanda created an exclusive tote bag, a caravan themed yarn cosy (which perfectly holds the 100g / 800m cake of yarn you are working with), and ultra cute caravan stitch marker.

Hookers on Tour Festival Fade collab kit; a tote bag, a yarn cosy, to create a crochet shawl in 100g skein of varigated blues and greens and five 20g sparkle minis ranging from blues to pinks.

Jess’s stunning colour palette was made up of 100g (400m) of Retro Camper which was such a pretty mix of pastel pinks and peaches. The 4ply (fingering weight) yarn was a blend of 85% Superwash Extrafine Merino (19.5 micro) and 15% Nylon Yarn.

Then there were five gorgeous sparkly minis (Cadillac Pink, Perfect Pin Up, Vintage Tea Party, Mellow Mint and Cute Camper) which were a blend of 75% Superwash Extrafine Merino (19.5 micro) 15% Nylon Yarn and 10% Silver Stellina Yarn. I so do love a bit of sparkle! To make my shawl I used a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3).

Close up of the Festival Fade hand dyed yarn; 6 different colours are shown on a desk top along side a crochet hook and a Dear Ewe mug with a yarn ball pattern on it.

I wanted to create a pretty yet easy shaped shawl where the the yarn would do the talking and Jess had mentioned, as we were chatting, that she liked an asymmetric shape. Added to that triangle I included a wee bit of texture with a mini puff stitch, because I think it’s nice to have a bit of something to run your fingers over.

I used only three other simple stitches which makes it a perfect shawl for beginners once you get used to the pattern repeats. It’s also easy enough to make bigger if you want to by just using the same increase to enlarge.

❤️ SAVE FESTIVAL FADE SHAWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

Image of the asymmetric crochet Festival Fade Shawl, in a different colourway, wrapped around the neck of a white mannikin against a back drop of a woodland.

We had a blast at Carry on Crafting , and it was so wonderful to work on the same project all at the same time – I finished my second version in the new colour way Jess made for me. It had the same mini’s but a different 100g / 800m base and I love how it turned out with the varigated blues and cream to begin with!

And I thought I’d share a photo of one my mum made, she used 2 x 100g of solid colours (so no minis) and she chose not to add the fade but when the textured portion of the pattern started she colour blocked her shades instead. I wouldn’t have necessarily considered using the colours in this way but I love how hers turned out, and I think it’s nice to see other options that different people have used.

Image of the asymmetric crochet Festival Fade Shawl colour blocked in purple and grey wrapped around the neck of a white mannikin against a back drop of a woodland.

The Festival Fade crochet shawl in now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms.

Pin for Later:

If you were looking to purchase the same yarn as I used Jess has the recipe for the original colours (not my blue version) and is taking pre-orders that would be available at the end of August. Pre-orders open from tomorrow – just drop her a message over at her Etsy shop.

If you loved the yarn cosy or the caravan stitch marker then Mrs G has similar available – take a look at what she has in her Etsy shop.

I can’t wait to see your versions of your Festival Fade Shawls. I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected. You can read more about my affiliate links here.

24May2023

Finished Object | Juniper Cowl by TL Yarn Crafts

Posted in Blogging, Crochet, From the Stash, Pattern Review by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’ve been awfully busy recently, with some secret squirrel projects, and so I started thinking about things that I COULD share. It occurred to me that I don’t always show any of the finished objects that I’ve made. I think it’s always nice to see what folks have finished isn’t it – I’m always checking people out (in a non creepy way) if I spy a bit of a crocheted item on their person, don’t you?

My Juniper Cowl by TL Yarn Crafts was definitely a case of me seeing someone else wearing it and deciding I needed to make one too! There was a period of time, when several of us, who attended the The Crochet Sanctuary, had a bit of a craze on Juniper Cowls. Everyone was making them, everyone was wearing them, and of course I couldn’t miss out on that.

A hand is holding a crocheted work in progress on a desktop, On the desk there is a wooden yarn bowl with a multicoloured Scheepjes Whirl inside.

There was so much inspiration to be had from all the fabulous ones I’d seen, but I thought I’d try something a little different to see if it would work. So the original pattern by the fabulous designer Toni Lipsey calls for 10 different coloured mini skeins of fingering weight yarn, and don’t get me wrong I’ve seen some fabulous variations using mini skeins, but as I’m trying to do a bit better at using up what I’ve got I wondered if a Scheepjes Whirl might work as a substitute.

Made from a 60% Cotton and 40% Acrylic blend, Scheepjes Whirl‘s are a favourite of mine to create accessories as they are simultaneously lightweight, breathable and have a beautiful drape.

Close up of the crocheted Juniper Cowl on a desk top made with a Scheepjes Whirl

They have a generous twist to enable speed while working the yarn and to help prevent splitting, and each colourway also has a unique twisted ply which adds to the distinctiveness of each colourway. I personally LOVE the way the colours blend together in these Whirls, it’s so subtle and the effects are usually gorgeous. The colour I used was a Woolly Whirl called Sugar Sizzle (shade 472), but any type of Whirl or colour I have no doubt would work.

Scheepjes Whirl yarn cakes are a fingering weight yarn (4ply) that are 1000 m / 215g which is more than enough for a shawl or wrap. So even though it was a bit less than the 250g of fingering weight / 4ply that the pattern calls for I thought it would work. The pattern calls for a 4mm (US size G/6) hook but as a Scheepjes Whirl is more suited to a smaller hook size I went with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) to see what would happen.

A close up of the drape of the crocheted Juniper Cowl, by TL YarnCrafts shown on a mannikin against a background of ivy.

I find working on someone else’s pattern very relaxing because all the thinking has been done for me – and that was definitely the case with this project. It was my take out and about project coming with me on car journeys, the playpark and the hairdressers! It’s also a great mindful project to tackle whilst watching TV or listening to a good audio book.

I really enjoyed making this cowl, and I love how it turned out. It’s a great pattern! I have to say it’s a finished item that I’ve used regularly since I’ve worn it. I might just have to make another at some point, though this time I think I’ll defiantly be looking at what hand dyed mini’s I’ve got because that would just be such a delicious project.

The crocheted Juniper Cowl, by TL YarnCrafts made with a Scheepjes Whirl is shown on a mannikin against a background of ivy.

Do you have a favourite finished object that you’ve made recently? I’d love to hear about it – let me know in the comments below.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

14Mar2023

New Pattern Release | Koito Crocodile Cowl with Yarn Discount

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m bringing the drama today – but in the right way, only to your wardrobe! Allow me to introduce the new Koito Crocodile Cowl!

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl on a white mannikin against a blue background.

This perennially chic and effortlessly sophisticated cowl is crying out to be combined with that extra special skein you’ve been saving.

This fabulously dramatic cowl, with it’s showy stitches, was something I’d had in mind ever since I first saw, and then subsequently purchased, some hand dyed yarn called ‘Koi Pond – Showa’ from The Yarn Whisperer.

Work in progress photo of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl on a white wood background. There is a crochet hook, a wooden frog ornament, a yarn bowl (with the Showa handdyed yarn in) and a white mug, decorated with buttons, and a hand written yarn tag for the koi pond showa yarn also in the shot.

The yarn is sock weight (4ply) 80% Corriedale wool, 20% nylon with splashes of bright oranges, greys and rich creams. They are the colours you would find on the ‘Showa’ variety of ornamental koi which was Kitey’s inspiration for this particular colourway.

I knew I wanted to create something using a stitch that kind of looked like fish scales which is why I used the crocodile stitch – it’s definitely one of the most unique stitch and texture you can make in crochet. I’m in love with the texture; it’s the type that just makes you want to run your fingers over it!

❤️ SAVE KOITO CROCODILE COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl worn by a young girl with her hand resting on a stone pillar in an outside setting.

This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters that want to add the crocodile stitch in their repertoire or for adventurous crocheter wanting to learn something new. And it’s now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms – but scroll down to see limited one day special offer to get the pattern for free!

This pattern will be available for FREE from 12pm GMT (8am EST) on 15 March 2023 for 24hrs as part of the Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit MadameStitch and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Koito Crocodile Cowl on Ravelry.

3: Click “buy it now,” click “use a coupon code,” enter code, click apply and the pattern will be yours for free!

4: If you are reading this after the promotion has passed you can purchase the cowl from any of the links to my patterns stores (links above)

Button image that says 'Click here for Ravelry'

All the patterns from Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop are available in a limited edition bundle which I wrote about in a previous blog post. Go straight to the bundle via the link below:

Button image to buy the Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop bundle
.

It includes all 22 designs featured in the blog hop in one bundle that you can download to your favourite device. You’ll then be able to print out individual patterns as your convenience. This pattern bundle of crochet women’s accessories won’t last for long. It will only be available until Sunday, 26 March 2023.

Exclusive Yarn Discount:

I’m delighted to tell you that the most lovely Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer), who’s yarn I used for my Koito Crocodile Cowl, is offering 10% discount on his fabulous koi inspired hand-dyed yarn until the end of March 2023. So if you want to make one just like mine you can, isn’t he kind!

Just use coupon code KOITO10 on his website (please note this is a different code from the blog hop code).

Pin for Later:

Collage of the crocheted Koito Crocodile Cowl for Pinterest

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Koito Crocodile Cowl. I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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11Jun2021

Filet Fantastic CAL: Made by You!

Posted in Blanket, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2018, Free Patterns, From the Stash, Inspiration, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Although our recent crochet along journey is at an end I really wanted to do a post showcasing some of the wonderful Filet Fantastic blankets that YOU have made! It’s been such a privilege to have had the opportunity to watch your blankets grow every week – it has been really special to see.

Don’t if you are new to the blog and this is the first you are hearing about this CAL; you can find a list with all the links about the CAL here and I promise to keep all the details on the blog FOREVER.

This pattern will be free here on the blog but it will also be available in an e-book on Ravelry. Now that the CAL is over the full e-booklet with all the pattern details has been uploaded to Ravelry (and will be added to my other pattern stores if you don’t use Ravelry). This booklet is available in either UK or US terms and contains the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place.

❤️🧡💛 Purchase the CAL e-Book on Ravelry 💚💙💜

It’s amazing how many countries this blanket has been made in including; UK, US, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Czech Republic, Italy, France and Ireland!

There have been many beautiful blankets put together with the exclusive kits from Black Sheep Wools , there were two rainbow colourway options, one in Scheepjes Colour Crafter (DK) and another in Scheepjes Riverwashed (4ply) – both are yarns which I’ve personally used many times and love.

Doesn’t that collection of beautiful happy rainbow blankets just make your heart sing! They are all just so pretty!

If you were looking to purchase a kit from Black Sheep Wools although the kits are showing out of stock at the moment, Black Sheep are in the process of getting the yarn together to restock (it’s just been held up a little by the new Brexit procedures). If you click on the button ‘notify me when available’ on their website, then you will get an email when the kits are available to order again.

There are also some stash buster, own colourways or single colour blankets photos that have been shared. I’d love to share all the blankets that have been made, as they are all so fantastic – but that would be an extremely lost post, so I have just selected a few different ones for inspiration purposes.

Aren’t they just all stunning! Thanks again to everyone that joined in the CAL with me this year and that shared their beautiful work with me! I have really loved seeing your finished blankets 💕

Although the our current CAL is now over please keep sharing your photos on Ravelry, in the Facebook group and Instagram – they are such a wonderful source of inspiration for us all.

I need at this point to say some quick thank you’s! There’s actually more people than me that helped to make this CAL happen! Many thanks to Scheepjes for supplying the yarn support for the Colour Crafter blanket so I could offer an alternative option of yarn for you. I need to thank Sara and Lucy from Black Sheep Wools for their time in putting together the kits, big thanks to Mrs G Makes and Simply Shade Cards for their stitch marker and shade card contributions.

I also need to say a MAHOOSIVE thank you to all the testers that helped with the colossal task of turning my scribbles into something legible and who helped with the moderation of the Facebook Group during CAL. So big shout outs to Kimberlie, Steff, Kim, Tracey L, Tracey P, Amanda, Leanne, Paula, Dulcy, Jan, Jacki and Leanne – this wouldn’t have been possible without your help!

Thanks as always to my family for bearing with me while I worked on the CAL; especially my husband for driving round to find that perfect spot for a photo, and to my wonderful mum who crocheted up the second colour crafter version of the blanket 💕

Now it’s time for me to fold up my Filet Fantastic Blanket!

But our community crafting endeavours are not yet over for this year, we’ve got our summer make-along starting on 5 July (read more about Whispers of the Sea here).

You might also wish to mark on your calendar a BRAND NEW four part FREE mini make along, sponsored by Anchor Yarns, starting on 1 August – though I’ll tell you more about that later, though you could always sign up to the KCACOUK newsletter to be kept up to date with any new plans.

And of course there is always 2022…you’ll be pleased to hear that planning for the next big CAL is already underway!

I hope you will continue to join me with these projects, it’s so wonderful to watch my designs grow with you!

Until next time thank you for hooking along with me!

Keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected.

23Dec2020

Free Crochet Pattern | Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns, From the Stash, Holidays, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I think I say it every year that one of my favourite things to make are Christmas decorations, and it’s become somewhat of a tradition that I create a new free tree ornament pattern for you to enjoy too. This year I’ve gone a bit non-traditional but still fun – it’s a Christmas Mushroom!

FAVOURITE PATTERN ON RAVELRY

Well actually it’s probably a Christmas toadstool but I’ve been singing Christmas mushroom to myself in my head so I’m afraid that title has stuck.

Apparently the red and white speckled fungi are known in German as gluckspilz which literally means ‘lucky mushroom’ which I really like and I think we can all do with a little luck to get past 2020 don’t you!

I’ve added a little twine to the top of my mushrooms so they can hang from the tree, but you could easily incorporate them into a wreath hanging on your door or even as part of a holiday table centrepiece.

FAVOURITE PATTERN ON LOVECRAFTS

They also don’t have to be just red, I experimented, because I got a little bit addicted to making mushrooms, with a few different colours – so you could match your fungi to your own decor.

Last year you may remember that I made a little Christmas bell tree decorations (FREE pattern here) with some Anchor Crafts Creativa Fino from my stash. I really like Creativa Fino to work with, it’s a nice firm mercerised cotton which I think works particularly well for amigurumi and ornaments like this one so that’s what I’ve used this year too.

FAVOURITE PATTERN ON ETSY

The following Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament pattern is free here on the blog but it’s also available in my Ravelry store, LoveCrafts or Etsy store, where there is a nominal fee for a downloadable PDF pattern if you’d prefer.

The pattern is available in both UK and US crochet terminology via the PDF download; the pattern below is written just in UK terms.

Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament

MATERIALS

Yarn:

Anchor Creativa Fino: 4ply; 125m per 50g ball; 100% Cotton

1 ball in #00258 (A) – Red
1 ball in #00926 (B) – Cream

Anchor Metallic Thread: Viscose (80%) and metallised polyester (20%)

1 ball in #00304 (C) – Metallic White

Pattern will work in other hooks and yarns though finished size will be different.

Hook: 3mm (US size D/3)

You will also need:

Stitch Marker
Scissors
Yarn needle
Small amount of toy stuffing
Length of twine for hanging loop

Gauge: 5dc = 2.5cm / 1 inch

Obtaining the correct gauge is not critical to this project but if your gauge does not match then your finished item will be a different size.

Finished Size: 9cm / 3.5 inches

ABBREVIATIONS: UK Terminology

st(s) stitch(es)
st sl slip stitch
ch(s) chain
dc double crochet
dc2tog double crochet two together
htr half treble

STITCH GUIDANCE:

Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
Double Crochet (dc): Insert hook in st indicated and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops on hook.
Double Crochet (dc2tog): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through three loops on hook.
Half treble (htr): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

PATTERN NOTES

Magic ring: is also known as a Drawstring Ring or Magic Loop and is often used as a start for working amigurumi. If you are not familiar with this technique you could substitute with a ch2 and then work in the second ch from the hook.

Working in the round: This pattern is worked in the amigurumi style (unless specified), in a spiral without slip stitching or turning chains

Working in the Back or Front Loop Only (BLO / FLO): If you hold your piece of crochet in front of you with the Vs of the stitch on top, the part of the V closest to you is the front loop. The part of the V farther away from you on the opposite side is the back loop. When a pattern asks you to crochet into the back loop or front loop only insert your hook into the relevant loop and crochet as instructed.

Pattern:

Top of Mushroom

Rnd 1: With YARN A; working into a magic ring, 6dc. 6sts

Note: Do not pull magic ring too tight as you will thread some twine through the centre.

Rnd 2: [2dc] around. 12sts

Rnd 3: [1dc, 2dc] around. 18 sts

Rnd 4: Dc around.

Rnd 5: [1dc in next 2sts, 2dc] around. 24sts

Rnds 6-9: Dc around.

Rnd 10: [1dc in next 3sts, 2dc] around. 30sts

Fasten off YARN A with a sl st to the next st and weave in ends.
With YARN C embroider some spots on to your mushroom top
Create a hanging loop from twine and thread the loop through the centre of your magic ring with a knot to secure.

Underside of Mushroom

Rnd 11: Attach YARN B to the BLO of any st; [1dc in next 3sts, dc2tog] around. 24sts

Start to stuff, continue to stuff as you go.

Rnd 12: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 18sts

Rnd 13: [1dc, dc2tog] around. 12sts

Rnd 14: [dc2tog] to end. 6sts

Fasten off and use yarn tail to sew up the last 6sts

Mushroom Stalk

Rnd 1: With YARN A; working into a magic ring, 8dc. 8sts

Rnd 2: [2dc] around. 16sts

Rnds 3-5: Dc around.

Rnd 6: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 12sts

Start to stuff the mushroom stalk; continue to stuff as you go

Rnds 7-9: Dc around.

Rnd 10: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 9sts

Rnd 11: Dc around.

Rnd 12: BLO; Dc around.

Rnds 13-14: Dc around.

Fasten off with a sl st to the next st but leave a long yarn tail.

Rnd 15: Attach YARN C to the FLO; of rnd 12; ch2, 2htr in same st, 3htr in each st around until end, sl st to the beginning ch2 to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Stitch the mushroom stalk onto the bottom centre of the mushroom top.

And that’s it!

If you hook up a Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament I hope you’ll maybe give it a ‘love’ on Ravelry, LoveCrafts or Etsy store by saving to your favourites, tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects in my Facebook group as I love to see your finished work!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

24Sep2020

New Pattern Release | Fluorite Filet Cowl

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Ready, Steady, Autumn! Are you ready for the changing of the seasons? Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere is supposed to begin on 22 September and weirdly, here we are a couple of days later and, I swear it’s got colder and darker in the evenings already!

So to cheer us up, with the imminent onset of cooler weather, I’ve got a lovely new pattern for you. Designed to give you some instant colour gratification (if you want to go there), and nice and quick to work up to ward off the first seasonal chills, allow me to introduce the Flourite Filet Cowl.

❤️ SAVE FLOURITE FILET COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

If you aren’t familiar with filet crochet this would be a great starting project. Filet crochet is an easy technique that can make some wonderful patterns using simple stitches (chains and US double / UK treble crochet).

Inspired by Flourite quartz crystals, which are beautiful colourful minerals that crystalise in cubic form, I’ve put together a cowl which features a repeating filet ‘cube’ or diamond shape.

Worked in the round and in three colours, to represent the ombre effect of the crystals, this is a quick and easy project to work up. I wanted a smallish cowl but you could make it taller by increasing the rows, or wider, as I’ve also included in the pattern how you would adjust the starting stitches to make it bigger.

I used Scheepjes River Washed yarn, which is 4ply ,78% Cotton / 22% Acrylic and comes in 50g balls. I made mine in Danube (948), Yarra (949) and Steenbras (942) to match the colours I picked up from the crystals, but I think the cowl would look equally pretty worked in a solid colour or even in a skein of hand dyed yarn.

Rainbow flourite crystals, in spiritual healing, are supposed to promote creative thinking, mental clarity and focus and most of all help clear the mind from negative energies – all things a crocheter can enjoy whilst working up this cowl.

In fact I enjoyed making this cowl so much that I made a second one. I still using Scheepjes River Washed yarn but I wanted to see what it would look like using different colours so I used a variety of pinks, in this case I used Mekong (943), Eisack (957) and Steenbras (942).

❤️ SAVE FLOURITE FILET COWL ON ETSY ❤️

❤️ SAVE FLOURITE FILET COWL ON LOVECRAFTS ❤️

This pattern is perfect for advanced beginners as it only uses easy stitches, or as a versatile update to an accessory collection for an intermediate crocheter! It’s also perfect for any last minute gifts you need to make! The pattern is now available for purchase from my Ravelry, LoveCrafts or Etsy stores but hang on a moment…

This pattern is also being featured as part of the E’Claire Makery Fall Fashion Blog Hop on Friday 25th September 2020. Find out how to grab a FREE printable PDF copy of the cowl below.

From September 1 to September 30 a new crochet designer will be featured each day on , and they will share a crochet pattern available as a free pdf download. The PDF will be available as a FREE PDF download on Ravelry for 24 hours.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Click on the button below to go to the Flourite Filet Cowl on Ravelry.

2: Click “buy it now,” click “use a coupon code,” enter code, click apply and the pattern will be yours for free!

If you are reading this after the promotion has passed you can purchase the bag from either my Ravelry, Etsy or LoveCrafts store – but there is also ANOTHER way to get this pattern – and more patterns besides!

I’ve enjoyed taking part in Claire’s blog hops before but for the Fall Fashion blog hop she’s offering something new. All the designers involved are offering a crochet bundle! This bundle includes all 32 of the crochet patterns that will be released for this event. The bundle includes all of the patterns in one place, with a table of contents to easily take you to each pattern. Plus, you won’t have to worry if this is the first you are hearing about the blog hop and you’ve missed the other days to download the patterns. You’ll already have all of them!

Just take a look at some of the gorgeous designs that are included below:

One of the best parts of the crochet pattern bundle is that it’s over 90% off of the usual price of all of these patterns separately! For just £11.45 ($15), you can get all of them! And there’s actually two patterns from me included; the Fluorite Filet Cowl and another cowl pattern exclusive to Dear Ewe coming soon!

If you want to make sure you get notifications about special events like this blog hop or tutorials, news and pattern releases then please sign up for my newsletter below.

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Flourite Filet Cowl and what colours you will chose to make it in! I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected.

5Jun2020

Book Review | Crochet Disney Princesses

Posted in Book Review, Crochet, From the Stash, Pattern Review by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Disclaimer: This book / pattern is one I have purchased (or used) for my own benefit. I have not been financially compensated by the 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.

It’s been awhile since I wrote a crochet book review, but my youngest daughter spied the Crochet Disney Princess Book, by Jessica Ward with patterns from designer Jana Whitley, on the shelf and demanded that I make her some for her birthday. And as a 4th birthday request, from a Disney Princess obsessed little girl, I felt I could hardly refuse.

The Crochet Disney Princess Book is a book and mini crochet kit published by Thunder Bay Press by Jessica Ward with patterns from designer Jana Whitley. I’ve had this book for awhile; it was first published in 2015 and I think I had it as a Christmas gift either that year or the year after – I’m a bit of a sucker for a book and kit!

I know I made my eldest (now 9) a Cinderella and an Ariel probably 3 or 4 years ago when I first had the book, this time I was going to tackle my other daughters favourite princesses Belle, Aurora and Snow White. Then the 9 year old asked if she could have a Merida – so it’s ended up with me making 4 different characters.

The book actually comes with 12 patterns for Disney’s Princess characters in total, these include: Cinderella, The Fairy Godmother, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahonta, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida.

Each pattern comes in full-colour, in the 76-page instruction book with detailed patterns and colourful photos to guide you through.

To start you off, the kit includes all the materials needed to create Cinderella and Ariel, which I used up, but I have to confess I wasn’t much a fan of the kit materials when I used them previously, but the book is worth the money for the patterns alone I’d say so don’t let that put you off.

The book is written in US crochet terminology but there is a conversion guide supplied at the front of the book along with guidance for some of the special stitches that are used for making elements like the hair.

I’m trying to be good at the moment and use my stash for projects rather than buy more – because my stash is getting a tad ridiculous. So because I needed quite a few colours I used some Garnstudio Drops Paris Aran 100% cotton yarn that I had with a 4mm hook. In hindsight it was perhaps not the best yarn to use as it’s quite a thick and a fairly rigid sort of cotton, but because I had it in the colours I needed I made it work.

Due to time constraints with some other projects I had to work on I just finished Belle and ‘Roara’ as my littlest calls her. And I think my princesses turned out really well in the end. When the youngest opened them up as a present for her birthday she did squeal with delight – so totally worth making them!

Now that I’ve made six or so characters from this book I feel I’m able to thoroughly recommend the Crochet Disney Princess Book with confidence! It looks like it is not available via Amazon at the moment, but you might be able to purchase a copy second hand somewhere. I know that I will probably make more princesses in the future.

The characters just turn out so cute and the patterns are very well written – for anyone that is a Disney Princess fan these little amigurumi’s are just such fun patterns to make. You’ll definitely get a happy ending working up them up!

Have you been working on patterns from any crochet books recently? I’d love to hear about them – drop me a comment below.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

24Mar2020

New Pattern Release | Bramble Saddle Bag

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

In light of what’s happening in the world at the moment and in a bid to focus on something positive I’ve got a brand new crochet pattern to share with you today.

I’ve had in mind to design a bag, specifically a saddle style bag, for awhile now, but it wasn’t until I came across some Gorgeous Knits yarn in my stash that I began to develop the idea a little more.

The yarn, described on the label as ‘Aran Wool and Alpaca Blend Knitting Wool’, is what I would call proper woolly wool, that sort of hard-wearing wool best suited for non-clothing items – just perfect for a bag! I’d got 350g in total and I pretty much used up every scrap working this pattern double stranded.

I’m in love with the texture of this bag, it’s the type that just makes you want to run your fingers over it (or is it just me that does that?).

The memorable stitch pattern makes a dense, sturdy fabric which is just perfect for a bag, I don’t think you’d even have to line it, though I probably line mine at some point just to give it that completely finished off feel.

This pattern is perfect for advanced beginners that would like to learn a new stitch, or as a versatile update to an accessory collection for an intermediate crocheter! And it’s now available for purchase from my Ravelry or LoveCrafts store.

❤️ SAVE BRAMBLE SADDLE BAG ON RAVELRY ❤️

All the fittings and fixtures for the bag I purchased from Amazon – I’ve linked them up in my new KCACOUK Amazon storefront under Haberdashery if you want to use the same ones.

This pattern will be available for FREE until 3 April (US Pacific Time) as part of the E’Claire Makery March Spring Fashion Blog Hop.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit E’Claire Makery and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Bramble Saddle Bag on Ravelry.

3: Click “buy it now,” click “use a coupon code,” enter code, click apply and the pattern will be yours for free!

4: If you are reading this after the promotion has passed you can purchase the bag from either my Ravelry or LoveCrafts store.

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Bramble Saddle bag and what colours you will chose to make them! I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

19Mar2020

Pattern Release & Giveaway | Waverley Kisses Scarf

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Inspiration, Tah-Dah, Yarn, Yarn Show by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Well what a time we are having folks! Covid 19 or coronavirus has many of us feeling anxious I’m sure. It has already impacted on every aspect of our lives and we’re left feeling worried about loved ones. Although crafting isn’t the answer to everything it can provide us with something positive and practical to focus on can’t it!

So in the hope that I can momentarily distract you or keep you occupied during lock down I was going to tell you that I’ve had my Waverley Kisses Scarf back from the Unravel Festival.

It’s now available for purchase on Ravelry but I thought I’d spread a little cheer by having a giveaway! So I’m giving away a couple copies of the Waverley Kisses Scarf pattern here on the blog, a couple on Facebook and a couple on my Instagram (so if you don’t have one method of entering you might have another).

❤️ WAVERLEY KISSES SCARF ON RAVELRY ❤️

This lovely and organically shaped wave scarf includes a fun crossed stitch in the design which creates a lovely subtle texture that you just want to run your hands over. Combine that with some beautiful yarn to make a winning combination scarf!