Say hello to the suavest succulent in the bunch—Curtis the Cactus! With his dashing moustache, sun-kissed yellow sun visor, and laid-back messenger bag slung over his shoulder, Curtis is bringing serious cool-guy energy to desks, plant shelves, and window sills everywhere.
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Curtis the Cactus Amigurumi
Whether he’s chilling in his terracotta plant pot (which comes with the kit!) or hanging out with his cactus and succulent pals, Curtis knows how to stand tall and look sharp. And let’s not overlook the statement he makes with that gloriously hairy chest—because Curtis is confident, carefree, and just a little bit cheeky. 🌞🌵
Designed with love and plenty of personality, Curtis is part of a super fun crochet kit that’s perfect for treating yourself or gifting to a plant lover with a sense of humour.
What’s Inside the Kit?
The kit includes everything you need to bring this charismatic cactus to life—from yarn and stuffing to that iconic pot and bits for his signature accessories. In the kit you will get;
High-quality yarn
Easy-to-follow pattern
Stuffing
Black safety eyes and button for his bag
Terracotta plant pot plus gravel weights for bottom of the soil
Everything comes neatly packaged and ready for you to start your crochet adventure.
But if you’re already well-stocked on supplies or just love to freestyle your makes, you’re in luck—Curtis the Cactus is also available as a standalone pattern! So whether you go full kit or digital DIY, you can still invite a little cactus charm into your home. Choose your favourite pattern platform from the links below to get hooking!
Curtis isn’t the only one soaking up the sunshine! Don’t forget to check out my other crochet kits available for sale—whether you’re feeling those spring-summer vibes with the Sunflower Pincushion, Bunty the Bear, or the leafy elegance of the Leafy Boughs Shawl, or fancy getting ahead on something seasonal like Mr Mushroom Man for autumn or the Reindeer, Gingerbreadman, and Robin kits for Christmas, there’s a project to suit every mood and maker.
So whether you’re looking to add a little personality to your plant gang or just fancy a fun, feel-good make, Curtis the Cactus is ready to bring the sunshine—one stitch at a time! I can’t wait to see yours!🌵
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
I am beyond excited to introduce the return of an old friend—Eggnog the Elf! Some of you might remember this little guy from way back in 2013, and guess what? He’s had a revamp, got himself a new name and is better than ever! I couldn’t resist giving him a pattern makeover with some updated details, and he’s now available in a handy crochet kit too, making him the perfect festive project for both beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.
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A Festive Elf with a New Twist
Eggnog the Elf has always been a fan-favourite, and now with his brand new look, he’s ready to spread even more Christmas cheer! The pattern still captures his mischievous yet adorable charm, but now with fresher styling, a slightly more modern twist, and even more crochet joy packed into every stitch.
I can’t even tell you how many of these little elves I’ve made over the years! I often see photos of him making a reappearance around the festive season, getting up to all kinds of mischief, and it’s so lovely to see. Whether he’s perched on a mantelpiece or sneaking around the Christmas tree, it’s clear that Eggnog has a special place in many homes.
What’s Inside the Kit?
With this crochet kit, you’ll get everything you need to bring Eggnog to life! Whether you want to deck your halls with him or gift him to a loved one, this little elf will be the star of your holiday decor. Here’s what’s inside:
High-quality yarn (in all the right festive colours, of course!)
The revamped, easy-to-follow pattern
Stuffing to make sure Eggnog stays perfectly plump
A bright silver bell to top off his hat!
Everything comes neatly packaged and ready for you to start your crochet adventure.
For those of you who already have a yarn stash that’s begging to be used, I’ve got great news—the updated Eggnog the Elf pattern is now available on its own in all of my pattern stores (see links below). You can grab it as a downloadable PDF or work online and get started right away, using any festive yarn you have on hand.
Eggnog isn’t the only one having fun this season! Don’t forget to check out my other crochet kits available for sale. Whether you’re in the mood for something autumnal like my Mr Mushroom Man or want to get a head start on Christmas with the Reindeer, Gingerbreadman or Robin kits, there’s something for everyone.
With Eggnog’s new look, it’s time to spread some crochet magic. Whether you’re an old fan or meeting him for the first time, I hope you’ll enjoy making this festive elf as much as I enjoyed bringing him back to life.
So, why not treat your-elf and grab your Eggnog the Elf crochet kit today? This little guy is sure to sleigh this holiday season!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
In recent years, the concept of emotional support animals has gained significant traction as a means of providing comfort and companionship to individuals facing emotional or mental health challenges. While dogs and cats are the most common choices for emotional support animals, there’s a new feathered friend making waves in the world of therapy animals: the emotional support chicken. Apparently when life is hard we all need a chicken to make it better!
I’ve rounded up six cute crochet patterns for creating im-peck-able emotional support chickens. There are free and paid for patterns in the list – best of cluck finding that perfect companion!
This free pattern guides you through creating an adorable ‘no sew’ amigurumi chicken. Charming and easy-to-follow the design perfect for both beginners and experienced crocheters.
This adorable crochet pattern captures all the charm of a friendly chicken, with its round body, fluffy wings, and expressive eyes. Perfect for snuggling up during difficult times, Sir Clucksalot is sure to bring a smile to your face.
This quick and cute NO SEW Jelly Bean Chicken comes with step-by-step instructions. With its soft yarn and gentle demeanour, this adorable chick is ready to provide endless cuddles and companionship to those in need of a friend.
Meet Henrietta, the Healing Hen! This sweet crochet pattern features intricate detailing and a warm color palette, making Henrietta the perfect companion for those seeking emotional support and comfort.
Brighten up your day with the 6-in-1 Crochet Chicken, Chicks, Eggs, and Nest for Easter, Spring and beyond. This delightful combination of patterns exude warmth and comfort!
Need a support chicken with you all the time? No problem, this handy chicken key chain is the perfect emotional support companion for anyone in need of a little extra positivity.
Originally developed for the coronation for Charles the Third, Colin the Coronation Chicken is an eggs-traordinarily hen-some fellow. This royal chicken, with its charming and regal appearance, is perfect as an emotional support companion, offering both comfort and a touch of whimsical elegance to those in need of emotional solace.
So pick up your crochet hook, select your favourite pattern, and let the therapeutic power of crafting bring you closer to finding comfort in feathers. Your new emotional support chicken awaits, ready to offer you a wing to lean on during life’s ups and downs.
Don’t forget to sign up to the blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s a brand new mini crochet kit swooping into my Etsy shop, allow me to introduce the Hero Hamster. Wearing his red cape and his masked disguise watch him go from a normal hamster to a full on superhero!
If you have seen me in person at one of the pop up shops I’ve done this year, either at The Crochet Sanctuary or Wool@Jct13, then you will already be familiar with this little guy where he met with a really positive reception. However life, as it often does, got in the way of me adding him to my Etsy store until now so you could make him too.
The pattern was actually inspired by my lovely stalker friend Laura who had a very special emotional support hamster called Bernie. He will always be remembered by everyone at The Crochet Sanctuary as a Bonio (dog biscuit) loving cute chap – and after a conversation I sort-of-kind-of promised I would commemorate him in crochet. But little did Laura realise, Bernie had a secret identity…whenever he is needed, you just have to call and with a flash of red he’ll turn into a superhero ready to fight crime against crochet!
It was such fun to come up with this little guy, we always had hamsters at home when we were kids (Honey, Bramble, Bilbo and Broccoli may you RIP) and I love the idea of them being superhero’s.
It’s becoming a little bit of a tradition to create a new kit for these pop up’s and I have to say I really enjoy the process of coming up with something new. In fact a brand new kit, launching this weekend at the Crochet Sanctuary will hopefully be hitting my Etsy store sooner than this one did! If you follow me on social media you might have already seen a sneaky peek reel that I’ve shared.
This slightly larger kit comes with 40g of Scheepjes Catona, 2 x 6mm black safety eyes, a small amount of black embroidery thread, a small amount of yellow thread and 10g bag of stuffing. He’s also sold with a piece of felt you can personalise the tummy of your hamster with a lightening flash, an initial or other symbol.
There’s also the optional tool extra, via my my Etsy store , of including up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.
So show a little love to the little Hero Hamster! This adorable little project would make a cute addition to your home or as a great gift to any hamster fan.
If you have been working on a pattern from one of my crochet kits I hope you’ll share your WIP and finished project photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram), or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Hi, how are you doing today? I’ve got something a little fun and tongue in cheek to share with you. I really wanted to come up with a commemorative project for the forthcoming King’s Coronation – and well all I could think of was coronation chicken…so that’s what I’ve made!
Meet Colin the Coronation Chicken, a eggs-traordinarily hen-some fellow who would make a great commemorative souvenir or gift for a royalty lover.
He’s im-peck-ably dressed for the occasion in a hen-semble of sash, crown and ermine trimmed cloak – aren’t my chicken puns just heir-larious!
I made Colin with a 3mm hook and some Ricorumi DK from my stash. I love Ricorumi DK especially for amigurumi as it comes in loads of different colours.
Made of 100% cotton this smooth-finished yarn comes in cute 25g [57.5 meters] balls just perfect for projects where you just want to use a small amount of a particular colour.
Colin’s crown, sceptre and orb are made from Rico Ricorumi Lamé DK – Gold (002) which is super sparkly yarn perfectly suited to royal accessories. It comes in 10g [50m] and is made from 62% polyester and 38% nylon.
The majority of this pattern is worked in amigurumi style, using continuous rounds, and then the parts are sewn together using the mattress stitch.
Of course if you didn’t want to deck him out in his finery then Colin makes a very cute rooster which could look great as part of your Spring or farmhouse style decor.
The written pattern for Colin the Coronation Chicken is now available in all of my pattern shops with 25% off for the next couple of weeks on Ravelry and Etsy (see code below):
The 6 page PDF pattern is available in either UK or US terms and includes explanations of all stitches and abbreviations. I would suggest it is suitable for an intermediate crocheter – though there is nothing to stop an adventurous beginner having a go!
If you fancy 25% off the pattern price just enter the coupon code: CORONATION on either Ravelry or Etsy until 23 APRIL 2023 to save.
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OtherCrafting for the Kings Coronation:
Looking for more crafts for the Kings coronation to add a British touch to your crochet? Then you might enjoy these patterns:
Union Jack Square Coaster; this fun crochet coaster pattern is the perfect way to add a little red, white and blue to your home!
Play crown; don’t just use the coronation as the perfect reason to don a crown, they are perfect for fancy dress and birthday parties too!
Reginald the Royal Rat; this pattern has been quite popular recently – I’m guessing in the run up to the coronation. Commemorative toys are such a sweet way to celebrate the coronation.
Pick up a PDF for any of these patterns from your favourite pattern platform – links below:
If you like any of these patterns then please show them some love, or leave a comment or review on the platform you get it from if you make up the pattern – small biz all support and shares are very much appreciated! And I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Subscribe to the blog:
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, thank you for your support.
How are you all doing? Are you ready for Part 6 of the CAL?
I’ve so enjoyed watching the pinecones develop from last week in the Facebook group and Instagram! It’s so lovely to see the crochet community come together around the project, from all parts of the world, I can’t tell you how lovely it is to see your work progressing week by week!
Below you can see some of the wonderful photos of the CAL that have been shared of the last part, aren’t they wonderful! If you want to link your photos the hashtag for this years CAL is #KCACOUKCAL23 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can also join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: Ravelry, my Facebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.
So let’s get down to Part 6 then shall we, this week we are going to be adding some mushrooms to our Enchanted Wood.
I always thing that mushrooms are a fascinating and diverse feature of woodlands, many species can be spotted all year round and there are hundreds of different types. Fungi are the main decomposers the woods breaking down dead plants, basically it feeds itself by digesting organic matter which it then returns as nutrients to the soil. Clever little things, so I thought they needed a place in our blanket.
As before, as well as the written pattern I have included a crochet chart as an extra visual tool. If you are not familiar with reading charts, you you might find my blog post about ‘How to read a crochet chart’ a useful starting point.
If you are brand new to the CAL you can find all the information you need on the CAL landing page, where I’ll link all the CAL posts in one place as I add them here to the blog. Yarn packs are available from the lovely folks at Black Sheep Wools and there are a number of CAL accessories that are also available from some fabulous small businesses (that I talked a little more about here).
The pattern for this crochet along will be available for free here on the blog but sometimes it’s easier to have a printable PDF to refer to. The whole pattern therefore will also be available in a printer friendly PDF version in my Ravelry store (for a one off payment). Each weekly instalment will become ready for immediate download in either UK or US terms. As with any purchase you make of my patterns your support of me and my crochet endeavours is very much appreciated – thank you for supporting my work!
A Dutch version of the pattern will be put together by the very lovely Iris from Eenmooigebaar via the link below. Iris has brilliantly translated a range of my patterns before (these are also available on the website) so I’m delighted she’s joining us again this time.
Yarn: 160g / 400m / 437yds or 2 x 100g ball of Stylecraft Naturals Cotton and Bamboo in Celery (7155) – YARN H or alternatively 2 x 100g of Stylecraft Special DK in Pistachio (1822) – YARN F
You will also need: Scissors, A yarn needle, stitch markers
Gauge: 5 htr sts = 2.5cm (1”). Gauge is not critical for this design, with each part I will provide the size of my work. If your gauge does not meet mine it will just mean you will end up with a bigger or smaller blanket. If you wish to match my gauge you might try going up a hook size if your tension is quite tight, or going down a hook size if your tension is looser.
Finished Size (Unblocked): Part 6 Approximate measurements:
In Naturals 84cm (33”) wide x 104cm (40.9”) long
In Special DK: 85.5cm (33.5”) wide x 103.5cm (40.5”) long.
The pattern below is in UK Terms, scroll down for US Terms:
STITCH GUIDANCE
Chain (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
Double Crochet (dc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
Half Treble (htr): Yarn over, insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
Treble (tr): Yarn over, insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
Seven Treble Cluster (7trCl): Work 7 trebles into one stitch.
Back Post Treble (BPtr): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of indicated stitch below (your hook should now be positioned horizontally behind of the st that you’re working around), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through remaining loops on hook.
Puff Stitch (PF): Work puff stitches in this pattern as follows; Yarn over and insert your hook into the specified stitch/space, yarn over again and pull up a long loop. (Yarn over and insert your hook into the same stitch / space, yarn over again and pull up a long loop) repeat from ( …) three more times (5 times total – 11 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through 10 loops on your hook (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook to close. Puff stitches will show on the other side of your work when made.
Right side (RS): This indicates the right side of your work
[ … ] Repeat section in square brackets until specified
( … ) Repeat section in curved brackets into one stitch or space
SCHEMATIC – PART 6
PATTERN – PART 6
You will build part 6 onto the right side of the CAL;
With the right side facing you will work on the row ends of part 5, then across part 4, then on the row ends of part 5 again.
We will be adding rows, working from the bottom upwards, where there isn’t a st you will use post of sts of the row ends of Part 5.
The ch3 counts as the first st, if this produces too much of a gap at the start of a row it can be substituted for a ch2.
The ch1 at the start of a row doesn’t count as a stitch.
You will not count the sl st’s of row 5 in your stitch count when instructed to miss sts.
If you find that your rows are pulling into the centre you may wish to use a larger hook for this section e.g. 4mm (US size G/6).
Row 1 (RS): Sl st to join YARN H around the post of the last st of Part 5; ch3, 1tr in the same st,[ miss st at end of the next row, 2tr around the post of the next st ] repeat from [ … ] evenly fourteen times on Part 3, 1tr in the corner of Part 4, BPtr in the next 123sts of Part 4, 1tr in the corner of Part 4, 2tr around the post of the next 2sts [miss st at the end of the next row, 2tr around the post of the next st], repeat { … ] evenly twelve times more on the row ends of Part 5, turn. 62 tr / 123 BPtr / 185 sts
Row 2: Ch3, 1tr in the next st, [ch1, miss st, 1tr in the next 3sts] repeat { … ] across until the last 3sts, ch1, miss st, 1tr in the last 2sts, turn. 139 tr / 46 x ch1-sps
Row 3: Ch3, 1tr in each st across, turn. 185 tr
Row 4 (WS) : Ch3, 1tr in the next st, [ch2, miss 2sts, PF in the next st, ch2, miss 2sts, 1tr in the
next 3sts ] repeat { … ] across another twenty-one times, ch2, miss 2sts, PF in the next st, ch2, miss 2sts, 1tr in the last 2sts. 70 tr / 46 x ch2-sps / 23 PF
Row 5: Ch1, 1dc in the next st, sl st in the next st, [miss 2 ch, 7trCl in the top of the next PF st, miss 2 ch, sl st in the top of the next tr, ch4, miss next st, sl st in the top of the next tr] repeat { … ] across another twenty-one times, miss 2 ch, 7trCl in the top of the next PF st, miss 2 ch, sl st in the top of the next tr, 1dc in the last st, turn. 23 x 7trCl / 22 x ch4-sps / 2 dc
Row 6: Ch6 (counts as tr + ch3), [ miss 3sts, 1 dc in the top centre tr of the 7trCl, ch3, miss 3sts, 1htr in the ch4-sp, ch3 ] repeat from { … ] across another twenty-one times, miss 3sts, 1 dc in the top centre of the 7trCl, miss 3sts, 1tr in the last st, turn. 2tr / 22 htr / 23 dc / 46 x ch3-sps
Row 7: Ch3, [ 3tr in the next ch3-sp, 1tr in the next dc, 3tr in the next ch3-sp, 1tr in the next htr ] repeat { … ] across another twenty-one times, 3tr in the next ch3-sp, 1tr in the next dc, 3tr in the next ch3-sp, 1tr in the last st, turn. 185 tr
Rows 8 – 13: Repeat rows 2 – 7
Rows 14—15: Repeat rows 2 – 3. 185 sts
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Reattach YARN H to the opposite side of your work and repeat rows 1 – 15. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Pattern in US Terms:
STITCH GUIDANCE
Chain (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
Seven Double Crochet Cluster (7dcCl): Work 7 double crochet into one stitch.
Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of indicated stitch below (your hook should now be positioned horizontally behind of the st that you’re working around), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through remaining loops on hook.
Right side (RS): This indicates the right side of your work
Puff Stitch (PF): Work puff stitches in this pattern as follows; Yarn over and insert your hook into the specified stitch/space, yarn over again and pull up a long loop. (Yarn over and insert your hook into the same stitch / space, yarn over again and pull up a long loop) repeat from ( …) three more times (5 times total – 11 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through 10 loops on your hook (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook to close. Puff stitches will show on the other side of your work when made.
[ … ] Repeat section in square brackets until specified
( … ) Repeat section in curved brackets into one stitch or space
SCHEMATIC – PART 6
PATTERN – PART 6
You will build part 6 onto the right side of the CAL;
· With the right side facing you will work on the row ends of part 5, then across part 4, then on the row ends of part 5 again.
· We will be adding rows, working from the bottom upwards, where there isn’t a st you will use post of sts of the row ends of Part 5.
· The ch3 counts as the first st, if this produces too much of a gap at the start of a row it can be substituted for a ch2.
· The ch1 at the start of a row doesn’t count as a stitch.
· You will not count the sl st’s of row 5 in your stitch count when instructed to miss sts.
· If you find that your rows are pulling into the centre you may wish to use a larger hook for this section e.g. 4mm (US size G/6).
Row 1 (RS): Sl st to join YARN H around the post of the last st of Part 5; ch3, 1dc in the same st,[ miss st at end of the next row, 2dc around the post of the next st ] repeat from [ … ] evenly fourteen times on Part 3, 1dc in the corner of Part 4, BPdc in the next 123sts of Part 4, 1dc in the corner of Part 4, 2dc around the post of the next 2sts [miss st at the end of the next row, 2dc around the post of the next st], repeat { … ] evenly twelve times more on the row ends of Part 5, turn. 62 dc / 123 BPdc / 185 sts
Row 2: Ch3, 1dc in the next st, [ch1, miss st, 1dc in the next 3sts] repeat { … ] across until the last 3sts, ch1, miss st, 1dc in the last 2sts, turn. 139 dc / 46 x ch1-sps
Row 3: Ch3, 1dc in each st across, turn. 185 dc
Row 4 (WS) : Ch3, 1dc in the next st, [ch2, miss 2sts, PF in the next st, ch2, miss 2sts, 1dc in the next 3sts ] repeat { … ] across another twenty-one times, ch2, miss 2sts, PF in the next st, ch2, miss 2sts, 1dc in the last 2sts. 70 dc / 46 x ch2-sps / 23 PF
Row 5: Ch1, 1sc in the next st, sl st in the next st, [miss 2 ch, 7dcCl in the top of the next PF st, miss 2 ch, sl st in the top of the next dc, ch4, miss next st, sl st in the top of the next dc] repeat { … ] across another twenty-one times, miss 2 ch, 7dcCl in the top of the next PF st, miss 2 ch, sl st in the top of the next dc, 1sc in the last st, turn. 23 x 7dcCl / 22 x ch4-sps / 2 sc
Row 6: Ch6 (counts as dc + ch3), [ miss 3sts, 1 sc in the top centre dc of the 7dcCl, ch3, miss 3sts, 1hdc in the ch4-sp, ch3 ] repeat from { … ] across another twenty-one times, miss 3sts, 1 sc in the top centre of the 7dcCl, miss 3sts, 1dc in the last st, turn. 2dc / 22 hdc / 23 sc / 46 x ch3-sps
Row 7: Ch3, [ 3dc in the next ch3-sp, 1dc in the next sc, 3dc in the next ch3-sp, 1dc in the next hdc ] repeat { … ] across another twenty-one times, 3dc in the next ch3-sp, 1dc in the next sc, 3dc in the next ch3-sp, 1dc in the last st, turn. 185 dc
Rows 8 – 13: Repeat rows 2 – 7
Rows 14—15: Repeat rows 2 – 3. 185 sts
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Reattach YARN H to the opposite side of your work and repeat rows 1 – 15. Fasten off and weave in ends.
And that’s it! Part 6 completed! I hope you’ve enjoyed the start and I can’t wait to se your mushrooms sprout from Parts 4 and 5!
The Schedule, Updates & Support:
As always if you need a reminder of the schedule then you can find the details on the CAL landing page (here) and you can keep up to date with the CAL details and get support if needed via the following links:
As I may have mentioned before the Facebook group is a lovely place of support, there are crocheters in there of all experiences, with new crocheters joining all the time! It’s likely that someone will be able to help you with any questions you might have though of course you can always contact me too here on the blog if you need any help.
The hashtag for this years CAL is #KCACOUKCAL23 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: Ravelry, Facebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.
Thank you for crocheting along with me – the next eleven weeks are going to be so much fun!
Until next time; 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. You can read more about my affiliate links here.
“Red and yellow and pink and green, purple and orange and blue, I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow too!” Envelop yourself in rainbows with the Chevron Spectrum Wrap!
Today I’m doing an independent release of the rainbow Chevron Spectrum Wrap which first appeared in in Happily HookedMagazine (Issue 94) back in January 2022.
This colourful piece is sure to put a smile on your face! It was one of my absolute favourite makes of 2022 and was inspired by both the yarn and my idea for the stitch which I think came together perfectly.
I used a Scheepjes Whirl in Jumping Jelly (shade 759) combined with a Scheepjes Whirlette in Chewy (shade 865) with a 3.25mm hook (US size D/3).
Both the whirls and the whirlettes are a 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic 4ply (fingering weight). The larger whirl comes in a 220g (1000 metres) cake, and the whirlettes are 100g (455m) solid colour balls designed to compliment whirl colours. However I wanted a bit of a stormy contrast to my rainbow which is why I chose the grey.
This delightful chevron wrap is perfect for combining solid and gradient yarn for an overall fun zig zag ombre effect, the whirls are perfect though I’ve also seen some beautiful versions using hand-dyed yarn – you could substitute with any similar sock / fingering weight yarns (though you may wish to check your gauge).
The pattern is available in both UK and US terms and I’ve included a chart as a helpful visual guide. The wrap is worked in row repeat making it a nice mindful pattern once you get into the swing of things. I would suggest it’s suitable for a more intermediate crocheter – though there is nothing to stop an adventurous beginner having a go!
You can purchase an ad-free PDF Pattern with the instructions and pictures in a nice document, which you can print and take notes on without relying on your phone or an internet connection, via the links to your favourite pattern plaform below:
If you like this pattern please give it a love, or leave a comment or review on the platform you got it from when you’ve made it up, as a small biz all support and shares are very much appreciated! I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
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.
As you know I’m slowly working my way through old Deramores patterns to add to my pattern shops and as we are now most definitely in pumpkin season there no more appropriate time for me to re-release my Chunky Pumpkins.
This time of year I can’t help but make some pumpkins (watch this space for some more coming soon!), and I don’t think I’m the only one, if you happen to be scrolling through Instagram you’ll have potentially seen all the lovely pumpkins that have been made.
Different from other pumpkin patterns I’ve made before, these next pumpkins are pretty much life sized! The biggest measures in with a diameter of 62cm and the smallest still has a substantial 43cm diameter.
My chunky pumpkins are made from, well you’ve probably guessed it, chunky (bulky) yarn and as a consequence they don’t take long to make. They also have the most fabulous texture too, which was something I’d not tried before with other pumpkins I’ve designed before – the end result I think is very pleasing.
The yarn alternative I have suggested for the Chunky Pumpkins (instead of the original Deramores Chunky) is Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky which is a 100% premium acrylic yarn that comes in 100g balls (136m / 149yds). I used a 6.5mm (US size K) hook and the colours I’ve suggested are Blood Orange (319) and Coffee Bean (310). Other than that you would need some stitch markers, 400g of toy filler, pins and a yarn needle to sew all the pieces together.
The 3 page pattern comes in either UK or US terms with full descriptions of any stitch abbreviations. It’s classed as an “beginner” pattern which I’m hoping anyone new to crochet, along with more experienced crocheters will enjoy.
The pattern is now available from my usual pattern stores for you to make your own version at the links below:
This pattern, along with all of my Halloween designs (some below coming this week), have 25% off until 31 October with code: PUMPKINNICE on both Etsy and Ravelry – so go grab yourself a treat!
Please bear with me with regards to re-releasing the old Deramores patterns, it can take up to a whole day or two to reformat and upload to various shops, so it will be a work in progress – though do let me know if there’s a pattern you’d really love to see come next and I’ll see what I can do!
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.
Well it’s only taken me a couple of years…but I’ve finally got around to sorting out my Relaxing Ralph pattern. And what prompted me is today (1 Sept) is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, a fun holiday that honours the gingers of the feline world.
It put me in mind of little Ralph; who you may recognise as a pattern I designed in September 2018 for The Crochet Sanctuary (read about it here). He’s a sleepy little ginger kitty who loves nothing more than kicking back for a nap in his hammock (details on how to make his hammock is also included in the pattern).
Well at the time I was sure I’d released the pattern in my usual format, in UK and US terms, and with availability in each of my pattern stores – but it turns out that I’ hadn’t! However I’m now delighted to announce that I’ve rectified that situation, and you can now pick up the PDF pattern via the links below.
The pattern is 5 pages long and I’d suggest it’s a patterns suitable for anyone with a bit of experience of working in the round and in making amigurumi.
For my kitty I used 1 ball of Scheepjes Stonewashed XL (Aran/ Worsted Weight) in Jasper (Shade 849), 1 ball of Scheepjes Stonewashed (Sport Weight) in Moon Stone (Shade 801 and 1 ball of Scheepjes Catona (4ply / Fingering Weight) in Powder Pink (Shade 238) with a 4.5mm (US size 7) and a 3mm (Closest US size D/3 or C/2).
” Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” ~ James Herriot
If you do make up a Relaxing Ralph I hope you will share pictures of your cat’s on socials using the hashtag #kcacouk so I can see and share your wonderful work.
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.
As you know I’m slowly working my way through old Deramores patterns to add to my pattern shops. As we are moving towards Spring, and an Easter-ish sort of time I thought I’d continue with the rabbit theme – so the next pattern that I have been able to re-format is Bexley the Bunny Rabbit.
Bexley is a carrot farmer who is quite ear-resistable in his cute dungarees with his freshly picked carrot from his bumper crop.
As I originally made my bunny out of Deramores yarn, which, although LoveCrafts are selling stock they have acquired, they cannot guarantee future yarn availability. I therefore made the decision to offer alternative yarn in the pattern which mean the suggested yarn colours may vary from colours shown in the photographs.
The yarn suggestions I chose are for the cuddle bunny I believe are very close alternatives; I chose Paintbox Simply DK which is a 100% premium acrylic yarn that comes in 100g (276m) – so a bit longer in length than Deramores DK, which I used with a 3.25mm (US size D/3) hook.
For your Bunny you only need 1 ball of Paper White (Shade 100) and a small amount of 1 ball of Bubblegum Pink (Shade 150). Other than that you would need some 9mm safety eyes, stitch markers, toy filler, pins and a yarn needle to sew all the pieces together.
Bexley is now ready to be ad-hop-ted by you! As it’s coming up to Easter you might be thinking about making some bunnies – though this little fellow would be a perfect for animal loving friends and family, or just as a lovely Spring project.
The 7 page pattern comes in either UK or US terms with full descriptions of any stitch abbreviations. It’s classed as an “intermediate” pattern as it might be a bit tricky for a new crocheter without an understanding of crocheting in the round and putting together and shaping amigurumi.
Please bear with me with regards to re-releasing the old Deramores patterns, it can take up to a whole day to reformat and upload to various shops, so it will be a work in progress – though do let me know if there’s a pattern you’d really love to see come next and I’ll see what I can do!
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.
