New Crochet Pattern Release | Gnome Sweet Gnome Advent Calendar

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Hello, lovelies! If there’s one thing I absolutely adore, it’s Christmas! The festive season is a time of joy, magic, and of course, crochet. This year, I had the pleasure of sharing something extra special at The Crochet Sanctuary – my Gnome Sweet Gnome Advent. It’s a delightful crochet advent project filled with festive fun, and I’m so excited to tell you all about it!

Crochet gnome advent calendar hanging on a white door, featuring a cheerful gnome figure with numbered pockets on its body for each day of December, ready to be filled with small surprises. The gnome has a tall hat, a white beard, and a festive, handmade charm

For those of you unfamiliar with The Crochet Sanctuary, let me fill you in! It’s a luxurious crochet retreat set in the stunning Cranage Hall in Cheshire. The hosts, Lisa and Lynda-Rose, always plan the most amazing weekends for their guests, and when it’s the weekend near to Christmastime, they take things up a festive notch.

I was so thrilled to be asked to lead a workshop again; the Crochet Sanctuary is one of my favourite places, and the people I’ve met there over the years have become such wonderful friends. As before Lisa and Lynda had given me carte blanche to do what I wanted for the design, all they knew was that it was going to be some sort of crochet advent calendar.

I always like to try and do something a little different, and initially had lots of ideas of what I could do but finally settle on the Gnome Sweet Gnome Advent Calendar. Picture this: a cosy, charming gnome hanging in your home, ready to count down the days to Christmas with you. Each day, a pocket holds a little surprise, making it a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday season. Not only is it a wonderful decoration, but it also makes for a fantastic family tradition.

A festive gnome lies on a desk, surrounded by a Christmas greenery branch and scattered wooden numbers, creating a cozy and rustic holiday scene.

I wanted my advent to not be too overtly ‘Christmassy’ for those that didn’t really celebrate the season, so I picked what I thought were the Scandi type colours of grey and red – and I thought who wouldn’t like to start the day with a little treat throughout December.

To make my calendar I used a 3.5mm hook (US size E/4), for the ‘calendar’ part of the wall hanging I used Sidar Stories DK in a lovely bright red (shade date night 808), Sidar Stories DK is a lovely cotton rich blended yarn that I’ve used before; it’s a 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. It comes in 50g balls (140m) and is a soft yarn which holds it’s stitches well. Then for the gnome I used Sidar Happy Cotton DK which comes in sweet little 20g balls (43m) and is available in 50 different shades and I used four different colours; 774 Stomp, 789 Lippy, 773 Sandcastle and 761 Dolly.

A close-up shot showcasing the different yarns used in the Gnome Sweet Gnome advent calendar project, with various festive colours visible. Wooden advent buttons, a hook, scissors and stitch markers are arranged neatly, adding a rustic, decorative charm to the scene.

Then the only other things you would need are some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing, a 30cm dowel rod, some string and some advent buttons or beads to mark the days. I used these Wooden Advent Buttons from Etsy, but there are other options available from places like Amazon like these Wooden gift tags or these advent pin badges, or these from Craftwood Creations.

The pattern is a nice one to do with a fairly simple pattern repeat once you get into the swing of things and you can choose to make the pockets as you go or add them all at the end. Then the only other techniques incorporated are increases and decrease placed at strategic points to create the gnome features. I would say that this pattern is suitable for adventurous beginner crocheters, offering an exciting opportunity to explore new stitches and techniques while creating a fun piece of Christmas decor.

The top of the festive gnome, with its pointed hat and white beard, is displayed against a backdrop of lush green ivy, creating a whimsical and natural holiday vibe.

It was such a pleasure to see everyone’s gnomes come to life at the sanctuary. The workshop was filled with chatter, laughter, and a whole lot of yarn. By the end of the weekend, the room was bursting with festive cheer and some incredibly cute gnomes were underway! And of course, what’s Christmas without a little gnome punning fun? They were totally sleigh-ing it!

There were gnome-where near enough hours in the day to crochet all the festive cuteness we wanted, including the wonderful pair of festive socks and a wonderfully cute light up Christmas tree that we also had as projects. But I love that everyone walked away with their own unique creation and a bit of gnome magic to add to their holiday décor.

Close-up of the top section of a crochet gnome advent calendar against a white door, highlighting the gnome's tall, pointed hat, white beard, and large friendly nose. Small, numbered pockets begin beneath the face, inviting holiday surprises.

So if you’re looking for a project that’s full of festive spirit, the Gnome Sweet Gnome Advent will bring a smile to your face every day in December. It’s the perfect way to add a handmade touch to the most wonderful time of the year. You can find the full pattern available in my pattern stores – it’s the ultimate countdown to Christmas with a gnome-filled twist.

❤️ SAVE GNOME SWEET GNOME ADVENT ON RAVELRY ❤️

The Gnome Sweet Gnome Crochet Advent Calendar in now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms.

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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!

Here’s to December, may it be a season full of crochet, cosy moments, and a very merry Gnome Sweet Gnome Advent! Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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28Apr2023

NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Love Gnome

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Kit, Designing, Getting Crafty, Independent Design, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I have to say that this year feels like it’s moving very fast – I can’t believe we are nearly in May and I’ve not had chance to share a crochet new kit I’ve just added to my Etsy shop! My best laid plans of sharing it in February didn’t happen, but that’s okay, you just have to do what you can do don’t you!

But now allow me to introduce my newest mini crochet kit for the Love Gnome!

Image of a amigurumi gnome holding a little heart on a stick, next to the gnome is a heart shaped bauble filled with red and pink yarn.

Much like the mini crochet kits I released last year (see all the mini crochet kits here along with a big kit) this one was released at the February Crochet Sanctuary where I was kindly allowed to bring a pop up shop to share with the other guests a range of my KCACOUK, Yarnybobs and Dear Ewe products.

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 at the April Crochet Sanctuary will be coming soon!

A crochet gnome holding a little heart on a stick, next to the gnome is a heart small basket filled with red and pink Scheepjes Catona yarn.

So show a little love with the crochet Love Gnome! This adorable little gonk, with his hat pulled over his nose, would make a cute addition to your home or you could make as a gift to someone special.

❤️ Add the Love Gnome Crochet Kit to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

Each kit contains 30g of Scheepjes Catona, the 16mm wooden bead, an eco cocktail stick, a small amount of white acrylic yarn for his beard packed in a reusable heart shaped bauble. The kit also comes with 10g bag of stuffing in small reusable organza bag (separately from the heart as it wouldn’t all fit in) so you have everything you need to your little Love Gnome.

A hand holds a heart shaped bauble filled with red and pink yarn.

There’s also the optional tool extra, via my Etsy shop, of including up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.

The pattern is written in UK terms, but shipping is available to anywhere. If you are not sure about UK terms then you might find my blog post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the Difference? helpful.

PURCHASE KIT ON ETSY

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Pinterest collage of images for the Mini Crochet Kit Love Gnome Ornament.

These bauble crochet kits have always proved popular at the crochet sanctuary and I’ve seen lots of lovely examples now of projects that have been made from my mini kits.

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

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21Sep2021

Crochet Now Magazine | Poinsettia Gnome

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Okay, not to alarm anyone but there are only 95 days now until Christmas – and in crafting circles it potentially becomes that time to crochet faster!

I personally ADORE crocheting Christmas ornaments and decorations, it’s one of my favourite seasons and I think it’s a lovely way to begin to get into the festive spirit. Plus they also make fab little gifts – and I’ve got just such a pattern in the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine.

A little, scandi style, Pretty Poinsettia Gnome! Adorned with a traditional wintry flower, I think this little gnome would make the perfect stocking filler for your loved ones this Christmas.

I used Ricorumi DK for my gnome which is a favourite yarn of mine to use for amigurumi. If you are not familiar with this yarn it is a DK weight 100% cotton, specially developed for crocheting cute amigurumi characters. It comes in cute 25g (57.5m) balls which makes it perfect for little amigurumi projects such as this one.

If you were looking for some for your stash Deramores currently has a special offer on for 5% discount if you buy 5 balls, 10% discount if you buy 10 balls – and as it’s only £0.99p per ball it’s not going to break the bank. And there’s also a special offer to September (until 26 Sept) for £5 off when you spend £30+ with the code 5tash with free shipping on orders of over £28.

I used a 3mm hook for my gnome and the only other things you will need to make him are toy stuffing and some gold seed beads.

Traditionally gnomes are known as symbols of good luck, dating back to when gnomes were believed to be household spirits responsible for the care and prosperity of the family, so a great addition to your house. My finished gnome is 20cm tall (from tip of the hat to the bottom) so perfect as a little ornament for a shelf or desk during the holiday season.

I honestly had so much fun creating this little guy that I’m thinking that he might need some seasonal buddies; for Spring, Summer and Autumn! So watch this space…

❤️ SAVE POINSETTIA GNOME ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 73 of Crochet Now magazine is packed with 41 seasonal patterns that you’ll love in a 100 page magazine – you can just see my little gnome on the bottom of the front cover (so exciting!).

It’s available to buy from your local supermarket and some newsagents or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you hook up the Poinsettia Gnome 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 and 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, thank you for your support.

13Dec2019

New Pattern Release | Nordic Twist Gnome

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Holidays, Independent Design, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So I promised another couple of Christmas patterns didn’t I and here is the next! Allow me to introduce the Nordic Twist Gnome!

I know that you will have seen these sort of Scandinavian Gnomes before, they are everywhere in the Christmas shops, and I LOVE them with their pulled down hats over their big noses. I love them so much that it just made me want to come up with my OWN version and so that’s what I’ve done!

The top of my gnomes hat is completely poseable for you to twist it or put it in all sorts of different shapes, all by the way of a carefully hidden pipe cleaner, that makes it a rather fun ornament to have on your shelf!

Did you know that these sorts of gnomes are a common Scandinavian Christmas decoration that have been adopted wholeheartedly by the rest of the world. The traditional word for gnomes in the Scandinavian culture is ‘Tomte’ which was apparently coined by Saint Birgitta of Sweden in the 1300s. These little guys are typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season and traditionally usually don a bright red conical knitted hat.

I wanted my gnome to be a little different so I made him in a modern colour pallet of turquoises and silver. He’s made from Scheepjes Catona that I’d got in my stash, with a 2.75mm (US C/2) hook, some roving for his beard and some silver Scheepjes Lizzy thread just to add a bit of sparkle. And as Christmas to me is totally all about jingle bells I added some of those too!

My two girls love this little guy and I already know my gnome is going to come out every year for the holiday season with the rest of my Christmas makes. I love that my family will start to think of them as a part of their holidays.

The pattern is now available, from all my usual pattern stores, for you to make your own gnomes

I hope you enjoy making this little guy as much as I enjoyed designing him. And if you are looking for more seasonal patterns to hook up if you are in a festive kind of mood then check out my Christmas Crochet bundle on Ravelry which contains all my seasonal patterns available for purchase or for free.

I’ve just got two more Christmas patterns left that I’m releasing this year then I promise I’m all Xmas patterned out so keep a look out for those next week.

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

9Feb2018

Pattern Release & Sale | Gnorman the Gnome

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Patterns, Sale / Special Offer by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

You may remember that at the end of last year I entered the Amigurumi.net fantasy character competition and whilst I didn’t win (though thank you to everyone that voted) I really enjoyed the design process of creating three little fantasy amigurumi characters.

AND I’m really pleased to say that Gnorman the Gnome, the first of these characters, is out of testing and ready to be released into the world!

Gnorman is a sweet little fellow with a gentle disposition who lives in a simple hillside dwelling deep in the woods. His favourite pastime is tending to his beloved mushroom garden where he cultivates scarlet capped toadstools loved by his fairy folk friends 🍄.

I couldn’t believe it when I was in town the other week and I came across some little tiny tools that were just perfect for Gnorman! And yes it’s completely normal to buy your amigurumi their own accessories…he needed a couple of spades and a rake…

There are a few characters on my bucket list of things I’d like to design and a gnome was one of them and I loved how Gnorman turned out!

And what about the other characters? Well I’m planning to work on getting Wheelan O’Wool the Leprechaun out to testers next – so watch this space!

Pattern Links 🎉

Gnorman the Gnome is now available and on sale on Ravelry (with coupon code: GNOME) until 16 February 2018 after that time the pattern will revert to full price. The pattern is also available on Lovecrochet.com.

Remember to share your Gnorman project’s to be in with a chance to win a free pattern if you are featured in my monthly newsletter.

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

4Dec2017

Amigurumipatterns.net | Design Contest

Posted in Amigurumi, Competitions, Crochet, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The annual design contest at Amigurumipatterns.net is now on and this year’s theme is “Fantasy Creatures”. Fascinating fairies, unique unicorns, dramatic dragons, mesmerising mermaids and all sorts of weird and wonderful characters from all corners of the imagination are competing to see who’s the most magical of them all!

I was so inspired by the concept of creating a fantasy creature (or three) that I decided to take part for the first time. So without further ado allow me to introduce to you Gnorman the Gnome, Wheelan O’Wool the Leprechaun and Gene the Genie.

Meet Gnorman the Gnome. Gnorman is a sweet little fellow with a gentle disposition who lives in a simple hillside dwelling deep in the woods. His favourite pastime is tending to his beloved mushroom garden where he cultivates scarlet capped toadstools loved by his fairy folk friends 🍄.

There’s something in the constitution of a gnome that enjoys getting their little hands dirty. Gnorman loves nothing more than tramping around in his forest dell collecting little treasures 🍁

Next we have Wheelan O’Wool the Leprechaun. Whelan is a feisty little fellow and not one to shy away from partaking in a little mischief! He spends his time mending the shoes of the fairy folk and hiding his earnings in a big pot at the end of the rainbow. He’s quick, smart and has magical powers to vanish into thin air – but if he’s caught he will grant you three wishes.

Whelan is well known for his love of Irish Poitín and his Celi dances that can last for days

And finally we have Gene the Genie, my third and final entry to the design contest. When his lamp is rubbed he appears in a cloud of smoke with the power to grant all your wildest yarn wishes and dreams.

Want your ends weaving in, or your hooks to be found? Your wish is his command! When not on duty he can be found whiling away the Arabian Nights sipping Harem Delight cocktails at the Moroccan Desert Oasis bar. Has a fondness for camels 🐫 .

And now the voting to the competition is OPEN! If you happen to like my little designs could you please spare me a few moments of your time to vote for them.

HOW TO VOTE:

Go to Amigurumipatterns.net
Click the heart-button of TEN of your favourite characters; quick link vote for Gnorman the Gnome here, vote for Wheelan O’Wool the Leprechan here and vote for Gene the Genie here.
Enter your name and email address in the pop-up screen to submit your vote.
Please note: multiple votings by one person will be removed.

Voting is open until 10th December 2017 and the three designs with the highest amount of votes will be announced the winners of this contest.

There are seriously so many amazing designs from inventive and skilled amigurumists taking part from all over the world in this competition! And I’d like to wish all designers taking part the best of luck!

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

P.S. And for those of you that have asked about the patterns for Gnorman, Whelan and Gene I’ll be releasing them after the competition has finished xx