Edited: Giveaway now closed. Congratulations to the two winners are cksteffen and fierenza
Woo hooooo! I’m really excited to say that my Starlight Stocking pattern, that I designed for the Crochet Sanctuary is now finally LIVE!
Christmas stockings are a staple of Christmas and a little something handmade on the mantelpiece can go a long way – especially if it’s a bit sparkly! You’ve got to have a bit of twinkle at Christmas right!?
The great thing about this stocking is that you can personalise colours to match your own decor or make it in that special someone’s favourite colour to make Christmas morning even more magical.
The pattern is 4 pages long and it’s written, as usual, in both UK and US terms.
Pattern Links 🎉
The Starlight Stocking pattern is now available in my pattern stores on Ravelry (and I’ll be adding it to my other stores shortly)…
however if you’d like to be in with a chance to win a copy then keep reading…
Exclusive Giveaway 🎉
If you’d like to be entered into the giveaway to win a copy of the Starlight Stocking simply head on over to Ravelry and add it to your favourites. Please then comment below this post with either your Ravelry username or email address for your chance to win a copy.
Your Ravelry username and email address will only be used to send you your prize, if you enter the information onto a comment it is understood that you are granting me your permission for me to use your information as advised.
Bonus Entry: Re-pin any of the images above. Copy & paste the URL of your re-pin in the blog comments below.
TWO winners will be randomly chosen on Wednesday 11 December evening around 7pm GMT
Finally I hope you will share any Starlight Stocking project’s on social media or as a Ravelry project as I always love to see the versions and variations you come up with.
Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
There is absolutely no question; Christmas is MY favorite time of the year. I pretty much go gaga over all things Chrismassy so when an idea of a new seasonal pattern popped in my head, it was one of those occasions where I just HAD to make it come to life. Allow me to proudly introduce my Traditional Nutcracker Doll – the perfect addition to your handmade Christmas decor.
There’s nothing like mixing new decorations with old ones to give that feeling of seasonal warmth! And this traditionally styled amigurumi will stand smartly to attention as part of a festive shelf arrangement or perhaps displayed on the mantle (which is where mine is currently standing guard).
Did you know that Nutcracker dolls, also known as Christmas nutcrackers, are most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier. This is because in German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck designed to defend against and frighten away malevolent spirits.
I made this little guy out of Scheepjes Catona that I’d got in my stash and some golden Scheepjes Lizzy thread – because you have to have a bit of sparkle at Christmas don’t you!
So why not add to your crochet christmas decorations and make the Nutcracker to stand guard over your festivities. I love the idea of these patterns becoming family heirlooms that come out, year after year, for generations to come. I know any Christmas patterns I’ve made previously come out every year – how about yours?
I think he’d also make the perfect addition to a Christmas Eve box for the children with the classic story of the ‘The Nutcracker‘ – which is about a toy soldier that turns into a prince. Or maybe for a ballet fan just before going to see the magical ‘Nutcracker‘ on stage somewhere near you during the holiday season.
And if you are looking to create more Christmas decorations then watch this space as I have another Xmas design coming soon! In the meantime you could always check out my Christmas Crochet bundle on Ravelry which contains all my seasonal patterns available for purchase or for free.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED: Congratulations to The Crafty Therapist whose name was drawn at random!
Remember my ‘Dachshund thru the Snow’ crochet pup that was in I Like Crochet magazine last year? Well I’ve finally got round to releasing the individual pattern today!
I’m going to do a giveaway for some free copies of the pattern – do you want one?
In the comments below just tell me why you would like a copy or who you would like to make the little doggo for – I’ll then pick a winner next Tuesday on 26 November 2019.
If you are on Facebook and Instagram I’ve giving away copies there too for you AND a friend, go on over and enter for more chances of winning!
I think I said before that I happen to have a great deal of affection for this little amigurumi because once upon a time I had a real life daschund called Cabbage who was my best friend for 15 years.
Actually my (woman) best friend has claimed this ami, she fell in love with him when she saw him! The pattern makes a fun alternate gift for the holiday season or you could make him just because you love dachshunds like me!
Good luck to all those that enter the giveaways!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
I know it’s only the beginning of November but as a crafter you are probably thinking a little bit about Christmas already am I right? And probably have started making already!
I know it takes time to make the perfect gift but I thought I’d tell you about a couple of projects that have just been released in the latest issue of LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine. They don’t take too long if you are still looking for some fun things to make.
In the latest edition of the magazine (on sale now) I’ve created a fun Christmas Coupe complete with a detachable Christmas tree. I love how the magazine have styled it! It looks just like a Christmas card don’t you think!
It was such a fun design to make, in fact I’m thinking of designing something similar but much much smaller as a Christmas ornament if I get the time! I love crocheting ornaments, do you?
Also in this issue I had fun creating a new little elf character. Everly the Elf is a bit of a mischievous character, she recently tried to make some mince pies for everyone at the magazine – but she seems to have gotten into a bit of a pickle!
Again such cute styling in this issue, it really is making me feel rather Christmassy. And you’ve got to have elves around at Christmas haven’t you! They are the ones that make the toys in Santa’s workshop and take care of his reindeer after all!
There are lots of other fab things in this month’s edition too – the patterns I particularly love are the crochet (and knit) Father Christmas by Sachiyo Ishii, which are both adorable, and the tic tac toe christmas game by Hannah Cooper is such a sweet idea! And although I can’t personally knit I absolutely love the look of the Toy Soldiers (on the front cover) by Sachiyo Ishii and the Mini Jumpers by Dawn Finney too.
There are 40 festive patterns in this months edition along with news, articles and tips in the 70 page magazine. It also comes with an ten ball yarn pack and hooks and needles.
I’m just catching up with patterns that have been released whilst I was ill and I think there’s still enough time to tell you about the October issue of I Like Crochet. You might just be able to spy one of my new designs peeping out on the front cover…
Imagine yourself in a log cabin in the woods and you’ve got this issue in a nutshell and I came up with two designs to fit in with the theme.
Plaid seems to be quite synonymous with the outdoors and cabins doesn’t it – does it stem from lumberjacks maybe? I’m not sure? But when I started thinking about the topic that’s what came to me and I kind of knew that I wanted to make a basket…well because I just love crocheting baskets.
However I wanted to play around with the traditional buffalo plaid ‘squares’ design. I still wanted it to be recognisable as ‘plaid’ but I wanted the design to by more inspired by than directly copied. So I decided to go with repeating rectangles that I would create by colour changing as I worked.
The basket is worked holding two strands of Rico Design Creative Cotton Aran yarn together at a time which makes it a nice sturdy basket and is worked in continuous rounds. The only fiddly bit is working with so many different colours at a time but once you find your own rhythm it all comes together easily.
I think the Perfectly Plaid Basket would be perfect for storing washcloths on your bathroom counter, or yarn in by your crafting chair, or even pine-cones as decor.
The next design I created for the magazine was an amigurumi inspired by a woodland creature. Meet Birch – this usually secretive woodland dweller who will come out of hiding for cuddle by the fireplace.
Worked in the traditional amigurumi style using Deramores Studio DK he stands about 29cm (11.4in) high when he’s all finished. He’s quite fond of his baby antlers and hopes to grow up to be a big strong buck one day.
This sweet little deer might be my favourite pattern I’ve made this year, and he seems like the perfect make for autumnal crafting.
As well as my cabin inspired patterns the October issue features over 22 patterns and a range of interesting articles.SUBSCRIBE TODAYfor a copy of the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad.
Looking for some projects that are fast and rewarding? I’ve got a series of new one-ball crochet patterns out now in the I Like Crochet Collections. Including a cowl, a Tunisian crochet glasses case and some cute baby booties!
If you’ve not heard of I Like Crochet Collections before it’s part of the I Like Crochet Network for crochet enthusiasts, and the same people that publish the popular I Like Crochet e-magazine. Based in the US the patterns on the site are written in US terminology, but if you are happy to convert patterns then there’s a wealth of designs (and great designers).
Now do you have a ball of chunky weight yarn sadly languishing in your stash and you don’t know what to make with it? Then how about the Colbie Cowl…
This simple cowl takes advantage of a fun stitch and lets the yarn do the rest of the talking! It’s great for variegated yarn for a subtle finish or you could go bold with a block colour to create a real statement piece.
You can find this cowl under collections in the One Skein Collection, it’s a great project for beginners and a fast make for more experienced crocheters!
I loved the challenge of coming up with some patterns that use one ball of yarn or less! I also created the Siesta Sunglasses Case available in The Beach Collection. This fun little case is worked in Tunisian crochet which makes it the perfect sunglasses protector at the beach.
The tight stitches paired with its drawstring closure ensure your sunnies stay safe and sand free! I always forget how I enjoy working on a Tunisian Crochet project until I do it! Do you like Tunisian crochet? I feel like I’ve got lots more to discover there…
And finally, my favourite of the collections, are the Sleepy Unicorn Booties which are part of the The Best Baby Crochet Patterns Collection. My brother had not long had a new baby girl and she was definitely the inspiration behind these.
I wanted to create something cute and girly – and with the sleepy little eyes, golden horns and pastel manes, these booties are irresistible to make and so much fun to give!
The collections are currently exclusive to the I Like Crochet Network, there are various sign up options (and they often have special subscriptions offers) that you can learn more here.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
There’s nothing quite like a royal wedding is there. The pomp! The splendour! The feverish anticipation of the dress! And it’s time for a royal wedding in the latest issue of LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine!
In the latest edition of the magazine (on sale now) I’ve created a sweet smiling princess and a handsome prince who are ready to celebrate their perfect day with a summer wedding.
Royalty and romance are at the heart of this union, with the groom wearing his best tunic and epaulettes whilst the bride dazzles with her modern pink dress with puffed sleeves and bell skirt.
You’ll need some extra yarn to make both the pair but apart from slight differences in the arms, tunic bottom and skirt both little dolls are worked the same.
There are lots of other fab things in this month’s edition too – the patterns I particularly love are Circus Sam by Sarah Louise Read, which is adorable, and I also love the play food Tart Slices by Hannah Cooper. And although I can’t personally knit well enough to make it I love Destiny Dragon by Sachiyo Ishii.
There are 43 exclusive patterns in this months edition along with news, articles and tips in the 74 page magazine. It also comes with an eight ball yarn pack which has two balls of the coral pink so you have enough yarn to make the Princesses dress.
If you hook up the Royal Wedding couple 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
I recently designed a mandala for a workshop I did at Abakhan fabrics. I needed a quick creative make and one where you could just use small bits of yarn. A mandala seems to lend itself perfectly as a little demo pattern as it’s a circle made up of different patterns and colours.
For the Mini Meditative Mandala design I used some Rico Design Ricorumi that I already had in my stash. These cute 25g balls are perfect for little projects like this mandala, though you can use any scraps that you have in your stash. Cotton yarn is also particularly good for mandalas as it shows off stitch definition and creates a nice neat, firm fabric when worked up.
There are so many options for how you can arrange your colours on this square – I can’t wait to see what combinations you come up with! I made one with some rainbow colours and I think the end result looks a bit like a sunflower! By simply changing some of the colours around you can get a whole new look! The only other thing I did differently on this version is on Rnd 6 I worked it as follows:
Rnd 6: Sl st yarn to any first dc/sc of the two dc/sc’s of rnd 5; ch3, 1tr/dc in the same st, 2tr/dc in the next dc/sc of rnd 5, * 1dc/sc in the back loop of the next 6sts, 2tr/dc in the next 2sts, Repeat from * until end, sl st to the top of the beginning 3ch to join. (60sts)
I bought a little hanging hoop to pop it in and I now really want to make myself a mandala wall with all sorts of different sized and coloured mandalas on – just need to convince my husband how excellent it would look!
And what can you do with mandalas like these when you’ve finished them? Well you can use it as a decorative piece hanging piece of art like I have, a coaster, or even as a motif sewn onto the front of a plain cushion.
The following Medative Mandala pattern is free here on the blog but it’s also available in my Ravelry store where there is a nominal fee for a downloadable 3 page PDF pattern free of advertisements if you’d prefer.
The pattern is available in both UK and US crochet terminology on Ravelry though the pattern below is written with both terminology combined for ease.
Pattern will work in other hooks and yarns though finished size will be different.
Hook: 4 mm (US size G/6)
You will also need:
Scissors
Yarn needle
Gauge: 4tr= 2cm / 0.79inch
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: 13 cm diameter (5.12inches )
ABBREVIATIONS:
st(s) stitch(es)
st sl slip stitch
ch(s) chain
dc/sc UK double crochet / US single crochet
tr/dc UK treble / US double crochet
STITCH GUIDANCE:
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
UK double crochet / US single crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
UK treble / US double crochet (tr/dc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
Pattern:
Notes: The ch3 at the start of a rnd counts as the first treble st.
Rnd 1: With YARN A ch5 and sl st to form a ring, Ch4 (counts as first tr/dc + 1ch), work (1tr/dc, 1ch) eleven times into the ring, sl st to the third ch of the beginning ch to join. Fasten off YARN A (12sts + 12ch1-sps).
Rnd 2: Sl st YARN B into any ch1-sp of previous rnd. Ch4 (counts as first tr/dc + 1ch), 1tr/dc in the same sp, work (1tr/dc, 1ch, 1tr/dc) in each ch-sp around until end, sl st to the third ch of the beginning ch to join. Fasten off YARN B (24sts + 12ch1-sps).
Rnd 3: Sl st YARN A into any ch1-sp of previous rnd. Ch3, 2tr/dc in the same sp, work 3tr/dc in each ch-sp around until end, sl st to the top of the beginning ch3 to join. Fasten off YARN A (36sts).
Rnd 4: Sl st YARN B in between any 3tr/dc cluster of rnd 3; 1dc/sc in the same sp, * ch4, sl st in between the next 3tr/tr cluster of rnd 3. Repeat from * until end, sl st to the top of the beginning dc/sc to join. (12 sts + 12 x 4ch-sps)
Rnd 5: Sl st into the next ch4-sp; ch3, 5tr/dc in the same sp, ch2, 2dc/sc in the next ch4-sp, ch2, * 6tr/dc in the next sp, ch2, 2dc/sc in the next ch4-sp, ch2. Repeat from * until end, sl st to the top of the beginning 3ch to join. Fasten off YARN B (48sts + 12 x 2ch-sps)
Rnd 6: Sl st YARN A to any first dc/sc of the two dc/sc’s of rnd 5; ch3, 1tr/dc in the same st, 2tr/dc in the next dc/sc of rnd 5, 1dc/sc in the next 6sts, * 2tr/dc in the next 2sts, 1dc/sc in the next 6sts. Repeat from * until end, sl st to the top of the beginning 3ch to join. Fasten off YARN A (60sts)
Rnd 7: Sl st YARN B to any dc/sc of rnd 6; ch1, 1dc/sc in the same st as the beginning ch1, 1dc/sc in the next 4sts, 2dc/sc in the next *1dc/sc in the next 5sts, 2dc/sc in the next. Repeat from * around until end. Fasten off and weave in all ends. (70sts)
And that’s it!
If you hook up the Mini Medative Mandala I hope you’ll 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
Are you ready to head to the beach with the second project of the Make it Today: Crochet Club magazine 3-part crochet-along? For the latest issue of the magazine I’ve designed a loveable and vibrant trio of sea-creatures including a sweet jellyfish and a couple of types of crab.
Following on from the fun crocheted beach hut we made for Part 1 of the crochet along may I introduce to you my fun take on a Lion’s Mane Jellyfish, an Edible Crab and a Hermit Crab – all species that you’d find along our UK shoreline.
I’m completely fascinated with sea creatures, well any animals really, and love nothing more than winding down by watching a natural history documentary (usually featuring David Attenborough) on TV with a bit of crochet at the end of the day.
The sea is such an interesting and varied place and the natural world is just a constant source of inspiration. I had fun making these projects, and I think they would work as a fun keyring for your keys if you were to add a ring and clip to the top of them.
Also in this issue there are some just delightful patterns! I love Rose the Red Panda by Sarah Louise Reed, she’s just so cute, and I also love the Colourful Cacti Plant covers by Corinne Bradd.
And there might just be a sneaky peep at what the last part 3 of the CAL is going to be below…
Part 3 of the beachy crochet along will be appearing in Issue 46 of Crochet Club magazine on Thursday July 25th – so save the date in your calendar!
If you missed the first part of the crochet-along, don’t worry, it’s available for free at topcrochetpatterns.com.
If you hook up the sea creature trio I hope you will please share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see what you make!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Issue 43 of Crochet Now magazine is out now and I’ve got a brand new pattern inside. This month’s issue is themed around day tripping, staycations in the country or trips to the seaside – anywhere where you can take your crochet with you. So I came up with a fun little portable project that you can wear when you get there!
Allow me to introduce the Top of the Knot’s Headband – the perfect way to stay ahead of the trend! A headband is a great understated accessory that can top off any outfit – and as a bonus also keeps the wind from blowing your hair in your face.
It was nice to make something a little different, as I’ve been making a lot of amigurumi’s lately, and this intermediate design worked back and forth in rows was a nice change from working in the round!
I used Scheepjes Linen Soft to make the headband which is a gorgeous blend of cotton, linen and acrylic which makes it a great choice for crocheting in the summer. It’s a lovely light yarn too which means you won’t get hot wearing it in the sunshine and it works up quick too.
There are loads of different colours (33 in total) of Scheepjes Linen Soft so you can totally make an accessory to match your outfit! Teamed up with a large pair of sunglasses you’ll look fabulous darling! Nobody should look plain whilst tanning on the beach! Though I love how the magazine have styled it too with the denim jacket and simple tee-shirt.
There are some gorgeous designs in this month’s issue which you can read more about on the Crochet Now blog. I particularly love the Cabana Cardigan by Tony Lipsey and the Sunrise Beach Picnic Blanket by Zoe Potrac – and who could resist Shaun the Sheep and the Naughty Pigs by Alison Holloway!
To find your nearest stockist, visit www.seymour.co.uk – or you can order online from www.moremags.com/crocheting (US and Australia readers can also order online at MoreMags – copies will be in shops in the US and Australia around 6 weeks after UK release).
If you hook up my Top of the Knots Headband 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
