KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 15

Block 15 time!! I was looking at my list today and I can’t believe that we only have 9 blocks left to make! For those of you that are managing to keep up – yay you! I hope you are beginning to see your Afghan coming to life now…for those not started yet or are catching up – you still have bags of time, remember we don’t finish until the end of November! The full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Our next square is a nice and simple fun design that has some texture and a shape within a shape. There are also lots of ways you could play with colour with this one; I’ve used all five of my colours in each of my blocks but this one would look great in a single colour or many.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here. This square is currently free on Ravelry and on has been on heartmadeblessings.org since Jan 2002.

Popin by Melissa Green

Notes:

Hook: 5 mm (US Size H)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least two different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms see conversion chart here

Specialist Stitches:

Beginning Popcorn (Beg PC) – Ch 3, 4 tr/dc in same sp, pull hook out of loop, put in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3, pick up dropped loop and pull through.
Popcorn (PC) – Tr/dc in same sp, pull hook out of loop, put in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3, pick up dropped loop and pull through.

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). I’m a big fan of playing with shapes within shapes so I love how the popcorns create a diamond inside of the block. I had fun with my colours with stripes in the centre and at the edge and a big chunk of green in the middle. I think this makes the popcorn diamond more subtle but I like that it makes the centre/edge popcorns more defined – can’t wait to see how you mix up the colours on your blocks!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on 5th or 6th of August

16Jul2015

Amigurumi Fish | Happily Hooked Magazine Exclusive

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

Issue 16 of Happily Hooked Magazine has now hit the e-newstands and I am really thrilled to be part of the magazine again with my new Cottage Chic Amigurumi Fish design. Add a little coastal charm to any area of the home with these decorative shabby chic rustic fish hanging decorations. They would look great in a seaside / beach / nautical themed room.

Inspired by all the wonderful knick-knacks you see in seaside shops in the UK my amigurumi fish look great combined with bits of drift wood in a group or on their own as a simple hanging decoration.

The July issue is full of beautiful designs for the Beach & Summer! There are brand-new exclusive patterns from some amazing designers, inspiring interviews, a gorgeous “Crochet + Fashion” article, and much more! And if you are new to Happily Hooked you can get the newest issue PLUS 5 past issues for only 99¢ (63p!). Patterns are written in US terminology but HHM have a conversion chart on their website.

Finally if you are on Facebook make be sure to give the HHM page a like as they always include offers for the magazine and sales from designers on their Facebook page.

12Jul2015

Doodle Zoo No. 6: Petunia the Pig | Free Pattern

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Doodle Zoo, Free Patterns, From the Stash by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I think it’s time for a new little Doodle Zoo animal don’t you. This next little gal is the sixth animal I’ve made this year. For details about the other Doodle Zoo characters; see my posts about Doodle Duck, Rowan Rabbit, Finlay Frog, Ezra Elephant and Peggy Panda. If you haven’t heard about Doodle Zoo it’s my mini challenge to myself this year to design 12 free little animals for you all built on one simple base design so they all look related.

So without further ado let me introduce Petunia the Pig!

Petunia is a great little stash buster using roughly 30g / 90 yards of light pink and dark pink yarn. All the Doodle Zoo animals are designed to work up in less than an hour and because they are just the right hand size they become very steal-able so be prepared to make a few! Petunia the Pig would make a cute additional gift for family and friends or an quick addition to a craft stall.

This is an easy pattern suitable for beginners looking to learn some new crochet techniques. Click here to add this pattern to your favourites / queue on Ravelry or click here to access on Craftsy or scroll down for the pattern.

Don’t forget to look out for the next addition to the Doodle Zoo next month!

Petunia the Pig

Yarn: (8ply / yarn weight #3 or #4)

25g / 85 yards of light pink double knit yarn
5g / 15 yards of dark pink double knit
Scraps of white and yellow yarn

Hook: 4mm (US size G)

You will also need:

Yarn needle
Stitch marker
2 x 9mm blue or black safety eyes
Polyester toy stuffing

Gauge: 4 dc/sc = 1 inch / 2.5 cm

Size: Finished pig measures = 3.25 inches / 8.3 cm

These measurements are approximated, and actual subjects may vary. Pattern will work in other yarns though gauge/size will be different.

Abbreviations:

st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space
sl st = slip stitch
ch(s) = chain
dc/sc = UK double / US single crochet
dc/sc2tog = UK double Crochet / US Single Crochet 2 sts together
popcorn (PC) = see specialist stitch guidance

Stitch Guidance:

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

Popcorn Stitch (PC): Work 5 tr/dc in st indicated, remove hook completely, insert hook in 1st tr/dc (1st tr/dc of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th tr/dc of the 5), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
Double Crochet/Single Crochet 2 sts together (dc/sc2tog): 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.

Pattern Guidance:

Working without joining:

All the parts of Petunia are worked without joining using a stitch marker to keep track of the rounds. Place the stitch marker in the top of the first st to mark start of round.

Pattern:

Tail:

With dark pink yarn ch 5, 3 dc/sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st along until end, the tail should curl up on it’s own, finish off and weave in ends but leave a length of yarn for sewing.

Ears (Make 2):

The ch 1 does not count as a st

Row 1: Using darker pink yarn ch 2 then work 2 dc/sc in the 2nd ch from hook, turn (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 dc/sc in the same ch as ch 1, 2 dc/sc in the next st, turn (4 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 dc/sc in the same ch as ch 1, 1 dc/sc in the next 2 sts, 2 dc/sc in the next st, turn (6 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, 1 dc/sc in each st until end, finish off and weave in ends but leave a length of yarn for sewing (6 sts)

Nose:

Rnd 1: With darker pink yarn; either make a magic ring (adjustable ring) to start or ch 2, crochet 6 dc/sc into the ring / 2nd ch from hook, use tail yarn to tighten centre ring closed if necessary (6 sts).

Rnd 2: * 3 dc/sc in the next st, 1 dc/sc in the next 2 sts * repeat from * to * once more (10 sts).

Rnd 3: 1 dc/sc in the next 2 sts, 3 dc/sc in the next st, 1 dc/sc in the next 4 sts, 3 dc/sc in the

next st 1 dc/sc in the next 2 sts, sl st to the next st to join, finish off but leave a long tail to sew your nose into place (14 sts).

Mini Flower:

With white yarn ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring, then work * ch 2, 1 tr/dc, 1 htr/hdc, sl st * into the ring 5 times to make 5 petals, finish off and weave in ends but leave a length of yarn for sewing; add some yellow embroidered lines to the centre of your flower with a scrap of yellow yarn and your yarn needle.

Body:

Rnd 1: With light pink yarn; either make a magic ring (adjustable ring) to start or ch 2, crochet 6 dc/sc into the ring / 2nd ch from hook, use tail yarn to tighten centre ring closed if necessary (6 sts).

Rnd 2: 2 dc/sc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: *1 dc/sc in next, 2 dc/sc in next st * repeat from * to * until the end of the rnd (18 sts).

Rnd 4: * 1 dc/sc in next 2 sts, 2 dc/sc in next st, * repeat from * to * until the end of the rnd (24 sts).

Rnd 5: * 1 dc/sc in next 3 sts, 2 dc/sc in next st, * repeat from * to * until the end of the rnd (30 sts).

Rnd 6 – 12: 1 dc/sc in each st around (30 sts).

Add your safety eyes in between rows 7 and 8 about 8 stitches apart.

Sew ears onto the top of the body on either side of the head, curve them slightly as you attach. The top corner of each ear should start on row 2.

Sew your mini flower into place beside one ear.

Rnd 13: * 1 dc/sc in the next 3 sts, 1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of rnd, begin to stuff your pig (24 sts).

Rnd 14: *1 dc/sc in the next 2 sts, 1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of the rnd (18 sts).

Sew nose into place between the eyes with the top edge of the nose just below row 9.

Sew the curly tail onto the rear of Petunia

Rnd 15: *1 dc/sc in the next st, 1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of the rnd (12 sts).

Finish off stuffing the body

Rnd 16: *1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat

from * to * until end of the rnd, cut thread leaving a long tail (6 sts).

Using your tail end and using your yarn needle sew the last 6 stitches closed, finish off and weave in ends.

Feet (Make 4):

Rnd 1: With darker pink yarn; ch 6, 1 dc/sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st along until end (5 sts), then working down the other side of your sts work 1 dc/sc until end (10sts).

Rnd 2: 1 dc/sc in each st around (10 sts).

Rnds 3-5: Change colour to lighter pink yarn (finish off the darker pink yarn), 1 dc/sc in each st around, sl st to the next st to join but leave a long tail for sewing. (10 sts).

Sew the sides of the feet together then sew onto the front of your pig on rnd 13 approximately 0.25 inch / 1.5 cm apart.

And that’s it! Simple, cute and addictive!

8Jul2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 14

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015, Free Patterns by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Block 14 is here! Our next square has a beautiful flower motif which is super fun to make and as you know I do so love a popcorn stitch! I also love the way the popcorns make the central flower ‘pop’ out of the centre of the block.

I know some of you might be making more masculine themed blankets so if you are looking for inspiration for alternative blocks check out the Moogly 2014 CAL,Moogly 2015 CAL, Look What I Made Block A Week CAL, Ravelry BAM CAL, Blog Hop Crochet-Along, American Crochet-Along and Designs on A Hook CAL

This square is currently free on Ravelry and will be forever (yay!).

Although we are on block 14 there is still plenty of time to catch up, you can hook up a block in an evening easily – the full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here.

The Secret Garden by Amber Schaaf

Notes:

Hook: 4 mm (US Size G)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least four different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms.

Specialist Stitches:

POPCORN STITCH: 5 tr/dc into indicated st. Drop stitch from hook and insert it from front to back of the first dc, place your dropped loop back on your hook draw it through. Ch 1 to secure.
US fptr/UK fpdtr – yarn over twice, place hook around the post of the dc/tr from the previous row (front to back and bring to the front), yarn over, pull around post. Slip last yarn over through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.
US bptr/UK bpdtr – yarn over twice, place hook around the post of the dc/tr from the previous row (back to front and bring to the back), yarn over, pull around post. Slip last yarn over through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). A very pretty block I think you’ll agree and although the centre looks complicated but it’s actually quite easy and looks great.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on July 22nd (or 23rd)

24Jun2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 13

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

This next block is by the lovely Jenn who some of you may have got to know in the Facebook CAL Group where she is one of the three fabulous Admins that help out there.

With this next block we have another technique to add to our growing repertoire; the crochet basket-weave stitch! This stitch is made up of sets of front and back post UK treble/ US double crochet stitches that creates a fabric with a woven texture. Jenn has used a unique variation of the basket-weave crochet effect for her block which I just love!

This square is currently free on Ravelry and will be forever (yay!).

Although we are on block 13 there is still plenty of time to catch up – the full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here.

Will’s 12 inch Weave Square by Jennifer Bregg

Notes:

Hook: 5.5 mm (US Size I)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least three different colours
Pattern uses American and UK crochet terms: NOTE: the US terminology comes FIRST in this pattern (as the author is American) so be careful UK peeps!

Specialist Stitches:

US fptr/UK fpdtr – yarn over twice, place hook around the post of the dc/tr from the previous row (front to back and bring to the front), yarn over, pull around post. Slip last yarn over through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.
US bptr/UK bpdtr – yarn over twice, place hook around the post of the dc/tr from the previous row (back to front and bring to the back), yarn over, pull around post. Slip last yarn over through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). I really like basket-weave stitch so was really pleased to have it incorporated in a block for the CAL, I love the kind of ombre effect the pattern and the use of my fondant, plum and magenta colours together in the centre have.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on July 8th (or 9th)

10Jun2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 12

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Fanfare time ladies and gentleman! We have reached block 12! We are halfway there on our Afghan adventure!

As you hopefully know to make this CAL a bit different from others every block, that is a multiple of 4 (e.g. 4,8,12,16,20), is selected by YOU in a public vote. I can now reveal that the square that received the majority vote was ‘D’ which IS…. the ‘Pizzazz’ Square!

What a perfect block you have chosen for us, an attractive combination of vitality and glamour – perfect to mark our half way point!

This square is free (and has been since December 2014).

Although we are on block 12 there is still plenty of time to catch up – the full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here.

Pizzazz – 12″ Square by Melinda Miller

Notes:

Hook: 5.5 mm (US Size I)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least three different colours
Pattern uses American crochet terms: see the following link for a printable conversion chart: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437470329344/

Specialist Stitches:

Dc2tog (double crochet 2 stitches together): work 1 dc into next st until one lp rem on hk (2 lps on hk), skip next sc, work 1 dc into next st until one lp rem on hk (3 lps on hk), yo and pull through all 3 lps.
Hdc2tog (half double crochet 2 stitches together): Yo, insert hk into next st and pull up a lp (3 lps on hk), skip next sc, yo, insert hk into next st and pull up a lp (5 lps on hk), yo and pull through all 5 lps.
Tr2tog (triple crochet 2 stitches together): work 1 tr into next st until one lp rem on hk (2 lps on hk), skip next sl st, work 1 tr into next st until one lp rem on hk (3 lps on hk), yo and pull thru all 3 lps.
Shell: work 5 dc in same st.
Dc-Shell: in same st work [(dc, ch 1) 4 times, dc].
Tr-Shell: in same st work [(tr, ch 1) 6 times, tr]. Ch-2 Shell: in same st work [(dc, ch 2) 3 times, dc].
Corner Shell: in same st work (dc, ch 2, dc, ch 3, dc, ch 2, dc).

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). This block was such a fun one to make and I love the ‘overlay’ effect of the outer edge!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on June 24th (or 25th)

7Jun2015

Keep Calm and Crochet On UK is 3!!! Let’s Celebrate!!!

Posted in Crochet, Giveaways, Sale / Special Offer by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Wow, its hard to believe that Keep Calm and Crochet On UK has been around for 3 years!! (Yes I did originally post on my page that it was 4 years old but I obviously can’t count very well lol!) – June 6 2012 my page on Facebook was founded!

I picked up crochet as I was finishing up my degree in 2012 and my love of it soon grew into something that I’d never imagined! I published my first pattern to Ravelry in July that year and the rest, as they say, is history! So much has happened since then life wise and with Keep Calm and Crochet On UK; much more than I ever thought or hoped for!

I am so appreciative of all the support I’ve had from friends, my family, Facebook friends, fabulous customers and supportive crochet testers and designers I have met on my journey so far – I certainly wouldn’t be here without them! When I consider it all I feel so blessed and so grateful!

I wanted to show my appreciation for the support I’ve had from everyone so I’m going to give away prizes throughout the week (6 – 13 June) with something to hopefully suit everyone. Today’s prize up for grabs are THREE gift certificates (1 each for 3 people) with 30% discount off a next custom order (expires Dec 2015) – what item would you like a discount on?

For inspiration on what you could spend your gift certificate on here are a couple of things that I recently enjoyed making!

Winners of this prize will be drawn on Tuesday 9 June at 7.30pm (GMT), you can enter via Rafflecopter at the following link: a Rafflecopter giveaway

7Jun2015

Public Vote for Block No. 12 of the CAL

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So to make this CAL a little different we hold a public vote on every 4th square we make! Basically you get to choose which square YOU want to make next! Choose one option, A through F – which block you would like to work up as our next pattern! We’ve posted the following photo collage with snippets of 6 different block patterns in the CAL group if you are on Facebook please use the poll and vote on the pinned post there: Poll Vote

Voting will end on Tuesday, June 9th, at Midnight London time (GMT), and the winning design (with the most votes) will be used as the 12th pattern and announced on Wednesday, June 10th.

27May2015

KCACO-UK CAL 2015 – Block 11

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Crochet-A-Long 2015 by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I am a big fan of circles within crochet squares because it’s just plain cool to have the juxtaposition of any shapes combined in one design. I’m also a fan of the ‘V’ stitch as it’s a pretty stitch that works up quickly compared to many other crochet stitches. So I was rather pleased to find all of these elements in our next block. I had to play around with my colours first until I got them organised in a way that I liked but the square it’s self doesn’t take long to work up at all.

This square is free (and has been since February 2011) on crochetjessica.com

Although we are on block 11 there is still plenty of time to catch up – the full schedule and details about the CAL can be found here.

Click on the link in the title below to go straight to the pattern or add it to your Ravelry queue here.

Eye Of The Beholder 12 Inch Square by Jessica Phillips

Notes:

Hook: 5 mm (US Size H)
Yarn: Aran / 10 ply / Worsted / Weight #4
Colours: I would suggest at least two
Pattern uses American crochet terms: see the following link for a printable conversion chart: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437470329344/

Specialist Stitch:

V St – tr/dc, ch2, tr/dc in stitch indicated

My Version:

Ta dah!! This is my version of this square using my colour palette (I blogged about this here). I like this next square a lot, it’s another great square to play around with different colours. The stitches are not complicated and the end result is extremely pleasing!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for the next block to be released on June 12th (or 13th)

Linky Ladies Community Link Party Button

25May2015

Keep Calm and Crochet On UK has reached 10,000 Facebook fans!!!

Posted in Crochet, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Oh my GOODNESS… Keep Calm and Crochet On UK has reached 10,000 Facebook fans!!! SQUEAL!!! Seriously, I really am so appreciative for all your support – I still remember the day when I started my Facebook page and I got my first 100 fans (pretty much all friends and family) and now I’m here! Its both tremendously exciting and so very humbling – thank you!

And I really wanted to celebrate this milestone with all of you sooo….