Heart and Flower Pattern In Memory of Emily Anderson.

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone.

As many of you on Crochet Beginners Group will have heard, one of our members – Emily and her 2 year old daughter Kaylee were tragically killed yesterday. Emilys family have asked for us to crochet hearts and flowers so that they can be handed out to other family members to show how much the crochet community are thinking of them at this awful time. I know how amazing and compassionate our community can be so feel free to get involved.

Here is the written and video patterns for the Heart and Flower Call To Hooks on Crochet Beginners Group. Once you have finished your hearts and flowers, please message the CBG Admin Page and we will send you the address of where to send your hearts and flowers.

Written Heart Pattern (UK TERMS)

Terminology
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dtr = double treble crochet
tr = treble crochet

Round 1
Ch4, sl st in 1st chain to form a loop (alternatively you can make a magic circle), ch4, [4tr, 2dtr] in loop, ch4, sl st in loop, ch4, [2dtr, 4tr] in loop, sl st in top of ch4 to joinRound 2
Ch4, 1tr in same st as previous sl st, 2tr in next 3 sts, [1tr, 1dtr] in next st, 2dtr in next st, 3dtr in next st, 1tr in top of next 4chs, ch4, sl st in centre of ch4 loop, ch4, 1tr in top of next 4 chs, 3dtr in next st, 2dtr in next st, [1dtr, 1tr] in next st, 2tr in next 2 sts, [1tr, 1dtr] in last st, sl st in top of ch4 to join.

Written Flower Pattern

Step 1
Ch7, sl st into first ch to form a loop

Step 2
*ch4, 3dtr into centre of loop, ch4, sl st into loop* repeat from * to * another 4 times to make 5 petals.

Videos

Sewrella Easy Crochet Cardigan Hack

April 23, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone!

I hope that you’ve all been enjoying the beautiful sunny weather that we have been having in the UK this week. It really has been beautiful and unseasonably warm but I have loved every minute of it!

This week I have been busy crocheting this beautiful cardigan from Sewrella. But!! I have personalised it by adding some colour and some granny square heart patch pockets. If you want to make one for yourself, then keep on reading to find out how! I have also added a YouTube video that you will find at the bottom of the page if you want to see it in the flesh.

For the main pattern you will need to head over to Ashleigh from Sewrellas blog page for her Everyday Crochet Cardigan. If you are not too confident with reading patterns Ashleigh has included her YouTube video for the cardigan on her page. For my cardigan I used Robin DK yarn instead of Aran and I used a 5.5mm hook. As I used a smaller yarn and hook, I crocheted a size MEDIUM but you can always use another cardigan that you already have to check that you are crocheting the correct size for you. I added some colour to the ribbing around the sleeves and around the bottom. Just add your colour after the first round of your ribbing and then go back to the main colour for the last round of the ribbing. I also added some double crochet around the bottom and edging of the cardigan in the contrasting colour.

For the heart granny square patch pocket, head over to the most beautiful crochet blog that is Redagape. You will need the pattern for the Heart Granny Square. Work up your granny square in the same colours as your cardigan then simply attach to the front panels of your cardigan.

Find my YouTube video here of my cardigan.

I love to see all your makes and receive your feedback so feel free to get in touch with me via the contact form which you can find at the top of the main home page.

Happy crocheting!

How to Start Crocheting

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018Leave a comment

Hello Everyone

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from brand new crocheters is “What sort of equipment do I need to start my crochet adventure?”. Well, in this post I am going to talk you through the few (and inexpensive) things you will need to get going. I will warn you though, you will soon have the biggest yarn stash ever and WILL become a crochet addict! I love crochet. It is my favourite thing to do. Crochet has helped me get through bad days, has given me the opportunity to make new friends and even makes me feel valued when I get lovely compliments about my work. So what are you waiting for?! Pick up that hook and yarn and join the best community that I have ever had the privilege of being part of!

Firstly, hooks! You do not need to buy yourself a super duper expensive hook. I started out with a simple 4mm aluminium hook.. These hooks are brilliant for beginners as they are cheap and widely available. If you have any issues with grip, such as arthritis I would highly recommend a silicone handled hook such as the Clover 4 mm Amour Crochet Hook. These are my favourite hooks in the whole world and are defiantly worth spending that little bit extra on. 4mm is the size that I would recommend starting out with. It is the hook size that I use the most and is the size recommended for most Double Knit (or DK) yarns.

4mm Clover Amour Hook

4mm Pony Aluminium Hook

Now for the yarn! Trust me when I say DO NOT start off with a dark coloured yarn such as black or navy. Dark colours are really hard to work with and you will end up seriously frustrated which is not what you want when you are first starting out. I suggest a light colour in Double Knit (or DK). I absolutely love the Robin Yarns from Thomas Ramsden. They are affordable and come in a huge variety of colours. My favourites for a beginner would be their Madonna or Spearmint. Both of these are DK yarns.

Madonna Robin DK Yarn

Spearmint Robin DK Yarn

Stitch markers are also a great accessory for a beginner as they can help you to keep the edges of your work straight. I use Clover Locking Stitch Markers. These are defiantly the best stitch markers and will be your best friend for straight edges!

Clover Locking Stitch Markers

If you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this information, you can find my YouTube guide here to help you even more.

Please feel free to contact me via the contact page if you have any questions.
Happy Crocheting!

Easy Beginners Crochet Baby Jumper

April 9, 2018April 5, 20235 Comments

Hello Everybody and welcome to my blog!

This week I am going to teach you how to crochet a simple jumper for a baby. This pattern is really simple and only uses treble crochet. The size that is in this pattern is for a 6 to 12 month old baby (size 12 – 18 months can be found in google docs for free using this link – 12- 18 month pattern). If you would like the pattern in another size, then please contact me and I will send you the pattern. I have also done a YouTube video for this pattern so if you are not a confident pattern reader then I have popped the link to the video at the bottom of the page.

For this pattern you will need –

A 4mm Crochet Hook
DK (Double knit) Yarn, I have used Robin DK Shade Pale Rose (111)
Scissors
Darning Needle (for those pesky ends!)
Tape measure
A cup of tea and lots cake to keep you going

This pattern is written in UK Terms

Abbreviations:

Approx = Approximate(ly)
Beg = Begin(ning)
Ch = Chain(s)
Rem = Remain(ing)
RS = Right Side
WS = Wrong Side
Sl st = Slip stitch
Sp(s) = Space(s)
St(s) = Stitch(es)

Tc = Treble crochet
Tc2tog = Treble crochet 2 together
Tcbp = Treble crochet back post
Tcfp = Treble crochet front post
Rep = Repeat
Rnd(s) = Round(s)

Note: This jumper is worked in one piece from neck edge down.
A chain 2 or 3 at the beginning of a round counts as a stitch.

Start your jumper by chaining 56 stitches. Make sure you chain loosely as this foundation chain will need to pull over baby’s head. Join with slip stitch to first chain, taking care not to twist your chain (Check out my YouTube video for this pattern for a handy hack to stop your chain from twisting).

Round 1: Ch 3. 1 tc in the next 7chains. In the 8^thchain, we are going to do a V stitch – 1 tc. Ch 1. 1 tc (all in that same 8^thchain). 1 tc in each of next 10 chains. V-st in next ch. 1 tc in each of next 16 ch. V-st in next ch. 1 tc in each of next 10 ch. V-st in next ch. 1 tc in each of last 8 ch. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.

Rounds 2 – 9: Ch 3. *1 tc in each tc to ch-1 sp of next V-st. V-st in ch-1 sp of next V-st. Rep from * 3 times more. 1 tc in each tc to end of rnd. Join. 124 tc and 4 ch-1 sps at end of 9th rnd.

Dividing the Jumper Sleeves and Body:

Round 1: Ch 3. 1 tc in each of next 16 tc. 1 c in ch-1 sp of next V-st. Ch 3 for underarm. Skip next 28 tc. 1 tc in ch-1 sp of next V-st. 1 tc in each of next 34 tc. 1 tc in ch-1 sp of next V-st. Ch 3 for underarm. Skip next 28 tc. 1 c in ch-1 sp of next V-st. 1 tc in each of last 17 tc. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.

Round 2: Ch 3. 1 tc in each tc or ch around. Sl st to top of ch 3. 78 tc.

Round 3: Ch 3 1 tc in each tc around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.

Round 4: Ch 3. 1 tc in each tc around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Rep last rnd until your jumper measures 11 cm from the under arm to the bottom of your jumper.

Ribbing: Ch 2. *tcbp around post of next st. tcfp around post of next st. Rep from * to last st. Tcbp around post of last st. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Rep last rnd 4 times more. Fasten off at end of last rnd.

Sleeves (Optional):

Round 1: (RS). Join yarn with sl st to centre of underarm ch. Ch 3. 1 tc in each ch or tc around. Join with sl st to top of ch3. 31 tc.
Round 2: Ch 3. 1 tc in each tc around. Rep last rnd until the sleeve from underarm chain measures 10 cm. Round 3: Ch 3. 1 tc in each of next 15 tc. Tc2tog. 1 tc in each tc to end of rnd. 30 tc.

Sleeve Ribbing:

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first st). *Tcbp around post of next st. Tcfp around post of next st. Rep from * to last st. Tcbp around post of last st. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Rep last rnd 4 times more. Fasten off at end of last rnd.

Congratulations! You have finished your jumper. For a nice touch to finish off your jumper, how about going around the neck line and the bottom of your jumper in a contrasting colour? Just attach your yarn, chain 2, then double crochet into each stitch around and when you reach the starting chain 2, simply join into this with a slip stitch.

Happy Crocheting!

Happy Easter!

April 1, 2018March 31, 20182 Comments

Hello Everybody!

Sorry that it has been so long since my last blog post. I have been really busy on placement and also I have some not so good news. A few weeks ago I found a lump on my breast. I made an appointment to see my GP who then sent me to Breast Clinic at hospital. I saw a lovely consultant who assured me that he was sure the lump was 99.9% “nothing” but thought he would do a biopsy to be sure. Anyway, long story short, I am booked in to have surgery on Friday April 13th (what a date!) to have the tumour removed. It was a huge shock BUT I CAN AND WILL get through this. Some days I do feel really angry and ask why me but I know that there are people in this world that are going through things that are a gazillion times worse that what I am going through. I have the most amazing bunch of friends and family and I am in no way a quitter.

In happier news (!), I have been busy with my crochet hook and sewing machine! I completed a beautiful cardigan from the book Geek Chic Crochet by Nicki Trench using Wendy 4 ply in a beautiful Mint Colour. I also made a cute toddler kitty jumper and up cycled a pair of old jeans that were destined for the bin into a little girls pinafore!