Three New Crochet Patterns

Three new crochet patterns completed this week as you can see two are fo shawls and one for a wrap/sarong. These patterns are now available by clicking here for my Folksy Store or here for my Etsy Store.

Five Funky Flowers Crochet Pattern

 
All five flowers begin with the same centre. You can make the flowers in any colours and any type of yarn with the recommended hook size. Here I used DK yarn and 5mm hook.
Flower Centre Pattern
Ch 4 join with a slip st to form circle.
Rnd 1: ch 1 work 9 hdc into the circle, join with slip st.
Rnd 2: ch 1 work 2 hdc into each st, finish by working one hdc into same sp as ch, join with sl st.
Pink Sunflower Pattern
Join pink yarn to the flower centre, begin with 1 sc into the centre, ch 6, sc into next st – repeat all the way around, finish with a sl st.

Celtic Rose Pattern
With Flower centre already complete
Rnd 1: *ch 6, sk 3 st, 1 sc in next st*,** rep to end
Rnd 2: *ch 8, sk 3 st, 1 sc in next st*,** rep to end
Rnd 3: *ch 6, sk 3 st, 1 sc in next st*,** rep to end
Fasten off.


White Daisy Pattern
With flower centre already complete, begin with 1 sc into the centre, ch 10, sc into next st – repeat all the way around, finish with a sl st.
 
Square Edge Flower
With flower centre already complete, begin with *1 sc in 1st st, 1hdc in next st, 2 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, sl st in next st*, ** rep to end.

Ruffle Blue & Red Flower
With flower centre already complete,
Rnd 1: begin with 2 ch sl st into same sp, *dc into next st and sl st in same sp*, **rep to end
Rnd 2: ch 2, turn flower over and work in opposite direction, working on back of flower, make 1 dc into same sp and finish with sl st in same sp, * work 2 dc into next petal and finish with sl st in same petal*, ** rep to end. 
This pattern is offered and made available for personal use only. If you wish to reproduce this in any way please contact me or make sure that reference is made to the original author’s blog http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/ Thank you Crochet Conversion Chart US/UK International Yarn Weight Conversion Chart
I hope you enjoy using this pattern and if you are looking for other free patterns please visit Crochet Pattern Central

New Items on Etsy & Folksy by TheSunroomUK

Mermaid Shawl

Butterfly Wrap/sarong

Patriotic Baby blanket/afghan.

English Rose – Freeform style Christening Baby Shawl, Blanket, Afghan.
Please click here to visit my Folksy store
or click here to visit my Etsy store.

Happy Earth Day 2010

 

Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day.

Take action today click here to learn more and take action.

Easy Capelet

Materials: 5.5mm crochet hook, 100g Patons Vintage yarn.
Pattern:
Ch 60 + 2 (to count as first dc)
Row 1: dc into each ch to end (60sts)
Row 2: ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 5th st to end (73sts)
Row 3: ch 2, dc into each to to end
Row 4:ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 10th st to end (81sts)
Row 5: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 6: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 7: ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 10th st to end (89sts)
Row 8: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 9: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 10: ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 10th st to end (99sts)
Row 11: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 12: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 13: ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 10th st to end (110sts)
Row 14: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 15: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 16: ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 7th st to end (126sts)
Row 17: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 18: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Row 19: ch 2, inc into first st by working 2 dc and every 5th st to end (152sts)
Row 20: ch 2, dc into each st to end
Finishing:
To finish darn in all end and add either a button and chained loop to fasten button alternatively crochet chains could be attached at each side of the cape to have a tie fastening.
This pattern is offered and made available for personal use only. If you wish to reproduce this in any way please contact me or make sure that reference is made to the original author’s blog http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/ Thank you Crochet Conversion Chart US/UK International Yarn Weight Conversion Chart
I hope you enjoy using this pattern and if you are looking for other free patterns please visit Crochet Pattern Central

Folksy Showcase – Buteartism – Macmillan Fundraising Shop.

Purple Shell Earrings £5.00 Click here.

I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in December 2009, and after having a hysterectomy in January 2010, I am now receiveing chemotherapy at The Beatson Centre in Glasgow. I have a wonderful Macmillan Nurse called Morag who comes to visit me and knowing that Macmillan rely soley on donations, I wanted to be able to raise some funds to help our local branch. Seeing as I like making jewellery - what better way to raise some money for this wonderful cause!

Small Goody Bag £6.00 Click here.

Pewter Heart Earrings £5.00 Click here.

Tiny Red Heart Earrings £5.00 Click here.

Mobile Phone Charm £2.50 Click here.

Vintage Crossover Mobius Wrap Pattern

Note:
This shawl is based on the mobius concept – if you haven’t worked a mobius shawl, wrap or cowl and require further explanation of the concept please click here.
Materials: 9mm crochet hook, 100g Patons Vintage.
Pattern:
Ch 90, twist chain and join with sl st
Rnd 1: ch 2, *sk 1,dc, ch 1*, ** rep to end, join to sl st.
Rnds 2-14: ch 3, *dc into 1st ch sp, ch 1*, ** rep to end, join with sl st. Complete all rnds alike. Fasten off and darn all ends in. 
This pattern is offered and made available for personal use only. If you wish to reproduce this in any way please contact me or make sure that reference is made to the original author’s blog http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/ Thank you Crochet Conversion Chart US/UK International Yarn Weight Conversion Chart
I hope you enjoy using this pattern and if you are looking for other free patterns please visit Crochet Pattern Central

Ethical Mirasol Blanket Project

Look at the absolutely exquisite colours in this embryonic blanket project. I think I could be in heaven and given this wool comes from such an ethical project makes me feel good too. I don’t want to lecture anyone about social responsibility and ethical consumerism as I think this yarn could make the argument for me. I have just received a variety of skiens of Mirasol Hacho and I’ve decided to be very selfish and make myself a huge blanket, throw, afghan.

Here are some sneak preview shots of what I hope will become a magnificent piece of work when finally complete. I am also very lucky to have found what has become my favourite online yarn store. To visit the store pleas click here Aileen's Wool Shop. Those of you who know my name please don’t be confused this is not my shop but it is an incredible place to source a variety of ethical yarns such as Mirasol. The really competitively priced yarns include Artesano, Louise Harding, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Araucania, Colinette and Rowan. The shop also has all manner of knitting and crochet accessories.
I would highly recommend a visit to this store if you love quality yarns but don’t wish to pay top dollar. Aileen is a lovely lady and provides exceptional customer service, give it a try you’ll be delighted.
Aileen's Wool Shop

I am writing up my pattern as I go and will publish it once completed. I will update regularly with progress photos. It’s so very exciting to work with such ethical and sublime yarn. For information on the Mirasol project click here.

Folksy Showcase

Secret Heart £3.95 - Click Here

I recently decided it would be a good idea to showcase some other Folksy stores and sellers. Rather than bombard you with lots and lots of sellers I’ve chosen one store and five products to showcase each week.

So introducing –

HomeSunWithLove by Sue Phillips

I'm Sue, married to Paul, one daughter Jessica and Ellie the cat too. I live in North Warwickshire where I was a HE teacher for over 20 years. I now alter wedding and prom dresses and work on my homespun projects. I have always had a passion for sewn items and stitchery. My love for homespun items came about as a result of discovering fantastic fabric and craft supplies while on visits to USA and Australia. I have always loved all things handmade and crafted. Everything in my shop is handmade by myself and comes from a smoke free home. I use patterns from a few different designers, as well as creating several of my own designs. My items are for display purposes only as they often have small items like buttons on them and therefore are not suitable for young children.

Teddy Bear Brooch/Pin £3.25 Clich here

Homespun-Raggedy-Dolly £27.50 Click here

Playful Kitten £3.95 - Click here

Fabric Postcard £15.00 Click Here

To visit HomeSpunWithLove’s Folksy store - please click here

Circular Crochet Rag Rug – Instructions

Circular Crochet Rag Rug Tutorial

This pattern is for a circular rag rug to illustrate the process of crocheting a rag rug in the round. Once you understand this concept you can then choose a variety of patterns to work with - ovals, squares, rectangles or even a hexagon.
A rag rug crochets up fairly quickly but the time consuming aspect is in the preparation. You will need to gather a variety of fabrics to cut and turn into your yarn. Think about the properties of any particular fabric you choose - is it stretchy, flexible, coarse, closely woven. Is it likely to fray? Although most fabrics do initially shed some fibres some materials are worse than others.
You will need a fairly large hook I always use 10mm but anything between 10mm and 15mm would be suitable. I find a 15mm hook a tad unwieldy in the hand.
Your next job is going to be to cut the yarn into strips with as few joins as possible. To avoid too many knots cut in a zigzag style from side to side or cut from out edge in a spiral manner to the centre. The fabric should be approximately 2cms wide or 1”. This measurement is not cast in stone and there will be slight variations in the width which is a natural property of any handmade crocheted rag rug. Roll the yarn into balls. It is difficult to estimate the amount of fabric required but I always find it is more than you might initially anticipate. If you prepare approx 5 different colours/patterns to begin with you should then be able to estimate how much more is required to complete the project.
If you are not used to using your hands intensively you may end up with aching hands during the cutting up stage - I think in my eagerness I even ended up with a blister or two. It is worth preparing the yarn in advance as it can become frustrating to have to stop crocheting to do more cutting up. It will also take a while to get used to working with such a large hook and fabric as it it is a very different experience to crocheting with yarn.
As you become more familiar with the process you will learn to assess which fabrics work best for you and your design. You will also learn when you need to make additional increases etc to stop the rug curling. The structure of a crocheted rag rug is synergistic each separate stitch is dependant upon all other stitches and the properties of the fabrics used.
1. Chain 3
 
2. Join the ring with a sl st, ch 1 and then sc x 5 into the ring, join the circle with a sl st.

3. ch 1, (It may be useful at this stage to start marking the beginning of your round with a safety pin). sc x2 into each st,then join with a sl st.
4. ch 1, *sc twice into next st, sc 1 in next st* ** rep to end, join with sl st.

5. ch 1, *sc twice into next st, sc 1 in next st* ** rep to end, join with sl st.

6. Now begin working in the round (no more ch at beg of row and no more sl st) *sc twice into next st, sc 1 in next st* ** rep to end.
7. Continue to use pin to mark your rounds. 1 sc into each st. 

8. 1 sc into next 3 st, sc x2 into next st and every 4th st to end of round.
 
9. 1 sc into next 4 st, sc x2 into next st and every 5th st to end of round.

10. Complete 1 round 1 sc in each st to end.
11. sc x 2 into 1 st, sc for next 3 st, sc next st and every 4th st to end of round.
12. Complete 1 round 1 sc in each st to end.
13. sc x 2 into 1 st, sc for next 3 st, sc next st and every 4th st to end of round.
14. Complete 1 round 1 sc in each st to end.
Continue with these rounds (13 & 14) until work measures required diameter.
At this point my rug measures 19” diameter.

You can keep going here for as long as you like – but be warned they can become difficult to work with after a 4-5ft diameter.
Here is one of my earlier rugs and this reached approx 6ft.
Note: If your rug begins to wrinkle you are increasing too often – reduce amount of increase for 1 round.
If your rug begins to curl upwards, like a bowl you are not increasing enough. 
Happy Rug Making.

The Butterfly Project

Hello Everyone,
I hope you are all well today. I’m somewhat tired on account of staying up way past my usual bedtime last night in order to make another butterfly and to write a pattern to share with everyone.
In an earlier post I did say I would let you have more details about The Butterfly Project sometime this week. well here are the details.

In an effort to remember them, Holocaust Museum Houston is collecting
1.5 million handmade butterflies.
The butterflies will eventually comprise a breath-taking exhibition, currently scheduled for Spring 2012, for all to remember.
As of Summer 2008, we have already collected an estimated 400,000 butterflies.
You can find the full details at http://www.hmh.org/minisite/butterfly/
You can handcraft you butterflies from a variety of media but the organisation states the following.

• Butterflies should be no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches.
• Butterflies may be of any medium the artist chooses, but two-dimensional submissions are preferred.
• Glitter should not be used.
• Food products (cereal, macaroni, candy, marshmallows or other perishables) also should not be used.

I think this is a great project to get involved in and I hope that all of you will too. I have created a Flickr group for everyone to post their butterflies on here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1194157@N20/

I have also written the following crochet pattern for a butterfly which I hope will be useful to fellow crochet chums everywhere. Of course you don’t need to stick to crochet any craft will suffice. This is a tremendous project for children to participate in and express themselves.
The Butterfly
The last, the very last, So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow. Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing against a white stone....
Such, such a yellow Is carried lightly ’way up high. It went away I’m sure because it wished to kiss the world good-bye. For seven weeks I’ve lived in here, Penned up inside this ghetto. But I have found what I love here. The dandelions call to me And the white chestnut branches in the court. Only I never saw another butterfly.
That butterfly was the last one. Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.
Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942
Born in Prague on January 7, 1921. Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942. Died in Aushchwitz on September 29, 1944.
I have posted the crochet pattern on a separate page so that people can link directly to it. http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/2009/09/holocaust-butterfly-pattern-crochet.html