Campus Unisex Scarf–Free Crochet Pattern

Materials: 6.5mm hook, 150g various colours of DK yarn. I used 7 different colours –pale green, apple green, pale blue, bright blue, turquoise, red & orange.
Measurements: 7” x 74” approx.
Skill Level: easy
Pattern:
Chain 175 sts or to desired length.
Work 24 rows changing colour for every row. All rows ch 1 and work sc into all sts to end, turn, change colour and repeat.

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.thesunroomuk.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

Dark Days

I was hoping to do a final blog of the week with lots of photographs of things I’ve been working on. However in common with many people in blog land the light levels have been so appalling that it’s not even worth picking up the camera.

I did promise to show you progress on my current rag rug but can’t. I started the week enthusiastically working like a beaver on the rug – chop, chop, busy, busy, bang bang. The a lovely lady from California commissioned me to make a large 60” vibrant bright granny afghan, which is now almost complete.

Being how I hate waking up in the dark, having short dull days and it being dark again just after 4pm – I’ve been working on another rather bright granny square blanket. With a bit of luck the sun will shine over the weekend so that I can cheer you all up with some bright photographs next week.

I’ve had another lady approach me this week enquiring if I can make a scarf like the afghan below.

 

So have a great weekend and hopefully the sun will shine wherever in the world you are.

Rag Rug Inspirations, How To’s and Patterns.

Well as I’m busy waiting for lots new yarn to arrive I decided to start a new rag rug project that I think is going to be rather large. I’m not sure how long it will take to complete but I am going to work on it for at least 2 hours everyday.

In the meantime I thought I would share a few resources with you.

For some visual inspiration why not visit flickr?

Crochet Rag Rug Group - click here.

Rag Rug Group - click here.

Crocheting Rag Rugs Group - click here.

Handmade Rugs Group - click here.

Other good articles include:-

Thrifty fun - Crochet Rag Rug Instructions - click here.

Love To Know - Crochet Rag Rugs - click here.

AboutCom - Oval Rag Rug Instructions.

My Circular Rag Rug Instructions can be found here.

You can find patterns for heart rag rug, ripple rag rug and granny style rag rug in both my Ravelry pattern store and my Etsy store.

I will be posting photographs of my new rag rug in the coming days so that you can see my work in progress.

Hyperbolic Valentine Red Roses–Crochet Pattern

You can use any type of yarn with a suitable hook size. Here I have used a small quantity of red DK yarn (wool & Acrylic blend) and a 4mm hook.

Pattern:
Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a circle.
Rnd 1: make 5 sc into the circle and join with a sl st.
Rnd 2: ch 1, work two sc into each st
Rind 3: (work all subsequent rnds in the round i.e. do not join with a sl st and do not ch at the beginning of a round)
work two sc into each existing st.
Here I completed 5 rounds and fastened off. If you want a larger flower work more rounds.

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

Unisex Jumper Knitting Pattern

3timesChic
by Bonne Marie Burns

This EASY pullover works in any yarn that knits to a 3sts/inch gauge.

Looks great in a bulky cotton, wool, mohair or ribbon!

AND has a surprise twist in the pattern finishing!

[Be sure to read the pattern through before starting.]

Get the full pattern and instructions at Knitty.com

How To Do Corner Start Diagonal Crochet

This method of crocheting is done diagonally, corner to corner.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 20 minutes to learn technique

Here's How:

1. Row 1: Chain 5, turn, 3 double crochet in the 5th chain from the hook (beginning block made).
2. Row 2: Chain 5, turn, 3 double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook (block made), slip stitch around post of beginning chain of previous block, chain 3, 3 double crochet in the same space where slip stitch was made (around post of chain). This row now has 2 blocks.
3. Row 3: Chain 5, turn, 3 double crochet in 4th chain from hook (block made), slip stitch around chain-3 post of first block, chain 3, 3 double crochet in same space * slip stitch around chain-3 post of next block, chain 3, 3 double crochet in same space *.
4. Remaining Rows: Work as in row 3, repeating between stars (*) as many times as needed across row. There will be one additional block at the end of each row. When desired width is reached, see step 5 (Decrease Row).
5. Decrease Row: When desired width is reached, begin decreasing, as follows: Slip stitch in each of first 3 double crochet and in first chain-3 space, chain 3, 3 double crochet in same space, * slip stitch around chain-3 post of next block, chain 3, 3 double crochet in same space * , repeat between stars (*) across row, end with slip stitch around chain-3 post of last block.
6. Repeat Decrease Row until only one block remains.

Tips:

1. You can make an afghan in diagonal crochet by making one large square of the size desired or, for take-along work, you can make smaller squares (perhaps in varied colors) to join together when finished.
2. Where above directions say "slip stitch around chain-3 post", an alternate way of giving these directions would be "slip stitch in chain-3 space".

Source - About.com

Betty Shrug Pattern

Free Pattern at Berroco click here.

It’s Marmalade Time–Marmalade Recipe.

Ingredients:

Oranges 10-12 (I used Navel but Seville are the best when available)

2 Kg Sugar (I used normal granulated sugar 50% and preserving sugar 50%. Purely because that’s what was in the cupboard)

1 Lemon

3 Litres of Water

Materials:

1 Jam/Preserving pan or a heavy bottomed pan large.

Chopping Board, Sharp Knife, Dessert spoon

Approx. 8-10 sterilised Jars.

Recipe:

1. Sterilise jam jars, place them in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer briskly for 10-15 minutes. Leave to dry

2. Cut the oranges in half. Using a metal spoon, scoop out the flesh over a bowl to collect any juice, leaving the pith behind. Reserve the shells. This is the messy stage.

3. Put the flesh, juice, lemon and water into the Jam pan and begin to simmer.

4. Now scoop out as much of the pith from the shells as possible. Slice the rind into very thin and fine strips and add these to the pan. I added approx. 2 orange skins to the mixture add more if preferred.

5.. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the rind is very soft and the mixture has reduced by half.

6. Over a low heat, add the sugar and stir until it has dissolved. Boil for about 10-20 minutes, skimming off any froth on the surface.

7. After 10-20 minutes, spoon a little of the marmalade onto a cold plate and place in the fridge. If it sets to a jelly the marmalade is cooked. If necessary, cook for a further 5-10 minutes and test again.

8. Allow the marmalade to cool slightly, then pour into the sterilized jars.

9. Seal the jars when cool and decorate with small circles of fabric if desired.

 

10. Store in a cool dark place and enjoy on toast or croissants with a refreshing cup of Earl Grey tea.

thing-a-day

View the blog post here.

Bluebells Granny Square Blanket

Here’s my latest completed blanket. The blue yarn reminds me of bluebells and so the name was born.

Thing A Day 2011

Ready for a creative kick start, get you creativity flowing with Thing a Day 2011 the yearly creative sprint.

Thing-a-day is a yearly creative sprint where, every year in February, participants commit to creating one new thing a day and post it on a collective blog. 2010 was thing-a-day's fourth edition and the first to run on Posterous. We're gearing up for 2011 so come back mid-January for more updates!

Find out more at the Thing a day blog click here.

The Big Chill & Cosy Blankets

It sure is cold outside – I wonder what the weather is like in your part of the world? Here in my part of the world this is day 47 of snow on the ground. I can’t remember a winter like it before. I’m soooooooooo cold.

I guess this isn’t really that surprising given the temperatures outside and the fact we didn’t have any heating other than 1 room with a wood burner for weeks. Heating oil was like gold dust in December.

So there’s only one thing to do in a situation like this and it’s make blankets. There is method in my madness – whilst making a blanket it actually keeps you warm

So if you feeling like getting cosy under a blanket or even want to get crocheting then why not visit my Etsy Shop for ideas and inspiration.

Whatever the weather is like in your world – keep cosy this winter.

Granny Smith Apple Green Granny.

Rainbow Hexagon Blanket.

Roby Retro Granny Blanket.

Retro Black Floral Granny.

J’adore Floral Granny.

Darning Ends in–Crochet or Knitting.

I recently has a request to explain darning ends in from a lovely lady named  Angela New Mexico, USA. As we all know this is a job that has to be done - love it or hate it. I’m in the latter camp and so the single best piece of advice that I would offer to anyone is ‘sew as you go’. If you don’t adopt this principle and leave all ends until you have completed your crochet or knitting project then you will be faced with an overwhelming task that may then be consigned to a WIP status as you begin something new. Especially when working with granny squares I find it imperative to sew as I go.

Sew as you go.

Joining New Yarn in Crochet

Starting a New Ball or Skein & Hiding Loose Ends when Crocheting

Starting a new ball or skein in crochet

Once bigger projects are begun, a crocheter will need to start a new ball of yarn or skein of thread into a project. It’s best to do this at the start of a row. This way, it will be easier to hide the tail of the yarn and keep the work looking tidy. Take the new yarn and wrap it around the hook. Draw up a loop and continue crocheting. Leave a six inch tail and tie a loose knot to keep it in place. When the item is completed, untie the knot and weave in the ends. This method can also be used when changing yarn in the middle of a row.

Loose Ends

Whenever a deadline is a factor, don't forget to account for time to sew in the ends. It can sometimes take a long time to finish a piece. When the ends are sewed in, try to make it as invisible as is possible Take time to make sure that whatever method is used is secure. If the ends won't stay put, then wash the item. Any ends sticking up can usually be clipped if a long enough end was left, and much of it was sewn in.

Tips on Dealing with Loose Ends

• Use long ends of six inches or longer, and sew in as much of them as possible. Little pieces may stick out after washing and if the pieces were cut having only left a small strand; soon there will be little left and it may come apart.
• Don't sew over two strands at once, because it gives a bulky look. If absolutely necessary, then sew over one of the strands and then bring the other one up to the next row or round, and sew over it there.
• Try to sew ends in on the wrong side of the work.
• Don't pull the work too tightly when weaving or the work may pucker.
• A yarn needle works best to weave in loose ends.
• When working with doilies, a yarn needle will be too big and a sewing needle will damage the work; use a crochet hook.
• Weaving in yarn ends is necessary for neatness and to prolong wear. With the wrong side facing, thread the needle with the end of the yarn. Carefully weave the needle along the back of the stitches about two to three inches on a diagonal, gently pulling the yarn end. Weave the other yarn end in the opposite direction. When finished, gently stretch the fabric in all directions so the fabric doesn’t pull. Trim any excess yarn ends.

Avoid Knots

Avoid making knots. It isn't necessary to knot, as weaving in ends properly (as described above) will make them perfectly secure.Tying a knot doesn't leave enough yarn to fix it if it ever did unravel. Also, any work entered into competition is subject to "knot-scrutiny." If a judge can find any knots at all, the work will lose many points.
Source: Suite101 Click here to view the original article.

There’s another good explanation/tutorial and video about sewing/darning ends over at Meet Me at Mikes - click here to view.
You need a big fat tapestry needle from your sewing store! You do! We need to be able to thread that thick yarn through the needle's eye. Then you simply thread the loose end through the eye and sew backwards and forwards under your stitches (so your thread is concealed and woven in) 3 or 4 or 5 times. Then snip the end close to your work and give the granny square a wriggle so the end disappears under your stitches!
Source: Meet Me at Mikes
If you have any handy or useful hints or tips please do leave a comment.

The Perfect Hook

Which type of crochet hook is your perfect hook? Plastic, aluminium, wooden or bamboo or maybe acrylic. I find bamboo and plastic too lightweight at the moment aluminium work’s best. I am always on a quest to find the perfect hook.
Does ergonomic work best for you? Is there a particular brand that you like Symphonie, knitpro, Brittany ? I’d love to hear what type of hooks you all use.

Hooks Types

Confused over the vast array of hooks on the market?
Here is some information which might aid you in your choice.

HOOK INFORMATION
Addi Turbo hooks have carefully designed handles which add comfort while crocheting - especially for those with arthritis. The handles are also colour-coded. Made in Germany. These hooks have the more rounded tips
Profi Hooks - each size has a different colored handle. The hook itself features a gold plated tip. The thinner sizes come with with a rubber point protector. Made in Germany
Brittany Walnut Hooks - Brittany Victorian Crochet Hooks are crafted from the finest Eastern Black Walnut, finished by hand and carefully measured to metric and standard gauge. Sadly these are no longer manufactured. They are now collectors items.
Brittany Birch Hooks - Made to the same high standard as its walnut sisters. Brittany are what is known as an in-line hook (the hook is exactly in line with the shaft, and the hook itself is more flat.
Aero - Steel and Aluminiun hooks that are very popular in Canada and Europe. Great value and a good hook for the beginner
Susan Bates Bamboo Hooks - Lightweight hooks, made in Japan. These are in-line hooks .
Clover - Made in Japan. Japanese hooks tend to be a little shorter than their North American or European counterparts. Clover make a few different types of hook which we detail below.
Aluminium - A light, durable aluminium hook, They have become best sellers because of their unique hook configuration which makes intricate work easier and common crocheting faster.
Bamboo - made from high quality bamboo. Lightweight to use.
Soft Touch - has a padded rest which makes them very comfortable to us. There are sizes for both thread and yarn.
Double-Ended - also known as Travel Hooks. One hook size on one end, and one hook size on the other. Saves carrying around too many hooks at once.
Laurel Hill Forest Palmwood Hooks - With care the palmwood is hand selected, sized, sanded, and polished to create a premium crochet hook.
Surina Wooden Crochet Hooks - Beautiful wood hooks made from Surina wood which comes from an area in India. These hooks have lovely turned handles and are lightweight, making them easy to use.
Crystalites - Very lightweight. Great for air travel as they are not made from metal. They slide easily through any yarn.
What is the difference between and inline hook and one that isn't?
An inline hook has the head exactly inline with the shaft of the hook. One that is not inline has a more tapered shaft extending from the hook. See the photo below for a better idea.
Source: Karpstyles.com