CraftClub UK

 
  
Volunteer for the next phase of Craft Club                
 

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Can you knit or crochet?

Craft Club is a national scheme to teach children yarn skills in fun and lively community settings using the help of volunteers. If you can knit or crochet and want to learn how to pass on these skills, come and join us at one of the free Craft Club volunteer training days taking place across the UK from September.
After a successful first year with over 350 active clubs in schools Craft Club is expanding in to community settings including museums, cinemas and libraries. It will work on the same premise with volunteers passing on their skills to others in a fun and lively environment – in this case to parents as well as children. 
There are seven confirmed training days across the UK. More will be announced soon on the Craft Club website.
If you can't commit to a whole day, you can find out more about Craft Club with our short talks at the Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, 6 - 9 October. Book your free place at one of these talks here.
Book now

All the training days are free and signing up is easy. Simply click on the link for the training event you are interested in and book!
- The Customs House, South Shields, 20 September 2011.
- Millennium Gallery, Sheffield, 29 September 2011.
- The New Art Gallery, Walsall, 7 October 2011.
- National Wool Museum, Carmarthenshire, 14 October 2011.
- Turner Contemporary, Margate, 19 October 2011.
- National Museum, Cardiff, 3 November 2011.
- V&A Museum of Childhood, London, 16 November 2011.

Comfort Blanket Campaign

The Knitter and Simply Knitting have put together a wonderful Ebook with a large selection of square designs to make a wonderful blanket.  For a small donation (I would suggest £5) this book could be yours there are over 20 different designs of written and charted patterns from Martin Storey, Alan Dart, Jenni Atkinson, Jane Crowfoot and Amanda Jones to name but a few.  The donation is for our charity of the year Refuge. Please see attached link to Just Giving page for Refuge,

Click here.

Get knitting to raise money for Mencap

As a thank you for donating to Mencap we will send you one of these beautiful knitting patterns!

New! Rosette
Designer Loiusa Harding has very kindly donated her beautiful Rosette knitting pattern to our cause! You can put them on anything from your favourite jacket to your little black dress. They make great presents and you could even sell them to raise money for Mencap

Dotty sun hat
Former Eastenders actress Natalie Cassidy has designed a pretty pair of hats for mother and baby, especially for Mencap and The Knitter.

Sunflower beret
Lynda Bellingham has designed this beautiful, sunflower-inspired beret for Mencap and The Knitter.

Snowflake Beanie
Actor and comedian Mathew Horne, one of Mencap's celebrity ambassadors, has designed this fun snowflake beanie for us

Find out more at Mencap

Sunshine International Blankets of Love - SIBOL

Sue over at Sue's Favourite Things began a project at the beginning of the year to create blankets for the elderly. She asked if fellow crocheter’s might help in her project by contributing a square or two.

In Sue’s words:-
I hope you can help. If everyone could just send one square I would be most grateful. I know postage is expensive.
For those who would like information
6" x 6" - (15cms x 15cms)
Knitted or Crocheted
Acrylic I think would be better (if possible) don't worry if you haven't got Acrylic.
Any design, any colour. (Basic Granny Square or more involved up to you!)
Just odd bits of wool/yarn you have left over from projects. I don't want it to cost any one
money.
No panic, no rush, no deadline. This is something I want to be doing all year.
The project has gone on to be a real huge success but she still needs more squares. If you are able and willing to help please pop over to her blog.
You can also email her at sueatpigsty@talktalk.net
The next issue of Inside Crochet, will also be covering Sue’s project, available in the UK in early June, 2010.
Below are more pictures of the beautiful blankets that have been created by a wonderful community of global crocheter’s.


You can see photos of all the contributions from around the globe over at the SIBOL Flickr group.

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

Turtleneck Ribbed Crochet Cowl – Haiti Earthquake Appeal

I have just produced this crochet pattern for a turtleneck ribbed cowl. The pattern is available to purchase through my Folksy store by clicking here.
I have designed this pattern in order to raise some money for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal please support me in this by purchasing the pattern here.
Thank you.
Alternatively please donate directly to DEC
We have to make the world a better place :-)

White Ribbon Campaign Scarf

I designed this neck Ribbon scarf to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign. The colour could be changed to reflect the organisation or charity you support.
The pattern is worked in crunch stitch which works quickly and easily and has a great texture once complete.
Skill Level: Easy
Materials: Any DK yarn approx 30g and 5.5mm hook.
Ch 100 + 1
Row – 1: skip 1st 2 ch (counts as 1 hdc), * sl st into next ch, 1 hdc into next ch*, ** rep to end and finish with 1 sl st in final chain.
Row – 2: 2 ch (counts as first hdc), skip 1 st, *sl st into next hdc, 1 hdc into next sl st*, ** rep to end finishing with a sl st into top of final chain.
Repeat these two rows twice more, 6 rows complete.
Row – 7: work 16st in pattern, ch 10, skip 10 st, complete rest of row in pattern. This row created the opening to slip the other end of the scarf through.
Row 8: work as row 2 working into each st and ch.
Rows 9: work as row 1
Row 10: work as row 2
Row 11: work as row 1
Row 12: work as row 2
Finish, break off yarn and darn in all ends,

Hand Warming Scarf Crochet

Here is a quick and easy pattern for a scarf that keeps your hands warm. A great gift idea for people who love the great outdoors. Would also be ideal for anyone who feels the cold in their hands. I think a lot of charities that assist the older people would also be able to make good use of these scarves.

Measurements
7.5” x 62”
Materials
200gm of Stylecraft Raffia – Fire, a small amount of either DK or chunky in contrast for the pockets. 8mm crochet hook and a darning/tapestry needle. 
Scarf
Ch 122
Work 9 rows in dc, ch 3 at the beginning of each row to count as first dc.
Pockets
Ch 15 + 2 (to count as first dc)
Work 9 rows in dc. ch 3 at the beginning of each row to count as first dc.
Finishing
Sew all ends in and sew the pockets onto the scarf.
This scarf works up quickly and is quite chunky and of course warm.

Seafarers Charity Crochet Pattern

Here is a quick and easy pattern that can be used to crochet a hat in a very short time.
This hat is worked with chunky yarn.
Once again part of the Loving Hands winter challenge is to knit or crochet hats for seafarers.
Materials: Approx. 45g either DK double up for thickness or chunky yarn. 8mm crochet hook.
Pattern:
ch3, join together with sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: ch 2, dc x 9 into the ring, join with sl st
Rnd 2: ch 2, dc into first st, dc twice into each of the remaining st ch, join with sl st
Rnd 3: ch 2, * 1 dc, 2 dc into next st*, Repeat to end, join with sl st
Rnd 4:  ch 2, * 1 dc, 2 dc into next st*, Repeat to end, join with sl st
Rnd 5: ch 2, 1 dc into each st, join with sl st.
Repeat Rnd 5 until desired length is reached. You can add additional rows if you want the hat to have a turn up. Here I did Rnd 4 five times.

This hat is worked in 2 strands of DK worked together for thickness.

This hat is worked in 1 strand dk and with a lot more rows.

Loving Hands Cellular Baby Blanket –Charity Crochet Pattern

Here is a quick and easy crochet pattern for a cellular baby blanket.
 
Measurements: 18” x 18”
Materials: 5.5mm hook, Double Knitting Yarn, 75g
Tension/Gauge: 6 sts (ch) 1 “ x 2 rows (dc) 1.5”
Cellular construction for greater insulation and breathability. This basic pattern could be scaled up to use as a pram blanket, cot blanket or a lap rug.
Pattern
Ch 81,
dc into 3rd chain from hook, *ch 1, dc 1*, ** rep to end, turn.
Repeat these rows until required length is achieved. Here I worked 31 rows.
Sew all ends in.
The blanket doesn’t require an edging but here I used a simple scallop edging.
5 dc into one of the cellular holes, sc into the top of the next dc, repeat all the way around.

The Sunroom © 2009 - designed and produced for Loving Hands Charity Knitters Group
You may freely use this pattern and distribute amongst other charity knitters. To reproduce in anyway please credit both the author & Loving Hands
http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/
http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/

Crochet Remembrance Poppy

 
A small amount of red wool is required, here I used a double knitting cotton mix and a 4.5mm crochet hook. I also used a small fabric covered black button.
Pattern
Ch 3, join with sl st to form circle.
Ch 3, work 9 dc into the centre of the circle and join with sl st.
Work the three petals separately.
Petal 1.
Ch 3, work 1st dc into same st, work 2 dc into each of the next 3 sts.
ch 1 work 2 sc into each st, tie off.
Petal 2.
work 2 dc into last dc of previous petal, work 2 dc into each of the next 3 sts.
ch 1 work 2 sc into each st, tie off.
Work petal 3 as 2.
Sew all ends in and attach button in the centre.


If you decide to make your own crochet Poppy please consider giving a donation to the poppy appeal.  You can do this in most shops etc where there is a collection tin. Alternatively you can visit the poppy appeal website and donate online.
Donate to the Poppy Appeal
There is also an opportunity to dedicate a poppy online, you choose your message and this will be written onto a special Flanders poppy and be planted at the Menin Gate on your behalf. This needs to be done by the 4th November, 2009
Dedicate A Poppy

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The Great War 1914-1918

Loving Hands Body Warmer Charity Pattern

This body warmer is crocheted in one piece and then sewn together at the shoulders. Here I have used double crochet stitch but you could use either single crochet or treble crochet. The pattern works up quickly and I’m told the final garment is indeed very warm.
I have designed this body warmer to be bigger around the front as I’m told most men are bigger at the front. If you want the warmer to be equally sized I would reduce the left & right front by 1 or 2 rows. This warmer measure 44” chest.
Materials:
5.5mm, any DK yarn here I used Wendy Fusion in shades of Chilli Pepper, Turmeric and Mace.
Tension/Gauge:
5 sts & 2 rows measures 2” x 1.5”
Pattern:
Ch 45 (+2 for turning)
Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook and across all ch
Row 2: ch2, dc into 2nd st and all across to end.
Row 3: ch 2, dc into 2nd stand all sts to last st, work 2 dc into final st
Row 4: Ch 2, 2 dc into 1st st, dc all sts.
Row 5: As row 3
Row 6: As row 4
Continue working these 2 rows and increasing at neck edge until 11 rows are complete.
Row 12-14 Work straight dc
Row 15: work 35 dc and turn (armhole shaping)
Row 16 – 18 work straight dc
Row 19: work straight dc and ch 19ch at end of row
Row 20: turn and dc into 2nd chain from hook and dc across all sts.
Row 21 – 23 straight dc
Row 24: dec 1 st at neck edge, dc to end.
Row 25: dec 1 st at neck edge, dc to end.
Row 26: dec 1 st at neck edge, dc to end.
Row 27 & 28 straight dc
You are now half way through and the pattern is now just reversed.
Row 29 & 30 straight dc
Row 31: inc 1 st at neck edge, dc to end
Row 32: inc 1 st at neck edge, dc to end
Row 33: inc 1 st at neck edge, dc to end
Row 34-35: straight dc
Row 36: work 35dc and turn (armhole shaping)
Row 37 - 40 work straight dc
Row 41:  work straight dc and ch 19ch at end of row
Row 42-44: Work straight dc
Row 45: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 46: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 47: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 48: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 49: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 50: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 51: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 52: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 53: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Row 54: dc 1 st at neck edge, dc all across
Finishing: I went around the whole warmer using black yarn and SC but that isn’t required. Sew in all loose ends.
If you are looking for further free crochet or knitting patterns please be sure to go to Crochet Pattern Central and Knitting Pattern Central
The Sunroom © 2009 - designed and produced for Loving Hands Charity Knitters Group
You may freely use this pattern and distribute amongst other charity knitters. To reproduce in anyway please credit both the author & Loving Hands
http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/
http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/

Loving Hands Crochet Baby Shoes Charity Pattern

This is a relatively quick and easy pattern to crochet baby shoes. All you need is a hook 4.5mm and a small quantity of DK wool. I know these look odd but they are crocheted with camouflage wool :-)
Sole
Ch 10
Rnd 1: 2 dc into 3rd ch from the hook, dc into the next 6 ch, 4 dc into final ch. Working on the other side of the ch dc into each chain until last ch, 2 dc into final stitch, join with sl st.
Rnd 2: ch 3, dc into same st, dc twice into next 2 sts, dc in each of the next 6sts, dc twice into next 5 sts, dc into each of the next 6 sts, dc twice in next stitch and then dc 3 times in final st and join with sl st.
Rnd 3: ch 1 sc into same st, sc twice into next 3 sts, sc into next 9 sts, sc twice in next 6 sts, sc into each of the next 9 sts, sc twice into next 6 st, join with sl st.
Side/Top of Shoe
Work into back loop throughout.
Rnd: 4: ch 1, sc 1, sk 1, sc1, sk 1, sc into next 9 sts, sc 1, sk 1 8 times, sc into next 9 sts, sc 1, sk 1 to end join with sl st.
Rnd 5: ch 1, sc 1, sk 1 twice, sc next 7 sts, sc 1, sk 1 5 times, sc next 7 sts, sc1, sk 1 to end join with sl st.
Strap
Join yarn where you feel appropriate and chain 8 and join at the opposite side. Work back across the ch in sc. Fasten off and sew all ends in.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sk – skip 1 stitch
sl st – slip stitch
st/s – stitch/stitches

The Sunroom © 2009 - designed and produced for Loving Hands Charity Knitters Group
You may freely use this pattern and distribute amongst other charity knitters. To reproduce in anyway please credit both the author & Loving Hands
http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/
http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/

Loving Hands Preemie Ripple Blanket Charity Pattern

Materials: 5.00mm crochet hook, 60g of double knitting yarn in 1 or more colours
Measurements: 18” x 14” approx.
Chain 54 + (2 for turning)
Row 1 - 1 dc into 3rd chain from hook
1 dc into each of next 4 chs
dc2tog
dc2tog
1 dc into each of next 4 chs
*2dc into next ch
2 dc into next ch
1dc into each of next 4 chs
dc2tog
dc2tog
1 dc into each of next 4 chs*
Repeat between ** ending last rep with 2 dc into last ch, turn.
Row 2 - ch3, 1 dc into same stitch,
1dc into each of next 4 chs
dc2tog
dc2tog
1 dc into each of next 4 chs
*2dc into next ch
2 dc into next ch
1dc into each of next 4 chs
dc2tog
dc2tog
1 dc into each of next 4 chs*
Repeat between ** ending last rep with 2 dc into the top chain of the chain-3 from previous row.
Repeat these 2 rows until 22 rows completed. Sew all ends neatly in.

If you are looking for further free crochet or knitting patterns please be sure to go to Crochet Pattern Central and Knitting Pattern Central

The Sunroom © 2009 - designed and produced for Loving Hands Charity Knitters Group
You may freely use this pattern and distribute amongst other charity knitters. To reproduce in anyway please credit both the author & Loving Hands
http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/
http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/

Innocent Smoothies Big Knit 2009 – urh hmmm (Crochet)

To be honest with you I can knit fairly well  and many of you will have seen a few of my patterns here on the blog. However crochet is much more my thing right now. I always like to do my bit for charity and so wanted to help the aged. So I decided to contact innocent and ask them if they would accept crochet hats. I’m delighted to tell you now that they will and do – yippee! They even have a basic crochet pattern that you can find here. http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/bigknit/Crochet_Pattern.pdf

I am in the process of creating a couple more crochet patterns for the ‘innocent big crochet 2009’ sector of society. Here are a few of my first creations. I will ask innocent to set up a flickr group specifically for crochet hats which I’m sure they will be delighted to do.

If you go to the innocent website you can find pictures of hats of the week  http://innocentdrinks.typepad.com/thebigknit/hat_of_the_week/ you can also find a variety of patterns http://innocentdrinks.typepad.com/thebigknit/hat_patterns/ hopefully crochet patterns will be represented here very shortly. You can find out all about the big knit story here http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/thebigknit/?Page=thebigknit_story

I hope that you might be inspired to do a bit of stash busting and send a few hats into Innocent to raise funds for help the aged.

Crochet Patterns posted on next blog.