Festival Garden String Bag

Here is a quick and easy festival bag constructed using 100% garden twine, jute. Cute, practical, ecological and hardwearing.

Materials: 7mm crochet hook, 100gm garden twine, tapestry needle.
Measurements: Bag 6” wide and 8.5” deep, handle 41” approx.
Pattern: ch 27, join with a sl st.
Rnd 1-24: work continuous rounds of sc joining with a sl st at the end of each rnd.
Rnd 25: ch 100 and join on the opposite side to form handle, then work across front top rim of bag by working 1 dc, 1sl st into each dc, continue this edging up and down the entire length of the handle, then continue the edging around the back top rim of bag.
To finish: darn in all ends. 
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

Wednesday Night Project 270110 – Lots of Love HEARTS

As we approach Valentines day I thought I would post a few links to interesting patterns for both Knitters and Crocheters alike. I hope they will inspire you to pick up your hooks or needles.

How to Knit a Heart

Knit a Heart in 15 Mins for Valentines Day

Knit a Heart – Craftpassion

Free Knitting Hearts Pattern

Hearts on Knitting Pattern Central

Felted Hearts

Filet Crochet Heart

Three Inch Crocheted Heart

Bella Dia Sweet Heart Crochet Pattern

How To Crochet A Heart shaped Rag Rug

Crochet Heart Fridgie

Roxycraft Hearts Amigurumi

The Queen Victoria Crochet Scarf Pattern

One of the Original Scarves made by Queen Victoria.

The Queen's Scarf of Honour

One of eight scarves Queen Victoria crocheted for presentation to members of her forces fighting in South Africa. This is the scarf awarded to Private R.R. Thompson on display at the Canadian War Museum.
In the last year of her long life, Queen Victoria crocheted eight scarves for presentation to members of her forces fighting in South Africa. Four were earmarked for members of colonial units, with one each going to "the most distinguished private soldier" serving in the forces of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The other four went to members of the British regular army. The Canadian scarf was awarded to Private R.R. Thompson for his actions in going to the aid of wounded comrades at Paardeberg on 18 and 27 February 1900.
With the passage of time, awareness of the scarf faded from Canadian memory. In 1964 Bombardier Kenneth Richardson, of the Royal Canadian Artillery, located the scarf with Thompson's family in Ireland. It was returned to Canada by Thompson's nephew in 1965, and has been on display at the Canadian War Museum ever since.
For further information click here.
This is my version of the scarf – albeit minus the tassels and in my mind a more appealing colour. I decided to create and document this pattern as it doesn’t seem to be documented elsewhere on the internet and could be a valuable educational resource for encouraging children to learn crochet :-)
Skill Level: Easy
Materials: 100g DK or worsted weight wool, 6mm crochet hook and darning needle.
Measurements: 8.25” x 54” approx.
Pattern:
ch 27 sts + 2
Row 1:  work three dc into 5th ch from hook, *sk 3 ch, work a dc three times into next ch*, ** rep to end.
Row 2: ch 3, *work 3 dc under next sp between triple dc cluster*, rep to end
Repeat row 2 until 82 rows are complete.
If adding tassels then on the original Queen Victoria crochet scarf they were 4” in length.
To Finish: 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
For other exclusive patterns and my handmade creations please click here.

January Prayer Shawl Crochet

It’s been so ridiculously cold this past week that I decided to create a shawl that is warm and evocative of spring bulbs emerging. This shawl is shaped in such a way that it fits snugly on and around the shoulders giving the feeling of warmth, security and a fabric cuddle.
Materials:
300g Caledon Hills Worsted Wool – 881 Goldenrod
7mm crochet hook
Pattern:
ch 70 (+2) counts as first hdc
Row 1: hdc into each ch to end
Row 2: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st and last st, dc into all other sts
Row 3: (Inc Row) ch 1, work 2 hdc into 1st and last st, hdc into all other sts
Row 4: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st st and every 10th st, work one dc into all other sts
Row 5: (Inc Row) ch 1, work 2 hdc into 1st and last st, hdc into all other sts
Row 6: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st and last st, dc into all other sts
Row 7: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st st and every 10th st, work one dc into all other sts
Row 8: ch 1, hdc into all sts
Row 9: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st and last st, dc into all other sts
Row 10: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st st and every 10th st, work one dc into all other sts
Row 11: (Inc Row) ch 2, work 2 dc into 1st and last st, dc into all other sts and ch between each dc
Row 12 – 14: (Dec Rows) decrease at both sides on each row by ch 3, work 1 dc into 2nd ch sp at beg and end of each row. Continue to work 1 ch, 1dc throughout.
Row 15 – end: (Dec Rows) Continue to decrease at each end of every row and work straight dc without ch in between sts.

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
This shawl may be available in my store by clicking here.

Diary Journal Cover – Crochet Pattern

Diary Cover Measures – 12” x 17.75 approx
Materials:8mm hook, 7mm hook, 100g red DK yarn, x2 50g 4 ply sock yarn, 1 tapestry/darning needle.
Note:
The outer cover is made as one piece, inside cover is constructed of 2 inner frames which are then either crocheted to front cover or sewn together. The inner frames should be slightly smaller to help secure the cover snugly.
This pattern is written in US terminology to convert to UK please click here for my conversion chart.
Pattern
Outer Cover
Using 8mm hook and 3 yarns together ch 44 (+1), turn
Row 1: Sc across all chains, turn
Rows 2-32: Ch 1, sc into all sts, turn
Internal Frames:
Make 2
Using 7mm hook and 3 yarns together ch23 (+1), turn
Rows 1: Sc across all chains, turn
Row 2: ch 1, sc into all sts, turn
Row 3 – 28: ch 1, sc into next 2 sts, turn
Row 29: ch 1, sc into next 2 sts, ch 21
Row 30: ch 1, sc into all sts & all chs (23)
Row 31: ch 1, sc into all sts
Finishing: Sew or crochet together the inner frames to the outer cover. Secure around the diary or journal and if required sew into place. Darn in all ends.

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

For more exclusive patterns and to see my handmade creations please click here.

Rhubarb & Custard Dickey

This is my pattern for a crochet ‘dickey’ and is in response to a competition I held in October this year. Details can be found on this blog
The dickey is worked in the round and is a fairly quick project. I have used double stranded worsted wool which means it’s exceptionally warm and very practical.
Note:
This pattern is written in US terminology please refer to my Crochet Conversion Chart to change to UK
Use two balls of yarn and crochet simultaneously with both colours/strands at the same time. Join all rounds with a slip stitch.
Materials:
Caledon Hills Worsted Wool 881 Goldenrod 1 skein
Caledon Hills Worsted Wool 865 Sweet Pea 1 skein
7mm Hook or US K 10.5 hook
Darning/tapestry needle
Pattern.
Ch 56 join with a sl st
Rnd 1-3 Ch 2 dc all around, join with sl st
Rnd 4 (Inc Rnd) ch 2, *work 2 dc into 1st st, work 1 dc into next st*,** repeat al the way around (84 sts)
Next round begins the wavy ripple pattern.
Rnd 5-6 Ch 2, work 1 dc into next three sts, *work x2 dc into next two sts, work 1 dc into next four sts, decrease two sts by working 2dctog twice, work 1 dc into next four sts*, ** rep to end, join with sl st 
Rnd 7-8 Change to double stranded Goldenrod and work same pattern as rows 5-6
Fasten yarn off after sl st.
Rejoin Goldenrod yarn at neck edge.
Rnd 9 – ch 1 work a complete rnd in sc
Rnd 10 – ch 1 work a complete round in hdc, fasten off.
To finish sew all ends in.



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Cuddle Me - Elegant Shoulder Warmer

Shoulder Warmer
7mm hook
Caledon Hills Worsted Wool – Sweet Pea 200g
Darning/tapestry needle.
Note: This pattern is written in US if you are working in the UK please refer to my Crochet Conversion Chart US/UK
Ch 70 join with slip stitch to form neckline.
Rnd 1 – ch 2, dc all the way around and join with sl st
Rnd 2 – ch 2, increase by working x2 dc into each 5^th st, all other stitches 1 dc, join with sl st
Rnd 3 – ch 2, increase by working x2 dc into each 4^th st, all other stitches 1 dc, join with sl st
Rnd 4 – 16 ( repeat row 4 12 times) –ch 2, dc into 1^st st and every st all around.
Finishing.

Scallop Edge
1 sc into first st, *skip next st, x5 dc into next st, skip next st, 1 sc into next st*, ** repeat all around.
Sew all ends in.
Although I have edged this with a scallop edging you could use various other types of edging or attach tassels or fringing.

Ruffle Hand Warmer Pattern

UK Hand Knitting Council

UK Hand Knitting
I’m delighted to let you all know that my recent ‘Crocheted Sunroom Spiral Scarf’ has now been added to the councils website.
The UK Hand Knitting Association, (formerly The British Hand Knitting Confederation) was formed in 1991 when the Hand Knitting Association (HKA) merged with the British Hand Knitting Association (BHKA). The BHKC's main aim was to raise the profile of hand knitting. It did this through 'Learn to Knit' classes held throughout the UK, 'Relax and Knit' stands at all the main Knitting and Sewing shows and by the introduction of National Competitions showcased at the Knitting and Sewing shows.
This free pattern was also featured as pattern of the day yesterday, 16-10-2009, at The Daily Crocheter.

Sari Silk Crochet Bag Pattern

Here is the pattern for a quick and easy crochet bag. Here I have used Sari Silk.

Materials:
50g Sari Silk Recycled Yarn
Crochet Hook 10mm, pair of handles here I used bamboo handles size: 4.5” Diameter. Darning/tapestry needle.
 
This is the bag laid flat before sewing up. The bag is made in one complete piece.
Pattern
Ch 7, + 2 for turning.
Row 1 - SC into 2nd ch from hook and each ch to end.
Row 2 – Ch 1, Sc into all sts until last st, increase by doing 2 sc  into final st (9sts)
Row 3 – Ch 1, Sc into all sts until last st, increase by doing 2 sc  into final st (11sts)
Row 4 - Ch 1, Sc into all sts until last st, increase by doing 2 sc  into final st (13 sts)
Row 5 - Ch 1, Sc into all sts until last st, increase by doing 2 sc  into final st (15 sts)
Row 6 - Ch 1, Sc into all sts until last st, increase by doing 2 sc  into final st  (17 sts)
Row 7 - Ch 1, Sc into all sts until last st, increase by doing 2 sc  into final st (19sts)
Row 8 – 12, Sc into all sts
Row 13 – Ch 1, sc into 2nd St (1 dec) sc to next to end stitch, sk st, sc (2nd dec) (17st)
Row 14 -Ch 1, sc into 2nd St (1 dec) sc to next to end stitch, sk st, sc (2nd dec) (15st)
Row 15 - Ch 1, sc into 2nd St (1 dec) sc to next to end stitch, sk st, sc (2nd dec) (13 sts)
Row 16 - Ch 1, sc into 2nd St (1 dec) sc to next to end stitch, sk st, sc (2nd dec) (11sts)
Row 17 - Ch 1, sc into 2nd St (1 dec) sc to next to end stitch, sk st, sc (2nd dec) (9sts)
Row 18 - Ch 1, sc into 2nd St (1 dec) sc to next to end stitch, sk st, sc (2nd dec) 7scs
Here is a visual representation of the pattern.

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Finishing

Attach handles either by sewing on or crocheting on using sc st. You may wish to sew the bag up before doing this so that the handles do not end up inside the bag.

You are more than welcome to use my designs and creations on your own site - as long as I am credited and you put a link back to The Sunroom
Hopefully you will enjoy this pattern but if you are looking for a different pattern then please visit Crochet Pattern Central or the sister site Knitting Pattern Central
UK visitors if you like my patterns and my blog please would you consider voting for The Sunroom at Dorset Cereals Blog Awards

Unisex Cowl – ‘Neckie’ Crochet

This is a very easy and fast pattern to complete. Use any yarn you wish but the thicker/heavier the warmer the cowl. I used just 50gm.
Hook 10mm, Use any multiple of 2 to create the desired length. This cowl is worked in the round.
Chain 60,
Join with a sl st and work continuous rounds until the cowl is the desired size. Here I used double crochet stitch to add to the thermal properties of the cowl.
1st Rnd – sc all the way around.
2nd and all subsequent rnds *dc, ch1* until complete.

Inspiration

I was thinking the other day – what is it that inspires us to crochet, knit or generally craft. Quite often we can get inspired by colour, by shape or by texture. Often inspiration is driven by the desire to master a new technique or simply to create something individual and unique. Necessity is the mother of all invention and so inspiration can be borne of practical needs, especially in this current climate.
We’ve spent the weekend in the garden again and I realise that inspiration can come from the most natural forms.

This picture of of a begonia illustrates this perfectly. The pattern, colour and texture are so inspirational. The pinks, lilacs and purples are a sight to behold. This doesn’t look like just a plant but more like a painting.
Inspiration for me comes from all manner of places and we live in good times where we are able to access all manner of input via the current technologies. We can visit websites and blogs and see the most beautiful creations. We can get patterns and colour schemes at the flick of a button. In my opinion this doesn’t change what we are creating. Our creations are part of our everyday lives – a time stamp of a particular moment in time.
I was reminded of this recently when I decide upon a crochet project called the university blanket. As number one son gets ready to leave home and experience the academic life I thought it would be a good idea to make him a blanket. I began crocheting a blanket for him but have subsequently changed my mind on colour schemes. The said blanket, attempt number one, will find good use in our household after all we are in Scotland.
The blanket project is not a necessity but almost a rite of passage. It is symbolic of the cha,nges that will occur for both him and everyone in the household, he’s moving on. Last winter was sooooooo cold that I had numerous blankets on my bed. I was reminded of the timelessness of creativity when I remembered the crochet blanket I had on the bed last winter was in fact the blanket I crocheted in the weeks before he was born. 18 years on and still providing sterling service.
If you are looking for inspiration then why not visit http://www.ravelry.com/ or http://www.flickr.com/ There are so many beautiful creations to feed your imagination. On a more practical level if you are looking for basic patterns and instruction try http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/ or http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/

Yesterday we discovered these new pine cones on our tree – these are so inspirational and unexpected.

A rose in full bloom and such a beautiful colour.
Last week I was working on granny squares, octagons for my octagon blanket project and a jazzy beret – crocheted. I loved the colour of the wool that I used and the texture.

I crocheted this on a 4mm hook using Sirdar Fresco. It only took a couple of hours and I think the end product is great. I had been thinking about summertime and festival going. We had T in the Park this weekend and so it seemed an appropriate item to make.

The pattern was very easy and was my usual concoction or amalgamation of a variety of patterns viewed on the internet. If anyone is interested I can type up the pattern and put it on the blog.

The yarn used is almost pom pom like and looks very textured and bubbly when complete. The beret is also completely reversible so that it can be worn either bubbly and pom pom or reversed for a flat texture.
The Noro Silk Garden Vest

At Christmas I was lucky enough to be the recipient of the above yarn. It sat in it’s bag for quite a few months until I could find the right inspiration. I eventually found it at http://www.lionbrand.com/ they have an absolute plethora of free knitting and crochet patterns. As ever I took a basic pattern for a V neck vest and changed it to make it my own. The vest is both knitted and finished with crochet. I absolutely love the colour scheme and the yarn – Colour 236.
The vest as you can see is quite clingy and the yarn has no elasticity. It hangs well but isn’t as clingy as I would have liked.

I hope you find the inspiration to feed your imagination and happy crafting until next time.