By Helen: How to...

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11/13/2014

cosy crochet slippers…

Hello My Lovelies! Sorry that there was no posting last week: the lap-top had to have a health check (and I don’t like blogging from my phone) and the week ended up crazy-busy. I’m back now, and I can’t wait to share this post with you! Have you thought about Christmas presents yet? Are you planning on crocheting any presents? I am! I’m going to crochet slippers from my friends. After spending ages browsing for a pattern, I couldn’t find one that was just right: so I set about writing one; I’m rather pleased with it, so I thought that I’d share it with you!

I used chunky yarn, from Hayfiled Yarn (nope I’d never heard of it either; but it was BRILLIANT to work with) and you could crochet a pair of, ladies UK6, slippers from just one ball – with a generous amount left over. The ball band recommended a 6mm hook: but I wanted a snuggly-dense feel to the slippers, so I used a 5.5mm. Really it is up to you, as ever my pattern is just a guideline. The slippers are really quick to crochet: after a couple of hours I had a pair!

One of my blog readers asked if I could write the pattern without photos, so that she could copy, paste and print out – without too much paper. I have to confess that I like my photos (and really hope you do to), I like the process of writing, photographing and blogging. But I do listen to you: so for those of you who want the no-photo pattern, scroll down to the bottom of this posting!

Round 1 – into a magic loop, 3ch, 7tr, ss to join (8 stitches)…

Round 2 – 3ch, 1tr into base of 1^st ch, 2tr into each tr, ss to join (16 stitches)…

Round 3 – 3ch, 1tr into base of 1^st ch, *1tr, 2tr*, repeat *-*, ss to join (24 stitches)…

Round 4 – 3ch, 1tr into base of 1^st ch, *1tr, 1tr, 2tr*, repeat *-*, ss to join (32 stitches)…

Round 5, 6, and 7 – 3ch, 1tr into each stitch, ss to join…

You’re now going to be working in rows, instead of rounds.

Row 1 – 3ch, 1tr into next 22 stitches, turn (23 stitches)…

Repeat row one eight more times, for a ladies UK6 sized foot…

Final row – 3ch, 1tr into next 10 stitches, 3tr together, 1tr into next 10 stitches…

Turn the slipper inside-out and dc the two edges, along the heel steam, to join…

Finish off and weave in ends.

Turn the slipper the right way round, carefully thread ribbon through the stitches to decorate and embellish as you wish…

Don’t forget to crochet a second one!

As I’ve mentioned this pattern is written for a ladies UK6 sized foot. Making the slipper smaller is really easy: start the rows after round 4 or 5 or 6 and crochet fewer rows, to suit the length of foot. Making the slipper bigger is just as easy: repeat round 5 more times and increase the amount f rows that you crochet. The decoration is only a suggestion, you could add a strap to make your slipper into a classic Mary Jane, you could add some crochet flowers, you could use different colours. I can’t wait to see what you crochet!

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Copy and paste the pattern…

Round 1 – into a magic loop, 3ch, 7tr, ss to join (8 stitches)
Round 2 – 3ch, 1tr into base of 1^st ch, 2tr into each tr, ss to join (16 stitches)
Round 3 – 3ch, 1tr into base of 1^st ch, *1tr, 2tr*, repeat *-*, ss to join (24 stitches)
Round 4 – 3ch, 1tr into base of 1^st ch, *1tr, 1tr, 2tr*, repeat *-*, ss to join (32 stitches)
Round 5, 6, and 7 – 3ch, 1tr into each stitch, ss to join

You’re now going to be working in rows, instead of rounds.

Row 1 – 3ch, 1tr into next 22 stitches, turn
Repeat row one eight more times, for a ladies UK6 foot
Final row – 3ch, 1tr into next 10 stitches, 3tr together, 1tr into next 10 stitches
Turn the slipper inside-out and dc the two edges, along the heel steam, to join
Finish off and weave in ends
Turn the slipper the right way round, carefully thread ribbon through the stitches to decorate and embellish as you wish...

13 Nov 2014 14:13:56 | Crochet, How to...

10/17/2014

cute as buttons crochet…

Don’t you just love buttons?

As a child I was fascinated by my Grandma’s button collection: I’d spend hours rummaging through the box – finding different treats each time. My own collection is pale, in comparison to Grandma’s, but I do love it. So, when my friend asked me, if we could incorporate buttons into crochet: my mind, literally, whirled with excitement. I’ll often finish off one of my crochet brooches with a button stitched into the centre: but I never actually tried to incorporate the buttons into the crochet. What was not to love? After a few attempts I came up with this…

It is a work in progress. There are parts which I’m not entirely happy with. But I thought I’d share, what I’ve done with you: so you can combine the two very lovely things, of buttons and crochet, together.

This “pattern” is more guidance, hence the pattern in inverted comments, than pattern as a lot depends on the size of the button that you choose and the yarn: but I’m sure you’ll work it out. If not – let me know!

You’ll need: a button (with four holes), yarn (I’ve used DK), a crochet hook suited to your yarn (I’ve got my trusty 4mm), a crochet hook that is teeny enough to fit through the button holes and some scissors…

Use your teeny crochet hook to bring a loop of yarn though one of the button holes…

Use the tail-end of the yarn to chain to secure…

Switch to your yarn appropriate crochet hook. Now you are going to crochet a chain space, which you are going to work your petals into. Don’t make it too loose. I crocheted 3ch (more chains if you’re using a bigger button and less if smaller)…

*Switch back to your teeny crochet hook and bring the loop up through the hole, until it reaches the top of the button…

Switch to your yarn appropriate crochet hook. Crochet your next chain space. Don’t worryif the chain spaces seem to move around and disappear, around the back of the button: it will all work out in the end. I crocheted 3ch (more chains if your using a bigger button and less if smaller*)…

Repeat *-* until you have created five chain space. This will mean that you have two loops coming out of one hole…

Slip-stitch into the first chain space to join together…

**Using your yarn appropriate hook, 3ch…

Crochet trebles into your chain space. It is up to you how many: I did 3tr…

3ch…

Slip-stitch into the chain space you’ve worked into and into the next chain space**…

Repeat **-** until you have five petals…

Finish off and secure your ends.

Like I mentioned that the start of this post: this isn’t really a pattern: more to give you some ideas. Play about with different sized buttons and with different crochet stitches to give different shaped petals. Let me know how you get along: either here or on Ravelry.

Happy crochet!

17 Oct 2014 12:13:21 | Crochet, How to..., inspiration

09/25/2014

crochet acorn…

Following on from my last post, celebrating all things Septemberish, I decided to go out for a long walk to reconnect with nature and really enjoy the colours of Autumn. In the UK, or at least in York, I don’t think that Autumn has really taken hold: yes, the nights are drawing-in and there is a definite chill to the morning air, but I don’t think the true colours of Autumn have shown us the best they have. The trees are still hanging on to their greenness, with a few hints of what is to come here and there. One thing that struck me, on my walk, was the amount of acorns fallen on the ground, which greedy squirrels were, well, squirreling away! When I got home and got out my crochet hook, it seemed natural to crochet an acorn. In truth, I have been thinking about crocheting an acorn for some time: to complement my crochet leaves and since I crocheted eggs for Easter, there is a logical link!

Here’s what I did…

Gathered together lovely Autumnal yarn…

Gathered together everything that was needed: crochet hook (appropriate for the yarn), scissors and a range of polystyrene eggs…

Begin with 4ch and then slst into each ch, to make the acorn’s stem…

Into the last slst, 6dc and slst to join…

The next part of the pattern will depend on the size of your polystyrene egg. What you need to do, is crochet a circle that your egg fits snuggly into. By crocheting a circle I mean, after your round of 6dc

Round two: 1ch, 1 dc in same place as slst, *2dc, into each dc*, repeat *-*

Round three: 1ch, 1 dc in same place as slst, *2dc into next dc, dc into next dc*, repeat *-*

Rounds four: 1ch, 1 dc in same place as slst, *dc into next dc, dc into next dc, dc into next dc*, repeat *-*

Hopefully you can see how to increase your crochet to get a good fit to your egg? If not message me! It should look something like…

When you are about one-third up your egg, then change colour. Join you new colour in the front loop, only (this is the one nearest to you)…

Dc into each dc, for the first round front loop only, after then dc into each dc both loops. Keep checking that you egg fits snuggly into your crochet…

When you are nearly the top of your egg, keep your egg inside the crochet and begin to decrease…

Keep going, until your egg is completely covered and you should have yourself a crochet acorn…

Hope that you get on ok? I know have tried really hard to write this pattern, so it doesn’t matter what size egg you are working with. Have a play with different sized eggs and with different colours. Let me know how you get along.

25 Sep 2014 12:44:35 | Crochet, How to...

09/04/2014

free crochet patterns…

At the moment I’m working on my next crochet patterns, which I hope to share with you very soon. There will be a crochet pattern for an acorn and one for a poppy. There will also be some very lovely Christmassy crochet things, which I am writing up: but the sharing will have to wait! For today, I thought I share with you, and remind you, and me, of some of my favourite crochet patterns, which I hope that you will love. There are sooooo many opportunities for using the flowers, that you crochet; they can adorn a bag, jumper or cardigan, be turned into brooches, hair-clips, hair-bands or fascinators, or just planted in a pot or vase for you to enjoy.

Crochet a Hellebore...

Crochet a Sun Flower...

Crochet a Primula / Primrose...

Crochet a Daffodil... (don't forget the trumpet!)...

Crochet a Snowflake...

Crochet Blossom...

Crochet Mistletoe...

Crochet Forget-Me-Knots...

Crochet Lazy Daisy...

Which will you crochet first? What will you do with yours?

You can also find all of my patterns on Ravelry, where you can share them with each other. I’d love to see what you crochet?

4 Sep 2014 13:59:29 | Crochet, Flower of the month, How to...

07/31/2014

crochet Yorkshire Rose….

Tomorrow, 1^st August, is a very great day. It is a day to don-on your flat-cap, bake Yorkshire Puddings, sing On Ilkla Moor bar tat and celebrate all things Yorkshire. Tomorrow is Yorkshire Day. I honour of this great day: and this very great county, I’ve crocheted myself a Yorkshire Rose…

I want to share the pattern with you: so you can crochet yourself a Yorkshire Rose and wear it with pride.

You’ll need some white and yellow yarn (I’m using DK), two crochet hooks of different sizes (I’m using a 4mm and 3mm), a darning needle, scissors, scrap of felt and a brooch back. Ready?

Into a slip-ring, 1ch (to secure), 6dc, ss to join…

1ch, 1dc in same place as ss, *2dc in next dc,* repeat *-*, ss to join…

**4ch, 1dtr in same place as ss, 1dtr in next dc, 1tr in next dc, 1dtr in next dc, 1dtr in next dc, 4ch, ss into base of dtr, ss into next dc**…

Repeat **-** until you have five rose petals, finish off and weave in the ends…

Crochet a second rose, using the same pattern, but with smaller hook…

Layer the two roses on top of each other, securing together using the yellow yarn and small French knots…

Stitch a brooch back onto a small circle of felt, then glue this to the back of the rose…

Wear with pride (even if you’re not from Yorkshire)...

Happy, Happy, Happy, Yorkshire Day!!!

xxx

31 Jul 2014 13:29:27 | celebrations, Crochet, Flower of the month, How to...

07/17/2014

Summer’s crochet flower…

I’m not sure what type of flower I have growing in my garden: but I just love it…

I love the little yellow stamens that look like tiny little stars. I love the yellow, purple and orange colours together. I love that each evening as the temperature cools the orange petals curl up against the night chill. I love that as soon as I saw the flowers: my first thought was crochet.

Gather together some yarn, in the colours of your choice. I choose the similar to the flower: as burnt orange and purple as two of my very favourite colours. You’ll need a crochet hook that works with your yarn, or one which is slightly smaller, for a tighter look. Some scissors, needles and a small amount of felt and a brooch back, if you’re going to turn your flower into a brooch like I did. Ready?

Using your first colour, make a slip-ring, secure with 2ch (don’t count), 9dc into the ring, ss into first dc to secure…

Pull the slip-ring tight and weave in the ends…

Using your second colour, join the yarn in any dc…

*2dc,1ch, miss next dc, 2dc in next dc * …

Repeat *-* so that you have 5ch ch sp, ss into first dc to join…

Using your third colour, join the yarn in any ch sp…

**Into the ch sp, htr, tr, dtr, htr, dtr, tr, htr**…

Repeat **-** into each ch sp, ss into first htr to join, weave in ends and ta-dah…

I’m soooo very pleased with how my little Summer flower turned out…

I’m going to stitch a brooch back on to a small felt circle and glue it to the back of the flower and wear it with pride!

I hope that you are as happy with your flower, as I am with mine? Let me know.

Happy crocheting…

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17 Jul 2014 16:28:31 | Crochet, Flower of the month, How to...

05/08/2014

crochet clematis…

Every morning, on my way to work, I walk passed this…

Every morning it makes me smile. I love the colours; can you see the flecks of pale blue Wisteria beginning to appear? It really makes my heart sing. Naturally my mind turned to crochet. Could I crochet a clematis flower? I’ve tried and failed growing them, so crocheting must be the way forward. So I sat in the warm Spring sunshine, hook in hand, and set to work. Here’s what I came up with…

Want to have ago? Gather together everything you’ll need…

I used some DK yarn, that I had to hand and my trusty 4mm hook, but use what ever you have in you stash!

Using your centre colour, ch3, ss into fist ch to join…

1ch, 7dc into the ring, ss to join, finish off, (8 stitches)…

Change colour and join in any dc, 1ch to secure…

*1dc in joining dc, 2dc in next dc,* repeat *-*, ss to join, (12 stitches)…

*8ch…

dc in 2^nd ch from hook, htr, tr, dtr, tr, htr…

miss 2dc, ss into next dc*…

repeat *-* three more times, finish off, weave in ends and block…

Ta-dah…

Happy crocheting!

8 May 2014 11:47:37 | Crochet, Flower of the month, How to..., making

04/11/2014

up-cycling crochet style…

I love crochet. I know that I have told you that over and over and over again. But I really do, love, love, l-o-v-e, it. I love the simplicity of the stitches, the soothing rhythm of treble crochet blanket, the speed at which a crochet flower appears, the endless possibility and versatility that crochet can give you. I love the sharing, recycling and passing-on of the love of crochet. Recently I came across the most amazing crocheted covered chair…

Isn’t it brilliant? I love the idea of taking something un-loved and ugly and up-cycling it into something fabulous. Right there and then I wanted it: I wanted to crochet me one. I just had to convince Si, that we needed to give a crochet chair house-space. Si, was less convinced. I think, he thinks that our home is already been overtaken by crochet and a crochet chair might be a step too far. But something smaller, something I could sneak in, something that would get passed his crochet-radar! Then few weeks ago, I had a lovely day out with my friend C and her gorgeous daughter I (who could forget I and those crochet hats), we spent a happy few hours mooching around charity shops near where we live. In one of the shops I found this…

Isn’t it awful? I wish I had taken a photo of Si’s face when he saw what I had brought home! I had an idea in mind. If a whole crochet chair was too much: then why not start small - with a foot-stool? I could up-cycle the stool. Pass on something unloved and unwanted and make it lovely. I got to work, removing the (very synthetic) velvet and fringe…

Painted the legs and re-covered the foam with a plain white cotton…

Then the real fun began: crocheting granny-squares! I love a granny-square and really need to crochet more of them. A granny square really does sum-up crochet brilliantly, in one (well) square. One little (or large) square: so many possibilities. Slippers, cushions, blankets, the list could go on…Back to the stool. Using some lovely style-craft yarn, which you can get from Deramores, in my favourite colours of purple, teal, burnt orange and a neutral called oat-meal, I got to work. Very soon I had my granny squares, ready to be double crocheted together…

All that was left was to sure the granny-squares to the stool...

And ta-dah…

My very own up-cycled crochet foot-stool. Not quite to OTT (Si’s words not mine) as the chair: but definitely in the style of! I’ve started small, but you know what they say out of small acorns n’all-that…one day I might have the chair.

So, go on have ago at up-cycling, start small: re-love and make pretty something un-loved and ugly. Pass on the love of crochet…

Happy hooking!

xxx

This blog entry is my submission to the Deramores Blog Awards 2014. Deramores is the UK’s number one online retailer of knitting and crochet supplies.

For more information, please visit Deramores' website

11 Apr 2014 11:50:59 | Crochet, How to..., inspiration, making

03/28/2014

simple Spring flower…

I don’t know about you, but for me March has been really, really, really, busy. My feet haven’t touched the ground, and I’m not sure how come we find ourselves heading into April next week. April next week?!? When things get busy: I find that crochet gets more and more necessary. There is something relaxing about row after row of trebles, which go into the making of a blanket. There is something about the quickness of crocheting lazy flowers. Lovely simple crochet flowers. I thought that share with you the flower which I used for my Valentine's Day wreath...

You will need some ends of yarn, I used DK – but whatever you have to hand is fine, a hook suitable for your yarn, a darning needle and some buttons (if you are feeling especially lazy)!

To start, crochet 3ch, ss to join, 5dc into the ring, ss to join (6 stitches)…

Finish off and weave in ends, to stop them getting in the way. Change yarn, joining into any dc, secure with a ch (this stitch doesn’t count)…

*dc, htr, tr, htr, dc* into dc…

Repeat *-* into each dc, ss to join the last petal to the first, finish off and weave in ends…

If you are feeling really lazy, then don’t bother changing the colour of your yarn: but use a cute little button for the centre of your flower…

Happy crocheting!

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28 Mar 2014 10:13:35 | Crochet, Flower of the month, How to...

01/30/2014

crochet snowdrop…

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I saw something which made my heart sing. I saw my first snowdrops of the New Year. Not just one snowdrop: but a whole carpet of them, little white jewels, little clumps of loveliness…

I was sooooo pleased to see them: they are a reminder that, no matter how cold and wet the UK is at the moment, Spring is on its way. I was also pleased to see them as, for the last few days; I have crocheting a snowdrop, to share with you all. I first crocheted a snowdrop a while ago: but somehow, I was never truly happy with it. The one I have been working on is, I think, better: not perfect, but definitely better. So, here it is.

You’ll need green and white yarn, a hook the appropriate size for the yarn (I used a DK with my trustee 4mm hook, needle and scissors.

First crochet the stem, crochet 23ch…