Saturday 30 March 2019

Easter Baby Blanket & Bonnet - Free Crochet Pattern

Make this pretty baby blanket in gorgeous spring colours.  This is such a simple pattern and is essentially just a giant granny square and comes with a super cute matching bonnet.  Any new arrival will look adorable wrapped up in it.  The blanket and bonnet only takes a few days to make so would make a great last minute gift for a new mum and uses lots of different colours making it a great stash busting project.




Granny Square Blanket



Materials

Darning needle
DK yarn in assorted colours.  I used yarns from my stash, but if you would like to recreate this I recommend using Stylecraft Special DK in the following colours (in order of use) - 

Wisteria, Sherbet, Citron, Parchment, Spring Green, Cream

Hook

4mm (G) hook

Size

Approx 65 x 65 cm

Abbreviations / Terms


US terms used throughout (UK terms)
sc - single crochet (double crochet)
dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
st - stitch

Notes:  Unless otherwise stated, fasten off and change colour each round following colour sequence stated above.  You will also be turning your work after each round, this keeps the corners nice and straight and adds a lovely texture to your blanket.

Foundation round ch4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 (Right side) ch 3, 2 dc into ring, ch 2, [ 3 dc into the ring, ch 2] 3 times, join with a sl st to the top of starting ch 3 and fasten off.  Turn.


Round 2 (Wrong side) join a new colour in any corner sp, ch 3, 2 dc into same sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same sp (corner formed), [ 3 dc into the next sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same sp] x3, join with a sl st to the top of the chain 3 and fasten off.  Turn.




Round 3  Join a new colour in any corner sp, chain 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, [3 dc in next sp, 3 dc in next sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] x 3, 3 dc in next sp, join with a sl st to the top of the chain 3 and fasten off.  Turn.



Continue in the same way changing colours each round and working 3dc, ch2, 3dc in each corner and 3dc into each sp, until you have repeated the colour sequence 5 times.  30 rounds in total.






Work a further 2 rounds in the same way, the 1st in Wisteria, the 2nd in Cream.

Round 33 With right side facing and Wisteria, join with sl st to any corner sp.  Ch1, 3sc in same sp, continue with sc in each st around and 3sc in each corner sp.  Fasten off.

Blanket border:  With right side facing and Cream follow tutorial for Cute Bobble Edging.


Easter Bonnet



Using colour sequence to match the blanket follow instructions for Granny Square Bonnet pattern.



Pin it for later...



Enjoy!
Catherine
x

You might like...



This post contains Amazon affiliate links...




Sunday 24 March 2019

Gorgeous Baby Blankets to Make this Spring - 6 Free Crochet Patterns

 What better way to celebrate spring than with some gorgeous colourful crochet.  This selection of pretty baby blankets will add some sunshine to your day.  What baby wouldn't look adorable wrapped up in these.  I have chosen a selection of my favourite blankets in spring colours.  Enjoy!



Six to Make - Spring Baby Blankets


 This blanket has to be the most stunningly colourful blanket you have ever seen.  The pattern is available at Dada's Place.  This one must be on your to do list...

Rainbow Ruffle Blanket




I just love gingham and babies will look adorable wrapped up in this blanket.  The pattern lends itself well to lots of different colour options, making it very versatile.  You can find the pattern at Daisy Farm Crafts.

Teal Gingham Blanket




Another gorgeous blanket pattern by Repeat Crafter Me.  Lovely spring coloured squares with giant daisy motifs...

Crochet Daisy Afghan





This pretty rainbow striped blanket is by Made in K Town and is crocheted in Stylecraft Special DK

Starlight Baby Blanket



I love this simple shell design.  It looks so effective in the designers chosen colours, very fresh.  The pattern is by The Stitchin Mommy.

Shell Stitch Baby blanket





My final selection is another blanket design by Dada's Place.  I just couldn't resist these gorgeous spring coloured flowers...

Primavera Flower Blanket






I hope you find something here that you like.  I will be back soon with more patterns, tutorials and recommendations to share with you.

Catherine
x

You might enjoy...




This post contains affiliate links...




Saturday 23 March 2019

Popcorn Flower Pincushion - Free Crochet Pattern

This super cute popcorn flower pincushion would make a lovely gift for someone crafty.  Next week is Mother's Day here in the UK and if you are looking for a last minute gift for your mum why not try this simple pincushion pattern.  I used Drops Lima DK for mine but you could use any DK yarn.  It's great for using up your stash and can be made in just an hour or two...


Free Crochet Pattern



Popcorn Flower Pincushion


Materials

DK yarn in two colours (small amounts approx 10g for flower and 15g for main colour)
A pretty button
Toy stuffing
Darning needle
Pins

Hook

4mm (G) hook

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms used throughout / (UK terms)
sc - single crochet (double crochet)
dc- double crochet (treble crochet)
sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (double crochet 2 together)
sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
pc - popcorn
bpc - beginning popcorn
sp - space
st - stitch

Special Stitches:  Watch this Popcorn Stitch video if you are new to this stitch...


Beginning popcorn ch 3, 4dc in same sp, remove hook from stitch and insert in top of ch 3 from front to back, insert into last stitch loop from back to front and pull through.

Popcorn 5dc in same st, remove hook from stitch and insert in top of first dc from front to back, insert into last dc and pull loop through.



Other notes: I like to use a chainless dc at the start of rows and rounds instead of the traditional ch3.  If you would like to learn how to do this you can watch this video.


Popcorn Flower Make 1

Round 1 With contrast colour ch 4 and join with sl st to form ring.  Ch1, 8sc into ring, join with sl st to starting sc.  (8sc)


Round 2 Bpc in 1st sc, ch2, [pc in next st, ch 2] in each sc around and join with a sl st to top of first pc. (8 popcorns)


Round 3 Sl st into next ch sp, bpc in same sp, ch2, pc in same sp, ch2 [pc in next sp, ch2, pc in same sp, ch2] in each sp around.  Join with sl st to starting pc.  Fasten off.  (16 popcorns)



Body of Pincushion.

Round 1 With main colour join yarn with a sl st to any sp.  Ch1, 2sc in same sp, sc in top of pc.  [2sc in next sp, sc in top of pc] repeat around and join with sl st to starting sc.  (48 sc).


Round 2 Working in back loops only, ch1(does not count as a st), sc in each st around, join with sl st to starting sc.


Round 3 Ch1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to starting sc.

Rounds 4-6 Repeat round 3


Round 7 Repeat round 2


Decreases

Round 1 [sc2tog, 4sc] repeat around, join with sl st to starting sc.

Round 2 [sc2tog, 3sc] repeat around, join with sl st.

Round 3 [sc2tog, 2 sc] repeat around, join with sl st.



Using toy stuffing, stuff firmly.


Round 4 [sc2tog, sc] repeat around, join with sl st.

Round 5 Sc2tog around, join with sl st.  Fasten off leaving long tail.  Thread yarn onto darning needle and weave in and out of remaining stitches and pull tight.  Secure and weave in ends.



Sew a pretty button in the centre of the flower and add pins.


A printable PDF version of this pattern is available in my Etsy store...
Enjoy!

Catherine
x

You might like...


This post contains affiliate links...



Sunday 17 March 2019

Easter Crochet - 6 Fantastic Free Patterns to Make This Easter

Hello everyone!  As Easter is rapidly approaching, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite patterns.  I have selected six of the cutest, colourful projects I could find.  They are really quick and easy to make perfect for a last minute Easter gift...


Six Fantastic Free Patterns to Make This Easter


How cute is this bunny rag doll by Spin a Yarn Crochet, hooked in pretty pastels.  Any girl would love to receive this for Easter.

Ragdoll Spring Bunny




No Easter is complete without some eggs...  and these spiral crochet ones look good enough to eat.  Designed by Krazy Kabbage.

Spiral Easter Eggs




Your little ones will love snuggling up to the little lamb lovey.  Pattern by SWE Craft Corner

Little Lamb Lovey




Make these super cute little baskets and fill with mini eggs.  Pattern by Skip to My Lou.

Cutest Mini Crochet Basket




How adorable is this bunny garland, just look at their cute fluffy tails.  Pattern by Sew Historically.

Crochet Bunny Garland




My last selection is this pretty Easter headband, pattern by Grace & Yarn.

Crochet Bunny Headband



I hope you enjoyed this round-up of free patterns, I will be back soon with more crochet and crafts.

Take care
Catherine
x

Contains Amazon affiliate links...



How to make Paper Flower Embellishments with Punches

This post contains Amazon affiliate links...

Hello everyone.  This weekend I have been enjoying playing with my new toys.  I just bought myself a set of daisy flower punches and they are so much fun to use.  I bought the Vaessen Creative Flower Set from Amazon but there are many other flower punches out there.  The set comprises of 3 different size daisy style punches which can be layered with all different colours and patterns of paper to make beautiful unique paper flowers.

Paper Flowers




Materials

Flower punches in different sizes
Glue
Designer, coloured paper or light cardstock
Mini gems, puffy paint, (you could also use tiny punched circles for the centres).



To use them you simply choose the paper you would like to use and punch out lots of flowers in the different sizes.  You can then layer them if you wish, sticking them together with a little glue.  I added sticky gems or 3D Pearl Paint to make the centres of the flowers.  For a more 3D effect you can curl up the petals with the edge of some scissors or use dimensional foam stickers to attach them to your projects.


If you have children they will love making these (they may need a little help with the punching...)


This is such a great way to use up your paper scraps.


The flowers can be used to embellish many things. Use them for cards, gift wrapping, decorating notebooks the possibilities are endless...



If you would like to have a go at making these I will leave some links at the end for the materials you will need.  I will also link some Youtube videos for more paper flower ideas...

Have a great day!

Catherine
x

Mini Paper Flowers - Alphe Crafts

How to make a daisy flower - ABC TV


 

Sunday 10 March 2019

Craft Fair Idea #3 Matchbook Notebooks - 2019 Craft Fair Season

Hello friends and welcome back to another instalment of my Craft Fair Series.  This week Little T and I have been making these super cute matchbook notebooks.  They are so much fun to make and feature a really simple design, a great project for getting the kids involved.  I got this idea from Crafty Crafts by Deanna over on Youtube and I will link her video at the end.


Craft Fair Idea #3 Matchbook Notebooks

Materials

Mini notebooks (I got mine from Ebay, they were 8 books in a pack for around £2)
Double sided tape
Designer paper 
Embellishments
Staples
Clearbags (optional)
Bone folder
Paper trimmer or scissors


First you will need to measure your notebooks to work out what size you need to cut your designer paper to.  I used a paper trimmer to cut the paper to size but you could use scissors.  We got our paper pad from The Works, they have a great selection of crafting materials at really great prices.  We used their Ombre designer pad for this project.


You then need to cover your notebooks with the designer paper using double sided tape (I used a tape runner for this).  Our notebooks were not matchbook style so I removed the front cover leaving just the notepad and card backing.


You need to kind of bend your paper around the notebook starting at the area where the papers are glued together.  Use your bone folder to burnish the edges and make nice neat folds.


Once the paper was securely glued on, I added a staple at the bottom in the centre for extra security.  Now you are ready for the fun part, the decoration.  You can embellish these any way you like.  We used some dimensional stickers we got in Poundland and some washi tape.


Little T really enjoyed decorating these, don't they look cute?


To finish them off and for a more professional look we put each notebook in individual clear bags.  You can buy these from many places, I have bought them from Ebay and The Works in the past.

I hope the children will love these at the craft fair and I will be back next week with more craft fair ideas.

Enjoy!
Catherine
x

Crafty Crafts by Deanna - Matchbook Notebooks

This post contains affiliate links...



You might like...



Listen to your favourite books while crafting with an Audible subscription...



You might enjoy...