Monday 28 October 2019

The Beginners Blanket - Just learned to crochet and ready to make your first blanket? This is the pattern for you...

Everyone loves a granny square and if you know me, you know, they are my favourite things to crochet.   I just love granny square blankets.  Whether they are lots of squares joined together, or one giant granny square.   Crochet squares are also great for beginners too and if you have learned the basic stitches and would like to make your first blanket, then this is the one for you.  This granny square blanket was one of the first patterns that I wrote and was previously only available to buy in my Etsy store.  I hope you enjoy this free version.



The Beginners Blanket


Materials

1 ball each Stylecraft Special DK in colours, Cream, Mocha, Duck Egg, Soft Peach, Pale Rose & Parchment

Hook


Size

Approx 70 x 70 cm

Abbreviations / (UK conversion)

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

Other notes: US terminology is used throughout.  The beginners blanket is worked in rounds.  Finish every round by joining with a slip stitch to the top of chain 3 from beginning of round.  You will start each round with a new colour (unless otherwise stated), working in the following colour sequence Cream - Mocha - Duck Egg - Soft Peach - Pale Rose – Parchment.  Work is turned over after each round.  This ensures no twisting of the corners as the blanket gets larger, it also gives a lovely texture.   This pattern is designed for babies but the blanket can be easily adapted to make any size.

 Ch4 and join with sl st to form ring

Round 1 (right side) ch3, 2dc into ring, ch2, [ 3dc into ring, ch2] 3 times, join.  Turn.


Round 2 join new colour in any corner sp, ch3, 2dc into same sp, ch2, 3dc into same sp (corner formed), [ 3dc into next sp, ch2, 3dc into same sp] x3, join.  Turn.


Round 3 join new colour in any corner sp, chain 3, 2dc in same sp, ch2, 3dc in same sp, [3dc in next sp, 3dc in next sp, ch2, 3dc in same sp] x 3, 3dc in next sp, join.  Turn.


Rounds 4-30 continue working 3dc in each sp and [3dc, ch2, 3dc] in each corner.


Rounds 31-36 continue as before using cream only.


Shell Edging 


Round 1 sl st in corner sp, ch3, 8dc in same sp, *[sc in next sp, 7dc in next sp] repeat until next corner ending with sc**.  In corner 9 dc.* Repeat from *to* twice and from *to** once, join.  Weave in ends



Optional – divide ribbon into 4 equal pieces and thread in between the stitches along the side of blanket and tie with a bow in each corner.



If you would like to help support my work, you can purchase an ad free pdf version of this pattern in my Etsy Store.  


The pdf version also contains a second colourway and alternate border...


You can make this blanket bigger, just simply keep adding more rounds until you reach your desired size.  The Shell Edging must be made on an odd numbered round.  You can also easily substitute yarn too, just use the hook size recommended on the ball band.  Giant granny square blankets look fabulous crocheted in chunky yarn and make a great quick and easy project.


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If you liked this pattern please be sure to subscribe.   I post every week with tutorials, reviews free patterns and more...

Enjoy!

Catherine
x


The Beginners' Blanket PDF Etsy Store


The Beginners' Blanket PDF Love Crafts Store


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Saturday 26 October 2019

Magazine Feature! My Splashtime Knitted Washcloths have been featured in Let's Knit Magazine. How Exciting!!!

This morning whilst drinking my morning tea, I heard a big plop as the postman pushed something through my letterbox.  Little T rushed to fetch it for me, it was this month's copy of Let's Knit Magazine.  I excitedly leafed through the pages to find the one I was looking for.  One of my patterns has been featured in a quick knits for Christmas article.  This is the first time any of my patterns or work has been mentioned in a magazine and as I'm sure you will understand this was super exciting for me.


The article is called "Keep Calm This Christmas" and is full of quick knits and ideas for the festive season.  One section of the article includes some eco friendly gift ideas, and my Splashtime Knitted Washcloth pattern was featured.




The magazine is also jam packed with lots of wonderful knitting patterns and also comes with a free knit kit and bonus magazine with quick and easy Christmas Mini Knits.


Now which one shall I make first?

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Thanks for stopping by and I will be back very soon with a blanket pattern to share with you.  Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any posts.

Have a great day!
Catherine
x


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Sunday 20 October 2019

Faerie Cake Shawl - The perfect project for beginner knitters...

It's that time of year again, when we all want to wrap up cosy and warm and what better way to keep snuggly than with my Faerie Cake Shawl.  This project is great for beginner knitters as it uses only garter stitch with simple increases and decreases to shape the scarf and the colour changing nature of the yarn gives a lovely striped effect without all those ends to weave in.


This pattern was previously only available in my store and has now been updated and improved.  I wanted to share this pattern with you all, I hope you will like it.  Use #lullabylodge to share your makes, I love to see what you have all been up to.


Faerie Cake Shawl



Materials
  2 balls Caron Cakes or similar yarn 


Ability  
Beginner

Size
Approximately 145 cm (75 inches) measured across the long edge.

Gauge
Not essential for this project

Abbreviations
k - knit
k2tog - knit 2 together
yo - yarn over
st(s) - stitch(s)

Other notes: The shawl is worked in garter stitch (knit every row), back and forth on circular needles and continued in pattern until you reach your desired size.  It is recommended to make the tassels first to ensure you have enough yarn.  If you don’t want to add the tassels, this project may be made with just 1 ball.  I used Caron Cakes yarn, in the colour Faerie Cake.


With 5 mm circular needles cast on 5 st’s and k 2 rows.  I like to use Knit Pro Symfonie needles.  The wood is so light and smooth to use.  If your hands ache or tire easily when knitting you should give them a go...

Row 1 k2, yo, k1, yo k to end

Row 2 knit

Row 3 k2, yo, k to the last 2 st’s, k 2tog

Row 4 knit

These 4 rows form pattern.  Continue in pattern until you reach desired size, making sure to leave enough yarn to cast off.  Cast off and weave in ends.

Sew tassels to long ends of shawl.


I used 1 full ball for the knitted part and a partial ball for the tassels, this creates a "shawlett" style that may be worn across the shoulders in the traditional way or back to front bandanna style.


You can continue until you run out of yarn if you would like a larger shawl.  An ad free, pdf copy of this pattern may be purchased in my Etsy Store.

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Thanks for stopping by, I hope you liked the pattern and if you did be sure to subscribe.  I post every week with free patterns, reviews and more...

See you soon
Catherine
x



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Friday 18 October 2019

How to Make Tassels - A tutorial by Lullaby Lodge...


New video tutorial available, scroll down for video...



Hello everyone, I have another tutorial to share with you today, we will be learning how to make tassels.  Tassels are so versatile and can be used for many craft projects not just knitting and crochet.  They add great finishing touches to scarves and shawls, can be used to decorate a whole host of clothing and homewares and made with some sparkly yarn make great Christmas decorations.



Tassels


Materials

  Yarn 
DVD case, card or tassel maker

I made these tassels by wrapping yarn around a DVD or game case, you could also use a Clover tassel maker.  This makes nice big poofy tassels, suitable for decorating scarves or shawls.  If you don't have a DVD case you can cut a piece of card to the size you would like your tassels.

Start by wrapping your yarn around the case or card.  The amount of wraps you do will determine how thick your tassels will be.  I made 100 wraps for these.


Using a darning needle and a long strand of yarn, insert under the wraps and slide up to the top.  


Secure firmly with a double knot.


Cut the strands at the bottom.


Taking another length of yarn, tie around the top with a double not.  Wrap yarn around a few times and using the darning needle hide your ends inside the tassel.



With remaining long ends securely sew to your project and hide ends inside the tassels.


I added mine to my Caron Cakes Shawl.  This knitting pattern is available to purchase from my Etsy Store.  A free version is also available here.  Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss more posts like this...

   


You can now watch this video tutorial...






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What would you use your tassels for?  Let me know in the comments below...

Take care
Catherine
x





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Saturday 12 October 2019

Pretty Daisy Sachets - Our Happy CAL Place, weekly & monthly crochet along group...

Hello friends, this week at Our Happy CAL Place we have been making these super sweet, crochet sachets.  These would make a great last minute gift for someone, or add them to your draws and keep your clothes smelling fresh.  The pattern is called "Daisies" and is by Lisi Gonzalez.


The written instructions unfortunately, leave a lot to be desired and I think a beginner would have some problems understanding them.  I made a few changes to the pattern and have written up full instructions on my Ravelry page ,which you might find helpful, if you would like to make some for yourself.  Why not check out the Ravelry thread to see what everyone else has been making?

Here's my interpretation...

Daisies



The pattern doesn't give any suggested yarn or hook size, so you can leave that up to your own creative spirit to decide what you use.  I would however, recommend going down a hook size, to stop your stuffing from poking through.


I used an Aran weight cotton yarn with a 4.5mm hook.  Crochet flowers are great for experimenting with colour and I love working with pretty cotton yarns.  I stuffed my sachets with toy stuffing and added a scrap of fabric in the centre with a few drops of essential oils, making them smell as delicious as they look.  Some dried lavender would also be great in these...

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Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to subscribe for more posts like this...

See you soon
Catherine
x




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Saturday 5 October 2019

Get your hook out for Halloween and crochet up one of these fabulous patterns...

Halloween is nearly here, but there is still time to crochet up some spooky, Halloween, hooky.  I have a few of my favourite patterns to share with you today from my featured designers and check out the link blast for even more Halloween ideas...


Halloween Crochet


I just love this funky twist on a crochet pumpkin.  Divine Debris has created this gorgeously squishy, gingham, pumpkin, in velvet yarn.  A great addition for Halloween or fall decor.  The pattern is available free over on her blog.

Velvet Pumpkin Goldmine




If you are looking for something super quick and easy to add some Halloween charm to your decor, then look no further than this pretty pattern by Golden Lucy Crafts.  I love the way she has decorated these crochet hearts to give them that spooky Halloween vibe.

Halloween Hearts




What witches outfit would be complete without this super cute witch legs scarf.  The pattern is by Chelsea at The Crafter Life.  Head on over to her blog to check it out...

Witch Legs Scarf




Check out my link blast for more fun, crochet, Halloween ideas...

Halloween Crochet Link Blast




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That's it for today, I will see you all again soon and if you haven't already please be sure to subscribe...

Take care...
Catherine
x

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