Sunday 24 May 2020

Gift Ideas For Father's Day - Free crochet, knitting & sewing patterns for 2020

Hello everyone, it's that time of year again when we think about the men in our life, that we love dearly.  If you are out of ideas for what to give as a gift this year, then I have put together some lovely gift ideas including lots of crochet patterns too.




Free Crochet Patterns


If your dad loves camping, outdoor holidays or simply reading a book by the fire, then a crochet blanket would make a wonderful gift.  This herringbone scrap blanket by Salty Pearl Crochet is a gorgeous one

Herringbone Scrap Blanket






If your dad enjoys pottering around in the potting shed, then this pot cover might be just the gift.  Pattern by Sincerely Pam.

Alex Basket






I love this sunglasses case by Ned & Mimi

Crochet Sunglasses Case







Another great blanket, pattern by Fosbas Design

Fun Weekend Blanket





If your dad is a wiz in the kitching then crochet up this pot holder.  Pattern by Raffamusa Designs

Tunisian Cottage Pot Holder






Why not team up this bathroom spa set with his favourite smellies.  Pattern by Hooked On Patterns.

Crochet Bathroom Set






My dad absolutely loves his sweet treats and what a great way to gift them in these cute little baskets.  Pattern by Jen Hayes Creations.

Simple Crochet Treat Basket




Free Knitting Patterns


I love the texture of this knitted rug.  Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks.

Chunky Knit Rug





If your dad is the sporty type, why not knit him a scarf in his favourite teams colours.  Scarves are not just for winter, they are great for waving madly, cheering your team on.  Pattern by Stitches n Scraps.

Team Colours





Another cosy blanket pattern, I love the patchwork design of this one.  Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks.

Block Blanket 




Sewing Pattern


If you are handy with a needle and tread, you might like to try out this free messenger bag, pattern by Apple Green Cottage.

Messenger Bag











I hope you have found some inspiration for Father's Day, which is your favourite pattern?  Let me know in the comments below...

Ta ta for now
Catherine
x






Sunday 17 May 2020

Pretty Granny Flower Coasters - Crochet these in fresh cotton colours, perfect for spring...

Hello everyone.  I have a super quick and easy project to share with you today.  Don't you just love the instant gratification from finishing small projects?  These would also make a great gift for someone, or to sell at the craft fair.






An ad free pdf version of this pattern is available in my online stores, thank you for supporting my work...









Granny Flower Coasters


Materials

Aran / worsted weight cotton yarn small amounts
5mm hook
Darning needle


Size

Small coaster approx. 4.5 inches in diameter (12cm)
Large coaster 6,5 inches (17cm)


Ability

Easy 


Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
ch – chain
sp - space
st(s) - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch





Other notes: I used Scheepjes Cahlista to make my coasters, in colours, Lime, snow White and Cyan, but you can use any cotton Aran / worsted weight yarn to make yours.  

Fasten off after each round and use the photos as a guide to changing colours.  Join new colours with a sl st and if at the end of a round you wish to continue with the same colour sl st into next sp to begin round.  

I like to replace the ch3 at the start of a round with a chainless dc, you can do this if you wish or just use the traditional ch3.




Small Coaster

Ch4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 Ch3 (counts as dc), 11dc into ring, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12dc)




Round 2 Join new colour in any sp between stitches.  Ch3, dc in same sp, [2dc in next sp] repeat around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (24dc)




Round 3 Join new colour in any sp between groups of sts, ch3, 2dc in same sp, [3dc] in next sp, repeat around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (36dc)




Round 4 Join new colour in any sp between groups of sts, ch3, 2dc in same sp, ch1, [3dc in next sp, ch1] repeat around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (36dc, 12ch1 sp)




Round 5 Join new colour in any sp, ch1 (does not count as st), 2sc in same sp, sc in every st, 2sc in every sp, join with sl st to starting sc.  (60sc)




Fasten off and weave in ends.







Large Coaster

Work rounds 1-3 as small coaster.

Round 4 Join new colour in any sp, ch3, 3dc in same sp, [3dc in next sp, 4dc in next sp] repeat around ending with 3dc in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (42dc)

Round 5 Ch3, 2dc in same sp, [3dc in sp in middle of 4dc, 3dc in next 2 sps] repeat around ending with 3dc in sp in middle of 4dc, 3dc in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (54dc)




Round 6 Sl st to next sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, ch1, [3dc in next sp, ch1] repeat around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (54dc, 18ch1 sp)

Round 7 Join new colour in any sp, ch1 (does n not count as st), 2sc in same sp, sc in every st, 2sc in every sp, join with sl st to starting sc.  (90sc)




Fasten off and weave in ends.










I hope you enjoy the pattern and I will be back very soon with more crochet to share with you all, so make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss a thing...

Take care
Catherine
x



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Sunday 10 May 2020

The Dolly Stripe Blanket - Pretty linen stitch blanket inspired by sweets from my childhood...

Hello friends.  I have a new pattern to share with you today, this pretty striped baby blanket.  The blanket is made from 100% cotton yarn making if perfect for baby in spring and summer or you could make a slightly larger blanket for a throw.  This would make a great picnic blanket if made in a larger size.






The colours I chose for this blanket were inspired by the Dolly Mixture sweets my mum used to buy us when we were children.  If you are from the UK perhaps you had them too.  You could of course use any colours for your blanket, a great opportunity to use up your stash.


Dolly Mixtures...


An ad free pdf version of this pattern is available in my online stores, thank you for supporting my work...










The Dolly Stripe



Materials

Aran / worsted cotton yarn 500g (750m) in white and 20g (15m) each in pink, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, brown
5mm hook
Darning needle


Size

Appros. 100cm (39 inches) x 70cm (27 inches)


Ability

Easy 


Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
ch – chain
sp - space
st(s) - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch
sk - skip






Other notes:  Pretty Linen Stitch blanket, the colours in the stripes were inspired by the Dolly Mixture sweets we used to have as a child.  I used Drops Paris to make my blanket in colours, White, Light Pink, Light Turquoise, Strong Yellow, Pistachio, Apricot, Light Purple and Dark Beige. 

When substituting yarns, make sure to choose a yarn of the same weight.  The blanket is worked back and forth in rows.  Change colours by pulling the new yarn through the last stitch of previous row.  Do not fasten off the white, carry up side of work.


Colour sequence (repeat twice)

8 rows white
2 rows pink
8 rows white
2 rows blue
8 rows white
2 rows yellow
8 rows white
2 rows green
8 rows white
2 rows orange
8 rows white
2 rows purple
8 rows white
2 rows brown



With mc, ch 116 (or desired width in multiples of 2)


Row 1 (commence colour sequence) Sc in 2nd ch from hook, [ch1, sk1, sc in next st] repeat to end, turn.



Row 2 Ch2, [sc in next sp, ch1] repeat to last sp, sc in last sp, turn.



Repeat row 2 keeping colours correct, until you have worked through the colour sequence twice, finishing with a final 8 rows in white, or until blanket reaches desired length.  Fasten off and weave in ends.






Linen Stitch Border

The border is a simple round of Linen Stitch.  Join mc anywhere along the top or bottom of blanket, [Sc, ch1] in each sp around the blanket.  In each corner [sc, ch1, sc], join with sl st to 1st sc.  Fasten off and weave in remaining ends.








I hope you enjoy this pattern and I will be back again very soon...

Take care
Catherine
x




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Wednesday 6 May 2020

Best Ever Salad Dressing - Mum's secret recipe, makes everything taste delicious (not just for salads...)

Hello friends, I have a super quick and easy recipe to share with you today.  My mum used to make the most amazing salads and the secret was always her salad dressing.  I have been using it for many years now and no matter what you put it on, it makes it taste delicious.

We use it on salads (of course), but it's also great on steamed vegetables, new potatoes, pasta salads and I am sure you could think of some more uses for it.  It is super simple to make too and you can keep it in the fridge for ages.






Best Ever Salad Dressing


Ingredients


Oil (olive or your favourite)
White wine vinegar
Salt (pinch)
Sugar (pinch)
Black pepper (pinch)
2 garlic cloves


  • Using an empty jam jar, add 1 part vinegar to 4 parts oil.  You can use any oil for this, I like to use a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil (this stops the olive oil from setting when you store it in the fridge).  You can also use red wine vinegar or balsamic if you prefer.

  • Add a pinch of salt, sugar and pepper.

  • Crush the garlic cloves with the back of a knife (they should be squashed a bit to release their flavour but still whole) and add to the jar and replace lid.

  • Shake well before use and pour over your salad, mixing well.  we use around 2-3 dessert spoons for a large bowl of salad.

  • Store in the fridge, will keep for a couple of weeks.


This dressing tastes best after a few days, when the flavours have had chance to develop.  Little T has always been a great vegetable eater and I put it down to Mum's dressing.  If you have a fussy eater that won't eat salad, try this out.







I hope you will give this a try.

Ta ta for now
Catherine
x




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Sunday 3 May 2020

Crochet Along With Me April...

Hello everyone.  It's time again to take a little look at my progress with the various crochet alongs for April.  I hope you have been joining in and if you are make sure to share your makes with the Facebook Group.







Useful links...








Crochet Along With Me... (April addition)



We have had some lovely weather this month, the sun has been shining almost every day.  While the mornings are still pretty chilly, it is giving my temperature blanket a beautiful mix of pinks and greens.

The pale pink and mint green look so pretty together...





We have even had some very warm days with temps reaching as high as 24℃, which is quite hot for spring in the UK.






This month I have been making soap savers for our Charity Stash Bash CAL.  I will be making more of these throughout the year for the shoe boxes.  They are a fun quick and easy make and also make great gifts.  Make sure to check out the link above for the free pattern and more information about the crochet along.


Lovely bright colours will make bath time more fun...





This month at Our Happy CAL Place, I hosted again with the theme "Gift Ideas".  I was a little behind with my crochet this month and the pattern I had originally chosen did not get made in time.  So instead we went with on of my own designs, the Granny Square Mitts.  


I made these again using the cream background.  I think I prefer this colourway, the cream makes the colours stand out more.







I hope you enjoyed this months makes and make sure to stop by again soon for more free patterns, reviews and more...

See you all again soon
Catherine
x



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