Showing posts with label stash busting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stash busting. Show all posts

Sunday 5 July 2020

Summer Stripes Friendship Bracelet - Part of the Charity Stash Bash CAL

Hi everyone, it's time for our next addition to the Charity Stash Bash CAL.  If you have not been following along you can check out the links below for more info.  This month our patterns follows on from the theme of last months, with another Summer Stripes pattern.  This time this snazzy friendship bracelet.  Kids love these especially when made in colourful yarns

The pattern will use up those last scraps of cotton you have lying around and can be made with any gauge yarn, making it a great stash buster.






If you would like to know more about the Chaity Stash Bash CAL you can check out the links below.




Helpful Links...








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











If you would like to take part and prefer knit over crochet, I have linked some other pattern choices along with more crochet cases for you to make.  Just click the Stash Bash link above for more patterns and information. 




Summer Stripes Friendship Bracelet



Materials

Cotton yarn oddments in various colours
Hook recommended on yarn ball band
Darning needle



Size

Adjustable


Ability

Advanced


Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

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



Other notes: Any cotton yarn in any weight may be used for this pattern.  Just use the hook recommended on your yarn ball band.  Thicker weight yarns will make for wider bracelets and finer yarns will make thinner bracelets. 

Fasten off and change colours after each round.  Join in new colours with a sl st.  It is recommended that you work over your ends as you go.  This pattern uses the advanced technique surface crochet. 




Make your starting chain long enough to fit just over half of yours or recipients’ wrist size.


Round 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch until last ch, 3sc in last ch.  Continue along underside of ch.  Sc in each ch across, 2 sc in same ch as 1st sc, join with sl st to 1st sc.


Round 2 Join in the 1st st of any 3sc group from previous round, ch1 (does not count as st), 3hdc in same st, 3hdc in next 2 sts, hdc in each st until next 3sc group, 3hdc in next 3 sts, hdc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to 1st hdc.


Round 3 Join in any st, hdc in each st around and 3hdc in each centre st of 3hdc groups from previous round, join with sl st to 1st hdc.


Round 4 Join in centre st at any end, ch1 (does not count as st), sc in same st, sc in each st around until you reach 2nd 3hdc group from previous round, sc in next 2 sts, ch required number of sts to reach under your wrist to the other side of bracelet and back again (button loop made), sc in same st, sc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to 1st sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.


Surface crochet ch sts over rounds 1, 2 & 3.  For round 1 you will work into the top of the sts and for rounds 2 & 3 around the post.  Weave in all ends and sew on button.


Alternatively, you could sew on some coloured jewellery elastic to replace the button loop (you would then sc in each st around and miss out the button loop on round 4), this might be beneficial if you do not know the recipient’s wrist size.






I hope you have been enjoying the crochet along and have found some things to make for your favourite charity.  What's your favourite charity to crochet for?  Let me know in the comments below...


Take care and happy hooking!

Catherine
x




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Sunday 8 December 2019

2020 New Year Stashdown Gorgeous Grannies Cal - Crochet a granny a day all through January...

Hello lovely people.  Is it too soon to be thinking of the new year?  I don't think so.  All the festivities of Christmas will be over before you know it and then we can all chill out with a little downtime and some nice relaxing crochet.  I always like to tackle my ever growing stash at this time of year and thought what better way to do it than with a good old crochet along.  If you are like me and your stash has taken on a life of its own, then why not join me all through January as I crochet a granny square a day.  By the end of the month we will have enough squares for a small blanket and will have made a nice dent in that stash pile.




I will be running the cal through my Facebook Group, where you will be able to share all your lovely photos.  I will post a link to that day's pattern each day and don't worry if you don't use Facebook, I will add links here too, so make sure to bookmark this page.  I am planning on using solid colours for all my squares, so the finished blanket will have a patchwork look to it.  You can use any colours you like, that's the beauty of granny squares.  Just use up that stash and make something pretty.

How To Join In


  • Check either here or on the Facebook Group each day for the pattern link.
  • Choose what weight of yarn you would like to use and correct hook for that yarn ie. 4mm hook for DK, 5mm hook for Aran / worsted.  Use this for EVERY square.
  • Follow daily instructions (each pattern may need to be altered slightly to give the correct size).
  • Feel free to post photos.
  • Once all squares are complete, check back here for finishing instructions.


Daily Pattern Links

The New Year Stashdown is here! Happy New Year everyone. Our first square is the Cosmos granny square. Remember choose either DK with 4mm hook or Aran / worsted with 5mm hook for your entire project. All equalising instructions in US terms.

Cosmos Granny Square

Follow pattern for square as written.  There are no equalizing rounds for this square.
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps




The Floral Square

Work rounds 1-3 as pattern, then continue as follows to equalise your square.
Round 4 Dc in each st and sp and [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in corners.
Round 5 Dc in each st and [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in corners.
Round 6 Sc in each st, dec 1st evenly along each side (crochet 2sts together in the centre of row), [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, fasten off.
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps.


Lilly Pad Granny Square

Rounds 1-7 as pattern then equalise as follows
Round 8 [3dc, ch1] in each sp, [3dc, ch3, 3dc, ch1] in corners 
Round 9 hdc in each st and sp, [2hdc, ch2, 2hdc] in each corner 
Round 10 sc in each st, [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, at the same time dec 1 st across each side (crochet 2 sts together in the centre of row).
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps


Tiptoe Through The Tulips

Work all rounds for flower centre 
Work rounds 1-5 of square 
Final round sc in each dc and ch2 sp, sc in top of each cl, [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner 
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps





Primula Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern
Round 7 dc in each st, in corners [dc, ch2, dc]
Round 8 sc in each st, in corners [sc, ch2, sc] 
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps

Rounds 1-5 as pattern. 
Round 6 sc in each st and [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner.
24 sts across each side and 4 corner sps.






One Love Granny Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern 
Round 7 sl st into next sp, 3dc in same sp, dc in next 3sts, in each corner [2dc, ch2, 2dc], across sides [3dc in 1st sp, 2dc in next sp, 2sc in next sp, 2dc in next sp, 3dc in last sp], join.
Round 8 sc in each st and sc, ch2, sc in corners.
24 sts across each side and 4 corner sps.




The Diane Rachael Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern.
Round 7 repeat round 6.
Round 8 sc in each st around and [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, at the same time inc 1 st evenly across each side (2sc in 1 st in centre of side).
24 sts across each side and 4 corner sps.



Eight Petal Flower wheel

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7 replace all dc with hdc.
Round 8 sc in each st and sp (apart from centre sp in each side, skip this one) and [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner. 
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps.

Rounds 1-7 as pattern.
Round 8 hdc in each st and [2hdc, ch2, 2hdc] in each corner.
Round 9 sc in each st and [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner. 
24 st across each side and 4 corner sps.

Rounds 1-6 as pattern 
Round 7 sc in each st around and [2sc, ch2, 2sc] in each corner 
24 sts across each side and 4 corner sps






Enchanted Garden

Rounds 1-6 as pattern 
Round 7 sc in each st in corners [sc, ch2, sc], at same time dec 1 st across each side (sc2tog in centre of each side). 
24 sts across each side +4 corner sps.





Crystal Square

Rounds 1-4 as pattern.
Round 5 2dc in each ch2 sp, 4dc in each ch3 sp, in corners [2dc, ch3, 2dc]. 
Round 6 sc in each st and [2sc, ch2, 2sc] in corners. 
24 sts across each side and 4 corner sps.





Popcorn 3D Flower Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7 sc in each st, inc 1 st along each side, in corners sc, ch2, sc. 
24 sts across each side.






Dreamcatcher Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7 sc in each st, inc 1 st along each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side


Rounds 1-8 as pattern. 
Round 9 sc in each st and [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner. 
24 sts across each side.


Queen Anne's Lace

Rounds 1-8 as pattern. 
Round 9 sc in each st, dec 1 st in middle of each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side







Floral Palisade Square

Rounds 1-7 as pattern. 
Round 8 sc in each st, dec 2 sts evenly across each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side.


Sofia Square



Rounds 1-6 as pattern.


Round 7 sc in each st and in corners 3sc.

Round 8 sc in each st, at same time dec 1 st across each side, [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner.

24 sts across each side.



Sublime Light Granny Square


Rounds 1-8 as pattern. 
Round 9 sc in each st and sp, dec 1 st across each side by skipping 1 dc in the centre of each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side.


Blossom Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern.
Round 6 has a number of errors, each corner should be [3dc, ch2, 3dc] and after the last cluster st there should be a ch2.
Round 7 sc in each st, at same time dec 1 st in centre of each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc].
24 sts across each side.




Daisy Wheel Granny Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7 dc in each st, 2dc in each sp and [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in each corner. 
Round 8 sc in each st around and [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner. 
24 sts across each side




Dahlia Pinnata

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7 sc in each st and 2sc in each sp, [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner. 
Round 8 sc in each st and [sc, ch2, sc] in corners. 
24 sts across each side.



Granny Square With A Flower

Rounds 1-6 as pattern 
Round 7 sc in each st and sp (sk centre sp on each side), in corners sc, ch2, sc. 
24 sts across each side.







Mangrove Square

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7 dc in every st, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in corners. 
Round 8 sc in every st, dec 1 st across each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side.







Blanket Motif

Rounds 1-6 as pattern. 
Round 7-8 sc in each st, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side.



Rounds 1-3 as pattern. Rounds 3-6 3dc in each sp, in corners [3dc, ch2, 3dc]. Round 7 hdc in every st, in corners [2hdc, ch2, 2hdc]. Round 8 sc in every st in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 24 sts across each side.

Rounds 1-8 as pattern. 
Round 9 dc in each st, in corners [2dc, ch2, 2dc]. 
Round 10 hdc in each st, in corners [hdc, ch2, hdc]. 
Round 11 sc in each st, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]. 
24 sts across each side.
Rounds 1-6 as pattern.
Round 7 sc in every st, inc 1 st in centre of each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc].
24 sts across each side.




Mayan CAL Mini Taster

Rounds 1-7 as pattern. 
Round 8 hdc in every st and [2hdc, ch2, 2hdc] in corners. 
Round 9 sc in every st, inc 1 st across each side, in corners [sc, ch2, sc]
24 sts across each side.


Don't forget to share your finished squares, either on the Facebook Group, or use #lullabylodge on Instagram...



Joining Your Granny Squares

You should now have 30 granny squares and these can be joined 5 x 6 to make a small rectangular lap blanket or baby blanket. You can use any method you prefer to join your motifs. If you would like some joining ideas or are a beginner, you can read my tutorial on joining granny squares. There are 3 methods of joining, all suitable for beginners. I will be using method 3 to join my squares.


Iris Stitch Crochet Edging

Well, all the squares are finished and joined and it's now time for the border.  I wanted something pretty but simple to go with all the floral themed squares.  So I thought the Iris Stitch would make a wonderful edging to the finished blanket.  The link above will take you to the border pattern.


Blocking


To block or not to block?  Everyone has their own preferences so I am not going to tell you what to do, I will just tell you what I do.  Some people like to block each square individually before joining, this will probably give you the most professional result.  I'm afraid I tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to blocking, however this type of blanket really does benefit from something.  

For those of you who have never blocked anything or are not sure what it is, I will give a brief explanation.  Blocking is the process of setting the yarn into shape after finishing your piece.  This is done usually by two methods, wet blocking or steam blocking.  For wet blocking you would complete soak your finished crochet, gently squeeze out the excess water (usually wrapped in a towel so as not to ruin your work), pin into shape on a flat surface and leave to dry.  For steam blocking you pin out your dry finished piece and hover over it with a steam iron (do not touch your yarn with the iron) and leave to dry.  Both of these methods will give you a beautiful finish and drape to your blankets or whatever it is you are blocking.  The stitches get relaxed and softened during the process, which is why this type of blanket in particular really benefits from this procedure.

If I have any particular squares that are not quite sitting right, I will pin these out and steam them, but usually I just throw the whole blanket over the ironing board and hover over it with the steam iron.  The steam allows the stitches to relax and you can pull and ease the blanket into shape.  So for anyone that feels that blocking out 30 individual squares is a bit of a chore, you can try this option.



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I can't wait to get started, I do love to bust through my stash.  I hope you will join me.  Oh and don't forget to subscribe...

Have a great day!
Catherine
x

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Friday 19 July 2019

Meet Dumpling, a rescue cat story... & Free crochet blanket pattern



Meet Dumpling, she lives with Little T's dad and Little T absolutely adores her.  She was a rescue cat from Battersea Cats and Dogs home and not very much was known about her life before she was taken in.  She was found as a stray and taken care of by Battersea.  Little T's dad had previously had another cat "Marmite" who had died in a tragic accident and felt it was time to get another.  So we all went together to the cats home and it was decided that Dumpling would be the one to come home with us.


At first she was afraid to go outside and was very wary of us, but she soon settled in and over time has started to go outside.  She doesn't stray far though, always staying close by.  She likes to play with Little T, he always insists on buying her toys every time we go to the pet shop and he likes to give her "Dreamies" for treats.  When she first came home she had a lovely hand knitted blanket that someone had made and donated to the shelter, it's good for cats to have something familiar when they first go to their new home.


Cat and dog shelters are always on the lookout for hand knitted or crocheted blankets, so I thought it would be a nice idea to make some blankets myself to donate.  My local shelter prefers knitted blankets as kittens can sometimes get their paws stuck in the holes that crochet blankets often have.  So I thought I would design a blanket, with no holes for little kitties to get their tiny paws stuck.  This pattern is great for using up your stash and can be made with any yarn.  I had some giant 400g balls of "cheap" Aran yarn, that had been lying forgotten in a tub somewhere.  I bought it on a whim because it was a "bargain" and never used it because it wasn't very soft.  I'm sure you all have some of "that" yarn in your stash.  So go on dig it out and make a rescue cat or dog happy...

For more rescue cat and dog blanket ideas check out this post here...


Cat Blanket No.1


Materials

Aran / Worsted from your stash

Hook

6mm (J)

Size

Approx. 85 x 85cm (33 x 33 inches)

Ability

Intermediate

Abbreviations US Terms (UK Conversion)

ldc – linked double crochet (linked treble crochet)
dc –double crochet (treble crochet)
sc – single crochet (double crochet)
ch - chain
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch
yo – yarn over


Special Stitches



Linkeddouble crochet: Insert hook into horizontal bar of previous st, yo and pull through loop, insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops, yo pull through remaining 2 loops.


Other notes:  This pattern is designed with kittens in mind.  Linked double crochet creates a dense fabric, with no holes for little kitties to get their tiny paws stuck.  I used Aran / worsted yarn for mine with a 6mm (J) hook; but could just as easily be made with any gauge yarn.  Just use a hook size recommended on your yarn ball band.  Use as many colours as you like and change colours at will.  When changing colour, pull new colour through last st of row.


Blanket


Make a ch as long as you would like the width of your blanket to be (I chained 100 for mine).

Row 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ldc in each ch across.  Turn.  (98ldc)

Row 2 ch2 (does not count as st), dc in 1st st, ldc in each st across.  Turn.  (98ldc)

Repeat row 2 until you have completed 54 rows (or blanket is required length).  Fasten off.


Border


Round 1 Join with sl st to any st along top of blanket, ch1, sc in same st, sc in every st across top and bottom of blanket, 3sc in each corner, along sides sc evenly across (how many sc you work along the sides will depend on your tension.  I found for every 6 rows I needed 10sc.  If your sides start to pull in you don’t have enough sts and if your sides start to go wavy, you have too many).  Join with sl st to starting sc.

Round 2 ch1 sc in same st, sc in every sc, 3sc in every corner st, join with sl st to starting sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

If you would like a wider border you may repeat round 2 until you reach desired width.


You can purchase an add free pdf version of this pattern in my Etsy Store...

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I hope you enjoyed the pattern and if you would like to see more posts like this please follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe.  Do you make blankets for rescue cats or dogs?  I would love to hear about it, let me know in the comments below or head on over to my Facebook Group and share your photos.


Happy hooking!
Catherine
x



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