Lullaby Lodge

For those of us in the UK Mother's Day is not far off so I have compiled some of my favorite crochet gift ideas.  Most of them are small projects that will only take an hour or two to make.  Mums always love a handmade gift and really appreciate the time and love that goes into them... Try these gift ideas for Mother's Day, 7 free patterns... The first pattern I have selected is for a very cute applique design by The Curio Crafts Room which may be turned into these gorgeous crochet earrings... Peacock Feather Earrings What mum wouldn't love to receive this stunning shawl?  Pattern by Mijo Crochet.  A slightly longer project but still plenty of time to make it... Lost in Time Shawl Keep your mum cosy with these gorgeously colourful stripy mitts by Sandra Paul, perfect for the chilly weather... Stripy Mitts Make these pretty flower coasters in no time at all.  Pattern by Daisy Cottage Designs. Japanese Flo

You know I never saw why there was so much interest in making dishcloths until I made these.  I must say I am now thoroughly addicted, I just can't stop making them.  I just love the simplicity of such a simple project and they are so fast to make.  Being able to finish something in only 30 mins really feeds my need for instant gratification and these cloths are just so versatile.  You can use them to gently exfoliate your skin, bath time for the kids or simply to do the dishes.   Now who out there doesn't need some gorgeous, colourful, crochet goodness to brighten up their life?  So I thought I must write up the pattern, so you too may share in the scrummy, yummy. squishy, crochet loveliness... Splashtime Crochet Washcloths Materials 2 balls Drops Safran or any other cotton 4ply (makes 3 washcloths) Darning needle Hook 5mm (H) hook Size 20 x 20 cm (8 inches) Abbreviations / Terms US Terms used throughout (UK Terms) hdc - half doub

Scroll down for free pattern link... It was my mum's birthday this week and I wanted to make her something small to send with her birthday card.  I remembered seeing a lovely coaster pattern in a book that Little T had got me for Christmas.   He had paid for it with his own money, it was a bargain for only £2 from The Works. The book is called "Vintage Style Crochet Projects" and is by Agnieszka Strycharska. I chose some colours I thought Mum would like.  I used Drops Muskat which is a really pretty 100% cotton DK yarn and a 4mm hook. The coasters worked up really quickly and I was tempted to make lots more but Sadly I didn't have much DK left.  I guess I will just have to go yarn shopping!  These coasters would make a great last minute gift for someone... I'm sure lots of you would love to try out this pattern so I will leave a link to the book.  I have also found a free pattern that is almost identical, this one has a pret

In this frosty weather we all need a hat to keep our heads cosy and warm and why not add a splash of colour to your outfit too, by using brightly coloured wool?  The Shetland Lace Slouchie is worked in the round on either double pointed needles or on a circular needle using the magic loop method.  It is comprised of a variation of the Old Shale stitch.  The lace is created by simple increases and decreases on a 4-row repeat, making this a perfect introduction to lace knitting.  An adventurous beginner could easily master this pattern.  The yarn cake creates a lovely colour block effect, with no need to keep changing colours.  The yarn does all the work for you. Shetland Lace Slouchie Materials :  1 ball Caron Cakes or similar yarn, darning needle, stitch marker, Clover pom pom maker (optional). Needles :  5mm (8 US) & 4mm (6 US) dpn's or curcular needle (using  magic loop method). Ability :  Intermediate Size :  Teen [adult] / 50-56 cm [56-

Over the Christmas holidays we always binge watch the Harry Potter Movies.  Whilst watching Prisoner of Azkaban I happened to notice a gorgeous, scrappy, hand knitted blanket on Ron Weasley's bed (Molly Weasley I do so love all your makes).  I instantly knew this would make an awesome stash busting project and I had to start straight away. A quick search found a brilliant guide by Jackie Wierzbick on her blog  Penguineer's Purls  and you can find the pattern page  here...   She has painstakingly collected lots of photos of the blanket and produced them into a layout grid and a guide for each knitted block.  The squares are all knitted in garter stitch (which I love especially for "TV" knitting).  There is also a crochet version which you can find  here... So off I went to rummage through my stash.  I have a great deal of those huge 400g balls of aran yarn I bought "cos it's cheap" that never got used (because it wasn't soft e

No sooner than we have taken down all our Christmas decorations, Valentine's Day is knocking at the door.  I have selected my 10 favourite free patterns.  There is plenty to choose from, gifts for family and friends and maybe something to treat yourself... What Valentines Day would be complete without a delicious box of chocolates and with the added bonus of zero calories.  Pattern by Michele Wilcox. Valentine Chocolates Learn a new stitch pattern to create a gorgeous heart blanket or just use the pattern to add a cute trim to other makes.  Designed by Mypicot. Heart Stitch Pattern Keep cosy in this lush cowl with adorable heart detail.   Pattern by Crafts by Amanda. Heart Infinity Scarf Decorate your home for the season with this cute wall hanging by Creative Jewish Mom. Crocheted Hearts Wall hanging Add a crochet edging to these paper hearts and turn them into a gorgeous garland.  Decorate your home or give them as a gift.  D

Happy new year everyone.  I hope you have all enjoyed the festivities over Christmas and the new year.  So what will 2019 bring?  Well for Lullaby Lodge it means the beginning of my temperature blanket.  I am so excited to get started.  I will also be doing another feature on stash busting, something a little different from last year and I will of course be sharing loads of new patterns, tutorials and ideas.  Doesn't the beginning of a new year just fill you with hope, joy and expectation of what it might bring... So here we go, day 1 of my temperature blanket.  You can find my original post will all the pattern info  here... According to the BBC the highest temperature for today in Windsor will be 11°C. So my first colour is going to be Sherbet! I started off with 180 chains this should be big enough for a single bed with a slight overhang.  Such a long wiggly starting chain, this is always the most awkward bit.   I like to work into the bumps on