Friday 17 May 2019

Great ideas for Father's Day - Free patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

Wow this has been a tough one!  It's so hard to find great crochet patterns for men, for the summer season.  There are plenty of hats, scarves and gloves patterns for the winter, but there seems to be a lack of patterns available for this time of year.  I did manage to find 6 patterns that I love, to share with you though.  I hope you like them too...

Crochet Gifts for Father's Day




First off, is this gorgeously chunky man blanket.  This blanket would be great for camping if your Dad is outdoorsy or just keep it by his favourite armchair to ward off the evening chill.  It's crocheted in super chunky yarn so you could whip it up in no time.  The pattern is available at Simple Sweet Yarns blog.

The Hubbie Nubbie



If you are looking for something quick and easy, then this gadge stand would make the perfect gift, for dads who love their iphones.  The pattern is by 5 Little Monsters.

Crochet Phone or Tablet Stand




Show your dad how much you love him, by crocheting him this stunning pouffe.  Perfect for putting his feet up.  The pattern is available at Red Heart Yarns.

 Argyle Bean Bag Ottoman




This quick and easy project will keep all your dads stuff exactly where he needs it.  Great for storing his phone, the telly remote or any other bits an pieces.  The pattern is by Ma.ma in a Stitch.

The Ultimate Tablet Case




Let your dad know how amazing he is, by gifting this Super Dad mug cosy.  Pattern available at Hooked on Patterns.

Super Dad Mug Cosy




Lastly, these crochet slippers would make any dad happy.  Pattern by Make & Do Crew.

Modern Slippers




That's it for this week's Freebie Friday!  If you would like to see more posts like this please make sure to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe.

See you soon...
Catherine
x

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Tuesday 14 May 2019

How to crochet flat circles, three different ways...

This week for Tutorial Tuesday, we will be learning how to crochet circles.  I will be showing you how to work the right amount of increases to keep your circle nice and flat and how to make them with three different stitches.  Next week we will look at how to turn your crochet circles into granny squares, so be sure to follow and subscribe (in the sidebar) to make sure you don't miss it.




Crochet Circles Three Different Ways


Materials

Yarn
Darning needle
Stitch marker (optional)

Hook

Use the hook size recommended on your yarn ball band

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms (UK terms)
sc - single crochet (double crochet)
hdc - half double crochet (half treble crochet)
dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
st('s) - stitch(es)


Double Crochet Circles



Ch 4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 ch3 (counts as dc, in this and every round), 11dc into ring, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12dc).  If you find it easier you can add a stitch marker to your first stitch; move this up each round.


Round 2 ch3, dc in same st, 2dc in each st around, join with sl st to top ch3. (24dc).


Round 3 ch3, dc in same st, [dc in next st, 2dc in next st] repeat around to last st, dc in last st, join with sl st to top ch3.  (36dc).


Round 4 ch3, dc in same st, [dc in next 2 st's, 2dc in next st] repeat around to last 2 st's, dc in last 2 st's, join with sl st to top ch3.  (48dc).


You can continue in the same way by increasing 12 stitches each round.  An easy way to remember how to work your increases, is by knowing that the number of stitches between increases will go up by 1 each round; for example round 3 has 1 stitch between each set of increases and round 4 has 2 stitches between each set.  Round 5 would have 3 stitches and so on...



Single Crochet Circles




Ch 3 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 ch1 (does not count as st), 6sc into ring, join with sl st to 1st sc.  (6sc).

Round 2 ch1, 2sc in 1st st, 2sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc.  (12sc).

Round 3 ch1, 2sc in 1st st, [sc in next st, 2sc in next st] repeat to last st, sc in last st, join with sl st to 1st sc.  (18sc).

You can continue to increase in the same way as for the double crochet circle, this time increasing 6 stitches each round.


Half Double Crochet Circles




Half double crochet circles can be made in the same way.  Just start with 8 hdc into your ring and increase by 8 stitches each round.



I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and make sure you don't miss next week's, where we will be learning how to turn those circles into squares.  Be sure to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

See you soon
Catherine
x


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Saturday 11 May 2019

The Sunshine Dishcloth & Tea Towel Set - Free Crochet Pattern

Hello everyone, I have a new pattern to share with you today.  My Splashtime Washcloths have been so popular, I thought I would design another dishcloth pattern.  This one also comes with a matching tea towel and I thought it would tie in nicely with all the granny square tutorials.  This is a great starter project for beginner crocheters.





Sunshine Dishcloth & Tea Towel


Materials

2 x 50g balls Drops Paris in White & 1 ball each Pistachio, Strong Yellow & Light Pink (or any other cotton Aran / worsted yarn)
Darning needle

Hook

5mm (H)

Size

Dishcloth 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches)
Tea Towel 38 x 30 cm (15 x 12 inches)

Abbreviations / Terms

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

Other notes: The dishcloth is worked in rounds in one piece and the tea towel is made by joining 2 squares together and then continuing in rounds.  Start each round with ch3 (counts as dc).  Use the photo as a guide to colour sequence; 2 rounds Pistachio, 2 rounds Light Pink, 2 rounds Strong Yellow and final rounds White.  When starting with a new colour, join with a sl st in any corner sp and ch3 (counts as dc).

Sunshine Dishcloth





With Pistachio ch4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 ch3, 2dc into ring, [ch2, 3dc into ring] 3 times, ch2, join with sl st to starting ch3.

Round 2 ch3, dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in corner sp, ch2, 2dc in same sp.  [dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in corner sp, ch2, 2dc in same sp] x3.  Join with sl st to beginning ch3.  Fasten off and join new colour.

Round 3 along each side dc in each st across.  In each corner 2dc, ch2, 2dc.  Join with sl st to starting ch3.

Round 4 repeat round 3 and fasten off and join new colour.

Rounds 5 & 6  repeat round 3 and fasten off and join new colour.

Round 7 repeat round 3, fasten off and weave in ends.


Sunshine Tea Towel




Granny Squares (make2)

With Pistachio, make 2 granny squares by working rounds 1 & 2 of Dishcloth pattern twice.  Sew or crochet your 2 squares together; we will now be working in rounds around these 2 squares.

Round 1  join with sl st to any corner sp, ch3 (counts as dc), dc, ch2, 2dc in same sp.  Along sides dc in each dc across & 2dc in each ch sp.  In each corner 2dc, ch2, 2dc.  Join with sl st to starting ch3.

Round 2 ch3 (counts as dc), dc in every dc along sides & in each corner 2dc, ch2, 2dc.  Join with sl st to starting ch3.  Fasten off and change colour.

Rounds 3 - 8  repeat round 2.

Rounds 9 ch1, sc in same sp, along sides sc in each st, in 1st corner sc, ch10, sc (hanging loop made).  In every other corner 3sc.  Join with sl st to 1st sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.



I also designed some pretty labels to go with them.  These are available in my Etsy store...


A printable PDF pattern is also be available and don't forget to follow and subscribe (in the sidebar) for more posts like this.

Enjoy!

Catherine
x

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Friday 10 May 2019

Be beach beautiful this summer, with these free crochet patterns. Everything you need for a day out at the seaside...

I just love this time of year!  The weather is getting warmer, the sun is coming out and it's time to start thinking about our summer holidays.  A day out at the beach or a week in the sun, is just what we need after all the cold weather.  So what better excuse for starting a new project than the prospect of showing off your crochet at the beach.  Why not make a crochet holdall to carry all your bits and pieces or maybe a gorgeous beach towel to relax on.  Perhaps, if you are feeling really brave, a crochet bikini?  I'm sure there will be a pattern here for you.

Beach Beautiful Crochet - Six to make...




You can't have a day out at the beach without a beach towel and this one is a beauty.  Gorgeous, sunny, crochet, stripes make up this lounge cover with matching towel.  You can find the pattern at Snappy Tots blog.

Beach Day Lounge Cover & Towel




Make your toes look pretty in these barefoot sandals.  The pattern is from Sewandsew's blog and is such a quick and simple make, you could even whip them up while sunbathing...

Daisy Chain




If you are spending a day out at the seaside, then you will need something to carry your sun cream.  This crochet beach bag looks great in soft mint yarn.  The pattern is by Si Nanay Madel.

Summer Beach Bag




If you love soaking up the sun by the pool, then this stunning cover up is the perfect pattern for you.  The design is by Megmade With Love.

Easy Breezy Swim Cover



For those of you out there with an adventurous heart, why not crochet your own bikini.  This one is designed by Esther at The Happy Unraveler.

Vega Crochet Bikini




Lastly, you cannot go to the beach without a pair of flip flops.  These crochet ones are just gorgeous.  I love the sunny, summery colours chosen by  Miss Neriss Crochet Design.

Bloom Flip Flops




Well that's it for this week's Freebie Friday!  I hope you found something you like.  I think my favourite is the beach cover up, what's yours?  Let me know in the comments below...  and don't forget to follow and subscribe (in the sidebar) for more posts like this.

Ta ta for now!
Catherine
x


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Tuesday 7 May 2019

How to join your granny squares - Three ways for beginners...

Hello everyone it's Tuesday again and time for another tutorial.  This week we will be learning how to join all those granny squares we have been making.  I have 3 methods to share with you today and these are aimed at beginner crocheters.  We will look at sewing our squares together, crocheting together from the front and crocheting together from the back.  I will be covering intermediate methods of joining in a future post, be sure you subscribe so you don't miss it.


How to Join Your Squares For Beginners


Materials


Granny squares
Darning needle
Yarn
hook (size you used to make your squares)

Abbreviations / Terms US (UK)
sc - single crochet (double crochet)
sl st - slip stitch
st - stitch
sp - space


Recognising front & back loops


         Both loops                                                  Front loop                                                 Back loop


Method #1 Sewing


The first method is to simply sew your squares together using whip stitch.  Hold your squares wrong sides together and sewing through the back loops only, sew each stitch together.  When piecing squares for a blanket sew your squares together in rows, all rows in one direction first.


Then turn your work and join the rows along the other side.


If you are like me and don't enjoy sewing, you might prefer to crochet your squares together.  Next we will look at two methods of crocheting together using single crochet.


Method #2 Crocheting Together From The Back


With this method we will be working with our squares right sides together.  Join your yarn with a sl st in the corner of your first square.  You will now sc each st together working through both squares simultaneously.  You can either work through the back loops only as in the sewing method (the finished result will look very similar), or you can work through both loops for a stronger join.  Your first stitch will be in the corner sp, then in each st working st by st.


As before join your squares in one direction first, then the other...



Method #3 Crocheting Together From The Front


Starting with your squares wrong sides together, join yarn with a sl st to the corner of your first square.  Commence and continue in exactly the same way as method #2 and working a sc through each stitch (both loops), both sides simultaneously.  This method gives a lovely textural ridge across your work.


Again join your squares in rows first horizontally, then vertically.


I hope you found this post helpful and if you would like to see more tutorials like this don't forget to follow and subscribe (in the sidebar).  If you would like the tutorial for the Ditsy Daisy Granny Square, you can find it here. 

I will be back again soon with more crochet and crafty loveliness,
by for now.
Catherine
x


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Friday 3 May 2019

Find out what to make with all those granny squares - Free crochet pattern selections

Hello lovely people.  It's Freebie Friday again and this week I have been hunting for lots of fabulous things to make, with all those granny squares.  The humble granny square is so versatile and can be used for more that just blankes.  I have found some lovely patterns, ranging from handbags to cuddly toys...


Gorgeous Grannies - Six Projects




These squares look super summery in this stunning shoulder bag, by Drops Design.  The bag is crocheted in Drops Paris 100% cotton yarn and the pattern is available over on their website.

Carry Me Home




If you are looking for a really quick and easy project, then look no further than this granny square pincushion.  The pattern is by Wild About Yarn.

Blossom Pin Keeper



Why not wear your squares and what better way than with this pretty top, designed by Brittany at Ideal Me.

Granny Square Sweater





Time for something cute and cuddly!  Make something for your littles ones, with this super cute granny square, cat softie pattern, by Little Woolie.

Kitty Cat



These granny square earrings would make a lovely gift for someone, or perhaps just a treat for yourself.  Pattern by Whistle & Ivy.

Granny Square Earrings




Lastly this super simple yet stunning scarf.  The yarn really does all the work for you.  Pattern available at Yarn Plaza.

Mille Colori Summer Scarf




That's all for this week's freebies, I hope you are inspired to make something gorgeous with your grannies.  If you enjoyed this post and would like to see more, please follow and subscribe, I post often so make sure you don't miss out.

All the best
Catherine
X


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