Tuesday 25 June 2019

Learn how to crochet front post & back post stitches, in this step by step tutorial by Lullaby Lodge...

I have a pattern coming out soon that utilises front post stitches, so I thought this would be a good time to do a tutorial to show you exactly how to do them.  Post stitches give a really unique look to your work and are much easier to do than they sound.



Front & Back Post Stitches


Materials

Yarn
Darning needle

Hook

Use a hook recommended on your yarn ball band or required by your pattern

Abbreviations US Terms (UK Conversion)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
fpdc - front post double crochet (front post treble crochet)
bpdc - back post double crochet (back post treble crochet)
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(s)
yo - yarn over

Usually when we crochet we work into the top of the stitch, but we can create exciting new effects in our work, simply by placing our stitches in a different place.  Front and back post stitches are worked in exactly the same way, the only difference is where you place your stitch.  Post stitches are worked around the post instead of into the top of the stitch.


Front Post Double Crochet


Make a small swatch to practice on.  Ch 13, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across.  Turn.  (10dc)

Ch 3 to start your row and then insert your hook, from front to back, around the post of the next st.


Finish off your dc stitch as normal - yo and pull up a loop,


yo and pull through 2 loops,


yo and pull through remaining 2 loops.


Continue with a fpdc in each st, ending with a dc in the top of your ch3.


This is how it looks from the other side...



Back Post Double Crochet


Make a small swatch to practice on.  Ch13, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across.  Turn.  (10dc)

Ch 3 to start your row and then insert your hook, from back to front, around the post of the next st.


Finish off your dc stitch as normal - yo and pull up a loop,


yo and pull through 2 loops,


yo and pull through remaining 2 loops.


Continue with a bpdc in each st, ending with a dc in the top of your ch3.


This is how it looks on the other side...


Now you know how to make front and back post double crochets.  The principle is the same for other crochet stitches, you can work single crochets, half double crochets and treble crochets around the post in the same way.

Pin it for later...


That's it for this week's tutorial, I hope you found it helpful.  Don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this.  I usually post 3 or 4 times a week, so make sure you don't miss out.

Happy hooking!
Catherine
x

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Saturday 22 June 2019

Rosettes & Ridges Washcloth - CAL Central, crochet along group on Ravelry...

Hello everyone!  This week I joined a new CAL group on Ravelry.  They are having a washcloth crochet along with a new pattern each week to make.  You know how I love quick and easy projects, so I thought why not join in the fun.  The group is CAL Central and you can find the washcloth thread here.  The first pattern is a really pretty cloth, Rosettes & Ridges designed by Marie Segares.




I would say the pattern is for an intermediate crocheter, it uses bobble stitches and crocheting into back loops.  The pattern features a mitred design and has a lovely textural look.  I think this would also make a great dishcloth.


The pattern calls for DK yarn, although I chose to make mine in Aran with a 5mm hook.  I used Drops Paris in colours Light Purple and White and Scheepjes Cahlista in Crystalline.  I worked a few rows less than the pattern called for to get the correct size.  The first few rows were a bit fiddly but the repeats are easy to remember and I enjoyed making it.


I love the way it turned out and I'm looking forward to the next pattern.

Pin it for later...


I added a pretty label; these are great if you want to gift your cloths, or for selling at craft fairs...


I have a selection of printable labels available in my Etsy store.

I hope you enjoyed this and are inspired to come along and join in the fun.  If you would like to see more posts like this, along with tons of free patterns and tutorials, hit the follow button (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

See you soon
Catherine
x


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Friday 21 June 2019

Summer Shawls perfect for your holiday wardrobe - Free crochet patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

A summer shawl really is a great addition to your wardrobe.  Thrown over your shoulders after the sun goes down, perfect for dressing up an outfit when you are out for the evening or wear as a sarong by the beach; the ways to wear them are endless and there are so many gorgeous designs out there.  I have chosen a few of my favourites to share with you...


Crochet Summer Shawls



I just love the colours in this first shawl and the addition of the little pom pom hearts is super cute.  The pattern is by Wilma Westenburg and is available free on her blog...

Lovely Luisa Shawl




Duck Egg is one of my favourite colours and this shawl by Kim Gusman is just the prettiest thing.

Oasis Wrap




Just look at the lace pattern on this shawl and the colours are so summery.  The design is by Kristin Omdhal.

Sanibella Beaded Crochet Shawl




Pretty in pink, this stunning shawl by Kirsten Holloway is perfect for a wedding.  It certainly does look dreamy...

Daydream Wrap




This circular shawl by Drops Design, has a real boho, gipsy feel to it.

Magic Summer Shawl



My last choice is this gorgeous colour gradient shawl by Mijo Crochet.

Tea Flower Shawl




Pin it for later...


You know, this week I don't think I can decide on a favourite, they are all so beautiful.  Which one would you make?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

Enjoy!
Catherine
x


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Tuesday 18 June 2019

Granny Flower Hexagons - Learn how to crochet them in this easy tutorial by Lullaby Lodge...

Hello friends.  In this week's tutorial, I will be showing you, how to make these super cute granny flower hexagons.  Hexagons make great blankets.  The motifs could be used on their own to make coasters, or you could join a few together to make placemats.  I'm sure you can think of many more ideas for these pretty motifs...




Granny Flower Hexagons


Materials

Yarn
Darning needle

Hook

Use a hook recommended on your yarn ball band

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms are used through out (UK terms)
dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(s)
sp - space

Other notes: Fasten off and change colour after each round.  Join a new colour with a sl st in any  sp.  If you wish to make these in a solid colour simply sl st into the next ch sp to start the new round.

I used Drops Paris and Scheepjes Cahlista cotton yarn with a 5 mm (H) hook to make my hexagons, but you can use any yarn you like, just use the hook size recommended on your yarn ball band.


Ch4 and join with a sl st to form a ring

Round 1 Ch3 (counts as dc), 11dc into ring.  (12dc)





Round 2 Join new colour in sp between sts.  Ch3, dc in same sp, 2dc in each sp around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (24dc)





Round 3 Join new colour in sp between groups of sts.  Ch3, 2dc in same sp, 3dc in each sp around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (36dc)





Round 4 Join new colour in any sp.  Ch3, 2dc in same sp, [3dc, ch2, 3dc in next sp, 3dc in next sp] repeat around ending with 3dc, ch2, 3dc in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (54dc)





I really loved making these granny flower hexagons.  Playing with different colours always gives me that happy feeling...





I think I might turn these into a placemat or some coasters.






Pin it for later...





What would you make with yours?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

Take care
Catherine
x





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Sunday 16 June 2019

Let's take a look at my temperature blanket so far - spring update.

2019 Temperature Blanket & CAL


Hello friends, we have come to the end of spring, so it is time to do a temperature blanket update.  It has been so lovely seeing all your progress over at the Facebook Group.  Your blankets are all looking amazing and all so different too.  If you are only just joining us you can find the free pattern here...



  We have had a pretty cold spring here in Windsor.  My colours have been mostly blues and greens...


...with the addition of a few rows in yellows and peach.  It's so nice to see some warmer colours.  


After a few weeks of warmer temperatures the weather has turned cold again.


Looking forward to seeing some oranges and red, hopefully that summer weather is on its way.

Thanks for checking in and I will see you all again soon.
Catherine
x

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Saturday 15 June 2019

Starfish Dishcloths - Free pattern & crochet along - Our Happy CAL Place Ravelry Group

This week at Our Happy CAL Place , we have been making these cute, Starfish Dishcloths.  I don't know if you remember, but I have featured this pattern before, in a dishcloth pattern round up; so I was super excited to try this one out.  The pattern is by Mary Ann Frits and is available at Red Heart Yarns.


I found the pattern a bit tricky to follow.  Some of the instructions were a little ambiguous and others seemed to be missed out altogether.  The photos are very clear though and I was able to figure it out from checking them; however,  I do think a newbie crocheter might have problems, but don't let this put you off , as there is a great video on Youtube that is really easy to follow.


I love the way my dishcloth turned out, despite the tricky start and I will be making more of these for sure.  Why not head on over to the Ravelry group and check out the other members dishcloths, they all turned out so pretty; or you could join us and take part in next week's crochet along.



Go ahead and pin it for later...


I will be back again soon with free patterns, tutorials and more; so don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

Have a great day!
Catherine
x

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