Lullaby Lodge

My local Cat & Dog shelter is always looking for blankets for their rescue animals, so I thought a great way to use up some stash, that might not otherwise get used, would be to make some blankets for them.  We have a Battersea Cats and Dogs home in Windsor where I live and they generally prefer knitted blankets to crochet ones, especially for kittens as they can easily get their paws stuck in the holes that crochet blankets often have.  So I have hunted down some patterns that I think will be suitable for cats (or dogs).  The patterns I have chosen are not all specifically designed for cats but all have very little or no holes and can all be made with stash yarn (woohoo use up that stash!). Blankets for Rescue Cats This first blanket is actually designed as a baby blanket, but as it creates a close knit fabric, would make a great blanket for cats.  The pattern is by Sunset Knots. Woven Stitch Baby Cat Blanket This next blanket is made up with loads of lo

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 a

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.

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...

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 ho

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 Related posts... This post contains Amazon affiliate links...