Saturday 1 February 2020

Iris Stitch Edging - Add this pretty Iris Stitch border to your blankets...

For those of you who know me well, you will know that making blankets is my most favourite thing and adding the border to a finished blanket is the best part of blanket making.  Don't get me wrong I love the whole process.  Choosing the design, colours, type of yarn, spending time all snuggly and warm with a growing blanket on your lap is pure bliss to me, but those final few rounds that add the finishing touch to your masterpiece, is just the cherry on the cake.  I love that feeling of completion  and achievement you get when you finish a blanket.




As you know all through January we have been on a stash busting marathon, making a new granny square each day.  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 my finished blanket and of course I must also share this with you all...


Useful Links...







If you missed our crochet along, don't worry you can still make this beauty for yourself.  Just check out the link above for all the instructions and pattern links to make this pretty, stash busting blanket.



Iris Stitch Edging


Materials

I used a little over 100g of DK for this border, but you will need to use the same gauge yarn that you used for your blanket.  Amounts will vary depending on your blanket size.
Hook, I used a 4mm hook, but you will need to use the hook size you used for the rest of your blanket.
Darning needle

Abbreviations  

US terms (UK conversion)
dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
v st - v stitch
dv - double v stitch
sl st - slip stitch
 ch - chain
sp - space
sk - skip

Special stitches:

V Stitch - [dc, ch1, dc] in same st.

Double V Stitch - [2dc, ch1, 2dc] in same st.


Other notes:  It is my preference to add a round of single crochet to my blankets before I start my border.  This gives me an even base to start from and the opportunity to correct stitch counts if necessary.  The Iris Edging is worked over multiples of 4 stitches +3.  If you wish, you may during the single crochet foundation round, increase or decrease stitches so that each side of your blanket has the correct multiplier (don't count corner stitches).  This involves lots of counting and Maths (eek!).  If like me you cannot be bothered with this, feel free to fudge it.


Round 1 (Foundation round) starting in a corner st, join yarn and ch1, [sc, ch2, sc] in same st, then sc evenly around your blanket with [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, join with sl st.  


Round 2 Sl st into corner sp, [ch3 (counts as dc), ch1, dc, ch2, v st] in same sp, *[sk next 3sts, dv in next st] repeat across, sk last 3 sts, [v st, ch2, v st] in corner* repeat from *to* 3 times, [sk next 3 sts, dv in next st] repeat across, join with sl st to top ch3.

If fudging, at the end of this round you may need to sk 2 or 4 sts depending on your st count.  As you can see here in the photo, I skipped only 2 sts before the corner and it really isn't noticeable.


Round 3 Sl st into ch1 sp, [ch3, dc, ch1, 2dc] in same sp, in next and every corner sp [dc, ch2, dc], dv in every v st and dv from previous round, join with sl st to top ch3.


Rounds 2 & 3 form pattern and may be repeated until border is desired width.




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Thanks for stopping by and I hope you liked this pretty edging.  Be sure to subscribe for more posts like this...

TTFN
Catherine
x


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Wednesday 29 January 2020

She Sells Sea Shells Washcloth - Free crochet pattern, part of the 2020 Charity Stash Bash CAL...

Hello everyone, it's time for the first pattern in our Charity Stash Bash CAL.  We are starting off with a simple, quick and easy wash cloth.  Toiletries are among the items listed, for you to add to your shoe boxes and a handmade cloth accompanied with a nice bar of soap will be a great addition.  You can pack your boxes yourself or take items you wish to donate to your local church (if they are participating).  This cloth has a seaside theme and will eventually be part of a spa set including face scrubbies, shower puff and soap sock.





Helpful Links...




If you would like to take part and prefer knit over crochet, I have linked some other pattern choices along with more crochet cloths for you to make.  Just click the Stash Bash link above for more patterns and information.  If you would like to make more washcloths to donate, why not join the Ravelry weekly dishcloth CAL group, I have linked it above.  They make both knitted and crochet cloths each week.


She Sells Sea Shells Washcloth


Materials

Cotton Aran / worsted yarn in 3 colours
Darning needle
4.5mm hook

Size

Approx. 8.5 x 8 inches (22 x 21 cm)

Ability

Advanced beginner

Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
dc – double crochet (treble crochet)
ch - chain
st(s) - stitch(es)
sk - skip



Other notes:  Washcloth is worked flat.  Work first 9 rows, fasten off and then continue with right side facing from foundation row and work in the opposite direction.



With blue, ch 32.



Row 1 (Right side), dc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 2 ch, 5dc in next ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch] 5 times.  Turn.



Row 2 Ch1, 3dc in 1st st, [sk next 2 sts, sc in next st (centre dc of 5dc), sk next 2 sts, 5dc in sc,] 4 times, sk next 2 sts, 3dc in last st, turn.


Row 3 Ch1, sc in 1st st, [ sk2 sts, 5dc in sc, sk2 sts, sc in next st] 4 times, sk2 sts, 5dc in next st, sk2 sts, sc in last st.


Row 4-9 Repeat rows 2 & 3, changing colour to sea green on round 6 and to white on round 9.  Fasten off.







With blue join yarn with right side facing join with sl st to foundation ch.  Work rows 1-9 again in the other direction.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Optional:  A hanging loop may be added by chaining 14 before fastening off and sl st to last st.


I am currently working on patterns for coordinating face scrubbies, shower puff and a soap sock.  Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss them.



Why not make your cloths look more professional with little gift labels.  I have a selection of digital labels in my Etsy Store, that you can print off at home.



Including some lovely ones for Christmas.  Simply print them off at home, cut them out and your crochet gifts look extra special.




If you enjoy my patterns and would like to help support my work, you can purchase the ad free pdf pattern, from my online stores...  









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I hope you enjoyed this washcloth pattern and I would love it if you joined in with the crochet along.  You can share your photos in the Facebook Group or use #lullabylodge on Instagram.


Happy stash bashing!
Catherine
x


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Sunday 26 January 2020

2020 Charity Stash Bash - Projects to make for your favourite charities, new pattern each month...

Hello friends, I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the year.  Our January stash busting crochet along has almost finished and I still have such a lot of yarn left just waiting to be used.  So I thought why not have another one?

This time the stash busting will go on throughout the year, so we can really make a dent in that yarn pile.  One of my goals for this year is to make items to donate, so let's kill two birds with one stone and have a big old Charity Stash Bash.




2020 Charity Stash Bash!


Useful links...




I will be supporting two charities this year, Operation Christmas Child and Battersea Dog and Cat home.  The Operation Christmas Child charity, run by Samaritan's Purse, sends out shoe boxes full of small gifts to children all over the world at Christmas, that might otherwise not receive anything.

You can include all sorts of knitted or crocheted items in the shoeboxes.  Many local churches take part in the shoe box appeal every year.  You can take your finished items there, or take a look at their website for more details, I have linked it above.

Battersea Cat and dog home also take donations of blankets and pet toys, which you can knit or crochet.  You don't have to make your items for these charities if you don't want to, you can choose one that is dear to your heart.  I do hope you will join in.






For our stash busting makeathon, I will be designing a new pattern each month.  The first patterns will be for the shoe box appeal and at the end of the year patterns for Battersea.  If you enjoy making things for charitable causes and have an ever growing stash pile, why not join in with the crochet along.

Many of these patterns will also make great gifts, so you might want to make presents for friends and family, or your pets.


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There will be a new pattern released each month, so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss it and join the Facebook group too to share your photos...


Ta ta for now...
Catherine
x





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Wednesday 22 January 2020

Crochet Along With Me... January

Hello everyone, well hasn't this month been a busy one.  We have started not one but two CAL's, and another one is on the way.  I will post more details about the next CAL in a later post.  I have also been trying to finish up last year's temperature blanket and been taking part in other CAL's and KAL's over at Ravelry, and not only that but also working on new pattern designs.  I have something coming up very soon for Valentine's too...



Useful links...









Crochet Along With Me... (January edition)


So January started off with a bang and with a new temperature blanket pattern. I must say, I am really enjoying crocheting these teeny, tiny, squares each day.  So far I am managing to stay on track, let's hope it stays that way.

First few squares



Mostly the weather has been very mild here.  Only over the last few days has the temperature dropped a little and I have the addition of some blue rounds to my squares.



Slowly getting bigger.  What I have loved the most is seeing everyone's progress in the Facebook group.  So many different colour pallets and styles of blankets, can't wait to see them all develope.




We also had the start of the Gorgeous Grannies Crochet Along, which can you believe it is almost over.  Only a few days left to go.  It has been so much fun making these granny squares every day.


The pile is getting bigger.  I will be posting joining and border ideas and the finished blanket next month.



I have also joined a dishcloth knit along and crochet along group on Ravelry.  They have new patterns each week to either knit or crochet and the group is very friendly.  If you like to make dishcloths or want to learn new stitch patterns then this is a great way to do it.

Here are my cloths for the first two weeks



This week's pattern is a Mystery Kal, with a new part of the pattern released each day.  Here's mine after clue one...



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I have linked all the patterns and groups up top to make it easy for you to find everything, should you wish to join in.  I do hope you will.  Make sure you are subscribed, we have a new cal starting very soon and you won't want you to miss it.

See you soon...
Catherine
x


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Sunday 19 January 2020

Introducing the Velvet Ridges Scarf Crochet Pattern

Hello everyone, after making the Velvet Stockings over Christmas, I just new I had to use the Bernat Velvet yarn to make something to wear.  It is so soft and cuddly, I knew that having it wrapped around my neck would feel divine and so the Velvet Ridges Scarf idea was born...




This is a premium pdf pattern and can be purchased from any of my online stores...











Velvet Ridges Scarf


Materials

Bernat Velvet 2 balls (uses approx. 400g of yarn)
Darning needle
8mm (L) hook

Size

Approx. 74 inches (190cm) long (not including fringe)

Ability

Intermediate

Gauge

Not essential for this project


Stitches used US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
fphdc – front post half double crochet (front post half treble crochet)
ch - chain
st(s) - stitch(es)










The scarf is crocheted in the gorgeous Bernat Velvet yarn and is worked sideways using post stitches to create a unique ribbed effect.


A pretty fringe adds the finishing touch to this super soft and cuddly scarf.






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Thank you so much for stopping by and I will see you all again soon.  Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any posts.

Catherine
x


If you love Lullaby Lodge and would like to see more from me, then head on over to my Patreon page.  You can also become a patron and receive pdf patterns each month (much cheaper option than buying them from my stores)...


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Wednesday 15 January 2020

Crochet For Valentine's Day - Free patterns by my favourite designers, including new designs for 2020...

Hello friends.  It's that time of year again, when we think of all those people close to us that we love and what better way to show how much we care, than by making them a crochet gift.  Here are some of my favourites.  Enjoy!




It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without hearts and these crochet ones are so quick and easy to make and there are so many ways you could use them.  This pattern is by Itchin' for some Stitchin'.

Crochet Hearts






Your little one will look so adorable in this chunky cabled hat, by Salty Pearl Crochet.

Chunky Cabled Heart Hat





How cute are these kitties with their heart pops?  I know someone would love to receive these for Valentine's Day.  Pattern by Thoresby Cottage.

Itty Bitty Crochet Kitty





I just love this granny square heart cushion by Cute and Cosy Crochet.  

Heart To Heart Pillow





Things can feel a little drab after Christmas, once all the decorations are down and the weather is still cold and dreary.  So brighten up your home with this wonderful heart garland by Annies Design Crochet.

Valentine's Day Garland





We have all seen so many calendars for advent, now you can make one for Valentine's Day too.  Pattern by Loops & Love Crochet.

Valentine's Day Countdown Calendar





Keep cosy in this velvet, heart headband.  You know how I love velvet yarn.  The pattern is by Through The Loop.

Velvet Head Wrap





Another cute cushion for you to crochet.  Pattern by Jen Hayes Creations.

Crochet Heart Pillow





While you are treating everyone you love, don't forget to make a little something for yourself.  This hotpad is so quick and simple to make and will add a little love to your kitchen.  The pattern is by Stitches & Scraps.

Crochet Heart Hotpad







Lastly we have this super cute baby beanie, with heart motif.  You might be fooled into thinking these are knitted, but no, they are Tunisian crochet and are just adorable.  The pattern is another one by Thoresby Cottage.

Sweetheart Tunisian Baby Hat







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That's it folks, I hope you found something you would like to make for a loved one.  Which is your favorite?  Let me know in the comments below...

Back soon
Catherine
x



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