Sunday 12 July 2020

The Jacob Blanket - Textured colour block baby blanket pattern...

Hello friends.  Today I have a blanket pattern to share with you that was previously only available in my store.  The blanket features a colour block design that would look great in many colour combinations.  It's such a simple pattern and is suitable for beginners.





An ad free pdf version of this pattern is available in my online stores, thank you for supporting my work...












Jacob


Materials

2 100g balls each in colours Dixie, Haze & White of Stylecraft Jeanie Aran
Darning needle
5mm (H) hook



Size

90 x 70 cm (35 x 27 inches)


Ability

Advanced beginner


Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
dc - double crochet (treble crochet)
hdc - half double crochet
ch – chain
sp - space
st(s) - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch
sk - skip


About the Yarn
Stylecraft Jeanie Denim Look
100g / 210m
60% cotton 40% acrylic
Machine washable


With White ch 117.

Row 1 *Sk2 ch (first ch counts as turning ch), [sc, ch1, dc] in next ch* repeat from *to* until last 3 chs, sk2 chs, hdc in last ch.  Turn.

Row 2 Ch1, *[sc, ch1, dc] in next ch sp* repeat from *to* across, hdc in turning ch from previous row. Turn.

Rows 3-32 repeat row 2, changing colour on last row by pulling new colour through last st of row.

Rows 33-64 With Haze repeat row 2, changing colour on the last row.

Rows 66-96 With Dixie repeat row 2.  Fasten off.







Single Crochet Border

Sc evenly around blanket, changing colours when necessary to keep colour block effect correct.  How many sts you work will depend on your tension.  If your border makes your edges “wavy” you have too many sts, if your sides are “pulling in” you have too few, adjust accordingly.

This is what worked for me…

Along sides 2sc around each hdc post, sc in side of each turning ch, 95sc evenly across top, 95sc evenly across bottom, 1sc in each corner.







Thanks for stopping by and be sure to subscribe if you are new here for more free patterns every month.


Take care and see you again soon...

Catherine
x




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Sunday 5 July 2020

Summer Stripes Friendship Bracelet - Part of the Charity Stash Bash CAL

Hi everyone, it's time for our next addition to the Charity Stash Bash CAL.  If you have not been following along you can check out the links below for more info.  This month our patterns follows on from the theme of last months, with another Summer Stripes pattern.  This time this snazzy friendship bracelet.  Kids love these especially when made in colourful yarns

The pattern will use up those last scraps of cotton you have lying around and can be made with any gauge yarn, making it a great stash buster.






If you would like to know more about the Chaity Stash Bash CAL you can check out the links below.




Helpful Links...








An ad free pdf version of this pattern is available in my online stores, thank you for supporting my work...











If you would like to take part and prefer knit over crochet, I have linked some other pattern choices along with more crochet cases for you to make.  Just click the Stash Bash link above for more patterns and information. 




Summer Stripes Friendship Bracelet



Materials

Cotton yarn oddments in various colours
Hook recommended on yarn ball band
Darning needle



Size

Adjustable


Ability

Advanced


Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
hdc - half double crochet
ch – chain
sp - space
st(s) - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch



Other notes: Any cotton yarn in any weight may be used for this pattern.  Just use the hook recommended on your yarn ball band.  Thicker weight yarns will make for wider bracelets and finer yarns will make thinner bracelets. 

Fasten off and change colours after each round.  Join in new colours with a sl st.  It is recommended that you work over your ends as you go.  This pattern uses the advanced technique surface crochet. 




Make your starting chain long enough to fit just over half of yours or recipients’ wrist size.


Round 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch until last ch, 3sc in last ch.  Continue along underside of ch.  Sc in each ch across, 2 sc in same ch as 1st sc, join with sl st to 1st sc.


Round 2 Join in the 1st st of any 3sc group from previous round, ch1 (does not count as st), 3hdc in same st, 3hdc in next 2 sts, hdc in each st until next 3sc group, 3hdc in next 3 sts, hdc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to 1st hdc.


Round 3 Join in any st, hdc in each st around and 3hdc in each centre st of 3hdc groups from previous round, join with sl st to 1st hdc.


Round 4 Join in centre st at any end, ch1 (does not count as st), sc in same st, sc in each st around until you reach 2nd 3hdc group from previous round, sc in next 2 sts, ch required number of sts to reach under your wrist to the other side of bracelet and back again (button loop made), sc in same st, sc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to 1st sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends.


Surface crochet ch sts over rounds 1, 2 & 3.  For round 1 you will work into the top of the sts and for rounds 2 & 3 around the post.  Weave in all ends and sew on button.


Alternatively, you could sew on some coloured jewellery elastic to replace the button loop (you would then sc in each st around and miss out the button loop on round 4), this might be beneficial if you do not know the recipient’s wrist size.






I hope you have been enjoying the crochet along and have found some things to make for your favourite charity.  What's your favourite charity to crochet for?  Let me know in the comments below...


Take care and happy hooking!

Catherine
x




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Sunday 21 June 2020

Summer Crochet For Kids - 10 quick and easy projects to make for your kids this summer...

Hello friends, the sun is shining and I hope you are all able to get out and enjoy the weather.  I have put together some really cute, quick and easy crochet projects to make for your kids, with a summer theme.  The patterns are all free and by my favourite designers, so be sure to go and check them out.









I love this cute zesty coin purse by Crochet Cloudberry.  Perfect for your little ones to keep their pennies in, or for yourself...


Lime Coin Purse







All I hear from Little T in the summer is "Mum can I have an ice pop?".  If your kids love them too then they will love these ice pop cosies by Green Fox Farm Designs.

Freeze Pop Holders







In the UK we have been making rainbows to hang in our windows to show our support for the NHS.  Why not make one for your kids to hang in their windows too.  The pattern is by The Crafty Therapist.

Rainbow of Gratitude








When the sun is hot, keep your kids cool in a cute, cotton sun hat.  I'm sure this pattern by Cute & Cosy Crochet would look just as good for a boy in more masculine colours.

Simple Sweet Sunhat







The next three patterns are all by Jen Hayes Creations and would all make great pretend food for your kids to play with.

Cottage Garden Cabbage




Cottage Garden Carrots




Cottage Garden Tomatoes







Another coin purse, this one with a cute koala design.  Pattern by Fluffy Stitches

Koala Coin Purse






It would not be a summer without butterflies and these gorgeous crochets ones are just as beautiful as the real thing.  Pattern by Loops & Love Crochet.

Butterfly Amigurumi







Make this cute ice lolly cuddler by 3am Grace Designs

Popsicle Kawaii Cuddler










I hope you enjoyed my selection of free patterns and have found something fun to make for your kids.


Bye for now...

Catherine
x

Sunday 14 June 2020

Crochet For A Cause Blog Hop - Free pdf pattern to download every Monday...

Hello friends, this week I am excited to announce that I am taking part in the Crochet For A Cause Blog Hop, which is being organised by the lovely Ashley from Edyth Blayn. 

Each Monday during the event, two designers will make their pattern available to download free. Their pattern will be free for one week only so be sure to check back every Monday.  You can find more information about the cause and links to the free patterns here...

All designers will be sharing hat and scarf patterns with the aim of donating them to your local homeless shelter, school, cancer centre or pregnancy resource centre.  This coming Monday it is my turn to share a pattern and you will be able to download the pdf for my Basic Beanies free for 1 week.  Remember this pdf will only be free for 1 week from Monday 15th June, so be sure to head on over to Ravelry for your pattern.




Click the picture above to find other great patterns, you will need to check each Monday to see what pattern is available for that day.  Click the picture below to get your free pdf of the Basic Beanies pattern.






I hope you enjoy this blog hop and will consider making something for one of your local charities.

Take care for now...

Catherine
x

Wednesday 10 June 2020

Elderflower Champagne Recipe - A fond memory of my childhood...

You know summer is finaly here when the elderflowers are blooming. They always remind me of the walks I used to take with my mum as a child.  We would walk along the country lane to the river and collect the elderflower blooms to make Elderflower Champagne.

My mum would use a big bucket with water, sugar, lemons and the flower heads and leave them overnight or a little longer.  She used plastic pop bottles to strain the fragrant liquid into (glass ones had exploded previously and the plastic one seemed to fair better).  She would keep the bottles in her wardrobe and we would wait impatiently for them to be ready.

It was always worth the wait, Elderflower Champagne is such a glorious taste of summer.  It really is summer in a glass.  If you have never tried it before I urge you to give it a go...







Elderflower Champagne


Ingredients

8-10 elderflower heads
4 cups sugar
3 pints of hot water
6 pints cold water
4 lemons


  • Add the hot water and sugar to a large sterilised container and stir until dissolved
  • Add the cold water and leave until completely cool
  • Slice the lemons and add them along with the elderflower heads
  • Leave covered for 24 to 48 hours, you should start to see bubbles forming on the surface when it's ready
  • Strain through a muslin cloth into strong bottles
  • Store somewhere cool and dark and leave for at least a week
  • During this time if you are using glass bottles, it is recommended that you "Burp" them a few times a week to ensure the bottles don't explode.  This is simply releasing the pressure of the lid to allow some of the gas to escape.


Best enjoyed chilled with a slice of lemon, just add sunshine...







I hope you will enjoy this recipe.  What fond memories do you have from your childhood?  Let me know in the comments below...

See you all soon
Catherine
x




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Sunday 7 June 2020

Summer Stripes Sunglasses Case - Part of the Charity Stash Bash CAL

Hello friends, it's time for May's Charity Stash Bash pattern (I know it's a little late) and this month we have this super cute sunglasses case.  This pattern may also be used as a pretty pencil case or to keep your hooks in.  I will be making these as pencil cases for the shoe box appeal and adding some colouring pencils to go with them.






If you would like to know more about the Chaity Stash Bash CAL you can check out the links below.


Helpful Links...









An ad free pdf version of this pattern is available in my online stores, thank you for supporting my work...








If you would like to take part and prefer knit over crochet, I have linked some other pattern choices along with more crochet cases for you to make.  Just click the Stash Bash link above for more patterns and information. 




Summer Stripes Sunglasses Case


Materials

Aran / worsted cotton yarn oddments in various colours
4.5mm hook
Darning needle
Stitch markers (optional)


Size

Fits average sunglasses


Ability

Advanced


Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)
dc double crochet (treble crochet)
hdc - half double crochet
ch – chain
sp - space
st(s) - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch


Other notes: I used Scheepjes Cahlista to make my glasses cases in various colours, but you can use any cotton Aran / worsted weight yarn to make yours.  Fasten off and change colours after each round.  Join in new colours with a sl st.  

It is recommended that you work over your ends as you go.  This pattern uses the advanced technique surface crochet.  The case may also be used to keep your pencils or crochet hooks…



Front: Ch 18.

Round 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch until last ch, 6sc in last ch, continue across bottom of ch, sc in each ch across, finish with 2sc in 1st ch, join with sl st to 1st sc.  (39sc)




Round 2 Join in 1st  st of 6sc group from previous round, ch3 (counts as dc), [2dc, ch1, 2dc] in next st, dc in next 2 sts, [2dc,ch1,2dc] in next st, dc in each st until 1st st of 3sc group from previous round, 3dc in next 3 sts, dc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to top ch3.  (51dc + 2 ch1 (corner)sps)




Round 3 Join in 1st corner sp, [ch3, dc, ch1, 2dc] in same sp, dc in each st until next corner, [2dc, ch1, 2dc] in corner sp, dc in each st until 1st 3dc group from previous round, dc in next st, 3dc in each centre st from 3dc groups, dc in all remaining sts.  (65dc + 2 ch1 sp)




Round 4 Join in 1st corner sp, ch 1 (does not count as st), [2hdc, ch1, 2hdc] in same sp, sc in each st till next corner, [2hdc, ch1, 2hdc] in corner sp, hdc in each st around also placing 3hdc in centre dc from 3dc groups from previous round.  (69hdc, 10sc, 2ch sp).  Fasten off and weave in ends.




Back: Matching colours to front, ch 28.

Round 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch until last ch, 3sc in next ch, continue across bottom of ch, sc in each ch across, finish with 2sc in 1st ch, join with sl st to 1st sc.  (56sc)




Round 2 Join in 1st st of any 3sc group, ch3, 2dc in same st, 3dc in next 2 sts, dc in each st until 
3sc group from previous round, 3dc in next 3sts, dc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to top ch3.  (74dc)




Round 3 Join in 1st st of any 3dc group from previous round, ch3, 3dc in next st and in each centre st from each group of 3dc, dc in all remaining sts, join with sl st to top ch3.  (80dc)




Round 4 Join in 1st st of any 3dc group from previous round, ch1, hdc in same st, hdc in nest st and each st around also placing 3hdc in each centre st from 3dc groups from previous round.  (92hdc).  Fasten off and weave in ends.




Work 2 rounds of surface crochet in contrasting colours, over rounds 2 and 3 on both pieces.





Joining & Finishing

With front on top and wrong sides together sc both pieces together.  You might find it helpful to place stitch markers at intervals holding both pieces together to ensure sts are joined correctly. 

Start at top left corner of front piece working through both pieces.  




Sc around until you reach the top right corner.  




Now working in front piece only, surface crochet across the top sts of round 4 until you reach the other side, sl st to first sc.  Turn.




Continue around the top of the back piece, sc in each unworked st until centre st of centre 3dc group, [sc, ch6, sc] in next st, sc in each remaining st, join with sl st to 1st sc of join.  Fasten off and weave in ends.




Sew on button.






Pin it for later...




I hope you enjoy the pattern and if you join in with the CAL be sure to post your photos in the Facebook Group or use #lullabylodge on instagram.


Take care for now...
Catherine
x


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Sunday 24 May 2020

Gift Ideas For Father's Day - Free crochet, knitting & sewing patterns for 2020

Hello everyone, it's that time of year again when we think about the men in our life, that we love dearly.  If you are out of ideas for what to give as a gift this year, then I have put together some lovely gift ideas including lots of crochet patterns too.




Free Crochet Patterns


If your dad loves camping, outdoor holidays or simply reading a book by the fire, then a crochet blanket would make a wonderful gift.  This herringbone scrap blanket by Salty Pearl Crochet is a gorgeous one

Herringbone Scrap Blanket






If your dad enjoys pottering around in the potting shed, then this pot cover might be just the gift.  Pattern by Sincerely Pam.

Alex Basket






I love this sunglasses case by Ned & Mimi

Crochet Sunglasses Case







Another great blanket, pattern by Fosbas Design

Fun Weekend Blanket





If your dad is a wiz in the kitching then crochet up this pot holder.  Pattern by Raffamusa Designs

Tunisian Cottage Pot Holder






Why not team up this bathroom spa set with his favourite smellies.  Pattern by Hooked On Patterns.

Crochet Bathroom Set






My dad absolutely loves his sweet treats and what a great way to gift them in these cute little baskets.  Pattern by Jen Hayes Creations.

Simple Crochet Treat Basket




Free Knitting Patterns


I love the texture of this knitted rug.  Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks.

Chunky Knit Rug





If your dad is the sporty type, why not knit him a scarf in his favourite teams colours.  Scarves are not just for winter, they are great for waving madly, cheering your team on.  Pattern by Stitches n Scraps.

Team Colours





Another cosy blanket pattern, I love the patchwork design of this one.  Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks.

Block Blanket 




Sewing Pattern


If you are handy with a needle and tread, you might like to try out this free messenger bag, pattern by Apple Green Cottage.

Messenger Bag











I hope you have found some inspiration for Father's Day, which is your favourite pattern?  Let me know in the comments below...

Ta ta for now
Catherine
x