Summer Fun

Hi everyone!

I've been terribly slack with blogging for a while - there's been lots going on, and I haven't really _finished_ anything to show you! So, here's a little catch up post with a lot of photos and WIPs :) 

Christmas at the Lake was excellent, even though the weather was very variable. Sometimes it was too hot and humid to be alive, and then we had torrential rain - the lake even flooded in early January! 

But, bad outside weather makes for good inside baking weather :) I experimented with a few new recipes, and using the Thermomix to do the kneading saves me so much energy! My favourite bread recipe website expired though, so there was some frantic googling of cached pages to retrieve the recipes.

I did loads of cross-stitch. The Winter Sparkle is coming to life! It's now almost half done! 

I finished the Persian Tiles Afghan kit, which Anne sent me for my birthday :) It was so much fun to make, and I adore the pattern. Jane must have shares in a stitch marker factory though because the patten wanted me to have and use so many! I've asked my mum if she would like a king sized version as a summer bedspread :) (this pic is unfinished, I'm waiting until closer to the Easter Show to block it)

I made some teddies, of course. The little one is the Heart Teddy, and the rainbow one is the Cross Your Heart Teddy.

I also had some time and brain to have a play with some new patterns! Here are three colourful mandalas that I'm going to use as doilies (unblocked in these photos):

1. Starflower Mandala by Zooty Owl

2. Sunflower Mandala by Zooty Owl

3. Minimalist Cabled Mandala by Lilla Björn Crochet

I fell in love with this lacy star motif, and I'm very excited to start working on a version in midnight blue, with some of the star outlines picked out in surface slip stitches using silver thread! Here's a sample I did in a lovely grey mix lace yarn :)

Right now on my hook is another Zig Zag Tote Bag, this time with a leeeetle bit more planning in the colours - I'm doing a 24 colour rainbow! It's kinda nice to be doing something that doesn't require a lot of attention or counting (after the first few rows). Love rainbows :D

Phew! I think that's an update on me! 

Pushing through

Hi there!

How are you doing these days? I can't believe we are in the last week of January already. Times flies by!

I started the year with another cold and I am still sickish. My doctor prescribed me "nose showers" last week (yuck - they are disgusting) which seem to help with the cold. Still, I am utterly exhausted - both mentally and physically. I guess the latter isn't too surprising considering the last few months, still I wish I was back on my feet.

So, I am trying to push through. Make it through the days, find my way to being more content and happier again. Not an easy thing to do (no worries! I am not depressed - just really, really exhausted). Any advice? I know I probably have a bad case of fatigue from my autoimmune disease but still...

I picked up some crochet but not much. Not because I don't want to but because I am usually falling asleep when I get home from work.

These hearts I made over the last couple of days. We will have our religious wedding with a big party this autumn and I would like to add a personal touch to it. Thus, I am thinking about some crochet decorations. After all - what would be more like me than crochet? I am experimenting with different heart patterns (well, so far I modified everyone I tried) and haven't found "the one" yet. Hm. I wonder if they will look nicer if I use thinner cotton yarn? Shall give it a try tonight I guess!

Oh and I made these Easter bunny balls from this pattern - you might notice I added extra rows to make it more round. They were fun to make but now I am not sure what to do with them. Laughs. I might take them to the office for decoration purpose. Eh, and I am just not good with stitching noses on. I shall look out for a tutorial...

What is on your hook today?

Take care

Anne

Free Pattern: Show your Stripes Beanie

Hi there!

Over the christmas/winter break a beanie idea sprung into my mind. The result you can find here! The Show your Stripes Beanie!

I have put three versions of the Beanie below: 0-6 months, 6-12 months and toddler size. I tested all the sizes but it really depends on how loose or tight you crochet. 

If you think that something is really off with the sizes, please drop me a note, so that I can see to it and possible fix it! Thank you!

If you scroll down, there is a tiny picture tutorial. I didn't want to put it in-between the patterns as some of you might want to print the pattern.

Pattern: Show your Stripes Beanie

You need:

- Yarn Color A (Aran)

- Yarn Color B (Aran)

- Hook 5,5 mm

- Scissor

- PomPom-Maker

0 – 6 months (to fit about 14,5 - 15 inches Head Circumference)

Make a magic circle.

1) 10dc into the magic circle. Close with a sl into the first dc. (10)

2) ch2 (does not count as stitch), 2dc into each st around. Close with a sl into the first dc. (20)

3) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 10 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (30)

4) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 2 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 10 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (40)

5) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 3 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 10 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (50)

6) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next st, ch1, skip 1st* repeat 25 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (50)

7) Change color (B). Make a loop and join in the skipped st from the previous round. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, ch1, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, ch1* repeat 24 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (50).

8) Change color (A). Put your hook into the loop you dropped two rds before. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, ch1, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, ch1* repeat 24 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (50).

9- 13) repeat rd 7 and 8 (you will end with color B)

14) Change color (A). Put your hook into the loop you dropped two rds before. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, sc into the dc of rd 15, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, sc into the dc of rd 15* repeat 24 times. Sl into the first dc. Tie off and sew in the end.

Continue working with color A. You will now make the earflaps. Fold the beanie and join yarn about in the middle of the side.

1) Ch1, sc into the next 8st.

2) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 6st.

3) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 5st.

4) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 4st.

5) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 3st.

6) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 2st.

7) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 1st.

8) Ch1, 2sctog. Tie off and sew on the end.

Repeat on the other side of the beanie (you can easily find the correct position for the second earflap by folding the beanie and beginning the second earflap on exact the opposite side from the first one).

You will now crochet the finishing border. Pick up the last loop from color B (rd 15). Ch2. Sc into each st around. Evenly place the sc at the sides of the earflaps. Join with sl into first sc. Tie off and sew in the end.

Make a PomPom and sew it to the top of the beanie

Cut 1 long thread from color A and B each. Fold. Pull through the bottom of the earflap and pull both sides of yarn through evenly. Divide the yarn into three strands and braid. Finish with a knot. Cut ends to an even length. Repeat for the second earflap.

 6-12 months (to fit about 15,5-16,5 inch Head Circumference)

Make a magic circle.

1) 12dc into the magic circle. Close with a sl into the first dc. (12)

2) ch2 (does not count as stitch), 2dc into each st around. Close with a sl into the first dc. (24)

3) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 12 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (36)

4) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 2 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 12 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (48)

5) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 3 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 12 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (60)

6) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next st, ch1, skip 1st* repeat 30 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (60)

7) Change color (B). Make a loop and join in the skipped st from the previous round. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, ch1, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, ch1* repeat 29 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (60).

8) Change color (A). Put your hook into the loop you dropped two rds before. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, ch1, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, ch1* repeat 29 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (60).

9- 13) repeat rd 7 and 8 (you will end with color B)

14) Change color (A). Put your hook into the loop you dropped two rds before. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, sc into the dc of rd 13, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, sc into the dc of rd 15* repeat 29 times. Sl into the first dc. Tie off and sew in the end.

Continue working with color A. You will now make the earflaps. Fold the beanie and join yarn about in the middle of the side.

1) Ch1, sc into the next 9st.

2) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 7st.

3) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 6st.

4) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 5st.

5) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 4st.

6) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 3st.

7) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 2st.

8) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 1st.

9) Ch1, 2sctog. Tie off and sew on the end.

Repeat on the other side of the beanie (you can easily find the correct position for the second earflap by folding the beanie and beginning the second earflap on exact the opposite side from the first one).

You will now crochet the finishing border. Pick up the last loop from color B (rd 14). Ch2. Sc into each st around. Evenly place the sc at the sides of the earflaps. Join with sl into first sc. Tie off and sew in the end.

Make a PomPom and sew it to the top of the beanie

Cut 1 long thread from color A and B each. Fold. Pull through the bottom of the earflap and pull both sides of yarn through evenly. Divide the yarn into three strands and braid. Finish with a knot. Cut ends to an even length. Repeat for the second earflap.

Toddler (to fit about 17-18 inch Head Circumference)

Make a magic circle.

1) 12dc into the magic circle. Close with a sl into the first dc. (12)

2) ch2 (does not count as stitch), 2dc into each st around. Close with a sl into the first dc. (24)

3) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 12 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (36)

4) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 2 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 12 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (48)

5) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 3 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 12 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (60)

6) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next 9 st, 2dc into the next st* repeat 6 times . Close with a sl into the first dc. (66)

7) ch2 (does not count as stitch), *dc into the next st, ch1, skip 1st* repeat 33 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (60)

8) Change color (B). Make a loop and join in the skipped st from the previous round. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, ch1, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, ch1* repeat 32 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (60).

9) Change color (A). Put your hook into the loop you dropped two rds before. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, ch1, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, ch1* repeat 32 times. Close with a sl into the first dc. Draw the hook out of the loop and place a stitch marker into it to secure it. (60).

10- 16) repeat rd 7 and 8 (you will end with color B)

17) Change color (A). Put your hook into the loop you dropped two rds before. Ch2 (does not count as stitch), dc into the same st, sc into the dc of rd 15, *dc into the skipped st from the previous round, sc into the dc of rd 16* repeat 32 times. Sl into the first dc. Tie off and sew in the end.

Continue working with color A. You will now make the earflaps. Fold the beanie and join yarn about in the middle of the side.

1) Ch1, sc into the next 10st.

2) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 8 st.

3) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 7st.

4) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 6st.

5) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 5st.

6) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 4st.

7) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 3st.

8) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 2st.

9) Ch1, 2sctog, sc into the next 1st.

10) Ch1, 2sctog. Tie off and sew on the end.

Repeat on the other side of the beanie (you can easily find the correct position for the second earflap by folding the beanie and beginning the second earflap on exact the opposite side from the first one).

You will now crochet the finishing border. Pick up the last loop from color B (rd 16). Ch2. Sc into each st around. Evenly place the sc at the sides of the earflaps. Join with sl into first sc. Tie off and sew in the end.

Make a PomPom and sew it to the top of the beanie

Cut 1 long thread from color A and B each. Fold. Pull through the bottom of the earflap and pull both sides of yarn through evenly. Divide the yarn into three strands and braid. Finish with a knot. Cut ends to an even length. Repeat for the second earflap.

Picture Tutorial

 

 

 

 

Too much yarn?!

Hi there!

Did you have a good start into the new year? I am sickish since Christmas but it is getting better (I think). :) I am still on holiday til next Monday and am enjoying the free days a lot. Lots of crochet and napping involved! :D

Last weekend, we tackled the office/studio. We have been talking about decluttering the rooms for ages but never got around to it. Too much on our plate and so we ended up pilling stuff into the room. You see, we basically live in the living room/kitchen anyway, so we didn't miss the room. Still, the clutter and the stuff made us both feel uneasy and unhappy. Clutter tends to to that to me.

So, we tossed, scanned (we own a document scanner now - it is wonderful! Far less paper, in fact we are heading towards a paperless office), donated and sold. Three moving boxes of paper, three boxes of books, two boxes of yarn (gasp!) and heaps of other stuff out of the room. And woah, there is still heaps of stuff in the room but it is far better than beforehand. I wonder where all the stuff came from - the office must be like a black hole which collects clutter and stuff! 

The decluttered room feels good. But I discovered that I have more yarn I can ever use (well, not ever but in the next years), even yarn I am not sure I will ever use. I bought it at some point for some project I never got around to make. Or I lost interest in the yarn because I didn't like to work with it. Oh and with some I am not even sure when I got it. Oops. I have the strong feeling that I have too much yarn.

Gasp! Yes, there seems to be something like too much yarn!

Of course I tried to declutter the yarn too and two boxes isn't too bad but boy, there is still too much. Now, my problem begins. I know there is too much, I know I should give some away but... I can't decide which! Whenever I take the yarn into my hand, my brain is full of ideas what I could make with it. Or I remember who gave it to me or the special moment I bought it. Sighs.

Any ideas what I should do?

Take care

Anne