That time of year!

I am so happy that Summer is over and Autumn has begun. I absolutely love this time of year, changing leaves, cooler weather, home comforts and a slow decline into Christmas. Don't get me wrong, its not that I dislike Summer, its just I'm not a fan of the heat, and lets face it Autumn is much better suited to curling up on an evening with your latest crochet project!

Like Spring, Autumn is a transitional month and brings so much inspiration to creative thoughts. My mind is always bursting this year with ideas of things to make. Which is quite handy considering I really need to start thinking of Christmas. I know it is really annoying when everyone starts going on about Christmas too early, but when you are a crafter it is necessary.

So I have some great ideas for Christmas crochet lovelies. Last year I made some lovely leaf design coasters which I gave as gifts, which were definitely inspired by the changes of Autumn.

I love making coasters so who knows, maybe some more coasters will find their way under the tree again this year!

As for decorations, last year I made this lovely wreath

I plan on sending the husband up into the loft soon to dig it out so I can write up a tutorial here on my blog if anyone is interested!

Anyway I think that is enough of Christmassy talk, too early to think about digging out decorations, lets enjoy Autumn while we can, so crisp morning walks, cosy makes, hot chocolate and curling up on the sofa for me. Lovely!

Happy hooking!

Kelly@lovedotty

© All images belong to Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated. Please link to pictures, content or DIY's if used on your own website. Crochet patterns are written by Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated, please link to original post if used on your own website. Feel free to sell the finished product that has been created from the pattern, if sold via a website, please link to lovedotty blogspot. However please do not publish patterns in full or as your own, unless agreed by Kelly of lovedotty. 

The Granny Square Patch Blanket

Over the last couple of months I have been on a blanket journey. Not only did I complete my rainbow star stitch baby blanket but, as my lovely Facebook followers will know, I have also been making a granny square blanket for my sofa.

Why granny square? Granny squares are such a classic crochet design, I always advise it of being the best way to learn crochet and I have embarked on many 'granny' journeys over the years. I was taught to crochet when I was about 8 or 9 years old by my super talented mother and a giant granny square blanket was the first thing I ever made. Unfortunately I do not still have it as it was 'borrowed' on what transpired to be a permanent basis by my brother and has since passed down to my lovely nephews, which I do not mind at all! I do however, still have the second blanket I ever made and this was a granny square patch blanket.

 

It is a bit beaten, battered and faded (well it is over 25 years old!) but I still love it and use it. So remembering the joy of making and joining those little patches when I was a child gave me inspiration when planning my next blanket project. I had bought these lovely cushions for our sofa's, which did mean the purply blanket that adorned the large sofa no longer matched. Not having a throw on your sofa is not an option for a crochet addict so the planning began. First I had to choose a colour palette. So I went through my little box of yarn pegs and picked out colours to match the cushions in my staple 'go to' yarn of Stylecraft Special DK.

 

The colours I plumped for were Lime, Sunflower, Gold, Apricot, Raspberry, Sage, Petrol, Mocha and Parchment.

Next I needed to think of the style of granny square. I wanted to do something really simple that you could whip up quickly without thinking about and that didn't need blocking. So the design I decided on is the most basic granny I think you can get, using 3 different colours and every one finished in a round of Parchment.

The simple pattern is as follows: -
Using a 4.5mm hook with yarn A make a magic ring.

Round 1 - 3 chain (counts as 1 treble crochet throughout pattern), 11 treble crochet into the magic ring, join with a slip stitch into the 3rd chain of beginning 3 chain

Round 2 - slip stitch into the next gap between stitches, 3 chain, 2 treble crochet, 2 chain, 3 treble crochet into same space, *miss 3 stitches, 3 treble crochet, 2 chain, 3 treble crochet into next space*. Repeat from * to * twice more, slip stitch into 3rd chain of beginning 3 chain. This shapes the 4 corners of the square

Round 3 - Change to yarn B, slip stitch into top of next two stitches, slip stitch into next 2 chain space, 3 chain, 2 treble crochet, 2 chain, 3 treble crochet into same space, *3 treble crochet into next space (between corner stitches), 3 treble crochet, 2 chain, 3 treble crochet into next 2 chain corner space*, repeat from * to * twice more, 3 treble crochet into next space (between corner stitches), slip stitch into 3rd chain of
beginning 3 chain

Round 4 - Change to yarn C, repeat as per Round 3, working an extra 3 treble crochet on each side into the additional space between corners, slip stitch into 3rd chain of beginning 3 chain

Round 5 - Change to yarn D, repeat as per Round 4, working an extra 3 treble crochet on each side into the additional space between corners, slip stitch into 3rd chain of beginning 3 chain.

Fasten off and sew in ends

I decided the blanket would be 12 squares by 12 squares so I had a whopping 144 squares to be made

About 20 squares in, I felt there was something missing with the colour palette, there were more darker, richer colours but only a few pale shades, so I added Sherbert to the mix

 

In making the squares there was no pattern or plan, I just sat and changed colour randomly. This does mean there is a risk there will be more than one patch of the same, and I know there is at least 1 pair in there, but I have studied the finished blanket and I can't find it!

So once all the patches are complete, the next job is to join them together. The method I opted for was to crochet them together using a double crochet stitch and Parchment

My method for this is to crochet all the strips one way and then the other. Joining is probably my favourite part of blanket making as it is when you finally see your creation coming together. So the method to use for this is to hold 2 squares together, back to back, and then crochet them together along the top back loops of the final edge of both squares. Do not fasten off the yarn at the end, pick up the next two squares and continue crocheting.

So the next step after all 144 patches have been joined is to make the edging. For this I wanted to continue in the granny theme, so firstly I edged in double crochet in Parchment and then just used basic granny stitches for the next five rounds. 1 Parchment, then Lime, Parchment again, then Apricot and finally Parchment. For the first round of this (which is worked into double crochet) just miss 2 stitches between each 3 stitch cluster.

There is no particular design reason as to why I selected Lime and Apricot, they were the two yarns I had the most leftover! This is the beauty of these sorts of projects, you can use them as stash busters and a great way to use up yarn (so you can buy more!)

The final edging round was worked in treble crochet and slip stitches to give a fan effect. So to work this, you would use 1 treble crochet into the top of the first stitch in the 3 stitch cluster, 2 treble crochet into the second and 1 treble crochet into the third. Slip stitch into the space between the 3 stitch clusters and then repeat all the way round.

 

So with the patches joined and the edging complete, next is the unenviable task of sewing in the ends.

To be honest I don't actually mind this part at all, the key is to try and do as much during the project so you don't have much to do at the end, when you are itching to get it finished!

So that makes my blanket complete, and now for the Ta Da moment.......

 I love it, it has just the right mix of colour and has been an enjoyable project to complete

Also, because I had some yarn left over I made a cushion cover to match! I hope to share the pattern for this at some point, here on my blog

So, if you are wondering how the blanket and cushion look on my sofa with my bird cushions....

There we go! I am very happy with the result! So onto my next project, because I do have 2 sofa's in my living room you know......

Happy Hooking
Kelly@lovedotty

© All images belong to Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated. Please link to pictures, content or DIY's if used on your own website. Crochet patterns are written by Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated, please link to original post if used on your own website. Feel free to sell the finished product that has been created from the pattern, if sold via a website, please link to lovedotty blogspot. However please do not publish patterns in full or as your own, unless agreed by Kelly of lovedotty.

Rainbow Baby Blanket & Hitting the 'Crochet Wall'

So as some of my lovely Facebook followers will know, I started a rainbow baby blanket journey probably about 3 months ago now. I got excited at the idea, bought the yarn, got more excited waiting for it to arrive, started it, excitement at exploding point and then......hit the crochet wall. My mind wandered, I was bored, I knew I had loads left to go and just was too impatient. So off I went and started several more projects instead (some of which are yet to be completed too!)

I am always a great advocate of finishing a project before starting the next one and only recently I was telling a crafty friend, who usually only does smaller projects, who was contemplating a throw to 'stick with it', 'don't give in, I know how impatient you are' and 'it will be worth it'. And there I was doing the exact same thing. It is not like I haven't experienced the long slog that goes into creating a crochet blanket, I have quite a lot in my back catalogue, but this is only a small baby one (he already has seven), which should usually not take very long, so I really don't know why I lost my flow. But I guess everyone hits that 'crochet wall' from time to time. Maybe because it had been a while since my last blanket (is a year a while?) or maybe it is because I am a mummy now so only have small windows of opportunity for hooking.

Whatever it was, I am past the worse hopefully! So here is the finished rainbow blanket for my little boy.

This was made with Stylecraft Special DK in Matador, Spice, Citron, Aspen, Turquiose and Plum. It has been made in beautiful star stitch which is one my favourites to crochet. I love the texture of the stitches and the neatness of the finished rows.

                               

It was then edged in double crochet for 5 rows and using treble crochet and slip stitches created a fan effect for the final row.

My little boy is delighted with it, he likes to run his toy cars up the stripes and I am over the moon to have broke through the 'wall' and finished it!

So next, back to the other blanket I have started but not finished...... but maybe a few quick projects in between!

Happy Hooking!
Kelly@lovedotty

Tutorial - Flower Wreath

This is my Flower Wreath that I whipped up this week. It is something I had been telling myself I was going to make for a while and finally got round to it. I am chuffed with the outcome, and would like to share the crafting process as follows!

Materials Required
Wicker Wreath (mine was roughly 30cm in diameter)
DK Cotton Yarn (I used Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK in White, Shell Pink, Sky Blue, Greek Blue and Fondant plus some lemon cotton yarn I had in my stash)
Glue
3/4 metre of Gingham Ribbon
Odds of ribbon (optional)

So to start, you need a medium sized wicker wreath.

I got mine from Hobbycraft, other craft shops may sell them, garden centres or online at Etsy or Amazon.

Next up is to make the crochet flowers. For this design, I used five colours and decided to use an ombre effect. For this pattern you will need 21 flowers in total, 4 of each in Shell Pink, Sky Blue, Greek Blue and Fondant and 5 in White along with some spare lemon yarn from my stash.

Here's how they are made....

1) With the lemon yarn, make a magic ring. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, I would describe it as going to make a knot but only pulling a loop through the hole, not the whole yarn. Please use the photo as a guide. If you prefer you can always make a 2 chain and then crochet into the second chain from the hook.

2) Work 1 chain (does not count as a stitch) and then work 10 double crochet into the ring. If you are using the magic ring technique then you would be crocheting over the additional yarn as per the picture.

3) Once you have worked the 10 double crochet into the ring hold the yarn tail and pull tight, closing the ring

4) To join, insert hook into first double crochet of round. Do not pull lemon yarn through, we are changing to Shell Pink and will join this colour without fastening off first.

5) With the Shell Pink yarn, hook onto the yarn

6) Pull the yarn through the stitch and then through the loop on the hook, leaving you with 1 loop on the hook in Shell Pink

7) Cut the lemon yarn and secure to the Shell Pink yarn at the back.

8) Pull tight and you have now changed colour and are ready to make the flower petals with the Shell Pink yarn

9) Work 2 chain, then 2 treble crochet into the same stitch below. In the next stitch work 2 treble crochet, 2 chain, slip stitch into same stitch below - now you have made the first petal into the first 2 stitches of the previous round

10) Slip stitch into the next stitch and repeat the pattern over the next 8 stitches of the previous round to the end until 5 petals have been made. Slip stitch into first double crochet of first round.
Fasten off and sew in ends

And now you have made your first flower!


Repeat pattern until all 21 flowers have been made.

Next arrange the flowers on the wreath giving an ombre effect. It is a good idea to make sure you have the flowers in the positions required before gluing rather than randomly gluing as you want to make sure it is even on both sides. Make sure you leave slight gaps between the flowers so you can still see the pretty wicker wreath underneath.

Once you are happy with the arrangement, glue the flowers into place. You can use a standard superglue or a hot glue gun, yarn is great in that it sticks to most things pretty easily! Totally optional, but I also glued some gingham bows in green and red (just because I love bows really!). Leave the glue to set overnight.

Once the glue has totally dried it is ready to be fixed to the wall and for this we use the gingham ribbon. Loop it around the top of the wreath, as follows...

                      

    

Then tie a bow in the top to hook onto the wall

And then TA DA, the wreath is finished!

I hope you found this tutorial useful, if you are making this wreath, not only would I be chuffed to bits but I would always love to see pictures and hear your feedback.

Happy hooking
Kelly@lovedotty

© All images belong to Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated. Please link to pictures, content or DIY's if used on your own website. Crochet patterns are written by Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated, please link to original post if used on your own website. Feel free to sell the finished product that has been created from the pattern, if sold via a website, please link to lovedotty blogspot. However please do not publish patterns in full or as your own, unless agreed by Kelly of lovedotty.

Pattern - Vintage Style Afternoon Tea Coasters

Pattern in UK Terminology

Hook - 3.5mm

Yarn - Cotton DK Weight (I used Stylecraft Cotton DK Classique)






With yarn A make a magic ring and work first round into ring (alternatively you can make 2 chain and then work into the 2nd chain)

Round 1 - 3 ch (count as 1 tr throughout pattern), 15 tr into ring, join with a sl st into 3rd ch of first st (16 sts)

Round 2 - 2 ch, 1 tr into next st (makes first tr2tog, which counts as 1 st), 1 ch, *1 tr2tog worked into same and next st, 1 ch* repeat from * to * 14 times, join with a sl into top of first tr2tog (16 sts)

Change to yarn B

Round 3 - sl st into first 1 ch sp, 1 ch (does not count as a st), *3 dc into 1 ch sp*, repeat from * to * 15 times, join with a sl st into first dc of round (48 sts)
Change to yarn C

Round 4 - 2 ch, 1 tr2tog worked into next 2 sts (makes first tr3tog, which counts as 1 st ), 1 ch, *1 tr3tog worked into same and next 2 sts, 1 ch*, repeat from * to *  22 times, join with a sl st in top of first tr3tog (24 sts)

Round 5 - sl st into first 1 ch sp, 3 ch, 2 tr into same 1 ch sp, *3 tr in next 1 ch sp*, repeat from * to * 22 times, join with a sl st into 3rd ch of 3 ch (72 sts)

Change to yarn B

Round 6 - 1 ch (does not count as a st), 1 dc in same st, 2 ch, *skip 1 st, 1 dc in next st, 2 ch*, repeat from * to * 34 times, join with sl st in top of first dc (36 sts)

Fasten off and sew in ends

You can chose to block the finished coaster, however they should be fine without.

For this pattern I used the 'Afternoon Tea' colour combination, using 'Soft Lime', 'Wisteria' and 'Ivory'
© All images belong to Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated. Please link to pictures, content or DIY's if used on your own website. Crochet patterns are written by Kelly of lovedotty unless otherwise stated, please link to original post if used on your own website. Feel free to sell the finished product that has been created from the pattern, if sold via a website, please link to lovedotty blogspot. However please do not publish patterns in full or as your own, unless agreed by Kelly.