A Year of Amigurumi wk 5

Nothing to do with the post, I just wanted some colour!

I'm having a lot of fun with this project, but I keep forgetting to take photos! But that doesn't mean we can't keep going and then have a big catch up post!

Last week I made the Amigurumi gumballs. If you haven't joined in yet, I do recommend this pattern, they are a great way to get some practice in.

And now on to the next project. I loved Planet June's Apple from the first week, so I'm choosing another of her patterns this week: Tiny Whale

It looks so cute!

Hopefully before next week, I will not only have finished the whale, but taken snaps of it, the bee, gumballs and then I think I am caught up- I've also put together a list so all the pattern links are in one place. You can see it over in the sidebar on the right >>> I might even start choosing a few more ahead of time!

New Reader? Stitches from the Archive

My blog is not yet a year old, so delving into the archives might be a bit cheeky, but over the next few weeks I will bring you a few of my earlier posts, which were all based around the basics of crochet.

This post was first published on the 18th of July 2012 And shows the very basics of slip knots and chain stitch.

Slip knots are how you will start off everything. They are actually very easy, but trying to make instructions make them look harder than they are. There are several ways to tie the knot, but the result is the same.

There are ways to do this with the hook, but this is how I have always done it. The hook will then sit in the loop and pull the tail out to adjust the tension.

The tail should be at least 10cm long, I did it a bit shorter so you could see it in the photo.

And now, a colour change! This is the chain stitch, which is abbreviated as ch. The tail has been pulled through so the knot fits the hook, the knot should not be tight at all, but with a little room. The tail is now facing my hand in the photo.

 Wrap the yarn around the hook, from the back, with the hook facing upwards (I apologise from my chipped nails!)

Twisting the hook to face downwards, pull the wrapped yarn through the first hook.

Ta-Da! One chain. Try to get each chain the same size, but dont pull them tight. Repeat wrapping the yarn from the back and then pulling through.

A pattern in the round will only call for a few chains 

But a larger piece may require several hundred!

Any questions? Please ask!

A Year of Amigurumi: Wk4

Well, I am running late taking photos of my bumble bee from last week (I didn't even instagram!) but I thought I had better announce the next project in case anyone is waiting.

If you haven't done anything like this before, this is a great week to join in. I choose something really easy, just to get practicing on those increases and decreases.

Amigurumi Gumballs! You can find the pattern here as a free download over at the stitch house. 

Patchwork Crochet part 3: an update

 I've been making lots of little squares to make up a patchwork blanket, it is taking longer than anticipated!

If you need a reminder, this is the little sketch I am working from (from this post) I'm not 100% sure of my dark colour choice! 

I won't be joining them until I have all the squares, as I find I make wonky seams otherwise.

If you want a recap of the pattern, here it is:

start with a magic ring

1st round: 3 chains, 2dc, 3ch, 3dc, 3ch, 3dc, 3ch, 3dc, and slip stitch between the 3chains and first dc

2nd round: 3chains, *dc between each dc of previous row until you reach the corner. 2dc 2ch 2dc into corner. repeat from * (you should have 6 dc on each side) slip stitch between the 3chains and first dc

3rd round: 3chains, *dc between each dc of previous row until you reach the corner. 2dc 2ch 2dc into corner. repeat from * (you should have 9 dc on each side) slip stitch between the 3chains and first dc.

Repeat each round with one dc between each dc of previous stitch, and with 2dc 2ch 2dc in each corner. 

Beach Inspired Blanket

I've made a fair few baby blankets for my boys, but now I want to make something a bit bigger, and something a bit more grownup now they are all out of baby sized beds!

I picked up this yarn from Kmart (and saw some very similar at Big W) It has three shades of blue, two beige/sand tones and white. It is acrylic, which I prefer to use for blankets but even surprised me with its softness.

So far I have made six squares using the same pattern as my patchwork crochet blanket, with 6 rounds each.

Only two boys braved the water

I'm so pleased with the colours. Don'y worry, they didn't get very sandy at all!

A Year of Amigurumi: Wk3

Of course I left making my ice cream to the last minute! I'm not sure I made the cone exactly right, because I wanted to finish it quickly! Here are some photos of my finished cone:

find the pattern here at Wondermommy

I also had a little weekend away with my family, and did some crochet at the beach... Truthfully I didn't do much at the beach, but I did get some nice photos, I'll show you what I was working on very soon.

I was very happy to receive a copy of this book "Knit New York' by Emma King, from entering a giveaway over on craft gossip It is a super cute book, I would recommend it if you like knitting!

And the next pattern; this bumble bee from crochet me.

Wednesday {WIP}

I feel like things have been a bit slow on the blog recently. I'm still here :) I've been working on a few commissioned pieces which makes me very happy, but leaves little time for blogging.

I have a few unfinished pieces, (works in progress) so I thought I should make myself a list and see if that makes me finish them faster.

The Patchwork Blanket- I took a while to decide/find the perfect colours
The Heart Granny Blanket - this is for my friend due in June, so it went on the back burner!
Squares 4 Charity - I have made a few, and hope to make a few more!
Beach Inspired Blanket- yeah, that is a new one. I'm finally making some non baby blankets for my boys.

That is in addition the my 52 project, the year of amigurumi. If you want to join in, don't forget to let me know and share your pictures!

And on another totally different topic, Check out this fun Montessori photo challenge from Patchwork Cactus