CROCHET BABY BLANKET "SUN & STARS"

CREATIVE MOTIFS - OCTAGONS and SQUARES

OCTAGON - the eight-sided motif is a striking alternative to the SQUARE granny motif.

To make a solid afghan blanket with octagons you need small squares to fit in between the octagons.

The pieces fit together like a puzzle - four octagons surrounding a square.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

My focus for the design of this octagon blanket was to keep it as simple as possible.  By using only two colours for the motifs and by repeating the same colour sequence for each motif, I found the whole process of creating each octagon and square very relaxing and satisfying.

It was so easy to keep track of my progress, I was able to lay out the octagons and visually gauge the size of the blanket I wanted to make.  

This pattern was also published in the INSIDE CROCHET magazine, Issue 37, January 2013. 

When I finished making all the octagon motifs, I then proceeded to design the square motif to fit into the gaps.  Again, I kept the square filler motif very simple, just enough definition to highlight the octagon motif.

 Joining Motifs

The next task at hand, sewing the motifs together, and as you all know, sewing is not my favourite handcraft. But this was a very special project, for a very special person, my first grandchild, so I was prepared to do what it takes to get it done and get it done well.

Octagon motifs were joined side-by-side into long rows, and then each row was joined to next row, and finally, the square motifs were added into the gaps.  

Finishing Border

After all the motifs were joined and the gaps filled, the blanket took on a whole new look, and the result was very pleasing indeed.

Only at this point, after all the joining was complete, did the blanket present the SUN and STARS mosaic, therefore the name.

So, to finish off the motif blanket, I proceeded with a contrast row of cilantro around the edge of the motifs and finished with a simple row of reverse crochet in slate.

Simply perfect! I presented the blanket to my daughter in Australia, two weeks before the baby was born (CC was born June 30).

(You may have noticed my blanket for my grandchild, was made with Cilantro and Slate, whereas for the magazine, I used Cilantro and Aubergine.)

Both blankets were made using

ROWAN Belle Organic ARAN and 5mm hook.

SUN and STARS Baby Blanket PATTERN 

is AVAILABLE

from my online shop

CRAFTSY 

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece!

ciao, ciao...

Crochet Baby Blanket RAINBOW

Last minute DOT crochet...  yes that's right just one week before my flight to Oz I decided to make another baby blanket for my daughter's first born.

QUICK PROJECT
I decided to make it easy on myself and just get something out fast and the only way to do that was to follow Helen Ardley's pattern for a "Snuggle Blanket".

I found the pattern in her book "Cute Crochet for Tiny Tots"... this book was available in my local KENT library.

The pattern is written for Rowan Wool Cotton using a 3.5mm hook; and the measurements are 42 x 58cm (16.5 x 22.25in).
Basically it is a small blanket and made with a Rowan yarn I had already used for my other baby blanket (which I will talk about in another blog soon)....  and I wanted this blanket to be different.

YARN CHOICE
I decided to use up my stash of Bendigo Woollen Mills "Cotton 8ply"... a few years ago Bendigo carried a range of colours in this beautiful soft cotton... and of course I managed to purchase at most 2 x 200g balls in each colour.... so obviously I had a good range of colours to choose from... hence the 12 colour blanket.

Unfortunately today the same colours are no longer available; however they still provide a nice selection of 10 colours... check it out here.

IN LOVE WITH BENDIGO
From the first time I used this cotton yarn I fell in love with it... it is just so soft... and at the time when I started using the yarn there was no other yarn on the market that even came close to the softness of this cotton yarn by Bendigo Woollen Mills.

You may know this yarn by it's other name "HEIRLOOM" Cotton 8ply which is available in 50g balls.

However, buying direct from the mill is a more economical purchase and you get the bonus of 200g balls which are perfect for larger projects.

RAINBOW BLANKET
Materials:  Heirloom/Bendigo Cotton 8ply in 12 colours
I used my stash of 200g balls in each colour.
If you use 50g balls I estimate approximately 1 to 1.5 x 50g balls of each colour; depending on size of blanket, and your tension/gauge.
Hook:  4mm
Size:  86.4 x 86.4cm (34 x 34in) (excluding the edging)
Tension/Gauge:  2.5 fans/shells over 10cm (4in)
The pattern is written in British Crochet terms, but it is easy to follow and easy to convert to US Crochet terms.

and there you have it... a "simply perfect" colourful baby blanket in rainbow colours... and what's even better is .... you can wash this cotton blanket in the washing machine... on a quick gentle wash... so perfect for new mums who may not have the time to wash by hand.

All you have to do is head off to your local library and borrow the book or purchase your own copy... the book includes a good number of easy crochet projects for your baby and toddler... and all worth trying...  I myself may have to revisit this book.... I enjoyed this blanket project so much and managed to complete it very quickly... estimate about 20hrs total from start to finish... and that includes 1hr of hiding yarn ends.

GO FOR IT... GIVE IT A TRY... YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED...

Ciao, Ciao...  

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COOL SPRING FASHION

FEBRUARY DREAMING

Christmas and New Year are long gone ....  and spring is just around the corner...

STRIPES ARE US!

Mourning stripes..

Early last week, in the very early hours of the day, whilst attempting to update my website, my laptop expired.

Various attempts at revival failed dismally with the annoying beeping sounds bellowing from the black screen.

With despair and disbelief, I reluctantly accepted the inevitable - a trip to the local "fix it" place.  A mere two hours later and the bad news hailed - the motherboard - "she is kaput" - and considering the age of the laptop (44 months) plus the cost of labour, advice was that I be better to replace it with a new laptop!

Basically I was NOT happy! 

All my docs where retrieved and downloaded onto my external hard drive and 24hrs later I took possession of the remains.

To console myself, what else could I do but crochet, and inbetween I had to spend time getting up to speed with my husband's laptop, with all it's bells and whistles, and Windows 7.  Nothing like getting taken out of my comfort zone, having to download software I had become dependent on and familiar with, and having to share a laptop. OMG !

Simple pleasures!

So with all the technological stuff going on I really needed an escape into a  simple creative project and I found myself creating a simple stripes pattern which can be used in a number of ways.

Firstly, I will introduce you to the Crochet Hat "Simple Stripes" 

It is the perfect sun hat - bucket style with alternating colours and varying stripe widths. Absolutely simple and all you need is a knowledge of colour change.

PATTERN DETAILS:
Basic stitches are single, half double and reverse crochet.  
YARN:  King Cole "Bamboo Cotton" 
HOOK: 4.5mm 

SIZE:  The hat will fit 45.5cm (18in) to 50.8cm (20in) head circumference.  
TERMINOLOGY: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Included is the "Flower Brooch" pattern and an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit.  
This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

Secondly, is the Crochet Hat "Persimmon Stripes"

A simple crochet hat pattern with a turn-up brim and Perfect Heart Brooch and featuring the alternating colours and varying stripe widths.

PATTERN DETAILS:
YARN: Rowan "Belle Organic DK"
HOOK: 4.5mm
SIZES: The hat will fit 44.5cm (17.5in) to 48cm (19in) head circumference.
TERMINOLOGY: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Included is the "Perfect Heart Brooch" pattern.
This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

Thirdly,  to cater for the little boys in our lives Crochet Hat "Bucket Stripes"

It is the brother of Crochet Hat "Simple Stripes" -  the perfect bucket sun hat for your little man, with alternating colours and varying stripe widths.

PATTERN DETAILS:

YARN: Bendigo Cotton 8ply
HOOK: 4.5mm
TERMINLOGY: Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Included is a "Starfish Motif" pattern and an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit.

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

Optimism reins!

So, there you have it... whilst one door had closed (laptop dying), another door had opened (a flurry of crochet hat patterns) now on with the not so interesting stuff, proof-reading the pattern and checking, checking, and re-checking. Ho Hum!

Ciao! Ciao!

Spring Blossoms in UK

Each day a new discovery!  

I love springtime in the UK, when everything is bursting to life with vibrant colours. Each walk finds glorious new blossoms on show and even when walking down the same old street we discover more and more trees and shrubs in full bloom!

SPRINGTIME CROCHET INSPIRATION

So with all this spring blossom and sunshine, I have now started on designing some new crochet sun hats for the coming of those amazing sunny days.

SUN HAT DETAILS

I am using one of my favourite 100% cotton yarns from Bendigo Woollen Mills, it is ever so soft and really comfortable to wear and perfectly special for your little one!

I have focused my crochet sun hat patterns for the three (3) months plus age group, however, having said that, these patterns can be easily modified for larger head sizes also.

Here's a little peek of the first sun hat pattern to be released in next few days.  It's called SPRING Sun Hat Pattern. Pattern will be available from my online stores - 

CRAFTSY         ETSY         RAVELRY 

PATTERN DETAILS

Perfectly simple crochet sun hat pattern, with drawstring for perfect fit.  

SKILL: Easy
Yarn: Bendigo Cotton 8ply (or similar yarn)
Hook: 4.5mm
Measurements: 3 months PLUS (depending on head size)
Terminology: USA  American Crochet Terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

This new SPRING sun hat pattern is a bit more involved than my previous long standing Crochet Sun Hat Pattern called SUNSHINE which I have been making for many years now (SEE BELOW).

SUNSHINE Crochet Sun Hat Pattern is simple, versatile and very adaptable to different yarns and can be easily modified for larger head sizes also. You can make it plain or striped.  It's all up to you - play and have some creative fun with it!

Pattern is available from my online stores - 

CRAFTSY         ETSY         RAVELRY 

OK you may want to follow the pattern the first time, but then once it is done, go ahead and make it using a different yarn and hook size, or adjust the number of stitches to achieve a smaller or larger fitting. It's all fun, and experimentation is always good!

Here are a few examples of how you can change the look with some stripes, using the basic sun hat pattern.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

You can learn so much VERY QUICKLY, especially from the ones you crochet and then rip. ALWAYS remember to enjoy yourself and enjoy the beautiful spring weather, wherever you are, maybe it's a bit soon for some, but hey it's coming, and soon you'll be complaining about the heat!

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Just White - Crochet Hats!

Surpise Package
I recently received a package from my daughter with guess what?

Spring Fever!

Blossom time

Spring is here and the blossoms are popping out all over, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, snowdrops, pansys, cherry blossoms. I am so excited!

I love getting out and seeing what is about to blossom next, just love this time of year.

Celebration Time

So to celebrate spring and the promise of new beginnings, I came up with this little crochet pattern last night.

A sweet little daisy headband, just perfect for your cutie pie or for yourself.

DAISY Crochet Headband Pattern 

Pattern is available from my online stores - 

CRAFTSY         ETSY         RAVELRY 

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Cutie Pie and 3D texture!

Keeping up appearances!
How satisfying is it to have your "darling little treasure" dressed in a cute or handsome little hat?

"awh... how sweet!"  "isn't she beautiful"  "how handsome does he look?"

and being able to say "I MADE IT!"

Would you like me to make you one?

or if you prefer this is where you can find the pattern!

Sweat and tears!
Finally, after many hours of crochet, writing, photos and the rest....

I have just listed a few more baby hat patterns to help you dress your darling!

Quick and easy with a bit of style.

Check them out and see if anything takes your fancy.

There will be more coming soon...



when I get back from our little getaway (next 5-6 days)... so looking forward to our trip north.


Ciao! for now!

Crochet Baby Girl Hat Patterns in Progress

CUTEST BABY GIRL HATS CROCHET

Here are my latest creations for baby girl hats:

1. WEDGES Baby Girl Hat

This is the perfect celebration hat for your newborn. A lovely decorative crochet hat pattern with crochet flower and adjustable drawstring or optional classic ribbon.

The cutest lace-like baby hat crochet pattern using DK yarn with a final row of wedges for that whimsical vintage finish.

This pattern requires patience and would suit those with intermediate crochet skills.

PATTERN DETAILS

Yarn: Rowan “Belle Organic” DK

Hook: 4mm 

Measurement: Circumference = 40.5cm (16in); will fit 35.5cm (14in) to 40.5cm (16in) head 

Size: 0-3 months PLUS (depending on head size).

Terminology: USA - American crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns. For substitute yarns check out YARNSUB website.

The flower pattern is included. 

WEDGES Baby Girl Hat Pattern 

is available from my online shops:

 RAVELRY

It's Here - Rowan Belle Organic DK Yarn

Just thought I'd check Rowan again to see if they are listing the new yarn I have been using....
surprise !!
yes it's now listed on their website.... and you can download a colour chart.... woo hoo!

Here is their website:  Rowan Yarns

I feel in love with this yarn as soon as I started crocheting with it.... so soft and a nice warm feel to it....
a blend of 50% organic wool and 50% organic cotton.....

I used it to make a hat, mittens and scarf set for a one year old !

and enjoyed working with the yarn so much made a second set.

See my blog about it....  Baby Scarf Set

Anyway I am very excited we can now all look at the colours available in this new yarn.  It is available in ARAN and DK.

Check your local stockists here:  Rowan stockists

Hope you all try it out and enjoy it as much as I am... still crocheting with it...... think I am addicted..... Doh!

Baby Scarf Set

I am always amazed at where some crochet requests lead me.........
now I am crocheting keyhole scarves for one (1) year olds......
I really enjoyed making this set - a request from a special customer.......

My standard pixie hat and mittens and a keyhole scarf.

Finding the right colour was a bit of a challenge and then making sure a natural fibre yarn carried the colour.............

After some disappointing searching - colour charts on internet not matching the yarn etc. and then even the colour charts with yarn seemed to be a different dye lot and just wouldn't do at all......
patience is a virtue..... they say..........
and yes I managed to find the right yarn .........
I was just searching too soon..... the yarn had just arrived on the shop shelf.......... thank you Rowan by Amy Butler and Rowan Wool Cotton............ a perfect match.

Divine colours and both yarns crochet together perfectly - same tension and weight.
A soft and smooth DK weight yarn - providing warmth and comfort with 50% merino wool and 50% cotton blend.  Definitely my new favourite yarn.

As I started crocheting I knew straight away I love this so much........
I must get a couple balls more of a few other colours..........

and yes when I finished the scarf set - I just loved the way it came together - so I made a second set - with a different contrast colour.  Just couldn't help myself............

How perfect is that???  now where is that grandchild?