It's a MAN CUSHION... mitered squares

Here is the MAN CUSHION - MITERED SQUARES

Yarn:  Aran Wool 100%

Hook:  4mm

Check out the previous posts for the construction of this cushion here and here

STORMY WEATHER and mitered crochet squares !!

Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky

Stormy weather

JAZZY Crochet Baby Blanket

Embossed crochet afghan blanket 

the perfect gift for a newborn.

This is the perfect pram or cot blanket 

for a baby boy or baby girl.  

As promised, I now have the pattern for this lovely baby blanket in UK (British) and USA (American) crochet terms available for you to try out your crochet skills.  

History:

I had great pleasure designing this embossed motif blanket for the new arrival into the family.  Baby girl born in the early months of the Australian winter.  I chose my favourite James C. Brett yarn, a beautiful soft pure merino DK.  Grandad chose the colours based on some inside information regarding the colour purple, and from there grew the colour scheme and the playful embossed reversible motif square.

I am so lucky to have a great haberdashery in Canterbury which also sells a variety of yarns which are not available from any other local yarn store near me, so all I had to do was order my colour choice and wait for the delivery.  The project took a bit longer than anticipated due to other projects needing attention but in the end I managed to finish the blanket in time for the birth, 28 June.

The pattern includes two different border edges: 1. scalloped fan (as shown in the photo on the left); or 2. simple plain edge (see photo on the right). 

PATTERN DETAILS:

The perfect pram or cot crochet blanket for a boy or girl.

An afghan square with a reversible embossed motif and made with a soft, merino yarn makes this a cozy blanket for winter. 

This pattern is written and is available in UK - BRITISH and USA - AMERICAN Crochet Terms. 

Please select the correct pattern terminology prior to purchase.

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate 

YARN: James C. Brett Pure Merino DK 

HOOK: H-8 (5mm)

MEASUREMENTS: 42 square motif blanket will measure approximately 36in/91cm by 30in/76cm (excluding the decorative border)

PATTERN AVAILABLE   from my online shops

CRAFTSY       RAVELRY

enjoy

ciao, ciao!

BARBARA SUMMERS HAND KNIT AND CROCHET

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A pocket full of ebooks...

Simple, practical and beautiful...

the Crochet Pocket JAWS

Contrast, texture and illusion - the perfect pocket for your "Kindle" e-reader.  Make it as colourful as you like OR simply stylish and subdued.  It is the perfect gift accessory.

I made this for "my man", he has the Kindle "Paperwhite" and this is the perfect pocket for keeping it safe and protected.

The stitch pattern is my own design, created in the spur of the moment, I just love it when creativity and necessity come together. 

This stitch design gives the pocket a sturdy structure with the slightest stretch sideways and a little more stretch lengthwise.  And the Kindle sits nice and snug inside the pocket and does not slip out.

Personally, I prefer the pocket made from 100% Aran Wool, much more sturdy and robust, just perfect for my man and his big hands. 

I have also made this pocket in the softer Rowan Belle Organic Aran, it is still sturdy but softer in feel, just perfect for the lady.

You can find the Crochet Pocket JAWS pattern 

JAWS Crochet Pocket Pattern

in available from my on-line shops

Ravelry     Craftsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

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...

KEEPING WARM THIS WINTER

Are you sensitive to the cold? 
and need to wear a hat?

PERFECT CROCHET HEART PATTERN

For all lovers of hearts...
makers of heart garlands, heart bunting, heart keyrings, heart motifs, heart applique, heart decorations.....

You can PURCHASE the  PATTERN from my online shops

PATTERN AVAILABLE NOW 

FROM

CRAFTSY            RAVELRY

Ciao, Ciao....
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Winter warmers - MITTENS crochet

Time to rug up

A decent drop in temperature overnight, 1 degree celsius at 7am this morning. How do I know?  I was out in it, ice covered windscreens to boot. Not complaining,  we have had a very mild autumn here in UK.

Perfect timing

So, the colder weather is perfectly timed with my latest pattern for full crochet mittens. I made these mittens for myself, just love these DEBBIE BLISS yarns

Debbie Bliss "Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran"

Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed Aran is a wool/angora blend. So if you love tweedy yarns but prefer something softer, this is the yarn for you. 

and Debbie Bliss "Fez"

Debbie Bliss Fez is a camel hair/merino mix and is simply stunning and ever so soft.

Both yarns are delicious to work with, and both yarns soften and relax the more you work with them.

I am sure you will just love these yarns, the tweed is non-scratchy and there is also a great range of colours, do check it out.

PATTERN NOTE:

Unfortunately, I had to buy a second ball of the Donegal Tweed yarn to finish the last 4-5 rounds of the mitten and the thumb section.  DOH!

However, if you were to use more of the Fez for the rib band you should be able to make the mittens using only 1 ball of each yarn.

Pattern Details:

Easy crochet mittens with simple rib cuff and rice stitch over the palm. Optional wristband.

Worked in rounds starting at the cuff. No seams to sew. 

Wear the mittens on either hand. 

Pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

Size: Ladies M/L = medium to large
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran 2 balls; and Debbie Bliss Fez 1 ball
Hook: 5mm
Terminology: USA - AMERICAN crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

TWEED Mittens Crochet Pattern

is available from my online stores:

C R A F T S Y              E T S Y             R A V E L R Y

ENJOY

ciao, ciao!

Simple, quick, easy crochet mittens

Autumnal equinox is coming!

Here in the northern hemisphere the sun will soon cross the celestial equator and move south, taking the warmth and long daylight hours with it!

However, before the coming of the winter darkness, the autumnal equinox which occurs about 22/23rd September also heralds the time of the harvest moon, which is the full moon closest to this date, and that is happening right now, today is Sept 12 and it's a full moon!

OMG, I am going out right now to see if the night is clear of clouds to get a photo.

Harvest Moon, Sept 12, 2011

Oh yes here it is a photo of the harvest moon, shame I didn't think of it before now (it is 9.30pm) anyway I have a photo for you.  I also took a photo yesterday as well it was taken a bit earlier in the evening but today is the moon that counts.

Harvest Moon, Sept 11, 2011

Wow, how exciting! you would not believe how often the full moon is obscured by clouds here. Of course, I get very excited when I can actually get to view the full moon. WOW, I seem to have gone right off track here, where is the crochet stuff?

Well, all this moon stuff started with thinking about the coming of cooler autumn days, and how it is now a good time to start those projects for some simple and quick fingerless mittens. I also have a collection of new patterns coming soon,  just need to tear myself away from the actual crocheting and set myself down and put the words into the computer, so I can release the patterns.

Here is the list of new patterns coming soon!

Crochet Mobius "Country Tracks"

It's a man thing! Long crochet Mobius with a country tracks texture pattern, designed to roll. Keep it simple - worked in the round, no seams to sew. Made with Jarol Pure British Wool Aran. View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Lilac"

This lovely pair of mittens with accompanying headband can be made with Bendigo 8ply Cotton or any similar 8ply or DK yarn. The pattern has a ribbed texture and complimented with a simple contrast edge and two buttons. The crochet headband is worked using the famous Mobius style with some surprise features. View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Country"

Another It's a man thing! pattern. My husband will be the first recipient of these fingerless mittens. Robust and manly, made with Patons Wool Blend Aran.

View details.

Crochet Headband and Fingerless Mittens "Loopy"

This is a simple crochet pattern for a headband (neckwarmer) and fingerless mittens with optional thumb section and made with James C. Brett Pure Merino DK. Perfect for spring/autumn wear.

View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Shells"

This is a revised version of my very early pattern Crochet Mittens Aran (NO longer available).  I have totally rewritten the pattern and improved the instructions and thrown out some bits. So basically you could say it's a brand new pattern.  Made with Sirdar Balmoral, this yarn is now discontinued, so before I release the pattern I will find a substitute yarn.  View details.

For your information: all my fingerless mitten patterns are crochet in the round, starting at the cuff, no seams to sew and some have an optional thumb section.  You can wear the mittens on either hand, the pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

That's all for now, folks!

Ciao, Ciao!

Vacation over... back to work...

At long last... we have returned from a whirl-wind trip by train to Florence... it was fantastic...

Ponte Vecchio, Firenze and me....

and having spent two weeks recouping I am now keen to get back into my handcrafts... but somehow there are so many other things happening as well...

Here are a few projects I finished before travelling... just had no time to post previously...

Barbara Summers design - Fan Cloche with Flower Brooch

Made with Rowan Wool Cotton - yes my favourite yarn just now... and delightful to work with...
you can find the PATTERN for this stunning vintage flapper style hat named VALENTINA here

then this... my red mohair spiralling beret.... 

with contrast spiral... the contrast is in the different yarn I used instead of mohair ...

SPIRALS Beret PATTERN is NOT available for now.... 

however you can check out this 

FREE PATTERN for a spirals HAT/BEANIE 

which will give you some idea how to make it.

Barbara Summers design - Mohair Spiral Beret

and this basket weave beanie for my man....

still waiting to be finished... made with 100% aran wool...  you can find the PATTERN for SWEET DUDE here includes two (2) crochet hat styles for men, with optional lining for bald heads.

Barbara Summers design - Basket Weave Beanie

so will need to line it with cotton... my man can't handle wool next to the skin...

and bald heads are even more sensitive....  you can find the PATTERN for SWEET DUDE here includes two (2) crochet hat styles for men, with optional lining for bald heads.

Basket Weave Beanie - close-up

made a 100% Aran Wool Spiralling Beanie as well.... liked the outcome of the red mohair... so much....

Barbara Summers design - 100% Aran Wool Spiral Beanie

again the contrast spiral was crochet with a different yarn...


SPIRALS Beret PATTERN is NOT available for now....
however you can check out this

FREE PATTERN for a spirals HAT/BEANIE 

which will give you some idea HOW to make it.

now on with the pattern writing.... 

work, work, work....

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!

Sirdar Bamboo Wool

Here is a trial pattern pixie hat I made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo ............

Specially developed to be incredibly soft, gentle and smooth for Baby, this yarn is a new blend with natural bamboo and wool fibres.

Great colours and really nice to crochet with........

I am working on making the pattern available soon.

Rowan by Amy Butler

A quick word on Rowan yarns - and what's new - I found their new yarn accidentally in John Lewis in Milton Keynes whilst travelling north to visit family for the weekend.
Apparently, this yarn just hit the store shelves that week - and I am surprised - it is now a couple weeks since I bought the yarn and Rowan still don't have the new yarn listed on their website - was hoping to view the colour chart etc.
Here is a page which gives us an intro to what is coming..........
http://www.knitrowan.com/amybutler.html
I love the yarn a blend of 50% merino wool and 50% cotton - beautiful colours and perfect for my project.
It is definitely my favourite new yarn - soft and warm and perfect for toddler hats, scarves and mittens (see previous post)........ and I think will be perfect for grown ups as well.
So....... I am hoping their colour charts will be available soon.......
Here is a snapshot sample of some of the colours I bought....... and finished hat and mitten (see previous post)

my focus was finding an olive green in a natural fibre yarn...... and then a contrast in purple/lilac....... the best colour combination luckily was the Rowan by Amy Butler and Rowan Wool Cotton -  both are delightful and work well together........ so happy !

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?