Coffee Coaster Blues

"One of these days Alice!" bang!!! zoom!! pow!    "I'm gonna make you some coffee coasters".

Ideas brew!

I love the way ideas just fly into one's head. Rummaging through my stash I came across some cotton ribbon yarn - yes could be a sunhat but is there enough?  maybe, no not really. Oh hang on, there is also this bamboo yarn, ooh cool, just the perfect contrast too. OK, now what?  um let me handle it, play with the yarn that is, hmm hook size recommended is 5.5mm, no I think I will use a 6mm hook. 

This ribbon yarn will have just the right thickness and perfect for coasters. I wonder if I can get six (6) coasters out of one skein? Maybe try it, if not I can also make some from the dark blue ribbon yarn instead. OK let's go for it!

Time tells a story!

From conception to finish, these coasters were a "no brainer". Simple double crochet into a magic loop, for three (3) rounds, and then contrast single crochet and crab stitch to finish.

I like to "just crochet" sometimes. No patterns, no checking gauge, nothing to adhere to - I am free to go anywhere with this yarn and hook. Moments like these I have no thoughts, and I am totally consumed by the process of crochet, totally in the moment, I exist in the present and time is nowhere!  Simply heavenly crochet time!

I started these coasters on Wednesday afternoon and managed to make eight (8) coasters from 1 skein, that was a real bonus. I then decided to make a large centre piece, initial thoughts were to use on my circular tray when afternoon tea/coffee is served.  Good idea! 

Crazy Doily!

This large centre piece was quickly turning into hours of crochet and ripping, ripping and crochet, just experimenting with the stitches so I could make the yarn go further to get the perfect size centre piece to fit the tray.  Hey karumba!  I am starting to admire doily crocheters.  

OK so I was working without a pattern but really how difficult can it be?  You go round in circles right?  Too easy!  Well not so easy when asking a piece of circular crochet to lie flat, it becomes a challenge!  I could have easily done the increasing in the usual manner but then I would have ended up with a hexagon or an octagon and that is not what I was aiming for.  So changing from double crochet to a variety of V-sts and incorporating the contrast mocha bamboo to help bring the piece together was a bit of a "ripping" experience! Hahaha! So glad it is now finished, I literally spent hours. Phew!   Click HERE and watch

Moving along!

After this crochet centre piece triumph? or should I say marathon more like it, so many hours for something so basic, r e a l l y !  I am now keen to try my hand at doily patterns. No, I am not going to re-invent the wheel, I am going to find a pattern to work with. It will be something new to accomplish.

Square Heart!

Earlier in the week I also played around with placing my "perfect heart" into a square. Another small achievement with loads of hours of rip, rip, rip. Yes, it is definitely trial and error week, lucky me!

I believe I am getting a message from the crochet angels telling me to look at doily patterns. Thanks a lot, wish you told me before I started these two (2) projects. I am sure the creations would have been easier to work out with a bit of knowledge of doily construction.

I promise to keep you all posted on my search for a doily pattern which will inspire me!  

Ciao, Ciao

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Perfect Heart Mania!

Perfect Heart Projects

Obsessive Behaviour? That's me!
Its seems I have become a little bit, only a little bit, obsessed with my "perfect heart" crochet pattern - well, only when I have been home and not out walking or touring.  I just want to see how many different ways I can use this crochet heart pattern.  My brain has got a pile of ideas but I have a reluctance to even try some of those ideas - mainly because my general philosophy for crocheting is to make things that are useful and practical.  Yes, I may admire those artistic crocheters who crochet up cup cakes and other odd vegetables and fruits - but for me it is not the direction I want to go!

Big Heart Effort
In the last week, my crochet hours have been limited and my time has been filled with other things.  But as soon as I had the chance I was trying different yarns and deciding on ways to turn my perfect hearts into a useful, practical item.

Of course my most basic use of the heart is:

Perfect Heart Motif/Brooch

No.1:  attach heart to a hat, scarf, bag, whatever.














No. 2:  my favourite use make two hearts, join and fill with dried lavender, to hang in the wardrobe. I really like these lavender pouches and I am glad I have a good supply of lavender which I bought last summer from the Norfolk Lavender Farm.

Perfect Heart Lavender Pouch

No. 3:  making heart decos, make two hearts, join together, make a chain loop, and attach to handbag, keyring, hang on tree, make a garland.









No. 4:  make a wristband, headband, belt etc. and attach a heart motif.

I am thinking of writing up and posting this wristband pattern.  Anyone interested?

Let me know.



No. 5:  still working on it.... thinking cap is on and crochet hook is working....



All this talk about hearts reminds me of a fantastic poem written by E.E. Cummings:

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) 

i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want

no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

Heart me!  I love it!

Perfect Hearts - Filling you with Love

Day of the Restless!

I was feeling a bit fidgety yesterday, must have something to do with the New Moon!  I was not at all inspired to finish writing out the instructions for one of my baby hat designs, and I was totally indecisive about what kind of crochet hat to work on next.

Instead, I spent some time flicking through cook books, flicking through self-help books, found some great stuff again from Louise Hay.  Yes, she is my favourite, you know all that love stuff, love thyself, honour thyself, all is well in the world.  Which lead me to designing the thinking about designing a crochet HEART.

Ages ago, I used to have a great little heart pattern which I used to attach as a motif or as a brooch to my crochet hats. The simple heart pattern was the centre of a crochet granny square, however, this pattern is now buried somewhere in one of my storage boxes back in Australia.  AND for the life of me I can't remember how the pattern went.  

And try as I may, I have not found a heart pattern which is as good, or simple, or as pleasing.  

So, whilst watching "Farscape" last night (yes, it's a Sci-Fi TV series from the late 1990's - which I have not seen before). I came up with this cute little heart pattern, easy and quick, and a very pleasing heart shape (even if I say so myself) and it's not too complex. 

I hope you find it useful.  Do try it, AND let me know what you think.  

Crochet Heart Pattern:
Yarn:  Patons 100% Cotton DK OR any other similar yarn
Hook:  3.5mm
Terminology: US
Gauge:  not so important, but I recommend using a hook half to one size smaller than recommended on yarn label.

 Perfect Heart Motif for use as:

• a heart motif, heart applique,
• make it into a brooch by joining two hearts together and then attach a brooch backing;
• join two hearts, make a chain loop and fill with lavender, to hang in your wardrobe;
• make loads of hearts and join with a chain to make a crochet heart garland, or heart bunting.

I am sure you will find other ways to use this crochet heart pattern.  

PERFECT HEARTS CROCHET PATTERN 
is available from my online stores 

LOVECROCHET       RAVELRY        CRAFTSY 

CIAO, CIAO !

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Tropical Fruits - good enough to eat!

Nature's Colours!

Nature provides us with amazing spectacular colours present in the beauty of fruits, vegetables and flowers. There is colour all around us, and I just love the variety and vibrancy of colours on show.

I love roaming around farmers' markets and admiring all the wonderful colours of fruits and vegetables - greens, oranges, reds, purples, yellows - and my favourite colours can be found amongst the amazing tropical fruits: mango; passionfruit; pawpaw (papaya); kiwi to name a few. All these vibrant coloured fruits and vegetables just for us to eat and enjoy. Yummy!

Fruity Inspiration!

While doing a bit of travelling around historical Kent, I came across some amazing vibrant yarn colours which made me think about tropical fruits and also inspired my design for the next crochet hat for your baby/toddler.

Probably the one thing I really miss, here in the UK, is the abundance of fresh tropical fruits which were available in my hometown of Byron Bay, Australia. I used to love just stepping out the back door and picking a papaya off the tree or a passionfruit off the vine!  So fresh and so delicious!

OK so I apologize I am getting a bit sidetracked, I will return to talking about crochet and vibrant yarn colours.

Yarn and Pattern Stitch!

The yarn is King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK and they have some amazing colours, beautifully deep, warm shades or pastels, you can check out the colour chart here. 

King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK is a naturally special 50/50 bamboo and cotton blend. It is soft and smooth on the skin and will create garments with an elegant, fluid drape. 

I found this bamboo cotton yarn is just perfect for crochet hats for baby, toddler, teen or adult, and with spring around the corner, I am convinced these colours are just begging to be displayed. 

Shrimp, Green and Violet, are the colours I used for my new hat design, which reminds me of tropical fruits.  Doesn't it look delicious?

Harlequin or Catherine Wheel?

The pattern stitch I used is Harlequin stitch, which is very similar to the Catherine Wheel stitch and I think it is just the perfect stitch for a multi-coloured project.

Crochet Hat TROPO is available from my online stores:

RAVELRY        CRAFTSY 

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
(C) Copyright - All rights reserved.

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Bright Colours and Wonderful Texture: Crochet Hats Baby Boy and Baby Girl

Enjoying Winter Crochet

In the midst of winter's gloomy greys, it is delightful to be working with bright colours - makes me think of sunny days and blooming spring flowers, even though here in the UK spring is a few months away - it is so nice to be sitting in a warm room crocheting away and dreaming of things to come.

Pattern Writing and Testing

I have been re-crocheting and re-checking my written patterns - a scarf pattern and more hat patterns - this usually means I am madly trying to decipher the handwritten scribblings which pass for my pattern notes - of course I must admit I am nowhere as organized as I thought I was. I made so many different hats, mittens and scarves last year, it is only when I peruse my photos I realize I haven't written up the patterns for some.

Photo below includes some of my creations:
1. LACY Scarf (no pattern); 
2. BREEZY Sun Hat (no pattern); 
3. VALENTINA Crochet Hat (pattern available from my shops)
4. FEDORA Hat (no pattern)
5. HALF MOONS Scarf (no pattern)

Creative Juices Flow

It is always so much easier for me to just grab a ball of yarn and just start crocheting. Sometimes just to try the new yarn and sometimes I have an idea for something which inevitably can turn out to be crocheted into something else altogether.  So the question put to me often by my husband is: "So what you making now?" and my answer could be:  "Don't know yet... just trying out the yarn!"

Crochet Stitch Fascination

Right now I am fascinated (addicted) with double crochet and FPdc and how many different ways I can use them. So far the experimenting is full of promise with a couple of new patterns resulting in some new crochet baby hats as you can see in photo below.

New Baby Hat Patterns

The photo above is showing two (2) new baby hats:

1. FREE Crochet Hat NEWBORN PATTERN - this newborn baby hat pattern has a simple rib-like texture. Perfect for everyday wear or that special day out. Basic stitches double crochet and Front Post double crochet. Made with King Cole “Bamboo Cotton” and a 4mm hook. This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

2. Crochet Hat LITTLE BOY BLUE PATTERN - simply perfect textured hat pattern complemented with bands of colour. Perfect for little boys everyday wear or that special day out. Basic stitches single crochet, double crochet, Front Post double crochet. Made with Rowan “Belle Organic” DK and a 4mm hook. This pattern is adaptable to other yarns.  PATTERN AVAILABLE FROM MY ONLINE SHOPS

Natural Yarns and Beautiful Colours

I have been using my favourite yarn Rowan "Belle Organic" and Rowan "Wool Cotton" both very easy yarns to crochet with and have a nice feel and drape; and of course some fantastic bright and luscious colours.  You can check the colour chart on their website here. This has definitely been my favourite yarn all last year.  

Of course I am always finding some new yarns on my travels and here is one I found in a small shop in Sandwich, Kent, UK and I just love it too. King Cole "Bamboo Cotton". just perfect for crochet baby hats.  You can check their colour chart here.

JANUARY CLEAN UP

Out with the old, in with the new: may you be happy the whole year through. 

Happy New Year 2011

It's a New Year and I think January is always a great month for cleaning up, clearing out and deleting junk/trash emails, unwanted photos, videos and documents. A time to simply declutter wherever it may be necessary.

Usually, it brings me to total exasperation, everywhere I look there is something else in need of reorganizing and its ever so frustrating.

I am de-cluttering my space/spaces and making way for new energy to propagate. 

I am really getting into this clearing out, I started with my yarn stash and have filled three (3) garbage bags of yarn which will go to the charity shop.

I am disengaging from the emotional attachment I have to the objects I possess and I must admit this is hard.

I am making an assessment about the objects in my space and the emotional strain it is having on the flow of my life which is currently stagnant.

I am looking at everything and assessing whether these things are adding value to my life or keeping me physically and emotionally stuck.

Did you know you really need to understand that every part of the human life experience is encapsulated within our home through design, images, symbols, sounds, and smells?

If you understand this, then you can assess whether these objects add value to your life or keep you physically and emotionally stuck.

Wow, I am feeling energized already,  must keep moving, heaps more clearing to go.

Please don't ask me for something I have thrown away!

I realize this blog post has nothing to do with my crochet creations so here is a cute crochet flower I made just for fun!

If you want to join me in de-cluttering here are some helpful hints:

• Check each room of your home and record the clutter zones; 
• How do you feel when you look at your possessions?  positive reaction or a negative one?
• Have a system for discarding unwanted, broken or donation items.
• Set an intention as you remove unwanted items. You are now energetically opening up to attracting new desires into your life.
• Take breaks during the clutter-clearing session to recharge your energy.
• Strive for a cleared, simple, natural and uncluttered feel.

I wish you a happy decluttering January!

BE CREATIVE

PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com

Copyright © 2008 Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet. All rights reserved.  All materials contained on this website, including images, are protected by the UK and International Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Barbara Summers. Please CONTACT me at crocknit@gmail.com if you wish to obtain such permission.

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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

Crochet Hats Galore !

Into the new year and boy is time flying fast, I am crocheting my spare time away, with crochet hats, crochet berets, and crochet beanies, and writing patterns is all but slow.

1. SPRING Beret FREE Crochet Pattern

In the photo above is a simple crochet beret, which I designed for SPRING.  

This crochet beret pattern is the perfect spring accessory, and the simple V-stitch adds an intriguing rib-style pattern.

The top of the beret is shaped by increasing rows, creating a gathered appearance.

Flower pattern NOT INCLUDED.

PATTERN DETAILS:
SKILL LEVEL:  Easy - you need to know how to:  crochet in the round; single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet.

YARN:  Patons 100% Cotton DK

HOOK: 4mm 

TERMINOLOGY:  USA American crochet terms.

This pattern can be crochet using other similar yarns, just match the gauge.

Simple and quick to make, and so lovely to wear.

This FREE crochet pattern can be found HERE on RAVELRY

Sometimes, (well maybe most of the time) I just can't help myself, I cannot sit and just do nothing, even when watching a movie (unless it's action/adventure) I have to be crocheting or knitting.

2. PINK REMEMBRANCE Hat Crochet Pattern

This is my remembrance hat pattern dedicated to all those touched by cancer.

A textured pattern finished off with a breast cancer remembrance ribbon.

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy Intermediate 
YARN: King Cole "Bamboo Cotton" 
HOOK: 4mm 
SIZE: Ladies M
MEASUREMENTS: Head circumference 21-22.5in
TERMINOLOGY: USA American crochet terms

This pattern can be crochet using other similar yarns, just match the gauge.

Purchase this crochet pattern and help raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. 

This pattern can be found HERE in my ETSY store

I know I am suppose to be also writing patterns, but sitting at the laptop keying in words, is not as exciting as the actually creating and designing of crochet hats and beanies.  I just love it!  

3. FEDORA Hat Crochet Pattern

My attempt at a Fedora Hat, without too much fuss shaping.  

Updated note 5 Jun 2016:  I wore it a few times, and then gave up on it.  Not an easy pattern to adapt to other yarns, and I totally lost interest in it.  Pattern on the scrap pile, one of many.


So, my New Year's resolution, is to commit to making myself write down and key in my crochet patterns each day, take photos and catalogue all my crochet patterns, catch up with writing out the instructions for crochet garments I have made in the past, and generally getting more organised.

4.  SWEET DUDE Man Hat Pattern

BEST EVER CROCHET HAT FOR YOUR MAN - perfect winter warmer beanie. Chunky style with a super easy texture stitch. 

Simply PERFECT FOR BALD HEADS with an optional soft and comfy lining. Make two (2) hat styles with this one pattern.

SKILL LEVEL: Easy Intermediate

YARN: Patons Wool Blend Aran OR any other similar yarn.

HOOK: 5mm

SIZE: Adult Male LARGE

MEASUREMENTS: Circumference 23in (58.4cm)

TERMINOLOGY: USA American crochet terms

This pattern can be crochet using other similar yarns, just match the gauge.

This pattern can be found HERE in my ETSY store

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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