Seaside, Seashells, Starfish and Fish

Fishy Crochet Obsession

Lately I have been obsessed with this little fish motif.  I first came up with the idea in May 2011, whilst creating a sun hat pattern and wanted to add a motif to the hat.

I already had a STARFISH PATTERN (see photo below) and you can check out the FREE pattern HERE.

I've been using this starfish crochet pattern for years and thought it would be great to also have a little crochet fish, so this is what I came up with, a quick and easy crochet fish.

Now, the obsession has been with making a few extra fish so I can write down the pattern and then share it with you all.  Just look at my fish tank - cute, huh?

FREE CROCHET FISH PATTERN

Click HERE to add this pattern to your RAVELRY queue and favourites.

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy
SIZE:  One size
MEASUREMENTS:  will vary depending on yarn and hook size
YARN USED:  Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 8ply 
YARN SUBSTITUTE:  Any similar DK cotton yarn
NOTIONS:  3.5mm (E-4), Yarn needle
PATTERN NOTES:  Stitches used - single, half double, double and treble crochet. Gauge - not critical but I recommend using a hook half to one size smaller than recommended on yarn label.

This pattern is written in USA American Crochet Terms.

Pattern Starts:

Row 1:  Ch2, in 2nd ch from hook 2sc, turn. 
Increasing rows
Row 2:  Ch1, 2sc in each st, turn. (4sts)
Row 3:  Ch1, 2sc in 1st st, sc in next 2sts, 2sc in last st, turn.  (6sts) 
Row 4-6:  Ch1, sc in each st, turn.
Row 7:  Ch1, 2sc in 1st st, sc in next 4sts, turn.  (8sts)
Row 8-11:  Ch1, sc in each st to end, turn. 

Decreasing rows

Row 12:  Ch1, skip 1st st, sc to end, turn.  (7sts) 
Row 13:  Ch1, skip 1st st, sc to end, turn.  (6sts)
Row 14:  Ch1, skip 1st st, sc to end, turn.  (5sts)
Row 15:  Ch1, skip 1st st, sc in next 2sts, skip next st, sc in end st, turn.  (3sts)
Row 16:  Ch1, sc in each st to end, turn.

Increasing rows

Row 17:  Ch1, 2sc in 1st st, sc in next st 2sc in last st, turn.  (5sts)
Row 18:  Ch1, 2sc in first st, sc in next 3sts, 2sc in last st, turn.  (7sts) 

Fish Tail

Row 19:  Ch2, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, ch2, sl st in next 3sts, ch2, hdc in next 2sts, ch2, sl st in same st.
Finish with Sc Edge: Continue with same yarn or change to a CC and sc around the fish.
Note: If you are going to join two fish together wait and do the Sc Edge when joining the two fish.

Sc Edge for Fish

Continuing from end of Row 19, now continue along edge of fish.
Ch1, sc in next 8 rows, *Ch4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, (1st fin made) skip 2 rows along edge of fish, sc in next row,** sc in next 6 rows to tip of fish nose, 2sc in end (into the 1st ch of beg ch2), sc in next 9 rows, rep from * to ** (2nd fin made), sc in next 7 rows, 3sc in ch2 of tail, sc in next 3sts, sl st in middle of tail, sc in next 3sts, 3sc in ch2 , join with sl st in beg ch1.

Special Note:  This sc edge will only work if you have the same number of rows on your fish – if not you will need to adjust where you position your fins, aim for middle of the fish (not including the tail).

Join two fish:  Place one fish over the other with wrong sides facing in, and with right side facing you follow the Sc Edge instructions and join together.

Applications:  Use your fish in the following ways:
• make it as a motif and stitch onto garment;

• make it into a brooch by joining two fish together and then attach a brooch backing;

• join two fish, make a chain loop and hang off your key ring or bag;

• make loads of fish and join with a chain to make a “fishy” garland.

USA - American Crochet Terms		UK - British Crochet Terms
Ch = chain
sc = single crochet		dc =double crochet
hdc = half double crochet		htr = half treble crochet
dc = double crochet		tr = treble crochet
tr = treble crochet		dtr = double treble crochet
dtr = double treble		ttr = triple treble
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/es
cont = continue
rep = repeat
rnd = round
beg = begin/beginning
yo = yarn over	yrh = yarn round hook
FDC = foundationless double crochet	FTR = foundationless treble crochet
Esc = extended single crochet	Edc = extended double crochet
BL = back loop	blo = back loop only
FL = front loop	flo = front loop only
BPdc = back post double crochet	rtrb = raised treble back
FPdc = front post double crochet	rtrf = raised treble front
Abbreviations List ©2015  Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.  All rights reserved.

You can also download the Free CROCHET STARFISH and FISH PDF Pattern from my online stores  RAVELRY and CRAFTSY 

Here is a lovely little song about a little fish, sung by Spencer Tracy in 1937, in the movie Captains Courageous.

"Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry
Once Doc baked some biscuits and throw them away Next day no more fish come around boat to play
Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry
Said Cabbage to fish cake Who lay on one dish I beautiful cabbage You only poor fish
Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry
There's a place in my heart For the one I love best And I still keep her picture tattooed on my chest
Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry Yeah, ho, little fish Don't cry, Don't cry"

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
2008 (C) Copyright - All rights reserved.

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Summer Crochet !

Temperature reliant handcrafts

Here in the UK crocheting during summer is easy, the summer temperatures are variable and this summer, it has been generally dry (OK so today and next few days looking wet) but generally it has been DRY and not very hot or warm for that matter, so sitting back and crocheting is not encumbered with sweaty hands or dripping brow and if it is warm on the odd day then rest assured I am out in the sunshine enjoying it and getting as much Vit D out of the day as I can.

Heaven (and God) only know when the sun is going to come out again and grace us with it's blessings!

Writers Block... and whinge!

Writing about the crochet on the other hand has been (in my case) constipated. Oh the reluctance to write about what I do, I'd rather be doing it. Then there are the photos to sort through and edit, the ho hum drudgery, and then trying to keep you all informed.  Did you know I am a "dot point" type of person?  You know -

• take yarn and hook
• make a hat
• gift to friend
• start next project

It's so easy, right?  not having to count stitches, explain every step, make sure it's understood, check and re-check, hours at the computer, so I can share with others!  who said this crochet life was easy?

Give me a map, a camera and I am off into the world exploring. And if my crochet hook travels with me, it may not see daylight for weeks.  So basically if I had the means, my first choice would always be "travel" and "adventure" and "the great outdoors".

Everyday Delights and Rewards

On the other hand the delight in receiving compliments and the rewards of sales is all worth it and I do like to share what little crochet knowledge I have with others, especially when people are interested enough to ask me about it, I recoil from forcing it down people's throats. 

Anyway here now I am going to share my latest crochet projects and patterns, so you will know I have not been too idle!  

Distraction project

In the midst of creating more summer hats with brims, like this lovely bucket-style (fisherman-style) hat called ZIGGY and which is available from my online store RAVELRY

I decided to break away from my mindless hat making and try a bit of "filet" crochet. I had this very old pattern hanging around for a while, so now was the perfect opportunity, having just spent five (5) weeks of whirlwind travelling around the UK with my daughter (from Oz).

I really felt the need to explore the unknown (for me anyway) world of filet crochet.

Crochet Rose Bag

The pattern is a small crochet bag with a rose design and dates back to the early 1910-1920's, I think.

Crochet Rose Bag - both sides done - ready to be joined.

So with my white cotton and metallic gold yarn and a 2.5mm hook (not the recommended size for the project) however I wanted my bag to be bigger than the original pattern, the original is made with Crochet Cotton No. 10 and crochet hook No. 8 (I think it's old UK steel hook size).

At first it was interesting to read the instructions and to ponder over how simple instructions were back in those days, here is an example:-

Ch105, Work three rows of 33 space each. 

Row 4, 5sp, 4blk, 5sp, 1blk, 3sp, 1blk, 5sp, 4blk, 5sp, 

and so on....  

Obviously every young girl knew how to crochet back then, so there was no need for too much explanation in the pattern, just the basics.  Which I think is simply perfect, basic instructions, a bit like what and how I like to scribble my crochet notes, dot point. LOL

Filet crochet is really quite simple, all about spaces and blocks, just fill in the blocks and you have a design, even simpler follow the few basic instructions and then follow the chart. Quite an enjoyable little project, now all I have to do is line my bag, I must source a nice bit of material for it, still not sure on the colour, do I go dark to show up the pattern?  or go with a gold ? decisions, decisions.

Latest Designs

Feast your eyes on my latest summer designs, actually it's a bit of a revamp of one of my previous patterns.

The pattern is very close to completion, and will be released next week, do keep an eye open for it!  and yes, it will be available from on my RAVELRY online store.

Never Idle

Oh and just in case you thought I am or have been a bit lazy, check out today's walk, 7.5 miles along the Crab & Winkle Way from Whitstable to Canterbury.  Of course we took the bus back home, we were a bit soggy from the downpour which we walked through half way there.

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Midsummer Super Special Offer!

Grab "Any 5 Patterns" for a very low midsummer Super Special Offer of £8

Offer is available from today Monday July 11 until Friday July 15 ....

so hurry along and grab your 5 now....  

this is a once only super summer special! 

available here...

Etsy...   OR   Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet...

cut off time will be London, UK midday Saturday

Acknowledging Imperfection!

Acknowledgement

Yes, I admit I am not perfect...

SIMPLY PERFECT!

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

~ Leonardo da Vinci

SIMPLE PIXIE HAT

Take a simple crochet hat pattern and create the perfect accessory for your darling newborn. Nothing could be simpler. 

I designed these pixie hats and used to sell them at Spitalfields Markets in London and Northern Rivers markets (Byron Bay, Bangalow, Channon, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads) in Australia. They were always popular as gifts for newborns as well as everyday wear for babies and toddlers. 

You can now make these too using my PIXIE BABE Crochet Hat Pattern.

Simple colours, simple shape and a simple, elegant result - Simply Perfect.

ADD  a lovely simple pair of mittens and you have the perfect gift for that special newborn.

I loved making the newborn pixie hats and mittens from one of Australia's softest 100% cotton yarns available from Bendigo Woollen Mills in Victoria, Australia.  Do check out their website you won't be disappointed, so many yarns available in 200gram balls at a great price.

SIMPLE BABY MITTENS

These baby mittens are ever so simple to make, the pattern is part of another newborn hat and mittens pattern which does not include the pixie hat pattern.  Hopefully in the future I will include the mittens pattern with PIXIE BABE.

PIXIE BABE Crochet Hat Pattern

is available from my online stores

ETSY            CRAFTSY           RAVELRY

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HOME SWEET HOME!

CROCKNIT is now home from her whirlwind trip of UK ....

TRAVELLING ALL OVER THE COUNTRYSIDE

CROCKNIT IS TOURING

PATTERNS and SPECIAL OFFERS

Time for offerings...

Love to crochet hats? headbands? wristbands? scarves? .... yes?

WHERE'S THE PAGE?

I'm sorry...  so sorry...

If you recently visited my website via a link from this blog or other site and you found yourself on the wrong page - and wondered WTF?

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!