FLOWER POWER Crochet

FLORA 2 CROCHET FLOWERS PATTERN

In May 2016 my inspiration for designing these little crochet flowers came from the spring blossoms my husband and I witnessed whilst on our walks through the countryside. I love how these naturally wild flowers can be so tiny and delicate. I am not trying to imitate their wild beauty exactly, I've just interpreted what I saw and created a crochet flower which will remind me of the original. I hope they will delight you just as much as they have delighted me.

FOUR (4) Crochet FLOWERS pattern includes:-

1. Crochet Flower VINTAGE ROSE - 5 petals
2. Crochet Flower STAR JASMINE - 5 petals
3. Crochet Flower BUTTERCUP - 8 petals
4. Crochet Flower SEA HOLLY - 12 petals

Crochet flowers are crochet in the round using two (2) colours. I used remnants from my yarn stash mainly DMC Petra Crochet Cotton Size 5 and a 2mm hook. 

You can also use Wendy Supreme Cotton 4ply which is slightly thicker but still gives a nice small flower using same hook size. If you wish to substitute the yarns do check the YARNSUB WEBSITE for the best matching yarn.

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY: Easy Intermediate
SIZES: One (1) size
MEASUREMENTS: Approximately 2in (5cm) diameter
YARN: DMC Petra 5 ● 100% Mercerised Cotton 3ply
YARN SUBSTITUTE: WENDY Supreme ● 100% Luxury Cotton 4ply OR any similar mercerised cotton
TENSION: Not critical - medium tension.
NOTIONS: 2mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES: Flora 2 consists of a total of four (4) crochet flowers; two (2) five petal flowers; one (1) eight petal flower; one (1) twelve petal flower. Instructions in this pattern are for four (4) flowers using two (2) colours with each flower.

FLORA 2 CROCHET FLOWER PATTERNS

available from my online stores

Craftsy    Ravelry

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

THE YEAR 2016 HAS NOW DRAWN TO A CLOSE

AND AS WE ENTER A NEW ONE,

ALL I WISH TO SAY IS

MAY THE NEW YEAR 2017 BRING YOU

LOVE, PEACE AND HAPPINESS

FOR NOW AND FOREVER!

As another year has come to a close, I wish to THANK YOU ALL for your ongoing support and for reading about my CROCHET and KNIT CREATIONS here on this blog.

THANK YOU for buying my patterns and for PARTICIPATING by leaving comments here and via my other social media. Your contributions do keep me smiling!

Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

ANIKSI - Springtime Crochet Bag

Springtime Crochet Patterns

It's time to say arrivederci to the cold and gloomy days of winter, and start crocheting a few new accessories which will spruce up your spring/summer wardrobe and also your home decor.

Here is my spring/summer time crochet bag pattern for 2016. I am hoping it will inspire you all to get out your hooks and your favourite cotton yarns or threads, and allow those creative juices to flow!

This is a great pattern for using up all those odd remnants you have sitting in your stash.  It is exactly what I have done here with this bag creation.  I started with the afghan squares and then proceeded to design the rest of the bag, which took into account how much cotton yarn I had left of each colour.  Luckily I had an ample amount of white cotton yarn for my main colour (MC), because I really didn't want to be buying any extra just to finish this bag.  I am going to give this bag a cotton lining to extend the life of the bag and to help keep the shape, however it is always up to you to decide whether you line it or not.

I must admit it has taken me a while to finish writing up the pattern for this afghan bag, mainly because there have been other more important things happening in my life, and unfortunately, instead of posting this blog in May here I am posting it in August. C'est la vie!

ANIKSI Bag Crochet Pattern

This crochet Aniksi bag does not take very long to crochet, you can have it done in a few days, with plenty of summertime left to enjoy using it.  Come and give it a try and have some fun using up your cotton yarn stash!

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate
SIZE:  One size
MEASUREMENTS:  Circumference of bag 24in (61cm);  13in (33cm) deep.
YARN USED:  Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 8ply 
YARN SUBSTITUTE:  Any similar DK cotton yarn
NOTIONS:  3.5mm (E-4), Yarn needle
PATTERN NOTES:  Bag consists of four (4) afghan squares; two (2) rectangular pieces; one (1) long strip; two (2) handles. Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) bag using eight (8) colours. This pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions. 
This pattern is available in USA American Crochet Terms.

ANIKSI Bag Crochet Pattern

is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY      RAVELRY

Do come and have a play with the

ANIKSI Afghan Bag Crochet Pattern

use as many colours or as few as you dare!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

to explore my other afghan crochet patterns 

which are listed below

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
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MANDALA Blue Skies Crochet Pattern

Sacred Geometry in Mandalas

Mandalas are seen as sacred places which, by their very presence in the world, remind a viewer of the immanence of sanctity in the universe and its potential in himself.  It is a means to discover divinity by the realization that it resides within one's own self.

(extract from http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/mandala)

How fascinating is this explanation of mandalas?  I thought it would be nice to know a bit about the origins of mandalas whilst I was designing this crochet pattern of Blue Skies MANDALA, so I searched for an explanation and came up with this, absolutely amazing, if you would like to read more please visit the website I mention above.

The preparation of a mandala is an artistic endeavor, but at the same time it is an act of worship. In this form of worship concepts and form are created in which the deepest intuitions are crystallized and expressed as spiritual art. The design, which is usually meditated upon, is a continuum of spatial experiences, the essence of which precedes its existence, which means that the concept precedes the form. 

(extract from http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/mandala)

You could say that crochet mandalas are a spiritual art.  

Often I create my crochet pieces intuitively, and never know where it will lead me, it can take me ages to complete these creations, because basically I just go with the flow when the inspiration comes forth. And this Blue Skies MANDALA, is the perfect example, I started it way back in 2014, and then left it to rest because I wasn't sure what the next round would be or even what colour, so I left it until I could reconnect with my creative guidance.  Now it is complete, and I can share it with you.

PATTERN DETAILS

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

SIZES:  Three (3) sizes - A = Small;  B = Medium;  C = Large

MEASUREMENTS:  Approx. A = 5.5in (14.5cm);  B = 9.5in (24.5cm);  C = 13in (33.5cm) 

YARN USED:  Debbie Bliss Cathay (discontinued) ● 50% Cotton  35% Viscose Microfibre 15% Silk ● 50g  109yd (100m) ● 

YARN SUBSTITUTE:  Any similar yarn and recommended hook

TENSION:  Not critical for this pattern

NOTIONS:  3mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  Mandala is worked in the round.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) mandala in three (3) sizes, using seven (7) colours.   This pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

This pattern is available in USA American Crochet Terms.

MANDALA Blue Skies Crochet Pattern

is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY      RAVELRY

Do come and have a play with the
MANDALA Blue Skies Crochet Pattern
use as many colours or as few as you dare!

Remember to explore my other mandala-style 
crochet patterns, as listed below

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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How to Crochet in Back Bump Tutorial

Crochet in Back Bump of Foundation Chain

Crochet in the back bump of a foundation chain is a technique which keeps the bottom of the foundation row looking the same as the top of the finishing row.  The benefits of crochet in the back bump are: 1.  more elastic foundation chain; 2. neater and smoother edge; 3. professional finish; 4. makes seaming easier; 5. makes it easier to add a crochet edge.

If you look closely at the photo above you can see the lovely professional finish of the foundation chain at the bottom.

Crochet in Front of Foundation Chain

Of course when you first learn to crochet you begin with working stitches into the foundation chain from the front of the work (right side).  Have a look at the photos below, where you normally place your stitches in the foundation chain.

Foundation chain front view resembles a "V" lying on it's side. You can easily see where to insert your hook and make your stitches. This technique creates a straight, rigid edge without any elasticity, and looks totally different from the top of the finishing row.  HINT:  When using this technique, depending on the stitches in following row, I always prefer to use a hook one size larger for the foundation row. This allows the foundation row to have a bit more stretch and will match the width of the following rows.  Or if you prefer (and can manage it) you can crochet a loose foundation chain with the same hook used for the rest of the work.

You can see above how to proceed with single crochet in the "V" of the foundation chain. Simply place hook into the "V" of the foundation chain, yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops on hook, single crochet complete.

Above is a photo of how the single crochet row looks from the front and the back when crochet in the foundation row in the traditional way.

HOW to CROCHET in BACK BUMP

Now let's get on with showing you how to crochet in the back bump.

Have a good look at the front and back view of the foundation chain.  It is these back bumps on the back of the chain where you will work your single crochet.  

Single crochet in 2nd back bump from stitch.  Place hook through back bump, yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops on hook, single crochet complete.  Repeat to end.

In the photo below there are five (5) single crochet in back bumps, you can already see the lovely professional edge on the foundation chain.

Continue to the end of the foundation chain and marvel at your newly learned skill.  So simple.  HINT:  Remember the foundation chain needs to be loose, not so tight you can't get your hook through the back bump.

NOW take a good look at the photo below and compare the foundation chain of both techniques.

By using Crochet in Back Bump technique you end up with a professional neat edge which has elasticity, stability and strength.

I do hope you try this technique and enjoy expanding your crochet skills whenever you get the opportunity!

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Enchanted Forest Mandalas

January Blues

For some people, January is all doom and gloom.  All the festivities of Christmas and New Year are now over; there's talk of New Year resolutions and some are actually doing a dry-January. There are those who wish winter was over and wanting it to get warmer, because all those wet, windy, cold, sunless short days are driving them to depression. 

Whereas, for me, well I just LOVE January, it is a time of peace and quiet, a time to relax and chill out in our little cave, a time to hibernate, I love it!

I love the time to myself, I love the cold, wet weather which forces me to stay indoors, I can rummage to my hearts content, read as much as I like, draw, crochet, knit, nap, try out new recipes, rearrange my drawers and cupboards, discard stuff I no longer need or don't use, and basically declutter.  

Best of all, it is a great time to take sunrise photos (when the sun is visible) because sunrise is as late as 8am.  This is the perfect time of year for resting and recouping!  A time of reflection without distractions! Absolutely perfect!

Crochet Discoveries

I managed to sort out my stash of yarn and stack of unfinished projects, and have decided to complete some crochet items I had worked on and put aside for another day for whatever reason, and now here is the first crochet project I decided to complete.

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas

I started this creation about two (2) summers ago.  It was a WIP (work-in-progress) for so long only because I would take my time to decide what stitch pattern to do next, so I would only do it when the inspiration took me there!  I was also using up my scraps of DMC Petra 5, so it had a totally different look, in the original work I used a total of six (6) colours and even had more rows, but for the NEW look I excluded the last four (4) rows to keep it a reasonable size.  Then I chose the colours of peppermint and avocado to complement my sofa cushions, so you are quite welcome to chose any colour you prefer to complement your home decore.

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

SIZES:  Three (3) sizes - A = small; B = medium; C = large

MEASUREMENTS:  approx. A = 13cm (5in);  B = 23cm (9in);  C = 41cm (16in)

YARN USED:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply ● 100% Mercerized Cotton ● 100g/267m/292yds ● Shades: MC Peppermint (1831)  CC Avocado (1826) ● 1 ball of each

NOTIONS:  3mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  You need to know how to colour change and crochet in the round. Instructions in this pattern are for three (3) mandalas, using two (2) colours, colour changes are mentioned in the pattern. This written pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

Deep in the Enchanted Forest a tiny little spider creates amazingly intricate, delicate and colourful spider webs. Enchanted Forest Mandalas were inspired by these spider webs, and now you too can decorate your home with vibrant coloured spider web designs.  Come along and have a play and have some fun!  

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas Crochet Pattern is available in USA American Crochet Terms and UK British Crochet Terms.

Please select the correct terminology when purchasing your pattern.

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas Crochet Pattern 

is available from my online stores:

  

CRAFTSY        RAVELRY

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

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