STAR LOVER Mandalas

Star light, star bright,

First star I see tonight,

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have this wish I wish tonight.

SUMMER DAZE MANDALA

I had a dream, a dream about crochet and in the middle of the night, I woke up and drew the shape from the dream. The very next morning I sat down and crocheted the shape. I didn't know what to do with this shape and for six (6) years, this shape has been patiently waiting to share its beauty with the world. 

BASTILLE DAY CROCHET

Each year on July 14 France celebrates Bastille Day, it is a French national day and a major public holiday and traditionally considered as the symbol of the French Revolution. 

BEEHIVE BEANIE Free Crochet Pattern

Resurrecting Old Crochet Hats

In the mid-1980's I remember my Polish mother-in-law, Henryka, showing me how to crochet in a spiral and how to add contrast surface-crochet. [Originally the surface-crochet was made using a slip stitch, however, over the years I have changed that to (slip stitch, ch1) instead, which I think is way better].

How to Crochet a Simple Beanie

Simply Perfect Beanie

In 2001 I designed this simple beanie for my grown-up children, who were in their 20's at the time, and living in the sub-tropics of Australia, where it doesn't really get very cold in winter, but when the wet weather and strong winds blow, in those cool morning and evening temperatures you definitely need to keep your head and ears warm. That is how this simple beanie crocheted totally in one stitch was born.

SUMMERTIME Sun Hat

In the summertime when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky!

CRAZY STRIPE HAT Free Knit Pattern

So you can colour my world with sunshine yellow each day, Oh you can colour my world with happiness all the way! 

BOHO BREEZE Hat Crochet Pattern

SPRING is on the backburner! 

The freakish Arctic weather has come back to haunt us, and the "The Beast from the East" version two, has brought more snow and chaos to our door. Strong icy cold winds and sub-zero temperatures kept us indoors with the central heating on ALL day (which is not the norm for us), AND NOW THEY ARE PREDICTING ANOTHER RETURN OF THE BEAST FOR EASTER! So looks like spring is going to be late this year.

For a short spell, I was dreaming of enjoying a bit of sunshine, checking out the daffodils, spring walks, and finally getting into spring clothes, however, that is not going to happen just yet, so I've decided to design this BOHO BREEZE Hat which will be perfect for these cooler days which we are and will be having for the rest of March.

BOHO BREEZE Hat is the perfect spring/autumn beanie when those cool breezes blow. The hat is deliberately designed around the colourful yarn to display its beautiful changing colours.

YARN USED

The Boho Breeze Hat is crocheted using two yarns, both yarns are Hayfield Bonus DK yarns by Sirdar. The main colour has a lovely phased colour effect, it is a new yarn called Breeze and the contrast colour is simply a bold purple, one of 60 colours available.

I love how the variegated yarn changes colour quite quickly, displaying it's lovely rainbow coloured tones, and of course, the best contrast is always a darker colour, I chose purple not only because it is my favourite, but it complements one of the many colours in the variegated yarn. These yarns are 100% acrylic however to my surprise they are softer in texture than other budget-priced acrylics.

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Intermediate

SIZES:  One (1) size - Adult Medium

MEASUREMENTS:  Circumference 21in (53cm); Length 8in (20cm) - will fit 22in (56cm)

YARN USED:  Hayfield Bonus Breeze DK ●  100% Acrylic ● 100g ● 306yds (280m) ● MC Embers (477) ● Hayfield Bonus DK ●  100% Acrylic ● 100g ● 306yds (280m) ● CC Purple (840) ● 1 ball of each

YARDAGE: Approx. 54g = 165yd (151m)

SUBSTITUTE YARN: Any similar DK yarn, one ball plain bold colour, one ball variegated colour. Always check with YARNSUB website to get the best match.

NOTIONS:  4mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  Hat is worked flat and in the round. Instructions in this pattern are for a two (2) colour hat. Each round is completed before changing colour. Photographs accompany the written instructions.

This pattern is written in USA American Crochet Terms.

BOHO BREEZE Hat Crochet Pattern

is available from my online shops

RAVELRY     CRAFTSY     LOVECROCHET

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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SPRING ROUND BAG Crochet Pattern

MARCH on SPRING

Snowdrops, crocus and daffodils are blooming and the sound of birds singing fills the air. Sunny days, longer days and warmer temperatures are on their way. The long, cold winter is over and it's now nature's time for birth and renewal.

After a cold winter of hibernation, and focusing on staying warm and flu-free, I am totally excited and ready to focus my energy on spring crochet projects, getting out and about more and spending some time "spring cleaning". Time to start anew!

SPRING CROCHET DESIGNS 2018

SPRING Round Bag is my first design for Spring 2018. 

SPRING Round Bag has a vintage lace pattern which is reminiscent of the first spring leaves. 

It is a lightweight bucket bag with the added benefit of a lining to keep its shape. 

This bag is not too big and not too small, it is just the right size for holding my bare essentials such as wallet, mobile, sunglasses, lip balm and hairbrush, with room for a 500ml water bottle as well. Simply perfect for when I don't need to carry anything else.

Yarn Used

I have crocheted the round bag with my favourite mercerised cotton Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply. The colours I chose first to represent the bright colour of fresh new leaves on willow trees, they are always an amazing yellowy green, and second the amazing clear blue skies and third the pinky sunrises and sunsets.

You can substitute the yarn, just remember to check the Yarnsub website, to get the best match.

Shape of Bag

For this spring bag design, I decided to make it bucket shape, with the intention of adding a cotton lining so it will hold its shape,  show off the vintage lace pattern and be sturdy enough to stand upright.

Even though I am no expert at sewing I managed to sew the bucket shape lining with interfacing without any hiccups, thanks to this tutorial by Filminthefridge.

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Intermediate

MEASUREMENTS:  Bag circumference 21in (53cm) x Depth 12in (30cm) approximately (excluding straps). 

YARN USED:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply ● 100% Mercerized Cotton ● 100g/267m/292yds ● Shades: MC Peppermint (1831) CC1 Salmon (1953) CC2 Avocado (1826) ● 1 ball of each

YARN ALTERNATIVES:  Any similar weight cotton

NOTIONS:  3mm hook; Yarn needle.

PATTERN NOTES:  You need to know how to crochet in the round.  Instructions in this pattern are for three (3) colour crochet bag. Bag lining is optional. The pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

This written pattern uses USA American Crochet Terms

SPRING Round Bag Crochet Pattern

is available from my online shops

RAVELRY     CRAFTSY     LOVECROCHET

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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Knit me a CRAZY STRIPE JUMPER

It's the last week of February 2018 and the UK is a victim of "The Beast from the East".  The icy weather this week spirals in from the Arctic bringing icy, cold Siberian winds and heavy snow to parts of the country. 

Yellow warnings and Amber warnings for snow have been in place for the north-east and south-east since Monday and will continue to the end of the week, the far north and parts of the south-west have been issued Red warnings from Thursday into Friday. Temperatures have dropped below zero and the white stuff is entertaining for some and for others, it is not only a curse but could be life-threatening. 

I am so glad I don't need to be anywhere or go anywhere, the car is parked in the garage and I can enjoy walking in the snow to my heart's content. I love this white stuff and getting out to take photos and crunch my way through the fresh powder snow, is absolutely fabulous! 

Yesterday I wore my newly finished Crazy Stripe Jumper, under the blue all weatherproof jacket. I loved making this multi-coloured jumper so much, I am going to knit a hat to match, and maybe even a scarf or a skirt? Oooh, I may even have enough yarn to make a longer jumper which could be worn with tights? Who knows I am having so much fun with these crazy colours, all the colours are leftover from the large 400g balls of Aran yarn I have in my stash, and it is a refreshing break from crochet.

The pattern for my Crazy Stripe Jumper is an old favourite from Lion Brand website and it's called Radiant Sweater (Knit).

PATTERN DETAILS:

Skill Level: Experienced

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X

Finished Bust: S - 34in (86.5cm); M - 38in (96.5cm); L - 42in (106.5cm); 1X - 46in (117cm); 2X - 50in (127cm) 

Finished Length: S - 22in (56cm); M - 22.5in (57cm); L - 23in (58.5cm); 1X - 23in (58.5cm); 2X - 24in (61cm)

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease 100 grams 207 yards(189 meters)

Yardage:  1035yd (946m) to 1863yd (1704 m)

Circular knitting needle size 9 (5.5 mm), 24 in. (60 cm)

Pattern Notes: Body is worked in the round to underarm, then sleeves are joined to work the yoke. Sleeves are worked back and forth in rows on circular needle. Construction schematics are provided.

How I knit my Crazy Stripe Jumper

Yarn and needles:

Using the knit pattern above, I first chose my yarn, which would have to be from my stash of Aran yarns, most of them were Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool, leftovers from the giant 400g balls. Next, I chose my circular needles, 5mm because they matched the recommended size on the yarn label. Then I proceeded with knitting up a swatch, photos below.

Yardage: 

Total 465g = 977m (1068yd)

Tension:

Using my chosen yarn, Hayfield Aran with Wool and 5mm circular needles, my tension swatch was slightly different from the original pattern - 17sts and 26 rows to 4in (10cm). Therefore I followed the instructions for Size 1X for the Body, and for the Sleeves I wanted them to be narrower around the wrist, so I started with casting on 46sts (which is for sizes Small and Medium) and I finished with the right number of sts for the 1X size sleeves. 

Measurements:

I needed to adjust the length of the body of the jumper up to the armpit and the length of the sleeves and also changed the width of the sleeves for a narrower fit. 

My jumper measures: Body 17in (43cm) from beginning to Armholes; Sleeves 17in (43cm) from beginning to Armholes; and 11in (28cm) wide at the wrist. Bust 42in (107cm), Total Length 26in (66cm)

Pattern Notes:

Apart from changing colour every few rounds/rows, I also changed the stitch pattern, nothing complex just a different combination of Knit and Purl stitches, as well as making each block of colour a different depth, and I knit both sleeves at the same time.

Recommended:

I think this is a fabulous easy knit pattern and a great pattern for the first-time attempt at yoke knits. Also, because I adjusted the measurements to suit me, I can't honestly say whether the actual original pattern measurements are accurate. However, overall I love this knit jumper pattern and it would also look stunning in one colour for a sophisticated classic knit. Are you thinking of giving it a go? Then follow this link Radiant Sweater (Knit).

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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