Zooty Owl's Crafty Blog

Colourful Crochet, Craft, Cooking, and Contemplations

Friday 28 February 2014

Visible Join

I have had so many people ask for a tutorial on this join:



I have not seen many projects joined this  way - but it is one of my favourite joining methods,  especially for granny squares where it just adds that something extra.

One of my lovely FB friends pointed out an example of something similar, where the squares are joined on the back by single crocheting through both sets of loops across every stitch.    So in other words the Single Crochet Join (but instead of working on the front of your squares you work it on the back to get a reversed effect).

Working the single crochet join invariably gives you a ridge effect - quite a nice effect for projects such as bags where a bit of "puckering" is not problem.    However, a blanket that puckers would drive me insane!

Working it the way I do reduces the ridge effect substantially and your work should lay flat.













To cross over into the next set of squares 2ch, then insert hook through corner of both and continue as explained above.

A FEW NOTES:
I always use a hook 0.50mm larger than the hook I used to make my squares.
Try not to hook too tightly
When joining over granny clusters ch 3 and sc into the space between the clusters

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Crochet Poncho: The "Pacha" Poncho

Not much of a blog post really - just could not wait to show you my Crochet Poncho.

My first inspiration for this came from a Dutch design site - but as it started developing a personality of its own (and before I started working the neck), I decided it looked like Pacha's Poncho (the big guy from Disney's The Emperor's New Groove)



The photo is not all that great as we  had a HUGE (scary) storm this afternoon - took the photo when the rain stopped for a bit!    Now it is raining cats and dogs again (maybe it is cool enough to snuggle into my new PONCHO!!!)

Edit:   The pattern for the Pacha Poncho is now available in my RAVELRY STORE

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Crochet Sunflower Applique

I had so many requests for the Crochet Sunflower Applique Pattern after I showed / posted my pink crochet sunflowers:


The sunflowers can be used to decorate fabric or crochet items and can be made up in a variety of colourways.     Each sunflower is made up of four colours - so let your imagination run riot!




The pattern can be found in my RAVELRY STORE

Sunday 23 February 2014

Eight Petal Granny Square: Pattern

I have been battling with an idea for an eight petal granny square since last weekend.     Trying to figure out the perfect square and the perfect colourway for a project!

My first few attempts were perfectly square - but that was really all they had going for them!     I just did not like them......


granny square
 
I have three very "heavy" colours that need to be the main focus of the project - grape, purple and bottle green.     Looking at the squares just made me feel claustrophobic!

Instead of finishing up one of my WIP's I sat obsessing about these squares!!   Then it hit me - all that heavy colour was literally "suffocating" the square.    I frogged the last two rows, and made them a bit more lacy


granny square

Tried a few different versions before I was satisfied - and would you BELIEVE it?  I actually wrote the pattern down as I went::

EIGHT PETAL GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN:

5ch, ss to form ring

Row 1:  Into the ring,  2ch 1dc cluster, 1ch;   *2dc cluster, 1ch* crochet *to* 7x (8 clusters), ss to close

Note:   a 2dc cluster is formed as follows - yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this once more (three loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the loops on the hook to form your cluster

Row 2:  Into any 1ch sp,  2ch 3dc cluster, 3ch;   *4dc cluster, 3ch* crochet *to* 7x (8 clusters), ss to close

Note:   a 4dc cluster is formed as follows - yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this 3 x more (five loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the loops on the hook to form your cluster

Row 3:  Into any 3ch sp, 3ch 4dc 1ch:  *into next 3ch sp, 5dc, 1ch*  *to* 7 x ss to close

Row 4:  Into any 1ch sp, 3ch, 2dc, 3ch *into next 1ch sp, 3tr, 3ch, 3tr, 3ch (corner);   into next 1 ch sp, 3dc, 3ch* *to* 3x;   into last 1ch sp, 3tr, 3ch, 3tr, 3ch;   ss to close

Row 5:  ss into first sp between dc;  3ch, 1dc into next sp between dc;   *3dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into the next two spaces between dc; 3dc, 3ch, 3dc into corner, 3dc into next 3ch sp, 1dc into each of next 2sp between dc* *to* 3x;  3dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into the next two spaces between dc; 3dc, 3ch, 3dc into corner, 3dc into next 3ch sp;  ss to close

Note:   this pattern was written in US terms

This pattern has not been tested by anyone other than me!    Please let me know if you find any errors or if something does not make sense (I do make mistakes!) 

I then played around with colours for the "flowers" until I came up with a combination that was just right for the project:


granny square

Of course by then I had a neat pile of squares (16 to be exact), none of which were exactly perfect having been frogged and rearranged a few times.  



granny square

Now what can I do with 16 squares?????.........

Mood Blanket Update: Day 54

Day 54 and my Mood Blanket is becoming increasingly difficult to photograph!


I have to say that it requires extreme restraint on my part to only do that one teeny tiny square everyday!   

This project will take me 365 days to complete (an exercise in patience) - no afghan has EVER taken me that long!!!

I am determined though to keep this a true Mood Blanket and to only do that one square every day - selecting the colour assigned to my Mood for that day!

So far, so good.....!

Linking this post at HAZEL'S CROCHET

Saturday 22 February 2014

Big Flower Crochet Brooch: Pattern

crochet flower

Yarn:   (any yarn or thread is suitable) I used Elle Classic Wool DK

Hook:  (to suit the yarn you use) I used a 4.00mm

Pattern Terms:   US
 
crochet flower


Flower centre:

Foundation:  4 chain, sl st to form ring OR make a magic circle

Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 11dc into ring (12dc)

Row 2:  (First round of petals) [(3ch into a space between dc, 4dc in same space, 3ch sl st into same sp), sl st into next 2 spaces];  [(4dc in same space, 3ch sl st into same sp), sl st into next 2 spaces] x5 (= 6 small petals)

(Note:   each next petal is formed in the same space as the 2nd ss

Row 3:  (Foundation for second round of petals) Behind your first round of petals, into sp between petals crochet (5ch, sl st into next sp between petals) x6 ( = 6 loops)

Row 4:  (second round of petals) [sl st into 5ch sp;  (4ch, 6tr, 4ch, ss into same 5ch sp)] x6  = 6 medium petals

Row 5:   (Foundation for third round of petals) Behind your second round of petals, into sp between petals crochet (7ch, sl st into next sp between petals) x6 (= 6 loops)

Row 6:  (third round of petals) [sl st into 7ch space;  (5ch, 8dtr, 5ch, ss into same 7ch sp)] x 6 (= 6 large petals)

Backing & Attachment of Pin
Crochet a circle as follows:

Foundation:  Ch 4, sl st to join OR make a magic ring

Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 11dc into ring, sl st into top of 3ch to close (12dc)

Row 2:  Into space between 2dc crochet 3ch (counts as 1dc) 1dc into same space;  (2dc into space between next two dc] x 11;   sl st into top of 3ch to close (24dc)

Row 3:  Into space between two dc crochet 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into same space;  1dc into next space;  [2dc into next space;  1dc into next space] x11 (36dc)

Attach pin to centre of circle (I love a safety pin - maybe not quite the fancy thing to use - but I have had too many brooch pins coming loose and puncturing me!)

Sew the circle onto the back of the flower.

And there it is -  ready to adorn your favourite scarf or jacket!

(This pattern has not been tested - if you find any errors please drop me a comment!)

Saturday 15 February 2014

Mood Blanket 2014: Day 46

46 Days into 2014 - and my Mood Blanket has grown to 46 squares.

I have been forcing myself to work in the ends every day after I have added my square. 

361 squares x 6 ends per square = 2166 ends!  Not something I want to be faced with on the 27th of December!


crochet mood blanket

Linking this post at HAZEL'S CROCHET

Friday 14 February 2014

Diagonal Double Crochet / C2C Double Crochet

Being a bit of a neat-o-holic, scraps are a bane on my existence. I find myself emotionally and mentally unable to hoard them until I have enough to make something spectacular! The "crafter" in me is also unable to throw them away. So yesterday afternoon's scrap tackling was a "magic-knot everything together and make a Diagonal Double Crochet / C2C Double Crochet" effort (a blankie for my daughter's new kitty).

diagonal double crochet

I could not find a pattern for this so I just made up my own and I am happy to share it with you!! 

Diagonal Double Crochet / C2C Double Crochet Square

5ch to Start (first corner)
1 dc, 1ch, 1dc into 5th ch from hook, turn

The start and the side increases

Increase Row
4ch, 2dc into 1ch sp at beginning of row
1 dc into top of each dc of previous row - repeat to 1ch sp at end of row; 1dc, 1ch, 1dc into that 1ch sp at end of row

This row now gets repeated until the blanket is as long and wide as you would like it (measured across the sides - not the diagonal)

Decrease Row
3ch, 1dc into 3rd dc from hook (second corner formed), 1dc into each dc across row;   skip last 2dc;  1dc into sp at beginning of previous row (third corner formed)

Repeat this row until only 3dc left.

Final Row
4ch, 1dc into sp at end of row.
Fasten off.

Side Decreased and Final  Row

Now add your favourite border and embellish as you choose - delight in the fact that you have so few ends to sew in!!

Thursday 13 February 2014

Granny Square Bag: Hearts & Rainbows

The story of a little granny square bag....

One afternoon last week hubby and I had to run a few errands along the "not-so-scenic-route".   Not wanting to be bored during the drive I grabbed my RAINBOW SQUARES on the way out.  There were only ten squares left after I had used the greens, blues and violets in another project.

I Managed to make each square 2 rows bigger during the drive and when I got home I just knew what I wanted to make.

So I quickly laid out the squares:


granny square bag


Joined them together with sc in lime green as per my diagram:

granny square bag

Brought the side squares around and worked them onto the top square and bottom half square.    Then I joined the sides of the front top squares to the sides of the back top squares.


granny square bag

Crochet two rows of sc aound the opening (doing a 3sc tog over the "v").

Made an edging row as follows:  *2ch, 1dc (into the top of any sc) skip one sc, ss into top of next sc* rep *to* all around opening;  ss into top of 2nd chain to close.    End off

As the bag is quite small I only made one strap (handle):
Foundation Row:   ch 110, sc into 2nd ch from hook, sc into each chain to end, 1sc then turn
Rows 2 - 4:  1sc into top of each sc from the previous row
Fold over and then work  Row 5, sc into top of sc on previous row and through corresponding start chain (so you will form a "tube")

Sewed the strap  in over the side join on the inside of the bag. 

And then embellish to your heart's content:


granny square bag

Photo taken indoors!


granny square bag

And this one taken outdoors!

Enjoy!!!!

Monday 10 February 2014

Rainbow Hexagon Motif: Pattern

I have had a ton  of requests for my Rainbow Hexagon Motif pattern.     I just realized that I have in fact already written the pattern for this Hexagon (with a little tutorial).


Click HERE to view the pattern and tutorial.

It is amazing what a difference colour / row composition makes!!

hexagon motif

For the rainbow Hexagon I use 2 shades of the "same" colour - the first two rows are done in the lighter shade and the 3rd and 4th rows in the brighter shade.

For the baby blanket I am working on I added an extra row of white (my join-as-you-go row).  

They look really happy joined together as I have done with the Hexagon Scrapghan if you do not want to join them all with the same colour!

This one little pattern can give you so many different looks - play around with colour / row combination and see what you come up with!

Happy Hooking!!

Saturday 8 February 2014

Mood Blanket Update: Day 39

Still making a square a day for my Mood Blanket!    

Still loving the way the colour evolves in an unplanned fashion.

January 1 - 31 my squares were made dark centre, light petals

February I am making light centres with dark petals


crochet mood blanket 2014

Linking this post at HAZEL's CROCHET

Friday 7 February 2014

Crochet Chain Loop Daisy


I am going to share with you the first flower my gran taught me to make - a chain loop daisy!    (I remember making hundreds of them after she showed me - that was all I made for days!!)

CHAIN LOOP DAISY

Two colours are used here

Centre:   Colour A
ch 4, ss to join
3ch, 11 dc into ring, ss to join 

Petals:  Colour B
Join second colour in sp between any 2 dc.
*12ch, ss into same sp, ss into sp between next 2dc* rep to

Perfect for embellishing bags, scarves and just about anything else you can think of!  (The pattern for the bag can be found HERE)


shabby crochet bag

The Shabby Project Bag

I have made quite a few of these Shabby Project Bags (HERE)

shabby project bag

Did not think that these would be quite so popular, but I have had numerous requests for a pattern.   

I used good old acrylic yarn  - DK in various brands (adds to the "shabbiness") and in order to make this a super lazy, super shabby project I knotted all my scraps together using a double knot (something my gran taught me) - gives you a "homegrown" variegated look

I  had no idea what the knot was called so I just googled 'knotting yarn together" and I discovered it is called a MAGIC KNOT.   I don't really like using this to join new yarn if it is an item I am giving as a gift or selling - but hey!    since I am making these for myself!!

Anyhow gather all your scraps, arrange them in a colour order that is pleasing to you, knot them together and roll them up into one big ball.     (I think about 150g should do it)

Grab whatever hook you normally use for DK (for this project I used a 5.00mm hook as the looser stitch adds to the shabby look) and lets get hooking!

The Shabby Project Bag

SIZE:    Small
BASE DIAMETER:  27cm
HEIGHT:   24 cm

This size is great for  toting around smaller on-the-go projects like granny squares and scarves.

Base / Bottom
Worked on the right side:

Ch 4, ss to join

Round 1: 3ch, 11 dc, ss to join

Round 2:  3ch 1dc into sp between dc; *2dc into sp between dc* rep *to* 11 times = 24dc

Round 3: 3ch. 1dc into sp between 2dc, 1dc into next sp *2dc into next sp between 2dc, 1dc into next sp* Rep *to* 11 times = 36dc

Round 4:  3ch, 1dc into sp between 2dc, 1dc into each of next 2 spaces *2dc into next sp between 2dc, 1 dc into each of next 2 spaces between dc* rep *to* 11 times

Round 5 - 10:  For each subsequent round continue to do 2dc into the space between the 2dc of the previous row and one dc into each of the spaces between single dc (on each row you will have 1 more stitch between 2dc's that on the previous row).    This means that every row increases by 12 stitches - thus keeping the work flat for the base of the bag.

For this bag I have done 10 base rows - ending with a total of 120 dc (pretty easy calculation to get your dc number - row number x 12).


shabby project bag

To make the bag bigger just add extra base rows and a few more side rows so that the bag does not look out of proportion.

Sides
Still working on the right side

Round 11:  3ch, 1dc into the top of each dc of previous row, ss into top of 3ch.(crocheting into the top of each dc gives a neater finish and it is easier to keep track of the stitches - but if you want a shabbier look crochet into the space between dc, as I did on the bags I made earlier)

Round 12 - 20:    Repeat round 11

Round 21:  3ch *2dc together, 1dc into each of next 8 dc* Repeat *to* 11 times;  2dc together, 1dc into each of next 7dc;    ss into 3ch to join (12 decreases)

Round 22:   3ch *2dc together, 1dc into each of next 7dc*  Repeat *to* 11 times. 2dc together, 1dc into each of next 6dc;  ss into 3ch to join (12 decreases) - you will be left with 96 stitches.   Break off yarn

Note:   This narrows the opening of the bag ever so slightly - I prefer it that way.    If you prefer a wider opening repeat round 11 for Rounds 21 - 22.


shabby project bag

Edging: 
Here I switch to a smaller hook (4.00mm)
I also prefer to use a single colour for my edging
Join yarn in same place as joining ss of previous round
*3ch, 2dc, skip 1dc, ss into next dc* repeat * to * end making a slip stitch into the base of the first 3ch on the final repeat.   Break off yarn.

Handles:
Here I use a single colour per row so the handles are quite "neat" in contrast.
Make 2 as follows
With the 4.00mm hook chain 121
Row 1:  sc into second ch from hook and into every ch thereafter
Rows 2 - 5: 1ch, sc into every sc on previous row
Break off yarn

shabby project bag
 
The join on every row is a bit obvious since we are using odd yarn.      Fold the bag so that the join runs where you would like to position your flowers, as this is the line we are going to use as a placement guide.


Position the handles and sew them in.    I position mine 12 dc in from the sides and 2rows below the edging.

I am going to share with you the first flower my gran taught me to make - a chain loop daisy!    (I remember making hundreds of them after she showed me - that was all I made for days!!)

CHAIN LOOP DAISY

Two colours are used here

Centre:
ch 4, ss to join
3ch, 11 dc into ring, ss to join 

Petals:
Join second colour in sp between any 2 dc.
*12ch, ss into same sp, ss into sp between next 2dc* rep to

You will need 6 to cover the join line. 

Tidy up the ends on the daisies but leave one long tail to sew them onto the bag.   Position them  and pin them into place before you start sewing them down:

shabby crochet bag

I start sewing in from the top to the bottom - less risk of puncturing your hand!

And that is it!!     Ready to use!!


Enjoy!!!

Thursday 6 February 2014

Corner to Corner Granny Shawl Pattern

I posted a photo on Facebook of a corner to corner granny shawl I had made from yarn scraps.     I had made two - one for my sister and one for me.    My friend's daughter literally bought mine straight off my shoulders (a gift for one of her "artsy" university friends).



This happens to be the only photo I have of mine!

Anyway I had a lot of requests for the pattern - so here it is:

Yarn:  30% wool / 70 % Acrylic

Quantities:    200g brown, 200g cream, 60g each of 3 colours

Hook Size:   4.00 - 5.00 depending on your tension

Pattern Terms:  US

Start with:  5ch
Row 1:  Into 5th ch from hook - 3dc, 1ch, 1dc (first corner formed)

Begin Increasing:
Row 2:  4ch -  turn; 3dc into 1ch sp; 3dc, 1ch, 1dc into corner space

Row 3:  4ch - turn;   3dc into 1ch sp, 3dc into space between clusters; 3dc, 1ch, 1dc into corner space


Repeat Row 3 until the shawl is as long and wide as you like it!    (I did 110 rows)

You can find a little tutorial on the diagonal granny stripe HERE

Here is a photo of another one I made (looking very crumpled after being folded away for the summer):



I had some colours left over from my DIAGONAL GRANNY STRIPE INFINITY SCARF - a smallish amount of each colour - not really enough to make anything on their own.    They were such pretty colours (and pretty decent yarn too) so I did not want them to end up in a scrap project.

Added some cream and brown acrylic / wool blend to the mix, planned out the stripes in my head and got hooking



The last five rows I changed the stripe repeat a bit and did a row of each colour, separated by a row of brown.   I think it gave it quite a nice effect:



To edge I did a simple picot-style for the top and a fringe for the sides.

Starting off in a top corner work as follows:

2dc, 1 picot ( 3ch and then a ss into the top of the last dc), 2dc, 1 picot, 2dc;
2dc, 1 picot (4ch and then a ss into the 1st ch) into each space between clusters

 Repeat until you reach the end of the top side

Into the corner do 2dc, 1 picot ( 3ch and then a ss into the top of the last dc), 2dc, 1 picot, 2dc;

Now the side fringe:

*Into the side of the first dc work 1dc, 40ch, ss into first ch, 1dc
Into the side of the next dc work 1dc, 20ch, ss into first ch, 1dc
Into the side of the next dc work 1dc, 10ch, ss into first ch, 1dc*

To have a fringe of 3 different lengths, just keep repeating from *to* until you are once again at the top.     Then into the last sp 1dc 1 picot (3ch and then a ss into the top of the last dc)
SS into the top of the start dc.

And there you are!!   Done!

Friends, this pattern was written in a big rush - I have not had chance to had it tested (so effectively you will be my testers).    If you find any errors please leave me a comment and I will fix it!

Thanks for all the interest and lovely comments on Facebook.     I hope you enjoy this pattern!

Happy Hooking!!


Tuesday 4 February 2014

An Old Granny Square Blanket

I remember seeing a lovely round afghan (a granny circle) in one of the crochet books my gran left me.

Since December I have been going through my books over and over and over - and I just cannot find the photo.     This lead me to believe that the book was not in my bookshelf!   

I have been obsessing about making this and so I spent the morning on a mission - going through the crates in our storeroom searching for the book that would contain my holy grail of crochet!

Well I had to laugh!!   I still have not found the book but I discovered this  old granny square blanket. I made it about 25 years ago from a haul of acrylic that my then-new hubby brought home for me one Saturday! (He went out shopping for power tools and he came home with yarn for me!! - LOVE!)



Still looks pretty good after almost a quarter of a century (although my crochet has improved somewhat since then!).

Sunday 2 February 2014

Groovyghan: Stormy Seas

Finally finished this Groovyghan:


groovyghan

For the past few weeks I could not even really consider this to be a WIP as I only had to work in a few ends but I finally got around to it this afternoon - and it literally took ten minutes to work in those last few ends!


groovyghan

My photo's are not all that inspired - somehow could not get a "feel" for how to photograph this one!

Colours used:    Cream, Tan, Blue, Stone,  Baby Blue, Teal and Tan
Yarn:    100% Acrylic

The idea was borrowed from the "Groovyghan" but the squares are my own design as well as the overall compilation.



groovyghan

Took that one in between rainshowers!


groovyghan

Anyway folks there you have it!     I can finally say "finished" and cross this one off my list!!