Finding my Feet

First off I would like to say THANK YOU!!!!  All so very very much for the wonderful messages and words of comfort with my Mom's passing.

For the past many months of CHANGE and HEARTACHE I have not been very productive pattern-wise.      I have crocheted up many new designs but have not been able to muster the concentration required to finish writing them up!

The past three weeks or so I was not even able to manage anything more than the most basic crochet (even a granny square was a bit of a challenge!!).

I tidied up my yarn stash (as I do every so often).     Rolling together all the odd yarns to make 16ply yarn - a very therapeutic exercise!

I had quite a lot of odds to roll (this basket is pretty deep!) but it kept my mind off things for a few days! 

The 16ply (Super Chunky) yarn makes for wonderful relaxing crochet - perfect for times of turmoil!  
I have made quite a few delightfully colourful and snuggly blankets this way!

THE HOLIDAY RIPPLE BLANKET

 and the RIC RAC WINTER BLANKET

Monday I visited my Dad and fetched my mom's yarn stash which was left for me.     Normally the thought of getting a random heap of yarn  would make me jump up and down with glee - but this made me so sad as it just really brought it home that mom was gone.

There was a LOT of yarn, and it was in a bit of a jumble.      

I spent Monday afternoon and the greater part of yesterday morning listening to silly music and sorting yarn!    

I managed to make up a few whole zip-lock packs of the same yarn. 

There were a lot of odds 3ply, 4ply, dk, chunky and hunky - so I just rolled the strands together to give me a basketful of 16ply "candy floss" coloured yarn for baby blankets

and a basketful of slightly darker shades for lapghans:

There is also a basket of black, greys, reds and white to make my brother a "Magic" comfort blanket, and a few tapestries which I plan to complete at some point.

The biggest "surprise" in the stash was a zip-lock bag of my great granny's crochet.   It contained these "motifs"which look like some of my VERY early (circa 1972) attempts when my granny would make up easy patterns for me to practice!

I am trying to get back into the swing of pattern writing so I thought I would start "putting the wheels back on" by writing up this motif pattern. ( Since my family have all passed on their crochet to me I don't think anybody would object to me "reverse engineering" them!).    

I tweaked the pattern a little to give it my own Zooty Owl twist and to make the motifs easy to "join as you go"!    

This will make a bright and cheery table runner or tray cloth.    Just need to add a few motifs and work out a nice border and then I can share the pattern!!

I made a delicious pot of LAZY BEAN SOUP for our supper (to be followed by a glass of Old Brown Sherry)!   - Now that is COMFORT.

Keep warm friends!    Be kind to yourselves!

Little Flower Scrap-Along - WIP Wednesday

Wednesday really managed to run away from me......... I started out instructing the gardener to do this and that ..........then noticed that the roses needed deadheading and a light summer prune (I prefer doing this myself).   

By 11h00 I was only about a third of the way through the rose bushes, and was starting to MELT!       I spent most of the rest of the day in the pool trying to cool down and regain some energy after the morning's exertions.

Yesterday was too hot to even think about crochet or gardening!    I sat making cards for most of the day!   

Today is fixing to be another scorcher, so I thought I would quickly finish this post before I camp out by the pool with a light read and an iced mint coffee (YUM!)

Better late than never............ here are the WIP "Wednesday" snaps..............

Katie Garner was off to a good start, but had to take a break from crocheting as she has been under the weather!    Get well soon Katie!

Diane Bolt is using a more subtle palette for her scrapbuster blankie!

Gerda Collins is very serious about her scrapbusting and has almost finished her blanket!

I am adding motifs with the bits I have left as I finish other projects...

 

Such an explosion of COLOUR just makes me sooooo happy!

It is not too late to join in........ details of the Scrap-Along can be found HERE

Please post your progress photos on my Zooty Owl Facebook page so that I can share them in next week's post!

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!!!!

Kaleidoscope Blanket

During October I started making a Scrapghan using my POPCORN FLOWER HEXAGON!

I worked the scraps and leftover yarn from every WIP completed over the past few weeks into this kaleidoscope, retro-looking blanket!

Working on this blanket was so relaxing and so much fun!   Adding only a few hexagons every day as I finished other projects resulted in a complete mish-mash of colour!

When it reached a nice size for a lapghan I gave it a funky border, following the uneven edge made by the hexagons!

Voila!      A happy, retro kaleidoscope of colour reminiscent of the blankies my great granny used to make!

Love!   Love!   Love!

Little Flower Hexagon: Print Friendly Pattern

LITTLE FLOWER HEXAGON PATTERN

Pattern Terms:   US
  Foundation:  With Colour A -  Ch 4, sl st to form ring OR make a magic ring

Row 1:   Into the ring,  2ch 1dc (1st cluster), 2ch;   (2dc cluster, 2ch) x5 (6 clusters), ss into top of first cluser to close to close,  break off yarn

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:  Join Colour B in any 2ch space, 3ch (counts as 1dc), 3dc into same 2ch sp as join (4dc group);  (4dc into next 2ch space) x 5;  sl st into top of start 3ch to close.   Break off yarn

Row 3:  Join Colour C in centre space of any 4dc group,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch),  2dc in same space as join;   [2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc) into centre space of next 4dc group) x 5;   2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   1dc into same space as start 6ch,   sl st into top of 3rd ch to close.

Row 4:   sl st into 3ch space   [3ch (counts as 1dc),  1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space];  [(2dc into space between next 2dc group) x 2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc into next 3ch space)] x 5;   (2dc into space between next 2dc group) x2;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.   Break off yarn.

Little Flower Hexagon Scrap-along

How Does the Scrap-along Work?

You do not need to wait until you have "lots" of scraps - start with what you have (don't forget to include your variegated scraps) and add on as you go!

Post your progress photos on my Zooty Owl Facebook Page!

Every Wednesday I will do a WIP Gallery Post on my Blog to showcase your workpieces!

The goal of our scrap-along is to have FUN! FUN! FUN! to clear out our scraps and to have a warm and cuddly afghan to show!

Work at your own pace.   Each motif is only four rounds so you can easily sneak a few between chores and other projects!

I will be running this until well into 2015!

Zooty's Tips on Getting Started

Working randomly from a tangle of random scraps can be very daunting so these are my tips for stress free scrapping:

Use a nice flat basket, tray or (even better) a container with compartments (I use an old cutlery basket).

Roll each scrap of yarn neatly.

Sort by yarn type:    Acrylics,  Courtelle, Chenille, Synthetic / Natural Blends (where the natural component is no more than 30%) can be used together.      If you are using Natural Yarns stick to the same type of natural material, otherwise you may sit with some yarns shrinking and ruining your hard work.

Sort by thickness:     Eg. DK (8 ply or light worsted weight);    2 strands of 4 ply can be worked together (=8ply).    Making sure you use the same weight / thickness of yarn will ensure that your work does not pucker and will give you a neat finish.

Sort the yarn into quantities:     
The teeny tiny bits will be used for the centres and the petals (rows 1 and 2);    
The larger quantities will be used for the border on each motif (rows 3 and 4)

Sort your colours:    
Reds, Oranges, Yellows together;     
Greens, Blues and Purples together;    
"Neutrals" white, cream; beige, brown, grey, black etc together

Start off by crocheting up the smaller scraps - making a few "Little Flower" centres (rows 1 and 2).    

If you have some really "ugly" colours rather use them for your centres!

Try to contrast your colours as much as possible to make the pattern "pop", eg:  light, dark, light or bright, pale, bright.

Don't be afraid to mix colours that you normally would not use together!   I do not follow ANY rules when it comes to mixing and matching my colours - that way you end up with a really funky retro end product and you discover some colourful surprises along the way!

If you suffer from a mild case of OCD - make a really pretty hexagon in a tried and tested mix and then arrange your motifs around that by alternating "like" hexagons opposite one another - continuing to build your blanket outwards   

The motifs are very easy to make I use three colours per motif and JOIN AS I GO!

My yarns are a selection of synthetic yarns and synthetic / natural blends, worked up with a 4.00mm hook.

LITTLE FLOWER HEXAGON PATTERN

PATTERN TERMS:   US

The "Print Friendly" version of this pattern can be found HERE 

Foundation:  With Colour A -  Ch 4, sl st to form ring OR make a magic ring

Row 1:   Into the ring,  2ch 1dc (1st cluster), 2ch;   (2dc cluster, 2ch) x5 (6 clusters), ss into top of first cluser to close to close,  break off yarn

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:  Join Colour B in any 2ch space, 3ch (counts as 1dc), 3dc into same 2ch sp as join (4dc group);  (4dc into next 2ch space) x 5;  sl st into top of start 3ch to close.   Break off yarn

Row 3:  Join Colour C in centre space of any 4dc group,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch),  2dc in same space as join;   [2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc) into centre space of next 4dc group) x 5;   2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   1dc into same space as start 6ch,   sl st into top of 3rd ch to close.

Row 4:   sl st into 3ch space   [3ch (counts as 1dc),  1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space];  [(2dc into space between next 2dc group) x 2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc into next 3ch space)] x 5;   (2dc into space between next 2dc group) x2;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.   Break off yarn.

Granny Star Pattern: Print Friendly Version

GRANNY STAR PATTERN

My patterns are all written in US TERMS

The Photo Tutorial for this Pattern can be found HERE


 


YARN:  Raeesah Cotton Soft DK
(This is a matter of choice - as gauge does not really matter here, you could use anything from cotton floss to t-shirt yarn, depending on how you are going to use your stars)

HOOK SIZE:  4.00mm
(here again use whatever hook you are comfortable with for your choice of yarn)

Foundation:   5ch, sl st into 1st chain to form a circle.

Row 1:  3ch into same place as sl st (counts as 1dc), 2dc into the circle, 3ch;   (3dc into the circle, 3ch) x4;  sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn

Row 2:   Join yarn in any 3ch sp;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc, 3ch, 3dc into same place as join;   (3dc, 3ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp) x4;  sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.


Row 3:  Join yarn in any 3ch sp;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc, 4ch, 3dc into same place as join; 1sc spike into top of "middle" dc on row 1;  (3dc, 4ch, 3dc into next 3ch sp;   1sc spike into top of "middle dc on row 1) x4;   sl st into the top of 3ch at start to close;   break off yarn.

Row 4:  Join yarn in space to the left of any sc spike; 1ch (counts as 1sc) in same sp as join;  1sc in space between next 2dc;   3sc into 4ch sp;   15ch, sl st into top of last sc; 3sc into 4ch sp;  1sc in space between next 2dc;  (1sc into sp before dc spike;   1 picot; 1sc into sp after dc spike;  1sc in space between next 2dc;   3sc into 4ch sp;   1 picot; 3sc into 4ch sp;  1sc in space between next 2dc) x 4;   1 picot, sl st into 1ch at start to close;   break off yarn

Note:   A picot is formed by crocheting 3ch then sl st into the top of the last sc, in exactly the same way as the 15ch loop is made.     The 15ch loop can be replaced with a 3ch picot if you want to use the star for an applique. 

Work in ends.  Depending on the yarn used and your tension you may need to block your star (a puff of steam and a gentle flattening with palm is usually sufficient)

Happy Days Blanket - Ta-dah!

I finished my HAPPY DAYS BLANKET almost two weeks ago, but due to rainy weather I have been unable to take photos outside!    

Monday we had a fabulously sunny day - so the first thing I did was run outside and start taking photos!

I added two rows of double crochet to each 28cm x 28cm square using a colour called "Storm" before joining them with the VISIBLE JOIN in Light Grey

 For the BORDER AND EDGING  I used Light Grey, Green and Orange

 I think the contrast makes for quite a striking finish

Happy Days CAL (9): Joining Chart

We have completed the squares for our Happy Days Blanket: 

PART 1 (Hakuna Matata Mandala Square)  
x4 (28cm x 28cm each)
 
Part 2 (Sunny Flower Square)
x10 (14cm x 14cm each) 
  
Part 3 (Tic-Tac-Toe Square)
x4  (28cm x 28cm each)

Part 4 (Solid Granny Square)
x10 (14cm x 14cm each)

Part 5 (Popcorn Flower & Leaves Square)
x8 (14cm x 14cm each)

Part 6 (Box Stitch Square)
x8 (14cm x 14cm)

Part 7 (Zooty Mandala Square) 
x4 (28cm x 28cm)
 
Part 8 (Happy Days Mandala Square) 
x4 (28cm x 28cm) 

You can use whatever method you prefer to join your squares.    You can also join them in whatever order you choose.

I will be crocheting a double row of dc with "Storm" (dark grey) around each 28cm x 28cm square;  and then using my VISIBLE JOIN to join them together.

I like the Visible Join because it is very forgiving - you still get a very neat join even if your squares are slightly uneven.     It also adds interest to your work giving a "stitched" look!

 My squares will be joined according to this chart:

I will post the pattern for my border and edging on Friday 14 November 2014 (the border will be a slight variation on the BABY GROOVYGHAN)

Please feel free to use your favourite border and edging.

Happy Days Mandala Hexagon Motif

HAPPY DAYS MANDALA HEXAGON

YARN:  DK (8ply / light worsted weight) 100% acrylic 
 
HOOK:  5.00mm

(NOTE:    These motifs can be made with any weight or blend of yarn)
 
PATTERN TERMS:   US

I will include this conversion chart with each pattern to make it easier for those using UK terms

Foundation:  3ch, sl st to form a circle OR make a magic circle


Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc);  11 dc into circle;  sl st into 3rd ch at start to close (12dc)

Row 2:  Join yarn into any sp between dc,  3ch (counts as 1dc) 1dc in same space as join (2dc grouping);  [2dc into each sp between dc  (2dc grouping)] x11;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close (24dc)

Row 3:  Join yarn in centre of any 2dc grouping;  4ch (counts as 1trc), 2trc into same space as join;  [3trc into centre of next 2dc grouping (3trc grouping)] x 11, sl st into top of 4ch at start to close (36trc).   Break off yarn.

Row 4:   Join yarn in any space between 3trc groupings,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch), 2dc into same space, 1ch;  [2dc into next space, 1ch;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space, 1ch)] x5;  2dc into next space. 1ch;  1dc into start space;  sl st into 3rd chain to close.

Row 5:   Sl st into 3ch space;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space, 1ch;    [(2dc into next space, ch1) x2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space, ch1)] x5;  (2dc into next space, ch1) x2;  sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.

I use the join-as-you-go method to join my motifs (you can use whatever method you prefer).   You can find a tutorial for the join-as-you-go HERE

Popcorn Flower Hexagon: Pattern

Over the past few weeks I have finished a number of projects (small and large), resulting in a basket full of scrap yarn (story of my life!). 

I prefer working with a Hexagon motif when I am using scraps - they just seem to lend themselves to a random mishmash of colour.     When I make squares my brain insists on there being a pattern or some kind of order!

I started out making a few popcorn flowers:

and then making them into Hexagons, joining as I went:

POPCORN FLOWER HEXAGON PATTERN

PATTERN TERMS:    US

HOOK:    5.00MM

YARN:   An assortment of DK Acrylic yarn

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

Row 1:  3 ch (counts as 1 dc):  11 dc into circle (12 dc); sl st into top of 3ch to join;

Row 2:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into top of  same dc;  [2dc into top of next dc (2dc group)] x11;  sl st into top of 3ch to join = 24dc

Row 3:  Join yarn in any space between a 2dc group;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 4dc into same space as join; form popcorn, 2ch;  (popcorn stitch into space between next 2dc group, 2ch) x 11;   sl st into top of first popcorn to join

NOTE:   A Popcorn Stitch is formed by crocheting 5dc then removing the hook from the last loop, inserting the hook front to back on the first dc, and again into last loop, yoh and pull through.  

If you need a bit of help with the popcorn stitch you can find a photo tutorial HERE 

Row 4:   Join yarn in any 2ch space between popcorns,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch), 2dc into same space;  [2dc into next space;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space)] x5;  2dc into next space;  1dc into start space;  sl st into 3rd chain to close.

Row 5:   Sl st into 3ch space;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space;    [(2dc into next space) x2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space)] x5;  (2dc into next space) x2;  sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.

I used the join-as-you-go method to join my motifs (you can use whatever method you prefer).   

You can find a tutorial for the join-as-you-go HERE 

Another thing I like about making a hexagon scrapghan is that I can fold it away, and add on as and when I have a few scraps.     

When it is big enough I just add a border and I have a colourful surprise made up of bits and pieces of other projects finished over a couple of weeks!

Sunny Flower Motif Table Runner

On Wednesday night I had literally worked myself into a little corner of my desk (and my brain!)

I had to get organised!

Started tidying away drawings into a folder, pattern scribbles into another folder, rolling up yarn and packing  WIP's and yarns into their bags or baskets!

I sat down to update my to-do-list - on which I only noted projects that can reasonably be completed within the next four weeks or so!

I LOVE a forcefully scribbled list!    Indicative of my absolute determination to work through such list - I have already crossed one item off!!    The BABY GROOVYGHAN - now washed, tumble-dried and folded neatly on a shelf in my craft room (until I can make up my mind how to display it).

The rest of my WIP's (tooooo many to mention) have been packed away until I have worked through my to-do-list!

It seemed most sensible to start with the items that were either closer to completion or would not take up that much time.

When I posted the  SUNNY FLOWER COASTERS  and my SUNNY FLOWER MINI MANDALA  Patterns in various Facebook Groups I had quite a few requests for variations on the patterns, and since those patterns are already written and tested, the variations are as good a place as any to start (as an added bonus I get to use up all the teeny tiny balls of leftover Raeesah before I dive into my new stash!)

SUNNY FLOWER MOTIF

My patterns are all written in US TERMS.   

Yarn:  Raeesah Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton) 
Hook: 4.00mm
Skill Level:  Novice

Foundation:  4ch,  sl sl into 1st ch to form circle OR make a magic circle

Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc) ;  11 dc into circle;  sl st into 3rd ch at start to close (12dc).   Break off yarn.

Row 2:  Join yarn into top of any dc,  3ch (counts as 1dc) 1dc in same space as join (2dc grouping);  *2dc into top of each dc  (2dc grouping)* *to* to end;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close (24dc).  Break off yarn.

Row 3:  Join yarn in space between any 2dc groups;  3ch (counts as 1st tr ),  2trc into next space as follows - work the first and second parts of the stitch leaving last loop on your hook, into next space work the first and second part of 1 trc leaving the last loop on your hook (four loops on hook).   Yarn over hook and draw through all the loops on your hook to form your cluster,  4ch;  (into same space as last trc, work 1st trc of 4trc cluster;  into next space work 2nd & 3rd tr of 4trc cluster;  into next space work the last st of 4trc cluster, 4ch) x 11 (12 x 4trc clusters made);   sl st into top of first cluster to close.   Break off yarn.

 

 

Row 4:    Join yarn in 4 ch space between clusters;  3ch (counts as 1dc) 2dc, 1ch, 3dc in same 4ch sp as join;    (into next 4ch sp, 3dc, 1ch, 3dc) x 11,   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.   Break off yarn.

Joining the motifs:   Each motif is joined-as-you-go at 2 points (2 consecutive 1 ch spaces) on Row 4.   At the joining point 3dc, 1ch, on your working motif, 1sc into the motif you are joining to, 1ch, 3dc into your working motif

Join as many as you like - to make a table runner or maybe even a shawl OR make the motifs on their own to use as coasters.

Edging: 

Join yarn in any 1ch space 2ch (counts as 1hdc), 2hdc, 3ch picot, 3hdc in same space as join;

(3ch picot;   into next 1ch space, 3hdc, 3ch picot, 3hdc) repeat this along the "solid" edge of your runner

When you reach the curve where your join would end if you were adding another motif made 3 x 3ch picots over the gap;   3hdc into the 1ch space where your join would start if you were adding another motif.

 Repeat this all around until you react the start point, 3ch picot, sl st into the top of the start 2ch.    Break off yarn

A picot is formed by crocheting 3ch and then sl st into the 1st of the 3ch

 

Time to sit back and enjoy my handiwork with a nice mug of tea and a fresh Chelsea Bun!