Jumbo Owl Cushion

I have been finishing up the very last little bits of yarn from my mom's stash by making preemie blankets to donate.    

Having used up all the "nice" yarn, a heap of scrap yarn in a really yucky selection of colours was left over.     A good deal of this yarn is what was known waaaaaay back as "HUNKY" - a 24ply yarn!!   (In today's terms it is known as JUMBO yarn). 

I added extra strands to the thinner yarn to make everything 24ply.    My original idea was to make a blanket with a mix of stripes and squares - I thought I would work an owl square surrounded by a few granny squares, but it turned out HUGE!!

I had already worked a fair amount of the stripes and was not in the mood to frog them!    I was undecided whether to proceed with the blanket or to just make two owl cushions.    Most people liked the cushion idea.  

This was such a "silly" project that turned out to be such FUN!      I added some "eyelash" yarn for the "feathers", and two over the top ruffle flowers and leaves to fill in the open space at the bottom of the cushion.

For the back of the cushion I overlapped two rectangular stripe pieces and then did a buttonhole row to fasten the cushion.

The back and front are joined by a round of single crochet and then finished off with a block stitch edging.

Only one of the cushions is complete, the other is about halfway.      For the second a different colour selection will have to be used.

I am actually thinking of hosting a little CAL, breaking it up into manageable portions over a period of weeks (say over the 5 Fridays in October??).      Is it too late in the year???    How many people would join in??

Please leave me a comment so that I can decide whether to proceed now - or leave it until the new year!

Popcorn Photo Prop Blanket

A couple of months back my friend popped over and asked me to make a props blanket for her grandbaby's newborn photo shoot.     The little outfit was knitted with a pretty variegated DK yarn and she had 1 x 100g ball of Chunky in the same yarn for the props blanket.

I did a quick google to see what size the blanket should be - 60cm x 60cm seemed to be about the average.

100g of Chunky (12ply) does not stretch very far!     The only way I could figure to manage a 60cm square with 160m of yarn was to make a "mesh" using a huge hook.      A little swatch of this quickly showed that I was heading in the wrong direction.

Time was also a bit of a problem so I needed to make something that would work up super fast!

I decided to alternate rows of granny clusters in Chunky with rows of "popcorns" in DK and ended up with a lovely soft and "puffy" texture.     Add a simple border with a teeny little frill and Voila!!

Sunshine and Happiness

My son moved to Cape Town in March this year - 1399.6km as the Boeing flies.

Cape Town has really wet and windy winters so I thought I would make him an extra "warmie" for his bed or to keep him warm while watching telly or working on his computer.

In the evenings while he still lived at home he and I would make dinner together.   We would crank up the stereo up and listen to all sorts of good tunes (choonz - as we pronounce it here in SA).      One of our favourite "karaoke" songs was Rod Stewart's "Forever Young"

So this blanket is called "Sunshine and Happiness" (to surround you while you are far from home)!

I make heaps of odd granny squares during LOADSHEDDING and then join them together when we have power again.

For this blanket I made 48 squares - worked around 12 with "Bright Yellow";   12 with "Banana" and 24 with "Red".     I then joined them using the VISIBLE JOIN.

I then worked two rows of dc around each 4 x square block - "Dark Brown" around the yellow blocks and "Chocolate" around the red blocks.

The centre HAD to be special - a variation of my POPCORN OWL

The crochet "Sun" and granny hearts were appliqued on, and the eye feathers are "tassels".

I worked a few "patterned" rows around the Owl Square, and then joined the completed 4 x square blocks to the centre block.

I did not add a border; just a sweet little pompom edging - the same edging used for my POPCORN OWL CUSHION

Now all that remains is for me to box it up (with some other home treats) and have it couriered to my son!

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!

Border and Edging: Wades's Blanket CAL (Part 8)

Hello and welcome to Part 8 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design. 

This is our final instalment but the patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can make Wade's Blanket at your own pace.      

Here are the links to date:
INTRODUCTION 
PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY
PART 2 - TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE
PART 3 - TALL STITCH DAISY SQUARE 
PART 4 - MINI GRANNY SQUARE 
PART 5 - "V" STITCH CENTRE PANEL 
PART 6 - DOUBLE CROCHET STRIPE 
PART 8 - DIAMOND STITCH GRANNY STRIPE 

So far your blanket should be looking like this:

We did not get many photos this week (if I missed any just give me a nudge on Facebook and I will include them in our next post)

We decided to surprise you with a choice of two borders and two edgings which you can mix and match as you please! 


PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)  

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.  

Bacon, the frog was taken out of storage for these photos.     I am holding on to him while my baby girl gets settled and sorted in her new home.    You can read the story of Bacon and how he got his name HERE

I chose Border 2 in the following stripe compilation:

Row 1:    Denim Blue
Row 2:    White
Row 3:    Lime
Row 4:    Denim Blue
Row 5:    Bright Green
Row 6:    White
Row 7:    Denim Blue

and Edging 2 in Lemon

BORDER 1 or 2: 
Row 1:    Crochet a round of sc around the entire blanket.   Note:   into each of the 4 corner 2ch work 2sc, 2ch, 2sc.   Where a corner of a square is joined to a stripe work 1sc into the corner 2ch, 1sc into the join.    Across your vertical stripes (the dc stripe) and the diamond granny stripe work 1sc into the first dc post, 2sc into the next dc post (alternating 1sc, 2sc into each post).   Work 1sc into each ch at the bottom of your v-stitch panel, and 1sc into the top  of each dc at the top of this panel.

Row 2:   Crochet 1dc into each sc around the entire blanket, working 2dc, 2ch, 2dc into each corner 2ch.

BORDER 1:
Rows 3 - 4:  Crochet 1dc into each dc around the entire blanket, working 2dc, 2ch, 2dc into each corner 2ch.

BORDER 2:

Row 3:  Crochet 1 sc into each dc arount the entire blanket, working 2sc, 2ch, 2sc into each corner 2ch

Row 4:  Crochet 1dc into each sc around the entire blanket, working 2dc, 2ch, 2dc into each corner 2ch.

Rows 5 and 7:  Repeat Row 3

Row 6:  Repeat Row 4

Note:    Since both borders are relatively simple and do not require any complex counting or concentration I have included links to You Tube Videos for those who have not yet been exposed to the relevant stitches (techniques) - please, please do not feel shy to ask if you have a question with regard to this post though!

EDGING 1:
Crochet a row of reverse sc (crab stitch) into each stitch around entire blanket, working 2 reverse sc into each corner 2ch.

 
EDGING 2:
Crochet a row of Pineapple Edging Stitch
around the entire blanket

Please send Andrea and I the photos of your finished blankets so that we can include them in our Ta-Dah Posts in two weeks time!!!!

We hope you enjoyed this CAL as much as we did and look forward to receiving your pics for our grand "Ta-Dah" post!!!!

Another Owl Cushion

In the process of sorting and tidying out my EMPTY NEST I have been doing some major stashbusting. 

There were a  few bits and pieces of Raeesah Cotton Soft DK;  Strawberries & Cream (a recycled cotton / acrylic blend) and Coffee Cotton (a panfibre / cotton / coffee extract blend) in one of my baskets - not enough to make anything "big" but just enough to make a cushion!!!!

I had to plan out the colours carefully so that I would only use up the scraps!     

I mixed and matched the buttons for the back too so that I could start clearing out my odd button stash!

If you would like to make one of your own the pattern can be found on RAVELRY

For the next 10 days only you will receive a 30% discount on this pattern if you use the following code:

POC0001

Diamond Sitch Granny Stripe: Wade's Blanket CAL (Part 7)

Hello and welcome to Part 7 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design. 

The patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can make Wade's Blanket at your own pace.      

Here are the links to date:
INTRODUCTION 
PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY
PART 2 - TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE
PART 3 - TALL STITCH DAISY SQUARE 
PART 4 - MINI GRANNY SQUARE 
PART 5 - "V" STITCH CENTRE PANEL 
PART 6 - DOUBLE CROCHET STRIPE 

So far your blanket should be looking like this:

Feel free to share your progress photos with Andrea and/or me on Facebook so that we can include your photos in our Gallery.

Of course I left the tutorial to the VERY last minute, and then it started to rain - so please, please, please excuse the poor quality photos!


Diamond Stitch Granny Stripe Side Panel:  

The Diamond Stitch Granny Stripe is just as easy to do as the simple Granny Stripe - the only difference being that your dc groups are 2dc instead of 3dc.


This section of the pattern is worked onto the Circle In Squares Granny strip (to which you will then join your Traditional Granny strip)
 
PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)  

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.  

I crocheted 12 rows using the following composition:

Row 1 - Denim Blue
Rows 2 & 3 - White
Row 4 - Blue
Rows 5 & 6 - White
Row 7 - Turquoise
Rows 8 & 9 - White
Row 10 - Bright Green
Rows 11 & 12 - White

Row 1:  Working on the right side of your work, join your into the corner 3ch of the first square in the row,  1ch, 1sc into same place as join (counts as 1sc);   1sc into the top of each dc, when you reach a corner on a block 1sc into corner, 1sc into loop of  join (if you have used my visible join:  alternatively 1ch over a join - which will count as 1sc), 1sc into corner on next block.   Repeat this to the end of the row of blocks.  1sc into the last corner 3ch.

Row 2:  Into top of first sc on the right side of your work, crochet  4ch (counts as 1dc, 1ch);   (skip 1sc,  2dc into 2nd sc from hook)  rep to last 2sc;   skip 1sc;   1ch, 1dc into last sc;   turn work

Row 3:  turn work - now working on the wrong side;  ch 3 (counts as 1dc);  1dc into 1ch space;  (2dc into space between 2dc groups) rep to end of row, with your last 2dc being worked into the 4ch at the start of your previous row;   turn work.

Row 4:   Working on the right side of your work;  4ch (counts as 1dc, 1ch);  (2dc into space between each 2dc group) repeat to last 2dc group;   1ch, 1dc into last dc;    Turn work

Rows 3 and 4 form the pattern repeat.      Continue until your stripe is the required size.

Join your Traditional Granny Squares to the last row of your Diamond Granny Stripe - and your blanket is ready for the border and edging which will be posted on the 26th of June!!

Have fun - and don't forget to share your photos!!!!

Popcorn Owl Cushion

Last year I was asked by a South African Group to do an "OWL" project for a crochet along.

I totally forgot about it was in a bit of a pickle when I realized I had a week to come up with a project worthy of a crochet along!

I merged a few ideas that I had been playing around with and came up with a Popcorn Owl Cushion:  The pattern is for sale on RAVELRY!!

I adapted the back from a cushion I had made some time back

A few very kind crochet buddies helped me test out the pattern with lightening speed!!!

Due to the time difference I have not received all the photos yet!    I will do a follow up post with more photos!

In the meantime!     Thank you so much Lezelda Barocci Faul for your exceptional work, late night chats and endless stitch counting!!!!!

Double Crochet Stripe: Wade's Blanket CAL (Part 6)

Hello and welcome to Part 6 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design.

It is not too late to join this Crochet-A-Long!     The patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can crochet along at your own pace.      

Here are the links so far:

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY

PART 2 - TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE

PART 3 - TALL STITCH DAISY SQUARE 

PART 4 - MINI GRANNY SQUARE 

PART 5 - "V" STITCH CENTRE PANEL 

At this stage of the crochet along you should have 4 panels of squares.  Last week we began joining the panels with a series of stripes - the first being a horizontal v-stripe panel!

Please feel free to share your progress photos with Andrea and/or me on Facebook so that we can include your photos in our Gallery.

Double Crochet Side Panel:  

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)  The amount of yarn required depends on the size of the blanket you would like to make. The one pictured in the photo is 110cm x 110cm - I used just over 600g (1800m) of yarn. A 150cm x 150cm would probably take 800g - 900g.   For the 110cm x 110cm blanket I used 8 squares each of the first three 12cm x 12cm patterns and 16 squares of the 6cm x 6cm pattern (Part 4) 

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the blanket - this will ensure that you will have an evenly shaped blanket at the end of the project.

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.  

The dc-stripe panel joins the Tall Stitch Daisy Squares and the Mini Granny Squares

Follow the tutorial I did for my BABY GROOVYGHAN DC STRIPES or for an alternative way of doing the stripes follow Andrea's instructions below:

Row 1: Join your yarn (I used white and changed colors every row) into the 3ch corner of your Daisy Square strip and crochet a row of sc along one of the long sides of the strip. This gives you a nice straight edge to start your dc rows from. Turn your work.

Row 2: Ch 3. Dc in the next stitch. Dc in each sc to the end of the row. Turn your work.

Row 3: Ch 3. Dc in the next stitch. Dc in each dc to the end of the row. Turn your work.

Row 4: Repeat row 3 until your dc row strip is as wide as you require

Join us in two weeks time for the "Diamond Stitch" stripe!

V-stitch Centre Panel: Wade's Blanket CAL (Part 5)

Hello and welcome to Part 5 of the Wade's Blanket CAL, hosted by Zooty Owl and Kokopelli Design.

It is not too late to join this Crochet-A-Long!     The patterns will remain on our Blogs - so you can crochet along at your own pace.      

Here are the links so far:

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1 - CIRCLE IN SQUARE GRANNY

PART 2 - TRADITIONAL GRANNY SQUARE

PART 3 - TALL STITCH DAISY SQUARE 

PART 4 - MINI GRANNY SQUARE 

At this stage of the crochet along you should have 4 panels of squares.  This week we will begin joining the panels with a series of stripes.

Please feel free to share your progress photos with Andrea and/or me on Facebook so that we can include your photos in our Gallery

 
Today's pattern is:
V-STITCH CENTRE PANEL:  

PATTERN TERMS:    US

YARN WEIGHT:   DK (8PLY / LIGHT WORSTED WEIGHT)  The amount of yarn required depends on the size of the blanket you would like to make. The one pictured in the photo is 110cm x 110cm - I used just over 600g (1800m) of yarn. A 150cm x 150cm would probably take 800g - 900g.   For the 110cm x 110cm blanket I used 8 squares each of the first three 12cm x 12cm patterns and 16 squares of the 6cm x 6cm pattern (Part 4) 

HOOK SIZE:   5.00mm

The most important thing is that your tension remains even throughout the blanket - this will ensure that you will have an evenly shaped blanket at the end of the project.

Zooty Owl's Colourway:   Denim Blue, Blue, Turquoise, Lime, Bright Green, Lemon and White.  

Make your strip the same length as your square strips, as you will join two of the square strips with the v-stitch stripe. You can make the stripe as wide as you like, changing colours as you like. The v-stitch stripe will be the centre stripe.

(NOTE:  For the swatch piece Andrea made 16ch, which makes for 7 v's in the end.    Andrea's v-stripe for the blanket is 27 v's and changes color every other row, so her blanket will fit a single bed in the end.    My v-stripe is 22 v's and I have striped mine as follows:    *3 rows "denim";   1 row bright green;   3 rows blue;  1 row white;   3 rows turqoise;   1 row lemon* repeated until the strip is long enough)

Foundation:   Chain an even number of chains.  (Tip: We recommend doing the starting chain and leave a long tail. Then start your pattern rows from the "start" end of your chain row - that way you can always add or take away ch stitches in case you have miscounted the chains).

Row 1:   3ch, 1dc in the "start" chain (or 2dc in the 4th ch from hook if you just turn your work);  skip 1ch. 2dc in the next ch. Continue to the end of the chain.   (Add or take away ch stitches if needed.     Break of yarn for foundation chain). Turn work.

Row 2:   3ch, dc in between the "V" cluster of the last row. 2dc into the next "V" from the row before. Continue to the end of the row. (Can you see how the v's open up in the bottom row?).   Turn work.

Repeat Row 2 until your work is the same length as your square panel!

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Andrea or me via our blogs (in the comments section).   You can also find us on Facebook:   ZOOTY OWL and KOKOPELLI DESIGN