I'd love to know...

The past couple of days have seen me hooking away at a simply little tutorial for the 'tapestry crochet' that I've been working on lately... I'm no expert at this craft, by any means, but after watching a few YouTube videos and reading a few how-to's I've taken what seems to make sense to me and the way that I crochet and I'm slowly putting it all together in the hope that it will make sense to you too... One thing I never came across while searching for info on this craft was a step by step on the actual process, from start to finish - so that's what I'm doing and in the next couple of days I'll pop my little tutorial up here and maybe you too may just get as hooked on 'tapestry crochet' as me...   

I love handmade goodies and this past week saw me purchasing the cutest of things from a sweet little crafter, Bec...

 

Bec's Shop 'Pretty Please' has the sweetest little girls hair accessories and I couldn't help but grab my horse loving 7 yr old some of these gorgeous pink pony hair ties (you can check Bec's Shop out here)...

 

I'm anxiously awaiting my vegetable garden to grow some more legs (so to speak) but while it does I've been busily weeding and pruning and building new things all the while enjoying abundantly flowering sage,

 

and Passion-fruit flowers setting fruit, 

 

and the first of my roses from the cuttings taken back in May...

 

I was blown away this afternoon when I stumbled across these 2 flowers amoungst my 100+ cuttings. I never expected these new rose plants to flower this year but am absolutely thrilled that they have...

And this afternoon the girls and I cooked up some yummy muesli slice packed full of gorgeous sesame, pumpkin, poppy and sunflower seeds - YUMMO!!! Perfect for morning tea breaks in the schoolroom. Yes that's right, school holidays are now over, time for this mum to dust off the 'teacher' hat and remember to breath a little as we work our way through the last Term of 2013... 

So....

Do you like 'Tapestry Crochet'??

Have you bought something handmade lately? What? Where? I'd love to know.. 

Are there any surprises in your garden?

Do you cook for your kids for school? What's their favourite recipe??

HOT!!!!!!!!

I've seen the Milo pattern around blog-land for quite some time now and have been meaning to give it a try. So, during the last few months of my recent pregnancy I got the chance to whip a couple up...

 

The green one below is made using Debbie Bliss EcoBaby Cotton (less then 1x50g ball) and I made the Newborn size. It's such a bonus that this little vest/singlet pattern comes in such a large range of sizes - by purchasing just 1 pattern I can now make Milo's for all of my kids (sizes nb, 4 and 6), AWESOME!!!

 

The only negative I found with the Milo was that because you get so many sizes on the 1 pattern it tends to make it a little 'busy'. I felt a little lost at times while knitting - but then again that just might have been my 'baby brain'... :) 

 

All in all the Milo is a super quick and easy knit that I look forward to making again!!!! 

I fell in love with the nappy cover tutorial by Dana Made when Millie was only a baby and knew that a couple of these would definitely be on the cards for Bub #3. Thanks to a recent trip to Spotlight and some seriously cute boys prints making their way home with me Tobie now has a couple of his own...

 

Can you believe how hot it is at the moment????

As I sit at my computer, tying up this post, the temperature here on our farm is well and truly over 45'C - HOT!!!

 

We were lucky enough to have a cool change here on Tuesday with it only reaching just over 30'C for the day - cool enough to venture out in the paddock, in the middle of the day, to check on some cows...

It is so dry out here!!! We've had hardly any rain for the past 6 months and could really do with some good storms... 1200+ hectares went up in flames on a property down the road last week - thank goodness no one was hurt and the fire is all out now...

 

How are things where you are??? I hope that everybody is keeping safe and out of the heat...

Jelly Xmas Star Tutorial - revisited....

With Xmas only just over a month away I've been getting quite a few emails from people about the Crochet Xmas Star Tutorial I did back here. For some reason Google swallowed up all the pictures from that post back at the start of this year and with the help of a tech-y friend I have finally been able to recover them again....

So, here's the post again - same photos, same instructions, just in a 'newer' post.

If you'd like to make some Xmas-y Stars this year then grab yourself some 8ply yarn (1 used 100% merino in the pictures below but cotton would be equally as good) and a 4mm hook.

(note - american crochet terms are used for this pattern)

To start, make a foundation chain of 5, join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1 - (you will be working this round into the ring formed with the foundation chain) ch3, 2dc, ch3, *3dc, ch3. Repeat from the * 3 more times (5 dc clusters and 5 ch3's total). Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd ch of the starting ch3.

 

Round 2 - slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the first ch3 space. ch3, (2dc, ch3, 3dc) all in the same (1st) ch3 space. 1hdc in 2nd dc of next dc cluster (a cluster is a group of 3dc's worked in the previous round). *3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch3 space, 1hdc in 2nd dc of next dc cluster. Repeat from * 3 more times.

 

Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain of starting ch3.

 

Round 3 - Slip stitch into next 2 dc and into first ch3 space. Ch3, (3dc, ch4, 4dc) all in the same (1st) ch3 space. 1sc on either side of hdc from previous round.

 

(4dc, ch4, 4dc) in next ch3 space, 1sc on either side of next hdc from previous round. Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain from starting ch3. Fasten off and weave in ends...

These stars are great sewn into a garland or hung by themselves on your tree. Why not make them in a thick cotton for a Xmas-y themed washer...

Coin Pouch Tutorial....

O.K... I know I've been promising this one for ages, well I FINALLY got around to taking the pictures of each of the steps of the pouch so now I can finish the tutorial...

Before you start, if you are unfamiliar with the way that I crochet, I use American terms, not Australian/English so to me a dc is really a tr to those English at heart...

If you get stuck on any of the stitches in this tutorial, I'm sure Mr Google will be more than willing to help you out, or you could even email me if you like...

Let's get started..... Using a 3.5mm hook and some YUMM-O Debbie Bliss Eco-baby (5ply) chain 3. You are now going to work 11dc into the 3rd chain from your hook (the 1st chain), this will be your 1st round.

Your starting ch3 counts as a dc so you should now have 12dc, right??? Join this round by slip stitching into the 3rd of the 3 starting chain.

Round 2 - ch3, dc in same stitch as joining slip stitch, 2dc in next dc and in each dc round. You should now have 24dc, right?? Join this round by slip stitching into the 3rd chain of the starting ch3.

For round 3 and 4 we are going to increase evenly by 12dc each round.

Round 3 - ch3, dc in same stitch as joining slip stitch, 1dc in the next dc. (2dc in the next dc, 1dc in the next dc) repeat round. You should now have 36dc. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd chain of your starting ch3.

Round 4 - ch3, dc in same stitch as joining slip stitch, 1dc in each of the next 2 dc. (2dc in the next dc, 1dc in each of the next 2 dc) repeat round. You should now have 48dc, right??? Join the same way you did for round 3. It's now time to work the sides of our bag which is really easy....

Round 5 - ch3, dc in the next dc and in each dc round. You should have 48dc. Join the same way you did for the previous round. Your bag should now turn up and start to take shape...

Round 6 to 9 - Repeat Round 5.For the next round we are going to work some wholes to tread a cord through to close your bag, this is called an eyelet round.

Round 10 - ch3, 1dc in each of the next 2 dc, skip 1 dc, ch1. (1dc in each of the next 3 dc, skip 1 dc, ch1) repeat round. Join the same way you did for the previous round. 12 ch1 spaces.

Round 11 - ch3, dc in the next dc and in each dc and ch1 round.. You should have 48dc again, right?? Join same as you did for the previous round.

You can finish your bag off here or you can add a picot edging it's up to you... (the picot edging instructions are up next after the cord)

We now need to make a cord for our bags.

Ch72, sc into the 2nd chain from your hook and in each ch across. Picot edge - ch1, (sc in each of the next 2dc, ch2) repeat round. Join the same as for round 11. Fasten off and weave in all your ends. There you have it, 1 finished little coin purse/bag ready for last minute gift giving...

Marry Xmas - Love Jodie xxxxx

Jelly Xmas Star Tutorial

SORRY BUT GOOGLE HAS SWALLOWED UP THE PICTURES FROM THIS POST...
PLEASE GO TO THIS MORE RECENT POST FOR NEW PICTURES...

With Xmas not too far away I thought it would be fun to do a little crochet Xmas decoration tutorial....

You'll need some 8ply yarn (I used heirloom super fine Australian Merino Wool) and a 4mm hook.

(note - american crochet terms are used for this pattern)

To start, make a foundation chain of 5, join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1 - ch3, 2dc, ch3, *3dc, ch3. Repeat from the * 3 more times (5 dc clusters and 5 ch3's total). Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd ch of the starting ch3. Round 2 - slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the first ch3 space. ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc, 1hdc in 2nd dc of next dc cluster. *3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch3 space, 1hdc in 2nd dc of next dc cluster. Repeat from * 3 more times.

Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain of starting ch3.

Round 3 - Sip stitch into next 2 dc and into first dc ch3 space. Ch3, 3dc, ch4, 4dc, 1sc on either side of hdc from previous round.

4dc, ch4, 4dc in next ch3 space, 1sc on either side of next hdc from previous round. Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain from starting ch3. Fasten off and weave in ends...

These stars are great sewn into a garland or hung by themselves on your tree would look divine. Why not make them in a thick cotton for a Xmas-y themed washer...

Super Simple Hat Pattern How-To

Hats, hats and more HATS!!!! Yes, that's right, with the cold weather there comes a need for head warming devices and to be honest I've lost count of the number of hats I've made this Winter... I made the pattern up for the little blue number below and its been a great 'go-to pattern' ever since. It's so simple to create and whips up in less than an hour, perfect for last minute gift giving.. I thought I'd share my super simple hat how-to with you all.....Step 1

First arm yourself with the tools needed, I used well under 1/2 a skein of Magnum 20ply pure wool (available in my store but not on-line as yet) and some 10mm bamboo needles (a 50cm circular and dpn's).

Step 2

Measure your head in inches and cast-on 2 stitches for every inch, mine was 22 inches so I cast-on 44sts. My most favourite cast-on method is the long-tail, but use what ever works for you.

Step 3

If you want the end of your hat to roll up you can skip this step but if you want a brim continue on..... For the hat above I've worked in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 6 rounds but you could just as easily work in a rib pattern for the brim. For a K1, P1 ribbing, cast on 2sts less then required, then increase to the correct # of sts after the ribbing. For a K2, P2 rib, cast on 4sts less then required, then increase to the correct # of sts after the ribbing. 6 rounds for a brim in this chunky wool is plenty.

Step 4

Once you have completed your brim you will need to work in stocking stitch for approx 6-7 inches before starting your decrease. My hat measured 6 1/2 inches from the cast-on edge before I started my decrease. Try the hat on as you're making it if you're unsure, this always seems to work for me...

Step 5

Time to decrease.... This is super easy, change to your dpn's and work as follows...

Round 1 - *K2, k2tog repeat from * round.

Round 2 - Knit 1 round without decreasing.

Round 3 - *K1, k2tog, repeat from * round.

Round 4 - Knit 1 round without decreasing again.

Round 5 - K2tog all the way round.

Round 6 - repeat round 5.

Step 6

To finish your hat off cut your yarn leaving about a 6 inch tail, thread this tail back through your live stitches and pull tight. Sew in the ends, add a flower and your done.

This hat is that super simple that I've had my beginner knitters working on them and they're even managing to finish 1 in a lesson, gotta love the instant gratification of something like that.... Here's hoping you're keeping your head warm where you are - :P

Hugs...... Jodie xx-xx

Yarn Hint - If you are unable to find any 20ply, or are just wanting to use up some yarn from your stash and have no 20ply, you could always knit with several yarns held together to get the same gauge. I've made the same hat using 3 x 8ply's held together and it's created the same gauge of 2sts per inch. Hope this helps...

Wooden Button How-To

A couple of weeks back I collected some hardwood sticks from around the farm in the hopes of one day soon trying my hand at button making.... Well, today was that day..... With rain bucketing down I sort refuge in DHs shed and set to work....

I used a hand saw to cut my buttons but you could just as easily use an electric type of saw such as a jig-saw. After a little trial and error I found the best thickness to cut my buttons was between 3-5mm (thinner is fine but it just makes it a little tricky to hold onto while sanding).

Your next step is to sand and wax each of your disks. The wax will help to protect your buttons and besides that I just love the way it makes the natural grain of the timber stand out....

Now drill a couple of holes, I went for 2 but you could just as easily do 4 if that's what you prefer, and you're done..... How easy was that????? If you're anything like me you'll be making oodles of these babies and if you do I'd love to hear how you go....

Circle-y Granny Tutorial.....

I just love making Granny Squares but last night I was in the mood for something a little different..... Seen as thought it's been a really long time since I did a tutorial I thought I'd do one for my new 'Circle-y Granny'......

This square is super doper easy and was designed with beginners in mind.... You'll need 4 colours of yarn (go wild here, the more colour the better :P) and a hook to match.... I'm using 8ply Color Works from Heirloom in a blue, pink, green and brown and a 3.5mm hook as I tend to crochet loosely (I wanted this square to be fairly tight)....

I'm writing this pattern in U.S terms. A good stitch converter if you need it can be found here (scroll down a little to find it)....

LETS GET STARTED!!!!!

Attach your first yarn to your hook using a slip knot. Chain(ch) 5. Slip stitch(sl st) into the 5th chain from hook to form a ring. The ring will be very small but don't worry, once you start working into it it'll free up and you will find it plenty big enough.

Next, ch 3. This ch 3 will count as your first double crochet (dc). You now need to work 11 dc into the ring (12 dc in total including your ch 3).

Join with a sl st into the 3rd ch of your starting ch3. You have now finished your first round and it's time to change colours. Cut your yarn, pull it through the loop, from back to front, and pull tight. You've now fastened off...

Attach the next colour to your hook with a slip knot. Sl st to the top of any of the dc's from the first round making sure you insert your hook under both loops like so.

Your new colour yarn is now attached.

Ch3.

Dc1 into the same space.

Dc2 into the top of each dc round (24 dc in total including starting ch3).

Join with a sl st to the top of your starting ch3. You have now finished round 2, time for another colour change. Cut your yarn and fasten off. Attach the next colour (same as before). Ch3, dc1 in same space. Dc1 in next dc.

(dc2 in next dc, dc1 in next dc) repeat round (36 dc in total including starting ch3).

Join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting ch3 and fasten off.

Now it's time to turn our circle into a square. Join a new colour (same as before) and chain 3.

Work the first corner, (dc1, ch2, dc2) all in the same space (where your sl st and ch3 are). We are now going to work our first straight edge. Dc in next dc, half double crochet (hdc) in the next dc, single crochet (sc) in each of the next 4 dc, hdc1 in the next dc, dc1 in the next dc. Have I lost you yet??? Hang in we're nearly done...Work your next corner, (dc2, ch2, dc2) all in the next dc. Work another straight edge as follows; dc, hdc, sc1 in each of the next 4 dc, hdc, dc. Continue working round until you have 4 corners and 4 straight edges worked.

Join with a sl st to starting ch3. For the next round we are going to continue working in the same colour so don't fasten off. Sl st in the next dc and then into the first corner space. Ch3.

Work the first corner. (dc1, ch2, dc2) all in the same corner space.

Miss the next dc, dc in each of the next 11 dc.Work the next corner. (dc2, ch2, dc2) in the next corner space.

Continue round until you've worked 4 corners and 4 straight edges. Join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch3, cut yarn and fasten off.

You have now finished your first Circle-y Granny.....

How did you go???? Did you make it????? Wasn't that hard now was it???? I'd love to see any pics if you give this super simple granny a go...

Hugs............... Jodie xx-xx