Tag Archives: handmade

Getting started with Crochet Jewellery

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I have completed many a crochet project -, some big, some small, some straight-forward, others quite complex , but I have not tried crochet jewellery before. So, first things first, I need more YARN – something a bit sparkly! Off to the yarn shop I trotted – and bought one of each colour available in the metallic Katia Gatsby range – it was too difficult to choose just one or two only – and you can never have too much yarn anyway!

Here are a few necklaces I made so far. I have used glass beads and mirror tiles in the pendant. The clasp is a magnetic clasp – so very easy to wear – the magnet is surprisingly strong, but I wouldn’t advise relying on that if the pendant is heavy. In my case, as the necklaces are pretty lightweight, these work perfectly:

Below are a few bracelets I made. Again I used the magnetic clasp. Note that I also used very small metal rings to attach the straps in the first 2 bracelets (I found these at the haberdashers and they are actually used for bras!). In the third bracelet, I added small glass beads as spacers. I would recommend having beading needles available, especially as the bead holes can be quite small. :

And finally, here are a few earrings I made. I used mostly cotton crochet yarn, and a 0.6 mm crochet hook for these. The very first pair I made can be seen in Picture 1 – I learnt a valuable lesson here – the earrings don’t “swing” and move as I would have liked them to. I added a few chains and created a long “neck” to the next pair (picture 3), but still didn’t get the desired movement. Next experiment was more successful and from that point onward, I added a bead between the hook and the earring – and this does the trick. All the earrings which have a bead straight after the hook have lovely movement. I have used sterling silver hooks for the earrings, and have used, mainly beads to add the “jewel” element. In Picture 6, you can see I have also included a button and a flower-shaped sequin to decorate further. Note, I crochet the beads in – i.e. I did not add these on later, but I must confess to gluing the sequin.

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I hope you have enjoyed this post and hope I have inspired you to make some of your own jewellery! Would love to hear from you and see your creations!

Till later!

Crochet Granny square handbag – getting ready for spring!!

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Hey fellow crafters!  With the weather getting a little warmer, I thought that a nice spring handbag would be a great project – so here is one I made up.  I used mercerised cotton DK in 3 colours and a 3.5mm crochet hook.

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Each side of the bag is made by joining 9 granny squares, and then joined by crocheting single crochet through adjacent aligned squares. Below is the pattern of the granny square seen in this bag.

The granny square pattern

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Abbreviations (US terms):
CH – chain
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half double crochet
DC – Double Crochet
TC -Triple Crochet
DC2TOG – 2 DC together (for instructions of how to do this please refer to external link)
DC3TOG – 3 DC together also known as cluster stitch (for instructions on how to do this, please refer to this external link)

Round 1 : Using grey yarn, in a magic ring, CH, 8SC, join with slip stitch into the 1st SC to complete the ring. (8 stitches)
Round 2 : CH, 2SC in  each SC from Round 1, all the way round. Join with slip stitch into the 1st SC to complete the ring (16 stitches). Cast off.
Round 3 : Using the lilac coloured yarn, join the any SC from Round 2, and CH 2. In the same SC, DC. CH, Repeat (DC2tog in next SC, CH) all the way round . Join with a slip stitch into 2nd chain of the first 2 chains which you started the round with.  Cast off. (16 Stitches, 16 spaces)
Round 4 : Using the grey yarn, join in any chain space made in Round 3 and CH 2. In the same chain space, DC2tog, and CH 2. Repeat (DC3tog, CH 2) all the way round in each chain space from round 3. Join with a slip stitch into the 3nd chain of the first 2 chains which you started the round with. Cast off. (16 stitches, 16 spaces)
Round 5 : Using the white yarn, join in any chain space made in Round 4 and CH 3. In the same chain space, 2 DC. 3 HDC in next chain space. 3 DC in next chain space. (3 TC, CH2, 3TC) in next chain space – this forms the first corner of the granny square. Repeat {3DC in next Chain space, 3HDC in next chain space, 3DC in next chain space, (3TC, CH2, 3TC) in next chain space } 3 times. Join with a slip stitch into 2nd chain of the first 2 chains which you started the round with.  Cast off.

Joining

Once you have completed all 18 squares, join them by aligning 2 squares next to each other and using SC to join the corresponding stitches . I used the lilac yarn to do this, but you can choose the colour of your choice. Do this to create 2 panels of 9 squares joined together (one for the back and the other for the front of the bag).

To create some depth in the bag, with the external side facing you, join lilac yarn in any corner or panel and DC in each stich all the way around 3 of the sides of  the panel and cast off – do this for both front and back panels of the bag. Then, place the front and back panels on top of each other, so that the side where there is no DC rows aligned and with the inside of the panels facing you – i,e. this inside out. Using lilac yarn, join the panels on the 3 sides which you did a row of DC by doing SC through DCs on both panels – i.e  the SC would go through the DC on front and back panel. This way, the join which is created will be on the inside of the bag. Do this all the way round the 3 sides.  Do not cast off yet! Turn the bag the right way round . Do SC in each stitch on the edge which is the opening of the bag- this will define the opening of the bag nicely. 

Handles

This is always somewhat of a challenge – what handles to make ? I decided to try something different and came across a lace like design – while the pattern is for a much finer yarn, it has worked very well with DK too and I think make ideal fancy handles! Here is the tutorial of how to make them – though the video is not in English, it is very easy to follow. 

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  I am now off to make some more in other colours! Hope this has inspired you to make your own. Please share and Happy crocheting!

“Bumble bee” mask

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Hello all!

Who would have thought a year ago that masks would become staple wardrobe items?! There are so many different cloth masks available – plain ones, printed ones, even some bejewelled and lacy ones. Still, sometimes, its hard to find the perfect mask to go with your outfit…..and if you don’t want to make one from scratch, why not upgrade yours? 

Here’s a one-of-a-kind “bumble bee” mask. I crocheted the yellow design using crochet thread and using a size 0.6mm hook, directly onto a shop-bought black fabric mask – to go with a black and mustard outfit.  

Hope I’ve inspired you! Look forward to seeing some of your creations.

Froggie Bonnet Bonanza – Free Pattern!!

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Hey all!

This hat is such a hit that I’ve made a whole bunch more in different colours! What colour will you wear ? I call dibs on the red one – ha ha ha!

I would like to give a shout-out to my model, Ms Halle “Bearry” – she has been most cooperative and professional! Don’t you think she rocks these bonnets?

Here is the pattern if you want to make your own. I found the pattern for a bonnet here:https://katarynaj0.wixsite.com/lovelyloops/single-post/2017/07/31/Horatio-Cool-Bonnet

The eyes & straps patterns are my own and here they are (using US Terms). I used DK yarn and a size 4mm hook.

Terms:

CH – Chain

SC – Single Crochet

DC – Double Crochet

HDC – Half Double Crochet

SC2TOG – Single Crochet 2 together

DC2TOG – Double Crochet 2 Together

SS – Slip Stitch

THE EYES

Round 1: Using black yarn, in a magic loop, and make 8 HDC . Join with SS. and cast off. (8 HDC)

Round 2: Join white yarn into any DC made on Round 2 and make 2 DC into each DC from previous round all the way round and join to first DC with SS. (16 DC). Cast off.

Round 3: Using yarn in the colour you made your bonnet, join yarn into any DC with CH. 2SC into same stitch, SC into next stitch. *2SC into next DC, SC into next DC* all the way round and join with SS. (24 SC)

Round 4-5 : CH 2, DC in each SC from last round, join with SS.

Round 6: CH 1, * SC2TOG, SC * all the way round and join with SS (16 stitches)

At this point, stuff the eye with stuffing (it could be fiberfill, cotton or yarn bits). I don’t like to firmly pack mine as I like the eyes to be a bit squidgy – but it’s entirely up to you how you decide to do yours.

Round 7: CH 1, DC2TOG all the way round and join with SS (8 stitches)

Round 8: CH 1, DC2TOG all the way round and join with SS (4 stitches)

At this point, if you see that there is still a bit of a gap that needs closing , just thread the tail into a needle and sew the hole closed.

You will need to make 2 of these and then stitch them onto the bonnet.

THE STRAPS

For the straps, I simply made 101 CH, and then from 2nd CH stitch from hook, made HDC in each CH till the end. Cast off and sew in the ends. I made 2 of these and simply threaded them into each corner of the border of the bonnet and tied a simple knot 🙂 You could, of course, use a different method.

Have a great time making these hats – and why not share a selfie modelling your creation!

Showcasing my biggest project to date

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Hi all! I’m really pleased to share with you photos of my biggest project to-date – a large blanket which I adapted from the Fruit Garden design by Janie Crow (https://manjrisplace.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/fruit-garden-cal-complete/).

I made this as a special gift, so, of course, I couldn’t post any photos before it went to it’s new home.

It is much more spaced out that the original pattern, and I think that the plain squares actually (dare I say) “improve” the overall effect by giving each different flower room to shine.

I hope this inspires you to put your own twist on patterns! N.B. If anyone needs the pattern for the plain square, please drop me a line or comment below and I will write it up for you. Happy crafting!

Froggie Bonnet

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Hey all!

I’ve been awfully quiet lately because I have been very busy working on my biggest project to date – and it is now done! But, more on that in a future post – after I take some good photos – so stay tuned and check back soon!

This week, my daughter showed me a really cute frog hat she came across for sale online and asked me if I could make one for her . Of course! I’m always up for a challenge and after “frogging it” a few times (pun totally intended – ha ha!) here it is!   I really had fun making this and will be making some more 🙂 

Some notes on the design : firstly, it is 100% crochet, including the ribbing you see in the photo. It’s quite common to see ribbing in knitting projects, and for all you “crocheters”, who also knit, the concept is the same. I’ll try to describe it here. I used HDC – Half-double crochet (US terms).  Here is an example of how to do this –  you can adapt to your own projects.  To start this, you need a foundation row, so let’s say we have a row of 6 DC (Double crochet) already done. Here are following rows:

Row 1 : CH2, Repeat (FPHDC (Front Post HDC), BPHDC (Back Post HDC) x 3.  Turn.
Row 2 : CH2, Repeat (BPHDC, FPHDC) x 3. Turn.
Rows 3- : Repeat from Row 1 until you reach the desired length.

Simple! Might be an idea to experiment with using DC instead of HDC – let me know how you get on. Till then, peace out folks! 

Crochet multi-colour Pencil Case / make-up bag/ toiletries pouch – Free Pattern

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Hey all! Hope you are doing fine and churning out fabulous projects! If you need some inspiration, here is an easy one which I designed and made from nylon crochet thread (the same that I used to make the belt in my previous project ). Again, thanks to the stiff and abrasive nature, it lends itself really well to this pouch / case. The pattern is quite straight forward – it’s mainly single crochet (US Terms).  Here is the pattern :

I used a 1.4mm crochet hook for this project.

CH – chain stitch
SC – single crochet

YO – yarn over

Start with 61 CH

Row 1: skip first chain and 1 SC into remaining 60 CH, ch 1 and turn

Row 3-9: 1 SC into each of the 60 SC from previous round, ch 1 and turn.

By the end of the last round, you will now have a rectangular piece, which will be the base of the pouch/case.

Row 10: In this round, you will be working all around the rectangular piece just made. 1SC into the back loop only of each of the 59 SC from previous round. Make 3SC in the last SC from previous round. 7SC down the short side of the rectangle, 3SC in the first stitch of the long side, 1SC in each of the next 59 SC, 3SC in last stitch of long side, 7SC down the other short side. Slip stitch into the first chain made at end of round 9. CH1 and turn.

Row 11: SC in the first SC from last round. Place a stitch marker between the CH and the SC just made as it will become hard to identify end of a row since will will be working all around. 4SC, 3CH, skip 1 stitch. (5SC, 3CH, skip 1 stitch) all the way round – N.B. you will end with 2 or 3SC. Slip stitch into first CH. Remove stitch marker.

Row 12-13: CH1, SC in the first SC from last round. Place a stitch marker between the CH and the SC just made.  4SC, 3CH, skip ch space madein last round. (5SC, 3CH, skip 1 stitch) all the way round – N.B. you will end with 2 or 3SC. Slip stitch into first CH.  Remove stitch marker.

Row 14: CH1, SC in the first SC from last round. Place a stitch marker between the CH and the SC just made. 4SC, SC over the 3 chain spaces from rows 11-13, into the Stitch skipped  in round 11. . (5SC, C over the 3 chain spaces from rows 11-13, into the Stitch skipped  in round 11) all the way round – N.B. you will end with 2 or 3SC. Slip stitch into first CH.  Remove stitch marker.

Rows 15-42: Repeat Rows 11-14  7 more times.

Row 43-47: CH1, SC in the first SC from last round. Place a stitch marker between the CH and the SC just made. SC into each stitch from row 42. Slip stitch into first CH. Remove Stitch marker.  Cast off.

If you would prefer a deeper pouch,  repeat rows 11-14 till you get the desired size.

Once ready, sew in a zipper and voila! Your pouch is ready!  It’s fantastic for school – but you could also use it as a make-up bag, or for keeping toiletries.

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Crochet multi-colour Belt – Free Pattern

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Hey fellow crocheters,

I recently bought some rather nice nylon crochet thread because I really liked the colours. Nylon is quite stiff and abrasive , so you have to be careful what you use it for. I  decided to make a belt. The pattern is quite straight forward – it’s mainly single crochet (US Terms). However, even though the nylon is stiff, I did a double layer as I felt that the belts should be pretty stiff. Here is the pattern :

I used a 1.4mm crochet hook for this project.

CH – chain stitch
SC – single crochet

YO – yarn over

Start with 11 CH

Row 1: skip first chain and 1 SC into remaining 10 CH, ch 1 and turn

Row 2: To create a double layer SC, put hook through the backloop only of the SC made on row 1 and also the loop left over from initial chain stitch (see marked image below).  Repeat till end of row, ch1 and turn.

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Row 3 :  From now on, the double layer sc will be easier to make.  Insert hook through the leftmost loop in the sc just made on last row, and in the remaining loop in the corresponding stitch in the previous row. Repeat till end of the row, ch1 and turn.

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Keep working this way till you reach the desired length.

For the buckle, I used 2 brass hoops, recycled from an old handbag . 

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Hope this has given you some ideas!

Happy crocheting!

Versatile Seaside wrap

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Hey all!

I came across this really beautiful boho-inspired wrap – and here is my version. I used different yarn and hook size – which explains the difference in size from the one you see in the pattern – but I love it!

As you can see, it can be worn 2-ways:

1 – over shoulders,

2 – As a skirt-wrap – perfect for the beach.

Here is the original pattern if you want to try it out: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seaside-wrap

Hope you get inspired by this! Enjoy!

The Virus Shawl

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Hey everyone! Hope you are all enjoying summer and safe ! I might have mentioned once or twice, or a hundred times that I love winter – I am totally a winter person. I love being able to snuggle with soft, warm woolly things – so it is no surprise that I make a lot of winter projects.

Firstly, a little disclaimer about the title of this post and the name of this pattern i.e. “The Virus Shawl” – this name and pattern has been around for years and has nothing to do with COVID-19.

I have made a few shawls so far, but it’s always been a challenge to properly show-case these without a model. I have asked politely, then begged and even tried to bribe my lovely daughter into being my model – but with no luck . So, I now am a proud owner of a mannequin!

Here is one of the shawls that I made . There are several free patterns available online.  However, here is one you could refer to – it includes a written pattern in form of graph as well as YouTube videos for both right and left-handed crocheters. If you do try making this, I would love to see your creations! Please feel free to share in comments to this post : https://www.woolpedia.de/english/crochet-tutorials/shawl/

N.B. I used a variegated 4-ply yarn, and used a 4-mm hook.

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