Flower Doily

Just made this pretty doily in grey sparkly yarn

Then I added some simple pale pink flowers

 

 

 

I have been looking to use this yarn for some time now ~ but I couldn't think what to make with it .

 

Then today it just came to me that a doily would look nice.

 

Hope you agree.

 

the design was based on this doily -

http://frkgarnglad.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/daisy-doily.html

Flower Bookmarks ~ Teacher Gifts

I made these pretty flower bookmarks as end of year gifts for teachers.

flower bookmarks

 

 

 

 

I chose colours I thought each teacher would like.

 

 

 

 

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cute-crochet-flower-bookmark

 

To make a bookmark ~

These instructions use UK terminology

Use a 3.5mm or 4mm hook

 

Flower :  Make 2

Chain 3, join with a slip stitch into a ring

 

Round 1: in yellow or white yarn

ch2, make 11tc into ring, slip stitch to join (12sts)

 

Round 2:  in contrast colour yarn

ch2, 4tc into same stitch, slip stitch into next stitch, 5tc into next stitch, slip stitch into next stitch, continue around. Fasten off. There should be 6 petals.

 

Sew the two flower centres together back to back. Leave the petals unjoined.

 

Stem :

Using green yarn, chain 45. Fasten off. Tie the bottom into a bow or make a simple knot.

 

 

 

 

 



2-needle baby socks

I loved making these cute 2-needle baby socks.



The original pattern was written out by hand by a friend, and given to me 25 years ago - in the days before photocopying, scanning, or cut and paste !!

I made several pairs of these for my beautiful babies and for loads more baby shower gifts for friends - they are easier to make than the length of the instructions suggests!

I can knit socks in the traditional way - on 4 double-pointed needles - or on a circular needle but I just don't enjoy it. For me knitting is about the process as well as the finished product. If the making does not make me happy then I will not make the item again.

To give them a more contemporary look I added stripes. The original pattern is in one colour only.
Go on - give them a go .......

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/2-needle-baby-socks

Cute Baby Socks

DK yarn

3 ¼ mm and 4mm needles

Foot  length : 9cms (3 ½ “)

Using 3 ¼ mm needles cast on 26 stitches and work 6 rows in k2, p2 rib.

Change to 4mm needles and work in garter stitch (every row knit)  for 30 rows.

Break off yarn.

Divide stitches for the heel

Slip first 7sts onto a holder, rejoin yarn and knit 12sts, slip these sts onto a holder for the instep, knit to end then continue knitting across the 7 sts on the holder from the beginning of the row.

Turn and work on these 14sts to make the heel –

Work 7 rows in stocking stitch beginning with a purl row.

Shape the heel

K8, slip 1, k1, psso, turn

Slip 1, p2, p2 tog, turn

Slip 1, k3, slip 1, k1, psso, turn

Slip 1, p4, p2 tog, turn

Slip 1, k5, slip 1, k1, psso, turn

Slip 1, p6, p2 tog

Break off yarn and slip remaining 8sts onto a holder.

With right side of work facing, pick up and knit 6sts along the side of the heel, knit across the 8sts on the holder and pick up and knit 6sts along the other side of the heel.  (20sts)

Knit 1 row.

Shape the sole

K1, slip 1, k1, psso, knit to last 3sts, k2 tog, k1.

Knit 1 row.

Repeat the last 2 rows until 12sts remain, then work straight until the sole measures 5cms ( 2”), ending after a wrong side row.

Shape the toe

K1, slip 1, k1, psso, knit to last 3sts, k2 tog, k1.

Purl 1 row.

Repeat these 2 rows until 6sts remain.

Slip these 6sts on to a holder or a safety pin.

Instep

With wrong side of work facing, knit across the 12sts left on a holder.

Work in garter stitch (every row knit) until instep measure the same as the sole to the start of the toe shaping,  ending after a wrong side row.

Shape the toe

K1, slip 1, k1, psso, knit to last 3sts, k2 tog, k1.

Purl 1 row.

Repeat these 2 rows until 6sts remain.

Slip the 6sts stitches from the holder or safety pin onto a needle, and with right sides together cast off the 2 sets of stitches together.

To finish

Join back and foot seams.

Make another sock to match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staying connected with my favourite blogs

Oh ! I am confused .........

There seems to be conflicting rumours about Google Friends Connect not being available from next month. Some say it will stay for those who already use it but will not be available to new bloggers. Some people seem to think that it is the Google Reader on the dashboard that is being withdrawn. There seems to be as many theories as rumours. And I am more than a bit confused.

Google may well be planning to make changes in an attempt to encourage bloggers to use Google+ ? I am not sure - but I would hate to lose contact will all my lovely followers - OK I only have 32 - but I am proud to be followed by each & every one of them !  And I love following your blogs too. So many inspiring blogs and interesting posts. I am almost overwhelmed by the creativity of 'friends' I will only ever meet online. I need an easy way to stay connected with you all.

So ...... just in case ..... I decided to register with Bloglovin .....
It's my back up plan 'just in case'.
I set it up this morning and it was quite straightforward as I read this post ~
http://jack-and-ginger.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/rumours.html
I registered, transferred my friends and added a widget without any problems.

So you can now follow me on Bloglovin-
and I won't lose those of you who are registered there too !

What do you all think ?  Is it all a fuss about nothing ?
I would love to hear from you .....

Peppermint Creams & Coconut Ice

Here are my latest charity donations ~

a little cardigan, three little hats and three pairs of little mittens

 

The only thing is .... that the colours are making me think of

..... peppermint creams  ....... and coconut ice

 

Baby Knitting Patterns

What do you think about buying pattern leaflets or booklets from yarn manufacturers? Why pay for patterns when there are so many free patterns out there on the wonderful worldwide web ....... ? Well, I usually prefer free ~ or I make my own ~ but sometimes you just can't beat patterns that were designed specifically for particular yarns.



I like this booklet of 13 baby designs from Sirdar ~ all of the patterns are cute and I will make all of them 

~ so the price I paid is worth it !

 

 

Cute eh?

 

 

Chunky Yarn Sleeveless Top

This sweet little top can be made with chunky yarn or with double DK.

I used one ball of turquoise acrylic yarn and one ball of Sirdar Snuggly Crofter in pretty pastel colours, knitted together.

 

The tension is 12sts to 10cm (4")

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chunky-yarn-baby-sleeveless-vest-top

Chunky  Sleeveless Top

To fit Chest: 56cm ( 22")

Actual Width: 60cm ( 24 ") 

Length: 27cm ( 10 ½")

 

BACK

Using 6mm needles cast on 37sts.

Work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib. Increase 1 stitch at end of last row (38sts).

Change  to 7mm needles and work in stocking stitch (one row knit, one row purl) until the back measures 14cm ( 5 ½ “ ) finishing after a purl row.

Shape Armholes

Cast off 2sts at beginning of 2 rows (34sts).

Decrease 1 stitch at each end of next and every following alternate row until 28sts remain. **

Continue without shaping until armholes measure 13cm ( 5” ) finishing after a purl row.

Shape Shoulders

Cast off 6sts, knit to last 6sts and cast these 6sts off. Leave the remaining 16sts on a spare needle or a stitch holder.

FRONT

Work as for the back until **.

Continue without shaping until armhole measures 10 rows less than the back to shoulder shaping, finishing after a purl row.

Shape Front Neck

Knit 10sts and turn (leave the remaining 18sts on a spare needle or a stitch holder).

Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge on every row until 6sts.

Work 5 rows.

Cast off.

With right side facing slip next 8sts on to a spare needle or stitch holder.

Rejoin yarn to remaining 10sts and knit to end.

Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge on every row until 6sts.

Work 5 rows.

Cast off.

NECKBAND

Join right shoulder seam.

With right side facing and using 6mm needles pick up and knit 10sts evenly down left side of neck, 8sts from centre front stitch holder, 9sts evenly up right side of neck, then 16sts from back neck stitch holder.   (43sts)

Work 4 rows in K1, p1 rib.

Cast off loosely in rib.

Join left shoulder and neckband seam.

ARMBANDS (Both Alike)

With right side facing and using 6mm needles pick up and knit 43sts evenly around armhole edge.

Work 4 rows in rib.

Cast off in rib.

MAKE UP

Join side and armband seams. Darn away loose ends.

Decorate with a flower motif if desired.

    

 This pattern was featured on ~

You might also like this free chunky yarn pattern ~ 

http://mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/perfect-boy-or-girl-top-down-baby.html

Lucky Me

Look what arrived in the post for me yesterday ..........

giveaway prize gift

I was one of two lucky winners in a giveaway from Nata's Nest ~

 

http://natasnest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/tadaaah-winners-of-giveaway-1.html

 

 

I am delighted! Such a lovely gift!

 

I have been reading Nata's blog for a while now. She has some lovely ideas. 

 

 

Thank you so much Nataly.

 

You made my day special.

 

 

 

Bamboo Yarn Baby Bib

A couple of months ago an online friend -  who I have never met - sent me several balls of  Sirdar Smiley Stripes yarn.

 

I had never used this yarn before. It is a very pretty and colourful yarn with a multi-colour stripe effect. And it is gorgeously soft -
a blend of 80% bamboo and 20% merino wool.

 

 

I made this pretty little baby bib in a simple garter stitch.

 

I am really pleased with the way it looks and feels - it will be beautifully soft against a baby's delicate skin.

 

And as I still have a couple of balls to use, I plan to make a sleeveless baby top.

 

Thank you so much Micky - you were very generous.

I hope someone does something lovely for you.
I like to believe in karma.

 

 

Easy Vest Top

I love making ............  my crafty creations give me so much joy. And as I donate almost everything I make to charity - I hope they give someone somewhere a little joy too.

And I love to pass on my skills.
Six months ago I set up an after-school knitting & crochet club at the school where I work. It is for staff and students. I am always on the look out for easy patterns that beginners can cope with and yet feel that they have achieved something worthwhile for all their 'hard work' and effort ! These cute little vest tops are perfect for this. 



red vest top

 

Each vest top takes me less than 4 hours to make - my 'pupils' are taking quite a bit longer ! But they are learning basic stitches and techniques - skills they will have for life and maybe pass on to others too. Long live knitting.



blue vest top



http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-baby-vest-top

Easy Vest Top

Size:       To fit a baby of around 9 months              Width – 20”            Length – 10½ “

Requirements:                  DK yarn ~ 45g                 4½ mm needles                   2 buttons

                                                                     * * * * *

Cast on 90sts.    This makes the back & front of the vest top

Work 10 rows in garter stitch (knit every row)

Work 24 rows in stocking stitch (knit one row, purl one row)

Work 5 rows in garter stitch

(wrong side) Cast off 3sts, k38, cast off 6sts, k38, cast off 3sts.

Continue on front only – rejoin yarn

K2 tog, knit to last 2sts, k2tog (37sts)

Knit 16 rows

(wrong side)  K11, cast off 15sts, k10

Continue on right front strap –

Knit 17 rows.  Cast off.

Continue on left front strap – rejoin yarn

Knit 17 rows.  Cast off.

Continue on back of vest top – rejoin yarn

K2 tog, knit to last 2sts, k2tog (37sts)

Knit 32 rows

(wrong side)  K11, cast off 15sts, k10

Continue on back strap –

Knit 11 rows

K4, k2 tog, yarn over needle, k5  (this makes  a button hole)

K2 tog, knit to last 2sts, k2 tog. Repeat this row 3 times more (3sts)

Slip 1, k2 tog, pass slipped st over

Pull yarn through & fasten off

Rejoin yarn to last back strap –

Knit 11 rows

K4, k2 tog, yarn over needle, k5  (this makes  a button hole)

K2 tog, knit to last 2sts, k2 tog. Repeat this row 3 times more (3sts)

Slip 1, k2 tog, pass slipped st over

Pull yarn through & fasten off

Join side seam.    Darn away ends.   Sew on 2 buttons

 

Have fun


This pattern was featured on ~