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Showing posts from November, 2016

Choosing colours

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When deciding on colours for a project, it can be daunting, frustrating and stressful. We seem to be drawn to certain colours because they make us happy, content or even excited. For Example, i like blue, purple, aqua and neutrals. These colours are soothing and relaxing to me. But sometimes we are asked to make an item for someone in a colour we totally dislike. For me it is black (not that it is classed as a colour) and brights. These colours basically hurt my eyes (i have astigmatism in both eyes and i am night blind, so i don't usually work with dark colours) When i asked on my giveaway post what your favourite colour was, there were so many different responses, and it prompted me to get my colour sticks out of my Stylecraft Special DK and have a play with combinations. Below are 31 different combinations, that range from ombres, baby neutrals, autumn shades, summery shades, pastels and brights. I have kept the colour palettes to a maximum of 3 so there is room to add

Squared Waffle

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For months i have been wanting to develop the waffle stitch into a square pattern, because let's face it, i am lazy and rather a center start square over a chain start. So over the weekend i was trying once more and it finally worked. There was a formula i had figured out. This formula had to match up with the stitch count i needed for the traditional waffle to make the 'box'.  Once i had worked it out i could not resist but post my excitement into a crochet group. The response was more than i expected! with over 600 likes and 100 comments, i set out to write the pattern down. With 3 lovely testers helping me, it has been one of my quickest written and tested patterns. With lots of editing, it is now available.  If you would like your FREE PDF copy, you can get it  HERE This pattern has pictures to help you along the way, and if you get stuck your more than welcome to contact me on my Facebook page. With this pattern you can make a blanket, squares

Hydrate H2o Carrier

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Here in Australia, Summer temperatures have arrived. Now is the time to keep hydrated and cool. So many people are hospitalised with dehydration or heat exhaustion in summer, but we can prevent this. By keeping a water bottle with you and drinking at regular intervals, we are going to help our bodies to keep hydrated and cool, especially if we put ice in our bottles. Yesterday i bought my daughter a new water bottle for school, one where the opening is large enough to put ice cubes in. Since the bottle is plastic, and we get over 30 degrees Celsius temperatures here, i made a cover for her bottle. It is quite simple, and i love the stitch used for the main body of the cover. It can be decorated however you like, I am even making a cover for my daughters teacher. This cover would even make a great end of year gift for teachers. Notes: Bottles come in all shapes and sizes. To make this pattern, measure the base and height. The base of the carrier should be slightly smalle

Rectangle Granny

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Recently i made a blanket for my daughter. I didn't want a traditional granny square, as she is tall. So i decided to make a rectangle. Now there are plenty of patterns and charts out there for granny rectangles, but none were appealing to me. So i sat down and created my own. This is based on how i was taught the granny square by not chaining between clusters. This pattern is addictive. Important notes This pattern has step by step photos to help you along the way. Pattern is written in US terms . This pattern can be made in any weight yarn Use the hook size that matches your yarn weight, for example dk/8ply/#3 yarn i use a 4mm hook and aran/10ply/#4 yarn i use a 5mm hook. stitches used - double crochet (treble in UK), chain, slip stitch Foundation: chain 25 (or a mutliple of 3+1) Row 1:   In the 4th chain from the hook, make 2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet (first 3 chain counts as a stitch) Skip 2 chain, 3 do