Pin it Forward UK

Pinterest, oh Pinterest.

What would I do without you?

I can spend many-an-hour mooching through your vast plethora of ideas.

Want to know how to thread a bobbin correctly? See Pinterest.

Need to crochet a mathematically perfect sphere? See Pinterest.

Interested in the latest celeb fashions? See Pinterest.

Fancy a new look for your hallway? 

You get the idea.

I can create my own pinboards, dotted with hundreds and thousands of rainy-day ideas. I can see what all my clever friends are pinning and repin them too. I can pin pictures, tutorials and everything inbetween for free and I love it.

A favourite board of mine is Crafty Makes.

It is jam-packed full of all the things I would like to make. One day. When I have the time. 

So click on the link. Sign up. Take a peek. Share in my madness.

As a part of its PinitForward UK launch, Pinterest is interested in getting to know its UK bloggers and pinners.

So, why not check out the A-MAZ-ING Lindy Smith of Lindy's Cakes and her inspiring pinboards; If you like all things cake-y and creative, then this is the gal for you (be prepared to be totally gobsmacked at her beautiful designs)

Do you have a favourite board?

Have a Pinteresting day, everyone!

A Crochet Matryoshka Brooch

Well unfortunately, there's been a lot of idea/design/style/pattern- stealing going on in the land of Instagram.

It is NOT acceptable to copy someone else's idea/design/style/pattern and claim it as your original work.

It is NOT acceptable to sell someone else's idea/design/style/pattern in your Etsy shop.

It is NOT acceptable to not ask permission for selling items made from someone else's pattern.

So, before any more imitation goes on, let me allow you to have a free Matryoshka brooch pattern.

So, my lovelies - go- make yourselves a lovely brooch and wear with pride. 

Matryoshka Brooch

(like the bigger Matryoshka, make 2 and single crochet together)

You'll need:

Yarn and a hook to match

A little toy stuffing

A few scraps of felt and material

A permanent marker pen

A brooch pin

PVA or similar glue to attach face and skirt

Stitches and Abbreviations:
I use US terms, so single crochet= same as UK double crochet here.Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)Chain (ch)Single crochet (sc)Stitches (sts)

To single crochet 2 together:
Insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)
Insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

At the beginning of every row, turn and chain 1

(From the bottom up)

1. Chain 2

2. Sc 2 (2sts)

3. 2scs in next st, 2scs in next st (4)

4. 2scs in next st, sc 2, 2scs in next st (6)

5-6. sc 6 (6)

7. Sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog (4) CHANGE COLOUR

8. Sc 4 (4)

9. 2scs in next st, sc 3 (5)

10. 2scs in next st, sc 4 (6)

11. Sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog (4)

12. Sc2tog, sc2tog (2)

Fasten off.

Now decorate your little Matryoshka- draw a face on some felt with permanent pen and add some fabric for her skirt. I glued mine on with PVA glue.

Attach the brooch pin to the back.

Now single crochet around the edges of your two pieces to join them together and stuff lightly.

Enjoy your little brooch. 

Xx

Crochet your very own Scottie Dog Brooch

So I've down-sized my little Scottie Dog pattern.

You see, I had some peeps asking me for something a bit smaller.

They wanted a doggie who was just a tad more lapel/ cardigan/ coat/ hat/ bag friendly.

And so, may I present to you: The Scottie Brooch Pattern.

Ok, same as before- you need to make 2 of each and single crochet them together. Stuff lightly and add a brooch pin to the back.

Job done. Be ready to receive your compliments.

You'll need:

Yarn and hook to match (I used Rico Creative Cotton and a 4mm hook)

Polyester toy filling

A cute ribbon for the neck (mine measured 6mm wide)

Stitches and Abbreviations:

I use US terms, so single crochet= same as UK double crochet here.

Chain (ch)

Single crochet (sc)

Stitches (sts)

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

 

To single crochet 2 together:

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern (make 2)

[At the end of every row, chain 1 and turn.]

1. Ch 8

2. Sc 7, 2scs in next st (9 sts)

3. Sc 7 (7)

4-7. Sc 5 (5)

8. Sc 5, ch 2 (7)

9. Sc 6, 2scs in next st, ch 2 (10)

10. Sc 10. Fasten off

Head

Turn. Attach new yarn to hook.

In 6th chain from left side and working right-left:

11. Sc 5 (5)

12. Sc2tog, sc 3, ch 1 (5)

13. Sc 4

14. Sc 4

Now finish off and wear your doggy brooch with pride! 

Don't forget to attach a natty ribbon to its neck to finish off your ensemble perfectly.

Enjoy making!

 

Xx

Quick tutorial 1: Chainless Foundation Stitch

(Single crochet US/Double Crochet UK)

Grrrrrr. I HATE working the foundation row into a starting chain.

Sometimes it twists, or I miss a chain completely, or the tension's wrong and often it looks a bit odd.

Well not any more.

Not since discovering the Chainless Foundation Stitch.

With this stitch, you make the chain AND the first foundation row together.

I find it quicker, neater and less prone to buggering up. It also gives a good edge to your work and can be easily worked into if you want to add a border.

Saying that, it won't be suitable for everything you make, but do try it.

This stitch works on making a mock-'chain' stitch and then a mock-'single crochet' on top of it.

1. Slip stitch on hook

2. Chain 2 

3. Hook through 2nd chain from hook [see pointy finger in pic 2] making sure you hook through 2 strands. Yarn over, pull up loop. (2 loops on hook)

4. Yarn over, pull through loop ('chain' made) 

5. Yarn over, pull through loop ('single crochet' made)

6. Hook through 2 strands of previous 'chain' stitch [see pointy finger in pic 5] . Yarn over, pull up a loop. 

7. Yarn over, pull through loop ('chain' made)

8. Yarn over, pull through loop ('single crochet' made)

9. Continue from 6-8 until desired length achieved.

It takes a bit of practise to get the hang of it - there are some great video tutorials on YouTube too.

Scottie Dog

 

It doesn't really need an introduction, but here's a little pattern to make a Scottie dog.

It's made in the same way as my Matryoshka (see here) worked in 2 identical flat pieces and single crocheted together.

It would make a cute keyring, a bold brooch, or just a plain old heartfelt (and handmade) gift.

You could also scent the stuffing with a few drops of your favourite essential oil / perfume, or instead fill with oats or rice etc.

 

 

You'll need:

Yarn and hook to match (I used Rico Creative Cotton and a 4mm hook)

Polyester toy filling

Essential oil if you fancy making yours smell nice

A pretty ribbon for the neck (mine measured 6mm wide)

Stitches and Abbreviations:

I use US terms, so single crochet= same as UK double crochet here.

Chain (ch)

Single crochet (sc)

Stitches (sts)

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

 

To single crochet 2 together:

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

 

Pattern (make 2)

Ok, so this pattern works back and forards in rows.

Don' t count the slip stitches. They are blanks.

 

1. Ch 14 (=chain 13+ turning ch)

2. Turn, sl st, sl st, sc 10, 2sc in next st (12)

3-4. Ch1, turn, sc 10 (10)

5. Ch1, turn, sl st, sl st, sc 8 (8)

6-10. Ch1, turn, sc 8 (8)

11. Ch1, turn, 2scs in next st, sc 6, 2scs in next st (10)

12. Ch1, turn, 2scs in next st, sc 8, 2scs in next st (12)

13. Ch1, turn, sc 11, 2scs in next st (13)

14. Ch4, turn, sc 16 (starting in second chain from hook) (16)

15. Ch1, turn, sc 2

Fasten off (2nd leg made)

 

HEAD (make slip knot and put on hook)

16. Make sure your work is facing you with the beginning tail at the bottom left (starting in 9th stitch from top, and working from right to left, sc 8

17. Ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc 4, sc2tog (6)

18. Ch2, turn, sc 6 (starting in second chain from hook) (6)

19. Ch1, turn, sl st, sc 4, 2scs in next st (6)

20. Ch2, turn, sc 6 (starting in second chain from hook) (6)

21. Ch1, turn, Sc 6

Fasten off ends

 

 

Now use your third colour and single crochet around both pieces to join together. Make sure you work in anti-clockwise direction so your stitches face forwards. Before you completely close, stuff with toy stuffing, sew in the remaining ends and then complete your stitching and fasten off.

Attach a ribbon to the neck et voila!

Isn't that cute?!!!

Now, go.

Make many cute doggies and give them to all your friends .....

Xx

Xx

 

Posted with Blogsy

The one where she makes a Matryoshka

I love little Russian nesting dolls.

 

 

How can anyone resist taking them apart to find the tiny baby and then putting them back together (after carefully matching the patterns on their dresses of course)

Picture from here

 

At home we have three traditional sets; one which actually comes from Russia and is very good quality, so my Russian house-buyer informed me many years ago, and a few bonkers Christmas ones too.

And so, I fancied making one.

 

 

Not in amigurumi style, as is my norm, but flat. It took quite a bit of faffing around to get the pattern right, let me tell you, but it is actually very simple to make.

Wanna try?

You'll need:

3 different colours of yarn and hook to match. (I used Rico Creative Cotton and 4 mm hook)

Polyester toy stuffing

Felt for the face, hair and cheeks

Fabric for the skirt

Fabric marker pen for the eyes (or you could stitch them)

Ribbon

Stitches and Abbreviations:

I use US terms, so single crochet= same as UK double crochet here.

Chain (ch)

Single crochet (sc)

Stitches (sts)

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

To single crochet 2 together:

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern (make 2)

[Starting from bottom and working up]

At the end of each row you need to turn and ch 1

1. Sc 9

2. Sc 8, 2scs in next st (10)

3. Sc 9, 2scs in next st (11)

4. Sc 10, 2scs in next st (12)

5. Sc 11, 2scs in next st (13)

6. Sc 12, 2scs in next st (14)

7. Sc 13, 2scs in next st (15)

8. Sc 14, 2scs in next st (16)

9. Sc 15, 2scs in next st (17)

10-12. Sc 17

13. Sc 15, sc2tog (16)

14. Sc 16

15. Sc2tog, sc 14 (15)

16. Sc 15

17. Sc2tog, sc 13 (14)

18. Sc2tog, sc 12 (13)

19. Sc 13

Change colour

20. Sc2tog, sc 11 (12)

21. Sc2tog, sc 10 (11)

22. 2scs in next st, sc 10 (12)

23. 2scs in next st, sc 11 (13)

24-26. Sc 13

27. Sc2tog, sc 11 (12)

28. Sc2tog, sc 10 (11)

29. Sc2tog, sc 9 (10)

30. Sc2tog, sc 8 (9)

31. Sc2tog, sc 5, Sc2tog (7)

32. Sc2tog, sc 3, Sc2tog (5)

Fasten off

Now to decorate the front of your Matryoshka:

 

Choose one of your pieces of crochet and ensure that the tail from the beginning chain is hanging to the bottom right. Sew in all the tails, except this tail so you know which is the 'right' way round.

Cut a circle of felt for the face (I found a spice jar lid to be the perfect template) and cut hair and cheek shapes. Use PVA glue to stick the pieces together and to stick the face onto your crochet.

I added the eyes using a fabric marker pen (the one I use to label the kid's school uniforms).

Now cut the shape for the skirt using pinking shears. This took me a few goes to get right. You could stick this onto the crochet, or like me, you could stitch it on. Up to you.

Let the glue dry.

Put the two pieces of crochet together so that both the tails from your starting chain hang down at the right side. This means that the stitches will match exactly and make life easier when crocheting together.

Now use your third colour and single crochet around both pieces to join together. Make sure you work in anti-clockwise direction so your stitches face forwards.

 

 

 

Before you completely close, stuff with toy stuffing, sew in the remaining ends and then complete your stitching and fasten off.

Attach a ribbon to the back.

Tadaaaaah!

Did you know?

Matryoshka derives from the Russian for 'maternity' and the dolls within them are a symbol of fertility.

They are sometimes wrongly referred to as Baboushka (which means 'grandmother'

Happy making everyone!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Crochet a bracelet

After making my huge knitted floor cushion, I was left with a few odds and ends of Hooplayarn.

 

 

It seemed perfect for making jewellery, so I thought I'd have a go at a bracelet of sorts. With some beads.

 

Pretty, huh?

 

This was so unbelievably easy to make, and all you need to be able to do is crochet a chain.

Yep, seriously that is all.

 

 

 

Here's what to do:

Gather supplies.

• You'll need what ever yarn you have to spare and a hook to match.

I used Hooplayarn and a 15mm hook.

• Beads of choice.

I had bought these glass beads verrrrry cheaply on eBay. Find similar here.

 

Ok.

To start, you'll need to cut a length of yarn. This will depend on how many times you want your chain to wrap around your wrist. Try starting with a metre, this should give you plenty.

 

Next, thread the beads onto one end. I used 15 beads here, but you might need more or less, depending on sizes. (you can always add more)

 

 

With the other end of the yarn, make a slip knot and put it on yer hook.

Right, this is soooo easy.

Pull your first bead right up to your hook, nice and snug.

 

 

Now make a chain stitch (yarn over, pull up a loop).

You have crocheted a bead.

 

 

Repeat with the next bead and the next until you have a length you're happy with.

 

 

 

Knot the end and tie both ends together.

 

 

 

Bracelet made.

 

 

 

This would work with all sorts of yarn and beads. Make it longer and you'd have a well-lush necklace, too.

 

 

 

See ya

X

 

Posted with Blogsy