Saturday 31 May 2014

Guest Blogger Week 112 ~ Bowties and Fezzes



I would like to welcome 
Adriana Bon





Raspberry jam jar cover

All around the north hemisphere, 
tons and tons of people are getting ready for the berry summer bounty. 
The pacific northwest is known for its abundance of berries 
and every season, my husband and I head towards our favorite ‘u-pick’ spot 
and get as many pounds of blueberries and raspberries as we can.
Since our small freezer can’t accommodate the large amount of juicy berries we pick, 
making jam has become a routine post-picking process. 
Some of that jam, often goes to friends and family as Xmas gifts 
or just a small something to make their pantry more exciting.
Cute labels are a must, but what better way to dress up your jam than a crocheted jam cover? 
This one was made using  100% cotton, which I highly recommend using for 
any kitchen crochet projects. 
A simple change of yarn color makes it adaptable to any jam flavor you like. 
Red strawberry, purple-ish blueberry and even peach orange!
 The possibilities are endless. 
And without further ado, here is the pattern:

Bobble jam cover

(instructions are in US terms, thus sc is the UK double crochet )

Crochet hook size 5 mm.

Gauge: after rounds 1, 2 and 3, your diameter should be about 7 cm. Enough to cover a small mouth jar.

Special stitches

Triple bobble stitch (TBS): yarn over and insert hook into stitch. Yarn over and draw a loop through the stitch. Yarn over and draw through two loops on hook. 2 loops remaining. *Yarn over and insert hook into stitch. Yarn over and draw a loop through the stitch. Yarn over and draw through two loops on the hook* twice.  Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook.

Quadruple bobble stitch (QBS): yarn over and insert hook into stitch. Yarn over and draw a loop through the stitch. Yarn over and draw through two loops on hook. 2 loops remaining. *Yarn over and insert hook into stitch. Yarn over and draw a loop through the stitch. Yarn over and draw through two loops on the hook* three times. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook. 

Pattern
Form a magic ring and make 6 sc in the loop. Join to first sc to close.
Row 1: Ch1. Sc in the same st. TBS in same st. *sc and TBS in next st* 5 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (6 TBS and 6 sc)
Row 2: Ch1. 2 sc in same st. 2 sc in each st around. (24 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1. Sc in the same st. QBS in same st. *sc and QBS in next st* 11 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (12 QBS and 12 sc)
Row 4: Ch1. Sc in each st around. (24 sc)
Row 5: Ch1. *Sc in first st, QBS in next st* around. ( 12 QBS and 12 sc)
Row 6: Repeat row 4
Row 7: Repeat row 5
Cut yarn and weave in ends.


Links:

Wow thank you ever so much Adriana for sharing your wonderful pattern!
My mother-in-law makes a lot of jams so I'll be crocheting up some for her.
I hope you'll all join me in thanking Adriana
and check out her links to her other brilliant patterns!
Little Red is already asking me to make the Knight Helmet :-)

Knight crochet hat pattern









Saturday 24 May 2014

Good News!

Dear All,

I just thought I would drop you a line to let you know
I'll be coming back to blogging!
I've missed you all sooo much.

I'm hoping to start back a week on Monday.
Little Red is off next week so I'll be spending my time with him.

I have been to the doctors and he has confirmed my suspicions
that it is highly likely I have developed fibromyalgia
as well as the CFS.
I have been trying some new meds and a tens machine
so I am hoping that the pain can stay under control so I
can at least function slightly.
There is still a long road to go but at least now 
my Dr. and I can treat it in the best way possible.

Due to my health I have decided I'm not going to
bring back the linkies for the time being.
I can't guarantee how much I'll be able to blog
so I'm going to keep it very flexible.
On the times I can post I'll hopefully get a few scheduled 
so it will seem like I'm here more often ;-).

I hope you enjoy me being back.
I've got a few things I've made to show off
and some reviews of some amazing books.

Thanks for all your well wishes!!!
It really made me feel a lot better!


Sunday 18 May 2014

Guest Blogger Week 111 ~ Peacock and Rose


I would like to welcome
Catherine

A little story woven into every one ...
It started with Grandma’s button box – 
a treasure chest of memories that became an inspiration for original designs.

A swirling gypsy skirt of rich magenta and cerise tones in repurposed and vintage fabrics. 
The Peacock & Rose signature photo style is inspired by outer space spiral galaxy photos
Once upon a time, and a very long time ago now, 
I would sit on the hearth-rug at Grandma’s 
and her black cat would ignore me. 
So I turned to the button box, loving to rummage and run the buttons and beads through my fingers.  
Many years later the button box became mine.

In those days I was imprisoned in an office, 
trying to grow my hair long enough to let down for the handsome prince to climb up and rescue me. 
(The prince, it turned out, worked in the office, too. But that’s another story). 
All the while, when the office goblins let me visit home, 
I created beautiful things for my friends, and myself, sewing 
and stitching into the night as you do in fairy tales. 
And the button box helped. It had helped with my first tentative, dressmaking. 
It helped when I grew into a skilled seamstress. 
And it even helped with my first interior design assignment, and it gave me a colour- wheel all of buttons.
  
Some upcycled African print fabric and the shield-shaped button 
that reminded me of tribal warriors inspired this brooch

At last, when the button box saw that I was ill and fading under the office goblins’ spells, 
it snapped its lid at them and sent them away. 
And together we created Peacock & Rose.

The button box still helps, and has been joined by a magpie collection of rediscovered 
and vintage materials that, quite honestly, can look like a pile of old junk. 
Until it gets the Peacock & Rose treatment, that is. 

This 1920s wedding veil was, literally, held together by dust! 
I carefully cleaned it and supported the usable fragments between new tulle, 
then complemented the original embroidery with beaded tassel detail. 
It’s not often I get time to design a piece for myself but I wore the finished stole 
with a 50s Liberty dress for our wedding in 2012.

I rescue no-longer-loved textiles, broken jewellery, found objects and more. 
These are lovingly worked into creative and individual designs with strong eco and ethical credentials. 
I know from my customers that they value that fragment of embroidery, 
scrap of lace, or flea-market button each with its own history (or herstory) 
that gives their item such a different character from mass-produced trimmings.

“Does my bum look big in this?”
“Oooohhhh yes!”
Extra-bustle-y, squirrel –tail ‘Rag Queen’ bustle.

My designs range from beautiful bags and unique accessories to quirky 
and original altered couture, festival wear and tribal belly dance costume. 
Anything can come my way. 
I’ve just completed a squirrel-tail bustle in my ‘Rag Queen’ style for a tribal dancer, 
am working on a slave/warrior custom design to ship to the States. 
Then there’s whole shoe-box FULL of Liberty fabric samples going back around 50 years, 
to be transformed into wedding decorations that will bring happy memories 
of Grandma to my client’s celebration.
And button box waits faithfully for me when I go out to share with others 
how creativity is therapy and can help make their story a better one.


You can visit and share the story at my Etsy store
on Facebook at 
and find a range of lovely things, including Peacock & Rose at 

Wow what an amazing story!
I love the fact that from a box of buttons something so beautiful
is created.
I have always loved my mums button tin.
Once I started crafting in my own home I started
my own button tin.
I now have 2 and 2 jars as well.
I hope you will all check out Catherine's links!
She has a lot of amazing items!

Saturday 17 May 2014

Guest Blogger Week 111 ~ Boyten's Blog


I would like to welcome
Katrine Boyten

My Make do and Mend journey

What started out as a passing interest in the idea of making do and mending took on a life of it’s own over the course of a year.  From a small child I’ve always been interested in sewing, painting and crafting things.  I’ve been delighted that over the last few years crafting skills have become popular.  No more hiding my cross-stitch interest as I had previously done in my twenties – over 20 years ago.  Back then it was seen as just another quirk of mine, adding to the ex-art student image.

So I decided to take the plunge and create a facebook page to provide an outlet for my creativity in the spirit of make do and mend.  Putting yourself “out there” on the internet can be scary but also cathartic.  Modern life can be very hectic and I do find that the simple act of posting something take you out of the, at times, relentless cycle of responsibilities.  It’s so good to take a moment of two to tap into the creative self, to remember and to nurture that side of yourself.  I really enjoy the interaction with other internet users too and have been delighted when people I’ve never met have joined in too.  Having a theme has kept me focussed too.  The idea of making do and mending is one that I’m familiar with having had periods of enforced frugality in my life.  Not much fun at the time, but it’s quite stunning how much you can make out of very little when you really have to!  I find that concept a very creative one and also one that perhaps I’m drawn to because of my easily distracted attention span.   I-want-to-do-everything-and-I-want-to-do-it-now was something I really battled with when I was younger and I’m sure resonates with many creative people.  Making do and mending can bring things sharply into focus and for me it also prompts deeper thought processes such as environmental impact. 

My year of blogging on www.katrineboyten.com has seen me try a number of crafty things such as knitting a patchwork blanket, making a bag from an old pair of jeans and fashioning a bag and fashioning a pair of leg-warmers out of the arms of an old sweater.   I’ve also become a bit of a “greeny” and have become quite aware of environmental issues.  I’ve also realised that in our busy lives it’s quite hard to totally embrace the idea of make do and mend so I’d welcome more awareness and anything to make it easier for us all to help the cause, so to speak.

Next on my agenda is learning to crochet!  As I often do, I got carried away one day in a craft shop and bought myself a book on crochet.  I’ve can do the basic stitch (would like to say I’ve mastered it, but that would be stretching the truth a bit!) but would probably fare better in a class setting or the crochet equivalent of a sewing bee.  Anyone know if there’s a term for a gathering of crochet enthusiasts? 


Kat x

Wow you have done so much in the year!
I'm going to be an avid follower from now on!
I hope you'll all join me in thanking Kat.

Sunday 4 May 2014

Taking A Break

Dear All,

I have decided due to my health and some other reasons
I am going to take a break.
I am currently undergoing investigations as to whether I have
developed Fibromyalgia as well as CFS.
Whilst I am going through the process and the alterations to my medication
I am taking a break.

I hope to be back in the future.
I will keep my blog open so you can still
access all my free patterns and reviews.
I hope to pop in every so often when I'm up to it.

I want to thank you all for your support!!!



Saturday 3 May 2014

Cast On, Bind Off ~ Book Review


Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off
Cast On, Bind Off
by Cap Sease
ISBN: 9781604684292
Publisher: Martingale
Publication Date: April 15th, 2014
RRP: £14.99
Photography by:  Martingale, and their Photographer Brent Kane





Wow I didn't know that their could be that many ways to cast on and bind off.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

Now I know I can see how valuable to buy this book.
It makes such a difference to a project depending on which method you use.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off


The techniques are presented with step-by-step written instructions, 
clear how-to illustrations, and a photo of the finished edge.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

With each method you learn the advantages and disadvantages, 
including suggestions for when to use it.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

You discover workhorse and specialty cast ons and bind offs for colorwork, 
cuffs, ruffles, fringe, lace buttonholes, and more.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

There are 120 ways to cast on and 80 different ways to bind off.
It's amazing the difference each method has.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

Everything you need to know about the method is with each type.
This will be a fantastic book to have at your availability 
when ever making a project.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

You can even use it to alter patterns you already have to make
them look better.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

This book trys to take all the confusion away
and put all the different methods to a specific name and type.
You won't be confused anymore and you'll easily be able
to pick the correct method for each project.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

This book will be an excellent addition to any knitters library.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

I am sure designers will find it invaluable.

Martingale - Cast On, Bind Off

Could this book be the difference to your knitted projects?






   


I received a copy of the eBook to review. 
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were received in return for this review. 

Friday 2 May 2014

I've Made Friday Week 108


I hope you've all had a good week & are looking forward to the weekend!

If there aren't any projects here it's not because I'm not making anything.
It just means I'm spending time with my son over the Easter Holidays.

I wanted to make sure the post was here as I didn't want
you all to miss out on Linking up just because of me.

Once everything is back to normal and Little Red is back at school
normal service will resume.

I hope you are having a good week!

If I don't reply to any of your comments
please know I read them all.
I've got to be careful with my disability so 
I'm not able to do as much at the moment.
I do love reading all your comments so please don't stop!
I will reply when I'm able to!

Now it's time for linky love.
Please feel free to share anything you've made.
  • Please visit other people to see what they have made.
  • Add the link to here on your blog so we can share the linky love.
  • I will try and visit as many people as possible.
  • I will reply to all comments as soon as I can
Crochet Addict UK I've Made Friday


<div align="center"><a href="http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/search/label/I%27ve%20Made%20Friday" title="Crochet Addict UK I've Made Friday" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IFa_i1uGH6dT0rqFQwnu0juMJ4Ux5EdrLLF_weAF_wu1=w158-h190-p-no" alt="Crochet Addict UK I've Made Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Check Out Some of my Free Crochet Patterns:
  
  

 I'm also linking up with:
  
  


Mister Linky's Magical Widgets -- Thumb-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
If this widget does not appear, click here to display it.

The Big Book of Crochet Stitches ~ Book Review


Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)
The Big Book of Crochet Stitches
by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss
ISBN: 9781604684506
Publisher: Martingale
Publication Date: February 11th, 2014
RRP: Print Version + eBook $19.99 eBook Only $14.99
Photography by:  Martingale, and their Photographer Brent Kane



As you know I love books of stitches and this is going
to be a firm favourite.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

Each stitch is detailed in written instructions so you can replicate it in your projects.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

As a designer I sometimes struggle for inspiration, a stitch can set off
that inspiration and make the process so much easier.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)
You can use the stitches to make an afghan, placemat, coaster without
having to make any changes.
You can make your project to your own size.
It's made so much easier by having a beautiful stitch to follow.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

Their are stitches for all levels of crocheter and you can use them
to expand your skills.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

With over 350 stitches the only problem you may have is deciding which to choose!

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

The book is split into types of stitch and then within there you
have each stitch available.
The pictures are clear and the instructions are easy to understand.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

The samples are all photographed in colour so it makes it easier
for you to see the look of the stitch.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

Be aware that some of these stitches have been used in other publications
by the authors.
The difference is you now have all of these stitches at hand
in this one book.
The book doesn't include diagrams but the written instructions
are clear and easy to understand.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

The vast array of stitches is amazing.

Martingale - The Big Book of Crochet Stitches (Print version + eBook bundle)

So if you love to learn new stitches, want it as a reference guide
then this book is perfect.




   


I received a copy of the eBook to review. 
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were received in return for this review.