Blue Star Crochet Company

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2021-11-30T13:42:00.003+00:00

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Free crochet kids crown pattern

2020-01-28T13:54:00.002+00:00

Free crochet kids crown pattern

The pattern has moved onto my new website, CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE PATTERN.

Free crochet hat pattern

2019-09-09T11:00:00.002+01:00

The hat pattern has moved onto my new website, CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE HAT PATTERN.

Free chunky crochet necklace pattern

2019-07-27T15:20:00.002+01:00

Chunky Necklace Pattern has moved to my new website, CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE PATTERN.

Free Amigurumi Crochet Bunny Toy Pattern

2019-07-03T14:36:00.002+01:00

No Sew Crochet Amigurumi Bunny Toy Free Crochet Pattern

For the updated Theo Bunny Free Crochet Amigurumi Pattern please CLICK HERE.

Free crochet shawl pattern

2019-06-01T11:46:00.001+01:00

Diamonds for Flora free crochet shawl pattern

The pattern has moved to my new website, CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE SHAWL PATTERN.

Let's celebrate!

2018-12-06T14:27:00.001+00:00

Blue Star Crochet Company turns 2 on 7th December 2018!

To mark this special occasion I am celebrating by putting a fabulous special offer on over in my Ravelry store!

You can get your hands on a special 2 for 1 offer on ALL my pattern! Yes that's right ALL of them...

You can choose the newly released Margita Jumper

Or the very popular Adelaide Lace Sweater

There is plenty of blankets to choose from too

Fancy a colourful cardigan

Or are you feeling a winner and are Going For Gold in this jumper?

They are all included in the offer so grab a pattern now!

Head over to Ravelry and use coupon code HAPPYBDAY or click this link to go straight to redeem page.

Happy crafting!

-Veronika x

Sea Ripple Baby Blanket design

2018-11-29T20:27:00.001+00:00

I wanted to share my latest design with you for the precious little ones...

My Sea Ripple Baby Blanket...

How To Crochet A Ripple Baby Blanket – free pattern CLICK HERE.

Happy crafting

-Veronika x

This blog post contains affiliate links.

Autumn Storm Shrug pattern release

2018-11-14T20:08:00.000+00:00

I'm so happy to be able to share another design with you...

This time it is a shrug design I have been working on behind the scenes.

It is a project I've worked on in collaboration with Deramores for my very own Designer Shop Take a peek!

The Autumn Storm Shrug is a very simple design and a perfect place to start if you haven't made a garment before.
It uses the ever so popular corner to corner (c2c) crochet technique.. All you need to make is a triangle and let the pattern guide you on how to turn this into a simple garment that will become a staple in your wardrobe!

I used Deramores Studio Anti-pilling DK which comes in a great variety of colours so the colour combinations are endless. It is a great yarn to work with and the anti-pilling quality of the yarn makes it so smooth and so resistant when washed which is perfect for garments. And the best thing is that at £1.99 it is an absolute steal and it will not break your bank.
As far as budget yarns go, Deramores Studio DK is better quality than most

You can make the Autumn Storm Shrug for under £20!

Happy crafting

-Veronika x

The Adelaide Lace Sweater pattern release

2018-11-05T19:48:00.003+00:00

October has been a super busy month!
I've been busy working on 3 commissioned designs for magazines which will be all revealed later on. Amongst commission work I manage to finally finish my sweater design which I've started quite a while ago...

This is my Adelaide Lace Sweater...

It is worked in the super snuggly Cygnet Boho Spirit Solids in Quartz and I used my favourite Addi 4 mm crochet hook
The pattern has been written in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL and it uses between 6- 11 balls of this easy to work with yarn.

Grab a copy of the pattern from Ravelry or Etsy

It is worked seamlessly from top down incorporating the stunning pineapple lace around the neckline.
The pattern has been tested by my tester crew and they all gave it the thumbs up!!

I've managed to snap a couple of photos wearing it and as you can see it fits so nicely with a couple of centimetres positive ease.

Grab a copy of the pattern from Ravelry or Etsy

-Veronika x

This blog post contains affiliate links.

The Autumn Accessories Crochet Kit and 10 % off code

2018-09-04T20:33:00.000+01:00

Brand new crochet kit has just landed in my Etsy shop and because you are so awesome I want to give you 10 % off discount code...

I've been a busy bee behind the scenes and have been working away on another exciting project.
I've teamed up with my trusted indie dyer Sheena from The Mermaid's Purse Yarns and produced another dreamy kit to produce autumn accessory that will keep you warm and looking right on trend.

beautifully hand dyed yarn from Sheena in DK weight

This time round I teamed up with other 2 designers and challenged them to come up with a autumn/winter accessory using 1 skein of yarn. And what a great job they've done...
You will get all 3 patterns and one skein of yarn inside each kit, there is upgrade options available to choose additional skeins of yarn to be able to make all 3 patterns as a set.

Fall In Line hat design by Veronika Cromwell, Blue Star Crochet Company

I've designed a hat that is completely customisable as it is worked in short rows sideways so you can make it a great fit.

The kit contains a pattern for a pair of wrist warmers that have been designed by the fabulous Eleonora Tully from Coastal Crochet.

Autumn Seas wrist warmers by Eleonora Tully, Coastal Crochet

And last design but certainly not the least is a fabulous bandana scarf designed by Alison Holloway from Petalcraftsandme

Fleur Amore bandana scarf by Alison Holloway, Petalcraftsandme

The kit is available to pre-order from Blue Star Crochet Company website, use coupon BSCCBLOG10 for 10% off your pre-order.

Summer designs

2018-07-20T06:11:00.000+01:00

Hi guys,

Summer is well and truly here and it looks like it is here to stay for a while...

I was browsing through my Ravelry and a couple of summery designs popped up and I thought I might share them with you and maybe inspire you to add a couple of crochet garments to your wardrobe!

The first design is my Shells Summer Sleeveless Top.

It is worked in So Crafty DK yarn which is a seasonal yarn that was available n Aldi stores in UK but there is a few alternatives suggested in the pattern that would work just as well.

You can find the PDF pattern HERE

If you fancy a shopping spree why not visit Deramores online store and choose yarn now!

My second summery design is a pair of these gorgeous Barefoot Sandals!

It is such a quick and easy make but so stylish!

I've decided to share the pattern with you here on my blog for FREE because you guys rock!

If you prefer a tidy PDF file to download you can find it HERE

FINISHED SIZE

I’ve designed these sandals to fit shoe size 5-6 but the length to fit a larger foot is easily adjustable.

The circumference of the ankle part is 27 cm/ 10.5inches.

MATERIALS

· Stylecraft Cotton Clasique DK in Ivory, 92 m in 50g ball x 1 ball

to shop for yarn click HERE

· 5 mm crochet hook

· Tapestry needle

· Scissors

TENSION

8 htr worked into foundation chain to measure 5 cm

3 V stitches worked over 4 rows to measure 5 x 5cm/ 2 x 2inch

STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS

Ch- chain stitch

Sl st- slip stitch

Htr- half treble crochet

V st- V stitch- [1tr, ch2, 1tr] worked into the same stitch

Dtr- double treble crochet

3 ch picot- chain 3, sl st to 1^st ch

PATTERN

With 5 mm hook chain 41, sl st to 1^st ch to form a circle being careful not to twist the chain

Round 1- ch2 (counts as 1 htr), 1 htr into each ch around, sl st to the top of beg ch2 (ch2 + 40 htr)

Round 2- sl st into next st, ch5 (counts as 1tr + ch2), work 1tr into the stitch at the bottom of ch5,

*[miss 2 htr, V st in next]; repeat from * 6 times

Miss 1 htr, work [1Dtr, ch2, 1Dtr, ch2, 1Dtr, ch2, 1Dtr] in next htr

Miss 1 htr, work 1 V st in next htr

*[miss 2 htr, V st in next]; repeat from * 6 times

Sl st into 3^rd ch of beginning ch5

Round 3- sl st into next ch2 space, ch5 (counts ad 1tr + ch2), 1 tr into the same ch2 space

V st into each of the following 6 ch2 spaces

[1Dtr, ch1, 3ch picot, ch1, 1Dtr] into next ch2 space

*[1Dtr, ch1, 3ch picot, ch1, 1Dtr] *; repeat from * to * 3 times into next ch2 space

[1Dtr, ch1, 3ch picot, ch1, 1Dtr] into next ch2 space

V st into each of the following 7 ch2 spaces

Sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch5.

Fasten off.

Join yarn into 3rd = the middle 3ch picot at the front, ch10, sl st back into the same 3ch picot. You can adjust the length of the chain going around the toe to fit larger/smaller foot by working more/less chain stitches.

Fasten off.

Join yarn into 1^st stitch on the opposite side of the foundation chain, ch 200, fasten off.

Join yarn into last stitch on the opposite side of the foundation chain, ch 200, fasten off.

Sew in all ends.

I hope you enjoy this pattern and don't forget to share your makes with me by tagging @bluestarcrochet over on Instagram

Happy hooking

-Veronika x

The Peafowl Feathers Shawl FREE pattern release

2018-07-12T22:30:00.001+01:00

Peafowl Feathers Crochet Shawl Pattern

Find the updated FREE crochet shawl pattern HERE.

Yarn dyeing workshop

2018-06-30T20:57:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I just wanted to share with you an amazing workshop I attended on Saturday morning...
The best 3 hours a yarn addict and convicted squisher can possibly wish for!

A couple of weeks ago I signed up for a yarn dyeing workshop at The Fibreworks shop in Chipping Norton. It's a beautiful little wool shop bursting in seams with beautiful yarn and fabrics.

The workshop was led by the amazing Hannah from HeyJay Hand Dyed Yarns

Me and Hannah from HeyJay Yarn

Hannah was very welcoming and a great tutor showing us the basics on how to dye yarn in a very relaxed atmosphere talking about all things yarn and colour over a cup of coffee. We were working with superwash merino 4-ply wool which was a fabulous base to work with as it took the colour so well and was rather forgiving in some cases.

I'm so glad I attended the workshop as there is a lot of information you can find online but sometimes it feels like there is just too much information and a bit confusing sometimes. I follow quite a few indie dyers on Instagram and to be honest watching them dye yarn always looked a bit too technical to me requiring a lot of equipment, space and time.
However, Hannah showed us a very easy technique how you can dye yarn even in the smallest kitchen with just a few basic things which you most likely own already. So all you really need is yarn, acid dyes and your imagination...

The workshop lasted 3 hours but you can probably see where I am going with this... I could have easily stayed there all weekend (even sleeping on the workshop floor) and play with yarn and colours!

We all had 4 skeins of yarn to go crazy on with so many colours to choose from!

So these are my 4 creations

The first skein I did was this subtle coral and grey combination

On the second skein I used blue, green and purple and it reminds me of a peacock feather

With the third skein I went for the grey ombre effect with some neon pink and blue speckles which were sprinkled on as a dry powder.

And the last skein come out as variegated using rusty red, orange and coral.

I would thoroughly recommend this workshop and if you are in Oxford area do not hesitate and book your place! You can contact The Fibreworks to sign up to a very fun morning of yarn dyeing.

Now if you excuse me I've got some squishing and project planning to do...

Happy crafting

-Veronika x

Your Crochet and Knitting magazine launch date

2018-06-28T21:36:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

You might have spotted and heard a few whispers over the social media about a new crochet and knitting magazine launch...
Well you were absolutely right!!!

The very new and exciting Your Crochet and Knitting magazine launches on 5th July!

@Practical Publishing

The first issue is packed full of great projects from your favourite designers!

It also comes with a yarn kit which contains 6 balls of yarn in fabulous colours, 3.5 mm knitting needles, 3 mm crochet hook and tapestry needle to finish off your projects.

Yarn kit included with magazine

@Practical Publishing

There is plenty of great projects you can choose from, whether you are a knitter or you crochet you will definitely find something to make- toys, blankets, accessories or baby cardigan...

@Practical Publishing

I've designed this colourful cowl that uses a simple stitch formation which creates a lovely texture and uses the yarn that comes with the magazine.

@Practical Publishing

You will also get this very handy pocket size book Crochet & Knitting in Easy Steps with an introduction from the very lovely Bella Coco Crochet

Your crochet and Kniting magazine is on sale from 5th July in shops across the UK. To find your nearest stockist, visit www.seymour.co.uk - or order online from www.moremags.com.

You can also purchase a digital edition of the magazine via the PocketMags app.

The images are courtesy of Practical Publishing.

Happy crafting

-Veronika x

Bed Socks FREE pattern

2018-05-25T09:42:00.003+01:00

Chunky Crochet Slipper Socks Pattern

For the Chenille Crochet Bed Socks Pattern, please visit my RAVELRY SHOP HERE.

Check out my other Lake Cabin Slipper Socks FREE Crochet pattern HERE.

Lake Cabin FREE Crochet Slipper Socks

Rising Sun Bag FREE pattern from Blue Star Crochet Company

2018-05-18T11:22:00.000+01:00

Hi guys...

It's FREE pattern Friday!

I'm bringing you another pattern, this time it is a bag pattern I designed some time ago for a monthly subscription box and now the rights have returned to me, I'd like to share it with you all!

It is an easy pattern creating a lovely bag that will have so many uses! Use it as a project bag for your current WIP or pack some stuff when you heading down to the beach.
This pattern lends itself to so many different colour combinations!

I would love to see you Rising Sun Bags so if you do decide to make one share it over on Instagram tagging @bluestarcrochet or with #risingsunbag

It is made in Cygnet yarns DK in Cranberry, Barley and Royal.
You can shop for this yarn HERE

If you would like a printer friendly PDF version of this pattern click HERE

STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS

Ch- chain stitch

Sl st- slip stitch

Dc- double crochet

Htr- half treble crochet

Tr- treble crochet

Rnd- round

Prev- previous

Ch-sp – chain space

Rep- repeat

RS- right side

WS- wrong side

BLO- back loop only

FLO- front loop only

YARN

Cygnet DK in Barley (A), Cranberry (B), Royal (C) X 1 ball of each

DK yarn, 298 m per 100 g ball. You can shop for yarn HERE.

TENSION

It is not crucial for this pattern, the circle after completing round 3 measures 6.5cm across using 3.5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

PATTERN NOTES

- 2 ch at the beg of each rnd doesn’t count as a st

- the st at the bottom of beg 2 ch counts as a st and the 1^st st is always worked into this stitch unless otherwise specified

PATTERN

CIRCLE

Make 2.

Start with 3.5mm crochet hook and yarn A

Rnd 1- create magic loop, 2 ch (doesn’t count as a st throughout the pattern), work 12 tr into magic loop starting into st at the bottom of 2 ch, sl st to 1^st tr. [12 tr]

Rnd 2- 2 ch, 2 tr in each st around, sl st to 1^st tr. [24 tr]

Rnd 3- 2 ch, (1 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st tr. [36 tr]

Rnd 4- 8 ch, counting the st at the bottom of 8 ch as 1 tr, miss 3 tr, sl st in next tr; (8 ch, miss 3 tr, sl st in next) rep around; fasten off and break yarn. [9 loops]

Rnd 5- join B in 2^nd missed tr from prev rnd, (8 ch, miss 3 tr, sl st in next tr BEHIND the loop created in prev rnd; 8 ch, miss 3 tr, sl st in next tr IN FRONT of the loop created in prev rnd;) rep around; working the last sl st to 1^st st where yarn B was joined. (See photo below) [9 loops]

Rnd 6- 3 ch behind the loops, at the back of your work, 1 dc into 1^st A loop, 3 ch, 1 dc into 1^st B loop; (3 ch, 1 dc in next loop alternating A & B loops) rep around, 3 ch, sl st to 1^st dc. [18 ch-spaces, 18 dc]

Rnd 7- 2 ch, 2 tr in 1^st dc; (2 tr in next 3 ch-sp, 1 tr in next dc; 3 tr in next 3 ch-sp, 1 tr in next dc) 9 times in total omitting the last tr, sl st to 1^st tr instead. [64 tr]

Rnd 8- 2 ch, start working in the st at the bottom of 2 ch throughout the pattern, [(4 tr, 2 tr in next) twice, 5 tr, 2 tr in next] 4 times in total, sl st to 1^st tr. [76 tr]

Rnd 9- 2 ch, [(5 tr, 2 tr in next) twice, 6 tr, 2 tr in next] 4 times in total, sl st to 1^st tr. [88 tr]

Rnd 10- rep Rnd 4 [22 loops]

Rnd 11- join A and rep Rnd 5 [22 loops]

Rnd 12- rep Rnd 6 working 1^st dc into B loop and alternating A and B loops. [44 ch-spaces, 44 dc]

Rnd 13- 2 ch, (1 tr in dc, 2 tr in next 3 ch-sp) rep around, sl st to 1^st tr. [132 tr]

Rnd 14- 2 ch, (10 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st st. [144 tr]

Rnd 15- 2 ch, (11 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st st. [156 tr]

Rnd 16- rep Rnd 4 [39 loops]

Rnd 17- join B and rep Rnd 5 [39 loops]

Rnd 18- 3 ch behind the loops at the back of the work, 1 dc into 1^st A loop, 2 ch, 1 dc into 1^st B loop; (2 ch, 1 dc in next loop alternating A & B loops) rep around, 2 ch, sl st to 1^st dc. [78 ch-spaces, 78 dc]

Rnd 19- in this round 2 ch-sp counts as one stitch, so each tr or increase is either made into dc or 2 ch-sp. 2 ch, starting in same st at the bottom of 2 ch (12 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st tr. [168 tr]

Rnd 20- 2 ch, (13 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st tr. [180 tr]

Rnd 21- 2 ch, (14 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st tr. [192 tr]

Rnd 22- rep Rnd 4 [48 loops]

Rnd 23- join A and rep Rnd 5 [48 loops]

Rnd 24- rep Rnd 18 working 1^st dc into B loop and alternating A and B loops. [96 ch-spaces, 96 dc]

Rnd 25- in this round 2 ch-sp counts as a stitch, so each tr or increase is either made into dc or 2 ch-sp. 2 ch, starting in same st at the bottom of 2 ch (7 tr, 2 tr in next) 24 times, sl st to 1^st tr. [216 tr]

Rnd 26- 2 ch, (17 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st tr. [228 tr]

Rnd 27- 2 ch, (18 tr, 2 tr in next) 12 times, sl st to 1^st st. Fasten off and break yarn. [240 tr]

BOTTOM AND SIDES

Join C in any tr from the last rnd of the circle

Row 1- with RS facing 1 ch (doesn’t count as a st), starting in the same st at the bottom of 1 ch, work 180 htr in BLO, turn your work. [180htr]

Row 2- Row 10- 1 ch, starting in the same st, 180 htr, turn. Do not fasten off. [180 htr]

Turn inside out with WS facing and line up the 2^nd circle. With C work 1 dc through FLO of the bottom of the bag and BLO of the 2^nd circle 180 times.

Fasten off and break yarn.

HANDLES

Make 2.

With B chain 120, fasten off and break yarn.

Row 1- join C in last chain, 2 ch (doesn’t count as a st), starting in same st at the bottom of 2 ch, work 1 tr in each ch across [120 tr]

Row 2- 2 ch, 120 tr. Fasten off and break yarn.

Row 3- join C in 1^st ch on the underside of foundation ch, 2 ch, work 1 tr into each ch across on the underside of the foundation chain. [120 tr]

Row 4- rep Row 2

Sew the handles onto the bag referring to the photos for placement.

Sew in all ends.

THIS PATTERN WAS DESIGNED AND WRITTEN BY VERONIKA CROMWELL OF BLUE STAR CROCHET COMPANY. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL AND DO NOT SHARE, COPY, ALTER OR RESELL THIS PATTERN AS YOUR OWN. YOU CAN SELL FINISHED ITEMS PRODUCED FROM THIS PATTERN, A LINK TO THE ORIGINAL PATTERN AND CREDIT TO ME AS THE DESIGNER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.

Happy hooking

-Veronika x

Cheking in..

2018-05-13T13:27:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I'm just popping into your mailbox to say hello and check whether you are still up for receiving email updates from Blue Star Crochet Company including latest news, free patterns, yarn reviews and everything crochet related?

From 25th May there will be new GDPR rules regarding privacy policy and the way information is collected and stored.

I will never share your email address or any other details with anybody else as I appreciate every one of you subscribing to my blog and I want to keep you all to myself! :)

If you still want to receive these emails you don't need to do anything else, if you had enough there is an UNSUBSCRIBE button at the bottom of this email you can click and your email address will be deleted from my mailing list.

If you want to keep in touch with Blue Star Crochet Company other ways you can do so via Instagram or Facebook

Thank you

-Veronika x

Mini Yarn Reviews no.1

2018-05-03T18:44:00.001+01:00

Blue Star Crochet Company is bringing you the first episode in the Mini Yarn Reviews series!

I have worked with a few different yarns and when I think back to my beginnings and all the wrong yarn choices I made... I though it would be nice to talk about yarns and give you the information you won't find on the yarn ball band.. Things you wouldn't know unless you worked with the yarn or the info you think "I wish I knew this before I bought like 20 balls of this"...

So here it is!!! Make a cuppa and have a read...

The yarn I have chosen for my first review is... Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK!

This is the yarn I have used for my first commission for Crochet Now magazine! It was my Lilly's Sunset Blanket.

If you have been following me for a little bit you know I am not overly keen on cotton yarns....

So let's start with some basic info
YARN WEIGHT: dk
LENGTH: 92 metres
BALL WEIGHT: 50 grams
FIBRE: 100% cotton

I'm going to score some of these sections on a scale of 1-10, the higher the number, the better. The sections without a score are subjective to the project you choose this yarn for. So the fact a yarn isn't very stretchy might work great for a coaster, not so great for a hat...
These are my personal opinions and adventures I experienced while working with this yarn.

EASE OF USE: 7 I find some cotton yarns a bit "sticky", they don't glide over the hook as nice and smooth as other fibre yarns, I must say out of all the cotton yarns I have used Stylecraft DK is a bit harder on the hands than others I have used. It might be because I worked with the DK so the thickness of the yarn has contributed to the fact that I found it a bit sticky.

SPLITTING: 8 The yarn is twisted well together and doesn't split when it's being worked with unless you come across some sections within the ball that untwisted a bit, then you have to pay attention to insert your hook through all the individual fibres.

FROGGING: 10 There is no issues with the ease of this yarn being unpicked, the fibre is smooth and durable which is a bonus for pattern designers frogging designs over and over again.

STRETCH: It creates strong and heavy fabric that doesn't stretch much but this is also dependant on the stitch used that creates the stretch rather than the yarn itself.

WEIGHT AND DRAPE: This cotton yarn creates nice substantial fabric with little drape. I'm not scoring this section because if that is what you are looking for, then great!
The blanket I made using this yarn has a beautiful feel, it's nice and heavy and gives you a "blanket hug" but breathable at the same time.

WASHING AND BOBBLING: 10 (very technical term used right there...) I've made a small swatch in Ivory and washed it in the washing machine at 30 degrees and this is the result! It washes very well and stays nice and smooth with minimal bobbling :)

I would personally use this yarn for homewares and blankets. If I was going to use Stylecraft cotton for garments I would probably choose its thinner cousin and use the 4-ply version.
The yarn comes in a great selection of colours from neutrals, pastels and some great vibrant colours!
If you fancy a shopping spree, click HERE to head over to Deramores website.
(Please note it is an affiliate link)

Let me know what you think in the comments section below, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask or if you have any suggestions on what I haven't covered in my review or any yarns you would like to read about let me know..

-Veronika x

Crochet Cardigan FREE pattern

2018-04-28T14:49:00.003+01:00

The Working Girl Cardigan FREE pattern CLICK HERE

Caught By The Sea Shawl Kit Pattern

2018-03-26T20:08:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

If you've been following my journey a little you already know that from 1st April Blue Star Crochet Company is bringing out Caught By The Sea Shawl Complete Crochet Kit!

I wanted to talk to you guys about the design a little more today.

The kit contains a printed leaflet of the pattern that is A5 size so very portable to take with you on the go...

But that's not all of it!

At the back of the leaflet there is a Ravelry link you can enter into your internet browser as well as a special one off code that will give you an exclusive access to the digital files.

1st file is the digital version of the pattern leaflet so you can print your own in case you loose your copy or you spill a sugary cup of tea over it and the pages stick together :)

2nd file contains the pattern in text format only. This is a mobile friendly version of the pattern with no photos or charts so you can access the pattern on your phone even in areas with slower internet connection.

3rd file is called Support File. This file contains a lot of information to guide you through the pattern and offer you a lot of pattern support.
So let me give a quick peek into this file...

Pattern notes- I explain the importance of tension as this shawl is a one ball make and guide you through the process of adjusting the pattern if you need to so that you don't run out of yarn
Shawl diagram- explaining the direction of work and how the shawl is made up
Explanation of a less familiar stitch used in the pattern and photo guide
Photo tutorial- I guide you through the first 7 rows of the pattern with step by step clear close up photos
Charts and stitch legend- for those that prefer to work from a chart rather than a written pattern
Stitch Count for EVERY row- I worked out the end stitch count for all 131 rows of the shawl so you can always check whether you are on the right track.
Stitch count for every row if you need to make an adjustment

I hope all this information will be useful to you and you will be confident to make this shawl even if you haven't been crocheting for very long.

The kit will be available to pre-order from 1st April via Blue Star Crochet Company Etsy store.

-Veronika x

Caught By The Sea Shawl Crochet Kit

2018-03-17T07:00:00.000+00:00

So the secret is finally out!!!
Blue Star Crochet Company is bringing out first ever complete crochet kit full of EXCLUSIVES!

You have no idea how hard this has been not to shout from the roof tops!

But the reveal is finally here...

Caught By The Sea Shawl Complete Crochet Shawl Kit

From 1st of April 2018 you will be able to get your hands on one of these kits!!! Write this date into your diary and do not miss it!

The kit contains everything you will need to complete the project.

one skein of 100 g hank of hand dyed yarn
crochet hook
tension measure
2 handmade stitch markers
pattern leaflet
teabag and sweet treat
exclusive discount codes

You will be able to choose from 2 different colourways that have been exclusively hand dyed for this project by Sheena from The Mermaid's Purse Yarns.

Caught By The Sea Shawl in Dolphin Shore

Beautiful dusky blue shades of the Dolphin Shore colourway.

Caught By The Sea Shawl in Electric Urchin colourway

The Electric Urchin colourway has been inspired by the Panetone colour of the year 2018 Ultra Violet, it is offset by the beautiful dark deep purple and turquoise.

These 2 colourways are exclusive to the kit. The shawl pattern has been designed to use up most of this precious 100% Falkland Merino wool and it is also exclusive to this kit.

The kit is available to pre-order from Blue Star Crochet Company Etsy Store from 1st of April.

If you would like to receive a little reminder when the kit pre-order opens sign up to my blog with your email HERE

-Veronika x

The Hook Nook Project

2018-03-02T17:27:00.000+00:00

I'm so excited you guys!!!

I just wanted to quickly pop on here to share the most amazing news with you!!!

At the end of last year the amazing Jessica from The Hook Nook send out a call looking for makers to contribute to her brand new website with projects and articles.
I've signed up and was so happy when I found out that I was selected as one of the Featured Makers!
Jessica is a true maker and is so supportive of other makers creating this amazing website to gather and showcase other people's work. It is a great place if you are looking for inspiration, free patterns or want to have a browse and read other crafter's stories...

I've created a free pattern which is now live on Jessica's blog. It was a pattern to crochet Hooded Vest for toddler boys!

The pattern has been written in 4 different sizes from 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 2 years and 3 years. It has loads of step by step photos to help you with the different stages of the pattern.

You can find the free pattern and my blog post over on The Hook Nook website here

I hope you enjoy the free pattern and share your makes with me over on Instagram with @bluestarcrochet or #bluestarcrochetcompany

- Veronika xx

Get Involved with Valentine's Day!

2018-02-02T13:13:00.000+00:00

Valentine's Day...

I bet a few of you have just rolled your eyes and did a big sigh when I mentioned Valentine's Day...

But bear with me...

I know some of you think that this day is completely pointless and it is just a big commercial stunt and money making machine (yes that was me too) and if you love somebody you shouldn't wait until this day and you should say that you love them every day.... But really? Do you?
When was the last time you stopped, grabbed your husband/wife, gave them a sloppy kiss and said "I love you"?
When was the last time you called your mum and dad and told them you loved them?
When was the last time you grabbed your kids after they completely trashed the house and told them how much you loved them?

I know it is easy to get distracted by every day life and how busy we are with running the house, working in a full time job, running a business or being a full time mum...

So let's look at Valentine's Day differently this year!

No I'm not going to run to the shop and buy every box of chocolates and 20 stuffed teddy bears...
I want to make a change and I hope you will help me!

Let's stop for 1 hour on Valentine's day and do something different...
Tell your other half how much you love them and how much they still mean to you!
Call your parents and tell them how much you still love and need them even though you are all grown up!
Grab your kids, sit on the sofa and have a big bowl of ice cream BEFORE dinner together!
You know that little old lady that lives down the road who lost her husband a while ago and doesn't see her kids and grandkids very often, I'm sure she would appreciate a chat and a cuppa!

You can also get involved with a little project organised by @sweet_sharna over on Instagram. She had a fab idea of making a heart and leaving it somewhere in public place on 14th February for someone to find! I think this is a great idea and I'm definitely going to get involved! Head over to Instagram and check out #leavealittleheart

I've made the quickest heart ever and I'm going to share the pattern with you so you really have no excuses not to get involved!
Why not get inspired and use this little heart and make someone a handmade Valentine's card? It really is very simple!

MATERIALS
-any yarn will do, I used DK
-3.5 mm crochet hook or appropriate size hook for the yarn you are using
-tapestry needle
-scissors

STITCHES (UK TERMS)
ch- chain stitch
dc- double crochet
tr- treble crochet
sl st- slip stitch

PATTERN
Chain 6.
Row 1-starting into 2nd ch from hook, 5 dc, turn. [5 dc]
Row 2- ch 1 (doesn't count as a st), 1 dc across, turn. [5 dc]
Row 3- Row 5- repeat Row 2
Row 6- miss 2 dc, 9 tr in next, sl st to last dc of the row, turn your work 90 degrees right and continue working down the side into end stitch of row, miss 2 sts, 9 tr into end st of 3rd row, sl st to end st of 1st row. [18 tr]
Fasten off.

I really hope you will get involved this Valentine's day. I'd love to see your makes so pop over to Instagram and tag @bluestarcrochet in your posts.

Lots of love
-Veronika x

2018-01-11T13:40:00.000+00:00

I'm a bit late to the party but... Happy new year!!!

I hope 2018 is going to be an amazing year for you!

I'm very excited about 2018!!

It was only a couple of days into the new year, I've rolled off the sofa as any curves I ever possessed kind of disappeared under a layer of chocolates, cakes, roast dinners and wine......
Anyway, I've checked my emails and realised that 2018 is going to be an AMAAHHZING year!!

I've got a very exciting project that I'm currently working on and I'm spilling the beans as soon as I can TRUST me! It's killing me...

I'm also working on a few exciting magazine commissions, so unfortunately you will have to look at my "mugshot" staring at you in the magazine for a little longer....

And last but not least, I've teamed up with another yarn addict and we are currently working together on something luscious for you fellow yarn addicts... And trust me, you would NOT want to miss this one, otherwise you will be kicking yourself for the rest of the year!!!

Sooo, in order to try and get organised and keep up with the dates and deadlines, I've made a simple month view calendar to keep on top of 2018!
I've also added important yarn related dates for shows and exhibitions if you fancied a trip.

You can get your hands on a copy of this PDF printable file if you subscribe to my blog click here

If you've already subscribed to my blog and would like a copy, contact me via my website here

-Veronika x