MICROCKNIT CREATIONS

SPRING CROCHET PATTERNS, COASTERS, PLACEMATS, DOILIES

2013-05-15T16:20:00.000+01:00

Here we are in the middle of May and the UK is once again under threat of cold temperatures, snow flurries, gale force winds, and loads of rain... not to mention loads of grey clouds...

This colder weather is making me want to hibernate... light the fire, make hot chocolate, curl up and sleep until it's all over!

I am so glad my darling and I managed to get a few good walks accomplished over the last month. All this house-boundedness is just making me itch to get out.

WARNING: ONLY CLICK on photo if you wish to read about our walks

On the other hand, this unusual weather pattern does provide me with good reasons for staying indoors; it gives me the opportunity to focus on my crochet ideas and forces me to make them a reality.... so I am taking a deep breath, and making the most of it, and trying really hard not to feel like I am trapped and can't get out.

WARNING: ONLY CLICK on photo if you wish to read about our walks

As promised in the last post, Crochet and Blossoms in May, where I briefly mentioned our wonderful walk through a beautiful apple orchard in full blossom, I am presenting my first spring blossom crochet design for this season. Inspired by all the lovely spring blossoms found in the English countryside in May.

Crochet Coaster and Placemat SPRING BLOSSOMS
A brightly coloured table set, including a crochet placemat and a crochet coaster. Both circular and both trimmed with a decorative petal edge.

I used one of my favourite yarns for colour selections, King Cole Bamboo Cotton. I love the vibrant colours, almost iridescent. And I think the yarn thickness is just perfect for this crochet table set.

Simply Perfect for summertime fun and celebrations. Choose from the huge selection of colours to make your beautiful crochet table set. I kept it simple with only three colours, but you could easily make the table set using just two colours or up to eight colours if you wish. The choice is always yours, so get creative, and make a few, and bring some of those lovely spring colours indoors. AND HAVE FUN.

I hope you have enjoyed my spring blossom photos... and I hope you will enjoy this pattern also.

You will find the pattern available from

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

in the SHOP

under SPECIAL OFFERS

LATER you will find the PATTERN

Crochet Coaster and Placemat SPRING BLOSSOMS

in your favourite on-line pattern store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Folksy AND Etsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

Enjoy.... ciao, ciao!

Crochet and Blossoms in May

2013-05-09T14:22:00.000+01:00

Hello lovely May blossoms

isn't this just absolutely gorgeous

WARNING: ONLY CLICK on photo if you wish to read about our walks

we passed this orchard on our walk last Sunday

I thought I had gone to heaven

the smell was bliss...

I lay down in the grass

and told my darling

to leave me there

it was so idyllic

I could just die here!

WARNING: ONLY CLICK on photo if you wish to read about our walks

Instead he took a photo! hahaha

and proceeded to mention how much further

we still had to go to finish the walk!

bah hum bug... I want to stay!

This vision will stay with me for a very long time

it has to be the best

walking experience so far!

Love it!

Now this experience, and these lovely blossoms

have given me some ideas

for crochet

So when I get beyond the sketching stage

I will let you know

what I have come up with!

WARNING: ONLY CLICK on photo if you wish to read about our walks

Enjoy.... ciao, ciao!

QUICK EASY CROCHET GIFTS HATS MITTENS SCARF/MOBIUS SLIPPERS

2013-05-08T08:37:00.000+01:00

GIVE the gift of HAND MADE...

you can make these super quick and easy...

SPECIAL OFFER available until July 30, 2013

Here are five (5) "simply perfect" gifts -

* Crochet Hat SWEET DUDE *

* Crochet Scarf SHADOW *

SPECIAL OFFER available until July 30, 2013

* Crochet Slippers TRAVELLER *

* Crochet Mittens COUNTRY *

* Crochet Mittens SHELLS *

SPECIAL OFFER available until July 30, 2013

A total of five (5) "simply perfect" crochet patterns

available in one (1) download....

***

one (1) price £8.50

SPECIAL OFFER available until July 30, 2013

You can find this "quintuplet" of patterns

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find the PATTERN in the SHOP - SPECIAL OFFERS

Sunny days, Sun hats, Summer Crochet

2013-04-04T10:09:00.002+01:00

Here in south-east England,
well may you ask
"where is the sun?"
the weather is cold, windy and grey,
with the odd snow flurry...
Yes, it is April and supposedly SPRING...

however, there is no sign of it...
those blasted north-easterlies are blowing
and the jet stream just ain't getting here...
boo hoo...

Never mind, I am ignoring what is happening outside...
and following my inner sunshine...
and here is the result...
a new spring/summer hat, with a lovely little pattern,
and a choice of brim lengths.
Perfect for your little cutie pie... to wear on sunny days...

PATTERN DETAILS:

YARN: Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 4ply OR Heirloom Cotton 4ply OR any other similar cotton yarn

HOOK: 3.5mm (E-4)

SIZES: A - will fit 38-45cm (15-17.5in); B - will fit 43-49cm (17-19.5in).

TERMINOLOGY: USA and UK crochet terms

I just love crocheting with 4ply for infants and toddlers,

it creates a delicate fabric,

which I think is just perfect for tiny tots.

And you just can't beat Bendigo yarns...

their cotton is so soft... I love it...

they also do an 8ply cotton.

Of course you could make these hats with the 8ply,

you would just get a larger sized hat,

or you could make adjustments

and get the right size

for your preferred head circumference.

Have a go and play a little.

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find them under PATTERNS SHOP

and you will also find this pattern

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Folksy AND Etsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

KNIT CROCHET BABY TOP VESTY

2013-03-24T11:34:00.000Z

My baby KNIT top...

with a little bit of crochet

around the neck and armholes.

This was a wonderful quick project..

I really needed a break from crochet...

and remembered this stitch from

way back, way, way back.... 1980 ??

My mother-in-law

showed me how...

she made a baby cardigan using this stitch....

and back then, I used the stitch

to make a scarf/shawl..

so it took

for ever and

ever...

maybe that's why it remained

embedded in the recesses of

my brain... amongst all the

other useful (useless) stuff

in those grey cells....

YARN: Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 4ply

NEEDLES: 3mm

HOOK: 3.5mm

SIZE: 6-12 months

The stitch pattern uses multiples of 8 stitches plus 2.

Stitch Pattern

R1: *P2, yfwd, K2tog, P2, K2, rep from * to last 2sts, P2.

R2: K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to end.

R3: *P2, K2tog, yrn, P2, K2, rep from * to last 2sts, P2.

R4: K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to end.

Repeat these 4 rows.

Back/Front Cast on 58sts, work in pattern until work measures 24cm, ending with R4.

Divide for neck and shoulders.

Work 18sts, cast off 22sts, work 18sts.

Continue on last 18sts, K2tog at neck edge, for next 2 rows, then every other row, 13sts remaining.

When work measures 30cm, cast off.

Join yarn at neck edge to remaining sts and work other side same.

Make up Sew up seams, leave 10cm opening for armholes.

Crochet around neck:

Rnd 1: Ch1, 1sc in same st, *ch3, miss next st, 1sc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1.

Rnd 2: *[1sc, 2dc, 1sc] in each ch3-sp around, join. Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.

Crochet around Armholes:

Rnd1: Ch1, 1sc in same st, *ch1, 1sc in next st, miss next st, rep from * around, join. Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.

Thread ribbon through the loops around the neck.

KNIT and CROCHET
Abbreviation	Description
*	repeat the instructions following the asterisk as directed
approx	approximately
beg	begin/beginning
ch	chain
cm	centimetres
cont	continue
dc	double crochet
in	inches
k or K	knit
k2tog	knit two stitches together
p or P	purl
psso	pass slip stitch over
rep	repeat
r(s)	row (s)
rnd(s)	round(s)
RS	right side
sc	single crochet
sl st	slip stitch
sp	space
st(s)	stitch(es)
WS	wrong side
yfwd	yarn forward
yrn	yarn around needle

E.& O.E.

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

BRIGHT COLOURS Crochet Baskets for EASTER

2013-03-20T17:45:00.001Z

SIMPLY PERFECT crochet basket
* FREE PATTERN *

to hold all your EASTER eggs...

especially the chocolate eggs...

Last year's jute baskets
were simple ...

this year I've gone for a more
compact and sturdy basket
and vibrant NEW colours.

Bright colours
crochet baskets,

decorative and useful

for SPECIAL OCCASIONS

or just for EVERYDAY...

Nutscene Heritage Twine "Jute" No. 3

and there is still plenty of time
to make them before EASTER

so grab your twine and hook

and get crocheting...

PATTERN DETAILS:
SKILL: Easy - Intermediate

You need to know: crochet in the round, changing colours, front post double crochet

YARN: Nutscene Heritage Twine "Jute" No.3
HOOK: 5mm or H-8

MEASUREMENTS: Basket Height 2.5in (6.5cm) Diameter 6.5in (16.5cm)

TERMINOLOGY: USA - American crochet terms

Crochet Basket JUTE 2

Rnd 1: With MC, make a Magic loop, ch3, 11dc in loop, join with sl st in BL of ch3. (12sts)

Rnd 2: Ch3, 1dc in BL of same st, *2dc in BL of each st around, join with sl st in ch3. (24sts)

CHANGE TO CC

Rnd 3: Ch1, 1sc in BL of same st, *ch1, 1sc in BL of next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1. (48sts)

CHANGE TO MC

Rnd 4: *Ch2, 1sc in ch1-sp, rep from * around, DO NOT JOIN. (24 loops)

CHANGE TO CC

Rnd 5: Sl st in ch2-sp, ch3, 1dc in same sp, ch1, [2dc in next ch2-sp, ch1] 23 times, join with sl st.

Rnd 6: Ch1, 1sc in BL of each st around, join with sl st in ch1. (48sts)

Rnd 7: Ch3, *FPdc in next st, 1dc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch3.

CHANGE TO MC

Rnd 8: Ch1, 1sc in BL of each st around, join with sl st in ch1.

Rnd 9: Ch1, 1sc in same st, *FPdc in FPdc below, miss next st, 1sc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1.

CHANGE TO CC

Rnd 10: Ch1, 1sc in next st, *ch1, miss next st, 1sc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1.

Rnd 11: Ch1, *FPdc in FPdc below, miss next st, 1sc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1.

CHANGE TO MC

Rnd 12: Ch1, sl st in BL of each st around, join.

FINISH, cut yarn and hide ends.

USA Crochet Terms
Abbreviation	Description
[ ]	work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
*	repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
approx	approximately
beg	begin/beginning
BL	back loop
ch	chain stitch
cm	centimetres
cont	continue
CC	contrast colour
dc	double crochet
FPdc	Front Post double crochet
in	inches
MC	main colour
rep	repeat
rnd(s)	round(s)
sc	single crochet
sl st	slip stitch
sp	space
st(s)	stitch(es)

ENJOY YOUR BASKET MAKING....

and as soon as it is available....

you will be able to download the pdf pattern

from PATTERNS FREE on my website....

which will include pattern for the two baskets below.

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

SPRING Baby Crochet Knits

2013-03-15T19:10:00.000Z

Loads of crocheting happening lately...

made these for someone special...

a simple baby sacque for 12 month old and a hat to match...

100% cotton 8ply from Bendigo Woollen Mills ...

sometimes you can find the yarn for sale with retailers under the name of Heirloom Cotton 8ply

Hook: 3.5mm

I designed the HAT to match the sacque...

the sacque pattern "Little Sunshine"

comes from

LITTLE BOX OF CROCHET FOR BABY

by Denise Black and Sandy Scoville

The pattern is written for

Dreambaby DK (50% acrylic 50% nylon)

and was crochet in YELLOW

just one colour...

whereas I chose

to do multi-colour

and in cotton

I am not sure if you can still buy the box set

or if it's available to purchase somewhere

maybe on Amazon

or you could try the publishers

Martingdale - Crochet Books

N O W

to change the pace

I have started a little KNIT project...

because

I need to stop having dreams of crochet

for a while...

I am sure I don't get enough rest

during the night...

Again I am using Bendigo Woollen Mills cotton

however this time it's 4ply

AND

a beautiful pale lilac

and knitting on 3mm needles

think it's working out OK...??

I am hoping to turn this sample

into a baby singlet top?

Maybe......????

Oh well, it's giving me

a short break from crochet

so even if I never finish it

I don't mind...

c'est la vie

What are you crocheting?

or knitting?

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

MEN, HATS, BEANIES and CROCHET PATTERNS

2013-03-08T13:39:00.002Z

The time has come ....

to talk

of crochet hats for men...

young men, middle-aged men,

and old men...

and

talking of time...

enough time has now passed

and my

Crochet Hat ECHO

Photography by Britt Spring

PATTERN

(published in Inside Crochet Issue 35)

is now available

for individual purchase

from

my website shop

and soon will also be available

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry, Craftsy,

Etsy and Folksy

PATTERN DETAILS:

Chunky texture stitch, with echoes of art deco design,

adding extra warmth and elasticity to the fabric.

It's perfect for winter walks in the woods

or along a bracing seafront.

Yarn: Jarol British Wool Aran 100% wool

Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed Aran

Hook: 5mm or H-8

Size: S/M/L

Pattern available in both USA and UK crochet terms

Ciao, ciao...

BRIGHTEN UP WITH COLOUR

2013-02-28T16:02:00.000Z

Oh these grey, grey days...

hard to put a smile upon my face days....

nothing but grey, cold, wind and rain...

can't wait for spring..

where's the colour in my world?

hidden in the darkness...

these fabulous colours appear...

perfect for happy and vibrant crochet fun...

to brighten up my gloomy world!

You can never be too busy

to have some fun with happy colours...

AND with Easter festivities coming up soon,

I have decided we need

loads more happy colours indoors

to make up for the grey gloom outdoors.

Here is what I have been playing with:

brightly coloured coasters,

in three (3) sizes.

Now you can make them

with the King Cole Bamboo Cotton as I have,

or use any other colourful thread you prefer to use,

so the smaller the hook and yarn/thread thickness

the smaller the size.

You can have loads of fun with these,

changing colour every round,

every other round,

or only change colour once,

it's all up to you.

Let's talk crochet coaster design:

inspiration came from the colours of the bamboo cotton...
the coaster needed a spring feel...
spring means colourful blossoms...

something we don't see during the winter months.

And I want to keep it simple...

so a basic little blossom edge,

around a simple colourful centre.

EASY

You can find the pattern for the

Crochet Coaster EASTER BLOSSOMS

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find them under PATTERNS SHOP - SPECIAL OFFERS

and you will also find this pattern

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Folksy AND Etsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

HAPPY CROCHET HEARTS

2013-02-13T14:41:00.000Z

You can never have too much LOVE!

and this Valentine's Day
is just a little reminder
to spread the love around

Loving you,
loving me...

dressing up my place with
HAPPY HEARTS
happy love hearts...

I have crochet 30 hearts and hung them from a very long chain of loops...

using the FREE PATTERN written for DMC Creative World

YARN: DMC |Petra 3

HOOK: 2.5mm

COLOURS: Lots of orange, little bits of red, white, yellow

MEASUREMENTS:

Length of chain - 194in (493cm) OR 16ft 2in (4.93m)

Total Hearts: 10 SMALL, 10 MEDIUM, 10 LARGE

TO HELP WITH THE WRITTEN PATTERN

WHICH YOU CAN DOWNLOAD

FROM DMC Creative World

Here's a visual of the making of the happy hearts

MAY YOU HAVE A HAPPY, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, AND A VERY HAPPY, HAPPY HEARTS LIFE...

Ciao, ciao...

A pocket full of ebooks...

2013-01-30T17:12:00.001Z

Simple, practical and beautiful...

the Crochet Pocket JAWS

Contrast, texture and illusion - the perfect pocket for your "Kindle" e-reader. Make it as colourful as you like OR simply stylish and subdued. It is the perfect gift accessory.

I made this for "my man".... he has the Kindle "Paperwhite" and this is the perfect pocket for keeping it safe and protected.

The stitch pattern is my own design, created in the spur of the moment, I just love it when creativity and necessity come together. This stitch design gives the pocket a sturdy structure with the slightest stretch sideways and a little more stretch lengthwise. And the Kindle sits nice and snug inside the pocket and does not slip out.

Personally, I prefer the pocket made from 100% Aran Wool, much more sturdy and robust, just perfect for my man and his big hands. I have also made this pocket in the softer Rowan Belle Organic Aran, it is still sturdy but softer in feel, just perfect for the lady.

You can find the Crochet Pocket JAWS pattern

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find them under PATTERNS SHOP - SPECIAL OFFERS

and you will also find this pattern

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Folksy AND Etsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

MIDNIGHT in the HIGHLANDS

2013-01-26T13:27:00.001Z

Late last year, whilst on holiday, I was inspired by the autumnal colours of the west highlands of Scotland....

simply they were MAGIC...

I know I have shared these photos before but the highlands are just so amazing I am sharing again....

How can you NOT be INSPIRED to CREATE with colours like these????

So, finally this week I managed to get some work done on my first highland inspired pattern...

My highland project is a HAT and MITTENS set...

using two different yarns...

first yarn, is one of my favourite...
Donegal Tweed Aran

and second yarn,
Rowan Alpaca Cotton

Aren't the colours simply divine.... deep, rich shades of purple... reminiscent of blackberries and blueberries.

The two yarns compliment each other very well... and create the perfect gaps of colour between the different stitch rows.
Of course, you can choose other yarns, the pattern can be adapted to other similar yarns, just match the yarn weight and gauge/tension.
How much yarn?
Hat - whole of one 50g ball of Rowan Alpaca Cotton = 135m
Mittens - 3/4 of one 50g ball of Rowan Alpaca Cotton
My estimate for the Donegal Tweed Aran is approximate 80-100gr for both hat and mittens - because I was using my leftovers from a 200g hank.

Naturally, I have made this set for moi.... I am in desperate need of a new hat and mittens... I seem to be always making stuff for everyone else... and I end up wearing something I made 5 years ago.... doh!

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:
Skill Level: Intermediate
Yarn: Donegal Tweed Aran and Rowan Alpaca Cotton
Hook: 5mm
Gauge/Tension: 16sts to 4in (10cm)
Size: Adult - Ladies - Medium/Large

the pattern is now available

from my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

and then later you will also find this pattern
in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry, Craftsy,

Etsy and Folksy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

Merino Wool all the way

2013-01-19T14:21:00.001Z

I love merino wool...
and my latest favourite
has to be James C. Brett
Pure Merino DK
Luxuriously delicate
to the touch
and incredibly soft yarn

made from 100% Merino Wool

and available in a range of colours (17 approx)

I've used this merino wool to make baby hats and mittens, adult hats, headbands, neck warmers and mittens... I love how super soft it feels... it is without the scratchy feeling usually associated with natural wool yarns...
simply I love, love, love it....

AND I have yet to find any other yarn similar... so if any one out there knows of a beautifully super soft pure merino... please let me know... I would love to compare them...

This time I decided to make a silly pair of mittens which I have called "LOOPY" because of the loops within the pattern... and of course a matching headband/neckwarmer....

I first designed the mittens in late 2011... all in one colour...

but left them sitting on the back burner because I just wasn't sure about them... then last year I was playing around with my stash of odd balls of yarn and decided to make the mittens again but this time using two colours...

and what a surprise...

looked so much better with the two colour combination than with one... although there is nothing stopping you from using just one colour... I much prefer the two colour combination... and now I have ideas for all kinds of other stuff using this LOOPY design.... just need to have the time to crochet them up... lol

You can find the Crochet Mittens and Headband/Neckwarmer "LOOPY" pattern

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find them under PATTERNS SHOP - PATTERNS SETS

and you will also find this pattern

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Folksy AND Etsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

CROCHET BABY BLANKET "SUN & STARS"

2013-01-07T20:01:00.001Z

CREATIVE MOTIFS - OCTAGONS and SQUARES

OCTAGON - the eight-sided motif is a striking alternative to the SQUARE granny motif.

To make a solid afghan blanket with octagons you need small squares to fit in between the octagons.

The pieces fit together like a puzzle - four octagons surrounding a square.

KEEP IT SIMPLE...
My focus for the design of this octagon blanket was to keep it as simple as possible. By using only two colours for the motifs and by repeating the same colour sequence for each motif, I found the whole process of creating each octagon and square very relaxing and satisfying.

It was so easy to keep track of my progress, I was able to lay out the octagons and visually gauge the size of blanket I wanted to make.

When I finished making all the octagon motifs, I then proceeded to design the square motif to fit into the gaps. Again, I kept the square filler motif very simple, just enough definition to highlight the octagon motif.

Joining Motifs
The next task at hand, sewing the motifs together, and as you all know, sewing is not my favourite hand craft. But this was a very special project, for a very special person, my first grandchild, so I was prepared to do what it takes to get it done, and get it done well.

Octagon motifs were joined side-by-side into long rows, and then each row was joined to next row, and finally the square motifs were added into the gaps.

Finishing Border
After all the motifs were joined and the gaps filled, the blanket took on a whole new look, and the result was very pleasing indeed.
Only at this point, after all the joining was complete, did the blanket present the SUN and STARS mosaic, therefore the name.
So, to finish off the motif blanket, I proceeded with a contrast row of cilantro around the edge of the motifs and finished with a simple row of reverse crochet in slate.

Simply perfect... I presented the blanket to my daughter in Australia, two weeks before the baby was born (CC was born June 30).

(You may have noticed my blanket for grandchild, was made with Cilantro and Slate, whereas for the magazine, I used Cilantro and Aubergine.)
Both blankets were made using ROWAN Belle Organic ARAN and 5mm hook.

And now, you too can make your own SUN and STARS blanket, it has been published in the

INSIDE CROCHET magazine, Issue 37, January 2013.

you can GET a peek
at all the patterns
available
in the magazine
on Ravelry.
OR
via Facebook
on Inside Crochet's page
just go and view the photo album for Issue 37.

WHERE TO GET THE MAGAZINE
In the UK you will find the magazine available from WHSmiths, independent newsagents and some supermarkets.
In the US the magazine is available from Barnes and Nobles and some JoAnn stores.

If this magazine is not available where you LIVE, don't despair ...
You can now purchase Inside Crochet digitally via PocketMags

There are three options available:

Purchase an individual issue;
6 month subscription; OR
12 month subscription

You will find 21 great patterns in this issue, (I particularly like the Sophie Sweater by Rohn Strong, AND Hendrika Shawl by Bianca Boonstra), and there's a great new section on HOW TO CROCHET, everything you need to know.

So, don't dilly dally, go and get your copy.... (any one would think I have shares in the magazine... LOL)

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

Crochet Edwardian

2012-12-30T15:17:00.002Z

You never know were crochet will take you....
it is always surprising ...
I sometimes find myself crocheting the odd garment or accessory
I never ever imagined ...
OR if I had imagined it, I dismissed the idea totally...
for simple reasons as:

have no time; will take too long;
OR simply
can't be bothered; not interested in going down that path.

AND yet every now and then, the time comes when circumstances take me down this road,

a road where I am given the opportunity to stretch myself and explore those areas of crochet I never had time for before.

This is one of those times, where amongst other numerous projects, of knitting and crochet,

I have also managed to crochet these...

a choker

and

fingerless mittens...

with a focus on Edwardian fashion...

Reason is simple... the need for some accessories for an outfit to be worn to a special "dress-up evening".

The choker is edged with a beautiful fringe from Nicky Epstein's book Crochet on the Edge.... using a fringe pattern called "fancy lanterns" just super perfect for my choker... of course I adjusted the stitch, to allow for widening at the lower end, and I designed a complimentary pattern at the other end, the top end.

The beads and black border were added as an after thought, however I think they turned out fine, even though I have never used bead work in my crochet before. So another first... and the black thread around the edge compliments the piece perfectly. I also chose to use chiffon ribbon to tie the choker in the back, this too was an after thought. Talk about ploughing into this project without giving it much thought... LOL

Of course whilst still making the choker, I decided I ALSO needed some mittens, and to speed things up I chose a simple stitch for the mittens, gave them a smaller version of my choker edging at the cuff edge, with even smaller edging versions at the fingers and thumb edge.
I also edged with black at the cuff and placed one single bead at the side, to bring the two pieces together.

You will be happy to hear.... I have now written up the pattern for the mittens (without the bead and black edging at the cuff).
A simple mitten which you can embellish with your own ribbons, bows, buttons, etc. be creative and add a personalised look...

Pattern Details:

"Simply perfect" EVENING fingerless mittens ... Edwardian-style mittens.

Easy design with a delicate simple lace pattern at cuff, finger and thumb edge.

Make them with or without thumb.

Crochet in the round, no seams to sew.

Wear the mittens on either hand.

Pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

Size: Ladies S/M = Small to Medium (Hints on adjusting size available with pattern)
Basic Stitches: single, double crochet
Yarn: DMC Petra 5 OR any other similar yarn
Hook: 1.5mm
Terminology: US crochet terms; metric hook sizes.

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

You can find the CROCHET MITTENS "EDWARDIAN" pattern

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find them under PATTERNS SHOP - PATTERNS HANDWEAR

and you will also find this pattern

VERY SOON

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and Folksy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

MAY YOU ALWAYS BE HAPPY...

2012-12-25T11:06:00.003Z

Crochet for Men - the MAN hat

2012-12-22T12:54:00.002Z

The latest MAN HAT...

with "echoes" of
art deco
in the design...
Simply perfect for your man...
WHOEVER he may be...
whether the DARLING in your life...
OR your DEAR old dad...

Pattern Details:
Yarn: Jarol British Wool Aran
Hook: 5mm
Description: The chunky texture stitch in this hat adds extra warmth and elasticity to the fabric. It's perfect for winter walks in the woods or along a bracing seafront.

The design for this crochet hat was inspired by the beautiful art deco lighting in the now refurbished Whitstable cinema... alas no longer a cinema but a Wetherspoon pub .... and beautifully decked out with an amazing art deco interior... I just love it...
anyway for now let's get on with the crochet man hat...

You can find this pattern available in the
INSIDE CROCHET magazine
Issue 35,
November 2012.

WHERE TO GET THE MAGAZINE
If this magazine is not available where you LIVE, don't despair ...
You can now purchase Inside Crochet digitally via PocketMags

There are three options available:

Purchase an individual issue;
6 month subscription; OR
12 month subscription

You will find 17 great patterns in this issue, (I particularly like the Peter Pan collar cardigan by Nicki Trench, AND Emma Varnam's Chanel Inspired Jacket), and there are also a good collection of informative articles, I especially like Annette Petavy's three-part series "All you need to know about... TENSION".

Want to see what is in this magazine?
You can view the whole range of patterns via Ravelry...
and then simply decide whether to go buy a copy of the magazine
OR simply buy a digital copy. So easy...

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

TIME TO KNIT...

2012-11-24T09:37:00.000Z

A CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAY...

Every now and then, I need a break from crochet, so of course I turn to knitting.
And this time I just wanted to knit something fast and super easy.
Best way to achieve this was with a CHUNKY YARN and an UNCOMPLICATED PATTERN.

This is what I came up with... a knit hat with a concertina chunky rib...

I made this hat for my darling (naturally he always needs more hats)..... and because he is blessed with a bald head and has a sensitivity to natural yarns, I choose a 10% Wool 20% Alpaca 70% Acrylic yarn, which he can manage to wear without needing a cotton lining to protect his scalp.

This yarn is super chunky and I did not use the needle size recommended on the yarn label, I dropped down a few sizes, quite a few actually. The label recommends a NEEDLE size of 10mm (US 15), however I went ahead and used 6mm (US 10), which gave me a nice chunky warm hat.

The yarn is Wendy "Serenity" Super Chunky 100g, 80m (87yd) and they have a nice selection of thirteen (13) colours - from cream to black, pink to purple, and teal to blue, basically enough colours to satisfy everyone.
I liked the look and feel of this knit hat, sooo much.... I have also made myself one, in purple. Check it out...

The best thing about this knit hat pattern .... it is knit flat on straight needles... you don't need to use double-pointed needles, or circular needles, simply knit each row, and then whip stitch the seam. AND it takes no time at all to complete. So, so easy... you have to give it a try.

I loved knitting this chunky concertina rib, I decided to turn it into a scarf (cowl) pattern as well. However, this time I turned to my favourite circular needles and knit in the round, and wow what a great scarf. I used James C. Brett "Passion" Chunky, 100g, 146m (160yd), 70% Acrylic 30% Wool, the colours are fantastic and create a beautiful striped effect. I used two balls (200g) to make a scarf long enough to go around the neck twice.
Check it out....

So, cool.... I loved the subtle colour change, combined with the chunky rib so much, I made three (3) scarves... LOL
Each a different colour, and I think they will end up under the Christmas tree for some lucky people... (or I keep them for myself??)

And for everyone else, I have written up the pattern, yes it is a KNIT pattern, NOT crochet, and yes it is my first KNIT pattern made public...
I hope you enjoy knitting these as much as I did.

Here are the details for the pattern:

KNIT HAT

Size: Adult - Medium and Large
Yarn: Wendy "Serenity" Super Chunky (1 ball)
Needles: 6mm

KNIT SCARF

Measurement: approx.
Yarn: James C. Brett "Passion" Chunky (2 balls)
Needles: 6mm

You can find the KNIT HAT and SCARF "RIBS" pattern

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find them under PATTERNS SHOP - PATTERNS SETS

and you will also find this pattern

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

KEEPING WARM THIS WINTER

2012-11-06T16:02:00.001Z

Are you sensitive to the cold?
and need to wear a hat?
whilst others wander around without ANYTHING on their heads?
well join the club...
I too am one of those people, sensitive to the cold, and I ALWAYS need to wear a hat.
AND

If I don't, I suffer with head colds and sinusitis...
therefore, you will always see me wearing a hat...
yes even in summer...

AND yes I do wear a variety of hats... and
of course over the years I have crochet and knit many hats,
in many styles, with a huge variety of yarns... but my BEST and WARMEST hat and most COMFORTABLE

has been my FAVOURITE hat with lining...
the SUSAN* hat...

I first made this hat for a holiday to Tasmania...
way back in May 2005...

it has travelled with me to very cold places...

like the top of Europe... Switzerland...

in October 2007...

and I am still wearing it... yep the same old hat...

little did I expect this hat to end up being my all time favourite...
it was made with a lovely New Zealand yarn with a fabulous fleck running through it...
and at the last minute, I decided to line it for extra warmth...
and the rest is history... it is the best ever winter hat...

This hat is "simply perfect" for those really cold days... and windy days with a "wind chill factor"...
and just absolutely fabulous for heads sensitive to the cold...

not only is it a warm and comfortable hat... the extra lining of the hat gives it a better shape.

I made my hat all those years ago with Naturally Tussock 85% Pure NZ Wool and 15% Polyester Effect Yarn....

which now is difficult to find unless you live in New Zealand...
however there are many alternative yarns to this...
and my FAVOURITE recent YARN find....
Irish Donegal Tweed Aran....

and for the lining I use 100% cotton yarn.

AND the best NEWS of all......... you can now purchase these delightfully warm crochet hats from a local boutique... right here
in Whitstable....

A = location of MOSAIC, 30 Harbour Street, WHITSTABLE

a very delightful little shop
full of superior quality jewellery, clothing, crafts and gifts...
the shop is MOSAIC....
you can find it in Harbour Street, Whitstable....

So do visit the shop "Mosaic" and browse through the wonderful array of products... carefully chosen for their quality, style, design, and fairness.... the perfect place for special, unusual, stylish, eco-friendly jewellery, clothing, crafts and gifts.

Enjoy your shopping,

Ciao, Ciao

* Crochet Hat SUSAN: named after my friend Susan who kindly introduced me to Shernaz from Mosaic, and made it all happen.

GIFT OF GIVING - SMALL IS GOOD

2012-10-30T12:20:00.000Z

What is that saying....???
"good things come in small packages" ------------- which is the opposite of "the bigger, the better"

meaning....
the size of things, doesn't always indicate the quality...
well...... with this thought in mind I've come up with these...
precious little gift bags ...
for those precious little gifts... like jewellery, airline tickets, diamonds, gold nuggets... ha ha ha ... a girl can dream...

These little crochet gift bags take no time at all...
you could have a bag load by the end of the week...
they are quick and the patterns are easy.. you can adjust to whatever size you desire...
AND you can customise and adapt the pattern to different yarn weights and hook sizes...
try it and see.... make them wider, longer, bigger if you wish...
I have laid out the basics... it's up to you to play and have fun...

Here's the first pattern:

CROCHET GIFT BAG "PEARL"

Skill Level: Easy
Yarn: DMC Petra 5
Hook: 2.5mm
Stitches: hdc, dc
Gauge/Tension: not critical for this pattern
Measurements: 4in (10cm) L X 2.5in (6.5cm) W
Terminology: USA - American crochet terms

START

WITH MC

Rnd 1: Ch13, 3sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in each st to end, 5sc in last ch, sc in each st along other side of ch, 2sc in same st as beg 3sc, join with sl st. (30sts)

Rnd 2: Ch2, hdc in BL of same st, *hdc in FL of next st, hdc in BL of next st, rep from * around, miss last st, join with sl st.

Rnd 3-12: Rep Rnd 2.

Drawstring Rnd

Rnd 13: Ch3, dc in each st around, join with sl st.

Increase Rnd

Rnd 14: Ch1, sc in same st, *2sc in next st, sc in next 4sts, rep from * around, join with sl st. (36sts)

Rnd 15-17: Rep Rnd 2.

Change to CC

Decorative Edge

Rnd 18: *Ch2, 2hdc in same st, skip next st, sl st in next st, rep from *around, join with sl st.

Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.

Make Drawstring

With CC, make a chain approx. 14ins long.

With yarn needle thread the drawstring through the drawstring rnd, two dc at a time.

Hide yarn ends of drawstring.

NOW GO GET THE COMPLETE SET OF GIFT BAG PATTERNS

You can find the "GIFT BAGS" patterns

available on my website

find them under PATTERNS FREE

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

http://www.crocknit.com

and LATER you will also find these patterns

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry AND Craftsy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

It's CROCHET MAGIC... MAGIC 7

2012-10-19T19:29:00.000+01:00

Here is my super special MAGIC coaster

why is it magic?
well... because it is based on multiples of seven (7)....

yes, that's right... not six (6)... and not eight (8)...
but seven (7)....

I tried real hard to fit it into 6 or 8 but it kept insisting on being a SEVEN.

SO I gave in and stayed with it... forced myself to add some colours... and was amazed at the outcome...
hope you like it too?

This is a great little coaster which would suit any celebration.... CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR, EASTER and SPECIAL OCCASIONS.... you can change the mood by changing the colours... an amazing variety of coasters created from one crochet pattern.

The perfect gift for giving, maybe this Christmas?

QUICK and EASY crochet coaster for your celebrations - make your coaster with one, two, or three colours to bring out a variety of patterns within the one coaster.

PATTERN DETAILS:
Crochet Coaster MAGIC

Skill Level: Easy
Yarn: DMC Petra 5 or similar yarn
Hook: 2mm
Stitches: single, half double and double crochet
Gauge/Tension: Not crucial
Measurements: approx. 4in (10cm) diameter
Terminology: USA - American crochet terms

You can find this "MAGIC" pattern

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

and later you may also find it

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and Folksy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

POINT OF INTEREST: Did you know in the human brain, seven is a magic number?
Countless psychological experiments have shown that, on average, the longest sequence a normal person can recall on the fly contains about seven items. This limit, which psychologists dubbed the "magical number seven" when they discovered it in the 1950s, is the typical capacity of what's called the brain's working memory.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news178220995.html#jCp

Quick Easy Christmas Crochet Gifts

2012-10-08T17:47:00.002+01:00

Quick, Easy Christmas Crochet Gifts

Thinking of Christmas giving... ??

want to make it special...???

give the gift of HAND MADE...

you can make these super quick and easy...

Here are five (5) "simply perfect" gifts -

* Crochet Hat SWEET DUDE *

* Crochet Scarf SHADOW *

* Crochet Slippers TRAVELLER *

* Crochet Mittens COUNTRY *

* Crochet Mittens SHELLS *

A total of five (5) "simply perfect" crochet patterns

available in one (1) download....

***

one (1) price £6.50

***

saving you a total of £4.00

this is a SPECIAL OFFER

available for a limited time* only

so you can crochet your Christmas gifts

quick smart

before the ***snow falls***

You can find this "quintuplet" of patterns

available on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

and later you may also find it

in your favourite on-line store

Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and Folksy

Enjoy every moment,

focus on every stitch,

create a masterpiece....

ciao, ciao...

* SPECIAL OFFER CHRISTMAS GIFTS

available until December 22, 2012

CROCHET INSPIRATION from the HIGHLANDS of Scotland

2012-10-03T10:22:00.000+01:00

HIGHLANDS SECRET

A wonderful two weeks of exploration and relaxation were had in Ardnamurchan land, the West Highlands ...

and now we our back...

it's time for some serious crochet... after a day OR two of rest...

I can truly say I have been inspired by the colours of the highlands...

however for now I am committed to a submission project... so there is definitely no time to spare for pattern writing for my website... DOH!

so in the meantime you will have to wait patiently for any new patterns from me...

you can always view

my patterns page

and check out the FREE patterns as well

for those great winter accessories

always perfect for Christmas gift giving...

enjoy...

ciao, ciao...

Sneak peak... of my Scottish inspired hat

PERFECT CROCHET HEART PATTERN

2012-09-12T10:09:00.002+01:00

For all lovers of hearts...

here are my PERFECT HEART instructions step-by-step....

You can also download the FREE PATTERN from my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find it under Patterns Free

Ciao, Ciao....

CROCHET GIFTS for BABY

2012-09-10T17:14:00.000+01:00

Rainbow delight

Here's a special little treat....

I made this for my little CC when I returned from down-under....

Made to match the Crochet Baby Blanket RAINBOW....

YOU CAN MAKE IT TOO...

super quick and easy....

you can find the hat pattern on my website...

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet ...

and in my other pattern stores

Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and Folksy

AND

best of all the mittens pattern

IS FREE

for a printable copy just click HERE

or on the pattern photo above

you can also find this pattern on

Ravelry and Craftsy

enjoy, ciao, ciao....