MICROCKNIT CREATIONS

PIXIE BABE... SIMPLY PERFECT

2012-01-30T13:32:00.000Z

Time to give birth....

I conceived this baby hat in 2004 and it is now time to share this pattern with the world. May you have loads of fun with this pattern. It has given me and my family, friends and customers much pleasure over the years.

A SIMPLY PERFECT pixie hat pattern - make this hat for newborn, toddler or young ones – this pattern is so easy it can be adapted to varying head sizes and different yarns and hook sizes. Have some fun and play with the colours and create your own style of pixie hat!

THIS PIXIE HAT is EASY and can be made using various yarns, my favourites are:

Bendigo Cotton 4ply or 8ply (my preference for newborns), 3ply or 4ply baby wool
OR
my other favourite yarn for winter babies Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK
OR
Rowan Belle Organic DK.

YOU CAN ALSO make the pixie hat using bamboo yarn, cotton/silk blend and cotton/cashmere blend.

Over the last eight years, I have made hundreds of pixie hats from this pattern; it is so simple and so easy to adjust to different yarns and different hook sizes.

May you enjoy playing with it as much as I have.

This pattern will be available on my website.....

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

you will find the pattern under PATTERNS Hats

and later you may find it on Ravelry, Etsy and Folksy - so you can shop in your favourite shopping destination.

CIAO, CIAO...... Enjoy!

SWEET... DUDE... SWEET... CROCHET

2012-01-23T19:06:00.000Z

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER....

here it is the best ever crochet hat for your man...

I made this super warm crochet hat for my man late in 2010 and never managed to get down the pattern instructions... go figure!

2012 is now here and.....
My man was in desperate need of some new beanies this winter...
it has taken me this long to finally make him two new beaut hats...

and I now have the written pattern instructions available for you all...

This is the perfect winter warmer beanie.

Chunky style with a super easy texture stitch.

Simply perfect hat for bald heads with an optional soft and comfy lining.

Made with PATONS Wool Blend Aran
One HAT is lined with Bendigo 8ply Cotton
and the other is lined with Rowan Pima Cotton DK.

Both the outer hat and the inner hat lining were made using a 5mm hook.

The pattern is written for one size Adult Male - will fit 23in plus head.

Yes I have named it "SWEET DUDE" - because that's what my man is ....

This pattern will be available on my website.....

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

you will find the pattern under PATTERNS Hats

and later you may find it on Ravelry, Etsy and Folksy - so you can shop in your favourite shopping destination.

CIAO, CIAO...... Enjoy!

BABY PIXIE HATS for a New Year

2012-01-06T17:49:00.002Z

Crochet Baby Pixie Hat "Pom Pom"

This is my first pattern for 2012. Yes I designed this hat in 2011, however with all the festive celebrations and family gatherings and New Year, it has been sitting on the back burner waiting for release.

A colourful little pixie hat for your little one, with a super cute "baby safe" pom pom on top. It is crochet in single crochet and ever so easy. Make any size you like starting from newborn to toddler, child to adult. Hints on size adjustment in pattern.

I made this hat with James C. Brett Pure Merino DK which is ever so soft and delicate, the perfect little warmer for those cold winter days. I used a 4.5mm hook for this hat even though the yarn label recommends a 4mm hook, I also think you could easily use a 5mm hook and still get a good looking hat.

Pattern details:
Skill Level: Easy
Yarn: James C. Brett "Pure Merino DK"
Hook: 4.5mm
Stitches: sc, reverse sc
Size: Newborn
Terminology: US - American crochet terms

This pattern will be available on my website Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

and later on Ravelry, Etsy and Folksy so you can shop in your preferred shopping destination.

Hope you all had a lovely new beginning to the New Year..... Ciao, Ciao!

A Man Cowl

2011-12-20T08:46:00.002Z

It's been a long time coming....

I have been knitting this LONG cowl for my darling man...
yes very effective pattern... simple purl and knit stitches, placed in pattern sequence to create the stunning look.... however very taxing on my brain... 18 pattern rows repeated continuously... and each row different... no wonder it took me a while to finish... not a pattern I could remember easily. DOH!

So, my man loves it... he can wrap it around his neck twice... oh, yes I joined the finishing edge with the starting edge, NOT MOBIUS STYLE, just a simple cowl... ONE BIG LOOP...

I made the cowl with a gorgeous yarn from ROWAN....called Cocoon.... a blend of merino wool 80% AND kid mohair 20%.... sooo soft....

How many balls of yarn: I used 3 x 100g balls (with a bit left over)...
Yarn colour: Tundra 808
Measurements: approx. 8in wide and total of 56in long.
Needles: 6mm

I really love it... however don't think I could bring myself to make it again very soon... my brain needs a good rest... although I may make one next winter for myself! Maybe....

So if you really like it go find the pattern on Ravelry... it is FREE... and be prepared for a brain workout ... You can find the pattern here.... on Ravelry....

Wishing you ALL a very Merry Christmas.... Ciao, Ciao!

Winter warmers - MITTENS crochet

2011-11-28T10:24:00.001Z

Time to rug up...

A decent drop in temperature overnight... 1 degree celsius at 7am this morning... How do I know? I was out in it... ice covered windscreens to boot...
Not complaining, we have had a very mild autumn here in UK.

Perfect timing..
So, the colder weather is perfectly timed with my latest pattern for full crochet mittens.
I have made these mittens for myself, just love these DEBBIE BLISS yarns

Debbie Bliss "Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran"

and

Debbie Bliss "Fez".

Both yarns are delicious to work with, and both yarns soften and relax the more you work with them.

You will just love these yarns and the tweed is non scratchy and there is a great range of colours, do check it out.

Unfortunately, I had to buy a second ball of Donegal to finish my mittens, last 4-5 rounds of the mitten and the thumb section. DOH!
However, if you were to use more of the Fez for the rib band you should be able to make the mittens using only 1 ball of each.

Here are the Pattern Basics:

Easy crochet mittens with simple rib cuff and rice stitch over the palm. Optional wristband.

Worked in rounds starting at the cuff. No seams to sew.

Wear the mittens on either hand. Pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

Skill Level:	EASY
Yarn:	Debbie Bliss “Donegal Luxury Tweed 2 balls AND Debbie Bliss “Fez” 1 ball OR any other similar yarn

Hook:	5mm
Stitches:	sc, hdc, dc, FPdc
Measurements:	Length 10in (25cm); Palm circumference 8in (20cm)
Size:	Ladies M/L
Terminology:	USA - American crochet terms

THIS PATTERN IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE

BARBARA SUMMERS HAND KNIT AND CROCHET

in the PATTERNS HANDWEAR section

LATER YOU MAY FIND THE PATTERN AVAILABLE IN MY OTHER SHOPS

ciao, ciao!

STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT

2011-11-08T14:56:00.001Z

Starry, Starry night!

Inspiration plus...

this Van Gogh painting

"Starry Night"

and
Don McLean's lyrics

"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"

have been my inspiration for creating this years Christmas Decos...

oh yes...
even the masters can inspire crochet...

Stars, Sky, Moon, Christmas Night
See those lovely stars in the sky, swirling blobs of white and yellow... obviously Van Gogh's sky is beautifully exaggerated with the brilliance of the stars...
however I do love this painting. Something very soothing and comforting about it!

NOW on to the important bit .... crochet Christmas decorations... just a little something to add to the "TO DO LIST"....

I've created three little motifs to be hung on the tree or wherever takes your fancy... you could make a lovely garland, and hang in the window or above your fireplace. Wherever.... it's all up to you.

Motifs are:

Starburst
Swirls
Starshine

PATTERN BASICS:

Skill Level: Easy
Yarn: Patons Cotton DK or 4ply; Metallic Gold and Cotton Thread OR any other similar yarn.
Hook: 2.5mm, 3mm or 3.5mm dependent on yarn
Stitches: sc, dc, hdc, tr
Terminology: USA - American crochet terms

With this pattern you can play and have a bit of fun. The pattern is simple and easy, you can make each motif in one colour or change to contrast colour, instructions are given in the pattern. Make them as colourful as you like or simply pure white and/or gold. You can make a variety of colourful motifs, along with many different sizes, just by changing hook size and using various yarn weights.

So come along and have some fun before the madness of Christmas takes hold!

This pattern is available FREE on my website

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

find this pattern under PATTERNS FREE

and later you may find it on Ravelry

Enjoy! Ciao, Ciao!

Perfect Crochet Hat CHRISTMAS SANTA ELF LONG TAIL

2011-11-03T12:13:00.000Z

HERE IT IS.... THE PERFECT HAT PATTERN

FOR THE LONG TAIL and SHORT TAIL ELF

It's called CROCHET HAT LOLLIPOP
I made the pink long tail first and I thought it looked just like a lollipop!

You can make this hat with organic cotton yarn or organic wool/cotton blends.

For the long tail pink, blue, and santa hats I used Bendigo Cotton 8ply which you can also find available in smaller balls under the brand name of Heirloom Cotton 8ply.

The green elf hat I made using Rowan Belle Organic Wool Cotton DK for the main colour (body of hat) and James C. Brett Pure Merino DK for the contrast texture, pom pom and brim of hat.

PATTERN BASICS

This is basically a Newborn hat “photo prop” with a long tail and “baby safe” pom pom. Easy to adjust for smaller/larger head circumference.

MAKE a variety of hats with this pattern - long tail, short tail, santa, elf.
TWO different hat edge finishes.
An ADJUSTABLE DRAWSTRING makes for a perfect fit.
Skill Level: Easy - knowledge of surface crochet needed.
Stitches: double crochet and Front Post double crochet.
Yarn: Bendigo Cotton 8ply OR Heirloom Cotton 8ply; OR any other similar yarn.
Hook: 4mm
Measurements: Circumference 14in (35.5cm)
Size: Newborn to 3M+
Terminology: USA - American crochet terms; metric hook sizes.
This pattern is adaptable to other yarns.

You can find this pattern here:

on my website - Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

in the Patterns Shop under Patterns Hats

and available later on Ravelry, Folksy and Etsy.

Where you can shop comfortably in your favourite shopping destination.

Enjoy, Ciao Ciao!

CROCHET HAT SANTA ELF CHRISTMAS

2011-11-02T17:05:00.001Z

Take an idea... and stretch it!

A simple idea which I stretched into these unique design hats...

Simply Perfect... SANTA and ELF hats for your darling newborn, with unique baby safe pom pom and an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit.
Made with organic cotton OR organic wool/cotton blend.
Sizes from Newborn to 6 months plus.
Make their first Christmas special - to be treasured for years to come!

Find it in my Babywear Shop

MADE TO ORDER - it can take 7 to 21 days to make (depending on demand). You will be notified at time of ordering the estimated dispatch date.

OH YES... I AM WORKING ON THE PATTERN TOO... SO YOU CAN MAKE IT YOURSELF!

HO HO HO!

ALL HALLOWS EVE

2011-10-31T17:35:00.000Z

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Dynamic Blogger - What the ?

2011-10-29T10:21:00.001+01:00

TIME FOR NEW ADVENTURES

OK so I am going to give Blogger's new Dynamic views a go...
for now apart from choosing a style...
I am still working out how to do the rest...

so bear with me... I am a slow learner...
if you prefer the old style... please let me know ...

OMG... Ciao, Ciao!

Custom Patterns for DK Yarn

2011-10-22T17:42:00.001+01:00

LONG TAIL ELF PIXIE HAT

Are you looking for a crochet pattern for a "long tail elf pixie hat"?
You know those cute little hats they use in photography shots of cute little newborn babies?
And, after looking, there seem to be a few patterns floating around - however you would like the pattern for a DK yarn using a 4mm hook.
Well, look no further, because you have found it.
This little pattern is the result of a recent request from a new customer - simply she asked if I could write a pattern for a "long tail elf hat" using DK yarn.
And as I am always up for a challenge, I proceeded to create this -

Yes, it is just like what you can find out there.... but this pattern is written for DK yarn using a 4mm hook. And the big bonus - a "baby safe" pom pom.

On the topic of pom poms.... basically I hate them... I have always hated them and I refuse to make them. Naturally, I would not have a pom pom anywhere near my baby... the thought of loose fibres shedding off the yarn ends ... makes me cringe!
There you have it - I am not a fan of pom poms.
So, to achieve the look required with this hat, I created my very own original design "baby safe" pom pom. No loose fibres floating about and ever so simple. All you do is crochet it!

Now, let's get down to business and some PATTERN BASICS for
PATTERN Crochet Hat "LONG TAIL"

Skill Level:	EASY
Yarn:	Bendigo “Cotton 8ply” OR any other similar yarn
Substitute yarns:	*Always* match Tension/Gauge and Hook recommendations on yarn label* to the yarn used in this pattern.*
Hook:	Yarn label:- 4mm *This pattern:* 4mm
Stitches:	dc, FPdc
Gauge/Tension:	Yarn label: 22sts to 10cm. *This pattern*: 15sts to 4in (10cm)
Measurements:	Circumference approx. 14in (35.5cm); Length 31in (78.5cm)
Size:	Newborn to 3M+
Terminology:	USA - American crochet terms

Hat is crochet in the round, top down, and a knowledge of colour change is necessary. If you are not comfortable with colour change you can always make it in one colour, always your choice.
The pattern also includes hints on how to make smaller/larger size.
Made with cotton yarn which is probably the best yarn for newborn babes.

So, there it is, a simple request for a custom pattern - now available to you all from my website
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet
find it under PATTERNS HATS

and later you may find it on Ravelry, Etsy, and Folksy
so you can shop in comfort at your favourite shopping destination.

Ciao, ciao!

Newborn Crochet Hats and Mittens

2011-10-18T19:43:00.002+01:00

Baby Love

The best time in anyone's life... the birth of a child!
What a miracle... so tiny, so cute, so soft and so much in need of protection.
If I could only relive those wonderful baby days... sigh... definitely the best days of my life (my babies are 31 and 36 yrs old now). Wow, that was a long time ago! So, today I create little hats and mittens for someone else's darlings.

Are you looking for a "simply perfect" newborn crochet hat? Then look no further here it is. Easy, and ever so soft and comfortable for baby.

Pattern Basics

Skill Level: EASY
Yarn: Bendigo Cotton 8ply OR any other similar yarn
Hook: 4mm
Stitches: sc, hdc, reverse sc (crab stitch)
Size: Newborn to 3M+
Terminology: USA American crochet terms

Pattern Description

This crochet hat and mittens pattern will give you the basics to creating your own baby hats, starting with basic single crochet. You can introduce simple colour changes, creating a contrast edge, or stripes or blocks of colour, ever so simple and yet so versatile. You can easily create a variety of hats just with one pattern.
AND, once you have mastered this simple crochet hat pattern, you can progress your crochet hat skills and get more adventurous by changing the stitches in the body of the hat. So many possibilities from one simple pattern. You will be able to make crochet hats in all sizes, from newborn to adult (there is no limit). Adjusting the size is very easy and I give you hints on size adjustment in the pattern.

AND BEST OF ALL this is a FREE PATTERN available from
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet http://www.crocknit.com

Hope you enjoy making your hats and mittens, and remember all my patterns come with FREE online assistance.

Ciao, ciao!

ROLLING MOBIUS - ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE

2011-10-13T11:54:00.000+01:00

Here's one for KENT
The landscape of East Kent, UK is wonderfully diverse, rich in its arable land, fruit growing, horticulture and wildlife - and it's this glorious rolling countryside which is my inspiration for this crochet mobius scarf - COUNTRY TRACKS. Just a bit manly and robust with a softening in the roll factor. Just like the countryside rough in parts and with a soft edge to it's beauty.

Creating with purpose
So, unlike my other mobius scarf patterns this time I've designed it to roll - yes, that's right... R O L L.... I like the bobble stitch and thought I would take advantage of it's texture, and create a country themed scarf with an added little twist in the very last round to allow it to roll back over itself.

Initially it looks like any other crochet mobius, seems to lie flat as you work each round, but then add the last round, and give it a stretch - hey presto! you have a roll factor with a mind of it's own.

Pattern Basics

Skill Level:	EASY
Yarn:	Jarol “Pure British Wool Aran” 100g OR any other similar yarn
Substitute yarns:	*Always* match Tension/Gauge and Hook recommendations on yarn label* to the yarn used in this pattern.*
Hook:	Yarn label:- 5mm *This pattern:* 6mm
Stitches:	sc, hdc, dc, bobble
Gauge/Tension:	Yarn label: 19sts to 24 rows. This pattern: 10sts in dc to 4in (10.2cm) Gauge is not critical in this pattern.
Measurements:	Circumference approx. 45in (114.3cm); width 6in (15.2cm)
Size:	Mens Average
Terminology:	USA - American crochet terms

THIS PATTERN IS AVAILABLE NOW as a PDF DOWNLOADABLE FILE HERE and on RAVELRY - OH YES, NEARLY FORGOT, IT IS F R E E !

enjoy.... ciao, ciao!

Crochet Designs - Mittens and Headbands

2011-10-09T20:04:00.001+01:00

Mittens and Headbands
As autumn comes around we start thinking of mittens and scarves, hats and headbands...
well here is a little pattern I worked on ... oh some time ago... and only now have managed to get around to keying it into the computer... it is one of the most time consuming parts of pattern designing... and not much fun.

I really have to be strict with myself to get it all together...

When I first made these mittens I was thinking of a quick and simple pattern for mittens which can be made from cotton for those days or evenings when a little warmth on your hands is all you need and it doesn't have to be full-blown woollen warmth... although this pattern can also be made with a nice pure merino wool yarn.

My love of Bendigo Woollen Mills
I just love the yarns from Bendigo Woollen Mills, my favourite has to be cotton 8ply and 4ply. These cotton yarns are just so soft and come in nice big balls of 200g. Just perfect for large projects - eliminates continually having to hide ends in a large project.

Well, enough said about the cotton, they also have a range of other yarns. And it is well-worth visiting their website, even with shipping costs their prices are quite reasonable. DO check them out.

Off the mark

So I digress a bit... here it is...........

"Simply perfect" fingerless mittens and mobius headband with a ribbed texture pattern. Trimmed with a simple contrast at cuff edge and palm edge.
Crochet in the round, no seams to sew.
Wear the mittens on either hand.
Pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.
Mobius Headband is worked in the round, tapered width at back and complimented with a simple contrast edge.

Size: Ladies M/L = medium to large
Adjusting size hints available with pattern.
Basic Stitches: single, double, front post and back post double crochet
Yarn: Bendigo Cotton 8ply, Rowan Belle Organic DK, James C. Brett Pure Merino DK OR ;any other similar yarn
Terminology: US crochet terms; metric hook sizes.
This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

PATTERN is now available from my website HERE under "Patterns Sets" and later will be available from my other online shops: Ravelry, Etsy, Folksy
so you can shop at your leisure in your favourite shopping destination.

PATTERN Crochet Hat "STRIPES"

2011-10-04T17:53:00.002+01:00

Re-organizing, Re-arranging and re-grouping....

It's that time of year, autumn... and just like spring, I always feel a need to sort stuff out - whether it be in my mind, in my kitchen cupboards or with my crochet patterns... there is always room for improvement.

So, on that note here is the first of many more to come... a re-grouping of favourite STRIPES patterns - including summertime sun hats and winter beanie hat with turn-up brim. They are simply the perfect combination.

Included in this combo:

Crochet Hat "Bucket Stripes"
Crochet Hat "Simple Stripes"
Crochet Hat "Persimmon Stripes"

A few little tweeks in the patterns, to keep them up-to-date with my latest styles and formats, and you now have a great beginners pattern collection for your baby, toddler, child or even yourself.

These patterns can be easily adapted to other yarns and hat sizes can be adjusted for larger or smaller heads.

If you are unable to work it out yourself just contact me, all my patterns come with FREE online assistance.

As always this pattern is available HERE, and then later will be available on Ravelry, Etsy and Folksy.

So you can shop in your favourite location.

Ciao, ciao!

Autumn Babies!

2011-09-29T15:45:00.000+01:00

All babies need a hat...
a handmade crochet hat, of course...
and made by you!

It is a fact we humans lose a lot of heat through our heads, and hats help to keep the warmth in our bodies.

In autumn and winter especially, babies need to wear hats whilst outside, they just can not regulate their body temperatures until about 6 months old.

So, I've come up with a new crochet hat design for your babies head and I have added a cute pair of mittens to match.

Autumn Time!
I love autumn here in the UK... the cooler days, and the fresh breeze and the autumnal colours... just starting... but the one thing you see a lot of at this time of year in home gardens, along the road side and amongst the hedgerows are the colourful berries... berries, berries everywhere.... rowan berries, blackberries, rose hips, hawthorn berries, sloe berries, elderberries, and many others (which of course I don't know all their names)... maybe eventually I'll get there. The abundance of berries this year is amazing... yellows, reds, blacks, blues, orange, white.... such a beautiful sight along the way... and some are good enough to eat!

All these wonderful and colourful berries and the onset of cooler days, has inspired me to design a super special little berry hat with matching mittens.

Baby Hat and Mittens "AUTUMN BERRIES"
I designed a cute little berry top hat with a small twig of berries in each panel around the body of the hat, and then added a smaller version of the berries to the mittens.

This hat and mittens pattern is written using James C. Brett "Pure Merino" DK and crocheted with a 4.5mm hook. It will fit up to 16in (40.5cm) plus head circumference. Hints on making a smaller/larger size hat are included in the pattern. Skill level for this pattern is: Intermediate

The pattern is now available HERE and later will be available: Ravelry, Etsy, Folksy. So you can choose your favourite shopping destination.
As always all my patterns come with FREE online pattern assistance.

May you enjoy this "simply perfect" pattern as much as I have...

Ciao, ciao!

Crochet "Just for Men"

2011-09-19T18:54:00.001+01:00

Here it is my latest pattern for THE MAN in my life!

It's a man thing! robust, yet a sensual earthy style.

Made with Patons Wool Blend Aran, a classic autumn/winter yarn, check out the lovely colour palette, shades ranging from creams and browns, to blues and greys. It's a great wool blend aran with 63% wool and 27% acrylic, ball weight 100g, and recommended hook 4.5mm, yet I have written this pattern for 5mm hook, 4.5mm will make the gloves too rigid. And of course they are a hit with my man! Will see how soon I need to make another pair?

PATTERN DETAILS: Easy and quick, double rib texture for the cuff and single rib texture over the palm. Trimmed with contrast colour at cuff edge and palm edge. Crochet in the round, with optional thumb section. No seams to sew. Wear the mittens on either hand. The pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.
One Size: Mens = Medium to Extra Large
Basic Stitches: single, double, front post double crochet.
Yarn: Patons Wool Blend Aran 63% Wool 27% Acrylic
Hook: 5mm
Terminology: US crochet terms; metric hook sizes.
This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

It is NOW available from my website and later will also be released on: Ravelry, Etsy, Folksy.

So do enjoy, I am off to relax a bit, and then tomorrow is another day! I am working my way through my "To Do" list.
ciao, ciao!

Image via Wikipedia

don't you just love this...

classic... i love it...

CHARITY HAT PATTERN

2011-09-16T17:55:00.001+01:00

PATTERN Crochet Hat "PINK REMEMBRANCE"

ALL proceeds from sale of this pattern will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care http://www.mariecurie.org.uk

I’m raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care using JustGiving and I'd really appreciate your support.
You can help support this cause here in two ways:
1. You can purchase this Crochet Hat Pattern from my website and I will donate the proceeds.
OR
2. Make a donation (minimum £3.00) direct to "Justgiving" via my page: http://www.justgiving.com/Barbara-Summers.

It's easy, fast and totally secure.
If you make the donation via Justgiving, and want the pattern just convo me with your donation receipt.
It will be much appreciated.

You’re making a big difference -

Every £20 will fund a Marie Curie Nurse for one hour to care for a terminally ill patient in their own home.

£160 will pay for a whole shift for a Marie Curie Nurse to be there to support a patient and their carer for a whole day or night.

£12,000 needs to be raised every hour of every day to fund their work.

Only a quarter of all terminally ill cancer patients in the UK currently die at home. Marie Curie Nurses care for half of them - but they want to reach more.

Your donation will help make this a reality for ALL.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Simple, quick, easy crochet mittens

2011-09-13T14:35:00.002+01:00

Autumnal equinox is coming!
Here in the northern hemisphere the sun will soon cross the celestial equator and move south, taking the warmth and long daylight hours with it!

Sunset, Tankerton Slopes, Kent

However, before the coming of the winter darkness, the autumnal equinox which occurs about 22/23rd September also heralds the time of the harvest moon, which is the full moon closest to this date, and that is happening right now... today is Sept 12 and it's full moon! OMG... I am going out right now to see if the night is clear of clouds to get a photo... Oh yes here it is a photo of the harvest moon... shame I didn't think of it before now (it is 9.30pm)... anyway I have a photo for you... oh and I did get one yesterday as well taken a bit earlier in the evening... but today is the moon that counts...

Harvest Moon, Sept 12, 2011

Harvest Moon, Sept 11, 2011

Wow, how exciting... you would not believe how often the full moon is obscured by clouds here... so, of course I get very excited when I can actually get to view the full moon... WOW, I seem to have gone right off track here... where is the crochet stuff?

Well, all this moon stuff started with thinking about the coming of cooler autumn days, and how it is now a good time to start those projects for some simple and quick fingerless mittens... and I have a collection of new patterns coming soon... just need to tear myself away from the actual crocheting and set myself down, and put the words into the computer, so I can release the patterns...

OK - here is the list of new patterns coming soon...

Crochet Mobius "Tweedie"
This is another one of my "It's a man thing!" pattern. A simply perfect short crochet mobius with cluster texture pattern and matching fingerless mittens. Made with Sirdar "Tweedie" Chunky. However, I am looking for a substitute yarn because I just don't like the feel of this yarn. So, this pattern may take a bit longer before it is released.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Lilac"
This lovely pair of mittens with accompanying headband can be made with Bendigo 8ply Cotton or any similar 8ply or DK yarn.

The pattern has a ribbed texture and complimented with a simple contrast edge and two buttons.

The crochet headband is worked using the famous "mobius" style with some surprise features.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Country"
This is my "It's a man thing!" pattern - my husband will be the first recipient of these mittens. Robust and manly, made with Patons "Wool Blend Aran".

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Loopy"
This is a simple, delicate crochet mitten pattern with optional thumb section and made with Patons Diploma Gold 4ply. Perfect for evening and autumn wear.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Shells"
This is a revised version of my very early pattern Crochet Mittens Aran (which by the way is NO longer available). I have totally rewritten the pattern and improved the instructions and thrown out the bits I no longer like. So basically you could say it's a brand new pattern. Made with Sirdar "Balmoral" and yes this yarn is now discontinued... so before I release the pattern will find a substitute yarn. Maybe rewrite it for Aran yarn or similar.

For your information: all my fingerless mitten patterns are crochet in the round, starting at the cuff, no seams to sew and some have an optional thumb section. You can wear the mittens on either hand, the pattern is the same for both left and right mittens. "Simply perfect".....

OK, so that will keep me busy for the next few days. So, close to finalization, but not quite there yet, pattern checking is a time consuming process.

That's all for now, folks!
Ciao, Ciao!

GIVE ME A HAND!

2011-09-07T13:59:00.003+01:00

AND I WILL GIVE YOU A MITTEN!

Fingerless mittens - my favourite clothing accessory - I love being able to use my fingers even though I have gloves on - and that is what fingerless mittens are all about. The freedom to do!

James C Brett
Who is this man, you say?

Well, I don't know! but the yarn is fabulous.... it is my latest yarn find... and I am in love with this Pure Merino DK...
and yes, can you see on the label - it is machine washable... not that I ever wash my handknits in the machine... but maybe you do?

This yarn is so incredibly soft... and there is a fantastic range of colours...
and it is ever so luxuriously delicate to the touch.... (well, yes I pinched the words from the yarn description on Deramores, oops!)

It is absolutely the perfect yarn for these mittens and I dare say for any garment!

Matching Mobius or Cowl?
Next on my list of "TO DO" or "WIP" is a matching mobius/cowl in black... to match these little beauties... I am still deciding on the pattern... I really want to come up with something which will compliment the mittens and not use the same stitch pattern.

I am after a pattern on both sides of the piece and with this lattice pattern it is only one sided... so I am working on it... of course it is going to be mainly black, using the same James C. Brett Pure Merino DK yarn and then a contrast edge of some kind?

By the way, if you're wondering which shade is this pink, it is Shade No. 15.

Do you think I am addicted to fingerless mittens?
you may be right...

Last year's design
Last winter, I made a similar pair of fingerless mittens in this lattice pattern (a nice olive green with purple trim - do you remember? check it out HERE)
and it has taken me HOW LONG? to finally get this pattern into the computer... never mind it has turned out to be quite fruitful - minor adjustments to the original pattern -and simplified pattern instructions. So a worthwhile project all round.

This pattern is now available here:

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

and coming soon to:

Ravelry
Etsy
Folksy

May you all enjoy..... Ciao, Ciao!

Crochet for Men!

2011-09-04T17:49:00.001+01:00

Happy Father's Day!

Well, for those down-under at least - today is Father's Day - in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Although my father is no longer on this earth, I still remember him on this day. Happy Father's Day Dad!

Henryk Ocinski

And I am sure he would have loved this latest pattern for a Crochet Mobius neckwarmer called "SHADOW".

Pattern is written using Patons "Shadow Tweed" yarn and 7mm hook. This crochet mobius neckwarmer fits comfortably snug around the neck and is wide enough to pull up and cover ears, mouth and nose for those freezing wintry mornings. I have also included hints on how to upsize the pattern.

This pattern is now available here. Click on pattern pic below. Ciao, for now!

Another one bites the dust!

2011-09-01T17:17:00.001+01:00

Don't stop me now, I'm having a ball ........ writing up my crochet patterns!

Don't stop me now, I don't want to stop at all!

Ok, for those who can't guess.... it's "Queen"....

And for those who don't give a fig... about "Queen"... here is my latest crochet pattern... may you enjoy...

Crochet Doily "SEASIDE"... available as a FREE PATTERN here
The link will take you directly to my website and then you can click through to the Patterns Free page. I'm changing the way I add links in this blog - just recently I updated my website, so ALL previous links to my website pages (apart from the Home page) will return with an error message. Which is a bit of a shame - I do apologise for the frustration you may experience - however there is no way I am going to go through all my blogs and renew the links.... sorry!

So, for now enjoy the doily fun... and don't stop me now, I'm having a ball...

Ciao, Ciao!

SEASIDE Coasters

2011-08-29T18:01:00.002+01:00

Cheerful seaside colours!

Crochet Coasters and Doily "SEASIDE" design Barbara Summers

the colour of water - deep blue, sea green, turquoise - greens and blues the world over...

Crochet Coasters and Doily "SEASIDE" design Barbara Summers

seaside colours are my inspiration for these crochet coasters and matching centre piece/doily...
blue and green... never to be seen... what was that saying?
It was an old saying from my early school days... oh well can't remember the rest!
In today's fashion world it seems these colours are everywhere...
I really love the finished look of these colour combinations... they look well together...

Just take a look around at nature...
the colour combinations are inspiring...

look at a peacock ... their feathers are magnificent...
blue and green... absolutely fabulous!
OK so there are other colours between the blue and green but hey they work...

Crochet Coaster Pattern "SEASIDE"
So, on with the new stuff, I am releasing this "simply beautiful" coaster pattern for FREE... and next week will include the accompanying pattern for the centre piece/doily... but first I want to make another centre piece with the olive green as the focus... I am just loving this colour...

Crochet Coasters "SEASIDE" design Barbara Summers

I know, it's taken me a while to get back to writing up these patterns for release however, this past week has been full of other website, pattern, document and photo re-organizing. And what a job it is... still grasping with the enormous task put before me... and the call of the hook is always beckoning...

PATTERN CROCHET COASTERS "SEASIDE" check out the FREE PATTERNS page

or go to my FREE PATTERNS on Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet

So, for now enjoy the FREE PATTERN for the Crochet Coasters "SEASIDE"...
and how about sharing your colour combinations and festive coasters with the rest of us...

Ciao, ciao!

It's a MAN thing!

2011-08-26T13:17:00.001+01:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Just Clone Me!

2011-08-17T08:30:00.003+01:00

I want to be cloned...
why isn't there another me who can spend all the time she likes on the laptop keying in crochet patterns, sorting through photos, tagging everything, (I mean tagging EVERYTHING) and just getting it all organised ?

I want to spend my day crocheting, jotting down pattern notes, (to be deciphered and turned into written patterns by the other me), trialling new ideas, playing with a variety of yarns and creating at my leisure.

CROCHET PROJECTS
Some days I look around and I have a stash of projects all finished and a notebook full of my scribbles and notes, and no inclination at all to sit down at the laptop and key it all in - I am sure it has something to do with the full moon! don't you think?

PREVIEW of PATTERNS
Anyway here is a little snippet of some crochet patterns I am working on... and when the urge to sit at the laptop for a few hours to write out the patterns occurs.... they will be available for purchase and one or two will be free...

Crochet Doily and Coasters "SEASIDE"

Crochet Doily and Coasters "Seaside"
I made these coasters and doily with Patons 100% Cotton DK and 4.5mm hook. I just love the colour range Patons has available in this DK cotton yarn, and their 4ply cotton yarn has another set of amazing colours as well.

I'm thinking this doily and coasters set will be a great addition to my festive table come Christmas, I may even try making a set in a range of festive-type colours like yellow, pomegranate, fuschia and green. Can't believe I am already thinking of Christmas!

Crochet Mobius and Mittens "Tweedie"

Crochet Mobius, Neckwarmers and Mittens
So, yeah Christmas, cold weather, and because this summer has been lacking in warmth... just a wee bit.... I am already thinking mittens and neckwarmers... and doing a bit of work on MY MAN stuff. Like crochet mobius for men with matching mittens. What do you think?

Crochet Mobius "Tweedie"

Unfortunately, the yarn I used here was a left-over sample from last winter and definitely a yarn I would not recommend, it's by Sirdar, called Tweedie Chunky, and is 40% Wool, 15% Alpaca and 45% Acrylic - and I don't like the texture when it's crocheted - just too r u b b e r y... yep that's right rubbery...

basically I don't like it... yuk! yuk! yuk!
and thankfully I found out it is now discontinued... why do they even bother making this awful stuff?

Anyway I made the mobius and one mitten and I hate it so much I will probably end up binning it... yeah it's that bad... honesty I can't even bring myself to feel comfortable with giving it to a charity shop!

Chunky Mobius for THE MAN
Here is a really nice alternate yarn which I could use to re-make the above mobius and mittens Patons "Shadow Tweed" 56% Wool 40% Acrylic 4% Viscose ... yes I know not exactly my favourite all natural fibre yarn - but my darling suffers with wool itchiness - no matter how it comes... merino wool.... cashmere... alpaca... you name it - he finds it itchy! go figure!

Crochet Mobius "Shadow" for the man

Here is the crochet mobius neckwarmer made for my man using Patons "Shadow Tweed".... a nice chunky yarn with softness...

This is a great Christmas gift - can be made with only one skein (using 7mm hook) ... and Patons has a nice assortment of colours... available in this yarn.

I am seriously thinking about making a few more of these as quick gifts...
however even though it is only 56% wool it is still HAND WASH only....
which can be an issue for some...

MORE CREATIVE IDEAS
There will also be a simple pattern coming soon of how to make a mobius headband with some basic shaping involved. I have made it with cotton yarn and before I release the new pattern want to also make it with wool. So it's something you will have to wait and see when I next post my blog...

That's all for now... I am busy crocheting myself another sleeping beanie... oh yeah

ciao, ciao !