PatchWork Creations

Simple Beanie

2017-02-28T13:17:00.001+01:00

Materials

1 ball light fingering weight (1) yarn (Yarn used - Yeye 100% acrylic)

3.5mm hook

Size: 3-6 months

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

ch = chain

CSDC = Chainless Standing Double Crochet. Find tutorial on Mooglyblog

dc = double crochet

sc = single crochet

sp = space

st/s = stitch/es

BPdc = back post double crochet

FPdc = front post double crochet

V-Stitch = 1dc + ch1 + 1dc in same space

Notes

We will start each round with a CSDC. If you are not comfortable then you may start with a chain 3

Beginning ch3/CSDC counts as a stitch.

Each round will be joined with a slip stitch unless otherwise specified.

Pattern

1. In a magic circle make 12sc. Working in a spiral. (12)
2.       2sc in each stitch around. Join with slip st to first sc (24)
3.       CSDC, 1dc in next st. *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 2dc* Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st (32)
4.       CSDC, 1 dc in next 2dc. *2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 3dc*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st. (40)
5.       CSDC, 1dc in next 3dc, 2 dc in next dc. *1dc in next 4dc, 2dc in next dc* Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st. (48)
6.       CSDC, 1dc in next 4dc, 2dc in next dc. *1dc in next 5dc, 2dc in next dc*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st. (56)
7.       CSDC, 1dc in next 5dc, 2dc in next dc*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st. (64)

Crown diameter = 4 ½ inches

8.       CSDC, 1dc around. Join with slip st. (64)
9.       CSDC, ch1 (counts as dc+ch1), 1dc in same st (1 v-st made), *skip next 2dc, dc in next st, ch1, dc in same st. (v-st made)* Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st in top of CSDC. (22 v-st)
10.   CSDC, 1dc in each st around. Join with slip st. (64)
11.   CSDC, ch1, 1dc in same st. *skip next 2dc, dc in next st, ch1, dc in same st*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st. (22 v-st)
12.   CSDC, 1 dc in each dc and ch1 space around. Join with slip st. (66)

Repeat rounds 11 & 12 for desired length ending with round 11
Crown to neck = 5 ½ inches (till round 19)

20.   Repeat round 12 (66)
21.   CSDC *FPdc in next dc, BPdc in next dc*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip st.
22-24 Repeat round 21
Fasten off

The sweater, slightly modified in size due to the yarn weight, is by Heather from Patternsforcrochet.co.uk. The beanie and booties were designed by me to match.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/.

Faux Sun Hat

2017-02-27T17:13:00.000+01:00

Faux Sun Hat

Materials

1 ball light fingering weight (1) yarn (Yarn used - Yeye yarn 100% acrylic)

1 ball Ice Yarn Cha Cha Cha ruffle yarn (06 Bulky)

3.5mm hook

Finished Size = 18” circumference

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

ch = chain

CSDC = Chainless Standing Double Crochet. Find tutorial on Mooglyblog

dc = double crochet

sc = single crochet

sp = space

st = stitch

Notes:

Each round will be joined with a slip stitch, unless otherwise specified.

Pattern

ch 3.

Round 1 (right side) : Work (2 dc, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1] 3 times) in 3rd ch from hook (2 skipped chs count as dc); join with slip st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3—4 groups of 3 dc.

Round 2: Slip st in next 2 dc, (slip st, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space (beginning 3-dc group made), ch 1, 3 dc in same ch-1 space, [(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space] 3 times; join with slip st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-2—8 groups of 3 dc.

Round 3: Slip st in next 2 dc, (slip st, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in space before next 3-dc group**; 3 dc in next ch-1 space; repeat from * 3 more times, ending last repeat at **; join with slip st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-2—12 groups of 3 dc.

Round 4: Slip st in next 2 dc, (slip st, ch 2, 2 dc) in space before next 3-dc group; *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space**; [3 dc in space before next 3-dc group] twice; repeat from * 3 more times, ending last repeat at **; 3 dc in space before next 3-dc group; join with slip st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-2—16 groups of 3 dc.

Round 5: Slip st in next 2 dc, (slip st, ch 2, 2 dc) in space before next 3-dc group; *[3 dc in space (or in ch-1 space) before next 3-dc group] twice, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in space before next 3-dc group**, 3 dc in space before next 3-dc group; repeat from * 3 more times, ending last repeat at **; join with slip st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-2—22 groups of 3 dc.

Round 6: Slip st in next 2 dc, (slip st, ch 2, 2 dc) in space before next 3-dc group; *[3 dc in space (or in ch-1 space) before next 3-dc group] twice, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in space before next 3-dc group**, 3 dc in space before next 3-dc group; repeat from * 3 more times, ending last repeat at **; join with slip st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-2—25 groups of 3 dc.

NB: Crown now measures approximately 5 inches

Round 7-19: Make 3 dc in the space between each 3-dc group – 25 groups of 3 dc.

Round 20: From here on we will work in a spiral. Mark the first stitch of the row, moving marker up with each row. 1 sc in each stitch around. – 75 sc

Round 21: Move marker up. Holding the ruffle yarn in front of your work and parallel to the working stitch, fold about an inch of the beginning of the ruffle yarn, insert hook through all the folded layers and the stitch to be worked. Complete 1sc stitch. *Insert hook through the next thread loop from front to back and then again through the triangular loop of the ruffle yarn, from front to back and through the next stitch on the hat, completing a sc*. Repeat from * to * around. – 75 sc.

Round 22: Repeat round 21 – 75 sc

Round 23: Repeat round 21 but without the ruffle yarn. – 75 sc

Round 24-27: Repeat round 23. – 75 sc.

Fasten off.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/.

Let's do the Cha Cha Cha with Ice Yarns

2016-11-04T22:23:00.000+01:00

Eeeee....I am so excited! Why, you ask? Because I have a new order of Ice Yarns. Yayyyy *happy dance*. I don't think I have mentioned this before but I do have an online yarn store called Patchwork Creations (http://patchworkcreations.yarnshopping.com). We have some great deals on Ice yarns available. The yarns I bought are also Ice. I got one pack of Cha Cha Cha yarn (http://www.iceyarns.com/en/ cha-cha-cha-mixed-lot#) and one pack of Twin Ringlets (http://www.iceyarns.com/en/ twin-ringlets-light-olive- green-cream#inc579)

Never having worked with ruffle yarn or scarf yarn before I set out to do some research. After going through many different websites and youtube videos, all I saw were scarves, scarves and more scarves! So I set to work.And here is the fruit of my labour

And while I agree that the models are beautiful * cheeky grin ;D * the scarf itself left me feeling depressed! :(

So obviously I went a-frogging! And came up with a faux sunhat for my DD instead.

She loves it! What do you think? I'm in the process of writing out the pattern. Will post it soon!

Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL 2016 – Update

2016-10-08T10:52:00.000+01:00

Ok, I have a confession to make.

I have not been working on my CAL blanket! I know, I know, I’m a bad hooker!! But I can assure you there are extenuating circumstances. Really! If you’ve been following my blog you would know that I had set the blanket aside to work on a few time sensitive projects, namely a virus shawlette and a beanie for my niece, followed by some wedding accessories for a friend’s wedding. After all that was over I got ambushed by my knitting needles and have been held hostage since!

I definitely have plans to complete the Cal, just not right now. The one that I had completed up to part 6 is now a scarf (sheepish grin) To be honest the colours and yarn is what put me off! I was just not feeling it anymore. I hope to restart with a better quality yarn and much better colours in the near future (fingers crossed)

I owe Mistie from American Crochet (host of the Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL) an apology for dropping the ball….. Sorry Mistie! But I have downloaded all the parts and once I have been released by my knitting needles I will start my blanket again!

Till then…..a-clicking with my knitting I go!!!!

My current WIP. A dress for my DD. Made with Ice Yarns Bali and 4.5mm knitting needles. Pattern is Elenka by Inna Aleksandrova from the Knitty site

Back to my crafty roots

2016-09-06T15:11:00.000+01:00

I first learnt to knit when I was in third grade from an aunt. It was also taught formally in school the following year in craft/art class. But once I learnt crochet in my teens I kind of drifted away from knitting. Knitting can be complicated whereas crochet, atleast to me, is easier and faster. The last thing I knitted was a blanket, cap and booties when I was pregnant for my DD, in 2013. Since then I just packed my needles away.

A few months ago I bought some Ice Yarns. In it was a pack of Summer Yarns in black, grey and white variegated colours. I tried using it for many projects but nothing seemed to fit. I used it to make a hat for a friend (she did like it, though I've yet to see her wear it!)

Anyway, besides this one completed project I couldn't make it work for anything else. I wanted to use it to make a hoodie vest for my DD, but none of the patterns really looked good. Till I finally decided to try a knitted pattern instead. And that's what finally worked!!!

It's the Baby Clouds Hoodie Vest from RedHeart Yarns' website. Once I'd completed I loved it soooo much that I had to make another one for my DS.

While the one made with the Ice Yarns yarn is a medium weight yarn the second one was made with the locally available fingering weight yarn. So I did have to make some changes. I had to increase the number of stitches to get the right size. I accomplished that by working up gauge swatches! I never was more grateful for having learned about the importance of swatching!! The size turned out perfectly.

And now I'm on a roll!! I can't seem to put down those knitting needles! Here are some of my FOs and WIPs....

Dyning

This is technically a top designed by Madeleine Nilsson from Yarn Madness. I just elongated it a little to turn it into a tunic.

Peppar

Stig

I really like her designs for the unique and simple, all-in-one-piece construction style. I hate seaming and Ms. Nilsson is a woman after my own heart!! I love her designs and can't wait to try out some more.

My current WIP though, is a dress called Elenka, designed by Inna Aleksandrova from the Knitty site. Besides the dress I'm also working on making crocheted Alphabets for the little ones to play. They are based on the pattern from Tamara Kelly from Mooglyblog. More on them later.

And that's it from me. What's going on with you then???

A Nigerian White Wedding

2016-08-19T18:28:00.000+01:00

So, in my last post I told you guys about my friend’s daughter’s traditional marriage, and the samples of the wedding accessories I was making for the white wedding. Well, today’s post is about the white wedding. All the samples I showed the bride were approved and appropriately oohhh’d and ahhh’d over.

The wedding was beautiful. The bride, though kinda harrowed and stressed, still managed to look beautiful.

Here's the hairband made for the flower girls. While I used the same Gerbera flower pattern I mentioned in my last post I changed the hairband pattern (sorry Mrs. Micawber!). Instead I used the Pearly Girl Baby Headband designed by Jennifer Fayard, I just left off the flowers.

One of the flower girls

The boutonniere for the groom and groomsmen. I used the same patterns I mentioned in my previous post. I put two crystals instead of the one featuring in the pic but forgot to take a pic after the modification.

For the groom and the bestman

For the groomsmen

The hair bow for the little angel and little bride.

Little angel

Little Bride

My own DD was the little angel and my DS was the page boy

Picture Collage

On the way to church

Chief Bridesmaid

Mother of the bride

Cutting the cake

Hubs with the bride

Wedding Accessories Samples

2016-04-30T10:50:00.001+01:00

Hey there,

As I told you all I will be making some of the accessories for my friend/mom's daughter's white wedding. So to that end I worked up some samples. Here they are....

This is the hairband for the little flower girls. Its supposed to be in red, but as this is a sample i worked it up in this colour so my DD can wear it later!

For the band I used Mrs. Micawber's Winding Lane Bracelet, a 3.5mm hook and 2 ply (1 weight) acrylic yarn.

For the flower I used the Gerbera pattern from the Gerbera and Rose Corsage pattern I found online. It's from the Craftzine.com book excerpt. Its a pdf file I downloaded a while ago and now I can't seem to find the link anymore :(

Bow tie for the page boys. This one I just made up. I used a 2 ply (01 weight) acrylic yarn doubled (1 strand yellow 1 strand orange) and a 5mm hook for the bow. and used a 4 mm hook and just 1 strand of yellow yarn for the strap. I used the foundation double crochet for the appropriate length then made a border of slip stitches around the entire stranp to make it firmer. popped on a 1/2 inch button on one end.

The boutonniere for the groomsmen. For this I used the Crochet Bridal Flowers - Bridal bouquet and Boutonniere pattern by Cre8tion Crochet.

So what do you think? Are they any good? Would love to get your feedback and any suggestions you may have.

A Nigerian Igbo Traditional Marriage

2016-04-28T18:20:00.000+01:00

So on the 26^thof March 2016 I went for a Nigerian Traditional Marriage. In Nigerian Igbo culture the traditional marriage is the mainevent. The traditional European wedding with a white gown and floral arrangements and the whole she-bang, called a white wedding here, is a secondary event. Once a couple have been united in a traditional marriage with the traditional rites they are considered husband and wife and the woman can go to live with the husband in his house. They are permitted to start their married life and can then go on to the white wedding anytime later. In my husband’s village (Abiriba) and in most conservative Christian families, the girl goes to her husband’s house only after the white wedding. In such cases the traditional marriage is just a matter of fulfilling tradition, no real importance is given to it.

To me this was a very exciting event. It was the daughter of my dearest friend and a lady who I consider to be a mother to me in this strange land. She has looked after me and looks out for my interests almost like my own mother. And this as the first marriage in her family! Moreover, I was also a lot more involved in this event. Unlike other traditional marriages I’ve been to where I was a guest and a spectator, here I was involved. My two little ones were even in the bridal train! OOhhh the excitement!! Usually events here tend to be boring for me because I don’t understand the language nor the significance of the rituals. But as I was more involved here, I was given more information and more interpretations! I’m going to add a collage of pics from the wedding at the bottom of this post. I was requested to wear an Indian Sari in the wedding colour of red so I did. Of course my jewellery was made to match ;-) And since I’d made something for myself I had to make something for my daughter too. I made her a hairband to match her bridesmaids’ (Ashebi, as they are called here) dress.

For the hairband I used the pattern from My Hobby is Crochet (www.myhobbyiscrochet.com/2013/08/thread-headband-free-pattern-and.html) but I didn’t use the suggested flower. Instead I used the Chrysanthemum Flower designed by Clare Sullivan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmGjPTFDJkg) I got it off the BobWilson123 website. I used the Yeye yarn I have available (light fingering / 01 weight) and a 3.5mm hook.

For my own jewellery I used seed beads that I had (not sure about the size cause the sizing system here is very different from global systems, though they maybe a size 10/0) and used a basic spiral bead rope pattern tutorial from Inspirational Beading (http://inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/2010/02/beading-tutorial-spiral-rope-chain.html?m=1) The blog has some great beading tutorials. I’m going to try her Dutch spiral and double spiral rope patterns next. The designer, Mortira, makes everything seem so easy.

Remember the wedding accessories I’d mentioned in my previous posts? Those are for the same girl’s white wedding. So far I’ve finished the silver bow for the little angels. Since the white wedding is in May I still have time to make the rest. Though time does seem to have a habit of getting away from me ;-) teeheehee…

I like the bow but i think its missing a bit of bling. What do you think?

And here are some pics of the traditional marriage itself.

The Cake.

The base is a trunk, topped with the brides traditional clothes, beaded jewellery and next to it is a Calabash, used for the traditionally drunk palm wine and unseen behind the trunk is a walking stick traditionally carried by the groom.

The happy couple

The blushing bride

The bride's mom with my family

The chief bridesmaid

Hot Off The Hook!!!

2016-03-20T23:31:00.000+01:00

Gosh! It’s been a looong time!! I just checked and my last post was almost a month ago!! :O Wow! I don’t know where the time has gone! I have been neglecting my blog because of all that’s been going on, though I know that’s no excuse. I have been as busy as a bee completing old and current wips….

So what have I been up to you ask? Well, as I mentioned in my last post I wanted to make a phone pouch for my SIL and my new infatuation with the woven stitch. So I combined the two and came up with a phone pouch using the woven stitch. I just used all the left over yarn from my rainbow coloured woven stitch hat I’d made for my niece and a 3.5mm hook. After some amount of frustrated frogging I finally got the stitch count right to match the desired size. Now the only thing left to do is the handle. That’s actually got me stumped though. I need a long handle since she’ll be wearing it cross-body at work to leave her hands free (she’s a hair-dresser). It also shouldn’t sag too much with use, so it needs to be firm. And most importantly I need it to be something simple and easy cause I’m reaaallllyyyy done with this pouch (*rolls eyes in boredom*). I was leaning towards a 5 strand braid myself but I am open to suggestions.

I eventually managed to get done with Part 4 of The Wonder Crochet Blanket MCAL 2016. A little late though. I haven’t even started with Part 5 yet and Part 6 is already posted (yikes!!). I’m really lagging behind, but hopefully I’ll complete it within the next few days (or weeks…fingers crossed). I’m sure Misty is not gonna be happy with me if I keep this up (*wink*)

I finally finished the single crochet lariat I’ve been working on since last year though and that has made me very happy. In fact I wore it yesterday for a Nigerian Traditional Marriage I attended!! Yayyy...

Remember the bridal accessories I’d mentioned in my last post? Well I have also been busy researching on that and working up samples. Besides spending time in consultations with the blushing bride ;-) She’ll be having her traditional marriage this weekend in fact and my two little ones will be in her bridal train. I’m quite excited cause this is the first Nigerian traditional marriage I’m actually involved in!! Usually I’m just a spectator and it gets real boring really fast! I’m not making anything for this event though.

This is a sample I made. It’s a simple 5 strand braided headband made with individual strands of double crochet. Perhaps I’ll write out the pattern for it in the next day or two. And a flower pattern I found years ago and now can’t find the source for anymore :(

And last but not the least I made a hat for a friend with one of the Ice Yarns yarn I ordered a few weeks ago. It’s my own design again but I forgot to write down everything and now I don’t know if I’ll be able to replicate it again (darn!)

So you see….I have been busy…busy…busy. I didn’t realize quite how much I’d done till now though….whew…no wonder I have brain freeze!

Oh well! It’s back to work for me. Wanna work up a few more samples for my friend. Ta for now….

WIPs change to Finished Objects!

2016-02-29T15:22:00.001+01:00

Hey all!!!

How are you all doing? I’m sorry I haven’t been around this last week but I’ve been swamped! Remember the Virus I’d started for my SIL? Well, I finished it. I made a shawlette instead of a complete shawl, cause it’s more an accessory, than a cold weather garment. I frogged the previous one I’d made (and shown in my last post) and made it with a 5.5mm hook. It drapes much better now and looks much better too. Here’s a pic all ends woven and blocked. Looks pretty good, don’t it?

Virus Shawlette

Close up

Of course once I finished that, then I had to make something for my little niece too. And since my BIL is still around and I had enough time, I figured I’d go for it. Now the question was what to make? A toy or a garment? Because they are in a pretty cold country (and I didn’t have enough time and/or stuffing ;-) ) I decided to go with a beanie. I searched high and low for an interesting and different pattern (I get bored easily) I finally settled on the woven stitch hat by Brittany from b.hooked designs (www.bhookedcrochet.com/2016/02/11/crochet-woven-stitch-hat/)

The design asks for worsted weight yarn and a 4mm hook. Since all I have accessible here is light fingering 100% acrylic yarn, I had to make a few modifications.

I used a 4mm hook and made a magic ball of all the different colours of yarn I had (it’s for a kid). Also as it’s for a child around 18 months old I had to make the band with a less number of rows. So instead of the 110 rows called for I made 90. Now that its completed I feel I should’ve gone with 75 or 80 rows instead though. Because the band is really stretchy. Oh, well…the kid will get a lot more use out of it, right? ;-) Instead of going with a length of 10 inches I stopped at 8 inches. The circumference is 16 inches, unstretched. Made a pompom the old fashioned way (with a piece of card paper) and sewed it on. And here it is in all its colourful glory….

Woven Stitch Hat (child)

Whatcha think? Too much??

I have fallen in love with the woven stitch and can’t wait to use it a for a few more hats. I'm even thinking of using it on a couple of phone pouches I wanna make. I like the look of both the sides too. One side has a lovely textured and pebbly effect which makes me feel it’d do really great for a tawashi or a wash cloth too!

And what about my MCAL, you ask? Well, it’s been languishing I’m afraid. Mainly because I have a time limit on my BIL’s gifts. He’ll be traveling back in the next couple of weeks. So I have to finish up quick. And hence my blanket pines away from loneliness. (Don't worry me pretty, I'll be back soon.....cackles) So far I’ve just managed to complete half of part 4. Once the hat is done though, I’ll complete the rest of it.

Now I’ve gone and promised my other SIL a phone pouch and a friend some corsages and hair accessories for her bridesmaids and flower girls. So I’m off to do some research and designing.

What have you lovely lot been up to then? I’d love to hear from you guys.

OCD anyone???

2016-02-18T21:05:00.000+01:00

I hate clean up!!! And cleaning Jackfruit is the messiest thing one can do! Yuck!! I tried, I really did!! I used a plastic bag to collect all the skin and etcetera’s. But the sticky sap got into and onto everything! So the post cleaning clean-up was a paaaiiinnnn….! Its only in the middle of cleaning the fruit I remembered that I should’ve oiled my hands and all tools and surfaces beforehand. Duh!! *slaps forehead* Well my excuse is that this is just the second time in my life I have cleaned Jackfruit. Back in India we get Jackfruit already cleaned in the market. In Nigeria jackfruit is a barely known fruit. It’s rarely even seen in the market. How did I get it you ask? My friend, who is also a foreigner married to a Nigerian, has a farm where she has planted it. She very kindly gives me some whenever its harvested.

It was while I was cleaning the jackfruit I had a couple of epiphanies about myself.

The first is, because I hate clean up that’s probably why I avoid getting into arguments or confrontations. Even if I do, I don’t let my anger control my tongue! The angrier I am the quieter I get. Because if you say something in anger, chances are once you’ve calmed down, you’ll either not be able to follow through on the threat or may regret the harsh words spoken. Then comes the apologizing, the grovelling, the making of amends and restitution. All of it is wayyyy too much drama and takes too much effort! Better to keep quiet, right? ;-)

The second is I think I may be a borderline Obsessive Compulsive. My observations:

· You know those glass rings we leave when we pick up a sweaty or leaking glass or cup? Well I can NOT place my glass anywhere else except on that ring! It drives me up the wall when it goes outside the ring.

· I’m always washing my hands. While cooking, cleaning…anytime. Basically if I touch anything I have to wash my hands.

· If anyone or anything touches my nose, I have to rub it. While dusting I keep rubbing my nose till it gets red and painful! And even then I can’t stop.

· There is a particular way I do things. Before I can change my style, it takes time and effort.

· I keep my things organised to the point that if I have to direct someone to get something for me I can draw them a map!

· Clutter makes my brain shut down!

· While reading a book, if there are grammatical or spelling errors it drives me nuts!!

· My mind sometimes gets stuck on a sentence or phrase that I keep repeating over and over again, subconsciously. Even once I become aware of the repetition I still can’t stop it.

· I’m a creature of habit. I like routine. Whenever my routine is disrupted I get irritated and upset. I like to plan my days and chores. If a change is required during the course of the day, I can adjust but it makes me feel disorientated. I don’t like to be caught unawares (except for gifts).

· I like rules. I don’t like ambiguity. I like structure and discipline.

So what do you think? Do I have OCD?

The best site I found with more information about this disorder is http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml. While reading the information here I discovered one more thing I do compulsively, which is throat clearing. It irritates all the people around me, but I can’t stop no matter how much I try! Now I know why I can’t stop!

Ice Yarns….An unbeatable temptation!!!

2016-02-14T23:38:00.001+01:00

So…..I hate to say this….but I am weak. I succumbed. I couldn’t ignore the call anymore. What am I talking about? Why, the new Ice Yarns I bought of course! After all my great and lofty resolutions of abstaining from playing till I’d finished some of my pending wips!! But as they say, ‘All work and no play makes Jill antsy’ ;-)

But I do have a very good excuse for this weakness at least. My BIL has come to town for a few days and I want to send a gift for his wife when he returns. Whatcha think?? A good enough excuse?

Out of my Ice Yarn stash I decided to use the gold and cream one. Its called Ring. According to the label its a Light DK (3) weight and recommended hook size is 4mm. Its a blend of 50% Polyamide and 50% Polyester.

I chose to go with a virus pattern cause from my previous experience it's a pretty simple pattern and works up real fast.

This is my attempt

I'm not too happy with the result so far though. The 4mm hook seems to give the fabric a dense feel and due to the polymide content of the yarn it also feels kinda plasticky. I think using a larger size hook may give it better drape. So I've frogged it. I'll start the new version with a 5.5mm hook and see tomorrow.

Will keep you updated once I figure it out. Though I do have a deadline of sorts.

And I'm back!!!...With a BANG...

2016-02-14T01:08:00.001+01:00

Yayyyy...I found my Crojo, probably cause I'm finally free of the bug that was plaguing me for the last couple of weeks!

And the first WIP i picked up to work on is my lariat. It's a WIP that's been languishing since early last year (2015). Its done in single crochet. And the best part...???....it's almost done.

As you can see, the lariat is almost done. I'm ending it with some tassels. One side done, the other side is left to go. But I'm gonna have to do some more stringing cause the beads I'd strung have been exhausted. And with a 4 yo and a 2.5 yo running around, bead stringing becomes a wee bit hard!! (understatement). I can't begin to tell you the amount of beads I've lost cause they wanted to "help"! :-/

The next WIP I've pulled out of the attic (figurative) is the Road Playmat designed by Laura E. from http://www.happyberrycrochet.blogspot.com.ng/ I've begun joining the squares. I figured if I finish joining all the Roads first I'll know how many more road squares I need and how many more fillers. Here's a glimpse of what I've joined and planned so far...

I have of course done a lot more of the filler squares, like the pond, grass, fields etc. I've even made some trees and shrubs.

I have also completed Part 3 of the Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL 2016. The designer for this part is Amy from The Stitchin' Mommy

So you can see I've been mighty busy all this week flitting from WIP to WIP, but I haven't completed anything yet. And my beautiful new Ice Yarn is still calling me. "COme and play", they say. "We are lonely here", they call. "Patience, my lovelies, I'm trying me best to be good".

I Lost my CroJo!!

2016-02-07T23:17:00.001+01:00

I've lost it....I've lost it!! I've lost my CroJo...!! I haven't picked up my hook all week! I have been battling a nasty cold for the last two weeks. Stuffy nose, runny nose, headache, sore throat, the works. And I wasn't alone. My two year old and my four year old were also suffering right along with me. But while they've healed I've started getting a fever :-( This being a malaria prone country, I started taking anti-malaria meds. The meds are over but the fever doesn't want to go! Luckily I get it in the afternoons, when its nap time for the kids, so atleast I can get some rest.

But since the fever has started I haven't been able to work on any of my pending WIPs. I have a Road Play Mat that I started as a CAL last year that's still pending, a single crochet bead lariat, also started last year, an order for hairbands in different colours, another order for a bead crochet rope, Wonder Crochet Blanket MCAL.....etc... When am I gonna finish it all??!!

And most importantly I have my parcel of Ice Yarns calling me. I told you about it in my last post, but I failed to put in some eye candy. How very remiss of me. So here goes then...

I've got plans, but no time!! And I'm still looking for my CroJo. And I'm determined to complete some of the WIPs before I start playing.

The next installment of the Wonder Crochet Blanket MCAL is also out but I can't bring myself to do anything! I just hope I either find my CroJo, or it finds me!!

Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL Part 2

2016-02-01T12:27:00.000+01:00

My friends, I am so excited. I finally got the opportunity to order some Ice Yarns last week and it has arrived!!! Yayyyy...look at me doing my happy dance!!! Now I'm trying to be a really good girl and have stopped myself from starting any new projects. I have too many WIPs on hand. So I'm being very disciplined .... or am I fooling myself!? ;-) How long do you reckon I'll last??

On to my wonderful Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL 2016. Part 2 was published on schedule and I have finished it on schedule too. Part 2 was designed by Rhondda from Oombawka Designs.

Rhondda very kindly designed her part keeping people like me in mind also. I am very grateful to her for that! She has created a different page for Alternate Sized blankets

For obvious reasons I used the directions for the alternate size. And here's my blanket with part 2 completed.

I've just used whatever colours I have at hand. I'm eagerly awaiting Part 3, which is scheduled to be released on February 4th, I believe.

In the meantime I'm working on some other WIPs, so I can get into my new Ice Yarns to play!! :-D

Multiplicity Shawl/Wrap - An update

2016-01-29T13:18:00.001+01:00

I am loving this weather!!! After a perfectly horrible week of hot, sweaty weather it's winter again!!! I know its windy and dusty but I'd rather have this than the sweaty muggy days of the wet season. And the itchy heat rash that the kids and I always suffer with. I know the locals here won't agree with me though. ;-)

So I completed the Multiplicity Shawl I was working on. Its a very simple pattern and worked up pretty fast. As I mentioned in my previous post I'd made a magic ball with the three shades. I am pretty pleased with the way the colour sequence worked out. Instead of using store bought buttons though I made crocheted buttons and used a metal star stud to reinforce it.

It came out quite well and I'm tickled pink! (*tongue-in-cheek*) I gave it to the recipient yesterday. Needless to say she was ecstatic. And now I have orders for another two!! Yayyyyy!!!

The Front

The Back

Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL 2016

2016-01-17T20:47:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

How many of you lovelies are currently doing a CAL or KAL or any kind of -A-Long?? I've been wanting to join one but so far haven't been able to do so for one reason or another. Well...finally I did!!

I decided to join the American Crochet and Crochet With Us group's MCAL. And for a change I started on time. It's called the Wonder Crochet Blanket Mystery Crochet-A-Long (MCAL) It started on January 07th 2016. This is going to be my very first MCAL! and I'm really excited!! Yayyy.....

Here is the link to the CAL: http://americancrochet.com/wonder-crochet-blanket-2016-cal-american-crochet-2/

Each time a CAL seems interesting I don't join because of not having the suggested yarn. Since the only yarn easily accessible here is 100% acrylic light fingering yarn. But I really, really wanted to do a CAL so I figured I'd use what I have. I'd just have to make a few modifications, that's all!

Luckily for me the designer gave us the necessary stitch count for ease of adjustment. So keeping in mind I wanted a multiple of 6+4 I started chaining till I reached the width I wanted. Which in my case was 276+4. And then I realized that since the first row was double crochet (dc) down the line I should've started with a row of foundation double crochet (fdc) instead!! Duh!!! So then obviously I went a-ribbitting!! After that I did a row of fdc. There's an excellent tutorial for that on http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2009/3/tutorial-foundation-single-crochet.aspx

When I first started using foundation crochet stitches I discovered it has a tendency to curve in. While browsing one day, I found a tutorial explaining how to avoid that curve. I'd wanted to include the link here but for the life of me I can't find the tutorial!! So anyways what you need to do is; while doing the chain part of the stitch, you pull the loop so its looser than the rest of the stitch. Here's mine. Pretty straight huh?

I did this row with a size 3.75mm hook because fdc tends to have a looser tension than regular stitches. I did a row of 279 stitches to keep the math right. Then moved to a 4mm hook from row two.

The other thing I do different is that I use standing stitches whenever I start a row. I hate doing the chains!! Tamara Kelly from mooglyblog has some marvelous tutorials on these techniques.

http://www.mooglyblog.com/standing-double-crochet-joining/ - there's both a video and a photo tutorial.

http://www.mooglyblog.com/chainless-starting-double-crochet/ - this is what I use when starting a new row. Very handy.

Once you try the above two techniques you may never go back to chaining again!!!

So I'm done with the first 6 rows published and I'm waiting for the next instalment that's supposed to be released on Jan 21st 2016.

And here is a pic of my blanket so far....

Check out the neat edges eh??!! All ends woven in! Ain't I a good girl??!!

Talk to you soon.....

Universal Craft Blog Directory

2016-01-16T11:37:00.000+01:00

Hello my pretties,

So how many times have you gone online and wanted to check out something crafty or had an idea and wanted to check out some tutorials but didn’t know where to start? Well a lovely lady called Rie from www.craftyrie.com has created a directory of all crafty blogs. All you have to do is click on the following link. Add your blog name and then get her button for your own blog. According to her stats she currently has over 900 blogs in the directory!!!! Alternatively just click on the button on the right of my blog page and you’ll be taken right over. There is some awesome amount of crafty goodness over there.

And now for my own news.... still working on my multiplicity shawl. Though it’s going slow.

I took time out over the last couple of days and updated my Ravelry projects page. You can view it here.

If you are on Ravelry, I have also created a group for all us crafters in Nigeria. It’s called Hookers of Nigeria - UNITE . Come on over and take a gander!

Bye for now...we’ll chat again soon.

Variegated, Ombre, Multi-coloured, Self-Striping...what do they mean??!

2016-01-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

So what do all those terms mean?? Well, anyway you explain it, to me it means just one thing....unattainable!! *sighhhh*

But if you really want to know what it means, you can read about it on this site:
http://www.crochet-world.com/blog/?p=7948

In simple terms it all means the same thing....yarns that have more than one colour. I showed a really beautiful example in my last post, the Wolltraum yarn.

Now since these yarns are unattainable to me (at least for now) I decided to make my own. No I didn't do any dyeing (too much work ;-) ) What I did was, I randomly pieced three different shades of colour together using the magic knot (tutorial below) and rolled it into a ball (no yarn cakes yet ).

How you ask?? Simple, I started making a ball with one color, when I felt the amount would be enough to get a couple of rows, I used the magic knot and joined the next color and then rolled a little, cut and joined the third color..... and so on....

I've started using it to make a much awaited Multiplicity shawl by designer Esther Chandler from http://makemydaycreative.com/2014/07/25/multiplicity-buttoned-shawl/.

So what do you think?? Does it work?

Since the sample piece is still small so the gradient is not so obvious. I'm hoping it'll look even better once it grows. Here's hoping (fingers crossed)!

A Hooker’s (crocheter’s) life in Nigeria

2016-01-13T15:55:00.003+01:00

So I’ve told you about my yarn woes (or lack thereof) in my neck of the woods. Today I thought I’d elaborate to give you a clearer picture.

Whenever I tell someone I crochet I’m met with blank looks. I then have to explain with gestures that I do handwork like making sweaters, caps etc with wool. Then you can see understanding dawn. But hand crafts don’t hold much value here. Then you get asked if you use one ‘stick’ or 2 ‘sticks’?

Ironically crochet is taught in schools here!! (raised brows, dropped jaw!!!) The term crochet is used while teaching but not stressed. Names of stitches aren’t taught but the stitches themselves are. There are many people who can do basic crochet stitches and can even make beanies and bags. But if asked to describe what they do, they are stumped.

And then we have the lack of resources. The only hooks available here are the steel hooks that are used with crochet thread. When they see my set of bamboo needles or colourful aluminium hooks, they get confused! The only yarn available is 100% acrylic, 2 ply or light fingering yarn (approximately). The yarn label is completely devoid of all useful information.

And so ends my tale of yarn woe! But I’m not giving up! Someday I will buy the kind of yarn I keep reading about. Someday I will buy me some Wolltraum yarn (http://www.wolltraum.com/)! A girl can dream, right? ;-)

My dream yarn....someday...sigh...

My first poncho

2016-01-11T01:54:00.000+01:00

Season’s greetings my new friends,

I hope the New Year of 2016 has been treating you well. I’m sure you all have made some new year resolutions just as I have. So how many of you have already broken at least one (if not all)?? Me? I didn’t make any hard ones. In fact I just made one. Complete all my WIPs. So far I’ve made good progress. I’ve completed the 4 square poncho I started last year. It was a really simple pattern designed by Helen Shrimpton from http://www.crystalsandcrochet.com/ I just made a few modifications. You can find the original design on her Ravelry page (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/4-square-poncho) Its a free download.

For some time I’d been hearing about the corner to corner designs. Commonly called C2C. My fingers had been itching to try it but I didn’t want to start a blanket cause I already had too many wips. So when I saw this poncho pattern I knew it’d be perfect to scratch the itch I had. Now the next hurdle was the size. The design was for an adult and I wanted to make it for my little toddler.

I realized that all I had to do was make the initial squares smaller than the 12” the design called for. I used a light fingering weight yarn (the only kind locally available) and a 4mm hook. I made my squares 10” added a double crochet edging around making it close to 11” and then did a flat braid join to join the squares. In all other design elements I followed the designer’s suggestions. And there it is, my baby girl’s first poncho!

My very first post!!!!

2016-01-10T00:58:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone!

So here we are. My very first post on my very first blog! Where do I begin? What do I say? These are questions I've been agonizing over for the last 3 weeks!! Finally today I decided to just take the plunge.

What's this blog about? Well its a place for me to blather on about what I love! Crochet! (Since no one else in my vicinity knows what I'm talking about anyways! To them I might as well be speaking Martian!) And the limitations I face due to my location on this planet!

My primary limitation is accessing yarn!! Can you imagine?? You love to crochet and you don't have yarn??? A nightmare!!! Actually I do have access to yarn. The problem is the quality. It's locally produced 100% acrylic yarn. Only one weight available, i.e. Light fingering (2). No the weight isn't mentioned on the label. So how do I know the weight you ask?? Once upon a long time ago I did a WPI (Wraps per inch) check. Ordering online is a financial nightmare. Shipping costs make it impossible!. So what is one who has the crochet itch to do?? We manage the yarn available is what!

Next post I'll share some of my latest projects. For now Ciao...