Bracken Scarf- new pattern release

The bulky cotton is soft and works up fast, to make a fashionable and fun asymmetrical scarf.
Pattern can be increased or decreased in length to personal tastes.

Uses Abbey Road “Kung Fu Cotton” (100% Cotton; 140 m/100g) 2 x balls in Fatigue (MC) and 1 x ball in Chartreuse (CC)

I had a lot of fun designing and making this scarf, as it all just came together! No need to frog endless rows to match my vision, it just worked!

I would love to see a project if you make one, either by adding a project to Ravelry, or using the hashtag #EWDMakes on social media.

Finished Measurements:
Width at Final Row: 50 cm/ 19.7 inches
Length : 167 cm/ 65.7 inches

Enjoy! 

Crochet Hearts and Hugs - Pattern Round up!

Did you know my first crochet blog was called 'How to Crochet a Heart'? I had quite a few heart patterns, and they still remain close to.. my .. heart!

Today.. In time for Valentine's Day, I'm sharing a few of my favourite heart themed patterns. Click the pattern name to get to the pattern site.

"Hug"

This is my newest pattern - a cushion cover with a patchwork heart. Made with paintbox yarns, this is currently avaliable on the LoveCrochet site. 

Heart in Bloom

A gorgeous heart, with a floral centre, by Vivid Kreations.

Valentine's Gloves

Keep your hands warm (while you crochet!)

Windrose Heart

A compass rose; let those travelling know your thinking of them. 

'Heart Garland'

This sweet granny square themed heart is By Jennifer from Crochet to Play. I imagine this would make some fabulous rustic wedding decor.

Mini Heart

A free pattern on this blog!

If you do make one of these crochet heart patterns, please let me know! You can add a project on Ravelry, or tag us on Instagram!

American Yarns - Review, with Free Pattern: "Blueberry WashCloth"

Welcome to the first in a three part blog series 

Link to Part 2

Link to Part 3

Free Pattern : Blueberry Washcloth using Lily Sugar and Cream

Keep reading for Pattern. 

I was sent some yarn from "American Yarns" to review, and have complied my thought on three types, and also included a bonus pattern for a wash cloth, made from one of the yarns sent. Still time before Christmas to make some handmade gifts!

American Yarns are based in Melbourne, Australia, and stock American and Canadian brands of yarn that are not readily available in the usual Australian Marketplace. They are familiar sounding names, ones you might see recommended by our American crochet and knitting friends online, like Red Heart, Bernat and Caron. They also stock hooks, needles, books and accessories, and provide Afterpay. I was sent the yarns to review and was not paid to do so, and the opinions remain my own. I have provided links to American Yarns and the products I sampled.

I trialled three different yarns, Red Heart Unforgettable, Lily Sugar and Cream, and Bernat Big Ball Chunky.

The first thing you notice about Red Heart Unforgettable is the iridescent sheen. It's really very beautiful. It's a worsted weight yarn, and recommends a 6 mm hook, but I did my swatch with a 5.5 mm. It's 100% acrylic, but has an unspun (roving) look about it. It is incredibly soft and quite silky. It is difficult to frog (undo), so I would recommend having a pattern in mind rather than experimenting! I did read somewhere that the thickness changes, due to the handspun look, but I did not notice this at all. The colours are variegated, in short colour sequences, but they blend very subtlety. It's quite unlike any yarn I have used before when you consider all combined elements.
I swatched up a small ripple, in 'Tealberry' and will continue to make a scarf! I will update with another blog post when that is done!

Next up, I tried Big Ball Chunky, in teal. I have used this yarn before and already have a positive view of it! I had previously bought online and had not found any Australian stockists, so very happy to now know of one. The most exciting thing, in my opinion, is the 400 g ball! It is a super bulky weight yarn with a plied look (spun) 100% acrylic, and although it recommends an 8 mm hook, I went up to a 12 mm! The down side is there aren't a huge range of colours, but the softee chunky- available in smaller 150 g balls do provide a few more choices. The colours that are available - grey, teal, black and white, suit my tastes, so I can't complain about that! I started with a simple granny hexagon, and plan to keep going until the ball is finished and have a throw for the bed or lounge room.

Finally I tried the Lily Sugar and Cream. A worsted weight 100% cotton yarn. It is plied and non mercerized. It's unusual to see yarn available in 71 grams! But that adds up to 2.5 ounces. It isn't the softest cotton I've tried, but I think that adds a certain amount of durability, perfect for washcloths and grocery bags. This cotton has a really easy centre pull and has a big range of colours, with ombre and striped options also available.

I made a swatch with the blueberry colour and a 5 mm hook. I kept going until I had made a wash cloth, and have the free pattern available for you.

Blueberry Washcloth

Using US terms. Turning chains not counted as a stitch.
With 'Blueberry' Sugar and Cream and 5 mm hook:
Ch 28.


Row 1: (skip 1st ch) 27 sc, Ch 1 Turn.
Row 2: 27 hdc. Ch 2 Turn.
Row 3: *1dc, 1sc. Repeat from *to end. Finishing row with dc. Ch 1. Turn
Row 4: *1sc, 1dc. Repeat from * to end. Finishing row with sc. Ch 1. Turn.

Repeat rows 1- 4, 6 times.
Repeat row 1 to finish.

Fasten off and weave in ends.
This will make a 20 x 20 cm square / 7.8 x 7.8 inch square.

Package up with a fancy soap, like the lime one pictured.


Thank you for reading my thoughts, don't forget, there is still time to give handmade, or out yarn on your Christmas list!

Fern Gully Bag

The Fern Gully Bag is one of my newest patterns, and is available now on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting/Love Crochet.

Purchase direct from Ravelry here:

It is available in both UK and US, both versions are available to download. I think this is easier than having two listings, as it means if someone accidentally picks the wrong version, they can easily remedy.
It uses 1 x 200 g ball of Bendigo Classic Wool, and works up fairly quickly. Great project for someone who has mastered the basics and looking for a next step project.

If that isn't enough value already, there are also instructions for an alternative version of the square, one of the prototype versions that was too pretty to leave out. 

Thanks for having a look! If you do make a bag, please let me know by adding a project on Ravelry, tagging me on Instagram, or sharing on my Facebook page!

Textured Clutches!

I'm so pleased with how these chunky little purses have turned out. I'm already using one as my new hook case, and will be using one when I go out for dinner next!

The pattern is now avalaible in both my Ravelry and Etsy stores, and as a special thank you to my blog readers, use the code ' thankyou ' on Ravelry to get AU$2 off your purchase. This will make the download $1! (This is valid until Thursday 23rd March 2017- Midnight AEST)
(link to buy)


The pattern includes instructions for 2 clutches, with two variations of yarn, which is like 4 patterns in 1!

The clutches are 10 x 19 cm, so perfect for phone, keys and a card, or just the right size for your crochet hooks!

I have used Adelaide Hills Yarns, which are super bulky (5-6 wpi) and a 12mm hook

Wind Rose Heart - free pattern.

The Wind Rose Heart was part of the 26 Days of Love Blog Hop 

Missed a pattern? Grab the whole bundle here (affiliate link) 

The Wind Rose Heart - keep reading for the free pattern. 

Wind Rose is an old name for the compass points on a map, sometimes called a compass rose. The pattern uses spike stitches, and also back and front post stitches. The wind rose heart keeps anyone travelling afar, close to your heart. You could make a token or a tag from a heart, or a set of coasters or garland if your make many!

Great for stash busting. Only 10g or less of each of the colours is required.  This pattern was first written in 2017 for Valentine’s Day and has been since updated.Written in US terms.

The pattern is available as an ad free Premium PAID PDF to download on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveCrafts. This premium pattern also includes a chart. 

Materials:

 

Yarn: Cotton (100% Cotton/ 10 g) in C1, C2, C3 and C4 in a weight 2/ fingering weight yarn.

Hook: 3.5 or 4.0mm

Notions: yarn needle

Size: 13 cm (h)

Skill level: Intermediate

  

 

Pattern Notes:

Starting chains count as stitches throughout, but can be replaced with standing stitches if desired.  The main body of the heart is worked in rounds, and the arches are completed separately and worked in rows.

The corners of Round 4 work either side of the spike stitch. 

Stitch Instructions:

 

Spike Stitch – in this pattern, a spike stitch is a double crochet worked two rows below, in the centre of the magic ring.

Method: YO, insert hook into centre of magic ring, YO and pull up loop to same height as previous dc, YO, pull through 2 loops twice.

 

Abbreviations  US terminology:

Ch – chain

Sc – single crochet

Dc – double crochet

Tr-   treble crochet

FPhdc – Front post half double crochet

BPtr – Back post treble crochet

Crsp – corner space

Sp/s – space/es

St/s – stitch/es

SP st – Spike Stitch

Sl st – slip stitch.

YO – yarn over

Before we start, here are two photos to help with the tricky spots.

Row 4's corner works either side of the spike stitch of Row 3

Row 5 starts with a slip stitch in the chain space after the corner, then 8 trebles in the next space,then a slip stitch in the next space. To finish the row, sl st across to the corner. 

Begin

With C1, make a magic ring.

Round 1:  Ch 3, 2dc, *2 ch, 3 dc, repeat from * twice, 2 ch and sl st into 3rd chain.  (12 dc, 8 ch) Fasten off C1

Round 2: Join C2 into any corner space, ch 3, (2dc, 2ch, 3dc) into same corner space. *(ch 1, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc) into next corner space; repeat from * twice, ch 1, sl st to 3^rd ch. (24 dc, 8 ch) Fasten off C2

Round 3: Join C3 into any crsp, 3ch, (2 dc, ch 1) in same cr-sp, SP st into centre (of magic ring), (ch 1, 3dc) into same cr-sp, *(ch 1, 3 dc) into next ch-1 sp, ** (ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1) in next crsp, SP into centre,  (ch 1, 3 dc) into same crsp; repeat from * 2 twice, ending at ** the second time; ch 1, sl st to 3^rd ch. (36 sts, 16 ch) Fasten off C3.

Row 3 Optional: Change the middle dc, of the centre cluster, to an additional SP st. 

Round 4: Join C4 in any ch-1 crsp on the right of SP st, (3ch, 2 dc, ch 3) in same crsp, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch-1 crsp (left of SP St), (3 dc, ch 1) into next 2 ch sps, *(3 dc, ch 3) in next crsp (3 dc, ch 1) into next crsp, (3 dc, ch 1) into next 2 ch sps, repeat from * twice. (48 sts, 24 ch) Fasten off C4

 

Arches

Row 1: Rejoin C4 with a slst in the ch-1 sp to the left of any corner, 8 tr, in next ch-1 sp, sl st into next ch-1 sp, sl st across the top of the 3 dc, and sl st into cr-sp, turn. (8 tr)

Row 2: WS facing, (BPtr, ch) seven times, BPtr, sl st into next crsp, turn. (8 Bptr) Fasten off C4.

Repeat Arch into next side.

Edging

(RS facing) Join any colour (other than C4) in the corner space opposite the arches (base of heart), sc into corner space, sc into each stitch and ch around,

Fasten off and weave in ends

 

Block if desired.

Thanks for reading Happy Crocheting Emma.

 

 

Valentine Gloves

In the excitement of Valentine's Day, I completely forgot to post my newest pattern!

Introducing the Valentine Gloves! a fun set of fingerless mitts/ wrist warmers. The heart is made within the granny square, so no need to sew on motifs! Just a little sewing to join the sides.

 They are available on Etsy, Ravelry, Craftsy AND Loveknitting. (click each name for the link)  I try my best to keep the prices the same over the various platforms, but sometimes I have to convert overseas currencies, and exchangerates are not updated at the same time! I also have a free pattern out in a few days, so stay tuned!

Thanks to everyone who purchases a pattern, it means I can produce more!

My year in designing.

Now we're all comfortably in 2017, past the hectic craziness of the festive season, I thought it would be a good time to look back at my pattern year that was. I released five crochet patterns, which are available to buy from Etsy, Ravelry and a few via Craftsy and LoveKnitting.  I also have a few new freebie tutorials published on this blog!

I welcomed my 4th son into the world in May, so blogging had taken a back seat, I did however release a Easter pattern and baby bonnet- both designed with my new son in mind!

Both these patterns were originally released on my old blog, and in August I decided a revamp was totally in order. I'm not a personal or lifestyle blogger, and in fact do more 'mircoblogging' via instagram

So this blog- Emma Wilkinson designs came into existence. My old blog is still there, as it has a lot of content I'm quite proud of.

Shortly after I published the 'crochet club bag' A t shirt yarn bag that can be made in next to no time. I made a short youtube video to explain one of the stitches used.

I rounded out the year with a fun play item- fairy bread- to co-incide with international fairy bread day! And a Christmas pattern- Peppermitts- fingerless gloves.

Working with a new baby, not to mention three other kids, does make designing a challenge, but it's been a challenge that makes me very happy to take on.

My most popular item (maybe because it's been available the longest) is the Starburst Square, and I've got two follow up patterns which I hope can be just as fun!

My goals for 2017 are to have 12 new patterns available. I've found - like most things, you get more efficient over time, so I do feel like it's more than achievable. 

You can look forward to seeing as Valentine's pattern, a fairybread spin off, some chunky clutches, and a little tweaking of the photography! 

For more regular updates, don't forget to find me on instagram or facebook! 

Emma. 

Fairy Bread Day - And pattern!

It's Fairy Bread Day! (almost- I'm posting a little early!) November the 24th. Fairy Bread has been a childhood favourite of Australians since the 1920s. It has had a recent surge in interest, due to other countries discovering this fun, yet simple delicacy!

To celebrate, I've written a pattern to make a playtime version, and it's available in both US and UK terms. The pattern is available to purchase on Etsy, >>CLICK HERE<< and will be available on Ravelry asap. . It's also the first pattern of my 'Australiana Series' Which will be popping up in 2017

Interested in making your own edible Fairy Bread? You will need:

White Bread
Butter or Margerine
Sprinkles or 100s and 1000s

Spread butter on bread and top with sprinkles! Fairy Bread is usually cut and served in triangles. However for my 7th birthday, my creative mother spelt out 'Happy Birthday Emma' in Fairy Bread.

Enjoy!

Crochet Club Bag

The pattern is now available on Ravelry, (<<click here) and will soon be on Etsy too. It uses 800 g / approx 400 yards of t shirt yarn, and a 20mm hook. The handle fits comfortably over your shoulder, and is great for carrying all your yarn around! I made it to take my projects to my crochet club (which is as good as it sounds!)