Buttercup Square - Bouquet of Flowers CAL

 Hi there! Today I am bringing you my contribution to the Bouquet of Flowers CAL - the Buttercup Square!

 

 

The CAL has been running since the 28th of February, but it's never too late to start a CAL!

As you might have guessed, the Bouquet of Flowers CAL follows a floral theme, with each designer contributing a square that captures the theme for them. 

You can read all about the CAL here, at our host's blog: Sunflower Cottage Crochet - which also includes links to all the other squares, the codes for free downloads, and at the end of the cal, the beautiful border. 

 

If you don't want to wait for the CAL squares that have not been released, there is the option to purchase the bundle now - and own all the patterns. you can do this by clicking on the 'Buy the Bundle' button below. 

  

My square is called the Buttercup Square. I chose to make it in a single colour - buttercup yellow! but it's totally up to you if you want to try each round in a different colour, or experiment with whatever takes your fancy. The Buttercup Square has a 3d element, which is achieved by back post stitches - but I would say this square is suitable for anyone who has mastered the basics. I have included some 'unusual joins' to minimize cutting yarn if you choose to keep it one single colour. This pattern is written in us terms. 

For my square, I used Stylecraft Special DK, some other alternatives are Paintbox DK, Fiddlesticks 8ply or any great quality 8ply/DK weight yarn. I used approximately 30g, so this can be a great stash diving square!

I've also used a 4mm crochet hook. you'll also need a needle for the ends and scissors. 

The pattern will remain free here on my blog (keep scrolling for the pattern) But if you'd like to own a PDF copy, you can purchase one from Ravelry by clicking this link below.

 

Abbreviations (US terms): 

ch – chain  
sc – single crochet 
dc – double crochet 
hdc – half double crochet 
BPsc – Back Post single crochet 
BL – back loop 
2dc-cl – 2 double crochet cluster (see below) 
sl st – slip stitch 
st/s - stitch/es 
sk - skip 
sp- space 
YO – yarn over 

Special stitches: 

2dc-cl – 2 dc worked together to form 1 st  

Method: *YO, hook into next st, pull up loop, YO, pull hook through 2 loops on hook, rep from *, YO, pull hook through 3 loops on hook 

Hdc join – half double crochet worked into the first stich of the row, to join round.  This counts as chains, and starts the next row in the centre of the chain space just made. Also used sc/dc join.  

BPsc back post single crochet 

Method: Hook around next post (from back to front) YO, pull up loop, YO, pull hook through both loops on hook.  

For more information on this join – please refer to this blog post

Pattern 

Make a magic ring 

R1: ch 3 (counts as dc) 11dc, sl st to close (12dc) 

R2: ch 4 (counts as 1dc, 1ch) *1dc, 1ch, into next st, rep from * around, sl st to 3rd ch to join (12dc, 12ch) 

R3: ch 3, dc in same st (counts as 2dc-cl), 2dc-cl in same st, ch1, *(2x2dc-cl, ch1) in next st, rep from * around, sl st to 1st st to join (24 2dc-cl, 12 ch) 

R4: sl st in next 2dc-cl, *(sc in next chsp, ch3) rep from * around, sl st to 1st sc to join. (12sc, 36ch) 

R5: sl st into next chsp, 3ch (counts as dc) 3dc in same chsp, ch1, *(4dc in next chsp, ch1) rep from * around, sc join to 1st st. (48dc, 12ch) 

R6: ch 1, sc in chsp just made, sk 2 dc, 5dc in next st (3rd dc in cluster) *sc in next chsp, sk 2 dc, 5dc in next st, rep from *, sl st join (60 dc, 12 sc)  

R7: ch 1, BPsc around sc, *6ch, *BPsc around next sc,  rep from *10 times, ch3, dc join in 1st st. (12BPsc, 72 ch)  

R8: ch3, 2dc into same chsp, (5ch, sc in next chsp,) (7ch, sc in next chsp) 5ch, *(3dc, 2ch, 3dc) into next chsp, (5ch, sc in next chsp,) (7ch, sc in next chsp) 5ch, rep from * twice, 3dc in next ch sp, hdc to 1st st  to join. (8sc, 76ch) 

R9: ch3, (counts as dc) 2dc into hdc sp, ch1, (4dc, ch1) into ch-5sp, (3dc, ch1, 3dc, ch1) into ch-7 sp,  (4dc, ch1) into ch-5 sp, *(3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) into next ch-2sp, (4dc, ch1) into ch-5sp, (3dc, ch1, 3dc, ch1) into ch-7 sp, (4dc, ch1) into ch-5 sp, rep from * twice, 3dc in hdc sp, hdc join. (80dc, 28ch) 

R10: ch3, (counts as dc) 2dc into hdc sp, 25dc, *(3dc, ch2, 3dc) into next ch-2 sp, 25dc, rep from * twice, 3dc (in hdc sp), hdc join. (124 dc)  

R11: ch 3, (counts as dc) dc into hdc sp, *[ch1, sk1, dc in next st] 14 times, ch1 (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in ch-2sp, rep from * twice, [ch1, sk1, dc in next st] 15 times, 2dc (in hdc sp), hdc join. (76dc, 72ch) 

R12: ch2, (counts as hdc) hdc in hdc sp, 35hdc, *(2hdc, ch2, 2hdc) in ch-2sp, 35hdc, rep from * twice, 2dc (in hdc sp), hdc join. (156 hdc, 8ch) 

R13: ch2, (counts as hdc) hdc in hdc sp, 39BLhdc, *(2hdc, ch2, 2hdc) in ch-2sp, 35BLhdc, rep from * twice, 2dc (in hdc sp), hdc join. (172 hdc, 8ch)  

Finishing. 

Fasten off and weave in ends  

For best results block to 10 sq inches 

As always, Happy Crocheting,

Emma

Choc Top Lollipop - Sweet Treats CAL chart

 Welcome to Week 9 of the Sweet Treats CAL.  -  a c2c blanket made up of squares featuring the designers' favourite treats! 

If you haven't seen the CAL so far, you can catch up over on our host's blog post at the stardust gold crochet blog. Click the pink banner below. A BIG thank you to Tasha who has put this whole blog hop together and all the other designers who made this possible. 

My chosen treat is a lollipop! I can't really say there was a specific reason I chose it: the idea was fully formed minutes after I heard that Tasha was looking for designers. I was very keen to join in with a bright, pop art-inspired image. 

This pattern is a chart only, and the blanket uses the mini c2c technique. However, as a chart, you can get creative and change the technique if you so choose! Keep scrolling for the chart!

If you would like the very detailed written instructions, along with all the other patterns, there is an option to purchase the eBook. Click below to be taken to my affiliate link. 

The CAL is sponsored by Wecrochet, and the yarn used is Brava Worsted.

My colours are Rouge, White, Sienna and Marina

The suggested hook size for this project is 5mm, but use whatever size gives you your ideal drape. 

And one more thing, if you would like to download a copy of the chart as a PDF, I have added one to my Ravelry Store. Please remember this is a chart only. The chart will remain here in this blog post, so downloading isn't essential, I just wanted to offer the option. Click the pink banner below to be taken to my Ravelry store to download the chart.

For more help and information, and links to the other squares in the CAL, please refer to Stardust crochet's post. 

I really hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it! 

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

Stop and Crunch the Roses - Assigned Pooling - Free Pattern

 If you've been yarning for a while, you'll most likely have come across the term 'planned pooling', this is where, based on stitch count and variegated yarns, you can create a pattern that appears in the colour changes - where the colours 'pool' together. You basically just crochet or knit - and a pattern forms.

See this Blog Post for examples of Planned Pooling

A fairly new term I've come across (I actually heard about it after I had written this pattern) is Assigned Pooling, where the colour of the yarn dictates the stitch pattern. 

Here is a knitting pattern: POPing yarn Dictatorship that uses Assigned pooling (Ravelry Link) 

After designing the Fruit Cup Fade, I've been wanting to come up with a different way to use the colour variations in the Cicibebe yarn, and think I have come up with a fun idea. The pattern uses hdc and crunch stitch, and the colour variations look like little flowers, hence the name 'Stop, and Crunch Roses'. It's not written like a regular pattern, because instead of changing at fixed intervals, your yarn dictates the colour changes, which means every Crunch the Roses Shawl could be unique! 

 

Abbreviations Used 

slst  - slip stitch

hdc -  half double crochet

Special Stitch

Crunch Stitch: [slst in next st, hdc in next st] repeat to end of row.

• if you finish a crunch stitch row with a slst, start the next row with an hdc, and vice versa.

Pattern notes

Pattern change may occur in the middle of a row.

ch2 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

ch2 at beginning of every row, even if you start with a slst

What you need: 

2- 3 balls of Cicibebe yarn (100g/ 360m) (2 will make you a short scarf of 150 cm length, 3 will give you a longer one!)  

If you can't find this yarn, try Heirloom Dazzle 8ply, or Hayfield Baby Blossom 8ply as alternatives.

OR - find a yarn with long colour changes that has approx 1/3 in a distinctive colour change. We are going to refer to this third as the Assigned Crunch Colour. A hand-dyed skein could be suitable. 

4 mm crochet hook or one to suit preferred drape,

Scissors, yarn needle.

Begin:

R1: Ch5, sk 1 ch, 4hdc, turn

R2: Ch2, 4hdc, turn.

R3: Ch2, 3hdc, (2hdc) in final st (5hdc)

R4: Ch2, 5hdc, turn.

Regular Pattern:

R5 and all odd rows: Ch2, hdc to final st, (2hdc) in final st, turn. (1 st inc),

R6 and all even rows: Ch2 hdc across, turn.

Continue this established pattern repeat until you reach the assigned crunch colour change.

then STOP!

and begin crunch stitch, keeping increases even.

Crunch Stitch: [slst in next st, hdc in next] repeat to end of row.

• if you finish a crunch stitch row with a slst, start the next row with an hdc, and vice versa.

Keep increases even means we continue the established pattern of increasing in the final st of odd rows, either (hdc, hdc), (slst, hdc) or (hdc, slst) depending on your personal sequence.

Then, when colour changes back, return to the established regular pattern.

Continue until 150cm or desired length

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Trouble shooting:

My yarn starts with the assigned crunch colour - what do I do?

A couple of options - Check both ends of the yarn, of both balls. If they both start and finish with the assigned crunch, you can cut the first section, or ignore the change until you reach the second set of assigned crunch. When starting your second ball, you may decide to cut and join the yarn to match up your colours.

Happy crocheting,

Emma 

4 Planned Pooling resources - Pattern Round Up

I haven't done a round-up in a while, so i thought i'd put a quick one together about planning pooling. 

Stardust Gold Crochet has this great guide to colour pooling. It includes a detailed list of suitable yarns if you haven't been sure what works for this technique.

My Hobby is Crochet shares a tutorial on a planned pooling hat! 

and, this tutorial on a planned pooling scarf!

Off the Hook has a 'Tips and Hints' Blog post, which includes colour pooling with Granny Stitch.

I hope you enjoy these patterns and explanations of the technique of planned pooling. I do have a new pattern in the works which uses a similar technique- so stay tuned

happy crocheting,

Emma 

Sweet Treats CAL & Blog Hop

 Welcome - my first post of 2022 - and I have an announcement for you! Starting very soon is the Sweet Treats CAL & Blog Hop!

>>Hosted by Stardust Gold Crochet - you can get all the information here<<

And Sponsored by We Crochet

   

The blanket is going to be made up of C2C squares, and a free chart will be provided each week. However, if you've never tried C2C before and want to give it a go, then it may be worth investing in the eBook, which is incredibly detailed and takes you through a full stitch tutorial, as well as written instructions. The eBook contains all the patterns and charts if you don't want to wait!

By purchasing through the above affiliate link, I will earn a commission.

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen a sneak peek at my square of the blanket! A Lollipop! All the squares are bright and fun, and you'll soon have a blanket that's perfect for the young, and young at heart.

The CAL begins very soon - I'll keep you up to date!

Happy Crocheting, and Happy 2022

Emma 

Op Shop Wristlets - and the golden loop

It's been a while since I posted over here. Turns out 2021 was not conducive to creativity (for me anyway) I keep reading that many people took up crochet and knitting, along with bread baking and other 'home' based crafts or skills, and I'm very pleased to hear it! I did knit myself a few socks (I have posted about which sock patterns I've liked as a beginner) but for some reason, my crocheting passion had left me. 

Anyway, for today, I have a last-minute Christmas gift idea - ideally for those in the Northern Hemisphere. A pair of wristlets (or fingerless gloves). They belong to a set I've had out for a while - The Op Shop Collection. The collection was first conceived back in 2015, and had had a couple of re-writes since then. The wristlets have been a bonus pattern included in the ebook, so I figured it was time to make them a little more available! 

The Original Op Shop piece

The Op Shop Collection includes a shawl, a headband, and this pair of wristlets. The wristlets are ideal for those who need some extra warmth, but still need their fingers free - to type, or swipe their phones! 

To get the full pattern set - a ebook is available on Ravelry  at this link 

The Op shop Shawl is available as an individual item on Etsy. 

the original Op Shop Wristlets from 2016 

The Op Shop Wristlets use a stitch I have called a Long Double Crochet, or an LDC - which is very much like a regular dc, but the first loop is pulled up to the height of the turning chain. The first loop is also referred to as the golden loop, and knowing about it can be revolutionary in making gauge. 

Esther from It's all in a Nutshell has a very detailed blog post about it, which you can find linked here. For what it's worth, I tend to have a short golden loop, but it may answer some questions about why some people use 3 chains for a turning chain with dc, and others only use 2. 

These wristlets were first published in 2016. ‘Op shop’ is short for Opportunity Shop, which is the Australian version of a Thrift store. The story is that I have a much-loved, thrifted bed jacket, and wanted to create a modern garment using it as inspiration. The original bed jacket is baby pink, and still in my possession! The pattern has been edited for clarity. 

Materials needed 

9mm hook 

Bulky weight yarn. (I used a small part of 1 x 100gram skein of Superfine Alpaca from Knitpicks) 

needle/scissors

Wristlets are made flat and seamed together. 

Abbreviations used 

ch- chain 

ch-sp - chain space 

sc- single crochet 

 LDC- long double crochet 

sk - skip

YO - Yarn over 

Do not count the chain as s stitch throughout the pattern. 

LDC- YO, hook in next st, YO, pull up loop to height of ch-5, (YO, pull through 2 loops) twice.

To make: 

Left hand  

Make a chain of 21 
Row 1- sk 1st chain, sc across (20), turn.
Row 2- ch 1, sc across (20), turn.
Row 3- ch 5, 20 LDC, turn.
Row 4- ch 1, 20 sc, turn.
Row 5- ch 5, 20 LDC, turn.
Row 6- ch 1, 1 sc. ch 4. sk next 4 stitches, 15 sc, turn.
Row 7- ch 1, 15sc, 4 sc into ch-sp, turn.
Row 8 - ch 1, 20 sc. 

Fasten off. Mattress stitch two short sides (edges) together and weave all ends in. 

Right Hand. 

Make a chain of 21
Row 1- sk 1st chain, sc across (20), turn.
Row 2- ch 1, sc across (20), turn.
Row 3- ch 5, 20 LDC, turn.
Row 4- ch 1 20 sc, turn.
Row 5- ch 5, 20 LDC, turn.
Row 6- ch 1, 15 sc. Skip next 4 stitches, 1 sc, turn.
Row 7- ch 1, 1 sc, 4 sc into chain space, 15 sc, turn.
Row 8 - ch 1, 20 sc. 

Fasten off. Mattress stitch two short sides (edges) together and weave all ends in. 

The current version of the Op Shop Shawl, which uses the LDC and can be part of a matching set.

I hope you enjoy this quick, and free pattern for fingerless gloves!

Happy Crocheting

Emma