Tunisian Pattern Round Up

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To celebrate my new Tunsian fingerless gloves - the Jindabyne Fingerless Mittens- I have compiled a list of some of my favourite Tunisian patterns that I have tried, or want to! 

My latest pattern is for Tunisian crochet (fingerless) mittens, that use a combination of stitches, are worked flat and seamed will help take your TC to the next level You can fnd my pattern on Etsy, Ravelry amd LoveCrafts

If you haven't used the technique before - if you can crochet, you can Tunisian crochet! Keep reading to the end of the post for some tips. 

Next - a pattern I have made myself - the Smirr Shawl. This one is also beyond the basics - increases and special stitches - it's probably the most favourite Tunisian piece I have made. It's by Melody Tallon of Artefacts Crochet. Below is my shawl, during progress.

And here is Melody's original shawl.

Double Brim Crochet Hat - another one I have made - the Tunisian knit stitch (or Tks) mimics the knit look, and creates a lovey thick fabric to keep you warm. Sized from newborn to adult.

Since we are coming up to Christmas - the Tunisian Crochet Christmas Tree Pillow is my next pick. The cushion includes colour work, and is a no-sew project!

 

If you like cute- then you will love the Tunisian Watermelon Bag from Blackstone Designs. This would make a sweet Christmas - or anytime- gift! 

A couple of cowls I would like to make:

Twisted Cowl by ACCRochet

Tunisian Concept Cowl by Rafamusa Designs

Tunisian Ribbed Cowl by Hooked by Hazel

Now, if you haven't tried Tunisian crochet before - I think the best way to try it, is by making a washcloth - then you have something useful at the end- make a few and package up with a beautiful soap for a cute handmade Christmas gift. 

I like this one by My Poppet Makes

You will need to get a Tunisian hook - sometimes called an afghan hook or a tricot hook. It's best to size up from what you'd use for 'regular' crochet, as the drape is different. A rigid hook is fine for a small project - like a washcloth, or my gloves, like this Addi one from LoveCrafts (affilate link)

 but if you are planning on going big, I love interchangables - and it may be worth investing in a set! I'm a fan of the knitpro sets (called knitters pride overseas) 

(affiliate link)

These come with a cables, so you can change the length depending on the project.

I hope you enjoyed my round up, and consider giving Tunisian crochet a go!

Happy Crocheting,

.

Emma

Two new Patterns - Rose Sisters

 This month I released some new patterns.. and totally spaced on sharing them here!

First up is the Rosebud Wrap - This one is designed to showcase your favourite gradient yarn.

Link to Etsy

Link to Ravelry 

I've used a Stenli Muffin - a yarn from Bulgaria! This is a huge 2000 m thread cake, which means it's made of three threads held together - not plied - and the colour changes happen as one thread at a time is changed over. 

I've also included a chart with the fully written pattern (US terms). 

Rosebud is named after the little clusters within the design, and also as a sister piece to go along with the Primrose Wrap

Which is the second release!

Primrose is a re - release,updated to include a chart, and written in US terms. Primrose is also still 'under contract' through Bendigo Woollen Mills, and they are selling the UK version - via their own website and on Ravelry. I will be selling mine via Etsy and Lovecrafts. 

Primrose was one of my first patterns I wrote! This one uses 2 colours in 4ply cotton - I've used Bendigo Cotton in 'Primrose' - where the name came from! and 'Snow'. Sadly the Primrose colour has been discontinued. 

Link to Etsy

Link to Lovecrafts

If you get a chance to make one - please let me know via social media. And don't forget to sign up for my newsletter - that way you don't wait to hear about new releases! You can do that by clicking here

Thanks for reading and Happy Crocheting

Emma

Soft as a Cloud - new pattern.

Last week (to coincide with May's Newsletter) a new pattern was released!

Soft as a Cloud - a fluffy cloud cushion.

This one  was pretty fun to make - not to mention is was a quick one!

I was inspired by all the rainbow projects I've been seeing online, many a response to the global pandemic we are currently experiencing. If you'd like to see some of them - have a look at my previous rainbow round up - Rainbow Connections 

The cloud uses 'Sweetheart Soft' by Scheepjes. This happened to be in my stash along with av royal blue, so it also served as part of my ongoing 'use what you have on hand' mindset. A similar fluffy yarn could be substituted, and although it's hard to see the stitches, I could feel them fairly easily. 

I've also got a couple of beanies that use 'tricky yarn - check out this blog post for more info! 

Just quietly - how good would it look with the Fruit Cup fade! Due to the pandemic, I don't have access to the blanket at the moment to get a photo together - so I'll have to work on that later. 

Thanks again for reading! I hope you are all safe and well.

Emma. 

Kirra Lovey

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I've been on a Koala kick recently!

First Kirra came along, and you can find the blog post about her here.

And then I was asked if I made a 'lovey' version. So I made one! If you aren't sure what a lovey is, it's a cross between a blanket and a toy, like a little security blanket (the term can really be applied to any item a baby bonds with.)

Kirra Lovey is made with a chunky yarn, and does not include safety eyes. Despite the name, it is best practice to keep them for older kids.

Both original Kirra and Lovey Kirra are raising funds for the AREPH for the month of February. $2 from each will go to the hospital.
Donate directly to the organisation here, or find out about what they do.

Last month I was able to donate $60 to the AREPH and $60 to WIRES. I sold just under 60 copies of Kirra, but rounded it up!

I did mention in my newsletter (sign up if you aren't already receiving it! - read this blog post why you should!) that one of my testers has raised over $300 auctioning the koalas she has made from the patterns, and that is quite an achievement! Congrats Sara!

Find the pattern for Kirra Lovey on Ravelry or on Etsy

and Original Kirra can also be found on Ravelry and Etsy 

It's Hip to be Square

I have had a few requests for a square version of the fruit cup fade - and part one is now published on the Yarnish Blog "What's on the Blog".

click here for the pattern

Edit: Part 2 can be found here

The pattern is once again split up in sections, which allows the pattern the be released quicker, and I think it helps makes bigger projects more manageable.

Like the original, a full PDF will be available once it is ready


Picture below is the original rectangular fruit cup fade

Yarn Kits can be found here

Thanks for reading,

Happy Crocheting - Emma.

Coming Soon - Dino a Long

Coming soon.. a Dino a Long! I'm not revealing much information right now, but I will say it's a crochet a long, for something for younger kids. 

A crochet a long can take several forms, but in this case, I'll be releasing sections of a brand new pattern in parts. There will be a discount for pre sales, and if you sign up for my newsletter here, you'll receive all the information as it is released. 

Hope to see you joining in a long!  

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! 

Slouchy Strawberry Fields Beanie- Abbey Road Yarns

I was sent a few balls of the new Abbey Road Yarn from Spotlight, and have been having fun testing it out! The Strawberry Fields Mohair was a bit of a challenge (link here) as fluffy yarn can be hard to see stitches!The yarn is a blend of  50% Acrylic, 22% Mohair, 20% Merino and 8% Polyester, with a soft, brushed look. 

Nevertheless, I worked out the perfect stitch pattern - moss stitch, and with a 9 mm hook I was able to get a fabric that is super stretchy and perfect for a slouchy beanie.

The yarn is challenging, stitches are hard to see, but spaces aren't! Almost impossible to unravel, but it's also very forgiving. If you don't quite get the stitch in the right place, you are not likely to see. Although I just made a beanie, I think this stitch pattern would also make a lovely cushion cover or throw blanket for some gorgeous texture. 

You will need 1 ball of Abbey Road Strawberry Fields Mohair (50 g/ 90m) I used Orient Blue, and an 9 mm crochet hook. This beanie is worked flat in one piece and sewn at the end. a yarn needle is also required

Written in US terms
Make a Chain of 32.
Row 1: Miss 3 ch, *sc, ch, miss 1 chain. Repeat from * to finish with sc in final ch (14 SC)
Rows 2- 30.: 4 ch, * sc in 1-ch sp, ch. Repeat from * to finish with sc in 4-ch sp.

With yarn needle, join foundation chain to Row 30.

To sew top, fold in half and make one stitch joining the two sides. You will have a shape that looks like a figure 8. Pinch the top and bottom of the '8' in and make another stitch. Continue pinching in the 'loops' until you gathered in the top sufficiently. Weave all ends in.

Enjoy!

If you are in a position to donate - please consider buying me a coffee. Your support allows me to produce free patterns.

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!

Christmas Decoration - St Niklaas Star

I've just released a new pattern in time for Christmas, for those who love handmade decorations!

The St Niklaas Star is a detailed little ornament, and while it uses some advanced stitches, I've included quite a few photos to help out those who might want to try out something to lift their game beyond the basic dc.

The pattern is on Ravelry and LoveCrochet at the moment, and will be uploaded to Etsy.

I've used Scheepjes Colour Crafter, the most gorgeous acrylic yarn, in three shades. Sint Niklaas, Wolvega and Pollare, which in turn inspired the name and scandi feel to the pattern.

I ordered my yarn from Yarnish.com.au  who, in my opinion, are the most convenient for Australian customers to order Scheepjes brand yarn.

To purchase from Ravelry, just click this link

or search 'St Niklaas Star' on Ravelry or LoveCrochet