Sock Blanks

Sock Blanks - something I've been interested in exploring for a while now. I recently acquired a knitting machine, and realised I could make my own from scratch! 

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Well, I'm not spinning my own yarn.. yet.. so I got a couple of skeins of undyed sock yarn from Bendigo Woollen Mills.

Hold up! But what are sock blanks? Sock Blanks are flat sheets of stockinette stitch, that can be dyed in many different ways, and then re knit into socks. They aren't limited to socks though - or just knitting. Have a look at Wamberal Waves - a crochet shawl pattern of mine that uses sock yarn that I dyed at home; not with sock blanks - but it certainly could be.

Sock blanks can be purchased, undyed, like these from Knit Picks and even pre dyed. Have a look at this dyed blank from Sweet Georgia Yarns  to see an example of a beautifully dyed gradient.

Dying a gradient, or self striping yarns at home can be tricky for a DIYer, so working from a flat piece of fabric can make things so much easier.

Now, the truth is, you don't need to machine knit to make the blanks, and you don't even need to knit. In my research I found a lot of crocheted blanks too.

So, back to my sock blanks! First, I have to wind them into cakes, then they are ready for the knitting machine. 

I'm still learning the ins and out of my machine. It's a Brother KX-350. 

I'm doing 46 sts and T-10 - with waste yarn on both ends... and done! There are just over 260 rows., so it's a long thin piece. 

So there you have my finished blanks. The dyeing will be for another blog post - becuase I haven't really decided what I'm doing just yet!  If you'd like to read more; I enjoyed this article by Louise Tilbrook

EDIT UPDATE: PART TWO CAN BE FOUND HERE

Thanks for reading!

Emma

Stash Busting Blanket Part 3

It's been a while since I last posted about my Stash Busting Blanket, truthfully I haven't worked on it much.

Need a reminder: Part 1 is here, Part 2 is here

While it's purpose was to reduce a lot of my DK Acrylic yarn, it is also intended as a stress free project, so putting it aside for a while isn't worrying me. 

At this stage I think I'll be doing seven colour blocks per strip, and 5 strips - but of course that's subject to change if the ratios don't work for me. 

I'm going to use a yarn needle and sew the strips together. If it's your preference, you could slip stitch them together with a crochet hook. 

Have you started busting your stash? Let me know! 

Happy Crocheting,

Emma. 

the Pattern Shop

OK, I'm re writing this post, because I'm not exactly sure what what I'm doing right now.

Currently my patterns are for sale on Ravelry, LoveCrafts and some on Etsy. While I am a big fan of Ravelry, I can't ignore the fact that their new updates have made the site inaccessible to many. So while I will keep patterns there for those who still prefer their platform, I'm also investigating Payhip and Ribblr as new venues. 

If you click on the pattern shop button you will now be taken to a list of venues for you to choose from. If  pattern is unavailable on a particular platform, please let me know - it takes time to upload to all! 

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

Magic Ring Crochet Tutorial

A quick tutorial for today - Magic Ring.

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This is my preferred method for anything starting in the round - which includes amigurumi/toys, granny squares and top down beanies. The magic ring has the advantage that it pulls tight to close the hole - whereas a joined chain is a fixed size. 

I first wrote a tutorial in 2013 - which is still available as a PDF on Etsy. If you'd like to own a copy, you can click this link to buy it. 

There are four simple steps:

1- Wrap the yarn three times around two fingers - keeping the working end closest to your hand, and the tail at your fingertips

2- Insert hook under two loops, from fingertips, toward hand.

3- Pick up third loop under the two loops. 

4 - Make a chain, and remove from fingers.

The pattern will dictate what to do next - if you are working double crochet stitches into the ring, and need to chain 3, the chain already made counts as one of the chains. If you are working amigurumi, single crochet directly into the ring.

Once you have finished your first row, secure the ring by slowly and  gently pulling the tail, to ensure both loops tighten together. 

As I said, just a quick tutorial today- but one I will be referencing back to

Emma

Summer Vibes Blog Hop - Tropical Leaf Cushion

Today is my day for the Blog Hop!

Please note- Discount code has now Expired, but the post will stay up to link back to the Summer Vibes Blog Hop

For the next 24 hours - from the time this blog post goes live, you can grab the Tropical Leaf Cushion for Free! The ever-popular tropical monstera leaf will add a summery. Palm Spring Vibe to any home.

PATTERN IS AVAILABLE ON RAVELRY

Continue the Blog Hop by following our Host - Fosbas Designs

Thanks, and Enjoy, Emma. 

Tropical Crochet Round Up

This week I had some fun putting together a round up post for the Joy of Motion Blog. Click the photo or this link to be taken there.

I chose tropical as the theme as I am now in the cold depths of Winter here in Australia and wanted to dream of Summer. I hope you find something fun to make! 

I included 2 free patterns of my own, along with 14 other patterns. My patterns are the 'Summer Vibes Wall Hanging' and 'Dahlia Pinnata'

If you're still looking for ideas - Why not check out my Tropical Leaf Cushion!

Please check out the orginal blog post, and happy crocheting!

Emma.

Crochet Patterns for Sellers - Pattern Round Up

Two blog posts ago, I talked about how you can sell anything you make from one of my patterns, I'm not really a unique designer in this respect - many designers love it when you do too!

Which leads me to a new blog series - Crochet Patterns for Sellers - Part 2.

Today I've collected a selection of patterns that are great craft show sellers! Even though craft shows may currently be postponed - now is a good time to get your stock levels ready for when craft shows start up again. These patterns are fast to make, and make great gifts,

The wildflower necklace can be found free on this blog post.

Another beautiful necklace option is the Triple Strand Necklace

Spa sets also do very well - and I have two ideas for you.

Helen from Sunflower Cottage crochet has this great set

Mari - one of the Yarnish Design Team has the Getaway Spa Set.

I have a couple of washcloth patterns on this blog too! 

Blueberry Washcloth

Bobbleberry Washcloth

Denimberry Washcloth

Something you could add to a spa set - a Chapstick holder!

Like this one from Jen Hayes Creations

Don't forget your coffee lovers with classic market makes like:

Textured Coasters like these from the Joy of Motion 

Coffee cozies

AND Sloth Coffee Cozies!

I hope this list has you inspired! My next list will continue the theme of market makes, but with a Christmas theme - as it's always a good time to get Christmas stock organised. 

Emma.