Free Pattern: Sea Fairy Shell Scarf

I was talking on the phone to Twiglet (8) the other day and she asked me if I was making anything for her. We haven’t seen each other for well over a year.

I said.”If I were to make you something, what would you like?”

The reply was, “a scarf in blues please”.

The thought of making a scarf with hundreds of short rows is not my idea of crochet fun, so I decided to create a pattern that goes around a central long row of double crochets at the centre.

Here it is:

Sea Fairy Shells for a Child

(This pattern is untested at the time of posting – I would love to know if any of you try it out – all feedback welcome ❤ )

Size:

104cm x 11cm

41inches x 4.5inches

About 54gms DK yarn and 4.5mm hook

I use US terms and I am left-handed

Special Stitches:

V st : (dc, ch1, dc) in the same stitch.

Shell: [dc, (ch 1, dc) 4 times]

Foundation chain.   Ch 154

(when I create a foundation chain I put in a stitch marker every 20 sts when I am counting.

I don’t count the loop on the hook)

Foundation Row: Dc in the 4^th ch from the hook, dc to the end. 

Counting the chains at the beginning as a stitch. 152stsRound 1: Ch 1, sc into the same st, (dc over the bar of the last dc of the Foundation Row, ch 1) 4 times, dc over the bar, sc in the first loop at the base of the foundation row,

(skip 2 sts, in the next st: [dc,(ch 1, dc) 4 times], skip 2 sts, sc),  repeat 24 times to the end of the row.

In the end bar (which is the foundation chain that formed the first stitch of the Foundatuion row) [ dc, (ch 1, dc) 4 times],  skip2 sts, sc in first st (where the stitch marker is in the photo),

[Skip 2sts, dc, (ch 1, dc) 4 times, skip 2sts, sc]  Continue making these shells to the end, making sure that the centre of the shell is opposite the shells on the other side of the Foundation row.

25 shells each side of the Foundation Row and one at each end.

It takes about 20gms yarn to get to this point.

Round 2:

(Round 2 and 3 use approx 15gm)

Colour 2: Standing sc in the third dc of the end shell., *ch3, V st into the next sc. Ch2, (sc into the 3^rd dc of the next shell, ch1, V st in the sc, Ch1)  24 times, sc into the 3rd. dc of the next shell, ch2, Vst into the sc, ch3*, sc into the 3rd dc of the end shell, Repeat from * to * . Sl into the standing sc.

 

Round 3:

Sl into the V of the standing sc. Ch4, into the V of the standing sc (dc, ch1, dc)

ch1, *sc into the ch3 space, (make a shell into the ch1 of the next V st, skip 2sts,  sc in the next sc) 25 times,

make a shell into the next Vst., sc into the ch3 space, ch1,• into the V of sc [dc, (ch1, dc) 4 times], ch1,

Repeat from *to *, into the V of the standing sc (dc, ch1) twice.

sl into 3rd ch to complete the round. Cut the yarn and fasten off.

Round 4:

(Round 4 and 5 take approx 20 gms yarn)

Start with a standing sc in the 3rd dc of the 13th shell on one side.

(starting here so that the sewing in of the ends can be as discreet as possible)

^^(ch1, Vst in the next sc, ch1, sc in 3rd dc of the next shell)^^ 13 times.

**ch1, Vst into the next sc, ch1, Vst into the same sc, ch2,

sc into the 3rd dc of the end shell, ch2, Vst into the next sc, ch1, Vst into the same sc, ch1, sc into the 3rd dc of the first shell of the next side.**

Repeat from ^^ to ^^25 times,

Repeat from ** to **

Repeat from ^^ to ^^ 12 times.

Sl into standing sc, do not cut the yarn.

Round 5:

ch1, (skip 2sts, shell into Vst, skip 2 sts, sc into sc) 13 times

^skip 2 sts, [into the next ch1 space, (dc, ch1) twice, dc] 3 times, skip 3sts, sc into the next sc.

skip 3 sts, [into the next ch1 space, (dc, ch1) twice, dc] 3 times. skip 2 sts, sc into next sc,^

make 25 shells in the V sts to the end.

sc in next sc, Repeat from ^ to ^

Make shells to the end of the round, sl into ch1.

Cut yarn and fasten off.

These scarfs are like hugs and kisses for my Granddaughters

Twig’s Scarf: Teal and Lobelia

Scarf 2: Storm , Duck Egg, Petrol

Twiglet’s Scarf +1: Stash busting, machine washable DK yarn.

 

 

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Ear Savers

Crocheted Ear Savers

A band to be worn with Surgical Masks to stop ears getting sore.

5” x 2″ or 12cm x 5.5cm

EDIT: I have seen photos of them in use, and the nurse who I made them for says they are just the right length for her. 

US terms

Abbreviations

Ch        chain               dc        double crochet

St         stitch

Materials

Yarn:

These can be made in any yarn that can be washed at 60 degrees in a washing machine.

Stylecraft Special DK says 40 degrees on the label, but I made a blanket for my Mum out of SSDK, she is in a Care Home. The blanket has been washed many times at 60 degrees, and although the yarn has become thinner and less fluffy,  it is holding up well 4 years later.

I used oddments of Stylecraft Special DK: Matador, Turquoise, Fiesta and Sunshine.

Approximately 4gms for each band.

Hook : 4.5mm

2 buttons, 1″ diameter

Pattern

Ch14 for the foundation chain.

Round 1

Dc in the third ch from the hook

work 10 more dcs into the sts of the foundation chain.

Work 7 dcs into the last st to form the rounded end

10 dcs into the loops at the base of the foundation chain.

Work 2 dcs into the last loop

Picking up two loops at the end, work 3 dcs into these loops.

Join with a slip st. into the stitch indicated by the needle

Round 2

Ch2, work dc into the same st.

10 dcs

2 dcs into each of the next 7sts

10 dcs

2dcs into the next 6 sts. Join with a slip st.

Alternatively add another colour

Round 3

Ch 1, crab st around. After the last st, cut the thread, pull through and sew in to join.

Sew in the ends and sew buttons on.

A great little project for using up some of my stash.

I have made these for the daughter of a friend of mine who is a nurse in our local hospital.  When I asked her what colour she would like she said ‘oh anything bright’.

I hope these hit the spot!

 

Scrap Happy Box

I made this piece of crazy patchwork in 2013 and although I have photographed it and have tote bags and cushions made from the ensuing fabric, I have never made anything with the fabric itself.

Another little fabric box seemed just the right project for it.

Still using canvas left over from my needlepoint days, I cut the sides 3″ by 2.5″ and the base a 3″ square

I lined the box with an old T-shirt, the hem at the top.

Here are all the layers, ready to be stitched together.

The base is T-shirt fabric on both sides.

After stitching the layers together with some runnig stitches across the pieces, I blanket stitched the edges

Then sewed the pieces all together to form the box

Using some 2ply crochet cotton left over from a dreamcatcher, and a 2.5mm hook, I did a chain stitch all round the top into the blanket stitches, to make a simple shell stitch edging.

Lots of Scrap Happiness to join in with Kate and her merry band of Scrappers on Scrap Happy Day, which is on the 15th of every month.

If you want to see how some scraps of rusty barbed wire can be used to create art, have a look at my previous post.

Pop across to see what others have been doing with their scraps:

Gun, Titti, Heléne, Eva, Sue, Nanette, Lynn, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Debbierose, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan,
Moira, Linda, Chris, Nancy, Alys, Kerry, Claire, Jean,
Joanne, Jon, Hayley, Dawn, Gwen, Connie, Bekki, Pauline, Sue L,
Sunny and Kjerstin

Always inspiring!

Textile Tuesday: Box

Textile Tuesday happens on the first Tuesday of each month. Join in by leaving a link in the Comments. Current or archive posts are all welcome, your own textiles or those you have seen out and about.

Inspired by Cathy’s Scrap Happy post, I was itching to have a go at making a fabric box.

I have lots of bits and pieces of canvas left over from my needlepoint obsession days. A piece of this made a nice firm frame.

I cut 3″ squares of canvas, and 3½” calico squares as the backing for some little pieces of textile collage.

After stitching the pieces in place with just a few stitches, I put a piece of wadding between the calico and the canvas and stitched them all together.

The two pieces on the left have little pockets.

I sewed blanket stitch round the edges and made a plain calico base

then oversewed the sides to the base before sewing up the sides.

Oh I did enjoy making this but it had taken me a whole day and I wanted to finish quickly. I cut a piece of canvas for the lid and thought, ‘that’ll do’.

I added a piece of thicker wadding top and bottom and found a shell for the handle.

Ta Dah!

I think it works

Now – what to put in it ….

 

Free Seahorse Pattern

I have been trying to make the pattern for this little Seahorse easier to understand. This little chap has led me a merry dance! Here goes.

There is a printable pattern – with just one photo of the finished seahorse, for sale in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.

The pattern is written in US terms. I am left-handed, if you are right-handed the seahorse will face the other way.

Use a 3mm up to a 4.5mm hook and any double knitting yarn.

I have used Stylecraft Special DK

or the pattern can be made in cotton with the appropriate sized hook.

(Use the bigger hook if you like the motif a little bigger and looser)

Abbreviations

ch      chain               sc      single crochet                dc     double crochet

hd     half double     sl      slip stitch                        tog     together

BODY

Ch 35

Dc into 4th ch from the hook, 1dc, 3 dc2tog

2 dc, 2 tr, work 2 tr into each of the next 3 chs.

1tr, 2dc, 2 dc into each of the next 2sts, 2 hd, 3sc2tog,

2 sl (leaving the remaining chs unworked)

1ch

TURN

Miss one st, sl 8, 2sc, 1hd, 2hd in next st, 1dc, 2dc in next st,

2dc, 2dc into next st, 1dc, 2hd,

3sc, 2sl, miss 1st, 2sl, (to the neck)

Ch1

TURN

Miss 1, 6sl, 4sc, 2hd in next st 4 times, 2hd, 2sc, 3sl

Ch1

TURN

Miss 1, 3sl, 16sc, sc2tog, 3sl (you are now at the lower point of the neck)

HEAD

ch 8, sl into 5th ch from the hook to form a loop, (the loop will form the eye)3 sl into the chains (working back towards the neck).

TURN

6dc into loop,

TURN

miss 1^st, 2 sl,

SNOUT

ch5, sl into 2nd ch from hook (forming a picot that will be the top tip at the end of the snout), dc, sc, dc.

Flip the snout over, so that the picot is facing upwards.

Sl into the top of the last of the dcs into the loop to attach the snout to the head.

2dc into loop, 2hd into loop, ch3, sl into the top of the hd

1hd and 2dc into loop

sl into the first ch of the HEAD (at the neck).

2sl to the top of the neck,

TURN

1dc into each of 3 sts, on the top of the head

ch2,

TURN

sl into the top of dc directly below the chs

sl, ch3, sl into 3rd st from the hook, sl into dc directly below the picot just made,

(sc,* ch4, sl into 4th ch from hook, sl) twice, sl

The picture below is at this first sc*, which is made into the loop at the base of the foundation chain.

ch3, sl into 3rd ch from hook, 2sl

(ch4 miss a st, sl) 3 times, sl

FIN

ch4, 2 tr into next st. twice, ch1,

TURN

(sl, ch3) 5 times.

Fasten off.

Sew in the end.

When sewing in the end of the tail pull slightly to get the tail to curl.

This new improved pattern comes with many more photos. If you have a go, I would love to know how you get on.

It would also be fun to see how you use the motifs.

I put them on a Hoodie.

Rainbow Junkie made a wonderful wall hanging for her bathroom.

Happy Hooking!

Beach Bunting: adding beads and shells

Inspired by Attic24’s Dune Blanket.

I used:

Beading Needle

Silamide waxed nylon beadstring

Seed beads: here is a link to some similar to the ones I used.

Swarovski crystals:  I used 3mm bicone clear AB crystals, although I’m not sure where you can get them from nowadays

Semi-precious gem stones

and some shells with holes in them – gathered from the beach.

Put a knot in the end of the beadstring and attach to the bottom of the triangle at the back, sew a knot by taking the needle through a loop and exit at the very tip.

Add a crystal, a bead or semi-precious stone, a crystal and a seed bead, then take the thread through the hole in the shell

and back up through the beads and crystals and into the point of the bunting triangle.

Fasten off at the back

And there you have it! Some seaside bunting

Inspired by Attic24’s Dune Blanket

Find the pattern for the Triangles here.

and

The photo tutorial for making the triangles into bunting here.

Let me know if you have a go at making some Beachy Bunting, I’d love to know how you get on.

Beach Baby Bunting

This post follows on from the previous post: Knitted Bunting where you will find the free pattern for the triangles.

It is inspired by the Attic24 Dune Blanket colours. Wouldn’t this bunting go SO well with a baby blanket in the Dune design. AND how about making a little jacket (see my free Baby Jacket pattern here)  in Dune colours too – ooooo – mouthwateringly delicious!

I have used Stylecraft Special DK: Spearmint, Cloud Blue, Pale Rose, Parma Violet, Powder Pink, Duck Egg and Spearmint.

Joining the triangles and making them into Bunting

Line up all the triangles on a 4mm needle in the order you want them to be, with Right Sides facing.

DO NOT CUT THE YARN OF THE LAST TRIANGLE

Working on the last triangle: Cast off purlwise.

until the last stitch

* Turn your work so that you have the Wrong Side facing you.

Knit one stitch

Put the stitch just knitted onto the left hand needle and knit one. Repeat 8 more times to create a joining chain of 10 stitches altogether.

(Add more chains if you want your triangles further apart)Turn your work so that you have the RS facing.

Bring the yarn to the front and cast off the next triangle purlwise

Repeat from * across all the triangles.

 

When you have cast off across the top of the last triangle make a chain as long as you want it to be, for hanging up your bunting.

I have done a chain of 30 stitches.

Join yarn to the first triangle and make a matching chain.

Sew in all the ends.

Here is the pre-blocked bunting

Now to block and add some beads and/or shells.

I have had these beads for years.  The supplier I bought them from no longer exists but I found these semi-precious gemstone chips online which are similar.

The shells have been collected over time, from lots of different far flung beaches.

The pattern is untested – please let me know how you get on.

Here is a post about attaching the beads and shells.

Letter

My entry in our One-a-Week Photo Challenge. 

The Letter A

I came across the Japanese Art of Paper Cutting called Notan, which uses positive and negative space. Go to Pinterest to see the most amazing examples.

The photo was taken using the ‘Sketch’ setting on my Nikon D5200.

Step – by – step:

A piece of A5 coloured paper and an A4 background

It needs to go on a coloured background

Couldn’t resist a bit of doodling, and then it needed to go on a black background. Now some of the doodling looks like cut-outs.

This is such a good activity to do with children aged 4 onwards.

The designs would make great greetings cards.

Please leave your link in the comments – Cathy and I always look forward to seeing each interpretation of the prompt – she has a corker this week!