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I'm loving the sherbet shades of the Rowan cotton glace in my latest batch of apple cosies.....
And this little frilly is going to have to wait until the sun has faded away - definitely too hot for crocheted collars at the moment, even in the gorgeous silk/alpaca Rooster yarn I picked up at Wool in Bath. It's so soft, I'm looking forwards to giving it an outing one day soon - apparently the Jet Stream is heading south again, so shouldn't have to wait too long! xxx
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A ball of linen yarn from Namolio, an old 1.25mm stainless steel hook and the following pattern are all you need for a lovely summer crochet project:
Make 6 ch, ss into first ch to close
Round 1: 2 ch (counts as 1 dc, 1 ch), 1 dc into ring, *1 ch 1 dc into ring*, repeat from *to* a further 10 times, 1 ch, ss into 2nd of 2 ch
Round 2: 1 dc into ch space, 7 ch (counts as 1 dtr, 3 ch), 1 dtr into next ch space, *3 ch, 1 dtr into next ch space*, repeat from *to* a further 9 times creating 12 spokes in total, 3 ch, ss into 4th of 7 ch
Round 3: 1 dc, 3 tr, 1 dc into each ch space
Round 4: 1 dc, 14 ch (counts as 1 trtr 7 ch) into top of 4th ch of 7 from round 2, *1 trtr into top of 1 dc at beginning of next ‘petal’ created on round 3, 7 ch*, repeat from *to* a further 10 times, ss into 7th ch of 14 ch
Round 5: *2 ch, 1 dc three times into ch space, 2 ch, 1 dc into top of trtr from round 4*, repeat from *to* a further 47 times
Round 6: ss into next 2 ch, 1 dc into middle of ch space, *3 ch, 1 dc into next 1 ch space between each dc*, repeat from *to* a further 47 times, ss into 1 dc
Round 7: repeat round 6
Round 8: ss into next 2 ch, 1 dc, 2 ch into ch space (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr into next ch space, *5 ch, 2 tr tog into next 2 ch spaces*, repeat from *to* 23 times, ss into 2nd of 2 ch
Round 9: *5 ch, skip 5 ch, 1 trtr, 3 ch, 1 trtr, 3 ch, 1 trtr, 3 ch, 1 trtr into top of 2 tr tog from round 8, 5 ch, skip 5 ch, 3 dc into next ch space*, repeat from *to* a further 7 times
Round 10: *1 dc, 4 tr, 1 dc into ch space created by 5 ch, 1 dc, 3 tr, 1 dc into next 3 ch space, 1 dc, 2 tr, 1 dtr, 2 tr, 1 dc into next 3 ch space, 1 dc, 3 tr, 1 dc into next 3 ch space, 1 dc, 4 tr, 1 dc into next 5 ch space, 1 dc into 2nd of 3 dc*, repeat from *to* 7 more times. Cut yarn and sew in.
Of course, you can crochet the motif in any yarn you choose, just adjust your hook size to suit your yarn. The pattern is in UK crochet terms eg. dc (UK) = sc (US), tr (UK) = dc (US) and so on.
Pipi is off on a school trip tomorrow, so I think I'm going to sew her up a quick drawstring laundry bag with a couple of these on ;) xxx
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.....the summer here in England is fresh to say the least. And whilst I could happily be crocheting with thick snuggly wool given the temperatures, I've decided to persevere with my summer crochet projects. A bit like my wardrobe - I refuse to get the woolies out of storage and I will wear the flip-flops, even if it means getting soggy feet - I will use the beautiful linen yarn I bought from Namolio on Etsy and I will indulge the super fine, super soft Rooster alpaca/silk I bought from Wool in Bath. By the way, the Wool website is back up, so have a peek if you get a chance.
First project: to finish a set of three dishcloths for my Etsy shop. The apple cosies are all sold out, so I'm working on some new ideas to stock the shelves. I am going to be teaching a beginners crochet class at Butterfly Bright, Home Sweet Home in Sherborne and have decided that practising new stitches in 'craft' or 'dishcloth' cotton is the perfect way to have a lasting and useful reminder of all those new stitches and techniques. I made myself a large version of these dishcloths and it's just too heavy when wet to use effectively, especially with delicate glasses and cups. But it does wash beautifully and I think the new sized cloths will do the job perfectly! The cloths are sitting on three doilies I've whipped up in my new Namolio linen, a pastel assortment that brings summer to mind even on the greyest of days!
Second project: to decide what to do with my doily stash! And that's where you come in! Last time I pictured a yarn stash on my blog, the lovely Kath from the Inverleith blogspot suggested a ripple blanket and it was a brilliant solution and a project that I absolutely loved. My plan for these doilies is a winding table runner to top an old oak trestle, but before I sew them together, has anyone else got any suggestions?
They make pretty individual coasters, scattered on a dining table under a wine glass or bud vase......
Or maybe they would look flowery and bright carefully placed on a lampshade; the talented Joanna Heptinstall of The Bespoke Light Company might be best placed to advise on that one;)
Violet clearly thinks they should be a cushion for her head whilst she soaks up the brief blast of sunshine!
They look beautiful stitched onto smocks and aprons, or maybe I should sell them on Etsy for other crafty folk to do with them as they wish? Or should I just go with my original idea of the table runner, decisions, decisions.....
And, if you're looking for a lovely, lightweight summer project, I'll be listing the pattern tomorrow - once I've tested it again! xxx
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From The Makery on Walcot Street it was just a short walk to The Fashion Museum and neighbouring Saville Row. The former, so enticing, it's windows swathed in lengths of knitted bunting. The colourful efforts of various knitting groups who have combined forces for 'Torch Knit'; the bunting is an Olympic inspired project that will adorn the Assembly Rooms until after the Games, at which point the flags will be stitched together to make blankets for charity - great legacy project. As I mentioned in my previous post, time was not on my side, so museum visiting is top of the list for when I return with The Sicilian and bimbi in tow (can't wait!). Saville Row, however, was very much on my packed agenda. I had a morning tea date with Eirlys Penn (aka Scrapiana), creator of the strawberry emeries that graced the second cover of Mollie Makes. Meeting place, Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms, 6-8 Saville Row, oh what a treat!
Having arrived a little ahead of time, I took the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the tea rooms and admire the tea trolley, laden with vintage linens, sundae dishes and pretty milk jugs. Everywhere I glanced, another treasure of times past caught my eye - I sat at the window, keeping an eye out for Eirlys; it was our first 'actual' meeting, and I had been looking forwards to it for so long.
I'd tucked an apple and cosy into my bag to give to her, it seemed apt given that it was my apple cosy project that had indirectly introduced me to her. And to my utter delight, Eirlys presented me with one of her Liberty lawn necklace kits - I had been admiring the necklaces from afar, wishing I could combine a trip to Bath with one of her classes. How wonderful to have a quick tutorial there and then, over several cups of Earl Grey and a slice of orange and polenta cake!
And whilst it was inspirational to watch Eirlys work her magic on wooden beads and tana lawn, it was the energy with which she spoke about her whole approach to craft, sewing and mending, which really grabbed my attention. She has channeled her passion into a project suitably titled The Big Mend, and if there was a craft project worth rolling out across the country, then this is it!
I suspect that the two of us could have sat happily for several more hours, our lovely waitress topping up the tea pot whilst we nattered away about the benefits of mending, thrifting and creating. But I had lined up another important meeting - all a bit last minute, but trans-Atlantic flights and rain delayed sports days simply cannot be avoided sometimes! The meeting in question was with my book editor, Eleanor Van Zandt. Again, despite exchanging probably close to 100 emails late last year, Eleanor and I had never met. But I had been completely overwhelmed by her generous and patient approach to my first book of crochet patterns. Not once phased by my flowery, chatty writing style (regular readers of this blog will know what I mean!), Eleanor patiently waded her way through over 35 crochet projects and their introductions. And, despite having only just touched down from a visit to America, Eleanor called to arrange lunch at the Holburne Museum garden cafe. And what a lunch it was! Eirlys had kindly guided me to the museum and was able to join Eleanor and I for lunch. So, here I was, sitting between two wonderful, articulate, animated ladies who I admire so much - in fact, at one point I was quite lost for words! Not ideal when in the company of two supreme wordsmiths!!! But neither seemed to mind, it was just such a delight to finally meet up. Any book or magazine publisher out there would be remiss if they didn't engage the talents of these two creative, eloquent and downright inspirational women - it was amazing we managed to finish our delicious lunch with all the chatter going on! But with my brief sojourn in Bath swiftly drawing to a close, I had to depart their company and make my way back into town to pick up my bag from The Henry before heading to the train station - just a quick diversion to The Makery Emporium for some last minute retail therapy, naturally. With some fabric quarters, velvet ribbon and purse clasps added to my yarn stash, I was ready to head home to Dorset and the little cottage in the woods. A bit of a whirlwind break, but food for the creative soul, everyone should treat themselves to a crumb or two once in a while! xxx
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...is clearly not enough! The Sicilian agreed that I needed a 'creative' break and with a free pass from my husband, I booked myself a return ticket to Bath Spa and a night in a b&b. The plans were laid, the weather unfortunately didn't comply - Dante's sports day was postponed due to rain and my departure was delayed by several hours (but then I haven't missed a sports day yet, and this wasn't going to be the first). Luckily for me, the truly inspirational Eirlys Penn, aka Scrapiana, was able to fit into my somewhat fluid plans, as was my wonderful book editor, Eleanor Van Zandt. And more about these two extraordinary ladies later. I'm going to approach this post chronologically, otherwise I'm afraid I'll just waffle endlessly (Eleanor would not be impressed!) - I have so much to report! And having just looked through my photos, I'm going to do a post in two parts, there's just too much to tell!!!
With the early morning sun shining, I hit Bath's cobbled streets, and my first stop was 'Wool'. I spent the previous night at The Henry, a charming b&b just a stone's throw from this hidden haven of wooliness. So, after checking out of The Henry, I peered wistfully through the window of Wool, only for the delightful owner Laura to take pity on me and open her door early. She was still having breakfast and checking in on emails, but was more than happy for me to browse her thoughtfully stocked shelves.
Laura's passion for yarn is evident as you walk around. Alongside well known brands are smaller, independent yarns, natural fibres and fabulous shades. Even better, useful samples hung at regular intervals allow you to feel the texture and see instantly how a project will knit up. And despite being full to the rafters, the shop feels light, bright and so welcoming with a comfy sofa, scattered with gorgeous knitted and crocheted cushions, just an arm's stretch away from a table laden with pattern books. I had sneaked a peek on Laura's website before visiting, so I was really keen to check out her own brand pure Teeswater dk 'Wool' and here it is, snuggled into an old suitcase.
I scooped up some of the Guava pink and Moss green - Pipi will be sporting a new tank-top style sweater come Autumn! But, my stash wasn't quite complete - I just had to have a hank of Rooster Delightful Lace, a blend of baby alpaca and silk and a cute crochet pattern book by Pico (I thought it would encourage Pipi to pick up her hook this summer and make a dachshund or two! See my 'Books to Inspire' list for details). I felt like a child in a sweet shop, I wanted a little bit of everything. Luckily, with a new web shop due soon, I will be able to get my fix of Laura's unique offering, an affordable bit at a time!
And so it was onwards with my day. I had arranged to pop in on Kate at The Makery, Walcot Street - the location for the Mollie Makes film featuring my apple cosy. Another little gem, as delightful on the inside as it looks from the outside!
Kate and her team were busy planning their weekend of creative workshops. I'm afraid I was a bit of a distraction, sorry guys, but I just couldn't help 'ooh'ing and 'aah'ing over their bolts of fabric, sweetie jars filled with buttons and beads, fabulous window display of handmade lampshades....
.....and shelf full of knickers! I have a bit of a thing about knickers; there is a pattern in my forthcoming book for edging a pair of Liberty lawn knickers with fine crochet cotton. I love my knickers, but was very challenged by their creation - not the crochet part, the pattern is quite simple, but the sewing bit. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered that the shelf full of homemade knickers was down to the talented Sarah, manager and knicker course tutor - I'm thinking that two places on said knicker course might be just the ticket for The Sicilian and I to help celebrate our wedding anniversary!!! You see, the Sicilian is a tiny bit envious of my love affair with my sewing machine and I know he secretly wants to get his hands on my Janome, so, what better way to introduce him to sewing than a course in frillies!!!
And it's with that entertaining thought that I'm going to leave you for now. But I will be back soon with the second installment of my Bath adventure, complete with Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms, Scrapiana and her Liberty bead necklaces and lunch with Eleanor Van Zandt at the beautiful Holburne Museum cafe..... xxx
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