Just a quick post to show you how I"m joining my random granny squares as I work...
As you can see, I've moved on to the pinks and greys. Essentially, I work three rounds of the square and then position my square to see approximately where it will fit with a fourth and final round. I then start the round on the top side and join where appropriate on the joining sides. I work 1dc (1sc US crochet) in the place of the 1ch that would normally separate the 3tr.
At a corner, I work 1ch 1dc into the adjoining squares 1ch in between my two sets of 3tr. I wish the photos were clearer, but with the snow and a sick boy (we've been house bound for 3 days now), I haven't been able to pick up my dad's super duper all-singing, all-dancing camera, and my little old Olympus automatic isn't really up to 'how to' photos!!! Hopefully, you'll get the picture though.
And for those of you with some odd bits of yarn crying out to be used up, here is the bookmark 'flower' pattern...
Use the hook size appropriate for your yarn, I used a 3.5mm with a dk yarn (mix of baby cashmerino, eco baby cotton, sirdar snuggly...).
Round 1: with a slip ring work 3ch (counts as 1tr) 11tr into ring, pull tight and ss into top of 3ch to close. Cut yarn and weave in end.
Round 2: change yarn and join to any of the stitches from the previous round with a dc. Work a further dc into same st and then 2dc into each st, ss into original dc. Cut yarn and weave in end.
Round 3: using a fine crochet cotton, eg. Anchor artiste no.8 and a 1.25mm hook, work a dc into the top of any stitch from previous round. Work 1tr 3dtr 1tr into next st, ss into following st, continue this petal pattern round finishing with a ss into original dc. Cut yarn and sew in.
I attached my flowers to a short length of ribbon on the sewing machine with a simple running stitch, back and forth a few times. I would probably have hand stitched them, but the machine was out on the kitchen table and I was after an instant project! You can see there is some variation in my bookmarks - I'm not good with repetition, hence some I have used htr for the centre (in which case just ch2 to start), some have only 9sts to start, some I have worked in an additional round in the same colour after round 2 (2dc into blo followed by 1dc into next 2sts, repeat around), etc. I gave each of the flowers a quick press with a steam iron before sewing into place - just lay a linen napkin or tea towel between your flowers and your iron to protect them when ironing. Have fun with what you've got ;) xxx ps. will post a photo tutorial for this as soon as I get my hands on that camera!!!
Thank you for the bookmark pattern, I am going to make one right away.
Posted by: Jeannette | January 20, 2013 at 06:34 PM
You'll have it done in an instant Jeanette! I've just discovered your beautiful, inspirational Pinterest boards, wow! Am following all of them, they will keep my craft addiction satisfied for some time to come - brilliantly curated, brava! S x
Posted by: Sara Sinaguglia | January 20, 2013 at 07:24 PM
Hi Sara,
What sweet little flowers! What a great idea to use up old odds and ends of yarn.
I work at Significant Seams, a social enterprise that aims to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged through textile craft(http://significantseams.org.uk), where we've found a similar way to use up our odds and ends; we're asking people to create knitted and crocheted flowers which will become a "Yarnscape" of spring flowers adorning a soft sculpture Wishing Well we are making as an art installation and fundraising initiative: http://significantseams.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/make-a-wish/
The Wishing Well and Yarnscape will take pride of place in our new premises (the refurbishment and upkeep of which the funds are being raised for).
We were wondering if you would be able to recruit more knitters and crocheters to the Yarnscape cause by giving us a "shout out" in your Inside Crochet column? I realise this is a big ask, but nothing ventured, nothing gained! The founder of Significant Seams is a keen crocheter and a big fan of Inside Crochet and your blog, so couldn't resist the ask!
Kate Rolison
Significant Seams CIC Community Programmes
(I blog over at http://poesiegrenadine.com/)
Posted by: Kate Rolison | January 25, 2013 at 01:16 PM
Hi Kate,
What a fantastic project you have up there in Walthamstow - more communities would benefit from your expertise I am sure! I would be only too happy to support your Wishing Well campaign and will be spreading the word wherever possible - we all have stash bits and bobs that can be transformed into floral delights!!!
Good luck, Sara
Posted by: Sara Sinaguglia | January 25, 2013 at 01:47 PM