Sunshine and Showers - Part 8

I am putting this month's patterns for the Sunshine and Showers blanket live slightly earlier than expected as I have a meeting tomorrow morning and won't be able to post it before lunch time and I know that many of you wait patiently for it to arrive, so I thought it was better to post slightly early than late......

When designing this month’s section of the blanket I wanted to use a pattern and colour palette that would convey warmth and homeliness. December is a month where we embrace all things cosy and wintery here in the UK, like open fires, hot chocolate and the company of friends and family, so I wanted to use the warm shades used in the summer sections and a stitch formation which could resemble a wintery snow flake pattern.

I have said many times that I rarely use stitch directories, but in this instance I have referred to a really fabulous book called ‘The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Patterns’ by Linda P Schapper. (ISBN 978-1-4547-0137-8)

Because this pattern uses treble crochet and chain spaces throughout you need to keep an eye on your tension as it is very easy to become a little looser the more rows you do. If you find your work getting too loose then change down to a smaller size hook.

If you want to purchase a download copy of the patterns for just 95p you can access the Stylecraft Special DK version by following this link and the Yarn Stories version by following this link - please note that step by step images in all patterns are from the Special DK version.

Yarns used this month:

Stylecraft Special DK 100g balls

1067 Grape

1023 Raspberry

1242 Fondant

1080 Pale Rose

Yarn Stories Fine Merino DK 50g balls

2518 Thistle

2509 Fuchsia

2514 Raspberry

2536 English Rose

Equipment Special DK:

4mm Hook

Sewing Needle

Equipment Fine Merino DK:

3.5mm Hook

Sewing Needle

Dealing with yarn ends: Sewing yarn ends in as you go along makes the finishing process much easier and means that you are less likely to loose stitches or make errors with your tension.

Hook Changes:

This month there are quite a few hook chnages so make sure you take note of where they are.

Pattern Repeat:

If you have chosen to make the blanket in a different size you will need to calculate the pattern repeat accordingly.

The repeat for this section is worked over multiples of 20sts + 1 stitch. 

Note: The pattern in written in UK terminology

Method:

Undo stitch from holder to the point where you can change yarn shade to Grape (Thistle) on the final step of the stitch, turn

Row 40: (RS facing) Using Grape (Thistle) and 4mm (3.5mm) hook 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip st at base of 4ch and the next st, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st] 6 times * 1tr into each next 2sts, [1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st] 9 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1tr into each next 2sts, [1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st] 7 times, changing yarn shade to Raspberry (Fuchsia) on the final step of the last st, turn.

You should be able to count the posts of 94 treble crochet stitches and have 8 groups of 3trs

Row 41: Using Raspberry (Fuchsia) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip st at base of 4ch and next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 5 times, * 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 3ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 7 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 3ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 5 times, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4ch made at beginning of last row & changing yarn shade to Fondant (Raspberry) on the last step of the final st, turn.

You should be able to count the posts of 102 treble crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs.

Row 42: Using Fondant (Raspberry) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 4 times, * 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 3ch, skip 2sts, 1dc into 3ch sp made on previous row, 3ch, skip 2sts, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 5 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 3ch, skip 2sts, 1dc into 3ch sp made on previous row, 3ch, skip 2sts, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 4 times, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4ch made at beginning of last row & changing yarn shade to Pale Rose (English Rose) on the last step of the final st, turn

You should be able to count the posts of 86 treble crochet stitches, 8 double crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs.

Row 43: Using Pale Rose (English Rose) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 3 times, * 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1dc into 3ch sp made on previous row working to the left hand side of the ch sp so that your stitch is close to the next dc, 1dc into next dc, 1dc into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 3 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1dc into 3ch sp made on previous row as before, 1dc into next dc, 1dc into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 3 times, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4ch made at beginning of last row, DO NOT fasten off, turn.

You should be able to count the posts of 70 treble crochet stitches, 24 double crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs.

Row 44: (RS facing) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] twice, * 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1dc into next 4ch sp made on previous row working to the left hand side of the ch sp so that your stitch is close to the next dc, 1dc into each next 3dc, 1dc into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr; repeat from * 6 times, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1dc into 3ch sp made on previous row as before, 1dc into each next 3dc, 1dc into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 2sts, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] twice, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4tch made at beginning of last row, DO NOT fasten off, turn.

You should be able to count the posts of 54 treble crochet stitches, 40 double crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs.

Row 45: 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] twice, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, * 2tr into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 1dc, 1dc into each next 3sts, 4ch, skip next st, 2tr into next ch sp working to the left hand side of the ch sp so that your stitches are close to the next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st; repeat from * 6 times, 2tr into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 1dc, 1dc into each next 3sts, 4ch, skip next st, 2tr into next ch sp as before, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] twice, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4ch made at beginning of last row & changing yarn shade to Fondant (Raspberry) on the last step of the final st, turn.

You should be able to count the posts of 70 treble crochet stitches, 24 double crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs

Row 46: Using Fondant (Raspberry) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 3 times, * 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 2tr into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 1dc, 1dc into next dc, 4ch, skip next st, 2tr into next ch sp working to the left hand side of the ch sp so that your stitches are close to the next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 3 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 2tr into next ch sp, 4ch, skip 1dc, 1dc into next dc, 4ch, skip next st, 2tr into next ch sp as before, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 3 times, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4ch made at beginning of last row & changing yarn shade to Raspberry (Fuchsia) on the last step of the final st, turn.

You should be able to count the posts of 86 treble crochet stitches, 8 double crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs

Row 47: Using Raspberry (Fuchsia) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next ch, 1tr into next tr, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 4 times, * 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 2tr into next ch sp, 1ch, 2tr into next ch sp working to the left hand side of the ch sp so that your stitches are close to the next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 5 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 2tr into next ch sp, 1ch, 2tr into next ch sp as before, 1tr into next tr, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next tr] 4 times, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4ch made at beginning of last row & changing yarn shade to Grape (Thistle) on the last step of the final st, turn

You should be able to count the posts of 102 treble crochet stitches and have 16 groups of 3trs.

Row 48: (RS facing) Using Grape (Thistle) 4ch (counts as 1tr & 1ch) skip next st, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next st] 5 times, * 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next st] 7 times; repeat from * 6 times, 1ch, skip next tr, 1tr into next tr, 1tr into next ch sp, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st, [1ch, skip next ch, 1tr into next st] 5 times, 1ch, 1tr into 3^rd ch of 4tch made at beginning of last row, place st on st holder

Work another piece to match.

Measurement: Each piece should measure approximately 30cm from bottom edge x 92cm wide.

The next set of patterns will be posted here on the 9th of January 2018 and the patterns feature a wave and bobble pattern (shown above) that I designed to look like snow showers - although I am hoping we don't get any snow here as it is a weather condition that London is famously ill equiped to deal with!

Just in case I don't manage to get on here again before the New Year I will take the opportunity to wish you all the very best for the Holiday Season and hope that you all stay healthy, warm and happy. Thank you for all your support over the last year.

Jane x 
 

With thanks to the team at Crochet Now magazine.

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Pattern: Clean Lines Beanie

Use any color combination of your choosing to create these beautifully clean lines in this quick and easy beanie.

Materials:
1 skein Big Twist Chunky - Blue (Color A)
1 skein Big Twist Chunky - White (Color B)
Size 8 circular needles
Size 8 double pointed needles
Stitch marker 
Sewing needle

Abbreviations:
K - knit
P - purl
K2tog - knit the next two stitches together
CO - cast on
St(s) - stitch(es)

Sizing:
Small (Medium, Large)
Child/Teen (Adult Small, Adult Large)

Notes: 
All rounds are worked for all sizes unless specified otherwise in the instructions for that round. The round numbering continues sequentially for ease of reading even though you do not necessarily work all rounds for all sizes. 

Instructions: 
Using the circular needles and Color A, CO 50 (60, 70) sts. Place stitch marker at the end of the round. Begin working in the round.

Rounds 1-6: *K1, P1.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 7 (Medium and Large only): *K1, P1.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 8 (Large only): *K1, P1.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Rounds 9-16: K across.
Round 17 (Medium and Large only): K across.
Round 18 (Large only): K across.

Switch to Color B for the remainder of the pattern.

Rounds 19-27: K across.
Round 28 (Medium and Large only): K across.
Round 29 (Large only): K across.

Crown Shaping:

Round 30: *K8, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 31: K across.
Round 32: *K7, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 33: K across.
Round 34: *K6, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 35: K across.
Round 36: *K5, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 37: K across.

Switch to double pointed needles.

Round 38: *K4, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 39: *K3, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 40: *K2, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 41: *K1, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 
Round 42: *K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end. 

Cut yarn so there’s an approximate 8-inch tail. Weave the tail in through the remaining stitches. Use the sewing needle to weave in the ends. 

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Sunshine and Showers - Part 7

Here in the UK November is the month when it really hits home that winter is on the horizon. It always seems to me that we are in with a chance of getting lovely autumn days with a few glimpses of sunshine right up until November 5^thwhen the weather seems to change almost over night – in fact it seems to change from the moment we head out the door for the local firework display in honour of Guy Fawkes night! This year was no exception with yesterday being particularly chilly here in North London - we woke up to a frosty garden and had to crank up the heating here in the office, which came as a bit of a shock after the mild autumn days.

 

As I have said before, I am a fan of the sunshine, but I do see that there can be something really nice about snuggling up in front of an open fire and shutting out the cold and wet of the outside world. We live in a drafty little house where the temperature changes dramatically from room to room, so all of us tend to rely heavily on blankets and wraps to keep us warm this time of year. Sitting and crocheting a warm and comfy project is great for this time of year so do read on to find out what happens in this installment of the Sunshine & Showers blanket….

For the design this month I wanted to portray the idea of the autumn leaves falling from the trees. The first frost of the season has meant that many of the leaves in our garden have now fallen and we have patchy brown areas on the lawn where a carpet of gold, brown and yellow leaves are now scattered.

This month there is quite a lot of hook changing – I have marked in bold the hook you should be using for each row and have also written the instruction to change hook before each row to reinforce the need to change!

If you want to purchase a download copy of the patterns for just 95p you can access the Stylecraft Special DK version by following this link and the Yarn Stories version by following this link. Please note that step by step images in all patterns are from the Special DK version.

Yarns used this month:

Stylecraft Special DK 100g balls

1711 Spice

1065 Meadow

1027 Khaki

1709 Gold

1712 Lime

1005 Cream

1063 Graphite

Yarn Stories Fine Merino DK 50g balls 

2515 Rouge

2510 Leaf

2501 Bottle

2502 Burnt Sienna

2516 Spring Green

2504 Cream

2500 Anthracite

Equipment Special DK:

4mm & 4.5mm hook

Sewing Needle 

Equipment Fine Merino DK:

4mm & 4.5mm hook

Sewing Needle 

Dealing with yarn ends: Sewing yarn ends in as you go along makes the finishing process much easier and means that you are less likely to loose stitches or make errors with your tension.

Hook Changes:

This month there are quite a few hook chnages so make sure you take note of where they are.

Pattern Repeat:

If you have chosen to make the blanket in a differnt size you will need to calculate your stitch repeats accordingly.

The leaf shapes are made over a repeat of 16sts. To make this work with 171sts I had to calcualte the number of stitches left at the begginng of the row and at the end in order for the leaves to sit centrally. If you are chnaging the stitch count you will need to do the same.

Note: The pattern in written in UK terminology

Method

Leave the last remaining st on the stitch holder.

Row 27: (RS facing) Using Spice (Rouge) and 4mm (3.5mm) hook skip 6sts, join yarn into next st by working 1ch, (does not count as a st) 1dc into same st, * 1ch, skip next st, 1htr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, [1dtr into next st, 1ch, skip next st] twice, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1htr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1dc into next st, ** 1ch, skip next st, 1dc into next st; repeat from * 9 times, finishing final repeat at **, turn

Change to 4.5mm (4mm) hook

Row 28: Using 4.5mm (4mm) hook 1ch, (does not count as a st), 1dc into st at base of 1ch, 1dc into next ch sp, 2dc into each next 6ch sps, * 3ch, skip [1dc, 1ch, 1dc], 2dc into each next 7 ch sps; repeat from * 8 times, 3ch, skip [1dc, 1ch, 1dc], 2dc into each next 6 ch sps, 1dc into next ch sp, 1dc into next st, fasten off, turn.

Change to 4mm (3.5mm) hook

Undo stitch from holder (from previous month – Storm Blue) to the point where you can change yarn shade to Meadow (Leaf) on the final step of the stitch, turn.

Row 29: (RS facing) Using Meadow (Leaf) and 4mm (3.5mm) hook 3ch (counts as 1tr) 1tr into each next 5sts, * working along previous row 1dc into each next 13sts, skip next dc made on Row 27, working in front of 2 previous rows 3tr into next dc made on Row 26, skip 3ch made on previous row; repeat from * 8 times, working along previous row 1dc into each next 13sts, skip next dc, working into Row 26, 1tr into each next 6sts, changing yarn shade to Khaki (Bottle) on the final step of the last st, turn. (169sts)

Row 30: Using Khaki (Bottle) and 4.5mm (4mm) hook, 1ch (does not count as a st) 1dc into st at base of 1ch, 1dc into each next 4sts, 2dc into next st, 1dc into each st to last 6sts (including 3ch made at beginning of row), 2dc into next st, 1dc into each next 5sts working final st into 3^rd ch of tch, changing yarn shade to Gold (Burnt Sienna) on the final step of the last st, turn. (171sts)

Change to 4mm hook

Note: On the next round you will be working the first and last stitch of the row as half treble crochet. It tends to be the norm that the 2ch made at the beginning of the row would count as a half treble stitch, but in this pattern I have not counted them in order to make the blanket edge firmer and so that stitches don’t get lost from row to row.

Row 31: Using Gold (Burnt Sienna) and 4mm (3.5mm) hook 2ch (does not count as a st) 1htr into st at base of 2ch, * 1ch, skip next st, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, [1dtr into next st, 1ch, skip next st] twice, 1tr into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1htr into next st, ** 1ch, skip next st, 1dc into next st, 1ch, skip next st, 1dc into next st, 1ch, 1htr into next st; repeat from * 10 times ending last repeat at **, turn.

Change to 4.5mm (4mm) hook

Row 32: Using 4.5mm (4mm) hook 1ch (does not count as a st), skip st at base of 1ch, 2dc into each ch sp to last st, 1dc into top of next st, turn. (171sts)

Change to 4mm (3.5mm) hook

Row 33: Using 4mm (3.5mm) hook, work as for Row 31 changing yarn shade to Khaki (Bottle) on the final step of the last st, turn.

Row 34: Using Khaki (Bottle) and 4.5mm (4mm) hook work as row 32, changing yarn shade to Lime (Spring Green) on the final step of the last st, turn.

Row 35: Using Lime (Spring Green) and 4.5mm (4mm) hook 1ch (does not count as a st) 1dc onto each st to end, fasten off. Do not turn.

Note: On the next row you need to work into the back loop of the chain that runs along the top of the stitch rather than underneath the whole chain as you usually would. Working into either the front loop or the back loop of the chain means that part of the chain is left unused and this can create some really nice textural effects. In this case I used the method so that a ridge remains on the Right Side of the work along the top of the last row. Working into the front or back loop can make the stitches feel quite loose, but your tension should even out over the following few rows.

Row 36: (RS facing) Using Cream (Cream) and 4mm (3.5mm) hook join yarn into back loop of the first st by working 1ch +2ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr into back loop of next st, 1htr into back loop of each next 2sts, * 1dc into back loop of each next 3sts, 1htr into back loop of each next 2sts, 1tr into back loop of each next 3sts, 1dtr into back loop of each next 3sts, 1tr into back loop of each next 3sts, 1htr into back loop of each next 2sts; repeat from * 9 times, 1dc into back loop of each next 3sts, 1htr into back loop of each next 2sts, 1tr into back loop of each next 2sts, turn.

Change to 4.5mm(4mm) hook

Row 37: (WS facing) Using 4.5mm hook, 1ch (does not count as a st), 1dc into each st to end working last st into tch made at the beginning of the last row and changing yarn shade to Graphite (Anthracite) on the final step of the last st, turn. (171sts)

Row 38: Using Graphite (Anthracite), 1ch (does not count as a st), 1dc into each st to end working last st into tch made at the beginning of the last row and changing yarn shade to Graphite on the final step of the last st, turn. (171sts)

Row 39: work as Row 38, place last st on holder

Work another piece to match

Sew in yarn ends

Each piece should measure approximately 21cm from bottom edge x 92cm wide

 

It is hard to believe that there are now less than 7 weeks until Christmas and that we will be working on set 8 of the Sunshine and Showers patterns very soon. The patterns for November features (what I hoped would look like) a snowflake design and I used the warm pink shades to emulate the feelings of cosy festive days at home.  

Pattern set 8 will be published here on Tuesday 5th December.

With thanks to the team at Crochet Now magazine.

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Stylecraft Blogtour 2017

I am always saying how surprised I am at the speed at which time passes by me. I am always saying things like 'Where did that week go?' or 'Is it really that time already?' and I invariably start our newsletters by saying that I can't believe that another week, month or season has flown past me yet again. I think as I get older the days and weeks are quicker - I suppose it has a lot to do with how busy we are and how much time we spend in another world with our crochet hooks, but nevertheless it still amazes me when time whizzes by!

So, unless you have been on a 2 week holiday or the joys of half term school break have meant youve been zoned out for the last 15 days, I would be really surprised if you didn't already know all about this year's amazing Stylecraft Blog Tour. Over the course of the last fortnight Stylecraft's incredibly talented Blogger team have been presenting you guys with their daily posts, not only talking you through their own yarny creations and musings, but also offering you all the chance to win an AMAZING yarn pack on a daily basis! With all the blogs to follow and exciting projects to feast my eyes on every day, I really cant believe that the 16 day blog tour is now coming to an end and that it is finally my time to write a blog post! Where did that time go?

The focus of this years Blogtour has been Stylecrafts fabulous new additions to the Batik yarn range - Batik Elements. Stylecraft put together 4 glorious colour palettes for Bloggers to pick from (shown above) and if, like me, you have been following the posts I am sure you will agree that there have been some mighty fine projects posted along the way.

It has been a real treat to have a daily invite into the world of one of Stylecraft's Blogstars, but if for some reason you have missed the posts, here is a list of them:

Date: Monday 16th October

Blog: Emma Varnham

Yarn Pack: Desert

Project: Maple Shrug

Date: Tuesday 17th October

Blog: Every Trick on the Hook

Yarn Pack: Country Garden

Project: Corner to Corner Moss Stitch

Date: Wednesday 18th October

Blog: Crochet Between Worlds

Yarn Pack: Rainforest

Project: Jewelled Pebbles Blanket

Date: Thursday 19th October

Blog: Cherry Heart

Yarn Pack: Desert

Project: Sophie Wrap

Date: Friday 20th October

Blog: Annaboo's House

Yarn Pack: Lagoon

Project: Learn to Knit Wrap

Date: Saturday 21st October

Blog: Lucia's Fig Tree

Yarn Pack: Lagoon

Project: Spanish Moss Scarf

Date: Sunday 22nd October

Blog: Zooty Owl

Yarn Pack: Desert

Project: Hibiscus Coast Granny

Date: Monday 23rd October

Blog: Attic24

Yarn Pack: Lagoon

Project: Water Lily Cushion

Date: Tuesday 24th October

Blog: The Twisted Yarn

Yarn Pack: Rain Forest

Project: October Cushion Cover

Date: Wednesday 25th October

Blog: Hand Knitted Things

Yarn Pack: Desert

Project: Ripply Scarf and mitts

Date: Thursday 26th October

Blog: Catherine's Crochet Corner

Yarn Pack: Lagoon

Project: Ripply Lap Blanket

Date: Friday 27th October

Blog: Get Knotted

Yarn Pack: Lagoon

Project: Security Blanket

Date: Saturday 28th October

Blog: The Woolly Adventures of Knitting Kitty

Yarn Pack: Country Garden

Project: Bee Cosy Slipper Socks

Date: Sunday 29th October

Blog: Crafternoon Treats

Yarn Pack: Desert

Project: Desert Irony Poncho

Date: Monday 30th October

Blog: The Patchwork Heart

Yarn Pack: Country Garden

Project: Granny Square Table Cloth

 Please note that the yarn giveaways on all the blogs have now ended.

So today it is my turn to reveal what I have managed to do with my yarn pack, or rather what I haven't managed to do!

Well, after working in the region of 10,000 stitches and sitting for hours stitching I actually have nothing complete to show you! Ughh! But I must explain, because all is not quite lost........

When embarking on this project I wanted to show you just how far a pack of this yarn would go and therefore what an amazing prize a free pack would be for the winner, so I decided to set myself a challenge and design and make a garment using the Lagoon pack.

It all started so well!

I have been on the look out for a nice funnel neck sweater, but actually fancy one without sleeves. Below is an image from The White Company of the kind of thing I mean and a couple lower down from Gap which pretty much fit the bill.

I decided to start by making the garment back using the shade 'Krypton'. There are 4 ball of this in the yarn pack, so it was logical to use this shade for the main part. I made a fabric using treble crochet (US double crochet) on one row and double crochet (US single crochet) on the next row. I loved seeing how the colours worked whilst crocheting and I have to say the really bright green patches in this shade combination made me really happy every time I can to them!

I worked out that one ball of yarn would work almost 10 pattern repeats over 99sts, so I worked 26 repeats for the back. For the front I decided to use the same stitch combination, but used the remaining yarns in a stripe formation. The yarn works really nicely for stripes and I really enjoyed doing the colour changes and seeing how the stripes were working out.

I did a little bit of shaping for the front neck and all was going really well and I was on course - that is until I started adding the funnel neck……

The images possibly don't show just how much of a mess this neckline is! I think the problem is that I have used too many stitches and there is simply too much fabric at the base of the neck front. The 'funnel' leans forwards and creates a bagginess around the front.

The neck really needs to be redone, but I am now concerned that the neckline shaping that I worked when I made the front of the tunic is in fact wrong too and I am not sure if I can face working and reworking both the neckline and the front.

I have to say that the tunic looks far better on my studio dummy than it does on me, but I am still really disappointed not to have had this garment and the pattern ready for you today, especially as I had bought some really scrummy buttons from Maggie at The Textile Garden and that I have spent a ton of my spare time trying to get this garment done!

When things go wrong I tend to put them away somewhere and let them rest for a bit, so this almost complete tunic is heading into my cupboard for a while, but I haven't been put off designing my Funnel Necked Tunic, especially as it is my aim over the next year or so to add some crochet garments to my portfolio.

If I am lucky this post may have inspired you to use the fabulous new yarns from Stylecraft. Maybe not to attempt my incomplete tunic, but possibly to follow some of the projects that other Blogstars have presented over the last 2 weeks. I am amazed at how much knitting and crochet the bloggers have presented us with and I hope you might head over to a yarn pack stockist and grab yourself a hoard of lovely yarn. If you want to be in with the chance to win a 'Lagoon' pack you can follow the link below. Raffle starts at 10am this morning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

With many thanks to Stylecraft and the Blogstars team who are working hard to inspire knitters and crocheters across the globe!

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