Created For You And Me: August 2013

Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Stash - buster challenge crochet project #4 - lacy flower motifs in off white

Hello people, hope you are all keeping well. It is now almost spring time in Perth, though it can still be a bit chilly at nights. Today's a good day to be out, cool and sunny. We just came back from a pram walk and my little girl is fast asleep, so it's time for a bit of update on my new project, which is still work in progress.

I followed a pattern from this book called The Crochet Bible by Sue Whiting. Trying out her lacy flower motif pattern. Wondering what to do once the motifs are all joined? Thinking of making a scarf or a light spring poncho (rectangular style?)

For this crochet, I used 4mm size crochet hook and 8ply acrylic yarn by Moda Vera Marvel.

Join as you go lacy flower motifs

update so far... after been away from my blog for few days...

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Stash - buster challenge crochet project #3 - adult beanie/hat for winter/spring (Kay hat)

Hello there, hope you are enjoying this blog about my yarn stash busting effort. I have found a really easy crochet pattern for a beanie from revelry.com and would like to share what I have come up with. It only took me 3 hours maybe to finish, which may be slow for the experienced crocheters out there.

Feel free to check it out on ravelry.com or the actual site for the complete pattern and step by step instructions: http://armyofowls.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/kay-hat-for-few-causes.html

What I used to create this hat:

5mm size crochet hook all the way as I forgot to down size to 4mm when doing the edgings.
8ply or DK acrylic yarn in three different colours (Moda Vera Marvel in off white, orange and brown)

Finished size:

8" height x 9.5" width of base or 20.5cm height x 24cm width of base
will fit head of circumference 19cm to 22cm, it has quite a bit of stretch as I crochet quite loosely, instead of tightly.

Crochet The Kay Hat

The Kay Hat

adult size ladies beanie

Credits:

http://armyofowls.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/kay-hat-for-few-causes.html

Monday, 26 August 2013

My stash-buster challenge - project #2 granny square scarf

Hello there! I have gone through some of my yarn stash hoping to crochet a long enough scarf for a child or adult. This is what I have progressed so far with my granny squares. Since I chanced upon this site that shows me how to do "join-as-you-go" method, I am enjoying making the granny squares, as before this, I have been trying to figure out how to sew or crochet the squares together, as I have not done much joining of crochet pieces before.

I found these two sites really interesting and have used some of their ideas for stash-busting. See credits below for more details. Really resisting buying new yarn, as every time I head out of house, I am thinking "buy more yarn" for some summer projects. As most of the yarn I have now are acrylic and wool.

granny squares joined as you go

Items you need to do this granny square scarf:
4mm size crochet hook
8ply or DK acrylic yarn in plain colours

This is also where I first learnt how to do a granny square, thought I share it on this site for those interested in the pattern.

http://crochet.about.com/od/learntocrochet/ss/Crochet_Granny_Square.htm

This is still a work in progress ...

Progress so far on 27/8/13

Credits:

http://cozymadethings.blogspot.com.au/search?q=granny+scarf

Join as you go squares method found here:
http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/joining-asyougo-sqaures.html

Sunday, 25 August 2013

Stash buster challenge - try crochet a simple toddler neck warmer.

I am using the orange, red, white and pink variegated yarn to do my next crochet project and also my first stash buster challenge.

The pattern I am using is from this blog:
http://battersbox.tumblr.com/post/42053783117/crazy-shell-infinity-scarf-free-pattern

Here is my neck warmer, just need to add a button or two to finish it off. Used up the remainder of my variegated yarn, now I am onto my next project.

I've started using my loose yarns, scraps here and there to make granny squares, will join them up and make it into a scarf maybe?

I've now sewn two buttons onto the neck warmer, so it is done.

Toddler neck warmer with two buttons

Thursday, 22 August 2013

Crochet toddler girl's poncho for winter/spring

Hello there, i've just finished the ladies divine hat so am now looking for my next crochet project when
I found this easy poncho pattern from this other blog http://www.lemondedesucrette.com/2010/10/13/about-ponchos-and-pattern-d/
and also on the website ravelry.com

Its now been few days since I started and I am almost near completion. Just doing the borders now. I've also used the border pattern I found on the same blog http://www.lemondedesucrette.com/2010/12/07/granny-monster-borders-pattern/

For this poncho I have actually used four different coloured yarns, just the two yarns are very pastel peach and cream, so they don't actually show up on the pictures when taken with my iPhone.

Crochet granny square poncho

I am still working on the border ... and should finish tonight. Hopefully my little girl will wear it when its done.

Yarns used: Moda Vera Marvel Plain 8 ply acrylic. Used only 0.5 or smaller skein of each coloured yarn.
4mm size crochet hook.

All done now, the border added.

Sunday, 18 August 2013

Crochet woman's winter/spring beanie - second take of the divine hat pattern

This is another go at Sara Arnold's divine hat pattern, except this time I used 5.5mm and 4.5mm size crochet hook. So the beanie is on a slightly larger size. Probably suit those with a 22-26" circumference head size. Another item to keep as a gift stash to give away for birthdays and Christmas maybe.

Items needed:

I used 8ply or DK acrylic yarn (less than 1 skein used, guess approximately 270metres)

5.5mm and 4.5mm size crochet hooks

Time taken: maybe three hours?

Divine hat or beanie.

Credits:

This pattern is available for free at this site:

http://www.rheatheylia.com/index.php?page=patterns&id=10

Saturday, 17 August 2013

Crochet a toddler girl's winter/spring hat

I think I am on a hat and beanie crochet spree this week. Just done a quick little girl's hat in very light pastel peach colour, which I think would be a delight to wear. It is nice and light and just right for Perth's current cool weather as we are now into spring.

This is a slight retake of the first toddler hat I made except this time I used different stitch patterns for the side of the hat and had a slight variation to the cluster circle used for the top of hat. The change of colour also makes it look light and cheery. Will probably keep this in a stash for gifts. This size will suit a little girl aged 2 -4 years old.

Items needed:

5mm size (top and side) and 4mm size (brim) crochet hook
8 ply or DK Moda Vera Marvel acrylic yarn, Dye Lot: 1060 782210. (1/2 skein used).
(you can buy this yarn at Spotlight stores)

Time taken: approximately 4 - 5 hrs

Stitches used
UK symbols
ss, dc, tr, htr, fptr, Cluster group of four tr
dc - double crochet
tr - treble crochet
htr - half treble crochet
fptr - front post treble crochet
ss - slip stitch

Friday, 16 August 2013

Crochet Coffee and Tea mug cozy

Crochet a coffee and tea mug cozy with picot edging

Coffee and tea mug with button, loop and strap

Mug cozy with a loop and button-holed strap

Button on mug cozy, sewn onto the fifth row.

Coffee & tea mug cozy with picot edging

Mug cozy with a big loop, strap and button

Items needed:

4mm size (to start off the foundation chain only) and 2.5mm size crochet hook (to crochet everything else)
A pretty button
Variegated or your choice of coloured DK/8 ply acrylic yarn
Tape measure
sewing needle and red thread.

On hindsight, I think a plain coloured yarn will show off the texture of the pattern on the cozy better that this variegated yarn. So you might want to try a single coloured yarn instead.

Time frame: approximately 2 hrs
Finished mug cozy measures: 3.5" without edging - 4" including the picot edging/8.8cm height x 8.5"/21.5cm length (of the main body)/11.5"(29.2cm) total length

The mug used measures 2.75" diameter x 4" height (8.75" external all around the base circumference). It is a non-standard mug size. The extra loop which stretches, will help secure and tighten the mug cozy.

My own crochet pattern for this coffee and tea mug cozy

foundation chain - chain 18 stitches plus 3 chain for turning.
Row 1: do a dc onto the fourth stitch from the hook. DC 16 more times then turn.
Row 2: ch 2, *1 fpdc, 1 dc into next 2 dc chains, ** repeat * to ** till you reach last dc stitch from Row 1, then you do a dc into the third chain of the previous turning chain.
Row 3: ch 2, *1 fpdc, 1 dc into next 2 dc chains, ** repeat * to ** till you reach last dc stitch from Row 1, then you do a dc into the second chain of the previous turning chain.
Row 4 to 25: repeat row 3 till you get to row 25.

At the end of row 25, start a turning chain of 3 to make the two dc width loop for the mug handle.
For the loop, start ch 3, then 1 dc in next fpdc stitch from previous round. This is row 1 of the loop.
Row 2 of loop: ch 3, 1 dc into next chain, then chain 3 and turn
Row 3 - row 10: repeat row 2, but after you do the 1 dc, instead of doing a turning chain of 3, now slip stitch to the first chain (left most) of the other end of the cozy. Do a second slip stitch. Repeat slip stitch onto the next two chain on the cozy, then do 2 turning chains (ch 2) to start row 1 of the flap.

Starting the flap on the cozy now:
Row 1: ch 3, 1 dc into each of the next 9 stitches on the cozy. Turn.
Row 2: ch 3, 1 dc into each of the next 9 stitches on the cozy. Turn.
Row 3 - 8: repeat row 1.
Row 9: ch 1, 1 sc into each of the next 3 stitches, then 4 chains for the button hole, 1 sc into each of the next 3 stitches to complete round 9. The last stitch you should do 1 sc into the ch 1 turning chain.
Row 10: ch 1, 1 sc into each of the next 9 stitches of the flap. Finished and fasten off yarn. Weave in ends.

The picot edging on top of the mug cozy:
start a new yarn, slip stitch to first stitch, *then do 2 hdc, ch 4, slip slip back onto the first chain of this ch 4. Repeat * 23 more times to get a total of 24 picot stitch edging all around the top of the cozy. last stitch is a hdc onto the last row of the cozy (ie. row 25 of cozy's main body).

Check out Jan Eaton's 200 stitch patterns for baby blankets for how to make the picot edge (the 4 ch loop) I improvised to fit this cozy.

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

Crochet a woman's winter beanie

Divine Hat

A beginner's crochet project that took 1.5 day's time

This is a pattern I found from Ravelry.com, designed by Sara Arnold, name the Divine Hat. Just finished it, so I will keep it for next winter's use or give it away as gift.

Items needed:
4mm (for rim) and 5 mm (body) crochet hook
DK or 8 ply acrylic yarn (burgundy red, dusty pink and baby pink for the rim)

Measurements of beanie:
8.5" height (top of crown to rim) x 10.5" width. (adult size - will suit 21" -22" head circumference)

Credits:

The pattern for Divine Hat which I followed is available for free and can be found here on this website, http://www.rheatheylia.com/index.php?page=patterns&id=10

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

Crochet tote bag

crochet tote bag

A simple tote bag to crochet, small enough for a toddler to carry around and perhaps put a small sandwich box into it. From memory this took 4 hours to crochet?

Equipmenet needed:
4mm size crochet hook;
8 ply or DK acrylic yarn in four colours: Burgundy red/maroon, white, dusty rose and magenta pink. You only need very small amounts of scrap yarns for this tote bag.
Pretty round button

I can share the pattern if anyone is interested, just email me or send a comment on this post.

A bit of close ups to see the stitches for those interested. This tote is made of few simple stitches scattered all over different rows.

Crochet simple headband - variegated yarn

Beginner's crochet project - an open mesh headband

A quick simple, open mesh headband to crochet in 1 hour's sitting. As a beginner crochet, it took me this long, but it may be quicker for those who are more experienced and looking to use up some scrap yarn. This headband does not take much yarn at all.

All you need is a 4mm or 5mm hook, some DK or 8 ply acrylic yarn and a black hair elastic band. This should fit teenage to adult head. Use this to hold your hair up while doing make-up or face-wash.

Finished headband measures: 16" (length) or 40cm length x 2" width or 5cm width. (with elastic, it stretches to fit 20 - 23" head circumference.

I crocheted 21 rows of trebel crochets in open mesh stitch to get this measurement.

Credits:

Jan Eaton's The Encyclopedia of Crochet Techniques, Open Mesh stitch.

Monday, 12 August 2013

Travelling with a 7 month old baby on a short 5 hour flight

My experience of travelling with a 7 month old baby...

This trip was taken a while back, so this is my reflection of it...

For those thinking of travelling overseas with a young baby who has just started first solids, crawling and exploring everything new, this is what I have to share about my overseas trip experience.

Tips for better travel

Select flights that depart early in the morning, preferably in tune with your baby's sleeping patterns. For mine, we chose a departure time of 7.35am and arrival time of 12.35pm. A short morning flight helps baby cope with the travel experience first time. By the time we boarded the plane, she was tired and ready to breastfeed and sleep on take off. When we landed at our destination, she was just awaken from a 2 hour nap.

Always book your baby meal and reserve your bassinet in advance, even if you think baby won't use the bassinet, as it comes in handy as a change table, place to rest your airline meals, baby's toys and nappy bag etc. Saves you having to take things out from the overhead compartment several times during the flight.

Breastfeed baby on take off and landing to ease the air pressure build up in her ears.

For baby starting on solids, bring her food stuff like rice cereal, feeding spoons and bowls on board. Empty your thermos flask and ask for hot water during flight. Feed baby age appropriate commercial baby food offered by airlines. You can ask for specific food, like apples, sweet potato or pear purees in commercial jars. We were given Heinz baby food.

Bring your baby sling or carrier like Baby Bjorn or Manduca (for a toddler or bigger size baby) on board as it helps settle and put the to sleep while you do your walk along the aisle and the back galley. My baby slept while I walk her in the baby carrier, up and down the aisle and at the back. I do this after her feed and after the stewardess had finished serving out the meals.

Arrive at the airport early so that you can put baby in her pram and have it checked in the the gate. The airline staff will bring it on board for you and have it waiting at stroller collection upon reaching your destination.

Pack extra clothing, diapers, baby wipes, a jacket for warmth, a hat and beanie for air-conditioning and going outdoors, extra face towels and also extra set of clothes for yourself in case baby spews on you and you need to change.

Bring just a separate diaper wallet for quick nappy change in addition to your usual baby bag of essentials.

Pack your stroller accessories like storm/rain cover, sunshades/insect shades in cabin luggage for use once out of airport. I use the sunshade whenever I try to put baby to sleep in stroller as it cuts our the visual stimulants and lighting.

Fill up baby's thermos flask first thing in the morning before going out for the day, either at the hotel restaurant or where you have your meal. Ask the waitress for hot boiling water.

Another headband I just crocheted

This simple crochet headband is done within 2 hours, very slow crocheter as I am just starting out and resuming my crochet hobby which I picked up from my childhood days.

The basic pattern is found in Jan Eaton's book 200 Stitch Patterns for baby blankets. It is a pattern for edging, named Shell Braid. My headband is improvised on as I expanded it to have two more rows to make it wider.

For this little project, I used a variegated 8 ply or DK yarn, using size 4mm hook and a little black hair band to add to the end so as to make this headband a bit more elastic and to fit various head circumference.

measurements: 2.25" (5.5cm) width x 17" (43.5cm) length (laying the headband flat and not measuring the elastic band)

Fit: Teenage and adult head size 20 to 23.5 inch when stretched using the elastic hair band attached to the headband.

Resuming a hobby from childhood - crochet

I've rediscovered my childhood hobby recently. All of a sudden, I decided to pick up my crochet hooks and start crocheting something useful for some friends and family members. So, I crochet up a storm with some winter hats (though we are now into spring now), baby blankets, mittens, baby beanies and a few headbands for the girls.