The Charming Harbour Blanket…

After a slow start I am finally making steady progress on my Charming Harbour blanket. 

crochet blanket, charming harbour blanket
In the beginning…

I have found myself flitting from one project to the next lately, but I am getting at least a couple of rows hooked each evening now; which is reassuringly comforting as the pattern is so familiar.

Charming Harbour Blanket, crochet blanket, mens blanket
Charming Harbour Blanket in the making

I am enjoying the simplicity of the colourway also. A trio of sober colours, which formally stand to attention and which make this blanket so wonderfully handsome and so beautifully striking. 

womens institute yarn

The yarn has also proven to be a joy to hook with.  The yarn is  from the Women’s Institute…you can read my review of it just here.  

I am totally thrilled with this blanket’s reversibility which was entirely serendipitous.  The right side is darker

Charming Harbour crochet blanket for him by ayarnyrobin
Charming Harbour blanket in progress…

and the back (I can’t call it the wrong side…because it is not wrong at all!) is lighter altogether.

I have not been disciplined in weaving in the ends as I go, so I must make more effort else I will have a mammoth task at the end!

lots of ends to sew…

Yes, this Charming Harbour blanket is just that…

charming!

xxxxx

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Crochet, senior moments and mud!

What do crochet, senior moments and mud have in common? 

Well the answer is me! 

It has been a looooong week…let’s just say that.  Yesterday I was the Duty Health Visitor in the office, we take it in turns to triage calls and sort out various problems…I won’t bore you with the detail.  I took a call from a worried parent and said I’d get the Duty Health Visitor (which was me…I just forgot!!)  After  several enquiries amongst my colleagues I was gently reminded (actually,ribbed to the max) it was me.  I returned to the phone and in a posher voice said Duty Health Visitor, how can I help you? 

This was followed later in the day when I received an email from my GP asking me to attend a well woman check (for women over a certain age)…sigh! 

Then…yes there is more! I had to ask to borrow my Mom’s glasses for the very first time ever to read a food packet. 

Oh my!…little signs.

Another feature looming large in my week has been mud…lots of mud.  I have become a rugby mamma and I need help!  How on earth do I get this….erm…earth out of his kit.

Proud of my boy…he sure can tackle!

Please let me have any top tips for getting rid of all this mud! 

I also need your crochet help…pattern recommendations.  I want to make a few beanie style hats for Christmas, male and female.  I have a few, but they always seem to come off my hook too large or I am always a little disappointed with them.  Can you wholeheartedly recommend a superb pattern?  I would be  so very grateful. 

Have a great weekend.

xxxxx

My Yarny Autumn Blanket Round up…

With Autumn sneaking in…well here in the UK anyway, I thought I would take a little look back at some of my favourite blankets that I have hooked over the years. 

I rather think there is nothing as good to hook as a blanket, the process is satisfying and restful and of course it always involves that lovely stage of playing with colour and almost always buying new yarn!

Here is my yarny autumn blanket round – up…pattern details can be found in the links below or on my Ravelry page just here.

Granny square camping blanket
already a firm favourite!

This is my favourite camping granny square blanket.  Strictly speaking I did not hook this one as the squares were made for me from all around the world.  In return I sent squares all across the world too.  You can read more about this blanket here .

crochet blanket
design by Katherine Eng

This beautiful apartment lapghan in  this stunning alpine colourway, was a fabulous hook.  It challenged me at the time with the starting chain in the middle of the blanket !  I finished hooking this in the sunshine and I was thrilled with the end result…a perfect gift.

granny square blanket
Using up scraps!

I loved the alpine colourway so much that I used the scraps from the lapghan to make this simple granny square blanket.  I love to hook a traditional granny square  and always return to this pattern every now and then! I couldn’t resist a fringed edge for this one and it didn’t disappoint.

ripple crochet blanket
ripple so far…Attic 24 pattern

This happy ripple was another perfect gift…and just had to have a happy bobble edging to crown it.   This was a very, very happy hook…and I wished I could have kept it for myself!!!

crochet blanket, basket weave
basket weave baby blanket

Gorgeously cushy and in chilli pepper red. This basket weave baby blanket nearly tipped me over the edge, to read why click here.   I’m glad I have done basket weave, but it is my least favourite stitch and I think you get very similar results and much more joy from a C2C (corner to corner) technique. I did not follow a pattern as such, I followed a you tube clip on basket weave stitch (I cant remember which one!) but  my ravelry page for this blanket is just here, it might give an idea of amount of yarn used etc

Cosycattage blanket, ayarnyrobin, crochet blankets
Cosy Cottage Blanket by Attic 24

Another Lucy blanket and a dash to the finish line.  A simple hook but a mammoth project.  I love this blanket and still get to snuggle under it even though it was a gift…as I gave it to my Mom!

Pattern details just here

crochet baby blanket, popcorn stitch
rows of popcorn stitches

Once I had the pattern repeat in my head, I was able to hook this beautifully understated baby blanket on auto pilot.  I adore the popcorn stitches, and the alternating texture of this blanket.  This blanket draped well, felt soft and squishy and I remember thinking any baby would feel cherished snuggled in this blanket.   For pattern details click here.

crochet blanket, traditional giant granny square

Another great stash buster and great for crocheting whilst watching a box set…A giant granny square blanket.  Going back to my roots with this blanket as it was one of the first patterns I taught myself to hook…so the pattern is in my head…but youtube traditional granny square and you will be certain to find a tutorial for sure.

crochet granny squareblanket with bobble edging
100 patch granny

I kept this 100 patch mini granny square blanket after learning sometimes smaller is better!  I couldn’t resist another bobble edge again, but this time in duck egg.  I joined the squares using a double crochet technique which frames each square beautifully. Pattern details are here.

crochet v stitch blanket, rainbow blanket
Very V blanket

A rainbow lovely. 

This  simple v stitch blanket proved to be nothing but joyous from the moment the yarn arrived in its lovely balls all bagged up together.  Hooking this merry delight was rhythmically therapeutic and soothed me whenever I picked it up…needless to say I couldn’t put it down! 

Pattern details just here.

crochet baby blanket

An interlocking stitch on this Baby Wilmer blanket, gave a dense squishy feel and a reversible fabric, ideal for putting in the pram.  Using just 3 colours also meant I could work the yarn threads up the sides of the blanket without getting in a tangle; meaning colour changes were a doddle and  the number of ends to be woven in at the end were reduced by a gazillion!

C2C crochet blanket, afghan, corner to corner technique,crochet love heart squares, totally smitten
C2C Totally Smitten blanket

And finally, the blanket on my hook at the moment, a real stunner and a keeper…this C2C heart blanket which I am smitten with.  Pattern details just here and yes… it is still awaiting a border. 

So, there you have it; my yarny autumn roundup of blankets I have made over the years.  I will never tire of hooking such beauties and I still have so many on my to do list. 

I hope if you have the blanket bug this may help in your happy, hooky deliberating. 

If you have got this far and read all of this and you don’t have the blanket bug, just know that you may well have caught it by now…look out for symptoms over the coming week!

xxxxx

 

 

 

Velo BIRMINGHAM 2017

15000 riders came past the bottom of our street yesterday, on a 100 mile ride on closed roads.  I made a coffee and took the very short walk in the early morning sunshine with the boys.

velo Birmingham 2017

I sat with my neighbours as we watched all sorts of people from all walks of life zoom past.

They rode so fast it made me a little dizzy, but they were so inspiring.  I guess all of them having different motives to complete the challenge.  

A lot of folk had been moaning about the extensive road closures…but I was excited, a few hours of something completely different and a rare chance for our community to come together and drink coffee on the pavement together and chat. 

I can’t tell you what 15000 riders looked like, I just know that for hours they poured down our hill, determined and pumped and probably a little exhausted, but exhilarated and achieving. 

I returned home, empty mug in hand

Velo Birmingham

I made a fresh coffee and settled down with new yarn and began to hook my newest project

crochet blanket, a new blanket…

a masculine and handsome edition to the blankets I have hooked in the past.  I’m 13 rows in and  loving it!

xxxxx

 

Corfu Barefoot Sandals Free Pattern.

 

As promised Ginny, here is my pattern for these cute Corfu barefoot sandals.

crochet barefoot sandals designed by ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com, summer feet

You will need approx. 7m of yarn for each sandal, I used Paintbox dk cotton in cream and a 4mm hook. 

You will also need x5 beads for each sandal, I used beads from a cheap bracelet.  Just make sure the threading hole in the bead is large enough for your yarn. 

Other useful items you will need are a pair of scissors and a darning needle to weave in the ends.

This pattern uses English terminology and the following abbreviations:

Ch – chain stitch

st- stitch

slst – slip stitch

dc – double crochet

htr- half treble

tr – treble crochet

dtr – double treble crochet

 

By adjusting the number of chains in the ties, you can make them longer or shorter to suit.  Additionally adjusting the number of chains in the toe loop for comfort may be required. 

To skip photo tutorial, head to the end of the post for written pattern without photo’s.

So, assuming you have gathered your supplies cut at least 7m of yarn from the ball, knot one end and thread X5 beads on.  The X2 beads nearest the knot will be located at the end of the ties of the sandal, the following X2 beads will be located, just before the tie chain starts, and the last bead you thread will be the bead nearest the toes (I used a different bead which was larger and sparkly for this)…the darker bead in the photo.

crochet barefoot sandal free pattern
move the beads to the end of the yarn for later…

Now, starting at the other end of the yarn to the beads, leave a long length, approx. 50cms.  You will use this at the end to make the toe loop.  Make a loop 

crochet barefoot sandal, corfu, free pattern by ayarnyrobin

Chain 6 and bring first bead down

crochet barefoot sandal free patternJoin with a slip stitch into 1st chain – catching / incorporating the bead in the centre

crochet barefoot sandal free patternCh4 (counts as a dtr)  As you make the next stitches around the bead be careful not to weave in the long tail that you are saving for your toe loop.

2dtr into loop (this can be a bit fiddly getting the hook in next to the bead)

crochet barefoot sandal free pattern

Continue working in the loop around the bead as follows

2tr, 2htr, 2dc, 2htr, 2tr, 2dtr

and join with slst in top of beginning ch4 (feather made).

crochet barefoot sandal free patternNow ch6,

crochet barefoot sandal free pattern at ayarnyrobin

in 2nd ch from hook *dc, 2tr,dc* (1st cluster)

miss a st and repeat *—* (2nd cluster),  slst into top of feather.

crochet barefoot sandal, Corfu, free pattern, ayarnyrobinTurn work so feather is on the your right hand side

Crochet barefoot sandal, a free pattern by ayarnyrobin

The next set of stitches will be made in the base of the  1st cluster st, (see photo).  But first, bring the second bead down and rest it on top of cluster, now slst in base of cluster st to secure.crochet barefoot sandal free pattern by ayarnyrobin

*Dc,2tr,dc* in same space. 

crochet barefoot sandal, free pattern by ayarnyrobin

Bring down third bead and repeat  *—* in second cluster.

crochet barefoot sandal, free pattern by ayarnyrobinTo finish cluster slst in 1st ch at the start of 1st cluster (see photo above).

*Ch55, bring down 4th bead, slst into 4th ch from hook and pull tight to secure bead.

crochet barefoot sandal, Corfu, a free pattern by ayarnyrobinDc in each ch back to cluster, slst into top of cluster* (tie made) repeat  *—* to make second tie.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

crochet barefoot sandal, Corfu, a free pattern by ayarnyrobinReturning to length of yarn left at start, weave end to bottom of feather

crochet barefoot sandal, Corfu, a free pattern by ayarnyrobininsert hook into top st of central dtr and pull up a loop

crochet barefoot sandal, Corfu, a free pattern by ayarnyrobinCh12 and slst into top of central dtr which you started ch from.  Tie off and weave in ends. 

Now to make another! 

I really hope you have enjoyed making these barefoot sandals, I would love to see some pictures if you have.

xxxxx

Written pattern without photo’s.

Corfu Barefoot sandal by ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com

crochet barefoot sandals designed by ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com, summer feet

cut at least 7m of yarn from the ball, knot one end and thread X5 beads on.  The X2 beads nearest the knot will be located at the end of the ties of the sandal, the following X2 beads will be located, just before the tie chain starts, and the last bead you thread will be the bead nearest the toes

Now, starting at the other end of the yarn to the beads, leave a long length, approx. 50cms.  You will use this at the end to make the toe loop. 

Make a loop, Ch6 and bring first bead down, join with a slip stitch into 1st chain – catching / incorporating the bead in the centre.

Ch4 (counts as a dtr)  As you make the next stitches around the bead be careful not to weave in the long tail that you are saving for your toe loop.
2dtr into loop (this can be a bit fiddly getting the hook in next to the bead).

Continue working in the loop around the bead as follows
2tr, 2htr, 2dc, 2htr, 2tr, 2dtr
and join with slst in top of beginning ch4 (feather made).

Ch6, in 2ch from hook *dc, 2tr,dc* (1st cluster)
miss a st and repeat *—* (2nd cluster),  slst into top of feather.

Turn work so feather is on the your right hand side.

The next set of stitches will be made in the base of the  1st cluster st.  But first, bring the second bead down and rest it on top of cluster, now slst in base of cluster st to secure. *Dc,2tr,dc* in same space. 

Bring down third bead and repeat  *—* in second cluster.

To finish cluster slst in 1st ch at the start of 1st cluster.
*Ch55, bring down 4th bead, slst into 4th ch from hook and pull tight to secure bead.

Dc in each ch back to cluster, slst into top of cluster* (tie made), repeat  *—* to make second tie.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Returning to length of yarn left at start, weave end to bottom of feather, insert hook into top st of central dtr and pull up a loop, Ch12 and slst into top of central dtr which you started ch from.  Tie off and weave in ends.  

Sandal made, now repeat to make another!

crochet barefoot sandals - Corfu designed by ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com, summer feet

 

 

SSSShhhh…

Just wanted to pop by and let you know that it is a bit quiet around here at the moment.  It is quiet for good reason, detail that I won’t drag you down with. 

As Baz Luhrmann states

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind.
The kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. 

So, forgive my absence it is only temporary. 

I will post photo’s of the little bit of crochet I am managing to do as and when I can.

xxxxx

 

Milestones and Alpaca Cake…

I have had such a fabulous week.   

Not only have we celebrated Easter and had  a whole week away from work; I have had a birthday and a graduation! 

What’s more I had a beautiful alpaca birthday cake!!! 

I’m feeling so blessed.

xxxxx

Library…

Day 21 of

#yarnlovechallenge 

and it’s still not too late join in. 

The theme for today is ‘library!’.

WP_20160127_09_29_27_Smart

This isn’t my library… but probably the world’s smallest library ever, in a phone box!

You can read all about my visit here. 

I made these cute little flower bookmarks and left them as a present.

xxxxx