Spinning A Yarn ...................

'No, not another tale of woe!', I hear you cry ........

 

BUT instead,

because I've been away from my blog for a while,

 

I have some lovely NEWS of what I have been up to whilst I have been on my much needed 'bloggy break'.......

 

To refresh, recharge and re-energise my creative spirit ....

 

I have been taking lessons in the

 

Art of Spinning

One of my hand carded skeins of yarn plied
 

No, I haven't gone completely mad and turned into a fitness fanatic!

(although lots of people think I have(both!))

 

For those of you who love knitting, crochet, felting and anything generally yarnie related,

A closer shot

 

I have been learning to

spin fleece into yarn on a drop spindle and then I have bought my first spinning wheel .... whoopee!

 Ashford Single Treadle Traditional Wheel

 

Some spun single of Blue Faced Leicester on the bobbin

The hand carded and spun yarn shown above

crocheted into flowers for Christmas Gifts

 

It is proving to be a lovely relaxing hobby with obviously some lovely end produce to knit and crochet with. 

 

I will be reviewing two brilliant spinning books later in the week for those who are interested in the art of spinning and dyeing their own yarns. 

 

Bee x

 

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Crochet Sunshine Bunting

 

Here's one of my latest creations:- 

 

I wanted to capture some of the summer sunshine for my garden

 



The colours I chose to use were pastels

 

 

 

 

It is now hanging in my back garden on my fence.

I took these pictures in the forest, I wish the local woods were my garden!

 

bee x

 

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Easy Peasy Granny Crochet Cowl Pattern

Here's a little treat for you, a free pattern, designed by my own fair little hands for my

 'Easy Peasy Cheery Granny Crochet Cowl'.

 

I am so fed up with the dull, damp and dark days were are having this winter, I wanted to lash out and wear something colourful around my neck when I am wearing my black winter coat. 

 

So here it is:

 

 

EASY PEASY CHEERY GRANNY COWL

CROCHET PATTERN

By Bee & Buzz copyright 2013

 

Skill Level

Easy

 

Techniques Required

Working in the Round

 

Stitches & Abbreviations

Chain       ch

Slip Stitch ss

Treble      tr
Stitch      st
Repeat    *rep

This pattern uses UK crochet terminology

Hook
4mm Crochet Hook 

Yarn
A selection of DK weight yarn 
6 different colours

I used yarns from my stash, Robin DK, Patons Fab and Sirdar Snuggly DK

Red (A)
Pink (B)
Cream (C)
Blue (D)

Green (E)

Yellow (F)

The whole project uses about 100grams of yarn so great for using up yarn left over from other projects.

Notions
Scissors

Darning Needle

Pattern

With Yarn A, CO 132 ch. Join with ss to create a circle. Alternatively, if you find it easier, join when you have finished round 1 to top of 3 starting chain with a ss and use darning needle to stitch tail end to bottom of first treble stitch. This helps to avoid twisting your work.

Round 1:

Still using Yarn A, Insert hook into 3^rd ch from hook, (this creates the first tr), then make 2 tr into same ch, miss 2 ch, *3 tr into next ch, miss 2 ch, *repeat to end. Join with ss to top of first st. Cut yarn, pull end through loop with hook.

Round 2:

 

With Yarn B, rejoin yarn. Make 3 ch, 2 tr into same space. *Miss 3 tr cluster, in next space make 3 tr, *repeat to end. Join with ss to top of first 3ch. Cut yarn, pull through loop to finish.

Round 3:

 

With Yarn C, rejoin yarn and repeat instructions in round 2.

Round 4:

 

With Yarn D, rejoin yarn and repeat instructions in round 2.

Round 5:

 

With Yarn E, rejoin yarn and repeat instructions in round 2.

Round 6:

 

With Yarn F, rejoin yarn and repeat instructions in round 2.

Rounds 1 - 6 above make up the colour repeat and the pattern.

Rounds 7 - 12:

 

Repeat rounds 1 - 6 above.

 

Rounds 12 - 18:

 

Repeat rounds 1 - 6 once more.

This completes the cowl.

To finish:

 

Work in ends with a darning needle.

 

Your cowl is now complete and you can wear it cheerily with a happy smile on your face, knowing it’s a product of all your hard work and happy hooking!

 

If you have a go at it and want to send me a picture of your finished item, I would love to see your efforts.

　

　

Bee x

 

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Weekend Reading - Yarn Related

NEW FOR 2013

thanks to the Graphics Fairy for the image

As we have all welcomed in the New Year,

I thought I would try something new and blog about some of the items I have found this week on the web. 

 

I have compiled a reading list of things you might like to read or view (isn't this just like being back at school?  I can hear you all groaning!). 

 

How often I get around to doing this, I don't know! 
I am a bit of random blogger but
I am aiming high and promise to 'do my best' - Guides Honour!

 

So we might not see this every Friday!!

 

But Here Goes:

 

1. Knitting is the new YOGA - so I ask, 'can we think of it as exercise now?' that would be handy!

2. Crochet is trendier than Knitting at the mo!
I've always done both and will continue to do so. I love the flexibility of crochet but I love the feel of knitting too.

3.  This is a bit geeky and funny

4. A lovely free Crochet pattern for a headband!

5. A creative month of moments - I love these words they are so inspiring.

I hope you find them interesting and fun

bee x

thanks to the Graphics Fairy for the image


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Crochet Slippers Pattern

I've been waiting to show you my latest creation, my beautiful new crochet slippers. 

 

I couldn't resist buying the pattern for these from

Two Girls Patterns on Etsy as they are so cute.

 

 

 

 

The wonderful thing about them, is their double sole that most other patterns for crochet slippers don't have.  They are so comfortable and I now have very warm tootsies!!  Something which is very pleasing as usually, at this time of year, my feet are freezing.

 

The pattern comes in 6 different sizes for ladies. I made up mine in size 9, which converts to a UK size 7.

 

I used a shoe size conversion chart to make sure I was making the right size for me.

 

 

The pattern is in US terminology but I didn't find it hard to convert to UK terminology. 

 

It is an extremely well written pattern and straight forward to follow. 

 

 

 

Two Girls recommended using worsted weight yarn so I opted for Sirdar's Supersoft Aran in Brown for the sole, and Aqua for the upper.  It is a good quality 100% acrylic yarn, very soft but hard wearing, ideal for slippers.

 

 

Buzz approves too!

 

 

I used two buttons from my stash that I  found on one of my hunting trips around the charity shops. 

 

I love them so much, I think I will definitely need another pair!!

 

If you would like to purchase the pattern follow the link below to Two Girl's shop

 

The pattern is called Violet Women's Slipper

 

Bee x

 

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New Crochet Magazine - Simple Crochet

   Wooo hoooo!   

 

Hip Hip Hooray!

 

Get those hooks at the ready & that stash out of the cupboard.....for the launch

of a new magazine

 

You might be able to guess I am a little bit excited to be able to show the cover of Simply Crochet Magazine to be

launched in January 2013

 

 

 

Simply Crochet is a brand new monthly craft magazine from the makers of Simply Knitting and Mollie Makes so it is bound to be lovely.

 

It is full of creative ideas for anyone who loves – or would love to learn crochet, so good for beginners and more experienced crocheters.

 

It will contain patterns and designs for the home, fashionable accessories, and gift ideas with clear and easy-to-follow instructions to ensure the best possible results every time.

There is a fabulous launch offer,

currently the first three mags are available for:

 £5 if you live in the UK (http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/scrx16/),

 

and $10 if you live in the US/Canada (http://www.imsnews.com/simplycrochet-2001).

 

The first issue is out on the 10th January 2013

 

You can guess, I have already signed up to it.

 

It will be something to look forward to in the New Year when the winter blues start to set in.

 

You can join in the fun at the following places too ....

 

Blog: http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk

 

Twitter: @SimplyCrochet_

Facebook:/simplycrochetmag

Pinterest:/simplycrochetmag

Ravelry:/groups/simply-crochet

 

 

bee x

 

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Christmas Decorations

Just thought you might like to see a sneeky peek

of some new items for the shop which will be in the Etsy and Folksy shops soon for CHRISTMAS !!!!:

 

 

Decorations and Cards

 

 

 

 

bee x

 

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Pinning and Posting

A bit of all sorts ............

 

I don't know where the week has gone already. I seem to have been really busy sorting stuff out and not a lot to show for my efforts ...... bet you know the feeling!

 

Anyway, I have been getting the hang of Facebook and posting lots of lovely finds on my time line page.

 

I have been PINNING on Pinterest

If you haven't already tried it, they have opened up the site to anyone who wants to join now, as opposed to by invitation only.

Check my Pinterest boards out for links to tutorials on all crafty things, including crochet and knitting.

 

I've managed to get some crochet time in and finish the cushion covers I was working on ............

 

The first one, I have named the
Liquorish Allsort cushion
as I definitely agree with Two Hippo's comment on the colours in my previous post and every time I look at it now, it makes me think of them!  

 

 The edging

 the front

 A close up of the popcorn stitch block

The reverse

 

 

 

The next crochet cushion I made for my dear mum for a pressie to make her smile, she loves my work and is my biggest fan!

 

 

 

 I like the diagonal holes

 I thought I would try ties instead of buttons as a closure and I think they have worked!

 

The front and back are the same, I must have been having a pink and purple moment!

 

I am also in the process of trying to get the hang of a new camera and have been experimenting with the functions. 

 

So actually, I think I have had a rather productive week!! :)

 

bee x

 

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Knitting keeps me Sane!!!

I apologise for not being around much last week. 

The 'coughes and sneezes' season has started already as I picked up a cold and I feel that I haven't caught up with myself yet! However, I think I am on the mend now.

I also have been dealing with my neighbour's landlord as her shower has been leaking into  my flat into my kitchen cupboards causing damp and mold to grow as I can't use my kitchen cupboards.  It is not pleasant, and after many phone calls I have to get the work done myself and claim on my insurance.  Nothing seems to go straight forward anymore. 

Anyway, enough about boring stuff and annoyances, I have been knitting a lovely slip over top from a pattern by Debbie Bliss from her Fall/Winter 2008 Magazine.

as shown on the cover

I am using a chunky yarn, in a dark grey in a wool/acrylic mix. 

I would love to be able to knit with pure wool and use the top designer yarns

but my purse doesn't allow. 

So we will have to wait and see if it is a good substitute. I did do a tension swatch and adjusted needle size so all being well ........

Back

 It consists of moss stitch which is one of my favourite stitches since I mastered the art of it and the front has a lovely big cable to do.

I don't knit many items for myself so this will be a treat and I think it will suit me.

I also whipped up a little tea cosy when I was away last week which is here

and added some crochet edging and a crochet flower.

I love knitting these, as they are very quick projects to do and I used up some of the yarn leftover from the 'cute little knitted dress'.

Have a lovely week

bee x

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Crochet Coaster Pattern

I found this beautiful crochet pattern over at  Yvestown blog for crochet coasters and thought they look really pretty and easy to do so I thought I would give the pattern ago. 

After following the pattern, and making one coaster up to the instructions, I realised that the Yvestown pattern was in US crochet terminology and this was the result ......

although cute in itself, it wasn't what I was expecting,

it should have looked like this one .....

I realised that I needed to convert the pattern to UK crochet terminology so I did and changed the pattern a bit.

My UK Crochet Coaster Pattern as follows:

You will need:

DK Cotton, I used cotton yarn from both Rowan and Patons collection

 4mm hook (Size 8) or a 3.50mm hook depending on your tension

tapestry needle

scissors

steam iron

Stitches used:

Slip Stitch - SS

Double Crochet - DC

Treble - Trb

Chain - C

To Start:

Make 8 ch, close as a ring with a ss.

Row 1:

Make 2 ch, 23 dc in ring, close with a ss in the 2nd ch of the beginning of this row.

Row 2:

Make 4 ch, 1 trb in the closing ss of the previous row; 1 ch *skip 2 st; in the next st: 1 trb, 2 ch, 1 trb; 1 ch* Repeat 7x from *to*. Close row with a ss in the 2nd ch (of 4) of the start.

Row 3:

Make 2 ch; 1 trb, 2 ch, 2 trb under the 2 ch of the previous row; 1 sc under the 1 ch *2 trb, 2 ch, 2 trb as before; 1 sc as before*. Repeat 7 x from *to*. Close row with a ss in 2nd ch (of 2 ) of the start.

Row 4:

No build up with ch as before; then make 3 trb, 1 ch, 3 trb under the 2 ch of the previous row; 1 sc to the left and right of the sc of the previous row. Repeat 8x and close with a ss in the first st of the row.

　

to finish:

Bind off with a ss.

Sew in ends with a tapestry needle and press lightly with a steam iron. 

These are the ones I crocheted today:-

I think they are beautiful and will be crocheting some more no doubt.

Has anyone else had trouble with decoding UK and US crochet terminology in patterns?

How do you get around it?

Bee x

p.s. Many thanks to Yvestown for the original pattern idea

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Crochet Bead Pattern

As promised in Friday's post, I have written up the instructions on

how to make a crochet bead as follows:-

CROCHET BEAD PATTERN

I used:-

4 ply cotton glace (Rowan) but you could use any yarn and alter the hook size accordingly;
Hook 3.00mm
Polyester Stuffing or off cuts of wool
Large tapestry needle with large eye and blunt end to sew in ends

Stitches used: (UK terminology)

Chain - (C)
Slip Stitch (SS)
Double Crochet (DC)

Techniques:

Working in rounds

PATTERN:

Round 1 -

Make a slip knot, then make 2C, miss the 1st C closest to hook, and then 6DC into 2nd C. SS to join to create a circle, 1C and turn.

Round 2

2DC into each of the DC's below (12DC in total), SS to join, 1C and turn.

Round 3

1DC into each of the 12DC below, SS to join, 1C and turn.

Round 4

Repeat as for round 3, then fill crochet half with polyester stuffing, 1C and turn.

Round 5

Holding the stuffing in place if necessary, make 1DC into each of the 12DC below, SS to join, 1C and turn.

Round 6

* 1DC into the next 2DC, miss 1DC, repeat from *, then 1DC then SS to join, make 1C, no turn.

Round 7

* 1DC into DC below, miss DC*.  *Repeat 4 x. SS to join.  By now you will have a bead.

To finish

Cut the yarn leaving about 5cm, use your crochet hook to pull the yarn through the stitch to complete.
Sew in the ends and then roll the bead in your hands to mould it into shape.


There you have it!

I hope that I have written clear enough instructions.  However, if you get stuck, let me know and I'll try to help.

bee x

p.s you might have noticed that I am left hand crocheter so if you are right handed you can follow the pattern.  You can reverse the images with a mirror if you want.  There are also alot of crochet videos on You Tube for help.

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