Free Pattern: Mug Cosy (Tunisian Crochet)

Here is another quick and easy gift to make if you have a hook and some yarn.

I have used my Afghan 6mm hook, although a normal hook will do for this if you can squeeze the 27 stitches needed for the project.

I used an Aran weight yarn in red.

Basic instructions for this one at the moment as I am preparing for a craft fair!

1. chain 27
2. forward pass, insert into next chain on hook, yarn over, pull up and leave on hook, continue until you have 27 loops.
3. backward pass, yarn over, pull through one, *yarn over pull through two, continue until you have one loop left on the hook.
4. forward pass, tunisian simple stitch, miss the first bar, insert hook into the bar, yarn over pull up and leave on hook, continue until you have all 27 stitches on your hook.
5. backward pass as 3.
6. continue with rows 4 and 5 until you have 9 completed rows (this means repeat these rows 9 times)
7, miss first bar, insert hook into bar, yarn over, pull up onto hook and yarn over and pull through both loops, continue to finish off in this manner, at the end of the row chain 7, slip stitch in the same stitch to form a loop for your button, slip stitch to the other end of the side, chain 7, slip stitch to form a loop for your button, finish off and weave in ends.
8.  PLEASE NOTE YOU MAY NEED TO ADDRESS YOUR CHAIN LOOPS FOR YOUR BUTTONS.  Attach your buttons to the opposite side of the loops and place upon your mug.  Enjoy!

I created a cross stitch chart to embroidery on the front, but you can decorate with flowers or other embroidery as you wish.  Shout if you would like me to share the chart!

Free Pattern: Quick and Easy Baby Bear hat

I love crocheting hats and making things for loved ones etc, with no babies of my own to need to 'make for' (as if I need an excuse lol) I share here one of my quick and favourite baby hats.

Please note I tend to write in American Terms first then I will change to British Terms.  (I find American terms and symbols make sense to me and flow off my tongue...sorry ;)


American Terminology 
Size 5mm using 2 strands of DK 
1. magic ring, chain 4 (counts as dc, chain), *dc, chain, repeat until 9 dcs in the middle providing 6 spaces. Slip stitch to join.
2. Slip stitch into chain one space.  chain 3, dc, chain, *2dc into the next chain one space, chain  repeat 5 times slip stitch to top of chain 3 at beginning of round. 
3 .Slip stitch to chain one space, Chain 3, 3dc into space,chain, (the following are created in each chain one space respectfully) 3dc,chain, 4dc, chain, 3dc,chain,  4dc,chain, 3dc, chain, slip stitch to join.


NOTE:  Each 4dc cluster of previous row will be split in half and a 3dc positioned within. Each chain one space will have 3dc within it.  Giving a total of 9 3dc's Instructions below:
4.Slip stitch, chain 3, 2dc, chain, *3dc, chain, repeat from * seven times slip stitch to join.
5. slip stitch into chain one space, chain 3, 3dc,chain, 3dc,chain, 3dc,chain, 4dc,chain,  3dc,chain, 3dc,chain,  4dc,chain, 3dc,chain,  3dc, chain, slip stitch to join.

NOTE:  Each 4dc cluster of previous row will be split in half and a 3dc positioned within. Each chain one space will have 3dc within it.  Giving a total of12 3dc's Instructions below:

6.Slip stitch, chain 3, 2dc, chain, *3dc, chain, repeat from * ten times slip stitch to join.

7 -10 Slip stitch into chain one space, chain 3, 2dc, chain, *3dc, chain, repeat 11 times. slip stitch to join.

11. chain one, sc into each stitch. slip stitch to join.

12. chain 2, hdc into each stitch slip stitch to join, weave in end.

13 Contrast colour: chain one, sc into each stitch, slip stitch to join.

14 chain 4, sc into next stitch, *chain 4, sc into next stitch repeat to end, slip stitch and weave in end.

Ears x2

Contrast colour

1. magic ring, chain 2, 5hdc into the ring (6hdc) DO NOT JOIN,  TURN

2, chain 2, hdc into same space, 2hdc into each stitch. (12 hdc), chain one turn.

3. sc into each stitch, chain one. Turn.

4. sc into each stitch finish off leave a long tail to attach.

PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN MAKE YOUR EAR BIGGER IF YOU WISH, BY MAKING ROW 2 dc's instead of hdc's etc or by adding another row ie chain 2, hdc into the same space, hdc, 2hdc,* hdc, 2hdc repeat to end. then adding the 2 rows of sc around that creates the lovely shaping of the ear edge. 

I decorated my bottom of my hat with surface crochet chain between sc and hdc rows of hat. I also added a ribbon bow and rose.  I would love to see your handiwork! if you decide to have a go ;)

I hope you enjoy.  This may be a little rough at the edges, but I hope workable.  

English Terminology 

Size 5mm using 2 strands of DK 

1. magic ring, chain 4 (counts as tr, chain), *tr, chain, repeat until 9 trs in the middle providing 6 spaces. Slip stitch to join.

2. Slip stitch into chain one space.  chain 3, tr, chain, *2tr into the next chain one space, chain  repeat 5 times slip stitch to top of chain 3 at beginning of round. 

3 .Slip stitch to chain one space, Chain 3, 3tr into space,chain, (the following are created in each chain one space respectfully) 3tr,chain, 4tr, chain, 3tr,chain,  4tr,chain, 3tr, chain, slip stitch to join.

NOTE:  Each 4tr cluster of previous row will be split in half and a 3dc positioned within. Each chain one space will have 3tr within it.  Giving a total of 9 3tr's Instructions below:

4.Slip stitch, chain 3, 2tr, chain, *3tr, chain, repeat from * seven times slip stitch to join.

5. slip stitch into chain one space, chain 3, 3tr,chain, 3tr,chain, 3tr,chain, 4tr,chain,  3tr,chain, 3tr,chain,  4tr ,chain, 3tr,chain,  3tr, chain, slip stitch to join.

NOTE:  Each 4tr cluster of previous row will be split in half and a 3tr positioned within. Each chain one space will have 3tr within it.  Giving a total of12 3tr's Instructions below:

6.Slip stitch, chain 3, 2tr, chain, *3tr, chain, repeat from * ten times slip stitch to join.

7 -10 Slip stitch into chain one space, chain 3, 2tr, chain, *3tr, chain, repeat 11 times. slip stitch to join.

11. chain one, dc into each stitch. slip stitch to join.

12. chain 2, htr into each stitch slip stitch to join, weave in end.

13 Contrast colour: chain one, dc into each stitch, slip stitch to join.

14 chain 4, dc into next stitch, *chain 4, dc into next stitch repeat to end, slip stitch and weave in end.

Ears x2

Contrast colour

1. magic ring, chain 2, 5htr into the ring (6htr) DO NOT JOIN,  TURN

2, chain 2, htr into same space, 2htr into each stitch. (12 htr), chain one turn.

3. dc into each stitch, chain one. Turn.

4. dc into each stitch finish off leave a long tail to attach.

PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN MAKE YOUR EAR BIGGER IF YOU WISH, BY MAKING ROW 2 tr's instead of htr's etc or by adding another row ie chain 2, htr into the same space, htr, 2htr,* htr, 2htr repeat to end. then adding the 2 rows ofdcc around that creates the lovely shaping of the ear edge. 

I decorated my bottom of my hat with surface crochet chain between sc and hdc rows of hat. I also added a ribbon bow and rose.  I would love to see your handiwork! if you decide to have a go ;)

Scarf: I love Greens

This was a quick scarf created due to my love of yet another green/moss green yarn, Shade 315 it is lightweight chunky that worked well for me on the 10mm hook used.  It is 25% wool and 75% acrylic, feels lovely and drapes great.  I haven't blocked it as yet as was in a hurry to share, but to be honest I may leave it...For me this is a scarf to adorn with flower brooches that I have or to wrap around to feel like I am walking in the woods.  Enjoy ...oh be nice to me its my first time of sharing a crochet design ;)

 more pictures to follow ;)

**This is so simple a scarf that it is listed below as guides for your enjoyment:**  Not tested and I am sure others have done similar...but I am loving it!

Foundation Row: Chain 153 stitches (or a length that you feel will be suitable for your needs)
**Row 1:** sc into each ch, chain one, turn.
**Row 2:** (Fringing Patern) *Chain 8, sc 2nd chain from hook, sc to end (7 sc in each fringe or fern leaf as I was calling them) slip stitch to join, slip stitch into next stitch repeat from * until you have worked all along one side of the 152 stitches.
**Row 3:** Make one fringe of chain 8,  sc 2nd chain from hook, sc to end (7 sc ) slip stitch this will be the edge of row 2 and allow you to turn. Now repeat row 2, inserting your hook into the back loops of the foundation chain as you make each fringe/leaf.  To complete make one fringe on the edge of the row to allow to turn. Finish off ends.  Admire your beautiful scarf and consider as I am, to block or not to block!  ENJOY!!!

Also on ravelry, free to join if not already a member ;)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scarf-i-love-greens

Workshops - Rochester

Jackie Whiteley Christmas Die-Cutting Saturday 4^th October £25

10am - 4pm Class Size 12

Explore the many possibilities of Die-Cutting, Dry Embossing and other amazing techniques which will set your Christmas
Cards alight this year. All materials will be provided.

Creative Juices - 2 new shaped cards

Well I have been busy busy busy and I am soo pleased to introduce two new shaped cards, do keep coming back to see what I have been up too as I will be providing a space for my GSD files here and on my website.

Here are examples of the blank cut shapes which I have added buy it now buttons so you can enjoy them quickly any time of the day - as automatic delivery of files will be enjoyed once payment has been received. Use the view cart to see the items you have added to your cart for payment and download.

These files are suitable for craft robo users or any other personal cutter system that uses GSD format.

This is my Garden Flower Pot with 3d Flower template, lots of flexibility with this file.

This lovely shaped flower pot card is suitable for a range of occasions from birthdays to thank yous, however with a bit of imagination you will found it suitable for ladies or gentlemen of all ages!

It has been designed to have extra interest by way of the elements included within the file which make up the 3d flower and leaf. This means that the elements and the card shape can be resized to create a worth of options in your card making or scrapbooking projects.

£1.50

GENTLE REMINDER: You can use the file for your personal use, where you can sell your cut out creations only.

By purchasing this file you are agreeing to this and that you will not share or sell the file. Please email if you have any request for new craft files or if you require assistance.

This lovely shaped house card is suitable for a range of occassions from 'congratulations on your new home' to 'hey we have moved!' or even a simple 'Welcome home', let your imagination go wild and invent a reason to send a house today!

It has been designed to have extra interest by way of the elements included within the file which make up the door and window boxes. This means that the elements and the card shape can be resized to create a worth of options in your card making or scrapbooking projects.

£1.50

GENTLE REMINDER: You can use the file for your personal use, where you can sell your cut out creations only. By purchasing this file you are agreeing to this and that you will not share or sell the file.

Creative Juices - Paper Piecing!

I have always loved paper, card, buttons and well you know anything ‘arty crafty’ lol However I have again found myself creating little characters. I have created 9 character templates which I really should finish off the examples so that I can share them here etc. That makes a total now of over 20 which include animals, bears and little people – I think that is my paper piecing creative juices all gone now…but we will have to see! They are a wee bit wacky but of a size that is great for scrapbooking or card making J I really would welcome some comments as I share these designs/templates – so far the ladies from the scrapbooking group have been very positive about the ‘lady bear’ with her long lashes, she reminds me of my eldest daughter a bit cheeky but definitely modern!

Creative Juices - Craft Robo Is Out Of It's Box for Good?!

So I am still playing around with my craft robo having had it safely in a box for many many months... I have found myself drawn to it each day! (My dad will be pleased x)

I am now comfortable with how to wield words and how to make the most of the software that I have already and the new Robo master software that I managed to download...gets me thinking about all the graphics that I have made and how fab it would be to create shaped cards or mats for my graphics... Well as I like to make any patterns through a combination of drawing sketches, cutting paper and card and then creating the lines on the screen I have had fun making mock ups of shape cards then making graphics to fit! Back to front I know but I am challenging my creative juices - ok back to front...mad hatter approach (can you hear the sirens ?) So nearly five hours later I have a shaped card with graphics..that I created in inkscape (opensource and very good for windows and mac), printed via craft robo software so that it could then cut out the outline shape of the card - very clever!

Here's a screen shot of the art work/cut lines..I may just share this online for those with a computerized cutter system...shout up if you would like the file. I will also put a picture of the finished card when it is finished as now I can decorate and glitter!

Although the optical eye of the craft robo is some what of a mystery sometimes it works...and sometimes..it doesn't! (I just keep setting it up and eventually it asks can it cut it out now??!!! Not sure what to do when I am bored of trying to get it to see the registration marks though! lol) I thought this would make a nice card for a dad or keen gardener..with the tag on the front saying 'To' and the back saying 'From' now I need to design an envelope as just smaller than A5...aww more work..enough for one night though. Scrapbooking club tomorrow and I have a nice treat lined up for them soooo need to get some sleep :)