Quick fix cat toy

If like me you've got multiple ends of yarn that are just too small to justify keeping, here's a tip.

My cat Posie is very laid back but even she gets fed up on these wet, cold, winter days. She will leave my yarn alone but I have made her round toys in the past. I've been so busy lately that I haven't got the time to crochet another thing. Hence I have a limitless supply of yarn ends.

Take a section and tie the ends together.

Scrunch them up. With the end of the yarn ball knot it around to make sure all the ends are safe.

Here's Posie checking one I made earlier before picking it up in her mouth and running away with it.
No better endorsment than that!

Granny Square Tutorial

Lots of people that I know have started crochet and usually the first thing they want to make is a granny square. There are so many tutes out there on blogs and YouTube that give conflicting instructions. Believe me when I started I used so many different methods before developing my own.

I think the whole point of a square is that it should have corners. You can't have a good turn if you just use two chains. I always use three. I also put a chain before each treble cluster on the sides.

I also join the rounds with a treble instead of chains. This brings you up in the middle of the space you need to work in. No need for slip stitches.

These are the notes I've made for my workshop. Keep scrolling down for the picture tutorial and further still for the chart.

All Things Granny

Single colour Granny Square

I've used a standard double knit and a 4mm crochet hook.

Abbreviations for UK terms. For US terms substitute dc instead of treble.

ch  = chain

tr = treble

ss = slipstitch

In this pattern the stitches are worked in the spaces of the row beneath.

Foundation row: Ch5, join to 1^st chain with a ss to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch3, (counts as first tr) 2tr in the ring, * 3ch, 3tr in ring* 3 times, tr to top of 1^st ch3 (4 tr groups)

Round 2: ch3, 2tr in the same space, *1ch, 3tr, 3ch, 3tr in next ch3 space* 3 times, ch1, 3tr, in the next 3ch space, tr to the top of the 1^st ch3 (8 tr groups)

Continue in this way. Remember to ch1 between the treble groups on the sides but ch3 between the treble groups in the corners.

Round 1

Make a slipknot, pull yarn through

  Chain 5.  Slipstitch to 1^st chain to make a ring

 chain 3

Working the trebles in the ring, treble 2, chain 3

Treble 3, chain 3. Repeat until you have 4 treble groups.

To join, treble into the top of 1^st  ch3 to close the round. Sometimes this is difficult to see if you're new to crochet and your tension is tight. I've place a blunt ended needle in the spot to show where to find it.

Handy hint - When you make your ch3 use a stitch maker in the third chain.

        

Round 2:

Chain 3

 Treble 2 in same space, chain 1

Now we're working in the next corner space.

Treble 3, chain 3, treble 3 in next space, chain 1

In last space, where you've already completed your first join;

Treble 3 join with treble in the top of 1^st ch3

For your next round start with the ch3 and treble 2, ch1 and then treble 3 in the next ch1 space. After your treble cluster ch1.

Your corners will be exactly the same as you worked in the second round.

The chart shows two rounds only. The dot usually indicates a slip stitch but I've added it to show you where the joining treble goes.

Pincushions galore!

Those that know me understand why I've been away for quite a while. At last I have my own place and my very own internet and can post whenever and whatever I like. Oh, the power!!

This week I've been busy listing some of the pincushions I made for my book, '50 Pincushions to Knit and Crochet'. Here's a sneak preview...

Flora was inspired by the colours of a Mexican fiesta. The little flowers around the side are in fact ric rac so just have to be stitched in place.

Water lily is a multi-petalled and multilayered flower pincushion. The flower floats on its own little ice blue pond.

Daisy has hand sewn flowers on top and bottom and again the flower ric rac adds an easy finishing touch.

Ammonite is my personal favourite in this group. I love spirals and this one has a layer of grey metallic thread. It reminds me of the rocks on the coast that often contain ammonites. Just like the ones that I borrowed from the garden wall.

A Quick Tutorial

If like me you have numerous USB leads then you share my frustration at finding the right one. I have two camera both with similar leads but with different connectors and when I'm in a rush I always mix them up. This short tutorial shows how you can save yourself more frustration.

All you need is the correct lead, a crochet hook and some spare yarn. I've used a 4mm hook and double knit yarn.

Start with a slip knit and place the hook on top of the cable.

Pull the yarn through to the front. Yarn over the hook and pull through the two loops on your hook.
You're making a double crochet or, if you're using American terms, a single crochet.

Carry on until you've added enough to differentiate between the cables.

Hopefully that's enough not to get them mixed up ever again!

Colour Inspiration

My new Blue Face Leicester, 4ply wool was customer dyed by Becky King. I love the gorgeous, jewel colours and can't wait to start knitting with them.

Becky is a joy to work with. Having only two photos to work with she's done an amazing job. I can't tell you the technical side of things but our inspiration for the colour combinations came from Design Seeds. The first is refreshing hues.

The second is tropical birds.

My photos don't do justice to the colours but it's murky and wet outside. Just the right weather to get out my pins and decide what to make with them.

Thanks Becky!

Better for bears?

Dot a dold. Not a good start of the year, especially as it's also pouring down with rain. As you can imagine I'm feeling bit sorry for myself.

Outside the gulls are whirling and gliding in the wind. I swear I saw one flying upside down. They look as if they're having real fun. Watching them reminded me of something I saw on Pinterest.

It's a good things jar. You start with an empty jar and fill it up with all the good or funny or positive things that have happened during the year. You can find out more details here. I shared the idea with some of the family and by the time they had heatedly discussed the idea I decided not to bother. On this wet, windy, cold ridden day I think it might be a good thing to do.

Some of the things I haven't shared are the pincushion samples I made for my book. Here's one to cheer the day. He's called Mr Bear and always brings a smile to my face when I stick pins in him.