Woodland Bloom Square

It has been a while since I posted. This Saturday will be the Granny Square day and there have been several posts about this on Instagram.

I didn’t hear about the granny square until I landed in the US towards the end of the nineties. It was amazing to see people make different squares, and join them to make colourful blankets or jackets. 

Two years ago I saw someone post about Granny Square Day and lovely colourful squares. Last week I chanced upon the post by Simply Crochet magazine with the #grannysquare2020 and decided to make one.

In India, we haven’t heard about the granny square. I asked several people from the 50s and 60s and none of them had heard about it. They all said that they made lace for petticoats and filet crochet without actually knowing its name. Many of them made curtains for their kitchen or puja room entrance. The puja room curtains were invariably of Gods like Radhakrishna, and Lakshmi on a lotus; Krishna dancing on the head of a snake. In another state, ladies made Virgin Mary curtains and the baby angels. “It is all in our heads”, they said. A few said they knew the “count”. I guess people didn’t know about the granny square because we have no use for them in our warm climates. The other parts of the country which actually experience the cold during winters just knitted sweaters or an occasional blanket, but never a granny square. It’s a novelty here. 

Here is my pattern for Granny Square day. Please do not copy and distribute the pattern, make tutorials and pass it off as your own. Do give credit to the designer if you happen to make one.

Pattern

Woodland Bloom Square

Materials

Anchor Knitting Cotton 50 gram balls In mauve, light purple and dark purple 196 yards, 179 meters

Hook 1.6mm
Size of square 5inches

Stitches used

Ch-Chain
Sc-Single crochet
Dc- Double crochet
Fpdc- Front post double crochet Bpdc- back post double crochet Tr-treble
Tr tr- triple treble
Shell – 2dc, ch3 2dc
Picot- ch3, sl st into first ch

Abbreviations

Ch-Chain
Sc-Single crochet
Dc- Double crochet
Fpdc- Front post double crochet Bpdc- back post double crochet Tr-treble
Tr tr= triple treble
St- Stitch
Sl st- Slip Stitch
Beg- beginning
Rep- repeat

Notes

Use multiple colours or one solid colour as per your choice. Ch3 is counted as dc throughout.

Pattern

Round 1: With Colour A, into magic circle, (ch3, dc, ch3, sl st into circle), repeat around seven more times. (8 petals) Cut yarn.

Round 2: With colour B, join thread with sc in the dc of any petal, ch 7, sc in same sp, ch3,sc on top of next dc, ch3, sc in next dc, ch7, sc in same st, repeat 3 more times. Join to beg sc. (4- ch7 sp,8-ch3 sp)

Round 3: Sl st into ch7 sp, ch3, 8 dc in same sp, ch1, dc2tog, using the next 2 ch3 sp, ch1, (9dc in next ch7 sp, ch1, dc2tog, using the next 2 ch3sp , ch1) repeat around, join to beg ch3. (36 dc, 4 dc2tog)

Round 4: ch4, dc in next st, ch1, (3times), 3dc in next st (5thdc), dc, ch1 in next st, (3 times) ch2 over dc2tog, repeat around. Join to beg ch3. (32-ch1 sp,4 ch2 sp) Fasten off.

Round 5: With colour C, Join thread with sl st, to ch1 sp, ch3, dc, in same sp, ch3, sl st in same sp, slst into next ch1 sp (3times), ch3, trtr in centre dc of 3dc group, ch3, sl st in next ch1 sp, ch3, dc ch3 sl st in same sp,(3 times), fpdc over dc2tog of previous row, repeat around. Join to beg slst. (32petals, 4-trtr, 4fpdc) Fasten off.

Round 6: Join colour A to first dc below first petal, ch5, bpdc in next dc, ch2 (3times) ch3, bpdc in the first dc of 3dc group, ch3, skp next dc, bpdc in next dc, ch3, bpdc in next dc (3times) fpdc over fpdc of previous round, repeat around. Join to 3rd ch of beg ch 5. (32 bpdc, 4 fpdc,12- ch3 sp)

Round 7: ch5, skp next sp, 2dc in next sp, ch2 (2times) 5dc popcorn in next ch3 sp, ch 1, 2dc,ch3,2dc in next ch3 sp, popcorn in next ch3 sp, ch1, 2dc in next sp, (2 more times)ch2, fpdc in next fpdc, repeat around. Join to beg ch3. (4- fpdc, 24-2dc groups, 8-popcorns, 4 shell groups)

Round 8: ch1, fpdc in same st, ch2, skp next 2dc, 2dc in next ch2sp, ch3, skp popcorn, 3dc, picot 3dc in next ch3 sp, ch3 skp popcorn, 2dc in next 3 sp, repeat around. Join to beg fpdc. Fasten off. (4 fpdc, 24-2dc groups, 4shells with picots)

Starch, and block for best finish.

You can also find the pattern in Ravelry and in Payhip.

Itsy Bitsy Tote

The internet has been a constant source of inspiration. A few weeks ago, while browsing I chanced upon a colourful bag and was totally smitten by it. I wanted to make one immediately. Since the bag was made entirely using scrap yarn, I gathered all my teeny tiny balls of yarn from the various nooks and crannies and made up this bag in a matter of hours.

If you would like to make one here is the pattern.

Materials

Scrap yarn 20-25gms of each colour in 4 ply

Yarn needle

Scissors

Hook 4mm

Stitches used

Dc- Double crochet

Sc- Single crochet

Stitch pattern

V-stitch: dc, ch1 dc

Notes

The size of the bag will vary depending on the yarn weight and hook used.

Pattern

Row 1: Ch153, sc in second ch from hook and in the next 19 st, v-st in next st, skp two ch, v-st in next st, repeat till 20st before end of row, sc in next 20 st. Turn. (20sc, 38v-st, 20 sc)

Row 2: ch1, sc in next 20 st, v-st in all the v-st of previous row, sc in next 20 st, turn. 

Row 3: Changing colour, repeat Row 2.

Change colour after every 2 rows.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Fold the fabric in half and sew the sides of the bag using a yarn needle. 

Fold the single crochet portion of the top in half and sew across. Sew across on the opposite side. Fasten off.

Handle

Ch 100, dc in 2^nd ch from hook, dc till the end of row, ch2 turn. Dc across. Fasten off. 

Insert dc into space between sc fold and join the ends of the dc rows.

Repeat once more for the opposite side.

Tunisian Crochet

It has been ages since I tried Tunisian Crochet, so when I got the pattern from @stringtierey I immediately began crocheting this cute little purse. The pattern is easy to follow.

The pattern calls for 6.5 mm hook and I used a 7 mm hook, as I didn’t have a 6.5 mm hook. I didn’t like the fabric and went down to 5.5mm and u cannot say that I am satisfied with the fabric. The next time I make I would go down to 4.5mm hook.

Do check out her blog and make your very own Tunisian purse. It is a great technic to learn and increase your stitch repertoire.

Pinnal Headband

Pinnal, pronounced ‘Pin”Null’ is another word for braid in my native language Tamil. This is a five strand braid. It is a sequel to my previous pattern ‘Jadai” which is also a braid with three strands. It is a simple headband made using the basic crochet stitches.

The headband seen in the picture is made using Vardhman Cotone, Dk wt yarn. The headband measures 21″, but you can make it according to your preferred size by increasing or decreasing the number of dc rows.

Please find the pattern below. If you happen to make one do let me know.

Pattern

Materials

Sample has been made using Vardhman Cotone Dk wt yarn. Hook 3.75 mm
Gauge
Though gauge is not important, the gauge is 5dc=1”

Size

One size
Sample headband measures 21” Stitches and abbreviations used Ch- Chain
dc- Double crochet
Sl st- Slip stitch
Skp- Skip

Notes

If you want a larger size, increase the number of dc rows.
After braiding, pin all five strips and then crochet evenly on each strip. The size of the final product will differ if using different weights of yarn.

Five strand braid

Pattern
Row 1: Ch 17, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc across till end of row. (15 dc) 

Row 2: ch3, dc across. (15dc)
Row 3-17: Repeat Row 2

Row 18: *(ch33, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch till end of row, skp next 2 st, sl st into next st) *. Repeat from * to * till end of this row four more times. (31 dc in each strip, 5 dc strips made) Fasten off.
Turn work 90 degrees.

Braid the strips and pin them, so that all strip ends are aligned. (check YouTube video to make braid)

Work dc in all strip ends evenly, 3dc in each of the strips. Turn. (15 dc)

Repeat Row 2 for 15 more rows, or according to length required. Join with sl st to the other end.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Enjoy your headband. Do not forget to message me if you happen to make one.

New year began with me going to the hills for a short vacation. The Pony craft store there had Nako Vals yarn which has lovely colour ways and I picked two skeins and also a lace weight yarn for future designs. As soon as I got back home I cast on for a knitted hat and gifted it to my cousin who was visiting. She loved wearing the handmade and immediately ordered some wool for me to make a scarf for her.

I had made up my mind not to hoard yarn and to buy only for specific projects. But the universe has conspired to send me yarn through different people. I have a few commissions now and hope that I can complete all of them on time.

I have also started knitting a cowl using the leftover yarn for her. Meanwhile she wanted a customised scarf of my new design and work on it has started in right earnest in the colour of her choice.

Keep an eye out for my new pattern at the end of the month.

So how has your New Year been?

Jadai Headband

We are getting so close to the end of 2019 and after several months of hibernation I decided to update the blog. It hasn’t been a bad year overall, except my computer crashed twice. Since I am not comfortable using my phone to update my blog, I waited to buy a new computer and here I am with my new machine.

While browsing Instagram I came across a lovely knitted braided headband and immediately I wished to make one in crochet. Thus the Jadai headband was born. “Jadai” in my native language Tamil means braid/plait. If you wish to make a headband for yourself do follow this link to the Jadai headband in ravelry.

It is a simple pattern made with minimal yarn that you can use from your stash. If you happen to make one do let me know or link it to my page on Ravelry. You can also tag me on Instagram : yadvi68

Tiny Daisy Coaster

In a bid to not completely forget the blog, I decided to update it with a new pattern for a coaster that I came up with couple of days ago. It is simple to make and that too with just five rounds. It can be made with small amounts of thread or any yarn you fancy. But be aware the size of hook and the yarn do determine the size of your final product. The small coaster made with Knit Picks Curio is about 5″ and the purple one made with 4 ply cotton is about 7 inches after blocking.

Here is the pattern for it.

Or if you are a Ravelry member you can download the pattern here

Materials
Knit Picks Curio size 10 Hook 1.3 mm
Gauge: Not important
Stitches used: Sc, hdc, dc, fpdc2tog, fptr2tog, picot
Ch 3picot : Ch 3, slst into 3rd ch from hook.

Notes:
Small amount of any thread or yarn of your choice. Depending on the size of thread or yarn and the hook used, the size of the coaster will vary.
Use single or multiple colours.
(If you do not want to use magic loop, you may make ch 5, join to beg ch, ch7, skp one st and sc in the next, hdc in next st, dc in next 4st, sl st into loop,

Round 1: Into magic loop, (ch 7, skp first ch from hook and sc in the next, hdc in next st, dc in next 4st, sl st into loop), make 5 more petals, sl stitch into loop and tighten it. (6 petals)

Round 2: Sl st to the top of petal, ch 1, sc into same sp,*(ch 3, tr 2tog between fifth st on both petals of previous row, ch 3)* repeat around. Join to beg sc. (6 tr petals, 12- ch3 spaces)

Round 3: (Change color if preferred) fpslst around any petal, Ch2, dc, together over front post of petal in previous row,* (5 dc in next ch sp, ch1, fpdc2tog over next petal, ch1, 5 dc in next sp,)* repeat from * to * around. Join to beg st. (60 dc, 12 dc2tog)

Round 4: fpslst around fpdc3tog over fpdc2tog of previous row, ch 5, sc in the middle dc of 5dc group, ch 5, fpdc 3tog, *(ch5, fpdc3tog, ch5, sc in center of 5dc group, ch 5, fpdc3tog) * rep from * to * around. Join to beg st. (12-fpdc3tog, 24- ch 5 loops)

Round 5: *(Sl st into ch 5 loop, ch 1, sc, hdc, 2dc, tr, ch 3 picot, in same sp, tr, 2dc,hdc, sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3picot on top of next fpdc3tog,)* repeat from * to * around. Join to beg st. Weave in ends. Starch and block.

Hope you guys like it. If you try it do let me know in the comments.

New projects, crafts and experiments

It is that time of the year, when I usually think I should update my blog every week or every month at least. This year I don’t want to do that. I am just going to update as and when I feel I should update. 2018 just whizzed past with a lot of stuff happening in the home front, illness, changing homes etc. The craft scenario was pretty good too with me trying out new things. I picked up my long lost embroidery after several years, when a friend picked up hers and churned out impressive wall hanging hoops. Inspired by her I too made a few hoops and then I discovered embroidering on handmade paper and canvas, when I chanced upon a few in Instagram. This year I would love to complete all my unfinished projects like half finished paintings, crochet designs, knitting et. al, from the past and also continue writing which is my other hobby. Would also love to take up commissioned work.
Here are some of my projects from 2018, a few of them have found new homes.

 

The small tree on hand made paper and the christmas tree, were the most toughest projects as I worked on thick handmade paper for the first time. The experiment turned out well, so the projects are awaiting their frame. The girl on the swing is my last work of 2018 and is worked on painted black canvas. I discovered that I love working with canvas and hope to churn out more embroidery. If you want one, do message me for prices.
Until my next project…..see you!

Sterling Runner

Blogging doesn’t take up much of your time. But there are times when you prefer reading other peoples blogs and wonder at their penmanship and their lovely photos, so much so that you don’t even comment on how nice you thought their blog was. I have become that kind of person recently and I hope to change that. In my defense, I have been doodling with thread like crazy and have been writing and rewriting patterns, interacting with testers who give their valuable inputs by correcting my patterns.My latest pattern is the Sterling Runner in Knit Picks Curio. I am really in love with this thread and it was a pleasure working with it for this runner.

This is also the first time I am displaying a runner on my table. However, I am still paranoid that some visiting child or adult might spill a glass of juice or ketchup on it. 🙂 If you wish to make one for your table, you can get the Sterling Runner here. Let me know if you display doilies or runners on your table or chicken out like me.

Until next time….ciao!

Ringo Shawl

I am back again after a short break. The break was a short vacation in Greece and Rome. The island of Santorini is so picturesque that I really wanted to settle down there. But dreams can be dreams only at times. Back home I was excited to find that Happily Hooked Magazine had already uploaded my pattern Ringo Shawl in their site. It is my first pattern for their magazine.

You can find more pictures here and can buy the pattern from the magazine or better still subscribe to their print or digital magazine for a whole load of interesting patterns. I also should catch up on blog hopping and find out what my blogger friends have been making all these days. Let me know what you think of the pattern and also send me pictures if you happen to make it.