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Simon Owl
Tag Archives: crochet
Christmas Tree Pine Fresh Granny Tutorial
I know it’s a bit early but if you’re thinking of making something festive and woolly to put under the Christmas tree you’ll need to leave loads of time. With that in mind I’ve designed a Christmas tree granny square which can easily be incorporated into a regular granny blanket. Now this does look a little complicated on paper, but I promise you it is not – I’m just not great at writing patterns! It uses two colours in much the same way as Matilda, the granny square with heart, and it uses the same basic technique, so if you’ve enjoyed that you’ll hopefully enjoy this too. I’ve included as many photos as possible to make it clearer. Please allow me to apologise for the light in these pics. It’s all over the place because I took them over two the course of two different sessions. Anyway enjoy – if you do attempt this square please do leave a comment and a link in the box. I love seeing your work!!!
You will need: 1 crochet hook size 4.0mm, 2 contrasting colours of DK yarn.
Abbreviations: Ch: chain, ss: slip stitch, dc: double crochet, c1: colour 1, c2: colour 2, gp: group, sp: space
Pattern
Round 1: With colour 1 (c1) make 3 chain stitches (ch), join with slip stitch (ss) to form a ring.
Round 2: Chain 2, make 2 double crochets (dc) in ring, ch2,* 3dc in ring, ch2*. Repeat this step three times. Join w/ ss in 2nd turning chain to form a round.
Round 3: Chain 2, make 2dc in same space, ch2, 3dc in same space, ch1, *(in corner space 3dc, ch2, 3dc), ch1* Repeat this step three times. Join w/ ss in 2nd turning chain to form a round.
Round 4: To make first corner chain 2, make 2dc in same space, ch2, 3dc in same space. Ch1, 3dc in next ch1 space between 2 groups of 3dcs. Ch1 then make second corner with *3dc,ch2,3dc* in next space, ch1, 3dc in next ch1 space between 2 groups of 3dcs, ch1, make third corner with *3dc, ch2, 3dc* in next space, ch1, 3 dc in next space between 2 groups of 3dcs. Ch1 then make fourth corner with *3dc, ch2, 3dc* in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 groups of 3dcs, ch1 and join w/ss in 2nd turning chain to form a round.
Round 5: Join with colour 1 (c1) in top right hand corner. Ch2, make 2dc in same space, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 groups of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 groups of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in corner space, ch1, JOIN COLOUR 2 (C2), ch1, 3dc in same corner space. With C1 ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 groups of 3dcs. With C2 ch1, 3dc in next space between 2gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next sp between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in space as before, ch1, *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner. With C2 ch1, 3dc in next sp between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 3dc in next sp between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1, With C2, 3dc in corner space, ch2, join with ss in top of 2nd ch to form a round.
Round 6: Join c1 in first ch1 space after top right corner. Ch2, 2dc in same space, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C2 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 3dc in next space between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C2 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner. With C2 ch1, 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C2 3dc bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc, ch2,3dc* to form corner, ch1. Join w/ ss in top of ch2 to form round.
Round 7: Join c1 in the space top right of centre, ch2, 2dc in same space, ch1, 3dc in next space between 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C2 3dc in next space between 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in sp bet 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in sp bet 2 gps of 3dcs , ch1, 3dc in sp bet 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in sp bet 2 gps of 3dcs , ch1 *3dc,ch2,3dc* to form a corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet2 gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C2 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1*3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form a corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1 join w/ ss at top of ch2 to form round.
Round 8: Join C1 in top centre, ch2, 2dc in same space, ch1. With C2, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc, ch2, 3dc* ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C1 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1. With C2 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1,3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1 , join with ss at top of ch2 to form round.
Round 9: Last one! Join in top right corner with C2, *ch2, 2dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1 *3dc, ch2, 3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs. With C1 ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3 dcs. With C2 ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, *3dc,ch2,3dc* to form corner, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, 3dc in next space bet 2gps of 3dcs, ch1, join w/ ss in top of ch2 to form a round, then pour yourself a large drink and have a lie down in a darkened room.
New Project: Leilah the cushion
I’m pretty, I’m so pretty
What do you get if you crochet a whole heap of my Leilah hexagons and put them together (along with a few handy half-hexagons to square it off) ? This of course! I tell you what, it took an absolute age to weave in all the ends, but I think the finished product will be worth the RSI. The colours might be a little eccentric, but that’s precisely how I like it. It would look completely different in more muted shades… monochrome might be interesting. I’ll be making this up into a proper cushion over the next week or so, so I’ll take photos as I go for your delectation. For now though I just thought I’d show you my progress, and express my particular love for the cerise, pink, orange and sand colour combo. It’s a bit like jam with cheese. You wouldn’t think it would work but it really really does.
Careful with these hexies, they’re Moorish! Do you see what I did there? Oh, nevermind.
GLITCH’S BREW #2
Hello everyone. I bet you thought I wouldn’t remember to do it, didn’t you? Yeah, me too. Anyway this should be quite a colourful Glitch’s Brew because this week I’ve been… well, see for yourself.
I made this fascinator to wear to my Aunty’s wedding in a couple of weeks time. I am in two minds as to whether it’s beautiful or hideous. It was inspired by something I saw in an issue of Molly Makes magazine. I can’t remember who made it (sorry) but it was lush – much prettier than this one. Here’s my version. I’d love to know what you think.
A while ago I found this vintage quilt in a charity shop for £18.00. It’s unfinished, with newspaper backing and tacking all the way around each hexagon. It’s going to take me ages to finish properly, but I had to have it. Just wait till you see the back…
Each one of these little newspaper hexagons is like a tiny inexplicable snippet of history. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to get rid of them. Through studying them, and the crazy psychedelic patterns obv, I’ve been able to date this quilt to after 1964 and before they banned cigarette advertising in the media. I know… Miss Marple!
While all this was going on I was also actually working. I am currently researching a book about Prisoners of War during WWII (yes. random) and, in the course of said research, I stumbled upon this amazing documentary on The Long Walk, courtesy of the blessed BBC Radio 4. If you have a spare 30mins I would really recommend a listen. It will BLOW YOUR MIND.
Alternatively, if you fancy a giggle this is ACE. COOOGAR
Two Fried Eggs: Tutorial
It’s been a little while since my last post. I apologise. I had a little operation and, to be frank, my mind has been occupied with other things. Anyway, a few weeks back I promised to post a tutorial for these cheeky little beauties – so here it is. These fried egg tassels are really easy to make and perfect to wear whilst serving Sunday morning brunch. I must say though that cooking in them probably constitutes a major fire hazard - Never dangle your nipple tassels over an open flame.
Please note: The tension in the photographed sample is a little loose so that the stitches are nice and clear, for better results keep your tension nice and tight.
You will need: 1, 3.50mm hook
DK yarn in two colours, white and yellow.
1. With yellow yarn ch3, join with ss to form a ring.
2. Ch2, (1dc, ch1) x 7, join with ss in top of ch2 to form a circle.
3. Ch2, 1dc in ch1 space, ch1, (2dc in ch1 space, ch1 all the way around, ss in top of ch2 to form a circle.
4. Join white, ch2, *1dc in ch, ch1, skip next ch* all the way round, ss in top of ch2 to form a circle. This should make the yolk appear slightly convex. Turn work inside out.
5. Ch2, dc1 in same space, ch1, *2dc in next space, ch1* repeat all the way round, ss in top of ch2 to form a circle.
6. To make the shape less uniform, and more egg-like: (in ch) slip 5, ch2, 3dc, ch2, slip 5, ch2, 5dc, ch2, slip 7, ch2, 5dc, ch2, slip 4 (or to end of round) ss in first slipped st.
7. Ch1, sc all the way round and join with ss to form a circle.
Stitch ends in with a large needle, and attach tassel. A shop bought tassel is perfect if you can find one, or, if you fancy it – you could make your own. Eastbourne is strangely short of burlesque-friendly haberdasheries, so I’ve been forced to make my own. A tutorial for these will follow shortly.
Tutorial: Matilda (the granny square with heart)
I am constantly crocheting stuff. More often than not the idea for said ‘stuff’ comes straight out of my imagination, but I have never actually attempted to write a crochet pattern. I may scribble some notes down here and there but I tend to find, when I return to them, they usually don’t make much sense to me, let alone anyone else. Recently one or two people have asked me to produce tutorials to accompany my bits and pieces. So I have decided to give it a go, beginning with the easiest pattern I can think of; the granny square with heart, which we’ll call Matilda (because I like giving my makes human names – it’s fun)
So, here’s the pattern. I would absolutely LOVE it if one or two of you crocheteers could test this out for me to see if it works. Let me know what happens in the comment box below and who knows, maybe I’ll do a give away. Ooh my first give away! Exciting!
Pattern: Matilda (granny square with heart)
You will need: chunky wool in 3 colours and 1, 5.50mm hook.
Round 1: Ch3 and connect to make a ring.
Round 2: Ch2, 2dc in ring, ch1, 3dc in ring, ch1, 3dc in ring, ch1, 3dc in ring, ch1 and ss in top of first dc to create a round.
Round 3: Turn work, Ch2, 2dc in space, ch1, 3 dc in same space, *ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3 dc in next corner space)*. Repeat x2 from (*), ss in top of first dc to create a round. Cast off.
Round 4: Join 1st colour in bottom centre space, ch2, 2dc in same space, join 2nd colour (move 1st colour to the back), ch1, (3dc,1ch,3dc) in corner, bring 1st colour forward, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc,1ch,3dc) in next corner space, bring 2nd colour forward, ch1, 3dc in top centre space, bring 1st colour forward, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, bring 2nd colour forward, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in corner, ss in first dc to create round. Cast off.
Round 5: Join 2nd colour in any space, work a plain round.
Round 6: Join 3rd colour in any space, work a plain round. Cast off. Hide ends with bodkin.
A Blanket for Sarah and Ben
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times. There is nothing more satisfying than making a gift for someone you love. I give away most of the things I make. That’s why this blog is so handy, because it serves to remind me of all the things I’ve made over a long period of time. This way I can still enjoy giving them away to people who’ll treasure them. If I kept all my bits and pieces I know I’d quickly cease to enjoy them. For me the kick is in making stuff, not in owning it. After a while I would see only the flaws, the things I could have done better had I given it just a little bit more time, or tried just a little bit harder.
I crocheted this blanket for my friends Ben and Sarah, who got married in September. It took me ages, so I’d only recommend making this for someone you really, really love. The overall look is quite girly, and I have to admit it’s not really the sort of thing I’d usually go for. I included the hearts and flowers because it was a wedding present, and because they are more interesting to make than simple granny squares. I’ll post a tutorial for both in the next week or so. In the meantime, I hope you like the pics.
Top edge of Sarah and Ben's blanket
