Welcome to the Universe Alphabetti Crochetti

You know when you’re really into an idea but everyone around you seems to think it’s a bit rubbish, and even if they don’t actually say so out loud, you can see in their eyes that they think you’re on to a losing wicket and that you should really just give up and go back to crocheting hearts and stuff?  I feel that way about my new project (and about most other things, for that matter, but mostly this). For a while now I have been trying to develop a way of writing with granny squares. Mainly so I can combine the two things I love most – crocheting (obvs) and sharing my innermost thoughts in a variety of inappropriate and shouty ways. This project seemed to be something of a natural progression from the heart, skull and Christmas tree squares I’ve designed in the past, allowing me to really personalise the blankets and banners I make for friends. Maybe, just maybe, I might start taking commissions from people who want messages crocheted for people, like – I LOVE YOU IAN FROM WORK, MARRY ME CAROL COLLINGTON or DON’T FORGET TO PUT THE MILK BACK IN THE FRIDGE AFTER YOU’VE USED IT YOU FILTHY ANIMAL – that kind of thing.  Now, my alphabetti crochetti font is far from perfect – and I’m sure some of the letters need a bit more development, but I thought I’d give you a sneak peek to whet your appetite, so here are some pics.

This one is autobiographical

Gimme an ‘A’.

Gimme an ‘R’

Gimme an ‘S’

Gimme a ‘G’

Gimme an ‘H’

And what does it spell? …. ARSGH. Oh.

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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.

Tutorial: Dem Bones, The Day of The Dead Skull Square

Here is the pattern for the skull square in my Day of the Dead Blanket (see archive for more on that beauty). I used nasty neon DK for my blanket, but any highly contrasting colours would work just as well. You could probably use this pattern to make some decorative Halloween bunting if you were so inclined.  Hmmmn, there’s an idea!

These squares employ a kind of Fair Isle technique I guess, in that you are working more than one colour, and so need to carry the colours you are not using with you as you crochet, twisting them behind the stitch so you are ready to pick them up at any time. This can seem a little complicated at first, but just as with most of these things, you’ll soon get the hang of it. Once you’ve made one of these skull squares you’ll be able to make as many as you like.  They are a bit addictive.

You will need: 1, 3.50mm crochet hook, DK in 3 contrasting colours

Colour 1 (colour of skull)

Colour 2 (colour of eyes, nose and mouth)

Colour 3 (background)

Pattern

1. Colour 1, chain 4 and join with ss to form a ring,

Ch2, 2 dc in ring, ch1, (3 dc in ring, ch1) x2, join colour 2, 3 dc in ring, ch 1, bring colour 1 forward, join with ss to form a round.

2. Ch2, 2dc in corner, ch1, bring colour 2 forward, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, bring colour 1 forward 3dc in corner space, ch1, bring colour 2 forward 3dc in same corner space, ch1, 3dc in last corner ss to join and form a round.

3. Bring colour 1 forward, ch2, 2dc in corner, ch1, 3dc in same corner, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, bring colour 2 forward (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner,  bring colour 1 forward, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, bring colour 2 forward, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, bring colour 1 forward, 3dc in next gap, ch1, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in corner space, ch1, 3 dc in next space, ch1, join with ss in top of chain to form a round. Cast off.

4. With colour 1, 1sc in 1^st gap following the bottom right corner, ch2, 2dc in gap, 1ch, 3dc in next gap, ch1, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap,ch1,  (3dc, ch1,3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in  next gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, join colour 3, 3dc in corner, ch1, join colour 2, 3dc in same corner space, ch 1, 3 dc in next gap, ch1, 3 dc in next gap, ch1, 3dc in next corner space, ch1, bring colour 3 forward, 3dc in same corner space,  ch1, join with ss to form a round. Cast off. (you’re now only working with colours 1 and 3.

5. With colour 1 sc in central gap on right hand side, ch2, 2dc in same space, 1ch, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space,  ch1, join colour 3, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, bring colour 1 forward, 3dc in next space,  ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, bring colour 3 forward, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, join with ss to form round.

6. Ch2, 2dc in gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1,bring colour 1 forward, 3dc in next gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, 3dc in next gap, ch1, bring colour 3 forward, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner space, bring colour 1 forward, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, bring colour 3 forward, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, join with ss in top of ch2, cast off. Hide ends with bodkin.

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 1^st colour in bottom centre space, ch2, 2dc in same space, join 2^nd colour (move 1^st colour to the back), ch1, (3dc,1ch,3dc) in corner, bring 1^st colour forward, ch1, 3dc in next space, ch1, (3dc,1ch,3dc) in next corner space, bring 2^nd colour forward, ch1, 3dc in top centre space, bring 1^st colour forward, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in next corner space, ch1, 3dc in next space, bring 2^nd colour forward, ch1, (3dc, 1ch, 3dc) in corner, ss in first dc to create round. Cast off.

Round 5: Join 2^nd colour in any space, work a plain round.

Round 6: Join 3^rd 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