Crochet - The Magic Ring alternative

 Have you ever opened a pattern only to find the starting instruction is to do a Magic Ring and your heart has sank?

Well, worry no more..... after quite a few panicked questions via my Social Media accounts, where I explain that actually you do not need a Magic Ring, I thought I should do a quick video tutorial to explain the alternative method.

A Magic Ring is a tricky technique to master, I have taught crochet for many years and apart from the initial slip knot (trust me, so many people find that hard to master) the Magic Ring must be the second difficult thing to teach.  Recently I saw a photograph of a blanket that a poor lady had created and then washed.... and every single centre of each flower had become unravelled.  So not only is it important to be able to start correctly, you must be able to sew the tails in securely too!

You will see no difference at all with the alternative method that I am going to show you, so do whatever is easiest for you.

Really hope this is helpful for you and you can now create some patterns that you might have been slightly afraid of!

Until next time.... HAPPY HOOKING!

Sooz.

The 70's Vibe Crochet Blanket

 You know when you're just sitting on the sofa, in-between projects.... but its 9.00pm and you cant be bothered to go and find the new stuff for the new planned project?  Well, that was me a couple of weeks ago.

I had just finished the Stained Glass Blanket and had plans to start something new, but in the meantime... and I mean that last hour and a half before heading to bed, I needed something to occupy my hands.  I took my feet off the yarn pouffe that I have in the living room, full of half balls of left over yarn from previous projects, and pulled out three colours that I thought would work well together... I already had a part ball of black beside me from the recently finished piece.

When I put these balls together I thought 'Wow!, that's so 70's'... and from then on this blanket was named the 70's Vibe Blanket.   Now, I needed a pattern to go with the 70's vibe colours, something strong and bold.... and I thought the very first square from my Stained Glass Blanket would work perfectly!  

The colours I used for the 70's Vibe were Stylecraft Special DK in Dandelion, Teal and Apple, along with the black for the line work.  My favourite hook is a Clover Amour and I used 4.50mm.

This is a nice easy square and a good introduction to Mosaic Crochet... if you can crochet a Granny Square you can do this!

I made 36 square in total which creates a lovely lap sized blanket measuring about one meter square.

I did 6 different colourways of squares and joined them so that each one would run diagonally under the one above.

If you fancy having a go at this, the video is here....

The stitch shown in red is the centre stitches of the side.

 

Always work in the BACK LOOP for DC and FRONT LOOP (row below) for TR.

 

Round 1:  Magic Ring, DC 8 into ring, Close and SS to back loop of first st.

Round 2:  BLACK: (3dc in corner), 1dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 3:   (3dc in corner), 3dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 4: BLACK: (3 dc in corner) 2dc, 1tr (reverse & repeat)

Round 5: (3dc in corner), 7dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 6:  (3dc in corner), 9dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 7: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 11dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 8:  (3dc in corner), 13dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 9: BLACK: (3 dc in corner) 1dc, 1tr, 2dc, 1tr, 2dc, 1tr (reverse & repeat)

Round 10:  (3dc in corner), 17dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 11:  (3dc in corner), 19dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 12: BLACK: (3 dc in corner), 21dc  (reverse & repeat)

 

And you can follow my colourway here...

Make 6 of each colourway

Round 1:  sq1 BLUE / sq2 BLUE / sq3 GREEN / sq4 GREEN / sq5 YELLOW / sq6 YELLOW

Round 2:  BLACK

Round 3 sq1 BLUE / sq2 BLUE / sq3 GREEN / sq4 GREEN / sq5 YELLOW / sq6 YELLOW

Round 4: BLACK

Round 5-6: sq1 GREEN / sq2 YELLOW / sq3 BLUE / sq4 YELLOW / sq5 BLUE / sq6 GREEN

Round 7: BLACK

Round 8: 1 BLUE / 2 BLUE / sq3 GREEN / sq4 GREEN / sq5 YELLOW / sq6 YELLOW

Round 9: BLACK

Round 10-11: sq1 YELLOW / sq2 GREEN / sq3 YELLOW / sq4 BLUE / sq5 GREEN / sq6 BLUE

Round 12: BLACK

If you need a tutorial for joining the squares, I used the invisible seam which you can find here...

For the border I simply worked in rounds with black in-between the colours.

I really hope you enjoy making one of these 70's inspired blankets, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook if you do - Sooz in The Shed.

Until next time.... HAPPY HOOKING!

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)

How to make a crochet Piercing Cushion

 Have you ever had a piercing that you couldn't sleep on?  I have certainly had a few, and trust me... they sting!  And they ache all day after laying on them all night. 

I had the genius idea of using a travel pillow, which works in a way, but is a little bit cumbersome on top of your regular pillows.... so I was on the quest to find something a little smaller and flatter, but which still did the job of cushioning around the ear.

Of course, I will make one, I thought to myself..... but out of what?  Then I eyed up the bathroom sponge and though 'aha!'

Obviously... I trotted myself off to the local supermarket and bought a brand new sponge, then with a little snippity snip of the scissors and a little magic with the crochet hook, I made this...

And it cushions the ear perfectly!

So now I can lay on whichever side I like and get comfortable.... I did think about crocheting a band to hold it securely onto my head.....but as I have a stingy piercing in BOTH ears (flat and forward helix) its easier to swap it around as I turn.  Having said that... I might make another and totally rock this style..

Anyway, if you fancy making one for yourself you will need a basic bath sponge  (the covering is made-to-measure so don't worry about getting the exact size or shape), a 4.00mm crochet hook - my favourite is the Clover Amour and some Double Knit (DK) yarn in the colour of your choice.

And you will find the step-by-step video here.....

Hope you have fun making these, please feel free to tag me on Facebook or Instagram, always love to see your work, it's 'Sooz in The Shed' on both!

Until next time..... HAPPY HOOKING!

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)

Crochet Stained Glass Blanket - week 12 / 12

 Hi everyone.... well here we are at the final part of the Stained Glass crochet blanket course.  I really do hope you have found it enjoyable.  I have enjoyed seeing some photos coming through which I will share in due course.

In the meantime here is your final instalment, and it is the edging to give your blanket a nice completed look.

It's quite a simple border, but takes a little time as your blanket is now quite large, so grab a cuppa, get your feet up in front of the telly and just plod away steadily.

The video for the edging is here..

So, that is that from this CAL (Crochet-A-Long)  I have some more in the planning so be sure to check back or sign up to have these posts emailed to you.  Thank you for taking part, if you did, I appreciate you all reading and watching.

Until next time.... HAPPY HOOKING!

Crochet Stained Glass Blanket - week 11 / 12

 Well, hello again!   And here we are having completed all of our squares hopefully and now ready to join them!

Unlike other blankets, this one is rather random sized squares so joining wont be done in strips or lines like you might normally do.  It's really more of a 'pick a couple of pieces up and join them together' kind of technique.

So, the first thing you need will be the layout......

And the next, the 'how to' video which you can find here...

Next time we will  be starting on the edging, so hope to see you for that!   Would love to see your progress to date so feel free to tag me on Instagram or Facebook (or both!!) at Sooz in The Shed.

Until next time... HAPPY HOOKING!

Crochet Bunting Tutorial

 Hi there Happy Hookers,  hope this blog post finds you all well and happily crocheting away on projects!

I am going through some of my older designs that I used to teach in my workshop, the time has come to make them all again and create videos for you to enjoy and make yourself.

One of the designs I had totally forgotten about was my crochet bunting..... I originally made this in different colours of cottons to decorate the home at Easter, but I thought why not do a nice colourful strip for the garden?

I am using 100% acrylic yarn, which will be absolutely fine hung up in the garden, getting wet from the rain and blow dried again from the wind.  It might fade a little over time in the sunshine, but then you can make some more!

Of course, you can make it as long or as short as you like.... I have used Stylecraft's 'Merry-go-Round' yarn in Rainbow for this tutorial, and one 100g ball makes 12 flags.  I have also used a purple out of my yarn stash to do the edges and the chain to hold them all together, but you can use your scraps for this also... in fact a whole length of different coloured flags would look amazing.

I work in UK crochet terminology, with a 4.50mm crochet hook - my favourite is Clover Amour.  (amazon affiliated link)

You can access the video here...... 

If you would prefer a written pattern, then here you go.

FLAGS

Row 1: Start with a slip knot then CH 3. Your next stitch will be worked into the 3rd CH from the hook.    Work 2 x TR into this stitch.  (3 stitches) 

Row 2: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the base of the CH as shown in the photo.  SK a stitch and work 3 x TR into the last stitch

Row 3: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the base of the CH as shown in the photo.  , now work 3 x TR into the space in-between the clusters from the row below, then 3 x TR into the last stitch.   You will now have 3 clusters of 3 trebles. 

Row 4: Turn, CH 3, then * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next  space, then work a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 5: Turn, CH 3, then work 3 x TR into the first space, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next  space, then work a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 6: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the first space, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 2 spaces, then work 2 x TR into the last space and a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 7: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the base of the CH, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 2 spaces, then work 3 x TR into the last stitch. 

Row 8: Turn, CH 3, then * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next  3 spaces, then work a single TR into the last stitch.

Row 9: Turn, CH 3, then work 3 x TR into the first space, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 3 spaces, then work a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 10: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the first space, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 3 spaces, then work 2 x TR into the last space and a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 11: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the base of the CH, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 4 spaces, then work 3 x TR into the last stitch. 

Row 12: Turn, CH 3, then * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next  5 spaces, then work a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 13: Turn, CH 3, then work 3 x TR into the first space, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 5 spaces, then work a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 14: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the first space, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 5 spaces, then work 2 x TR into the last space and a single TR into the last stitch. 

Row 15: Turn, CH 3, then work 2 x TR into the base of the CH, * jump to the next space in-between clusters and work 3 x TR, repeat from * for the next 6 spaces, then work 3 x TR into the last stitch. 

Make a single CH stitch and pull through yarn to form a knot.

EDGING

Join a different colour to the left hand corner (facing)and work a row of evenly spaced DC's down the side of the flag , work 3 x DC into the bottom stitch before working evenly up the other side. 

TASSLE

Using a different colour again, cut 6 lengths of yarn measuring 15cm long. 

Fold the yarn lengths in half and pull them halfway through the bottom stitch on your edging from the front to the back. pull the ends through the loop just created and give them a little tug to tighten. 

 

JOINING

Row 1: Leaving a good length of yarn, start with a slip knot then CH 50, then take your first flag and work a DC into each stitch across the top.  **CH 5 then take the next flag and work a DC into each stitch across.  Repeat from ** for as many flags as you have. When you have attached all your flags, CH 52 and turn.

Row 2: DC into the 2nd CH from the hook and DC right across all the chains and flags.   Finish off yarn but leave a long tail for sewing.

 

FINISHING

Turn the end of the chain over to form a loop and sew into place.  

Would love to see photos of finished bunting and what you do with it, be sure to tag me on Instagram and Facebook - both are 'Sooz in The Shed'.  Until next time... HAPPY HOOKING !

Crochet Stained Glass Blanket - week 10 / 12

 WOW! It's Week 10 of the Stained Glass Blanket CAL - and this is the last week of making motifs before starting to join.

Our two last squares are large ones like last week, and are a continuation of the small squares we have made previously.  We are going to make two this week - the red one and the purple one.

If you haven't started this CAL already and would like to, you can find the first blog post about it HERE.

This weeks squares look something like this....

You will only need 1 of each large square.

First off, the red square (or the third colour you used).

So, you need to return to the small red square video and do rounds 1-11 ..... you can find the written pattern to accompany it HERE if you need it.

https://youtu.be/Cz-p1oKA3qk

Once you have done those 11 rounds then continue to make a large square, you can find the video for that here...

https://youtu.be/1F1Zx63ad8o

The written pattern to accompany this square is at the bottom of this page.

And now for the large purple square..

Like before you need to return to the small purple square video and do rounds 1-12..... you can find the written pattern to accompany it HERE if you need it.

https://youtu.be/Cz-p1oKA3qk

Once you have done those 12 rounds then continue to make a large square, you can find the video for that here...

Hook needed...

4.50mm  (my favourite is Clover Amour)

This is a simplified pattern to stand side-by-side with my videos – only stating the stitches used along ONE side (including corners). The stitch shown in RED is the centre stitch of each side.  This needs to be reversed then repeated for the other sides.  I work in UK Crochet Terminology.  If you would like a stitch convertor chart then you can find one HERE.

Always work in the BACK LOOP for DC and FRONT LOOP (row below) for TR.  (see video for more details).

LARGE RED SQUARE

Round 1-11:  As for small red square.

Round 12: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 2dc, 1tr, 3dc, 1tr, 3dc, 1tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 13: RED: (5htr in corner), 2tr, 1dc, 3tr, 1dc, 3tr, 1dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 14: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 4dc, 1tr, 3dc, 1tr, 3dc, 1tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 15: RED: (3dc in corner), 27dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 16: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 13dc, 1tr, 1dc,  (reverse & repeat)

Round 17: RED: (5htr in corner), 13tr, 1dc, 1tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 18: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 14dc, 1tr, 3dc,  (reverse & repeat)

Round 19: RED: (5htr in corner), 6tr, 1dc, 7tr, 1dc, 3tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 20: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 7dc, 1tr, 1dc, 1tr, 5dc, 1tr, 5dc,  (reverse & repeat)

Round 21: RED: (5htr in corner), 7tr, 1dc, 1tr, 1dc, 5tr, 1dc,  5tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 22: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 8dc, 1tr, 3dc, 1tr, 3dc, 1tr, 7dc,  (reverse & repeat)

LARGE PURPLE SQUARE

Round 1-12:  As for small purple square.

Round 13:  PURPLE: (3dc in corner), 23dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 14: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 1dc, 1tr, sk1, 6dc, 1tr, sk1, 7dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 15:  PURPLE: (5htr corner), 1tr, 1dc, 6tr, 1dc, 7tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 16: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 2dc, 1tr, sk1, 6dc, 1tr, sk1, 9dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 17:  PURPLE: (5htr corner), 2tr, 1dc, 6tr, 1dc, 9tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 18: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 3dc, 1tr, sk1, 6dc, 1tr, sk1, 11dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 19:  PURPLE: (5htr corner), 3tr, 1dc, 6tr, 1dc, 11tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 20: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 4dc, 1tr, sk1, 6dc, 1tr, sk1, 13dc  (reverse & repeat)

Round 21:  PURPLE: (5htr corner), 4tr, 1dc, 6tr, 1dc, 13tr  (reverse & repeat)

Round 22: BLACK: (3dc in corner), 5dc, 1tr, sk1, 6dc, 1tr, sk1, 15dc  (reverse & repeat)

 

Stitches explained:

Chain Stitch (CH) - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put  hook through work and draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook..

Treble Crochet (TR) - Yarn around hook (from the back) put hook through work and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook.

Slip Stitch (SS) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through work and the stitch on your hook.

Hope you enjoyed working a different shape this week don't forget to tag me in your photos @SoozinTheShed both on Facebook and Instagram, until next time.... HAPPY HOOKING!