Zooty Owl's Crafty Blog

Colourful Crochet, Craft, Cooking, and Contemplations

Showing posts with label scrapbusting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scrapbusting. Show all posts

Monday 15 June 2015

A RicRac Winter Blanket and A New Chapter

 

The nest is empty!

My three children have left home!

My middle daughter moved out at the beginning of last year and although we missed her terribly, there was not too much of an adjustment in terms of household management.

My youngest daughter moved out at the beginning of March 2015 and my son towards the end of March 2015.

SUDDENLY I felt quite lost!  

Mornings I would make coffee and toast for my youngest and hang out with her while she was getting ready for work!     The first week or two after she left I would get up and wander around not knowing quite what to do with that half hour!!

I had been cooking for a family and almost overnight I had to make food for just hubby and myself!   For the first two weeks dinner was a cause for panic - and we would invariably end up eating out!

Not being inclined to "mope",  hubby and I got over the shock of having an empty nest and embraced this new chapter in our lives with open arms!

I gave away most of my "big" pots, pans and bakeware - and then went on a bit of a shopping spree to buy "just for two" replacements.

I  began mercilessly cleaning out rooms and selling or giving away any excess. 

My yarn stash had to be tidied out too as there were a lot of partially used yarns which were making my space look untidy.   I wound various thicknesses of yarn together to give a total of 16ply (DK plus DK;   or 2x4ply plus DK) and then set about making a HUGE chunky scrappy blanket which is perfect for cold winter getaways!



I wound all the scrap yarns together before I started so that I would not end up with too much of a colour mishmash!




Yarn Weight:   Super Chunky (16ply)
Hook:  7.00mm
Foundation Chain:    250
Stitch used:   V-Stitch


You can find a tutorial for this V-stitch Andrea HERE


I just kept going until the yarn was all finished and I had a blanket which covered the top of my King Size bed.


There were way too many ends when I was finished so I used them to make braids instead of working them in.


All in all a very rewarding exercise!     My yarn stash is once again tidy and we have a lovely snuggly RicRac Blanket!!

Friday 5 December 2014

Little Flower Scrap-Along - WIP Wednesday


Wednesday really managed to run away from me......... I started out instructing the gardener to do this and that ..........then noticed that the roses needed deadheading and a light summer prune (I prefer doing this myself).   

By 11h00 I was only about a third of the way through the rose bushes, and was starting to MELT!       I spent most of the rest of the day in the pool trying to cool down and regain some energy after the morning's exertions.

Yesterday was too hot to even think about crochet or gardening!    I sat making cards for most of the day!   

Today is fixing to be another scorcher, so I thought I would quickly finish this post before I camp out by the pool with a light read and an iced mint coffee (YUM!)

Better late than never............ here are the WIP "Wednesday" snaps..............

Katie Garner was off to a good start, but had to take a break from crocheting as she has been under the weather!    Get well soon Katie!

crochet hexagon

Diane Bolt is using a more subtle palette for her scrapbuster blankie!


crochet hexagon

Gerda Collins is very serious about her scrapbusting and has almost finished her blanket!


crochet hexagon

I am adding motifs with the bits I have left as I finish other projects...



Such an explosion of COLOUR just makes me sooooo happy!




It is not too late to join in........ details of the Scrap-Along can be found HERE


Please post your progress photos on my Zooty Owl Facebook page so that I can share them in next week's post!

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!!!!

Saturday 29 November 2014

Kaleidoscope Blanket

During October I started making a Scrapghan using my POPCORN FLOWER HEXAGON!


I worked the scraps and leftover yarn from every WIP completed over the past few weeks into this kaleidoscope, retro-looking blanket!


Working on this blanket was so relaxing and so much fun!   Adding only a few hexagons every day as I finished other projects resulted in a complete mish-mash of colour!


When it reached a nice size for a lapghan I gave it a funky border, following the uneven edge made by the hexagons!


Voila!      A happy, retro kaleidoscope of colour reminiscent of the blankies my great granny used to make!


Love!   Love!   Love!

Friday 28 November 2014

Little Flower Hexagon: Print Friendly Pattern


LITTLE FLOWER HEXAGON PATTERN

Pattern Terms:   US
  Foundation:  With Colour A -  Ch 4, sl st to form ring OR make a magic ring

Row 1:   Into the ring,  2ch 1dc (1st cluster), 2ch;   (2dc cluster, 2ch) x5 (6 clusters), ss into top of first cluser to close to close,  break off yarn

Note:   a 2dc cluster is formed as follows - yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this once more (three loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the loops on the hook to form your cluster

 
Row 2:  Join Colour B in any 2ch space, 3ch (counts as 1dc), 3dc into same 2ch sp as join (4dc group);  (4dc into next 2ch space) x 5;  sl st into top of start 3ch to close.   Break off yarn

Row 3:  Join Colour C in centre space of any 4dc group,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch),  2dc in same space as join;   [2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc) into centre space of next 4dc group) x 5;   2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   1dc into same space as start 6ch,   sl st into top of 3rd ch to close.

Row 4:   sl st into 3ch space   [3ch (counts as 1dc),  1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space];  [(2dc into space between next 2dc group) x 2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc into next 3ch space)] x 5;   (2dc into space between next 2dc group) x2;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.   Break off yarn.

Little Flower Hexagon Scrap-along


How Does the Scrap-along Work?

You do not need to wait until you have "lots" of scraps - start with what you have (don't forget to include your variegated scraps) and add on as you go!


Post your progress photos on my Zooty Owl Facebook Page!

Every Wednesday I will do a WIP Gallery Post on my Blog to showcase your workpieces!

The goal of our scrap-along is to have FUN! FUN! FUN! to clear out our scraps and to have a warm and cuddly afghan to show!

Work at your own pace.   Each motif is only four rounds so you can easily sneak a few between chores and other projects!

I will be running this until well into 2015!

Zooty's Tips on Getting Started

Working randomly from a tangle of random scraps can be very daunting so these are my tips for stress free scrapping:

Use a nice flat basket, tray or (even better) a container with compartments (I use an old cutlery basket).

Roll each scrap of yarn neatly.

Sort by yarn type:    Acrylics,  Courtelle, Chenille, Synthetic / Natural Blends (where the natural component is no more than 30%) can be used together.      If you are using Natural Yarns stick to the same type of natural material, otherwise you may sit with some yarns shrinking and ruining your hard work.

Sort by thickness:     Eg. DK (8 ply or light worsted weight);    2 strands of 4 ply can be worked together (=8ply).    Making sure you use the same weight / thickness of yarn will ensure that your work does not pucker and will give you a neat finish.

Sort the yarn into quantities:     
The teeny tiny bits will be used for the centres and the petals (rows 1 and 2);    
The larger quantities will be used for the border on each motif (rows 3 and 4)

Sort your colours:    
Reds, Oranges, Yellows together;     
Greens, Blues and Purples together;    
"Neutrals" white, cream; beige, brown, grey, black etc together


Start off by crocheting up the smaller scraps - making a few "Little Flower" centres (rows 1 and 2).    

If you have some really "ugly" colours rather use them for your centres!


Try to contrast your colours as much as possible to make the pattern "pop", eg:  light, dark, light or bright, pale, bright.

Don't be afraid to mix colours that you normally would not use together!   I do not follow ANY rules when it comes to mixing and matching my colours - that way you end up with a really funky retro end product and you discover some colourful surprises along the way!

If you suffer from a mild case of OCD - make a really pretty hexagon in a tried and tested mix and then arrange your motifs around that by alternating "like" hexagons opposite one another - continuing to build your blanket outwards   


The motifs are very easy to make I use three colours per motif and JOIN AS I GO!

My yarns are a selection of synthetic yarns and synthetic / natural blends, worked up with a 4.00mm hook.

LITTLE FLOWER HEXAGON PATTERN

PATTERN TERMS:   US

The "Print Friendly" version of this pattern can be found HERE 

Foundation:  With Colour A -  Ch 4, sl st to form ring OR make a magic ring

Row 1:   Into the ring,  2ch 1dc (1st cluster), 2ch;   (2dc cluster, 2ch) x5 (6 clusters), ss into top of first cluser to close to close,  break off yarn

Note:   a 2dc cluster is formed as follows - yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this once more (three loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the loops on the hook to form your cluster
 

 

Row 2:  Join Colour B in any 2ch space, 3ch (counts as 1dc), 3dc into same 2ch sp as join (4dc group);  (4dc into next 2ch space) x 5;  sl st into top of start 3ch to close.   Break off yarn


Row 3:  Join Colour C in centre space of any 4dc group,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch),  2dc in same space as join;   [2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc) into centre space of next 4dc group) x 5;   2dc into space before start of next 4dc group;   1dc into same space as start 6ch,   sl st into top of 3rd ch to close.


Row 4:   sl st into 3ch space   [3ch (counts as 1dc),  1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space];  [(2dc into space between next 2dc group) x 2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc into next 3ch space)] x 5;   (2dc into space between next 2dc group) x2;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.   Break off yarn.

Friday 17 October 2014

Happy Days Mandala Hexagon Motif

HAPPY DAYS MANDALA HEXAGON

YARNDK (8ply / light worsted weight) 100% acrylic 

 
HOOK 5.00mm


(NOTE:    These motifs can be made with any weight or blend of yarn)
 
PATTERN TERMS:   US

I will include this conversion chart with each pattern to make it easier for those using UK terms


crochet terms conversion chart



Foundation:  3ch, sl st to form a circle OR make a magic circle


Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc);  11 dc into circle;  sl st into 3rd ch at start to close (12dc)

crochet mandala

Row 2:  Join yarn into any sp between dc,  3ch (counts as 1dc) 1dc in same space as join (2dc grouping);  [2dc into each sp between dc  (2dc grouping)] x11;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close (24dc)

crochet mandala

Row 3:  Join yarn in centre of any 2dc grouping;  4ch (counts as 1trc), 2trc into same space as join;  [3trc into centre of next 2dc grouping (3trc grouping)] x 11, sl st into top of 4ch at start to close (36trc).   Break off yarn.

crochet mandala

Row 4:   Join yarn in any space between 3trc groupings,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch), 2dc into same space, 1ch;  [2dc into next space, 1ch;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space, 1ch)] x5;  2dc into next space. 1ch;  1dc into start space;  sl st into 3rd chain to close.

hexagon motif

Row 5:   Sl st into 3ch space;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space, 1ch;    [(2dc into next space, ch1) x2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space, ch1)] x5;  (2dc into next space, ch1) x2;  sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.


hexagon motif

I use the join-as-you-go method to join my motifs (you can use whatever method you prefer).   You can find a tutorial for the join-as-you-go HERE

Thursday 9 October 2014

Popcorn Flower Hexagon: Pattern

Over the past few weeks I have finished a number of projects (small and large), resulting in a basket full of scrap yarn (story of my life!). 

popcorn flower hexagon

I prefer working with a Hexagon motif when I am using scraps - they just seem to lend themselves to a random mishmash of colour.     When I make squares my brain insists on there being a pattern or some kind of order!

I started out making a few popcorn flowers:



and then making them into Hexagons, joining as I went:


popcorn flower hexagon


POPCORN FLOWER HEXAGON PATTERN

PATTERN TERMS:    US

HOOK:    5.00MM

YARN:   An assortment of DK Acrylic yarn

Foundation:   4ch, sl st to join OR make a magic ring;

Row 1:  3 ch (counts as 1 dc):  11 dc into circle (12 dc); sl st into top of 3ch to join;

Row 2:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into top of  same dc;  [2dc into top of next dc (2dc group)] x11;  sl st into top of 3ch to join = 24dc

Row 3:  Join yarn in any space between a 2dc group;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 4dc into same space as join; form popcorn, 2ch;  (popcorn stitch into space between next 2dc group, 2ch) x 11;   sl st into top of first popcorn to join

NOTE:   A Popcorn Stitch is formed by crocheting 5dc then removing the hook from the last loop, inserting the hook front to back on the first dc, and again into last loop, yoh and pull through.  

If you need a bit of help with the popcorn stitch you can find a photo tutorial HERE 

Row 4:   Join yarn in any 2ch space between popcorns,  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch), 2dc into same space;  [2dc into next space;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space)] x5;  2dc into next space;  1dc into start space;  sl st into 3rd chain to close.

Row 5:   Sl st into 3ch space;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc, 3ch, 2dc into same space;    [(2dc into next space) x2;   (2dc, 3ch, 2dc = corner into next space)] x5;  (2dc into next space) x2;  sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.

I used the join-as-you-go method to join my motifs (you can use whatever method you prefer).   

You can find a tutorial for the join-as-you-go HERE 

popcorn flower hexagon

Another thing I like about making a hexagon scrapghan is that I can fold it away, and add on as and when I have a few scraps.     

When it is big enough I just add a border and I have a colourful surprise made up of bits and pieces of other projects finished over a couple of weeks!

Monday 18 August 2014

The Roxi Slouchy Beanie: Pattern

Last Tuesday, instead of paying attention to the piles of WIP's lying on my table, I was determined to make something with a rather ugly ball of variegated yarn that had been driving me insane for a few days! 

I had tried it with so many different patterns, and no matter what I did, it was just too ugly to look at!

After multiple froggings I decided to mix the variegated with a solid red yarn and attempt to make a slouchy beanie. 

My beautiful youngest daughter modelling her slouchy beanie:

slouchy beanie 

I made another one mixing the variegated yarn with a solid cream for my other beautiful daughter, Dani. 

slouchy beanie 

I used a bit of the variegated yarn making two HIBISCUS BLOOMS to decorate the beanies (if I had not done this I probably would have managed to make both from 100g of the variegated yarn)

"THE ROXI SLOUCHY" PATTERN

Pattern Terms:
My patterns are all written in US terms - I have included this little chart to make it easier for my UK readers to reference the difference in stitch terms.
 


Materials:   
50g - 60g of variegated DK plus 50g - 60g of solid DK

DK (8ply) is equivalent to US Light Worsted Weight yarn.  Working with a double strand of DK (8ply) gives you a 16ply yarn (Super Bulky).

Hook Sizes:  9.00mm;  8.00mm and 6.00mm

Size:   Medium Adult 

Using a 9.00mm hook:

Foundation:   4ch, sl st to form circle OR make a magic circle 

Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 11 dc into circle (12 dc), sl st into top of 3ch to join


Row 2:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc into each of next 11dc (24dc), sl st into top of 3ch at start to join

Row 3:  3ch (counts as 1 dc), 1dc into next dc;  2dc into next dc;  (1dc into each of next 2dc;   2dc into next dc) x7, sl st into top of 3ch at start to join (32 dc) 

Row 4:  3ch (counts as 1 dc), 1dc into each of next 2dc;  2dc into next dc, (1dc into each of next 3dc, 2dc into next dc) x7, sl st into top of 3ch at start to join (40dc) 

Row 5:  3ch (counts as 1 dc), 1dc into each of next 3dc;  2dc into next dc, (1dc into each of next 4dc, 2dc into next dc) x7, sl st into top of 3ch at start to join (48dc)

Row 6 3ch (counts as 1 dc), 1dc into each of next 4dc;  2dc into next dc, (1dc into each of next 5dc, 2dc into next dc) x7, sl st into top of 3ch at start to join (56dc)

At this point the diameter of the circle is 21cm

Row 7 3ch (counts as 1 dc), 1dc into same dc as join ("v" formed),  skip next dc;   [2dc into next dc ("v" formed), skip next dc] all around, sl st into top of 3ch at start to join

Row 8 sl st into space between 2dc of 1st "v", 2ch (counts as 1hdc), 1hdc into same space ("v" formed), (2hdc into space between 2dc ("v" formed) of next "v"), all around sl st into top of 3ch at start to join 

Row 9 sl st into space between 2dc of 1st "v", 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into same space ("v" formed), (2dc into space between 2dc of next "v"), all around sl st into top of 3ch at start to join

Rows 10 - 21 - Work as follows:

Rows 10; 12; 14; 16; 18 and 20 repeat Row 8

Rows 11; 13; 15; 17; 19 and 21 repeat Row 9

The length from the bottom of Row 7 to the top of Row 21 should be 20cm 

The length from the crown of the beanie to the top of Row 21 should be 28cm 

Switch to using a 8.00mm hook:

Row 22:   1ch (counts as 1sc); 1sc into each space between dc; sl st into 1ch at start to join; 

Rows 23 - 24:  1ch (counts as 1sc);  1sc into each sc;   sl st into 1ch at start to join;   Break off yarn. 

EDGING:
Using only 1 strand of yarn (I used the solid colour) and a 6.00mm hook join yarn with a sl st in any sc; 2ch;  (sl st into next sc;   2ch) repeat around ending with a sl st into start sl st to join.   Break off yarn.

Friday 14 February 2014

Diagonal Double Crochet / C2C Double Crochet

Being a bit of a neat-o-holic, scraps are a bane on my existence. I find myself emotionally and mentally unable to hoard them until I have enough to make something spectacular! The "crafter" in me is also unable to throw them away. So yesterday afternoon's scrap tackling was a "magic-knot everything together and make a Diagonal Double Crochet / C2C Double Crochet" effort (a blankie for my daughter's new kitty).

diagonal double crochet

I could not find a pattern for this so I just made up my own and I am happy to share it with you!! 

Diagonal Double Crochet / C2C Double Crochet Square

5ch to Start (first corner)
1 dc, 1ch, 1dc into 5th ch from hook, turn

The start and the side increases

Increase Row
4ch, 2dc into 1ch sp at beginning of row
1 dc into top of each dc of previous row - repeat to 1ch sp at end of row; 1dc, 1ch, 1dc into that 1ch sp at end of row

This row now gets repeated until the blanket is as long and wide as you would like it (measured across the sides - not the diagonal)

Decrease Row
3ch, 1dc into 3rd dc from hook (second corner formed), 1dc into each dc across row;   skip last 2dc;  1dc into sp at beginning of previous row (third corner formed)

Repeat this row until only 3dc left.

Final Row
4ch, 1dc into sp at end of row.
Fasten off.

Side Decreased and Final  Row

Now add your favourite border and embellish as you choose - delight in the fact that you have so few ends to sew in!!

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Granny Stripe Scrapghan

Had quite a bit of yarn left when I was done with the Daisy Afghan (here) - enough to make a Granny Stripe Scrapghan



granny stripe crochet blanket

This was supposed to be a Rainbow blanket - followed  the Rainbow - ROY G BIV  - with the colours I had but in the end it did not look much like a rainbow.     Just too sad!


granny sripe crochet afghan

I used a plain granny stripe for the centre and crocheted a plain black granny border all around.


granny stripe baby blanket

Into the pile of blankets to be donated.    Perfect size for a baby blanket (not sure about the colours though?), or a lapghan for an elderly person.