Unfinished work....done!

One of my unfinished works in progress now finished - yes!  But I'm not saying just how long it sat waiting for 2 rows of knitting and the hood sewing on!  That's my secret. So, one more for the Loving Hands box.

   

The Pips

Let me introduce you to Mint Pip and Rhubarb & Custard Pip.
This is an easy pattern ideal for the crochet beginner.  And for the experienced, a quick make for the school fete, grandchildren or for charity.  My little 'Pips' are on their way to Loving Hands

Abbreviations

Ch   chain

Dc   double crochet  (USA single crochet)

Sl St  slip stitch

St    stitch

The 1ch at the start of the row is not a stitch but used as the ‘step up’ to the next row.

Any yarn with the appropriate hook.

I used 2 strands of DK worked together and a 5.5mm hook for a chunkier item.   

Soft toy stuffing

Make 4 of these triangles the same.

Make 2ch, 2dc into the 2^nd ch from the hook, 1chain, turn (2sts)

Dc in 1^st st, 2dc in last st, 1 ch, turn (3sts)

Dc in next 2sts, 2dc in last st, 1ch, turn (4sts)

Continue in this way increasing 1^st at the end of each row until you have the size of triangle you choose.

Mint Pip has 16 stitches at the base, Rhubarb and Custard has 14 stitches at the base.

Weave in all loose ends.

Embroider a face on one triangle – it’s easier to do it now than when it’s put together.

Wrong sides together, join 3 triangles, weave in loose ends.

Now join the base triangle to the sides leaving about 2 inches open.

Stuff, close the opening and weave in loose ends.

I joined ‘Mint Pip’ with dc and ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ with a sewn blanket stitch.

Arms Legs and Hair

‘Mint Pip’ I cut 12 lengths of yarn, 15inches long for the legs, folded it in half and attached it to the base like a fringe, and then braided it.

I did the same for the arms but cut the yarn 12inches

The same for the hair but I didn’t braid it

‘Rhubarb and Custard’ Pip, I used a single strand of dk yarn and a 4mm hook. 

Legs.  Join the yarn to where you want the leg to be. I then made 25ch  and crocheted 2dc in each ch to the end and fastened off.

Arms.  Join the yarn to where you want the arms to be.   I then made 12ch and crocheted 2dc in each ch to the end and fastened off.

Hair.  3ch, join to 1^st ch to form a ring, 8ch, 2dc in each ch to 

end, sl st into ring, 8ch, 2dc in each ch to end, sl st into ring… 

continue this way until you have done 5 or 6 (or however many you choose), 

fasten off and attach to top of the head.

  

Quick and Easy Hot Water Bottle Cover

Quick & Easy Hot Water Bottle Cover

To fit a standard hot water bottle

80gm Aran yarn                                                            13sts = 4 inches

6mm crochet hook

6 inches of Elastic (optional)

Ch     chain

Dc     double crochet (USA- single crochet)

Dec    decrease

Htr    half treble (USA- half double crochet)

St      stitch

At some point you’re going to say ‘This won’t fit, it’s too small’.  Stick with it.  It’s designed to be a neat fit slightly stretched.  The double crochet along the sides and bottom help to contain the sag that you find using a cover made with yarn.

Make 2 pieces the same

Row 1         make 25ch, dc in the 2^nd ch from hook and each ch to end, 2ch turn, (24sts)

                   Now work all rows in the back loop only

Row 2         htr in each st to the end, 2ch, turn

                   Repeat row 2 until work measures 10 inches

Next row    htr dec over first 2 sts, htr to last 2 sts, htr dec, 2ch, turn (22sts)

Next row    htr in each st to the end, 2ch, turn

Next row    htr dec over first 2sts, htr to last 2sts, htr dec, 2ch, turn (20sts)  place a marker on this row

Next row    htr in each st to the end, 2ch, turn

                   Repeat the last row until you have 3 inches worked from the marker. Don’t fasten off.

Now, work a row of dc down the side, along the bottom and up 

the second side, working 1dc into each row end of the sides and 

1dc into each ch along the bottom, fasten off.

Place the two pieces together wrong sides facing and join with 

a dc down the sides and along the bottom.

Weave in all loose ends.

Elastic         If elastic is being used, thread it through the ‘natural’ 

holes of the fabric about 2 rows above the decrease rows (fit the 

hot water bottle into the cover to check which row to use) and 

either knot it or overlap the ends and sew together.  Make a 

chain and thread through the same row as the elastic. 

This is my own design so please don't claim this as yours or try 

to sell it.  You are free to use it for your own use or for charity. 

And feel free to sell any items made from it. 

Hats for the family

I made this little Angry Birds hat for my daughter in laws nephew Lewis - he loved it!

Grandson Tom, wanted a Minecraft Creeper hat.... this was a little more difficult to do, but I think it turned out ok.

Character Hats, made autumn 2013

thanks go to Sarah of Repeat Crafter Me for the great pattern

http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/09/crochet-owl-hat-pattern-in-newborn.html

A lot of the things I make are for 'Loving Hands'.  The members of Loving Hands knit, crochet and sew for many charities both across the world and here in the UK. 
Please do check them out here   http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/aboutus.htm

A few of the sewn gloves made over the summer months

Crochet Granny Squares

I've spent the last  few days using up some small balls of yarn, crocheting granny squares. I never realised just how addictive granny squares can be! 
Here's a selection, bright and cheerful and all ready to make lap rugs for the elderly.