Triangular shawls are a great way to place to start with designs involving increasing and decreasing. It’s easy to see if your design is coming out how you like from the beginning. And you can modify them to make scarves in the event of a yarn shortage! Last time I looked at how to increase…
Increasing and decreasing in pattern can sound tricky, but with a few tips you can save a lot of wasted time. I have previously spent a lot of time trying to work out how to increase (or decrease) a stitch pattern and then wondered why the result isn’t quite right. The main reason is I…
I’m interrupting my series on How to Design Crochet Patterns to bring you my latest project. Don’t worry though, I’ll be continuing this next time, I just thought it was time for a new crochet pattern! Following working on my Atlantic Lace Shawl I thought it would be fun to work on some more ocean…
Increasing and decreasing in pattern is, in my opinion, one of the hardest things to do when designing a pattern. So if you can master it then nothing can stop you! I’m going to cover shaping in this post and then increasing and decreasing complete stitch patterns next time. If you’re wondering what the difference…
Last time I looked at selecting the right stitch pattern for your project. Well what’s next? Once you’ve selected your stitch pattern(s) and identified what you’ll make with it, it’s worth having a think about the repeat of the pattern and your design. Make it adjustable I like to make my items such as baskets…
I still feel like I’m only just getting started with crochet designing, particularly if judged by the number of my projects which get started and scrapped. But I wanted to write this series because I’ve picked up a few things along the way which I think will be helpful whether you’re a designer or someone…
I have some exciting news. Those of you who follow the Crochet Awards may have seen that my Summer Sprigs Lace Scarf got nominated for a Flamie (Best Scarf). Amazingly, it won! You can check it out here along with some of the other winners: The Crochet Awards Apparel Winners There’s lots of great designs…
Items for babies are so quick and easy to make. Which is fortunate because it seems like all my friends are having babies at the moment! I’ve been feeling nautical recently (as you’ll see again in another project soon). White and blue stripes just feel lovely and fresh after being huddled in dark colours all…
If you follow me on facebook, you’ll have seen that this project has been near completion for a while. One of the problems I often come across is running out of yarn. I really don’t like to overbuy and of course when you are making something up as you go it is hard to gauge…
I’m continuing to update my archive of patterns with pdf downloadables. This time around I’ve focussed on my heart containing patterns – just in time for Valentine’s day! One of the best things about all of these projects is that they are great for stash-busting those scraps you just don’t want to waste – and…
These muffins were a happy discovery. This is the third batch I’ve made in two weeks! They came in to being as a way of using up left over mixed peel from a chocolate pan forte I made at Christmas time. They got gobbled up so fast I’ve now had to buy more peel! Make…
Did you spot the hanging heart in the pictures of my zigzag Christmas stocking? Well I received a few requests for the pattern, which was flattering because there are a few similar patterns around. Sorry these aren’t in time for Christmas – but they are in time for Valentine’s Day! (Or you can really use…
Happy New Year to you all! After all that hard work crafting for Christmas, why not treat yourself to making one of my latest crochet patterns? I’ve named this shawl “Atlantic” because I crocheted the majority of it whilst on the plane over this ocean during my recent trip to North America. I think it’s…
Merry Christmas to you all! I do hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. Especially if you have been crafting and crocheting away to get those gifts done on time! Christmas and New Year are often a season for summing up, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to reflect on the year in…
These Christmas ornaments are really easy and quick to make – once you know how! Check out this video tutorial and you’ll soon have your left over stash turned into tree decorations: For the written pattern (in US and UK terms) click here. Just scroll down for the downloadable pdfs!
Make My Day Creative 