NezumiWorld looks forward to 2011

Getting ready for 2011 the NezumiWorld Main Site has now transferred to a new host and is back up and running. Also my email is working properly again. The new host has unlimited traffic (I kept hitting my traffic limits mid month which caused all sorts of problems, mainly limiting the site so it has not been able to grow as big as I wanted it to. Plus I hope my email will now be working much better as I lost a lost of emails last year again due to traffic limits.

Crocheted Poinsettia

I like  poinsettias its good to see flowers in the cold winter months, this pattern makes a nice corsage or brooch. use as a decoration for a bag, hat or present, add a ribbon for a necklace or bracelet, have fun and enjoy

Knitted version of this pattern is at nezumiworld.blogspot.com/knitted-poinsettia remember to check out both the NezumiWorld Blog and the NezumiWorld main site for more patterns and information

Materials  

DK (Double Knit) yarn/ Light Worsted Yarn in red and green (poinsettias also come in white and green)

3.75mm/ 5/ F Crochet Hook

Yellow seed beads (I used size 6)

Key/ Abbreviations

Pattern 

Red Leaves (make 3) 

Green Leaves

Row 1: ch4

Row 2: 1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into the 2nd ch from the hook, [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next ch] x2, (3sts, chain does not count as a st)

Row 3: 1 ch, turn, 2 dc (UK)/ 2 sc (USA) into next st, 1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next st, (5sts, chain does not count as a st)

Rows 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8: 1 ch, turn, [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next st] x5

Row 9: 1 ch, turn, 2 dc tog(UK)/ 2 sc tog (USA), 1 dc into next st, 2 dc tog(UK)/ 2 sc tog (USA)

Row 10: 1 ch, turn, 1 dc into next st3

Row 11: 1 ch, turn, 3 dc tog(UK)/ 3 sc tog(USA)

Green Leaves (make 3) 

Red Leaves

Row 1: ch5

Row 2: 1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into the 2nd ch from the hook, [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next ch] x3, (4sts, chain does not count as a st)

Row 3: 1 ch, turn, 2 dc (UK)/ 2 sc (USA) into next st, [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next st] x2, (6sts, chain does not count as a st)

Rows 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10: 1 ch, turn, [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next st] x6

Row 11: 1 ch, turn, 2 dc tog(UK)/ 2 sc tog (USA), [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next st] x2, 2 dc tog(UK)/ 2 sc tog (USA)

Row 12: 1 ch, turn, [1 dc (UK)/ 1 sc (USA) into next ch] x4

Row 13: 1 ch, turn, [2 dc tog(UK)/ 2 sc tog (USA)] x2, ch

Row 14: 1 ch, turn, 2 dc tog(UK)/ 2 sc tog (USA)

To make up

Using the end lengths sew the red leaves together 

Add green leaves

Add the beads as little or as many as you like 

Knitted Poinsettia

I like  poinsettias its good to see flowers in the cold winter months, this pattern makes a nice corsage or brooch. use as a decoration for a bag, hat or present, add a ribbon for a necklace or bracelet, have fun and enjoy

Crocheted version of this pattern is at nezumiworld.blogspot.com/crocheted-poinsettia remember to check out both the NezumiWorld Blog and the NezumiWorld main site for more patterns and information

Materials  

DK (Double Knit) yarn/ Light Worsted Yarn in red and green (poinsettias also come in white and green)

3.75mm/ No.5 (USA) Knitting Needles

Yellow seed beads (I used size 6)

 Pattern 

Red Leaves (make 3)

Cast on 5 stitches

Rows 1 & 2: k5

Row 3: k2, inc3, k2

Row 4: k7

Row 5: k3, inc3, k3

Row 6: k9

Row 7: k4, inc3, k4

Rows 8, 9 & 10: k11

Row 11: k4, k3tog, k4

Row 12: k9

Row 13: k3, k3tog, k3

Row 14: k7

Row 15: k2, k3tog, k2

Rows 16, 17 & 18: k5

Row 19: k1, k3tog, k1

Row 20, 21 & 22: k3

Row 23: k3tog

Fasten off yarn leaving a length to use for sewing (approx. 15cm/ 6inches)

Green Leaves (make 3)

Cast on 5 stitches

Rows 1 & 2: k5

Row 3: k2, inc3, k2

Row 4: k7

Row 5: k3, inc3, k3

Row 6: k9

Row 7: k4, inc3, k4

Rows 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12: k11

Row 13: k4, k3tog, k4

Row 14: k9

Row 15: k3, k3tog, k3

Row 16: k7

Row 17: k2, k3tog, k2

Rows 18, 19 & 20: k5

Row 21: k1, k3tog, k1

Rows 22, 23 & 24: k3

Row 25: k3tog

Fasten off yarn leaving a length to use for sewing (approx. 15cm/ 6inches) 

To make up

Using the end lengths sew the red leaves together

Add green leaves

The leaves are shaped and should bend inwards, if you prefer flat leaves steam and flatten before adding the beads.

Add the beads as little or as many as you like

Intwined Pattern Studio

Last month I purchased Intwined Pattern Studio at just $44.00 . I have bought programs in the past for much more, but have had little problems with them. So have a tick list of items I want with this type of software.

Screen shot cables scarf

1.  Ease of use - This is very easy software to use, pick a stitch and click on chart, it has easy menu's that are clear, it also writes out the written directions or you can type them in to create a chart.

2. Saving formats - I like to have a choice of file formats I don't like having to save than convert to a format I prefer- This program offers a variety of different file formats to save in including BMP, JPG, PNG, TIFF, and SVG so lots of choice even creating a pdf although this is something I prefer to do myself (its the control freak in me) its a nice feature. Plus you can save the different parts of your pattern the chart , the key all separately.

Custom crochet stitches added

3. Been able to adapt/ change stitches & colours - I said earlier I had purchased programs in the past and the main problems (other than them not working correctly) have mainly for me been there is always a stitch missing (usually a cable) or you have to use a set limited palette of colours. This programs offers the choice of adding custom stitches (this was the selling point for me buying this program), I am still experimenting with this and have added .gif files so far as I am having problems creating .svg files (some work some don't) which will make a nicer looking stitch (I will keep experimenting). You can also create custom colours to use on your charts, again a nice feature.

I think this is a good program which is very affordable I am having fun creating my charts with it.

Look out for my knitted & crocheted poinsettia flowers and crocheted shell scarf patterns (with charts) coming soon. : )

Footprints in the snow

The cold and snow are back (I don't like the cold) and when I popped outside to take some snaps I noticed just how busy our little garden is. Lots of footprints well pawprints everywhere.

VIP DAY

Today I was at VIP Day (Very Important Pedestrains) @ Oxford Street and Regent Street. The streets were closed to traffic and it was strange been able to walk in the centre of the road and not having to worry about the traffic. There were discounts in stores for the day and attractions on the road with a small funfair, live music and singing with lots of other events in stores.

November

Flower 4 stages

Time seems to be speeding by I was sure it was only a week ago I blogged. The clocks may have gone back and the winter is approaching with the weather getting cooler and wetter, but in our little garden there is a large green plant that's just got bigger! Up until now it has never flowered (its been there for many years getting wider and wider), but last month it started to sprout a large centre stalk, its about 5 feet high and than it started to open out, we are hoping it flowers this week. Does anyone know the name of this plant?
For a larger photo of the plant click this link
I will post more photos when it fully flowers it a very interesting looking plant (eeek! maybe a triffid).

Mini mochi scarf

This is a busy month I am making lots of crochet friendly stitch markers hopefully they will be on folksy and etsy soon.
I have have been using my yarn stash to make scarves, wanted to show of the beautiful colours of mimi mochi  yarn I had by making circles but using a continuous yarn so no sewing together, it took a little working out but this is the progress so far.

Plus I am planning of doing some crochet and knit-a-longs.
Have you ever taken part in crochet-a-longs or knit-a-longs?
What would you like to crochet or knit-a-long to ie. I am thinking of learning a new technique or
follow a pattern/ diagram?
It may take place on my blog here (or I may make a new blog just for this) or the main web
site, still in planning mode.
Thinking of maybe using one simple design idea, than each month using it with a different technique ie. tapestry crochet, filet, beaded filet, knitted filet, fairisle, two colour tunisian, tunisian filet, beaded tunisian etc. maybe make squares to create a cushions, blankets, bags
Any feedback ideas would be appreciated.

The hook arrived

EEK! the hook arrived

Last month I posted about International Crochet Day and Jimbo over at jimbosfrontporch.blogspot who held a competition to win one of his beautiful custom made hooks. Well it arrived yesterday, the whole process has been very exciting and opening the box and unwrapping the hook which was neatly wrapped in a red cloth, eeekk!

 

The hook is a beautiful colour, well balanced, so smooth and the shape is perfect, I love it. Plus it grasps the yarn with ease, I have been making some leaf inspired scarves and the yarn I have been using splits (a bit to loosely spun but looks and feels great when made). No problem with this hook it crocheted the yarn like a dream.

I know who I will be ordering my next hook from.

Amulet (Dubsounds Mix) by tokyohunter

Amulet (Dubsounds Mix) by tokyohunter

My brother has just put up some of his demo tracks up over at CloudSound so if you like electronic music pop over and have a listen. I have added the track Amulet here as a taster.

EEK! I won eeekk!

Last week was International Crochet Day and Jimbo over at jimbosfrontporch.blogspot carver of the most beautiful crochet hooks (check out his blog the hooks he makes are stunning) held a contest promoting the day for a custom made hook. Using a random number generator it picked me eeekkkk! I won eeeekkk!!

IKnit Weekender

Habu Textiles

Heart pompoms

The Natural Dye Studio

On Friday I went to the IKnit Weekender   I had planned to just look and not buy, mmm..... not a good plan. Here's my shopping (confession) for the day.

I bought some very nice yarn from Habu Textiles they had so many beautiful yarns to choose from, it was hard to resist. Unusual combinations of wool with stainless steel, silk with stainless steel, soft merinos, ultra thin linens and hemps. Their colour range is stunning, very modern and strong.

The Natural Dye Studio I bought a couple of skiens of dazzle (a British Blue Faced Leicester supersoft wool) and precious (100% silk) all their yarns are dyed using natural plant dyes with gives them subtle shades and they have beautiful colour combinations.

My super bargain of the the day from WoolFish 100% aran weight yarn again neutral colours, greys, creams, black, browns.

Textile Garden

Textile Garden had nice pins, fasteners and buttons in wood, shell and metal perfect to go with all the neutral colours.

and my final purchases were a little gadget (love gadgets) to make heart shaped pompoms, I will try that later and something I have seen but never tried Kool-Aid drinks, no I am not going to drink with them but dye yarn with them, an experiment and blog post for the future : )

International Jewellery London 2010

Wednesday I spent the day at International Jewellery London at Earls Court 2, celebrating both UK and International jewellery designers, wholesalers and manufacturers. This year there was lots of choice and variation, from glass to diamonds. 

Interesting statement sculptural shapes, strong bold modern settings, platinum, silver, aluminum, stainless steel, some with large clear gemstones.  
Saw several stacking rings & composable bracelets giving a sense of been able add your own flare and style to your jewelley.
Colour was everywhere crystals, glass, gems also many designs had used butterflies and dragonflies from small earrings to extra large brooches. There seemed to be more suppliers than last year and as always was an interesting day.

I got some nice interesting carved quartz beads, freshwater pearls and crystals, now to play with them and make up some new stitch markers.

International Crochet Day 2010

The 12th September approaches, also known as International Crochet Day I have designed 2 filet bookmarks to celebrate the day- the first has the graph below. Both are available on a limited edition pdf file, just email : nezumi@nezumiworld.co.uk with ICD bookmark and add UK or USA.

Here's one I made earlier

 

Ladybird Dance

To match the "Here come the Bee's" and the "Butterfly Dance" chart I have added another new chart "Ladybird Dance" check out  NezumiWorld for more charts, patterns, stitches and much more.

Knit Nation

I had an excellent day out with a good friend a couple of weeks ago at the Knit Nation event. It was held at Imperial College London, which was a great setting for it. The grounds were nice at lunch time to relax in and look at mid-day purchases. 

We don't attend any of the large array of workshops, but spent the day shopping in the market place. Here's some of the goodies I bought.

Denise Crochet Interchangables

Tunisian crochet with the Babylonglegs yarn

I have been waiting to buy the Denise interchangeable crochet hook pack for ages, I have the interchangeable needle pack with the extension kit now I have the complete set so am planning on making extra large blankets . I had to try them as soon as I got home and made a small Tunisian crochet necklet scarf with one of the skeins of hand-dyed yarn I bought from Babylongleg. I like the feel of the hook and how it grasps the yarn. The fact I can adjust the size of the cord for small projects or join lots of cords together for extra large projects is good, plus I got some extra hooks for double ended Tunisian, this set will be well used.

I was suprised to find Kumihimo Braiding kits and bought a plate, disk & a braiding book, the very nice author Helen Deigham was there and also signed our books for us, she was so friendly and knowledgeable to talk with. I have been braiding with wire and beads for many years but always make homemade card plates, it is so nice to use this lightweight foam plate and disk set.

I don't go mad buying yarn, I think I have more than enough but this supersoft 80% Baby Alpaca & 20% Silk laceweight yarn from Bluefaced.com was such a good price and the colour is so rich (plus do bargains count as spending or saving .......).  Again I had to buy the Lang - Magic from Brownberry Yarns the price and colour was to much of a bargain to miss and they put a parma violet sweet into my bag, I used to love the smell of these when I was a child I can not remember the last time I saw a packet : ) (mmmmmmmmm...smelling pack as writing).

Another thing I love is using nice hooks and knitting needles, I bought some smooth rosewood knitting needles from the Little Knitting Company they have nice points and feel evenly weighted.

Needles from the Little Knitting Company

EEkk a sweetie from Brownberry Yarns

 

Kumihimo Braiding plate, disk & book

Lang Magic - Brownberry Yarns

Alpaca & Silk Bluefaced.com

More polymer clay play

Some more fun with polymer clay, cured this batch on a lower temperture and the colour stayed the same. Going to make some more canes and will post the results soon. Also making some of the petals and leaves into stitch markers.

A bit of rolling and shaping and it becomes a leaf cane, below is new my leaf bracelet.