Christmas Gift Tag

 With Christmas coming I decided to make some different gift tags
This is the chart for the Christmas Bauble Gift Tag. It could also be used as a tree decoration.
The chart can be used not just for crochet but also knitting, cross stitch and beading weaving, beaded crochet/ knitting, tunisian crochet, embroidery.....
I made my sample in 4ply cotton so it a little big but is easier to photograph, the real one will be in N0.10 cotton thread :)

I recommend a 1X1 filet crochet
Chain 27

turn, chain 3 (this will count as first treble crochet (UK)/ first double crochet (USA) of first row), 1 treble crochet (UK)/ 1 double crochet (USA) into the 5th chain from the hook,treble crochet (UK)/ double crochet (USA) in next 2 chains to

complete bottom right solid square of pattern.

Continue following pattern for the first row reading the graph right to left. After completing first row, chain 3 to turn to start next row.Continue following graph until all rows are complete.

At end of row 19 fasten off.

Decreasing in filet crochet

Fabric inspiration for Spoonflower Contests

I have been inspired with some of Spoonflowers latest fabric designing contests and have entered into a few up-and-coming ones. I think it can be a bit addictive, plus I really enjoy seeing what the other designers have created. 
This is for the current contest  "Holiday Cocktail Napkin Set Fabric" 
My design is a set of Ivy leaf shaped cocktail napkins. A fat quarter makes 4 double sided or 8 single sided cocktail napkins. Recipes include Ginger punch, Eggnog, Orange & cranberry fizz and Mulled wine. I ordered some fabric and it is somewhere in the post I'll make up my napkins and post some pics here. Hopefully before Christmas (my post is really bad)

This is for the contest starting on Thursday evening Spoonflower are partnering with Mollie Makes Magazine for this one. Its called Flights of Fancy and has a restricted palette, the brief was - Create a bird or flight-related fabric design (repeating) that uses the following palette grey, light teal, apple green and pale yellow. I have created a design We Fly with lots of humming birds (I have always liked humming birds), again this print is also somewhere in the post.

And this one is for the Nasher/ Matisse Contest starting on 24th November. Spoonflower are this time partnering with The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University for a contest to design textiles that would look at home in a Matisse painting. Entries must use the specified colour palette (RGB hex codes: #DE8371, #C33855, #D1CC56, #2E486B, #FFFFFF). Please do NOT recreate a textile in the images but instead create a new design with this palette.So this is what I have entered it a Floral Matisse inspired design.

Spiral Flower - International Crochet Day 2012

Today is the 12th September so it's International Crochet Day, as in previous years here's a new free pattern a Spiral Flower. This is a fast and easy pattern, make the chains than only 2 rows super speedy, crochet, roll and sew.
Add one or more flowers to a bag, hat, shoes, headband, clothes, cushions or make into a brooch/ es, hairpin or necklace.
Play with the colours and have fun :)
Happy International Crochet Day 2012

To make this more international and includes everyone I have added the pattern using symbols also.
If  you are unsure of the stitches just click on the links under stitches used :)

Stitches used
ch - chain (UK and USA)

tr - treble (UK) / dc - double crochet (USA)

dtr - double treble (UK) / tr - treble crochet (USA)

Materials
Yarn - Double knit (DK) / Worsted weight in 2 colours I have called them colour A  and colour B. Pick matching colours or contrasting colours (you can use just one colour if you prefer)
4mm / G hook
Needle to sew together

(Pattern will work with other weights of yarn just remember to use the hook that matches the yarn thickness for best results)

Pattern (UK terms)
Chain 20 using colour A
Row 1: 2 tr into the 4th ch from the hook, [miss 1 ch, 1ch, 3tr into the next ch] X 8, change to colour B

Row 2 : 3 ch, 1 tr into tr, 3 dtr into next tr, 2 tr into next tr,[1ch, 2 tr into tr, 3 dtr into next tr, 2 tr into next tr] X 8

Pattern (American terms)
Chain 20 using colour A
Row 1: 2 dc into the 4th ch from the hook, [miss 1 ch, 1ch, 3dc into the next ch] X 8, change to colour B

Row 2 : 3 ch, 1 dc into dc, 3 tr into next dc, 2 dc into next dc,[1ch, 2 dc into dc, 3 tr into next dc, 2 dc into next dc] X 8

Spiral completed length of crochet loosely around, sewing into the back to hold all the layers together using the yarn ends.





For these who prefer to follow the symbols :)










Let me know how you get on with this pattern, I'll put a link to ravelry also so you can share your finished flower photo's

Busy busy busy summer update

I am trying to get as much done as I can before going back to teaching later this month, then paperwork will take over my life, or that's how it usually feels to me. The knitting, crochet & crafts course is running again also machine knitting, beaded jewellery making and photoshop. The last few weeks have flown by so fast but have been very busy and fun. I have been updating the NezumiWorld site new filet designs and how to's (hoping to add more also video's soon) getting away from the computer and into the "real" world I went to a few trade shows, including the jewellery show i'll post about that next week, visiting friends not just talking on the phone and making a few things for myself. 
I have entered a few of spoonflowers weekly contests zig zag cheater quilt (I did a Celtic woven zigzag design and ordered some of the fabric for myself to make up into a quilt, I'll post that as I make it) and the current contest typewriters (no colour just black and white only was allowed)  that brought back memories of trying to type when I was a child, the letters hitting each other, plus no spell checker!
I have had so many emails requesting PDF files of my filet charts, even though they are free people have requested and offered to pay. Well I have listened and have started to make more of my filet designs into PDF files. There are some already some of the most popular ones free on ravelry these new ones include new patterns as well as related old ones and have a small cost but I have tried to keep it affordable.The new charts added to ravelry so far use American terminology I am working on the UK terminology and hope to add them very soon. 
The files added so far are The Garden Collection this has the very popular 3 free patterns butterfly dance, ladybird ladybird and here come the bees from the NezumiWorld website but also includes a new matching chart dragonfly dance. The Garden Collection matches the fabric prints of the same name on spoonflower.
Apple chart and Peach chart both have small free patterns from NezumiWorld but also a larger matching chart.
And the first of a group of charts I have not released before "Irish family crest charts" this is the first one
Ryan Family Crest Chart it's a large chart with the classic 3 griffin heads.
More charts will added in the coming weeks including more filet charts, both crochet and knitted patterns. I'll post here as I add them not forgetting a free pattern next week to celebrate International crochet day.
Don't forget to check out the NezumiWorld food blog also as more recipes have been added there also :)

Strawberry Plants

Last year we planted tomatoes and strawberry plants the tomatoes grew well and produced lots of mini cherry tomatoes that were very sweet and tasty, but the strawberry plants just looked small and sad and never produced any fruit. This year no tomatoes but last years strawberries are growing, not a giant crop yet but more flowers and little strawberries are appearing every day :)

Olympics

Living in London you can't help but notice the Olympics are here. The day of the opening ceremony I was in the garden and the red arrows flew over on their way to Stratford with coloured smoke so this got me in to the Olympic spirit.

I could not afford any tickets for the events but we went to watch the free outdoor screens in Hyde Park. It was airport security to get in, no food, water, suncream over 200mls, NO Crochet hook! there was a very long list of items that could not be brought in, plus a really good bag search and screening for metals.

Worse food I have ever eaten

The queues were large but well organised. We brought some mats and cushions to sit on and watched the athletics, there are 4 screens to choose from and all had 100's of people watching and cheering it was a very good atmosphere. The only down to it all was the prices of the food and drinks, a small diet coke cost me £2.50 but the weather was very hot and drink very cold and I needed it to take the taste of the worse food I have ever had but that's another story even thinking of the taste of that food makes me feel ill.



On the way out of the park we saw this very cute little grey squirrel he came over to say hello (or check us out for food)

Cogs the Mouse

Got my new batch of swatch samples this week still waiting for 1 final batch, its so exciting to see if they have printed correctly or not (so far its been good). Was very happy as this batch as it contained my new cut and sew little mouse patterns. I hand sewed this 1st mouse "Cogs". I may adjust his tail a little (add more seam allowance) but I am very happy with the outcome. Now to make his friend "Dandelion"

Spoonflower Contest

Spoonflower Mid-Century Cocktail Dress Prints Fabric Contest

Here's the brief for this contest from spoonflower - "The costume designer from one of our local theatres, the Cary Players, is looking for a print to use for a vintage pattern cocktail dress in an upcoming production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. To help them out -- and because it's such a fun theme -- we're asking designers to come up with a print for a mid-20th century cocktail dress. Entries will be previewed at the scale of a swatch (8" x 8")"

So here's my entry for this week's contest, with an idea of how the fabric could be used for the a cocktail dress. Check out this weeks contest there are lots of great entry's :) 

Not forgetting NezumiWorld.com I have been adding some new pages including a new free chart Cogs & Gears, a little bit of steampunk Chart can be used for filet crochet, beading, fairisle, cross stitch.

New fabric design samples

Very happy got the first of a new batch of fabric proofs yesterday, Spoonflower recently changed their colour profile for printing, this is a good thing as hopefully there will be better reds and fabrics should print more like those on screen, but it also means that some old colours may now print differently. So far this batch have printed to the colours I was hoping. Two more batches to arrive soon so fingers crossed they will be OK as well :)

Viking Knitting

Been doing a little bit of viking knitting this week, its not really knitting more a weaving technique that looks like knitting. I usually use very thin wire (0.2mm/ 28 gauge) and twist the strands together to make a rope or plait, but this pretty purple thicker wire (0.6mm/ 22 gauge) had been sitting in my workbox for far to long and needed something nice to be created with it and was just flexible enough to work with although my finger are not so happy just now. I made the results into a bracelet with the help of some end cones and a T-bar clasp.

Eurovision 2012

EEEEkkk! time to come out of hibernation and back to the blog :)
Last night was Eurovision and this year it seems to have gone back to its crazy mix of slow, fast and just mad tunes with lyrics that make little sense, but that's why we love it :) The winner was Sweden: Loreen - Euphoria which was a good dance track although I really wanted the cute Russian grannies to win with Buranovskiye Babushki - Party For Everybody

Sweden's winning entry


Russias entry

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

A Happy New Year 2012 to everyone filled with lots of yarn and creativity
 

And to get the year started I am planning a test design-a-long beginning with very simple fingerless gloves for knitters or crocheters (or both!) approx. start time is 22nd January 2012 I will list the details very soon :)

Yummy Tomatoes

Back in March we bought some seed pots, tomatoes and strawberries in April we started growing them and watched as in late May the seedlings grow big enough to be replanted. 

Lots of little tomatoes plants (the strawberries grew but it was a little late for them so hopefully next year for them) were replanted, it took until August for the yellow flowers to appear and a storm then knocked them over but with the help of lots of sticks they were straightened up and keep growing and they are still growing and producing lots of little cherry tomatoes even now at the end of November. The top photo shows our lastest bowl :)

Flowerbird Fabric Collection

I finished making the 1st of the little flowerbirds I posted about a few weeks ago, plus now the rest of the matching fabric samples have arrived. The finished bird is a silk & cotton mix fabric, its very soft and has a nice shiny surface. All the other samples are 100% cotton I will make another bird up to see how it feels in the cotton. The main different between the fabrics so far has been the colour the silk mix is slightly paler but the shine of the fabric also brings out a aqua tint in the blue. The cotton print is much crisper and the colour stronger also the cotton has a more matte finish. I am going to have a play with the samples to see what else I can make. :)

International Jewellery London 2011

Last week I attended the International Jewellery London 2011 at Earl Court 2.
I enjoy this trade show, Its good to see the new trends for the future year. 

From what I saw there the big trends are - 

Silver and white metals - silver was everywhere, big chunky statement pieces to delicate findings holding an assortment of gemstones, lots of different types of silver chains, some of the more expensive ranges had white gold and platinum keeping with the white metal trend. 

Pearls in all shapes and sizes, classic to fancy coins, hearts, crosses irregular shaped, even the cheaper ranges had freshwater pearls mixed in with coloured glass. 

Colour lots of strong colours - deep purples, all types of pinks, deep greens, teals all reflecting the colour trends for the coming months in fashion/ clothing.

There were still charms and individual bead style components.

Vintage pieces were popular and this saw some gold with aged finishes, very delicate again mixed with pretty gem stones and cabochon cut stones.

Long-chain necklaces and pendant style charm necklaces, some with vintage style beads and gems but updated with leather & rubber woven into the chain giving a more updated punk style, some were very steampunk inspired. There were very shiny modern charm necklaces.

Lots of cuffs very big and chunky some had decorate cutouts in the metal others were adorned with lots of crystals and stones. Fabric cuffs also.

Macrame friendship style bracelets with embossed patterned beads. I also saw little bits of fur some real :( and some fun-fun in bright colours :)

It will be interesting to see what appears in the shops in the coming months.

International Crochet Day 2011

Today 12th September 2011 is International Crochet Day, last year I designed a couple of free crochet bookmark patterns and I decided this year to add the open heart bookmark. If you do make it, it would be great if you could post your blog-link or photo link of your finished bookmark. Or you could make it into a scarf if you make it with a thicker yarn, maybe a trimming or applique : ).
INSTRUCTIONS:
Starting at bottom of pattern chain 10.
Chain 3 more and turn (these 3 chains will count as first double crochet USA/ treble crochet UK of first
row), double crochet USA/ treble crochet UK into the 5th chain from the hook,.double crochet USA/ treble crochet UK  in next 2 chains to complete bottom right solid square of row 1. Continue following pattern for first row reading pattern right to left.

Continue following pattern until row 60 is complete.

MATERIALS (based on crochet cotton size):
Using Crochet Cotton no. 20: about 60 meters, steel crochet hook 1.15mm/ US size 9 or SIZE FOR GAUGE/ YARN
APPROXIMATE FINISHED SIZES:
Using Crochet Cotton size 20: width = 6.1 cm, height = 36.6 cm (metre)
Using Crochet Cotton size 20: width = 2.4 inches, height = 14.4 inches (Inches)

Here's the graph on the left, do you like the new colour I have filled the graph squares with? Do you find it easier to follow or prefer the black and grey graphs?

On the right is the bookmark using crochet symbols, sorry I could not make it bigger here, Hopefully when I get time I will make this a pdf file and add it to ravelry.com.
Whichever you follow the graph or the symbols please start at the bottom and work your way up :)

Happy Crocheting

Spoonflower Birds (palette-limited) Fabric Contest

Here's my latest entry for Spoonflowers - Birds limited palete (only 4 colours allowed) Fabric Contest
my "Patchwork Flower Birds" I am also making a little 3D version of one of the birds to store my crochet hooks, they will rest on its back between the wings :) I'll post it when I have sewn it up.

Two Owls and a Pussycat

Both July and August have gone by so fast, as I am in-between teaching jobs (they start again in September) I had planned lots of projects to finish and to add more to the website, back-up the data on my computer, start some new knit and crochet patterns, design more fabric prints and order them for proofing.

I did somethings on my list and it was lucky I started first with backing-up my computer as a nasty virus (I do have a firewall and up-to-date virus software which was useless) took less than 3 seconds to mess up my computer. I tried lots to sort it out (4-5 weeks of trying something everyday) but in the end there was only one solution I have had to wipe it clean back to factory settings and reload (when I found them and remembered there passwords) all the software back on again, which has taken so much time and I still have a few things to find and reload but I am nearly there and am feeling so lucky I had backed up all my files.I recommend everyone does this at least once a month I will in future.
I did start writing up the new knit and crochet patterns and begin new stuff but it will take time before I had them to the website, as even with the back-up files I now need to sort them out. I did manage to proof a few of the fabric prints, this ones for cut and sew soft toy owls, they are printed on a fat quarter of fabric.Small enough to hand sew, but I would recommend not chatting on the phone and sewing or like me push the wrong end of the needle into your thumb OUCH!
A neighbours cat popped into the garden and posed with the owls when I photographing them, its like he knew how to pose in the right place.
The smaller owl I entered into Spoonflower.com latest contest  "Plushie Pattern Fabric Contest" its interesting to see how many cut and sew toy patterns are available.

PS. Any votes would be greatly appreciated, "Thank you" :)

Free Swatch at Spoonflower

Spoonflower's Third Annual Free Swatch Day Starts Thursday, Aug. 18th, 2011

Get a single free, custom fabric swatch for 24 hours between
noon EST on Thursday, August 18, and noon EST on Friday, August 19 shipping of the swatch is free, too. Check their site for full details.