Miniature Bed almost complete

Update on my miniature bed - two pillows made, and a crochet blanket.

Now planning a granny square blanket (or something similar) to drape over the foot of the bed.

And in other news - here is the cloth doll with most of her clothes made. Just a few finishing touches to add.

My knitting skills have come on in leaps and bounds this year. Here are two more test patterns that I've tried over the last couple of days.

Woohoo, I'm liking my new craft.

That's all for now.

See you in the next post.

Happy Stitching.

Cyra

Bed & Boots

Progress on my miniature bed.

 I have made the mattress and a top and bottom sheet for the double bed. I like the look of it so far.

I've also started on a blanket, but will show that when it's finished.

 

These booties I made to fit the cloth doll that I started last week. They are about the right size for a new-born baby. So cute.

And a knitted swirly spiral thing-a-me-gig scrumble.

Just to expand my knitting knowledge.

That's all I've got for now.

See you in the next post.

Happy Stitching

Cyra

Heat wave addling my brain

I'm trying to remember what I have stitched or created over the past couple of days, lol. 

It's been so hot here lately that it's hard to get my brain into action and remember what I've done.

This is an experimental knitted scrumble for freeform work. Inspired by the KCAL on the FF group in Ravelry.

Cloth doll body pieces cut out and ready for sewing together. 

This might end up as a collaborative group project at sewing group next week if it turns out how I want it to turn out, lol. If not, then it will be a one-off creative doll for me.

I started this miniature rug quite a few years ago, and as I've recently started creating my dolls house, I though it about time that I finished this rug.

It's not part of the doll house kit that is mentioned in other posts here. It is my own design.

I have found the suitable board that I need as a base for my dolls house, and after DH has found his 'round-tuit' and cut it a bit shorter for me, then I can start to build my house, hopefully within a couple of days. Can't wait to get started on that bit.

For those who don't know, I live in New Zealand, and it's summer time here now, and we are in the middle of a heat wave. Rain would be most welcome at the moment.

This is the sunset that we enjoyed at our beach last night.

Wishing you all a colourful, joyful and creative week.

Happy stitching

Cyra

Tinkering and Sorting

I have been tinkering around with some different crafts this week, and I can show you an angel doll that I'm working on, plus a little bit of an experimental piece that I started as a CKAL.

Bare in mind that I am NOT a knitter. I am only just learning how to do something other than straight lines, lol. So yes, there are slipped stitches, wraps the wrong way around, and gaping holes in places that shouldn't have gaping holes, haha. I am learning by lots of mistakes - but at least I am learning.

This is the year I conquer my fear of knitting.

Woohoo, and lookey here... I actually got to work with 3 needles for the very first time to creat the start of a tree pattern. 

Hubby tells me that I have been muttering swearwords under my breath while doing this, haha.

I have had a lovely sort out in my craft room too.

I have now got a work table cleared and ready to start building my miniature house Pilli Pala.

Hopefully photos of that next week.

Happy Stitching

Cyra

Duodenary Ravellenics Events - & YOP

The yarn events at Ravelry have finished. Here are my latest event finishes, and counting them off on my YOP list too.

Bag Backstroke event - A Freeform Project-Holder Bag
I have overcome my 'fear' of knitting with this project, as it contains 4 different knitted parts. I had to teach myself how to cast-on again though, because I'd forgotten how to do that, lol.
More photos of this are on my Ravelry project page here.

Sock-put event - Bootie Slippers

Afghan Marathon event - Afghan Blanket/Comforter

Hat Dash event - Pink and Purple headband

Household Heptathlon event - Basket to hold my Threads

Household Heptathlon event - A Star Coaster for my glass of wine (or gin)

Household Heptathlon event - A woven and crocheted bookmark for my favourite book of poems

And with the 5 previously posted events:
Sweater Triathlon event - White baby cardi
Sweater Triathlon event - pink pullover
Toy Toss event - Hug-a-monster
Frogging Trampoline event - Frogging thing
Garment Polo event - Toddler skirt

12 finishes altogether over two weeks.
That makes me a Duodenary, lol.

Ravellenics ran from the 5th to the 21st August.

I would officially like to thank my DH for going away for the two weeks.
While the cat's away the crocheter will play, lol.

And, over the last two days since the Ravellenics finished, I have been sorting out and unpacking my craft room. I have re-made the flat-pack shelving, and along with the new set of shelving on top of the flat-packed ones, I now have ample shelving for books and equipment, and I have arranged it so that my new sewing table slots into a space under (and between) the shelves.
I'll get photos for next week to show what I mean. I'm so excited to have a dedicated room for my 'stuff'.

Am I Mad ....or.... Am I Knot Mad?

.............................................................

  AM I MAD ... OR ... AM I KNOT MAD? 

.............................................................

("Yes, you ARE mad", I hear you all shout in unison)

I distinctly remember saying ,only last week, that I did not want to put a lot of time or effort into this UFO Celtic Knot quilt. Mainly because I was not enamoured with my original stitching on the central knot (all those years ago).

Last week I showed the finished central knot, along with a design for additional knots in the four corners.

Just look what I did with the stitching on one of those corner designs, and you will see why I think I have gone mad.

Knots within knots.... braided knots to create the knot motif.

And then outlined with chain stitch.

The completed corner Knot.

I am Knot impressed.

Thimble in pic to give an idea of the size of the motif.

It took me three days just to do this one knot. 

I DO KNOT want to invest time on this quilt (so why the heck did I do that?)

Now I have to do a similar thing for the other three corner knots.

Even 'I' think I am mad.

I have a scary feeling that this quilt is going back in the UFO pile.

On another note......

Now I have learnt to knit, and understand 'Knit-speak', I have taught myself to knit cables.

This is my very first cable test piece. Even hubby was impressed with that, lol.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all my wonderful friends who celebrate it    

    I am thankful to have you all in my life   

Happy Stitching

Free Pattern - Crochet Ra Ra Skirt - 1 to 3 years old

Free Pattern - From Cyra Lewis

Ra Ra Skirt - age 1yr to 3yrs  - Crochet and Knitting.

This Pull-On skirt measures:
Length .... 10.5" (27cm)
Waist .... 14" - 23" (36cm - 58cm) 
the larger width is measured with the waistband stretched but still comfortable.

Swatch size: 4 inches = 15 tr (blo) x 9 rows

I work loosely. If you have a tight tension then your garment will end up slightly smaller. 

Variations to ths size can be made by altering the thickness of the yarn, and by changing the hook size.

The purple 'Ra Ra' bottom piece is an open lacy pattern.

The stretchy waistband is knitted ribbing with crocheted belt loops and a ruffle belt that has the unique ability to 'grow' with the child.

Materials

Yarn 'A' :          1 ball Windsor Acrylic Double Knit Opal in Purple

Yarn 'B' : 1 ball Windsor Acrylic Double Knit Variegated to match

Crochet hooks - 3.5mm & 4mm

Circular Knitting Needles - 4mm

Abbreviations  

(English Crochet Terminology)

sts..... stitches

sl st..... slip stitch

sp..... space

ch.....chain stitch

dc.....double crochet

tr.....treble

dtr.....double treble

pct.....picot

dec.....decrease

beg.....beginning

prev.....previous

blo.....back loop only

tr2tog....treble 2 together 

Instructions

Starting with the purple yarn and the 4mm hook we will make the 'Ra Ra' part of the skirt first.

Foundation Row : 

Ch.90. Sl st to the first ch (making sure not to twist the foundation chains) to make a circle. You will now be working in the Round. The outside is the right side. Keep the right side facing you. Do not turn.

R1. - 

Ch.3, 4 tr in same ch., ch.2, (skip next 2 ch.), dc in next ch., *ch.2, (skip next 2 ch.), 5 tr in next ch., ch.2, (skip next 2 ch.) dc in next ch., **    Repeat from * to **14 times. Ch.2, sl st to top of beg ch.3 stitch.

R2. - 

Ch.3, 1 tr in each of next 2 sts., ch.2, 1 tr in same place as prev tr, 1 tr in each of next 2 sts., * ch.3, (now, work into the next shell), 1 tr in each of the next 3 tr, ch.2, 1 tr in same st., 1 tr in each of next 2 sts. **   Repeat the shell pattern from * to **to the end of the round, sl.st to the top of the beg st of that round.

R3. - 

Sl st across the top of next 2 sts., (brings you to the tr just before the ch.2 sp.), ch.4, 3 dtr in the ch.2 sp., ch.2, 3 dtr in the same sp., 1 dtr in the next st., 1 dc in the ch.3 sp., * (skip 2 tr), 1 dtr in next st., 3 dtr in the ch.2 sp., ch.2, 3 dtr in the same sp., 1 dtr in the next st., 1 dc in the ch.3 sp., **  Repeat pattern from * to ** to end of round, sl st to 4th ch of starting st.

R4. - 

Sl st across next 2 sts., ch.4, 1 dtr in next st., 3 dtr in the ch.2 sp., ch.2, 3 dtr in same sp., 1 dtr in each of the next 2 sts., * 1 dtr in 3rd dtr of the next shell, 1 dtr in the next st., 3 dtr in the ch.2 sp., ch.2, 3 dtr in the same sp., 1 dtr in each of the next 2 sts., **   Repeat the pattern from * to ** to the end of the round, sl st to the 4th ch of starting st.

R5. - 

Sl st across next 2 sts., ch.4, 1 dtr in each of next 2 sts., 3 dtr in the ch.2 sp., ch.2, 3 dtr in the same sp., 1 dtr in each of next 3 sts., * (skip 4 dtr) 1 dtr in each of next 3 dtr.,  3 dtr in the ch.2 sp., ch.2, 3 dtr in same sp., 1 dtr in each of next 3 sts., **   Repeat pattern from * to ** to the end of the round, sl st to 4th ch of starting st.

R6. - 

Ch.6, * 2 dtr in next ch.2 sp., ch.5, 2 dtr in same sp., ch.2, 1 dtr in the diamond shaped sp between 2 shells of the prev round, ch.2, **   Repeat pattern from * to ** to end of the round, ending with 1 tr in 4th ch of beg ch.6 st.

R7. - 

Sl st back into last dtr made, dc in same st., * ch.5, dc in the next dtr., 1 pct [a picot consists of ch.3 and a sl st into 3rd ch from hook], 1 dc in next st., <1 dc., 1 pct., 2 dc., 1 pct., 2 dc., 1 pct., 1 dc.,>  (< to > are made in the same ch.5 sp.,), 1 dc in next st., 1 pct., 1 dc in next st., **   Repeat pattern from * to ** to the end of round.

Fasten off yarn.

Re-attach Yarn 'A' on any chain of the foundation row. You will now be working in the opposite direction on that foundation row (i.e. from the top of the purple Ra-Ra frill, upwards to the waist).

R8. - 

Ch.1, work one dc in every st to end, join with a sl st., change to Yarn 'B'.

R9. - 

Using Yarn 'B', ch.1, dc in every st around, join with a sl st.

R10. - 

(Work 'blo' for this entire round). 

Ch.3, 1 tr in into every st to end, join with a sl st to top of beg ch.3.

R11. - 

(Work 'blo' for this entire round). 

Ch.3, 1 tr in each of the next 13 sts., tr2tog., * 1 tr in each of the next 14 sts., tr2tog., **   Repeat from * to ** to end of round, join with sl st to beg.

R12. - 

(Work 'blo' for this entire round). 

Ch.3, * 1 tr in each of next 15 sts., tr2tog., **   Repeat from * to ** to end of round, join with a sl st to beg.

R13. - 

(Work 'blo' for this entire round). 

Ch.3, * 1 tr in each of next 8 sts., tr2tog., **   Repeat from * to ** to end of round, join with a sl st to beg.

R14. - 

(Work 'blo' for this entire round). 

Ch.3, * 1 tr in each of next 7 sts., tr2tog., **

Repeat from * to ** to end of round, join with a sl st to beg.

R15. - 

(Work 'blo' for this entire round). 

Ch.3, * 1 tr in each of next 12 sts., tr2tog., **

Repeat from * to ** to end of round, join with a sl st to beg. Fasten off yarn.

   [[[ Alternative instructions for R10 to R15  ]]]    

If you find it difficult (or just don't want to, haha) to follow the stitch counts in the above instructions, here is what is happening on those Rounds.

R10 - No decreasing. One tr made in every stitch around.

R11 - A total of five (5) decreases (tr2tog) are made evenly around. 1 tr in all other stitches around.

R12 - A total of five (5) decreases (tr2tog) are made evenly around. 1 tr in all other stitches around.

R13 - A total of eight (8) decreases (tr2tog) are made evenly around. 1 tr in all other stitches around.

R14 - A total of eight (8) decreases (tr2tog) are made evenly around. 1 tr in all other stitches around.

R15 - A total of five (5) decreases (tr2tog) are made evenly around. 1 tr in all other stitches around.

Knitted Ribbed Waistband: 

Using 4mm circular knitting needles and Yarn 'B', cast on 120 stitches.

R1. - * k2, p2 **   Repeat this rib pattern to end. Turn.

R2. to R16. - Repeat Row 1. Cast off and fasten yarn.

Belt Loop: (make 5)

Using 3.5mm hook, and Yarn 'B'. Leave long tails at least 6" at beg and end for sewing to waistband later.

Foundation row - Ch.4. Turn.

R1. - 3 dc across row, turn.

R2. - Ch.1, 3 dc across row, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until you have completed 10 rows (or the width of your waistband). Fasten off.

Belt:

Using Yarn 'A', and 3.5 hook.

Foundation row - Ch.107, turn.

R1. - 1 dc in each ch to end, turn.

R2. - Ch.4, *(skip 1 st.) 1 tr in next st., ch.1., **   Repeat to end, turn.

R3. - Ch.1,  1 dc in every tr & 'ch.1' sp of prev row.   Fasten off.

Belt Ties:

Using Yarn 'A', and 3.5 hook.

Make a foundation chain of about 180 ch.. Fasten off.

Making Up the Garment:

Sl st (or sew if you prefer) the waistband to the top of the skirt.

Pin, and then sew the 5 Belt Loops in place (see following photos for placement of Loops)

Three Belt Loops Across the Back of the Skirt

Two Belt Loops on the Front of the Skirt

Thread the Belt Tie through the spaces between the tr on the belt.

The Belt Tie should be longer than the Belt to allow for tying in a bow.

Pass the Belt through the Belt Loops on the skirt

Push the Belt up on the Belt Ties to make a 'ruffle'.

This adjusts the size to fit the child.

   If you would like to share this pattern on your blog   

   PLEASE LINK back to this page.   

DO NOT "copy & paste" the instructions.

   This is a FREE PATTERN    

   and may be printed out to create garment(s) for your own use, but the pattern may not    

   be sold in printed, digital, or any other form.    

You should be reading this pattern on my http://free-form-stitching.blogspot.com site.

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Knitting Accomplished

This is what I made with my pale yellow knitting practice piece.

And here is my finished Baby Building Blocks Blanket.

Finished by candle-light last night as we have had power cuts with the gales from the tropical storm that swept North Island.

It's not as 'straight edged' as I'd like, but hey! I'm just happy that I can knit now, lol.

Happy Stitching

Embracing My Knitting

I am taking my new knitting skills and running with it, and having such fun.

Knitting along with the Tuesday Stitchers, here is my baby blanket.

A friend is about to give birth to a boy (any moment now), so this is for them.

I call it Baby Building Blocks, and I have 'built' up three blocks high so far.

It is eight blocks wide and should end up at least 10 - 12 blocks long.

Size in inches is roughly 24" wide. 

I'll keep going either until I run out of wool, or Hayley has her baby boy, whichever comes first.

Happy Stitching

Crochet White Wrap Progress & That "Eureka" Moment

The White Wrap/Shawl is progressing along nicely now.

I have a lot of scrumbles joined together and it is really starting to take shape.

Lots of lovely texture...... I love texture.

Some lacy delicate dainty parts.

Waves ruffles bobbles and fluffles.

Loose threads still to weave in, and more scrumbles to join up.

It's fun.

And now.................on to the other title of this blog.............

 THAT   EUREKA   MOMENT 

Yes, I have had a 'moment' of that description this week.

I have learnt to knit.

I am able to knit.

I CAN KNIT

All my life I have admired knitters but never been able to master it myself. My mother tried teaching me, my school teacher tried teaching me, various friends over the years have tried teaching me. I even had a 98 years young lady try to teach me.

I couldn't understand how to cast on, and even when someone else did the casting on for me, I still couldn't get the knitting bit right.

I could never get the hang of it and gave up trying in the end. 

I was Doomed to call myself a NON-KNITTER for ever.

Until last week that is.

I have been so inspired by the creative knitters on Tuesday Stitchers:

Debra

Deborah

Judy

and

Barbara

I spent two whole days watching youtube video's on how to knit.

I've lost count of how many video's I watched, but it was definitely A LOT.

And NOW, just look what I can do...... I CAN KNIT......

A tentative start after the cast-on.

Still a bit unsure at this early stage.

 The ribbing starts to appear.

I lost half a row of stitches about half way through this ribbing, and although I managed to recover the loops without dropping a stitch, I think I put the loops back onto the needle the wrong way around, hence the midway 'bumps' along that row.

Oh yes, I think I've got the hang of the ribbing now, so I tried a different stitch.

Hah! So that is how stocking stitch is made, lol. It's all becoming clear now.

More rows dropped, damn it's annoying when I do that.

More care needed, but at least I managed to pick up the loops the right way around this time.

WooHooo look at me go.

I CAN KNIT 

excuse me while I shout louder

I CAN KNIT

That was my eureka moment.

Can you tell I'm excited about being able to knit. 

I'm sure my mother is looking down on me at this moment with a big smile on her face.

Perseverance, see, that's all it needed.

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Lessons learnt this week

• You can teach an old dog new tricks
• If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again
• It doesn't matter if I knit slow and clumsy, as Iong as I DO it somehow
• Slippery needles are, well....... slippery (duh!)
• If it doesn't work one way, try it another
• Check each row for mistakes before moving on
• Big Boobs and a deep cleavage make a great needle grabber in emergencies
• Knitting takes about 30% LESS wool than crochet does
• Relax and enjoy the ride