Patterns

The second patten in Inside Crochet this month is my Campervan doorstop. I am feeling much love for this campervan. It was inspired by my dear friend Mrs S. She is very fond of VW vans but does not actually own one. To thank her for a kindness, I attempted to make a campervan keyring. It did not go well. I told her and even showed her the yarn disaster. she casually threw out the suggestion that you could make a doorstop.

Ah ha!!! Yes! So I set to.

Now lets talk about logistics. I do really love crochet for its robust construction and I think a double crochet stitch is ideal for this. You could make crochet wheels if you wanted to, but I really like the shiny nature of the buttons. In this version for the magazine I have not personalised the number plate, but the original which belongs to Mrs S has her name embroidered on the plate.

The campervan is filled with a combination of a large bag of rice contained in a cotton bag plus some polyester filling.

I used grey felt for the windows because I felt it would give a cleaner look but you could crochet some. I also used a slightly darker thread to act as the shadow of the line of the doors and boot. To attach all the crochet pieces together I used slip stitch on the wrong side and then turned the work right side out. I think doorsstops definitely take a bit of wear and tear, so you want your construction to be really firm.

Mr and Mrs S are very kind supporters of our family and have been particularly encouraging on my crochet/blog journey. Isn’t nice to see how kindness can ignite inspiration… Thank you  Mrs S xxx

Additional Info:

Lots of you ask me for copies of this pattern – A new version of this pattern can be bought via the Inside Crochet online magazine you can buy it here

 

Oh my goodness I have a lot of yarn in my ‘stash’ (reserve collection). Periodically I love to go through it and make lots of little gifts. It is that joyful feeling of being slightly thrifty and making something out of nothing. About eighteen months ago I discovered the pattern for these coat hanger covers on Dottie Angel’s blog.

It is a really simple pattern but so pretty. A real vintage vibe. Do visit her blog and download the pattern if you are looking for some quick and joyful gift ideas.

I am still loving autumn at the moment and I don’t think the russet colours have even started in our part of the world. On the lucky day I spotted the gorgeous crochet mittens, I also got my paws on this wonderful Granny Square Scarf. This is a really easy make, designed my my friend Tracy. You can grab the pattern here. This little beauty will be going nowhere. It is made in fab Drops Nepal, which is really reasonable at £2.00 a ball. If you are looking for a ‘first’ fashion project this is ideal.

Also don’t forget to post your autumn projects on Celebrate Color. Have a happy Autumn Weekend x

A little while ago, the Editor of IC asked me if I could think of a design to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I just couldn’t get the rather funky target symbol out of my mind. So the scarf featured in Inside Crochet is my little interpretation.

I really do like shawls at the moment, particularly worn more as a neckerchief. I wanted a bright and cheery colourway and have always been a bit of a fan of fuchsia and scarlet together. The scarf uses two pinks and a red from the gorgeous Millamia range of yarns. The texture is very soft.

If this version is just a little too ‘pink’, go for hues of soft grey and cream.

I love getting my copy of Inside Crochet through the post, mostly because I am a bit of a magazine addict, but also it is my first chance to see my little creations photographed on a glamourous model. This month is very exciting. The Autumn Winter Season is loving our craft at the moment. The designers have gone crazy for our favourite Granny Square.

So here is my jumper in progress before it winged its way to the magazine. I was waiting to introduce you to Lottie. She is the newest addition to the workspace. The great thing about Lottie is she is adjustable, and it means I can get a much better idea of fit and I don’t have to rely on my rather lumpy frame to see if a garment is working

The trouble is I really want to wear this jumper now. It just brings a huge smile to my face!

I first clapped eyes on the pattern for these mittens in the flesh (or even in the fibre) as opposed to on-line. I met up with my blogging friend Tracy, and she showed me her new creations. The funny thing is when presented with something tempting, British reserve is totally suppressed and I pounced on them like an obsessed maven.

These cutie mittens might join my top-ten of all patterns. So pretty but fiendishly simple. That, my friends is crochet genius. Tomorrow I hope to share with you the matching scarf which is so lovely that I think it might stay firmly in my accessory draw.

If you are similarly tempted then visit Tracy’s blog for the pattern. I will be adding this project to Celebrate Color collection of projects for October. If you want inspiration for autumn, do visit the Stitched in Colour blog. Although not a quilter I really enjoy looking at the amazing stitched projects.