Errata – Skates and Helmet:
For buyers prior to November 2014, the numbering for Round 2 was missing. It should read:
Rnd 1: 3ch (always counts as 1tr), …
Note:
Rnd 2: (1dc, 2ch) into next sp – counts as 1tr in this and subsequent rnds, …
Note:
Rnd 3: (1dc, 2ch) into next sp, …
Rep Rnd 3, …
Updates are available automatically on Ravelry and Craftsy. If you purchased from Etsy and would like an updated copy, please contact me (quoting your order number) and I’ll get it straight out to you.
One thing I love most about crochet is texture. Colour is awesome of course but, for someone like me (who never ventures far outside the neutral zone), texture is the perfect way to add interest to a design.
I love playing around with a hook and yarn, experimenting with different combinations or adding a twist to an existing stitch as you can see!
So, this month I’ve been playing with the humble half treble (US half double crochet). That’s not a stitch primarily known for it’s texture, you may be thinking ;) But, that’s another great thing about crochet – you can change the texture as easily as changing the placement.
Most people who learn to crochet soon learn about front loops, back loops, both loops and around the stem for post stitches.
But the super thing about the half treble is the magical lower back loop (or bump).
When working in the round, it’s a neat trick to work into this lower back loop to get a cool, knitted effect. Well, this month I wanted a similar effect for next months dc2tog CAL. However, the item in question is worked in rows so I’ve had to experiment a bit (which, of course, I loved) :)
So, in preparation for next month’s CAL, here’s a quick ‘How To’ on what I’m calling the modified half treble (US modified half double crochet). PS For simplicity, I will be using UK terms from this point forward. When published, the pattern will have both versions :)
UPDATE – pattern is now published and available here!
Begin with a foundation of regular half trebles (htr). When a htr is worked, you will notice (from the right side) a loop behind the stitch. This is usually called the lower back loop.
When the row turns, you are now looking at the wrong side of the htr and this loop is at the front of the stitch (closest to you). This is the loop you will be using in the modified half treble (mhtr).
Yarn around hook (yrh) and insert hook from back to front under both loops of next st,
Press the hook down to catch the (now) lower front loop of the htr – you can see it in this image just below the hook,
Press it right through to the back of the stitch – there it is near the top of the hook,
Now work remainder of htr as normal. (yrh, pull through a loop, yrh, pull through 3 loops).
The texture and overall effect, especially with this mega bulky yarn, is fantastic (and perfect for the pattern I’ve put together for you all)
Give it a try before coming back to grab your free pattern on November the first.
See you all again soon :)
Join me today to find out about my submission in the e-magazine, grab a discount code and (best of all) be in with a chance to win a free copy ♥
This week has been such a busy one with the release of two new love and friendship patterns. So busy, in fact, that I’ve hardly had time to tell you about my submission to the Too Yarn Cute e-Magazine.
The theme of the magazine this time is Quick and Easy Patterns and Back2School. I hope that my submission fills both those categories :)
Let me introduce the Crochet Cupcake Apple Cozy (or Cosy depending on your choice of spelling). Who said cupcakes aren’t healthy, eh!?! ;)
These are perfect for protecting fruit in a school lunch box and great for taking a snack to work but they are also just a lot of fun to brighten up the fruit bowl in the house – they are guaranteed to raise a smile. If you’re thinking in advance, they even make great stocking fillers, back to school gifts, craft fayre table fillers or PTA fundraisers.
This issue of the magazine contains over 20 patterns, articles and featured designers – all this for less than the price of some individual patterns!!
Better still, if you use the code 08tcd10 to get an additional 10% off any purchase at http://tooyarncute.contentshelf.com/shop – you might even like to check out the special subscription offer while you’re there :)
BUT, if that’s not enough to tempt you, how would you like to win a copy of the magazine?
To enter, all you have to do is complete the email address section in the form below and choose a whole number between 1 and 250. It’s as easy as that :)
Mobile entrants may find this link more accessible.
Entry will close at 8pm (GMT) on Monday 11th August 2014 and the entrant with the lowest unique number chosen will win. If no such entrant exists, a random draw will be made using all entrants.
The prize is administered by (and delivered by) Too Yarn Cute eMagazine.
This promotion is, in no way, sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.
BE LUCKY ♥
Lock For Lovespoon (as seen on right hand spoon)
This lock is designed to go with the Lovespoon Pattern which you can find here. The lock symbolises security and looking after each other.
YOU WILL NEED around 20 m DK yarn, an appropriate sized hook, a stitch marker and a needle for weaving in ends. You will also need some offcuts of yarn to stuff the lock.
GAUGE is variable depending on yarn chosen – you should select a similar yarn to that used for the spoon. If you aim for 4sts and 4 rows of UK dc to 2.5 cm (1”) you should achieve a lock of approximately 5 cm (2″) length and 2.5 cm (1″) width.
ABBREVIATIONS
This pattern is written in UK terms. The US version is available here.
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd – round
ss – slip stitch
Lock Base
Commence, at base, with a foundation of 6ch.
Rnd 1: 3dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each of next 3ch, 3dc in final ch, rotate, 1dc in each of the 3 un-worked loops of foundation ch, ss to first dc to join – 12sts.
Rnd 2: 1ch, 1dc in back loop of each st around, do not join – 12sts.
Rnd 3: 1dc in each st around – 12sts.
Rnd 4: 1dc in each st around – 12sts.
Work 1dc in next st, ss in next st and fasten off. Stuff gently with a little matching yarn and close the opening (retaining the shape). Neaten ends.
Proceed to Lock Hanger.
Lock Hanger
Commence with a foundation of 11ch.
Row 1: (Starting in 2nd ch from hook) ss in each ch to end, turn – 10sts.
Row 2: 1ch (pulled tightly), ss in back loop of each st to end, turn – 10sts.
Row 3: 1ch (pulled tightly), ss in front loop of each st to end, turn – 10sts.
Fasten off leaving a 30 cm (12”) tail. Bring last row and foundation ch together. Close by stitching though both back loops and corresponding foundation ch from one end to the other.
Stitch one end to the top of the lock at one outer edge. Weave the tail through the top of the Lock Base to the other end. Pass the handle around the lower right tail of the handle, just above the spoon bowl and stitch firmly to the other outer edge.
If desired you may embroider a keyhole in black yarn.
Lock For Lovespoon (as seen on right hand spoon)
This lock is designed to go with the Lovespoon Pattern which you can find here. The lock symbolizes security and looking after each other.
YOU WILL NEED around 20 m DK yarn, an appropriate sized hook, a stitch marker and a needle for weaving in ends. You will also need some offcuts of yarn to stuff the lock.
GAUGE is variable depending on yarn chosen – you should select a similar yarn to that used for the spoon. If you aim for 4sts and 4 rows of UK dc to 2.5 cm (1”) you should achieve a lock of approximately 5 cm (2″) length and 2.5 cm (1″) width.
ABBREVIATIONS
This pattern is written in US terms. The UK version is available here.
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd – round
sl st – slip stitch
Lock Base
Commence, at base, with a foundation of 6ch.
Rnd 1: 3sc into 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in each of next 3ch, 3sc in final ch, rotate, 1sc in each of the 3 un-worked loops of foundation ch, sl st to first sc to join – 12sts.
Rnd 2: 1ch, 1sc in back loop of each st around, do not join – 12sts.
Rnd 3: 1sc in each st around – 12sts.
Rnd 4: 1sc in each st around – 12sts.
Work 1sc in next st, sl st in next st and fasten off. Stuff gently with a little matching yarn and close the opening (retaining the shape). Neaten ends.
Proceed to Lock Hanger.
Lock Hanger
Commence with a foundation of 11ch.
Row 1: (Starting in 2nd ch from hook) sl st in each ch to end, turn – 10sts.
Row 2: 1ch (pulled tightly), sl st in back loop of each st to end, turn – 10sts.
Row 3: 1ch (pulled tightly), sl st in front loop of each st to end, turn – 10sts.
Fasten off leaving a 30 cm (12”) tail. Bring last row and foundation ch together. Close by stitching though both back loops and corresponding foundation ch from one end to the other.
Stitch one end to the top of the lock at one outer edge. Weave the tail through the top of the Lock Base to the other end. Pass the handle around the lower right tail of the handle, just above the spoon bowl and stitch firmly to the other outer edge.
If desired you may embroider a keyhole in black yarn.
I have two new patterns to share with you today – both with a theme of love and friendship ♥
The first is a Welsh Lovespoon (or love spoon).
The Welsh Lovespoon is traditionally a wooden spoon, decoratively carved, as a gift of romantic intent. Today, they are given for wedding and anniversary presents, to celebrate the arrival of a new baby or simply as a symbol of friendship and caring.
The earliest know Welsh Lovespoon dates back to 1667 and can be found at St Fagan’s National History Museum, near Cardiff (just down the road from where I live).
The style I have chosen to recreate, according to tradition, symbolises two people coming together forever, in everlasting love and friendship – this is shown by the twisted stem and Celtic knot-work.
Other symbols that were carved into the wood include the lock for security and binding, the horseshoe for luck, the cross for faith and small cages filled with wooden balls to represent a number of children. You can read more about these beautiful symbols of love and friendship here.
The second is a Friendship Necklace
I’m sure many of you will remember making knotted bracelets and necklaces from embroidery floss. It was this type of necklace that I originally wanted to create – something that could be tied on and worn as a constant reminder of friendship.
I started out with embroidery cotton and one simple size in mind. But, the pattern proved to be so much fun to make, I added a full range of suggested sizes.
The friendship necklace is a perfect ‘small’ gift for a friend. It is quick and easy to make and you’ll never run out of colour choices with the wide range of embroidery thread available.
This one also has some hidden meaning – the single leaf at each end symbolises happiness – when tied, they are together, though apart!
I do hope you like them both <3
As a thank you to EVERYONE who has supported me, both my love and friendship patterns are listed at an introductory price of £1 (until midnight tomorrow) ♥ Also, for a limited time, you can also try to win a copy over on Facebook – Good luck x
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Scarlet’s Corner Giveaway last week.
The winners have now been selected and congratulations go to:
Chellsea Leanne Hernandez
Mj Davis Humphrey
Rhonda Newman
Natasha Hudgins
Jacqueline Solgat Maxman
Bettina Petty
Sandi Turk
Kelsey Unrau
Robin Clinton
Martha Avans
Joy Ludtke
Sheila Martin
Katie S (100percent_sk8@……)
Heather Smallwood
Katy Bindels
Brandie Yost
Cindy Peters Jaedike
Diane Schweinhagen
Marcia Williams
Megan Nicole Whited
Kim Jones
Debbie McLeod
Patti Adler
Tina Wright
Janet Robertson
Lesley Johnston
Nausheen Abbas
Joyce Halstead
Vanessa Garza-Rodriguez
Valerie Blankenship
Alecia Flaherty
Jenny Fanning
Danielle Woods-Drown
Amanda Nicole Rose-Monroe
Danyel Pink
Addie-Sherell Haywood
Joy Ludtke
Angie Waterhouse
Emma Spalding
Bonnijean Marlowe Marley
Katie Leigh
Carmel Feaser
Diane Woodall
Andrea Logan
Sara Ford
Nicole Eckert
You can check which of the prizes have been allocated by checking the individual pictures in the album. You have 48 hours to contact the vendor who donated the prize so, if you see someone you know on the list, give them a nudge :)
Good Morning Everyone :)
Today is the day a lot of people have been eagerly awaiting – the release of three brand new patterns – all based on the Crochet Stitch Challenge that you uploaded stitches ,and voted for, at the start of the month :)
I would like to send huge thanks to everyone who took part, and made the challenge possible. For anyone who uploaded a stitch for voting, your new patterns will be heading your way throughout the day :)
Now, Silverdragon Crafts and Critters was a cheeky monkey and released her pattern while I was sleeping so her amazing Stone Angel is already live – the Angel lovey and Doll patterns, as well as the pattern pack, are now available on Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy. You can find all the links you need, as well as a rather generous introductory 25% discount code, in this post on her Facebook page.
My (Thomasina Cummings Designs) Summer Combo was also released a few minutes ago on Ravelry :) and Samantha’s generosity has rubbed off on me – for today and this weekend only, you can also save 25% on my pattern with the code Summer2014 :)
If you uploaded a stitch and you haven’t received your free copy from me yet, do let me know – I emailed them out just a little before I set up the pattern for sale on Ravelry so you’d be the first to get it ;)
And, last, but certainly not least, I spotted a few seconds ago that Crystalized Designs‘ new pattern Sweet Tee has also been released – woohoo. I’ve fallen in love with everything about this top – it just looks so comfortable to wear – perfect for every occasion :)
Well, it’s not even 8 o’clock here in the UK and I’ve released a new pattern, sent of a bunch of freebies and blogged about it all! I think this is possibly the most productive I’ve been, at this time of morning, in a long time ;)
Once again, a HUGE thanks to everyone who uploaded stitches for us to create with, all the testers involved in the individual tests and mostly to Crystal and Samantha for being so much fun to work with – you have both been amazing ♥
It’s all myth and magic over here at Thomasina Cummings Designs today. Fortunately, the chance to win some free copies of the soon-to-be-released pattern, by Silverdragon Crafts and Critters, is anything but a fantasy ;)
When I asked for collaborators in the Crochet Stitch Giveaway Game just four weeks ago, I could never have anticipated the imaginative designs that would come out of such a simple stitch, in such a short amount of time.
Yesterday, I told you about Sweet Tee from Crystalized Designs and my own Summer Combo. Today, I bring you news of the third and final pattern of the game and, oh boy, will you be excited!
Samantha has designed the most exquisite stone angel lovey/security blanket and matching amigurumi angel doll. Get a load of those wings!!!
Her choice of colours is just perfect for the stone effect and the stitch is used so wonderfully to give texture exactly where it is needed – the hair is the ultimate crowning glory!
So, if you’ve been following progress this month, and wishing you’d uploaded a stitch so you could get a copy of all the wonderful patterns, fear not. Samantha is offering 5 lucky winners the chance to own this gorgeous pattern collection before the official release on the 25th July. Head on over to Silverdragon Crafts and Critters to enter now.
Phew, what a crazy month this has been! Two giveaways, tests galore and, in my personal life, the school holidays kicking off with the local carnival :)
But, we’re not done yet…
It’s the final day of testing for my Summer Combo today. (In case you missed the post about it, this is the pattern I have designed for the Crochet Stitch Challenge Game that Crystalized Designs, Silverdragon Crafts & Critters and myself are playing).
Here’s the dress version (PS it can also be made into a top or a skirt – 3 patterns in one – hence the combo bit) ;)
All things going to plan, the release will take place on Friday 25th July.
Thirteen people uploaded stitches for voting and their copies will be heading out to them as soon as the patterns are released :)
Now, I’m not particularly superstitious but, thirteen? I’m not happy with thirteen free patterns. I think I need to give away a few more copies , don’t you?
If you’d like to be one of the extra recipients, head on over to my Facebook Page and pick yourself a BINGO card. Three lucky people will be adding themselves to the winners list :)