Challenge 5000 Update

Happy Sunday morning, sun is shining for a while at least so I thought I would give you my first update. July was a slow month due to other commitments but below are my makes, 12 in total which will be donated to various charity groups. In total I used 363g and still have huge way to go. On my hook at the moment is a blanket for my Daughter who starts university in September, I only started the blanket yesterday so I hope I get it finished in time.  I shall share on my next post.

Angel Baby Sleeping Bag

Today's new pattern is a small angel baby sleeping bag.

You will need 4mm hook and approximately 25g of DK wool.

Finished size approximately 4.25" x 6.5"

Button holes are optional, the sleeping bag can also be closed with ribbon, but if you use buttons like in the photo, you would make them on rows 2 and 12.

Row 1: chain 19, then starting from the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1htc in each stitch to end, ch1 and turn = 18 stitches.

Row 2: 1htc in 1st st, ch1, skip 1, 1htc in each stitch to last 3 stitches, ch1, skip 1, 1htc in last 2 stitches, ch1 and turn.

Rows 3 - 11: 1htc in each stitch to end, ch1 and turn.

Row 12: repeat row 2 to make buttonholes.

Rows 13 - 35: 1htc in each stitch to end, ch1 and turn.

Row 36: 2htctog, 1htc in each stitch to last 2 stitches, 2htctog = 16 Sts

Row 37: 2htctog, 1htc in each stitch to last 2 stitches, 2htctog = 14 Sts

Row 38: 2htctog, 1htc in each stitch to last 2 stitches, 2htctog = 12 Sts

Row 39: 2htctog, 1htc in each stitch to last 2 stitches, 2htctog = 10 Sts

Fasten off and sew up the 10 Sts on last row to form a hood. Weave in ends, sew on buttons and embellish if required.

This pattern can be made larger by chaining 25 or 31 at the beginning, work a few extra rows and move buttonholes to rows 2 and 16.

Gift Bag Pattern

I've been playing with some scraps of yarn and following on from my cutie pie purse, I designed this little gift bag in 3 sizes, perfect for lots of different occasions.

I have used DK and a 4mm hook for this pattern, but you can use any yarn and hook to suit.

Mini Gift Bag

First chain 4 and slip stitch to form a loop

Row 1: ch3 and work 11tr's in to same loop. Slst in to the top of ch3 to close the round - 12 sts

Row 2: ch3 in same st, 1tr in same stitch, then work 2tr's in each around, slst in to top of ch3  - 24 sts

Row 3: ch3, working in back of st only, work 1tr each st to end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 24 sts

Row 4: ch3, 1tr in each st to end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 24 sts

Row 5: repeat row 4

Row 6: ch2, 1htr in each st to end, sl st in to top of ch2 - 24 sts

Row 6 is where you thread your cord or ribbon

Medium Gift Bag

Follow instructions as above for rows 1 and 2

Row 3: ch3, 1tr in same st, 1tr in next st, 2tr in next st, continue to work 1tr, 2tr to the end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 36 sts

Row 4: ch3, working in back of st only, work 1tr each st to end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 36 sts

Row 5: ch3, 1tr in each st to end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 36 sts

Row 6 - 8: repeat row 5

Row 9: ch2, 1htr in each st to end, sl st in to top of ch2 - 36 sts

Row 9 is where you thread your cord or ribbon

Large Gift Bag 

Follow instructions as above for rows 1 - 3 as for medium bag

Row 4: ch3, 1tr in same st, 1tr in next 2 sts, 2tr in next st, continue to work 1tr, 1tr, 2tr to the end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 48 sts

Row 5: ch3, working in back of st only, work 1tr each st to end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 48 sts

Row 6: ch3, 1tr in each st to end, sl st in to top of ch3 - 48 sts

Row 7 - 11: repeat row 6

Row 12: ch2, 1htr in each st to end, sl st in to top of ch2 - 48 sts

Row 12 is where you thread your cord or ribbon

Scalloped Edge - All 3 sizes

skip 1 stitch, in the next stitch work 5tr's, skip 1 stitch, slip stitch in next stitch. Continue to work - sk1, 5tr's, sk1, sl st to end of round, fasten off and weave in ends

Cord

Chain 75, fasten off.


Thread cord or ribbon through row 6, 9 or 12 depending on the size of bag you have made.

Pull cord or ribbon to close bag and tie in a bow.

I hope you like this free pattern, please use to create bags for charity or as a gift. You can sell the bags you make but please do not copy or distribute the pattern in anyway.

Happy hooking x

Stash Busting Challenge

Anyone who knows me and have read my blog or Facebook page you will know that I have a rather large stash and for 2017 I put myself on a 'YARN DIET" do not under any circumstances buy more yarn I tell myself on a daily basis. I have been tempted believe you me,  I receive lots of emails everyday with lots of lovely photos and special offers on yarn and I'm proud to say that so far I haven't succumbed and my "YARN DIET" is going well.

Now some of you know that I'm a bit sad and I love spreadsheets, my daughter can testify to that, she bought me a cup with 'I Love Spreadsheets' on has a joke but I love using it. I decided a while ago to have a spreadsheet listing all my yarn, make, colour, grams etc because I found that I had so much and when I wanted to start something new I couldn't find the yarn I wanted so bought more, then found that I already had some. So enough was enough and a spreadsheet was born, I have even noted where I have stashed it, well nearly I'm about half way through that process. Anyway to combat my stash I am not buying any yarn what so ever for the whole of 2017, I will use up my stash and keep a track of it here for all to see. I updated the total this morning and I currently have 69, 682 grams of yarn and there maybe a few oddments that are not on that list. 

My stash is in boxes, bags and shelves and I can not close my office door and I really want to be able to whittle down the boxes and close the door and that is my crochet goal for the year. Because the majority of what I make is for charity I will be adding to my charity totals too. To keep a track of my efforts I shall be posting here, my makes and grams used etc but I will be getting moral support from the lovely ladies over at Linda's Crafty Corner. Linda who have spoken about before runs a monthly stash busting event, so like minded ladies with a stash problem can share their makes and how much stash they have used. 

I have been making but not keeping track of totals in respect of number of grams used, so starting today with these cute bootees I shall be keeping a running total of my stash busted. If you, where in the world you may be would also like to join in then please click on the logo in the sidebar or pop over to Linda's Craft Corner for more information.

6 pairs of baby bootees = 84 grams used