Crafts, Crochet


Hearts seriously who doesn’t love them?



What i used:

Yarn: DK, 8 ply

Hook size: H (5 mm)


US Stitches/Terminology Used

Ch = Chain

Sc = Single crochet

MR = Magic ring

Dc = Double Crochet

Sp = Space

Sk = Skip a stitch

Rep = Repeat

sts / st = Stitch /es

dc3tog = 3 double crochet together

dc5tog = 5 double crochet together

Skill level: Easy – Intermediate






a long scarf

and a Market bag





How to

Special stitches and techniques I think every crocheter should know!

Special stitches that you should learn! seriously they will improve your crochet.

Most of my patterns have one of these stitches what am I talking about? The foundation single and double crochet of course.

Why will the improve your crochet? well let me tell you

#1 No more starting chains!! How annoying are they! not to mention they don’t actually look that flash

#2 They look great

#3 They have more stretch


ch sc

How to do a foundation single crochet

Step 1: Ch 2
Step 2: Insert your hook into the first chain stitch.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through one loop (chain made)
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through one loop again


Yarn over and pull through both loops to make a single crochet

row fsc

How to do a Foundation double crochet stitch:

Step 1: Ch 3

Step 2: Yarn over, insert hook into the first chain, Yarn over, pull through loop. (chain made)fdc2

Step 3: Yarn over, and work as a double crochet (dc).
Step 4: Yarn over, insert hook into top two sts at the base of the just completed dc.


Step 5: Yarn over, pull through one loop (chain made) Yarn over, work as a double crochet.

Repeat step 4- 5 until you have the stitches you need.

fdc row
And another is the Long Tail Chain Cord 

How many times have you had to make a chain cord? they really do not look great, sure you can SC in each stitch but seriously why?. Or maybe you have tried the icord wow how fiddly is that!

Let me introduce you to the long tail chain cord

With a H/8-5mm hook 2 meters of DK yarn will make a 1 meter long cord

Let me show you using two different coloured yarns my tail is the pink and my working yarn in purple

Make a slip knot


Step 1: Wrap tail yarn (pink) around hook from front to back, two loops on hook (i know i have 3 but i am using two strands so you can easily see what i am doing)

Step 2: With working yarn (purple) yarn over and pull through both loops, you should have one loop on hook

3And repeat




and voila we have a nice easy cord


Repeat until you get the desired length,

Blocking your crochet

Blocking is an important step toward making your crocheted pieces look more professional.

It’s a way of finishing your projects using moisture and or heat depending on the yarn. Proper blocking of a crocheted garment or accessory can go a long way toward making it look and fit better, and it can help pull it back into shape,

Blocking helps to set the stitches and can even enhance the drape of the fabric.There are different methods for blocking crocheted pieces, Choosing the correct blocking method depends on what the item is and what type of yarn or thread is being used. Also, certain Yarn’s might not be suitable for blocking.

I make at least one Christmas ornament every year and every year I get less and less left over when I am packing up!! They seem to like walking out the door with my visitors, without blocking they would not hang right.

I will do another blog post on how I stiffen them

Getting Started

You’ll need a blocking board or foam mats, rustproof pins, a steamer or steam iron, a spray bottle, and your yarn or thread labels. A blocking “board” needs to be a flat surface that’s large enough to hold the piece or pieces you want to block.

Choose Your Method

Blocking methods may be described as wet, dry or cold. The actual method you choose will vary depending on your yarn. Always consult the yarn label.

Most natural Yarns such as wool, cotton, linen and mohair may be either wet or dry blocked.

Some synthetic Yarns like most acrylic yarns can only be wet blocked, never use hot steam.

Novelty and metallic Yarns may need special care and may not be suitable for blocking.

Wet blocking is suitable for those Yarns which can be washed. Thoroughly wet it and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist! lay the piece out flat, and gently pat and shape, Pin the piece securely in place using rust-proof pins Leave the piece undisturbed until it is completely dry.


Cold blocking can be used for Yarns which can tolerate moisture but not heat. Pin the piece into shape on the blocking board as you did for dry blocking. Mist with a spray bottle of clean water until the piece is completely wet.



12 Crafts in 12 Months a journey of discovery


So 2018 was going to be the year whoo hoo


And to be able to add another Girl to our craft days


And another craft we could all learn candle making.

What did we make? Macrame plant holders




Craft #2 Nail Art! 



Hard at it trying to get the stubborn nails in

On to the yarn wrapping

Tash’s cacti

Sanne’s nearly finished Lenyx


April 14 we made be making dream catchers!

Craft #3 Dream catchers!


This is # 1



#3 and finally Cockle shells mandala






May 27th we will be making Jam!!


Well May has come and gone that was quick!

Jam was a lot easier than we all thought

Rhubarb and apple




1 cup of water

2 cups of sugar
Whilst it is simmering wash jars and boil them to sterilize 

The second one was Blackberry

This was probably the easiest as we just used frozen berries  

2 cups of frozen berries
2 cups of suger
1 cup of water
1 packet of jamsetta


June we will be doing wood etching!!


July we did Photo onto wood transfers



Supplies needed to transfer a photo to wood:
Mod Podge
Clear Glaze Spray






August was Canvas painting


