Washer Ideas!!!!

I love me a good handmade washer and to help get those creative juices flowing I've put together 9 of my current favourite patterns. From top to bottom, left to right they are as follows; Old Shale Cloth, Washboard Cloth, Soft Cotton Cloth, Leaf Lace Cloth, Vintage Hankie Cloth, Seamless Circular Cloth, Leafy Cloth, Washing Dots, The Meadow Cloth....

ENJOY!!!! 

Thanks for the interest in my 2013 Spring Washer Swap thus far. Sign-Up's are Opened until the end of month (see my last Post) for those interested...

Little Shoes...

With the cool days upon us I find myself reaching for the hand-knits faster than I can wash them... So this past week I've been making little shoes for the smallest guy in our home to combat this problem... 

 

With 5 pairs now made and the first having been worn for a good week (with washing in between of-coarse), I can safely state that I now have a new favourite 'bootie' pattern... :)

The pattern can be found here and guess what??? It's a freebie too... :) It comes in loads of sizes and is super easy to switch out the yarn recommended for something in your stash - gotta love that...

The yarn I used for this batch of booties was 100% Baby Alpaca, super soft and super warm and apart from a little fluffing after the first couple of wears it seams super durable too... I only have 7 balls left in my Shop, they're down from $11.50 to $8.50 - check it out here or here...

What have you been knitting this week???

Skinny Taiyo

I've had this crochet scarf made for a couple of months now and just love it..

I love it that much that I thought I'd share the pattern with you all... This scarf works well with any wool but for the striping effect that I have in mine Noro Taiyo is a must.

So grab yourself a 6.5mm hook and 300yards of yarn (make sure it's thicker than a 10ply) and we'll get started*!!*

Skinny Scarf Pattern

There are only 2 stitches that you need to know for this scarf, chain and half double crochet(hdc) - if you've never done a hdc before follow this link for a great easy how-to.

O.K. now that you have your materials and you know all of the stitches you need to make a REALLY long chain. Don't worry about counting just chain until it's long enough to wrap around your neck a few times loosely, mine is about 2.5m long.

Row 1 - hdc into the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across.

Row 2 - Chain 2, turn and hdc in each hdc across.

Repeat Row 2 until you run out of yarn (I got 7 rows from my Noro Taiyo).

Fasten off, sew in your ends and you're done!!

I also like to add a couple of buttons to one of the narrow ends of my scarf so that I can fasten it into a loop around my neck but that's totally up to you.

The red skirt is something I came up with at the start of the month when I was in desperate need of an outfit to wear to the Picnic Race's down the road at Louth.

It's a simple box pleat construction made using a similar technique to this one over at Burda.

FREE!!! Crochet Jug Cover Pattern.....

With the cooler weather, in my home, I find that we are more likely to drink water at room temperature than chilled from the fridge.

So out of necessity I've been crocheting 'Jug Covers' and would love to share this pattern with you all...

To start - Grab some of your favourite 5ply cotton (I'm using Debbie Bliss Eco Cotton in a Teal shade) and a 4mm hook.

Thread approx 20 buttons onto your yarn. Make sure they thread on easily or you'll find it difficult later on when you need to shuffle them down the yarn as your jug cover grows.

Jelly's Basic Jug Cover

(note : : my jug measures 16' round the top)

Round 1 - Chain 3, 23 treble in the 3rd chain from hook. Join with a slip stitch.

Round 2 - Chain 5, treble in same space, miss 1 treble, *(treble, chain 2, treble) in the next space, miss 1 treble*. Repeat between * * around. Join with a slip stitch to 3rd chain.

Round 3 - Slip Stitch into chain 2 space. Chain 6, Treble in same space. *Treble, chain 3, treble in next chain 2 space*. Repeat between * * round. Join with a slip stitch to 3rd chain.

Round 4 - Chain 1, single crochet in same space, *Chain 6, miss chain 3 space, single crochet in next space*. Repeat between * * round. Join with a slip stitch in single crochet.

Round 5 - Slip stitch in the next 3 chain. Chain 1, single crochet in same space. *Chain 7, single crochet in chain 6 space*. Repeat between * * round. Join with a slip stitch to single crochet.

Round 6 - Chain 10 (position 1-2 buttons on the 7th chain), *Treble in next single crochet, chain 7 (position another 1-2 buttons on the 4th chain)*. Repeat between * * round. Join with a slip stitch to 3rd chain.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

These little covers are so addictive and take no more than 1 hour to make.

Top-Down Shrug Pattern

This is something new I'm working on......

I'm really enjoying having a hook in my hand for a change as I try to finalise this little shrug pattern so I can put in up in my sidebar as a freebie - What do you think???

Late Summer Vest.....

I searched for just over a week for the perfect first project for my new Malabrigo Worsted....

I started a cardi for myself in this gorgeous shade, rich chocolate, but after finishing 1 sleeve decided to rip it.... Don't you hate that????

But, then I found this - A Plain Vest.....

And it's just PERFECT!!!

I made the size 1 for my size 2 (26month old), added an extra inch to the body length before starting on the sleeves and cast on 4 extra st's on each sleeve.

This little project used less than 1 100g skein of Malabrigo Worsted and took just under 2 nights on the couch worth of knitting (approx 4 hours). I love how the colours of this kettle dyed yarn give it an almost aged look to this super cute 'Late Summer Vest' - Malabrigo I am in LOVE!!!!!

That 'Green' Girl....

Yesterday I was finally able to put the finishing touches on my 'Green Girl'..

What can I say..... I love everything about this little project!!! The fact that it's knit from the top down which makes it seamless, BONUS.... The gorgeous Cascade 220 yarn in that amazing Apple Green colourway that I chose to use, AWESOME!!! The little turned over collar, single button closure and super sweet puffy sleeve, DIVINE!!!! The fact that I only used 280grams of yarn for this whole project, yes that's right less than 3 skeins which is less than $20, WOW!!!

I love finishing a project on a good note, how about you????

If you'd like to make a 'Green Girl' for yourself the free pattern can be found here and my pattern notes can be found here....

My Crochet Kerchief....

I made a cute little Crochet Kerchief for one of my sisters a couple of years back for her b'day. I loved it then but love it even more now after a couple of alterations to the original pattern (freebie from here)....

Here's what I did.....
Using a 5mm hook and some delicious Cascade Sierra Yarn (approx 10ply 80%cotton/20%wool blend) follow the smaller size instructions on the original pattern and ch72. Repeat Row 1 only 2 times (not 3).
Next, don't use another ball to continue on with the triangle part of the kerchief, simply sl st across 12sc and start the triangle instructions from here.
Skip the finishing row of the 'Triangle' and the 'Finishing' instructions too. Fasten off and weave in your end.
With your starting tail, sew your straight sc edge together to form a ring/headband, you want it to be a firm fit as the cotton will slightly stretch with wear.

And that's it!!!! One super cute headband perfect for keeping your hair out of your face in this humid weather.

Coin Pouch Tutorial....

O.K... I know I've been promising this one for ages, well I FINALLY got around to taking the pictures of each of the steps of the pouch so now I can finish the tutorial...

Before you start, if you are unfamiliar with the way that I crochet, I use American terms, not Australian/English so to me a dc is really a tr to those English at heart...

If you get stuck on any of the stitches in this tutorial, I'm sure Mr Google will be more than willing to help you out, or you could even email me if you like...

Let's get started..... Using a 3.5mm hook and some YUMM-O Debbie Bliss Eco-baby (5ply) chain 3. You are now going to work 11dc into the 3rd chain from your hook (the 1st chain), this will be your 1st round.

Your starting ch3 counts as a dc so you should now have 12dc, right??? Join this round by slip stitching into the 3rd of the 3 starting chain.

Round 2 - ch3, dc in same stitch as joining slip stitch, 2dc in next dc and in each dc round. You should now have 24dc, right?? Join this round by slip stitching into the 3rd chain of the starting ch3.

For round 3 and 4 we are going to increase evenly by 12dc each round.

Round 3 - ch3, dc in same stitch as joining slip stitch, 1dc in the next dc. (2dc in the next dc, 1dc in the next dc) repeat round. You should now have 36dc. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd chain of your starting ch3.

Round 4 - ch3, dc in same stitch as joining slip stitch, 1dc in each of the next 2 dc. (2dc in the next dc, 1dc in each of the next 2 dc) repeat round. You should now have 48dc, right??? Join the same way you did for round 3. It's now time to work the sides of our bag which is really easy....

Round 5 - ch3, dc in the next dc and in each dc round. You should have 48dc. Join the same way you did for the previous round. Your bag should now turn up and start to take shape...

Round 6 to 9 - Repeat Round 5.For the next round we are going to work some wholes to tread a cord through to close your bag, this is called an eyelet round.

Round 10 - ch3, 1dc in each of the next 2 dc, skip 1 dc, ch1. (1dc in each of the next 3 dc, skip 1 dc, ch1) repeat round. Join the same way you did for the previous round. 12 ch1 spaces.

Round 11 - ch3, dc in the next dc and in each dc and ch1 round.. You should have 48dc again, right?? Join same as you did for the previous round.

You can finish your bag off here or you can add a picot edging it's up to you... (the picot edging instructions are up next after the cord)

We now need to make a cord for our bags.

Ch72, sc into the 2nd chain from your hook and in each ch across. Picot edge - ch1, (sc in each of the next 2dc, ch2) repeat round. Join the same as for round 11. Fasten off and weave in all your ends. There you have it, 1 finished little coin purse/bag ready for last minute gift giving...

Marry Xmas - Love Jodie xxxxx

Last Minute....

With only 2 days left til Xmas I thought it might be fun post a couple of quick last minute Xmas-y type projects for you all to do...

The first 1 is for some Xmas String. Once you start on this stuff you won't want to stop and before long will have it hanging everywhere in your home...

This pattern is written using American Crochet Terms. If you are unfamiliar with the stitches I’m sure ‘Mr Google’ will be able to help you out...

Abbreviations : : ch-chain, slst-slip stitch, dc-double crochet, st-stitch.

Using a 4mm hook and some 8ply yarn chain 20.

*Work 6dc into the 4th ch from the hook, skip the next 2ch, slip stitch into the next ch. Work another 6dc into the opposite side of the chain that you worked the last 6dc into (12dc in total, slip stitch into top of 1st dc (1 circle made). Ch 20 and repeat from* until your Xmas String is desired length, I like to make my strings a minimum of 20 circles long.

Simple Hey???

Stay tuned tomorrow for a cute little Tree Decoration and I might even be able to pop up the coin pouch tutorial that I've been promising for months... xx

Jelly Xmas Star Tutorial

SORRY BUT GOOGLE HAS SWALLOWED UP THE PICTURES FROM THIS POST...
PLEASE GO TO THIS MORE RECENT POST FOR NEW PICTURES...

With Xmas not too far away I thought it would be fun to do a little crochet Xmas decoration tutorial....

You'll need some 8ply yarn (I used heirloom super fine Australian Merino Wool) and a 4mm hook.

(note - american crochet terms are used for this pattern)

To start, make a foundation chain of 5, join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1 - ch3, 2dc, ch3, *3dc, ch3. Repeat from the * 3 more times (5 dc clusters and 5 ch3's total). Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd ch of the starting ch3. Round 2 - slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the first ch3 space. ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc, 1hdc in 2nd dc of next dc cluster. *3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch3 space, 1hdc in 2nd dc of next dc cluster. Repeat from * 3 more times.

Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain of starting ch3.

Round 3 - Sip stitch into next 2 dc and into first dc ch3 space. Ch3, 3dc, ch4, 4dc, 1sc on either side of hdc from previous round.

4dc, ch4, 4dc in next ch3 space, 1sc on either side of next hdc from previous round. Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with a slip stitch in 3rd chain from starting ch3. Fasten off and weave in ends...

These stars are great sewn into a garland or hung by themselves on your tree would look divine. Why not make them in a thick cotton for a Xmas-y themed washer...

Dishcloth and a '1st Installment'....

The Spring Washer Swap is done and dusted for yet another year, here's a glimpse at what I created for my lovely partner, Kate... It's a new pattern I've been working on and is now available in my shop as as kit, yarn and all, for $4 (+$1 for postage. If you're interested in 1 just email me or simply pop into Jellywares on Marshall, that's where they'll be..... )

They measure 5' across and are made using a cotton and bamboo fibre crocheted together.... They're the perfect size for washing the dishes and I now have a stack 6 high in use at my house at the kitchen sink, that's how addictive they are..... *^_^*

I'm happy to report that I'm finally finished testing the first on my ruffle dress patterns and it's available in 2 installments for free... If you'd like a copy of the first installment, part 1, just leave me a comment with your email address and I'll forward it on to you...
It's in a size 1-2years and 3-4years..... I would really love to hear any feedback that you have if you get the chance to whip one of these sweet little ruffle dresses up for your special little Miss.....

A Little More Ruffle....

With ruffles on the brain this week I turned my hand to making this gorgeous knitted scarf (free pattern available here).... I've had my eye on this for quite some time now and when a new shade of Heirloom 8ply Alpaca happened upon my shop last week it was definitely a sign, time to start a knitting!!!

I'm thrilled to bits with how it's turned out but must admit, it wouldn't be finished today if it wasn't thanks to a visit from my Mum....
She knitted the bulk of this baby for me during her visit last week, leaving the daunting task of the 450st ruffle to me.....

Happy Knitting ....................................... Jodie xx-xx

1 Ball Projects.....

I've been looking for patterns to make for Spring that only use 1 x 50g ball of yarn in an effort to introduce some of the more 'boutique' yarns to my local girls... I love using nice yarn but when you're paying anywhere from $9.50+ per ball those projects that take more than 1/2 a dozen do seem a tad on the expensive side...

What do you think??? What kind of yarn do you like to purchase and is there a limit that you put on yourself when it comes to the price???

This dress was a great little '1 ball project' that I whipped up in only 2 evenings (free pattern available here).

I used some Debbie Bliss Ecobaby yarn which sells for $9.50 a ball. I would so totally use this yarn again!!!! It was silky smooth to the touch and a dream to knit with... The colour, almost teal, is divine and looks just gorgeous teamed up with the blue/black wool/linen blend that I used for the skirt of the dress...

I'm really loving cotton at the moment and have used it again to make this little pair of super cute baby booties for my shop....... It's Sierra and is another gorgeous yarn!!! The 80% cotton, 20% wool blend is just exquisite!!! It has a real texture to it that allows it to mould beautifully to a pattern....

There are so many gorgeous yarns available which really makes me excited to be a knitter/crocheter.... What's a great yarn that you've used lately, one that's really made your heart sing???

Hugs............. Jodie xx-xx

Super Simple Hat Pattern How-To

Hats, hats and more HATS!!!! Yes, that's right, with the cold weather there comes a need for head warming devices and to be honest I've lost count of the number of hats I've made this Winter... I made the pattern up for the little blue number below and its been a great 'go-to pattern' ever since. It's so simple to create and whips up in less than an hour, perfect for last minute gift giving.. I thought I'd share my super simple hat how-to with you all.....Step 1

First arm yourself with the tools needed, I used well under 1/2 a skein of Magnum 20ply pure wool (available in my store but not on-line as yet) and some 10mm bamboo needles (a 50cm circular and dpn's).

Step 2

Measure your head in inches and cast-on 2 stitches for every inch, mine was 22 inches so I cast-on 44sts. My most favourite cast-on method is the long-tail, but use what ever works for you.

Step 3

If you want the end of your hat to roll up you can skip this step but if you want a brim continue on..... For the hat above I've worked in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 6 rounds but you could just as easily work in a rib pattern for the brim. For a K1, P1 ribbing, cast on 2sts less then required, then increase to the correct # of sts after the ribbing. For a K2, P2 rib, cast on 4sts less then required, then increase to the correct # of sts after the ribbing. 6 rounds for a brim in this chunky wool is plenty.

Step 4

Once you have completed your brim you will need to work in stocking stitch for approx 6-7 inches before starting your decrease. My hat measured 6 1/2 inches from the cast-on edge before I started my decrease. Try the hat on as you're making it if you're unsure, this always seems to work for me...

Step 5

Time to decrease.... This is super easy, change to your dpn's and work as follows...

Round 1 - *K2, k2tog repeat from * round.

Round 2 - Knit 1 round without decreasing.

Round 3 - *K1, k2tog, repeat from * round.

Round 4 - Knit 1 round without decreasing again.

Round 5 - K2tog all the way round.

Round 6 - repeat round 5.

Step 6

To finish your hat off cut your yarn leaving about a 6 inch tail, thread this tail back through your live stitches and pull tight. Sew in the ends, add a flower and your done.

This hat is that super simple that I've had my beginner knitters working on them and they're even managing to finish 1 in a lesson, gotta love the instant gratification of something like that.... Here's hoping you're keeping your head warm where you are - :P

Hugs...... Jodie xx-xx

Yarn Hint - If you are unable to find any 20ply, or are just wanting to use up some yarn from your stash and have no 20ply, you could always knit with several yarns held together to get the same gauge. I've made the same hat using 3 x 8ply's held together and it's created the same gauge of 2sts per inch. Hope this helps...

Circle-y Granny Tutorial.....

I just love making Granny Squares but last night I was in the mood for something a little different..... Seen as thought it's been a really long time since I did a tutorial I thought I'd do one for my new 'Circle-y Granny'......

This square is super doper easy and was designed with beginners in mind.... You'll need 4 colours of yarn (go wild here, the more colour the better :P) and a hook to match.... I'm using 8ply Color Works from Heirloom in a blue, pink, green and brown and a 3.5mm hook as I tend to crochet loosely (I wanted this square to be fairly tight)....

I'm writing this pattern in U.S terms. A good stitch converter if you need it can be found here (scroll down a little to find it)....

LETS GET STARTED!!!!!

Attach your first yarn to your hook using a slip knot. Chain(ch) 5. Slip stitch(sl st) into the 5th chain from hook to form a ring. The ring will be very small but don't worry, once you start working into it it'll free up and you will find it plenty big enough.

Next, ch 3. This ch 3 will count as your first double crochet (dc). You now need to work 11 dc into the ring (12 dc in total including your ch 3).

Join with a sl st into the 3rd ch of your starting ch3. You have now finished your first round and it's time to change colours. Cut your yarn, pull it through the loop, from back to front, and pull tight. You've now fastened off...

Attach the next colour to your hook with a slip knot. Sl st to the top of any of the dc's from the first round making sure you insert your hook under both loops like so.

Your new colour yarn is now attached.

Ch3.

Dc1 into the same space.

Dc2 into the top of each dc round (24 dc in total including starting ch3).

Join with a sl st to the top of your starting ch3. You have now finished round 2, time for another colour change. Cut your yarn and fasten off. Attach the next colour (same as before). Ch3, dc1 in same space. Dc1 in next dc.

(dc2 in next dc, dc1 in next dc) repeat round (36 dc in total including starting ch3).

Join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting ch3 and fasten off.

Now it's time to turn our circle into a square. Join a new colour (same as before) and chain 3.

Work the first corner, (dc1, ch2, dc2) all in the same space (where your sl st and ch3 are). We are now going to work our first straight edge. Dc in next dc, half double crochet (hdc) in the next dc, single crochet (sc) in each of the next 4 dc, hdc1 in the next dc, dc1 in the next dc. Have I lost you yet??? Hang in we're nearly done...Work your next corner, (dc2, ch2, dc2) all in the next dc. Work another straight edge as follows; dc, hdc, sc1 in each of the next 4 dc, hdc, dc. Continue working round until you have 4 corners and 4 straight edges worked.

Join with a sl st to starting ch3. For the next round we are going to continue working in the same colour so don't fasten off. Sl st in the next dc and then into the first corner space. Ch3.

Work the first corner. (dc1, ch2, dc2) all in the same corner space.

Miss the next dc, dc in each of the next 11 dc.Work the next corner. (dc2, ch2, dc2) in the next corner space.

Continue round until you've worked 4 corners and 4 straight edges. Join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch3, cut yarn and fasten off.

You have now finished your first Circle-y Granny.....

How did you go???? Did you make it????? Wasn't that hard now was it???? I'd love to see any pics if you give this super simple granny a go...

Hugs............... Jodie xx-xx