I am still working on the stash buster granny square blanket and the Tunisian crochet block sample blanket.
Granny squares are a great way to use up left over yarn or odd colours. You can put whatever combination you like. YouTube and Tiktok or Pinterest have a vast array of ideas and patterns to choose from.
I have gone with a combination of granny squares and more solid squares. A mix of small and large squares. This gives the project an interesting look and vibrance. Also the mini squares work perfectly for small amounts of yarn you have left.
The Tunisian crochet blanket is coming along well. I have finished block 5 and commenced block 6.
Block 5 and Block 6
Block 5 is a diagonal texture stitch made up of a knit stitch and Purl stitch in alternating blocks to give a texture affect. Block 6 shows you how to add a second colour and introduces the slip stitch into the body of the crochet item instead of just casting off at the end.
I found this block difficult to start with as I couldn’t find how to do the slip stitch. I was lucky to find a tutorial on YouTube which helped and I was able to continue with the pattern.
So far this is my favourite block. The pattern is from a book called Tunisian crochet from absolute beginners to advanced, written by Dijana Warrender. It’s available on Amazon
Well that’s it for this week. Thank you for reading my posts as always. For those who celebrate I wish you all a merry Christmas and to everyone a happy new year.
When I first started to learn Tunisian crochet I really was horrible at it and thought there is no way that I am going to get the hang of this. I am glad I stuck it out and kept going until I really did get it.
There are so many more forms of crochet I would love to learn still, so far out of what I have learnt this is my favourite.
I have been working on a blanket inspired by a design from crochet designer Dijana Warrender from the book Tunisian Crochet from absolute beginner to advanced.
It’s in 100% cotton using a 4.5mm Tunisian crochet hook. I love the simplicity of this blanket and at the same time the intricate basket weave pattern.
I can’t wait to finish this and continue on this wonderful crochet journey. What is your favourite type of crochet.
Thank you as always for reading my posts. Catch up with you all soon.
Recently I wanted to learn a new form of crochet – Tunisian crochet – Its been on my to do list for a long time and finally I am able to have a chance to learn this exciting new craft. Its basically a combination of knitting, crocheting and weaving using a long crochet hook to catch the stitches and creating a number of different types of stitches. Its amazing how many different stitches you can make using this method.
Quite simply you start by making a chain as you would in normal crochet, then you turn the chain to the back and you will notice a ridge between each chain. Insert your hook into the ridge and yarn over and pull through. Instead of completing the stitch you leave it on your hook. Repeat this for as many chains you have made. This is equivalent to your foundation row in normal crochet. Then you complete what is called the “return pass” you yarn over and pull through one loop, yarn over again and pull through two loops on your hook, continuing yarning over and pulling through two loops until you get to the end. And basically that’s it. Simple and quick to start!
I bought a book on Amazon called Tunisian Crochet from absolute beginner to advancedwritten by Dijana Warrender. Its an amazing book and as suggested in the title, it is quite suitable for a beginner. It details what equipment you need to start as well as how to complete each type of stitch and as I have stated above it teaches you how to start each block. It has a number of gorgeous projects to complete using the stitch library, including a sample blanket with each square dedicated to the stitches you have learnt as well as a mobile phone case, fingerless gloves, bath mat and so much more. You will definitely be able to use your new skills in these projects. I have started on the sample square blanket and I am also making another baby blanket using the pattern for the bath matt. Below are blocks 1-3 of the sample blanket.
Block 1
Block One
Block one teaches you how to combine colours and and also some of the basic stitches. It looks complicated but once you master the art of changing colours you will enjoy making this square. The colour combinations are endless. I chose to use white, caramel and beige to compliment my living area.
Block 2
Block 2
Block 2 is a gorgeous basket weave pattern using two alternative texture stitches. When using one colour texture stitches are great to add detail and interest to the square.
Block 3
Block 3
Block 3 continues the theme of changing colours with each row using a simple stitch and what is called a reverse stitch. With the simple stitch you pass the hook through the front of the post in each chain and the reverse stitch you grab the back of the post in each chain. Similar to front post/back post in normal crochet. This creates a “3D” effect. This works well with contrasting light and dark colours.
Baby Blanket
Basket weave pattern baby blanket
This is actually a pattern for a bath matt, a customer of mine loved the pattern so much she asked if I could make a baby blanket using the same pattern. This blanket is in 100% cotton using a gold thread. It will be available for sale in the Asiki store in Erskineville Sydney, later this year.
And there you have it for now. A little look at what I have been making so far. I really like learning this form of crochet and can’t wait to learn more. What’s your favourite type of crochet? Thank you as always for reading my posts. Have a wonderfull day!
Vicky
Please note with the links I do not make any money from them, I have included them in case you are interested in reading further on the products or suppliers I have noted.
In this day and age is it really worth buying something handmade, I mean with so many factories pumping out so many products at ridiculously low prices, why would you spend the money to buy something someone made?
Handmade gift box
Well I will tell you why, because unlike its factory made cousin, a handmade product is carefully crafted, the materials lovingly selected and crafted into a work of pure art. Its artisan has spent hours working on the product, making sure it just perfect for you to buy. You see with each handmade product you buy, you are not only buying a product you are also receiving a beautiful gift of someone’s time and devotion. Of the late nights and early mornings, the weekends spent making your product.
A handmade product has something a factory made product could never have, a personality, part of the artisans personality is lovingly crafted into each product. Tailored just right so that not only you but generations to come can enjoy the beauty of the artisans creations.
Newborn gift box
I have a number of handmade items that were handed down to me from my mother, in turn they were my grandmother’s (her mother). Beautiful pillow cases lovingly embroidered with my grandmothers initials, a baby blanket crocheted by my mum, play suits and clothing beautifully made by my mother in law. Each piece is carefully washed and stored and ready to be handed down to my daughter when she has her children. Though she has never met my grandmother she will always have part of her legacy in the beautiful embroidered pillow cases.
So I decided to carry on this handmade tradition, making heirloom pieces that can be handed down from mother to daughter, father to son. A history of craftsmanship, passion and love beautifully integrated into a handmade product.
So next time you huff at what you think is a ridiculously priced handmade item as opposed to its factory made counter part. Think of the time, the love, the passion, the artistry, the commitment, the dedication of the person who took the time to make this for you to buy. They have no guarantee their products will sell but something inside them compels them to keep making these beautiful keepsakes for someone to treasure.
I have joined forces with other amazing designers, writers and artists to bring you a carefully curated gift box of beautiful handmade products for you or a loved one to treasure.
My New born Nursey and Reading Decor pack is available now. Only this one of this particular type in stock, so whoever buys this will have something unique and special. I try to make every box that little bit different so that you have something as individual as you to take home or give as a beautiful gift.
Newborn gift box.
Thank you so much for reading my posts. I hope it has conjured up feelings of nostalgia and memories of times gone by. Thank you for supporting my blog and online shop. For a creative like me its something I very much appreciate.
