TopDownBasic

This is so that I will be able to repeat this in the future.  Record keeping has not been a strong point and it is frustrating when you want to do the same thing but can't remember what size or pattern you used.

This is probably the most basic top down sock but it fits nicely and I managed to adjust a few different patterns to get just the right fit.

MATERIALS
1 Ball (100g) Self stripe sock yarn
Set of 4 DPN size 3 mm

Cast on 64 stitches very loosely
Divide stitches over needles N1 16, N2 32, N3 16
LEG Rib cuff. Establish a 2x2 rib pattern for 18 stitches or 5cm
        Work in St st for 56 rounds or 15 cm

HEEL flap Over N2 with right side facing work back and forth as follows:
          Rw 1 : *Sl 1 purlwise, k1. Repeat from * to end.
          Rw 2 : Sl 1 purlwise p to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until 32 rws are complete 6 cm

TURN Heel : Note Sl 1 = sl 1 purlwise

Rw 1: (RS) K18 ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1. Turn
Rw 3: Sl 1, k6, ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 4: Sl 1, p7,p2tog, p1. Turn
Rw 5 Sl 1, k8,ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 6 Sl 1, p9 p2tog, p1. Turn
Rw 7 Sl 1, k10, ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 8 Sl 1, p11,  p2tog, p1. Turn
Rw 9 Sl 1, k12,  ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 10Sl 1, p13, p2tog, p1. Turn
Rw 11Sl 1, k14, ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 12 Sl 1, p15,  p2tog, p1. Turn
Rw 13: Sl 1, k16, ssk, k1. Turn
Rw 14: Sl 1, p 16, p2 tog, p1 Turn
Knit 9 sts Beginning of round

HEEL Gusset
Continue with same needle pick up 16 sts along the left side of the heel
Pick up and knit st from the row below the first instep st to prevent a hole
Knit across instep sts with free needle pick up and knit from the row below the first heel st to prevent a hole. Pick up 16 sts along the right side of the heel and work across the remaining heel sts.

SHAPE gusset: dec. rnd.
N1 work to 3 sts from end, k2 tog, k1.
N2 (instep) work even.
N3 k1, ssk, work to end.
Repeat these two rnds until  there are 64 sts remaining.
Foot: Continue working until foot measures 15 cm about 28 rounds

SHAPE Toe: Rnd 1:
N1(Heel) work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
N2(instep) K1,ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
N3(heel) K1, ssk, complete round.
Rnd 2: Work even.
Repeat these two rnds until 32 st remain(16 rounds)
Work Rnd 1 only until 20 sts remain.
Use Kitchener st to finish sock off

Work second sock.

Have a crafty week

CrochetZipperPouch

This project started as leftover sock yarn and hating leftover bits lying around ...  What do you do with itsy bitsy pieces ???

Single Crochet demo  

I started with about 30 chain stitches and then carried on with rows of single crochet stitches. When I got to the end I decided that it would be nice to have a little handle so two stitches and about 10 rows did the trick.

fold your whole piece in half and sew one side and bottom closed

I sewed the zip into place by hand.

and there you have it a zippered pouch with a tag. 

Have a crafty week
xxx

ScatterBlanky

What do you do with all your wool bits at the end of projects?? Well I have an ongoing project (actually one in each colour scheme).  I'm not much of a crochet 'er but can do the basics.  Every time I have a left over bit I see which blankly it would suit best and add to that one.  It is basically a Granny Square that doesn't stop.

About.com has some great Crochet tutorials and this Crochet_Granny_Square one is basically what I've been doing except I just carry on and on until the blankly is the perfect size for cuddling while reading a good book or watching a great movie.

Have a Crafty week.

FrenchKnot

I'm still limited to some hand sewing as I am unpacking boxes and finding homes for all the things that has to live with us in our new home. When I looked at this block my first thought for the eyes of the little dragonfly was a french knot and I'm pleased with how it turned out. feelingstitchy has a great tutorial on how to do this stitch if the diagram below doesn't help.

 

This diagram is from Wikipedia and it shows how the stitch is created.

 

I tried to keep the contrast from the previous blocks going with the red.

Have a Crafty Week.

 

RunningWhipstitch

Block number 2 for my Japanese inspired quilt is done.  I wanted to bring the red in again so chose the Running Whipstitch.  Here is a link to see how it is done.Stitch dictionary

 I like the accent that the red provides.

Have a crafty week.
XxX

LazyDaisyStitch

I completed the first block of my Japanese inspired quilt this week. This block is about 23x23cm.  I'm not sure how it is all going to fit together lets just say it's a work in progress.

I stitched with 100% cotton sashiko thread in cream and red on pre printed cotton in Navy.

The cream is just a simple running stitch. I used an embroidery hoop so that my piece won't pucker too much.

 The little red flower is made up of detached chain stitches also known as a Lazy Daisy.  I found a great video tutorial on making them.  I used the same technique mine is just more centered.  I tried to put 9 petals in a circle (some didn't quite get 9). If you go to this link daisy-stitch-video-tutorial you will see how easy it is to incorporate these in your hand sewing.

Have a Crafty week.
XxX

Balloon Artistry

BalloonSculpting

This is an art form I have never tried. It didn't occur to me until this weekend after watching someone doing it with such passion that it is indeed an artform.

 People who create balloon animals and other twisted balloon sculptures are called Twisters, Balloon Benders or  Balloon Artists.

Have a crafty week
xXx