Top Five Crochet Borders

One thing I love to use to add something to my projects is a cool border. I really enjoy switching up a baby blanket with a cute border to match. While a regular single crochet border can give quite a polished look, it’s usually more fun to do something different and new. And since I’m working on another baby blanket, I’m starting to think about a border to use. Soooo….. here are my top five crochet borders!

1. Scallops! Ok, so I know everyone’s seen this before, but it is an incredibly effective way to finish a blanket and this is a very clear tutorial. Link: http://www.maybematilda.com/2014/02/granny-stripe-blanket-tutorial-part-3.html#.Vplvw1a4mlJ 
2. Pom Pom Edging. These are a bit more time-consuming, but so cute! Link: http://onceuponapinkmoon.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/pom-pom-edge.html 
3. Picot Border. This one is really simple, and is perfect for a baby blanket. Link: http://daisycottagedesigns.net/free-crochet-pattern/free-crochet-patterns-granny-square-baby-blanket/ 
4. Bobble Stitch. Everyone loves a good bobble stitch, so here is my favourite tutorial. Link: http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/crocheted-bobble-edging-tutorial.html 
5. Double V-stitch border. This is extremely easy to add to a granny square blanket, and it’s adorable! Link: http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/double-v-edging.html 

Tada! Still not sure which border I’ll be using, but I think I’m leaning towards the pompoms a bit now!

Top Five Free Crochet Booties Patterns

One thing I LOVE crocheting is adorable pairs of baby booties! I give them away with a granny square blanket in matching colours  ❤

So without further ado, here is the rundown of my top FIVE favourite free crochet patterns for crochet booties!

1. My favourite ever pattern for crochet booties: The Lemon Drop booties from Hopeful Honey! These are so quick & cute to make! Click the picture to see the pattern.

2. These cute zebra-striped boots from Croby Patterns! Click the picture to see the pattern.

3. These cute cuffed boots from Repeat Crafter Me. Click the picture to see the pattern.

4. These adorable Mary Janes from 1 Dog Woof. Click the picture to see the pattern.

5. And last but not least, these gorgeous Mouse Booties from Hopeful Honey. Click the picture to see the pattern.

The Lemon Drop booties are definitely my favourite, but they are all so cute! Which ones are your favourite?

 

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Three Cardigans to Crochet in 2016

I am embarking on a new adventure- crocheting cardigans! My first ever cardigan is still sitting under my yarn stash, waiting to be finished someday. But for now, let’s look at pretty cardigans while I make a goal to crochet at least one of these!

1. The ‘Forever Trendy Round Raglan Crochet Cardi’ Link to the pattern: http://crochetpatternstotry.blogspot.ro/2015/09/free-crochet-pattern-for-fall-winter.html. I LOVE this cardigan, and I love how simple it is to adapt to any size!
   

   

2. This lovely shell-stitch cardigan. Link to pattern: http://www.marymaxim.ca/free-crocheted-jacket-pattern.html. This site requires you to register, however the pattern is free.
3. This cozy chunky crochet shrug/cardigan. Link to the pattern: http://www.allaboutami.com/post/97114173811/easychunkycrochetsweater 

Have fun crocheting!

Simple Crocheted Basket – Free Pattern!

Ok, so if you’re like me, your desk is cluttered with little things that don’t have a home. Up until recently, the corner of my desk was filled with stuff like that- bobby pins, lip balm, USB’s and a whole bunch of other stuff. This all changed when I saw a picture of a crocheted basket on Pinterest. So of course out comes the crochet hook and yarn to create a cute spot to hide all my clutter! Here is my finished basket and the free pattern:

And here is the picture of the basket that inspired this pattern:

I used a 5mm hook and some amazing yarn that I’ve forgotten the name of!

Stitches you need to know:

• Chain
• Magic loop (or chain 3, slip stitch to first chain to make a ring and continue with pattern)
• Double Crochet
• Single Crochet
• Back-Loop Single Crochet

Rnd 1: Magic loop, ch 1, 12 dc into magic loop, slip stitch to first dc.

Rnd 2: Chain 2 (does NOT count as first stitch), 2 dc in each dc around, slip stitch to first dc.

Rnd 3: Chain 2, *2 dc in first stitch, 1 dc in next stitch*, repeat from * to * around, slip stitch to first dc.

Rnd 4: (Back loops only) Chain 1, Sc around, slip stitch to first sc.

Rnd 5-18: Chain 1, sc around, slip stitch to first sc.

Rnd 19: (Change colour) Chain 3, 6 dc in same stitch, *slip stitch to next stitch, 7 dc in next stitch*, repeat from * to * around. Fasten off.

Roll down the top, fill and enjoy your de-cluttered desk!

 

Finished baskets are available on my Etsy Store!

Happy New Year’s!

Happy New Year’s! I never really do serious New Year’s Resolutions – I always forget them anyway. But if we are speaking strictly crochet-related resolutions then mine are:

1. Buy less wool. My stash is not ginormous, but it’s getting a bit ridiculous. I’m running out of room in my cupboard to keep shoving balls of yarn and half-finished crochet projects. But…. I’ve just ordered a huge package from KnitPicks (only the most amazing online yarn shop ever), so my resolution might have to start after that arrives! 😉
2. Learn tatting. I looooove the look of tatted projects, but have no idea where to learn. Does anyone know of some good books or classes?
3. Crochet this gorgeous cardigan before autumn! Here is a link to the free pattern: http://crochetpatternstotry.blogspot.ro/2015/09/free-crochet-pattern-for-fall-winter.html

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?