Saturday, February 28, 2015

blossom bonnet..a pattern


Here it is, a pattern as requested by so many.

Once again, its taken me forever to get around to sharing this sweet little bonnet pattern with you. I'm sorry, but here we are, better late than never..

This is one of the quickest little things you'll ever whip up, and trust me, you won't stop at just one!

To begin, you will need:
  • 100gm in your choice of 8ply yarn (you could get away with 50gm, but its safer to have the extra just in case)
  • 4.50mm crochet hook *
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors
The stitch we are using here is the shell stitch, and a single shell is made up of:
  • double crochet (dc)
  • treble crochet (tr)
  • single crochet (sc)
When working a shell stitch we work in increments of 6 (one shell for every 6 chains).


This pattern is based on a size 6-12 month. For larger sizes simply make your foundation chain longer, generally by 6 chains for each size up, and then additional rows to suit.

Chain 54 plus 2

First Row..
1 double crochet (dc) into the second last ch, skip 2 ch, 5 treble (tr) into the third ch, skip 2 ch, 1 dc into the third = one shell.
Continue all the way to the end of your foundation chain, then ch 1 (turning ch) and turn your work

Second Row..
3 tr ** into the first dc (we only work 3 tr at the ends, the rest of the row work 5 tr per shell), skip 2, 1 dc into the third, skip 2, 5 tr into the third, skip 2, 1 dc into the third and repeat to the end

Continue this until your bonnet is at the required length, approximately 16 rows for this size, be sure to allow enough yarn for stitching up your seam.

To stitch up your seam, fold the bonnet in half so that each row is lined up, it'll look like a square, then thread with your tapestry needle along to join.  If you are careful, the seam will be almost invisible.  Tie off, weave in the ends.

For the tie/cord, simply make a chain to the required length.  Fabric or ribbon would be nice too. Then weave the tie along the base so that there is enough either side to pull into a bow.

There you have it, snug as a cute little bug!



*the size of your hook can vary depending on your yarn and wether you generally work your tension tight or loose, it can vary from one person to the next.

**I like to treble 3 at the end as it gives the work a neater finish.


Friday, February 27, 2015

a special project..


It has taken me the entire 2nd and 3rd trimester of my sister in laws pregnancy, but I have finally finished this beautiful blanket!

I wish you could feel how absolutely luxuriously soft this feels, its quite divine I tell you.

As soon as we found out a little boy baby was on the way, I couldn't wait to get started on making this.  It looks like I've begun a little tradition for myself, making baby blankets to welcome new little darlings into our family, what a joy!

I have used Bendigo Woollen Mills Stellar in 'Moontsone', and it is a dream to work with, honestly, I want to wrap myself up in it!  It's beautifully silky to the touch, so perfect for a newborn, and I'm hoping it's going to be well loved by my dear nephew who decided to arrive three weeks early.  Here I was so organised making a start nice and early, then came all those summer distractions, and I ended up madly crocheting to finish it after hearing the water had broken and he was on his way!

But it's done (breathe), and now its time to go gifting and baby cuddling.  Sigh, I can smell his sweet newness already..


Sunday, February 22, 2015

8/52..

a portrait of my daughter once a week, every week in 2015..

olive: watching your beloved shows, 'dirtgirl world' being the current favourite..


The way she sings the intro song has us all swooning with our hands on our hearts, that sweet voice and those dancing eyes as she does.  She is changing from our baby into a little girl far too rapidly for my liking.

(note grazed nose from being 'dirt girl' and taking a tumble headfirst into the dirt)



joining in with jodi and the 52 ptoject..


Sunday, February 15, 2015

7/52..


a portrait of my daughter once a week, every week in 2015..

olive: poppy fixed up the cubby house, you took it upon yourself to decorate and make it your own..

After being roped off for safety purposes months ago, a visit from my dad and the cubby is strong and sturdy once more. She found an old tin and discarded branch, dressed the table and has been playing so beautifully in there ever since.  Her brothers, bless them and their patience, are being treated to endless tea parties, being told where to sit and what to do when.



Tuesday, February 10, 2015

the sunset series..







Another birthday, another sunset.

This time it was mine, and what a beautiful summers day mother nature gifted me.

Wandering home after dinner via the beach, armed with only my iphone.

The kids running free squeeling with delight, like it was their first time, such excitement.

Walking off way too much pizza and Italian icecream, the air was warm, the water calm and the light, perfection.

This time we were prepared for little swimmers, but this time nobody went in much past their knees.

The little girl, of course, managed to cover every inch of herself in wet sand, screaming in protest when it was time to go.

That's it for birthdays now 'til winter, I look forward to seeing those moody colours, but I dare say there will be sunset walks before then, just for the sake of sunset walks.




Sunday, February 8, 2015

6/52..

a portrait of my daughter once a week, every week in 2015..

olive: I quickly put your hair up this hot afternoon, somehow without you noticing, and there it stayed until slowly wisp by wisp it eventually came down..

I can barely keep her still long enough to give her hair a quick brush in the morning, its always a dash to slip a bobby pin in the front while she runs, so this was quite the achievement.

I often wonder if she'll ever be the type of little girl to sit quietly letting me brush and play with her hair.  At this point it does not look likely.




Monday, February 2, 2015

the sunset series..







There was a birthday, and so in keeping with our new tradition of birthday walks at sunset, this is our first.  Though the big boy, who was away when this decision was made, took some convincing.

Just like last week, it was magical. 

The air was much colder but the water was so gorgeously warm.

The colours were different and changing the whole time.

Sneaking up and tickling me seems to have become a part of this new tradition too, as has finishing up with someone being completely submerged in the glorious ocean waves.

Tiggy in the dunes, and sky high balancing.

Watching the ships and finding treasures.

Walking and talking.

But my favourite of all, the tightest of hugs and a ''thank you for this mum" from my little guy, and my heart is as full as it could possibly be.



Sunday, February 1, 2015

5/52..

a portrait of my daughter, once a week every week in 2015..



olive: your ever evolving personality, looking so very sweet wearing the birthday flower crown I made you while fighting off the bad guys with your brothers 



We watch her grow and change, becoming more of who she is everyday, we are enchanted.