Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Free pattern: Tunisian Crochet Gypsy Pillow Cover

Greetings...and Baby D says hello, as well.  I write today because I am losing sleep over a pattern that I want to share with you.  I thought about working it up into a pattern to sell in my Etsy shop, but I decided that a) it's not really a pattern, more of a tutorial on how to make this pillow, and b) it is a fabrication from a mistake I made, I would offer it here for free.

That being said, I have a fascination with the bright, Bohemian colors that are typically associate with all things "Gypsy."  Crafts and furniture and clothing with passion because of how the brilliant colors are used.  I've had the idea for making this pillow for a while (ever since I bought a truckload of clearance yarn from Joann's several months ago), but it is just now manifesting itself.

During that time, I have learned other methods of crochet - Tunisian, Broomstick Lace, Hairpin Lace...you get the idea.  I discovered with this project that Tunisian coupled with a bulky bright tweed yarn produces a singularly delightful result of color and texture.

This "pillow" was originally supposed to be a purse...but in my lack of sleep I hit upon the inspiration to make it into a pillow, resulting in an oh-so-cute piece of eye candy.

Wanna make one?  Here's the scoop...

The pattern and photos are copyrighted.  You may use this pattern to make pillows, but please give credit either to this site or my Etsy shop (the pattern itself will not be posted on Etsy, but you may use the link https://www.etsy.com/shop/Bohochet.

Materials (assuming you only use one type of yarn):

1) Using a bulky tweed yarn, and an H hook, ch 35.

2) Switch to an H Tunisian hook.  Complete (across and back) 75 rows of afghan stitches. It should be approximately 25" long.  This is what mine looks like (Remember there are two colors because this was originally going to be a purse or bag of some sort):


3) Single crochet across the last row of afghan stitches.


4) Test your work on the pillow form.  There should about a 2" overlap.


5) Based on the measurement from Step 4, overlap inside out.  I wanted the side with the vertical bars on the outside, so the side that looks like purl knitting stitches is on the outside in my example.


6) Slip stitch along both sides but not where it overlaps on the front.

7) Turn right side out.

8) Stuff with pillow form.Strategically attach buttons to front flap. I opted for one button in the center, but it would also look cute with two or three buttons attached.  I may add a couple more in the future, but for now I'm happy with one.


I love it!!  I hope you do too!! :)

Monday, November 4, 2013

Silence is Wisdom? Sometimes.

So again...my time has been limited, and I've been working hard on a hoodie crochet pattern that I just completed.  I'm rather proud of it.  I'm a fan of hoodies.  I'm also a fan of owls.  So here is an owl hoodie.
 
 
The yarn I used is pretty standard - Caron Simply Soft.  I used four related shades (white, heather, charcoal and black) and played the shades off of each other to create the design.  The sleeves are created using Tunisian crochet, then of course there is ribbing around the cuffs and waist, and the remainder of the hood is tapestry crochet.  It took some time to complete, but it was well worth the trouble.
 
Here is the link to the pattern for sale on Etsy.  Got to go for now...it's time to get some boot cuffs read for this fall!!  ~S

Monday, October 14, 2013

Out Of Touch, But Not Out Of Work

Hello friends...I apologize for the time I have been away from the computer.  I had to crochet until my fingers blisted in order to get my entry together for the CGOA Design Competition.  I will be revealing pictures of the "Silent Wisdom" hoodie soon...along with the pattern to create it!  In the meantime, let me share one of my other projects that I recently finished; it is a bag that uses half and single crochet.
 
 
The yarn I used is Red Heart Plush in Coconut and Blueberry.  I sewed the 20 inch zipper in by using Dritz Wonder Tape to hold it in place, and I set my Bernina sewing machine to have a longer stitch to accomodate the fluffy texture.  This fits a 0-6 month old child.  The hdc I used keeps it from taking forever to make, but the stitch is still dense enough with the Plush yarn to make it cozy and cuddly for Little D.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A Beautiful Bag

Pinterest has opened a new world to me; one where I can find beautiful things even more quickly than Google, and where like-minded people can come together when searching for similar items.  This bag is full of character and whimsy.  It is primarily a crochet bag, but it has upcycled beauty, as well.  See the denim handle?? :)  Such a pretty bag for a day of fall shopping - and even prettier since the pattern is free!

pattern by: Beata Basik
photo by: Pitsikuduja

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Inherent Travellers

Gypsies are known for their travels and wanderings.  The word "gypsy" conjurs an image of a brightly colored wagon rocking slowly through the woods in Europe, behind a pair of lustrous black steeds with rippling muscles that have beautiful life burning in their eyes...

In the modern world, we must make do and simply dream of the wanderlust of yesteryear.  This travelling case is a good way to do exactly that - to fill with postcards, dried flowers from past loves, sultry notes, and ivory memories...or even on a good road trip.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Gypsy Rose

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting chilly...how are YOU going to stay warm?  With a lovely gypsy blanket, I would imagine.  Here is a free tutorial for a beautiful lap blanket that will keep the coals of your inner fire glowly brightly on the coldest of nights.

by: Adaliza

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Wild Soul

I. Love. This. Scarf.  It is made of beautiful merino wool, and it speaks to my free spirit and wild soul.  Interestingly enough, the artist who created it calls it "Wild Soul Scarf."  I have to applaud the person who would make this, simply because they could not find something they were looking for, they had the vision and the know-how, and so they created it themselves.  Unique and beautiful.  Two qualities I deeply admire.