16 December 2016

Java Peacock Feather Motif Blanket: Free JAYG Instructions

crochet peacock feather pattern free blanket instructions

The Java Peacock Feather motif was one of the first Peacock Feathers I designed and is one of the largest. It has always been one of my favourites and for that reason I also use it as my designing business' logo.
crochet peacock feather pattern free blanket instructions
I knew that the Java motif would be very suitable as a join-as-you-go motif for a blanket but I never got around to actually adjust the design for that purpose. I was focused more on single motifs for coasters, garlands, appliques and bookmarks. So I was very happy and surprised when Cassie, one of my lovely customers, sent me a picture of a Java motif blanket! Isn't it stunning? And guess what.....the instructions for joining and for the trim are now available for FREE on Ravelry (details below). 

Another thing that surprised me is that using different colour combinations can make the feather look so completely different. My feather and the one in the blanket may look as two dissimilar designs but they are definitely the same! I'm really inspired now to work them in the colours of the blanket too. Details on the yarn used can also be found in the free instructions.
crochet peacock feather pattern free blanket instructions
In order to make this blanket, you'll first need my Java Peacock Feather motif, which is for sale on both Etsy and Ravelry, and then combine that pattern with the one available for free on Ravelry (for all the links see below). You'll need to adjust the final round of the motif to make it suitable for the join-as-you-go method, which is explained in detail in the free instructions. After that you can join as many motifs as you want.

Links to the Java Peacock Feather Pattern and the Free Instructions:

Java Peacock Feather pattern on Etsy
Java Peacock Feather pattern on Ravelry
Free join-as-you-go blanket motif instructions on Ravelry by Cassie1979

crochet peacock feather pattern free blanket instructions

16 November 2016

Squishy Popcorn Cushion: Free Crochet Pattern

crochet popcorn cushion cover the curio crafts room thecuriocraftsroom free pattern

Popcorn Cushion Pattern

Hi everyone. In my previous post I already revealed this very squishy popcorn cushion cover and today it's time to share the pattern with you. It's a very beginners-friendly design with a striking result. It's so tactile! I'm going to use it as a yoga cushion; very soft on the you know what ;-)

Below you'll find the instructions in US/UK crochet terms and if you click the flags, you'll also find the instructions in Dutch and Spanish.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In my Ravelry and Etsy shops you can purchase a premium PDF version of this pattern for just €2.75 excl. VAT (US/UK and DUTCH).
The advantages of the premium PDF are:
  • Close-up photos
  • Clear layout with instructions in bullet-point format
  • Same graphic design as all of my other PDF patterns
  • You support my work so that I can continue to publish free patterns and offer discount codes
Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the Dutch version of this pattern, click the flag.
Voor de Nederlandse versie van dit patroon, klik je op de vlag.
For the Spanish version of this pattern, click the flag.
Para la versión en espagnol de este patrón, hagan clic en la bandera.



General Information

Skill level: Beginners
Crochet hook: 4mm
Tapestry needle
Cushion pad: 40 x 40cm
Yarn: Scheepjes Merino Soft Brush (50% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Microfibre and 25% Acrylic; 50g/105m)
254 Israëls (aqua blue) x 3 balls
255 Breitner (mint) x 3 balls
257 Van Der Leck (cream) x 3 balls

Where to buy Scheepjes Merino Soft Brush and other yarns

Scheepjes Merino Soft Brush is available from WoolWarehouse, Deramores, Black Sheep Wools and Caro’s Atelier. If you purchase yarn through the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*
Click on the link and it will take you to the shops where you can search for the yarn you’d like:

UK Wool Warehouse: http://shrsl.com/17owu
UK Black Sheep Wools: http://shrsl.com/17owe
NL Caro’s Atelier:

Or shop at other Scheepjes stockists.

crochet popcorn cushion cover the curio crafts room thecuriocraftsroom free pattern scheepjes merino soft brush

Measurements:
Square:  23 x 23cm / 9.2 x 9.2in
Cushion cover: approx. 45 x 45cm / 17.7 x 17.7in

Crochet Terms used in this pattern: US
Stitches used in this pattern:
  
US Crochet Terms
UK Crochet Terms
ch
chain
ch
chain
dc
double crochet
tr
treble crochet
dc2tog
double crochet 2 together
tr2tog
treble crochet 2 together
popcorn
popcorn stitch
popcorn
popcorn stitch
sc
single crochet
dc
double crochet
slst
slip stitch
ss
slip stitch
trc
triple crochet
dtr
double treble

Pattern Notes
  • Each popcorn consists of 5 trc.
  • Each square consists of 8 rounds but you can of course make the square as large or as small as you'd like.
  • Colour scheme: I always like the front and back of a cushion cover to be different so I changed the order of the colours around to create two different colour schemes. Please note that if you want the sides to be exactly the same, you'll need more than 3 balls of the colour you use for Rounds 4 and 8.
crochet popcorn cushion cover the curio crafts room thecuriocraftsroom free pattern












Instructions

Start with a magic ring
Round 1
Beginning dc2tog (= ch1 on top of magic ring chain, 1 half-finished dc, yarn over and pull through both loops on hook), ch1, *dc2tog, ch2, dc2tog, ch1, dc2tog, ch1*; repeat *-* 3 more times
Total of 12 x dc2tog, 4 x ch-2 space for the corners, 8 x ch-1 space.

Round 2
(Popcorn, ch2, popcorn) in any ch-2 space (= corner), ch2, skip next dc2tog and ch 1, popcorn in next dc2tog, ch2, skip next ch 1 and dc2tog, (popcorn, ch2, popcorn) in next ch-2 space. Repeat all around.
Total of 12 popcorns 12 ch-2 spaces.

Round 3
Start with (3trc, ch2, 3trc) in any corner ch-2 space, 3dc in each of the next 2 ch-2 spaces, (3trc, ch2, 3trc) in next ch-2 space, 3dc in each of the next 2 ch-2 spaces. Repeat all around.

Round 4
(Popcorn, ch2, popcorn) in any corner ch-2 space, ch2, skip next trc, popcorn in next trc (= middle trc of 3), ch2, skip next trc and dc, popcorn in next dc (= middle dc of 3), ch2, skip next 2 dc, popcorn in next dc, ch2, skip next 2 dc, popcorn in next dc, ch2, skip next dc and trc, popcorn in next trc, ch2, (popcorn, ch2, popcorn) in next corner. Repeat all around.

Round 5
Repeat Round 3.
Round 6
Repeat Round 4.
Round 7
Repeat Round 3.
Round 8
Repeat Round 4.
crochet popcorn cushion cover the curio crafts room thecuriocraftsroom free pattern

Joining the squares
Put the squares with the right sides together and at the back work 3sc in the ch-2 spaces in between each popcorn. 
To join the 2 sides of the cover, place them with the wrong sides together and again work 3sc in the ch-2 spaces in between each popcorn.
crochet popcorn cushion cover the curio crafts room thecuriocraftsroom free pattern
































*Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

28 October 2016

Long to Wander Through a Dreamy Midnight Garden? YARN 2 Craft Book-a-Zine Will Take You There

crochet coaster pattern by thecuriocraftsroom


I'm so excited writing this blog post because Scheepjes has just released issue 2 of their fabulous Craft Book-a-Zine YARN. In it you'll find crochet, knitting and sewing patterns accompanied by the most wonderful photos. It is really something different and I'm not just saying that because one of my designs is in it ;-) As some of you may know, I've been collaborating with Scheepjes as a blogger and designer for over a year now and I'm so proud that together with a fabulous group of other bloggers and designers, we have put together a wonderful collection of designs.

You may have seen the first issue of YARN that had many light and breezy patterns all linked to the overall theme of the SEA. This time the theme is Midnight Garden and it has many romantic, bohemian-style projects in blues, greens, mustard gold and pastels. But it's not only the projects that stand out, the photography and graphic design of YARN are also very special, creating a dream-like atmosphere that really sparks inspiration and creativity.

The photo below shows my contribution: The Firework Coasters. The yellow in them is really going to stand out when you use them as coasters for tea lights.

crochet coaster pattern by thecuriocraftsroom

Other projects below are a gorgeous lapghan and several stunning shawls. These are just a few sneak peeks; you'll have to see the book-a-zine yourself to get that 100% dream-like feel.

crochet coaster pattern by thecuriocraftsroom shawl blanket

Let me just give you a bit more information about YARN in general. It's a bi-annual publication (April/October but this is not set in stone) published by Dutch yarn manufacturer Scheepjes. Each issue has one specific theme and caters to crafters in general, not just the yarn lovers amongst us. Original sewing designs are also part of it as are interviews with artists who create very special work.
Scheepjes has really thought things through and at the back of the book has provided pages where you can write down notes, stick your swatches and loop yarn through specially punched out holes!

YARN is available in both Dutch and English and it shouldn't be difficult to get your hands on a copy because there are many outlets that sell it. Below I'll provide some links, also the the first issue in case you'd like to have a look at that one too.


YARN 2 available at WoolWarehouse and Deramores (both international shipping)*


YARN 1 available at Deramores and WoolWarehouse (both international shipping)*
*The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing the book-a-zine or any yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

27 October 2016

How do you like your Popcorns? Squishy for me please


Here it is, the squishy result of the heap of popcorns I showed you in the previous post. I made a super soft cushion cover with 4 large squares on each side. It's so soft because I used Merino Soft Brush, a new yarn in Scheepjes' Merino Soft line*, a yarn you may already be familiar with because it was used in The Last Dance on the Beach CAL. But now there is a lovely new addition with little flecks both dark and light brushed through the main colour. It's 50% merino wool, 25% microfibre and 25% acrylic and comes in 50gr/105m balls and it's suitable for 4 to 5mm hooks.

The cushion measures 45 x 45cm / 18 x 18inch and as you can see in the pic below, I alternated the colours. I think I like the colour order in the pic on the right best but I always like to make two different sides when making a cushion cover.


I'm going to use it as a meditation cushion because I can't get used to the hard round ones that seem to be standard yoga and meditation equipment. It's nice and soft (did I mention that already?) and firm enough to sit on. Next week I'll share the pattern with you. Hope you're in the mood for popcorns and Merino Soft Brush. It's available at WoolWarehouse and Deramores (international shipping).*


Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 






5 October 2016

WIPping Up Popcorns


crochet popcorn stitch free patterns
Who's up for some TV detectives and a whole lot of popcorn?

I've been "watching" DCI Banks while working on quite a few rounds of relaxing popcorn stitches. You know what I mean with the inverted commas, right......I mainly heard him and missed some of the plot but that doesn't matter. Somehow, it's extremely relaxing to have a great British series playing in the background while working numerous trc 5 (US) and turning them into popcorns.

I really wanted a project with long rounds and not a lot of counting. Any idea what I'm working on? Well, obviously I'm making squares, but what are they for? I can tell you that they're really really soft because I'm using a new yarn in the Scheepjes Merino Soft line called Brush*. It has lovely flecks of tweed but for the rest, it's exactly the same as the regular Merino. It glides through your fingers and I for one couldn't stop crocheting.
crochet popcorn stitch free pattern

So far, I've only these two pics to show you. The design is very versatile because you can make squares of either 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 rounds. No, it's not confusing at all; it's just a question of what you prefer. For my project, I'm making 8-round squares. I'll show you the end result next week and of course I'll share the pattern here as well.

If you'd like to try this super soft yarn yourself, it's available at WoolWarehouse and Deramores will stock it soon too*.

Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

29 September 2016

New Peacock Feather Pattern Launch: Purchase it and you'll receive a Free Bonus Pattern until 3 Oct

crochet peacock feather motif garland pavo thecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room

For the last few months I have been working on quite a few new designs for my shops without actually having published any. Or rather, without actually having finished any. Once I'd started on something new, the ideas started flowing and of course I had to go with those and before I knew it, I had about 8 WIPs and hand-written notes everywhere. Until yesterday that is, when I finished the pattern writing for a new peacock feather which I named "Pavo." I have five more peacock-related patterns in the making and one flowery one, which I all plan to have in my shops before the end of the year.

"Pavo"

But first it's time to introduce "Pavo." I derived the name from the Latin name for the Indian or Blue peafowl, Pavo cristatus (and by the way, it's very fitting I think that this Latin name has my own name in it!).

It's a cute feather that measures about 6 x 8.5 cm / 2.4 x 3.4 in and can be used as an applique on hats, shawls, tablet sleeves, notebook covers, box lids and presents. Of course, you can also make a garland of as many feathers as you like. The pattern includes instructions how to make one. Talking about the pattern......just read on because there's a nice free bonus when you buy it in the next few days.
crochet peacock feather motif garland pavo thecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room bohemian boho

2 for the price of 1
To celebrate the fact that after about six months, I can finally show you a new peacock feather design, I've decided to give you a free bonus pattern - also a new one - when you buy "Pavo." It's a Little Feathers Garland, inspired by birds of paradise.
Both patterns include clear written instructions and photos, details on the Scheepjes Catona yarn + colours I used, both US and UK crochet terms and links to instructional videos for the magic ring and invisible join.
crochet peacock feather motif garlandthecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room

This offer is valid until Monday 3 October, 12.00 midday (GMT+1) and you can find it in both my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
crochet peacock feather motif garland pavo thecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room
If you'd also like to use Scheepjes Catona to make the feather and garlands, it's available from Deramores and WoolWarehouse *(international shipping).













*The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through this link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

21 September 2016

A Soft and Squishy New Crochet Project in Merino Soft Brush: Free Pattern Coming Soon


free crochet pattern merino soft brush thecuriocraftsroom the curio crafts room

It's been a while since I crocheted anything non-peacock related so today I decided it's time for something completely different. I love working on my peacock designs, but it's not something I can do while watching TV. I really want to crochet something that doesn't require a lot of counting and that has rounds that take a while to finish. And besides, I have a few episodes of Poldark on the hard disk recorder, so I really need this new project ;-).

Today I'll just show you the yarn I selected for it and will keep you updated on progress once I've actually started what I have in mind. And I'll share the pattern here on my blog! The yarn is Scheepjes'* Merino Soft Brush, a brand new addition to the regular Merino Soft line you may be familiar with through The Last Dance on the Beach CAL. It's the same soft mixture of 50% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Micro and 25% Acrylic but the Brush version has lovely soft tweed flecks "brushed" into it. I'm really looking forward to making something soft and squishy.

free crochet pattern merino soft brush

I selected 3 colours from the 7 available, all named after famous painters of course. So I've got Van der Leck, Breitner and Israëls to work with. For me, selecting colours is always the most challenging part of the design process; I'm very particular about it because colours really define the outcome, just as with painting really...... I hope to have a WIP to show you soon and in case you want to try Merino Soft Brush yourself (because you definitely need a new project, right?), it is available from Wool Warehouse and Deramores will stock it soon*.


free crochet pattern merino soft brush

Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

14 September 2016

Petite Peacock: Mini Versions of My Peacock Feather Designs in Lovely New Bonbon Yarn


crochet peacock feather feathers maxi bonbon sugar rush design etsy ravelry thecuriocraftsroom
As some of you may know, I design most of my peacock feather motifs using Scheepjes Catona. I really love working with mercerized cotton and the ever expanding selection of Catona colours allows me to make really inspiring colour choices. And now Scheepjes* has broadened my design options by having revamped one of their already existing laceweight yarns. I'm so happy that I can now make mini versions of my peacock designs, which are just perfect for jewelry like earrings or small delicate garlands. 

Let me just explain a little bit about this "new" yarn; perhaps it'll inspire you too.

crochet mini  peacock feather thecuriocraftsroom
Maxi Bonbon or Sugar Rush is a 2 ply mercerized cotton and until about a week ago, only available in 100g balls (560m) and in a selection of 27 colours. Well, for teeny tiny peacock feathers, 560 meters is a bit much, don't you think? So it was never very practical (how much storage room do you have?) nor economical to invest in this. But now this beautiful shiny and sturdy yarn is available in 25g (140m) balls called Bonbon and in 50g (280m) balls called Sugar Rush. And in 87 colours! Most of these colours match the Catona range, which is perfect in case you want to use both yarns in one project. 


I've selected 4 of my designs to try out Bonbon. I was curious about the following aspects:
crochet peacock feather Java thecuriocraftsroom etsy ravelry
  1. Size of the motifs (obviously ;-)
  2. Stitch definition
  3. Hook size best suited to my designs
  4. Sturdiness
  5. Results after blocking

1. Size. The photo on the right shows the Java Peacock Feather. The larger version in Catona measures 8.5 x 11.5 cm and the small Bonbon version is just 6 x 9 cm.
crochet mini peacock feather design thecuriocraftsroom etsy ravelry the curio crafts room
I think the reduction in size compared to Catona is definitely worthwhile.  Aren't these small Bonbon/Sugar Rush feathers the cutest? The smallest one in the picture on the left, which is a free pattern, measures just 3 x 3.5 cm!

2. I love the stitch definition. You can clearly see it in the photos I think. The stitches really stand out giving it a beautiful dimension, which suits if you plan on wearing these motifs as brooches or earrings.

3. Hook size. For me a 2mm hook works best. I started out by using a 1.5mm hook as advised on the band but the result was too tight and the stitch definition was lost a bit because of this. It just depends on what you're making and on how tightly you hook, so always make a swatch.

4. Sturdiness. This thin mercerized cotton is surprisingly sturdy and the motifs keep their shape very nicely. They do not flop at all so, again, ideal for jewelry or appliques.

5. Blocking. Even tough the motifs looked great before blocking, I decided to give them the treatment I also give the motifs I make using Catona. So I blocked them and let them dry for about 12 hours. And as I already guessed, the result was even better after blocking (isn't it always?). Especially the final rounds came out sharper and more even.

I hope this has inspired you to start a project of your own. Maxi Bonbon is already available form Wool Warehouse and  Deramores * (international shipping) and other Scheepjes stockists. Sugar Rush will follow shortly.

And in case you'd want to try your hand at one of my designs, have a look at my Etsy or Ravelry shop for a large selection of peacock-inspired motifs (but there are non-peacock designs too ;-)

crochet peacock feather design thecuriocraftsroom the curio craftsroom etsy ravelry
crochet yarn maxi bonbon sugar rush peacock feather the curio crafts room


Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 


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