Innocent Smoothies

Hello, hello!

I have all manner of treats lined up for you today, including; an example of crafty innovation, and some exciting news! I might even chuck in a tutorial! Hold on to your hats and keep arms, legs and knitting needles inside the vehicle at all times.

I wanted to start by sharing something quite nifty that happened a little while ago. I am unsure people are aware of this company over seas but in our green and pleasant land there is a smoothie and all round healthy juice people called Innocent. They are famous for silly and amusing packaging as well as delicious and healthy drinks. I sound like an advert and there is a reason for this! Other than occasionally enjoying a bottle of their strawberry and banana I never gave them much thought. Until, they established the charity fundraiser The Big Knit . Their aim was to get as many knitters as possible to knit tiny hats, that would then go on top of the smoothie bottles all in aid of Age UK. I took part and have unfortunately lost the pictures of my bee and flower themed hats, but check out the link and there are some great pictures of other participators hats. The nifty thing was not only that they would do something like this -giving to charity and encouraging to get active with charity, by promoting fun projects and skills - but they also sent me this:

Isn't that sweet? It certainly made my day.

The Big Knit takes place every winter (but there is no reason you cant start early) and I encourage you all to take part. It takes no time at all and even the most basic of knitters can do it. Closer to the time I will put up a tutorial for the little hats.

Stitches for ripple blanket

How goes it crafters?!

I feel like I'm bombarding you with posts today because I've been away for so long. Lets call it the postathon, so get stretching, grab your crochet hooks, on your mark, get set.... stitch!

I realised that some of you may be unsure about the double crochet stitches used in the last pattern so I thought I should whip out a tutorial :)

Firstly, yarn over the hook,

Insert hook into the next stitch and yarn over again,

Pull through so there are three loops on the hook,

Yarn over

and pull through the first two stitches on the hook,

Repeat and pull through the last two stitches on the hook.

Tadaaaaaaa! you have just made a double crochet.












Now, to make the three dc's st, repeat the above process twice, each time in the same stitch. It will look like a little fan.

Next, on to the dc 3tog.

Work up till the point you need to make this stitch, then yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull a loop through.

Then, instead of finishing this stitch as you normally would, insert the hook into the next stitch and pull through again, you will now have three loops on the hook.














Do this once more so you end with four loops on the hook.


Yarn over

 pull through the first three loops.

You'll now be left with two,












 yarn over and pull through the last stitches to complete the dc 3tog.

And your done!  It will look like the little fan of the last stitch in reverse.













So, I hope that was helpful! While these stitches are vital for the ripple blanket, they are used frequently in other pattern so a very useful thing to know :) I did all of this while eating a peanut butter and jam sponge cake sandwich, which I made yesterday. I feel that I should post the recipe in the spirit of postathon! look out for it Jellies.

Happy stitching.

Crochet ripple blanket.

Goood morning Jelly Beans,

I have as promised a new tutorial for you, for a crochet ripple effect blanket. Im giving you the baic instruction for this stitch becasue it can really be applied to anything, cusion, scarf, jumper. Whatever you want rippled! I have done a few experiments with this pattern before, using different wool and alternate row stitches.  However, I am currently home in London and I only have the pictures for the original on my phone. When I get back to Kent I will update this post :)

So on to the pattern! This is what my finished blanket looked like. 

Chain 63 for a four pointed, fairly narrow blanket. Its a good width to start with :) 

*1 dc in the first 6 sts. 

Dc 3tog 

1dc in the next 6 sts

3 dcs in next st*

Rep till the end. Chain 1 and turn. 

Repeat this, changing the colours as and when you like. In even or uneven stripes, this pattern is very versatile.

Enjoy gang!! 

News

Why hello hello Jelly Beans!

I am so sorry I've been away for so long! I have been wearing my fingering in to numbs from typing and revising but I have been given a much needed break and so I am returning to the blogging world!

I hope you have all been well and busy crafting.

This is just a quick message to say that I am back and to let you know what fun stuff you have to look forward to:

Soon I'll be putting up a tutorial for a crotched ripple blanket,
A doll tutorial
and a catch up with Lollo bear :)

Also I have some news! I will be entering into the world of commission crafting, specifically knitting and crochet but to be perfectly honest I'll be up for making anything as I love all kinds of craft! So, if anybody out there would like something made for them or knows anybody that would please send me a message :) I am raring to go and very excited. Prices will be discussed individually but I will tell you know that my prices are very fair and low, and you will have a say on every aspect of the garment or project as well as updates on the progress.  I really hope to hear from you.

Here is a list of things I would be happy to whip up for you lovely lot:
knitted or crochet hats
scarf's
socks
mug cosys
bags
shall's and ponchos (with hoods and without)
blankets
cushions
door stops
I would also love to take orders for custom dollies, I'll be posting pictures of those I have already made.
However, if you have a particular pattern that you would like me to make of course I will work from those also, for example jumpers, cardigans, ect...  
I will take orders for yarn types or colours, if it is something very specific feel free to send it too me. I have a marvellous shop near me that does all kinds of yarn though so I should be able to find whatever you are looking for.

I would also love to hear from any one out there who reads my blog, commission or not. Maybe some feedback on what you would like to see or just a crafty chit chat would be lovely!

Well, I'm off to work on my next tutorial so see you soon gang!