Monica Mouse Pattern

PDF version
Monica Mouse is a sweet and loving little mouse, who likes lots of company and swapping cheese recipes with friends. To make your own Monica you will need double knitting weight yarn as follows:
Grey for mouse
Colour of your choice for the dress
Red for the heart
Oddments of black for embroidery of the face
3mm hook
Bead for nose
Toy stuffing PATTERN
(English terms used)
dc (English) = sc (American)
tr (English) = dc (American)

Finished size – approximately 22 cm (8 ½ inches) from top to toes. 13 cm (5 inches) in sitting position .

Head and body

With grey and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

5th – 9th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

10th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

Stuff head

11th round: 1 ch, 2 dctog, 1 dc into next 1 dc, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

12th round : increase for body as follows - 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

13th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

14th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

15th – 17th rounds : 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

18th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)

19th – 26th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

27th round: 1 ch, 2 dctog, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

28th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

29th round: 1 ch, 2 dctog, 1 dc into next 1 dc, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

Stuff body

30th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog,] 6times. Sl st into 1st dc. (6 dc). Fasten off and close opening.

Nose

With grey and 3 mm hook make 2 ch.

1st round: 4 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 3 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (8 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 3 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

Fasten off and stuff very lightly. Attach to front of head. Attach a wooden bead to the end of the nose and embroider whiskers and eyes onto the face.

Ears

With grey and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

Fasten off. Attach ears to top of head.

Legs

With grey and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

5th – 6th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

7th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 7 dc, turn.

8th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, turn.

9th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 7 dc, sl st into next dc.

10th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc. (12 dc)

11th – 26th rounds: Without out joining at the end of each round, work in a spiral for 16 rounds.

Stuff lightly.

27th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog,] 6times. Sl st into 1st dc. (6 dc). Fasten off and close opening.

Attach to base of body so that mouse can easily be positioned in a sitting pose.

Arms

With grey and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

4th – 15th rounds: Without out joining at the end of each round, work in a spiral for 12 rounds.

Stuff lightly.

16th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog,] 5times. Sl st into 1st dc.
Fasten off and close opening.

Attach to sides of body so that they can curve around to the front.


Tail

Using grey, make a twisted cord with two strands of yarn. Attach to base of body.
Dress

Using colour of choice and 3 mm hook, ch 29.

Row 1: 1 dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc into each ch to end, turn. (28 sts)

Row 2: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr (US = dc) into next 5 dc, 2 ch,, sl st into next 4 dc, 2 ch, 1 tr into next 8 dc, 2 ch, sl st into next 4 dc, 2 ch, 1 tr into next 6 dc, turn.

Row 3: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr into next 5 tr, 1 tr into top of 2 ch, 2ch, miss sl sts, 1 tr into top of next 2 ch, 1 tr into next 8 tr, 1 tr into top of 2 ch, 2 ch, miss sl sts, 1 tr into top of next 2 ch, 1 tr into next 6 tr, turn.

Row 4: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr into next 6 tr, 4 tr into next 2ch space, 1 tr into next 10 tr, 4 tr into next 2ch space, 1 tr into next 7 tr, turn. (32 tr)

Row 5: Eyelet row. 3 ch (counts as first tr), [1 tr, 1 ch, miss 1 tr] to last tr, 1 tr in last tr, turn.

Row 6: 3 ch (counts as first tr), [3 tr into next ch sp] 15 times, miss 1 tr, 1 tr inot last tr, turn. (47 sts)

Row 7: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr into same place, [1 tr in next 3 tr, 2 tr in next tr] 10 times, 1 tr in next 4 tr, 2 tr in last tr, turn. (58 sts)

Row 8: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr into same place, [1 tr in next 4 tr, 2 tr in next tr] 10 times, 1 tr in next 5 tr, 2 tr in last tr, turn. (69 sts)

Row 9: Shell pattern. 3 ch (counts as first tr), 2 tr into same place, [miss 1 tr, 1 dc into next tr, miss 1 tr, 5 tr into next tr] 16 times, miss 1 tr, 1 dc inot next tr, miss 1 tr, 3 tr into last tr, turn.

Row 10: 1 dc into 1st tr, [miss 2 tr, 5 tr into next dc, miss 2 tr, 1 dc into next tr] 17 times, turn.
Row 11: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 2 tr into same place, [miss 2 tr, 5 tr into next dc, miss 2 tr, 1 dc into next tr] 16 times, miss 2 tr, 3 tr into last tr. Fasten off.

Fit dress on mouse and then sew up the back seam. Thread a ribbon through the eyelets and tie in a bow at the back.

Heart

Make 2 pieces

Using red make 4 ch.

1st round: 11 tr into 1st of the 4 ch. The other 3 ch count as first tr. Sl st into top of 3ch.

2nd round: sl st into next tr, (1 dc , 2 tr) into next tr, (2 tr, 1 dc) into next tr, sl st into next tr, (1dc, 2 tr) into next tr, (2 tr, 1 dc) into next tr, sl st into next 3 tr, (1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc) into next tr, sl st into next 3 tr. Fasten off

Place hearts back to back and join together around the edges, stuffing very lightly before completely closing. Attach the heart to the mouse between the ends of the arms. She may look sweet and innocent, but keep an eye on the cheese!

Monica Mouse

I've just had some fun designing and making this lovely little mouse. Her name is Monica, and she's very sweet.
It took a few goes to get her just right, but it's been worth it. I've now finished typing up the pattern.

I had originally planned on making a cat but the mouse developed instead - maybe later I'll work on the cat idea again.

I'll be sharing the pattern with you in the next post. I hope you get a chance to make her.

Anais Finished

Here's a cute little cardi that I've just finished.

The pattern is Anais - it's by Kim Hargreaves (as usual) from her latest book called Misty.

I fell in love with this pattern as soon as I opened the pattern book. It's so pretty and feminine.

The pattern calls for Milk Cotton DK, but I used a rather cheap acrylic yarn that I bought in a charity shop! I forgive the yarn for being acrylic (thankfully not too squeaky to knit with) because of the gorgeous colour. It's called heather and it's a lovely blend of pinks, blues and lilacs - it reminds me of fairies (for some reason!). I added heart-shaped buttons to make it extra special.

I pleased with the way the cardi has turned out - the neck seemed a bit wide at first but it's settling down now. The yarn is behaving itself and now that it is knitted up - it doesn't look too cheap.

So now it's on with the next project.

Sunshine and Lovely Yellow Flowers.

The sun is shining - and it's not too hot today. A perfect day for wearing a nice lacy handknit cardi.

Here's a pic of some flowers from my garden - Halimium libanotis, apparently a member of the rock rose family!

Jolly yellow flowers to match my mood.

Featherbed Again

Knitted up another hat in the last few days - I know it's sunny and very warm outside, but I'm so into hats at the moment, I just can't resist making more.

This one is Featherbed. I have knitted it before - for Eve. The pattern is by Louisa Harding in her wonderful book called Little Cake. The pattern uses circular needles but I used straights and adjusted the pattern - it does mean there's a seam in it but I prefer backwards and forwards knitting and I'm not afraid of seaming!

I used just over 1 50g ball of Twilley's Freedom Spirit - and I love the colours of this yarn. The yarn is 100% wool and tends to go very bobbly in a short while - it also makes me sneeze a lot when I'm knitting with it - but I'll forgive it because I think the colours are so yummy.

So far I've used this yarn to make a beret for Grace, Ravenscar, Pikenaze and this hat. I had 12 balls of the yarn and I still have just under one left - so it's proved to be very economical.

Exam Time

Eve has her first GCSE exam tomorrow (Biology) and Grace's exams start on Monday. Here are the good luck cards I have made for them.


The usual ribbon, lace and buttons combination was used and I think they look very jolly and cheerful.


So, GOOD LUCK girls, all the hard work will be worth it. Not long to go now until you can put your feet up and relax.

Blossom Party

Yesterday, Grace, Eve and I held our annual Blossom Party. This involves wearing something pink, eating pink cakes and watching a DVD.

Sherlock Holmes is out on DVD on Monday but our copy arrived yesterday, so that was what we watched.

I've been looking forward to watching this again - it's a brilliant film - action packed, clever and funny. If you haven't seen it yet - you're missing out.

Obviously I knitted all the way through the film! I'm working on Anais by Kim Hargreaves. It should be quite a quick knit because it is a short sleeved, cropped lacy cardi - however, it's knitted on 3.25mm needles and there's a lot of stitches - so it's not that speedy. I'm just past the armholes on the back.

Today we have the Monaco Grand Prix, followed by the final of the cricket T20 international tournament - England v Australia - that should mean plenty of knitting time. I aim to have the back finished today, and then I might let myself be distracted with something new!

Pikenaze Finished

When I had my rush of starting new projects around February / March (most of which have since bitten the dust) I started a wrap by Louisa Harding. I had completed two pattern repeats and then it had gone into hibernation. The other day, I was going to frog what I had knitted and use the yarn for a hat, but when I looked at it, I remembered why I had wanted to knit it in the first place. I knitted up another pattern repeat - and I liked it even more. The pattern repeats are only 6 rows and because its on large needles it grows quickly. So two days later - it's finished.

I'm so pleased with it. It's something different- it was a fun pattern to do and it didn't take long to finish.

The pattern is Pikenaze, by Louisa Harding from her Little Cake booklet. The pattern can be knitted as either a wrap or a scarf depending on the weight of yarn you use. I used Twilley's Freedom Spirit, which is supposed to be a DK weight yarn but I find it knits better as an aran weight. I used less than two balls.

I still have two balls left of this yarn (it was originally bought to knit Ravenscar) so I can still make a hat as well!

Thank You Cards

Today is Eve's last day in school before her GCSE exams. I don't suppose much work (if any) will get done as it seems to be a day for picnics, sweets, shirt signing and photos (not that I'm jealous!).

I made two cards for her to take in, the first one is for her form teacher (female) and the second one is for her Latin teacher (male) who is also retiring this year.

I like to use lots of layering for cards, I think it makes them look more detailed, even if the design itself is very basic. The little card frames were bought at the craft fair last month and they are very useful and versatile.

After today, everyone is at home, Grace finishes at university today as well. This is my last day of freedom - so I should go now and make the most of my free time!

Cropped Cardi Finished

Despite many temptations to start some new projects, I have remained focused on finishing the cropped summer cardi.

This yarn has a history - last year it was knitted up as Rosalind, earlier this year I frogged that and attempted a crochet cardi -several times- I gave up on that and settled for this pattern but thought I would do long sleeves, frogged the long sleeves when it became obvious there wasn't enough yarn - and finally finished this on Tuesday.

I'm liking it more than I thought I would. I do usually prefer full length sleeves, but these 3/4 sleeves are very comfortable. The embroidery, although similar to the original pattern, is unique to my cardi, so that makes it extra special.

The pattern is Marigold by Marie Wallin from Rowan magazine #45. The pattern calls for Cotton Glace but I prefer working with wool rather than cotton so I used Rowan Cashsoft DK and 3.25mm needles. It took 7 balls and the lovely colour I used is called Pompon.

All I need now is some summer sunshine so I can wear this lovely cardi - still too cold at the moment to take my gloves off!

I'm pleased with myself for not being distracted when working on this project. I eventually bought Kim Hargreaves' new book called Misty last week and there are so many gorgeous pattern in there it is difficult to know which one to start first. I have chosen Anais - a cropped lacy cardi (we had better have a good summer this year!) and I'll post a pic of the work so far shortly.

Mum's Birthday

Tomorrow is my Mum's birthday. So have a wonderful day, Mum. Make sure you treat yourself - you deserve it.

This is the card I made for her.

It has ribbon embroidery as the central motif. I hadn't really tried this before, but as I find it difficult to focus in on normal embroidery these days - eyesight getting worse - this was much easier to cope with.

I have a booklet that used to belong to a friend of my Mum, that is full of designs for ribbon flowers - so I may have a go at more of this type of embroidery.

I also made my Mum one of my trinket boxes

- filled with sweets of course.

Pansy Doily

PDF version
This pattern is for a crochet lacy doily that incorporates a band of pansies in the design.


This pattern is based on a doily I made nearly 30 years ago, see earlier post.

The original doily had alternating colours (pale blue and yellow) for the centres of the flowers but the same colour (pink) for the outer petals. In my updated version I have used just two colours – blue and yellow, alternating these between the centres and the outer petals. The choice of colours and how you use them are entirely up to you.

Crochet cotton in white, green and choice of colours for the flowers. I used Coats crochet cotton #12
Hook size 1.75mm

Please note that English crochet terms are used throughout-
tr = USA dc
dc = USA sc
htr = USA hdc
dtr = USA tr
Special abbreviation
tr3(4)tog = *yarn over hook, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over hook, draw loop through, yarn over hook, draw through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook)* yarn over hook, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over hook, draw loop through, yarn over hook, draw through 2 of the loops on the hook, (3 loops left on the hook) rep from 8 1 (2) times more (4 (5) loops on hook), yarn over hook and draw through all the loops on the hook.

Central motif

With white ch 8. Join into a ring with a sl st.

Round 1: 3 ch (counts as first tr), 31 tr into ring. Join with a sl st into 1st tr. [32 sts]

Round 2: 3 ch (counts as 1st tr), 1 tr into each tr to end. Join with a sl st into 1st tr.

Round 3: (3ch, 1 tr into next 2 tr, 3ch, sl st into next tr, sl st into next tr) 7 times, 3ch, 1 tr into next 2 tr, 3ch, sl st into next tr, sl st into 1st chain at start of round.

Round 4: sl st into next 2 ch, 3 ch (counts as 1st tr), 1 tr into next 2 tr, 1 tr into top of 3 ch, 6 ch, (1 tr into top of next 3 ch, 1 tr into next 2 tr, 1 tr into top of next 3 ch, 6 ch) 7 times, sl st into top of 1st tr.

Round 5: 3 ch (counts as 1st tr), 1 tr into next 3 tr, 3ch, miss 2 ch, 1 tr into next ch, 3 ch, 1 tr into next ch, 3 ch, miss 2 ch, (1 tr into next 4 tr, 3ch, miss 2 ch, 1 tr into next ch, 3 ch, 1 tr into next ch, 3 ch, miss 2 ch) 7 times, sl st into top of 1st tr.

Round 6: 3 ch, tr3tog over next 3 tr, 5 ch, miss 1st ch sp, 4 tr into next ch sp, 5 ch, miss next ch sp (tr4tog over next 4 tr, 5 ch, miss 1st ch sp, 4 tr into next ch sp, 5 ch, miss next ch sp)7 times, sl st into top of 1st tr cluster.

Round 7: (1 dc into top of cluster, 9 ch, miss next ch sp, tr4tog over next 4 tr, 9 ch, miss next ch sp) 8 times, sl st into 1st dc.

Round 8: sl st into next 5 ch, 1 dc into ch sp, (10 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, 10 ch, sl st into 1st dc. [16 ch sp]

Round 9: sl st into next 5 ch, 1 dc into ch sp, (12 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, 12 ch, sl st into 1st dc.

Round 10: sl st into next 6 ch, 1 dc into ch sp, (14 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, 14 ch, sl st into 1st dc.

Fasten off. Neaten loose ends.
Pansy centre

Make 16

With colour of choice make 5 ch. Join into a ring with a sl st.

Ch 3 (counts as 1st tr), (1 tr, 5ch, 1 tr) 4 times, 1 tr, 5 ch, all into ring. Sl st into top of 1st tr.
Fasten off.

Outer petals (this is the joining round in which the pansies are joined to the central motif).

Using different colour, join yarn to right-hand side of any ch sp of flower centre.
(1 dc, 1 htr, 1 tr, 7 dtr, 1 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) into ch sp, (1 dc , 1 htr, 5 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) into next ch sp, (1 dc, 1 htr, 3 tr) into next ch sp, sl st into a 14 ch sp on the central motif, (3 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) into same ch sp on petal as before, (1 dc , 1 htr, 5 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) into next ch sp, (1 dc, 1 htr, 1 tr, 7 dtr, 1 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) into next ch sp, sl st into 1st dc
Fasten off. Neaten all loose ends.

Join each pansy to the central motif in this way. The pansies are not joined to each other at this point.
Greenery (this is a joining round in which the pansies are joined together).

Using green join yarn to 1st dtr on top right hand petal of any pansy.
1 dc into same st, *(1 ch, 1 dc) into next 19 sts,
1 tr into middle tr of next petal of same pansy, 1 tr into middle tr of right hand small petal on next pansy, 1 dc into 1st dtr on top right hand petal of this pansy, repeat from * 14 times more, (1 ch, 1 dc) into next 19 sts, 1 tr into middle tr of next petal of same pansy, 1 tr into middle tr of right hand small petal on next pansy, sl st into 1st dc. Fasten off and neaten loose ends.

The doily could be finished off at this point, without doing the edging rounds.

Edging

1st round: with white, join yarn to ch sp between 4th and 5th dc, counting from the right, on any petal,
1 dc into same sp, (5 ch, miss 2 ch sps 1 dc into next ch sp, 5 ch, miss next 5 ch sps 1 dc into next ch sp, miss 2 ch sps 1 dc into next ch sp, 5 ch, 1 dc into ch sp between 4th and 5th dc of next petal) 15 times, 5 ch, miss 2 ch sps 1 dc into next ch sp, 5 ch, miss next 5 ch sps 1 dc into next ch sp, miss 2 ch sps 1 dc into next ch sp, 5 ch, sl st into 1st dc.

2nd round: sl st into next 3 ch, 1 dc into same ch sp, ([ 5 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp] twice, 3 ch, 7 tr into next ch sp, 3 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, [ 5 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp] twice, 3 ch, 7 tr into next ch sp, 3 ch, sl st into 1st dc.

3rd round: sl st into next 3 ch, 1 dc into same ch sp, (5ch, 1 dc into next ch sp, 5ch, miss next ch sp, 1 tr into next 7 tr, 5 ch, miss next ch sp, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, 5ch, 1 dc into next ch sp, 5ch, miss next ch sp, 1 tr into next 7 tr, 5 ch, miss next ch sp, sl st into 1 st dc.

4th round: sl st into next 3 ch, 1 dc into same ch sp, (4 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp, 2 ch, 2 tr into next tr, 1 tr into next 2 tr, (1 tr, 2 ch, 1 tr) into next tr, 1 tr into next 2 tr, 2 tr into last tr, 2 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp, 4 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, 4 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp, 2 ch, 2 tr into next tr, 1 tr into next 2 tr, (1 tr, 2 ch, 1 tr) into next tr, 1 tr into next 2 tr, 2 tr into last tr, 2 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp, 4 ch, sl st into 1st dc.

5th round: sl st into next 3 ch, 1 dc into same ch sp, (4 ch, miss next ch sp, 2 tr in next tr, 1 tr in next 4 tr, 2 ch, 1 tr into ch sp, 2 ch, 1 tr into next 4 tr, 2 tr into last tr, 4 ch, miss next ch sp, 1 dc into next ch sp, 4 ch, 1 dc into next ch sp) 15 times, 4 ch, miss next ch sp, 2 tr in next tr, 1 tr in next 4 tr, 2 ch, 1 tr into ch sp, 2 ch, 1 tr into next 4 tr, 2 tr into last tr, 4 ch, miss next ch sp, 1 dc into next ch sp, 4 ch, sl st into 1st dc.

6th round: sl st into next 4 ch and into 1 st tr, 3 ch (counts as 1st tr), 1 tr into next 5 tr, (2 ch, 1 tr into ch sp, 2ch, miss central tr, 1 tr into next ch sp, 2 ch. 1 tr into next 6 tr, 3 ch, miss next ch sp, 1 dc into middle ch sp, 3 ch, miss next ch sp, 1 tr into next 6 tr) 15 times, 2 ch, 1 tr into ch sp, 2ch, miss central tr, 1 tr into next ch sp, 2 ch. 1 tr into next 6 tr, 3 ch, miss next ch sp, 1 dc into middle ch sp, 3 ch, miss next ch sp, sl st into top of 1st tr.

7th round: 3 ch (counts as 1st tr), 1 tr into next 5 tr, ([4 tr into next ch sp] 3 times, 1 tr into next 6 tr, 3 ch, miss 2 ch sps, 1 tr in next 6 tr) 15 times, [4 tr into next ch sp] 3 times, 1 tr into next 6 tr, 3 ch, miss 2 ch sps, sl st into 1 st tr.

8th round: 3 ch (counts as 1st tr), tr3tog over next 3 tr, [5 ch, tr4tog over next 4 tr, ] 5 times, 2 ch, 1 dc, 2 ch, *(tr4tog over next 4 tr, [5 ch, tr4tog over next 4 tr, ] 5 times, 2 ch, 1 dc, 2 ch, repeat from * 14 times more, sl st into top of 1st cluster.

Fasten off, neaten all loose ends and block.

Bonne Chance!

Eve has her French speaking exam this afternoon as part of her French GCSE. Here's the card I made for her.

I'm so pleased with this one - one of my best, even if I say so myself.

The flowers were made by using a punch we bought at the craft fair recently and then putting the cutouts in a special press that came with it to turn them into 3d shapes. I used silver card for the flowers and that added a drop of pink glitter glue to the centres. The paper I found in my store room was ideal, it really matched the flowers perfectly. The side of the card was created with another punch - also bought at the craft fair.

Did you notice the doily the card is standing on? Yes, it's the new pansy doily. I finished it last night and blocked it today. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out and that I managed to reconstruct the pattern (almost exactly!) I'll publish the pattern in the next post but I need to sort all the photos out first.

Audrey's Birthday

Today is Audrey Hepburn's birthday. So happy birthday Audrey - she would have been 81.

If it hadn't been for the fact that the household is submerged in revision for exams, we would have watched one of her films - it seems ages since we sat together and watched an Audrey. Roman Holiday is my favourite.

Audrey is just so stylish and was such a lovely person - a role model in every way. I'm wearing my little balck dress in her honour today!!

Teagan Finished

This is my heavily modified version of Rowan's Teagan.


The original looks like this.

I have modified the pattern, firstly, to make a cropped version, secondly to make it close-fitting and thirdly to change the yarn weight from aran to DK. I used Sirdar Click DK, it was gorgeous to knit with and is lovely and soft to wear. I had originally bought 9 balls of the yarn, but this project used less than 5 so I have plenty left for other things.

I love the colour of the yarn - it makes me feel snug. This is an ideal sweater for the Spring, as it's nice and light but I can still keep warm. The sun may be shining but I still need my winter woollies!

Update on the crocheted pansy doily - I'm getting there - still working on the pansies but it should be finished in the next few days. The cricket World T20 tournament has just started in the West Indies - loads of time in front of the television over the next few weeks is planned!