Roger the Rat

Since the New Year I have started knitting up three cardi patterns. The first two are currently hibernating at the back of the cupboard. I had planned on knitting a new cardi for my birthday. I fancied Raine from the book Cherished by Kim Hargreaves. This is it.

I had bought some lovely black DK yarn back in January and thought this would make a smart, semi-formal cardi.


I've knitted the back and almost the left front, but with other commitments at the moment I soon found that I would have to knit quite intensely if I wanted to finish it in time - so I got a bit bored and now it looks like it's heading for the cupboard (for a short time, hopefully).

What do you do when you're bored with knitting a cardi? I can't just sit and not knit!

Knit a rat, of course!

This was so much more fun to knit than the cardi - it only took two evenings.

The pattern is from Claire Garland's book Knit and Purl Pets.

There are plenty more fun patterns in the book to make - but now I've been distracted into crocheting a doily. I will eventually finish the other projects but for now I'm enjoying being distracted.

Happiness is...

The sun is shining and in the garden the first daffodils are opening.

Have a happy day.

Large Granny Square

PDF version
A few days ago I was contacted on Ravelry by Hendria. She had spotted the blanket in the background of my Buttercup bear pattern, and was interested to know if I had the pattern.

Here's the picture.

I made the blanket 17 years ago when I was expecting Eve. Here it is.


I made it up as a large cot blanket. It consists of 64 squares, arranged in an 8 x 8 square. The blanket is just over 1 metre square ( 40 inches). I finished it off with a simple dc (sc) edging. Unfortunately I no longer have the pattern for the granny square but I have been able to reconstruct the pattern - and here it is.

Large Granny Square - English crochet instructions

Finished square measures approximately 13 cm ( 5 inches).

The squares are made using double knitting weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook ( American size E).

The following instructions are given using English crochet terms. (For American crochet terms see below)

Ch 6 and join with a sl st to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), 19 tr into ring, join with a sl st to top of 3ch. TURN

Round 2 (WS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), [1 tr in next 4 tr, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in next tr)] 3 times, 1 tr in next 4 tr, 1 tr in base of initial 3 ch, 4ch, sl st into top of 3ch. TURN

Round 3 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), [(1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 6 tr] 3 times, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 5 tr, sl st into 3 ch. TURN

Round 4 (WS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr in next 6 tr, [(1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 8 tr] 3 times, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next tr, sl st into top of 3ch. TURN

Round 5 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr in next 2 tr, [(1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 3 tr, 3ch, miss 1 tr, 1 dc in next tr, 3ch, miss 2 tr, 1 tr in next 3 tr] 3 times, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 3 tr, 3ch, miss 1 tr, 1 dc in next tr, 3ch, miss 2 tr, sl st into 3 ch. TURN

Round 6 (WS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), [1 tr in 3ch sp, 4ch, miss 1 dc, 1 tr in next 3ch sp, 1 tr in next 4 tr, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 4 tr] 3 times, 1 tr in 3ch sp, 4ch, miss 1 dc, 1 tr in next 3ch sp, 1 tr in next 4 tr, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 3 tr, sl st into 3 ch. TURN

Round 7 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first tr), 1 tr in next 4 tr, [(1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 6 tr, 4 tr in 4ch sp, 1 tr in next 6 tr] 3 times, (1 tr, 4ch, 1 tr all in ch sp), 1 tr in next 6 tr, 4 tr in 4ch sp, 1 tr in next tr, sl st into 3 ch. DO NOT TURN

Round 8 (RS) : 1 ch, 1 dc in same place as ch, 1 dc in next 4 tr, [5dc in 4ch sp, 1 dc in next 18 tr] 3 times, 5dc in 4ch sp, 1 dc in next 13 tr, sl st to join round. Fasten off.

Large Granny Square – American Crochet Instructions

Ch 6 and join with a sl st to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), 19 dc into ring, join with a sl st to top of 3ch. TURN

Round 2 (WS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), [1 dc in next 4 dc, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in next dc)] 3 times, 1 dc in next 4 dc, 1 dc in base of initial 3 ch, 4ch, sl st into top of 3ch. TURN

Round 3 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), [(1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 6 dc] 3 times, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 5 dc, sl st into 3 ch. TURN

Round 4 (WS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), 1 dc in next 6 dc, [(1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 8 dc] 3 times, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next dc, sl st into top of 3ch. TURN

Round 5 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), 1 dc in next 2 dc, [(1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 3 dc, 3ch, miss 1 dc, 1 sc in next dc, 3ch, miss 2 dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc] 3 times, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 3 dc, 3ch, miss 1 dc, 1 sc in next dc, 3ch, miss 2 dc, sl st into 3 ch. TURN

Round 6 (WS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), [1 dc in 3ch sp, 4ch, miss 1 sc, 1 dc in next 3ch sp, 1 dc in next 4 dc, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 4 dc] 3 times, 1 dc in 3ch sp, 4ch, miss 1 sc, 1 dc in next 3ch sp, 1 dc in next 4 dc, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 3 dc, sl st into 3 ch. TURN

Round 7 (RS) : 3ch (counts as first dc), 1 dc in next 4 dc, [(1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 6 dc, 4 dc in 4ch sp, 1 dc in next 6 dc] 3 times, (1 dc, 4ch, 1 dc all in ch sp), 1 dc in next 6 dc, 4 dc in 4ch sp, 1 dc in next dc, sl st into 3 ch. DO NOT TURN

Round 8 (RS) : 1 ch, 1 sc in same place as ch, 1 sc in next 4 dc, [5sc in 4ch sp, 1 sc in next 18 dc] 3 times, 5sc in 4ch sp, 1 sc in next 13 dc, sl st to join round. Fasten off.

Centrepiece Tablecloth

It's always a battle in our house to gain access to the computer. My DH has been working at home all this week and has claimed the computer as his own. Fortunately the situation will improve in the near future. For my 50th birthday next month I'm getting my very own laptop. I will be able to sit in comfort in the living room at my favourite table and browse away.

Anyway, until then I have managed to muscle my way on to the computer so that I can show you my latest finished project.

I wanted to make something 'heirloom' for my up and coming birthday. It's a while since I've made a large crochet tablecloth so I thought I'd give it a go.

I found a pattern for a lovely circular tablecloth on Ravelry. Here is my finished version.

The pattern dates originally from 1911. The finished size is approximately 30 inches.

The pattern is free and is available here.

It's something to treasure and I've told Eve she'll be able to show it to her grandchildren and tell them how her mother made it for her 50th birthday. A little bit of history - whether they'll be impressed is another matter!

Happy Valentine's day

Lots of love to everyone on this Valentine's Day. Here are the cards I made for my loved ones.

I cut out a heart-shape from silver card and then used various bits and bobs from my collection of stuff to decorate.

Have a great day.

Maggie Pattern

PDF version
Maggie – A vintage-style Fair Isle waistcoat

This pattern is based on the waistcoat worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal in the film Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.

This is my version.

To fit size small / medium

Actual measurements
Chest – 89 cm (35 inches)
Length from shoulder – 52 cm (21 inches)

Yarn requirements
4 x 50g balls of beige double knitting weight yarn (light worsted)
1 x 50g ball of green double knitting weight yarn
1 x 50g ball of yellow double knitting weight yarn
1 x 50g ball of red double knitting weight yarn
I used Sirdar yarns – Snuggly DK and Countrystyle DK

Needles
3.75mm ( US size 5) straight needles
3.25mm (US size 3) straight needles

Tension
24 sts and 27 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over Fair Isle pattern.

Abbreviations
sts – stitches
k – knit
p – purl
RS – right side of work
dec – decrease
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together
beg – beginning
RH – right hand
yrn – yarn round needle
WS – wrong side of work
k2togtbl - knit 2 stitches together through the back of the loops

Pattern

BACK
Cast on 116 sts with 3.75mm needles and beige yarn
(k1 p1) to end
Repeat this row until work measures 10cm ending with RS facing for next row. .
Commence stocking stitch.
1st row (dec) (k2tog, k17) 6 times, k2tog. [109 sts]
Purl 1 row.
Commence pattern
Work 6 rows of diamond pattern from chart 1 joining in green and yellow

stocking st 2 rows in beige

work 11 rows of red pattern from chart 2

stocking st 2 rows in beige

These 21 rows form pattern.
Repeat pattern until work measures 34 cm.

Shape armholes
Keeping pattern correct, cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows. [99sts]
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 6 rows. [87 sts]
Dec 1 st at each end of following 3 alternate rows. [81 sts]
Dec 1 st at each end of following 4th row. [79 sts]
Continue in pattern until armhole measures 18 cm.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 7 sts at beginning of next row, pattern until there are 11 sts on RH needle, turn, leaving remaining sts on a holder.
Working on 11 sts only, cast off 4 sts, pattern to end.
Cast off remaining 7 sts.
With RS facing rejoin yarn to stitches on holder. Cast off 43 sts and pattern to end. [18 sts]
Cast off 7 sts at beginning of next row.
Cast off 4 sts at beginning of next row.
Cast off remaining 7 sts.

LEFT FRONT
Cast on 66 sts.
(P1, k1) to end
Repeat this row until work measures 10cm ending with RS facing for next row. .
Commence stocking stitch.
1st row (dec): (k2tog, k17) 3 times, k1, (p1, k1) 4 times. [63 sts]
2nd row: (p1, k1) 4 times, purl to end.
These two rows set the stitches for the button band, keeping these correct commence pattern as follows
Work 6 rows of diamond pattern from chart 3.

Stocking st 2 rows in beige.

Work 11 rows of red pattern from chart 4

Stocking st 2 rows in beige.

Repeat these 21 rows until 14 rows less than start of armhole shaping have been worked, ending with RS facing for next row.

Next row: pattern to last 10 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) 4 times.
Next row: pattern to end.

Repeat the last two rows six times more. [56 sts]

Shape armhole
Cast off 5 sts at beginning of next row.
Pattern one row.
Decrease 1 st at armhole edge on next 6 rows.
Decrease 1 st at armhole edge on nest 3 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at armhole edge on next following 4th row.
AT THE SAME TIME
Continue front shaping on every RS row as before until 23 sts remain ending with a WS facing for next row.
Work 3 rows straight.
Pattern to last 10 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) 4 times. [22 sts]
Continue straight until work measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping ending with RS facing for next row.

Cast off 7 st at beginning of next row.
Pattern one row.
Cast off 7 sts at beginning of next row. [8 sts]

Continue on these 8 sts for button band neck extension until work fits to centre of back piece when slightly stretched. Cast off.

Mark the position on the button band for 6 buttons, the lowest one to be placed 5 rows up from the bottom of the work and the top most one to be placed just before front shaping.

RIGHT FRONT
Cast on 66 sts.
(k1, p1) to end
Repeat this row 3 times more.
With RS facing for next row, work buttonhole row as follows: k1, p1, k2tog, yrn, (k1, p1) to end.
This row creates first button hole. Work 5 further button holes in this way to correspond with the markers on the left front.
NO FURTHER MENTION OF THE BUTTONHOLES WILL BE MADE.

Continue in rib until work measures 10cm ending with RS facing for next row. .
Commence stocking stitch.
1st row (dec): (k1, p1) 4 times, k1 (k17, k2tog) 3 times. [63 sts]
2nd row: Purl to last 8 sts, (k1, p1) 4 times.

These two rows set the stitches for the buttonhole band, keeping these correct commence pattern as follows
Work 6 rows of diamond pattern from chart 5.

Stocking st 2 rows in beige.

Work 11 rows of red pattern from chart 6

Stocking st 2 rows in beige.

Repeat these 21 rows until 14 rows less than start of armhole shaping have been worked, ending with RS facing for next row.

Next row: (k1, p1) 4 times, k2togtbl, pattern to end.
Next row: pattern to end.

Repeat the last two rows six times more. [56 sts]
Repeat the first row 1 more time.

Shape armhole
With WS facing, cast off 5 sts at beginning of next row.
Decrease 1 st at armhole edge on next 6 rows.
Decrease 1 st at armhole edge on nest 3 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at armhole edge on next following 4th row.
AT THE SAME TIME
Continue front shaping on every RS row as before until 23 sts remain ending with a WS facing for next row.
Work 3 rows straight.
Pattern to last 10 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) 4 times. [22 sts]
Continue straight until work measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping ending with WS facing for next row.

Cast off 7 st at beginning of next row.
Pattern one row.
Cast off 7 sts at beginning of next row. [8 sts]
Continue on these 8 sts for button hole band neck extension until work fits to centre of back piece when slightly stretched. Cast off.

Neaten all loose ends.
Join shoulder seams and sew ends of neck band extensions to back piece. Join cast off ends of neck bands.

ARM BANDS
With RS facing pick up and knit 86 sts along armhole edge.
Work in K1, P1 rib for 7 rows. Cast off.

Join side seams and sew on buttons.

Apologies for the quality of the charts – I’m afraid I’m very much an amateur. I’ve tried to check the pattern over as much as I can – if you stop an error please let me know.

Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang revisited

Way back last April, I blogged our cinema trip to see Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang. You can read it again here. Anyway - I was raving about the gorgeous waistcoat (vest) worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal and I was planning on rushing off to the shops to buy yarn to write the pattern and knit up the wonderful garment. Needless to say I never got around to it.

But then - a few weeks ago - Margaret from St Louis got in touch with me through Ravelry to ask if I'd found a pattern for the waistcoat as she loved it as well.

I revisited my blog post from last April and have to admit falling in love with the waistcoat all over again. So this time I determined to make it - and guess what I have!

Here are some close up photos.

I'm just finishing typing up the pattern and I need some good photos of it - so I should be able to post the pattern in the next few days.

Lucky Four Leaf Clover

I found this crochet pattern for a four-leafed clover.

I made mine using double knitting weight yarn and a 3mm hook, but any weight of yarn could be used.

I thought it would made a great good luck gift for someone. It's small enough to tuck into a pocket. It could also be used to decorate a good luck card.

With St Patrick's Day coming up next month it could be used as a decoration then.

The pattern is by Karrie Weaver and is available for free. Four Leaf Clover pattern.

Birthday card

A friend's birthday today so here is the card I have made for her.

The central flower is a purchased padded fabric flower.

The paper doily was cut into quarters and adds a nice lacy touch to the corners.