Merry-Go-Round: 1 Motif – 2 Ways

Posted on April 30, 2016 by poppyandbliss

merrygoround_group_logo

You may remember me showing you this pattern that I was working on way back here.

Well that was January and now it’s almost the end of April! Once again time has flown out the door and this almost finished pattern has sat glaring at me ever since. Mainly because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it …. hexi or square …. cushion or blanket … this or that …

So enough with the muddled over-thinking! I give it to you as is and you can choose what you would like to make. Hexi or Square it’s up to you (or you could even make just the circle and use it as a pretty little embellishment or even a garland…)

OK let’s make stuff!

Merry_Go_Round_logo

Merry-Go-Round Pattern:

I’ve written out the patterns in both US terms and UK/AUS terms. Find the version you’re familiar with and lets get hookin…

Also – I haven’t had this pattern tested externally so please do let me know if you spot any errors. Edit – 3/5/16: there was a small error in round 2 which has now been fixed.

Size: 9 cm

What You’ll Need:

4mm hook
8ply/DK yarn: I’ve used Cascade Ultra Pima cotton in Sunshine, Honeysuckle, China Pink and Cool Mint but any yarn will do.

Colour Combinations:

With just 4 colours you can get at least 24 different colour combinations. I’ve used the same colour in Rounds 1 & 6 giving you even more (don’t ask me to do the math – too hard! 😉 . Check out this site for a great formula for creating unique colour combo’s.

Abbreviations:

US Terms used (UK in brackets)

ch chain

dc (tr) double crochet (treble crochet)

sc (dc) single crochet (double crochet)

sl st slip stitch

sp/s space/s

yo yarn over

Special Stitches:

US Terms / (UK/AUS in brackets)

2-dc (tr) Cluster stitch: Work first half of a dc (tr) as normal but before the last yo (2 loops on hook), yo and insert back into same st, yo, pull loop through (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through first 2 loops on hook (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops (stitch made)

Note : the first cluster st in a round will be worked differently. Instructions are given within the pattern for this first st then follow the above instructions for all subsequent stitches

Long DC (tr): Worked the same as a regular dc (tr) but into a stitch further down in the previous round. Keep your tension on the looser side and draw the stitch up so that it is even with the rest of the stitches in current round.

Popcorn: Work 3 dc (tr) into same stitch, drop the loop off your hook and re-insert hook under the top 2 loops of the first dc (tr) in the group, grab the dropped loop with your hook and pull back through the stitch, ch 1 to secure.

tute_collage

Pattern – US TERMS:

SQUARE

Start: Make a magic circle or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Using Colour A, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into ring. Join with a sl st and into top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off (12 dc)

Round 2: Join Colour B, ch 2 (counts as 1^st partial dc), yo and insert hook back into same st, yo, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through first 2 loops on hook (2 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (first 2-dc Cluster stitch made), ch 1, * 2-dc cluster, ch 1. Repeat from * into each st to end. Join with a sl st into top of first cluster and fasten off (12 x 2-dc clusters)

Round 3: Join Colour C into top of first cluster st of previous round, ch 1, sc into same st, make a long dc into the base of the same cluster st, *sc into top of next cluster st, long dc into base of same cluster st . Repeat from * to end Join with a sl st into top of first sc and fasten off.

Round 4: Join Colour D into top of first long dc from previous round, ch 1, sc into same st, make a popcorn in the next st , * sc in next st, popcorn in next st. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st into first sc and fasten off.

Round 5: Join Colour A into the first sc between popcorns of previous round, ch 1, sc into same st, ch 3, * sc into next st between popcorns, ch 3. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st into first sc. Don’t break off yarn. * if you’re making a hexi scroll down to Hexi instructions for Round 6.

Round 6: Sl st into first ch space, [ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into same sp, 3 dc into next two spaces, * [3 dc, ch 2 , 3 dc] into next sp, 3 dc into next two spaces. Repeat from * to end (4 corners & 2 sets of 3 dc between). Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch-3 and fasten off.

Round 7: Join White into any corner sp, [ch 3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] into same sp, dc into next 12 sts, * [2dc, ch 1, 2 dc] into corner sp, dc into next 12 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st into beginning ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends.

HEXI:

Rounds 1 – 5: Work as for square

Round 6: Sl st into first ch space, [ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 2 , 3 dc] into same sp, 3 dc into next sp, * [3 dc, ch 2 , 3 dc] into next sp, 3 dc into next sp. Repeat from * to end (6 corners & 1 set of 3 dc between). Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch-3 and fasten off.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Pattern – UK/AUS TERMS:

SQUARE

Start: Make a magic circle or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Using Colour A, ch 3 (counts as first tr), 11 tr into ring. Join with a sl st and into top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off (12 tr)

Round 2: Join Colour B, ch 2 (counts as 1^st partial tr), yo and insert hook back into same st, yo, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through first 2 loops on hook (2 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (first 2-tr Cluster stitch made), ch 1, * 2-tr cluster, ch 1. Repeat from * into each st to end. Join with a sl st into top of first cluster and fasten off (12 x 2-tr clusters)

Round 3: Join Colour C into top of first cluster st of previous round, ch 1, dc into same st, make a long tr into the base of the same cluster st, * dc into top of next cluster st, long tr into base of same cluster st . Repeat from * to end Join with a sl st into top of first dc and fasten off.

Round 4: Join Colour D into top of first long tr from previous round, ch 1, dc into same st, make a popcorn in the next st , * dc in next st, popcorn in next st. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st into first dc and fasten off.

Round 5: Join Colour A into the first dc between popcorns of previous round, ch 1, dc into same st, ch 3, * dc into next st between popcorns, ch 3. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st into first dc. Don’t break off yarn.* if you’re making a hexi scroll down to Hexi instructions for Round 6.

Round 6: Sl st into first ch space, [ch 3 (counts as first tr), 2 tr, ch 2 , 3 tr] into same sp, 3 tr into next two spaces, * [3 tr, ch 2 , 3 tr] into next sp, 3 tr into next two spaces. Repeat from * to end (4 corners & 2 sets of 3 tr between). Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch-3 and fasten off.

Round 7: Join White into any corner sp, [ch 3 (counts as first tr), 1 tr, ch 1, 2 tr] into same sp, tr into next 12 sts, * [2tr, ch 1, 2 tr] into corner sp, tr into next 12 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st into beginning ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends.

merrygoround_squares_side_logo

HEXI:

Rounds 1 – 5: Work as for square

Round 6: Sl st into first ch space, [ch 3 (counts as first tr), 2 tr, ch 2 , 3 tr] into same sp, 3 tr into next sp, * [3 tr, ch 2 , 3 tr] into next sp, 3 tr into next sp. Repeat from * to end (6 corners & 1 set of 3 tr between). Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch-3 and fasten off.

merrygoround_hexi_side_logo

I hope you’ll enjoy making these sweet motifs.

Until next time

Michelle x

Pegboard Baskets – free pattern

Posted on March 1, 2016 by poppyandbliss

pegboardbasket_poppyandbliss_txt

I was given some Ribbon XL yarn to try some time ago by the lovely Gwen from Hoooked and have finally had the chance to have a little play with it.

I’m on an organising kick at the moment and needed some pretty storage solutions to control my mess (ahem … creativity 😉 so these handy little baskets were just the thing I needed and are the perfect size for storing all your bits and bobs. I’m hanging mine on my pegboard but they can be hung anywhere you like.

Made in my favourite stitch, the Linen Stitch, which gives them a wonderful woven texture. I’ve included instructions for a basket with a contrast band around the top or you can change colour in any round to make your basket your own.

What you’ll need:

6.mm hook
Ribbon XL yarn – I’ve used Mint Green and Sweet Pink. (I’ve only used 1/2 skein of each colour to make 3 baskets so there’s plenty left over)

US Terms Used (UK terms in brackets)

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

pm: place marker

sc (dc): single crochet (double crochet)

sk: skip

st/s: stitch/es

ss: slip stitch

yo: yarn over

Pattern:

Worked in spiral rounds. Place marker in first st of each round, moving marker up as you go.

Base:

Round 1: Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with a ss). 6 sc (dc) into ring

Round 2: 2 sc (dc) into each st to end (12 sc (dc) )

Round 3: * 1 sc (dc), 2 sc (dc) into next st. Repeat from * to end ( 18 sc (dc) )

Round 4: * 2 sc (dc), 2 sc (dc) into next st. Repeat from * to end ( 24 sc (dc) )

Round 5: * 3 sc (dc), 2 sc (dc) into next st. Repeat from * to end ( 30 sc (dc) )

Sides:

Round 6: sc (dc) into first st, * ch 1, sk next st, sc (dc) into next st. Repeat from * to last st, sc into last st

Round 7: sc (dc) into first st, * ch 1, sc (dc) into next ch sp. Repeat from * to end.

Rounds 8 – 10: Work as for Round 7. Change colour at the end of Round 10 (when you have 2 loops left on your hook for the last st, yo with new colour and pull through to complete st). Fasten off main colour.

Rounds 11 – 13: Continuing on in contrast colour, work as for Round 7. (Linen stitch pattern ends after Round 13)

Round 14: ss into first st, Ch 5, skip next 4 sps and sts (2 sps and 2 sts), sc (dc) into next st, sc (dc) into each sp and st to end

Handle: 5 sc (dc) over ch sts from previous round, join with a ss into next sc (dc) of previous round. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Happy hooking!

Michelle x

and that was January

Posted on February 1, 2016 by poppyandbliss

MerryGoRound_3

It’s good to be back after a longer-than-planned break. It’s been a super busy few months and I really needed to switch off from the world for a couple of weeks to recharge my batteries.

Now that I’m fully charged up, it’s time to get back in the swing of things. First up, I thought I’d kick the year off with a monthly review. Here’s what January looked like …

A new pattern is being born. Pattern writing is nearly done and then it’s off to be tested.

MerryGoRound_2

There’ll be a couple of variations to choose from with this one

MerryGoRound_1 Being watched over by these cute puppy dog eyes whilst I stress out over deadlines for some secret projects.

puppydogeyes

Oops! Accidentally started a big project. A Tunisian ripple blanket just has to happen!

tunisian_ripple

Challenged myself to keep up a year-long project with a temperature blanket. Will do another post on this later.

temperatureblanket

Finishing this happy blanket (more on this one next month)

tunisian_diamonds

And that was January!

I’ll be back soon with more.

Until next time

Michelle x

Crochet Ribbon Christmas Tree Pattern

Posted on November 17, 2015 by poppyandbliss

ChristmasTree_New Hello friends 🙂

Can you believe it’s nearly Christmas !? Nope. Me either! My head is still firmly stuck way back in June somewhere and I’m not at all ready to start thinking about Turduckens or Christmas cheer.

Despite my un-christmasy mood, I’ve put together a quick and easy pattern for you to deck your halls (or tree).

So without further ado here ’tis…

Crochet Ribbon Christmas Tree

Edit: You can now get an ad free, print friendly version here on: Ravelry | Etsy |Love Crochet

Finished size: 13 cm

What you’ll need:

3 mm hook
Small amounts 8 ply/DK cotton yarn. I’ve used various brands from my stash but a stiffer cotton works better than a soft cotton for these.
Aprox 13g for the tree
Aprox 3 g each in 6 different colours for the baubles
Yarn needle

Tip: You can use any weight yarn for these but they will turn out a different size. Use a hook smaller than you normally would for your yarn so that your work is nice and firm.

US Terms Used (UK/Aus terms in brackets)

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

sc (dc) – single crochet (double crochet)

hdc (htr) – half double crochet (half treble)

ss – slip stitch

Pattern

Tree – Make 1

Foundation row: Ch 182

Row 1: Hdc (htr) into 3rd ch from hook, hdc (htr) up to last ch, 5 hdc (htr) into last ch

Row 2: Turn work upside down and work into bottom loop of ch, hdc (htr) up to last st, 4 hdc (htr) into last st. Join with a ss into top of beginning ch-2. Fasten off and weave ends in.

Baubles – make 6

Worked in spiral rounds

Start: Leaving a long tail (about an arms length) to be used for stuffing later, make a magic circle

Round 1: working into ring, ch 1 (not counted as a st), 6 sc (dc)

Round 2: 2 sc (dc) into each st (12 sc/dc)

Round 3: 12 sc (dc)

Round 4: * skip one st, sc (dc) into next st. Repeat from * 5 more times, stopping half way to insert stuffing (roll long yarn tail into a rough ball shape and squish into half closed ball. Use the blunt end of your hook to help push it all in before you finish closing). Join with a ss.

Fasten off and bury yarn end back up through centre of ball. Clip closely.

Assembly:

tree_1

Step 1: Lay your tree piece out on a flat surface and fold end back aprox 8.5 cm

tree_2

Step 2: Keep folding up, making each fold slightly shorter than the last until it looks something like this

tree_3

Step 3: Place your first bauble at the base of your tree and continue up, placing baubles between 2 layers of each fold (see pic). You’ll probably have to fiddle a bit to get your folds looking right (and will need to fiddle even more when you start sewing in a minute)

When you’re happy with your tree shape, thread your needle with a length of yarn aprox 40 cm, using the colour of your choice (this will also become the hanging loop)

tree_4

Step 4: Starting with the bottom bauble, secure your thread with a couple of small stitches in the centre top of the bauble (you won’t see this as this side will rest up against the bottom of the tree)

tree_5

Step 5: Take your needle up through the first layers, pick up your next bauble and run needle up through the centre and then through the next set of layers.

Continue joining together this way until all baubles are attached. tree_6

Step 6: Give the tail end a little tug to tighten (don’t pull too hard or you’ll squish your baubles out of shape).

tree_7

Step 7: Make a hanging loop with the remaining yarn by going back down through the centre of the top bauble and make a few small stitches into the bottom of the bauble and the top layer of the tree to secure.

Give your tree a little ‘foof’ and hang for everyone to admire.

christmastreebypoppyandbliss_1

Until next time

Michelle x

Festiva pattern and a creative challenge

Posted on October 22, 2015 by poppyandbliss

Hi there

As promised last week, I’m back with a creative challenge and a ‘pattern of sorts’, or as I prefer to think of it, a ‘recipe’. I’m calling it a recipe rather than a new pattern as it’s nothing new, just a standard solid granny square to which I’ve added other elements (also nothing new) to give it a little twist.

Here’s where the creative challenge comes in; I’ve written out the instructions for just the square but I want to encourage you to then make it your own by adding your own special touches.

Let your imagination run wild with this. Use up all your scraps, play with colours, make it a riot of colour or monochromatic, make it smaller or bigger, try out a new border, use your favourite joining method to make a blanket, a bag, a cushion, a coat or even a thingy-ma-jig.

This is not a competition but a fun exercise to get your creative juices flowing. Let go of all expectations, try something you normally wouldn’t and see where it takes you. Sometimes the most pleasant surprises come from not overthinking a project, not worrying about using exactly the same yarn as the designer or not fussing about colour placement.

I’ve deliberately not thought too much about mine and the whole point of starting my project was to use up all my scrappy bits of yarn (didn’t work btw – I seem to have just as many, if not more now :). I didn’t worry about colours going together but just used whatever I happened to pick up next. Admittedly, I’m not fond of some of the colour combo’s but in the whole scheme of things it all just works so I’m letting go of my usual fussiness here.

Ok, let’s get started!

What you’ll need (for one square) :

Small amounts of yarn in 4-5 different colours. It doesn’t matter what type of yarn you use as long as it’s all the same weight. I’ve used 8ply/Dk for mine
Yarn for main colour. I’ve used off-white
4mm hook (or size suitable for your yarn)

Abbreviations – US Terms Used (UK/AUS terms in brackets)

ch: Chain

dc (tr): Double crochet (treble crochet)

sc (dc): Single crochet (double crochet)

sl st: Slip stitch

sp: Space

Instructions:

Start: Using Colour 1, make a magic circle or ch 3 and join with a sl st to form a circle

Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as first dc (tr) + 2 ch throughout). [3 dc (tr) into ring, ch 2] 3 times. 2 dc (tr) into ring, join with a sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch. Break off yarn.

Round 2: Join Colour 2 into any corner sp with a sl st. Ch 5, 2 dc (tr) into same sp. *Dc (tr) into next 3 sts, [2 dc (tr), ch 2, 2 dc (tr)] into corner sp. Repeat from * twice, dc (tr) into next 3 sts, 1 dc (tr) into first sp. Join with a sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch. Break off yarn.

Round 3: Join Colour 3 into any corner sp with a sl st. Ch 5, 2 dc (tr) into same sp. *Dc (tr) into next 7 sts, [2 dc (tr), ch 2, 2 dc (tr)] into corner sp. Repeat from * twice, dc (tr) into next 7 sts, 1 dc (tr) into first sp. Join with a sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch. Break off yarn.

Round 4: Join Colour 4 into any corner sp with a sl st Ch 5, 2 dc (tr) into same sp. *Dc (tr) into next 11 sts, [2 dc (tr), ch 2, 2 dc (tr)] into corner sp. Repeat from * twice, dc (tr) into next 11 sts, 1 dc(tr) into first sp. Join with a sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch. Break off yarn.

Round 5: Join new colour (can be a new colour or one already used ) into any corner sp. [1 sc (dc), ch 3, 1 sc (dc)] into same space, *ch 2, skip one st, sc (dc) into next st. Repeat from * to next corner sp, [1 sc (dc), ch 3, 1 sc (dc)] into corner sp. Repeat this sequence to end. Join with a sl st into top of first sc (dc). Break off yarn.

Round 6: Join Main colour into any corner loop, Ch 5, 2 dc (tr) into same sp * 2 dc (tr) into each loop space up to next corner, [2 dc (tr), ch 2, 2 dc (tr)] into corner sp. Repeat from * twice, 2 dc (tr) into each loop space up to starting corner (first sp), 1 dc (tr) into first sp. Join with a sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch. Break off yarn.

** On a side note, although they are perfectly fine for this square, I don’t use Ch3 as my first st or sl st at the end, but replace these with a faux st or invisible join. I’ll be back soon with a tute for both of these techniques.

Now let the fun times roll, here’s where you get to put your special touch to this square. Use your favourite joining method and border to make it your own.

I’ve joined mine with the join-as-you-go method for my blanket but I’m making some more squares for a cushion and will be joining them with different coloured rows of sc (dc).

and carried on the block st pattern (rounds 5 & 6) in the border and added a picot edge. I’m very tempted to add pom poms too!

and because it’s impossible to take a good photo on this dark and dreary day today, here’s a crap photo of my finished Festiva blanket trying to look casually styled on the couch …

I hope you enjoy making Festiva. I’d love to see your fab creations so be sure to tag them with #festivasquare on instagram or pop a pic up in my Ravelry group if you prefer. I’d love to see them!

Until next time

Michelle x

and the winner is …

Posted on October 14, 2015 by poppyandbliss

…. drumroll please …. the lucky winner of Kate Bruning’s fab book; Let’s Go Camping is ….

Anthea

Congratulations Anthea I’m sure you will love this book as much as I do! Drop me an email at poppyandbliss@gmail.com with your postal address and I’ll pop it in the post for you.

Thank you all so much for entering this giveaway. I’m sorry if you missed out this time, I really wish everyone could be a winner.

I’ll be back in a couple of days with a free pattern of sorts and a creative challenge. Here’s a little clue to get your mind ticking …

Talk soon

Michelle x

Book Review and a giveaway: Let’s Go Camping – Crochet Your Own Adventure

Posted on October 1, 2015 by poppyandbliss

Hello friends

Today I have a book review and a giveaway for you but first up, my disclosure:

I received a preview copy of this book but was under no obligation to write a review nor did I receive any financial compensation to do so. All opinions are my own experience and which I hope will inspire you. I have purchased an extra copy of this book for the giveaway in support of a fellow designer and because I think you will love this book as much as I do.

Now we’ve got the business end out of the way let’s look at a delightful book I’ve just had the pleasure of looking through and be sure to read right down to the end for details of how to win your own copy.

I’ve long been a fan of Kate from Greedy for Colour. Kate’s quirky sense of fun shows up in all her work and you can’t help but get caught up in her joyful enthusiasm in everything she does. Kate’s new book Let’s Go Camping!: Crochet Your Own Adventure is absolutely delightful and filled with mix and match projects ranging from vintage caravans and ice cream trucks to tents and teepees with all the camping paraphernalia of sleeping bags, backpacks and a log fire, as well as mountain and forest scenery to create your own wonderful, magical outdoor world.

Oh how I would have loved to have this collection to play with when I was a kid!

I want to make all the projects in the book just to re-live my childhood but thinking what a wonderful present it would make for a little one to have their very own little camping wonderland to inspire their imaginations.

A couple of things to note here though is that the patterns are written in UK terms which may cause confusion for US folk but nothing a handy conversion chart can’t solve. Also, gremlins being gremlins, there is an errata page on Kate’s blog so be sure to download this before starting any projects.

One of my very favourite projects in the book is the vintage ice cream van. How cute is this! It even includes a chest freezer full of teeny tiny little ice-creams ! I couldn’t help myself and dropped everything else I’m doing and started to make one of my very own to remind me of happy summer days chasing Mr Whippy down the road.

And I’ll definitely be making the Vintage Caravan complete with kitchen sink to commemorate our upcoming caravan adventure around Australia (more on that another day)

Or maybe cruising down the river is more your style …

If you’d like a chance to win a copy of this delightful book leave a comment and I will pick a random name on 14th of October * edit: (*entries are now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered) Or, if you simply can’t wait/take the chance and would like to purchase a copy a list of the Aussie retailers can be found here or via Amazon for international readers (no affiliation to either of these)

Until next time

Michelle x

Crochet Workshops

Posted on August 27, 2015 by poppyandbliss

Hello friends

Exciting busy times around here in Poppy & Bliss land at the moment. I’ve got lots on the go and lots to share over the coming months now that I’ve got my mojo back.

One of the more exciting things (for me anyway) is that I’ve decided to start teaching again. I love teaching others and sharing my knowledge. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a student bloom as they gain confidence in their new skill. It’s heartwarming I tell ya 🙂

So, now that I’ve got my home reno’s done I have opened up my house (or my dining room table at least) and inviting you in to do a crochet or Tunisian crochet workshop with me. To kick the workshop schedule off, I’ll be running workshops in Tunisian Crochet and Crochet Joining Techniques all throughout September and more fun topics will be added soon. Pop over here to find out all the details.

I held the first Tunisian Crochet workshop last Tuesday. We had so much fun, sitting around chatting, learning and eating cupcakes. Everyone walked away confident in their new found skills and inspired with new ideas.

Before the workshop I was busy making up some swatches for everyone to see how beautiful and versatile Tunisian Crochet can be.

I was also busy joining some of my WIPs for the Crochet Joining Techniques Workshop

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately. I hope you will come and join me for a workshop if you’re in Melbourne.

Until next time

Michelle x

New pattern – Illusion

Posted on February 17, 2015 by poppyandbliss

Hello again lovely friends. How are you today?

I’ve been busy this past week finishing off a new pattern. Boy oh boy these things take longer than planned! Anyhoo, let me introduce you to Illusion. An easy mitered square pattern that is joined-as-you-go. Hooray! No sewing lots of little squares together!

And how about that 3D effect!

Coming up with a name for this one had me stumped so I put a call out on instagram and had such a fantastic response. With over 200 responses there were so many great suggestions I just couldn’t choose but finally settled on Illusion as it was suggested several times and it does in fact fit the design quite nicely. So Illusion it is.

I’ve just popped the pattern up over at etsy and ravelry if you’d like to make one for yourself. Oh and there is a US version or UK version for you to choose from too.

16/3/2014: Update

Just popping in with a quick update.

I’ve just recently started another version of Illusion, this time using Scheepjeswol Stone Washed yarn which I’m finding is working perfectly for this pattern (no affiliation, just my personal opinion). It’s so lovely and soft and the mottled colours add a whole other dimension to the design.

Look how lush ….

The details:

4.5mm hook
Colours: Smokey Quartz – 11 balls, 1 ball each of Lemon Quartz, Coral, Yellow Jasper, Corundum Ruby, Canada Jade, Red Jasper, Deep Amethyst, Amazonite and Blue Apatite, 2 balls Green Agate (which I will also use for the border).

I will have lots of leftovers of the contrast colours so another project with this snugly soft yarn is sure to happen!

Until next time

Michelle x

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2014 by poppyandbliss

Wishing you all a merry and bright Christmas.

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement throughout the year. It means a lot to me to know you are there.

This year has whizzed by in a blur, a lot of good intentions have gone out the window, many things didn’t get done and much thought has gone into ‘where to from here’. I have some exciting things to share in the new year and can’t wait to show you but for now though I am locked away in my studio working hard on a very special secret. All will be revealed very soon!

Until next time, take care and enjoy the festive season.

Michelle xx