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'A Little Bit of Happiness' Crochet Project

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' A Little Bit of Happiness' Crochet Project - To Chase Away the Winter Blues Every year I really struggle during January and February with season affective disorder and tend to lose my crojo, which usually brings me so much comfort and joy. Starting big new projects feels impossible and continuing with previous abandoned wips just does not appeal.  I have tried many different tricks over the years to get through these dark, dreary winter months and have tried to find crochet projects that work for me during this time when I feel unmotivated and generally a bit down about everything.  I have found that small projects with quick outcomes work well at bringing some joy, and have made things such as wristwarmers, a winter hat, or even some small mandalas in past years at this time. However choosing yarn, patterns, and even making simple colour decisions can feel rather overwhelming. So this year I am trying something a little different. I have a square pattern that I d

Crochet Moss Stitch Granny Square

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Moss Stitch Granny Square Pattern A lovely quick square that can be worked in many different yarn types. I've used Yarn Smiths Create Chunky here which Wool Warehouse kindly gifted me. I'm going to make a cosy, chunky, lap blanket with my squares. Perfect for snuggling up on the sofa with to add that extra layer of warmth which is much needed at this time. The full blanket pattern with step by step photos and full yarn list should be available in my Etsy shop by the end of the year but in the meantime because lots of you have asked about this square I thought I'd get the basic square pattern up on my blog as a little Christmas gift to you all. What would you make with these squares? Abbreviations (UK terms): ch = chain tr = treble crochet sl st = slip stitch ch1-sp = chain one space ch3-sp = chain three space sk st = skip next stitch st(s) = stitch(es) Moss Stitch Granny Square Crochet Pattern: Round 1: With Yarn A make a magic circle, ch3 (counts as first tr),

Mindful Crochet - Giant Granny Square Blanket

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Mindful Crochet - Giant Modern Granny Square Blanket Pattern for Giant Modern Granny Square Blanket My very first crochet project was a giant granny square blanket. I didn't intend to make a blanket, I started out by trying a granny square and thought, this is fun, and just kept on going. For my first one, I just used 3 colours (pink, purple and white) and just kept alternating between the 3. If you want to see how my first attempt turned out you can go to my Instagram page and scroll right back to some of my very first posts ( click here to take a peek) . Crochet, Mindfulness, and Well Being I first took up crochet at a very stressful time of life.  I had just had my second child and been made redundant whilst on maternity leave. I had also had a significant death in the family, and I had been in hospital with an infected gallbladder.  Let's just say, life had dealt me several hefty blows all in a very short space of time. It was actually a friend of mine that suggested we cou

Spring Time Mandalas

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Spring Time Mandalas Mindful crochet - Quick projects to calm the mind. Sometimes I just want a nice quick project that will allow me to experiment with colour and stitches, and use up some of the yarn that I already have in my stash. I find mandalas are perfect for this.  They satisfy my crochet itch without the stress of starting another large, seemingly never ending project. They are quick to complete and make great little gifts for friends and family.  I tend to use my mandalas as little mats to sit under my flower vases, protecting the surface underneath from any watermarks. Or, for really intricate designs, I have in the past popped them into box frames as they make great little pieces of art work. Why not show off your crochet skills for all to see!  There are some great resources on the internet with free mandala patterns.  Here are a couple of crochet mandalas I have enjoyed making in the past and the links to the websites with the patterns I used. Daisy Pom Pom Ma

Crochet Heart Pattern

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Cute Crochet Heart Pattern There are lots of different  patterns available for crochet hearts so here is one more to add to the mix 🥰. This is my pattern I used to make my Valentine's Day garland. I have also used the hearts in the past to make little cards by sticking the heart onto some coloured card, and also used them as little gift tags by threading a little bit of string through the top of the heart and attaching them to presents or gift bags.  What would you use your crocheted hearts for? What you'll need: Yarn: I have used James C Brett Party Time for my garland but you can use any yarn you like. Don't forget the weight of your yarn will affect the size of your heart.  Size: The chunky yarn I have used makes a heart that is approx 6.5cm wide and 6cm in height. Hook: I used 6mm (US = J -10). If you are using a different yarn to me use the hook it recommends for that yarn on the label. Other craft tools: craft scissors and darning needle No

Look on the Bright Side - Free Chunky Hat Pattern

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Chunky Ribbed Crochet Bobble Hat Pattern Well 2021 hasn't got off to the best start for us with a 3rd lockdown due to Coronavirus and the children out of school and remote learning once more, but I'm determined to stay positive and keep to my new year's resolution of finishing off projects and writing up patterns. So, here is the first one completed for January. It's a hat to match my cowl pattern I posted on Instagram ( @melly.elly.crochet ) just before Christmas.  I love how the Cascades variegated yarn shows as changing stripes of bright happy colours. And, I can certainly vouch for how warm and snuggly this hat keeps you, as I've made good use of it over the last few days! The pattern is written for my head, which is a small adult size, but I have given instructions so that you can make the hat personalised to your own head size. I've decided a good name for this hat and cowl set, considering the current situation, will be 'Look o