Tuesday 23 January 2018

Tunisian Crochet Series - Foundation Row and Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)

One more post about Tunisian Crochet. This time I want you to learn how to start a tunisian crochet project with the foundation row and how to make the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS).
I made two little videos so that you can see perfectly what I'm talking about. Just click on the video links below to go straight to it.




I hope that the videos made it clear for you how to start a tunisian crochet project. If you have any questions just leave them on the comments.

If you are brand new to tunisian crochet check my other article What is Tunisian Crochet and this one as well How to Count Rows in Tunisian Crochet.

Thank you for stopping by and see you soon for more stuff about tunisian crochet.

Thursday 11 January 2018

Pico Cowl


I would like to present my newest creation, my Pico cowl. :-) And it's free, access my Ravelry shop to download it.
I wanted to work with these two tones, coral and grey, for some time and this was it. This is a super easy piece to make and it will be ready in no time. The only stitches used are trebles (UK)/doubles (US), doubles (UK)/singles (US) and chains. 
You will need the change the colour mid way but it's very easy because you will be doing it at the beginning of the row. So, beginners don't be scared. All the tips are included in the pdf and also my contacts if you have any questions.


For the least experienced, if you're wondering how to make that section with the coral, I can tell you that it's very easy. This effect is achieved with the spike stitch. Everything is explained in the pdf
Besides all the tips that will allow you to end with the perfect piece you will find in the pattern:
  • list of materials;
  • patterns details like final size, gauge, etc.;
  • detailed written instructions;
  • chart;
  • all my contacts if you have any questions.
Even though this is a free pattern, it was written and is presented with the same detail of my paid patterns. If you really like this one, check out my Precious Arrows cowl pattern as well at my Ravelry shop. And my blog article about it here

So what are you waiting, go on and make yourself warm. ;-)

Here is a handy collage for you to pin to your free patterns Pinterest board. ;-)

Friday 5 January 2018

Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Ultraviolet - Yarn Suggestions

Pantone's choice for 2018 is Ultra Violet.They consider that it symbolises the mysteries of the unknown and that it inspires us to explore new worlds. It is also associated with individuality and uniqueness, motivating us to be creative and find our own way of communicating and express ourselves. Ultraviolet is a colour used in meditation spaces and connected to spirituality and mindfulness practices. More and more, people look for a refuge from today's busy world and are able to find piece in these type of activities. If you would like to know more about Pantone and Ultra Violet head over to this article.

But this is a yarn blog, so let's head for what it really matters. I would like to leave you with some suggestions of ultra violet coloured yarn and also other colours that would go well with it.

Four types of yarn ultra violet coloured
In the image above you can see at the top left BG Garn - Semilla Organic Lace Wysteria, top right Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal Fuchsia, bottom left Cascade 128 Superwash Amethyst Heather and bottom right Willow & Lark Plume Wisteria.


Four types of yarn in colours that match ultra violet dark blue dark green pink and golden yellow


I chose some colours to go with the ones in the first image. You have BC Garn Semilla Organic Lace in Dark Blue (top left), Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal Gold Autumn (top right), Cascade 128 Superwash Turtle (bottom left) and Willow & Lark Plume Gerbera Pink (bottom right).
Some of the combinations are a bit bold but it doesn't mean that you have to use both colours in the same amount. And life without risks would be a bit boring don't you think? Leave those classic combos and, in line with what was said at the beginning of this post, be creative and find your uniqueness.

You can find these yarns at Love Knitting and Loop London.

Have a great 2018!

Friday 15 December 2017

Christmas Tree - Crocodile Stitch Tutorial


Since it's Christmas time a crochet Christmas tree was in order. I've looked for several patterns and came across this one from Yarn Plaza. If you would like to make one as well click here. Bear in mind that the instructions are a bit generic, if you are a beginner this is probably not the right pattern for you. You can try this one from Yarn Inspirations instead.

Once finished, I had to add a little bit of flair to the tree so I decorated it with glitter glue, in this case green and gold. I also used a bit of red ribbon as tinsel. And we are all done!

Crocodile Stitch Tutorial

This tree is made using the crocodile stitch so I decided to prepare this tutorial for you, in case you never used this stitch before or need to refresh your memory. I hope you find it useful.




Here is a nice pic if you would like to pin this video tutorial. By the way, check my Pinterest boards under Brownnteal, I've collected lots of inspirational photos and tutorials. 



 Thank you for stopping by and see you soon.

Monday 13 November 2017

New Crochet Pattern - Precious Arrows

Crochet cowl in green and taupe.
Precious Arrows - Crochet Cowl. Buy now from Ravelry

What you can see above is my latest design, Precious Arrows. It's a cowl that is composed of different textures making it interesting to the touch, unique and fun to wear.
Due to the several stitches used is also an exciting project to execute, that will keep you motivated to carry on. I think that is balanced in terms of difficulty throughout, because you start with a more challenging stitch pattern but then you have a break with the back loop dc/sc. After that, you are ready to make those last rows and finish your piece.

I've used Malabrigo Worsted, in the colours Chapel Stone and Verde Adriana. This is a 100% merino wool yarn, so the cowl is super soft and comfortable to wear. This is a yarn that I was dying to use, specially because of its colour options, and I'm a colour fanatic. :-D However, it's perfectly fine if you use another type of yarn for this project, preferably of around the same thickness so that you get a finished piece of approximately the same size. I indicate the gauge in the pattern, therefore you can use it as reference.

In the pattern you will find a written description of how to execute this item and also a diagram for the first few rows where the design is a bit more challenging. All the materials that you will need are listed and I've also included several tips throughout the document so that you end up with a piece perfectly done in no time. I have rated this pattern as Intermediate, in terms of level of difficulty, due to the use of front post stitches for the first bit, but an advanced beginner, eager to learn new things, can do it. Nevertheless, if you encounter any difficulties I'm here to help, all my contacts are described in the last page.

Stop by Ravelry to buy the pattern and very soon you will feel warm and cozy wearing the Precious Arrows cowl.
crochet cowl folded in a hanger malabrigo yarn in colours chapel stone and verde adriana


Friday 27 October 2017

Tunisian Crochet Series

How to Count Rows in Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet piece showed sideways

I'm now working on a Tunisian Crochet pattern that will be launched soon, and this tip just came to mind.
In Tunisian Crochet, it can be a little hard to count the rows when using certain stitches. But there's a simple solution, just turn your work sideways. 😃
I hope that you liked this small tip and that you come back for more. 
I will add some more Tunisian Crochet tutorials soon so that you are ready when my pattern comes out.

Thank you for stopping by and see you soon!🙋