Felt Yule or Christmas Tree

 

Snowflake Crochet Motif

I had such fun working on this Snowflake pattern this week and I hope you have lots of fun making them too.  I'm looking forward to making a whole blizzard of them each night while I watch television to decorate the house and tree with this winter - which might also help me to stop nibbling on mince pies quite so much.  

I would really appreciate it and love it if you would help me to keep making and offering these free patterns by making a small donation on my Ko-fi account if you have used any of my patterns or just like my blog or Instagram.  I don't receive yarn or supplies from sponsors so this would enable me to purchase yarn for new projects.   

Love, Karen x

 

Chatting about Pear Upside-Down Cake, Tadpoles and Romantic Hearts Crochet Pattern

It's been busy around here since the last blog post on Wednesday last week.  I'm never at a loss of having things to keep me busy thanks to being craft and book mad and that's not changed much while we are in lockdown.  I don't know about you but I often have trouble stopping for a break (and sometimes lunch) when I get in full swing with something, especially if it's something outside in the garden.  Total awareness of time disappears when i'm out there pottering about.

Work on my upcoming crochet blanket pattern has been going at a great pace and alongside this i've been having loads of inspiration coming through for other patterns for later in the year.  The release day for the pattern for the Gemstone Blanket titled 'Energised' is Wednesday next week so keep an eye out for the announcements. 

What a great way to start the day on Monday..........with a rainbow in my teacup :-)

Speaking of colours; what about the colour of these Snapdragons?  Aren't they delicious?  These are self-sown from last year's crop so a nice surprise to see then popping up amongst the 'Love in the Mist' I showed you last week.  Swiping through the photos on my phone on Thursday and coming across this one,  I had this silly little poem compose itself in my head.  It turns out it was useful in cheering a few people up, and an appropriate reminder to me later on in the day when I had a meltdown over the sink being filled with dishes yet again when the washer was empty.

"Try not to be snappy like a Snapdragon today, 

instead find some time to be silly and play.

If you can't do that then find a hook,

to go with some yarn, 

or a nice chunky book."

Last Friday saw the one year anniversary of the last episode of Game of Thrones.  What a night that was and what an ending!  It was fun seeing that memory popping up in my Facebook feed, but let's face it, it's not always great in flashing up memories that are actually lovely.  Some of them have been inappropriate or unfortunate for being referred to as a memory you might want to be reminded of.

More baking again this week.  This
time an upside-down cake combination inspired by the can of pears in the cupboard combined with an urge to bake. Traditionally this cake is made using pineapple rings and sliced glace cherries but I didn't have any of them on hand and I was in the mood for a bit of experimenting.


Pear Upside-Down Cake 

1 400g can Pear Halves or fruit of your choice.
125g Self-raising Flour
125g Baking Margerine or Butter
125g Castor Sugar
2 Large Eggs
1 tsp Baking Powder
1tsp Vanilla Essence
Note:  (For this Pear version of the cake I added 1 tsp Ground Ginger to the mixture instead of the Vanilla because it's a good combination with Pears.  If you make a version with Pineapple or other fruit, I don't think Ginger will work well for flavour, so use Vanilla Essence instead.)

To make:

Preheat oven to 180˚C Fan
Line a 20cm round baking tin.

Beat eggs.

Cut pear halves into slices, but not too thin.

Put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and beat until the batter is pale and creamy.

Arrange the slices of  pear onto the bottom of the cake tin, then place the batter on top and level it out.

Bake for 25 minutes or until the knife comes out clean when inserted into the cake.  Note: The knife tip may have moisture on it from the fruit, but you will see the difference between this and unbaked cake batter.

Leave to cool before turning the cake out onto a plate. 

Enjoy x

 ******************************************************************************

The tadpoles in our garden pond are doing well and have begun to develop their little legs, which you may be able to see in this picture.  As you can imagine it's difficult do photograph them because the minute I get close to the pond surface they dash away and hide.  There aren't as many as there were right at the very beginning when they first hatched, but there's still plenty of them to ensure a lively population amongst the ivy in the flower beds in a few weeks time.

Regretably i've not been on the ball with planting seeds into propagators this year so i've sown directly this time.  Yesterday the winds had died down so being outside was pleasant once again, allowing me to get stuck in with sowing,  sorting out the compost, tidying up the pots and re-potting some plants that needed more space.  One of them was a succulent that had been growing in the conservatory and which took a tumble off the window sill because it had become so lanky and top heavy.  Sadly quite a few of it's petals (are they called petals?) broke off but it's still okay, has a larger pot and the addition of some skewers to keep it upright until it settles it's roots.

Seeds sown in the giant pots yesterday were tomatoes, spinach and radishes.  In previous years we've planted much more, but with no longer having the raised beds because our dog loved to scamper through and 'water' them, we've had to use giant pots instead which has changed what we plant.  I would like to change this in future because we do miss growing our own vegetables.

The twigs you see here are to prevent birds and the resident squirrels from scratching about in the new soil and compost in the giant pots - or so I hoped.  This morning I came out to find that there had indeed been some disturbance, so all going as planned the mesh that's now been added will prevent this from happening again until the plants are well on their way.

Last week I decided to surprise you all with another free crochet pattern called the Romantic Hearts Square.  It's an oldie but a goodie that i've given a bit of a revamp. If you didn't see the release announcement, not to worry because it's waiting for you here

Monday was Bank Holiday and an unexpected surprise filled the sky that afternoon.  Isnt' it great?  It was thanks to Pilot Rich Goodwin.  You can read about him and why he did it here

In closing, a reminder that i'm aiming to release the pattern for the Gemstone Blanket titled 'Energised' on Friday this week so keep an eye out for the annoucements here and on Facebook and Instagram. 

Wishing you a good week.
Stay well and safe,
K x

Romantic Hearts Crochet Square

Another oldie but a goodie.  I first created this design eight years ago but was never entirely pleased with it, namely because of the yarn used at the time.  

I really wanted to update the pattern and change the yarn, so I did and here it is as a surprise freebie in the middle of May 2020.  I've renamed it 'Romantic Hearts' because it's perfect for anytime of year and any occassion, not just for Valentine's Day.

Note: The completed square measures 19cm.

#karenwiederholddesigns #romanticheartsgrannysquare #crochet #grannysquare #crochetblanket

The Big Reveal: Sunny Sunflowers Blanket is complete

Here it is in all it's glory!  My completed Sunny Sunflowers Blanket.

Guaranteed to brighten up any setting and will be extra lovely in Autumn with it's complementing colours and cosy for those slightly fresher evenings.

This morning I updated the pattern to include the instructions to make the border.  You'll find the pattern for the blanket by visiting my website.

I'd love to see if you make your own blanket using this pattern, so please remember to tag me in on your posts and also use #sunnysunflowersblanket and #karenwiederholddesigns so others can find them.

Wishing you loads of fun if you choose to make your own blanket or project using the squares.

Karen  x



PS,  If you like this pattern and would like to show your appreciation, please gift a donation to your local Samaritans or Mental Health and Wellbeing Charities.  The work they do has a special place in my heart.  Thank you x

Bunny Motif

Designed by © Karen Wiederhold

You will need:
Double Knit yarn in Cream,Camel, Pink and Black
3.5mm hook

Aran or chunky will work just as well for a larger Bunny head, but you will need to increase your hook size accordingly.















Head

Round 1: Ch5 and join into ring with a SS into the first Ch.










Round 2: Ch3 (this acts as first Tr), Tr11, SS into the top of the first Tr to join.










Round 3: Ch3 (this acts as first Tr) Tr 1 into same place, T2 into each of the next 11 stitches (24 Tr).










Round 4: Ch3 (this acts as first Tr) Tr1 into same place *T1 into each of the next 2 stitches, T2 into next stitch*, repeat *to* 6 times,  Tr1 into each of next 2 stitches, SS into top of first Tr to join.  (32Tr). Tie off.










Ear One

Row 1: Join brown yarn into space between first two Trs of Round 5 of the head section, Ch6.

Row 2: Skipping first Chain, Tr1 into next 5 Ch, SS into space where the yarn was joined at the beginning of the row.  Tie off.










Row 3: Join cream yarn into space where the brown section is attached in Round 1. Ch2, Dc1 into next 5 Ch, DC1 Tr1 DC1 into the first space at the tip of the ear, DC1 into next 6 stitches, SS into space where the yarn was joined at the beginning of the row.  Tie off.

Ear Two
Join yarn into second group of Tr2 of Round 5 of the head section.  Repeat as for ear one.

Stitch on facial features using oddments of yarn to complete.

I hope you enjoyed this easy little project for your Spring, Ostara or Easter decorating.

Love,
Karen x


Project ideas: 

Brooch: Add a brooch pin to the back  of the head and attach it to your jacket, jumper or bag.

Embellishment: Stitch it to a hat, beanie, scarf, blanket or cushion for a fun embellishment.

Garland: Make a whole family of Bunny heads and thread them through the tops of their ears onto a long ribbon/string for a seasonal garland.

Sweet treat gift idea:  Make two heads, stitch them together from the outer edge of the left ear around to the outer edge of the right ear - this leaves the top ear section open.  Hide a cream egg inside for a sweet gift idea.

Designed by Karen Wiederhold  ©2000 - 2020   All rights reserved.

Personal use only.  Please do not sell or reproduce this pattern or use it for a paid class you may be teaching.  If you wish to use it as a group project, please contact me in advance.  Please remember to credit me if you make this project by linking my Instagram, Facebook Page or Blog on your social media posts or Pinterest etc.

Another Alternative use for the Sunny Sunflowers Motif.

Photo by Karen Wiederhold

Do you love my Sunny Sunflower crochet square pattern that I released two weeks ago but you don't want to make a blanket?

Here's another fun idea!  Make the central part of the motif, fold in half and stitch a portion of the edges together where they meet, forming a wedge shaped napkin and cutlery holder.

A lovely addition to your autumnal table settings for Weddings, Halloween, Autumn or any other celebration.

I love finding the versatility within my projects while designing them.

You'll find the pattern at www.weediflowercreations.com

PS - Take a look in the post below for another alternative idea.

🌻

Alternative use for the Sunny Sunflowers Crochet Square

Photo by Karen Wiederhold

Do you love my Sunny Sunflower crochet square pattern that I released last week, but you don't want to make a blanket?

Why not leave off the final two rounds of the pattern, which turns the centre circular motif into the final square shape, and use it as a heat protector/coaster for your teapot.  I love finding the versatility within my projects while designing them🌻.

You'll find the pattern in my Free Crochet and Charity Patterns section.

Photo by Karen Wiederhold

Photo by Karen Wiederhold

#sunnysunflowers #karenwiederholddesigns #sunnysunflower

Updated Edition of the popular Pumpkin Time Garland

Yes indeed!  The popular Pumpkin Time Garland pattern which I created in September 2011, and which has come out every year since, has had an update.  

© Karen Wiederhold 2011

Autumn and Halloween are a long way off but there are still many of us enjoying pumpkins through Winter.  So if you fancy a splash of colour to brighten these final Wintery weeks, or want to jazz up your allotment shed, or prepare in advance for Autumn, then here you go.  Click on the image to find the pattern.

Wishing you lots of enjoyment,
Karen x

Supplies used:
Stylecraft Special Aran  -  Spice and Meadow
4.50mm hook

(also suitable for Double Knit yarn using 3.5mm hook)





Disclosure:  Yarn purchased by me.  This is not a sponsored or subsidised pattern or blogpost. 

Style craft DK yarn purchased by me from Wool Warehouse. 

Wreath for Valentine's Day - Free Project

A wreath is not just for the December/Winter festive season, they can be for any time of year or festivity and i'm a big fan of bringing the season or festivity into my home with a wreath hanging on either a door or in the window.  So here we have a beaded and bejewelled wreath for Valentine's day, but it can be hung all year in your bedroom for that touch of femininity and romance.

You will need,

Small willow wreath

Transparent, hollow plastic heart

Feathers

Spool of silver jewellery wire

Assortment of clear and pearlescent beads

1 metre fuchsia chiffon ribbon

White satin cord/piping/ribbon

To make,

1. Tie length of satin cord through the top of the wreath for hanging.  

2. Thread all the beads on to the silver wire, keeping the wire attached the  spool
     to prevent the beads sliding off.  Then securing the end of wire around a twig with a 
     few twists, begin to wind the beaded strand around the wreath as many times as you 
     choose, feeding beads along the wire a few at a time and unwinding the spool as you go. 
     Make sure you disperse the beads evenly around the wreath during winding.  Once you 
     have finished winding, snip wire from spool, pouring left over beads on the wire into a 
     container.

3. Fill the hollow heart with the feathers and close.  Thread a length of ribbon through the loop
     in the top then through the centre of the wreath, tying in a bow around the cord to secure.

4. Tie sections of ribbon round the wreath and trim ends.

Felt Gingerbread House

Ta dah!  Here it is and i'm really pleased with it and hope you enjoy making lots of them in all sorts of colours and themes.

I have called it a Gingerbread House but really you can make it into a Beach Hut or Country Cottage - whatever takes your fancy.

If you make some please send me some photos so I can have a look and i'll put them up on the blog gallery if you would be happy for me to do so.

Use the tag #karenwiederholddesigns on Instagram and Facebook.

Here's the template.  Make sure to print it so that it fills an A4 size sheet of paper.


Please enjoy these projects but remember the projects and templates published here are for personal non-commercial use.  Please email me if you would like to use the projects for fundraising or teaching classes.