Augenia Boho Bag

 

Part 4 is now available

You will now be able to finish your bag

The pattern will go back to it's normal price on 29th  of October

Augenia Boho Bag, now live

 Go and get your copy of the first part of the Augenia Boho Bag

Each week, a new part will be added at no extra cost

There will be 4 parts to this bag

Buy your pattern here, for less than a cup of coffee Ravelry

If you want to crochet along with others, join the facebook group  Crochet-A-Long with Us! - CAL/Crochet Along Group

The Augenia Boho Bag- what you'll need

To make the Augenia Boho Bag, you'll need a few things

You will need some thread/yarn

For this bag, I used Panda Regal 4 ply cotton. This is equivalent to fingering yarn in other countries

I made it in a cream, black, and light blue

You could use a thicker yarn to make a bigger bag. Or even do a smaller one, by using thinner yarn. Your choice

You will need a crochet hook. I used a 3.00mm hook. Which is size D, in US

But you will need to adjust this if you use a different thickness yarn

You will need some lining. Anything will do. I used poly cotton lining fabric

But you could use anything you like. In any pattern, or colour you like

The other thing you would need is, some ribbon, cord, or some type of string, for the drawstring top

I just used ribbon

Be ready to start on October 1st

The Augenia Boho Bag

The Augenia Boho Bag is a drawstring bag with some fancy stitches like popcorns and front and back post stitches to add some interest

It is fully lined, to add strength to the bag, and has ribbon to create the draw string (But you could use anything you like here)

I will be hosting this CAL for the "Crochet-A-Long with Us!" Facebook group crew starting on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024.  If you would like to join in, you can either join the group or follow along here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/450997598757832

The pattern will be available to buy through Ravelry at half price during the CAL. The normal price will be AU$7. But during the CAL it will be AU$3.50.  This is less than a cup of coffee

Note: Ravelry will adjust the price to your country for you

There will be 4 parts to this pattern. each new part will be released on a Tuesday, approximately 8PM, Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Week 1- October 1st: you will learn to make the base

Week 2- October 8th: you will learn to do the pattern up to round 31

Week 3- October 15th: will be the rest of the crochet parts

Week 4- October 22nd:  you will learn to sew the lining

By the end of the 4th week you will have a fully finished bag

More info coming soo

Sunburst Mandala Cushion CAL

The pattern is now available from Ravelry

Download it from here ://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunburst-mandala-cushion for the small cost of AUS$4

You will receive part 1 of the pattern

Every week after, for 5 weeks, it will be updated to add the next part. By the end of the CAL you will have all 5 parts



Feel free to ask me any questions here, or on the Facebook group where it is hosted:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrochetALongwithUs/



Have fun

Unique Christmas gift

Want to make a unique Christmas gift for a loved one?



What about this cushion?

Join the crochet-along and find out how to make it

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunburst-mandala-cushion?fbclid=IwAR0Wld58tz4bhcibIcymlSb-NnYRDH0d3vFafNc4bXn3byHaXlTKrrXvOLo

Sunburst Mandala Cushion CAL intro

The CAL will start on the 10th of November

There will be 5 parts to the pattern, a new part released each week. You can crochet along with others, or at your own pace


On the 9th of November you will be able to buy the pattern from Ravelry. There will be another part added each week, and you can also download that. You will get a message that an update has been added

The first part will be released on the 10th of November (Australian time), this may still be 9th November for some of you

Part 2 will be released on the 17th of November (Australian time)

Part 3 will be released on the 24th of November (Australian time)

Part 4 will be released on the 1st of December (Australian time)

Part 5 will be released on the 8th of December (Australian time)

The CAL will be hosted by https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrochetALongwithUs/


The pattern will be available from Ravelry from the 9th November https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunburst-mandala-cushion

The pattern will be discounted to AUS$4 during the CAL (that's even less in American dollars).


Or make a donation of your choice
https://craftcove.blogspot.com/2015/04/donations.html

Things you'll need

You'll need to buy the pattern from Ravelry, or make a donation, and message me


You will need some stitch markers (this type is my favourite type)

  

You will need a 3 mm hook,or the size hook needed for a gauge of 5 rounds of pattern = 1.6 inches (4 cm).   You will also need a 3.5 mm hook

You will need 150 - 200 grams of each colour of 8 ply yarn (DK)

You will need 4 colours. eg, white, pale yellow, medium yellow, and dark yellow

You can use any colours you like, though.  Here's some colour inspiration

If you want to do it in yellow, like my original, some good yarn choices are:

Yatsal Knitting Yarn 8 ply 100g
Golden yellow W048
Yellow W110
Lemon W109
White W039

Paintbox yarns  DK/8 ply
Buttercup yellow 222
Mustard yellow  223
Neon yellow   258

Scheepjes catona  DK/8 ply
100 Lemon Chiffon
280 Lemon
208 Yellow Gold

I've also begun making it in blues

Sunburst Mandala Cushion colour play

I originally designed the Sunburst Mandala Cushion to be yellow. Like a burst of sunlight. 

But you can make it any colour you like

I've played with an editing program to give you some ideas of colours you could use

Want to make this?
https://www.facebook.com/events/517057379036679/

Sunburst Mandala Cushion

I wanted to create a burst of sunlight

Then I found this image

I played with crochet stitches and designs, over and over again


Eventually, I came up with this design

But I prefer something useful. So I decided to make it into a cushion

I could have made it into a round cushion like this. But I decided to play some more. I'll turn it into a square

I wanted to try something different to square it off. And I wanted to incorporate the border again, I really liked the way that turned out


So eventually I came up with this cushion 

And now for the back. Do I just do a fabric back?  No. I wanted more crochet. But I also want to do something that will match..... But not the same ..... 

Finally I came up with this

Worked as a square, but still using some overlay stitches

And still the suggestion of rays of the sun

Want to make this?

https://www.facebook.com/events/517057379036679/

Pdf's now available

I've decided to make my free patterns also available as printable pdfs

They are still available for free here, but if you want a nice easy way to print it, you will be able to download it for a small fee

Patterns take a very long time, and a lot of effort to create

It is a huge process, that includes many steps

Thinking of the design

Occasionally this step can be easy.

But most often it takes a lot of thought and ideas, and looking at a lot of inspiration


Creating the design

This is probably the hardest part.

What yarn, or thread would work best for this?

What stitch, or combination of stitches would work best for this?

How many stitches will I need?

Then it needs to be made, and undone, and made, and undone, many times, usually, until it's right, and it works the way I want it


Writing it up

This is another challenging part. I usually write notes as I go. But it's a completely different thing to have the pattern written with all the proper terms and wording in it.

It takes a lot of work going through the whole pattern to add all the words, terms and phrases in the proper crochet terms so that everyone can understand it


Testing

This is where other people come into it

I need a range of people who can read crochet patterns to look through the pattern, and crochet the item

They will see it through new eyes, being unfamiliar with the design, they will often see errors, or better ways with wording than I can

I'm often amazed at what I can miss. And how different testers can see different things


Final pattern

And finally we have the final pattern

All my patterns are pretty cheap, especially when you consider my most expensive pattern might only just buy me a coffee in Australia.

The pdf's are $2 Australian, which is half a coffee

All Patterns Half Price

I'm currently having a sale


All of my crochet patterns are 50% off until further notice

Find them all here:  https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jenny-lawson

Blocking FAQ

Blocking FAQs

I have been crocheting for a very long time. At the time of writing this it’s been about 45 years. I’ve learnt a lot in that time

Here is my take on blocking crochet

What Is Blocking?

Blocking is a term used to describe the process of pinning the crochet out to the proper shape and size. There are several methods used

See How to Block for step by step instructions

Is Blocking Really Necessary?

People often ask if blocking is necessary

The bottom line is that there are no hard and fast rules. You can do what you want, it's your crochet

BUT if you want your work to look professional and clean, blocking will help

Blocking helps the stitches stand out, gives them each their own clear space. It also sets the work to a particular shape and size. It can also stretch the item slightly, if needed

But do you need to do it to everything you crochet?

Not really. If you're making a doily or snowflakes, it's definitely worth it. But if you are crocheting blocks for a blanket, and they're all going to be joined up, it's probably not worth it, unless the sizes are too different

Is Blocking Permanent?

Sometimes

If you block acrylic with heat, it will be permanent

Cotton and wool will need a little bit of blocking after each wash

Can You Press Rather Than Block?

Again, it's up to you

BUT

• it will flatten the stitches
• you will not be able to set the work to a particular shape
• if it's acrylic, it may melt your work, and stick to the iron

What Tools are Required For Blocking?

• something firm that pins can be pinned into

• rust-proof pins
• spray bottle
• towels or plastic
• measuring tape
• optional, steam iron or steamer
• optional, blocking templates

What can you use as a blocking board

Any firm flat surface that you can put pins in will do

Any type of foam mats, including kids play puzzle mats, floor tiles, or yoga mats

Just a few layers of cardboard wrapped in cling wrap (I like this when I use a template underneath)

A carpeted piece of floor, covered with towels

Even a mattress covered with lots of towels or plastic

Or you can buy proper blocking boards that have grids on them

If you need to block a lot of squares for a blanket, you can put nails onto a wooden square board. Or drill holes that can have small dowels put in

Do you block squares before joining or after?

If the crochet you are doing has many pieces, such as granny square blocks being joined together, or clothing, you will need to block the pieces individually first, before joining

What if it's a big piece?

You can put down lots of towels on the floor, or bed, and pin to that

Is it difficult to do?

No, it’s very easy

How do you know where to block so the piece isn't over stretched?

You push it slightly outwards with your hands. This means it’s only slightly pushed out, and not really stretched

How do you do it without damaging the stitches?

Don’t overstretch the item. Use lots of pins

Temp of water, how long in water or is it sprayed?

For the temperature, it’s a good idea to check the label on the yarn. But if you don’t have it, or are unsure, lukewarm water, or even cold is fine.

Just up to 5 or 10 minutes is long enough to soak

Just a spray is also fine, but my preference is to saturate it all thoroughly

How long to dry?

This can vary on temperature of the room, humidity, and dampness of the piece

A hairdryer (on cool setting) can help, or a fan

Tips for Wool vs acrylic vs cotton etc.

Be careful to not overwork wool, or it may felt.

Some people believe acrylic can’t be blocked, but I completely disagree with that. Blocking works perfectly on acrylic, and is generally permanent. If you overheat it, you might “kill” it, ie, it will go limp. But even when killed, it is still useful, and very soft

Cotton, works well with steam blocking, but any other method is also fine

What pins to use

• You can use any pins that don’t rust
• brass or stainless steel are good options
• nickel plated pins may rust
• wedding dress pins or t pins are generally rust-proof
• you can also buy specific blocking pins and wires
• Another option is to use toothpicks

How to pin?

Pin the center. Then press the item outwards from the centre, using your fingers. Pin again. Press outwards again, pin again. Continue like this until you reach the outer edges

I like to use a template under plastic matching the circles to points on the crochet, so I can keep it even

Do you flip it to dry other side?

No, you pin right side up only

Is there any chance that colours will run during the blocking process? What can I do if I’m concerned about this?

This will depend on your yarn. It would be best to test before starting the crochet.

But if you don’t know, try soaking in a vinegar solution for half an hour, and rinse thoroughly. Salt can also help

How wet does it have to be?

The item doesn’t even have to be wet, you can block when it’s dry. But I don’t find this very effective.

I think damp, but not dripping, then steamed, is most effective

You can press it in a towel to get some extra moisture out

But any stage of dampness will do

Wash?? & with what? Or... just dampen?

It’s a good idea to take this opportunity to wash the item. But this is very much personal choice. Launder with your usual detergent that is suitable for the fibre

It can be dampened, by saturating in water, and squeezing out excess water, and/or squeezing in a towel

Or it can be blocked dry, then steamed (I find this not as effective)

Do you have to do it after each wash

Generally, yes. But if acrylic has been done with heat, it will be permanent, and won’t need to be done after each wash

Other fibres will need a bit of blocking after each wash. But this will mostly just be a case of drying flat and shaping

How do I block items that are not square or round, for example a snowflake made for a Christmas decoration

The same way, but it’s a good idea to use a template to make sure the snowflake is even

What can go wrong?

The only thing I can think of is pulling too hard, and not using enough pins at the very edges of the work, creating scalloped edges and points

You can prevent this by pushing the work to the edges, and using lots of pins before, and/or at the edges

Blocking wires can also help with this

What is a blocking template?

This is basically a piece of paper with the shape of the item on it. It has sequential circles/squares an equal distance apart and a lot of markings to help measure your piece to a set shape and size.

For square or rectangle items you only need a grid, and many forms of foam blocks will already have that

When it comes to circles, doilies or snowflakes. You will need a circle guide with the same number of spokes as the points on your snowflake, doily or circle. If your item doesn’t have points, match the number of starting stitches with number of spokes instead

There are some great templates here by Kate Crochets

http://katecrochets.blogspot.com/2006/11/blocking-guides-for-doilies-and.html

How do you use a blocking template?

If you already have a blocking board with grids or markings, you won’t need one

But if you don’t, my preferred way is to print out the template on the usual A4 paper. Then put it into a plastic sleeve protector, and place it onto the board.

If the item is a bit larger, you can print the template with the poster option on the computer, printing it out on 4 or more pages. The pages then get joined together on the blocking board

If the item is very large, it’s not even necessary to have a template. But a measuring tape would be useful to keep the measurements on all sides even

Do you need to use a blocking template?

No, but it will keep your work even and professional looking

See how to do it here:  https://craftcove.blogspot.com/2019/01/crochet-blocking-101.html

Have you found this useful?  Please comment below

And feel free to share this blog, but please give me credit for it, and don't share parts of it