Cute crochet octopi (& cake!)

This is your chance to get a straight forward introduction to the art of Amigurumi (Japanese crocheted cuteness!), while making a cute little octopus!!  These cute little crocheted toys are so cute that they are bound to take over the world with their cuteness!
Did I mention how cute they are?...

Amigurumi is a great way to progress with crochet - no need to be an advanced crocheter. This is the perfect project for those that are confident with basic crochet.  

This 3hour workshop will take place on Saturday 15th June, from 2pm.  All materials, tea and cake are included. You also get to keep an original Peeko Crochet pattern, so you can make more cute little octopi for others.

You can book your place here. Enter code OCTFIVE at the checkout to save £5 on this workshop too! 

Ready, steady..

After a few days of crazy busyness at the CHSI trade show (NEC) , I'm almost ready to get back to designing. I really enjoyed making a display out of the wool and knitting, see:

I have lots of new ideas for some new patterns, so I'm excited about getting back to it!

Flump crochet pattern

Flump pattern

Small amount of DK yarn in pink (A), white (B), yellow (C), light green (D).
3.5mm hook

Make 50ch,
Sk 2ch, *1htr in next st, 2htr in next st*. Rep from * to * until you reach the end.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.

Make one in each colour (A,B,C,D), or two in A and two in B. You will need four in total.

To make up:
Stitch 2 of the colours together along the chains, twisting together as you go along.
Stitch other 2 colours together in the same manner.
Then tack both sets together at the top and bottom, ensuring that you twist them together.
Sew in ends.



Abbreviations:

ch - chain
st(s) - stitch(es)
htr - half treble crochet
sk - skip

Liquorice Allsorts crochet pattern

Liquorice Allsorts

Square Allsorts

Small amount of DK yarn in liquorice allsorts colours (black, white, yellow, pink, orange, brown).
3.5mm hook (if using a bigger hook, reduce the amount of stitches as necessary).

Using liquorice colours, make as many squares as needed in necessary colours.

Row 1: Make 5ch, sk 1ch. 1dc in each ch to end. [4]

Row 2: Turn, ch1, 1dc in each st to end. [4]

Rows 3 - 4: Repeat row 2

Fasten off.

To make up, place the squares on top of each other and stitch up.



Round Allsorts

Small amount DK yarn in black, yellow and pink.
3.5mm hook (if using a larger hook, reduce the amount of stitches as necessary, to make sure the sweets aren't too big).

Outside of sweet
With Pink or Yellow,
Row 1: Make 3ch, sk 1ch, 1dc in each of next 2 sts.

Rows 2 - 22: Turn, ch1, 1dc in each of next 2 sts.

Fasten off.

Inside of sweet
With Black,
Row 1: Make 3ch, sk 1ch, 1dc in each of next 2 sts.

Rows 2 - 3: Turn, ch1, 1dc in each of next 2 sts.

Fasten off.

To Make Up
Roll up black centre and stitch together.
Roll pink/yellow around the black centre and stitch to secure.

Sew in ends.



Abbreviations:

ch - chain
st(s) - stitch(es)
dc - double crochet
sk - skip
[ ] - number of stitches at the end of each row

Make Me Sweet Lollipop (Free crochet pattern)

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With The Knitting and Stitching Show at Ally Pally just around the corner, it is time for all steam ahead with the new look Knit 1 Pass it on Stand. 

This year's concept is a knitted Sweetie Shop 'Make Me Sweet' and we need your help to make it a success! 

We are asking for knitted/crocheted sweet in all shapes and sizes. If you are feeling adventurous and design some sweeties, please get in touch if you would like to share your patterns. 

The more varieties we have the better the stand will look! However, quantities are super important! Whoever heard of a half full sweet shop! 

Here's a little pattern to get you all started (step by step images to follow), there are more patterns on the UK Handknitting website.

 

Make Me Sweet Lollipop 

 

Materials:

Small amount of yarn in colour A and colour B

Crochet hook appropriate for wool used. (I used a 3.5mm hook)

Some card/cardboard or craft foam

A lollipop stick, chopstick or skewer.

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

ss = slip stitch

dc = double crochet

tr = treble

st(s) = stitch(es)

RS = right side

WS = wrong side

[ ] = number of stitches at the end of each round

Lollipop Base

Make 2

1 - With A, ch3 (counts as first tr). 11tr in 3rd chain from hook. Do not join [12tr]

2 - Working in the back loops only, 2tr in each st around. [24]

3 - Working in back loops only, *1tr in first st, 2tr in next st*. Repeat from * to * around. [36] (Skip round 4 if lollipop is getting too big)

4 - Working in back loops only, *1tr in first 2 sts, 2tr in next st*. Repeat form * to * around. [48]

5- Working in back loops only, 1dc in next st, 1ss into next 2 sts. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing two halves together.

To make swirl

(Make swirl on both halves of the lollipop)

With RS facing, start on the outer edge where the last ss is,

join B to the ridge of front loops with a ss.

Work 1dc in each front loop until you reach the centre of the spiral. Pull B through the centre hole and sew in end on WS.

To Make Up

Cut out a circle of craft foam or card, a little smaller than the size of the lollipop base. Stick a lollipop stick/skewer/chopstick to the centre of the circle of card.

Using the long tail, whip stitch the two halves of the lollipop together over the card and stick.

This free pattern has been designed by Denise Quinn of Peeko Crochet. It may be used for personal use only. You may not sell this pattern or claim it as your own. You may however link to this pattern online with the permission of the designer. You may not sell items made from this design. All rights reserved. May 2012.

A New Year

Happy New Year! 

2012 promises to be a very exciting year for Peeko Crochet. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon. But first of all I must apologise for being so quiet for such a long time. You see exciting things are afoot and I have been concentrating on sorting these secret-for-now things out.  I will hopefully be able to share this exciting development with you all shortly. 

I will be teaching some crochet workshops for Tigerlily Makes in Lichfield, so if Lichfield is closer to you, why not come along and learn how to make one of the crochet items designed specifically for Tigerlily Makes courses. There are 4 on the schedule so far, using fabulously luxurious yarns. For dates etc. click here.

I have been designing a lot lately and hope to be showcasing these new designs shortly. 

The workshop schedule for January and February has been announced. See the website for details of when you can learn how to make your very own crochet items. 

Tuesday Yarns starts again on 10th January - it is an informal meeting of crafty people in the Somerville Arms in Leamington. Bring along your current project and chat with like-minded people. More info here.  


A little reminder that workshop gift vouchers are now available through the website. Why not give the gift of making to a friend or family member. 


In the spirit of January sales, get 15% off all workshops booked before 31st January 2012. Please email me for details. 


And with all that, I wish you all the best for the coming year and hope to see you soon!


Denise