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Archive entry for July 2013

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July 2013

Crochet Bootees for a Special Baby

CrochetBootees.jpg

Well - it's so much talked about I could not let it pass without a little commemoration could I?
Just make sure you make them for your own special baby - I am sure the Palace is exploding with little woolly items (and in one of the hottest month's on record...).

This crochet pattern is a staggered shell, which I found a little tricky to follow, so use the detail photo at the end for guidance as to what it should look like.

Instructions.

Special pattern stitch:
Picot: make 5 ch, then work 1 dc into 2nd of these 5 ch

And a reminder of English crochet stitches:

Double crochet: draw a loop through next stitch, draw a loop through both loops on hook. [American single].
Half treble: pass yarn round hook, draw a loop through next stitch, draw a loop through all 3 loops on hook. [American double]
Treble: pass yarn round hook, draw a loop through next stitch, draw a loop through first 2 loops on hook, then draw another loop through 2 remaining loops.
Double treble: pass yarn twice round hook, draw a loop through next stitch, draw a loop through first 2 loops on hook, draw a loop through next 2 loops, then another through last 2 loops.
Triple treble: (not used in this pattern) pass yarn three times round hook, draw a loop through next stitch, draw a loopthrough first 2 loops on hook, draw a loop through next 2 loops, another through next 2 loops, then another through last 2 loops.

Bootees (make 2)

Beginning at the sole: make 15(17;20;23)ch loosely.

1st round: Miss 3 ch, 3 tr in next ch, 1 tr in each of next 1(1;2;2) ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 tr in each of next 2(3;3;4) ch, 1 d tr in each of next 3(4;6;8) ch, 9 dtr in last ch.
Now, work along other side of ch, working 1 dtr in each of next 3(4;6;8) ch, 1 tr in each of next 2(3;3;4) ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 tr in each of next 1(1;2;2) ch, 4 tr in same place as first 3 tr; sl st into 3rd ch at beginning to join the round.

2nd round: 3 ch, "inc", 1 tr in next st, "inc", 1 tr in each of next 10(12;15;18) sts, ("inc", 1 tr in next st) 4 times, "inc", 1 tr in each of next 10(12;15;18) sts, ("inc", 1 tr in next st) twice, sl st in 3rd ch at beginning. You now have 46(50;56;62) tr, counting the initial 3 ch as 1 tr.

3rd round: Working into the back loops only (leaves a ridge to mark sole): 3 ch, 1 tr in each tr to end; sl st in 3rd ch at beginning.

4th round: 3 ch, 1 tr in each tr to end; sl st in 3rd ch at beg.

Repeat the 4th round 0(0;1;1) time(s).

Shape Instep

You are now going to work back and forth across the instep in rows.

1st row: 3 ch, 1 tr in each of next 28(30;33;36) tr, miss next tr, sl st across next 2 tr. Turn.
2nd row: Miss 2 sl sts, 1 tr in each of next 10 tr, miss next tr, sl st across next 2 tr. Turn.

Repeat the 2nd row 4(4;4;6) times.

Next row: Miss 2 sl st, 1 tr in each of next 10 tr, 1 tr in each tr to end; sl st in 3rd ch at beg of 1st row to rejoin the round. You now have 28(32;38;38) tr.

Next round: 4 ch, miss 1(1;2;2) tr, 1 tr in next tr, * 1 ch, miss 1 tr, 1 tr in next tr, repeat from * to last 1(1;2;2) sts, miss last 1(1;2;2) sts, sl st in 3rd of 4 ch to join the round. You now have 14(16;18;18) holes.

Next round: 1 ch, 1 dc in same place as sl st, * 1 dc in next 1 ch sp, 1 dc in next tr, repeat from * to last ch sp, 1 dc in 1 ch sp, 1 dc in same place as first dc, DO NOT JOIN the round.
You now have 29(33;37;37) dc.

Turn, and work in rows as follows:

First size only:

1st row (wrong side): 1 ch, 2 dc in first dc, * 3 ch, miss 3 dc, (1 dc, 3 ch, 3 tr) in next dc, miss 2 dc, (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) in next dc, repeat from * ending last repeat with 2 dc in last dc instead of (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc).

2nd, 3rd and 4th sizes:

1st row (wrong side): 1 ch, 2 dc in first dc, * 3 ch, miss 3 dc, (1 dc, 3 ch, 3 tr) in next dc, miss 2 dc, (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) in next dc *; repeat from * to * (0;1;1) times; 3ch, miss (2;3;3) dc, (1 dc, 3 ch, 3 tr) in next dc, miss (2;3;3) dc, (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) in next dc (3;1;1) times; repeat from * to * (1;2;2) times, ending last repeat with 2 dc in last dc instead of (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc).

All sizes: You now have 4(5;5;5) patterns.

2nd row: (3 ch, 1 tr) in first dc, * 3 ch, (1 dc, 3 ch, 3 tr) in next 3 ch sp, miss next 3 ch sp, (1 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr) in next 1 ch sp, repeat from * ending last repeat with 2 tr in last dc instead of (1 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr).

3rd row: (3 ch, 1 tr) in first tr, * 3 ch, (1 dc, 3 ch, 3 tr) in next 3 ch sp, miss next 3 ch sp, (1 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr) in next 1 ch sp, repeat from * ending last repeat with 2 tr in top of turning ch instead of (1 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr).

Repeat the 3rd row 1(1;3;3) times.

Next row: (3 ch, 1 tr) in first tr, * 3 ch, 1 dc in next 3 ch sp, 3 ch, miss 1 sp, (1 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr) in next 1 ch sp, repeat from * ending last repeat with 2 tr in top of turning ch instead of (1 tr, 1 ch, 1 tr).

Next row: (3 ch, 2 tr) in first tr, * miss 1 sp, (3 tr, "Picot", 3 tr) in next dc, miss 1 sp, (3 tr, "Picot", 3 tr) in next 1 ch sp, repeat from * to last pattern, miss 1 sp, (3 tr, "Picot", 3 tr) in next dc, miss 1 sp, 3 tr in top of turning ch, "Picot". Fasten off.

Make Up

Using a flat seam, join back seam.
Thread ribbon through holes at ankle.
It is recommended not to press these bootees, owing to the crochet texture.

Materials

1 ball 3ply.

3mm crochet hook.

1m of ribbon

Tension

24.5 tr and 14 rows = 10cm using 3mm hook

Size matters

The pattern is given in 4 sizes: length of sole 7(8;9;11) cm

Crochet abbreviations:

ch: chain
dc: double crochet
tr: treble crochet
htr: half treble
dtr: double treble

sl st: slip stitch
yoh: yarn over hook;
inc: increase - work 2 tr in next tr
dec: decrease - (yoh, draw up a loop in next st, yoh and draw through first 2 loops on hook) twice, yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook

Remember these are English crochet instructions where dc is equivalent to US single crochet - see "Terminology" in the side bar.

Disclaimer
(well...almost)

In transposing any pattern it is always a risk that errors will be introduced, in spite of dedicated proof reading.
If you have any problems with this pattern, please and I will try and assist.

Picture of pattern detail:

CrochetBootees.jpg

Knitted Bootees for a Special Baby

KnittedBootees.jpg

Well - it's so much talked about I could not let it pass without a little commemoration could I?
Just make sure you make them for your own special baby - I am sure the Palace is exploding with little woolly items (and in one of the hottest month's on record...).

This is the knitted set which is fairly plain with a discreet eyelet pattern, and should be quite simple to make.

Bootees (make 2)

With No 10 needles, cast on 33 sts. and knit 1 row.

1st - 4th rows: Knit.
5th row (eyelet row): K1; (yfwd., k2tog) 16 times.
6th - 8th rows: Knit.
9th row: Knit.
10th row (eyelet row): K1; (yfwd., k2tog) 16 times.
11th - 20th rows: as 1st to 10th rows inclusive.

Repeat the last 2 rows 4 times more.

Next row: as 5th row.
Next row: as 10th row.
Next row: K23. Turn.
Next row: K1; p11; k1.

Work 14 rows in stocking stitch on these 13 sts.
Break off yarn.

Rejoin yarn to inside edge of 10 sts, then knit up 10 sts along side of foot; knit across 13 sts on needle, knit up 10 sts from other side of foot, finally knit across remaining 10 sts. [53 sts]
Knit 9 rows (garter stitch - every row knit).

Shape toe:

1st row: (k1, k2tog, k21, k2tog) twice; k1.
2nd row: K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts; k2tog; k1.
3rd row: (k1, k2tog, k18, k2tog) twice; k1.
4th row: as 2nd row.

Cast off.

Make Up

Press lightly on wrong side. Join seam.
Using 2 lengths of twisted yarn 40 in. long, make a cord and thread through holes at ankle.
Sew a tassel to each end of cord.
Press seams.

Materials

1 25g ball Quickerknit - for example Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Pair of No 10 (3¼mm) needles.

Tension

26sts x 34 rows to 4 inches on No 9 (3¾mm) needles

Size matters

The pattern is given in one size.

Abbreviations:

yfwd: yarn forward; makes an extra stitch which forms a small pattern hole when knitted on the next row.
k2tog: knit 2 sts together to decrease a stitch

Disclaimer
(well...almost)

In transposing any pattern it is always a risk that errors will be introduced, in spite of dedicated proof reading.
If you have any problems with this pattern, please and I will try and assist.

July 2013

Cool summer lacy dress ...or...

CrochetDress.jpg

This is a lovely - and typical - dress from the burgeoning decade of the 1970s. Crafts and bohemian dress was the thing that defined the start of the era, (while Punk defined the end of it). Back to nature - self sufficiency - flowing maxi dresses and floppy hats - Golden Hands and all that followed (... quite a lot of macramé if I remember rightly).
Elaine made this version and Kate models it layered as a tunic - but with the weather we are being promised for the next few days** as Wimbledon comes to its climax, it might be just as appropriate to wear as originally designed - Grecian goddess style...

Instructions.

Special pattern stitches as follows:
[Editor's note: You will probably find these stitches easier to execute if you try them as opposed to how they appear on paper.]

Bar-st front (worked on right side rows): yarn over, then starting with hook at front of work insert hook from right to left behind stem of next st and through to front again, yarn over and draw loop through up to same height as shells, then complete tr in usual way.
Bar-st back (worked on wrong side rows): yarn over, then with hook at back of work insert hook from right to left in front of stem of next st and through to back again, yo and draw ioop through up to same height as shells, then complete tr in usual way.
Long bar-st: work as bar-st front or back but starting with yarn over twice and working a double tr instead of a tr.
Bodice shell: work 2 tr, 1 ch, 2 tr into same chain or space.
Skirt shell (small): work 3 tr, 1 ch, 3 tr into same chain or space.
Skirt shell (large): work 3 dtr, 1 ch, 3 dtr into same chain or space.

[Editor's note: Elaine made this dress more than once, and she made a small adjustment to the pattern which worked well. Instead of making the skirt back and front separately, she joined the bodice back and front together at the side seams, and then worked the skirt in the round. Just make the appropriate amount of chains (3 or 4) at the start of each round and join at the end with a slip stitch. It saves having to make a join all the way down the side of the skirt.]

Bodice Back

Using size 5 (5½mm) hook make 57(63:69) ch.

1st row (right side facing): Work a shell of [2 tr, 1 ch, 2 tr] into 6th ch from hook, * miss 2 ch, 2 ch, 1 tr into next ch, miss 2 ch, work 1 shell into next ch; repeat from * to last 3 ch, miss 2 ch, 1 tr into last ch. 9(10:11) shells.
2nd row: 3 ch, * 1 shell into space at centre of shell in row below, 1 bar-st back into tr; repeat from * to last shell, 1 shell into space, 1 tr into top ch at beginning of previous row.
3rd row: 3 ch, * 1 shell into space, 1 bar-st front into the bar-st back of row below; repeat from * to last shell, 1 shell into space, 1 tr into last tr.

Repeat the last 2 rows until work measures 3½ ins.

Shape Armholes

1st row (right side facing): Sl st across to space of first shell, 3 ch, 1 bar-st into bar-st, * 1 shell, 1 bar-st; repeat from * to last shell, 1 tr into space of last shell, turn.
2nd row: Sl st into top of bar-st, 3 ch, *1 shell, 1 bar-st; repeat from * to end, replacing last bar-st with a tr into bar-st at beginning of previous row. 7(8:9) shells remain.

Continue in pattern until armholes measure 3½(:4) inches.

Shape Neck

1st row (right side facing): Work in pattern until 2 shells have been worked. 1 bar-st, 1 tr into space of next shell, turn.
2nd row: 1 ch. work 1 shell into space of shell, work in pattern to end.
3rd row: Work 3 ch, 1 shell, 1 bar-st, 1 tr into space of next shell. Turn.
4th row: 3 ch, 1 shell, 1 tr into 3rd ch at beginning of row below. 1 shell remains.

Repeat the last row until armhole measures 6½(:7) ins measured straight. Fasten off.

Leave 1(2:3) shells at centre unworked and rejoin yarn to centre of next shell.
1st row (right side facing): 3 ch, 1 bar-st into bar-st, work in pattern to end. 2 shells worked.
Complete to match first side reversing shapings.

Bodice Front

Work as given for Back to . Continue in pattern until armholes measure 2½(:3) inches, ending with a right side row.
Complete as given for Back from to end.

Skirt Back

With right side of back facing rejoin yarn to lower edge and work across starting ch as follows:-
3 ch, 1 shell into same ch as first shell of bodice, * 1 bar-st front, 1 shell into same ch as next shell in bodice; repeat from * 7(8:9) times more, 1 tr into last ch. 9(10:11) shells.
Next row: 3 ch, * 1 shell into space, 1 bar-st front; repeat from * to last shell, 1 shell into space, 1 tr into 3rd ch at beginning of previous row.
Continue in pattern until skirt measures 6 ins.
Next row: 3 ch, * work a shell of [3 tr, 1 ch, 3 tr] into space, 1 ch, 1 bar-st, 1 ch; repeat from * to last shell, [3 tr, 1 ch, 3 tr] into space, 1 tr into 3rd ch at beginning of previous row.
Repeat the last row until skirt measures 12 ins.
Next row: 4 ch, * work a shell of [3 dtr, 2 ch, 3 dtr] into space, 1 ch, 1 long bar-st, 1 ch; repeat from * ending with 1 dtr into top ch at beginning of previous row.
Continue in pattern as on last row until skirt measures 181½ inches or required length, finishing with a wrong side row.
Next row: 4 ch, * work a shell of 9 dtr into space, 1 ch, 1 long bar-st, 1 ch; repeat from * replacing last long bar-st with 1 dtr into 4th ch at beginning of previous row.

Fasten off.

Skirt Front

Work as given for Skirt Back.

Finishing and Edging

Press pieces very gently with a damp cloth, (or just dampen and pin out to block).
Join side and shoulder seams.

Edgings:
With right side of work facing and using size 7 (4½mm) hook, work 120(136:152) dc evenly round neck edge, sl st to join.
Next round: 1 dc into first dc, * miss 3 dc, work a shell of 9 tr into next dc, miss 3 dc, 1 dc into next dc; repeat from * to last 7 dc, miss 3 dc, 1 shell into next dc, miss 3 dc, sl st into dc at beginning of round. Fasten off. 15(17:19) shells.
Using size 7 (4½mm) hook work 1 row of firm dc round each armhole.

Press seams and edgings.

Optional Belt:
Using size 5 (5½mm) hook and 3 strands of yarn make a chain 50 inches long for belt, fasten off. Thread through the holes formed along the starting ch of bodice.

Materials

14-17ozs. Winfield Trycel DK (see A Word on the Wool)

Crochet hook Nos
5 (5½mm) and 7 (4½mm).

Tension

One bar-st and one shell are 11 inches over pattern on size 5 hook.

Size matters

The pattern is given in 3 sizes to fit bust:
32 (34 : 37) inches;
length from top of shoulders, 25½ (25¾ : 26) inches.

Crochet abbreviations:

ch: chain
tr: treble crochet
dtr: double treble
dc: double crochet
sl st: slip stitch

Remember these are English crochet instructions where dc is equivalent to US single crochet - see "Terminology" in the side bar.

Disclaimer
(well...almost)

In transposing any pattern it is always a risk that errors will be introduced, in spite of dedicated proof reading.
If you have any problems with this pattern, please and I will try and assist.

A word on the wool.

Potentially any double knitting quality can be used (knitting tension would be about 22sts x 30 rows to 4 inches or 10 cm).

The recommended quantity of 13-17 ozs (1oz = 28g) is for a synthetic/nylon type yarn and the yardage on these tends to be 30-50% longer than pure wools or cottons, so be prepared to use up to twice as much weight in yarn as stated.

This would be good made in cotton as a summer dress (can't imagine it in nylon... or rather I probably can - though here are some good synthetics these days). If choosing cotton, a blend or soft cotton would probably be better to give it more drape.

Elaine used a pure lambswool double knitting yarn from Kingcraig, who have an eBay store, and Kate wears this version as a tunic.

1970 and 2012


** These idyllic 70s scenes of a beautiful natural life in the country, were usually shot abroad to ensure success in good weather. However, in 1976 we had the hot summer to end all summers - even Parisians had abandoned fashion with everyone in my sister's words "looking as though they were pregnant" wearing cheesecloth tents attached over the shoulder with ribbon straps.

"The temperature reached 26.7°C (80°F) every day between 22 June and 16 July. For 15 consecutive days from 23 June to 7 July inclusive, temperatures reached 32.2°C (90°F) somewhere in England. Furthermore, five days saw temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F). On 28 June, temperatures reached 35.6°C (96.1°F) in Southampton, the highest June temperature recorded in the UK. The hottest day of all was 3 July, with temperatures reaching 35.9°C (96.6°F) in Cheltenham, one of the hottest July days on record in the UK." - Wikipedia

© Christina Coutts 2007

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