Rainbow Baby Blanket

This one has been a long time coming. I've started the blanket in July, hoping to have it ready during the summer. After all, the whole idea was to make something light and airy so it could be used for the warm days. 

I finished it in December...oh, well...At least we could use it during our Christmas holidays on Gran Canaria. And it is big enough to serve our son during spring and summer 2017, so the work was not in vain. 

I am pretty happy with the end result, although I wouldn't mind switching the colors around a little bit. It is easier to see how the play together, now that I used them. 

The yarn I used was Sandnes Garn Madarin Petit in 15 colors, plus the grey border.

Ohhh, pretty! I'm finishing #octopuses for preemies, then a badass baby sweater and then these pretty cottons from #sandesgarn will turn into rainbow summer blanky for Maks

Et billede slået op af Maria Lind (@mariafurya) den 14. Jun 2016 kl. 11:31 PDT

I very much like the simple pattern. It relatively simple and quick to make and it results in an airy fabric which was what I wanted for a summer blanket. I am also happy about the little "bubbles" which my baby likes to explore.

The yellow stitch is the "bubble" it is made by stitching 3 double crochets leaving the last 2 loops of the last one on the hook. Then you pick up yarn again and loop over all the double crochets 3 times. Finally pull yarn through all the loops you have on the hook. You can probably also try a raspberry or bobble crochet stitch instead.

The blanket is getting closer to completion #crochet #hækling #crocheting #craft #blanket

Et billede slået op af Maria Lind (@mariafurya) den 4. Dec 2016 kl. 4:20 PST

The #summerblanket is finally done! #crochet #crocheting #hæklet #hækling #handmade #blanket #babyblanket #szydełko #szydełkowanie

Et billede slået op af Maria Lind (@mariafurya) den 16. Dec 2016 kl. 1:17 PST

Crochet beading: How-To

This weekend I was working more on crochet beading. It is a great technique and can result in beautiful jewelery. However, at the beginning it can also be quite frustrating. I decided to pass on what I learned, so you can hopefully be spared the frustration and go on straight to the fun!

1. Making the chart

In crochet beading, in order to introduce any complicated design, you have to start with a chart. Once you know the trick, making the chart is not difficult.

- Draw 6, 7 or 8 squares, line below line. Each line has to be shifted half a square to the right. Color the squares creating your chosen pattern.

- Start stringing beads from left to right and from bottom to top. String each line from left to right.

- Remember that the first beads you string will be the last you crochet.

- Repeat the pattern as many times as needed.

2. Counting beads

It can be daunting to count the beads you are stringing. Depending on the size of the beads, a bracelet can count between 700 and 1000 beads. And longer robes can be even more difficult. Luckily, there is a very simple solution to this problem. Every 10, 50 or 100 beads (intervals depend on you) string a small piece of paper with the number of beads on it. This way you will be able to control the amount of beads and, once the stringing is finished, you can easily remove the markers.

to be continued...

Simple project: ipod sock

One of my first crochet projects was an ipod sock for my boyfriend. It's a great way to start your adventure with crocheting because it's so simple and yet effective.

How to crochet an ipod sock?
Materials:
It really depends on you what kind of yarn you want to use. My personal favorite is Pure Wool DK from Rowan but you can use anything really. Just make sure it is not too bulky cause you'll end up with a monster of a sock.

All you need to do is to follow these 4 simple steps:
1. Make a chain and once it's long enough to encircle your ipod bind the two ends together by a slip stitch.
2. Keep crocheting around with single crochet, sticking the hook in the outer part of the chain loops. Once it's deep enough for your ipod, fasten off.
3. Using yarn needle saw the bottom together.
4. Turn the sock to the right side.

Ready!