Happy Easter

Having a lazy Sunday.  I am supposed to be sewing up cushions but as you can see I have
been tempted away by the internet.  I have moved the bag in preparation... hmmm..
so a quick free pattern today.  I made this doll for my daughter.  I made a rasta version using brown wool, giving him a rasta hat and dreadlocks.  I now have an order for two more.  Boy and girl rastas for a charming couple who are friends of hers.

The original pattern is here

little emo doll

The weather is much better today.  Sunshine!  Tikka the dog has been outside sunning herself until the sun can no longer compete with that wind chill factor and she returns to her bed by the radiator.

Off to Mother's later and I must remember to take the camera and capture the remaining snow on the hills.

t shirt yarn

Helped my mum put all her clothes away in her new wardrobe yesterday.  Always a fine chance for a sort out and I came away with a few hand me downs!  Plus a t-shirt that was badly stained.  I decided to take this and keep it until I have a chance to turn it into yarn.
There is a good tutorial for doing so here

Another project on my never ending to do list is crochet a lampshade cover.  I rather like the one  by
Solveig

crochet lampshade

I had made owl cushion covers for my daughters and was in the process of sewing them up and
realised I had made a glaring error on one.  So I had to frog it and redo it.
Don't you just hate that when it happens!
So I just need to complete the head and then sew them up.
I hate sewing up, I never feel I do it justice and I tend to rush it.  So I need to slow down and pin it lots first.  Famous last words...

Free pattern of the day

Spoilt for choice today, but I think Crochetspot has won and is my link for today.

The link to the pattern is here

If you have not visited crochetspot before, please do.  It is a great site full of interesting articles and great patterns.

Free crochet pattern for dog coat

 This is a special coat for two reasons.  One it is for a larger dog, and they need extra warmth at times too!  It is also created for a guide dog by its owner.
How inspiring is that.

Link to pattern here

Spring Baskets

Here is a quick and easy pattern for a spring basket.
I filled them with chocolate easter eggs for my daughters.

Free crochet pattern gift basket.

I am sorry for the quality of the photo, I am working on it!
You will need:
2 scraps of double knit (worsted weight yarn) I use Robin Dk (100% Acrylic)
6mm hook (US size J)
ribbon.

Holding two strands together throughout to create a thicker and sturdy basket.

Ch 3, sl. stich into 1st chain.
12 dc into loop. sl. stitch last dc to first dc.
Ch 3, *1dc into first stitch, 2dc both into second stitch* continue to end. Join with sl. stitch
Base complete.
For the first row of the side of the basket you need to stitch into the back post only.
If you are unfamiliar with this technique there is a how to here
so just dc in each stitch around using the back post only.

3ch, Dc for next two rows. remembering to sl. stitch from last dc to first.

last row : - 4ch., miss a dc, *1dc, ch1, miss a dc, 1dc* frin * to end. Ch 20 and attach firmly to opposite side of basket to make handle.
Fasten off.
Thread ribbon through holes made in last row and either make a bow or sew on a tiny flower
Attic 24 has a good pattern for tiny flowers here
I changed the colours for one flower and the other I did in one colour but also sewed a tiny button on.

This pattern has not been tested, so please comment if you have any problems.