Newborn Cardigan - crochet pattern

As the chillier weather approaches, autumn babies will need cosy cardigans! This simple pattern is worked all in one piece. It is slightly shaped to fit snugly over a vest or sleepsuit.

To fit chest size of 14 inches/36 cm (actual size=16inches/41cm)

Materials:I used a 5mm crochet hook and King Cole Baby Big Value DK (100g), soft and snuggly!
You will also need 3 small buttons and a tapestry needle.

Abbreviations (UK terms):
ch=chain
tr=treble crochet
dc=double crochet
tr2tog = treble two together (decreasing stitches)
WS = wrong side

Note: shaping stitch = (1 tr, 1ch, 1 tr) into one stitch.

Instructions:

To begin, ch 74.

Row 1: (neckline) 1 tr into 4^th ch from hook, 1 tr into each of the next 10 chs (=front panel), 1 x shaping stitch into next ch, 1 tr into each of the next 10 chs (=shoulder), 1 x shaping stitch into next ch, 1 tr into next 24 chs (=back), 1 x shaping stitch into next ch, 1 tr into next 10 chs (=shoulder), 1 x shaping stitch into next ch, 1 tr into last 12 chs to end (=front panel).

Rows 2-6: ch2, turn work. 1 tr into each tr from previous row and work a shaping stitch into each 1-ch space from the previous row

Row 7: ch2, turn work. 1 tr into each tr up to the first 1-ch space. Fold shoulder section so that this space and the next line up and 1 tr into both spaces to join them tightly. (Creates armhole for sleeve – an 'armpit junction') Tr along back panel until you reach the third 1-ch space. Again 1 tr into both this space and the last 1-ch space (creates second armpit junction), tr to end of row.

Rows 8-15: ch 2, turn work. 1 tr in each tr around body of cardigan, working a tr2tog at both sides of the garment in line with the 'armpit' junctions.

Rows 16-20: ch 2, turn work, tr into each tr around body of cardigan.

Rows 21 and 22: ch1, turn work, dc into each tr.

Fasten off.

Sleeves (work two identically):

Join yarn at armpit junction.
Ch2, tr into next tr and continue around the circumference of the armhole. Join round with a slip st.
Work a further 6 rounds as above and fasten off.

Button-band and Buttonhole-band (work two identically):
With WS facing, attach yarn to corner of front panel.
Row 1: ch1, 2 dc into side of each tr and each ch2 sp.
Row 2: ch1, turn work, 1dc into each dc from previous row.
Fasten off.
(The spaces along the edge of the front body panels form should now ready-made buttonholes).

To finish attach 3 carefully positioned buttons, weave in all yarn ends and trim.

Birthday Buttons

On this my birthday, I was chuffed to have the chance to share one of my favourite techniques with my mum and mum-in-law! All three of us made some Dorset buttons. Simple but attractive, with a nautical historic touch. All you need is a small plastic curtain ring, some fine wool or embroidery thread and a needle.

Dorset buttons have an interesting history but do not seem to be very well-known! Families in Shaftsbury and Blandford were recruited to hand-stitch the buttons which were originally made with rings carved from Dorset rams' horns. This was a thriving cottage industry until inevitably machines were invented to mass produce the plastic buttons we are familiar with today. Dorset buttons are now the artefacts of local fashion museums.

My husband's family being Dorset-people, I thought it would be fun to attempt to revive the Dorset button. What with the BBC's recent 'Great British Sewing Bee' competition inspiring the nation to dust off their sewing machines and get out their pins and needles, I'm hoping more and more hand-crafting folk will rekindle the art of Dorset button-making!

Cushions

With the guidance of my dear friend and quilting guru Kim, I managed to find a use for a random pack of reclaimed fabric squares that I discovered in Oxfam a long time ago.

She has definitely inspired me to dust off the sewing machine and experiment!

You can find her blog here and Etsy page (showcasing her gorgeous products including cute Mug-Hugs!) here 

Memento Creations no. 4

The first cake-topper of 2013 and my favourite polymer clay creation thus far!

Here they are in situ and the happy couple cutting into their lovely cake!

Happy Easter!

Peg Loom Weaving

I was given a lovely peg-loom a wee while back and have only recently had a go at some weaving.

After a bit of practice, I found myself enjoying the soothing motion of weaving and the satisfying colour combinations. I think the biggest appeals of this craft are its simplicity and tremendous scope for creative possibilities.

As a newbie to peg-loom weaving, I have yet to explore these possibilities but for now, I'm quite happy with my small woolen mat.

Vintage Rose

Even more papercraft! This was made with newspaper, a brown envelope and distress ink (with the help of a mug).