{Creative Spaces} My Craft Studio and exciting news!

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interior moodboard for craft studio

My Creative Space Mood Board – created on Style Source Book

The sound of building has been ringing in the air, as construction on my new craft studio has begun. I feel like the luckiest crafter in the world to have a dedicated creative space that is all my own. In fact, i have been feeling a little guilty about have something that is just for me. Lots of exciting things have happened in my life and this ranks pretty high on the list – after marriage and children of course. And there’s something else pretty exciting ahead for me that makes the timing of my creative space just perfect. Can you guess what it is? I will reveal it soon….keep reading. 😉

I have been planning my creative space for such a long time that i know exactly what it will look like when it is finished. Crisp clean white walls and ceilings, a medium toned wooden floor and accents of grey and wood throughout. Colour will be injected with YARN (of course!), crochet cushions and blankets. I will also be including pieces from other Instagrammers, crafters and artists i admire. I already have my little Curlie from Tiny Curl and wonderful paintings from artists Kyah Wilson and Jacinta Haycock.

Okay, enough about the Craft Studio, scroll down for the big NEWS!! :)

creative space

Here are a couple of shots of my shed that is being transformed into the creative space of my dreams!

awesome craft studio

The timing of my craft studio just could not be better as i begin work on my first book!! Hooray!! I have partnered up with the greatest publisher MeteoorBooks to create a book about crocheting all year round and it is going to be fantastic! I am pouring all of my creative heart and soul into this book and i am certain you will LOVE it! Check out #12monthsofcrochetwithredagape for updates and sneak peaks on Instagram.

Mandy xx

RedAgape Book

 

 

 

{Crochet} Crate Crochet Review

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crochet subscription boxWell, it’s finally happened! Australia has it’s own crochet subscription boxes thanks to Crate Crochet. Hooray! I was so excited when Crate Crochet  invited me to review their subscription boxes. I had been wanting to try one for a while, but they sell out fast.

5 reasons to love Crate Crochet! (there’s actually more than 5, but these are my top 5)

  1. Value for money! The RRP of the contents of these boxes is guaranteed to be higher than the cost of the box.
  2. Try New Yarn – i love trying new yarn. This box contained to most gorgeous Australian Superfine Merino from Morris & Sons.
  3. Great patterns – fresh new designs every month from a range of different designers.
  4. Extras – so many extras included : this box included tea, sweet treats, a pom pom kit, stitch markers and a Clover Beanie Gauge.
  5. Skilled Boxes – if you are a beginner there’s a box just for you! If you’re worried the Intermediate/Advanced box will be too challenging, then you have the option to sign up to the beginners box.

crochet subscription boxThere’s even a shop where members get a discount. Crate Crochet are currently sold out, but subscriptions open again on the 18th of June, that’s only a few days away, so mark it on your calendar if you don’t want to miss out. I cannot wait to see what is in my next box. :)crochet subscription box

* This has been a sponsored post! :)

{Book Review} Colorful Crochet by Marianne Dekkers-Roos

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colourful crochet book

Photo Credit – Marianne Dekkers Roos

I was honoured to be asked to be part of Marianne Dekkers Roos blog tour for her new book Colorful Crochet. I have followed Marianne on Instagram for a while now, so i was thrilled to discover she was writing her own book. It is so wonderful to see fellow crocheters and friends doing well in the Cro Pro field.

colourful crochet book

Corner to Corner Granny Square

This book is fabulous for a number of reasons –

  1.  It’s full of colourful crochet patterns and designs – jam packed with over 20+ projects
  2. There’s something for everyone from designs for the home to accessories to wear
  3. The instructions are CLEAR, really clear, which is great for beginners and pros alike
  4. Charts are included! yay! i love charts. :)
  5. The designs are named after special women in Marianne’s life. How lovely is that!? :)colourful crochet bookMy two favourite designs from the book are the Corner to Corner Granny Squares and the beautiful flower motif (pictured above) that is used for a a few different projects. If you’re looking for a bright and colourful crochet book with a variety of designs, do yourself a favour and grab a copy of Colorful Crochet. Congratulations Marianne. xx

    colourful crochet book

    Photo Credit – Marianne Dekkers Roos

 

{Crochet} Candy Flower Coaster Pattern

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free crochet flower coasterEveryone loves a free crochet coaster pattern! Crochet coasters are always fun to make, because they are generally quick and easy, plus they are great stash busters! I’ve called these little pretties my Candy Flower Coasters. I’ve made them with Paintbox Cotton DK (which i love!) using a 3.5mm hook. You can use any cotton yarn that you prefer. The instructions are written in UK terms, but you’ll find US (and UK) Shorthand Instructions at the end of the tutorial.

Abbreviations –

  • ch – chain
  • ss – slip stitch
  • tr – treble
  • htr – half treble
  • St – stitch
free crochet flower coaster

Round 1 – Using Yarn A, start with a magic ring, ch2 (counts as 1htr), 11htr into the ring, ss into initial htr to join. [12htr]

free crochet flower coaster

Round 2 – ch2 (counts as htr), 1htr into the same stitch, 2htr into each remaining st from the prev round, ss into initial htr to join [24htr]

free crochet flower coaster

Round 3 – ch2 (counts as htr), 2htr into the next stitch, *1htr into the following st, 2htr in the next; rep from * around, ss into intital htr to join and fasten off. [36htr]

free crochet flower coaster

Round 4 – Attach Yarn B into any htr from the previous round, *ch2, miss a stitch, ss into the next; rep from * around. [18 x ch-2sp]

free crochet flower coaster

Round 5 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch6 (counts as 1tr, ch3) tr into the same ch sp, ch1, *miss a ch-2 sp, (tr, ch3, tr, ch1) in the next; rep from * around, ss into the 3rd ch of the initial ch6.

free crochet flower coaster

Round 6 – ss into ch-3 sp, ch3 (counts as 1tr), 6tr into the same sp, dc in the ch-1 sp, *7tr in the next ch-3 sp, dc in the following ch-1 sp; rep from * 7more times, ss into top of initial ch3 and fasten off.

free crochet flower coaster

Completed Coaster

Shorthand UK

  • Round 1 –  12htr into a magic ring [12htr]
  • Round 2 – 2htr in each st [24htr]
  • Round 3 – 1htr, 2htr in the next, rep around [36htr]
  • Round 4 – (ch2, ss) in every 2nd st
  • Round 5 – (tr, ch3, tr, ch1) in every second ch-2 sp
  • Round 6 – 7tr in ch-3 sp, dc in the next, rep around.

Shorthand US

  • Round 1 –  12hdc into a magic ring [12hdc]
  • Round 2 – 2hdc in each st [24hdc]
  • Round 3 – 1hdc, 2hdc in the next, rep around [36hdc]
  • Round 4 – (ch2, ss) in every 2nd st
  • Round 5 – (dc, ch3, dc, ch1) in every second ch-2 sp
  • Round 6 – 7dc in ch-3 sp, sc in the next, rep around.

{Crochet} Spiked Granny Rib Stitch Pattern

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Spiked Granny Rib Stitch

Click on image to check out the pattern!

My Spiked Granny Rib Stitch pattern is finally available. Hooray! This is a unique crochet stitch that i have designed myself, so you should not be able to find it anywhere else. I made this chunky beauty from Paintbox Yarn Simply Chunky in a rainbow of colours. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and so reasonably priced. I love it!!

The pattern for the Spiked Granny Rib Stitch contains all the information you need to make the blanket you see pictured, but the great thing about this pattern is that you can apply the stitch to any crochet project you like. You can use any size yarn with the corresponding hook for this stitch.

The pattern for my Spiked Granny Rib Stitch contains both US and UK instructions, a chart, details on special stitches, all the info needed to make the blanket and lots of step by step images.

You’ll find the pattern in my Pattern Shop for a small fee. If you’re interested in seeing more of my patterns head to my Crochet Patterns page where I’m compiling all of my patterns, both FREE and for purchase.

Paintbox Simply Chunky Rainbow Blanket

Click the image above to check out Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky from www.lovecrochet.com

Rainbow crochet blanket

Click on the image to visit the pattern shop

Click on the image to visit the pattern shop

Click on the image to visit the pattern shop

 

{Crochet} New Crochet Cushion Kits

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watermelon crochet cushion

Exciting News! I’ve been working on some new bags for my Melon Pops and Gelato Pops cushion kits and i am happy to report they are available in STORE now!  Hooray! Pop over to the SHOP to see the new bags and browse through the many options for your kits – you can choose whether or not you want just the yarn in your kit or choose an option that includes a hook and/or insert. Round inserts can be tricky to find, so i’ve done the hard work for you and sourced some reasonably priced inserts for your circular crochet cushions.

Shipping options for Australia, UK, US and New Zealand are all included at the checkout for these cushion kits. Please contact me on amanda@redgape.com.au if you would like to shipping quote if your country isn’t included in the options. Happy Making!!

Mandy xx

popcorn crochet cushion

{Crochet} Flower Sprinkles Bunting Pattern

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pdf pattern crochet bunting

Hooray! I have finally added my Flower Sprinkles Bunting into the pattern shop. This downloadable PDF has 9 pages of instructions including step-by-step images, a chart and shorthand instructions for both US and UK users. I have a small number of kits available too (that include the pattern). Please email me for a shipping quote if you live outside Australia  – amanda@redagape.com.au

Click the image above to go straight to the downloadable PDF or below to check out the kits (which include the downloadable pattern). Have fun! moya yarn bunting kit

{Crochet} Amigurumi Bee Free Pattern

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crochet bee pattern

I am pretty new to amigurumi, so this crochet bee pattern is super simple. Crochet bees are really popular right now – although we’re heading into Autumn weather here in Australia, on the other side of the planet, Spring definitely has sprung! The teeny tiny crochet bees you see in the picture were for a Mollie Makes commision, so i’m not able to share the pattern for those. Sorry.

I’ve written the pattern in UK terms, but there are some US shorthand patterns at the end of the tutorial. Please tag your bees with #buzzycrochetbees if you would like to share your creations. crochet bee patternYou will need –

  • DMC Natural Just Cotton XL in Yellow, Black and White. This should bee (pun intended) enough for three bees with lots of black and white left. If you get an extra ball of Yellow, you’ll be able to make six bees. Does that make sense?
  • 1x Pair of teddy bear eyes
  • pipe cleaner
  • stuffing
  • 1x 6mm hook
  • scissors
  • yarn needlecrochet bee patternOkay – let’s start!
  • Bee Body –
  • note: eyes and pipecleaners should be attach at round 8 or 9
  • stuffing should be added at round 11 or 12.

Abbreviations  –

  • ss – slip stitch
  • st – stitch
  • dc – double crochet
  • prev – previous
  • rep – repeat
  1. Starting with Yellow, 6dc in a magic ring, ss to inital dc. [6dc]
  2.  2dc into each dc from prev round, ss into initial dc. [12dc]
  3.  *1dc into st, 2dc into the following st, rep from * 5 more times, ss into initial dc. [18dc]
  4.  *1dc into st, 1dc in the next st, 2dc into the following, rep from * 5 more times, ss into initial dc. [24dc]
  5.  1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
  6.  1dc into each st from prev round, ss into intial dc [24dc]
  7.  1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
  8. Attach the Black yarn through the top loop of the last yellow st, cut Yellow yarn, 1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
  9.  1dc into each st from prev round, ss into intial dc [24dc]
  10. Attach the Yellow yarn through the top loop of the last black st, cut black yarn, 1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
  11.  1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
  12. Start decreasing –  *dc in each of the next two st, dc2tog over the following two st, rep from * 5 more times, ss into inital dc [18dc]
  13. *dc in each of the next 4 st, dc2tog over the following 2st, rep from * 2 more times, ss into intial dc [15dc]
  14. *dc in st, dc2tog over the next 2st, rep from * 4 more times, ss into intial dc [10dc]
  15. dc2tog over 2st around  [5dc]
  16. 1dc in each st, cut tail leaving a good length. Thread tail though yarn needle and weave through all 5 dc, pull tight and fasten off.

Wings –   (make 2)

  1. work 7dc into a magic ring, ss into inital dc
  2. 2dc into each dc from the previous round, ss into inital dc and cut tail leaving good length

Attaching wings –

Using the long tail of one wing, whip st the two wings together, fasten off and weave in. Using the remaining tail, stitch the wings to the top of the bee. Ta da!! crochet bee patternShorthand UK

  1. With Y, 6dc in a magic ring [6dc]
  2.  2dc into each dc  [12dc]
  3.  1dc into st, 2dc into the following st, rep around [18dc]
  4.  1dc into st, 1dc in the next st, 2dc into the following, rep around [24dc]
  5.  1dc into each st  [24dc]
  6.  1dc into each st  [24dc]
  7.  1dc into each st [24dc]
  8. With B,  1dc into each st  [24dc]
  9.  1dc into each st  [24dc]
  10. With Y, 1dc into each st [24dc]
  11.  1dc into each st  [24dc]
  12. Decrease – dc in each of the next two st, dc2tog over the following two st, rep around [18dc]
  13. dc in each of the next 4 st, dc2tog over the following 2st, rep around [15dc]
  14. dc in st, dc2tog over the next 2st, rep around [10dc]
  15. dc2tog over 2st around  [5dc]
  16. 1dc in each st, fasten off.

Wings –   (make 2)

  1.  7dc into a magic ring
  2. 2dc into each dc, fasten off.

Shorthand US

  1. With Y, 6sc in a magic ring [6sc]
  2.  2sc into each sc  [12sc]
  3.  1sc into st, 2sc into the following st, rep around [18sc]
  4.  1sc into st, 1sc in the next st, 2sc into the following, rep around [24sc]
  5.  1sc into each st  [24sc]
  6.  1sc into each st  [24sc]
  7.  1sc into each st [24sc]
  8. With B,  1sc into each st  [24sc]
  9.  1sc into each st  [24sc]
  10. With Y, 1sc into each st [24sc]
  11.  1sc into each st  [24sc]
  12. Decrease – sc in each of the next two st, sc2tog over the following two st, rep around [18sc]
  13. sc in each of the next 4 st, sc2tog over the following 2st, rep around [15sc]
  14. sc in st, sc2tog over the next 2st, rep around [10sc]
  15. sc2tog over 2st around  [5sc]
  16. 1sc in each st, fasten off.

Wings –   (make 2)

  1.  7sc into a magic ring
  2. 2sc into each sc, fasten off.crochet bee pattern

{Crochet} Chunky Popcorn Cushion

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cool crochet cushions

I have a slight addiction to round crochet cushions, so i wanted to share this free Simply Chunky Paintbox cushion pattern (the pink and blue cushions). This pattern works up quickly and can easily be finished in a day. It only take 2-3 balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, depending on your tension. The Watermelon Cushion you see pictured here is available in my Pattern Shop and is an absolute bargain considering the amount the information i’ve packed into the tutorial. For Aussie shoppers, i have kits available too. If you’d prefer a PDF download of the Paintbox Yarns pattern, then head to Love Crochet for the FREE download. free round chunky cushion

This pattern is written in UK terms, but i’ve included both UK and US shorthand instructions at the end of the tutorial. To shop Paintbox Yarns, simply hit the image above or the link to lovecrochet.com at the side of my blog. Okay – let’s get started!

STITCHES –

  • magic ring
  • ss – slip stitch
  • ch – chain
  • dc – double crochet
  • tr – treble
  • pc – popcorn st (see here for link to tutorial)

YOU WILL NEED –

  • 2/3 Balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky 100g
  • 1 x 35cm round cushion insert
  • 6mm hookcrochet chart cushion

round crochet cushion

Round 1 – Form a magic ring, ch3 (counts as first tr), 11tr into the ring. [12tr]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 2 – Ch3 (first tr), 4tr into same st and form your first pc, ch2. Work (1pc, ch2) into each tr from the prev round. [12pc, 12ch2] For those who aren’t sure how to make a Popcorn (pc) st – head here for a little tutorial.

 

round crochet cushion

Round 3 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr in the same sp. Work 3tr into each ch-2 sp around. [36tr]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 4 – ch3 (counts as first tr), tr in the next 2 st, 2tr in the following st. *tr, tr, tr, 2tr over the next 4st, rep from * 7 more times. [45tr]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 5 – ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr in the next st, 1tr in each of the following 3st. *tr, 2tr, tr, tr, tr over the next 5st, rep from * 7 more times. [54tr]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 6 – ch3 (counts as first tr), 1tr in each of the next 2st, 2tr in each of the following st, 1tr in each of the next 2st. *tr, tr, tr, 2tr, tr, tr rep from * 7 more times. [63tr]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 7  – ch1 (doesn’t count as a st), dc in the same st, dc in the next, 2dc in the following. *dc, dc, 2dc over the next 3st, rep from * around. [84dc]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 8  – Ch3 (first tr), 4tr into same st and form your first pc, ch2. Work (1pc, ch2) into every second dc from the prev round. [42pc, 42ch2]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 9  – ss into ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 1tr in the same sp. Work 2tr into each ch-2 sp around. [84tr]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 10 – ch1 (doesn’t count as a st), dc in the same st, 2dc in the next. *dc, 2dc rep from * around. [126dc]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 11  – Ch3 (first tr), 4tr into same st and form your first pc, ch2. Work (1pc, ch2) into every second dc from the prev round. [63pc, 63ch2]

 

round crochet cushion

Round 12 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 1tr in the same sp. Work 2tr into each ch-2 sp around. [126tr] Make 2 of these circles and join together over a cushion insert using a dc (sc US) stitch.

SHORTHAND UK INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

  1. 12tr into a magic ring
  2. (pc, ch2) around. [12pc]
  3. 3tr into each ch-2 sp [36tr]
  4. (tr, tr, tr, 2tr) around [45tr]
  5. (tr, 2tr, tr, tr, tr) around [54tr]
  6. (tr, tr, tr, 2tr, tr, tr) around [63tr]
  7. (dc, dc, 2dc) around [84dc]
  8. (pc, ch2) every second st [42pc]
  9. 2tr in each ch-2 sp [84tr]
  10. (1dc, 2dc) around [126dc]
  11. (pc, ch2) every second st [63pc]
  12. 2tr in each ch-2 sp [126tr]

SHORTHAND US INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

  1. 12dc into a magic ring
  2. (pc, ch2) around. [12pc]
  3. 3dc into each ch-2 sp [36dc]
  4. (dc, dc, dc, 2dc) around [45dc]
  5. (dc, 2dc, dc, dc, dc) around [54dc]
  6. (dc, dc, dc, 2dc, dc, dc) around [63dc]
  7. (sc, sc, 2sc) around [84sc]
  8. (pc, ch2) every second st [42pc]
  9. 2dcin each ch-2 sp [84dc]
  10. (1sc, 2sc) around [126sc]
  11. (pc, ch2) every second st [63pc]
  12. 2dc in each ch-2 sp [126dc]

round crochet cushion

 

{Yarn Love} Paintbox Yarn Giveaway!!

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paintbox cotton yarn*THIS COMP IS NOW CLOSED *I have an amazing giveaway from LoveCrochet and Paintbox Yarns. Hands up if you would like to win all 56 shades of Paintbox Cotton DK!! I know i would. I have fallen in love with this awesome yarn – so many delicious shades to choose from. paintbox cotton yarn

It is seriously easy to enter this giveaway – all you need to do if follow the link HERE and sign up to the LoveCrochet newsletter. And that’s it! The competition will run for 7 days and the winner will be selected and emailed by the 31st of March. How exciting it that!? Good luck everyone.

Mandy xx  paintbox cotton yarn paintbox cotton yarn