As you know, i am a huge fan of www.lovecrochet.com and everything they do for the crochet community. Not only do they supply us yarn addicts with an endless amount of tempting yarn, but they are passionate about giving back … Continue reading
To celebrate the start of Spring in Australia, i’m having a little Spring sale on all of my crochet pattern downloads. Hooray! Use the code SPRING at the checkout to recieve 20% off all patterns. Valid until the 7th of … Continue reading
I was thrilled when We Are Knitters asked me to try out their Tropea Cardigan crochet kit. Firstly, it’s great to see that WAK are catering for crocheters as well as knitters with a beautiful array of patterns, kits and … Continue reading
Introducing the Pamela Mandala, a free crochet mandala pattern. It’s been a while since my last free pattern, so i hope you enjoy making this one. Oh, and if you’re wondering why this mandala has been photographed in reverse, well head to … Continue reading
I need to clear out some of my craft kits before i move into the new studio, so i have reduced all of my Gelato Pops and Melon Pops kits by $10. This equates to almost 30% in some cases which is a huge saving. The PDF Patterns for these cushions are not included in the kit. They will need to be purchased separately. Please head to RedAgape Shop to check out the bargains. They will only be on sale for a week, or until sold out!
Mandy xx 
Today I have been decorating crochet kits bags using transfer paper, but i totally got distracted (read bored) and decided to make a cool granny square bag of my own instead. The Gelato Pops and Melon Pops bags were pushed to the side, which actually are pretty cool too, and i whipped up a little granny square in my fave colours. Here’s how i made my own kit bag –
You will need –
Step 1 – photograph your granny square and print out the image on iron on transfer paper
Step 2 – Cut around the granny square leaving about 1/2cm of white edge – this will iron on clear
Step 3– With the print side down, press the iron in consistant circles for aound 2 min (set a timer if it helps) The instructions said around 40 secs, but with this large transfer i needed more time. 
Step 4– Peel the backing paper off very carefully! If it doesn’t come off easily or the print is not transferring then you will need to use the iron for a bit longer. Be patient. 
Step 5 – Ta da!! Pack your favourite yarn and tools into the bag and you are ready for crochet on the go!!
I am printing this image onto a shirt next…..i just need more transfer paper.
Mandy xx
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!!
Here are a couple of shots of my shed that is being transformed into the creative space of my dreams!
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
Well, 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)
There’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. 
* This has been a sponsored post!
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.
Corner to Corner Granny Square
This book is fabulous for a number of reasons –
My 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
Photo Credit – Marianne Dekkers Roos
Everyone 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 –
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
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.
Completed Coaster
Shorthand UK
Shorthand US
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.
Click the image above to check out Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky from www.lovecrochet.com
Click on the image to visit the pattern shop
Click on the image to visit the pattern shop
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
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! 
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. 
You will need –
Okay – let’s start!Abbreviations –
Wings – (make 2)
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!! 
Shorthand UK
Wings – (make 2)
Shorthand US
Wings – (make 2)