Bob the Blood Blob – Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet for Charity…

Earlier in the year, I was approached by Leukaemia Care UK with regards to #SpotLeukaemia which is Blood Cancer awareness month that takes place annually in September. Although this blog post is late, it has taken me a long time to write as I wanted to get it right. This is a sensitive subject, but so very important, and better late than never.  It doesn’t have to be September for you to be aware, and able to support such an amazing charity.

#SpotLeukaemia is a campaign to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Leukaemia and how to spot it earlier rather than later. I was asked if I could design a crocheted ‘mascot’ that people could make and share to help fund-raise and promote  education and understanding for this cause.

“September was the official month for the #Spotleukaemia campaign, but why not continue to raise awareness for this critical disease?”

I was delighted and thought a small plush would be perfect as it would be easy to make, require few materials, and great for beginners through to advanced crocheters. I chose a blood drop as it can easily be visually related to the cause and is symbolic of the blood cancer.

Read an article about Bob the Blood Blob here…

Make him and give him to local hospitals (enquire first) or make him and sell him to raise money for Leukaemia care UK (donate here). Or give him to friends and family – he is extremely cute after all. (I’ve just made one for my uncle who works in phlebotomy). Leukaemia Care UK is a fantastic charity that focuses on carrying the emotional strain that Leukaemia enforces on patients and their families and continues to support those in need and provide answers and advice. This charity aims to improve lives through earlier diagnosis, access to effective treatments, information and support. Please head over to their website to read more. https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/

Click here for a printable Free Bob the Blood Blob crochet pattern…

Many people have been making Bob already…

 

However there is one Bob that caught my attention When I saw that a little girl called Arabella had been made a Bob, I approached Arabella’s mum to ask a bit about her back story.

Arabella was diagnosed with Leukaemia when she was only 4 years old in May 2018. She was transferred to Adenbrookes hospital where she received her first round of chemotherapy as a clinical trial. Unfortunately this was unsuccessful and she was put in a high risk group. She underwent a second round of chemotherapy before being transferred to Bristol for a stem cell transplant, despite non of her siblings being compatible for a match. Arabella had only 4 possible matches from the DKMS register, however her condition was so critical that her consultants didn’t want to risk the wait. Arabella undertook a transplant using an umbilical cord instead and was doing really well; however contracted a virus and chest infection soon after. She is now doing better and has been transferred back to Adenbrookes Hospital, which is one step closer to home for this incredible family. Arabella loved her Bob, and by making Bob you can help raise awareness for Leukaemia and in turn support little girls like Arabella and their astonishingly strong families.

Follow Arabella’s progress here… ‘Arabella Scannell Blog’

If you follow my blog, or my Instagram or YouTube, please support me by taking 1 day (Seriously… Bob can be made in one sit-in) out of your crochet plans to make a Bob and post a picture using the hashtags #spotleukaemia and #bobthebloodblob

Let’s show Instagram how thoughtful and caring our crochet community is. Please tag @lovecharlie.co and @leukaemiacareuk

Find me on Ravelry to upload photos of your Bob…

Love Charlie, Xx

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Easy Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern… Blogmas No. 6

Blogmas No. 6 is the 2nd free pattern in a series of three; showcasing what you can make with three balls of The Women’s Institute Soft & Chunky yarn using Hobbycraft’s 3 for 2 offer. The first pattern is an easy chunky bobble hat… click here for the pattern. This post is the pattern for an extremely easy cowl that can be made within an hour. The chunky yarn is quick to work up and the acrylic/merino blend is very soft and squishy. Perfect to keep you warm through the winter – and a great last minute Christmas present.

What you’ll Need: –

• 1no. 100g ball of Women’s Institute Soft & Chunky Yarn (Exclusive to Hobbycraft)
• 1no. 6mm crochet hook
• Scissors

Stitch Abbreviations: –

• Ch = Chain Stitch
• Tr = Treble Stitch
• Sl st = Slip stitch
• Crab stitch = rdc (reversed double crochet) worked backwards in reverse direction to the rest of the hat.

#lovecharliecrochetdesigns

Click here for Printable PDF Pattern

Foundation. Ch 62. Sl st into 1^st ch to make a large loop. Make sure your chain isn’t twisted.

Row 1 – 12. Ch3 [counts as first tr]. 1tr in each stitch along. Sl st to 3^rd ch of 3ch tr. [62tr]

Top Edge. Ch1. Crab stitch in each st around – Working from left to right around the top of the cowl. Sl st into the 1^st (last) st. Tie off & Weave in end. [62rdcs]

Bottom Edge. Join your yarn to any stitch on the bottom of your cowl. Repeat Top Edge. [62rdcs]

Click here for Printable PDF Pattern

This pattern is as simple as it gets so is an ideal project for a beginner crocheter. This pattern can easily be adapted for any size by simply chaining the foundation row as large as you want the circumference, and continuing more than 12 rows if you like more height to your cowl. It can also be made into an infinity scarf by increasing the foundation row significantly.

I hope you like this pattern. I wanted to show beginers how easy it is to get going. You don’t need a lot of experience to make something brilliant that you can wear or gift to friends and family. I would love for you to share any photos of your projects using the hashtag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns

This pattern has not been tested. Please let me know via Instagram or Ravelry if I need to make any ammendments.

♥ Thank you to my lovely Sister-in-Law for modelling my Hat and Cowl ♥

Love Charlie, Xx

Nb. This post is neither endorsed nor sponsored by Hobbycraft or The Women’s Institute. I just wanted to demonstrate what you could make using their 3 for 2 offer. (If Hobbycraft or The women’s Institute by any chance come across this post and would like to get in touch, please email lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com) Click here for Hobbycraft Website. 

 

Easy Crochet Bobble Hat Pattern… Blogmas No. 5

Now that you know how to make a detachable pom pom… (Click here for the blog post if you missed it.) You may want to make a beanie hat to go with it. My aim was to buy three balls of The Women’s Institute Soft & Chunky Acrylic/Merino Yarn and make a hat and a cowl. I have designed both and still have a ball left; so I’m thinking about designing some simple chunky mitts to match. If you go to Hobbycraft, the yarn is very often on a 3 for 2 offer so I wanted to showcase some simple patterns that you can make quickly with three skeins or effectively £8 (When the 3 for 2 offer is on) Hobbycraft is a UK based craft store; so if you’re in another country, any other chunky yarn will work. either 100g or 110m.

If you need to make a last minute Christmas present, this hat can be crocheted in under an hour… and is a brilliant pattern for a beginner crocheter.

Easy Chunky Crochet Bobble Hat – Printable PDF

• 1no. 100g ball of The Women’s Institute Soft & Chunky Yarn exclusive to Hobbycraft
• 1no. 6mm crochet hook
• 1no. detachable pom pom (Click here for tutorial)

 

Cowl pattern to follow…

Stitch Abbreviations

• Ch = Chain
• Tr = Treble stitch
• Sl st = Slip stitch
• Crab stitch = rdc (reversed double crochet) worked backwards in reverse direction to the rest of the hat.

 

Rnd 1. Make a magic circle. Chain 3. 9tr into the magic circle. Pull tight and sl st into the 3^rd chain of first 3ch. [10tr]

Rnd 2. Ch3 (counts as 1^st tr) 1tr in same st. 2tr in each st around. Sl st into 3^rd ch of 3ch tr. [20tr]

Rnd 3. Ch3. 2tr in next st. *1tr, 2tr in next st* Repeat around. Sl st into 3^rd ch of 3ch tr. [30tr]

Rnd 4. Ch3. 1tr. 2tr in next st. *2tr, 2tr in next st* Repeat around. Sl st into 3rd ch of 3ch tr. [40tr]

Rnd 5. Ch3. 2tr. 2tr in next st. *3tr, 2tr in next st* Repeat around. Sl st into 3^rd ch of 3ch tr. [50tr]

Rnd 6 & 7. Ch3. 1tr into each st around. Sl st into 3^rd ch of 3ch tr. [50tr]

Rnd 8. Ch3. 3tr. 2tr in next st. *4tr, 2tr in next st* Repeat around. Sl st into 3^rd ch of 3^ch tr. [60tr]

Rnd 9. Ch3. 1tr into each st around. Sl st into 3^rd ch of 3ch tr. [60tr]

REPEAT RND 9 UNTIL HAT IS DESIRED LENGTH

Final Rnd [Edging]. Ch1. Crab stitch in each st around (working from left to right) Sl st into last st. Tie off & weave in end. [60 rdcs]

Optional. Attach detachable pom pom using a snap fastener sewn to the top of the hat.

#lovecharliecrochetdesigns

Easy Chunky Crochet Bobble Hat

I would love for you to share your pictures on Ravelry and Instagram using the hashtag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns

This pattern has not been tested. Please kindly let me know if any amendments are required.

♥ Thank you to my beautiful Sister-in-Law for modelling my hat and cowl ♥

Love Charlie, Xx

Nb. This post is neither endorsed nor sponsored by Hobbycraft or The Women’s Institute. I just wanted to demonstrate what you could make using their 3 for 2 offer. (If Hobbycraft or The women’s Institute by any chance come across this post and would like to get in touch, please email lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com) Click here for Hobbycraft Website. 

How to make a detachable pom pom Blogmas No.4

Pom poms are great aren’t they? But if you love making home-made pom poms, you’ll understand the frustration of not being able to wash them. Bits of wool everywhere! The alternative is either very expensive, or not animal friendly. Here’s my handy tip to make your hand made pom poms detachable so you can easily remove them before throwing your garment in the wash with no damage or worry.

Here are my instructions to make a detachable pom pom for your beanie hat.

What you’ll need

• Pom pom maker
• Scrap/stash DK yarn
• Sewing Cotton and needle
• Snap fasteners (I used 8mm but larger is better if you can find any)
• Sciccors
• Beanie hat that would like a pom pom

Step One

Take your pom pom maker and yarn, and begin to start wrapping your scrap yarn around one half of the pom pom maker (Wrap around both arms). I usually continue wrapping from side to side until the yarn is almost level with either side of the center so that I get a nice plump pom pom.

Step Two

Once you have wrapped one half of your pom pom maker, cut your yarn off and close the first half. Repeat step one for the second half. Cut off and close the second half.

Step Three

Take your scissors and slot them into the groove between both halves of the pom pom maker. Start to cut around your pom pom, making sure that the two disks either side are firmly pushed together. (You don’t want your pom pom maker to fall apart at this stage.)

Step Four

Once you have cut around the entire circumference of your pom pom (and there are no strands still wrapped around) you can move to step 5. Check that you haven’t missed any bits hiding in the edges near the hinges.

Step Five

Take a long piece of your yarn and wrap around the pom pom, letting the yarn pull into the grooves. Pull tight and tie into a single knot. Then wrap around the other way and tie a double knot on the opposite side. Pull as tight as you can without snapping your yarn. Leave long tails to sew on your snap fastener. Now you can remove the pom pom maker by holding a disk on either side and gently twist and pull apart to release your home made pom pom.

Step Six

Hold your pom pom by the long strings and use your scissors to give your pom pom a hair cut. I didn’t spend too long on mine as I like a bit of a messy look. If you wanted a perfectly spherical bobble, you could spend hours trimming and making your pom pom neat. (Do this over a bin as fluff gets everywhere) My tip is to only take a little at a time and keep ruffling up the fluff to see where you’re’ up to. Once you’ve cut it, you can’t stick it back on.

Step Seven

Sew on one half of the snap fastener to your pom pom using the long tails left over from tying your pom pom together. Tie securely and cut off your ends to the same length as your pom pom ‘hair’.

Step Eight

Sew on the other half of your snap fastener to your hat using cotton. I used white cotton here so it would show on the photo. You can use whatever colour you want but I recommend choosing the same colour as your hat or your pom pom so if for any reason it shows, it will blend in.

Step Nine

Ta Daaa! You now have a hat with a pom pom that you can snap on and off as you please. Now your hat can be washed whenever, and a new pom pom can easily be added in the event unfortunate event of being dropped in a muddy puddle or getting lost.

I hope you liked this little trick. I think it’s great. I’d love to see your photos on Instagram. Use the hashtag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns.

♥ Thank you to my lovely sister-in-law for modelling the hat (Pattern to follow) ♥

Love Charlie, Xx

Christmas Tree Card Tutorial… Blogmas No.2

The second blog post in my blogmas series is a tutorial on how to make my go-to hand made Christmas card. I like to be able to give an extra special card to those that are important to me, and I feel that a hand made card is much more thoughtful… and what could be better than a crocheted card?

I’m not going to ramble on, so here is my tutorial for an easy crocheted christmas card. See below for links to a printable PDF version of this tutorial.

What you’ll need…

• Green DK yarn
• Brown DK yarn
• 5mm crochet hook
• Sparkly Embroidery floss
• Button (For top of tree)
• Copydex Adhesive
• Black fine liner & glitter gel pen
• Kraft A6 card & envelope
• Sewing needle & Scissors

Stitch Abbreviations 

• Ch = chain stitch
• Dc = double crochet
• Sl st = slip stitch

#lovecharliecrochetdesigns

Click here for printable PDF tutorial

Step 1 – Green Tree

Row 1 & 2 -> With green yarn, ch3. Dc into 1^st st (Counts as row 1 & 2)

Row 3 -> Ch1, turn. Dc into same st. 2dc into next st. (3sts)

Row 4 – 15 -> Ch1, turn. Dc into same st. Dc in each st until the last st. 2dc into the last st. Repeat until the final row has a total of 15 sts.

Edging -> Dc in each st around the triangle and 3dc into each point. Sl st into 1^st st and tie off. Weave in end.

Step 2 – Brown Tree Trunk

Row 1. Chain 5, dc into 2^nd st from hook and dc into each st along (4sts)

Row 2 – 6. Chain 1, turn. 4dc along. Repeat until you have 6 rows in total. Tie off and leave a long end to sew to the back of the tree. Weave in ends and cut off at the back of the tree. (You won’t see the small ends as they will be stuck to the card)

Step 3 – Tree Decorations

Cut a length of sparkly embroidery floss (enough to sew the button on and zig zag in back stitch) You can use any button you like – but I chose a star shape. You can also sew on beads if you like or use any kind of decorations you think would look nice. Tie off at the back of the tree.

Step 4 – Writing on Card

Place your Crocheted Christmas tree onto your card and figure out where you’d like to write a message. This is completely optional as the tree would be enough. I like to write Merry Christmas at the top – but any seasonal message is nice. I mark out my letters with pencil then go over it with a black fine liner. I also use a gold glitter gel pen to outline the card and put some details in to the writing.

Step 5 – Adhesive

Turn your tree over so the back is facing upwards. Take your Copydex and spread evenly over the back of the tree. You don’t want to put too much on as you don’t want your card to get damp and bend – but you also want to out enough on that your tree sticks on properly. Put your card under a heavy book and leave overnight to dry.

Step 6 – Write your card and give it to someone special

Write your message inside the card and seal in your envelope. Now give it to someone special. I bought my cards from Paperchase – but any craft shop should sell blank cards. I also chose Kraft card as I like the rustic look, but you could use coloured card or cards with a scalloped edge for more detail. Use whatever craft supplies make you feel happy and Christmassy and have fun!

Christmas Tree Card

I would love you to share your pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns and share on projects on Ravelry. I hope you enjoy this tutorial!

Love Charlie, Xx

Free Crochet Wreath Decoration Tutorial Blogmas No.1

Tis the season to get crafting. Fra la la la la, la la la la.

For the next few weeks I am going to be participating in a self-made blogmas. What this means, is that I’ll be uploading more blog posts than usual; and I’ve been working hard to be able to publish some free patterns for you, and some other Christmas related ramblings. This is as much for you as it is for me. I am very anxious that we are rapidly approaching the end of the year, and I have so many things I want to ‘say’ before the end of 2017.

This is a special time of the year, when it seems as though we are all running around like headless chickens trying to get everything done before the Christmas Holidays so we can sit down and have a much needed break, spend time with Family, and eat ourselves silly. Although I will be referring to this series of blog posts as ‘Christmas’ blog posts; please understand that the majority of these posts are only seasonal, and relevant to our Winter break. I am not a religious person but I do love giving and sharing with friends and family; and I want to celebrate that in these posts.

#lovecharliecrochetdesigns

This is a super-easy, super-quick pattern…

The first free pattern I have to share is for a Classic Christmas Wreath decoration. This is a super-easy, super-quick pattern that you can personalise for your tree. I have made this several times but have only just, for some reason written up the tutorial. This can be personalised to suit your Christmas tree theme and will also make a lovely gift for friends and family; not to mention ‘Secret Santas’ at work. I personally love to give homemade presents to those that I love, and something festive is sure to go down a treat.

Click here for the Tutorial…   Easy Crochet Wreath Decoration

Click here for printable PDF tutorial

All you need is a curtain ring, some scrap yarn, some lengths of ribbon, and if you want some extra details you can add sparkly embroidery floss and beads. These look nice when you make quite a few and make them in different shades of green – but you don’t need to make them in Green. You could try making multi coloured wreaths for more of a modern look.

I hope you enjoy making these simple, classic Christmas decorations. I would love to see how you personalise these wreaths to match your own trees and festive themes. Share on Ravelry and on Instagram using the hashtag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns

Merry Christmas – Let the festivities begin!

Love Charlie

 

Free Amigurumi Bee Pattern

Hi everyone! I planned to blog about my recent holiday to the Lake District this weekend, but I’m feeling rather delicate after celebrating my engagement with family yesterday. I will blog about my stay-cation within the next week… but for now, please enjoy this free crochet pattern.

I designed this little fellow last year, and have had the pattern written up for a little while. He’s very versatile and has a dainty appliqué heart on his bottom for extra charm – so much charm children are sure to love them. I hope you like him. . Please share on Instagram… I’d love to see your makes! I think these bees would look lovely attached to a mobile above a cot, or made into keychains.

This cute little Amigurumi Bee is a quick and easy make.

Love Charlie Amigurumi Bee Pattern

 – Use the hashtag –  #lovecharliecrochetdesigns 

This pattern is also on Ravelry.

Here are a few free bee patterns by other crocheters that I love!

Look at this adorable bee headband by thestitchinmommy

Click Here for the ‘Bee Mine’ Headband pattern

 

 

And how cute is this baby grow?! Designed by Julie Farmer for Red Heart Yarns, this play-suit is sure to melt everyone’s hearts.

Click here for the Baby Bee Suit pattern

 

If you fancy something more challenging and intricate check out this beauty! A bee blanket by Meike Beumers, found on Ravelry.

Click here for the Bee Squares Blanket pattern

 

 

I hope you enjoy this crochet pattern. I definitely enjoyed designing it and putting the pattern together. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Thank you so much to Sian and Manuela for testing this pattern for me… check out their instagram pages here… Sian & Manuela. They did an absolutely brilliant job of testing for me. See their makes below…

Follow me on Instagram for daily edits of my weird and wonderful life. @lovecharlie.co

Love Charlie, Xx

 

Free Crochet Pattern – Square Blossom Coaster

Free Crochet Pattern – Square Blossom Coaster…

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been working on a couple of baby blankets… and whilst designing one of them, I had an idea that I just had to act on. So I went off on a tangent that paid off in the end. I managed to design two crochet coasters. (Both Blossom themed) I made a circular coaster and a square one. There’s a story behind the blossom theme, but I’m waiting until I release one of the blanket patterns to tell you about that. I’ll be writing up the pattern for both of the coasters, so here is the first… I’ll upload the circular one in the next few weeks…

I have used Scheepjes Catona and a 2.5mm crochet hook. I desperately wanted to try Scheepjes Catona as I’ve heard a lot about it online – and I’m not disappointed. Usually when crocheting with cotton, I choose Rico essentials or DMC Natura, but Scheepjes is so much more cost effective! I couldn’t believe the price difference. I just can’t get my head around why the prices are so different. There is such a lovely colour range, and the Catona colours suited this project much better than the equivalent I found in Rico Essentials Cotton. You can buy Scheepjes Catona from Black Sheep Wools in store and online…

Click here for Square Blossom Coaster Pattern…

If on the other hand, you have cotton in your stash, feel free to use it! You don’t need a lot of each colour, and you can make it in any colour-way you wish. I think it might be nice to use lilac shades instead of the pinks to give a ‘forget me not’ look rather than blossom.

Not only can you make this as a coaster using cotton, but I believe it would also make a nice lacy blanket if you made several squares and joined them together. This pattern is versatile, and apart from the colour changes (and weaving in ends) it is easy, and rather painless. If you continued using one colour per square, there would be no ends to weave in!

However, I have to confess that the ends I couldn’t crochet in as I went along, I just cut off after the knot on the underside as it’s pretty much going to stay on a sideboard/desk/table… and I don’t think it’s going to be exposed to any damage that may tease the knots loose. I would definitely have had a different attitude if I was making something more wearing such as a blanket, garment or bag.

Although this square was designed as a coaster, I’m excited at all the possibilities that this square can be made into. Blankets. Coasters. Bunting. Bags….

I look forward to seeing your creations. This pattern is on Ravelry too! If you post pictures on social media, use the hashtag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns so I can see all your lovely makes.

For daily snippets of my weird and wonderful life, follow me on Instagram.

Thanks for reading. Also, I’m now uploading Crochet Podcasts onto YouTube. Check out my channel lovecharliecrochet – I’d love for you to subscribe and leave a comment. My next video will be uploaded before Thursday and I’ll show you what I keep in my Crochet Notions Pouch.

Love Charlie, Xx

 

**This pattern has not been pattern tested by anyone other than myself. If you find any mistakes, please kindly let me know and I’ll make amendments and re-upload. Thank you! Xxx

Free Crochet Pattern – Trinity Stitch Dish Cloth

Hi Guys,

So initially, I wanted the first blog post on my new blog to be the release of my Amigurumi Bee pattern (See my Instagram) However, I’m still waiting for pattern testers to get back to me, and in the meantime I have designed a dish cloth using the trinity stitch, and some gorgeously soft cotton I found at Black Sheep Wools.

I bought some Vinnis Colours Nikkim 100% Cotton in Avacado and Pale Khaki with the intention of designing a dish cloth… and design a dish cloth I did 🙂 Bonus points that the colours match our kitchen! But if you haven’t got a green kitchen… there are so many other beautiful colours in this range, even some mixed ‘tie-dye’ colours.

I really hope you like this free pattern. It is a really quick make, and the stitch is lovely. There’s so much texture and prettiness (looks like several tiny flowers or little stars) and this cotton is wonderful to work with. P.s these would also make great facecloths and brilliant gifts for friends and family.

Trinity Stitch Dish Cloth – Click Trinity Stitch Dish Cloth to open PDF

**I haven’t had pattern testers test this one, so if you see any mistakes let me know and I’ll make amendments and update the PDF.

If you don’t know the trinity stitch or ‘dc3tog’ watch this tutorial by New Stitch a Day on Youtube (Don’t worry about the sc3tog as this tutorial is American. It is the same stitch I promise) Trinity Stitch Tutorial

And if you’re unsure of the Crab Stitch… check out this great tutorial by Bella Coco on Youtube – Crab Stitch Tutorial

Let me know what you think in the comments below… and follow me on Instagram to see daily edits of my weird and wonderful life ❤  (You can also see close ups of the stitch definition) If you post photos I’d love to see them. Use the hash tag #lovecharliecrochetdesigns

The pattern is also on Ravelry.

Love Charlie Xx