14 September 2016 / , ,

Petite Peacock: Mini Versions of My Peacock Feather Designs in Lovely New Bonbon Yarn


crochet peacock feather feathers maxi bonbon sugar rush design etsy ravelry thecuriocraftsroom
As some of you may know, I design most of my peacock feather motifs using Scheepjes Catona. I really love working with mercerized cotton and the ever expanding selection of Catona colours allows me to make really inspiring colour choices. And now Scheepjes* has broadened my design options by having revamped one of their already existing laceweight yarns. I'm so happy that I can now make mini versions of my peacock designs, which are just perfect for jewelry like earrings or small delicate garlands. 

Let me just explain a little bit about this "new" yarn; perhaps it'll inspire you too.

crochet mini peacock feather thecuriocraftsroom
Maxi Bonbon or Sugar Rush is a 2 ply mercerized cotton and until about a week ago, only available in 100g balls (560m) and in a selection of 27 colours. Well, for teeny tiny peacock feathers, 560 meters is a bit much, don't you think? So it was never very practical (how much storage room do you have?) nor economical to invest in this. But now this beautiful shiny and sturdy yarn is available in 25g (140m) balls called Bonbon and in 50g (280m) balls called Sugar Rush. And in 87 colours! Most of these colours match the Catona range, which is perfect in case you want to use both yarns in one project. 


I've selected 4 of my designs to try out Bonbon. I was curious about the following aspects:
crochet peacock feather Java thecuriocraftsroom etsy ravelry
  1. Size of the motifs (obviously ;-)
  2. Stitch definition
  3. Hook size best suited to my designs
  4. Sturdiness
  5. Results after blocking

1. Size. The photo on the right shows the Java Peacock Feather. The larger version in Catona measures 8.5 x 11.5 cm and the small Bonbon version is just 6 x 9 cm.
crochet mini peacock feather design thecuriocraftsroom etsy ravelry the curio crafts room
I think the reduction in size compared to Catona is definitely worthwhile.  Aren't these small Bonbon/Sugar Rush feathers the cutest? The smallest one in the picture on the left, which is a free pattern, measures just 3 x 3.5 cm!

2. I love the stitch definition. You can clearly see it in the photos I think. The stitches really stand out giving it a beautiful dimension, which suits if you plan on wearing these motifs as brooches or earrings.

3. Hook size. For me a 2mm hook works best. I started out by using a 1.5mm hook as advised on the band but the result was too tight and the stitch definition was lost a bit because of this. It just depends on what you're making and on how tightly you hook, so always make a swatch.

4. Sturdiness. This thin mercerized cotton is surprisingly sturdy and the motifs keep their shape very nicely. They do not flop at all so, again, ideal for jewelry or appliques.

5. Blocking. Even tough the motifs looked great before blocking, I decided to give them the treatment I also give the motifs I make using Catona. So I blocked them and let them dry for about 12 hours. And as I already guessed, the result was even better after blocking (isn't it always?). Especially the final rounds came out sharper and more even.

I hope this has inspired you to start a project of your own. Maxi Bonbon is already available form Wool Warehouse and  Deramores * (international shipping) and other Scheepjes stockists. Sugar Rush will follow shortly.

And in case you'd want to try your hand at one of my designs, have a look at my Etsy or Ravelry shop for a large selection of peacock-inspired motifs (but there are non-peacock designs too ;-)

crochet peacock feather design thecuriocraftsroom the curio craftsroom etsy ravelry
crochet yarn maxi bonbon sugar rush peacock feather the curio crafts room


* Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 


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13 July 2016 / , , ,

My Crochet Pincushion and Scissores Fob Design for Little Box of Crochet

crochet pattern pincushion scissors fob thecuriocraftsroom the curio craftsroom

It must have been at least nine months ago when Amanda from Little Box of Crochet asked me if I would like to design something for one of her crochet subscription boxes. I was, and still am, very honoured by her request and couldn't really imagine that a lovely kit would be made based on a design of mine, also because I didn't have the faintest idea what to make. It shouldn't be too large an item but also not too small. A necklace? No, because I had just released a free pattern for one, the Peacock Eye Necklace. A garland? No, because another Little Box designer had already made a gorgeous one. Of course, I wanted it to be peacock-inspired because that's my trademark and I thought the Little Box subscribers would kind of expect something peacocky. 

So I just started to design a very small peacock feather without having any idea yet how or if I was going to use it. The best way for me to come up with something new is to start playing around with colours and simply start crocheting and let it take shape, literally. When I had finished the design for the tiny feather, I received a message from Amanda saying she had had a brainwave and could I please design a pincushion. What a wonderful idea! I immediately pictured a pincushion decorated with feathers in my go-to Catona peacock colours. Scheepjes Catona is the yarn I use for all my peacock feather designs.

Next, I had to decide on the shape of the pincushion: squashed drum; flat bottom and domed top; triangle; ball? I tried out a few shapes and sizes but found that a simple round cushion looked best. Don't you agree?
The pincushion did not use up an awful amount of yarn so Amanda wanted something extra and asked if we could add one more feather to attach to a pair of scissors as a needle keep. I thought it would be even nicer to make a fob that echoed the pincushion. I certainly could use one because I'm always losing my scissors! 

And now it's finally July and here's the lovely box with everything you need to make your own pincushion and fob with. Well, there's actually more than you need; there's also a lovely stitch marker and gorgeously coloured pins. It's a real goody box. Over on IG I've already seen lots of pictures of the box and I would also love to see your makes of course! Tag with #littleboxofcrochet. 

Oh, and I'm making my third pincushion.........






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24 June 2016 / , , ,

Free Crochet Pattern: Peacock-Style Pineapple Coasters

Here's the pattern for the peacock-style pineapple coaster I showed you last week. The six coasters in the picture adorn my kitchen and I have to say that their modern funky look works really well amongst my collection of antique earthenware soup tureens, plates and sauce boats. 

 These coasters are really easy to make and work up quite quickly so if you're looking for a fun weekend project, this one might just be it. Enjoy!

 You'll find the instructions in both ENGLISH and DUTCH below.
De instructies heb ik ook in het Nederlands vertaald en je vindt ze hier onder samen met de Engelstalige beschrijving. Veel haakplezier!

free crochet pattern coaster peacock feather thecuriocraftsroom the curio crafts room

General Information & What You Need
Skill level: Beginners
Crochet hooks: 2.5mm and 3mm
Tapestry needle
Yarn: Scheepjes Catona Denim (100% Cotton; 50g/125m)
Scheepjes Catona (100% Mercerised Cotton; 25g/62.5m)
Measurements: 12 x 14cm / 4.8 x 5.6in

Crochet Terms used in this pattern: US
Stitches used in this pattern:

US Crochet Terms
UK Crochet Terms
ch
chain
ch
chain
slst
slip stitch
ss
slip stitch
sc
single crochet
dc
double crochet
dc
double crochet
tr
treble crochet
RS
right side
RS
right side
WS
wrong side
WS
wrong side

NL Haaktermen

l
losse
hv
halve vaste
v
vaste
st
stokje
2l-open
opening(en) van 2 lossen
5l-open
opening(en) van 5 lossen
picot 3l
picot van 3 lossen
GK
goede kant
AK
achterkant

 Scheepjes Catona Denim colours:
Teal 166
Aqua 170
Dark Blue 150
Light Blue 165
Light Green 171
Purple 136
Cream 102

One coaster made with Catona Denim (so without the edging) weighs 6g. If you want to make 6 coasters all in one colour, then you’ll only need 1 Catona Denim ball (50g).

Scheepjes Catona colours:
Ultra Violet 282
Vivid Blue 146
Apple Green 389

In case you want the edging in one colour only, you’ll only need 1 Catona ball (25g).

Where to buy Scheepjes Catona & Catona Denim and other yarns

Scheepjes Catona & Catona Denim and other yarns are available from WoolWarehouse, Deramores, Black Sheep Wools and Caro’s Atelier. If you purchase yarn through the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*
Click on the link and it will take you to the shops where you can search for the yarn you’d like:

UK Wool Warehouse: http://shrsl.com/17owu
UK Deramores: http://tidd.ly/cf1bc042
UK Black Sheep Wools: http://shrsl.com/17owe
NL Caro’s Atelier:
https://caros-atelier.webshopapp.com/tracking/tradetracker/redirect/?tt=27390_12_296927_&r=%2F

Or shop at one of these Scheepjes stockists.

free crochet pattern coaster peacock feather thecuriocraftsroom the curio crafts room

Instructions / Instructies
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In my Ravelry and Etsy shops you can purchase a premium PDF version of this pattern for just €1.50 excl. VAT (US/UK and DUTCH).
The advantages of the premium PDF are:
  • Step-by-step photos for every row and for the edging
  • Clear layout with instructions in bullet-point format
  • Same graphic design as all of my other PDF patterns
  • You support my work so that I can continue to publish free patterns and offer discount codes
Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Use a 3mm hook
Base
Start with a magic (adjustable) ring, which is preferable because with a magic ring you can very neatly determine how large (or small) you would like the opening to be.

Gebruik een 3 mm naald
Basis 
Begin met een magische ring. Voor dit ontwerp is dat aan te bevelen omdat met een magische ring je zelf de grootte van de opening kunt bepalen.

****************** 
Round 1 (RS)
12sc in ring, slst in first sc to close

Toer 1 (GK)
12v in de ring, hv in eerste v om  te sluiten

******************
Row 1 (RS)
ch3 and (1dc, ch2, 1dc) in same sc you made the slst in
(1dc, ch2, 1dc) in next sc
(1dc, ch2, 2dc) in next sc
turn

Rij 1 (GK)
3l en (1st, 2l, 1st) in zelfde v waarin je ook de hv hebt gehaakt
(1st, 2l, 1st) in volgende v
(1st, 2l, 1st) in volgende v
keer

******************
Row 2 (WS)
ch1
skip first dc, slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch2
(2dc, ch4, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
ch2
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 2 (AK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
2l
(2st, 4l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
2l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

******************
Row 3 (RS)
ch1
skip first dc, slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch2
skip next ch-2 space
13dc in ch-4 space
ch2
skip next ch-2 space
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 3 (GK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
2l
volgende 2l-open overslaan
13st in 4l-open
2l
volgende 2l-open overslaan
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

******************
Row 4 (WS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch2
(1dc, ch1) in each of the next 12 dc of Row 4
1dc in 13th dc
ch2
skip next ch-2 space
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 4 (AK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
2l
(1st, 1l) in elk van de volgende 12 st van Rij 4
1st in 13e st
2l
volgende 2l-open overslaan
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 5 (RS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
skip 2 dc and ch2
*1sc in dc, ch5, skip (ch1, next dc, ch1)*; repeat *-* 5 more times
1sc in last dc
ch3
skip next ch-2 space
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Please note that at this point your work may start to buckle considerably. This is normal and will be sorted once blocked.

 Rij 5 (GK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
de volgende 2 st en 2l overslaan
* 1v in volgende st, 5l, sla (1 l, volgende st, 1 l) over*; herhaal *-* nog 5x
1v in laatste st
3l
volgende 2l-open overslaan
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 Na deze toer zal het haakwerk gaan trekken en omkrullen. Dit is normaal en zal na het opspannen helemaal verholpen zijn.

******************
Row 6 (WS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
(1sc in ch-5 space, ch5) 5 times
1sc in last ch-5 space
ch3
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 6 (AK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
(1v in 5l-open, 5l) 5x
1v in laatste 5l-open
3l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 7 (RS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
(1sc in ch-5 space, ch5) 4 times
1sc in last ch-5 space
ch3
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 7 (GK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
(1v in 5l-open, 5l) 4x
1v in laatste 5l-open
3l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 8 (WS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
(1sc in ch-5 space, ch5) 3 times
1sc in last ch-5 space
ch3
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 8 (AK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
(1v in 5l-open, 5l) 3x
1v in laatste 5l-open
3l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 9 (RS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
(1sc in ch-5 space, ch5) twice
1sc in last ch-5 space
ch3
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 9 (GK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
(1v in 5l-open, 5l) 2x
1v in laatste 5l-open
3l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 10 (WS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
1sc in ch-5 space
ch5
1sc in last ch-5 space
ch3
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 10 (AK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
1v in 5l-open
5l
1v in laatste 5l-open
3l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 11 (RS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
ch3
1sc in ch-5 space
ch3
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 11 (GK)
1l
eerste st overslaan, hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
3l
1v in 5l-open
3l
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

 ******************
Row 12 (WS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space, (ch3, 1dc, ch2, 2dc) in same ch-2 space
(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch-2 space
turn

Rij 12 (AK)
1l
eerste st overslaan
hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open, (3l, 1st, 2l, 2st) in zelfde 2l-open
(2st, 2l, 2st) in volgende 2l-open
keer

******************
Row 13 (RS)
ch1
skip first dc
slst in next dc
slst in ch-2 space
now you are going to work a 8dc-cl over the 2 ch-2 sps:
- in first ch-2 space: ch2, (yarn over hook, insert hook in space, yarn over hook, pull up loop, yarn     over hook, draw through 2 loops) 3 times
- in next ch-2 sp: (yarn over hook, insert hook in space, yarn over hook, pull up loop, yarn over           hook, draw through 2 loops) 4 times
- yarn over hook and pull through all 8 loops on hook, close with ch1

Cut yarn, weave in the ends and block before you start on the edging.

Rij 13 (GK)
1l
eerste st overslaan
hv in volgende st
hv in 2l-open
nu ga je een 8st-cl in de 2 2l-open haken:
- in eerste 2l-open: 2l, (garen om naald, steek naald in open, garen om naald, haal lus op, garen om naald, haal door 2 lussen) 3x
- in volg 2l-open: (garen om naald, steek naald in open, garen om naald, haal lus op, garen om            naald, haal door 2 lussen) 4x
- garen om naald en haal door alle 8 lussen op naald, sluit met 1l

 Hecht de draadjes af en span voordat je aan de rand begint.


 Edging
Use a 2.5mm hook
  • start with 2sc around first ch3 made
  • ch2
  • (1sc, picot ch3, 1sc) around post of dc of next row
  • ch2
  • (1sc, picot ch3, 1sc) around ch3 of next row
  • repeat until you have 11x (1sc, picot ch3, 1sc), then ch2 and (1sc, picot ch3, 1sc) around ch2 of the 8dc-cluster, (1dc, picot ch3, 1dc) in top of 8dc-cluster, (1sc, picot ch3, 1sc) around final dc of 8dc-cluster
  • ch2
  • now you work down the side of the coaster the same way you worked up the side of the coaster
  • end with ch2 and 2sc around post of final dc

 Randje
Gebruik een 2,5 mm naald
  • Begin met 2v rondom eerste 3l van Rij 1
  • 2l
  • (1v, picot 3l, 1v) rondom volgende st van Rij 2
  • 2l 
  • (1v, picot 3l, 1v) rondom volgende st van volgende rij
  • herhaal totdat je 11x (1v, picot 3l, 1v) hebt gehaakt met steeds 2l er tussen
  • vervolgens 2l en (1v, picot 3l, 1v) rondom de 2l van 8st-cluster
  • (1st, picot 3l, 1st) bovenin 8st-cluster
  • (1v, picot 3l, 1v) rondom het laatste st van 8st-cluster
  • 2l
  • nu haak je verder naar beneden op dezelfde manier als je aan de andere kant hebt gedaan
  • eindig met 2l en 2v rondom laatste st
peacock feather coaster free crochet pattern the curio crafts room

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*This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission from purchases made via these links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
This project is sponsored by www.scheepjes.com.
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