Summer gift party and garland pattern!

Hello lovelies! One week ago I found that the lovely Lisa of 'Piccolecose' togheder with Antonella of 'Un blog a cavolo' hosted a fun Summer gift party. The topic of the party is SUMMER and the participants has to realize a garland inspired to this season:::

This was the first time I join a swap, but I thought it would be a funny way to exchange some love with our blogging friends and discover other! So let't thinking about deep sea, sun-drenched beach, unexplored bay, hot sand and..... ice creams!

In the past week I’ve made up a garlad of ice-cream for the swap::: 

For crochet the ice -cream I decide to create a simple pattern using my yarn stash and recycled corrugated paper seems  perfect for the ice -cream cone!

Ice cream pattern:

Abbreviation:::
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
slp st: slip stitch

make a magic ring with 6 sc
Round 1: 1 sc every sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc every sc (12 sc)
Round 3: in the same stich *slp st, make 3dc and then a slp st*
               move to next stitch  *make 3dc and then a slp st*
               move to next stitch * make 3dc and then a slp st*

 

If you are creative and would like to participate,  there is still a few days to join (you can post your garland until 30th of may) ::: leave a comment on the blog of Lisa or Antonella, create your summer
garland and share on blogs and social with the hashtag #summergiftparty. 

Let's get the party started!!!

http://sadioni.blogspot.it/2015/05/summer-linky-party.html

May is bike month!

May is Bike Month! Whether you like to go use your bicycle as a primary mode of transportation cause there is something so lovely about travel around knowing you’ve reduced your carbon footprint! Riding a bike around Bologna city amplifies everything magical about it::: with the wind whipping around you and the colorful 'portici' flashing past!

To celebrate Bike Month I decide to take part of the European Cycling Challenge, a urban cyclists team competition that takes place from 1 to 31 May 2015 in different European city::: Bologna is 7th in the leaderboard ! 

Using the app Cycling365 I monitoring kilometers travelling across the city for going work:: it's super funny!

Whatever the reason for your ride, why not celebrate Bike Month with a little bicycle yarn-bombing?

These quick and easy crochet projects are a perfect opportunity to try out new yarns, new stitches or reduce our yarn stash. The best part is, when you’re done, you’ll have a truly customized bike that shows off your creative side!

Crocheted  Basket Bunting by greedy for colour

Crocheted bike seat cover by Carina

Crocheted skirts bike guards La Messer 

Crocheted under-seat bike pack (no pattern)

Images via pinterest 

And you? What is your may inspiration? Have a funny week end everyone!!

Baby ballerina shoes

Hello crafty people! Today I'm gonna show you these little shoes I have crocheted for a dear friend for the birth of her daughter::: Anita! 

 

Crochet baby booties are the perfect handmade gift that everyone will love.  If you are expecting or if you have friends who are expecting, give these beautiful shoes a try! 

They are absolutely adorable and I can’t wait to see little Anita wearing these!

I was so happy to find a free pattern for baby booties here but I prefer to create a ballerina shoes so I follow the pattern till round 10. To attach the trim I follow this cute pattern here. To crochet little buttons I use this lovely tutorial here.  

Hoping you like this mixed pattern and I wish you have a lovely week!

With this post I partecipate to Maryanne creativity linky party

Spring projects

I'm happy that very soon we hit April already! The days are start to become longer,  the bulbs in the pots are pushing through, days become warm and sunny and Spring will bring colors and joy around! Hope you start a super happy easter week and enjoy spring too:::

To celebrate spring arrival I would like to share some small projects I realize exploring the endless possibility to crochet flowers:::

This little flowers are super cute and funny to realize ::: I use it to embroider hairpins and elastic bands (that I become addicted to)::: Luckily there are small projects which are completed in very short time and thus involving a quick feeling of success!

You can found the free pattern I used here and here. 

Wishing you have a great week ahead!

With this post I partecipate to Maryanne creativity linky party

With this post I partecipate to Spring inspiration linky party

mug cozy and a giveaway winner!

I love cloudy afternoons while drinking tea and crocheting::: Did you remember my post about mug DIY? It had been a while since I wanted to realize a mug cozy and ta dah:::

So I grabbed my hook, a featureless mug and started crocheting away! I used a 5.00mm crochet hook and cotton yarn in light violet:: pattern is super easy and can be adjusted to fit around your favourite cup! What I like very much of this project is the loop around the button that for me is super cute!

It's also time for a winner of my first giveaway! Thank you so much for leaving a comment! 

 And the winner is.... Carla, congratulations!  I'll be in touch to get a postal address and pop your prize in the mail for you. 

So, that's about it for now, happy spring time to everyone!

Blog update and cute news!

Hello lovelies! Happy monday to everyone!
Most of you know the lovely Annemarie's Haakblog that make our week end more inspiring by promote a super nice link party 'Link Your Stuff!'. Linkups encourage to create intriguing items, photograph them well and share with others. They also encourage crafters to check out what other people are doing and connect with them::: 

In december my handwarmer are been showed up with my big surprise!

I like very much Annemarie's link party cause every week is full of nice projects and become a big online library! I discover cute and inspiring blog every time!

Last week my pop pochettes are been showed up !! Thanks Annemarie's and thank you all for the lovely comments on this project!

                                                                                xxx

This week end I get around to doing the PROJECT page with all the projects I realize in 2014:: I do a collage with picture and linking back to my previous post:: let's take a look!

                                                                                xxx

Looking at my archive you can see that my first blog birthday is just round the corner so I'm arranging a giveaway ::::stay tuned!

Striped handwarmer pattern

Hello crafty people! Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post on my makes, your encouragement does mean a lot to me!  As I tell you before December days were busy days so I have no time to sit down and write the fingerless gloves pattern. But now that the holidays are behind us and we came back to the daily routine It's time to whip up some projects:::

Abbreviations 
ch = chain
sc = simple crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Ribbed Wrist Cuff:

COLOR A   STEP 1.    Chain 11. SC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn

STEP 2. SC in Back Loop Only of each st across. Ch 1, turn.
STEP 3. Rows 3 – 13: Repeat Step 2
STEP 5. Row 14: Working in BLO and through remaining sts of starting ch, slst both ends together to form a tube. Ch 1 but DO NOT turn.

Left Hand:

ROW 1. INCREASE: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sts*. Repeat from * to *around.
COLOR B 
ROW 2. Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in each st across, sl st to first sc to join the round.
ROW 3. Repeat Row 2
COLOR A 
ROW 4. Attach color A. Ch 1, sc in each st across.
ROW 5. Repeat Row 4
COLOR B 
ROW 6. Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in each st across.
ROW 7. Repeat Row 6
COLOR A 
ROW 8. Attach color A. Ch 1, sc in each st across.
ROW 9. Repeat Row 8
COLOR B 
ROW 10. Attach color B. Ch1, INCREASE: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sts*. Repeat from * to *around.
ROW 11. Ch 1,SC in each st across.
COLOR A 
ROW 12. Attach color A. Ch 1, SC in each st across.
ROW 13. Repeat Row 12

Thumb

COLOR B 
ROW 14. Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in next 4 sc, ch 7, leave next 7  sc unworked, and work sc in each of next sc around, sl st to join round.
ROW 15. Ch1, sc in each st around and sl st to join round.
COLOR A 
ROW 16. Attach color A. Ch 1, SC in each st across.
ROW 17. Repeat Row 16

Right Hand:

Work as for left one until row 13.
Round 14: Attach color B. Ch 1, sc in each sc around until last 7 sts, ch7, leave next 7 sc unworked and join with sl st to top of beg.
Work remaining rounds of handwarmer as for the left one.

I'm so happy with how they came out! I think I'm improve a little bit in respect to my first and awkward attemp to design gloves::: The pattern is really easy to make even for beginners and mittens will keep your hands and wrists warm this winter!

I used a 4 mm hook and soft wool (Drops Karisma is the yarn used in the sample). The color choices are endless; don't be afraid to mix things up! 

Hoping you have a fabulous week!

With this post I partecipate to Maryanne creativity linky party

Christmas inspiration & free patterns

Hello lovelies! December days are busy days, don't you think? There is so much going on:: markets, parties, handmade gift to finish, bags to pack to visit your parents and so on! In the meantime things are beginning to look a little festive round here::: Christmas trees and lights are everywere! I just popping in to share some lovely free Christmas decorations patterns I have found around! Hoping that could be useful if you need last minute inspirations to decorate your house before a big extended family party !

All the patterns are in English except the 'Christmas bell' and you can found those and other pictures on my Christmas boards on Pinterest!

Big hello to my new readers and commenters:::: enjoy! 

Christmas Tree Decoration Tutorial by Little woolie

Snowman amigurumi pattern by De Estraperlo

Christmas bell pattern by Draad en praat

Christmas ball pattern by El gallo bermejo

Christmas “Stocking” Star by hvadbiertaenker

Amigurumi Rudolph Christmas Pattern by Little things blogged

Christmas Wreath by Lucy of Attic24

Snowflakes patterns by Petals to picot 

Cozy mittens

Hello lovelies! This week I have been welcoming October realize the first crochet fingerless mitts pattern that I've done::: Today I show you the step-by-step picture as well as written instructions! The pattern is very simple and perfect for beginners ::: Mittens are very nice and cozy::: I hope you like them!

This pattern is written in US crochet terminology

Material

2 skein of wrosted yarn

5mm hook

LEFT MITT INSTRUCTIONS:

To start::: pink color::: Chain 23. Slip stich in first chain to form loop. Chain 1 (counts as first single crochet, here and throughout). 

Step 1. Single crochet in each chain around. Slip stich in top loop of first chain 1. Chain 1, turn

Step 2. Repeat Step 1 for 7 more rows. At the end of the last row change color.

Step 3. Grey colour::: Single crochet  in every single crochet to end. Slip stich in top top loop of first chain 1. Chain 2 (counts as first double crochet, here and throughout), turn

Step 4. Double crochet in each chain around. Slip stich in top loop of the first first chain 2. Chain 2, turn

Step 5. Repeat Step 4.

Step 6. Double crochet in every double crochet to end. In the last stich do two double crochet. Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2. Chain 2, turn.

Step 7. Repeat Step 6  for 2 more rows.

Step 8. Double crochet in each stich until 6 stiches remain, chain 4, skip 4 stiches, double crochet in last 2 stiches; Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2.

Step 9. Double crochet in every double crochet to end.  Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2. Chain 2, turn.

Step 10. Repeat Step 9.

RIGHT MITT INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1-7. The same as for left mitt.

Step 8. Double crochet in the 1st and 2 sts. Chain 4, skip 4 stiches, double crochet in remaining stiches around; Slip stich in top loop of the first chain.

Step 9. Double crochet in every double crochet to end.  Slip stich in top loop of the first chain 2. Chain 2, turn.

Step 10. Repeat Step 9.

Hope you like this super-easy projects that will help keep you warm this winter:: If the pattern is unclear or you have any questions please contact me by email or leave comment below::: Thanks for following me and for your sweet comments:::

Happy crocheting!  

Baktus mania

Hello lovelies, I want to thank you all for the comments on my last post::: So glad to see you here! I'm back from my nice trip to Sardinia and as my first project from my break, I'll show you my Baktus scarf!

Searching for a one-skein pattern for a scarf or small shawl, I stumbled across a super easy crocheted Baktus that I found on Ana's blog.. she'e quite addicted to Baktus! It has the shape of an elongated triangle, with narrow tips and a wider center. 

I heard Baktus comes from Norway, where it became very popular some time ago.  The original pattern is a knitted version and in Raverly there is a huge gallery of Baktus made with different yarns::: The method couldn’t be simpler. You weigh your yarn, cast on a few stitches, and then increase every so many rows, always on the same side. When you have half the yarn left, start decreases!

I follow the most popular pattern on Raverly by Helda Panagary, using a soft blue shade chunky yarn and a 8mm hook::: I confess it's the perfect project to work on in relax during the afternoon or evening! N.B. This pattern is written in UK crochet terminology::: I notice it too late, so I realize my Baktus scarf in US double crochet! 

Hope you're enjoying a nice weekend!

Sea shell fingerless gloves

Hello dear! As I promised before it's time to show you some winter project! I found this pattern on Lindsay blog and I fall in love immediately with the shell stitch::: so I make this gorgeous fingerless gloves! 

I use one skein of drops Karisma yarn "green" but as you can see the color is quite petrol, that is one of my favourite color! I want to do a scarf with the same yarn and a similar texture but unfortunately I have only one skein more::: sigh! In the meantime I select some scarf pattern that seems promising..which one do you prefer?

1) Ziggy lace scarf

2) Bellflower infinity scarf 

3) Free shell infinity scarf

In addition I found that the color mach quite perfectly with the concept album of Fabrizio de Andrè based on Spoon River Anthology, one of my favourite LPs! 

Have a nice and crafty week end!

Per le amiche italiane segue la traduzione di questo fantastico pattern:

 FILATO::: 50 grammi di lana   

UNCINETTO :::5mm  

NOTE:::  Abbreviazioni

cat – catenella 

m.bss – maglia bassissima

m.b – maglia bassa

m.a – maglia alta

pom punto maglia

Per cominciare::: Avviare 30 cat lavorando morbidamente, chiudere il cerchio con una m.bss nella prima cat

Giro 1. Avviare 3 cat (contano come la prima m.a, in questo e nei successive giri). Eseguire una m.a in ogni cat. Chiudere con una m.bss nell’ultima delle 3 cat avviate all’inizio. 

Giro 2. Avviare 2 cat. Saltare i successivi 2 pom. Eseguire*(3 m.a, 1 cat, 3 m.a, il nostro shell stich!) nel pom successivo. Saltare i successivi 2 pom. M.b nel pom successivo.* Ripetere *-* fino alla fine del giro. Ora dovrebbero essere rimasti 2 pom dopo l’ultimo shell stich. Chiudere con una m.bss nell’ultima delle 2 cat avviate all’inizio. 

Giro 3. Avviare una m.bss in ognuno dei successivi 3 pom. Eseguire una m.b nel successivo spazio della cat 1. * Saltare le successive 3 m.a. Eseguire (3 m.a, 1cat, 3 m.a) nello spazio della m.b. Saltare le successive 3 m.a. Eseguire una m.b nello spazio della cat.* Ripetere *-* fino alla fine del giro. Quando arrivate all’ultimo spazio formato da una cat eseguite una m.b. Eseguite 4 cat. Saltate i successivi 6 pom e fate una m.bss nella m.b situata nello spazio della cat (questo passaggio permette di creare il buco per il pollice). 

Giro 4. Avviare 3 cat. Girare il lavoro. Eseguire (2 m.a, 1 cat, 3 m.a) nello spazio della cat 4. Saltare le successive 3 m.a. Eseguire una m.b. * Saltare i successivi 3 pom. Eseguire (3 m.a, 1 cat, 3 m.a) nel punto di m.b seguente. Saltare le successive 3 m.a. Eseguire una m.b nello spazio della cat.* Ripetere *-* fino alla fine del giro. Eseguite una m.b nell’ultimo spazio formato da una cat. Eseguire delle m.bss fino a chiudere il giro

Giro 5. Avviare 3 cat. Girare il lavoro. Eseguire (2 m.a, 1 cat, 3 m.a) nello stesso spazio. Saltare le successive 3 m.a. Eseguire una m.b. * Saltare i successivi 3 pom. Eseguire (3 m.a, 1 cat, 3 m.a) nel punto di m.b seguente. Saltare le successive 3 m.a. Eseguire una m.b nello spazio della cat.* Ripetere *-* fino alla fine del giro. Eseguite una m.b nell’ultimo spazio formato da una cat. Eseguire delle m.bss fino a chiudere il giro. 

Giro 6. Ripetere il giro 5 per altri 9 giri (in base alla lunghezza desiderata)  

First baby blanket

Hello dear! How is your week going? Last time I promised you the pictures of my ongoing project but first let me show you my finished baby blanket!

I made this blanket for the newborn baby boy of my friend. I don't want to do use the classic blue so I try to combine different colors in order to obtain a rainbow effect::: I used either the authentic seven, in the order of the spectrum and I added some color to encompass more shades.  Finally I want to hook a simple trim all along the edges... but I don't want to overload the pattern design.Sorry ladies, I find the pattern somewhere in the web, and I'm not able to find again so don't have the original to show you but I made a symbolic crochet chart (see below). In addition I find a very similar pattern here

For this project I used a 5mm hook::: 

Chain:::  CH

Double crochet::: DC

 Half Double crochet::: HDC

Foundation chain: you’ll need to crochet a chain of a multiple of 8 stitches plus another 10 chains for the beginning and turning.

Row1:  DC in the 4th chain from the hook, and in each chain until the end, CH 3 and turn.

Row 2: Using a hearts colour fix the yarn where indicated by the star in the chart; CH 1, *skip 2 stiches,  [3DC, 1CH, 3DC] in the next stich , CH 3*.*Repeat till the end of the row until you have 6 stiches left. 

Row3: CH 3 of the row one count as a DC. Double crochet in the next 4 stiches. *CH 2, HDC in the next chain, CH 2,  DC in the next 3 stiches*. *Repeat till the end of the row until you have 6 stiches left. DC in each of the next 6 stiches,  CH 3 and turn. 

Row4: DC in each chain until the end, CH 3 and turn. 

Row5: Using a hearts colour fix the yarn where indicated by the star in the chart;  *skip 2 stiches,  [3DC, 1CH, 3DC] in the next stich , CH 3*.*Repeat till the end of the row until you have 2 stiches left. Row6:  CH 3 of the row4 count as a DC.*CH 2, HDC in the next chain, CH 2,  DC in the next 3 stiches*. *Repeat till the end of the row until you have 2 stiches left. DC in each of the next 2 stiches,  CH 3 and turn. 

I hope everything is clear enough and enjoy making your own heart blankets!

 Happy hooking::: Silvia