Free Crochet Pattern - the Paint Splash Blanket!

It has been quite some time since my last blog post, but I've not been idle!

I was recently involved in a showcase with The Bluebirds Boutique entitled "Splash!", and I really wanted to create something a bit different. So I started thinking about different types of splashes, and came up with a design for a blanket inspired by colourful splashes of paint.

Coloured and plain motifs are created and joined together to create this blanket. 

My blanket is approx 90 x 90 cm. Suitable for any 8ply or DK yarn and may be made to any size by adjusting the number of motifs used. You could also substitute worsted weight yarns, but please note this will alter the size of your blanket, and will increase the yarn requirements.

My blanket uses Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8ply 100% wool in Frost for the main colour. The contrast paint splash colours are crocheted in fabulous 8ply 100% wool hand dyed by Meraki Studio NZ in Rainbow blanket set colourways (website www.merakistudionz.com) and the edging colours are created using 8ply 100% wool hand dyed by Yarnfloozy in Jelly Beans colourway (website: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnfloozyCK).

You can use any joining method you like. I have used a flat braid join and must thank Rachele from BabyLove Brand for allowing me to include a link to her tutorial in my pattern. You can find it here:
http://babylovebrand.net/2013/04/19/tutorial-flat-braid-join/

I have made this pattern available as a FREE DOWNLOAD ON RAVELRY - go to http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paint-splash-blanket
Pattern by Christine Tusch - Mini-Me Handcrafts © 2015

This pattern may not be redistributed or copied in any way. Finished items may be sold. Enjoy!

Christine xx

Some creative inspiration from The Doctor

Although blogging has been neglected this year, creativity has continued!

These blankets are the result of my latest creative endeavours - introducing "The Doctor" collection by Mini-Me Handcrafts! Which one is your favourite?

"Don't Blink" lap blanket, approx 70cm x 85cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised Weeping Angel design by Amy Schilling.

"TARDIS" lap blanket, approx 76cm x 92cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised TARDIS design by F.P. Molina.

"Exterminate" lap blanket, approx 68cm x 84cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised Dalek design by Amy Schilling.

"Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey" lap blanket, approx 72cm x 86cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised TARDIS design by Kat W.

These four blankets will be available to purchase at the Science Geek showcase at The Bluebirds Boutique on Facebook next Thursday 4th September 2014.

Christine xx

A crochet flashback to the 80s

I had a blast creating some crochet items to suit a showcase theme "I love the 80s".

Hooded scarf inspired by the album War by U2, released February 1983.
Crocheted in striking hand dyed "Magpie" by Angie's Studio and "Clare's Red" by Miss Jane Knits.
Pattern by Crochet Dreamz.

Mobius shoulder wrap inspired by the album Red Sails in the Sunset by Midnight Oil, released October 1984.
Crocheted in stunning hand dyed "Acer" by Featherbrush Yarns.
Pattern by Doris Chan. 

Lace infinity scarf inspired by the album Like a Virgin by Madonna, released November 1984.
Crocheted in gorgeous hand dyed "Soul Warmer" by Jodulbug Creations (now Meraki Studio NZ).
Pattern by Elisa Purnell. 

Lace shawl inspired by the album Zenyattà Mondatta by The Police, released October 1980.
Crocheted in amazing hand dyed "Zenyattà Mondatta" 4ply gradient by Sheepish by Sarah, specially created for this showcase.
Pattern by Anastasia Roberts.

The showcase was held at Yarnification on Facebook from 28th Feb to 2nd March.

Christine xx

January just slipped right past me...

January has come and gone without a blog post from me. So here is my month in pictures: 

A family holiday in Tasmania...

... some school holiday cooking... 

... and some crocheting. 

Pattern by Twinkie Chan.

Pattern by Josephine Wu.

Pattern by Drops Design.
Hand dyed yarn by Red Riding Hood Yarns.

Pattern by Jessica Woofter.

My own design.

Christine xx

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

The end of the year is creeping closer and closer, and I realise that I have neglected my blog over the past month as everything has been rush, rush, rush! 

My crafting time has been spent creating handcrafted Christmas goodies like these...

So now, just as Christmas Eve is drawing ever so near, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 

Christine xx

Made It Monday - A Little Bit of Christmas

I am a little bit proud of how this gorgeous nativity set turned out.

The crochet pattern is easy to follow and the pieces are well designed. 

This set is now on its way to a new family in New Zealand! 

The pattern is by Carolyn Christmas and may be purchased from her website Gourmet Crochet here or via Ravelry here. 

Christine xx

Made It Monday - A Bearded Beanie

Where did the rest of October go? It's been a busy time here, with lots of creating but still not much time for blogging! So here's another quick one with a pattern link too. 

This bearded beanie is very easy to make. Miss J was more than happy to do an impression of her Dad for the camera!

The pattern is by Jen Spears and is available as a free download on Ravelry here.

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Chainmail Hood

So, so busy lately and not much time for blogging! But here's a quick one for you, with a lovely pattern as well. 

I love this Chainmail Hood - so easy to make and just perfect for dress ups!

This pattern is by Frogguruami and is available on her blog here.

Linking to "Made by you Monday" at Skip to My Lou... join the fun!

Also linking to "In and Out of the Kitchen Link party" at Feeding Big and More... craft, projects, recipes and more!

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Spring Critters

This is a very quick and easy project for Spring!

This free pattern is by Josephine Wu and is available on Ravelry here, and on Craftsy here.  

Linking to "In and Out of the Kitchen Link party" at Feeding Big and More... craft, projects, recipes and more!

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Spring Crochet Dress

I wanted to try something new for another Spring showcase, and I also wanted to use some gorgeous Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK that was calling to me from my yarn stash.

This Dusky Rose Crochet dress is a size 5-6. The beautiful cashmerino gives this fabulous shift dress a wonderfully soft feel. Finished with a crochet floral embellishment and buttons at the back. 

Miss J loved modelling this for me (and she has ordered one for herself of course!). 

The dress is based on a pattern by Sarah Lora and is available on Ravelry here, and on her blog "Ball Hank n' Skein" here. 

This dress will be available to purchase at the "Beautiful Springtime Collection" showcase at Kiddlywinks on Facebook which starts tomorrow night September 17th.

Linking to "Made by you Monday" at Skip to My Lou... join the fun!

Also linking to "In and Out of the Kitchen Link party" at Feeding Big and More... craft, projects, recipes and more!

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Gothic Fingerless Mitts

Continuing on the Gothic theme, I decided that some fingerless mitts would be a lovely idea for the "All Things Gothic & Dark" showcase.

I have crocheted these gorgeous mitts in Cleckheaton 100% bamboo. After wet blocking, they feel luxuriously soft and I really didn't want to take them off!

The pattern is by Patons Design Studio and is available via Ravelry here. 

Linking to "Made by you Monday" at Skip to My Lou... join the fun!

Also linking to "In and Out of the Kitchen Link party" at Feeding Big and More... craft, projects, recipes and more!

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Gothic Skull Shawl

I found myself moving from the sunshine and brightness of Spring to a showcase titled "All Things Gothic & Dark". Here is the stunning result:

I have crocheted this fabulous shawl in 4ply 100% luxury wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills.

The pattern is by kungen och majkis and is available on Ravelry here. 

This shawl will be available to purchase at the "All Things Gothic & Dark" showcase at The Bluebirds Boutique which starts on September 5th.

Linking to "Made by you Monday" at Skip to My Lou... join the fun!

Also linking to "In and Out of the Kitchen Link party" at Feeding Big and More... craft, projects, recipes and more!

Christine xx