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

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

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

Made It Monday - Electra scarf

This scarf has been crocheted using the diagonal blocks stitch. It has a lovely texture and is not a difficult stitch to master.

The yarn is a beautiful hand dyed gradient in 8ply wool from AppleSpice. This stunning yarn has been carefully hand dyed by Jess in subtle graduations from rich purple through cornflower blue to bright turquoise.

I didn't use a pattern for this scarf, but I did watch this video on YouTube for some help to learn the stitch.

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!

And linking by invitation to "Inspire Us Thursday" at Organized 31... inspiration for everyone!

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Autumn cowl

This cowl combines two of my favourite crafty things - beautiful hand dyed yarn and a really great pattern.

The yarn is beautiful hand dyed 4ply silky merino from Sheepish by Sarah. It is just beautiful to crochet with as it slides over the crochet hook and doesn't split easily. The autumn colours are just stunning! 

The pattern is the Richmond Lace Infinity Scarf by Deja Jetmir. It isn't a difficult pattern, although using 4ply yarn can make it challenging for beginners. You can purchase this pattern on Ravelry here or take a look at her website Crochet Ever After for lots of patterns and tutorials. 

Christine xx

Made It Monday - Yoda Amigurumi

This little Yoda is about 4 inches tall and very cute.

He is based on a pattern by Jessica at Happy Together. Her free pattern can be found 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!

And linking by invitation to "Inspire Us Thursday" at Organized 31... inspiration for all of us!

Christine xx

Made It Monday - "Chunky Monkey" Baby Cardigan

After the Christmas rush last year, I decided to crochet a few patterns that I had been meaning to try for quite a while. 

The first was this sweet baby cardigan. It was quick and easy to make, and I love the simple texture of the design.

This gorgeous cardigan is designed by Lolly at Lolly's Crafty Crochet. Her free pattern can be found 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