Tag Archives: scheepjes

Scheepjes Bloom Green Gate Inspired Poncho

I’ve had this beautiful selection of Scheepjes Bloom for a couple of months now, but haven’t had any ideas as to what I should do with it.  The colours are so vibrant, and there are so many, I honestly felt a little overwhelmed.  I mean, look at this colour selection:

Scheepjes Bloom Colour Selection

It wasn’t until this week that I was doing a bit of Facebook browsing of an evening when I saw this gorgeous poncho WIP by Meet Me At Mikes and realised that I had found the perfect project for my Bloom.  The only problem was, I didn’t have enough of one colour to be able to recreate this one exactly and nor did I have the patience to wait for yarn to arrive if I was to order it, so I thought I would do a bit of browsing for something similar and came across this fabulous poncho design by Sewchet.  And even better, it had a free tutorial!

It’s a really cool design, and although I didn’t follow the pattern to the letter, the idea is essentially the same.

Green Gate inspired poncho made with Scheepjes BloomAnd then of course I had to block it, which while absolutely necessary, is the most tortuous stage of any project.  The waiting, and waiting and waiting drives me bonkers!

But the wait was totally worth it.  My daughter is seriously irresistible in her new poncho.

Green Gate inspired poncho made with Scheepjes Bloom Green Gate inspired poncho made with Scheepjes Bloom Green Gate inspired poncho made with Scheepjes Bloom

I’m still lusting after the vibrant colours of Meet Me At Mike’s poncho, and I reckon if I dig through my stash I’ll be able to find the yarn.  But first I need to finish about six other projects. As usual!

What’s on your hook?

Underway on Thursday – Knitting with Sunkissed

Last week I showed you the beautiful Scheepjes Sunkissed yarn that had arrived and that I was planning to work on a knitted project and I’ve made terrific progress!

Scheepjes Sunkissed Knitted Blanket progress @missneriss

I’ve steamed through the first colour and am working on the second colour.  I can already see that three colours won’t be enough, so once I’m finished with the blue I’ll dig around in my Sunkissed collection to find the right colour to match.  But in the meantime, I’m just enjoying watching this grow, and am falling more and more in love with the colour variation of this yarn.

I’m also lucky to have had a couple of sunny days – finally! – so I can spend time outside knitting and improving my skills.

This really is the perfect project for a beginner, or someone who just wants to sit in front of Game of Thrones and knit.  Or someone who wants to learn a new knitting technique.  I knit in the English style.  Well, kind of.  There’s a lot of movement in my hands, and I wanted to learn to refine my style so I was using less energy, if you know what I mean.  So for this project I started practicing the Continental style, which worked well while working the knit stitch, but purl?  Forgetaboutit. I just cannot get the tension right, and I was knitting much faster if I just went back to the English style.

Scheepjes Sunkissed Knitted Blanket progress @missneriss

You’ll have to check back next week to see the final colour that I’ll use, and how it’s all coming together.  I’m loving the Sunkissed so much, and the drape is gorgeous.  The next thing I’d like to make is a cardigan, or a shawl, but I have to find or develop the perfect pattern….

Stay tuned!

Hello Ducky!

I recently joined a lovely Dutch crochet group called “Holland Heeft Haak Talent” and in the week since I joined it has blown up in excitement over the cutest little duckling amigurumi design.  Not wanting to be left out, I had to make one for myself!amigurumi duckling - free design by http://mrsemonessy.de

My daughter actually wanted me to turn him into a Platypus, so the next time I make one I think that’s what I’ll do.  What do you think?  He’ll make a cute Platypus?amigurumi duckling - free design by http://mrsemonessy.de

I used Scheepjes Softfun Denim (505 and 508) that I had leftover from another project, and a 2.5mm hook.  Oh, and I put a little squeaker inside.  So this little guy is the perfect little toy for a newborn who is just learning to explore his fingers and how to hold onto things.  Great bits to chew on and mum or dad can squeak him which always makes babies giggle.amigurumi duckling - free design by http://mrsemonessy.deThe pattern is completely free, and you can pick it up at mrsemonessy.de in English, German, French and Dutch!   There’s also a great (German) Youtube tutorial as well.

Have you made one?  Adorable isn’t it.

Could it be? Yes it is! It’s Yarn Day!!

My favourite day of the week!

So, today I have some of the most beautiful cotton yarn to show you – The Sunkissed by Scheepjes.

Sunkissed by ScheepjesJust look at those colours!  And this is just a tiny selection.  There are 11 colours to choose from (so far) and this is just the most beautiful summer yarn.  It’s lovely and soft, just like the Cotton 8, and the colour variation is to die for.  Actually, you can very easily partner the Sunkissed with the Cotton 8 as they’re the same weight and hook size (sport and a 3mm hook/needle).  It’s 100% cotton and comes in 50 gram skeins.  There are loads and loads of great retailers in NL and Belgium where you can pick it up, or if you’re outside the Benelux, head to Deramores.com.

But what should I make?  Well, I’ve decided on a really simple knitting project.  Something that even the biggest novice can make, because let’s face it.  That’s what I am: a knitting novice!

Look at the little swatch I’ve already made, isn’t the colour amazing?colour swatch Scheepjes Sunkissed

I’m not sure I’ll have quite enough to finish this project, so we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we.  Pop back next week for an update.

Meanwhile, have you started working on the Peek-a-Boo Button Wrap yet?  What do you think of it?  I’m overwhelmed by the positive responses that I’ve had so far, thanks so much!!!

Peek-a-Boo Button Wrap Pattern Size S-XL

Here it is, what you’ve been waiting for – the pattern for the Peek-a-Boo Wrap!

Peek-a-Boo Wrap free crochet pattern size S-XL on missneriss.com #haken

I’ve made this for you in four different sizes, from Small through to XL.

Here you can find a written pattern for size Medium, and below you can find a chart which will give you the measurements and stitch counts for sizes Small, Large and XL.

For the Dutch speakers among us, I’ve also had the design translated.  You can find it here. Veel plezier!

You can pick up the yarn at Scheepjes retailers all over the Benelux including Caro’s Atelier*, or internationally from Wool Warehouse* and Deramores*.

And even better, Esther from It’s all in a Nutshell has created a video tutorial, which is enormously helpful!

Are you ready?

What You Need

Scheepjes Stone Washed XL in 850 (Garnet) – 12 balls for size M (I used 11, but get an extra to be safe)
S = 10 balls (each ball of Stone Washed XL has 75 metres)
M = 12 balls
L = 15 balls
XL = 17 balls
7cm bamboo button – you can pick these up at any good craft store, or online
Size 5mm hook (or hook to obtain gauge)
Measuring Tape
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Eucalan wool wash

Gauge

8 stitches x 5 rows = 5cm x 5cm
gauge across gauge up

Stitches

Note: All stitches are in US terms
Chain (CH)
Half Double Crochet (HDC)
Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only (HDCBLO)
Half Double Crochet Front Loop Only (HDCFLO)

Size Medium

  1. Chain loosely 119 stitches.  If you’re a tight crocheter, consider going up a hook size to make sure that the chain isn’t too tight.
  2. HDC into the third chain from the hook, and all the way across (a total of 117 stitches across).  CH2, turn.
  3. HDCBLO in the first stitch, HDCFLO in the next.  Repeat this front and back (HDCBLO/FLO) format all the way across, CH2, turn.  Note:  It’s important to ensure that you have an odd number of stitches to make it easier to achieve the texture of the stitches.  If you finish the row in the back loop, when you start the next row, start in the front loop and vice versa.  You’ll find very quickly as you go that the look of the wrap will be different if you don’t maintain the BLO then FLO stitch pattern in alternating stitches.Stitch view vest
  4. Repeat this pattern building rows for 25cm.
  5. Now we are going to make the first sleeve.  Follow the HDCBLO/FLO pattern for 20 stitches, then CH 35, skip 35, then continue the HDCBLO/FLO pattern all the way to the end.  Make sure you double check that you stitch into the BLO or FLO correctly (if the stitch in the row below was FLO, you need to stitch into the BLO).
  6. HDCBLO/FLO to the chain from the previous row, then HDC 35 into the chain, then continue the HDCBLO/FLO to the end.  the short end becomes the collar of the wrap.
  7. Repeat step 3 for a further 37cm and then we will make the next sleeve.  Making sure you start from the top of the collar and work down (add a row if you need to), repeat steps 5 and 6.
  8. Continue building the final front panel, for 25cm, then we will make the button hole.button large
  9. Starting from the top of the collar, repeat the HDCBLO/FLO pattern for 37 stitches.  Chain 7, skip 7 stitches, then repeat the HDCBLO/FLO pattern all the way to the end.
  10. HDCBLO/FLO to the chain from the previous row, then HDC 7 into the chain, then continue the HDCBLO/FLO to the end.
  11. Build a further 7 rows, or complete your ball of yarn.  Tie off, weave in ends.
  12. Sew button on the opposite end of the garment to the button hole 9cm from the end, 25cm from the top.Peek-a-Boo Wrap free crochet pattern size S-XL on missneriss.com #haken
  13. Block, stretching a little (especially the length) and you’re done!

Peek-a-Boo Wrap free crochet pattern size S-XL on missneriss.com #hakenThe back of the body warmer

Size Chart

You can switch out the stitch counts and centimetres in the written pattern above for the numbers in the chart below, depending on your required size.

SMALL MEDIUM
CM Rows CM Rows
Length 70 Chain 117 + 2 70cm Chain 117 + 2
Back 32 32 37 37
Front (button) 20 20 25 25
Front (button hole) 27 27 32 32
CM Stitch Count CM Stitch Count
Start Sleeve 12.5 20 12.5 20
End Sleeve 20 32 22.5 35
Start Button Hole 23 37 23 37
Button Hole Size 7 7
LARGE X-LARGE
CM Rows CM Rows
Length 75cm Chain 123 + 2 75cm Chain 123 + 2
Back 42 42 47 47
Front (button) 30 30 35 35
Front (button hole) 37 37 42 42
CM Stitch Count CM Stitch Count
Start Sleeve 15 24 17.5 28
End Sleeve 25 39 27.5 43
Start Button Hole 25 40 25 40
Button Hole Size 7 7

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Say Hello to the Peek-a-Boo Button Wrap

Crochet body warmer

Finally!  But, it was worth the wait, right?

Peek-a-boo Button Body Warmer

I picked up a mannequin from Xenos just to be able to show this off to you properly, and the form is just perfect.

peek-a-boo Button crochet body warmer

And so is the peek-a-boo button.  Better than I ever could have imagined.  I’ll be honest, when I first ordered the yarn and the button, I hadn’t really calculated the size of the button correctly, but now I couldn’t imagine having chosen anything else.

Standing collar on the crochet body warmer

I love how there is just enough strength in the stitch to hold the collar up at the back.  It’s always surprising just how soft and supple the Scheepjes Stone Washed is after blocking – I wasn’t sure if the collar would keep standing!

The back of the body warmer

Most of all, I adore the texture of the stitch I used.  It’s a very ordinary Half double Crochet, but in alternating front and back loops, giving the design just that little bit extra texture.  Plus the stitch allows just enough stretch for the top to really mold to the shape of the figure.

Can you tell how happy I am with the result?

Coming very soon, the pattern!  I’m drafting it in multiple sizes.  So we’ll have sizes from S through to XL next week!

The pattern is now live!  You can pick it up here: Peek-a-Boo Button Wrap.  Coming soon: pattern in Dutch! OMG that’s going to be tough 😀

WIP – Growing Fast!

Vest WIP using Scheepjes Stone Washed in GarnetI’ve only about four skeins to go, I’d say I’m nearly finished!

As with all the Stone Washed projects I’ve done in the last almost 12 months, I absolutely love the texture.  This yarn is just really, really great looking.  I love the fluff-factor too.  Look at the stitch detail:

Stitch Detail on the vest, using Scheepjes Stone Washed in GarnetI’m working a really very simple half double crochet into alternating front and back loops, and it just looks great.

I’m actually almost at the stage where I need to think about working in the button.  Now, this button is huge.  Like the size of a slice of orange.  I’m hoping that it’s the right choice, but only time will tell!

huge button and Stitch Detail on the vest, using Scheepjes Stone Washed in GarnetHopefully by this time next week I’ll be able to show you the finished product, won’t that be fun?!

Home from Holidays and it’s Yarn Day!

I’m back!  I can’t say if I’m happy to be back home from my “Other” home or not, but one thing’s for sure, I’m very happy to find this huge pile of yarn waiting for me!

Scheepjes Stonewashed, do you think I have enough?

I have a really cool project in mind for all of this.  A while back my Mother in Law asked me if I could make her a vest for days and nights when it’s too warm for a coat and too cold without, so I’m working on something that I think will be great.

Big pile of Scheepjes Stone Washed.

 

The colour and texture of the Scheepjes Stone Washed XL is just perfect for this project, the colour variation adds interest, and the fluffiness adds serious warmth!  What do you think of the start?  I just couldn’t wait to crack on, so have been measuring and counting and doing what I can to beat the jetlag.

Stone Washed Body Warmer from Scheepjes yarn

I also chose these enormous coconut shell buttons, which will be both a feature and functional.

Huge coconut buttons

More progress photos to come, stay tuned!

PS.  If you’re looking for this yarn but don’t know where to find it, you can pick it up at loads of great retailers (in person or online) in the Netherlands here, or internationally from deramores.com.  Happy hunting!

Rainbow Hearts Tutorial Sizes 12 months – 10 years

Here it is!  I’ve created the tutorial for the Rainbow Hearts Tutu!

Rainbow Hearts Tutu - a free tutorial on missneriss.com

I’ve created this in multiple sizes, but please do bear in mind that I’ve based the sizes on Crochet Maths.  That’s a technical term that involves quite a bit of finger in the air guestimation.  The numbers are sound, but if your child is larger or smaller than the standard clothing sizes, do take that into account.

Please do also note that I have created this tutorial for you completely free of charge. Please do not pass this design off as your own, and please do not sell the pattern as if it were your own.  Do by all means feel free to sell items that you make from this tutorial, but do also be so kind as to send me photos, tag me on FB or Instagram, create projects in Ravelry or even link to this post.  Thanks for being cool about this!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Rainbow Heart Top

What You’ll Need

Gauge

Two hearts across = 5cm
Two hearts high = 6cm

free crochet tutorial on by @missneriss free crochet tutorial on by @missneriss

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

DC (Double Crochet
FDC (Foundation Double Crochet)
CH (Chain)
SS (Slipstitch)
SC (Single Crochet)

Notes

This tutorial has been created using sizing for a 3 year old child.  A size chart has been created if you wish to make this top for a smaller or larger child.  This chart is based on standard clothing sizes, so if the child is small large for her age, do bear that in mind when starting.

Step by Step

Chart for the Heart Stitch used in the Rainbow Hearts Tutu - free crochet tutorial on by @missneriss

(left-handed chart)

Row 1:  Using colour 1 and the 3.5mm hook, FDC x 114, join with a SS, ensuring that the work does not become twisted.
Row 2:  CH2 (counts as 1st stitch), DC x 113, SS to join.
Row 3:  Attach colour 2 at the top of the SS from the previous row, but do not cut colour 1 as you’ll be using it again in Row 4. Skip 2 stitches, 3 x DC into the next stitch, CH 1, 3 x DC into the same stitch (this creates the heart), CH 1, skip the next 5 stitches, 3 x DC into the next stitch, CH1, 3 x DC into the same stitch.  Repeat around, SS into the SS from your colour join (total of 19 hearts).  Do not cut the yarn, you will carry it up and use it again in row 6, 9, 12 etc.
Row 4:  Change to the 4mm hook (you can stick to the smaller hook if you crochet loosely) and switch back to colour 1. CH 4, SC into the CH 1 space at the top o the heart from the previous round.  CH 2, DC into the DC that is direclty underneath the chain between hearts, making sure you stitch in front of the chain – you need to hide that chain for the heart effect to work.  CH 2, SC into the CH 1 space at the top of the next heart.  Repeat around, join with a SS to the 2nd chain from the beginning of the row.
Row 5:  Switch back to the 3.5mm hook. CH 2, 2 x DC into the CH 2 space from the previous round, DC into the CH1 stitch, 2 x DC into the next CH 2 space, DC into the next DC, repeat around, join with a SS.
Row 6:  Switch back to colour 2 and repeat row 3.
Continue to repeat rows 3, 4 and 5 until you have a total of 15 hearts.
Row 46:  Repeat row 4.
Row 47:  Repeat row 5.
Row 48:  CH 1, SC into each stitch around, join with a SS, tie off and weave in the ends.

Heart stitch from the front - free crochet tutorial on by @missneriss

Heart stitch from the front – see the DC between the hearts is in front?

Heart stitch from the back- free crochet tutorial on by @missneriss

Heart Stitch from behind. See the hearts are all in a row, the DC in between hides this from the front.

Straps

Make two, using the 3.5mm hook and colour 1.  Gauge is 13 stitches per 5 cm.  Increase or decrease this amount as needed for your required length.

Row 1:  CH 67 – loosely.
Row 2:  SC into the 3rd stitch from the hook, CH1, Skip 1, SC into the next. Repeat all the way to the end, turn.
Row 3:  CH 1, SC into the CH 1 space. CH1, SC into the next CH 1 space. Repeat across, turn.
Row 4:  Repeat row 3.

Assembly

Ensure that the seam will be under the arm.  Attach the straps above the 3rd heart from each side and when attaching the other ends, cross the straps so they will be attached to the opposite side.

Shoulder straps of the Rainbow Hearts Tutu - free crochet tutorial on by @missneriss

Size Chart

Age Waist Hearts FDC count Rows of Hearts
12-18 months 50 cm 16 94 9
1 ½ – 2 years 51 cm 17 102 11
2-3 years 52 cm 18 108 13
3-4 years 53 cm 19 114 15
5-6 years 55 cm 20 120 17
7-8 years 58 cm 21/22 hearts 126/132 19
9-10 years 61 cm 23/24 138/144 21

Tutu

What You’ll Need

  • 8-12 metres of tulle (one metre of each, cut into 10cm wide strips)
  • Chord (make a chain from your contrasting heart colour that is 80-100cm long
  • Fabric Scissors
  • Tape measure

Step by Step

  1. Take your tulle and fold it so it is double (the tulle will probably be sold to you folded double anyway) and cut it to the length that you want. I wanted a floor length ballgown style tutu, and cut it to 70 cm.  Repeat this for each colour.  Depending on the size of your child’s waist you’ll need more or less fabric.  I used approximately 120 cm of each colour (I bought in 150 cm lengths).
  2. Once your colours are all cut, lie them on top of one another in the correct order (colours of the rainbow) and cut them all at once to be 10 cm widths (I had 12 strips of each colour in total). It doesn’t have to be perfect, or even straight.  We’re not striving for clear straight lines with this project.  Stack all the sections and set them aside.
  3. Now make the chord. You can use normal chord that you might have lying around if you like, but I decided to make a chain in the same yarn that I used for my hearts.  This makes a pretty and sturdy little chord, perfect for tying at the waist.  Make this to be between 80 and 100 cm long.  My daughter’s waist is just over 50 cm, so I made mine to be 80 cm – plenty of length to tie a tight bow.
  4. Once you have the chord and the tulle, it’s time to start assembling the skirt. Take the folded end of each length and slip it around the chord leaving about 15-30 cm of chord at one end (this will be so you can tie the bow, then thread the two open ends through to make a slip knot.  Pull this very tight and make the knot as small as possible.  Repeat for each colour until you use all your fabric, or reach the required length.  Try to make sure you use a full spectrum so the join is invisible.  Also try to make sure the knots are as close together as possible.  This adds a lot of pouf to your skirt, making it a real princess ballgown.

Rainbow Hearts Tutu - a free tutorial on missneriss.com - free tutorial available

Make sure you keep fitting your ballerina as you go, because if the skirt is too long, you won’t be able to tie it tight enough when finished, and if it’s too short you’ll have a gap.

There you have it!  An easy tutorial to make the Rainbow Tutu outfit of your dreams!

Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available

(I’ve also added this to the latest Hookin on Hump Day link up.)

Ta-Da! Rainbow Heart Tutu is Here!

Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial availableRainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available And it’s beautiful.

It’s exactly how I envisioned it, and my daughter LOVES it!

When I tried snapping some photos of her yesterday, it was impossible to get a clear, smiling pic, she was far too busy twirling and twirling and twirling and twirling.Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial availableShe’s just so happy to finally be able to wear her fabulous big princess tutu and flounce around the room like she’s off to a ball.

Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available

It’s just a shame that it’s January and freezing cold, because I imagine if she could, she’d be wearing this outfit 24 hours a day.  She did ask: “Mama, can we take this to Australia?” so I’ll have to find some space in our luggage to squeeze in the world’s poofiest tutu!

Aren’t the hearts just gorgeous?  I know I go on about it, but I just love the colour change of the Scheepjes Larra Batik.  I love that each row is a different colour and the beautiful stitch detail that the Larra gives. Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available

I hope I can find the time to take some better photos, I was much too busy enjoying the twirling to concentrate on how the photos would turn out!

And, coming soon: The tutorial!  You’ll be able to make this outfit for yourself, very soon!

Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available Rainbow Hearts Tutu on missneriss.com - free tutorial available