Crochet Button Stars

So I had a photo of crochet button flowers shared on my Facebook page by my godmother, who knows that I do love to crochet! After seeing that picture, I knew that I needed to work out the pattern. In the process, I managed to work out a pattern for these crochet button stars! After posting the video of the flowers on my YouTube account, I received requests to share how I made the stars, and I couldn't resist. I cleverly lost the original star so this pattern may not match the original, but it sure does the job! Below I have written out the pattern for both the US pattern and the UK pattern to save confusion :) Please let me know if it doesn't make sense or if I need to make amendments.

You will need:
4 hole button
Crochet cotton
A crochet hook that is small enough to fit though the button holes
Scissors
Needle

UK pattern:
Row 1: SS into first button hole, ch 4, dc into 2nd button hole, ch 4, dc into 3rd button hole, ch 4, dc into 4th button hole, ch 4, dc into 1st button hole, ch4 and ss to first chain.

Row 2: *dc, htr, tr, dtr, tr, htr, dc* into each ch 4 gap around. Finish off and sew in ends.

US pattern:

Row 1: SS into first button hole, ch 4, sc into 2nd button hole, ch 4, sc into 3rd button hole, ch 4, sc into 4th button hole, ch 4, sc into 1st button hole, ch4 and ss to first chain.

Row 2: *sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc* into each ch 4 gap around. Finish off and sew in ends.

Pattern Herd: Year of the Horse

So Chinese New Year has come around again and this year is the year of the horse! Coincidentally, I was born in the year of the horse too :)

If you'd like to know more about the year of the horse and what it all means, I have found a handy dandy link here. I don't know if I 100% agree with what it's saying as I can't apply some of the characteristics to myself, but I guess some of them are true!

Anyway, enough of that. You're here for a pattern herd (ironic as it's for horses) not for whether I always want to be in the limelight or if I'm great at communicating!

1) Amigurumi Horse by Tanya on Little Things Blogged

I love this horse! I love its bright blue colour. Guaranteed to stand out in a herd. He has an amazing oversized head and a lovely long, white mane. This pattern is available for free on Little Things Blogged.

2) Carousel Horse Pattern by BeadedBundles

I love carousels. My friend and I always go on one if there's one around when we're together! It's a tradition that started on Brighton seafront and has just continued. This carousel horse reminds me of these times and I love its simplicity. The pattern is available for download on Etsy.

3) Brown Pony Pattern by April Draven

This "brown pony" looks suspiciously like Bullseye from Toy Story 2 and 3! I suppose for copyright reason the name wasn't used... But if you know a Toy Story fan, or you are one, then this pattern is perfect for you! It is available for free on April Draven's blog :)

4) Hermione the Unicorn by Dawn Toussaint

I guess this pattern isn't strictly a horse, but it's a type of horse! And look at her gorgeous little face. It's difficult not to include her! A beautiful unicorn with a rainbow mane and lovely blue feet! The pattern is a free Ravelry download: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hermione-the-unicorn

5) Pony Pattern by All About Ami

Another pattern that was made to commemorate the year of the horse, All About Ami has designed this cute little pony that could easily be adapted into a unicorn, although she is gorgeous just as she is! The pattern is available for free on All About Ami.

6) Pony Hat by NyanPon

Ah! I want one in every colour! I love this hat, it looks so snuggly and warm. Perfect, especially as it snowed here (Nottingham, UK) yesterday! We are not used to that. I love the individuality of this hat. Definitely will stand out from the crowd in this. This pattern is available for free on NyanPon's blog.

That's it from this pattern herd! If there's anything you'd like to see "herded", leave a comment!

Pattern Herd: Last-Minute Crochet Christmas Decorations!

So your house may be decorated by now. If it's not, you'd better get a move on! There's less than a week to go until the big day!

If you received a surprise gift from someone and don't know what to give back, these decorations won't take long for you to whip up for panic-presents or even labels for presents!!

These little gingerbread houses are gorgeous and will look at home on most Christmas trees! They don't require a lot of difficult stitches so you'll be able to make them without too much concentration. The free pattern by Ursula Markgraf can be found here.

I made these for one of my friends who lives abroad because they're so lightweight. I managed to get it down to making one in 10 minutes. The pattern uses basic stitches and also doesn't require a lot of concentration. Perfect to do while watching a Christmas film! The free pattern by Marianna can be found here :)

Look at how cute these little sockies are! These could be hung on the tree with little chocolate in for your guests. The stockings are easy to make, but they will require a little more concentration to make the first one than the other patterns I have written about! They are very easily customisable by adding different embellishments. The free pattern by Le Monde de Sucrette can be found here.

These's little bells are adorable! They'll make any tree look that little bit more Christmassy! There is both an English and a Spanish pattern for these bells. If you keep scrolling down, you'll get to the English version! Free pattern by "Crafteando, que es gerundio" can be found here.

This little guy will take a little more time and dedication than the other patterns I have posted. It's worth it though; look at his little face!! He looks so snuggly and warm with his stripey scarf too. The free pattern by All About Ami can be found here.

I know I've already done a pattern-herd of snowmen, but we're just going to have a slight overlap! This happy bunch can be made in no time and you can give each one its own personality. Perfectly customisable for your recipient! Living The Craft Life provides this free pattern.

These bundles of deliciousness are the creation of Twinkie Chan, who is renowned for making food-based crochet items! Using a polestyrene ball, these crocheted sweets are oh-so easy to make! They consist of a square, which you then shape into the sweet. This free pattern, complete with video tutorial, can be found on Twinkie Chan's blog, here.

Well I can't exactly write about Christmas decs without Father Christmas (or whatever name he is known by in your family)! This cute FC will stil proudly on any Christmas tree! The free pattern, which isn't too difficult, is by Pebie and can be found here.

I hope that this post has given you some last-minute decoration ideas! Let me know what your go-to pattern is for an unexpected present!

Exploring Etsy - Christmas Ideas Under £10!

I've decided to include a new segment to The Corner of Craft's blog in which I explore Etsy and find pieces that I enjoy and share them with you all!

This gorgeous necklace from ArtemisBridalJewelry is a lovely addition to any jewellery box! It only costs £6.27 so will make the perfect stocking filler. Available here :)

What better present than dinosaur crayons!? Perfect for children and those big kids that we all know :) These amazing crayons are from IvyLaneDesigns and cost just £5.61. Available here

This is a nail varnish ring! A ring that's been painted with nail varnish to give it this sparkly, magical colour! Such a brilliant idea by xSparklesMakeMeHappy and only costs £6.90! Available here

You can make your own Christmas minion for a loved one with this downloadable pattern by JAMigurumi. The pattern only costs £2.28 and is available here.

This necklace by FourSeasonFair is perfect for any Harry Potter fan! In a gorgeous antique gold colour, this necklace only costs £1.18 and is available here :)

No Christmas tree is complete without bacon! These delightful tree ornaments are by OlechkaDesigns. They're only £4.39 each and are available here :)

Gingerbread man soap! These will smell amazing and also look adorable in your bathroom. These soaps are by SymbolicImports and costs only £3.31. They are available here.

This is just perfect for any Christmas hairstyle! These clips are also perfect for children and toddlers, not just for adults! These are by the very talented Avabowtiquee and only cost £2.35. They are available here

These mugs of hot chocolate are absolutely gorgeous! They would look perfect on a necklace and just look at their little faces :) These are handmade by CheekyCharmz and only cost £3.13 each. They are available here.

Nativity finger puppets! They're so cute and look at those moustaches :) These creations are by dolllady237 and are £7.52. They are available here.

I hope that you liked this first "exploring Etsy" and please let me know if there are any improvements I can make! Also let me know if you'd like to be featured :)

Pattern-herd: Snowmen!

You are going to sense a theme with the pattern herds in the run up to Christmas... I am a big fan of the holidays and I have been in a Christmassy mood since October! Oh the curse of being in a choir and practising Christmas songs!

There are so many cute snowman patterns on the internet! It's another great and simple way to decorate your house and lovely presents for people that will be loved and kept for years :) This pattern herd will feature more knitting patterns than last week's.

1) Snowman in Grandma's Favourite Dishcloth by Miriam Giles

This dishcloth is so gorgeous and creative! I wish that I'd thought of this. I think this dishcloth will add a lovely wintery touch to any kitchen. This knitting pattern (with a crocheted border!) is available for free

2) Snowman Jar Cozy by Doni Speigle

Look at this jar cozy! It's so cute and will make any jar (hopefully full of sweets) look adorable. You could also make it in orange and have a jack-o-lantern jar cozy instead for halloween. This fun crochet pattern is available for free on Whiskers and Wool blog.

3) Snowman Stocking by Bernat Design Studio

This knitting pattern will require a lot of patience and counting but it will be completely worth it! A perfect present for a special someone and is guaranteed to become an heirloom and tradition. This pattern is available for free on Yarnspirations.

4) Snowman Ornament by Audra Brown

Ah they're so cute! Look at their little bobble hats :D These little guys will look great on any Christmas tree and make a lovely gift. This crochet pattern is available for free as a free Ravelry download.

5) Cabled Snowman Mittens by Jean Gifford

These knitted mittens are so adorable and look so warm! I want a pair in every colour so will have to send the pattern to my mum and talk to her nicely. This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download.

6) Snowman Mug Hug by Michele Wilcox

This mug hug will make anyone smile :) A lovely accompaniment to a hot chocolate or a cup of christmassy tea :) This crochet pattern is available for free on Red Heart.

7) Socks with Christmas Pattern by Drops Design

I'm wishing that I was more talented with knitting. I just don't have as much patience with it as crochet! I'd knit Christmas socks all year so I could have a different pair for each day in Advent. This knitting pattern is available for free on Drops Design.

8) Melting Snowman by Renske de Busschere

It's such a sad thing to make but his happy little face makes him irresistible. Maybe this little guy will be good to make after Christmas :) This pattern is available for free as a Ravelry download. 

9) Crochet Snowman Hat by Sarah Zimmerman

I'm definitely going to be making some of these hats when my orders are all caught up! I think they're gorgeous and look adorable on children. This pattern (in sizes from newborn-adult!) is available for free on Repeat Crafter Me. 

10) The Abominable Snowman (Yeti) by Elin Tjerngren

Time for something a little bit different to round off this pattern-herd!  The abominable snowman may not be the ideal symbol of Christmas, but this guy just looks a bit sad, lost and confused! This pattern is available for free on CraftCravings on Tumblr.

I hope that you enjoyed this pattern-herd! If you have any ideas of any patterns that you'd like to be "herded" or you'd like your pattern to be featured, don't be afraid to get in touch!

Pattern-herd: Christmas Garlands!

The Coca-Cola advert has been on TV here in England. That can only mean one thing: the holidays are coming! If you're organised, then this post will probably be too late for you. For those of you who like the thrill and adrenaline of being last minute, then this post is for you!

Christmas garlands! They're a perfect way to quickly decorate any room in your house or string it around the tree instead of tinsel for a personal-touch :)

1) Christmas Light Advent Calendar by Laura Campbell

A brilliant way to count down to the big day! Put chocolate or other little presents into the lights and you could embroider a number of each of the lights! Available as a free download from Ravelry.

2) Crochet Snowflake Garland by Mary Jane Protus

These gorgeous snowflakes would brighten up any Christmas tree! The snowflakes individually would look great as appliqués on jumpers or accessories :) Pattern available for free on Red Heart.

3) Jolly Festive Bunting by Lucy of Attic24

Those socks are amazing! Anyway... This bunting by Lucy is so bright and colourful! It's a great way to liven up and make any house look fun and ready for the holidays :) This pattern is available for free on Lucy's blog, Attic 24.

4) Crocheted Paper Chains by Steph Giddens

You won't need to make paper chains any more once you've crocheted this! A very easy pattern that's perfect for beginners, just getting in to the world of crochet! Pattern available on Lovestitches blog for free!

5) "Popcorn" Christmas Garland by Natalie Clegg

That tree is such a fantastic colour! A slightly alternative way to adorn your tree with a funky "popcorn" garland. This pattern is a free Ravelry download.

6) Garland of Pinwheels by Mary Jane Protus

This is a slightly more advanced pattern than others that I've posted today, but it's worth the time and concentration! Completed with little bells for the essential Christmas "jingle". This pattern is available for free from Red Heart.

7) Christmas Stars by Barbara Wilder

This pattern is in German, but there is a crochet diagram at the bottom of the blog post for those who can read them. This garland is perfect for not only Christmas, but also decorating children's rooms all year around! This is a free pattern available on Barbara Wilder's blog.

8) Snowflake Garland by Nancy Anderson

Another snowflake garland with gorgeously crochet snowflakes! Guaranteed to get anyone in a christmassy mood :) Another amazing, free pattern that's available on Red Heart.

9) Smitten (a Holiday Garland) by Emily Ivey

A knitting pattern this time! Another countdown-calendar, so you'd better get a wriggle on if you're making it! These gorgeous little mittens will become an heirloom and a tradition for your family each year :) Fill with little presents, sweets or anything else you'd like to make the countdown to Christmas even more exciting!! This pattern is available for free on KnitPicks.

10) Amigurumi Holiday Lights by Jill Watt

Time for a cute garland now! Look at their adorable little faces :) These holiday lights would even make Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch smile! This pattern is a free Ravelry download.

I hope that you like this first pattern-herd! I will try and make it a weekly-affair, every Thursday, and bring you some brilliant patterns from the world of Ravelry!

Quick and Easy Fingerless Gloves - UK Edition!

I said I'd post the UK terminology for this pattern, and here it is! I'm sure most of you, if you're anything like me, are used to having to use US patterns anyway! Ah the joys of the internet...

You will need:

A 4mm crochet hook

Double Knit Yarn

A Yarn Needle

Chain 35

Row 1: DC in 2nd chain from hook then DC in each chain. Then chain 2 and turn. (34)

Row 2: Skip the first stitch that the chain comes from and TR in each stitch along. TR in the chain from the row before. Then, as before, chain 2 and turn. (34)

Rows 3-20 (17 rows): Repeat the 2nd row.

Row 21: As row 2, but chain 1 and turn at the end of the row. (34)

Row 22: Skip the first stitch that the chain comes from, DC in each stitch along. Then DC in chain from last row and fasten off the yarn, leaving a long tail. (34)

To make up the gloves, either sew or SS the two edges together for 6 rows. Skip 3-4 rows (making space for your thumb) and then sew up the rest of the glove.

These gloves are completely customisable! If you'd like longer gloves, continue to DC for more rows. You can also add embellishments to the gloves to make them more individual.

I added some little pink hearts to spice up these grey gloves, that I made using a pattern I found on Ravelry.

And for my Mickey Mouse-obsessed sister, I added some Mickey ears :) I will write the pattern out for that in a later blog post!

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