At a loose end? What to do with leftover yarn...

So there was a great post shared by Rupert's House this week on using up yarn scraps.

I'm in the middle of trying to build up stock for the Autumn/Winter Craft Fair season, and trying to slim down what yarn I have in my desk (basically so I can justify buying some more).

I can't bear to let the smallest amount just get chucked away, but on the other hand that leaves a hidden box that is now bursting to overflowing with tangled scraps. So here are a couple of ideas for using up the ends...

Make a flower! 
This book is great and I'd really recommend having a copy stashed away for quick gifts and decorations. A definite go-to-resource (and helped me out with the structure of making the King Protea)

Or... 

Make up some mini dot squares!

This is brilliant for using up the tiny odds and ends for the dot middles. Then just use a block colour for the outside -great effect!

Round 1) In scrap colour (about 1.7m) Ch3, in first ch, 15tr, join in a  circle and securely fasten ends.

Round 2) In block colour (I chose white) (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) all the way around. Join with slip stitch.

Round 3) Continuing in block colour, and working in the chain spaces, ch3, 3htr, tr, (3tr, ch2, 3tr = corner), then tr, 3htr, tr, corner and repeat all around. Join with a slip stitch and fasten in ends.

Make loads and stitch them together for cushion covers, place mats, blankets, cowls or anything!!



Mini-Mini dot Squares:

Round 1) In scrap colour (about 1m) ch2, then in first ch, 10dc, join with slip stitch and work in the loose ends.

Round 2)In first block colour (I chose light grey) 2dc in each dc all around, join with slip stitch.

Round 3) In second block colour (a dark grey), and working in the chain spaces, 4htr, (tr, ch2, tr = corner) around to make the square. Join with a slip stitch & fasten off.