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.

Crochet a King Protea Flower -The Pattern xx

I was asked whether I could rustle up one of these flowers, and after I got over the fact that this is actually flower and not a Greek mythical character (ok, I'm not very botanical), I scoured Pinterest (for my board click here) and set about making it work.

This is basically a 3D ball shape to which you attach petals and leaves. It's actually a pretty straight-foward principle, you just need a little practice with working in the round (increases and decreases), and petals. There are some cool tutorials here. 

The only other tricky stitch is a 'long-stitch' (if someone has a proper name for it, please let me know and I'll edit!!). You work a couple of rows, then on the next row, you insert your hook, not into the regular dc below, but one or two rows below into the chain space. You wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through as normal, but the loop will be much longer and cover the previous rows. When you do several of these in a row, it looks like embroidered satin stitch.

So, lets protea...

You will need:

Small amounts (about 25g) of dk yarn or cotton, in white, pale pink, dark pink, light green and dark green.

A tennis ball sized ball of stuffing.

A 4mm hook, stitch marker (or safety pin) and tapestry needle.

Scissors.

In white (working in a spiral):

• Chain 2, work 7dc into the second ch from hook. Place marker.
• (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) for 2 rounds.
• (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) in long-stitches for one round.
• (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) for 1 round.
• (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) in long-stitches for one round.
• (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) for 1 round.
• (1dc, 2dc in same stitch) in long-stitches for one row.
• 2 rounds dc.
• 1dc, 2dctog for three rounds or until there are 5 stitches left (stuffing as you go).
• Fasten off, and thread needle through last stitches and pull to close. 

In pale green:

You are creating a series of loops, 12 ch long around the side of the main body of the plant.

• Join into the side where you see the first dc after the long stitches.
• Ch12, slip stitch into the next dc and repeat around.
• I managed to make 26 loops in total, don't panic if a little more or less as long as it looks pretty even!
• When you get back to the beginning, fasten off and sew in ends. 
• Gently stretch each loop up towards the centre.

Petals:

Make 10 in light pink, and 20 in dark pink (ten per row, three rows stitched on).

• Ch12.
• Up one side of the chain, starting in second chain from the hook, 2dc, 3htr, 2tr, 2htr, 2dc.
• Ch2 (turns the corner).
• Down the other side of the chain 2dc, 2htr, 2tr, 3htr, 2dc, join at top with a slip stitch.
• Fasten off with a long end.
• Leave one end loose for attaching.

Tip: Sew the long end from top to bottom through the base of the stitches in the middle on one side. Gently pull and the petal will curl a little. Then secure. 

Leaves in dark green:

Make 3 (or more if you want).

• Ch16.
• Up one side of the chain, starting in the second chain from the hook, 2dc, 3htr, 5tr, 3htr, 2dc.
• Ch2 (turns the corner).
• Down the other side of the chain 2dc, 3htr, 5tr, 3htr, 2dc. 
• Fasten off with a long end.
• Leave one end loose for attaching. 

Making it up:

• Place the pale pink details first evenly around and attach, sewing on about two centimetres at the base. 
• Place a row of dark pink petals in the petal spaces, slightly further down and attach.
• Place a third row of petals in those gaps and secure.
• Finally, attach the leaves. 

It doesn't matter if you have to bodge a little, as with all my patterns, you are allowed to break the rules a bit and adapt. I would just ask that you share my link if you post this pattern on any media and credit The Other Mrs Beaton accordingly. Happy making! xx