Cartwheels & Clovers – Free Square Crochet Motif Pattern with Video
Free Square Crochet Motif Pattern with Video. Back in August 2016, on a trip to a beautiful Norwegian island, I bought some gorgeous DK linen yarn, determined to crochet a top to remind myself of the trip. It wasn’t until more than 6 months later that I came up with a motif and subsequently a top using the yarn. Although the motif was lovely and the overall effect of the motifs are very attractive, the yarn was just too thick and the resulting top was a little heavy and bulky. Being very fond of the motif however, I kept coming back to it, so recently, I decided to remake the top using thinner yarn. I am experimenting with 4ply cotton (Scheepjes Catona in Saffron ) and some 3ply Lithuanian linen. I will share my experiments with you, but to start off, I will document the pattern here.
These instructions are for making a motif in 4ply cotton with a 3mm hook which results in a motif that is approximately 14x14cm. Each motif uses about 12g/30m of yarn.
I would recommend using the written pattern in conjunction with the videos.
I would just like to state, that this pattern has not been properly tested. If you make it, I would truly appreciate any feedback.
Also, I LOVE seeing what you’ve made with my patterns, so please share! On Instagram I am @mezzamay and on Facebook @mezzacraft.
Free Crochet Pattern with Photo Tutorials
Download the Cartwheels & Clovers Crochet Motif Pattern here. (opens in new tab)
Video Tutorial – Motif Only
I have filmed the video for the joining technique but I still need to edit it so please check back soon OR nag me if I still haven’t done it!
I also plan to add some details about layout and the construction of the curved neckline.
Did you enjoy this Free Square Crochet Motif Pattern with Video? I’d be very grateful if you gave my video a “like” on YouTube.
Protected: Riverhouse Owl Course
Scrap Sock Yarn Hair Scrunchie – Free Crochet Pattern
A free scrunchie crochet pattern for you! Quick, fun & easy, these hair band covers are a great way to use up & showcase your precious scraps of hand-dyed yarn. Once you’ve made one, you might not be able to stop!
These were made for two special girls, from left-over yarn I had from making them some mittens each. The yarn is “Little Bird Sock” from Lottie Knits in the colourway “Let’s Get This Party Started”. I love Lottie’s yarns – the colours are beautiful and in this case, very cheerful!
Pattern Format
Written in US crochet terminology & includes photos & stitch chart
Materials & Tools
- 4ply Yarn, 4g / 15m / 16yds for each hairband.
- Hook – 2.5mm / C/2.
- Thick, snag free hairband / hair elastic, approx. 5cm in diameter.
- Needle for sewing in ends.
Download
Available as a free pdf download from Ravelry alternatively, you can also download it here.
Other yarn ideas
Don’t have any scrap yarn? Here are some ideas for suitable yarn.
Make to sell
You may make these hairbands to sell, either for charity or personal profit if you are a small scale crafter. All I ask is that you place the following text credit, either in your online listing or on a small piece of paper with the finished item: Design from www.mezzacraft.com
Other standard copyright laws apply.
Share your projects with me on Instagram, if you make this free scrunchie crochet pattern, I’d love to see! #mezzacraftcrochet
New Learn to Crochet Course – Riverhouse Barn – Starting 26th February 2020
My January course sold out very quickly but luckily I was able to get some studio space to run an additional “Learn To Crochet” course at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames – this time for a weekday night.
This is a 3 week course where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.
I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.
This course is for you if you are :
- a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
- someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
- someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
- self taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.
As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.
Course Dates 2020
Week 1 : Wednesday 26th February 7:30 – 9:30pm
Week 2 : Wednesday 4th March 7:30 – 9:30pm
Week 3 : Wednesday 11th March 7:30 – 9:30pm
Cost
The 3 week course is £65 and covers all materials needed.
Early Bird Discount
Book & pay here, through my website before 31st January for a £5 discount!
After Course Crochet Clinics
I will also be offering a selection of weekly follow-up sessions at my home studio, at an exclusive, reduced rate.
Book Now
New Learn to Crochet Course – Riverhouse Barn – Starting January 2020
I’m excited to announce my first course of 2020! Learn To Crochet at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames.
This is a 3 week course where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.
I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.
This course is for you if you are :
- a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
- someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
- someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
- self taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.
As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.
Course Dates 2020
Week 1 : January 25th 3:30 – 5:30pm
Week 2 : February 1st 3:30 – 5:30pm
Week 3 : February 8th 3:30 – 5:30pm
Cost
The 3 week course is £65 and covers all materials needed.
Early Bird Discount
Book & pay before 31st December for a £5 discount!
After Course Crochet Clinics
I will also be offering a selection of weekly follow-up sessions at my home studio, at an exclusive, reduced rate.
SOLD OUT
Sorry – this course is now sold out. I will be running another course soon, please send me a message through the “Contact Me” form if you’d like a notification of my next course.
Thank you!
Posh Yarn Advent Swap 2018
Yarn Advent Swap : Last year I took part in the Posh Yarn Advent Swap. This is a really fun yarn swap for members of the Posh Yarn forum on Ravelry. The easiest way to describe what it entails is to “quote” Charlie, the organizer’s overview:
How it works:
charliesumx
Each participant makes 24 individually wrapped 10g mini-skeins of 4ply/sock weight Posh Yarn, which they then send to the organizer. They also send the organizer the cost of postage and packing for the return parcels (via PayPal).
Once all the parcels have been received by the organizer, they will redistribute the mini-skeins so that each participant has 24 different mini-skeins, each one from a different participant if possible. The organizer will mail the new sets of mini-skeins in plenty of time for them to arrive by 1st December.
Participants can then open one mini-skein each day, from the 1st to the 24th December (in the manner of an Advent calendar), or open them all at once. They can be knitted/crocheted up in the order opened, or saved up to arrange in a pleasing sequence.
Sharing photos of the yarn received, and the projects made, is encouraged, but is not compulsory.
I had plenty of Posh Yarn scraps to make 24 mini skeins, however, it did take a lot longer to hand wind, weigh and pack the skeins than I had anticipated. This year (oh yes, I am taking part in the 2019 swap!) I decided to teach myself how to make a proper mini skein which was much quicker!
Zero Self Control
The swap package arrived in very good time, early November if I recall correctly. I could not contain my curiosity and opened my first little yarn package right away. It was crocheted up, using a 2.5mm hook into little squares and triangles using my solid granny square and half square motif patterns.
Soon I lost ALL willpower. I became completely addicted to opening the mini parcels and crocheting up the motifs… all whilst wondering what I was going to make with them!
Coming Together
As it got closer to the “official” start of the calendar, i.e. the 1st December, I started to formulate a plan. I was going to make a large and cosy wrap. I already worked out that I would be able to make it 4 motifs wide by 14 long, with the square motif turned 45 degrees. I’d need 96 full motifs and 36 half motifs. I wanted to use my join-as-you-go granny stitch border and join but with a contrasting colour, Posh of course. I didn’t have the correct colour to hand. So I kept an eye out during the weekly shop updates in case something suitable cropped up. Luckily the beautiful, silvery grey and sparkly shade of “Caroline Sock” revealed herself. I snapped up a couple of skeins.
Sharing Progress
So, I’d worked out my project but then decided that I’d like to “share” a photo of the squares I’d made for each day of the advent in a unique way. I’ve always loved vintage Christmas cards so scoured the internet and collected a series of images to use as backgrounds to my “flat lays”.
I just had so much fun doing this, it really helped me get into the “festive mood” and I think everybody enjoyed me sharing my daily advent “snaps” on Instagram & on the Ravelry forum swap thread.
During December, I washed, blocked and started to join the motifs together. The project required a lot more of the Caroline yarn for the borders and joins than I had anticipated. Luckily a very kind Posh friend sent me her skein so that I could finish that section of the wrap.
The Border
I almost used up every scrap of the yarn I’d received in the swap, as well as 3 x 100g skeins of 4ply sock yarn for the joining borders. It took a long time to sew in all those ends! Most of the ends were sewn in as I went along, but it was still quite a big job.
I wanted to add a colourful border and found a beautiful pink and lime green in my stash that looked fabulous together. Initially I was planning on a simple border but I swear it almost crocheted itself into beautiful scallops and a line of surface slip stitch.
Finally I finished the “yarn advent swap” wrap at the end of January 2019. I loved every minute of this swap and project. It was so inspiring to watch the rest of the group share their yarns & projects. Sadly, I am not 100% happy with the finished object. It is certainly very beautiful and showcases Tony, from Posh Yarn’s, amazing dyeing skills but the end result was much too big and heavy to be worn as a wrap. I do use the wrap as a kind of blanket when I’m sat on the sofa and I’m a bit chilly – I drape it over my shoulders. But I’m not able to wear it with my winter coat as planned.
All The Yarn Details
If you want to know more about the yarn bases and colourways I used, you can find those in my Ravelry project page.
The Dilemma
So… I am still considering whether to just continue using it as a lapghan. Maybe I should frog sections of it to make it smaller. I think the ideal size would be 4 motifs wide by 12 motifs long. Maybe even with just one row of granny stitch border join. This would make it considerably lighter and more wearable. Or perhaps start from scratch and make a new, smaller and lighter version, using basically the same pattern and layout? I’m also thinking going up a hook size, even to 2.75mm AND making it narrower & shorter would make everything lighter? What do you think I should do? And have you ever participated in a yarn advent swap? What did you make or are you still cherishing your little skeins?
Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake
Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake: Earlier on this year, I was tempted to make Smitten Kitchen’s “Lemon Yogurt Anything Cake” after seeing it on a friend’s Instagram feed. My first attempt, whilst very tasty and perfectly edible, had a few issues. I found it was too “wet”, too sweet, very oily and a bit heavy. I played around with the recipe, making many cakes over the course of a few months and found my perfect formula.
The main changes I made to address the excessive wetness of the cake are to use slightly less fruit and yogurt and a tad more flour. I use less fat and a zero or low fat yogurt to reduce the oiliness. Most or the time, I always use less sugar than a recipe calls for – with this recipe I use less sugar in the mix but also omit the sugary drizzle on the top. Beating the eggs until frothy and very carefully folding in the flour to trap air helps reduce the density & heaviness of the cake. To help with an even & quicker bake, because my oven isn’t very good, I prefer to use a bundt cake ring/tin.
I think 98% of my friends and family have now eaten my version of the “Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake” and those that bake always ask for the recipe. So, here it is!
Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 100g/100ml coconut oil
- 200g plain low fat or zero fat yogurt (I use Total Zero Fat Greek Yogurt)
- zest of 1 (unwaxed) lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla extract
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 220g plain flour
- 2tsp baking powder
- pinch of sea salt
- 250g of blueberries
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (I LOVE my Mason Cash bowl)
- Smaller mixing bowl
- Sieve
- Hand whisk
- Bundt tin (I use a silicon one)
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C / 356F / Gas Mark 4.
- Grease and flour your cake ring. I put a dab of coconut oil on a bit of kitchen roll and rub it into the cake mould.
- Gently heat the coconut oil in a pan until melted. Take off the heat.
- In the smaller bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the yogurt, lemon zest, vanilla and sugar to the pan with the coconut oil and mix together well.
- Rinse and dry your blueberries (if necessary) and then toss them in about 1 tablespoon of flour.
- In the large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until frothy.
- Gently mix in the liquid ingredients (coconut oil, yogurt, etc.) – taking care not to beat out all the air bubbles from the eggs.
- Now add the flour and fold in as carefully as possible.
- Next, fold in the fruit.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for between 35-45 minutes.
It’s delicious eaten whilst warm but I actually prefer it the next day. Lasts for 3 days in an airtight container on the kitchen counter.
This is an extremely versatile cake recipe because you can switch out the fruit and flavours with so many other options. Here are some examples that I have tried:
Apple & Cinnamon : use thinly sliced apple instead of blueberries, raisins instead of lemon and cinnamon instead of vanilla.
Plum & Almond : use small pieces of plum & replace 50g of flour with 50g of ground almonds.
Mixed Berries : gather together all the left over bits of soft fruit from the punnets in the fridge – I made a lovely cake with a few raspberries, blueberries & cherries that added up to 250g. Make sure to chop up the larger fruits to roughly match the size of the blueberries.
If you make my Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake, please do let me know how you got on! You can tag me on Instagram, if you use it : mezzamay
Disclosure : my posts can contain affiliated links from which I may receive a small referral fee should you happen to purchase anything.
How to Make a Mini Skein – No Calculations!
I’m going to show you how to make a mini skein – no calculations, measuring or complicated maths. You’ll just need a swift and a set of reasonably accurate scales.
I’m taking part in the Posh Yarn Advent Swap 2019. This is a really fun swap that takes place on the Posh group on Ravelry. Each participant winds 24 x 10g of Posh 4ply/Sock yarn into balls or mini skeins, wraps them up (preferably in a festive fashion) and sends them off to the organiser. Each participant then receives a delicious parcel with 24 little packages of beautiful, hand dyed yarn which can be opened, one each day, just like an advent calendar.
I took part last year and I thoroughly enjoyed it, however, at the time, I didn’t know how to make a mini skein so hand winding 24 little balls of yarns was a real bore.
This year, I decided to get to grips with making mini skeins. As we all do, I had a quick look on you tube… it seemed so complicated to get a specific weight and yardage. In the end, I came up with this simple method for making a mini skein – no calculations involved!
How To Make A Mini Skein
You’ll need:
- A swift. Any kind of swift will work – I have a simple Sunflower Swift (no longer made). An umbrella swift is also good.
- A set of accurate scales (I’m using my digital kitchen scales).
- Scissors.
Before you start, you’ll need to make sure that your hank of yarn has been wound into a cake or ball. If you’ve wound it into a ball, you’ll also need a bowl to put it in, so that it doesn’t roll off the table and bounce round the room!
Instructions
- Place your cake (or ball AND bowl) on your scales.
- Tare the scales, i.e. set to zero. On mine, I have to hold the “on” button down for a couple of seconds.
- Set your swift to the desired size – this will effect the length of your mini skein. I’ve set mine with a radius of about 10″/26cm.
- Secure the end of the yarn to the swift.
5. Start winding the yarn onto the swift, keeping an eye on the scales.
6. When the scales are minus the desired weight (e.g. 10g), stop, ending at the point where you secured the end of the yarn.
7. Cut the yarn, wrap the two ends around each other and then wrap one end around all the strands and fasten off.
8. Carefully remove the yarn from the swift, making sure the strands are kept together, using your index fingers.
9. Extend your arms and start to twist each end in opposite directions, being careful that the yarn doesn’t slip off your fingers!
10. Twist until it’s quite tight. I needed to twist 11 times. If it’s too loose the skein ends up looking messy and if you over-twist, you could accidentally damage the yarn by overstretching it. You might need a few goes to get this just right.
11. Draw your hands towards each other. The yarn should naturally start twisting together.
12. Transfer the loop off yarn off one finger to join the other.
13. Gently pull and massage the twist to make the “twizzle” uniform.
14. You might need to give each end a couple of extra twists if they are not as tight as the rest of the mini skein.
15. Now you’re going to tuck one end into the other.
15. That’s it! You should now have a cute little mini skein!
Need to SEE this being done?
I also have a You Tube video “How To Make A Mini Skein” :
Disclosure : I sometimes use affiliate links for my favourite yarns and other accessories!
Learn To Crochet – Private Tuition in Surrey – Gift Voucher
Learn To Crochet – private tuition in Surrey. Buy a voucher – the perfect gift for a friend, family member or why not treat yourself?
What’s included in the Voucher?
The cost of the voucher includes:
- 2 x 1.5 hour one-to-one tuition.
- Starter kit with everything you need (crochet hook, yarn, stitch markers, needle & project bag).
- Class notes, including photo tutorials.
- Hot or cold drink & cake (please advise of allergies when booking).
Which crochet techniques are covered?
During the course, you’ll make circles, a traditional granny square and a solid granny square. You’ll also learn how to join motifs together.
We’ll cover most of the essential crochet techniques such as:
- How to hold the yarn & hook.
- Chaining.
- The basic crochet stitches – single crochet, double crochet & slip stitch.
- Starting & finishing rows / rounds.
- Weaving in ends.
- Changing colours.
- Different ways to finish off.
- Joining motifs, either by sewing or crocheting.
How much does it cost?
For the tuition, materials & a printable PDF voucher, the cost is £45.
For an additional £6.99 I can also gift wrap and send the starter kit and voucher to the recipient by 1st Class Recorded mail.
Why are two sessions recommended?
One session often doesn’t give enough time and practise to fully absorb the new skills you’ll learn. Two sessions, ideally spread no more than 1 week apart, gives you time to practise what you’ve learnt in the first session and build on that in the second class. Often, after you’ve gone home from the first class and had a go at crocheting independently, you’ll soon discover you need a bit of extra clarification on a few points to build your confidence and put you on the right track.
What are the times and dates of the lessons?
Generally, I am available to teach private lessons at the following days and times:
- Mondays 7:30-10:00pm
- Tuesdays 7:30-10:00pm
- Fridays 9:30 – 11:00am or 7:30-10:00pm
- Saturdays 9:30 – 11:00am
- Sundays 9:30-11:00am
If you need half an hour here or there, I can usually accommodate. You can arrange the times and dates before you purchase the voucher or the recipient can get in touch with me afterwards to make arrangements.
How long is the voucher valid for?
The vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. This can be extended under mitigating circumstances.
Where does the private tuition take place?
I teach one to one sessions in my home studio in Hersham, Surrey. It’s a good sized room and I have lots of craft books and crochet projects to help inspire you!
Under some circumstances, I am able to teach at the students home.
What is your teaching experience?
With a background in Art & Design and I working in product development, I’m naturally attracted to all things crafty and I absolutely LOVE sharing and teaching my passion for crochet. I have taught crochet now for nearly 6 years, since December 2013. I have taught regularly at the art centre in Walton-on-Thames, the Riverhouse Barn . I have also taught for the WI Surrey & for the Kennet Valley Guild of Spinners & Weavers. Over the years, I’ve acquired a steady stream of private, one to one clients, ranging from complete beginners to more advanced students that require help with specific techniques or patterns.
I can teach all levels from complete beginners to more advanced students.
Discounts for small group bookings
Would you like to learn to crochet with a friend or relative? I can accommodate up to 4 students at one time.
1 person : £45
2 people : £37.50 each
3 people : £33 each
4 people : £30 each
Everyone is welcome!
I warmly welcome everyone, regardless of sex, race or age… although there is a caveat to age : I predominantly teach adults. I am happy to teach young adults or children that are mature enough to concentrate and are willing to learn. With private tuition, I do ask that any child under 18 is accompanied by an adult.
Buy now!
Learn to crochet – Private Crochet Lessons in Surrey.