Mother's Day gift ideas in thread crochet, modified clones knot tutorial

I was asked to make my columbine barrettes available at AndersonsCreations on Etsy into a bookmark for a Mother's Day gift.  Of course, I thought that is a pattern that would work up quickly and other people who crochet with thread would love to make for themselves and their mothers.  My pattern testers said that it only took them about 4 or 5 hours to crochet.  This pattern is set for a skill level of intermediate to advanced.

This is mainly because of the modified clones knot I used for the stamen.  I called it 3hdcCL stitch and I thought I would do a tutorial on how the make this stitch.  It is worked a little differently from most stitches in that it is worked around a chain and not in the chain. The pattern calls for a chain of a certain number and then a half double crochet (U.S. crochet term) in the 2nd chain from the hook.  This anchors the clones knot.

To make the modified clones knot, (simply wrap the thread around your hook once and around the chain) 3 times, yarn over and pull the thread through all wraps at once.

 Slip stitch to close 3hdcCL (modified clones knot). These stitches will stay at the top of the chain.

After that is made, the pattern says to make a number of  single crochet stitches around (not in) the chain left down to the center of the flower. This packs all the stitches on the chain which makes it really stiff so that it will stand up.

I really love how this pattern came out.  If you don't enjoy thread crochet I have two different versions of this bookmark in my shop already made for you to buy.

 a blue and white columbine bookmark

a dark columbine bookmark



I am also happy to make a bookmark in any columbine combination of colors that you love.  Just push the "ask a question" button on the side of my Etsy page and I will make it for you in the colors you want. However, I can't promise they will be done by Mother's Day of this year as I am already working on a number of orders to get out.

The pattern to make your own columbine bookmark in the colors you chose is can be found using the "buy now" button at the right of this post or at LoisLeigh's Ravelry store.  This pattern will be available by tomorrow at AndersonsCreations. Etsy.

I have also designed a choker using this glorious flower. A blue and white columbine choker already made for you.

It has a crochet tie closer at the back so that it will fit most neck sizes.  dark columbine choker

If you would like to make your own with the colors you chose the pattern can be found using the "buy now" button on the right or at LoisLeigh Ravelry shop, AndersonsCreations on Etsy or Lois Leigh's Creations on Craftsy

I have always found flowers to be a great source of inspiration.  The biggest issue is how to translate that into crochet.  I hope this tutorial helps in making this amazing flower for your own columbine creations.

March and springtime knit and crochet

Spring is almost here in Kansas.  March can be an early spring a little further North of us but we are seeing Daffodils bloom here in Kansas.  One of my springtime designs is inspired by these wonderful flowers.  This daffodil fairy bookmark or decoration is so bright and cheerful, just like the flowers.

She is available to buy at AndersonsCreations on etsy.  For thread crochet folks who would like to try a pattern that is a little more challenging you can buy the pattern using the "buy now" button on the right or at my craftsy store or if you are across 'the big pond,' you can find it at my lovecrochet store.

I have been asked to make a Poppy Fairy and so I am currently working on that one.  It is so much fun to come up with new designs trying to make crochet stitches that end up looking like the wonders that God has around us everyday.

Another fun design that is perfect for March is my lucky Irish leprechaun.  He is holding his pot of gold and has a lucky 4-leafed shamrock on his hit.  He can be used as a bookmark or decoration to take the 'luck of the Irish with you wherever you go.  You will find him at my etsy shop.

 The pattern works up quickly and easily.  His pattern is found under crochet patterns at my Etsy shop or by using the "buy now" button on the right or at any of my online stores.  What a great gift for anyone who wants to celebrate their Irish heritage.

With the warming temperatures during the day, the morning and evenings can still be chilly.  I grew up in the southwest and ponchos were normal sweater attire.  I designed the Majestic Queen of Hearts pattern for my oldest daughter who loves anything with hearts. 

Now I wanted to design a poncho for my youngest daughter.  She loves plants and I thought what better way to celebrate that love then with a leafy poncho.

I used Moreno and silk wool to put in AndersonCreations on Etsy.  The pattern is made using two lace panels that are sewn together and has a simple cable to separate the leaf patterns.  It works up quickly and is such a fun look.  I love ponchos because they fit everyone.

I thought for my daughter, since she has three preschoolers, I would make hers using a different yarn.  I made a huge mistake in doing this.  Using different yarns on my patterns works well but the gauge needs to be considered in doing this.  The Moreno and silk yarn was a Sport weight and the Pima Cotton yarn I wanted to use for her was a DK weight.  I made the poncho with the DK weight and it came out so big that it didn't want to stay on her shoulders.  I am embarrassed to admit that I could make such a basic error but I did.  I had to take the whole poncho out and re-knit it using smaller needles to get the correct gauge. Proof that when making a garment, it is always a good idea to swatch to get the right gauge.

One of my pattern testers for this delightfully fun knit used an Aran weight yarn and it came out beautifully when she used smaller needles. The pattern is now available under knit patterns at my Etsy shop, or by using the 'buy now' button on the right.  It can also be purchased at LoisLeigh Ravelry shop, on LoisLeigh's Creations at Craftsy or at https://www.loveknitting.com.

March is a fun time of me with a birthday for my dear husband and my youngest sister. I love coming up with new a different ideas for them both.  What do you like about March and early spring?