Nuthatch [Free Pattern]

So, as promised in my previous post, here is the pattern for my new granny square, named "Nuthatch" in honour of this month's British Birds calender page (an awesome calendar). 

Nuthatch [Free Pattern]

Notes
I used a 4mm hook and DK weight yarn.  The pattern is written using US terms (however if you prefer UK-speak, there is a handy conversion chart here).

Sp = Space
Sl St = Slip stitch
Ch = Chain
Sc = Single crochet
Hdc = Half double crochet
Dc = Double crochet

Round 1
Create a magic loop (I really like this tutorial for the magic loop).  Into this, work 4sc loosely  Join with a sl st

Round 2
Ch1, 2sc into all sts, join with a sl st (8)

Round 3
Ch2 (counts as first dc), dc into same sp, 2dc into each sp around, join with sl st (16)

Round 4

Join a new colour into the same space:

...Ch2 (counts as first dc), 3dc into the same sp, Ch1.  *Skip 1 st, 4dc into next st, Ch1*  Repeat between * 7 times.  Join with sl st into top of initial Ch2

Round 5
Change colour - join new colour into any Ch1 sp.  Ch2 (counts as first dc), 2dc into same sp:

...Ch1, skip next sp, sc, skip next st, 3dc into next Ch1 sp, Ch1:

...Continue working (1sc, ch1, 3dc, ch1) around.  Join with sl st into top of initial ch2:

Round 6
Change colour.  Join new colour into any Ch1 sp which comes immediately after a 3dc cluster:

Do not chain.  Work 2sc into this sp, and 2sc into the next Ch1 sp:

...work 1sc into each of the next two sts:

...3dc into the next Ch1 sp, ch1, then work 3dc into the next Ch1 sp:

...*work 1sc into each of the next two sps, 2sc into each of the next two Ch1 sps, 1sc into each of the next 2 sps, 3dc into next Ch1 sp, Ch1, 3dc into next Ch1 sp*.  Repeat between * until you have 4 corners, 1sc into next 2 sps.  Join with a sl st.

Round 7
Ch1, sc into the next 7 sts, 1hdc into the next st.  *Into the corner Ch1 sp, work (1dc, Ch1, 1dc):

...Into the next sp, work 1hdc, and then 11sc along the row, and 1hdc into the 12th st.*  Repeat between * until all 4 corners are completed, then work 1sc into each of the next 2 sts.  Join with a sl st.

You may like to work in your ends as you go (this is defs much easier and simpler), however I prefer to wait and then sew them all in with a tapestry needle, mainly because I worry about the ends working loose over time.  It is of course entirely up to you which method you choose - I'm probably being over cautious.

And there you have it!  One Nuthatch square finished!  :D  I have a few blocking at the moment - hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to show you how I'm going to use them :)

Hope you enjoy the pattern!  If you want to add to your Ravelry queue, you can do so here.

Much love,
Kim

Pretty Little Petals [Free Pattern]

Strictly speaking, this post was intended to be the "Part Two" section of the Granny Oblong saga.  Except that I went on a frogging spree, and now the whole thing is sitting in the "in progress" box (which has a lid, so I don't have to look at them for a while! :P)

But since you were promised a pattern, and since this is called "eggbirddesigns" not "eggbirdthefrog", a pattern ye shall receive!!  I hope you like it :)

Pretty Little Petals

ETA:  You can now link to this pattern on ravelry here

Notes

sp - space

sl st - slip stitch

sc - single crochet

dc - double crochet

ch - chain

The pattern is written in American terms, however if you prefer UK terms there is a fab 'translator' here.  I used an assortment of DK weight and light DK yarn and a 3mm hook.

To Begin: create a magic loop (if you're unsure how to do this, click here).  Work 6sc into this loop and pull tight.  Join with a sl st into the first sc [6 sts total]

Round 1: Ch1, 2sc into each space around.  Join with a sl st into the first ch1.  [12 sts total]

Round 2: Ch1, *2sc in next sp, 1sc in next sp* - repeat between * 6 times [18 sts total]

Round 3: Change colour.  In new colour ch1, 1sc in each sp around [18 sts total]

Round 4: Ch3 (counts as first dc), 5dc in the same space.  Sl st into the next two sps.  *6dc in the next sp, 1sl st in the next 2 sps* - repeat between * 4 more times.  Join with a sl st into the initial ch3.

Round 5: Ch1, *sc around the petals (ie into the 6dc from the previous round), and sl st into the second of the sl sts from the previous round* - repeat between * 5 more times.

To finish, just sew in your ends, and hurrah!  Teensy little flowers to enjoy.

I'm not sure what I'll be using these for yet.  Perhaps I'll get round to working out those oblongs, or perhaps I'll put them to some other use...  Either way, I look forward to seeing how you guys interpret them :)

*This is the flower that originally sat at the centre of the blocks.  As far as I'm aware, this pattern is an entirely new one.  However, it is a pretty basic pattern, so there's every chance that someone else has already created the same.  If you think this might be the case please let me know and I can give proper credit where it's due.