Holi Hai! Headband and Cowl : Free pattern

 

As the Indian festival of Holi is approaching I am thinking back to my childhood. I have not really played with colors on Holi for more than 20 years now but seeing pictures of friends every year fills my heart with joy and my mind with memories. Holi was always proceeded by my mom and grandma making traditional sweets and savories which were only made on this special occasion. Gujiyas and mathris and namak paras would be made in advance and stored to be served to guests when they came over to play Holi. We would get up early in the morning wear some old clothes and be ready with our pichkaris (small water cannons) and colors.

 I got inspired by the colors of Holi to make this set of headband and cowl. The pink,purple,maroon and olive green splash into one another and every time I wear this it reminds me of the splashes of colors on my face and loads of Holi fun.

For people who have no idea what the festival looks like here is an image from a Bollywood film:

    A still from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani image courtesy Dharma Productions

Materials:
 Aran Yarn 100 grams
Yarn Needle
Scissors

Abbreviations(UK Terminology):
hdc half double crochet
st stitch
sts stitches
ch chain

Pattern:
Headband

Row 1: ch 55
Row 2: hdc in second ch from hook,  hdc in each of the next 54 sts turn
Row 3: ch 1, hdc in each st till end of row, turn
Rows 4-14: repeat row 3
Fasten off


Cowl
Row 1: ch 21
Row 2: hdc in second ch from hook, hdc in each of the next 20 sts turn
Row 3: ch 1, hdc in each st till end
Rows 4-55: repeat row 3
Fasten off

Desi Girl Kolahpuri Style Slippers :Free Crochet Pattern

 This is one of my favorite original designs so far. I absolutely love it because it defines perfectly what I want to do with my DesiMakes designs. It is a quintessentially Indian look and it is a fairly simple crochet pattern as well. I used some really bright colors which attract me immediately. The Kolahpuri chappals are something which I have worn a lot in India growing up. The weather in London is not that practical for wearing these outside for most of the year but they are perfect for house slippers. I will definitely make these again and probably add a sole of some kind so that I can wear these outside in the summer. I just used a pink DK yarn for this and it turned out perfectly well.


Desi Girl Kolahpuri Style Slippers Crochet Pattern:
Materials:
DK Yarn 100 grams Pink
Pompoms: 2 yellow,2 orange, 2 green
4 Stitch Markers
Yarn Needle
Scissors

Abbreviations(UK Terminology):
dc double crochet
st stitch
sts stitches
ch chain

Pattern:
Sole
ch 21
round 1 : (dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,place marker,2dc in next st,place marker,(dc on other loop of each chain)19 times,place marker, 2dc in next st,place marker
round 2: (dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,move marker,( 2dc in each st) 2 times,move marker,
(dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,move marker,( 2dc in each st) 2 times,move marker
round 3: (dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,move marker,( 2dc in each st) 4 times,move marker,
(dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,move marker,( 2dc in each st) 4 times,move marker
round 4: (dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,move marker,( 1dc,2dc ) 4 times,move marker,
(dc on one loop of each chain)19 times,move marker,( 1dc,2dc ) 4 times,move marker
round 5-7: dc in each st all around.
 Thumb Rest:
At the end of round 7, start thumb
1: dc,dc,dc turn
2: ch 1, dc,dc,dc turn
Repeat step 2 , 9 times. Slip Stitch the thumb to the sole 4 sts across from the edge. Fasten off.
Ankle Rest:
From thumb rest, count 6 stitches down.
1. Join yarn, dc 6 sts on the edge turn
2. ch 1, dc in the next 6 sts turn
Repeat step 2, 20 times or as per the fit of your feet. I actually put the slipper on my foot at this time and checked for the fit.
Slip stitch to the other edge across to complete the slippers. Fasten off.

Attach 3 pompoms of different bright colors in the middle of the strap. Now strut around in your colorful slippers!

Indian Amigurumi Series : Meena Doll

 Last week was Basant Panchami and I got really nostalgic about my childhood. My sweet dad was great at flying kites and me and my brother were happy helpers. He used to get us kites made in delicate colorful paper held together by thin sticks and threads. They looked so colourful and delicate. Flying the kite was such a special thing and made us so aware of nature and how the wind literally swept it up! All you had to do was hang on. My mom had one rule. We need to wear yellow to signify the start of Basant (Spring). Being away from home I really miss these Indian festivals and traditions. Meena is inspired by Basant and she wears yellow. She also wears Sindoor (vermillion) which is a sign of being a happily married woman. This is my first attempt at doing a pattern for the Sari. I will probably try this again with a bigger sized doll and maybe try to get a better Sari look. Although I am happy with the way this turned out.

Abbreviations:

Materials:



Pattern:
Head and Body
Color Beige
Round 1:Make a magic ring and 6 dc into the ring (6sts)
Round 2:2 dc in each st. (12sts)
Round 3:(dc,2dc) repeat in the round (18sts)
Round 4:(dc,dc,2dc) repeat in the round (24sts)
Round 5:(dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat in the round (30sts)
Round 6:(dc,dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat in the round (36sts)
Round 7: dc in each st
Round 8: dc in each st
Round 9: dc in each st

Insert Safety Eyes

Round 10: dc in each st

Round 11:(dc,dc,dc,dc,dc2tog) repeat in the round (30sts)
Round 12:(dc,dc,dc,dc2tog) repeat in the round (24sts)
Round 13:(dc,dc,dc2tog) repeat in the round (18sts)
 Round 14:(dc,dc2tog) repeat in the round (12sts)
 Round 15:dc2tog repeat in the round (6sts)
Round 16:(dc,2dc) repeat in the round (18sts)

Change Color to Red

Round 17: dc in each st
Round 18: dc in each st
Round 19: (dc,dc2tog) repeat in the round (12sts)

Change Color to Yellow

Round 20: dc in each st
Round 21: dc in each st
Round 22:(dc,dc,2dc) repeat in the round(16 sts)
Round 23: 2 dc in each st (32 sts)

Change Color to Red

Round 24:  dc in each st
Round 25:  (dc,dc,dc,dc2tog) repeat in the round (28 sts)
Round 26:  dc2tog in the round (14 sts)
Round 27:  dc2tog in the round (7 sts)
Round 28: dc2tog in the round 3 sts fasten off.




Arms (Makes 2)
Red 
make a magic circle
Round 1: 4dc in the ring
Round 2:dc in the round
Change color to Beige
Round 3:dc in the round
Round 4:dc in the round
Round 5:dc in the round
Round 6:dc in the round


Sari Pallu
Yellow
Chain 23
dc in second chain from hook. dc in each stitch till end

Hair:
Cut 50 pieces each 8inches
Sew them from the middle top of the head till the back of head.
Make two ponytails and tie them with red yarn.

Combining it:
attach the arms on either side just above the red circle on the body under the neck.
Attach the yellow piece (pallu) at the back from the yellow round on the body and bring it forward and attach over the shoulder leaving the end loose. This makes it look like a sari.

Bollywood Makes: The Simran Hat

 

For a while now I have been toying with the idea of making some true blue desi inspired crochet projects. Since I am a big fan of Bollywood it was obvious what my first project should be: Simran from DDLJ. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is one of my favorite films and I have seen it countless times and enjoyed it equally on every watch. The hat is from one of the iconic sequences of the film where SRK and Kajol are on their euro trip.

I have seen the hat and created a pattern based on what I see. I used a lovely sparkly yarn from James C Brett. It was perfect for this project. I crochet a little loose so people who crochet a little tight might need to add a few increasing rounds to the top of the hat.

If you are one of the few who have not seen this film yet, here is the hat I am talking about:

image courtesy yrf

Here is another look at the hat that I made. I really love it. I made another one for a friend and she loved it to. So far all the DDLJ fans out there,I have put up the pattern here absolutely free. Do give it a go. I am new to pattern writing so there might be errors. Please let me know in the comments how it goes.

 

Pattern

Round 1: Make a magic ring and 6 dc into ring
Round 2: 2dc in each st
Round 3: (dc,dc,2dc) repeat around
Round 4: (dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat around
Round 5: (dc,dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat around
Round 6: (dc,dc,dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat around
Round 7: (1tr,1ch,2tr,1ch) repeat around
Round 8: (dc,dc,dc,2dc)
Round 9: (1 tr,1ch,2tr,1ch)
Round 10:(dc,dc,dc,dc,dc,2dc) till the last 6 sts. dc in each of the last 6 sts.
Round 11:(dc,dc,2dc) till last 2 sts. dc in each of the last 2 sts.
Round 12:(dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat around till last 2 sts. dc in each of the last 2 sts.
Round 13:(dc,dc,dc,dc,2dc) repeat around till last 2 sts. dc in each of the last 2 sts.
Round 14:(1tr,1ch) repeat around
Round 15:1 dc in each tr ,1dc in each chain space from previous round
Round 16:(dc,dc,2dc) repeat around
Round 17:1 dc in each st around
Round 18:1 dc in each st around
Round 19:(1tr,1ch) repeat around
Round 20:dc2tog in each st around
Round 21:dc2tog in each st around
Round 22:1 dc in each st around
Round 23:1 dc in each st around
Round 24:1 dc in each st around

Orange fun!

I got this yarn and pattern bundle from Big Crocodile at a Craft fair. And the color of the yarn was so bright and orange. It reminded me of marigold flowers and Indian Summers. This bright cheery hat was super easy to make and gives a lovely spiral look from a moss stitch kind of pattern. I do see the pattern is available online for purchase here

To friends with Love

 I made these purses for my two best friends using black t-shirt yarn. These are small and compact but enough space to add a phone,money and cards.

 The pattern was really simple. Using a 10mm hook I made 15 chains and then half double crochet back loop only for 20 rows. Really simple. I added cute heart buttons to make these purses extra special.

Mor Pankh shawl

This is a shawl I made in peacock colors using Noro yarn. I loved these colors and wanted to make something special for my mom.The Pattern for this is from ravelry. I did enjoy making this but after a few months of working on it I gave up on it and did some other projects. Finally when the time came to visit my parents I picked it up again and finished it off in a month. I still need to learn more patience for a longer project like this one.

The pattern has a lovely web like look and so I took pictures against my window to show it off a bit! The Noro yarn was great to work with and the color changes were soft and reminded me of the sea.

Rustic Cowl

This is an easy cowl perfect for beginners but really useful in the winter months. It keeps the nose toasty and encourages me to take walks in the winter months. I bought the pattern and the yarn from FancyYarns stall at the Stitching and Knitting Show. I liked the yarn as it was Mega Chunky and had these awesome strands in it that looked like hay. Truly Rustic. My husband was kind enough to model this for me so that I could take a cute picture.

This was an easy knit using 10mm needles. I hope to make more of these in different colors using crochet just for fun.

Sew Over It Dressmaking Weekend - Circle Skirt

I have been trying to learn how to sew for the past few months and have succeeded in sewing a few bags and purses but my efforts at dressmaking have not turned out well. For this reason I signed up for a dressmaking class at Sew Over It The class I did was the dressmaking weekend. Saturday was devoted to make the circle skirt pictured above and  Sunday to make a shift dress. I have yet to take some pictures of that but wanted to upload what I had.

I arrived bright an early at Sew Over It's dressmaking shop and studio.The shop is really lovely and really inspires you to pick up sewing. I was glad so take some pictures.

The outside is painted this pretty pastel lilac.

Inside it has one section which is the shop. It has loads of fabric and haberdashery. Different laces,zips,threads and buttons.

The other section is devoted to a sewing studio. Big tables,lots of natural light, tea and cake. What more can one need?

We spent our first 15 mins or so going over the fabrics we had got with us and supplementing with extra things from the shop. Then we steamed our fabric and were ready to go. I really loved the instruction and the pace of the class. Our teacher was really helpful and went over everything in detail. I never realised the precision and thought which goes into just pinning the pattern on the fabric.

I took a well deserved tea break at this stage and there was a loaf of lemon cake for the students which was highly appreciated by all the students.

We were done by around 5 and I was so proud of my first successful dressmaking project. I love this skirt and wore it a lot over the summer.

I will definitely go back to do another dressmaking class here. They do a lot of different classes every month ..

Mr Owl

Really loved the latest issue of LGC. I was so excited when I got my hands on this issue. The only problem is this pattern used all my yarn and I had no left over to make the mouse. I need to trawl through my stash to make the other patterns from this issue.

The one thing with this pattern was that I did kind of run out of yarn towards the end. This could be because I have a loose hand at crochet so I think this might have led to using up more yarn then expected. I did have a problem with seamless color changes on rows for the body and hat. I did try different things but could not save it. I do want to go back to an older issue of LGC and try my hand at the chameleon pattern which had many color changes as well. I do need to learn how to do that.

I loved the cute hat on this one as well.

Crochet Circle Vest

This is the first time I attempted a garment and I gathered enough courage to make this because I thought crochet would be quick and I was using a chunky yarn. I used a Bonus Chunky Yarn from Sirdar in colors apricot and duck egg. I bought the yarn from Hobby Craft and took a pattern from beacrafter.com. I must say it took me around 3 weeks to make and it was really difficult to keep motivation. I am so used to making toys,hats and cowls that keeping at it after the first couple of days took a lot of drive. The end result is totally worth it though. I love looking at patterns for knitted or crocheted garments on pinterest but always get daunted by the amount of time and effort not to mention expertise it will require to make a garment. This pattern was really easy though and at the end of it I was so proud of my achievement. I will at some point make another garment but for now I am just basking in the pride of finally making a vest.

Bobble Stitch Cowl

I had yarn left over from a hat and since I have a tendency to get a cold nose, I thought of making a cowl using crochet. I wanted to make a crocodile stitch crochet cowl to begin with but after trying a couple of rows, I realised that the color variation in the yarn was not giving enough stitch definition. I could hardly make out the crocodile stitch. This could also be because of my first attempt at crocodile stitch was not that amazing. Must try it later again with another yarn.

Back to the bobble stitch, I looked up some tutorials and came across this lovely tutorial. What a lovely tutorial and such pretty colors. This totally convinced me to try it out on the cowl. I used a 31 stitch cast on and started this cowl in a cafe. I did not realise how much yarn this stitch takes. I ran out of yarn and had to substitute an acid pink DK yarn leftover from my stash.

I think the pink helps add a bit more zing to this. I really loved the end product. It is a very stretchy, comfy and warm cowl. I have been wearing it for the past week and it is a great easy make. I highly recommend everyone to try making it.

 

 

Mr Hedgehog

http://www.letsknit.co.uk

First time using eyelash yarn! Such a cool fuzzy toy. Made this using the latest issue of Let's Knit

Here is the pattern on ravelry  . It is definitely a fun make and great for starting out with eyelash yarn.

Loved this pattern. Keep 'em coming Let's Knit

 

 

Luscious Lagoon Beret on straight needles

I made this beret using a pattern from Easy Knitting Weekend . I loved this pattern as it is cast on straight needles . The hat was an easy one and a great weekend make. I used this really lovely DK Robin Paintbox  in Lagoon. I had a 100 gram ball and have loads of yarn left over for a cowl. I will be starting on it soon.

I always use paper clips as markers and they served me well on this project. I am thinking about getting some cute markers from a yarn store soon.

Love how the swirl catches the light.

 

 

 

Pink Chevron Gloves

 

Made these gloves from an old issue of LGC. The striped make such a cute pattern.I tried one in the same color and one with different colors alternating. I like both the versions of it. 

This is the first time I tried chevrons and was relieved to find how easy it was to create these. I was really not sure if the gloves will fit or if the thumbs will work but it all turned out perfectly.

Didiji Amigurumi Free Pattern

I designed this crochet doll inspired by my lovely sister. The doll is a typical Indian Did with braids rolled up and tied with ribbons and wearing salwar-kameez and a dupatta. She is also wearing chappals.

I have not written crochet patterns before so please forgive if there are any mistakes.


Materials: DK yarn 50 gm each in the following colors : Beige , Chocolate , Yellow , Pale Green .
2 safety insert eyes. A little yarn in Pink for the hair ties. A little yarn in blue for the sandals/chappals.


Head and Torso:
Using Beige and a 4 mm hook,
Make a magic ring.
Row 1 : 2 dc in each stitch of the  ring. 12sts
Row 2 : (2 dc, 2dc in next st)  to end
Row 3 : (3 dc, 2dc in next st)  to end
Row 4 : (4 dc, 2dc in next st)  to end
Row 5 : (5 dc, 2dc in next st)  to end
Row 6 - 9 : 1 dc in each st to end
Insert Safety Eyes 6-7 sts apart at row 7.

Row 10 :(dc2tog, 5 dc) to end
Row 11 :(dc2tog, 4 dc) to end
Row 12 :(dc2tog, 3 dc) to end
Row 13 :(dc2tog, 2 dc) to end
Row 14 :dc2tog to end
Row 15-16 : 1 dc in each st to end
Row 17 : 2dc in each st to end
Change color to Yellow(or whatever color you want to use for kurti)
Row 18-21 : 1 dc in each st to end

In the next row we need to create the slits in the kurti at the sides. For this we need to crochet in front loops only.
Row 22 :1 dc in front loop only for 6 sts.
Row 23: 1chain, turn, 1 dc in each of the 6 dc made in previous row.
Row 24: 1 chain, turn, 1 dc in each of the 6 dc made in previous row. Fasten off.This makes the front flap part of the kurti.


Row 25-27:Join  yellow yarn at the the 7th st of row 22. Now we need to repeat Row 22-24 starting at the point where the first flap was divided. This will create the back flap.

Sleeve/Arm:Make Two
Starting with Yellow (Kurti Color)
Make a magic ring.
Row 1:1 dc in each st to end
Change color to Beige
Row 2: working in back loop only, 1 dc in each st to end
Row 3-5 : 1 dc in each st to end. Fasten off

Dupatta(the scarf on the top) : Make Two
Starting with Pale Green
Row 1 : chain 25
Row 2 : 1 dc in each st
 Fasten off

Salwar (Pants) :
Starting with Pale Green

Row 1 : chain 12 join with slip st in a round
Row 2 : 1 dc in each st to end
Row 3 : (1 dc in each st) 3 times, then, dc across to the other side this will divide the ring into two pant legs.(1 dc in each st) 3 times. This will now make a circle of 7 sts. Continuing dc around in this will then make the first pant leg.
Row 4 - 6 : 1 dc in each st to end
Row 7 : dc2tog in each st to end.Fasten off.
Row 8: Join yarn at the 4 st on Row 3 from the point where the first pant leg was divided. (1 dc in each st) 3 times , then , dc across to the other side , (1 dc in each st) 3 times. This will make the starting point for the second pant leg.
Row 9-11 : 1 dc in each st to end
Row 12 : dc2tog in each st to end. Fasten off.


Feet: make two
Starting with Beige
Make a magic ring
Row 1 : 1 dc in each st to end. Fasten off

Braids for the side of the head:Make two
Using chocolate brown, chain 25.

 The different pieces before assembly:

To Make Up:
Stuff the head/torso with toy filling. Also fill the two pant legs of the bottom and then stitch the pants to the back loops of row 22 of the head/torso. Attach the arms and feet. For the Dupatta(scarf) sew one of the two pieces to the middle of the torso on row 20 at a slight angle and then sew it at the shoulder and at the back with a single stitch to keep it in place.Do the same for the other Dupatta piece overlapping on the front. The two pieces should make a V at the front and go over each of the shoulders. Using blue thread embroider the Chappals(sandals) on the feet.

For Hair:
Sew two big loops in chocolate brown at the center parting from top of the head to the back of the head. Starting on the side of the head, loop in the yarn at the middle parting and sew back towards ears.Here is an image to illustrate the process:

Once this is done on both sides,take the 25 chain chocolate braid and fold it on itself and attach on each side of head. Use a bright color, I used Pink, to make ribbons to tie on the side of the head.

Mandala the blues away!

Made this mandala again from a pattern by LGC issue 66. This was great to learn the puffy crochet stitch and it makes a lovely coaster as well. I love the colors from this issue and the ocean blue with the sea green looks so pretty.