Crocheted lacy dress scarf - free pattern

I've made this lightweight dress scarf for my mum as a Christmas present (don't worry, she won't see it before the big day, she's not on the internet!)

I like it so much, I thought I would make one for myself as well and if I like it, others may as well so I'm sharing how I made it as a free pattern.

The stitch is a modified version of one I found in a book. The original is a kind of diamond lace but it was more solid, I've used dtrs (UK terms) instead of trs and opened it out using more chains. Here's a chart of how the modified stitch is worked along with top and bottom finishing rows.

EDIT: As of 15 July, there is now a written pattern (click here). 

I used Drops Baby Alpaca Silk (yarn group A, it's a three ply yarn) and a 2.5mm hook. I did around 70 rows (I've wrapped it up now so I can't double check that, sorry!) I used two 50g balls of colour 6235. Starting chain is 8 plus multiples of 7 so you can made it as wide (or as narrow) as you like. Skinny scarves are very "in" at the moment, I've noticed. I started with 43 chain for mum's which has 5 pattern repeats.

Work the foundation row first and then repeat rows 1 and 2 until the scarf is as long as you want. The top finishing row is worked after you've done all your repeats. Fasten off, turn your work upside down and work the other finishing row to match. 

The scarf is fully reversible so no side is right or wrong.

I was going to add a simple fringe to it, there was just enough yarn left over after I got the length I thought mum would like but I have been meaning to use a fun bobble stitch border I found on Pinterest using Once Upon a Pink Moon's blog's instructions.  I did four bobbles on both ends. The pattern on Once Upon a Pink Moon's blog uses US terms so I made trs instead of dcs and I made my chains a little longer, 9 inially to make it drape nicer on my project.  Obviously you can do whatever border you like to personalise yours or you can leave it plain with the finishing rows. Either way looks nice.

The scarf will benefit from blocking. Drop it in a bowl of tepid water and then very gently squeeze the excess water out (do not wring!) Roll it up in a dry towel to blot out some more. Lay the scarf on fresh dry towels (I needed two laid end to end) over carpet or your usual blocking board and then pin it out gently, stretching it a little as you go using rustless stainless steel pins. Leave to dry overnight. 

If you've got any questions about how to make it, don't hesitate to ask in the comments section and I'll do my best to answer them. If there's enough demand, I may do a written version of the pattern as well for those who find following charts difficult..

Before I wrapped the scarf with her other present, I've been running around the house and garden taking photographs of it.

I can envisage it being worn loose around the collar of a jacket or knotted at the throat, there are lots of different ways to wear it. I chose the colour because I think it will go nicely with a jacket that mum's got. It’s lightweight and airy so might not work well in the winter, it IS long enough to be wrapped around the neck twice for warmth but it’s meant to be more for decoration; it'll look really nice in the Spring with her blue jacket. Fingers crossed, I hope she likes it!

Happy Christmas to all my blog readers.

Happy birthday, Bongo - ten years old today

Many Happy Returns to Bongo who is 10 years old today. He’s been our family dog for the last 5 months. 

Back in June, he was about to be surrendered to the Dogs Trust by his former owners. A change of circumstances meant they could no longer look after him. The Dogs Trust got in touch with the Manchester Terrier Club. They knew we had lost Missy and asked us if we would be interested in a 9 year old dog.

I was a little reluctant initially. It was hard to think of losing another dog after only a few years. After talking it over, we decided to go ahead and meet him at his foster carer’s home down in Surrey one Sunday. Well of course he came home with us, we couldn’t bear to think of him going into kennels and maybe being there for a long time due to his age. 

Mostly Manchester Terriers are generally quite wary of strangers, it’s a known trait but it’s almost like he knew we were there for him. He took to MTM straight away during our visit. He was a little unsure during his first few days at home with us. MTM was out site visiting every day for Bongo’s first week. As I went about my business in the outdoor studio, around the house or on the computer, I got used to having a little shadow literally everywhere I went. He is more relaxed now and isn’t under my feet as much as he used to be now he has more confidence around us.

He folded into our lives very easily as we had a Manchester Terrier shaped hole to fill. He’d been extremely well cared for and had no behavioural issues beyond that which is normal for a Manchester Terrier. We feel extremely fortunate to have him in our lives.

People who saw us around the village those first few days thought they were seeing things as he is physically very similar to Missy. We can see the differences, his snout is a little longer, his back end is sootier and he’s a trifle taller.

Here he is with the BONGO car. We spotted this registration on a car the very first time we took him out to explore our village. We took it as a sign that he’s meant to be here with us. 

He loves being fussed and nudges you to continue if you stop. He has great recall (if he knows you have food), walks very nicely on the lead and is a great little character. He loves to play shakey when I’m trying to get the log burner started. Because I’m sitting on the floor to do that he thinks I want to play and I never say no.

His appetite is so good to see, his food obsession has meant he’s very trainable hence he’s now quieter when chasing his ball (which is his most favourite thing to do!).

He has been my confidante and friend, always listening without judgement and gives absolute unconditional love. I don’t like to think about being without him. He’s integral to our family and I feel privileged to be a part of this lovely little dog’s retirement.

Happy birthday, Bongo, may you have many more.

Desdemona’s Presence

Mist on the still fields' early dawn.

Pregnant with false perception, 

I fall below the horizon.

On occasion clouds obscure me,

Sometimes I am so thin you look right through me,

Or you don’t even raise your eyes.

Cast down at the floor or to your hand,

Oblivious days distend to weeks.

Yet I am still here, constant, stalking 

An incipient tiptoeing presence then a sudden ambush!

A spiked bright sickle jagged in your eye

I am eternally present, where were you.