What a changeable week we have had weather-wise!

We have had rain,

sunshine

and snow!

Jay was hoping that it would settle, but the ground was too wet.

 On the crafting front I have finished my Mum's tea cosy.

 The base is knitted and the top is crocheted.  

 It is a simple pattern that I designed myself, inspired by this one.

 The Pattern

This tea cosy measures 20cm dia and 14cm high.  Vary the amount of stitches and rows to suit the intended tea pot.

sts = stitches  k = knit  p = purl  tbl = through back of loop

ch = chain  dc = double crochet  htr = half treble  tr = treble  dtr = double treble  ss = slip stitch

To knit the Sides.  Make 2.

Using 4.5mm needles and Dk yarn, cast on 45 sts.

Row 1 - *p1, k1tbl* repeat to end.

Row 2 - K to end.

These 2 rows are the pattern, repeat them for a total of 41 rows.  Cast off knit-wise.

Stitch side seams 2 - 2.5cm at top and bottom, leaving openings for the spout and handle.

To knit the Lining.  Make 2.

Using 4.5mm needles and Dk yarn, cast on 43 sts.

Row 1 - *p1, k1tbl* repeat to end.

Row 2 - K to end.

These 2 rows are the pattern, repeat them for a total of 39 rows.  Cast off knit-wise.

Stitch side seams 2 - 2.5cm at top and bottom, leaving openings for the spout and handle.

Turn lining inside out and insert into outer.  Matching seams and edges together, slip stitch lining and outer piece together around top, base and side openings.

To crochet the Top.  Make 1.

Using 4mm hook and Dk, make a magic circle and ch1, 8dc into circle.

Start each round with a ch1 and dc in same space (this counts as the  first dc in each round) and gradually increase in each row until the top fits the base.  Increase as follows: Round *1dc, 2dc in next st* repeat to end, ss.  Round 2 *1dc, 1dc, 2dc in next st* repeat to end, ss. Round 3 *1dc, 1dc, 1dc, 2dc in next st* repeat to end, ss and so on until desired size is reached.

Sew into top of cosy.

To crochet the Roses.

Using 4mm and Dk yarn.  Make 7 pale pink and 8 deep pink.

Ch38.

Row 1 - Skip 2 ch, *htr, tr, htr, ss* repeat to end.

Row 2 - ch1, *2tr in next st, 2tr in next st, 2tr in next st, ss* repeat to end.  Leave a long tail

Fasten starting thread and then roll up rose along foundation chain with long tail hanging down from the centre.  I find it easier to thread the needle onto the long tail before rolling.  Stitch at base to hold together.

To crochet the Rosebuds.  Make 2 pale pink and 2 deep pink.

Ch18 and repeat rose pattern.

To crochet the Leaves.  Make 3 large and 1 small.

Large leaf - ch 8.

Skip 1 ch and dc, htr, tr, dtr, tr, htr, dc into foundation ch, 1ch.

dc, htr, tr, dtr, tr, htr, dc into back of foundation ch, ch1.

dc into each st around leaf, with 1ch at point. ss.

Small leaf - ch7.

Repeat pattern for large leaf omitting dtr.

Stitch roses onto top and fit rosebuds into any spaces.  Add large leaves around periphery and small leaf between roses.  Amount of roses and leaves can be varied to suit.

On the swapping front I have received these lovely squares as part of Laalaa's Blanket Square Swap.

This one is from Joy

and these two are from Dosie Rosie.

Laalaa is also hosting a very generous giveaway to celebrate her 2nd blogiversary. Check out those gorgeous goodies! Click on the button in my sidebar to enter.

"Happy Blogiversary Laalaa"