Boutique Accommodation in Millthorpe plus fun ideas for creative living

{Crochet} 20% off pattern downloads

Posted on August 31, 2017 by redagapeblog

To celebrate the start of Spring in Australia, i’m having a little Spring sale on all of my crochet pattern downloads. Hooray! Use the code SPRING at the checkout to recieve 20% off all patterns. Valid until the 7th of … Continue reading →

{Crochet} We Are Knitters Tropea Cardigan

Posted on August 14, 2017 by redagapeblog

I was thrilled when We Are Knitters asked me to try out their Tropea Cardigan crochet kit. Firstly, it’s great to see that WAK are catering for crocheters as well as knitters with a beautiful array of patterns, kits and … Continue reading →

{Crochet} The Pamela Mandala

Posted on August 7, 2017 by redagapeblog

Introducing the Pamela Mandala, a free crochet mandala pattern. It’s been a while since my last free pattern, so i hope you enjoy making this one. Oh, and if you’re wondering why this mandala has been photographed in reverse, well head to … Continue reading →

{Crochet} Melon and Gelato Pops kits on SALE!

Posted on July 23, 2017 by redagapeblog

I need to clear out some of my craft kits before i move into the new studio, so i have reduced all of my Gelato Pops and Melon Pops kits by $10. This equates to almost 30% in some cases … Continue reading →

{Fabric Craft} Iron on Granny Square Bag

Posted on July 21, 2017 by redagapeblog

Today I have been decorating crochet kits bags using transfer paper, but i totally got distracted (read bored) and decided to make a cool granny square bag of my own instead. The Gelato Pops and Melon Pops bags were pushed to the side, which actually are pretty cool too, and i whipped up a little granny square in my fave colours. Here’s how i made my own kit bag –

You will need –

calico bag
iron on transfer paper
an iron (obviously)
a granny square made from yarn
scissors
camera
ink jet printer

Step 1 – photograph your granny square and print out the image on iron on transfer paper

Step 2 – Cut around the granny square leaving about 1/2cm of white edge – this will iron on clear

Step 3– With the print side down, press the iron in consistant circles for aound 2 min (set a timer if it helps) The instructions said around 40 secs, but with this large transfer i needed more time.

Step 4– Peel the backing paper off very carefully! If it doesn’t come off easily or the print is not transferring then you will need to use the iron for a bit longer. Be patient.

Step 5 – Ta da!! Pack your favourite yarn and tools into the bag and you are ready for crochet on the go!!

I am printing this image onto a shirt next…..i just need more transfer paper.

Mandy xx

{Creative Spaces} My Craft Studio and exciting news!

Posted on July 13, 2017 by redagapeblog

My Creative Space Mood Board – created on Style Source Book

The sound of building has been ringing in the air, as construction on my new craft studio has begun. I feel like the luckiest crafter in the world to have a dedicated creative space that is all my own. In fact, i have been feeling a little guilty about have something that is just for me. Lots of exciting things have happened in my life and this ranks pretty high on the list – after marriage and children of course. And there’s something else pretty exciting ahead for me that makes the timing of my creative space just perfect. Can you guess what it is? I will reveal it soon….keep reading. 😉

I have been planning my creative space for such a long time that i know exactly what it will look like when it is finished. Crisp clean white walls and ceilings, a medium toned wooden floor and accents of grey and wood throughout. Colour will be injected with YARN (of course!), crochet cushions and blankets. I will also be including pieces from other Instagrammers, crafters and artists i admire. I already have my little Curlie from Tiny Curl and wonderful paintings from artists Kyah Wilson and Jacinta Haycock.

Okay, enough about the Craft Studio, scroll down for the big NEWS!!

Here are a couple of shots of my shed that is being transformed into the creative space of my dreams!

The timing of my craft studio just could not be better as i begin work on my first book!! Hooray!! I have partnered up with the greatest publisher MeteoorBooks to create a book about crocheting all year round and it is going to be fantastic! I am pouring all of my creative heart and soul into this book and i am certain you will LOVE it! Check out #12monthsofcrochetwithredagape for updates and sneak peaks on Instagram.

Mandy xx

{Crochet} Crate Crochet Review

Posted on June 14, 2017 by redagapeblog

Well, it’s finally happened! Australia has it’s own crochet subscription boxes thanks to Crate Crochet. Hooray! I was so excited when Crate Crochet invited me to review their subscription boxes. I had been wanting to try one for a while, but they sell out fast.

5 reasons to love Crate Crochet! (there’s actually more than 5, but these are my top 5)

Value for money! The RRP of the contents of these boxes is guaranteed to be higher than the cost of the box.
Try New Yarn – i love trying new yarn. This box contained to most gorgeous Australian Superfine Merino from Morris & Sons.
Great patterns – fresh new designs every month from a range of different designers.
Extras – so many extras included : this box included tea, sweet treats, a pom pom kit, stitch markers and a Clover Beanie Gauge.
Skilled Boxes – if you are a beginner there’s a box just for you! If you’re worried the Intermediate/Advanced box will be too challenging, then you have the option to sign up to the beginners box.

There’s even a shop where members get a discount. Crate Crochet are currently sold out, but subscriptions open again on the 18th of June, that’s only a few days away, so mark it on your calendar if you don’t want to miss out. I cannot wait to see what is in my next box.

* This has been a sponsored post!

{Book Review} Colorful Crochet by Marianne Dekkers-Roos

Posted on June 10, 2017 by redagapeblog

Photo Credit – Marianne Dekkers Roos

I was honoured to be asked to be part of Marianne Dekkers Roos blog tour for her new book Colorful Crochet. I have followed Marianne on Instagram for a while now, so i was thrilled to discover she was writing her own book. It is so wonderful to see fellow crocheters and friends doing well in the Cro Pro field.

Corner to Corner Granny Square

This book is fabulous for a number of reasons –

It’s full of colourful crochet patterns and designs – jam packed with over 20+ projects
There’s something for everyone from designs for the home to accessories to wear
The instructions are CLEAR, really clear, which is great for beginners and pros alike
Charts are included! yay! i love charts.
The designs are named after special women in Marianne’s life. How lovely is that!? My two favourite designs from the book are the Corner to Corner Granny Squares and the beautiful flower motif (pictured above) that is used for a a few different projects. If you’re looking for a bright and colourful crochet book with a variety of designs, do yourself a favour and grab a copy of Colorful Crochet. Congratulations Marianne. xx
Photo Credit – Marianne Dekkers Roos

{Crochet} Candy Flower Coaster Pattern

Posted on June 4, 2017 by redagapeblog

Everyone loves a free crochet coaster pattern! Crochet coasters are always fun to make, because they are generally quick and easy, plus they are great stash busters! I’ve called these little pretties my Candy Flower Coasters. I’ve made them with Paintbox Cotton DK (which i love!) using a 3.5mm hook. You can use any cotton yarn that you prefer. The instructions are written in UK terms, but you’ll find US (and UK) Shorthand Instructions at the end of the tutorial.

Abbreviations –

ch – chain
ss – slip stitch
tr – treble
htr – half treble
St – stitch

Round 1 – Using Yarn A, start with a magic ring, ch2 (counts as 1htr), 11htr into the ring, ss into initial htr to join. [12htr]

Round 2 – ch2 (counts as htr), 1htr into the same stitch, 2htr into each remaining st from the prev round, ss into initial htr to join [24htr]

Round 3 – ch2 (counts as htr), 2htr into the next stitch, *1htr into the following st, 2htr in the next; rep from * around, ss into intital htr to join and fasten off. [36htr]

Round 4 – Attach Yarn B into any htr from the previous round, *ch2, miss a stitch, ss into the next; rep from * around. [18 x ch-2sp]

Round 5 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch6 (counts as 1tr, ch3) tr into the same ch sp, ch1, *miss a ch-2 sp, (tr, ch3, tr, ch1) in the next; rep from * around, ss into the 3rd ch of the initial ch6.

Round 6 – ss into ch-3 sp, ch3 (counts as 1tr), 6tr into the same sp, dc in the ch-1 sp, *7tr in the next ch-3 sp, dc in the following ch-1 sp; rep from * 7more times, ss into top of initial ch3 and fasten off.

Completed Coaster

Shorthand UK

Round 1 – 12htr into a magic ring [12htr]
Round 2 – 2htr in each st [24htr]
Round 3 – 1htr, 2htr in the next, rep around [36htr]
Round 4 – (ch2, ss) in every 2^nd st
Round 5 – (tr, ch3, tr, ch1) in every second ch-2 sp
Round 6 – 7tr in ch-3 sp, dc in the next, rep around.

Shorthand US

Round 1 – 12hdc into a magic ring [12hdc]
Round 2 – 2hdc in each st [24hdc]
Round 3 – 1hdc, 2hdc in the next, rep around [36hdc]
Round 4 – (ch2, ss) in every 2^nd st
Round 5 – (dc, ch3, dc, ch1) in every second ch-2 sp
Round 6 – 7dc in ch-3 sp, sc in the next, rep around.

{Crochet} Spiked Granny Rib Stitch Pattern

Posted on May 29, 2017 by redagapeblog

Click on image to check out the pattern!

My Spiked Granny Rib Stitch pattern is finally available. Hooray! This is a unique crochet stitch that i have designed myself, so you should not be able to find it anywhere else. I made this chunky beauty from Paintbox Yarn Simply Chunky in a rainbow of colours. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and so reasonably priced. I love it!!

The pattern for the Spiked Granny Rib Stitch contains all the information you need to make the blanket you see pictured, but the great thing about this pattern is that you can apply the stitch to any crochet project you like. You can use any size yarn with the corresponding hook for this stitch.

The pattern for my Spiked Granny Rib Stitch contains both US and UK instructions, a chart, details on special stitches, all the info needed to make the blanket and lots of step by step images.

You’ll find the pattern in my Pattern Shop for a small fee. If you’re interested in seeing more of my patterns head to my Crochet Patterns page where I’m compiling all of my patterns, both FREE and for purchase.

Click the image above to check out Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky from www.lovecrochet.com

Click on the image to visit the pattern shop

{Crochet} New Crochet Cushion Kits

Posted on May 17, 2017 by redagapeblog

Exciting News! I’ve been working on some new bags for my Melon Pops and Gelato Pops cushion kits and i am happy to report they are available in STORE now! Hooray! Pop over to the SHOP to see the new bags and browse through the many options for your kits – you can choose whether or not you want just the yarn in your kit or choose an option that includes a hook and/or insert. Round inserts can be tricky to find, so i’ve done the hard work for you and sourced some reasonably priced inserts for your circular crochet cushions.

Shipping options for Australia, UK, US and New Zealand are all included at the checkout for these cushion kits. Please contact me on amanda@redgape.com.au if you would like to shipping quote if your country isn’t included in the options. Happy Making!!

Mandy xx

{Crochet} Flower Sprinkles Bunting Pattern

Posted on April 19, 2017 by redagapeblog

Hooray! I have finally added my Flower Sprinkles Bunting into the pattern shop. This downloadable PDF has 9 pages of instructions including step-by-step images, a chart and shorthand instructions for both US and UK users. I have a small number of kits available too (that include the pattern). Please email me for a shipping quote if you live outside Australia – amanda@redagape.com.au

Click the image above to go straight to the downloadable PDF or below to check out the kits (which include the downloadable pattern). Have fun!

{Crochet} Amigurumi Bee Free Pattern

Posted on April 11, 2017 by redagapeblog

I am pretty new to amigurumi, so this crochet bee pattern is super simple. Crochet bees are really popular right now – although we’re heading into Autumn weather here in Australia, on the other side of the planet, Spring definitely has sprung! The teeny tiny crochet bees you see in the picture were for a Mollie Makes commision, so i’m not able to share the pattern for those. Sorry.

I’ve written the pattern in UK terms, but there are some US shorthand patterns at the end of the tutorial. Please tag your bees with #buzzycrochetbees if you would like to share your creations. You will need –

DMC Natural Just Cotton XL in Yellow, Black and White. This should bee (pun intended) enough for three bees with lots of black and white left. If you get an extra ball of Yellow, you’ll be able to make six bees. Does that make sense?
1x Pair of teddy bear eyes
pipe cleaner
stuffing
1x 6mm hook
scissors
yarn needleOkay – let’s start!
Bee Body –
note: eyes and pipecleaners should be attach at round 8 or 9
stuffing should be added at round 11 or 12.

Abbreviations –

ss – slip stitch
st – stitch
dc – double crochet
prev – previous
rep – repeat

Starting with Yellow, 6dc in a magic ring, ss to inital dc. [6dc]
2dc into each dc from prev round, ss into initial dc. [12dc]
*1dc into st, 2dc into the following st, rep from * 5 more times, ss into initial dc. [18dc]
*1dc into st, 1dc in the next st, 2dc into the following, rep from * 5 more times, ss into initial dc. [24dc]
1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
1dc into each st from prev round, ss into intial dc [24dc]
1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
Attach the Black yarn through the top loop of the last yellow st, cut Yellow yarn, 1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
1dc into each st from prev round, ss into intial dc [24dc]
Attach the Yellow yarn through the top loop of the last black st, cut black yarn, 1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
1dc into each st from prev round, ss into inital dc. [24dc]
Start decreasing – *dc in each of the next two st, dc2tog over the following two st, rep from * 5 more times, ss into inital dc [18dc]
*dc in each of the next 4 st, dc2tog over the following 2st, rep from * 2 more times, ss into intial dc [15dc]
*dc in st, dc2tog over the next 2st, rep from * 4 more times, ss into intial dc [10dc]
dc2tog over 2st around [5dc]
1dc in each st, cut tail leaving a good length. Thread tail though yarn needle and weave through all 5 dc, pull tight and fasten off.

Wings – (make 2)

work 7dc into a magic ring, ss into inital dc
2dc into each dc from the previous round, ss into inital dc and cut tail leaving good length

Attaching wings –

Using the long tail of one wing, whip st the two wings together, fasten off and weave in. Using the remaining tail, stitch the wings to the top of the bee. Ta da!! Shorthand UK

With Y, 6dc in a magic ring [6dc]
2dc into each dc [12dc]
1dc into st, 2dc into the following st, rep around [18dc]
1dc into st, 1dc in the next st, 2dc into the following, rep around [24dc]
1dc into each st [24dc]
1dc into each st [24dc]
1dc into each st [24dc]
With B, 1dc into each st [24dc]
1dc into each st [24dc]
With Y, 1dc into each st [24dc]
1dc into each st [24dc]
Decrease – dc in each of the next two st, dc2tog over the following two st, rep around [18dc]
dc in each of the next 4 st, dc2tog over the following 2st, rep around [15dc]
dc in st, dc2tog over the next 2st, rep around [10dc]
dc2tog over 2st around [5dc]
1dc in each st, fasten off.

Wings – (make 2)

7dc into a magic ring
2dc into each dc, fasten off.

Shorthand US

With Y, 6sc in a magic ring [6sc]
2sc into each sc [12sc]
1sc into st, 2sc into the following st, rep around [18sc]
1sc into st, 1sc in the next st, 2sc into the following, rep around [24sc]
1sc into each st [24sc]
1sc into each st [24sc]
1sc into each st [24sc]
With B, 1sc into each st [24sc]
1sc into each st [24sc]
With Y, 1sc into each st [24sc]
1sc into each st [24sc]
Decrease – sc in each of the next two st, sc2tog over the following two st, rep around [18sc]
sc in each of the next 4 st, sc2tog over the following 2st, rep around [15sc]
sc in st, sc2tog over the next 2st, rep around [10sc]
sc2tog over 2st around [5sc]
1sc in each st, fasten off.

Wings – (make 2)

7sc into a magic ring
2sc into each sc, fasten off.

{Crochet} Chunky Popcorn Cushion

Posted on March 23, 2017 by redagapeblog

I have a slight addiction to round crochet cushions, so i wanted to share this free Simply Chunky Paintbox cushion pattern (the pink and blue cushions). This pattern works up quickly and can easily be finished in a day. It only take 2-3 balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, depending on your tension. The Watermelon Cushion you see pictured here is available in my Pattern Shop and is an absolute bargain considering the amount the information i’ve packed into the tutorial. For Aussie shoppers, i have kits available too. If you’d prefer a PDF download of the Paintbox Yarns pattern, then head to Love Crochet for the FREE download.

This pattern is written in UK terms, but i’ve included both UK and US shorthand instructions at the end of the tutorial. To shop Paintbox Yarns, simply hit the image above or the link to lovecrochet.com at the side of my blog. Okay – let’s get started!

STITCHES –

magic ring
ss – slip stitch
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
tr – treble
pc – popcorn st (see here for link to tutorial)

YOU WILL NEED –

2/3 Balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky 100g
1 x 35cm round cushion insert
6mm hook

Round 1 – Form a magic ring, ch3 (counts as first tr), 11tr into the ring. [12tr]

Round 2 – Ch3 (first tr), 4tr into same st and form your first pc, ch2. Work (1pc, ch2) into each tr from the prev round. [12pc, 12ch2] For those who aren’t sure how to make a Popcorn (pc) st – head here for a little tutorial.

Round 3 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr in the same sp. Work 3tr into each ch-2 sp around. [36tr]

Round 4 – ch3 (counts as first tr), tr in the next 2 st, 2tr in the following st. *tr, tr, tr, 2tr over the next 4st, rep from * 7 more times. [45tr]

Round 5 – ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr in the next st, 1tr in each of the following 3st. *tr, 2tr, tr, tr, tr over the next 5st, rep from * 7 more times. [54tr]

Round 6 – ch3 (counts as first tr), 1tr in each of the next 2st, 2tr in each of the following st, 1tr in each of the next 2st. *tr, tr, tr, 2tr, tr, tr rep from * 7 more times. [63tr]

Round 7 – ch1 (doesn’t count as a st), dc in the same st, dc in the next, 2dc in the following. *dc, dc, 2dc over the next 3st, rep from * around. [84dc]

Round 8 – Ch3 (first tr), 4tr into same st and form your first pc, ch2. Work (1pc, ch2) into every second dc from the prev round. [42pc, 42ch2]

Round 9 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 1tr in the same sp. Work 2tr into each ch-2 sp around. [84tr]

Round 10 – ch1 (doesn’t count as a st), dc in the same st, 2dc in the next. *dc, 2dc rep from * around. [126dc]

Round 11 – Ch3 (first tr), 4tr into same st and form your first pc, ch2. Work (1pc, ch2) into every second dc from the prev round. [63pc, 63ch2]

Round 12 – ss into ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), 1tr in the same sp. Work 2tr into each ch-2 sp around. [126tr] Make 2 of these circles and join together over a cushion insert using a dc (sc US) stitch.

SHORTHAND UK INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)