Boutique Accommodation in Millthorpe plus fun ideas for creative living

{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 … Continue reading →

{Book Review} Colorful Crochet by Marianne Dekkers-Roos

Posted on June 10, 2017 by redagapeblog

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 … Continue reading →

{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 … Continue reading →

{Crochet} Spiked Granny Rib Stitch Pattern

Posted on May 29, 2017 by redagapeblog

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 … Continue reading →

{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)

12tr into a magic ring
(pc, ch2) around. [12pc]
3tr into each ch-2 sp [36tr]
(tr, tr, tr, 2tr) around [45tr]
(tr, 2tr, tr, tr, tr) around [54tr]
(tr, tr, tr, 2tr, tr, tr) around [63tr]
(dc, dc, 2dc) around [84dc]
(pc, ch2) every second st [42pc]
2tr in each ch-2 sp [84tr]
(1dc, 2dc) around [126dc]
(pc, ch2) every second st [63pc]
2tr in each ch-2 sp [126tr]

SHORTHAND US INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

12dc into a magic ring
(pc, ch2) around. [12pc]
3dc into each ch-2 sp [36dc]
(dc, dc, dc, 2dc) around [45dc]
(dc, 2dc, dc, dc, dc) around [54dc]
(dc, dc, dc, 2dc, dc, dc) around [63dc]
(sc, sc, 2sc) around [84sc]
(pc, ch2) every second st [42pc]
2dcin each ch-2 sp [84dc]
(1sc, 2sc) around [126sc]
(pc, ch2) every second st [63pc]
2dc in each ch-2 sp [126dc]

{Yarn Love} Paintbox Yarn Giveaway!!

Posted on March 15, 2017 by redagapeblog

*THIS COMP IS NOW CLOSED *I have an amazing giveaway from LoveCrochet and Paintbox Yarns. Hands up if you would like to win all 56 shades of Paintbox Cotton DK!! I know i would. I have fallen in love with this awesome yarn – so many delicious shades to choose from.

It is seriously easy to enter this giveaway – all you need to do if follow the link HERE and sign up to the LoveCrochet newsletter. And that’s it! The competition will run for 7 days and the winner will be selected and emailed by the 31st of March. How exciting it that!? Good luck everyone.

Mandy xx

{Corner to Corner Crochet} C2C Chunky Heart Graph

Posted on March 7, 2017 by redagapeblog

This heart shaped corner to corner, C2C, chunky crochet rug has been one of my most popular projects ever….and you know what, it is EASY! After seeing lots of C2C projects online featuring hearts – washcloths, blankets, potholders – i thought it might be fun to make a great big chunky blanket based on the same idea. I was confident i could create the chart (graph) myself, so i grabbed some grid paper and started scribbling.

There are some great C2C tutorials online, so i’m not going to reinvent the wheel, but instead i’ve provided you with a little list to get you started.

Once you understand how c2c stitches are made, the hardest part is counting your blocks and locating where the colour changes occur. It’s important to constantly refer back to your chart in case you’ve made a mistake. The only way to rectify mistakes is to undo!
My chunky corner to corner blanket is made from Panda Soft Cotton Chunky in white and green. I used about 10 balls of white and 3 balls of green to make a decent size blanket, so approximately 13 balls in total. It was lots of fun watching the heart appear in the blanket.And finally, here is the chart that i created for my blanket. If you don’t feel confident in creating your own graph, you are very welcome to use mine. I used stitch fiddle to create this simple chart. Enjoy!

{Yarn Love} The Candy Shop by Paintbox Yarns

Posted on February 6, 2017 by redagapeblog

Picture from LoveCrochet.com

LoveCrochet has just released some fun new colour pack to their already awesome range of Paintbox Yarns. If you have trouble choosing colours for your yarn projects then this is a great way to take the stress out of deciding on a colour scheme. I was lucky enough to be able to create a fun colour scheme LoveCrochet called The Candy Shop. There are other great colour scheme collections too, which you can see below. Hit the link on the righthand side to visit LoveCrochet and seach Paintbox Yarns to see their entire range of glorious colours.

The Candy Shop by Amanda O’Sullivan
Amanda O’Sullivan, aka Crochet by RedAgape and founder of #craftastherapy on Instagram, loves sweet treats! We know you’ll love her colour pack, The Candy Shop, full of deliciously sweet shades:
Bubblegum Pink (150), Spearmint Green (125), Candyfloss Pink (149), Vanilla Cream (107), Peach Orange (154), Bright Peach (111), Daffodil Yellow (121), Washed Teal (132), Champagne White (102), Tea Rose (142).

Picture from LoveCrochet.com

Fairground by Steel&Stitch
Fabulous crochet blogger Emma Friedlander-Collins from Steel & Stitch is famous for her colour-inspired patterns. Her colour pack, Fairground, draws on vibrant brights and fairground colours that are grown up and graphic: Rose Red (113), Blood Orange (119), Seville Orange (118), Buttercup Yellow (122), Bubblegum Pink (150), Grass Green (129), Marine Blue (133), Pansy Purple (147), Pure Black (101), Champagne White (102).

Picture from LoveCrochet.com

Sundown by Kath Webber
Crochet designer Kath Webber’s colour pack Sundown is inspired by the skies of her native East Anglia – sunset shades of pinks, yellows and peach against grey, dolphin blue and turquoise. She loves surprising combinations of colour, and we love her gorgeous selection: Mustard Yellow (123), Neon Pink (156), Slate Grey (105), Blush Pink (153), Dolphin Blue (136), Slate Green (126), Washed Teal (132), Champagne White (102), Misty Grey (103), Peach Orange (154).

All descriptions above have been taken from www.lovecrochet.com

{Crochet} Daisy Wheel Granny Square Cushion

Posted on January 25, 2017 by redagapeblog

Here’s a little guide on how to make my Daisy Wheel Granny Square cushion. This isn’t exactly a step my step tutorial but more of a guide to basic join as you go method. It hasn’t always been my favourite way to join granny squares, but i really like how it looks with certain designs. You can find the free pattern for the Daisy Wheel square here. There are a few ways that you can join your squares – whip stitch them together, dc them together or join as you go, which i’m focusing on here. If you’d prefer to whip stitch i’ve found a good tutorial here.

To start you need to make 1 full Daisy Wheel square and 8 x partially finished squares (leaving the last round of white off). The last round of white is added during the joining process. You can see one partially completed square in the image below – make 8 of those. Okay, you should have 1 full square and 8 partially completed squares – making 9 in total. The first step is to attach one partially finished square to your completed square. Start adding white until you reach your first corner. At the corner, work your first group of 3dtr and ch1 and STOP.

Where you would normally add your second ch, we are going to join to our completed square. Slip your hooked into the corner sp of the completed square – see below (ignore all the extra squares, pretend there is only 1 completed square). Now instead of that second ch we are going dc (sc for US) to join the two squares. See the steps below. You can see below how the join looks. If you find it easier just to slip stitch them together that’s okay too. You can now go ahead and finish the corner on the uncompleted square, remembering that the second chain in the ch is swapped for the dc join. So your corner will consist of (3dtr, ch1, dc join, ch1, 3dtr). Make sense? Here’s what the completed corner looks like below. You can also see that when you reach the ch1 that is along the side, you substitute it for a dc join. Continue along the side, substituting the ch1 for a dc join (sc for US) where needed. Obviously, if there are no joins along the side you’re working on then please include the chains as usual. The corner join is a little different when you are joining to more than one square. In the image below we need to join to the TOP RIGHT square and the square on the bottom left – so we need 2 joins at this corner.

When joining to one square at a corner always us this pattern – (3dtr, ch1, joining dc, ch1, 3dtr).

When joining to two squares at the corners always use this pattern (3dtr, joining dc, ch1, joining dc, 3dtr). See more images below.
The image below shows where we need to start joining to the top right square. Complete the first 3dtr of the corner, dc join, ch1……

And now compete another dc join to the second square’s corner – see below.
You can see the two joins below and now you can complete the rest of your corner with 3dtr. Continue down to join down the side by swapping ch1 for dc join (sc for US).
Once you have joined all nine of your squares it will look like the image below.

Add another round of white trebles around the entire front to create a bigger block of crisp fresh white. I’ve used 3 chains at the corners. The front is now complete. Hooray!!

For the cushion back i’ve just used a solid granny square of green to add a bit of contrast. You might like to make the front and back the same – it’s completely up to you. Here’s a link to a great solid granny tutorial by Cherry Heart Crochet Continue adding rounds until it is big enough. Now to join front and back! Once again there are many ways you join the front to the back – whip stitch it, dc join or maybe you’d like to run a length of chain through the stitches so it can be removed for easy washing. I’ve used a dc join through both loops for a nice secure finish. Place front and back, wrong sides together and start working a dc through both loops on front and back. This little photo guide is a handy resource if you’re not sure. I find it easier to peg them together so they don’t slip out of place. Once you’ve complete 3 sides, insert your cushion and complete the round.

Sit back and admire. All of these beautiful colours can be found at Yummy Yarn and co in the Heirloom Cotton section.

{Crochet} As seen in Mollie Makes

Posted on January 23, 2017 by redagapeblog

Check out those super cute Heart Coasters – top right in this months issue of Mollie Makes. I am pretty excited to reveal that those little cuties are mine! That’s right, i am now ‘as seen in Mollie Makes’. Who would have thought that would ever happen? Not me.

Issue 75 is packed with awesome craft projects and plenty of inspirational stories about creative types. I know it can be hard to Australia to get your hands on a copy, but you can always subscribe, or if you prefer your mags digitally you don’t have to wait. Head to the Mollie Makes website for all the details on where you can download a copy. Enjoy!

{Crochet} Win a Gelato Pops Pattern Kit

Posted on January 16, 2017 by redagapeblog

*This competition is now closed. New pattern price is $3.75*

Hello crochet lovers. I have had a great response to my popcorn crochet cushion – Gelato Pops. Thank you kindly to those who have bought and downloaded my pattern. Everyone who buys the pattern in the first week will go into a draw to win a complete kit to make my Gelato Pops cushion. The competition ends at 5pm on Friday the 20th of January (AEST). It will be drawn on Saturday at midday. The competition is open to everyone, no matter where you live. I am happy to ship worldwide.