CAL and FREE PATTERN: Nautical Coasters

After checking my stash, I decided to get rid of some cotton little balls and to turn them into something sweet and small: coasters, potholders, snowflakes. So I now pick a ball, find a pattern for it and crochet it here and there, having fun with it in between the rest of my projects (which are usually large and difficult, like sweaters and blankets).

I also started a Cotton Destash CAL topic in the Cup of Stitches group on Ravelry. If you like this idea, join us and get your cotton projects finished in a fun and friendly company! Show your cotton yarn, your pattern ideas, your project in progress and update us how your cotton destashing is going :)

My first destash project is the Nautical coasters:

I use the motif from the Pond Ripples collection, with a few modifications (the picots added in the last round).

 Here is the “before blocking and after it” picture:

I crochet the stitches tight. I think cotton cuties love tight stitches. So I pick up the smaller size hook than I would use for the wool yarn or cotton garments and shawls. When the piece is ready and the ends are hidden, I steam block it. Actually, I simply iron it with the WS facing. Cotton becomes softer and I fix the shape by hands, then I iron it again. After that, I let it cool and dry on the iron board (while it’s soft it can change its shape).

Happy crocheting!

Links: Cotton Destash CAL on Ravelry

PATTERN UPDATE: Strawberry Danish Cushion

I've just updated the Strawberry Danish pattern and it is now available as for purchase as an individual pattern download in my Ravelry store.

Strawberry Danish is soft, textured, 3-dimensional cushion made of stuffed crochet hexagon tiles. Each hexagon motif consists of two sides (crocheted separately) with a common center, then it is stuffed and the sides are joined.

What's new? It is completely seamless now!

The project does not require sewing, all joins are made as you go. At the end you will need to weave in only one end per motif, the rest of the tails can be hidden inside between the two sides of the motif.

This pattern is written for the cushion shown in the photo, but it is versatile and easily adjustable, you may vary the size of each motif and the finished cushion by working fewer or more rounds.

More ideas for using this motif are: a hot pad, a chair cushion, a rug or even a huge single-motif pillow (sachet, needle cushion, a cat toy, etc). There are many ways to use it, so the choice of the finished item is up to you! Depending on the final use of the project, you may want to use a different kind of stuffing, use whatever is appropriate for the finished item and available to you: from batting to rice grains.

Happy crocheting!

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