Lockdown blues (or pinks, oranges and yellows...)

                                  

So, it's been a while. I've been feeling this urge these last few months. The urge to reach out, to share what I've been doing. What I've been thinking, feeling. These are crazy times and it's about time to send some color into the world. 

Although I've been mostly drawing and painting last year, I couldn't stop myself from a little crochet here and there. I still love to play with yarn to insert a pop of colorful happiness into my (and my families') life. Over the last few days I've been especially 'hooked'. I'm making a bag for myself with this pretty square I designed.

                                    

The annoying thing is, we are still in lockdown, which means I'm not able to go to my favorite 2 yarn shops. I'm not able to get all that I need to finish my bag. I discovered how much I love to go to those shops and feel materials, choose a certain type of rings/yarn/color and take my time doing so. I also really miss going to the thrift shop, since that is a place that inspires me and relaxes me, always surprising me with something colorful I didn't know I needed... 

                                     

I know, I know, I'm spoiled. If those are the worst of m worries, I shouldn't moan about it. And it's true: there's not much more to complain about. My (by now 14 and 11 year old) girls are behaving nicely and are still happy. We are all making the best of it and are still getting along, having fun, enjoying life. If anything, I realize this whole Covid situation brought us closer together. I actually missed my youngest when primary schools opened again last week. Am even looking forward to the upcoming vacation next week, even though we have to stay home. I'm blessed. But still...

                                     

I need a little color and yarn to lift my spirit, some interaction with fellow creators who are looking forward to new beginnings too. My heart goes out to all the shop owners and I really hope they pull through. I can't wait! Until then I try to keep myself busy by crocheting bags and hot water bottle covers.

What is your Creative Covid Lockdown Project? Let me know and have an inspirational day!

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Flower Square 8 Tutorial

So, I did it. I made my first tutorial in years! I was a little rusty. And maybe the photo's aren't the best quality... But I'm working on it. Anywho, here it comes!

As in all of my tutorials, I use US terms:

Stitches:

Slip Stitch (ss)

Chain (ch)

Double Crochet (dc)

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Double Crochet Cluster (2dcc/3dcc): Yarn around hook, into a dc from previous round, pull trough, yarn over, pull trough 2 loops, there will be 2 loops on your hook, yarn over , hook in same stitch, pull through, yarn over, pull trough 2 loops, there are 3 loops on the hook now. Yarn over and pull through all loops. 

To get started: Chain 4, join with slipstitch.

Round 1: Chain 2, 15 double crochets in initial chain-4 circle, join with ss in top stitch of first ch2. You have 16 stitches in total.

Round 2: Chain 2 in any stitch, dc in same stitch, chain 1. Now make a 2dcc, 1ch into the next 11 stitches. I use the ss from the previous round as a stitch as shown in the picture (see needle). Join with ss in top stitch of the first ch2. (See pic).

Round 3: Chain 2 in a ch1 space from the previous round, dcc into same space, chain 2. Into the next 15 ch1 spaces, make a 3dcc (so with an extra dc). In the previous round it was a 2 dc cluster, now we make 3dc clusters. (See photo's). Join with ss in top stitch of the first ch2. (See pic).

Round 4: Into the last chain 2 space of the previous round, ch2, 2 dc, ch2, 3dc. This is your first corner. *into the next space, 3hdc, into the next 3sc, into the next, 3 hdc, into the next 3 dc, ch2, 3dc*. Repeat * to * until you've reached your initial corner. Join with ss in top stitch of the first ch2. (See pic).

That's is. Finish off the loose ends and proceed as a normal granny square if you like (3 dc's in every space between and 3dc, ch2, 3dc into each corner).

My cushion is all finished. It turned out just the way I wanted, a real colorbomb! And I do like the off white instead of the bright white I usually used. To join the squares I used the join-as-you-go method.

Hope it's clear and will get you going! Let me know what you think. Have a yarn filled day!



By the way: You can find me on Instagram and also Facebook again...

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New Flower Square

Those of you who follow me on Instagram already know I've designed a new grannysquare. Today I made a chart pattern for you guys to use. I plan to make a tutorial next week. My first after a looooooong time. Exciting!!

I've loved making these squares. They are so bright and colorful and I love how they make me feel while making them.

My favorite shade of pink is no longer available and I must admit, that kind of made me angry at first. How could they??? But than I started using the new pink, a little brighter, a little more 'in your face' and I kinda got used to it. It really pops out, don't you think?

For those of you who comment on my blog, I love you for it, but I have a problem with opening/reading them. It kind of sucks, because I love to communicate with you and I so appreciate your involvement. Therefor, if you feel the need to respond, please do it on Instagram (JennPoort). It's also possible to comment through Bloglovin'.  I'll make sure to get back to you there!

Hope you enjoy the chart! Have fun!!



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Hello Agian...

Hello lovelies! It's been a while. Almost 4 years...

I've missed this blog for a long time. And kept wondering if I should start again and go on where I left it. I haven't been very decisive about it.

I started posting pictures on Instagram and, although I like it, I miss writing and making a story of my projects. I actually love the process of it and to share it with other crochet enthusiasts.

Still not sure what it will become, this blog,  but just thought I'd share some pictures with you of what I've been doing these last few weeks.


Enjoy and have a lovely day!



PS. You can find me on Instagram under JennPoort.

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Color 'n Cream Crochet 2014

I wanted to take some time to look back at my great year of 2014 already. Oh, what a lovely year it was!!!

I have only warm memories of all the nice people I met, through my blog and my visit to Sweden. All of you who left me those nice comments to make me feel better and inspired. I really LOVE this place! THANK YOU for giving me so much good vibrations! I appreciate it very much!

I hope to have brought some happy moments to you with my colorful happy work and I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and an even HAPPIER 2015! (I know it's early, but because I'm not sure if I am able to post before the end of the year, I just wanted to have said it!)




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