Started and finished this funny frog this evening using 3.25mm ( my go to size now 😊) 🐸

Although quite small, it does take a lot of work to make it look neat when fixing parts together.

Finished the chevron sample. Not sure if it will pass but at least I completed it 😊

I finished the horse last night and just finished this cool Martian 😎

I have lots of other bits to sew up, but I have to be in the mood for it. Does anyone else feel like that? I just like crocheting!

I’ve decided to make a start on the chevron sample with a 3.25mm hook. Have to keep your wits about you!

Decided to take a break from diploma submissions this evening and began on this little cutie…

Though miniature, they can be harder work due to being quite fiddly and sewing smaller parts. I’ll finish tomorrow now 😊

I finally finished the filet piece but it isn’t a square. Not sure if I’ll get away with it but I’m happy how it came out. I actually find crocheting filet quite enjoyable for some reason.

Now to pick the next project…

Yesterday evening I looked at the long list of compulsory submissions and decided my next project would be filet crochet. I have done a couple of pieces before, but this needs to be correct to get a pass from the assessor.

The one problem with filet is that you have to use a very small hook and cotton thread which can be tiring on the eyes.

I researched many websites and reminded myself of what to do, such as three stitches make one block. I didn’t realise that if you have a block above a space that the first two stitches go in the space rather than the stitches.

I had to design a pattern so I thought of a swirling pattern and created it on online graph paper:

After a couple of rips, I’ve finally begun the pattern with more confidence:

I’m not a great fan of crocheting in cotton as it is quite a lot of hard work on my fingers and with Osteoarthritis,  it can be quite painful.

However, I felt that this complex pattern deserved the work and I am quite pleased with it. Quite a weighty piece as it is quite detailed and uses a lot of cotton! 3.25mm hook.

So, yesterday, after 4 rips to get the edges straight, I finally finished the No. 5 treble (US) square and am just about happy with it.

After reading the newsletter that came with the diploma pack, I got tips for working on the No. 10 triangle starting from the point with a single crochet. I managed to start and finish that as well with a 4mm hook and am very happy with the edges.

As I was on a roll, I researched a more advanced shell pattern and have started on a ‘crazy shell’ pattern which is quite pretty. I used cotton for this one as I thought it would make the pattern more stable and visual. I also used a 3.25mm to make it tighter. This is No.15.

Spent the afternoon watching rugby 🏉 and editing this blog site. Finally got it in a presentable state I think, but always happy for constructive criticism 😊

Finished square then realised I shouldn’t have trebled in the same stitch as turning chain! Ripped and started again…

Decided to create this blog site to journal my work.

Looked at 5 rows I had completed of trebles and decided sides weren’t straight enough, so pulled apart and began again. Ends of rows, I went into the 3rd chain rather than the 4th to straighten up.