29 September 2016

New Peacock Feather Pattern Launch: Purchase it and you'll receive a Free Bonus Pattern until 3 Oct

crochet peacock feather motif garland pavo thecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room

For the last few months I have been working on quite a few new designs for my shops without actually having published any. Or rather, without actually having finished any. Once I'd started on something new, the ideas started flowing and of course I had to go with those and before I knew it, I had about 8 WIPs and hand-written notes everywhere. Until yesterday that is, when I finished the pattern writing for a new peacock feather which I named "Pavo." I have five more peacock-related patterns in the making and one flowery one, which I all plan to have in my shops before the end of the year.

"Pavo"

But first it's time to introduce "Pavo." I derived the name from the Latin name for the Indian or Blue peafowl, Pavo cristatus (and by the way, it's very fitting I think that this Latin name has my own name in it!).

It's a cute feather that measures about 6 x 8.5 cm / 2.4 x 3.4 in and can be used as an applique on hats, shawls, tablet sleeves, notebook covers, box lids and presents. Of course, you can also make a garland of as many feathers as you like. The pattern includes instructions how to make one. Talking about the pattern......just read on because there's a nice free bonus when you buy it in the next few days.
crochet peacock feather motif garland pavo thecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room bohemian boho

2 for the price of 1
To celebrate the fact that after about six months, I can finally show you a new peacock feather design, I've decided to give you a free bonus pattern - also a new one - when you buy "Pavo." It's a Little Feathers Garland, inspired by birds of paradise.
Both patterns include clear written instructions and photos, details on the Scheepjes Catona yarn + colours I used, both US and UK crochet terms and links to instructional videos for the magic ring and invisible join.
crochet peacock feather motif garlandthecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room

This offer is valid until Monday 3 October, 12.00 midday (GMT+1) and you can find it in both my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
crochet peacock feather motif garland pavo thecuriocraftsroom design the curio crafts room
If you'd also like to use Scheepjes Catona to make the feather and garlands, it's available from Deramores and WoolWarehouse *(international shipping).













*The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through this link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

21 September 2016

A Soft and Squishy New Crochet Project in Merino Soft Brush: Free Pattern Coming Soon


free crochet pattern merino soft brush thecuriocraftsroom the curio crafts room

It's been a while since I crocheted anything non-peacock related so today I decided it's time for something completely different. I love working on my peacock designs, but it's not something I can do while watching TV. I really want to crochet something that doesn't require a lot of counting and that has rounds that take a while to finish. And besides, I have a few episodes of Poldark on the hard disk recorder, so I really need this new project ;-).

Today I'll just show you the yarn I selected for it and will keep you updated on progress once I've actually started what I have in mind. And I'll share the pattern here on my blog! The yarn is Scheepjes'* Merino Soft Brush, a brand new addition to the regular Merino Soft line you may be familiar with through The Last Dance on the Beach CAL. It's the same soft mixture of 50% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Micro and 25% Acrylic but the Brush version has lovely soft tweed flecks "brushed" into it. I'm really looking forward to making something soft and squishy.

free crochet pattern merino soft brush

I selected 3 colours from the 7 available, all named after famous painters of course. So I've got Van der Leck, Breitner and Israëls to work with. For me, selecting colours is always the most challenging part of the design process; I'm very particular about it because colours really define the outcome, just as with painting really...... I hope to have a WIP to show you soon and in case you want to try Merino Soft Brush yourself (because you definitely need a new project, right?), it is available from Wool Warehouse and Deramores will stock it soon*.


free crochet pattern merino soft brush

Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

14 September 2016

Petite Peacock: Mini Versions of My Peacock Feather Designs in Lovely New Bonbon Yarn


crochet peacock feather feathers maxi bonbon sugar rush design etsy ravelry thecuriocraftsroom
As some of you may know, I design most of my peacock feather motifs using Scheepjes Catona. I really love working with mercerized cotton and the ever expanding selection of Catona colours allows me to make really inspiring colour choices. And now Scheepjes* has broadened my design options by having revamped one of their already existing laceweight yarns. I'm so happy that I can now make mini versions of my peacock designs, which are just perfect for jewelry like earrings or small delicate garlands. 

Let me just explain a little bit about this "new" yarn; perhaps it'll inspire you too.

crochet mini  peacock feather thecuriocraftsroom
Maxi Bonbon or Sugar Rush is a 2 ply mercerized cotton and until about a week ago, only available in 100g balls (560m) and in a selection of 27 colours. Well, for teeny tiny peacock feathers, 560 meters is a bit much, don't you think? So it was never very practical (how much storage room do you have?) nor economical to invest in this. But now this beautiful shiny and sturdy yarn is available in 25g (140m) balls called Bonbon and in 50g (280m) balls called Sugar Rush. And in 87 colours! Most of these colours match the Catona range, which is perfect in case you want to use both yarns in one project. 


I've selected 4 of my designs to try out Bonbon. I was curious about the following aspects:
crochet peacock feather Java thecuriocraftsroom etsy ravelry
  1. Size of the motifs (obviously ;-)
  2. Stitch definition
  3. Hook size best suited to my designs
  4. Sturdiness
  5. Results after blocking

1. Size. The photo on the right shows the Java Peacock Feather. The larger version in Catona measures 8.5 x 11.5 cm and the small Bonbon version is just 6 x 9 cm.
crochet mini peacock feather design thecuriocraftsroom etsy ravelry the curio crafts room
I think the reduction in size compared to Catona is definitely worthwhile.  Aren't these small Bonbon/Sugar Rush feathers the cutest? The smallest one in the picture on the left, which is a free pattern, measures just 3 x 3.5 cm!

2. I love the stitch definition. You can clearly see it in the photos I think. The stitches really stand out giving it a beautiful dimension, which suits if you plan on wearing these motifs as brooches or earrings.

3. Hook size. For me a 2mm hook works best. I started out by using a 1.5mm hook as advised on the band but the result was too tight and the stitch definition was lost a bit because of this. It just depends on what you're making and on how tightly you hook, so always make a swatch.

4. Sturdiness. This thin mercerized cotton is surprisingly sturdy and the motifs keep their shape very nicely. They do not flop at all so, again, ideal for jewelry or appliques.

5. Blocking. Even tough the motifs looked great before blocking, I decided to give them the treatment I also give the motifs I make using Catona. So I blocked them and let them dry for about 12 hours. And as I already guessed, the result was even better after blocking (isn't it always?). Especially the final rounds came out sharper and more even.

I hope this has inspired you to start a project of your own. Maxi Bonbon is already available form Wool Warehouse and  Deramores * (international shipping) and other Scheepjes stockists. Sugar Rush will follow shortly.

And in case you'd want to try your hand at one of my designs, have a look at my Etsy or Ravelry shop for a large selection of peacock-inspired motifs (but there are non-peacock designs too ;-)

crochet peacock feather design thecuriocraftsroom the curio craftsroom etsy ravelry
crochet yarn maxi bonbon sugar rush peacock feather the curio crafts room


Thanks to Scheepjes, who supplied the yarn for me to try out. As always, any opinions expressed are my own. The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 


Latest Instagrams

© TheCurioCraftsRoom. Design by FCD.