Mum's curling stone

This is my Mum's pattern for a crocheted curling stone (originally published in March 2013).

Curling stone uses a bulky weight wool (about 1-3g of main colour and 1-3 g of colour for handle) and a 4 mm hook.

Uses UK crochet terms.

Base of curling stone:
Using main colour, start with magic loop.
First round - 3 chain (ch) then 12 trebles (tr), join together with slip stitch (sl).
Next 3 rounds - 3 ch then 1 tr in every previous tr, increasing 1 every 3rd st to make piece lie flat, join with sl.
Next round - 3 ch then 1 tr in every previous tr, join with sl.
Next 2 rounds - 3 ch then 1 tr in every previous tr, decreasing (tr2tog) every 3rd st to make piece curve in at top. Join with sl.
Fasten off, pull magic loop closed and tie off, you should have a flat bottomed bowl.

Top of curling stone:
Using second colour, start with magic loop.
First round - 12 tr, join with sl.
Next 2 rounds - 1 tr in every previous tr, increasing every 3rd st to make piece lie flatish. Join with sl.
Fasten off, pull magic loop closed and tie off.

Handle:
Using second colour, do 16 chain.
First row - 1 double (db) in 2nd chain from hook then 1 db in every chain.
Next 3 rows - db in every previous db.
Fasten off.

To make up:
Stitch the two long edges of the handle together to form a tube. Sew one end closed then sew the other end of it to one side of the lid (spreading it open slightly as you sew it on).
About a third of the way along the handle put a gathering stitch in underneath it to pull it into shape.

Measure and cut out a piece of cardboard about 2-2.5cm by about 30cm (may vary depending on size of stone). Join the narrow ends together with tape and slip the circle inside the base (this slightly stretches and shapes the base).

Sew lid on about two-thirds of the way around and stuff with toy stuffing. Finish sewing the lid in place then shape the finished curling stone to the desired shape. Spray with starch if you want.

You can find the ravelry page here or download a PDF of the pattern here.

Progress update!

One of my goals for the year was to learn how to crochet properly (my granny taught me to crochet when I was wee, so I had a gist of the basics, but I really couldn’t remember much so I was essentially starting from scratch). I’m really chuffed to say that I’ve managed to meet at least that goal!

 
The cloth on the left was my first attempt getting back at it, and I deliberately chose a cotton DK because the cloth was something I would use regardless of how badly it turned out. In the end I don’t think it turned out too badly, though I did keep losing stitches at the end of the rows, but on the plus side at least some of the ridges are intentional!

The motif on the right was several relatively plain cloths later (both square and circular I’m pleased to say), and I am really pleased with how well I’ve come on in such a quick time. I changed over to a merino 4-ply as these motifs are part of the secret project I’m helping out with.

Since then my confidence and speed have definitely picked up as well as this pile of motifs will attest. Plus I’m managing to stay consistent in my stitches, and I can now crochet this motif whilst chatting away at knitting group. Definitely a sign of progress I think.

And I’m even feeling confident enough to follow a pattern that hasn’t been thoroughly explained by the master crocheter herself (AKA Mum). This is the start of a puff stitch hexy from Kat Goldin’s pattern on her blog. I’m using a some left over acrylic wool mix in a heavy DK, and the eventual plan will to be to use up various bits and bobs for a cosy blanket.

I think learning any new skill is always a big achievement, but I think this feels even bigger for me. My mental health the last year or so really hasn’t been great, and picking up the crochet hook and keeping on going has felt like climbing a mountain. I honestly think it’s helped me get further down the road to recovery and helped me make life changing decisions that will further help. Obviously it’s not the only reason I’m getting better (my awesome family and GP for the main part), but I really can’t put into words how great it feels to show myself that I can still learn something new, and that I’m not totally useless and stuck for the rest of my life.

WIP: Oodles and oodles and a bit of hooking

Let's just pretend it's Wednesday.

I've been doing oodles and oodles of lovely, brain-free garter stitch lately as the log cabin blanket has been my mainstay project. It's also lovely and cosy for curling up to knit with (usually in the evening when it gets quite cool) so that's a definite plus.

There is a super-secret project going on in our family just now that means I'm crocheting again. I'm still fairly new at it, and these motifs are taking more brain power than I have at times so my progress here is a lot slower. I am really pleased with the one I've finished though so it is proving something of a mood boost!