Well hello, so good to have your company. Sit ye down in a comfy spot and prepare yourself for a visual treat, for at last it's ta-dah time!!! As ever I am bubbling over with the excitement that goes hand in hand with the giddy showing off of creative endeavours. I apologise in advance if this post gets out of hand, only I have just previewed the photo uploads and OH MY. This is going to be one truly photogenic ta-dah, it really is.
Before we commence with the project reveal, lets just have a little Hook Talk shall we? Many of you asked about the hook I've been using (the dotty-spotty one) which appeared in the last post. I have to tell you I absolutely adore using this hook. Not only is it drop-dead-gorgeous but it also feels wonderful to hold and seems to magically enhance my crocheting speed. Sadly I can't tell you where it came from as it was a gift from a very generous visitor to the Attic, sent all the way to my door from Germany. As far as I can tell, the hook itself is a normal metal crochet hook with the handle made from polymer clay. In theory then, it should be possible for one to obtain some packets of colourful polymer clay and make ones own colourful hooky handles don't you think? Or else you could always commission someone else to do the work for you :: take a look at these, oh and these too. Yes, yes I know, The Wanties are pretty bad sometimes aren't they?
So on with the crochet stuff now then......my latest project has provided me with such a huge amount of fun, I've absolutely loved working these layers. Love love love loved it. It's been quite a frivolous indulgence, making something for myself just to see if I could. A hooky challenge. I wanted to see if I could take an idea that's been sitting in my Creative Mind for quite some time and pull it through to successful reality.
The idea then? To make a layered, circular shape that looked like a giant blooming flower. But one with No Holes or Gaps in it, and therein lay the challenge. As far as I could tell when I was desperately searching for a suitable pattern, most layered flowers have the petals worked out of chain loops. For example, look at this lovely flower to see what I mean :: this was the look that I was after but I didn't want any gaps or holes in between the layers.
So I tried to work something out myself...the above sample was made back in the winter time. I figured that maybe I could work a basic circle, then work a layer of petals out of Front Loops Only, picking up the back loops to create the next round of the circle.
I think the principle of the idea worked out, but I wasn't happy with my petals. Cos they looked like bobbles and were all sticky-uppy. I wanted pretty, flat shaped petals that looked more flowery. Plus I was having a lot of difficulty working out the mathematics of it all, ie how many stitches should be in each round and how to divide those stitches by the number of petals. My brain kind of went into melt down at this point and I was forced to abandon the idea.
Fast forward to two weeks ago when a most pleasant little jaunt through Flickr suddenly had me stop dead in my tracks :: THERE IT WAS!!!!!!!!! The very idea that had been in my mind for ages, and someone else had brought it to reality! I followed the link to a lovely blog called Two Butterflies to find out more, and joy of joys there was a link to the pattern. It's actually an old vintage potholder pattern from the 1940's. I couldn't wait to get started.....
........wow, what a super little pattern!! It's constructed in the same way as my original sample ie the petals are worked out of the front loops and the circle part out of the back loops.
The flower is then built up in layers, with two rounds being worked in each colour (a flat circle round, followed by a petal round).
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Round and round and round building up layer upon layer of colourful, happy floral petals!! Such fun!!!!
Boy oh boy, I really, really, really enjoyed sitting and working on this beauty, enjoyed watching it grow and bloom, playing with the colours as I went.
Smoochy-smooch, I couldn't get enough of it ♥
Then last weekend I realised that it was all over.
It had come to an end.
I think I probably could have gone on and on and on producing these frilly layers for ever and a day.
I could have constructed a huge ginormous circular floor rug.
But no, I had to stop.
Thirty centimeters across and that was it.
Stop.
And admire...........................
Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There it is in all it's frilly, layered blooming glory.
Isn't it perfectly bonkers??!! Quite a crazy bit of hooky over-the-top-ness!
This is the reverse side look. These are the circles that are worked in the back loops, supporting the front-loop petals.
I found out through a bit of trial and error that I only needed to make increases in every other row, otherwise there seemed to be way too many stitches and it didn't want to lay flat.
I also found out that the total number of stitches in each row needed to be a multiple of five for the petals to work out right, so this project did involve a wee bit of counting and checking to make sure it was all staying on track.
But it was SO worth the effort. The result is a beautifully flamboyant and wonderfully tactile object, it invites you to play with it....oh and we certainly did just that.
The Little People really enjoyed playing with this bit of crazy hooky whilst it was lying about the place waiting for it's backside to be created. Little B took to holding it under his chin and snuggling his face into it like a comforter. Bless.
The backside of my Blooming Flower cushion was constructed in plain circles which mirrored the circular rows from the frilly side. In other words I made the same increases in every alternate row....
....then finished off with a row of red petals (front loop only). It was a bit curly-wurly when I'd finished it, so I gave it a v light press with the steam iron on the wrong side to flatten it all out nicely.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!! Yummy scrummy!!!
To construct the cushion, I put wrong sides together and joined with crochet slip stitches through the back loops of each final round. It worked a treat and made a lovely neat join, bringing the front and back sides together beautifully.
The feather pad I bought is quite full and puffy, so the cushion has taken on a wonderfully squishy round shape.
And of course, it looks perfectly at home amongst all the other hooky goodness I've got going on here.
I love seeing it nestling into the furniture as if it's always been here. Sometimes on the sofa, sometimes on the big chair. I love it's frilly good looks, it's rich layers of colour.
In short, this project has made me very happy indeed. Lots of happy hooky memories, resulting in a wonderfully happy Finished Object.
The written pattern is out there on t'internet for you all to go find if you'd like to have a go at this sweet project. I also managed to sneak time in whilst Little B napped to take some step-by-step photos in order to write up a tutorial for you all. I'll be working on that in the next few days.
In the meantime, here's a quick snapshot to show you my Blooming Flower cushion being smooched and my neat new hair-chop.
Well you did ask. I'm happy with shorter hair now (I had long, long hair for most of my life) and am also back to my natural dark colour after years of having highlights put in. I figured that whilst I've only got a smidgen of grey hair lurking then I'm happy going au naturel with the colour. Saves the pennies too.
I've thoroughly enjoyed sharing with you today, thank you so much for calling by. Off to go snuggle my three Little Peeps now, today is the first day of our long six week summer holiday and I'm loving having them home. Byeeee for now xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Edited to add :: re the dotty-spotty crochet hooks, I've just recieved the following info from Angela at Polymer Clay Creations....
She will happily make hooks to order, you will need to convo her directly via Etsy. The spotty hooks are priced at $6 each, with a discount of 10% if you order four or more at the same time. The hooks are US ones, so for UK peeps the sizing is a little different to what we are used to. She has the following mm sizes available ::
3.25 / 3.5 / 3.75 / 4.25 / 5 /5.5 / 6 / 6.5
I think the one closest to a UK 4mm (our most popular size) would be the 4.25mm.
Resistance is futile you know. x
PS>>>> TA-DAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE TUTORIAL IS READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FIND IT ♥HERE♥ !!!!
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Had great fun using up yarn. Thanks for all your brilliant ideas and tutorials.
Posted by: Jean C | March 20, 2024 at 02:18 PM
I’d like to follow the conversation about the blooming flower cushion please.
Posted by: Maureen Wiesner | March 10, 2024 at 01:31 PM
Hi Lucy
I am interested in making your blooming pillow and wold like to confirm that the crochet hook used is a 3.5 mm UkK size.
As how do you subscribe to your blog? Couldn't find it on the website.
Thxs
Kathryn
Posted by: Kathryn | November 18, 2023 at 08:32 PM
Thank you for this pattern!
Posted by: Carole Morales | September 18, 2022 at 11:10 PM
I would love to buy one of your flower pillows but can't figure out how? I followed you on instagram too but didn't see how to order. So beautiful!
Posted by: julie hayes | February 06, 2022 at 02:15 PM
This pattern makes a fantastic chunky rug. I have made several. I used a N/P hook and 3 strands of yarn. The fabric is squishy!
Posted by: Barbara | October 31, 2021 at 10:11 AM
Hi Lucy. I wonder if you could help me please. I am making your blooming flower cushion, all in the same colour. I seem to have a VERY visible seam where I am joining. Could you, or anyone suggest a way to minimise this please? Thank you in advance.
Posted by: SarahGarratt | July 07, 2021 at 07:19 AM
Hi could you please tell me if you sell the pattern for this cushion please, together with the wool. I really would like to make this. Thank you very much xx
Posted by: Jean | March 25, 2021 at 03:51 PM
I can't find any reference to hook size and yarn thickness. Can you tell me what they are please? I've only just seen your site and have signed up for emails.
Posted by: Lesley Silvester | January 28, 2021 at 01:23 PM
I would love to have a go at the cushion please can you recommend wool and quantities
Many thanks Fran
Posted by: France Morris | July 26, 2020 at 07:02 AM
Hi, your blooming flower cushion looks amazing and I can picture this on my garden chair on a sunny day. I notice you often have yarn packs for particular projects (making it easy for a beginner like me). Could you please post some information on the wool and hook size. Thank you !
Posted by: Emma William's | June 28, 2020 at 09:45 AM
Hi Lucy, I've just stumbled across your beautiful cushion and am raring to give it a go once I've completed blanket I'm busy with. I also love the elephant in the background of one of your photos. Is there link to the pattern for it somewhere please?
Posted by: Aleta Van Vuuren | April 30, 2020 at 12:17 PM
Hi Lucy❣ just wondering if the pattern & supplies are available anywhere? The blog/website for Two butterflies has been taken down or discontinued...
TIA XxxxX Kristine S
Posted by: Kristine Schipp | November 08, 2019 at 10:53 PM
Hi Lucy,
I am just wondering what I should use to stuff this cushion. Could I sew an insert and stuff it with polyester or would it be better to buy a round cushion instead?
Posted by: Hannah | May 06, 2019 at 07:04 AM
Please can you tell me what thickness of yarn is best to use and also size of crochet hook. I look forward to tackling this! Thankyou
Posted by: Annette | March 26, 2019 at 09:13 AM
Love the blooming flower cushion, is this something you could create and sell as i would be interested ?
Posted by: Tony Solinas | October 11, 2018 at 11:25 AM
hi, is it the good ole stylecraft acrylic dk you used on this please? i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxx
Posted by: rhona liddle | July 27, 2018 at 03:56 PM
I love this cushion . Fabulous colours always in all your work . Love the blankets too !
Posted by: Sue Boulding | June 27, 2018 at 10:29 PM
Hi Lucy. You make such lovely things and the colours look amazing. Could you please let me know the type of yarn you used for the cushion. Thanks so much for the pattern.
Posted by: Hawwa Nuzhath | May 13, 2018 at 05:23 PM
Hi Lucy
Want to make this so much! What yarn, colours and hook size did you use?
Posted by: Adele | April 03, 2018 at 01:35 PM
What size hook and how much yarn do you need? I love this!
Posted by: Doris Sparks | March 13, 2018 at 01:20 AM
Hi Lucy, I have just completed the Woodland blanket. It was a great experience, my first Attic 24 project, thank you so much. I have the hydrangea pack ready to go but I fancied completing something smaller first. I love the flower cushion and wondered if you could please give me some information on the yarn you used? It looks like cotton?
Posted by: Yvonne Davidson | March 03, 2018 at 01:32 PM
Hi Lucy! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your gift of color & creation so freely. I am preparing for an inevitable hospital stay & while that's had me in tears, stumbling onto this, and deciding that it's going to be the project I do between tests & doctor's visits, has given me a little cheer. Thank you so much. Your gift & happy words, the "peek" you give into such a cheerful life; it reaches far & helps some more than you realize.
Happy Hooking!
Maggie 🐝
Nobody told the bee that her wings weren't enough to carry her so she flew anyway!
Posted by: Maggie | January 30, 2018 at 07:08 PM
That flower is absolutely perfect. I don't suppose you have a list of yarns and colors you used?
Posted by: Catherine | December 26, 2017 at 12:41 AM
I worked this pattern dozens of times and the numbers done add up starting with row 4 it has caused great stress, if you work 2dc(us terms) then work 1dc then 2 in the next all the way around, it's more than 45 stitches which throws the whole count off.
Posted by: Kym | December 19, 2017 at 08:23 PM