At the moment I feel like my Creative Force has developed an entire mind of it's own and is running me at Warp Speed. Ideas and Must-makes are spilling out of me faster than I can cope with. It's both exhilarating and exhausting.
Just to keep you up to date, I've left the tins for now and am working my way through an obsessive Mini Bunting phase. I've always loved strings of colourful bunting flags, I guess you'll know that if you've been visiting the Attic for a while. I made my crochet bathroom bunting three years ago now (ooooooo check out this post...almost exactly three years ago To-The-Day, how freaky???!!!!! Mid January must contain very strong Bunting Vibes!!!).....wow. I've lost all train of thought now, I just freaked myself out with that discovery.
Ok. Think. Yes. Bunting making. I've been falling in love with mini bunting of late, it's been leaping out at me as I journey through the land of Blogs and Pins. A few days ago I arrived at a gorgeous new-to-me-blog called Heart Handmade UK. Now I come to think of it, I got there whilst searching for Washi Tape inspiration, yes, that was it. Heart Handmade UK is a beautiful visual blog written with passion and love...I've not had the time to really dive into the archives but I really love what I've seen and read so far. It's full of wonderful and inspiring discoveries, and the overall visual style is very "me". Lots of colour and creativity with a dash of quirkiness! There are so many wonderful links there to follow, you will be off on an amazing journey with this blog I can tell you. One such link took me to a Dutch Blog called Zilverblauw, and that's where the mini bunting jumped out at me. That was it then, I just had to make my own. I couldn't wait any longer.
I literally lept away from my desk, grabbed my little box of embroidery threads and a slim 2.5mm hook (conveniently still sat there following the Jolly Holly making), and set to work. Just like that. I chained a chain in green bamboo cotton first. I decided on 1 chain gaps between my little mini coloured triangles, so my foundation chain was made in multiples of 7 (6 chains for each triangle and 1 chain for each space between). Once the foundation chain was made I started at the right hand side and began to work weeny triangles directly out of the chain, as follows....
Row 1 :: draw a loop through the first stitch, chain 2. Work 1dc in each of the next 5 chains (remember to crochet over the top of your tail ends so you don't have to darn them). Chain 1 and turn [6 stitches].
Row 2 :: work 1dc in each stitch. Chain 1 and turn [6 stitches]
Row 3 :: 1 dc-decrease, dc twice, 1 dc-decrease (see note at end about the decrease business). Chain 1 and turn [4 stitches]
Row 4 :: work 1dc in each stitch. Chain 1 and turn [4 stitches]
Row 5 :: dc-decrease twice. Chain 1 and turn [2 stitches]
Row 6 :: work 1dc in each stitch. Chain 1 and turn [2 stitches]
Row 7 :: dc-decrease. Fasten off. Darn end in at back.
OK...about the dc decrease, this is how to do it in words......Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, hook back through stitch (2 stitches on hook). Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, hook back through stitch (3 stitches on hook). Yarn over and draw yarn through All Three Stitches on hook. You are effectively turning 2 stitches into 1.
Also just to mention that the bunting benefited enormously from a light steam press with a medium hot iron on the wrong side once it was finished. I tweaked the pointy ends into a good pointy shape whilst the cotton was still slightly damp from the iron.
See how weeny and cutesome the triangles are?! They're diddy!
This is a super-fast project. I hooked up this little row of 8 triangles in about half an hour. Maybe a little longer with the end-darning. The triangles really are teeny tiny...the sides measure just 2.5cm.
As soon as it was finished I went around the house holding it up to various things to see how it looked. Strung under pictures. Under the hall mirror. Along shelf edges. Around a plain cream lampshade (definitely a winner).
And then finally it came to rest in the twigs. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes. That's it. I'll make my twigs into a Mini Bunting Tree!! Need to go stock up on embroidery thread now, cos I've got lots more bunting strings to make and I'm running low on supplies.
Oh sweet, simple crochet, how it rocks my world.
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ps Just a note to say that this mini crochet bunting thing is most definitely not my original idea. I've been hugely inspired by the lovely Kate who recently made herself some and turned it into a necklace. That girl has such style x
hi can you help. i'm trying to make this bunting but dont understand something? there arent enough stitches left to do the dc decrease at beginning 'and' end of the little rows when it asks you to; she describes how to do it and its done over 3 stitches, there are only 6 on the row at the time as per her correct instructions so how can i start a row by doing a dc decrease (which uses 3 stitch areas as per her instructions and all uk crochet help sites) then 2 dc stitches then another dc decrease (which will require another 3 stitch spaces to use)? how do you decrease in dc stitch please? i'm quite new to crochet and so far have made lots off her site, and i'm uk so really only understand the uk terms for it so thats good but this is my first time decreasing and it just doesnt make sense to me? many thanks for your time and help. warm regards. xx
Posted by: wonder woman | January 27, 2018 at 04:04 PM
Thank you so much for this pattern, I've just made a little string to decorate a baby shower gift. I can't wait to make some for me.
Posted by: Alex Stoltzman | April 11, 2015 at 12:49 PM
I'm having a little trouble with this..to get it to look right I'm going into the very first hole After the chain for the decreases, and skipping this first hole in the dc rows...anyone have any tips? Xx
Posted by: Hayley | September 20, 2014 at 11:03 AM
So cute, love your bunting.
Posted by: Janet | April 18, 2012 at 10:11 PM
I've just followerd this post from Pinterest. What an amazing colourful blog you have, thankyou ever so much for sharing this pattern.
I just wish I didn't work full time so I had time to do everything I want to. Maybe one day!
~ Natalie
Posted by: Natalie | February 27, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Lucy, I love the buntings. Well, I love everything you come up with but I have an idea to make a bunting to put above my window. Can I ask a question? Should I make a chain the length I need and attach them to the chain? I think that would involve some math...not my strong point but I'm determined to follow through with this idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kelly | February 22, 2012 at 10:30 PM
I came across your blog late last night when I had picked up a crochet needle and thread for the first time (ever!). Now my 2 round granny square is on the side and I have a 2ft long chain stitch and am scratching my head how to actually make the flags (not learnt all the stitches yet!)... decided they'd be fab for a dolls house! Thankfully my daughter is only 4 months, so I've got a while to work it out... :)
Posted by: Selena | February 20, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Lucy, I love your blog! Thank you so much for all the inspiration. I just have a teeny weeny question to ask - did you ever manage to find time to write the pattern for your happy flower? It would look perfect in my hall but as a reasonably novice crocheter I just can't work it out myself! I'm hoping now we all may be snowed in for a few days there will be plenty of time for crochet - if someone would just tell my children for me..... ;-)
Alex
X
Posted by: Alex | February 04, 2012 at 06:04 PM
http://hooniemama.blogspot.com/2012/02/crotch-it-mind-tricks.html I managed to make the bunting :) I wrote about it in my blog :) x
Posted by: hoonie mama | February 03, 2012 at 11:07 AM
I love these - im trying to make them for my friend and im failing miserably :( ive ripped back several times now... im new to crochet so its probs me being a total dunce!
Posted by: hoonie mama | February 01, 2012 at 08:22 AM
That's DARLING! I can't wait to make a string to wear around my neck. I'll be spreading the word about your bunting- thanks so much for sharing it!
Posted by: Rachel | January 31, 2012 at 09:31 PM
Gotta love mini garlands and your fab colours Lucy. You might like my heart garland too: http://simplenaturalhandmade.blogspot.com/2012/01/rustic-heart-garland.html Juanita x
Posted by: Juanita | January 30, 2012 at 11:30 AM
I love tiny crochet! Everything instantly becomes that much more adorable when made in miniature :)
Posted by: julia @ The BackLoop | January 28, 2012 at 05:12 PM
You are one of the best with patterns. I am still working on the Japanise flower pattern, going to get enough to make a scarf.
Posted by: Janet | January 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM
The mini bunting is so cute! I have tons of embroidery thread, so if I ever get the bunting bug I have plenty of supplies. :-)
Posted by: Zuleika | January 27, 2012 at 08:55 PM
I just LOVE everything you create and the colors you use are are all of my favorites. You have made me want to learn to crochet. What is the best online resource for a complete beginner?
Posted by: Dee | January 27, 2012 at 07:13 PM
Lucy I have loved all your blogs and have been looking at your site for some months now. I have started to crotchet again, due to your wonderful ideas and patterns. Due to your inspiration I am just starting to blog, it feels like an adventure, slightly nerve-wracking but exciting. I hope to actually make something, instead of just thinking about making something! So thank you for sharing. Vivien
Posted by: vivien coooper | January 27, 2012 at 09:57 AM
This is just "melt your heart kinda cool" Truly and deliciously and frivilously stunning! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Posted by: Angy Braine | January 27, 2012 at 07:31 AM
Lets all pay for a coffee or two for this WONDERFUL creative person.She is sharing willingly, let us all do the same. Love to all, Pip in San Marcos Texas.
Posted by: Pip | January 27, 2012 at 01:53 AM
Oe ... I love them!
Posted by: S@@rtje | January 26, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Your little bunting is VERY cute. I just love it, especially on your twigs. If only I knew how to crochet.....
Kay
Posted by: 505whimsygirl | January 26, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Cute and dainty, perfect on your twiggy tree
Posted by: Julie | January 26, 2012 at 07:06 PM
I love the colours in your home and get fleeting glimpses of the art on your walls. Please tell us about your art some time....please?
Posted by: maypole | January 26, 2012 at 06:10 PM
Oh the teeny tiny are SO darling. How do you sleep at night with all the ideas floating around in your head? But I'm so glad you share with us, have copied so many down, can't keep up with you and I don't even have munchkins at home anymore. But thank you, thank you, it makes my day
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | January 26, 2012 at 05:15 PM
Hi Lucy,
I've only just discovered your blog and I love it!! I'm working my way through your archives and it's like reading a really good book - good writing, great characters, loads of style and wit - positvely unputdownable. It feels like I've found a new friend. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts, ideas and life with the rest of us. It's very much appreciated.... love the mini-bunting by the way xxx p.s I've read zillions of blogs and this is the first time I've ever felt compelled to leave a message!
Posted by: Deborah Taylor | January 26, 2012 at 04:43 PM