Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Picot Edge Heart - Day 30 IBGHD 2020

 


Good morning all!

Well, this month has really flown by hasn't it! It seems like only yesterday I was posting the first pattern for the month, and here we are on the last already. 

I hope everyone has thoroughly enjoyed making hearts instead of hats this year. It's been different, but a good different. 

As we wrap everything up, I want to take a moment to thank you all for joining in, and making such a huge impact in the lives of so many people. Truly, you are all such amazing people. The amount of love and support your hearts will bring those who are breaking will be incredible. Thankyou. 

So I guess lets get onto the last pattern, and at the bottom of the page here I'll add in all the charities and their postal details again so you can find them easily. Here we go!





Picot Edge Heart

You will need to colours of yarn for this heart, one for the heart itself and one for the edge. 

1: Ch5, join to the first ch to make a ring

2: Into the ring, ch3, dc, ch4, 2dc, ch4, 2dc, ch4, 2dc, ch4, join to the top of the starting ch3

3: Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next st, in the ch4 space (2sc, ch2, 2sc), *sc in the next 2 sts, in the next ch4 space (2sc, ch2, 2sc)*, repeat *to* twice more, join to the first sc.

4: Slst in the first 4 sts, slst in the ch2 space, sk the next 3 sts and in between the 3rd and 4th st make 10 trc, slst in the next ch2 space, sk 3 sts, between the 3rd and 4th sts make 10 trc, slst into the next ch2, end off.

5: With a contrasting colour, join in the slst between the top of the heart humps, sc in the next st, *ch3, slst into the first ch, sc in the next 2 sts*, repeat around, sc to last st, join with a slst to the starting join. End off and weave in tails.

Size Notes:
3.5mm hook + 8ply = 10cm heart
2.0mm hook + 4ply = 7cm heart





What next?

Over the next few days we'll spend time finishing up our hearts, weaving in edges and reflecting.
On October 15th, international pregnancy and infant loss day, we remember all the babies and post our hearts to one of the organisations listed below. Its ok if you can't post on the 15th and do it earlier or later, given how difficult it is right now with the pandemic situation, we all know timelines are a bit out the window. That is totally ok. 

This year I will be asking everyone to send me a tally and any photos for a round up video using email and THIS FORM HERE so please have a look :) Even if you don't want to send photos, please fill in the form, this is how we are keeping tally of the heart numbers this year. 

Again, thankyou for joining in. I hope everyone enjoyed the drive this year, and I look forward to next year and whatever it brings for the next IBGHD. <3 


Australia

Chance's Clothes Project
c/- Cowra Neighbourhood Centre
15 Vaux St
Cowra NSW 2794



Europe

Sleeping Beauties 
29 chilton avenue 
Sittingbourne 
Kent
ME10 4TB



United States

Anencephaly Hope
304 N E Street
Louisiana, Missouri
63353
USA



Project Robby
P.O. Box 783 
Goddard, KS 67052
USA





๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ’™๐ŸคŽ๐Ÿงก


In honour of the babies we did not get to hold, those we got to hold but couldn't keep and those that only got to stay for a short while. 

Frankie, Alice, Robin, Sasha, Jesse, Nora. 
Forever loved.
















Friday, September 25, 2020

Puff Heart

 


Hello lovelies!

Today's pattern is an adaptation of the flay lay heart from earlier in the month. By making 2 hearts, and adding a new edge, we can put 2 flat lays together with some stuffing to make a more puffy 3D heart! How cute!

Like all heart patterns, you are free to pick your own yarn weight and hook size for these, but being stuffed, I suggest a smaller hook so stuffing doesn't peak through. 

Puff Heart

1: Ch2, sc in the 1st ch

2: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the st - 2

3: Ch1, turn, 2sc in each st - 4

4: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first st, sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in the last st - 6

5: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, 2sc in the last st - 8

6: Ch1, turn, sc in each st across - 8

7: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first st, sc in the next 6 sts, 2sc in the last st - 10

8: Ch1, turn, sc in each st across - 10

9: Ch1, turn, sk the first 2 sts, 6dc in the next st, sk 1 st, slst in the next st, sk 1 st, 6dc in the next st, sk the next 2 sts, slst in the last st. End off.

Make a total of 4 hearts to sew together.

Place 2 hearts together, wrong sides facing. All stitches in this round will be made through both hearts.

10: Using a contrasting colour, join the yarn at the bottom point of the heart with a slst, (sc, ch3, sc) in the same st to make the bottom point of the heart, sc evenly up the side of the heart for 8 sc, when you reach the dc section of the heart, sc in the first st, 2sc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, slst in the next 4 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in the next 2 sts, * stop here and lightly stuff your heart*, sc in the next 8 st, join to the first sc.



Saturday, September 19, 2020

Little Blanket Edge Felt Heart


 Morning all!

Today I have another little felt heart project for you. This one is just adorable, being that the finished hearts are only 1.5 inches.

For these hearts you'll need to download the template which is available for download HERE

Follow along with these super easy steps to make your own! I've found this heart looks best when you use a high contrast colour for the thread. 

You could also embroider small flowers into the front piece of felt prior to sewing.


You Will Need:

The template from the link above, cut out the 1.5 inch heart

A sewing needle

Some thread

A small amount of stuffing

A small amount of felt


1: Cut out 4 1.5 inch hearts from the felt.


2: Place 2 hearts together and blanket stitch around the outside edge, when you have a small opening left, be sure to push some stuffing inside (a pencil helps here) before you finish sewing.



That's it! It really only has the 2 steps! I told you it was easy. The beauty about these little hearts is they are so easy to customise with colour choice or adding on embellishments like tiny flowers or bows. How creative can you make them? 

This pattern is also a great one to introduce children to hand sewing, as the hearts are small enough that they wont need a super long thread to get tangled and can be finished fast, giving them some quick gratification for a job done. 


Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Flat Lay Heart




Hello!

Today's pattern is for a basic flat lay heart. This is one of my favourites this year, as it's so easy to memories and take in the car :) You can use any yarn and corresponding hook size to really customise the size of your heart. 




Flat Lay Heart

1: Ch2, sc in the 1st ch

2: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the st - 2

3: Ch1, turn, 2sc in each st - 4

4: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first st, sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in the last st - 6

5: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, 2sc in the last st - 8

6: Ch1, turn, sc in each st across - 8

7: Ch1, turn, 2sc in the first st, sc in the next 6 sts, 2sc in the last st - 10

8: Ch1, turn, sc in each st across - 10

9: Ch1, turn, sk the first 2 sts, 6dc in the next st, sk 1 st, slst in the next st, sk 1 st, 6dc in the next st, sk the next 2 sts, slst in the last st.

10: Ch1, do not turn, sc evenly down the side of the heart for 7 sc, in the initial starting ch from round 1 (the bottom point of the heart) do (sc, ch3, sc) sc evenly up the next side of the heart for 8 sc, when you reach the dc section of the heart, sc in the first st, 2sc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, slst in the next 4 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next st, slst to join.

Size Notes:
3.5mm hook + DK Weight/8ply yarn = 7.5cm
2.0mm hook + Fingering/4ply yarn = 5.5cm
2.5mm hook + Fingering/4ply yarn = 6cm




Sunday, September 13, 2020

Flat Sheared Heart


Good morning all!


Today's heart is another little sewn number, and it's even easier than the last one!

These hearts are super easy, require no turning and use minimal fabric. Perfect for using up the odds and ends in the sewing draws.

Follow the instructions below to make a pair. 


Flat Sheared Heart

For one pair, you will need:

The template, that you can download and print HERE

2 small rectangles of felt to use as the wadding

4 small rectangles of fabric for the outer pieces. These can be the same fabric for all 4, or you can have the front and back of the heart in different prints.

A pair of pinking shears to trim the edges and stop fraying. (Note, you can use regular scissors but you will need to use outer fabrics that do not fray)




1: Starting with the template, cut out the 3 inch heart.

2: Make a sandwich with your fabrics. Lay one printed piece face down, then the felt in the middle, and the front fabric face up. Place the heart on top and put a pin through all 4 layers to hold it in place. 


3: With your sewing machine (or if you prefer to hand stitch) sew around the outer edge of the heart, being careful not to catch the paper template with the sewing needle. 


4: When you have gone around the entire heart take the pin out, remove the template and cut around the outer edge of the stitch line with the pinking shears.



5: Make a second heart in the same way so you have a matching pair! 

That's it lovelies, like I said, this one is very simple, and a great little project for anyone new to using a sewing machine.

You could easily make this with the 2.5 or 2 inch heart templates also if you have a smaller piece of fabric to use. 






Thursday, September 10, 2020

Tiny 2 Round Heart

 


Good morning all! 

Today's heart pattern is so easy that t only has 2 rounds, and uses less that 2 meters of yarn! 

These tiny hearts are prefect for the smallest bereavement packs from CCP, but they also make fantastic appliques for other projects.

 

Tiny 2 Round Heart

1: ch2, hdc 6 times into the 1st ch from hook, join to the first hdc.

2: ch3, dc three times in the same st at the starting ch, 2hdc in the next st, (2sc, ch2, 2sc) in the next st, 2hdc in the next st, 3dc in the next st, ch3 and slst into the same st as the 3dc, sk the next st and slst to the base of the starting ch3, end off.

Weave in tails to finish.

Size Notes:

2.0mm hook + size 10 thread = 2.5cm across heart
2.0mm hook + fingering weight/4ply = 3cm across heart
3.5mm hook + DK weight/8ply = 4cm across heart
4.0mm hook + DK weight/8ply = 5cm across heart





Monday, September 7, 2020

Bethany Heart

 



Good morning all!


To round out week 1 for this years IBGDH I have another new crochet heart pattern! This heart is worked in the round, and is so fast to make you can whip up a pair in under 30 minutes! It's a very simple pattern to memorise too, making it a great handbag project for waiting rooms and car trips. 


Bethany Heart

NOTE: trc = triple crochet. If you need instructions on how to do this stitch check the top of this pattern HERE

1: Ch5, join to the first ch to make a ring

2: Into the ring, ch3, dc, ch4, 2dc, ch4, 2dc, ch4, 2dc, ch4, join to the top of the starting ch3

3: Ch1, sc in the same st, sc in the next st, in the ch4 space (2sc, ch2, 2sc), *sc in the next 2 sts, in the next ch4 space (2sc, ch2, 2sc)*, repeat *to* twice more, join to the first sc.

4: Slst in the first 4 sts, slst in the ch2 space, sk the next 3 sts and in between the 3rd and 4th st make 10 trc, slst in the next ch2 space, sk 3 sts, between the 3rd and 4th sts make 10 trc, slst into the next ch2 end off.

Size Notes:
2.0mm hook + Size 10 thread = 4.5cm heart
3.5mm hook + DK weight/8ply yarn = 8cm heart




Thursday, September 3, 2020

Double Love Felt Heart

 


Good morning all!

Today I have something a little different to share with you all for the IBGHD. This is for all of you who wanted to join in but don't know how to knit or crochet. 

This little felt heart is fast to make, simple, and uses no fancy stitches, yay!  I have a couple of sewing patterns to release this month so keep an eye out for them.

You Will Need:

Felt in 2 colours

A sewing needle

Thread, cotton or thin yarn to sew with

The pattern

The pattern/template for the Double Love Heart can be found here you will need the 2.5 inch and 1 inch hearts. 


Step 1: Print out the pattern. Be sure that the 1 inch test box is 1 inch. There are multiple sizes on the one sheet (because we have more patterns later in the month) but for this one, you will need the 2.5 and 1 inch heart templates.


Step 2: Cut out 4 of the 2.5 inch hearts and 2 of the 1 inch hearts



Step 3: Sew the small hearts onto the front of a large heart. Make sure both front pieces are positioned the same. 



Step 4: Sew the front and back pieces of the heart together, when you have one side left stuff lightly before continuing to the end.



You could easily change this one up by using a blanket stitch or a more contrasting thread.




Tuesday, September 1, 2020

IBGHD 2020 and the Square Bottom Heart





Welcome to the 2020 Itty Bitty GIANT Heart drive!

If you didn’t catch the announcement a few weeks ago, here’s a quick overview on this year's drive.

We’ve done such a smashing job over the last 7 years that Chance’s Clothes Project (CCP here-on) no longer needs such a huge influx of hats! So instead of making hats this year, we’re making HEARTS!

Pairs of hearts are an integral item in every single baby bereavement pack that leaves the CCP headquarters. They are included as a keepsake item, one heart stays with the baby, the other heart with the family. It’s provided significant comfort for many families. As you can imagine, this means a huge amount of hearts are needed! So this year, and probably the next few, hearts will be our focus for the IBGHD.

I have been hard at work working on a handful of patterns to release for the drive, but I will also be sharing links to already existing patterns during the month, because there are already some stunning ones out there! To see all the links be sure to follow on Facebook or Instagram 

If your sharing online, please add #IBGHD2020 to your post to help spread the word! The more the merrier!

Not only do we have CCP on board this year, but we once again welcome some fantastic international groups who are also in need of heart keepsakes. I’ll add all of the organisations and their postal addresses to the bottom of this announcement.

HEART GUIDELINES

1. Hearts must come in a MATCHING pair, meaning 2 identical hearts. This is super important.

2. Hearts must not be bigger than the size of your palm. They can be as small as you like however. This ensures there are hearts to fit all gestational packs, but also makes sure they are not too big to bulk up packaging too much.

3. Hearts can be flat or stuffed, but if you are making 3D/stuffed hearts please do not over stuff them, again this is to help with packaging.

4. Hearts can be made from fabric or felt, knitted, crocheted or sewn. They must be soft (so no origami or beaded hearts) You can use embroidery, a small amount of beading or buttons or attach bows to decorate your hearts but please keep the thickness in mind.

5. When getting your hearts ready for postage, please ensure the pairs are tied together with a piece of thread, yarn, ribbon or even safety pinned. This is so none get misplaced or lost, and to help the volunteers easily sort through the parcels once they arrive. This is super important to keeping everything running smoothly.

6. You are welcome to use whatever pattern you feel like using. You are certainly not obligated to use mine, or the ones I’ll be sharing. In fact the more variety the better!

7. Colour Requirements. This will depend entirely on who you are sending your completed hearts to.

Chance’s Clothes Project: Any colour is fine, but solid colours paired with whites are the best if using 2 colours.

Sleeping Beauties Angel Gowns Kent: White, pastel pink, pastel blue, lilac, lemon yellow and mint green.

Anencephaly Hope: Any colours are fine, however light pink, light purple, Light blue, Navy blue, greys, white, light and bright yellows are used the most.


TALLYS AND PHOTOGRAPHS


This year I have created a form for everyone to fill out once they have COMPLETED and POSTED their hearts, to help keep a running tally. I have also included a question about where you are from and where you donated to. The location question is country only, and is included so I can see if there are groups of people in countries we don’t currently have a recipient charity in, that I can try and find before next year.

You can access the form HERE: https://forms.gle/umzZ6v4zbPhawqhg9

I’ll also be putting a video roundup together again this year, and there are instructions on sending photos in the form <3 

POSTAL ADDRESSES

Like all previous years we post our parcels off on October 15th, which is the International Day of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance.

The charities this year to send your hearts to are 


Australia
Chance's Clothes Project
c/- Cowra Neighbourhood Centre
15 Vaux St
Cowra NSW 2794


Europe
Sleeping Beauties 
29 chilton avenue 
Sittingbourne 
Kent
ME10 4TB


United States
Anencephaly Hope
304 N E Street
Louisiana, Missouri
63353
USA

So, without further ado.. Here is the very first pattern for this year's very first heart drive! Enjoy!





Square Bottom Heart

Using any hook that matches your yarn thickness

1: Ch4, join to the 1st ch to form aloop.

2: Into the ring, ch2, 2hdc, ch2, (3hdc, ch2), 3 times, join to the top of the starting chain.

3: Stst into the next st, in the next st do (dc, 3tr, dc), slst into the next ch2 space, slst in the next st, in the next st do (dc, 3tr, dc), slst into the next ch2 space.

4: Ch1, sc in the next 3 sts, 2sc in the ch2 space, sc in the next 3 sts, sc in the ch2 space, sc in the next 3 sts, sc in the ch2 space, sk the joining st and sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in each of the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, slst in the next slst, sc in the next 2 sts, 2sc in each of the next 2 sts, sc in the last 2 sts, join to the first sc.


Size Notes:
3.5mm hook + 8ply/DK Weight = 6cm heart
2.5mm hook + 4ply/Fingering Weight = 5cm heart




Friday, July 24, 2020

Pandemic Paraphernalia - A free mask pattern.




Hello all!

Today I have something a little different to share with you all. As you're all very much aware, the globe is currently dealing with a pandemic. In many places it's now become mandatory to wear a mask in public, to help slow the spread of this virus.

This pattern comes from The Crochet Case and is an adaptation of a pattern from Mister Domestic

Laura from The Crochet Case has asked me to share the pattern here via the blog so it is easily accessible by whomever needs to make one.

Of course, I had to have a go too!

I'm pleased to say that this is a quick and easy sew. The supplies are simple, and my second one took less than an hour from start to finish. The multiple sizes are great! My partner and I fit into the large well, and my 3 teenagers all wear a medium. I am yet to make a child size but that's on the weekend to-do list. As a side-note, how adorable is my chicken fabric??

If you have a bunch to make, do them in steps. Cut them all out, iron them all, add all the elastics etc, it'll go much faster than making one at a time from start to finish.

So, what do you need?

Fabric! I used cotton fat quarters from my stash, Laura has upcycled vintage linen placemats. washable and breathable is your goal.

Hat elastic (or thin flat elastic) 6.5-8 inches per ear

Some fusible woven interfacing in either medium or light weights.

That's it!

Here are some notes and tips to help you along. 

* If you are using hat elastic like I am, you'll need to make sure you add a knot to the end that's being sewn in to make sure it doesn't slide out.

*If you can't find elastic, or prefer to have ties, 4x 40cm long ribbons do the trick. 

*If like me you have a few extra chins, and feel like you need the space, add an extra half a centimetre to the bottom of the pattern only.

*The recommended elastic length is 6.5 inches, I used 8 and then tied off any extra, because again, I have a chunkier face. It would be very easy to adapt to full elastic backs rather than ear loops also.

*In the tutorial video it shows the interfacing being already ironed onto the outer fabric prior to cutting it out, I prefer to cut the interfacing from the pattern piece and then iron it onto an already cut outer fabric piece to save on interfacing wastage. 

*I have used both medium and light weight interfacing and found they both work well. 

*Be sure to test the 1 inch test block when you initially print the pattern to make sure your sizes are correct. For most people printing at "Actual size" is enough to get you there, for others you may have to adjust. I needed to use 110% scale for one of my printers to reach the correct test size.

*You can get a full mask (outer and inner fabrics) from one fat quarter, yay!