Crochet Pot Holders for The Old Deanery

If you are a regular reader of The Grange Range you will remember that my lovely hubby and I spent a few days at The Old Deanery in Ripon last year. A beautiful building surrounded by stunning architecture situated directly opposite Ripon Cathedral, it was built in 1625 on the site of a former monastery.

Set of 4 Crochet Pot Holders
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A really relaxing break in a lovely small hotel, we spent the mornings relaxing in the lounge where we were kept in good supply of tea and coffee. It was like going back in time served just like it is at Downton Abbey: on a silver tray with a matching tea service. 

Morning Tea and Craft

Anyway whilst drinking tea and crocheting away happily the hotel proprietor approached and commented that it was years since she had seen anyone crocheting (obviously not a blogger). Then she enquired about pot holders, “why doesn’t anyone make pot holders any more?” She explained that she has a few silver teapots that don’t have the bakerlite handles so they get too hot to hold and cannot be used. I offered to make some for the hotel to test which I did; you can see them here.

The daisy was the preferred pattern so here they are all ready to send off. This pattern is available free from many sites but I got it from Bobbles&Baubles.com. We are told that the pattern originates from a Dutch lady but I could not find her to give the credit deserved.

Crochet Pot Holders

The one in the middle was another pattern I found and wanted to try called Little Spring Mandela by Barbara of Made in K town.

More Colourful Crochet Stripy Cats for the Cat Gallery

I so love making these gorgeous cats, this little chap was for my sister-in-law who loves cats. I chose colours from C’s favourite colour palette of blues and greens. I don’t know what she has called him yet but I know I can be assured he has gone to a loving home.

Blue Cat 2And here is Thomas.

Colourful Crochet Stripy CatI was so flattered when my colleague at work asked me to crochet a Stripy Cat for her friend who had just found out that she was expecting. It was great as I got to choose the colours, I went a bit mad and just used all my favourites so there was no particular plan at the start. I really like how he turned out though and thankfully so did my colleague.

Before Thomas left for his new home he did have a bit of a frolic with my Henry.

Two Stripy Crochet CatsPlease find a link to this fabulous book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Crochet-Designs-Babies-Months/dp/1904485871 . Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Tutorial for Stripy Cat Upper Body

Sorry if this post appears a bit unusual but I got a message from a fellow hooker who was having some problems with the Upper Body part of the Stripy Cat pattern from Lois Daykins Baby Crochet book.

I love my Stripy Cat so much I think the world should be full of them! Obviously I had to try to  help.

Row 1

Chain 7 and follow pattern to 4dc in last chain.

Work down the loops on the back of the chain.

You will now have an arch shape with the starting tail on the right hand side.

Before commencing row 2 you need to turn the work over so the tail is on the left.

Row 2

Work back around the arch following the pattern, the increases should all be at the top, rounded end of the arch shape. Note that having worked back around the arch the tail is now on the right again.

Turn the work over so the tail switches to the left hand side ready to start the next row.

Row 3

As Row 2 work back around the arch following the pattern, the increases should all be at the top, rounded end of the arch shape. Again you will note the tail is back on the right.

Once again turn the work over so the tail switches to the left hand side ready to start the next row.

Row 4

As above following the pattern.

Again remember to turn the work so the tail is back on the left before starting Row 5.

Row 5

There are no increases in Row 5 so you will see the work start to curve for the roundness at the top of the body.

Row 6

Continue following pattern remembering to turn work at the end of the row so the tail is on the left ready to start the next row.

Rows 7 to 16

Having formed the arch at the top of the body and started the curve shaping in Row 5, these 10 rows form the length of the body.

I have only gone up to Row 16 but will happily do the rest if required. I was guessing that it might be the ‘turn’ at the end of the rows that was confusing. Anyway I hope the tutorial makes it a bit clearer, if you need any more help please let me know.

I would love to see a photo of your Stripy Cat when you have finished it. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. Happy hooking my friend!