Arched Mesh Stitch - beginners crochet!

Afternoon from a dull cool Sunday! So I've decided that I'm going to share all my crafty pursuits on this blog and not just the papercraft ones! 

This weather is ideal for a hook and yarn and yes my CTS surgery was 7 weeks ago and apart from the inability to hold a stapler or twist an ice cube tray (yes odd I know but the only two things I still cant do!) I constantly forget I had an operation, so use of my hands is near enough back to normal, I am so very lucky!! 

Checkup with the surgeon next week should go fine I am sure...

I purchased this book online to aid understanding of terms, patterns and instructions etc and it is invaluable / a worthwhile purchase!  I had bought a charcoal colour wool / synthetic mix yarn for a scarf and after 4 attempts I wasn't happy with result until I tried an openwork crochet stitch. It neither looks knitted nor crocheted and I will add a fringe at the end. Gorgeous subtle earthy colours in this range and very soft without being scratchy like proper wool, if you know what I mean?? I've gone for charcoal..

  

Happy so far: (sorry hard to photograph)

I cant find the pattern online, so here are the instructions

Make a multiple of 4 ch to start...

Row 1: 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 2ch, miss next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 

*2ch, miss next ch, 1dc in next ch, 2ch, miss next ch, 1 tr in next ch; rep from * to end, turn

Row 2: 1ch (counts as starting next row but not as a st)

1dc in first tr, 2ch, 1 tr in next dc, 

*2ch, 1dc in next tr, 2ch, 1 tr in next dc; rep from * to end, turn.

Repeat row two for pattern, so its same row repeated, just first row sets the foundation.

I am still a beginner really, as my tension can vary, so Ill stick at it and let you see the end result.  I will either add a fringe or crochet tails to finish off. another 250g left to go!

Back with a card and some exciting news tomorrow and enjoy the rest of your weekend!!


Jess

South African Oat Crunchies - well my version

I get asked so often to make these and they are a 'healthier' alternative to cake, so I've finally photographed and written a recipe, let me know how yours turn out and share some photos as it's nice to see what added ingredients everyone uses!

I've created the recipe step by step in a 1 page A4 word document for printing too, so if you would like me to email you a copy, get in touch by leaving a comment with your email address (comments aren't automatically posted as I approve them and wont be posted with your personal details if you request a copy of the recipe)

1.       Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (fan oven), Conventional oven approx 190C

Measure ingredients into two separate bowls, keep

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda separate:

Large bowl

4 oz margarine

2 tablespoons golden syrup(or honey)

Smaller bowl

4oz plain flour

3oz desiccated coconut

4.5oz Demerara sugar

4oz porridge oats (see pic, don’t use refined

or large oats)

Optional additions – sultanas, choc chips, cranberries, nuts etc

2.       Grease and line a standard rectangular  25x33cm baking sheet with baking parchment or greaseproof paper, but don’t grease after lining the tin.

3.      Heat the margarine and syrup bowl gently in microwave until liquid 40 – 50 seconds

4.      Stir 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda into the liquid using a fork to dissolve evenly.

5.      Allow mixture too cool slightly, if adding items like chocolate chips

6.       Add optional extras to dry ingredients (sultanas, nuts etc)

7.       Pour dry ingredients into bowl of liquid and mix straight away, combining thoroughly.

8.       Empty mixture onto baking tray – it will feel like a wet sand consistency

9.       Spread evenly on tray, but don’t compact or press down too much , use the back of a large metal serving spoon is easiest way.

10.       Place in preheated oven for 12 – 15 minutes or until desired – the longer the cooking time the more crunchy and less cooking time is a softer consistency

11.       After cooking time remove from oven and ‘score’ while still warm but do not remove from tin.

12.  Separate slices when cold and store in airtight container for up to 1 week -the ones below had dark choc chips

Enjoy!!