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London Trip Part III – Crown Ornament – Cyber Week Sales

Crown Ornament Crochet Pattern

The last days of our London trip were just as amazing as the first two. Our tour guide for Windsor Castle was Alfie, and our driver for the 22-mile drive was Graham. Can’t get much more British than that! The weather was cold and rainy, but Alfie was a fountain of knowledge of British history. Windsor Castle is the Queen’s childhood home and where she spends her weekends. The first part of the tour was the church in the castle – St. George’s Chapel. Construction began on this section of the castle in the 14th century. It is called a Royal Peculiar, which is a fancy way of saying that it is under the direct jurisdiction of the monarch. The Queen’s parents and sister are interred in St. George’s Chapel, along with Henry VIII and his beloved Jane Seymour.

YouTube – Windsor Castle

The State Apartments are on the north side of the castle and contain a vast collection of artwork, antiques, artifacts, and royal china.

Outside of the castle is a shopping mall with souvenir shops and restaurants. I wanted to warm up, so we went into a pub called Bella Italia for a cappuccino. Wow! I’ve never seen a liquor with my name on it.

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After warming up and doing a little shopping, it was time to walk down to Bel & The Dragon Pub for lunch with the rest of the group. Their website says “The historic restaurant and tea room has been serving food and drink since the 11th Century.”

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Bel & The Dragon

It was a lovely luncheon with spiced cauliflower soup followed by roasted suckling pig and potatoes roasted in duck fat. After lunch and several cups of tea, we had a little time to wander the shops of the area. By this time, the rain had stopped and the view of the river was gorgeous.

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Once we got back to London, the rain started again, so we decided not to attend the dinner cruise on the River Thames. Instead, we opted for Trader Vic’s in our hotel for drinks and an excellent steak dinner.

Texans v. Jaguars

Sunday started out with a pregame party at Sway with tailgate-style food and two of the best party hosts ever. Sway Bar

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The hat is from a pattern in my Etsy shop – Football Earflap Hat.

Then it was back onto the bus for the 1-hour ride to Wembley Stadium. The attendance that day was 85,000 people – wow! I never realized Europeans like American football so much, but we were surrounded by British, French, German, and Croatian fans. Fortunately, our Texans won the game.

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It was an unforgettable adventure!

Crown Christmas Tree Ornament

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn:

0.4 oz. red

0.2 oz. gold metallic

Crochet hook size G (4.00 mm)

Finished crown measures approximately 2-3/4” diameter by 1½” tall.

Directions:

RED:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic circle). Sc 7 in second ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (14 sc).

Rnd 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (21 sc).

Rnd 4: *1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (28 sc).

Rnd 5: *1 sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (35 sc).

Rnd 6: Working in back loop only, mark first st and sc in each st around. Do not join.

Rnds 7-10: Working in both loops, sc in each st in continuous rounds.

Rnd 11: *Dec, sc in next 3 sc,* repeat around (28 sc).

Rnd 12: *Dec, sc in next 2 sc,* repeat around (21 sc).

Rnd 13: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (14 sc).

Rnd 14: Dec around (7 sc). Fasten off leaving 4” length. Thread this length through yarn needle and draw up all 7 sts. Pull tight to close.

GOLD:

Rnd 1: Go back to marker at Rnd 6 of red. Using remaining loop, attach gold metallic yarn, ch 1, sc in each st (36 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc in next st, sk next st, (2 dc, ch-3 picot, 2 dc) in next st, sk next st,* repeat around. Join with sl st.

Ch 14, sl st on opposite side of crown with ch-14 going across top of crown. Join with sl st to gold crown. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Mark halfway point between the ends of the ch-14 and attach gold yarn. Ch 14, going across top of crown and sl st in opposite side of crown. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Use both one 6” length to tack down tops of ch-3 picots. Use the other 6” length to tack down both ch-14s. Weave in all ends.

Picot: Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.

PDF download available at My Fingers Fly on Etsy

More about our London trip –

London Trip Part II – Toy Soldier Cuddler – Pumpkin Pie Earrings

London – Phone Booth Scarf Pattern

Another ornament I made this past week is a pumpkin pie. Last week’s free pattern was earrings, so I changed to worsted weight yarn and a G hook to make a pie large enough for a Christmas tree ornament. Pumpkin Pie Earrings

pumpkin pie ornament.jpg

With the holidays upon us, crocheters (and all crafters) are super busy, but there are many opportunities to discover new patterns for your Christmas gift list. I have joined the Sunflower Cottage Crochet 12 days of Christmas Round-up – 10 designers and 16 patterns. 12 Days of Christmas

More Christmas Patterns

Melted Snowman Ornament

Steer Skull Ornament

Fox Christmas Ornament

Texas Flag Christmas Tree Ornament

Roller Skate Christmas Stocking

2020 Crochet Calendar

Use code CROCHET2020 to get free domestic first class shipping on my 2020 Crochet Calendar. Free Shipping

Shop my Etsy shop during Cyber Week to get 20% off any $5.00 purchase. My Fingers Fly on Etsy

Join me on Instagram for a giveaway!

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London – Phone Booth Scarf Pattern

London the second time around was so much better. Last August, we winged it. This year we went on as a group for the Houston Texans game and signed up for all the tours available. NFL On Location handled everything, and we got to see so much more of the city than we did last year. After arriving in London and checking in at the Hilton Park Lane hotel, we were treated to brunch by the Hard Rock Café just around the corner.

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That afternoon was a tour of the city on a double-decker bus, culminating in a ride on the London Eye. It’s a 30-minute ride during which you can see all of London. Our tour included a champagne toast with our group.

https://youtu.be/dLNv1f3Kd4U

Since my first visit to London last year, I have been toying with the idea of a scarf made to look like the phone bbooths scattered around London. For this trip, I just had to make one and get a photo.

London Phone Booth Scarf

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn –

4 oz. red

2.5 oz. white

Few yards yellow

Crochet hook size H (5.00 mm)

Yarn needle

Gauge:

7 dc + 2”; 4 rows = 2”

Women’s scarf measures approximately 7.5” wide by 52” long (instructions are given to lengthen scarf if desired).

Directions:

Row 1: With red yarn, ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2 (sc, ch-2 counts as first dc), dc in each ch across (24 dc).

Row 2: Turn, sc in first st, ch 2, dc in st across.

Rows 3-94: Repeat sts of Row 2, alternating colors as per chart.

Rows 95-97: Turn, sc in 1st st, ch 2, dc next 2 sts tog, sc across to last 2 sts, dc next 2 sts tog. (18 dc at end of Row 97). Do not fasten off. If a longer scarf is desired, repeat Rows 7-14 until desired length.

Edging:

At end of Row 97, ch 1, turn, sc in each st across top, sc down the side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. Work 3 sc in each corner, sc across bottom, 3 sc in corner, sc up other side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Crown:

Rnd 1: With yellow (or gold) yarn, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch and next 7 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting ch, sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc in last ch (20 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 10, sk 3 sts, sc in 4th st, ch 10, sk 3 sts, sl st in next st.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, turn, 12 sc around 1st ch-10. Sl st in sc, ch 7, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot), *ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch,* repeat once, sl st in remaining 3 ch, sl st in sc between 2 ch-10s, ch 1, work 12 sc around ch-10 loop, sl st in Rnd 1. Fasten off leaving length for sewing. Center crown at top of scarf and sew in place. Weave in ends.

crown applique

YouTube video for crown

Pattern Testers Wanted

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Looking for unique patterns for Christmas gift this year? Join my Facebook testers group and check out the patterns available for testing. All you need is a basic knowledge of crochet and the desire to give feedback on the patterns. Most of my designs are easy to Intermediate.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/875538646117910/

United States Marine Corps Birthday

Marine Baby Sweater

Veterans Day, November 11

eagle-potholder

Bald Eagle Potholder

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/bald-eagle-crochet-pattern

2020 Crochet Calendar

Update your kitchen with a new crochet pattern each month. Twelve patterns on a hanging wall calendar – a great value at only $14.99 each. Makes a great Christmas gift for the crafters on your list.

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/2020-crochet-calendar-12-kitchen-crochet-patterns

Calendars printed by Printing Center USA.

Next Week:

Etsy Sale

Help me get to 1400 sales in my Etsy shop this week. Use code 1400SALES to get 14% off any item through 11/10/19. Also, the person who purchases the 1400th item gets a free gift with their order.

My Fingers Fly on Etsy

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Rolling Stones – Football is Back

My husband and I are slowly working our way through our travel bucket list, and July was a double. Not only did we get to see Queen in Houston, but a few days later we saw the Rolling Stones. It was one day after Mick Jagger’s 76th birthday and just a few months after heart surgery, but he hasn’t slowed down a bit which left us all wondering, where does he get the stamina? It was an amazing show. NRG stadium was filled to capacity. Opening act was Bishop Gun, a Natchez, Mississippi band, probably the first opening act I have ever enjoyed.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts showed us that they have no intention of slowing down, even after 55 years of performing.

Charlie Watts
Ronnie Wood
Keith Richards
Mick Jagger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puGQdprrr9w

I’m not sure what will be next on the bucket list as far as music, but next week’s post will be about our trip to Los Angeles. What’s on your bucket list?

Football is back!

Last night’s game between the Texans and the Green Bay Packers didn’t turn out the way that I hoped, but at least it was an exciting game to watch. I love autumn – football, cooler weather, Halloween. It’s also when I get serious about crocheting items for my Christmas gift list. This week’s freebie is actually a knitting pattern, but it’s a simple pattern that works up quickly on a circular needle with worsted weight yarn. Use brown and white for traditional football colors, or use your favorite team’s colors. I would love to see photos of your earwarmer on my Instagram at http://instagram.com/myfingersfly.

Football Earwarmer

To download a PDF version, see https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/football-earwarmer-knit-pattern-free-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=cdfe9acb7&_ss=r

August – Back to School Month – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/school?_pos=1&_sid=8a30de041&_ss=r

August 9 – Book Lover’s Day –

August 10 – Bowling Day – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/boob-bowling-ball-bag-crochet-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=d485fdd01&_ss=r

August 15 – Relaxation Day – http://www.myfingersfly.com

August 16 – Airborne Day – https://www.myfingersfly.com/blogs/news/military-baby-sweaters?_pos=1&_sid=876a0c5fc&_ss=r

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Reasons to Crochet – National Paranormal Day – Mother’s Day – London

Daughter #2 is a sugar skull fan, so I use that motif a lot when making gifts for her. This week I reworked my skull applique pattern and updated my Ravelry listing.

Skull Motif https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/skull-motif-insertion

This is a simple pattern that can be used to embellish clothing and accessories. Let your imagination run wild with colors, yarn sizes, and decorations. Stay tuned later in the month for a new crochet book – Sugar Skull Crochet Patterns.

Skull:

Row 1: With white yarn, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 5 ch (6 sc).

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc across to last st, inc in last st (12 sc at end of Row 4).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in 1st 3 sts. Leave remaining sts unworked.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Leave loop hanging. Using separate piece of yarn, go back to Row 4. Skip 6 sts, sc in each of last 3 sts. Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Ch 6, join with sl st in first section of Row 6. Fasten off.

Row 7: Pick up loop on Row 6, sc across all sts & chs (12 sc).

Rows 8-9: Repeat Row 2 (16 sc).

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 11: Repeat Row 2 (18 sc).

Rows 12-13: Repeat Row 10.

Row 14: Ch 1, turn, sc in 4 sts.

Row 15: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts (3 sc).

Row 16: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 17: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc in next 2 sts (4 sc). Leave loop hanging. With separate piece of yarn, sk 3 sts on Row 13. Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, ch 1, turn, dec twice. Ch 1, turn, sc in 2 sts. Ch 1, turn, inc twice. Ch 3, sl st in 1st st of Row 17. Fasten off.

Go back to Row 13. Sk 3 sts, ch 1, sc in last 4 sts. Ch 1, turn, sc in next 2 sts, dec (3 sc). Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Ch 1, turn, sc in 2 sts, inc next st (4 sc). Ch 1, sl st in middle section of Row 17. Fasten off.

Row 18: Pick up loop on first section of Row 17. Ch 1, sc in each st and ch (18 sc).

Rows 19-21: Ch 1, turn, dec first 2 sts, sc across to last 2 sts, dec last 2 sts (12 sc).

Row 22: Dec, sc next 8 sts, dec, continue down side, sc around entire skull. Join with sl st in 1st sc of Row 22.

With pink yarn, sc around both eye openings.

Heart:

With pink yarn, ch 3. In 3rd ch from hook, work 2 dc, 4 hdc, ch 1, 4 hdc, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in same ch. Fasten off leaving 12” length and sew to forehead of skull.

Nose:

With purple yarn, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch. Fasten off leaving 6” length and sew to center of face.

Use straight st and white yarn to embroider teeth. Decorate cheeks with flowers in a daisy st.

Sew skull to bag. Use teal yarn to topstitch edge of skull.

More Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Zebra Coin Purse

Mother’s Day Handbag Blog Hop

Poodle Eyeglass Holder

Lacy Infinity Scarf

One of my other hobbies (since I was a teenager) is writing poetry. Several years ago, my aunt asked me to write a poem for her church’s annual Mother’s Day luncheon. I have compiled these poems and several others into a book in time for gifting for Mother’s Day.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1095818457

Also in the works is a new facet to my crochet business (more to come about that next week), so there was no time for travel this week. We did book a trip to London in the fall to see the Houston Texans play the Jacksonville Jaguars. London is such a beautiful city, but we didn’t get to see as much as we had hoped when we visited last summer. We did meet some wonderful people from all over the world. Oddly enough, we met very few Londoners there. The city really inspired my crochet senses, so this time I will go to London with some British-inspired crochet designs.

National Military Appreciation Month

To honor our Military, all crochet patterns and ebooks are 15% off through May 31 with coupon code MILITARY. Thank you all for your service.