I love to travel!! So far I have visited 30 states in the U.S., and my goal is to see all 50. Several countries are also on my bucket list, too. So far this year I have visited Bahamas and Canada. Ireland and Spain are next up on the list.
I really love visiting local yarn shops and creating a crochet design specific to that area.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Sunday started out with a pregame party at Sway with tailgate-style food and two of the best party hosts ever. Sway Bar
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.
It was an unforgettable adventure!
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
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
Texas Flag Christmas Tree Ornament
Roller Skate Christmas Stocking
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!
Day 2 of our London adventure included a tour of Westminster Abbey, The Royal Mews (stables), and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I have always loved poetry, so visiting Westminster Abbey has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is the first thing you see when stepping inside, and it is truly a magnificent site. (Unfortunately, no photos are allowed inside.) During World War I, an army chaplain saw a grave marked by a wooden cross, and he wanted to do something to honor this soldier and the many others who were not identified. He contacted the Dean of Westminster in 1920 about honoring these soldiers “amongst the kings.” Four unnamed soldiers were exhumed, placed in coffins draped in Union flags, and taken to a church in France. Brigadier L.J. Wyatt entered the chapel and placed his hand on one of the coffins. A tomb was built just inside the entrance of Westminster Abbey, and King George V personally chose one of his swords to cover the casket with the inscription “A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914–1918 for King and Country.” The soldier was interred on November 11, 1920 – now known as Remembrance Day. It is surrounded by red paper poppies and is truly a stirring site. It is the only tomb in the Abbey on which it is forbidden to walk. For State ceremonies, the red carpet is laid around the tomb so as not to disturb it. Royal brides lay their bouquets on the tomb at the end of their wedding ceremonies.
We then walked through the Green Park along the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk on the way to Buckingham Palace. This marker brought me to tears again – such a beautiful person, gone much too soon.
I grew up in Galveston County and have seen my share of pelicans, but the size of these guys amazed me!
You really have to see Buckingham Palace in person to comprehend its size – 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. This is the Queen’s primary residence and place of business. It is considered “The Office” by the Royal Family. Next week I’ll post about our tour of Windsor Castle, the Queen’s weekend residence and childhood home.
Stunning! Spectacular!
Changing of the Guard (YouTube)
I was so looking forward to this tour, I had to make a little Royal Guard crochet pattern.
Here’s a fun pattern to start off your holidays. Earrings measure approximately 1.5″ each, but you can use this pattern with #10 thread to make them larger, cotton worsted to make coasters, or double cotton worsted for potholders.
Materials:
DMC Cotton Perle #5 thread:
Color 351
Color 738
Blanc
Steel hook size 3
Crewel needle
2 Earring hooks
Directions:
Rnd 1: With color 351, 2 sc (or magic circle), 7 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (14 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (21 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off color 351.
Rnd 4: Using color Blanc, *sc in next st, popcorn in next st,* repeat around. In last sc, work sc, popcorn (11 sc and 11 popcorns). Join with sl st. Fasten off Blanc.
Rnd 5: With color 738, *2 sc in sc, 2 sc in ch-1 behind popcorn,* repeat around (44 sc). Join with sl st.
Rnd 6: Reverse sc around. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 4” length. Use length to attach earring hooks. Weave in all ends.
I want to thank SA Monthly Magazine and Texas Hill Country for their article on my Horny Toad crochet patterns.
November 16 Button Day Snowman with Button Nose
November 18 Princess Day Royal Baby Sweater Crochet Pattern
November 20 Absurdity Day Boob Bowling Ball Bag Crochet Pattern
Until then, happy crocheting!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
Bald Eagle Potholder
https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/bald-eagle-crochet-pattern
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
