Simple Crochet Scarf Pattern

It was suggested after I posted a picture in twitter, by @PudseyCCC that I publish the pattern. I'm more than happy to oblige. However I'm a little embarrassed as the pattern is extremely simple. I've not written one down before, but let's give it a go.

I used a green 4 ply yarn with a 7mm hook. For me the chunkier the better! What you're doing is making a open chunky scarf then weaving a contrasting coloured yarn through it to decorate. I've used a funky looking 'fun' wool called Tutti Fruity for the decoration, but you could also use scraps of fabric sewn together or ribbon.

I was taught from books to start all my crochet projects with a foundation chain. You'll need a chain between a 160 and 260 chains long, depending on the length of scarf you're after. However have you tried a foundation treble foundation stitch? You're basically making your foundation and first row of stitches at the same time. I found out about it while searching for something on YouTube as I'm a self taught crocheter and I'm now a convert. If you've never tried it, give it a go (link to YouTube) If you make your first row this way, go to **

Once you have the desired length of chain, make a treble crochet stitch in the 5th chain from the end. You've now got two 'posts' on your foundation chain. In the next chain, make another treble crochet stitch and repeat to the end of the chain. You've just finished the first row.

**Make a four chain, turn, then a treble crochet stitch in the top of the row. Repeat to the end of the row. Complete between 7 and 11 rows, depending on how wide you'd like your finished scarf to be. Finish off and sew/weave in the ends of yarn.

You've now got a scarf which looks like this

With a contrasting coloured yarn, starting on the first row, weave the yarn through the crochet posts. When you get to the end, sew it in place. Carry on with the other rows until done and voila! You're finished!

What do you think? Let me know how you get on if you give it a go

 

Meal Planning Monday w/c 4th February #MealPlanningMonday

I'm meal planning again. I missed last week, because I was working away for several days and didn't see the point. But what a mistake.

I put on 2 pounds, even though I tried really hard to stay on plan. Then because I was demotivated and didn't have a menu plan to fall back on, I ate poorly and felt like I was lurching from one meal to another.

Well this has to change if I am to change.

Yesterday found me cooking for success which is cooking meals in bulk to be frozen and pulled out when needed. No excuses for not having a tasty low syn meal if I'm tired. Just grab something from the freezer. So I cooked up 8 portions of cottage pie and vegetables for lunches, which I can keep at work for emergencies. I usually have leftovers, but now if there aren't any, no excuses.

I also cooked a big batch of meat (I love offal, so it was lambs liver, kidney and heart. Tasty and cheap)  with gravy, which I've made into a pie (wtih filo pastry) cottage pie (with potato) and have can have 'plain' with potato and vegetables. The same goes with a chili con carne. I plan to eat it with rice or baked potato, used in stuffed tomato or to make a pasta bake.

I'm determined this week I will lose, even if its just a pound!

Onto the menu, in no particular order

Chili and baked potato
Poor Man's Spaghetti
Pasta Bake and vegetables
Meat pie, potato and vegetables (made with filo pastry about 5 syns I think)
Beef Stew (no dumplings this week though)
Roast chicken and all the trimmings, slimming world style

I've got a day free at the moment which will be Saturday. I will decide a bit nearer the time what to have, dependant on my weigh in on Friday! 

I feel better too for writing it down, phew

Over to you, what are you planning and more interesting why. And don't forget lots more plans for inspiration over on At Home with Mrs M