Nautical Throw Introduction

NautiCAL Throw Introduction

PAGE 1 NAUTICAL THROW INTRODUCTION©

Contents

Crochet-Along (CAL) ...... 3 What is a crochet-along? ...... 3 Overview of the NautiCAL ...... 3 Pattern Files ...... 3 Materials ...... 4 Option One - ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK 8 Ply ...... 4 Pre-packed Kits (eyes included) ...... 4 ColourSpun Yarn ...... 5 Option Two - Stylecraft Special DK ...... 6 Pre-packed Kits (eyes included) ...... 6 Ordering Kits ...... 7 Gauge ...... 7 ColourSpun Option ...... 7 Stylecraft Option ...... 7 Hook Size ...... 8 Blocking ...... 8 Why Block? ...... 8 Materials for Blocking ...... 8 Wet Blocking ...... 9 Steam Blocking ...... 9 Difficulty ...... 9 Finished Size ...... 10 UK to USA Conversions ...... 11 Abbreviations ...... 12 Terms of Use ...... 13 Acknowledgements ...... 13 Collaboration ...... 13 Testers ...... 14 Resources ...... 14 Inspiration ...... 14

PAGE 2 NAUTICAL THROW INTRODUCTION© Crochet-Along (CAL)

What is a crochet-along?

A crochet-along (CAL) is a crochet project that multiple people participate in simultaneously. A pattern is generally released over a period of time, e.g. weekly, monthly, etc. The time period would be largely dependent upon the size and complexity of the item being made.

CALs are fun, because there is always someone in the group that is willing to assist those who are less experienced. Those who participate are encouraged to post pictures of their Work In Progress (WIP) as this encourages and motivates others in the group. It is also a good way for beginners to learn new stitches and stitch combinations.

Overview of the NautiCAL

Thank you for joining the NautiCAL. This CAL will be available free of charge for the duration of the CAL. Once the CAL is completed, then charges will apply. Two options will be available:

1. A subscription service to the Neave Collection which will give you access to all my patterns for either 6 months or 1 year; 2. Pattern can be purchased individually through Ravelry.

This throw was designed for children aged from 2 to 7 years old. My first grandson (expected in April 2018) is the inspiration for this design.

This CAL will be administered from a Facebook Group called “The Neave Collection”.

The written pattern is supported by video tutorials.

The CAL will be released over 5 parts as follows:

Introduction: 18 March 2018 Part 1: 11 April 2018 Part 2 18 April 2018 Part 3 25 April 2018 Part 4 2 May 2018 Part 5 9 May 2018

With the support of the video tutorials, it is believed that even beginners would be able to complete the throw. An understanding of the basic crochet stitches is required.

Pattern Files

Information, such as the weekly pattern releases and order forms, will be published at: http://theneavecollection.com.

PAGE 3 NAUTICAL THROW INTRODUCTION© Materials

For your convenience, 2 yarn options are detailed below. One being the luxurious ColourSpun Pure Cotton option and the second being the more affordable Stylecraft Special DK Acrylic option.

Option One - ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK 8 Ply

31 x 50g of ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK 8 Ply 3.5 mm [E-4 US size] and 4.0mm [G-6 US size] – refer to Gauge below; Tapestry needle for sewing away the yarn tail ends; Scissors; Stitch markers; 4 x button eyes.

Pre-packed Kits (eyes included)

ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK 8 Ply (± 125 m / 137 yards per 50g) Colourway Colourway Colourway Quantity*

“RED” “GREEN” “YELLOW” 10 x 50g Colour: Colour: Colour: A (1,250 meters / White White White 1,370 yards)

4 x 50g Colour: Colour: Colour: B (500 meters / 378 378 378 548 yards)

10 x 50g Colour: Colour: Colour: C (1,250 meters / 062 062 062 1,370 yards)

4 x 50g Colour: Colour: Colour: D (500 meters / 066 066 066 548 yards)

3 x 50g Colour: Colour: Colour: E (375 meters / 406 178 006 411 yards)

31 x 50g The Yarn Tree Order Form - Excel = 1,550g The Yarn Tree Order Form - PFD (3,875 meters / Total 4,247 yards)

*Yarn quantities are provided as a guideline only. Bear in mind that gauge differences and yarn differences may affect the outcome of the throw

PAGE 4 NAUTICAL THROW INTRODUCTION© ColourSpun Yarn

 The yarn used in this option is ColourSpun 8 Ply DK weight (No. 3 USA). ColourSpun is a South African brand, which we are justifiably very proud of for the following reasons: o ColourSpun yarn is created by hand; therefore, each skein is imbued with the artist's energy and will have its own unique characteristics. o Cotton is the most used textile fiber in the world. It is a non-allergenic cellulose fiber that doesn't irritate sensitive skin and is ideal for warmer weather. o ColourSpun Pure Cotton Yarn is ring spun, (a process that gives greater durability while maintaining softness, making it perfect for knitting and crochet) from the finest quality, locally produced, pure, natural cotton and coloured by hand in the ColourSpun studio using a chemical free, earth-friendly process. All the dyes used are GOTS approved and have excellent wash fast and light fast properties.  If you decide to use a heavier weight yarn, your throw will be substantially bigger than the sample made in this pattern. ColourSpun have other options and a visit to their website is recommended – www.colourspun.com. Please contact The Yarn Tree for quantities and pricing if you wish to use a heavier ColourSpun Pure Cotton – www.theyarntreesa.co.za.

PAGE 5 NAUTICAL THROW INTRODUCTION© OR

Option Two - Stylecraft Special DK

16 x 100g of Stylecraft Special DK 4.0 mm [G/6 US size] and 4.5mm [7 US size] – refer to Gauge below; Tapestry needle for sewing away the yarn tail ends; Scissors; Stitch markers; 4 x button eyes.

Pre-packed Kits (eyes included)

Stylecraft Special DK Acrylic (± 295 m / 322 yards per 100g) Colourway Colourway Colourway Quantity*

“RED” “GREEN” “YELLOW” Colour: Colour: Colour: 5 x 100g A 1001 1001 1001 (1,475 meters / White White White 1,610 yards)

Colour: Colour: Colour: 2 x 100g B 1011 1011 1011 (590 meters / Midnight Midnight Midnight 644 yards)

Colour: Colour: Colour: 5 x 100g 1019 C 1019 1019 (1,475 meters / Cloud Cloud Blue Cloud Blue 1,610 yards) Blue Colour: Colour: Colour: 2 x 100g D 1117 1117 1117 (590 meters / Royal Royal Royal 644 yards)

Colour: Colour: Colour: 2 x 100g 1259 E 1246 1114 (590 meters / Bright Lipstick Sunshine 644 yards) Green

16 x 100g The Yarn Tree Order Form - Excel = 1,600g The Yarn Tree Order Form - PFD (4,720 meters / Total 5,152 yards)

*Yarn quantities are provided as a guideline only. Bear in mind that gauge differences and yarn differences may affect the outcome of the throw

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Ordering Kits

Please use the order forms located in the tables above to place your order on The Yarn Tree (South Africa). Kindly indicate your colourway preference on the order form.

Please contact The Yarn Tree for quantities and prices if you wish to use an alternative weight yarn or different colours. Gauge

Whilst gauge is less important when making an item such as a throw, it will affect the quantities of yarn required.

It is very important to work with a consistent gauge (tension). This is especially true when working with complicated mixtures of stitches and techniques. The best advice I can give is that you lay your work down after each round to ensure that it is lying flat. This is a good indicator that your gauge is correct. There will be times when I will indicate that the work may be a bit wavy while working a particular section. When I specifically make mention of this, then there is no need to worry – subsequent rounds will correct the “wave”.

ColourSpun Option

I used two different hook sizes for this project. This is for the following reasons:

 The main hook size used for this project is the 3.5mm (E/4).  I tend to work my single crochet stitches quite tightly. The tapestry section is worked in single crochet and I used a 4mm (G/6) hook for this section to adjust my tension slightly. This resulted in the throw lying flat and the corners being sharp;  Your gauge may be different to mine especially if you are working in yarns other than those specified. As mentioned above, lay the work flat from time to time to check that your gauge is working out. If not it is quite alright to adjust your hook sizes accordingly.

My gauge - using a 3.5 mm (E/4) hook – Part 1 should measure 25 cm x 45 cm (10 x 17 ¾ inches). My gauge - using a 4.00 mm (G/6) hook – Part 4, the tapestry section, should measure: 10cm (4 in) = 10 rows x 10 sts.

Stylecraft Option

I did not make a sample in Stylecraft. My recommendations below are based on my prior experience using this yarn.

You should use 4.0 mm [G/6 US size] and 4.5mm [7 US size] hooks for this option. The finished item will be larger than the ColourSpun option.

 The main hook size used for this project would be a 4.0mm (G/6).  I tend to work my single crochet stitches quite tightly. The tapestry section is worked in single crochet and I would use a 4.5mm (7) hook for this section to adjust my tension slightly.

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Hook Size  If you have a loose tension, it is recommended that you adjust your hook sizes down from the recommended sizes in this pattern.  If you have a particularly tight tension, you may wish to adjust your hook sizes up. Blocking

Why Block?

It is my considered opinion that blocking of the project is very important. This is for the following reasons:

1. Contemporary crochet patterns tend to use complex combinations of stitches. When used together, these stitch combinations sometimes need some encouragement to settle together. For example: a. Front and back post stitches – depending on your tension (gauge) these very often need to be gently coaxed to lay in the correct position. This is particularly true if you tend to work quite tightly. b. When crocheting particularly dense stitches, e.g. tapestry crochet (back loop only single crochet – blo sc), the work will tend to pull to one side. This is easily remedied with a gentle blocking. The fact that we work in the blo allows flexibility in realigning the stitches. 2. There is an argument that says that all the benefits of blocking will be lost the next time you wash the item. I disagree, however, I must add here that I believe that all treasured handmade items should be treated with love and respect every time they are washed. I block my treasures after every wash. It only takes about 10 minutes of my time and is well worth the effort. I don’t always use pins at this stage, but I do lay the work flat to dry and gently coax it into the correct shape. 3. Whilst working on a project, I tend to block frequently. I do what I call a “quick block”. I simply pin it into shape while it is dry and then give it a light spray with water. It dries quickly, because it is not saturated. This is beneficial for the following reasons: a. You will very quickly pick up tension (gauge) problems that may arise. We all work at different tensions. Your tension may be very different to mine especially when working with textured and single crochet stitches. It is far better to realise that there is a problem earlier in the process. It is easy to adjust hook sizes to counteract any tension problems that may arise. b. Your work will look its very best. This is very motivational. Far too many projects land up in the naughty corner, because they don’t come up to expectation and never get completed. All too often a gentle blocking would make all the difference.

Materials for Blocking

It is not necessary to buy expensive blocking materials. A bed or a clean carpet will suffice. If you can afford the specialist materials and have the necessary space (I use my dining table mostly), then by all means invest in these. There are various options available, from interlocking puzzle pieces for the larger projects to wooden blocking boards for squares.

 For our international members, Woolwarehouse has a good selection.  South African members will find interlocking puzzle pieces at places such as West Pack Lifestyle stores or Toys r Us.  Tatiana Wickham – one of our group members, has the most beautiful wooden blocking boards for sale. Tatiana is located in South Africa.

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Always use rustproof pins! This is very important to avoid staining your project.

Wet Blocking

This blocking method works well for acrylic, cotton and bamboo/cotton blends.

 Always check the labels for washing information before proceeding.  Thoroughly wet the item. This can be done with a spray bottle, gentle hand wash or machine wash on a delicate cycle (I place the item in a mesh bag when I machine wash). My preference is to machine wash, but I always check the label first.  Gently squeeze out any excess water. Do not wring or twist!  Lay the item out flat. I use foam puzzle pieces, but you can do this on other surfaces, e.g. on a bed or on a carpet (cover with towels or blankets first).  Pat and shape it in a nice symmetrical shape. Be gentle.  Pin securely in place using rustproof pins. Use the pins around the perimeter, but also use in the body of the item, e.g. when blocking an item comprising of multiple squares - use a pin at the point where the corners join. This will help to keep the lines nice and straight.  Leave to dry. Use a fan to speed up the drying process. Underfloor heating is also great for speeding up drying.

Steam Blocking

This blocking method works well for smaller items and can be used for acrylic, cotton and bamboo/cotton blends.

 Lay the dry item out flat. I use foam puzzle pieces, but you can do this on other surfaces, e.g. on a bed or on a carpet (cover with towels or blankets first).  Pat and shape it in a nice symmetrical shape. Be gentle.  Pin securely in place using rustproof pins. Use the pins around the perimeter, but also use in the body of the item, e.g. when blocking an item comprising of multiple squares - use a pin at the point where the corners join. This will help to keep the lines nice and straight.  Use steam to set the project into shape.  Be very careful not to bring the steam too close to the item, especially if you are using acrylic yarn. Acrylic yarn will melt if it gets too hot.  A hairdryer, if used very carefully, can also be a good way to block smaller items. Difficulty

I have given this pattern an intermediate rating. With the assistance of the video tutorials, I believe that even beginners would be able to easily complete the project, however, you would need to have basic crochet skills, as this is not a “how to crochet” project.

Approximately 135 cm x 115 cm (53 ¼ in x 45 in) in ColourSpun 100% Pure Cotton DK weight. Approximately 150 cm x 120 cm (59” x 47”) in Stylecraft Special DK.

UK USA chain ch chain ch slip stitch sl st slip stitch sl st double crochet dc single crochet sc half treble htr half double crochet hdc treble tr double crochet dc double treble dtr treble tc triple treble ttr double treble dtc

Please note that my patterns always use US terminology.

Listed below you will find the abbreviations used in this pattern as well as the long name. Where applicable, the abbreviation is linked to a video tutorial.

Terms are listed alphabetically by the abbreviation.

Abbreviation Long Name blo back loop only bphdc back post half double crochet ch/chs chain/chains dc double crochet dec decrease fpdc front post double crochet hdc half double crochet hs hidden stitch p picot rpt repeat rs right side sc single crochet sk st skip a stitch sl st slip stitch sp/sps sp/spaces st-dc standing double crochet st-hdc standing half double crochet st-sc standing single crochet st/sts stitch/stitches ws wrong side

Other Techniques and Special Stitches Fasten off and secure ends Half Double Crochet Join Invisible Join

Please note the following with respect to the use of this pattern:

1. You may use this pattern for your personal use only. 2. You may post a link to this pattern on websites, social media sites, etc., for example, if you have made a version of this item and wish to post a picture on Facebook, you may not copy the pattern in the post, but you may post a link to the pattern which resides in the website www.theneavecollection.com. 3. You may not distribute or sell copies of this pattern without my written permission. 4. You may not submit this pattern, or any photographs linked to the pattern, to any publication without my written permission. 5. You may make this item as a gift or a charitable donation, however, should you be selling the item, please contact me first at [email protected]. 6. I apologise for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in subsequent versions of this pattern. 7. Please feel free to contact me with any queries or comments at [email protected].

Thank you for reading this and for honouring my terms of use. Many, many hours go in designing an item such as this, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Acknowledgements

Collaboration

This CAL is a collaboration between The Neave Collection, The Yarn Tree (South Africa) and ColourSpun. I would like to thank Adrienne, Gill and Irene (The Yarn Tree) and Dana Biddle (ColourSpun) for their support and enthusiasm.

Testers

A huge thank you goes to Kim Lategan who tested the pattern for me. She did this so willingly and with so much enthusiasm. I am truly grateful to her for her ongoing support:

Resources

Thank you to The Craft and Yarn Council’s web site www.craftyarncouncil.com, which has been a great resource.

Inspiration

Most of the inspiration came from many, many years of crafting with crochet. I thank my late “Ouma” – Gertie Kaltenbrunn, and my mother, Beryl Kaltenbrunn for their tuition over the years. My granddaughter Neave Weston inspired me to start to design and document my work. This pattern is dedicated to them.