The African Violet is a delightful indoor plant that blooms in a variety of violet and purple shades. The petals can be deep purple through to pale pink and white as well.
The edges of the petals are different colours and add interest to the shape.
The flowers are surrounded by dark green almost circular leaves. Each bloom has a small yellow center.
The basic structure of yellow, violet and green leaves is an excellent shape that lends itself to crochet.
Care
African violets like to be in bright spots but not direct sunlight. Place them anywhere and even in the bathroom near a window.
When the flowers die off pinch them out as others will grow in their place. They are forgiving little plants and will bloom several times a year.
Propagation
This dainty little plant can be easily grown from a leaf cutting just thrust into fresh soil and the new leaves will shoot up from the cut base of the original leaf.
Watering
The trick to watering an African violet is to use tepid water and never cold water.
Never drip water onto the leaves but instead carefully pour water onto the soil in the pot.
Water once a week with about a half a cup of water.
If the leaves get dusty you can brush them lightly with a dry paintbrush or a pastry brush.
African Violet hexagonal motif
Shapes can be powerful symbols in themselves. Many motifs in crochet are square and this one is a hexagon. Six sided shapes are found in nature where bees make honey. The balance of six side makes the shape of a hexagon itself somewhat satisfying to see and agreeable to work with.
Use this basic six sided motif to create many items. It can be used for a simple coaster or combined with others to make larger projects like scarves, shawls or blankets.
Note: With the African violet flower hexagon motif I have made a small blanket to lay at the bottom of my bed. When I have a lie down in the afternoon (to read you know) I can slip my feet underneath the light blanket to keep my toes warm in case I nod off.
Crochet Pattern Details
You will need…
You will need yarn in yellow, white and complimentary shades of violet, pinks and purples.
You may use as few as two violet colours (one main and one complimentary) or as many colours as you like in a random fashion.
Use one color for the edging and in this case I have chosen white.
Note: My bedroom is mainly light and neutral and this is why I chose white as the edging for this blanket. You can select a colour that will compliment your bedroom colour scheme and use that as the edging colour on the last round.
Stitches used in this pattern
There are four basic crochet stitches used in the African violet flower motif and one special stitch, the spike stitch.
Please note, we use the US crochet stitch terminology and not UK on all patterns on this site.
Chain (ch).
Single crochet (sc).
Double crochet (dc).
Half double crochet (hdc).
Spike stitch (sp st) see note below.
Special stitches
Spike stitch (sp st) insert your hook into the gap in the row below the current row and pull up a loop loosely (two loops on hook), yarn over pull through both loops.
Pattern
Center chain ring: With yellow. Ch 5, join with a sl st to form ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (as 1st dc), dc, ch 1, *dc 2 ch 1*, repeat from * to * [4] times, sl st to join at top of 1st st. Cut yarn.
Round 2: Join violet with sl st into space. Ch 2 (as 1st dc), ch 1, dc 2, * dc 2, ch1, dc 2 * repeat [4] times. Join with sl st.
Round 3: Sl st into next 2 sts (to be in space), Ch 2 (as 1st dc), dc 6 into space, * in next space dc 7 *, repeat from * to * [4] times, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Round 4: Join contrast colour. Sl st to join into the 1st st on the left of a petal. Sc6 until you get to the gap between two petals. * Sp st, sc 7 * repeat from * to * [4] times. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Round 5: Join white. Hdc1 in every stitch until you get to the middle st of the 7 sts in the petal, in this middle st (hdc 1, ch 1, hdc 1). Continue until end making all 6 points at the top of the petals. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Finishing
Sew in all ends by weaving up the edge of the motif.
Layout the motifs is an appealing way if you have use random colours. Take your time with the colour placement.
Pick up two motifs and with right sides facing sew them together.
“Outer loops only” sew-up method
Sew with white and a tapestry sewing needle through the outer loops only of the top row of stitches. Double stitch at the corners to keep them sharp.
This method leaves an attractive edge to each motif when laid flat.
Do not sew through both loops.
Note: Joining the hexagons by sewing them results in a firmer, smoother and less bulky seam than crocheting them together does.
Sewing may seam seem to take longer but it makes for a far superior finish.
Sewn crochet blankets will last better in the wash and after ten years they will still be joined.
I still own an acrylic crocheted blanket that I made in 1990. I use it every day and wash twice a month and the seams are only now starting to fray.
As the seasons change from summer to autumn there is a slight shift in the air.
At this time of the year it is nice to have a light and skinny scarf to wear.
This it the time where for just for the odd day the weather is a bit cooler but it is not yet into full blown cold weather.
The Tower Scarf is a transitional piece and will work in every wardrobe.
The neutral off-white but buttery shade is a popular colour and works with all complexions.
The Tower Scarf is stylish and comfortable to wear.
Dress up your cooler weather jackets and tops with this quick and easy beginner’s scarf that only uses one ball of yarn.
Pattern Inspiration
The Tower is the Blackpool Tower a famous landmark.
Pattern features
This is a one ball wonder which means you can make it with just one ball of yarn.
It is also a make in a day neckwear accessory which is what it says, you can make this in one day.
There is a delicate filet crochet pattern at one end which can be either ignored if you are a beginner or you could even add it to both ends of the scarf. The filet makes it an interesting asymmetrical scarf.
Skill level
This garment is at the beginners crochet skill level as there are only two stitches the chain (ch) and the double crochet (dc). Although you can learn the filet piece as well.
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
What you will need:
One ball yarn in DK or worsted weight yarn.
We used Custom Woolen Mills Ltd. 100% natural wool grown and processed in Canada, in neutral.
About Old English Creations original crochet patterns
There are many places that you can get a crochet pattern but to find high quality technically correct patterns is a challenge.
That is why we created our perfect patterns for you.
We are undergoing a review of our pattern distribution methods as we speak to make it an easier and smoother process for you to buy and get started on your new crochet projects sooner. Woo hoo!
In the meantime if you like you can email us in the contact form below for all pattern queries.
Original designs
All our patterns are Old English Creations original designs created by our talented designers Alison and Lynn.
Each one is technically correct and uses US crochet terminology and not UK crochet terminology.
You can Buy Patterns
Our patterns are sold as a PDF downloads.
This means you get a file sent to your computer and not an actual paper pattern.
You can read it on your smartphone or iPad which is how you tell us you use our patterns.
Or you have the option to print it yourself.
You can get Free Patterns
We have a few free patterns available and if you download one or two you will see the quality of our patterns.
How to Use our patterns
You can print them on paper and you can read them on your iPad or phone.
By purchasing any Old English Creations patterns, you are not buying a copy of a pattern; you’re buying far more: a perpetual single-user licence for the pattern.
Your licence entitles you to:
Unlimited customer support from the pattern designer (that’s us Alison and Lynn).
You may make as many items from the pattern as you wish and sell the finished article.
Do whatever you wish with items made from the pattern (if you choose to sell them, please give us credit as the pattern designers.
Your licence is non-transferable and Old English Creations patterns may not be shared, passed on to others, resold, or redistributed in any other way.
Copyright
Our original patterns may not be reproduced by photocopy, posted on the web or sold without written permission from Old English Creations.
However, you may sell the fabulous finished items you created from our patterns and in fact we hope you do.
As the mother of a teenage daughter it has become a special thing in our house to change the naming of her bathroom from boring old “bathroom” to “Daughter’s Spa”.
This came about as we once again sorted through tons of makeup and brushes and other toiletries that cluttered up her bathroom vanity top and clung precariously around the basin.
That she has her own tiny bathroom is in itself a blessing in our small apartment.
I am a keen believer in purging the clutter and making peace amongst the chaos.
This has been achieved in our daughter’s spa room.
I havecreated (am in the process of creating) several Spa Collection accessories to add to the feeling of luxury in what can often be a cluttered and frantic room.
Make a Spa Experience in your home
As you live your busy life it is important to have a sanctuary in your home.
Each spa collection will feature different patterns for crochet items that you can make. This is a process and I will get the patterns out as soon as I complete them.
As you can imagine for a creative person the mind rushes ahead but the hands follow at their own pace.
My Spa Collections and Colour
I love colour and I know it can change the way you feel and think about things.
In a way color is magic. To choose the right colour for each spa collection was hugely important to me.
The rejuvenating spa collection was inspired by the element of fire and it is uplifting and energy giving. This special collection of bath and spa accessories in made in shades of pink and white.
These colours invoke a romantic feel and provide some excitement and action by the colour selected.
Patterns in the rejuvenating spa collection:
Vanity mat
Cotton wool basket
Soap cosy
Revitalizing Spa Collection (lemon)
The revitalizing spa collection feature special items for oou personal use in lemon and white. this is the colour of creativity and ideas. this spa collection has been made to give you a lift during a busy day.
if you have a day at work and then still want to go out to another work event or on a date then the revitalizing colour of yellows and white will give you the extra lift needed to keep going.
Patterns in the revitalising spa collection:
Scrub pouf
Soap case
Wash cloth
Makeup wipes
Renewal Spa Collection (cucumber)
The renewal spa collection is created in cool cucumber and white. This is a light green pallette and offer you a chance to recharge your batteries and renew your spirits.
The renewal spa collection is inspired by the element of earth and has grounding properties. It offers you support and a chance to get back to basics.
Patterns in the renewal spa collection:
Eye mask
Floor mat
Slippers
Votive candle cover
Soap cover
Relaxing Spa Collection (Lavender)
The relaxing spa collection has shades of lavender and the scent of the lavender sachet relaxes you through its aromatherapeutic properties.
This collection can be used before bed to aid good sleep and full rest at night.
Patterns in the relaxing spa collection:
Wash cloth
Eye mask
Tissue cover
Lavender sachet
Soap bag
Reflection Spa Collection (citrus)
The reflection spa collection is created in tones of orange, tangerine with a touch of cinnamon. It is inspired by the (Chinese) element of wood.
This special collection can be used to aid reflection, or looking back over your day to seek understanding in what went down.
Many people struggle to let go of difficult or challenging experiences perhaps with colleagues, bosses or toxic family members and this color palette will aid clarity and acceptance.
Yes, maybe you were wrong but accept it and move on.
Patterns in the reflection spa collection:
Vaniity mat
Candle cover
Votive candle cover
Rugged Spa Collection for Men (platinum)
This is a more direct colour combination of platinum, silver, jet and white. There is a spark of humour with a definite clarity and sharp contrast in the colours used.
It offers a bracing feel and a masculine tone.
The rugged spa collection is designed for men who care for their body but don’t take themselves too seriously.
Patterns in the rugged spa collection:
Shower ball
Back scrubber
Exfoliating mitt
Floor mat
Springtime Spa Collection (Wedgewood blue)
The springtime spa collection is in cool and serene Wedgwood blue.
We have a reputation for top quality, technically correct original crochet designs and we will not let you down.
We want you to find our patterns to be as relevant in ten years time as they are today and as such we have set in place many desirable features that we think you will appreciate.
There has been much thinking, planning and talking between myself and Lynn that has gone into our new strategy.
To make it easier for you this year we have streamlined the design of our downloadable patterns.
What We Did
Crochet Pattern Layout and Design
Before this year all of our patterns were in landscape orientation and condensed so all the information was printed on two page,s or on both side of the sheet, with a centerfold. In this way the patterns opened out like a book and they were handy and could be taken with you in your crochet bag.
But you have told us that this is not how you use our patterns.
Today you read the patterns from your smartphones and iPads and so we have formatted our patterns in portrait style. We have increased the color (as previously we were thinking of saving your printer ink), image sizes and we have refreshed the images and layout.
Color is a creative medium and we are happier with the clarity that has come to the patterns simply from better layout practices.
Now there is a clearer image on the cover and we have standardized our branding across the media websites and patterns with a fresh color palette and header fonts.
These details are cosmetic and do not in any way change the actual pattern instructions, but they do add value to your purchase of our patterns and the license you have to produce garments and a items from our patterns.
Your Favorite Crochet Patterns
The actual pattern instructions themselves stay the same. If you bought one of our patterns before the instructions are the same. If you buy a pattern now it will be in the new format and easier to use on mobile devices which is where you use them.
These changes are a process which we are working on and they will all be done eventually as we go through all the patterns.
Crochet Pattern Updates Available
If you bought our patterns from Ravelry you will get a new update of the pattern automatically. If you bought one of our patterns from this website, or from Craftsy or our Etsy shop you can email us for an update.
Please use the contact page at the bottom of the page.
You tell us you enjoy our up-to-date and on-trend patterns and we have responded with a new selection in the sections for the coming year.
Pattern Categories and New Yarns
This year we are tightening our niche and doing what we love and do well. This means we have let go of areas that aren’t working for us and focused on a new batch of high detailed pattern selections.
As we change our living style we seek ways to live a happy life with creativity and family and friends nearby.
This way of living can be supported by a lovely home with modern accessories in the kitchen and bathroom (or as our daughters now call it their “spa-rooms”).
So we are preparing to share with you beautiful and stylish items in our kitchen and dining pattern section, and the bath and spa pattern section.
Building on the need for fresh local cooking and rejuvenating soaks in the tub Lynn and I are focusing on our pattern areas as laid out below for 2016.
We will be Offering more Lifestyle Crochet Patterns for:
Women’s casual: Shawls, ponchos and wraps
Headwear: Ear warmers and headbands
Neckwear: Scarves, cowls and snoods
Bath and Spa: Candle covers, washcloths, shower balls, vanity mats and baskets
Kitchen: Tea towels, wash-up and floor mats
Dining: Table runners, placemats and napkin rings (or as we love to call it napery)
Local Sources for Natural Yarns
We will be bringing in more 100% natural yarns like wool from sheep, alpacas and cashmere, and cotton (raw and mercerized), but probably not silk (as there are challenges in the silk manufacturing process), and also yarns that are natural and manmade blends.
We are going to feature more yarns from our local area in Vancouver and British Columbia and surrounds, and using Canadian wools and crochet products more.
We will redefine what it is to be considered a local yarn, and we will evaluate the benefit of imported yarns when they support rural communities in developing countries. This is an area that needs more understanding.
The idea is to use less acrylic and more natural fiber because natural yarns save the environment and are biodegradable. This is a complex process and I will be telling you more on our yarn choices later.
Change is not easy. We are creatures of habit and like to do things the same way as before, but there is a time for change and if we take it one step (or stitch) at a time you are welcome to come along with us.
Traditionally Christmas stockings are hung on the mantelpiece around a fireplace so Santa can come down the chimney and put gifts in the stockings for everyone. They are also know as Christmas socks.
In days gone by every sock has an orange and a piece of coal in the toe. This symbolized food and warmth for the year. These days we are just as likely to give a Terry’s chocolate orange and we always give chocolate coins or money in envelopes.
Traditionally the Christmas colours are red and green as these are the colours of holly. Holly is the main shrub with red berries and glossy green leaves that grows through the winter months and is available to take into your house for decoration at Christmastime.
Each stocking is embroidered with the person’s name so Santa has no problem working out whose is whose so he gets the gifts right. Well that’s the theory.
There many ways to make Christmas socks and here are the ones I’ve made for my family over the years.
Crochet stockings
Red crochet sock for Mom and striped crochet sock for Dad
Knitted stockings
Knitted socks for the kids.
The inspiration for the socks were from two were bought by my mother years ago in Johannesburg from a craft market. They are the inspiration for the other two kids stocking which I knitted when they were born, and that is over twenty years ago now.
I tried to make the second two socks similar to the first two socks because the younger children liked to have the same as the older children.
I am not really a knitter and these are about as fancy I I get with a pair of needles.
How to trim a Christmas tree
We put up our family Christmas tree on the first Saturday of December every year. We have a “Trim the Tree” party where we order in food (which is actually a treat as we usually cook every meal in our home and don’t get takeout often).
We start at 5pm when the family arrives and it takes the whole evening to get the tree beautiful.
Every year you need to have a new ornament relating the what you did that year. This special ornament often has the year on it.
Open all the branches and straighten.
Add lights and check them by switching them on. Then switch them off.
Add tinsel by draping from one branch to the next like smiles.
Ad baubles.
Add chocolate ornaments
Switch on lights and say, “ohhh… and ahhh…”
Add the Christmas angel to the top. We have a Christmas book and write down each year which child added the angel and whose turn it is this year. The kids love to be the one to add the angel. Take family photos around the tree and it is done.
All that is left is to eat the food and have a drink. Cheers!
