Free pattern: Tunisian Crochet Gypsy Pillow Cover

Greetings...and Baby D says hello, as well.  I write today because I am losing sleep over a pattern that I want to share with you.  I thought about working it up into a pattern to sell in my Etsy shop, but I decided that a) it's not really a pattern, more of a tutorial on how to make this pillow, and b) it is a fabrication from a mistake I made, I would offer it here for free.

That being said, I have a fascination with the bright, Bohemian colors that are typically associate with all things "Gypsy."  Crafts and furniture and clothing with passion because of how the brilliant colors are used.  I've had the idea for making this pillow for a while (ever since I bought a truckload of clearance yarn from Joann's several months ago), but it is just now manifesting itself.

During that time, I have learned other methods of crochet - Tunisian, Broomstick Lace, Hairpin Lace...you get the idea.  I discovered with this project that Tunisian coupled with a bulky bright tweed yarn produces a singularly delightful result of color and texture.

This "pillow" was originally supposed to be a purse...but in my lack of sleep I hit upon the inspiration to make it into a pillow, resulting in an oh-so-cute piece of eye candy.

Wanna make one?  Here's the scoop...

The pattern and photos are copyrighted.  You may use this pattern to make pillows, but please give credit either to this site or my Etsy shop (the pattern itself will not be posted on Etsy, but you may use the link https://www.etsy.com/shop/Bohochet.

Materials (assuming you only use one type of yarn):

• 5 oz/ 2 balls/ 200 yds of bulky tweed yarn (the yarn I used was Sensations It's A Wrap Yarn.  Comparable yarn would be Lion Brand Tweed Stripes Yarn)
• Size K Tunisian hook (6.5mm)
• 10" x 10" pillow insert (I used Mountain Mist Pillowloft Pillow Form.  You don't need this for the actual Pillow Cover)
• Sewology 40mm buttons (purchased at Hobby Lobby, I used item 460246)
• Needle and thread to sew on buttons

1) Using a bulky tweed yarn, and an H hook, ch 35.

2) Switch to an H Tunisian hook.  Complete (across and back) 75 rows of afghan stitches. It should be approximately 25" long.  This is what mine looks like (Remember there are two colors because this was originally going to be a purse or bag of some sort):

3) Single crochet across the last row of afghan stitches.

4) Test your work on the pillow form.  There should about a 2" overlap.

5) Based on the measurement from Step 4, overlap inside out.  I wanted the side with the vertical bars on the outside, so the side that looks like purl knitting stitches is on the outside in my example.

6) Slip stitch along both sides but not where it overlaps on the front.

7) Turn right side out.

8) Stuff with pillow form.Strategically attach buttons to front flap. I opted for one button in the center, but it would also look cute with two or three buttons attached.  I may add a couple more in the future, but for now I'm happy with one.

I love it!!  I hope you do too!! :)

Silence is Wisdom? Sometimes.

So again...my time has been limited, and I've been working hard on a hoodie crochet pattern that I just completed.  I'm rather proud of it.  I'm a fan of hoodies.  I'm also a fan of owls.  So here is an owl hoodie.

 

 

The yarn I used is pretty standard - Caron Simply Soft.  I used four related shades (white, heather, charcoal and black) and played the shades off of each other to create the design.  The sleeves are created using Tunisian crochet, then of course there is ribbing around the cuffs and waist, and the remainder of the hood is tapestry crochet.  It took some time to complete, but it was well worth the trouble.

 

Here is the link to the pattern for sale on Etsy.  Got to go for now...it's time to get some boot cuffs read for this fall!!  ~S

Out Of Touch, But Not Out Of Work

Hello friends...I apologize for the time I have been away from the computer.  I had to crochet until my fingers blisted in order to get my entry together for the CGOA Design Competition.  I will be revealing pictures of the "Silent Wisdom" hoodie soon...along with the pattern to create it!  In the meantime, let me share one of my other projects that I recently finished; it is a bag that uses half and single crochet.

 

 

The yarn I used is Red Heart Plush in Coconut and Blueberry.  I sewed the 20 inch zipper in by using Dritz Wonder Tape to hold it in place, and I set my Bernina sewing machine to have a longer stitch to accomodate the fluffy texture.  This fits a 0-6 month old child.  The hdc I used keeps it from taking forever to make, but the stitch is still dense enough with the Plush yarn to make it cozy and cuddly for Little D.

A Beautiful Bag

Pinterest has opened a new world to me; one where I can find beautiful things even more quickly than Google, and where like-minded people can come together when searching for similar items.  This bag is full of character and whimsy.  It is primarily a crochet bag, but it has upcycled beauty, as well.  See the denim handle?? :)  Such a pretty bag for a day of fall shopping - and even prettier since the pattern is free!

pattern by: Beata Basik

photo by: Pitsikuduja

Inherent Travellers

Gypsies are known for their travels and wanderings.  The word "gypsy" conjurs an image of a brightly colored wagon rocking slowly through the woods in Europe, behind a pair of lustrous black steeds with rippling muscles that have beautiful life burning in their eyes...

In the modern world, we must make do and simply dream of the wanderlust of yesteryear.  This travelling case is a good way to do exactly that - to fill with postcards, dried flowers from past loves, sultry notes, and ivory memories...or even on a good road trip.

by: SimplyChicSomethings

Gypsy Rose

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting chilly...how are YOU going to stay warm?  With a lovely gypsy blanket, I would imagine.  Here is a free tutorial for a beautiful lap blanket that will keep the coals of your inner fire glowly brightly on the coldest of nights.

by: Adaliza

Wild Soul

I. Love. This. Scarf.  It is made of beautiful merino wool, and it speaks to my free spirit and wild soul.  Interestingly enough, the artist who created it calls it "Wild Soul Scarf."  I have to applaud the person who would make this, simply because they could not find something they were looking for, they had the vision and the know-how, and so they created it themselves.  Unique and beautiful.  Two qualities I deeply admire.

by: The French Needle

Always Prepared

One must always be prepared.  When one is prepared, they should probably have the bag that lets them carry along all the must haves.  And here it is.

by Brave Girls Club

Couldn't have said it any better myself.

Beds Were Made for Dreaming.

I can't say that I live to sleep, but awake or asleep, I live to dream.  It is certainly more likely that one will have sweet dreams and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated from a Bohemian bed.  But where does one find these said beds?  Anthropologie, of course.

photo courtesy of The Saavy Bostonian

I'm inclined to think that if this were my bedroom, I would just stay there.  Wouldn't you?

Treasure Chests are Real.

During the holidays, I often see jewelry boxes lining the shelves in local big box retail stores (coughcoughWalmartcoughcough).  I have to ask the question; why would anyone want something that looks like what the next girl has at her house?  Which then leads to; do I buy a jewelry box, or a treasure chest?  My friends, the answer is clear.  A treasure chest is what we all need.  It calls to us and adopts us as its own...and it makes your friends bitterly jealous because they can't have one exactly like yours.

by SimplyChicSomethings

Je t'aime, My Lovely Scarf.

Scarves are amazing creatures with spirits all their own.  They can be drab, light-hearted, weird, or leaving you wanting more.  The ideal scarf will hug you and call you its own...or at the very least, keep you nice and toasty when the day is lacking heat.

by SimplyChicSomethings

 

An added bonus for this scarf, if you don't want to pay the purchase price for the finished item, is to download the crochet pattern and make your very own in your preferred color.  For three bucks you can download it here

 

Men are free-spirited, too...

Doesn't every man need a beer stein?  Or at the least, a highly amazing coffee mug?  The short answer is yes...my husband is an avid coffee drinker, and a great looking mug makes the coffee taste better.  I'm sure you will agree.

by: Botanic2Ceramic

My Windows Whisper...Do Yours?

Sometimes, when a girl settles down to the domestic life, she needs a little something in her home to remind her of the free spirit she once was.  When her windows whisper, it's a gentle reminder that only she can hear, and it brings peace to her heart.  These are some amazingly creative curtains that blend a great use of color with a free spirit.

by ohMYCharley

Who Needs Fingers, Anyway?

Bright bold color. Snuggly warmness all over your hands.  100% tactile capabilities - perfect for your fall/winter activities.  These are some free spirited fingerless mittens that I'm inclined to think every girl needs.

by EarthChildArt

 

What? A shop full of Bohemian creations?!  Yes.  You are totally allowed to call it a dream come true.

 

 

Free Spirit Off the Cuff? No, ON. Definitely ON the Cuff.

One of my favorite ideas is shared in a Robert Frost poem.  That idea is the road less travelled is totally worth it.  My plan on this blog is to share bits and pieces that I have discovered in the four corners of the internet that convey a free spirit...a walk apart from others, if you will.  And while I don't consider the first item that I share as the be all, end all, mega-gypsy bling bling that will set the bar for other posts, it will embody some of my prefered picks on Pinterest.  Quite frankly, I do like it quite a bit.  I hope you do, too.

by mollyheltsleydesigns

 

Etched metal? Soldered copper wing? Leather Cuff?  C'mon.  Convince me that this is not the work of a free spirit.  This little bird shouts from the treetops, "I belong on your wrist!"  It also helps that I really like the color red.