How to Crochet an Advent Christmas Caravan!

 Welcome to the caravan park where things aren't quite as they seem......

Thank you so much to Black Sheep Wools for sponsoring this project with yarn and offering a discount on the yarns used to all Greedy for Colour readers (the code will be at the end). I've loved developing this pattern but it has involved a lot of work and time so I thank you for your patience! Still, there's plenty of weeks until Christmas so get your hooks out.

Who needs a new advent calendar when these Airstream caravans can hang from your Christmas tree? This is such an appropriate Christmas decoration in the southern hemisphere as our summer break happens during the festive season. The roads are choked with people tootling off to their holiday destinations towing campers, camper vans and caravans.

These caravans can also be filled to the brim with goodies. Up for it? Let's go.

Materials

1 x DMC Natura Just Cotton Bleu Layette 05

1 x DMC Natura Just Cotton Noir 11

1 x Twilley's Goldfingering Silver 5
2.5mm hook
1 small back bead
stuffing
1 button

1 x ice-cream container lid or similar flat plastic

Abbreviations
For this tutorial, all terms are U.K.
ch = chain
ss = slip stitch
dc = double crochet (single crochet in U.S. terms)
st/sts = stitch/stitches
yarn a = Bleu Layette
yarn b = Silver

yarn c = Noir

For the body

Make 2. 

Refer to the photos above.

This section is worked from side to side.

Row 1. Using yarn a, ch 2 then work 3dc into the 2nd ch from the hook (top left photo). Ch1, turn. (3)

Row 2. 2dc into each of the next 3sts. Ch1, turn. (6)

Row 3. *1dc into the first st then 2dc into the next st*. Repeat ** twice. Ch1, turn. (9)

Row 4. *1dc into each of the next 2sts then 2dc into the following st*. Repeat** twice. Ch1, turn. (12)

Row 5. *1dc into each of the next 3sts then 2dc into the following st*. Repeat** twice. Ch1, turn. (15)

Row 6. *1dc into each of the next 4sts then 2dc into the following st*. Repeat** twice. Ch1 but don’t turn. (18)

Row 7. Work 12dc across the semi-circle’s flat base. Ch1, turn (right photo). (12)

Rows 8-9. 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Ch1, turn. (12)

Row 10. 1dc into the first st, skip the next stitch. 1dc into each of the following 8sts then skip the next st. 1dc into the last st. Ch1, turn. (10)

Rows 11-12. 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Ch1, turn. (10)

Row 13. 1dc into the first st, skip the next stitch. 1dc into each of the following 6sts then skip the next st. 1dc into the last st. Ch1, but do not turn. (8)

Row 14. Work 30dc around the sides and arch (top photo). Do not include the flat base. Ch1, turn (middle left photo).

Rows 15-30 (16 rows). 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Ch1, turn.

Cut off yarn. 

Row 31. Count 7sts along the previous row worked. Reattach yarn and pull through the 7th st. Ch1, 1dc back into the same st (middle right photo). Work 1dc into each of the next 4sts then skip the following st. 1dc into each of the next 5 sts, then skip the 6th st. 1dc into each of the next 4sts then skip the following st. 1dc into the next st. Ch1, turn. (15)

Row 32. *1dc into each of the next 4sts then skip the following st*. Repeat** once more then 1dc into each of the following 3 sts. Skip the next st then 1dc into the following st. Ch1, turn. (12)

Row 33. *1dc into each of the next 3sts then skip the following st*. Repeat** once more then 1dc into each of the following 2 sts. Skip the next st then 1dc into the following st. Ch1, turn. (9)

Row 34. *1dc into each of the next 2sts then skip the following st*. Repeat** once more then 1dc into the next st. Skip the following st then 1dc into the following st. Ch1, turn. (6)

Row 35. *Skip the first st, then 1dc into the following st*. Repeat** twice. Ch1, turn. (3)

Row 36. Ss into the last st. 

Cut yarn. 

Row 37. Return to the first st of the last row and reattach yarn. Ch1 and work 1dc back into the same st (bottom right photo). Work 11dc across the base of the semi-circle. Ch1, turn. (12)

Rows 38-39. 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Ch1, turn. (12)

Row 40. Work 1dc into the first st, skip the next stitch. 1dc into each of the following 8sts then skip the next st. 1dc into the last st. Ch1, turn. (10)

Rows 41-42. 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Ch1, turn. (10)

Row 43. Work 1dc into the first st, skip the next stitch. 1dc into each of the following 6sts then skip the next st. 1dc into the last st.  (8)

 Cut yarn leaving a long tail to stitch down the 2 sides.

For the Door
The door is worked from side to side until the final round.
Row 1. Using yarn a, ch 2 then work 3dc into the 2nd ch from the hook. Ch1, turn. (3)
Row 2. Work 2dc into each of the next 3sts. Ch1, but do not turn. (6)
Row 3. Work 4dc across the semi-circle’s flat base (top right photo). Ch1, turn. (4)
Rows 4-6 (3rows). 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Ch 1, turn. (4)
Row 7. 1dc into every st until the end of the row. Bind off. (4)
Round 1. Using yarn b and starting at the bottom right hand corner of the flat base, ch1 then 1dc back into the same st (top right photo). Work 1dc into each of the next 2sts then 1dc into the corner st. Ch1 then work 1dc back into the same st. Work 4dc up the side until the arch is reached. *1dc into the next st, then 2dc into the following st*. Repeat** twice. Work 4dc down the side then 1dc into the corner. Ch1, then ss back into the first dc of the round.
Bind off.
Stitch a small black bead on for a door handle (bottom left photo).

For the Window

Using yarn b, ch2 then work 3dc into the 2nd ch form the hook. Continuing to work into the 2nd ch, ch1, then 3dc, ch1 then 3dc, ch1 then another 3dc (top left photo). Ch1 then ss back into the first dc made (bottom left photo). Cut yarn. Pull on the tail leftover from the primary ch to tighten the central hole (top right photo). Tie the 2 tails together then snip one very short, leaving the other to stitch the window to the caravan.

For the Wheels

Make 3. 

The wheels are made in continuous, spiraling rounds.

Round 1. Using yarn b, ch2 then work 4dc into the 2nd ch from the hook. Ss back into the first dc. (4) Cut yarn

Round 2. Change to yarn c. Ch1 then 1dc into the same st. 2dc into the next 4sts then ss back into the first dc. (9)

Bind off.

To Assemble

Stuff one of the bodies to give the caravan a temporary shape. Pin on the window, door and wheels then un-stuff and stitch on. 

For the Numbers

Cut a 60cm length of yarn c and then gently separate out 3 strands to crochet with. Leaving a 22cm tail, ch15 then bind off. Pin to the caravan in the number's shape and stitch on. n.b. Some numbers such as '1' may need less then 15ch.

To Assemble

Carefully insert the inner body into the outer body so that they line up and then pin. This stage requires a bit of jiggling and stretching (think of a pair jeans one size too small), stay strong - they will come together. Stitch around the base of the two bodies.

For the Base
The base is worked in continuous, spiraling rounds.
Round 1. Using yarn a, ch 2 then work 6dc into the 2nd ch from the hook. Ss back into the first dc. (6)
Round 2. 2dc into every st until the end of the round. (12)
Round 3. *1dc into the first st, then 2dc into the next st*. Repeat ** until the end of the round. (18)
Rounds 4-18 (15 rounds). 1dc into every st until the end of the round. (18)

Pressing the base flat, trace around the shape made onto a piece of paper. 2 more rounds will be crocheted on the base so flip it around on your template to mirror the shape on the other end. Cut out the paper template shaving off an approximate 2-3mm so that it will fit inside the base. Place paper on plastic and cut out the plastic base Insert the plastic base into the crochet base then complete the following two rounds.

Round 19. *1dc into each of the next 2sts then skip the following st*. Repeat ** until the end of the round. (12)
Round 20. *1dc into the first st then skip the next st*. Repeat ** until the end of the round. (6). 
Bind off.

To Assemble

Stuff the body then insert the base making sure it rests just below the lip of the body (top photo). Pin into place then sew one side of the base and the body together (bottom photo). 

For the Button Loop

Using yarn a, ch14. Bind off leaving a decent tail at either end and stitch it to the open edge of the body. With a pin, mark out the best spot for a button (left photo) and then stitch the button on. 

For the Draw Bar

Using yarn a, ch10. Bind off leaving a decent tail at either end and stitch it to the front of the caravan (bottom right photo).

Thread a 15cm loop of yarn c through both layers of the roof. 

Fill with stuffing, spray liberally and leave in a warm place to dry overnight. 

Fill with the most wonderful goodies and dot them about the tree to be found each day throughout Advent.

 The boys are quite keen on this project..... hmmmmm.

Or you could make an apartment building of caravans. Imagine the tiny ladders reaching up to the top story. Even more fun than a caravan park!

I hope you are braver than me and begin with a caravan marked '1'. I'm making mine backwards this year so I know that there will be something on Christmas morning!

Black Sheep Wools have been amazing as they gave me carte blanche to choose my materials. I have an absolute passion for DMC Natura Just Cotton and Twilley's Goldfingering, so it was an absolute joy to discover that they stocked them. The cotton gives a natural stiffness to the project and comes in the most wonderful colours and the Twilley's Goldfingering has long been a favourite since I first used it for making the Christmas bauble pattern. 

Here are some other colours I used in this project: 

Twilley's Goldfingering Antique Gold 4

DM Naura Just Cotton in the following colours -

Geranium 52

Aguamarina 25

Golden Lemon 43

Thank you so much Black Sheep Wools, it has been so much fun to work with you and an especially big thank you to Lesley whose idea it was to embroider numbers onto the caravans' side.

And now for the code!!! Type GREEDY14 at Black Sheep Wool's check out and it will give you a 10% discount on all shades of DMC Natura Just Cotton and Twilley's Goldfingering from today until the 24th November. 

Have fun, love Kate xxooxx.

Crafting with Willow.

The boys starred in the making stakes this weekend. Jonno cut a big wreath of willow for the boys for to craft with and they came up with the most wonderful projects. Archie and Hugo observed an artisan making willow whistles on our trip to England earlier this year. With a memory fresher than min, Archie managed to successfully recreated his own. The only problem being that he couldn't resist whistling it whenever he was standing next to me.... so impressed with his craftsmanship but a constant high pitched whistling can tend to become a little frustrating over the course of an afternoon. Eventually I gently suggested that our dog Bertie was perhaps being driven to distraction and the whistling thoughtfully softened out.

It's so pretty though!

Hugo decided to make a hot pie server which is always useful to have on hand.

I have to say that I was blown away by his work. Just beautiful.

Hugo's hands are kind of amazing. They are so little but have the surety of an old man.

Look at that face.

At one point it began to slip so he reworked until it held perfectly. So, so, so impressed.

And here are some roses from my garden. I can't begin to express the joy they bring to me each year.

Love.

I hope you had a lovely weekend too!

Lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.

Dream Catchers and Other Things

My very clever friend Maddy came to my house today with this amazing dream catcher that she made. I was so blown away that the camera suddenly appeared in my hands before my head had even considered taking its photo!

 The detailing that has gone into it AND the colour scheme is just sublime.

Gaaahhhh - if Miss Haversham was ever to turn into a dream catcher I think she would look like this.

 AND cowrie shells - my sister and I were obsessed with finding them at the beach when we were little. 

 It's huge too. She is selling them here although I don't think this is up on the web yet. By the way, this is not a sponsored post, I am just so impressed and inspired my my friend and I thought you would like to see what she is up to.

 In the meantime, your Christmas present is so near to completion. The final stages of a pattern always suprise me by how time consuming they can be. Thank goodness it is so much fun.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.

Beds, Family and Other Things.

The past few days have been very special. My brother has been visiting from Perth and the boys have been in heaven. As he was packing to leave this morning, I noticed that they had been doing some special decorating on the blackboard wall. Note the spooky hand coming up behind the bed. I hooted.

 I love having guests to stay, I relish the time spent catching up.... AND all the fun that goes into cooking for visitors and having big dinners and pushing beyond the repertoire of quick and easy meals that makes for an easy family life.

 The roses were excited too. They couldn't wait to show off on the table.

And we got to use our new birthday knives!!!

Anyhoo, having driven my brother up to the airport, it's now time for me to get the crochet hook out and finish working up my next Christmas pattern for you!

Lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.

Treats...

I have a treat coming up for you next week. 

Lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.

Spring Joy!

As you probably know by now, I am mad about my roses and nothing fills me with more joy than the first flush of the season. This year they've been joined by my ranunculus in pride of place on the kitchen table. 

Now, for some other things.... I made batch of scones for the boys' afternoon tea. Australia has a great tradition of pumpkin scones which is one of my favourite afternoon treats. This batch varied slightly as we had a half consumed tin of creamed corn left on the bench (?????). An idle "I wonder" moment creamed corn scones were made. I know they don't sound amazing but they were absolutely delicious. Especially with whipped cream and plum jam.

Hugo had a friend over  on the weekend and they had a little tea party in the Stanley house. I was so touched when I saw their scene. It's lovely having an 8 year old. He and his friends are little enough to see the magic in it but old enough to play gently and respect the delicate nature of Stanley's things.

 I couldn't end this post without a photo of my favourite red roses, the bush given as an engagement present from my mum. Their fragrance is out of this world.

Lots of love,
Kate xxooxx.

Macrame and Other Exciting Things.

This weekend has had Archie and I doing lots of macrame together. I found this neon string at the hardware store and am so in love with it that I'm surprised I haven't knitted a suit for Jonno to wear yet. He would look so fancy. Instead I've been knotting up jars with it. They glow.

This jar is my favourite. I have some L.E.D. tea lights to pop in there so I can't wait for the next warm evening.

Can you imagine.

Archie has taken to macrame like a duck to water. He spends a lot of his time learning new knots... as you do when you're 11 and an assistant patrol leader at Scouts.

And today my yarn from Black Sheep Wools arrived. I can't wait to show you the Christmas project we're working on together but I need to whip this batch into shape first.... 

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.