Crochet Granny Shrug
Here it is! My very own crochet granny shrug! I told you I wanted one. 
Free pattern: Granny Shrug by Kootoyoo
Yarn: Panda Woolblend Crepe
Hooks: 6mm & 8mm crochet hooks
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I made quite a few modifications to the pattern.
- Used DK weight yarn, instead of super bulky weight yarn, and crocheted with 8mm hook, instead of the recommended 15mm. Basically, I used what I had available.
- I crocheted 14 rounds and added 3 more rows to the back and bottom edges. The shrug sits comfortably on my shoulders and has a more open style to it.
- All the seams were whip stitched using a tapestry needle and extra yarn.
- To finish the sleeves, I added a few rounds of single crochet stitch to the cuffs using a 6mm hook. The cuff band is about 2cm wide.
- I also crocheted a few rows of single crochet stitch to the front pieces and around the neck. This is worked in one long continuous row, from the bottom of one front piece to the other. Then turn work, Ch1 and crochet back to the other end. This was repeated several times until the “border” was about 4cm wide.
- I worked one row of single crochet stitch to the bottom edge.
In retrospect, I could have made the shrug smaller. I think it’s a few rounds too big and the sleeves too long. It reminds me of a kimono, rather than a shrug. But I am looking forward to wearing it when the weather warms up a little. It is far too cold for a girl who grew up in the tropics! Brrr! At least it’s not raining today. Thank God!
Hope you’re having a good week!
Beautiful Grey
Grey does not mean dull. Grey is not sad. Grey can be pretty, especially when it’s soft and lacey. I love grey. I think its beautiful. I hope my friend does too. What about you?
Free pattern: Keyhole Scarf (Registration required)
Yarn: Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette
Needles: 3.75mm knitting needles
Mods:
- To get the pattern to look the same on both ends, I knitted both ends to the middle and then grafted the two pieces together. Pattern says to knit from end to end. (See photo below)
- Scarf is 97cm long. Pattern says to knit to 84cm.
Granny Love
Pattern and photo by Kootoyoo
I want one! I just love how the granny square is given a modern and very wearable look. I checked my stash and don’t have enough yarn for it. So I need to go yarn shopping and get a 15mm hook asap. I can’t wait to start crocheting!
Full instructions and video tutorial available from here
Pearl & Bamboo
Alpaca, silk and merino wool blend in a sophisticated pearl colour.
Knitting lace on smooth and warm bamboo knitting needles.
Creating a beautiful handmade gift for a friend’s 30th.
It’s been a really good knitting week.
What’s on your needles?
Chicken Rice Porridge Recipe
I grew up with chicken rice porridge, also known as congee or bubur ayam. My mum cooked it for me whenever I was sick. The soft texture makes it easy to eat. It’s nutritious and filling too. My mum would cook the rice porridge in the morning before she rushed off to work and I would have it all day. I prefer it to chicken soup.
Today was another cold and rainy day In Sydney and it made me crave for comfort food. This rice porridge recipe is so simple that my husband has made it several times without my assistance and it always comes out right. It takes 5-10 minutes to prepare and an hour of simmering. I find it so attractive when he cooks the rice porridge for me when I’m sick. It really tugs at my heart strings.
The recipe was adapted from this cook book. Serves 4.
Ingredients
4 cups chicken stock
1 tbsp minced ginger or 25g fresh ginger, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp salt (do not add if your chicken stock is already salty)
1/2 cup short or medium grain rice, washed and drained
2 boneless chicken thighs, cubed
1 cup frozen peas
Optional – Fried shallots
Method
Bring chicken stock to boil in a large saucepan.
Stir in the spices, salt and rice.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan and simmer gently for 1 hour.
Brown chicken and add it to the saucepan in the last 15 mins of cooking.
Add peas in the last 5 mins.
Serve hot with a sprinkling of fried shallots.
Note: If you prefer a thicker consistency, just cook it for a longer time. Add an extra cup of stock if you prefer a soupier rice porridge. Try it with other meats and vegetables of your choice.
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