Crochet Poppies

A friend of mine tried to crochet poppies to raise money at her workplace.  Turns out she HATES to crochet (weirdo) and, rather than watch her struggle/kill everyone, I said I would make them for her.  Her instructions?  Just keep going until the yarn runs out.  So I did.  I crocheted 310yds worth.  I have bags under my eyes and a peculiar red patch a little like a carpet burn on my finger but they are done.  

Now, before you say anything, I wouldn't want you to think that the Poppy Appeal will be losing out.  My friend works in our local, friendly naval base; to rip of the Poppy Appeal would probably lead to an actual walking of the plank.  And she's very honest, like way more honest than me.  I trust her implicitly.  Plus my husband is her boss and I'd get her fired.  KIDDING!!  Or am I?  Mwah, hah, hah, hah!

The pattern was free with the Daily Record, the yarn was Premier Value Double Knit in Shades 023 and 026 (aka red and black) and I used a size 4mm/G hook .  Not my choice of yarn obv but it did the trick and I'm sure the finger scarring won't be permanent.

1. Using black yarn, work 6dc into magic ring, join with slip stitch, chain 1 (6sts)
2. 2dc into each stitch around, join with a slip stitch, ch1 (12sts). Change to red
3. Work in the back loops only, (dc in the first stitch, 2dc in the next) repeat around (18sts). Join with a slip st, ch1
4. (Dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in the next) repeat around (24sts). Join with slip stitch, ch1.
5. (Dc in 3sts, 2dc in the next) repeat around (30sts). Join with a slip stitch, ch1.
6. Dc in each stitch around (30sts)
7. (Slip 2sts, 5tr in the next stitch, dc, 5tr in the next stitch, dc) repeat around.
8. Join with a slip stitch and finish off. Embroider any details onto your poppy.

Each one took me about 20 minutes but I got that weirdly competitive way when you try to make them faster and faster every time, even though it's only you that's doing them. And then slowly having to unravel them because you've made another mahoosive mistake.

So far she's mugged her colleagues for £50 and still has some left to sell.  I'd call that a result.

No more poppies tonight.  Tonight's the night for painting my nails Barry M gnp4 red and eating Fruit n Nut whilst lusting after George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.

Qua-li-ty.

Laters

Luv Egg on a Stick x