Heather's Rose

With the tiny amount of yarn left over from my simple shell shrug, I made up this flower pattern. I wanted something three dimensional to compliment the fluffy yarn. I turned this specimen into a brooch to give to my mother, who's name is Heather.

Heather's Rose designed by Teena Sutton Murphy

I first learned how to crochet when I was a child, maybe aged 7 or 8. My mum taught me, who learned how to crochet from her grandma Elizabeth. Elizabeth Jackson's parents owned a tailor shop, and she was very skilled in crochet, as well as sewing, which my mum also taught me. I'm lucky enough to have some specimens of my great-grandmother's exceptional crochet doily work. My son's middle name is Jackson, after this maiden name in my mother's family. We also live near Jackson Road, another reason why we chose this name.

I hope to write down the pattern for this flower I've designed and named for my mother. If I can get some friends to pattern test it, I'll share it with you as soon as I can!

Best Teacher Apple Brooch

I wanted to make a simple gift for Thomas's music teacher Miss Katie, as today was our last day. I thought to make a small apple brooch but I had trouble finding an apple pattern I liked so ended up making up my own!

apple appliqué by Teena Sutton Murphy

 I tried several different apple appliqués using different yarns, included 8 ply acrylic. In the end I decided the 4 ply red cotton was best. I used a 2mm hook and my own pattern. I learnt how to make apples from 'ing-things' blog, but then changed the pattern to suit the 4 ply. The apples I made using her pattern are the large ones with dark green leaves. T o find out how to make the ones with dark leaves please go to her blog.

a selection of different kinds of apple appliqués

Apple Applique Pattern by Teena Sutton Murphy in US crochet

(for UK crochet sc = dc, dc = trbl, trbl = dbl trbl)
1. 3 ch (counts as 1st dc), 11 dc into 1st ch (12 dc)
2. 3 ch (counts as 1st dc), 2 trb in next, 2 trbl in next, 2 dc each  in next 7 dc (14 dc), 2 trb in next, 2 trbl in next,  3 ch sl st into 1st ch (24 st)
3. sc in 2nd ch, sc in 3rd ch, sc in 1st trbl, 2 sc in next, 2 sc in next, 1 sc each in next 7 dc, 2 sc in next, 1 sc each in next 3 dc, 2 sc in next, 1 sc each in next 7 dc, 2 sc in 2nd last trbl, 2 sc in last trbl,  sc in 3rd last ch, sc in 2nd last ch, sl st to 1st sc
For the leaf and stem, I followed the pattern at ing-things.

I prefer to stitch on rather than use a glue gun

I don't like to use glue, so I don't own a glue gun. I don't know if they work better but as a rule I prefer not to use glue as in my experience it just falls apart. So I stitch the brooch pin onto the back of the applique, I think it stays on better that way.

apple brooch for best teacher

I think Miss Katie liked her special apple brooch that we gave to her today, I wonder if anyone else will want me to make this for them? I think I could make a few for an online shop when I get around to it!

My Great-grandmother's Brooch

This is such a special thing, an old brooch that once belonged to my mother's grandmother.

It was time for me to purchase my maternity bra, but when I tried it on with my wedding dress it showed, so I needed a brooch to hold the dress in place. I had a wardrobe delimna, but didn't like any of the brooches I saw in the shops. Lucky for me, my mum lent me this old brooch. I had my doubts, thinking I would have to wear a normal bra which has been getting very uncomfortable lately! But when I tried it on it suited fine, which was lucky! This is the 'something borrowed' and 'something old' to bring me good luck on my wedding day, which I dutifully returned to my mother the same day. I also wore a new blue dress for good luck!

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in your shoe

• The "something old" represents the couples friends who will hopefully remain close during the marriage. Traditionally this was old garter which given to the bride by a happily married woman in the hope that her happiness in marriage would be passed on to the new bride.


• "Something new" symbolises the newlyweds' happy and prosperous future.


• The "something borrowed" is often lent by the bride's family and is an item much valued by the family. The bride must return the item to ensure good luck.


• The custom of the bride wearing "something blue" originated in ancient Israel where the bride wore a blue ribbon in her hair to represent fidelity.

I found this information on Wedding Customs here.