Welcome to the sweetest, most textured project in our miniature collection! “The Carnation” Ruffled House is a tribute to the intricate, serrated beauty of the carnation flower. Often associated with love and fascination, these flowers are known for their dense, ruffled petals, and this caravan captures that aesthetic perfectly. The exterior features a classic two-tone design in Pastel Pink and crisp White, but the showstopper is the roof—a cascade of woolen ruffles that mimics the texture of a blooming bouquet.

The interior transforms the caravan into a mobile florist shop. Every shelf is packed with vases of handmade carnations in shades of pink, and white with delicate red trim. This is a working studio, complete with rolls of Kraft paper for wrapping, spools of twine, and a pair of sharp florist shears on the counter. A heartfelt “Get Well Soon” card sits ready to be tucked into a bouquet. Outside, a curly-haired Poodle (matching the ruffled theme) sits dutifully next to a large basket of blooms, while a vintage pink bicycle with a flower-filled basket waits to make a delivery. This project is a celebration of texture, requiring patience to create the hundreds of tiny ruffles that bring it to life.

Because of the heavy texture on the roof and the need for the interior shelves to hold tiny accessories without tipping, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is mandatory for this pattern to ensure the walls stand vertical and the roof maintains its arch under the weight of the “petals.” We will use a standard hook for the main structure and a precision micro-hook for the intricate flowers and the poodle’s curls.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn (Mercerized cotton is best for the structure and flower definition).

  – Pastel Pink: Lower exterior walls, roof ruffles, bicycle frame, carnations.

  – Bright White: Upper exterior walls, carnations.

  – Red/Deep Pink: Carnation edges (trim).

  – Leaf Green: Stems and calyxes.

  – Kraft/Tan: Wrapping paper rolls, twine, baskets.

  – Apricot/Light Brown: Poodle fur.

  – Silver/Grey: Shears, bicycle spokes.

  – Black: Tires, dog eyes.

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and bicycle wheels.

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the carnation flowers, tiny tools, and the poodle.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, craft wire (essential for the bicycle frame and flower stems), fabric glue, tapestry needle, white paper (for the card).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
• Dec: Decrease (invisible decrease)
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• FLO: Front Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Ruffle Cluster: (Sc, Ch 3, 3 Dc, Ch 3, Sl st) all in the same stitch.

Part 1: The Caravan Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Florist Floor

Make 2 identical panels using Pastel Pink or Wood Brown.

1. Row 1: Ch 26. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (25)
2. Row 2-40: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4″ x 6.5″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to the exact size. Sandwich it between the two panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Pink & White Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof Base, and Right Wall.

Panel A: Exterior (Pink & White)

• Start with Pastel Pink.
• Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Wall + Roof + Right Wall). Sc across. (90)
• Row 2-12: Sc across (Pink Bottom Section).
• Change to Bright White.
• Row 13-35: Sc across (White Top Section).
• Window Cutouts: On the side wall sections, create large rectangular windows. The Florist shop needs light! (Ch 12, Sk 12).
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (White)

• Use White yarn for the entire piece to keep the interior bright. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter through both layers. Use Pink for the bottom edge and White for the rest.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.

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3. The Ruffled Roof Overlay

Use 2.5mm Hook and Pink Yarn. This mimics the carnation petals.

• Base: Ch to match the width of the roof. Work rows of BLO Sc for the length of the roof. The free Front Loops will be used to attach the ruffles.
• The Ruffles: Join Pink yarn to the first free Front Loop of Row 1.

  Pattern: *Ch 3, 3 Dc in loop, Ch 3, Sl st in next loop* repeat across.

  Repeat this ruffle row for every other row of front loops across the entire roof. It should look like a dense, wavy cake frosting or petals.

• Assembly: Sew this heavy textured overlay onto the White exterior roof section.

Part 2: The Carnations (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm – 1.25mm Hook. Carnations are defined by their serrated edges.

1. The Carnation Bloom

Make 20-30 flowers. Colors: Pink, White, White with Red edge.

• Calyx (Green): MR 5 sc. Sc 2 rounds. (Tiny cup).
• Petals (Color): Join petal color to the Green cup.

  Rnd 1: Work 2 Sc in each st. (10)

  Rnd 2: Work 3 Dc in each st. (30) – This creates the volume.

  Rnd 3 (The Edge): *Ch 2, Sl st in next st* repeat around. This creates the jagged, serrated edge typical of carnations.

  Note: For the “Red Trim” variety, switch to Red yarn/thread just for Rnd 3.

2. Vases & Display

• Vase: Blue/Grey yarn. MR 5 sc, Inc to 10. BLO Sc up for 5 rounds.

  Assembly: Insert green wire stems into the carnations and arrange them densely in the vases.

Part 3: Florist Shop Interior

Use Hook Size: 1.25mm.

1. Work Bench & Shelves

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Counter: White/Pink. Ch 15. Sc 4 rows. Sandwich with canvas. Glue to the side wall under the window. This acts as the wrapping station.

2. Wrapping Supplies

• Kraft Paper Rolls: Tan/Kraft yarn. Ch 6. Sc 6 rows. Roll tightly into a tube and stitch closed. Make 3 rolls.
• Twine Spool: Brown thread wrapped around a tiny cardboard cylinder or bead.
• Card: Cut a tiny rectangle of white paper. Use a fine pen to scribble “Get Well Soon” or “Mom”. Place it on the counter.

3. Flower Shears

• Blades: Silver. Ch 4, sl st back. Make 2.
• Handles: Black/Red. Ch 3 loops at the base of blades.
• Assembly: Stitch blades in an open ‘X’ shape.

Part 4: Exterior, Poodle & Bicycle

1. The Curly Poodle

Use 1.25mm Hook and Apricot/Brown yarn. Texture is key.

• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 6.

  Topknot: Work Picot Stitches or *Ch 3, Sl st* all over the top of the head for curls.

• Ears: Ch 5. Work Picot/Loop stitches down the chain. Sew to sides of head (floppy and curly).
• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 5 rounds. Dec to 6.

  Texture: Work Picot stitches randomly over the chest and shoulders for a “lion cut” look.

• Legs: Ch 4 tubes. Add “pompoms” of curls at the ankles.
• Pose: Sitting next to the basket.

2. The Vintage Bicycle

Use 1.25mm Hook and Wire.

• Frame: Bend craft wire into a bike shape (two triangles and a handlebar). Wrap tightly with Pink yarn.
• Wheels:

  Tire: Black. Ch 20 ring. Sc around to thicken.

  Spokes: Use Silver thread to sew a star inside. Make 2. Attach to frame.

• Seat: Brown triangle.
• Front Basket: Tan. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Glue to handlebars. Fill with tiny Carnations.

3. Large Floor Basket

• Basket: Tan. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc 3 rounds. Handle: Ch 12 arch.

  Fill: Fill to the brim with loose Pink and Red carnations. Place next to the Poodle.

4. Wheels (Caravan)

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Grey texture. MR 6 sc.
• Sew to sides.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the U-shell is rigid. The ruffled roof is heavy, so the walls must be reinforced with plastic canvas.
2. Interior Setup:
   • Glue the Work Bench to the wall.
   • Glue Vases of Carnations onto the bench and floor.
   • Arrange the Kraft Paper, Shears, and Card on the bench to look like a work-in-progress.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Lean the Bicycle against the front or side of the caravan.
   • Position the Poodle sitting faithfully next to the large Basket of Flowers.
   • Double check the roof ruffles—fluff them up for maximum volume.

Congratulations! You have built the “Carnation” Ruffled House. This project is a masterpiece of texture and delicate floral design.