Totally not going to tolerate that sort of statement from anyone! My yarn stash is not too big, nor could it ever be too big!
Just because I have searched for two hours trying to find that elusive ball of pink Stylecraft Special Dk that I know I have somewhere, and I cannot find it, that does NOT mean I have a stash issue.
Sure I will admit I have more yarn than I can probably use in my remaining lifetime but how much is too much? And really what is the point of only buying one of something? I may need more than one and if I don't buy it then, the dye lot may well be different. Imagine all that work on something only to find it looks odd due to different dye lots! Unbearable!
And I actually gave this lot away to someone. I must get some points for that!
I can still get inside my front door and do have SOME room to move around. It is also great exercise leaping over tubs of yarn!
Is it really my fault that I think up a new design and none of the yarn I have seems to be JUST RIGHT, resulting in an order being placed or a trip to the local LYS?
No, it is not!
I have been extremely fruggle this year! I have only purchased 2 skeins of yarn!
I know I have used a ton more than that, so I could almost say my yarn stash is in deficit, comparing it to what it was, that is.
Maybe I should go visit the LYS and stock up! After all I wouldn't want to run out of yarn!!!
Disclaimer: The amount of yarn I have in my stash may have been grossly over exaggerated. Yes I do have too much but my house is not overrun with yarn! No Skeins of yarn were harmed in the writing of this blog post (but I did squeeze a few of them and exclaim how soft they were!).
Sometimes when I design, I begin with an idea in my head and it tends to morph as it progresses. I may get an idea part way through, suddenly change course and the design changes.
This was very much the case with this design. I had already begun to make the Tote when I decided it needed beads. I found myself thinking of ways to stiffen the edges of the Tote by thinking a little bit outside the square. I ended up using plastic clothes line, inside the edges, and I added stiffness to the base of the design with a layer of pvc plastic, sandwiched between the crochet.
I am very happy with the end results!
I chose to use Patons cotton blend DK simply as I had some in my stash and I rather liked the idea of using black. I also wanted my beads to shine through and be a contrast to the black.
My only complaint with using black is the horror it is, trying to get decent clear pictures. The pattern has pictures of most rows to help with stitch placement and count.
Most rows of the pattern have pictures.
I spent a bit of time looking at the Tote and trying to think of a name for it. Nothing was really jumping out at me and then I thought about the colour cotton I had used. This prompted me to choose a name.
So introducing the 'Billy Thunder Tote'. Named as a tribute to a squatter who decided to move into our house a few years ago.
The following is the story behind the name:
One very cold winter a few years ago we discovered that a stray cat had been sneaking into our house and curling up on one of the beds in one of our now grown childrens rooms. It was caught sneaking back out the door, which was promptly locked in an attempt to keep this interloper out.
The cat had a collar on, so we assumed he had owners. We discovered soon enough that he did not.
Over the next couple of weeks, we had a number of sleepless nights due to this cat crying outside our bedroom window. I vividly recall one night when the men in the family were away racing motocross, that I resorted to banging a saucepan outside the house in an attempt to get the cat to stop. The cat had no intention of doing so. It had already decided it now lived in our house and was letting us know, he did not approve of being locked out of his home.
My husband and I have always loved animals and at one stage in our lives had, two horses, three dogs, over a hundred very large goldfish and our property was and is the home of a mob of kangaroos. But we were now at a stage where we really only had the one dog and the fish (and the mob) and were happy with that.
I found myself leaving food outside for this cat without telling my husband. I then discovered my husband was doing the same. Both of us are softies when it comes to animals, and neither of us wanted the cat hungry.
Slowly the cat moved in! He already felt he owned the place and was allowing us to reside there with him.
He didn't have a name and my husband kept suggesting some pretty terrible names for him. I believe one of his first suggestions was 'Pushkas'. I remember just looking at him with a 'what the' expression on my face with that one!
We couldn't call him any of the names I had yelled at him during the sleepless nights and the saucepan banging. This name choosing went on for a number of weeks with me vetoing the suggestions put forward. I kept telling my husband that I refused to be seen calling out some of his suggested cat names. He eventually decided to name him 'Billy' as he would now come up and rub his head against him. He said it was like a billy goat head butting him.
I was still not totally wrapped with this suggestion until I remembered a children's novel all my kids had read named 'Billy Thunder and the Night Gate'. This is a brilliant book by Isobelle Carmody!
So I began calling OUR cat 'Billy Thunder' and the name caught on. It slowly got extended to 'Billy Thunder Cat'.
It also suits him as he was very vocal with his necessity (demand) to live with us.
Billy is a very plain, all black cat ( you cannot count the tiny smudge of white under his chin) with a lovely nature and so the black yarn made me think of him.
So this one is for Billy Thunder! Interloper, squatter and now (in his opinion) ruler of our house!
And yes I am quite happy to be seen calling out 'Billy Thunder Cat', it just seems right!
As for the Tote, it is now in testing and the pattern will be released on my Ravelry and Love Crochet pages in a few weeks. So stay tuned for the release!
Where do flowers go when they misbehave? You will find them locked away in a prison made of diamonds.
Locked away inside a Prison of Diamonds the Flowers look to each other but cannot touch. They see beyond the filet fencing (filet holes) to the garden outside. Nestled in the centre of this garden (border), locked in their own triangle prisons are individual Tulips. Together but forever apart!
A Prison for Flowers Shawl. Woltraum My Melody.
A Prison for Flowers is a delicate shawl with a lovely lace edging. This shawl works up beautifully in many different yarns.
This was a lock down project for me and I used 2 different cakes of Woltraum My Melody with a total yarn usage of 1100 metres.
The pattern is also available formatted for use with Bendigo Woollen Mill 4ply Cotton. This wil be available soon at Bendigo woollen mill.
I had some very capable pattern testers for this project and their work is just beautiful. These testers are what makes my patterns what they are. They find all my silly errors and show just how different a project can be in their chosen yarns and colour choices. They chose varied yarns to work in and have produced some stunning shawls.
I was also extremely fortunate to have Kerri Nosworthy in my test team working in Bendigo Woollen Mill yarn. This has meant I can also offer the pattern for sale through Bendigo Mill. So a massive huge thank you to Kerri.
Test Shawl. By Kerri Nosworthy. Gorgeous in Bendigo Woollen Mill 4 Ply cotton. Parchement and Teal.
Test Shawl by MJ Rose. Made using Yarn Bee Wrapsody in Crimson Poppies.
Test Shawl by Amy Elizabeth Peterson. Made using Rea Favourites Little Club Yarn.
Test Shawl by Sallyanne Fisher. Made using Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody in The Slate Divide. Background is embroidery done by my Grandmother. She gifted this to me when I was very young and I have treasured it ever since. It hangs in a frame on my wall.
Test Shawl by Nikki Barker. Made using Red Heart It's a Wrap Rainbow yarn. I have never been a fan of the colour green but this work of Nikki's is bending my thoughts towards green, as this is gorgeous.
More photos of Nikki's shawl.
Test Shawl by Ruth Tipping. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Turkish Delight.
Now to the boring stuff!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale. You cannot manufacture and mass produce my designs for sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern or any part of it as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
Are you a glass half empty or half full type of person? I am a bit on the half empty side at times, but today I choose to see the glass as half full!
Photo credit and made by Purled Decay
To cut or not to cut!
On my hook right now, yep, this very minute, is a blanket design. I am closing in on the final stages of it and looking forward to getting it out to test.
At this point I have used almost 4 full 200g balls of Bendigo Woollen Mills Dk cotton. These balls have about 485 metres of yarn in each ball. That means I have worked my way through almost 1940 metres of yarn. I have around 150 metres left on the fourth ball and I have won the lottery! Yes, lucky me! Winner, Winner!
When these balls are manufactured, those making them are going to have to make a join somewhere. They kind of just have too! Finding one of these joins is like finding a needle in a haystack! Or maybe (for those Harry Potter fans) a Golden Snitch!
I had worked my way through around 1800 metres and didn't find a join. This was when my luck cut in. How did this luck manifest you may ask? I found a join in the fourth ball.
Imagine my delight! I could have found my way right through the entire project without finding an elusive join! Of course the obvious reaction to this (if we are being realistic) rather offensive join, would be to get annoyed. Curse my luck, thinking 'Why me', Why did I have to get a join?'
I decided that instead of viewing this as bad luck, I would choose to believe that I am extremely lucky. 'Oh, what luck, a join!'
Just think if you found yourself at the wool mill and were told to go find a ball of yarn with a join somewhere inside, the chances of finding one would be pretty slim. But I found one and I didn't even have to leave home!
Out of all those balls of yarn in production I managed to get the one with the little prize hidden inside!
Out came the scissors and a cutting I went. You just can't trust that those pesky little knotted joins will hold, so a re-join is a must. My mind then shifts to the thought that I now have 2 extra ends to sew in. How fantastic!
You just have to love those little joins! I am so glad I had the honour of finding one! I feel so special!
A Bit about this yarn!
Bendigo Woollen Mill yarn is super soft and incredible to work with. This is an Australian owned and made yarn!
A world filled with flowers is a beauty to behold!
I have been making shawls and blankets of late. Occasionally I have added a few bandana cowls to mix it up, but I needed a break from the blanket I have been working on.
On looking around the room where I store my yarns, I viewed the mountain of what I would consider scrap yarns and decided I should make a bag out of scraps.
The bag on completion really needed a flower. This little flower is the result!
This has a raised centre for that 3D look.
US terms are used for this pattern:
Materials: (scrap yarn).
Flower Centre: Chunky weight.
Petals: Aran weight for the inner petal and Dk weight for the edge.
Abbreviations:
Sc - Single Crochet
Dc- Double Crochet
Dtr- Double Treble
St- Stitch
Yo - Yarn Over
Slst- Slip Stitch
Notes:
Numbers in Red Italic represent the corresponding photograph.
Numbers at the end of the rows represent the stitch counts.
Flower Centre
Round 1:[1]Wrap the yarn around your finger 10 times. Remove the circle of yarn from your finger, keep the circle intact. [2]Insert your hook through the centre of the yarn circle. [3] Yo and pull up a loop. Yo and draw through both loops (doesn’t count as a St). [4]Work 12Sc into the circle. Slst to the first Sc to close the round. Cut yarn and fasten off. Leave a long tail for sewing the flower on. [12Sc]
Petals
Round 2: Turn the work over. Attach a different colour yarn with a Slst into any Sc.[5][Ch5 (counts as a Dtr).[6]Work 3Dtr into the same St as Ch5. [7] Ch5, Slst back into the same St. Slst across 2 Sc]x6 omitting one Slst in last rep. [8]Fasten off and cut yarn. Leave a long tail for sewing the flower on. [30Dtr]
Round 3:[9]Attach a different colour yarn with a Slst into any Slst between Petals on Round1. [10] [Ch5. Sc into the first Dtr of Round 2. [11] [2 Dc into next St]x2. [12]Ch5. Slst into next Slst of Round 1]x6. Fasten off and cut yarn. [12Sc, 24 Dc, 12 Ch5 lengths]
Sew on to your project using the long tails.
The Stem:
I usually use surface slip stitch for most items like this, but this time I wanted it to really stand out. This stem is sewn on.
I used the same Chunky yarn that was used for the centre of the flower.
Steps to making a flower stem.
Direction of work.
[1]Ch20. [2]Slst into the 12th Ch from the Hk. Ch12.[3] Slst back into the same 12th Ch.[4] Slst to the top of the Sp between the 2 Loops. [5]Ch10. Cut yarn and Fasten off. Leave a long tail to sew the stem on. Sew on.
Now to the boring stuff!
Yes! This is free for your use but there are still some copyright legalities that come even with free!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale. You cannot manufacture and mass produce my designs for sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
This pattern is for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern or any part of it as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
A Cotillion for Butterflies Scarf/Wrap. Made Red Heart Unforgettable Yarn.
You are cordially invited to the Butterfly Cotillion. Dress in your finest and come join the Butterflies.
Come dance the night away!
This is a whimsical scarf/wrap with three different size Butterflies competing for the best costume (wings) and the best dance moves. Large Butterflies in rows are lined up with their dance partners the medium sized Butterflies. The matriarchs of the Butterfly world stand aloof in the extended Triangle edging, carefully watching to ensure all is proper.
Smaller Butterflies dangle from the edging trying to get a peek at the dance floor, hoping one day it will be their turn.
As always I like to show off my pattern testers hard work. They sure deserve the credit and everyone gets to see a little bit of diversity in yarn etc.
Test Scarf/Wrap by Sallyanne Fisher. Made using Lion Brand Mandala in Ombre. It looks fabulous!
Test Scarf/Wrap by Margo Mead. Made using Red Heart Unforgettable in Gossamer.
Test Scarf/Wrap by Amanda Haynes. Made using So Crafty Yarn
Test Scarf/Wrap by Bronwyn Bellwood. Made using Blue Label Cupcakes.
Test Scarf/Wrap by Ruth Tipping. Made with WI yarn
Now to the boring stuff!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale. You cannot manufacture and mass produce my designs for sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern or any part of it as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
Just doesn't pay to turn your back on your crochet! I put my Scarf/Wrap down for just a minute and when I turned back Moths had attacked it. The little blighters were all over it. They had devoured huge chunks of it and were hanging from the edges!
If you feel the need to own your very own moth-eaten Scarf/Wrap then follow these links to the pattern. Ravelry (click here),Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).
This Scarf/Wrap is made from Scheepjes Whirl in Caramel Core Blimey. It works up into a very wearable, light-weight accessory to your wardrobe.
The pattern is in written format, with photographs and a graph to help along the way. It comes in UK written terms and US written terms.
Materials:
3.5mm Hook
1x Scheepjes Whirl Caramel Core Blimey 215-225 Grams = 1000m/1093yd per ball. Approx 150m/164yd of one whirl left over.
The pattern has been tested by my dedicated team of pattern testers and some of their incredible work is below.
Test Scarf/Wrap by Stephanie Fitzgerald Hall. Made using Premier yarn in the colour Tulip. I have to say I think Stephanie only has herself to blame for Moths eating this. Keeping it in a tree has to have something to do with it!!!
Test Wrap/Scarf by Danielle Hanken Tetreault. Made using Birdies Knits hand dyed cotton in fingering weight. Colour Water Lily and Lemon Drop (see yarn substitutes for a link to this).
Test Scarf/Wrap by MJ Rose. Made using Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody in Teal of Fortune.
Test Scarf/Wrap by Jane Wynne. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mills 4ply in Glacier
Now to the boring stuff!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.You cannot manufacture and mass produce my designs for sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
This Bandana Cowl is made using Ice Yarn Kuka 100% wool. I have had this yarn quietly hiding in my stash drawer for some time. I made a pact with myself, that I would attempt to use stash yarn for a few projects and resist the urge to get more. Lockdown sure helped with this and Lace Me Up is the result.
This is a fun design made using mostly basic stitches. The neck has a unique laced effect and this does take some patience.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
Like a lot of crazy crochet people during this difficult worldwide pandemic, I have been locked away with my quite substantial yarn stash, whiling away the time crocheting and whipping up designs.
I have been drawing up quite a few new designs as my head just refuses to stop doing so. If I am out on my lawn mower I find by the time I am finished, I have a new idea all formatted out in my head and I am reaching for a pen and paper to jot it down. This happens no matter what I am doing. I just try to remember my ideas for a more appropriate time.
I have truly done my best to use stash yarn for many new designs, but sometimes it just is not enough.
I have one new idea that I have been itching to start. I then start to think about what yarn I need for it and of course colour!
If I had my way every single design would be made in the only colour truly worthwhile of being named Overlord of all Colours! Yes. Of course I am talking about PURPLE! I would truly make everything in purple if I could, but being a designer I do try to be a little bit diverse. Just don't suggest I work in GREEN (yuck) and we will probably get along fine, and don't get me started on RED! Red I only use very, very occasionally. One of my only designs in red is my Frankie Drake Cloche Hat (click here for a link to the pattern).
For this new design, I had a NEED, LONGING, NECESSITY, UNDENIABLE URGE for Scheepjes Whirl yarn and thankfully my LYS has finally re-opened with a 2 person limit on how many people can be in the store at any one time.
I pondered long and hard as to which colour I should use. Of course I truly wanted to use Whirl in Lavenderlicious, but I have recently done a blanket in this and so I knew I must resist.
I looked at many items made in all the colours, trying to decide what colour would be just perfect. This had me rushing for the anti nausea pills as I came across Peppermint Patty Cakes (Green YUCK!). Once my stomach had finally calmed down, I narrowed the choice down to Mid Morning Mocha'roo and Licorice Yum Yum. Trying to decide between two colours totally does my head in at times. I find myself swapping and changing my mind over, and over, and of course the Lavenderlicious keeps popping into my head as the ultimate choice.
The outing to the LYS was a real treat after being stuck in for so long, but my trusty little car had not forgotten the way there. I could hear the joyous hum from the motor as it knew just where to go. I soon found myself stepping over the threshold into yarn heaven. I didn't let any of the other yarns entice me to stop and adore them. Don't you worry, they were really trying. I could hear them whispering, 'Look at me, I am so soft'. 'Come on over here, you know you want to squeeze me! I told them to leave me alone in a harsh tone and they did quieten down considerably.
I stayed focused on my mission and headed straight for the Whirl section. I quickly scanned the shelves looking for the Mid Morning Mocha'roo and finally found one lone cake sitting all by itself as though being shunned by the other cakes. Normally this find would have had me singing BUT.... I needed TWO. My bottom lip dropped to the floor and I had to resist the urge to cry, or throw a tantrum. I managed to hold it all together as the last thing I could want is to be banned from the yarn store. Looking again for the Licorice Yum Yum my eyes landed on the LAVENDERLICOUS! I slapped myself a few times and forced my gaze to move on. 'My eyes, oh my eyes'. My gaze had fallen into the abyss, landing on the PEPPERMINT PATTY CAKE. This had me staggering to hang onto the shelves as nausea took hold.
Regaining my composure and averting my eyes from the hideous green, they finally landed on several cakes of Licorice Yum Yum. I reached for two cakes and headed to the checkout. The Mocha'roo was taunting me as I passed it 'You know you really want me, I'm much better than Licorice, C'mon buy me'. 'You know I can't' I muttered to it. I held my head high and kept walking. The store owner did give me an odd look as I paid for my purchase, but doesn't everyone talk to the yarn? Surely they were standing well back simply due to the covid restrictions and no other reason. Oh, well back to my designs!
You are welcome to sell items made from my patterns, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work go into the designing and producing of my patterns.
You are purchasing/downloading my patterns for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
Being in lockdown had me deciding to use up some yarn that had been in the stash for a while. The brain cogs started to turn and the idea for this Bandana Cowl was the result. 'Choke Me With Flowers Bandana Cowl'.
This is a lovely warm addition to your wardrobe and comes with a stylish split neck.
You can find the pattern on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
I have seen these little bears made from normal type towels and washcloths many times. I had not seen any done in a crochet washcloth, so I thought to myself that it was time.
These little washclothes are simple to make, great for a last minute gift or for adding to gift hampers such as baby shower hampers, house warming gifts etc.
I used one full 50g ball of cotton/bamboo for mine but any soft cotton or cotton blend will work great.
US Terms are used in this pattern.
Materials:
5mm/H Hook
1 x Noya Bamboo Cotton Dk 50g. (I rate this as a thicker Dk.) This yarn may not be readily available everywhere. An alternative would be King Cole Bamboo Cotton (click here to find).
Ribbon in a matching colour.
Rubber Bands in a matching colour.
Materials used.
Notes:
Chains count as a stitch. A Chain 1 is used at the beginning of the row instead of Chain 2. This creates a tighter and neater edge. This method suits my style of crochet and tension. This may not be the case for everyone. I offer two options as alternatives here and work what suits your style of crochet best. Alternative Option 1: Ch2 at the beginning of each row instead of Chain 1. Alternative Option 2: Ch1 at the beginning of each row and do not count this as a stitch. Place your first Half Double Crochet into the same place as the Ch1.
This washcloth is designed to be lightweight and not tightly stitched. Check your gauge to make sure you have the right hook size for your yarn choice.
If your tension is similar to mine your washcloth should be square. If not adjust the number of rows to make a square.
Gauge:
10 Rows to 4inches/10cm
14 Stitches to 4inches/10cm
Abbreviations:
Ch- Chain
Hdc- Half Double Crochet
Sc- Single Crochet
St- Stitch
Hk- Hook
Sp-Space
Cnr-Corner
Slst- Slip Stitch
Measurements:
30cm/11.8inches x 30cm/11.8inches
Abbreviations:
Ch- Chain
Hdc- Half Double Crochet
Sc- Single Crochet
St- Stitch
Hk- Hook
Sp-Space
Cnr-Corner
Slst- Slip Stitch
Washcloth:
Basic Half Double Crochet Washcloth
Row 1: Ch42: Hdc into 3rd Ch from Hk. Hdc into each Ch across. Turn [40Hdc]
Row 2: Ch1 (counts as a St). Hdc into each St across. Turn. [40Hdc]
Rep. Row 2 till you have a total of 38 Rows.
Border:
Ch1. Work 2 Sc into the same Sp as Ch1. Sc into each St across top edge. Work 3 Sc into Cnr. Work Sc into each row end across side. Work 3 Sc into Cnr. Work Sc into each row end across side. Slst to Ch1 to close. Fasten off and cut yarn.
Sew in Ends.
Create your Bear:
Steps 1, 2 and 3.
Step 1: Lay your washcloth flat. Firmly roll one edge towards the middle.
Step 2: Repeat Step 1 on the opposite end of the washcloth so they meet in the middle.
Step 3: Gently twist the top half of the washcloth.
Steps 4,5 and 6.
Step 4: Fold the top section towards the back. You need the fold to be placed so that you the back section of the fold is longer by approx 2 inches.
Step 5:Picture shows what the back of the bear will look like after the fold.
Step 6: Get a matching colour rubber band and place this part way down the front section of the fold to form a head.
Steps 7,8 and 9.
Step 7: Open the ears and arms out slightly.
Step 8: Add a matching colour rubber at the top to form an ear.
Step 9: Rep the last step for the second ear.
Steps 10 and 11.
Step 10: Add matching colour rubber bands to form the bears feet.
Step 11: Tie a length of ribbon around the neck.
Enjoy your bear!
And if you love my pattern buy me a cup of tea! Find the button to do so on my blog!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
Please note that while this pattern is free on my blog, free does not mean you can reprint, distribute or use this without permission. This is for personal use!
If you have not noticed or maybe it is your first time visiting my blog, I kind of love dragonflies! I also love flowers!
Dragonflies have a habit of appearing in my work as I keep thinking up new ways to incorporate them into my designs.
The Filet Crochet Technique is used for this project and the stitches are basic. A need for concentrating is there due to the width of the shawl. You have over 300 stitches per row.
I worked from the inside of the first ball till completion and then from the outside of the second ball to keep the colours flowing. Once the main body of the shawl was completed, I then worked from the inside of the remaining ball to make the border along the bottom edge. This kept the colours all flowing nicely.
This versatile shawl can be worn many ways.
The testing process is so important to my designs and my hard working testers deserve credit for their efforts. You will always find a page on in my patterns dedicated to showing off their efforts. Some people find having extra pages to a pattern annoying, but to me these people deserve to be credited and so I do. You can choose to omit printing this page if you like. Below is some of their incredible work.
Test Shawl by Angee Hudson. Made using Cotton Kings Twirls Deluxe in Edcora Red.
Test Shawl by Michelle Ross. Made using Nako Angora Luks col 1915.
Test Shawl by Amy Elizabeth Peterson. Made using Redheart Its a Wrap in Rainbow.
Test Shawl by Asra Konzak. Made using Cotton Kings Twirl in Rainbow.
Test Shawl by Jamie Johnson. Made using Cotton Kings Twirl in Yellow Citrine. Approx 1748yds used.
Test Shawl by Stephanie Joann Nolasco. Made using Caron Cakes.
Test Shawl by Michelle Westwood. Made using Lalables
Test Shawl by Cindy Cary. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Peppermint Patty,
I had someone recently trying to pick my brains about the stitch composition of my Dragonflies as they are (according to the person) neater and more defined than other patterns they have seen. Of course I am not going to state outright how I achieve this as it is in the pattern, but I do have my very own way of combining stitches to achieve my particular Dragonfly.
It may seem mean not to just openly share my method, but this particular shawl has taken over 200 hours from idea, to drawing and then to construction and slowly working its way through the pattern testing process. Imagine asking a plumber, doctor, architect, cleaner or anyone else to share their work processes or work for free! Yeah I don't think this is gonna happen!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
In reality I don't actually think that I misplace them; I am pretty sure that I have Leprechauns and Pixies that live in my house.
Maybe I could entice the little things with a pot of gold. If only I had one.
Note to self: Ask my Irish designer friend and partner in crime if she knows how to trap a Leprecaun!
These little creatures wait till I am asleep and steal the things they know very well I am going to want to use the next day. My fabric tape measure was missing for several weeks. I eventually found they had returned it and shoved it down the side of the couch. Very Sneaky!
I love my Clover Armour Hooks, but I only have one in a few sizes. My 6mm is gone. No doubt the Pixies found the shiny hook too much to pass up! They don't realise the imposition that they are putting me too. I have had to resort to using a cheap Aluminium hook for my latest design. It is equivalent to entering a Formula One race, while driving a Mazda 3, or attempting Brain Surgery with a Chisel.
Clover Armour
The Clover Hooks glide nicely through the yarn seemingly with no or little effort. I feel like I am wielding a Jack Hammer having to use an inferior hook.
I bet those horrid Pixies and Leprechauns will wait till I have finished this design and then my Clover Hook will appear. I can just imagine their laughter having caused the chaos they wanted.
So if you happen to know how to trap a Pixie or a Leprechaun please let me know and if you speak to one, please ask them to return my 6mm hook.
Quote: The White Witch : I can make anything you like. (Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis)
And with that quote in mind, I did go right ahead and make anything I liked!
I like things that are unique, quirky and maybe a little odd.
I had this design rattling around in my head for weeks. I had seen a scientists graph somwhere online charting Icicles and instantly my brain decided that this would make a great idea for a crochet design. I did try very hard to resist the urge to purchase the yarn for this, but I already had the cream in stock, so what can a person really do? I gave in and bought a second ball of Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury to start making it. This arrived by owl mail (yes a Harry Potter reference), but I still did not give in to the urge to start on the design right away.
The design idea refused to leave me alone. It was insistant upon being made. My brain had re-worked it a dozen times over. I had just completed another unique scarf (Moths Ate My Flower Scarf) and was trying to decide what project I would work on next. So I gave in and grabbed my hook and started to create 'Ice Queen'.
The base for this beauty is a simple Sc (US Terms) scarf with tapered ends.
The uniqueness is created with the layer of Surface Slip Stitch over this simple base. Icicles dance from the edges, created by simple chains, puff stitch and slip stitch.
When it came time to name my creation, I had a few names in mind. I wanted the Icicle theme to be apparent in the name and I kept thinking of the Snow Queen in C.S. Lewis Narnia Chronicles. Combining the two themes together created the name 'Ice Queen'.
The Scarf also doubles as a Cowl with the addition of a button and buttonhole. You can also add an extra buttonhole loop near the neckline if you wish to wear it just draped across your shoulder and buttoned at the neck.
So if you would like to feel like an 'Ice Queen', all snug and warm in your very own Scarf/Cowl, now is your chance.
If you have a fear of Surface Slip Stitch, all I can say is DON'T be afraid. It is easy.
The pattern is in written form and is available in both UK and US Terms and is available on:
Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).
It comes with many pictures and graphs for the Surface Slip Stitch as well as the written stitches.
Materials Required:(click here) for Bendigo Woollen Mill yarn.
I have some patterns available on Bendigo Woollen Mills Webpage and Ice Queen will be listed on their shortly as well.
5mm hook
C1=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply Aran in Cream 300m perball. Approx 220m used
C2= 1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 8ply Dk in Shadow 400m per ball.Approx. 350m used
1x button approx 45mm/1.77inches (optional)
Tapestry Needle
Stitch markers
My pattern testers did themselves proud with their crochet abilities. They helped to fine tune the pattern and I know I would be lost without them!!!
Ice Queen Test Scarf by Amanda Haynes. Made using So Crafty Dk in Slate Grey and So Crafty Chunky in Cream.
Ice Queen Test Scarf by Cindy Cary. Made
Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury in Navy and Aquarium.
Ice Queen Test Scarf by Kathy Mant. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury in Slate Grey and Cream.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
This Scarf started out life as a plain old rectangle. I drew up my design and it was too perfect. Too symmetrical! My mind kept looking at ways to make it a little more unique!
Moths Ate My Flower Scarf. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Night Time Bubbles.
Then the idea of a scarf that had been eaten by moths popped into my head. So this is my take on a shawl attacked my moths.
The result is a rather unique scarf which drapes nicely around the shoulders due to the Moth Eaten sections.
Designed for use with one cake of Scheepjes Whirl.
1x Scheepjes Whirl Night-Time Bubbles. 215-225 Grams = 1000m/1093yd per ball. Approx 150m/164yd of one whirl left over.
Finished Measurements:
63inches/160cm long.
13 ½ inches/34.2cm wide. Measured across widest section of the shawl.
This scarf has been in the hands of my capable testers and as usual they produced some fabulous test scarves. These testers make my patterns what they are, without them, those making this Scarf really could end up with a dress or jumper instead of the intended scarf. I feel it very important to show off their efforts and I also do so in my patterns. Some of their makes are shown below. As you can see, the scarf can take on so many different looks depending upon yarn choice.
One of my incredible testers, Christy Allen, rocking her Moths Ate My Flower Scarf. Made using Lion Brand Mandala in the colour Wood Nymph!
Looking great in Scheepjes Whirl, Black Forest Zinger. By Michelle Westwood
Bethany Colhoff models her ve
rsion of 'Moths Ate My Flower Scarf'. Yarn: Redheart It's A Wrap in Rainbow. Bethany did less repeats of the pattern due to the yarn amounts she had available.
Taking on a beautiful Spring look here. Left: Jeannette Cripps used Scheepjes Whirl for her test Scarf. Right: Kelly M. Titus used Lion Brand Cupcakes.
Looking very Autumn! Test Scarf by Hannah Schmuker. Yarn: Lion Brand Cupcakes.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
I originally designed this blanket for use with a slow colour change yarn. Then I decided that it could look incredible with a Vintage twist to it.
Vintage Bouquet for Bethany Blanket. Made using quality Bendigo Woollen Mills 8 ply cotton in Latte Colour.
Vintage Bouquet for Bethany is a blanket that will stand the test of time. It would make a fabulous choice for a Christening or Naming Day Blanket and has an elegance to it that turns heads.
It uses the same concept as its sister blanket Bouquet for Bethany but made in a solid cotton with the added embroidery feature at the border.
I used Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Dk cotton. This is a super soft, quality cotton and well worth using.
Please give it some love and favourite or write a comment. The pattern is available in Uk and US terms and has photographs and graphs to help.
Materials:
3.5mm hook
Blanket:
C1=4x Bendigo Woollen Mill 4ply Cotton Latte 670 metres/732 yards perball. This is a Fingering Weight. Approx 2300m/2515yd total used
Embroidery:
C2=Approx 200m/218yd Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply Dk Pink Rose
C3=Approx 100m/109yd Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply Dk Pine Lime
I am extremely fortunate to have some incredible pattern testers. They help to make my patterns what they are. Below is some of their work on this patterns:
Test blanket by Cindy Cary. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply Dk cotton in Parchment. The embroidery is done with BWM Blush and Pine Lime.
Test blanket by Kathy Mant. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 8ply Dk in Snow.
Also available is Bouquet for Bethany. This is made from Scheepjes whirl and whirlette and does not have the embroidery feature in the border. Follow this link (click here) to read about this Version.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
Sometimes a pattern design comes out better than you could have ever imagined. this is one of those times!
Bouquet for Bethany Blanket uses the same concept as my Flight of the Dragonflies Blanket, but has the gorgeous stemmed flowers as a feature. It is worked in the round with the pattern being in written form, with added graphs and photographs.
Bouquet for Bethany in Scheepjes Whirl, Cotton Candy and Whirlette in Grapefruit
Please give it some love and favourite or write a comment.The blanket is available in two different version (purchase which suits your needs). This version was made from Scheepjes Whirl and Whirlette as I showcase it with a slow colour change yarn. It can look just as fabulous using yarns such as Hobbii Twister or Lola, anything with that lovely graded colour change.
Bouquet for Bethany in Scheepjes Whirl, Cotton Candy and Whirlette in Grapefruit
My hard working pattern testers did a incredible job as usual. They have spent the last 5 weeks pouring over the pattern and finding what I like to call my Boo, Boo's! They produced some incredible blankets, all with their own originality due to colour and yarn choice. Some of their work is featured below:
Test Blanket by Carrie Skach. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Watermelon Hellraiser and Scheepjes Whirlette in Licorice.
Test Blanket by Simone Howes. Made from Scheepjes Whirl in Licorice Yum Yum and Scheepjes Whirlette in Ice.
Test Blanket by Michelle Rose. Made from Nako Angora Luks Color 81909
Materials:
3.5mm hook
Colour 1-1x Scheepjes Whirl in Cotton Candy 1000m/1093yd
Colour 2-3x Scheepjes Whirlette in Grapefruit. 455m/497yd per ball. Approx 1110m/1213yd of Whirlette used
Also available is Vintage Bouquet for Bethany. This is made from quality Bendigo Woollen Mill Cotton and has an embroidery feature in the border. Follow this link (click here) to read about the Vintage Version.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
This pattern is available for free on Ravelry only (link below).
Easter is just around the corner and no doubt some are looking for that perfect gift!
Yes, of course you can always give someone a Choccie Egg, but we all know that you get more chocolate in a box of chocolates!
Maybe you like to keep your chocolate to yourself! This cover is also great for hiding your box of chocolates in. 'Nope no chocolates inside that', if anyone asks!
Bunny Rabbit Chocolate Box Cover
This works up quickly so you can make them for all your loved ones!
The pattern is available on Ravelry (Click here), Etsy (Click here) and Lovecrafts (Click here).
This bunny chocolate box cover is designed to fit a Lindt Chocolate box 150g/5.2oz (or one equivalent size). Box measurements 6 ½ inch/16.5cm x 7 ¼/18.4cm x 1 ¼ inch/3.1cm. It can be adjusted to suit other size boxes. One of my pattern testers made cover for a larger box of chocolates.
C2= 1 Robin Dynasty12Ply Mohair. Or equivalent yarn for the Ears, Whiskers and Toes.
C3= Smallamount Black Dk weight yarn for Eyes and Mouth.
C4= Smallamount White Dk weight yarn for Eyes.
C5= Smallamount of Pink Dk weight yarn for the Nose.
1 x small white Pompom. Or make your own. Instructions are not given for the making of this. ( I used Mohair yarn and a Clover Pompom maker (Click here).)
Press Studclosure.
2 x smalltriangle shaped white buttons for the teeth.
Needle and Cotton Thread.
My pattern testers did a fabulous job as usual and I cannot thank them enough!
Test make by Sandy Stolpa Hippensteel. Made from Bernat Velvet. Baby Bee Lou Lou for the face, Pipsque inner ear. Cotton eyes.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from my patterns, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work goes into the designing and producing of my patterns.
If you purchase/download my patterns, they are for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
This year, a designer friend and I decided to start a Facebook group which combines our love of crochet, our businesses and a whole pile of other people (including other designers) who share our interest.
The Designers in our group are welcome to post their patterns on weekends, using the tag #wickedweekend. This is great for the Designers and also prevents the group being over run by Designer posts every day.
The group is slowly growing and we have implemented a Designer of the Month program. Each month a new designer has free reign to run giveaways and promote their patterns whenever they want.
My partner in crime in this venture is an Irish Designer who runs Flo's Crafty Crochet. Our partnership works well as when she is awake in Ireland I am sleeping in Australia. So one of us is usually around to tend to our group.
To get our Designer focus months started Fiona became Novembers Designer of the Month. This month I am Decembers Designer (Auburncraft Crochet).
It has been a fun month with pattern give-aways and competitions. At present I have a competition running for a copy of my Flight of the Dragonfly pattern. So if you would like to join in and win a copy of my Flight of the Dragonfly Blanket Pattern, join Two Redheads Crochet on Facebook (click here).
What could be better than a patch of dragonflies? I love dragonflies and am always looking at new ways to incorporate them into my designs.
I really have a thing for Dragonflies! I love days where you see them! A buzz of wings and they are gone on their way, about their day! You can try to chase them but they are not going to be caught!
I have to say I am pretty pleased with the end result of this design. The motif squares measure roughtly 25.4cm/10 inches (depending upon hook, yarn choice and tension).
The sky is the limit for how large you want this beauty to be, as it can easily be made larger with more motif squares added.
I used Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply Cotton for this. The BWM cotton is a super soft yarn which is lovely to work with. Many different yarns could be used as a substitute.
Materials 3.5mm hook C1=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Daffodil 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 400m/437yd used. C2=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Honeydew 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 400m/437yd used. C3=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Kiwi 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 400m/437yd used. C4=2 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Parchment 485m/530yd per ball. Approx -650m/710yd used. Scissors Tapestry Needle
The pattern comes with separate copies for Uk terms and USA terms. It has many photos to help along the way.
Pattern testing is a huge part of getting a design ready to publish. I am lucky enough to have some really incredible people who test for me. They have amazing patience and tolerance to my errors, or what I like to refer to as my boo, boos. Below is a few examples of their work.
Test Blanket: Made by Cindy Cary using Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Cotton in Daffodil, Pink Rose, Artic and Teal.
Test Blanket by Debbie Schell Kirkland, made using Bernat Baby Sport in Lavender and Cream.
left: Test Blanket by Kathy Mant. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply cotton in Artic, Daffodil, Cream and Pine Lime. Centre: Test Blanket by Lindsay Broussard Silvestrini. Made using Caron Simply Soft.
Right: Test Blanket by Elika Rivera. Made using Red Heart with Love in Grape Jam, Boysenberry, Lilac and White.
Test Blanket by Michelle Westwood. Made using Paintbox Simply Dk and a 4mm hook
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
