The Goldilocks Method of Designing Crochet.

You know that feeling! You get a brilliant idea and in your head it is epic!

This is going to be bigger than Ben Hur (Or that is what the saying is, I think?).

You map it out in your head and the sheer magnitude of just how brilliant this idea is, makes your head a few sizes too large for the gorgeous crochet beanie you made last week!

Of course whilst in your head this design works PER-FECT-LY.... Every stitch lines up and it all falls into place to create a piece of crochet that a Queen would wish to have adorning her in some manner or other.

Then you begin working on this masterpiece. You try one lot of yarn, and it doesn't work that great. Maybe the texture is too rough. You try another lot and it is way too soft. Then you try a third lot and it seems just right.

You grab your 5mm hook and do a few rows. Turns out it's too big.

You work a few rows in your 4mm and you guessed it, it is too small. By this time you can hear your 4.5mm grumbling from the hook storage. 'Told you I was the right size. You should have picked me in the first place'.

Sure enough the 4.5mm is just right and it did have a point, you should have listened.

Single Crochet.

You think you are now ready to whip up this masterpiece and begin using Single Crochet (US). You work up a large portion of the design, but the further on you get, you start to think that this stitch is maybe not right for the design. Maybe this will not work. You work slower, so you can ponder how you could possibly be wrong. It worked so well in your head. Eventually you are working one stitch a minute. Your brain is stating in loud terms that IT WILL NOT WORK. The realization dawns on you that it JUST AIN'T GONNA WORK, and a frogging you go.

Your vision begins to shift. This new idea will work, it will be super fabulous for sure. How could you have missed this?

Half Double Crochet.

Half Double Crochet may well be the way to go with this. This will work! This will be great! Fantastic! Fabulous! You may be awarded Queen of the world with this design, butttttttttt....... you get to about the same point you were at with the Single Crochet and just KNOW it is NOT SO!

By this time the new, fabulous, incredible design has had the gift of flight bestowed upon it (you chuck it across the room and leave it there for a few hours.)

Waist coat stitch.

Waist Coat Stitch. This is it! This is the one!! This will be raised above all others and become legend in this design. People will queue for hours to view the crochet artistry that you have designed with this stitch. As you work, you realise that this is quite true. It does work. It is right. Wonderful even. You work harder and faster knowing that those queues of crochet fans will be waiting to view your masterpiece.

Again your head has grown a few sizes too large for that beanie, and you realise the day is gone. It is late and suddenly you feel like eating a large bowl of porridge. You must have one! You have been working very hard all day on this so deserve it!!!!!

You are now so exhausted from your day of frogging that you also require a nap. You go looking for a bed, but you do need to find one that is JUST RIGHT!

The Goldilocks Method of Crochet Design is a patented method used by Auburncraft Design. No bears were harmed in the making of this method of crochet design, although several bowls of porridge were eaten.

You Know Your Yarn Stash is too Big When.........?

Who said that?

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!).

A Prison for Flowers Crochet Shawl

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.

The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here), Bendigo Woollen Mills (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Materials:

3.5mm hook

1x Woltraum My Melody 4ply.  Approx amount used 1000m/1093yd to 1100m/1202yd.

Tapestry Needle.

Scissors.

Woltraum My Melody

Yarn Substitutes:

Scheepjes Whirl (click here)

Scheepjes Whirl Fine Art (click here)

Lana Grossa Twisted Summer Shades (click here) 

Rico Creative Cotton Degrade Print (click)

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.

A Bit of Luck for Sure!

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!

I Want Flowers!

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

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.

The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Materials:

5mm Hook

3x Red Heart Unforgettable in Petunia.

20x Small seed beads.

20x 4mm beads.

Tapestry needle

Sewing needle and thread.

Scissors.

Gauge: Measured over double crochet stitches of the pattern. Measured while blocking.

11 Rows to 4 inches/10cm

16 Stitches to 4 inches/10cm

Finished Measurements:

69.2 inches/176cm long.

13.5 inches/37cm wide. Measured across widest section of the shawl.

Yarn Substitutes: (ensure to check gauge)

Lion Brand Mandala (click here)

King Cole Riot (click here)

Scheepjes Secret Garden (click here)

Sirdar Jewelspun (click here)

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.

I Should Have Used Mothballs Scarf/Wrap

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.

68x Small beads.

Tapestry needle

Sewing needle and thread.

Substitutes for yarn:

Birdies Knits Hand Dyed Cotton (click here).

Rico Creative Cotton Degrade (click here).

Lana Grossa Shades of Cotton (click here).

Lion Brand Shawl in a ball (click here).

I Should Have Used Mothballs

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.

Please and Thank You!

It has been a week of standing on the sidelines and watching many designer friends deal with situations very unique to designers. I decided that it was time for a blog post on the trials and tribulations facing crochet designers.

Find yourself a time machine and step back in time fifty years. To crochet you had only a couple of options. You would learn from someone else and if you needed a pattern you would either go to the library and borrow one (where no doubt the designer had been paid for the design in the publication) or the local store that sold a little bit of everything and buy one, along with your yarn and probably most of your groceries as those stores had everything.

Sneak peek of a design that will be listed this weekend

Of course most people didn't need to use a pattern as there was often someone around to help show you how to crochet, but then you were limited to their abilities.

Right now you can go online and learn to crochet for free and there is a huge amount of patterns for free. Many designers offer free patterns and I know I have a few myself. But these patterns don't magically make their way onto the web for everyones use. They take work.

This week I know of one designer who was almost in tears, due to having one of her patterns bought by one person and then placed for free on a website that is well known for doing this. Her pattern had then been downloaded over 5000 times for free. She complained about this and was told (by someone who claimed that they never bought patterns and all patterns should be free) that she was greedy. Patterns should be free. She pointed out that her crochet business was her only means of feeding her family, but the accuser did not seem to care. Patterns should apparently be there for everyone to just have. Doesn't matter the hours of work involved in this pattern. It should just be free!

A lot of the bigger name designers can offer free patterns and still gain income. They get kick backs from yarn companies and affiliate links. Smaller designers don't have these options.

Another designer friend did a giveaway to try and draw some marketing interest in her work. She gave away quite a number of patterns for free to people. Again, it was hard work for her. Out of all the people who took those patterns, only 6 bothered to say thank you!

Designers are mostly creative people with a love of crochet. But this doesn't mean they should not be paid for their hard work. If you are offered a free pattern by someone, when you know it is actually a paid design, think twice before taking it. You could actually be taking food out of some families mouths by doing so. You don't walk into a Bakery and just take the bread rolls. You don't ask a Tradesperson, Doctor or Accountant to work for nothing and give you freebies. So please do the right thing and pay for your paid crochet patterns, and be thankful for the free ones given to you by the designer.

Also if you have to contact a designer, please be considerate of their time. The stories some of us could tell you about customer contact. We love to help you, but if you just so happen to do a blanket with chunky yarn when it should be make in fingering weight and decide you have an issue, please realise that the issue is your own. If your printer won't work then call a tech person as a crochet designer can't fix your printer.

I will end with the fact that most people who designers have contact with are lovely. It is just not always the case. But designers need to eat too!!!!

Disclaimer:

No Designers or crocheters were harmed in the writing of this post!

Lace Me Up Bandana Cowl.

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.

Lace Me Up Bandana Cowl by Auburncraft Design.

The pattern can be found on Ravelry (click here),Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Materials:

5mm/H hook

27-inch size: 2 x Kuka Magic Wool Deluxe 251yd/230m per ball. 27-inch sizing: 382yd/410m.  

30-inch sizing: 3x Kuka Magic Wool Deluxe. 251yd/230m per ball. 27-inch sizing: 430yd/490m.  

Tapestry Needle.

Needle and Thread

Scissors

Stitch Markers

Substitutes for yarn:

Red Heart Unforgettable (click here).

Katia Azteca (click here).

Adriafil Zebrino (click here).

I am fortunate to have some amazing pattern testers who help to make my designs become reality. Below is some of their work.

Test Bandana Cowl by Sallyanne Fisher. Made using Lion Brand Mandala yarn in the colour Troll

Test Bandana Cowl by MJ Rose. Made using Premier Everyday Baby yarn in Black, white and green.

MJ managed to capture a real hippy vibe with this one!

You can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 post may contain affiliate links.

But I Don't Want Gaps! A Linked Double Crochet How To!

It all starts with an idea. You want to make something, but you have a few things you want this item to have. You start a checklist:

1. No Gaps.

2. You don't want it to take forever.

3. You would prefer fewer stitches.

4. You find single crochet (US) rather annoying and when it comes in abundance it is enough to make you just want to sit down and cry. You don't feel a great deal different about Half Double Crochet (US).

Never fear as there is an answer and it is Double Crochet (US). Not ordinary Double Crochet but Double Crochet with super powers. Linked Double Crochet ticks all the boxes and is actually a fun stitch to do. It isn't hard and can be rather addictive.

How do you work this amazing stitch you ask?

Just keep scrolling and all will be revealed.

The concept is really quite simple. Double Crochet (US) has those tiny little bars that sit across the centre of each stitch. To get rid of that gapped look between the stitches you just join those little bars.

But let's start at the beginning of the row!

How to create that first linked stitch.

Linked Double Crochet (US). How to start a row. Steps outlined below:

Step 1: Chain 3. This counts as your first stitch.

Step 2: Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook and draw up a loop. This has created the connection to the first stitch.

Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.

Now for the rest!

Continue creating Linked Double Crochet (US). Steps Below:

Step 1: The orange line indicates the bar that sits in the middle of each Double Crochet.

Step 2: Insert your hook down through this bar and draw up a loop.

Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook.

And done! You have created a Linked Double Crochet (US)!

Linked Double Crochet is a very useful stitch. Any time you want a solid look but dread the thought of working in Single Crochet (US), think of this stitch instead. It is so versatile and can be great for anything from basic wash clothes to clothing. It can be worked flat or in the round and the little line of bars that form in rows give it a unique look.

Linked Double Crochet (US)

Now to the boring stuff!

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 any of my work 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 Talk To Yarn!

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).

Frankie Drake Cloche hat. Pattern available on

Etsy (click here)

,

Ravely (click here)

and

Lovecrafts (click here).

Suitable Yarn to Make

Frankie Drake (click here).

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.

Find Scheepjes Whirl Click Here

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 can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 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.

Choke Me With Flowers Crochet Bandana Cowl

If you must, then please choke me with flowers!

I love flowers!

I love quirky names!

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.

Find Lion Brand Heartland yarn (click here).

Materials:

6mm/J hook for the main body of the Cowl

4mm/G hook for the surface slip stitch and flowers

C1-2 x Lion Brand Heartland in Mammoth Cave 251yd/230m per ball. 27-inch sizing: 382yd/350m.    30-inch sizing: 492yd/450m

C2- 1 x Stylecraft Special Dk in Cream. 322yd/295m per ball. Approx usage total. 27-inch sizing: 76.5yd/70m. 30-inch sizing: 87.4yd/80m

Tapestry Needle.

6mm Beads

Needle and Thread

Scissors

As per usual my hardworking and amazing pattern testers excelled and produced some incredible cowls.

Top Left: Kelly Thompson Shoemaker's test cowl made using Caron Yarn.

Top Right: Bronwyn Bellwood's test cowl made using Elle Gold Yarn.

Bottom: MJ Rose's test cowl made using Lion Brand Pound of Love.

You can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 post may contain affiliate links.

I Just Can't Bear It Crochet Washcloth

I Just Can't Bear It Crochet Washcloth

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!

My pattern testers makes. Aren't they amazing!

You can find my patterns on Ravelry (Click here), Etsy (Click here),Lovecrafts (Click here) and Bendigo Woollen Mill (Click here).

Follow me on Instagram Auburn 1414 (click here), Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here) and Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 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!

Dragonfly Hide n Seek Crochet Shawl

What fun it is to see the Dragonflies playing Hide n Seek amoungst the flowers and diamonds.

The pattern for Dragonfly Hide N Seek can be found on Ravelry (click here), Etsy click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Dragonfly Hide n Seek Shawl

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 used 2 x Scheepjes Whirl in Shrinking Violet (click here for yarn) for this project.

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 can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 post may contain affiliate links.

Fanatical Flower Fiend Bandana/Cowl

I decided it was time I designed a Cowl. I decided to use the flower I designed from my Clematis Shawl and turn it into a Cowl.

The results are just amazing and I am extremely pleased with the outcome.

I used Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball for the proto-type and feel this yarn is very suited to this design. Find Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball (click here)

The pattern is available in Uk and Us terms and comes in two sizes. Find it on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Materials:

5mm/H hook

1 x Lion Brand shawl in a cake. Pastel Unique Unicorn 481yd/440m per ball.  Total used for 26-inch/66cm approx. 400yd/365m. Total used for 29-inch/73.6cm approx 460yd/420m

This pattern works up very quickly, which is a great bonus if maybe you want to whip something up as a gift for someone. It only uses the one ball of Lion Brand Shawl in a cake.

The process to get this pattern ready to publish is a rather lengthy one! I wish I was perfect but I am not! I make errors or what I like to call 'Boo, Boo's'. I have amassed a great pattern test team over time and I really make them work hard!

My testers are overworked (I work them 24 hours a day, or it seems that way as they are from all over the world, so at least one of them is working at any given time), they are underpaid (I don't pay them at all. They get access to my latest design and a final copy once completed). Even with these tough working conditions, they seem to keep lining up to test for me! I appreciate their efforts to get my patterns ready to publish, as without them they would really be a real mess!

You will notice in my patterns that the last page is always dedicated to thanking these hard working, underpaid heroes. I know some people don't like extra pages to a pattern, but to me it is very important to give credit where it is due.

Below are some of my testers makes:

Test make by Amy Jj. 26-inch sizing. Made using Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in the colour Jade Pool

Test make by Karen J Best. 29-inch sizing. Made using Sirdar Colourwheel.

Photo Left: 26- inch size. Test cowl by Bronwyn Bellwood. Made using Elle Gold.

Photo Right: 26-inch size. Test Cowl by Jane Wynne. Made using Moda Vera Bouvardia in the colour Canyon Flight.

Test make by Amy Elizabeth Peterson. 26-inch sizing. Made

Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in the colour Feng Shui Grey

Test make by Nikki Barker. 26-inch sizing. Made using Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in the colour

Prism.

Test make by Bethany Colhoff. 29-inch sizing. Made using Namaste in Neutral colour.

You can find my patterns on Ravelry (Click here), Etsy (Click here),Lovecrafts (Click here) and Bendigo Woollen Mill (Click here).

Follow me on Instagram Auburn 1414 (click here), Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here) and Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 post may contain affiliate links.

Pixies and Leprechauns stole my Crochet Hook!

I have a habit of misplacing things!

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.

On The Wings of a Dragonfly Crochet Shawl

Combining Dragonflies and Crochet have become a bit of a thing with me!

I truly love Dragonflies!

I have many designs that incorporate the Dragonfly in them. My Flight of the Dragonfly Blanket was such a huge success that I decided a triangle shawl using the same motif was in order.

On The Wings of a Dragonfly by Auburncraft Design. Made using 1 x Scheepjes Whirl in Salted Caramel Matcha. 3.5mm hook.

This gorgeous shawl pattern is available in Uk and US terms.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

I used 1x Scheepjes Whirl in Salted Caramel Matcha, with approx 60 to 70 metres remaining of the one cake. To complete the shawl using a single whirl, you will need to meet gauge and keep your tension the same throughout. Two of my incredible pattern testers found that they required a small amount more than the 1000m that comes in one Whirl. Please keep this in mind when ordering yarn.

On The Wings of a Dragonfly Shawl by Auburncraft Design, Made using 1x Scheepjes Whirl in Salted Caramel Matcha. 3.5mm hook

I originally designed this for use with one Scheepjes Whirl but felt that a solid colour made using quality cotton would be a great use of the design. The pattern for the solid colour made using Bendigo Woollen Mill 4ply Cotton will be available in the next few days.

This pattern has been through the testing process and the feedback from my testers has been very positive. I always try to credit my testers in my patterns. Their work enbles me to offer quality pattern and I value their input greatly.

Below is some of their work:

On The Wings of a Dragonfly test shawl by Michelle Rose. Made using Nako Angora Luks.

On The Wings of a Dragonfly test shawl by Jamie Johnson. Made with Hobbii Twister using just over one cake.

On The Wings of a Dragonfly shawl by Bethany Colhoff. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Blackcurrant Squeeze Me. Just over one whirl used. 3.5mm hook

On The Wings of a Dragonfly by Elika Rivera. Made using Caron Cotton Cakes: Hydrangea with a 5mm hook

On The Wings of a Dragonfly test shawl by Stephanie Joann Nolasco.

Made using Caron Simply Soft Ombre Teal Zeal. 3.5mm hook

On the Wings of the Dragonfly test shawl by Sandie Leach. Made with Little Favorites by Rea-Unicorn. G/4mm

On The Wings of a Dragonfly in Cotton by Cindy Cary. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mills 4 ply cotton in Parchment. 2.75mm hook. This version will be made into its own pattern for use by BWM. A huge thanks to Cindy for all her work to make this possible!

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 post may contain affiliate links.

Bouquet for Bethany Blanket

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

The pattern can be found on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts.

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.

Crochet Bunny Rabbit Chocolate Box Cover

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.

Materials:

6mm hook

4mm hook for the eyes, Nose and Cheeks.

C1=1 Bernat Velvet  Grey for main colour (click here).

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 post contains affliate links.

Crochet Design is Hard Work!

Just ask my computer!

I am apparently quite hard on my computers (according to my tech guy). The hours I spend writing up patterns and editing pictures drives most of my poor computers right over the edge, so to speak!

In the past 18 months I have gone through two computers. They both died a slow painful hinge death. Once the hinge goes, the case cracks and it is all downhill from there.

I know I should have learnt my lesson with the second computer hinge and taken it straight to the computer techs to fix it. But I am sure everyone knows how things tend to creep up on you. I told my tech guy that I had dabbed a little bit of WD40 onto the hinge and he was less than impressed. This is (according to him) almost like sudden death to a hinge. It attracts more dust etc to the troubled spot. The look on his face, when I told him of my handwork with the spray can, was quite priceless. He was trying to be diplomatic and tell me of my error, but I could see he really just wanted to jump the desk and slap me a time or two.

The tech guys updated my computer with one that has an almost industrial type casing. Bet they think I can't break that!

I think they are considering me for a job as a product tester. If any computer can stand up to the punishment, I put it through then it must be GOOD!

So today, here I am working away on a new crochet design that needs to get to the testers. This pattern has a heap of pictures. I am editing this picture and so what does my idiot computer go and do? It froze! It would not unfreeze. Begging it to do so had no affect at all! Selfish thing! So I had to close it down and reopen. All the while I am thinking, 'did I save my work?' Apparently not! Why would I do something that sensible?

I lost 2 hours of work on my crochet design! The selfish computer should have thought of that, but no it had to go and freeze. I am quite sure it had nothing to do with the fact that I had approx. 45 open pictures in editing, probably around 30 different pages also open on the computer and I was also watching an episode of the Good Doctor and had not shut that. Still if the computer can't cope with that and doesn't want to work hard enough and do a good job, then I doubt this one is going to last all that long either. I thought about throwing it on the floor and jumping on it, but I could just see my tech guys face when I tried to explain that one!

Ah well, back to pattern editing!