LYS (local yarn stores) Are Great!

LYS are great! I love those wonderful shops that stock unique yarns, and don't stick to the standard selection that you find in many large companies. I want LYS to use my patterns and enjoy doing so, and will happily work in with them to achieve a great working partnership.

What I find annoying is when I google my designs to find one of my top sellers being advertised as a class in a LYS without any mention of whose design this is. The one particular LYS in this instance, claimed in their advertisment for a class to make my design, that for $15 dollars you could attend as many classes as you needed to make this pattern. This class comes with line by line instructions and graphs! All sounds pretty good doesn't it? But no mention of the Designer! No mention of each class participant paying for a copy of the design, but on searching I find the owner of this establishment has indeed bought my pattern.

Permission to use my design in this manner was not asked for, or granted. I am willing to give them the benefit of doubt that it was all a misunderstanding, but as you could imagine it sure didn't look good!

I encourage any LYS Stores who would love to feature my designs in classes etc, to please contact me. Apprise me of either the fact that class participants will be purchasing the pattern via one of the outlets I sell on: Ravelry (click here), Etsy (Click here), Lovecrafts (click here), Bendigo Woollen Mill (Click here) and coming soon Ribblr.

Or if you would like to pay a contract fee on an agreed amount for patterns, for each class participant, which will entitle you to copying the pattern for each class member. This could be arranged at a discounted price, if the conditions are right. So send me a message via my blog or find me on Instagram (click here) and Facebook (click here).

Any advertising of classes need to have the designers (Auburncraft Design) name and credit for the pattern attached to them. Class fee structure needs to clearly state that this includes a fee for the copyrighted pattern. Then we are all good. The LYS is happy, those attending the class are happy and most of all I am happy.

I take copyright seriously and expect the same in return. My blog posts and patterns all have the following copyright information on them.

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 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.

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

mj-lace-col.png

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-fin.jpg

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.

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).

hide-9-wm-black-edge.jpg

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.

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.

pot-of-gold.jpg

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.

6-mm-clover-hook.jpg

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.

Crazy World!

The world has finally gone crazy!

Things are not great no matter what part of the world you may be in!

The only thing left to do is CROCHET!

So many people are looking to their crochet as they know it is a great stress reliever.

Myself and with another designer, the incredible Fiona from Flo's crafty crochet, run a great little crochet group on facebook. So if you are looking to find a group that is still positive and a happy place, pop over to the group.

Click the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/703981100116431/

You can also follow us on our individual crochet pages:

https://www.facebook.com/Auburncraft-Crochet-103007401116090/

https://www.facebook.com/floscraftycrochet/?eid=ARDZYLPf_U1RS-6R88dE91rq3yxvXRWHv-qHUFWEc__kgz8NGVLEgAgjvq3k00JIiDVKK9IeTKaQoLwU

We run designer of the month focus takeovers and the odd giveaway. A new giveaway will begin tomorrow (20/19 March).

If you are a designer we allow self promotion on weekends.

Crochet is our Happy Place!

Boho Bikini Wrap Crochet Pattern.

Sometimes the cogs in my brain just start turning, and an idea pops into my head that just has to be turned into reality.

The other week I had the idea for the Boho Bikini Wrap and I found myself grabbing for my magic wand (crochet hook) and working away in a designer frenzy.

Boho Bikini Wrap modelled by Layne.

Which as the dictionary states is:

frenzy/ˈfrɛnzi

  1. a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behaviour."Auburncraft Design worked herself into a frenzy of rage"synonyms:hysteria, madness, mania, insanity, derangement, dementedness, delirium, feverishness, fever, wildness, distraction, agitation, turmoil, tumult; wild excitement, euphoria, elation, ecstasy; informalcraziness; raredeliration"the crowd (change to,no just me) worked themselves (herself) into a state of frenzy"fit, seizure, paroxysm, spasm, bout, outburst;ferment, fever, storm"she contorted her face in a frenzy of anger (perhaps change this one to crochet excitement)"

Well, whatever. I guess you are getting the picture!

The results of this frenzy are the Boho Bikini Wrap. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here). Soon also on Love Crochet. The pattern is available in Uk and USA terms

This cute little wrap can be used as a bikini accessory or even a belt. It looks great over both bikinis, leggings, jeans etc. The fringe length can be adjusted to suit your height or style.

Worn over leggings.

I am fortunate enough to have some fantastic friends who are willing to loan out their daughters to model for me.

My main model for this is over 6ft tall, and an approx Australian size 8. She is a fantastic person and even though she was laid up with her foot in a moon boot, due to breaking it playing rugby, she didn't hesitate to throw on a swim suit and model for me.

Now to the boring stuff.

This post may contain affiliate links.

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 do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.

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.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.

This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.

If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.

Crochet/Knitting Rivalry! A tongue in cheek look!

I have moved over to the dark side and started knitting. Nah! Just kidding! Why would I want to do that? I am just helping my mother out.

My mother wants to knit baby hats to donate to a local hospital, and she has been having trouble getting started. She used to knit a lot when younger but hasn't for a very long time. So I cast on and did the first row to get her started. Mind you I had to think for a minute. It had been a while!

knitting.jpg

James C Brett Aran

I used to knit a lot an aeon ago, and I would have to say I was okay at it. Fair isle, cables, blackberry stitch, you name it. But then I picked up a crochet hook and found it was my thing.

Don't get me wrong I love knitted items and some of the pieces produced are incredible. I just find crochet makes me happy. Don't know if I can say the same about knitting.

It got me thinking about Knitting vs Crochet and the rivalry that seems to be surrounding it. For those in Australia it is a bit like the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney. Neither considers the other as good. Get the two groups together, and you have a lot of banter going on!

If you listen to the whispers in forums and social media, many of those who crochet are of the opinion that knitters think they are better. The word 'Snob' has been mentioned a lot. Now don't shoot the messenger as I don't personally think this but who knows!

Then there are the stories that you hear online of the lady who went to buy yarn for her next crochet project and had the salesperson attempt to convert her to knitting. In the salespersons eyes knitting was superior. The avid crocheter has vowed never to go back to that yarn store again. Can't say I blame her!

Or the comments 'Oh, you crochet'. Delivered with the look. Yes, that one, that speaks volumes!

Crocheters are mostly a pretty easy going lot but some things do get their hackles up.

batman.jpg

Below are a few things that Crocheters really hate and are sure to get them riled up:

  • Yarn with a centre pull that refuses to pull.

  • Knots in the middle of a skein.

  • Patterns that are wrong.

  • Frogging hours of work.

  • Being called an old person or granny cos you

  • crochet.

But at the very top of that list in very BOLD letters, is:

  • Having someone, anyone, refer to their crochet as knitting. ARrrgh!

So if you are interested in having a crochet hook embedded somewhere on your body, call their crochet, knitting.

If you ask a knitter if they think crochet is less, of course, they won't say so to your face (unless they foolishly want that embedded hook). But we all know that underlying tension is there.

Many of the shows for entering your handcrafts have larger sections for knitting (at least in my Country). The prizes are better for winning the knitting, and it just goes on!

I have visions whirling around in my head of the rivalry between the two. Imagine a yarn conference set in a huge hall. The knitters are all huddled on the right and the crocheters to the left. Both sides are scowling at the other. And there in the middle are those who choose to do both. They are not sure where they want or should sit. Should they admit to crocheting as well as knitting and if they do, will they be stoned by both sides. There is a name for them if you listen to the whispers:

'Bistitchual'. Which is defined in the Urban Dictionary as:

The ability to create stitches in two crafts, e.g. knitting and crocheting.

I guess I am Bistitchual as I can do both. I am also Bicraftual as I paint, do resin art and pretty much any other craft that takes my fancy.

But really what does it matter, as long as we are creating and enjoying craft in some form or other. And when that Zombie Apocalypse (yes I am back on that again) eventually happens, both Knitters and Crocheters will be raised above many others. We have the skills necessary!

And if you want to go and buy that squishy ball of pretty yarn just to look at it, then all good. That is a hobby in itself. Just collecting the yarn.

Remember tongue in cheek! Some of my good friends are knitters.

I won't sit with them at yarn conferences but hey they won't sit with me either! Maybe we will pretend we don't know each other!

<!--/* Font Definitions */@font-face{font-family:Wingdings;panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;mso-font-charset:2;mso-generic-font-family:auto;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}@font-face{font-family:"Cambria Math";panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:roman;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face{font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:swiss;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-536859905 1073786111 1 0 511 0;}/* Style Definitions */p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal{mso-style-unhide:no;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}p{mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-right:0cm;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:0cm;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}.MsoChpDefault{mso-style-type:export-only;mso-default-props:yes;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}.MsoPapDefault@page WordSection1{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt;mso-header-margin:36.0pt;mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;mso-paper-source:0;}div.WordSection1/* List Definitions */@list l0{mso-list-id:1838691669;mso-list-type:hybrid;mso-list-template-ids:643472584 201916417 201916419 201916421 201916417 201916419 201916421 201916417 201916419 201916421;}@list l0:level1@list l0:level2{mso-level-number-format:bullet;mso-level-text:o;mso-level-tab-stop:none;mso-level-number-position:left;text-indent:-18.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";}@list l0:level3@list l0:level4@list l0:level5{mso-level-number-format:bullet;mso-level-text:o;mso-level-tab-stop:none;mso-level-number-position:left;text-indent:-18.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";}@list l0:level6@list l0:level7@list l0:level8{mso-level-number-format:bullet;mso-level-text:o;mso-level-tab-stop:none;mso-level-number-position:left;text-indent:-18.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";}@list l0:level9--><br />