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

August 14, 2020

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!).

Pixies and Leprechauns stole my Crochet Hook!

April 17, 2020

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.

What is Crochet1? →

September 8, 2019

I guess the answer to that is in the eye of the beholder!The Dictionary says this:

Crochet is a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a textured fabric by means of a hooked needle. "a crochet hook".

Some who don't like or get Crochet may answer like this:

"Crochet is a complete waste of time and money".

But to those of us who know the true secret of Crochet and the wonder of creating it is much more.

You see, you get (or are maybe given) this magic wand (crochet hook). You wave this wand and incredible things appear. Well, that is what is meant to happen. Sometimes there is a lot of frustration along the way. A lot of Frogging and the occasional swear word all added into the mix.

We crochet because we enjoy creating something of beauty. We crochet to help avoid stress. To keep our minds active. To create that item for our loved ones, that is unique and special.

And to those who don't get the need to Crochet I say "Full Speed Ahead and damn the torpedoes. Hooks (or wands), Charge!!!"

Crochet/Knitting Rivalry! A tongue in cheek look! →

March 23, 2019

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!

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.

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!

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Freeform Crochet! Where is that Pattern?

November 28, 2018

Freeform Crochet is about letting go and throwing all those rules and patterns out the window!If you are like me, you only ever read instructions on anything (and I mean anything), if there is no other choice.In Freeform, there are no rules, no instructions. If I want to put that stitch there I just will. So what, if I have 20 stitches this side and 22 on the other side. Who cares! I did count them, but I know I didn't need to!I find sites that offer tutorials etc, on how to make a particular item using freeform amusing. So you are offering me a guide, or maybe you can use the term 'pattern' on how to make a freeform piece? And mine will come out the same as yours? Sort of ruins the whole idea of it!Sure, look up suggested ideas, such as spirals or shells done using bullion stitch, surface slip stitch. Read up on Scrumbling (which in normal speak, just means making some odd motifs and joining them together). And get the lowdown on various techniques used. But once you are done researching, grab your hook and some yarn and get stuck into something. Let your imagination go wild.Freeform offers you the chance to make something unique to you. Each year a trend starts and pictures start popping up of the same crochet piece made over and over and over. I know as a designer I would love to be the one who designed something that just everybody has to make. BUT! After a while of seeing the same thing over and over I do get a little bored. What is the answer? Yep, FREEFORM!!!The picture for this post, is a coat I started over a year ago. One day I may even finish it. It's just a whole pile of flowers and a few spirals, stuck together in a random sort of way. The gaps are filled in with random stitches. I love it! It is going to be a rather thick coat when done and will sit just below the knees.I got sidetracked along the way and so it has been shoved in the WIP box. I promise I will finish it, one day!Like most people who crochet or craft with yarn, I have a truck load of part balls of the stuff. Freeform is the answer to this.Some Pluses for Freeform:Uses up a heap of leftover yarn.If you made a mistake, it never happened.You don't have to count your stitches, as it really doesn't matter.If you are a beginner at crochet. You can just call your work Freeform and dare anyone to say it isn't right.You end up with a piece of work that is totally original to you.If you run out of a colour of yarn, it doesn't matter.You don't have to check gauge.

Time to start saving those leftovers and putting them to use. There is no right or wrong way to do Freeform! Just give it a go!

Nice Words For Sale! Going Cheap!

November 18, 2018

Maybe it is just me. Who knows! But being a Crochet Designer I wonder what a nice word or comment costs?Does it cost an arm and a leg? Will people be punished and have their crochet hooks confiscated for a week, if they leave a nice comment and do they get bonus points if they find (or think,) they find an error and leave a comment about it (without bothering to send a message to see if they are right?) And are Ravelry and Etsy in on this.It does get a little disheartening to spend huge amounts of time creating, testing and publishing crochet patterns, for sale or for free and have quite a few downloaded only have the odd person comment that sees a full stop in the wrong place.So if you get a pattern for free, or if you buy one, post a nice comment and make the designer feel they are doing a good job. I promise it will not cost anything, and it will put a smile on their face.

Don't You Hate it When Snakes Stop You Crocheting!

November 11, 2018

What a day! Got home from the gym and intended to do the last two rounds of the third and final colour change on my Leadlight Blanket. I have been working on this solid for ages trying to get this section done. 96 Bobbins on the go at once. I could see the finish line ahead with such a small amount left to do and intended to spend the afternoon working on it.The world had other ideas!Got in the door and number 2 child spots a snake in the house. Call the snake catcher, and he comes and cannot find it. $125 call out fee. About an hour later I spot the snake and so the snake catcher comes again. He still cannot find the snake.Number 2 child goes to the loo and as he is stepping through the doorway spots Mr Snake curled up at the back of the loo. So he slams the door shut. On the phone to the snake guy again who says he is 15 minutes away. I stand on the stairs to keep an eye on the loo door in case the snake tries to escape. About 10 minutes in Mr Snake popped his head and about a foot of his body out from under the door. So I start jumping on the stairs, as they hate the noise. He darts back inside the loo. Snake man phones to say he had to swing past another place to grab a brown snake that was in someones yard. So I spent the next 20 minutes tap dancing on the stairs till the snake guy arrived. He brought the brown snake with him for a sort of play date with my snake. No not really that stayed in a bag, in the back of his car. Thankfully he was able to catch our snake. Another $125 and no crochet done today! I did get some dancing in, but was pretty put out with Mr Snake for spoiling my crochet time!!!!!

The Yarn Stash, Swallowed My Sunshine!

November 1, 2018

I have been in the process of a new design (aren't I always). It started out simple enough as, a child hat pattern. Then of course it grew. Before I knew it I had done calculations for 5 sizes.I got the child size made and was working on an Adult version, when I ran out (or thought I had) of Stylecraft Special DK in Sunshine.Getting towards that last little bit of yarn, I crossed my fingers, crochet twice as fast, made my work a little tighter, but all in vain. I needed another ball!I looked through the Stash. Nope! None to be seen!I glared at the hat. I glared at the yarn stash, but it made no difference. So, with huge haste and a pout on my face (which really is quite silly, as the pout won't help and it still takes about 10 days to get a delivery no matter how fast I order) I ordered another ball.A couple of days passed and then I remembered. That cushion I started and grouped the yarn for! I am sure it had a ball of Sunshine in it!After a small search I had Sunshine in my hand ( and the room did seem to brighten a bit on my finding it).So I have a yarn order on the way I don't really need (and yes, of course I added more yarn to the order than, that one ball) and I have a hat to finish.Note to self: I must downsize my stash, so it is manageable and I must organise my stash, so yarn cannot get eaten up by it.Wonder if anyone else's stash, eats their yarn?

Introducing Mallory & A 'How To' Cover A Head in Fabric.

October 30, 2018

Find a person, with a head and wrap it in material. There, done!No, not really, just kidding!INTRODUCING MALLORY!Mallory has recently signed on, to do some modelling for Auburncraft Designs.I carried out some extensive interviews, as I am rather particular, as to who works for me. Mallory was the successful applicant. Now I know that we are not meant to discriminate and I did try hard not to. But just quietly some of the other applicants were not all that attractive (ebay has a massive amount of different heads, with different shapes). So I took my time and waited patiently till Mallory applied for the position.I am finding working with her a dream. She is rather a bit on the quiet side, but she does exactly as I ask first time and is willing to work extended hours for nothing more than a warm, crochet hat, as payment.Nothing is too much trouble. Turn that way! Hold still! Stay that way for an hour or so! And I hope you don't mind if I cover your head with Glue?Where else could I get such dedication!Now, if only she could do some of those pesky Math Calculations (that have been plaguing me lately) for my crochet. I did ask her if she would, but she refused to answer!So if you are looking for a model for your Hats, Scarves etc. And you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for one. The 'how to' is below! Mallory head mallory head 2

HOW TO COVER YOUR OWN FOAM HEAD

Get a Foam Head (I bought my head on Ebay. There were so many different shaped heads to choose from, but I liked this one. They are only a few dollars).
Modge Podge. (This is a water based glue. I think the MATTE, would possibly give a better result, but I had some Gloss on hand so mine was done in that. Most large craft places have it, or buy online)
A paintbrush
Scissors
Some scrap material ( I had some batik material leftover from making the Hygge Shawl Cal last year)
A bowl of water to dip your brush into

Step 1. Cut the material into approx 2 inch squares.Step 2. Using your paintbrush, cover an area on the head ready to attach the material.Step 3. Place a square of material onto the Head.Step 4. Dip your brush into the water and damp the material slightly.Step 5. Add some more Modge Podge to cover the piece of material.Continue adding pieces of material till the head is covered. Allow to dry.Give the Head a Name!

Make Lemonade and Clay Hook Handles!

October 24, 2018

How To Make Your Own Clay Handles, At The Bottom of Page.

When life gives you lemons make lemonade! So the saying goes!Over the past 10 odd years, I have made that much lemonade that I could open a lemonade franchise, to rival any of the big companies! This week alone would be a great script for a TV Soapie, with all that has been thrown my way (I wonder who would be cast to play me?). I got so sick of making lemonade, that I dug out my crochet hook and became a hooker instead. Or rather, I now sip my lemonade, whilst tuning out to the world around, fully immersed in my crochet.And a

As far as this year is concerned, all I know is that I will be rather glad when October is gone and hopeful that November brings good luck with it.

From talking to people it would seem that many crochet to relieve the stress, from their day to day lives and all the things that keep piling up on us.

There's Martha, who has whipped up ten scarves, six pair of gloves and 40 hats in the last month. She did not strangle one person during this month! Thank goodness for the crochet! And Sally is doing well! She has made 5 blankets in the past two weeks! She may be buried neck deep in blankets but she hasn't driven off the edge of a cliff yet. Well done!

Crochet is a type of therapy! It may cost pretty much the same as if you had to pay someone to analyse you, but you do end up with a ton of wearables and gifts for those around you.

So yep! I crochet so I don't punch people! And if you want me to punch you, just try and take my crochet away! Maybe the prisons should be implementing a compulsory crochet program!

Lemonade anyone!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just love my Clover Crochet Hooks! BUT, starting out on my crochet path, I ended up with a ton of cheap Aluminium Hooks.

I prefer a handle that is slightly wider, than what, these provide. With Polymer Clay and a few minutes of your time you can make those cheap hooks useful again. AND IT'S FUN!!

I have and always will be, one to improvise. I don't have a heap of clay sculpting tools. I use what I have. This includes Darning Needles to scratch in the size and another hook to make the little groove in the clay (you don't have to have a groove but I like one).

Material:

Polymer clay in various colors. I used Fimo but there are many different brands available.
Straight blade or sharp knife
Heavy rolling pin (and quite a bit of muscle)
Non stick Baking Paper
Crochet hooks to cover
Extra 1.5 to 2mm hook for making groove
Solid surface or chopping board
Darning Needle
Sculpey Bake & Bond Glue
Baking Tray

Directions:

Choose the colours you wish to work with and break or cut off approx half a block of each. (if using Fimo).
On your solid surface, spread a layer of baking paper.
Roll your blocks out, so as to make them more workable. Then mix the two together to combine the colours.
Roll the combined clay out flat and about 5mm thickness. With a knife cut a piece that will be wide enough to wrap around the hook and long enough to cover the hook, where you want the handle to be.
Add a small amount of Glue to the hook, where the clay will be.
Position the hook on the clay and gently wrap the clay around it.
With your fingers, work at the spot where the clay meets, till the join does not show any longer. Then gently roll the clay (with the hook inside) to make sure you have a smooth, uniform handle.
If necessary, trim the top edge and also cut the edge where the hook protrudes so it is even and at the right position for you.
Using your 1.5/2mm hook, gently press the side or handle of this into the spot you want a groove (I put two grooves in mine, see the picture in the heading). While holding your 1.5/2mm in position, roll your clay covered hook back and forth to get the groove around the hook.
At the top of the hook handle, use your darning needle to scratch the size into the hook (this is very necessary to know what size your hook is later).
Place the clay covered crochet hook onto a baking paper, covered oven tray. Cook in the oven at 275 degrees F for 15 minutes. Add extra time if your clay is thicker.
Take out of oven, allow to cool.

Once you have the hang of making your own, you can get adventurous. Make shaped handles and add moulded little characters to the top! The sky's the limit!

Chaos or a Leadlight Blanket?

October 22, 2018

There is beauty in Chaos! Or that is my theory and I am sticking to it!My Leadlight Blanket is progressing slowly.I wanted a Challenge! Something a bit different!Working from only one ball of yarn at a time, is not living on the edge. So what do I do? I design a pattern that in this colour work section, uses 96 bobbins of yarn.How it all Began!I saw a Mandala type Stained Glass and thought, Mmmmmmmmmm, something like this would look great in crochet. So my mind began constructing, breaking down and forming how I would go about this.You know how it is when you are actually trying to sleep. Instead of going to sleep my mind is figuring out how I can turn this Stained Glass into a workable blanket. I thought about how I was going to construct this for several weeks. Then I chose my yarn.I am using Stylecraft Batik Dk and while I have never been a person who likes green, (there is only a minimal amount of true green in, it) I am extremely happy with the outcome.Normally, I have a tendency to go for Oranges or Purples, as I just love those colours. So I jumped out of my comfort zone and went for Teals, blues and the odd bit of green (which I do have to admit I put in grudgingly).Yes, Yes. It sure looks like a huge mess!But there is order in my chaos. I only have 13 Rounds remaining of this section and while each round now takes quite a while, I will get there.It is different and the Challenge I was looking for.I keep adding up in my head, how long this will take to complete.Assuming I don't get tangled in my own yarn and have to call for emergency services to rescue me. IF I do half a round each day, I can have this section done in 26 days. Who knows I may get more done in a day. I like to do a certain amount of a more challenging project each day and then revert to something a little more mindless.Then I can look forward to sewing in 192 ends!But, it already looks FABULOUS! And I really think that when done it will be Super, Duper FABULOUS! Yes, I can see how it would be a bit hard, to tell from this picture. You will just have to trust me on this.I hope to have this pattern out to testing by the end of 2018 and published early next year.With each round of the blanket growing, this pattern will use quite a few balls of yarn. Stylecraft Batik is available here on Love Crochet

That First Row

October 1, 2018

I keep asking myself, why I keep starting new designs. It's not as if I don't have enough!I have about a million on the go at any one time. Then an idea just jumps into my head and before I know it, I have started another one. Some could say they are multiplying like rabbits at my place.I can't say I am a fan of that very first row. It is usually slow and tedious. You can't just breeze through it. It seems to take forever! What did you do today dear? I started a row on my scarf. Anything else? Nope! No, not really!I hate it when I finally have that row done and realise that I must have counted wrong and I have one too many chains, or stitches. Or maybe not enough. If I actually get it right and it works out fine, I am rather chuffed with myself.This one is going to be a scarf. It is designed along the lines of a blanket I am also designing (which is only partially done as I have too many WIPS).It's kinda like a sickness! You know, you have a million WIPS and don't really need another one. But then I did have that dark grey yarn, just begging to be used. And I think it is going to look really pretty. That is if I ever get it done.WHAT THE HEART WANTS SCARF. Coming Soon to a ravelry store near you. (or just a click away)

One Ball of Yarn!

September 30, 2018

I was going to write about my red yarn on my interstate trip but……….., I had only taken a few balls of yarn (well a truckload really as I have stated how I pack to travel in other posts).I ran out of Stylecraft Batik in Storm and was sure, really sure I had one ball left at home.

On arrival home, I went to the spot where it should be and no Storm. So I tore through the plastic stacking containers that it could possibly be in. Nope! Of course by this time I was getting a little frantic, I was a woman on a mission. Yarn was flying everywhere! I went through the yarn cupboard and every possible little spot that I shove yarn (and there is a few).If anyone had come across me in my search they would have seen me throwing balls out of the way. Nope, Nope, not here!I eventually had to come to terms with the fact that, I did not have another ball. How annoying!

I only have one and a half rounds to go in this colour. How selfish of the Yarn! To add to the annoyance I have approx 10 balls of Batik looking at me and not one of it is the colour Storm.I stared at all the Batik I had, for quite a while, hoping one would turn into the colour Storm, but my powers or perhaps my magic wand were just not working today.So I have placed an order.

Of course I cannot just order one miserable ball. That would be silly wouldn't it? It would be lonely! It just would not do!My order grew slowly, (well not that slowly, as I wanted this and this and this) and I am now, not sure, but the company may have to hire a private plane or a cargo ship, to ship my parcel. It may well take up way too much room anywhere else. My Leadlight Design is stuffed into the naughty corner with my Pumpkin Spice hat.

And so I wait in Frustration for that one ball of yarn!

Travelling with my Magic Wand (Hook)

September 29, 2018

Trusty 5mm packed and ready for travel!

You really know that your obsession with hooking is getting a little over the top when you have to catch a flight and you purchase an extra bag to pack your crochet in.

Then I find myself struggling through the airport with two huge bags, my computer and of course the bag that just has to go onboard, as it has my WIP in it, that will keep me sane during the flight.The Flower Diamond Blanket that is in testing has to go, as all my wonderful (and patient) testers will no doubt find the odd boo, boo (don't lie, they will probably find heaps of boo boos for me to fix) that I have made and so I need to check my stitches on that.I have to take my Leadlight Blanket as I truly must get more done on that and it would probably sulk if I left it behind.

Then there is that project, that the idea just jumped into my head and is marinating slowly. I did the first couple of rows of it. That just has to come.Then we get to the WIP that will keep me amused during the flight. It has to be simple enough that I can focus on it with all the distractions onboard and small enough so it won't take up a seat on its own (Lets face it, flying costs enough without having to buy an extra seat for the crochet). This just has to be onboard with me so I can immerse myself in my crochet and pretend that I did not just sit beside yet another person with an obvious cold (or it could be bubonic plague) and that they also seem to be half in my seat. I can forget that we just sat on the runway for 40 minutes due to, too much traffic and that the person across the aisle has a child with an obvious ear infection (well obvious to me).

Heaven forbid if something horrible happened mid flight, we could probably grab my suitcase out and tape the yarn to the plane to cushion the landing (yes I pack that much). Or I could quickly wip up a parachute using yarn, hook and anything else that I happen to have packed. I can see the Headlines 'WOMAN SAVES PLANE WITH JUST A HOOK AND A BALL OF YARN AND IT LOOKED GREAT TOO!'.

My crochet also gives me something to do while I wait to catch this plane….THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE AND IS AN HOUR LATE!

Sure, I get the odd look from people who see me working away. The odd comment like 'Oh, look. That lady is knitting like you do, dear.' GGRrrrrr!

But at times you get into some great conversations with someone, who is also a crazy crochet person.

Mind you I have, had my share of issues with travelling. Getting through security has its troubles. The amount of times I have had to stand red faced as I was sure I had taken the scissors out of my carry on bag, only to have the scanners find them tucked in a side pocket. Then I have to apologise and say goodbye to the offending item as it is taken.

And they always seem to pick me to do that extra check on. Maybe it is because I looked guilty (due to the scissors incident, or the fact that yarn is spilling out everywhere as the security tried to look for said scissors).

I have also had the odd crochet disaster in transit. I will tell that tale next time I write. Think I will call it,THE TALE OF THE RED YARN!The picture is my Take a Leaf Neck warmer and the pattern is available on ravelry

A Journey for a New Design

September 27, 2018

pumpkin hat

A week or so ago I got out my magic wand (hook) and was fiddling with a new stitch idea. I stumbled across a mixture of stitches, that I really liked and felt quite puffed up with myself for producing it. I wanted to make a hat from this wonderful mix of stitches. I wanted something different and new. I spent a few hours working towards that. Every time I looked at this incredible mix of stitches it sang to me, how wonderful it was. I sent pictures of it to a friend crowing how wonderful it was and how fantastic I was for producing it. But then I started to notice that it was trying to leave the room without me. It had a distinctive lean towards the door on one side. It was slowly creeping that way as though trying to escape. Nah, I must be imagining it, I thought. So, I kept going, as I was sure that if I ignored the issue, it would just go away. A few rows later and it was obvious this was no good, no good at all. My wonderful mix of stitches was mocking me, and the shine had gone off it. So, it got placed into the naughty corner. To be honest, it went via air express (my pitching arm has been honed by years of crochet).

There it stayed for a few days while I pondered a work around, to stop the creeping, or leaning. I knew what the issue was. The Puff stitch was always going to one side, so it was inevitable that it would lean. Perhaps I should have thought of that, if I had not been in a haze of wonder about my stitch pattern.

I had an idea for a fix for the issue. The hat was retrieved from the naughty corner where it had been sitting in shame and I frogged what I could and began again. Yes, this would work, this will be brilliant. But as I got further into the rows, I found I was slowing down. I wasn’t feeling it. Something was not right! I stared at that hat for what seemed forever and slowly it dawned on me. This is way too busy! It is just not right! It will not do! So again, it landed quite heavily in the naughty corner. I could almost hear it laughing at me!

I did think about giving up. But to let a hat beat me seemed wrong. I also really liked that stitch pattern (it did sing to me). There had to be something I could do to fix the issue. I thought about it till my brain hurt (which probably doesn’t take much) and finally it happened, I found an answer. A Split Puff would do it. Everything would line up and be neat. No Leaning Tower of Pisa, this would work.

I thought about frogging what I had, but I was now going to work in rounds and there were way too many cut bits of yarn in the hat as it was. So, the failure remains in the naughty corner (sulking) and I began again.Everything was turning out just wonderful. My only issue was the fact that I had wasted quite a bit of the beautiful Bendigo Mill Luxury yarn that I had, initially had. You know that feeling when you know full well that you don’t have enough yarn to finish something, but you are optimistic and figure if you crochet faster, it will make the yarn go further, or the problem just go away. By the time I got to only metres left I was working like I was in the speed crocheting competition of all time.

So now I wait for my yarn order to arrive. The hat sits staring at me, mocking me. The pattern looks great and is singing to me, but in a mocking tone as it knows I can’t finish it till the yarn arrives. I am an adult and I will not throw a tantrum due to this incredible disaster. I will not dial for emergency services to rush me a ball of yarn. STAT! I will wait with patience, maybe!!!! Hopefully it will come soon as I so want to get this ready to test!

What to Expect!

September 26, 2018

Occasional Posts relating to Crochet!Probably posts relating to the designs I am working on.A lot of rambling on about Crochet.IF you are lucky a helpful hint or two. dearne headband 2 I have been hesitant to create a blog as personally I don't know if it is for me or not. It is the obvious next step for someone who designs to have one, but not everything is sunshine and rainbows. I will see how it goes and if I find anyone raining on my parade (due to this public platform), then I guess I will cut and run. This blog is for my crochet and so for those 'Storm clouds' who hover in the background waiting to pounce, I say go wreakk your havoc on someone else for a change! What you won't find herePerfect Grammar and Spelling. So if you happen to be a Grammar and Spelling Freak, then move along.To Kick things off!The picture is of my Dearne Headband. This is a free download available on my Ravelry Page

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