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.
This Scarf started out life as a plain old rectangle. I drew up my design and it was too perfect. Too symmetrical! My mind kept looking at ways to make it a little more unique!
Moths Ate My Flower Scarf. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Night Time Bubbles.
Then the idea of a scarf that had been eaten by moths popped into my head. So this is my take on a shawl attacked my moths.
The result is a rather unique scarf which drapes nicely around the shoulders due to the Moth Eaten sections.
Designed for use with one cake of Scheepjes Whirl.
1x Scheepjes Whirl Night-Time Bubbles. 215-225 Grams = 1000m/1093yd per ball. Approx 150m/164yd of one whirl left over.
Finished Measurements:
63inches/160cm long.
13 ½ inches/34.2cm wide. Measured across widest section of the shawl.
This scarf has been in the hands of my capable testers and as usual they produced some fabulous test scarves. These testers make my patterns what they are, without them, those making this Scarf really could end up with a dress or jumper instead of the intended scarf. I feel it very important to show off their efforts and I also do so in my patterns. Some of their makes are shown below. As you can see, the scarf can take on so many different looks depending upon yarn choice.
One of my incredible testers, Christy Allen, rocking her Moths Ate My Flower Scarf. Made using Lion Brand Mandala in the colour Wood Nymph!
Looking great in Scheepjes Whirl, Black Forest Zinger. By Michelle Westwood
Bethany Colhoff models her ve
rsion of 'Moths Ate My Flower Scarf'. Yarn: Redheart It's A Wrap in Rainbow. Bethany did less repeats of the pattern due to the yarn amounts she had available.
Taking on a beautiful Spring look here. Left: Jeannette Cripps used Scheepjes Whirl for her test Scarf. Right: Kelly M. Titus used Lion Brand Cupcakes.
Looking very Autumn! Test Scarf by Hannah Schmuker. Yarn: Lion Brand Cupcakes.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
I originally designed this blanket for use with a slow colour change yarn. Then I decided that it could look incredible with a Vintage twist to it.
Vintage Bouquet for Bethany Blanket. Made using quality Bendigo Woollen Mills 8 ply cotton in Latte Colour.
Vintage Bouquet for Bethany is a blanket that will stand the test of time. It would make a fabulous choice for a Christening or Naming Day Blanket and has an elegance to it that turns heads.
It uses the same concept as its sister blanket Bouquet for Bethany but made in a solid cotton with the added embroidery feature at the border.
I used Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Dk cotton. This is a super soft, quality cotton and well worth using.
Please give it some love and favourite or write a comment. The pattern is available in Uk and US terms and has photographs and graphs to help.
Materials:
3.5mm hook
Blanket:
C1=4x Bendigo Woollen Mill 4ply Cotton Latte 670 metres/732 yards perball. This is a Fingering Weight. Approx 2300m/2515yd total used
Embroidery:
C2=Approx 200m/218yd Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply Dk Pink Rose
C3=Approx 100m/109yd Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply Dk Pine Lime
I am extremely fortunate to have some incredible pattern testers. They help to make my patterns what they are. Below is some of their work on this patterns:
Test blanket by Cindy Cary. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply Dk cotton in Parchment. The embroidery is done with BWM Blush and Pine Lime.
Test blanket by Kathy Mant. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mills Cotton 8ply Dk in Snow.
Also available is Bouquet for Bethany. This is made from Scheepjes whirl and whirlette and does not have the embroidery feature in the border. Follow this link (click here) to read about this Version.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
Sometimes a pattern design comes out better than you could have ever imagined. this is one of those times!
Bouquet for Bethany Blanket uses the same concept as my Flight of the Dragonflies Blanket, but has the gorgeous stemmed flowers as a feature. It is worked in the round with the pattern being in written form, with added graphs and photographs.
Bouquet for Bethany in Scheepjes Whirl, Cotton Candy and Whirlette in Grapefruit
Please give it some love and favourite or write a comment.The blanket is available in two different version (purchase which suits your needs). This version was made from Scheepjes Whirl and Whirlette as I showcase it with a slow colour change yarn. It can look just as fabulous using yarns such as Hobbii Twister or Lola, anything with that lovely graded colour change.
Bouquet for Bethany in Scheepjes Whirl, Cotton Candy and Whirlette in Grapefruit
My hard working pattern testers did a incredible job as usual. They have spent the last 5 weeks pouring over the pattern and finding what I like to call my Boo, Boo's! They produced some incredible blankets, all with their own originality due to colour and yarn choice. Some of their work is featured below:
Test Blanket by Carrie Skach. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Watermelon Hellraiser and Scheepjes Whirlette in Licorice.
Test Blanket by Simone Howes. Made from Scheepjes Whirl in Licorice Yum Yum and Scheepjes Whirlette in Ice.
Test Blanket by Michelle Rose. Made from Nako Angora Luks Color 81909
Materials:
3.5mm hook
Colour 1-1x Scheepjes Whirl in Cotton Candy 1000m/1093yd
Colour 2-3x Scheepjes Whirlette in Grapefruit. 455m/497yd per ball. Approx 1110m/1213yd of Whirlette used
Also available is Vintage Bouquet for Bethany. This is made from quality Bendigo Woollen Mill Cotton and has an embroidery feature in the border. Follow this link (click here) to read about the Vintage Version.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
This pattern is available for free on Ravelry only (link below).
Easter is just around the corner and no doubt some are looking for that perfect gift!
Yes, of course you can always give someone a Choccie Egg, but we all know that you get more chocolate in a box of chocolates!
Maybe you like to keep your chocolate to yourself! This cover is also great for hiding your box of chocolates in. 'Nope no chocolates inside that', if anyone asks!
Bunny Rabbit Chocolate Box Cover
This works up quickly so you can make them for all your loved ones!
The pattern is available on Ravelry (Click here), Etsy (Click here) and Lovecrafts (Click here).
This bunny chocolate box cover is designed to fit a Lindt Chocolate box 150g/5.2oz (or one equivalent size). Box measurements 6 ½ inch/16.5cm x 7 ¼/18.4cm x 1 ¼ inch/3.1cm. It can be adjusted to suit other size boxes. One of my pattern testers made cover for a larger box of chocolates.
C2= 1 Robin Dynasty12Ply Mohair. Or equivalent yarn for the Ears, Whiskers and Toes.
C3= Smallamount Black Dk weight yarn for Eyes and Mouth.
C4= Smallamount White Dk weight yarn for Eyes.
C5= Smallamount of Pink Dk weight yarn for the Nose.
1 x small white Pompom. Or make your own. Instructions are not given for the making of this. ( I used Mohair yarn and a Clover Pompom maker (Click here).)
Press Studclosure.
2 x smalltriangle shaped white buttons for the teeth.
Needle and Cotton Thread.
My pattern testers did a fabulous job as usual and I cannot thank them enough!
Test make by Sandy Stolpa Hippensteel. Made from Bernat Velvet. Baby Bee Lou Lou for the face, Pipsque inner ear. Cotton eyes.
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from my patterns, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work goes into the designing and producing of my patterns.
If you purchase/download my patterns, they are for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
The fires here in Australia are of a magnitude that can only be described as a National Disaster. Many people have lost homes,property and some their lives. The fires not only affect people but have and are having a massive impact on our wildlife.
Many of us are not in a position to help in huge ways but little things count. So if you are asking yourself what can I do to help?
If you craft, sew, knit, crochet you can help. There are several organisations here in Australia that are working madly to make pouches for injured wildlife. Here are a couple of links to, two of these groups:
One person from these groups that I had contact with, told me that wildlife carers are reporting things such as 1000's of bats just dropping from the sky. Those that survive need wraps to recover in.
These people are co-ordinating the making of pouches and wraps for injured wildlife. If you have the skill and ability to make pouches out of fabric, knit or crochet, you can then help in this way.
Not everyone has the ability or time for this but I know many of us have yarn stashes that we can never work our way through in this lifetime. The groups listed above have thousands of people who work making pouches etc, but many of these helpers are pensioners, so getting some free yarn helps. Any Wool, acrylic, cotton, bamboo, alpaca are all fine! The donated yarn is then distributed out to those who can make the pouches. So I encourage everyone to go through your yarn stashes and help in this small way.
I have already sorted through my yarn stash and sent a massive bag to them. Such a small thing to do to help and anything is better than nothing.
A few weeks back I gave my new crochet Hygge Shawl to a local radio station to auction or raffle to help the wildlife effected by the fires. Again this is a small thing but add all those small things together and we can make a difference.
Hygge Shawl
If you are able to help make pouches or donate yarn, click on one of the links in my post and message those in charge of these organisations.
Bendigo Woollen Mills have just announced that they will be donating $1 from every ball sold in the month of January to the bushfire disaster appeal. This is really nice yarn and many of my patterns use their yarns. So you now have the chance of increasing your yarn stash, while helping the bushfire victims.
One of my head warmers is made from Bendigo Luxury and my Mosaic and Dragonfly Patch blankets are made from their cotton. One of my flower blankets which will be up to test shortly is made from their 4 ply
What could be better than a patch of dragonflies? I love dragonflies and am always looking at new ways to incorporate them into my designs.
I really have a thing for Dragonflies! I love days where you see them! A buzz of wings and they are gone on their way, about their day! You can try to chase them but they are not going to be caught!
I have to say I am pretty pleased with the end result of this design. The motif squares measure roughtly 25.4cm/10 inches (depending upon hook, yarn choice and tension).
The sky is the limit for how large you want this beauty to be, as it can easily be made larger with more motif squares added.
I used Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply Cotton for this. The BWM cotton is a super soft yarn which is lovely to work with. Many different yarns could be used as a substitute.
Materials 3.5mm hook C1=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Daffodil 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 400m/437yd used. C2=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Honeydew 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 400m/437yd used. C3=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Kiwi 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 400m/437yd used. C4=2 x Bendigo Woollen Mill 8ply/Dk Cotton in Parchment 485m/530yd per ball. Approx -650m/710yd used. Scissors Tapestry Needle
The pattern comes with separate copies for Uk terms and USA terms. It has many photos to help along the way.
Pattern testing is a huge part of getting a design ready to publish. I am lucky enough to have some really incredible people who test for me. They have amazing patience and tolerance to my errors, or what I like to refer to as my boo, boos. Below is a few examples of their work.
Test Blanket: Made by Cindy Cary using Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Cotton in Daffodil, Pink Rose, Artic and Teal.
Test Blanket by Debbie Schell Kirkland, made using Bernat Baby Sport in Lavender and Cream.
left: Test Blanket by Kathy Mant. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply cotton in Artic, Daffodil, Cream and Pine Lime. Centre: Test Blanket by Lindsay Broussard Silvestrini. Made using Caron Simply Soft.
Right: Test Blanket by Elika Rivera. Made using Red Heart with Love in Grape Jam, Boysenberry, Lilac and White.
Test Blanket by Michelle Westwood. Made using Paintbox Simply Dk and a 4mm hook
Now to the boring stuff! You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
I few weeks ago when I started making keyhole head warmers, I had no idea that I would end up doing 5 different stitch designs. It just sort of happened.! I'd finish one and then there would be another stitch idea in my head that was clammering to get out.
This is the final in the series of five and I have to say I rather like this one.
Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer uses many of the design features of the other Head Warmers in the series, but its main body is done in Waistcoat Stitch. This give a fabulous basis for the Cross-stitch snowflake pattern that is worked on it.
Easy Level
The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here). You have the option of purchasing all five of the series at a discounted price if you wish. Add all five to your basket and use the code ‘five’. Five patterns included in this. Autumn Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer Not for Summer Keyhole Head Warmer Spring Arrows Keyhole Head Warmer Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer Winter Sunset Keyhole Head Warmer.
and Etsy (click here).
Series of Five: All pattern available on my ravelry store Auburncraft Crochet. Centre Top: Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer Left Top: Winter Sunset Keyhole Head Warmer Left Bottom: Spring Arrows Keyhole Head Warmer Right: Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Head Warmer Bottom: Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer
This pattern can worked in varying yarns due to its nature. Size is determined by the length of the head band and the amount of rows worked. While size can be adjusted easily for the circumference of the head and height can be adjusted by omiting rounds, due to the snowflake pattern this head warmer is best suited to teen or adult sizing.
Two contrasting yarns are used to gain maximum impact with the cross stitch that is worked over the Waistcoat Stitch to form the Snowflakes
It is assumed that you have prior knowledge of cross stitch. A small graph is included with the Snowflake pattern, instructions for stitch placement are included.
Lion Brand A Touch of Alpaca. Links to yarn available in the Materials section.
As usual with my patterns, getting them through the test process is always a process. This could not be achieved without the input and work done by my pattern testers. Below are a few examples of their work.
Top Left: Test Head Warmer by Michelle Rose. Made using Caron Simply soft Bottom: Test Head Warmer by Mirjam Annaars. Made using Zeeman Royal in Vintage Pink and Cream. Right: Test Head Warmer by Cindy Cary. Made using Caron Simply soft.
This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.
I bounced out of bed this morning knowing that today was a pattern launching sort of day.
I had a spring to my step that can only be achieved when a pattern has made its way through testing and is ready to leave home and find its way to places like ravelry and etsy. I put the finishing touches on my pdf and kissed 'Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer' goodbye and pressed the publish button.
So now for the tedious task of getting it out there on social media.If you would like to save 20% off the cost of the pattern, join the facebook group 'Two Redheads Crochet' (Click here) as I am designer of the month and only those members have access to the code.If you see my baby (Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer) making its way around some of the social groups and looking a little lost, please give it some encouragement. It's a big world out there and it is only a baby!
Easy Level
Adding to my collection of Keyhole Head Warmers and introducing, Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer. This is the Fourth Head Warmer in the Collection.
This is a unique design featuring the Keyhole.
This can be made from varying yarns due to the nature of the pattern. Size is determined by the length of the ribbed band and the amount of rows worked. The pattern comes with separate copies for Uk terms and USA terms. It has many photos to help along the way.
Suggested Materials: 4mm/G hook C1=1 x Rare Essentials Cocoon Persimmon Alpaca and Merino Dk 50g ball. Approx 70m/76yd used C2=1 x The Homeground Collection in Dye free Alpaca Dk 50g ball. 100m/110yd. Approx 70m/76yd used. C3= 1 x Cleckheaton Country Dk White approx 35m/38yd used. Tapestry Needle 1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button Scissors Stitch Markers
While any Dk weight yarn can be used for this project, I found an Alpaca yarn to be a great option. This is another available substitute to the suggested yarn, King Cole Baby Alpaca Dk (click here).
My pattern testers as usual did a Fab-U-LOUS job and produced some really lovely Head Warmers. A huge thanks to them for their efforts!
Right top and Right Bottom: Test Head Warmers by Sheri DeBacker Mc Crork. : Made using Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Dk lakeside. Paintbox Dk in Midnight Blue and Duck egg. Top Left: Test Head Warmer by Shaunna Hallon. Made from Lion Brand Ice-Cream Scoop and Bernat Softee Baby. Right Bottom: Test Head Warmer made by Sharon Heard. Made using Panda Magnum 8ply Centre Bottom: Test Head Warmer made by Tammy Taylor. Made using Magic Lite Dk Centre: Test Head Warmer made by Jane Wynne. Made using Moda Vera Florentine
TO FIND SOME OF THE YARNS MY TESTERS USED CLICK ON THE NAMES BELOW:
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
Now, this question was asked in a facebook group dedicated to crochet, and I know what popped straight into my head, me being a self confessed Hooker. But the word covers so much more and it very much depends upon who you ask, as to the answer you will get......
Afghan Dog!
If you ask a dog lover you will be told that an Afghan is a very tall, hairy dog with a pointed nose. Yep, that is true!
A
AFGHANISTAN!
If you ask a person who paid attention at school, or maybe lives there, they will tell you: An Afghan is a person native to Afghanistan. Again right!
If you bother to look the word up in the online Dictionary it states:
A blanket or shawl of colored yarn knitted or crocheted in strips or squares.
A Turkoman carpet of large size and long pile woven in geometric designs.
Afghan Hound: A tall hunting dog of a breed with long silky hair.
Afghan Blanket!
A Crochet Afghan
But getting back to what us Hookers know as the only RELEVANT meaning of the word, that being crochet blankets: Afghans come in a huge array of styles, shapes etc.
This gives me a very amusing visual of a person of Afghanistan origin, sitting on an Afghan carpet, with their Afghan dog, crocheting an Afghan. Who knows they could even be in Afghanistan doing this.
If you are going to be really fussy about what a Crochet Afghan is, then it specifically refers to a blanket made from Tunisian Crochet. Of course those who are not proficient in Tunisian Crochet will claim the word Afghan as being relevant for any crochet blanket. Right or wrong is anyones guess!!
It may well be that we all just prefer the word 'Afghan'. If someone claims 'Oh, what a beautiful blanket you are making', we can respond, 'Oh no, It is actually an Afghan!'. Certainly sounds just a little more special.
Afghans can be made in one solid piece (which is usually the case in Tunisian Crochet), motifs joined together, crochet squares and strips. How versatile is that! And the word 'Afghan' does sound so much more interesting than just a boring old blanket.
Must get back to making my latest Afghan Crochet!!! I need it to take on my trip to Afghanistan! May take my dog who would like to be an Afghan hound but isn't (Cocker Spaniel).
There are a million patterns for Headwarmers floating around online and trying to design something that is unique and not like others is a bit like re-designing the wheel.
I kind of think I have achieved success in making these something new and unique.
Both of these can be made to suit varying head sizes, simply by adjusting the length of the band and the amount of rows worked.
Suitable for most yarn weights. Adjust your hook to suit.
Both Headwarmers feature the unique keyhole design.
Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer is made using Camel Stitch to create a feature pattern, and Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer is worked mainly using the Tapestry or Intarsia Technique.
These are quick and easy projects, that can also use up some of that scrap yarn you may have stashed away.
As stated any yarn can be used but here is the Material Lists:
Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer
Materials: 4.5mm hook C2=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply/Aran in Curry. 300m/328yds per ball. 100m/109yds approx usage. C1=2 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply/Aran in Cream. 300m/328yds per ball. 200m/218yds approx usage. Tapestry Needle 1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button
Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer
Materials 4mm/G hook C1=1 x Rare Essentials Cerise Alpaca and Merino Dk 50g ball. 100m/110yd. Approx 70m/76yd used C2=2 x The Homeground Collection in Dye free Alpaca Dk 50g ball. 100m/110yd. Approx 150m/164yd used. Tapestry Needle 1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button Stitch Markers
What would Designers do without Testers? Testing is a very important part of the design process. I know I could not do without them.
Top left: Ruth Tipping test Head Warmer. Made from For the Love of Yarn in Dark Purple and Lilac. Top Right: Bethany Colhoff test Head Warmer. Made from Loops and thread. Bottom Right: Jenny Hinton test Head Warmer. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply in Mulled Wine and Stone. Middle Left: Test Head Warmer by Bethany Colhoff made with Loops and Thread. Middle Right: Test Head Warmer by Sharon C Coys Elderton. Made using Stylecraft Special Dk. Bottom Left: Test Head Warmer by Nikki Barker made with Red Heart Soft in Grape and White. Top Right: Test Head Warmer by Bethany Colhoff made with Loops and Thread. Top Middle: Test Head Warmer by Sonia Bowmar-Scothern. Made from Hand dyed Merino Dk from Siobhans Crafts.
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.
Asking the question as to why I make is a little like asking someone why they breathe!
Lovecrafts Blogger Awards. Link to Lovecrafts https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-au/l/yarns My blog may not be the biggest or have the most followers, but it is mine!!!
I always tell people that I crochet because punching people is frowned upon. But of course there is more to it than that! Being creative is who I am and so I guess crochet is my happy place.
My most recent Design Only One Woof Cushion. Pattern available soon on Lovecrafts
I have always had the need to create. Just you try and stop me, it won't be pleasant!!!.
Even when very young, I used to make clothes for my dolls out of scraps of material. They were not particularly all that good, but I thought they were.
I am not really an extroverted type of person and don't feel the need to be out there in front of everyone, but when it came to being creative, I was always the weirdo in the hand painted jeans, or the tie-dyed head scarf.
As I got older and had my own home, nothing was safe from my creative hands. The picot fences had flowers painted on them, so did the letterbox and front gates. I painted pictures on the doors inside the house and carefully painted flowers or pictures on the power point covers throughout. Art work is everywhere at my place and I recently began producing resin art pieces as well.
One of my Resin Art Pieces
My kids had paper mache piggy banks and their rooms became works of art. My daughter wanted fluro pink walls with tiny daisies painted on them. My husband shook his head, but he painstakingly marked out intervals on these fluro walls so I could add the tiny white daisies, one by one. Her curtains had hand threaded beads on them, which took me forever to do.
I spent a lot of time with beads and sequins adorning Ballet and dance costumes for her as well during all her dance years.
My sons who were motocross riders had finish flags for curtains and handmade blankets with the motorbike brand logos on them.
Then they all went and grew up!
My youngest still raced motocross and supercross and for anyone who knows about this sport, for mothers it is a lesson in how to manage stress. I had the basics of crochet and knitting taught to me by my grandmother and had done a little of each throughout the years, but now I needed something to stop me climbing up the walls whilst my youngest child sped by on his motorbike, jumping huge mounds of dirt as he went, all the while with other riders slamming into him and basically making a mother want to jump the railing and send them all to the naughty corner for attempting to hurt my little boy!!!
My son #14 getting the holeshot at an outdoor event. Talk about stressful for a mother.
This began my real journey into the crochet world. There I would be, in the pits at a National event as my son prepared for his next race. As the line of bikes all revved up in anticipation of the start flag, I would be clutching my crochet hook and trying very hard not to have a melt down. I have stood in stadiums full to capacity of over 35000 people waving my crochet hook in encouragement as my son raced by. As he progressed in his career I would at times be sitting up in the middle of the night, glued to a computer, hook in hand, furiously working on another crochet design, while watching my son race overseas in Germany, USA or half a dozen other countries.
Crocheting in the pits at a National Motocross Event.
I can truly recommend crochet as a stress reliever and great for anxiety!!! I would also strongly suggest never letting your child take up motocross/supercross racing.
Designing crochet is something that comes easily to me and ideas are always whirling around in my head. I don't have a specific niche of how I design. I do what makes me happy, I make with yarns that make me happy. If a yarn is calling to me then I really must answer.
I appreciate all the outlets such as Lovecrafts that allow me to publish my designs, although I sometimes wonder if they don't add something addictive to their yarns that make you want more and more. They wouldn't do that, would they?
I can't say I have a favourite yarn, although I tend to gravitate towards anything purple. Dangle a purple skein of yarn in front of me and I will happily watch it for hours. Give me a hook to go with that skein and I will turn that yarn into something beautiful!
If you haven't had a go at crochet then get to it, especially if one of your children decides to take up a dangerous pursuit!!!!! And if anyone questions why you need that extra ten skeins of yarn, just tell them it is therapy yarn..
If you have a ton of Chenille yarn (or you can use other yarn) hanging about, left over from making pumpkins or scrunchies, then you will love this pattern.
This is an Easy level project with basic stitches. Finishing touches require Surface Slip Stitch and the edging is done with Crab Stitch.
Why the name?
The name for this cushion comes from the Children’s book by James Herriot that I used to read to my kids. It is the story of a dog who never barks. He is separated from his puppy playmate. One day they are reunited, and he gives just one bark, the only bark he ever makes.
I first made this cushion for my mother quite a few years back, and at the time I did not bother to write it up. Mum still has it on her bed. I thought it time I got around to making another one and this time writing it up.
The pattern comes with separate copies for Uk terms and USA terms. It has many photos to help along the way.
A different colourway. Made using Green with purple trim.
BORING BUT IMPORTANT STUFF!!!! 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. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. 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. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design.
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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!!!"
If you have ever given thought to entering local events that judge crochet, but have just not been game enough to go ahead, I say re-think this, as entering show, events etc can be a positive thing.
Sure I have had a few unpleasant experiences. Take the larger show that miss labelled my king size afghan and then decided to sell it for approximately half of what it was worth. And if that wasn't bad enough, try adding the fact that the Afghan they sold, was not actually for sale. I almost got into a tug of war with the supposed new owners of my Afghan, on trying to retreive it. But this is hopefully an isolated incident!!!
A few years back I stumbled across an advertisment for local upcoming show. It had a schedule of events, with sections that could be entered for Arts and Crafts. I thought about this for a good while, wondering if any of my crochet could possibly be good enough to enter.
I decided to take the plunge and enter. I spent a bit of time figuring out how to fill out the forms and where to drop my crochet beauties off etc. Then I waited for the big day to come. Finding I had won a couple of prizes was a huge buzz.
I have been entering the local shows ever since. Sometimes I do well, sometimes not as well. It can all be a little cloak and dagger. You find yourself stalking posts in local crochet groups as to who is entering what, and trying to size up the competition to see if what they have produced might be better. Doing this, is of course a complete waste of time, as you really never can tell what a judge will decide to really like, or perhaps not like.
Over the past few years I have gained quite a few ribbons for my efforts and a couple of times even taken out Best in Show and runner up to Grand Champion. I received lovely big sashes for those effort.
Best in Show Crochet Section
I had the pleasure of dropping a few items off this morning, to the final show of the year in my area. It is a small show, and drop off is in a small hall in a rural community. I parked the car outside and could hear the ladies calling out to me as I grabbed my crochet from the back of the car. The excitement in their voices, with the prospect of someone bringing interesting goodies was evident and they showed it with a ton of enthusiasm.
They remembered me from last year and began going through my entries, oohing and ahhhing, over each and every one. They especially liked my Technicolour Yawn vest and my Leadlight Afghan.
Technicolour Yawn Vest. Made using freeform technique
Leadlight Afghan. pattern available on ravelry
One lady suggested I try my vest on to show them, and do a modelling session. I smiled and told her that they were all welcome to try it on, and model it themselves. I drove away wondering if they were now all giggling and strutting around in my Technicolour Yawn Vest.
I will now have to wait and see if I am lucky enough to win something. Regardless, it brightened my day to see how excited these women were over what they were doing. I even had one of the ladies, reach for a crochet blanket she was working on, to ask advice on how to join squares and avoid that ridge you can get when joining using a Single Crochet method.
Following on from my two triangle shawls, Clematis Shawl and Vintage Clematis Shawl (shawl pictures and links at bottom of page), and at the suggestion of one of my testers, I designed this really cute Christening blanket. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here) and Love Crochet (click here).
The blanket is named after the tester, who decided I should turn this design into a blanket. And so it became the 'Amanda Christening Blanket'.
I wanted something that was special, and had a special border that stood out. I think I have achieved that goal with this blanket.
It has spent the past month with my testers, who have helped to make the pattern what it is. They impressed me not only with finding my errors (or what I like to call my Boo, Boos), but they also used varied yarns and the results were really amazing.
Amanda Christening Blanket
4mm/G hook
· 4 x James C Brett Supersoft Shade BB4 290m/317yd per ball. Total yarn used approx. 1100m/1202yd.
James C Brett Supersoft available on Love Crochet
The choice of yarn can define a pattern and how it looks. I used James C Brett Dk (click here). Below are a few example of my testers work and what they produced. I love them all!!!
Top Left: Blanket by Hannah Schmaker, made from scrap yarn and achieving a boho look.
Bottom Left: Blanket by Sharon C Coys Elderton, very pretty in Robin Paintbox.
Centre: Blanket by Leslie Hanson, gorgeous in blue.
Right: Blanket by Kathy Mant, in soft grey using Patons Big Baby 4 Ply and 3.5mm hook. Pram size
L
eft: Blanket by Jane Wynne made from Kartopu Love Cotton Prints. Right: Blanket by Amy Elizabeth Peterson made from Bernat Baby Softee. Both came out looking fabulous!
This uses simple stitches and surface slip stitch to create an interesting textured look. Stylecraft Batik is used for best results. This is available on Love Crochet.
For me the design process is a journey!
Yes, I know. You are now thinking 'Oh she used the journey word, I'm out of here'. Can't say I like sentences that begin that way myself!
I mean it in almost a literal kind of way. I start with one idea in my head and end up taking a few turns along the way. I headed down the motorway of crochet, decided to take one of the exits and ended up in the side streets in a very cute little boho town.
My mind just kicks into overdrive and what I began to make, morphs into something else.
This was the case with this beauty! I find myself looking at it and making mmmmmmmmm noises.
Just a Little Bit Batik began its life thinking it was going to be a basic shawl. Somewhere along the way, the gremlins that keep the cogs in my brain moving, decided to go rogue and it ended up something a little bit more and I would like to think, a little bit more special.
It is now a Shawl/Shrug/Capelet/Wrap (to be honest I have no idea how to classify it) and rather puffed up with itself for being special. It is designed to be worn with the top edge rolled back to form a collar and a button closure to hold it in place.
It's a really unique fashion accessory that I would wear! And while I do tend to have a bit of an 'out there' style of dress sense (or so I have been told), I hope that this pattern will be loved by many.
It is colourful! And I love colour! It is also an easy crochet project and beginner friendly!
When I design something, I don't really think about it in the sense of what may, or may not be a popular item for people to want to purchase. I think about what I like and what appeals to my ideas of what colour, and shape should be. I like original things and will always be the crazy person wearing the tie dye leggings, or the over the top sunglasses. I don't care if they are in fashion. I wear what makes me happy! I design what makes me happy! And if it makes others happy too, all the better!
I can see a blanket in this same style in the near future!!!
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I speak to so many people about their crochet projects, and the question of gauge comes up often. Many will admit that they NEVER check gauge. I know, I often don't bother.
Sure at times you can just pick up your magic wand (hook) and start hooking away and everything will turn out wonderful.
This won't always be the case. The necessity to check gauge, can very much depend upon the type of project you are making. Things like blankets, scarves and dishclothes will give you a free pass, as it really doesn't matter if they are a little bigger or smaller.
Clothing is one area that can end in disaster if gauge is not checked.
Checking gauge may be a pain, but it is much better to do so, than to find out half way through that gorgeous vest/coat/top etc pattern, that you spent a fortune on yarn for and fell in love with, could fit half your family inside it and still have room, when sadly you were making a size small.
Or that cute baby hat you wanted to gift to a newborn actually fits you. You could wait to this baby is a teenager to gift it, cross your fingers the newborn is blessed with a huge head or resolve the issue by checking gauge.
If gauge is not checked you can also find yourself running out of yarn. Yarn quantities stated in a pattern, will be dependant on your project turning out the same size as the designers. This can then make that blanket ( yes, the one that gauge didn't really matter on) unfinished. You ran out of yarn on the last few rows, as yours is several inches larger than the designers, so you need an extra Skein or two. Then you find yourself in panic mode, as maybe you can't get this yarn any longer, or perhaps you can but the dye lot is SO different, that extra skein stands out like a neon light.
How to Check Gauge:
Using the yarn your project requires, and the stitch used in the pattern, make a 4"/10cm x 4"/10cm square.
Place your square on a flat surface and lay a tape measure horizontally over the stitches.
Count how many stitches you have in 4"/10cm.
Now turn the tape measure vertical and count how many rows you have in 4"/10cm.
If your measurements show that you have less stitches than the designers, you need to go up a hook size till you have the same.
If your measurements show that you have more stitches than the designers, you need to go down a hook size till you have the same.
Altering your hook size and yarn choice can often fix many gauge issues, but not all.
In many crochet articles, you will see them mention Lifters, Riders, and Yankers.
Lifters pull up on the loops, making them higher than the working row.
Yankers pull their work tight, making it very snug
Riders keep stitches closer to the working row.
I know my own stitches tend to be shorter in height and tighter, or closer to other stitches, than most peoples.
This was really evident during the testing process of my Billy Thunder Tote. My testers were having cupping issues (circle would not lay flat) with the mandala type bag. It took a lot of work, but we finally got the pattern through testing. Many of my USA Treble stitches were the same height as the testers USA Double crochet. A few adjustments had to be made, and stitch heights for each row, added to the pattern to make it user friendly and suit most.
If after you have tried adjusting hook size, and still cannot meet gauge, it may be your stitch heights causing the problem. Fixing this is possible, and best tutorial I have found to address the stitch height issue is by Crochet Ever After (click name).
Billy Thunder Tote. Beaded both sides.
So, next time you are itching to start that new project, stop for a minute and think about gauge. It may save you a lot of trouble later.
If you were to fill a room with serious Knitters and Crocheters and ask those who do not have a HUGE stash to step forward, what do you think the outcome would be?
Sure there may be one, or two who step forward as their stash is small and controlled. But maybe they have only just stepped into the dark side of Crocheting/Knitting and are yet to succumb to the lure of those soft, squishy skeins of beauty!!!
The rest of the room would be either trying to avert their gaze, as they know they have more yarn than they can ever possibly use in one lifetime Or they would be standing tall and defiant as it's their yarn, and the world can go suck a big one if they think they are going to change their ways!
I have too much yarn. I do know this. But then how much is too much? Like really!! I have sorted through my skeins of beauty and considered downsizing. I even got rid of a few balls of really cheap acrylic that I was never going to use. It went to someone who does crochet for charity.
But as for the rest, I need them!! What happens if an idea jumps into my head, and I have to wait weeks for an order to arrive? That would just never do!
W.I.P.S, I have them everywhere. I really don't make things from other peoples patterns now. I have way too many ideas careering around in my head to even think about doing other peoples patterns.
If I am being honest I would have over 20 W.I.P.S at least. I do a bit, move on to another one and repeat. Sooner or later I finish most of them, but not always. There is that Ruana that I started well over a year ago, and I am just not feeling it any more.
I am very proud of myself at the moment though! I had an idea leap into my head yesterday and I was itching to place an order for some really lovely yarn I saw. It looks so NICE! It wanted me to buy it!!! I was so close to pressing that order BUTTON. It was begging me to press it!
Go on, you know you want to.
I looked at my stash and pondered it for a bit. Then I remember all that Stylecraft Batik Dk (here), that I had left over from my own Leadlight Afghan (here) and also from many years back where I made Sue Pinners beautiful Carousel Blanket. I had some lovely purples (my favourite) left from that one. This would work! It would look wonderful with what I had in mind. I dragged my hand away from that nasy order button. It was of course still begging me to press it. The order button did not get pressed, and I am using up my stash. Someone please give me a medal or two!!
What a superior feeling! I dug through my stash and found all those bits and pieces of Stylecraft Batik (which turned out to be quite a bit). I am just loving the colours and this is going to be really lovely. The stitches will be easy and very beginner friendly. It is the colours that will make this special. Excitement Plus!!!
Sneaky Peek of 'Just a Little Bit Batik Shawl'.
So stay tuned for my 'Just a Little Bit Batik Shawl'. Pattern coming soon!!! (That is if I don't decided to start another W.I.P. or even finish something I started ages ago, I really should do that). I can also feel a vest or jacket in this same style is going to be in order.
I may even gift this shawl to a very special relative of mine who loves to follow my crochet with EXTREME interest. I am sure they will love it!!!
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