Crochet Cushions. Stuffing Cheat.

Yes, getting a cushion insert for your newly made crochet cushion is probably the best option. This is especially true if you want the cushion to be easily washable.

This is not always an available option. Maybe this cushion is not your average size or shape, so you just want to add stuffing.

Using stuffing on its own can have its problems. Bits of the stuffing end up popping out through the crochet.

There is a solution to this little issue and I used this method in my, 'Wish Upon a Star' cushion.

Instead of just the usual white fluffy stuffing, purchase some wadding. This is readily available from any fabric store and many craft suppliers. You can usually buy it by the metre/yard.

Cut Wadding to Cushion shape

Most cushions are made in at least two pieces. Prior to joining the piece together, cut wadding to the general shape of your cushion, just slightly smaller. With a darning needle and thread, tack the wadding to the inside of the cushion.

Tack to the back/inside of the cushion piece.

You can then proceed to join your cushion pieces together and stuff as usual.

Join your pieces or sides of the cushion as usual.

The Wadding reduces the amount of stuffing required for the project and prevents any stuffing from popping through the crochet.

Project featured uses Paintbox Simply Chunky yarn. The pattern is available here.

If you appreciate this little cheat, please give my post a like. It is a simple thing but lets me know my efforts are appreciated.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

Beading in Crochet. It's Easy!

My Step Grandfather was one very tough old guy who worked on the railways for part of his life. He had a saying. To be honest he had quite a few sayings, although the one that sticks in my mind the most, probably would not go down too well if said today.

But the saying that comes to mind when I think of beading would be 'There are many ways to skin a cat'. Sure gives a very unpleasant visual if you think about it enough, but he had a point as there are many ways to do the same thing.

Have you ever looked at Beaded Crochet with awe and thought how difficult it looks?

Well that just isn't the case. Beading is easy!

Sure, there are many ways to approach this (like the cat) but I tend to favour using a sewing needle and thread. No, I don't sew them on! I use the needle and thread to place the bead where I want it to go.

Here's How: (Pictures Below)

1. Remove hook from work.

2. Using sewing needle and thread,insert needle through bead.

3. Insert needle with bead through workingloop.

4. Pull enough threadthrough loop to then place needle back through bead.

5. The bead will now be sitting abovethe loop.

6. Gently push the bead onto the loop,while pulling on the needle.

7. Remove needle and thread. Insert hookand continue.

This is a simple method which can be used to add beads to any project.

Photographs have been taken of my latest design coming soon.

Leadlight! Sending the Testers 'Down The Rabbit Hole'

After spending forever on the design process, the Leadlight Afghan is about to begin its journey into the testers hands.

I put out the call for testers about a week ago and had quite a few testers (people crazy enough to put their hands up), respond. I have selected/forced 6 testers through a vigorous selection process. In a kind of ' survivor camp' of crochet, set of tasks to prove their worth. No, not really! They were the only ones silly/brave enough to offer to test!

The first part of the pattern will be sent out on the 28th of this month and then the fun begins. I hope for smooth sailing and happy testers! And if I only allow them out of the locked room I am keeping them in, for short breaks, I am hopeful to have the pattern successfully tested and published mid year 2019

And to my testers I strongly suggest that they use the plastic bobbins that stop the yarn from unravelling. Cos' if you are cheap like me, and only use cardboard, the tangle factor is quite large. The final Colour Work section has 96 Bobbins in play!

Major Tangles

Keep an eye out for my Leadlight Afghan mid year 2019

The Leadlight uses Stylecraft Batik Dk and Stylecraft Special Dk.  It is comprised of simple stitches and some surface slip stitch. It has three colour work sections that require Bobbins worked in the round. This spans 62 inches and looks lovely across a Queen or King Bed.

Post contains affiliate links

Frankie Drake Cloche Crochet Hat Pattern

It has been a good couple of weeks. I finished my Leadlight Afghan which took forever and the Frankie Drake Cloche has made its way through the testing process.

This is a fun hat and if you love the fashion from the 1920's and want to be just like Frankie Drake, then this will appeal for sure!

I have been binge watching Frankie Drake Mysteries Tv Series of late and just loving the 1920’s Fashion, especially the Cloche Hats. I found myself reaching for my hook. So, this is inspired by all the hats on the series. I would like to think that Frankie would be pretty happy with the results!

The pattern is now available on Ravelry.

Materials: 
I used 2 balls of Lincraft Balmy which is approx to an Aran yarn. I have done a gauge swatch to help with yarn choice. 
I also used a small amount of Patons Cotton Blend dk double stranded for the embellishments. 
5mm Hook 
4m/4.3yd x 6mm/.2 inch Ribbon 
This hat is one size only and would fit an adult or teen. Measurements: 
22”/59cm Measurement taken around band. 
A larger or smaller size could be obtained by using thicker or finer yarn and/or going up a hook size or down a hook size. 
Gauge: 16st’s to 4”/10cm. 19 Rows to 4”/10cm.

This is a written pattern with some photos to help along the way.

This hat has been tested and my testers have produced some very beautiful hats.

The pattern is in written form Uk and USA terms.

You are purchasing a pattern only- Instant download of PDF pattern. You will require a PDF viewer to open pattern.

Considerable time has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing 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. The pattern is comprised of 10 pages to help you make your Very Own Sunflower happen.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

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 people with varying abilities in crochet. But if something has slipped past testing please let me know

Woo,Hoo! Leadlight Afghan Done!

Excitement plus! It may have taken me a forever from idea to completion, but it is finished.

My Leadlight Afghan is done and I can move on to one of the dozen, other designs I have partly done.

What a feeling of achievement! You know how it is when you can see that finish line looming. You only have a few more stitches to do and a few ends to sew in. You find yourself trying to work faster, and that feeling when you put that last stitch in place!

The border on this gave me some headaches. Being round I felt it had to have increases. I took three goes to get this and each time I frogged it, I considered heaving it off the balcony and pretending it did not exist. My darling husband just looked at me and stated he was amazed at my persistence. By these last few rows, I had almost 900 stitches per round.

I finally came to the realisation that, although this is round, the increases became unnecessary in this section as each bit of colour was over a section that seemed almost straight. Yes, the blanket had become so large. It ended up being 62 inches across.

When I first began this beauty, I had envisioned that it would be around 52 inches across. That was not to be.

The initial idea had sprung to life in my head after looking at Stained Glass mandalas on Pinterest. I saw this one in greens and blues and thought to myself 'This would make a great crochet afghan!'

I spent quite a while mulling around in my head, as to how I could get this idea from my head into a workable crochet blanket.

The Colourwork sections are done with bobbins, but I used cut cardboard. Yes, I am cheap and didn't want to spring for all those bobbins. Each time I did a colour section I was kicking myself for not getting the bobbins. At times I had a tangled mess and even my beloved Stella (dog) was looking at me thinking I was crazy!

Middle section of Colourwork.

I am now in the process of organising my test group. Testing will begin in a couple of weeks, and I have some very keen (or crazy) people signed up for testing.

I hope to have this pattern published by mid year 2019.

This uses Stylecraft Batik yarn (available here) and a 5mm hook.

Become a Crochet Pattern Tester

What is it all about?

Having a Pattern Tested is a huge part of the Design Process. I would like to think I am perfect, but it is certainly not the case. I make mistakes! My longsuffering testers find these and point them out. We then work together to make certain that the pattern is correct, workable and any sizing issues are sorted out.

I want my patterns to be easy to follow, and mistakes free. Those who use my patterns want the same thing.

What do Pattern Testers get out of the process?

Testers get the first look at original designs. They can take their Crochet skills to the next level. They become part of a select group on Facebook there just for the testers of my patterns. On completion they get a copy of the finished pattern to keep.

My pattern test group brings together people from all over the world. I have testers from Mexico, Alaska, Morocco, USA, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany and possibly a few other places I forget.

What is Expected of a Tester?

• Are asked to join the Facebook group Auburncraft Crochet. Guidelines are given out and prospective testers are asked to agree to them.
• Communication between testers and myself is very important to keep me informed during the test process, and to map the progress of the test.
• Must know basic crochet stitches and have experience reading patterns.
• Must be able to complete the project by the deadline asked.
• Must add the completed project to their Ravelry account within a week of completion.
• Must provide 2 plus quality photos (photo credit will be given) to be used in places such as social media and in final pattern listings.

Having an eye for detail is an advantage in testing. When a new design is ready for testing, I will put out the call for testers. If selected you will be given the pattern and details necessary for the testing process to begin. I try to take on board all feedback, but at times I can get conflicting feedback from testers and so if your feedback is not used, it is not a slight towards you. So in saying this, having an easy going temperament is also an advantage to a tester.

If interested, go to Auburncraft Crochet on Facebook.

How to Make a Straight Edge for a Crochet Border

You know how sometimes, edges for a blanket are not always perfectly straight! No matter how hard you try, things just end up wonky!

There could be a heap of reasons for this:

Maybe you have joined shapes together and they are a bit in and out in places.

You could be someone just starting out on the crochet journey, and your edges look a bit like a road in Tasmania (if you have ever been there you will get the reference).

Or like me, on this project I am designing, you find that a Single/Double Crochet straight into the other colours or work just looks sloppy.

Whatever the reason, this little cheat can solve the problem and give you a lovely straight edge to work the remainder of your border from.

The first thing you need to know to achieve this, is how to Surface Slip Stitch.

How to complete a Surface Slip Stitch.

1. Attach the yarn at work edge with a slst.

2. Insert hook through face of work

3. Pull up a loop from back of work through to front of work and through loop on hook.

4. Insert hook into next st. Repeat

5. Once you have that sorted, work a Surface Slip Stitch in a straight line, along the edge of your project that you wish to add a border to.

6. Work your next row of stitches into the top loop only,of your Surface Slip Stitch. This is the loop closest to the work edge. It won't matter if you also hook through the main body of your work, as well. This is up to you (I didn't). For the project shown here, I did a row of Single Crochet/USA Terms, Double Crochet/Uk Terms. The result is a lovely, straight transition into your border, without messy stitches just worked into the raw edge.

Main Picture is of my Latest Design which will hopefully be out testing very soon. Round Leadlight Blanket. This measures 61”/155cm Wide. 

Merry Christmas

Put your hand up if you packed your Crochet, to go visit family today! I know my Crochet is on hand, if I can find the time or the need, for it.

We all need a little Christmas Cheer, so with that in mind, I am offering 30% off, on any of my patterns in my Ravelry Store. Use the code 'Christmas' at checkout. https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sue-stapleton

Frankie Drake Crochet Cloche Hat

Do you ever find yourself watching a show and getting inspired to grab your hook?   I do!I have been binge watching Frankie Drake Mysteries of late and just loving the 1920's fashion.  Really lovely trousers and dresses.  But oh, the hats!   I found myself in love with them.  Next thing I knew I had my hook in my hand.I am pretty happy with the results and would like to think that Frankie would rock this hat!The hat is out with my long-suffering testers at present and will be published in the next few weeks.This uses a 5mm hook and an Aran or Chunky Yarn.  Whichever makes gauge.  I made this one with Lincraft Balmy.  The hat is one size only.  Circumference is 22 inches.  Larger or smaller could be achieved using a larger or smaller hook.  Or adjusting the yarn thickness.The embellishments on the hat are made using Surface Slip Stitch and the band is done with a length of Ribbon.Watch this space for an update when published.

Crochet Sizing Chart for Hats, Scarves and Blankets!

A while back I started a sizing chart, just for my own records, so I could reference it at a later date and easily see just what sizes I had used, for things like blankets, scarves and hats.

I decided to put the information from my own crochet experiences, into a reduced smaller chart.

So while some of these sizes may not be exactly what other charts may say, these are what works for me.

• 

Dearne Crochet Headband/Earwarmer

My daughter has always loved wide headbands and I have been keeping her in stock with them, for as long as I can remember.I noticed that the knitted one I had done for her back in her teens, was looking rather worn.  I rummaged through the stash, found some yarn and set about making this one.This works up quickly and is made from Stylecraft Special Aran and uses a 5mm hook.Beginner friendly!This is a free pattern and available for download on Love Crochet.

PATTERN PERMISSIONS

This is a FREE pattern (download is available on ravelry), and by using it, you’re agreeing to the following conditions.You’re welcome to sell what you make with it; for online listings, please link back to my blog (or ravelry) using something like this:

Pattern byAuburncraftAuburncraftcrochet.comWhat is not allowed:

• Do not resell the pattern, altered or in its original form.
• Do not copy and paste the pattern onto your own blog, in a Facebook group, or anywhere else. Link to this page instead (or my ravelry). Doing anything else is copyright theft.
• Do not use any of my photos from this site (or any of my other sites) to promote yourself or your crochet business on your own blog, Facebook page, or anywhere else.
• Do not post a translation of the pattern anywhere – this is copyright theft. If you would like to help make a translation available, please contact me.
• Do not make a video tutorial of this pattern (or any of my patterns).

This post may contain affiliate links

DD Crochet Cowl/Neckwarmer

 A very good friend asked me to make a Cowl for her. I had been playing around with Star Stitch at the time and so felt it was a good idea to use it in this Cowl.  I also named this after my friend. Sometimes in life, if you are lucky enough you have a person who is always there for you, no matter what. Deb is that person for me!At the time I did not really think this would be a popular pattern.  Just goes to show you can never tell what people will love. This pattern is often downloaded more than 450 times in a month.I often tend to do things a little different and the cowl is one of these things.  It is made with 2 strands of Aran weight yarn (double).  Any Aran could be used Aran weight yarn used.  The one pictured was made from Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 10 ply.  It is so very soft. This is an Australian Yarn and can be purchased online via their web page.  A good alternative to this yarn would be King Cole Merino Blend Aran.   The same results could be achieved using a Chunky Yarn with one strand.This is a free pattern and can be found in my Ravelry Store and on Love CrochetThis post may contain affiliate links 

PATTERN PERMISSIONS

This is a FREE pattern (download is available on ravelry), and by using it, you’re agreeing to the following conditions.You’re welcome to sell what you make with it; for online listings, please link back to my blog (or ravelry) using something like this:

Pattern byAuburncraftAuburncraftcrochet.comWhat is not allowed:

• Do not resell the pattern, altered or in its original form.
• Do not copy and paste the pattern onto your own blog, in a Facebook group, or anywhere else. Link to this page instead (or my ravelry). Doing anything else is copyright theft.
• Do not use any of my photos from this site (or any of my other sites) to promote yourself or your crochet business on your own blog, Facebook page, or anywhere else.
• Do not post a translation of the pattern anywhere – this is copyright theft. If you would like to help make a translation available, please contact me.
• Do not make a video tutorial of this pattern (or any of my patterns).

Sometimes You Just Need a Triangle

Sometimes you just need a simple Triangle.Think of all the possibilities!  Cushions, blankets, bunting.  Or you may have a flat chested doll that needs a bikini!I whipped up this little Triangle as part of a much larger design I have been working on for AGES!  I wanted a Triangle with specific angles to it, as it had to fit in a specific spot.TriangleBy AuburncraftUSA TermsSc- Single CrochetCh- ChainDec- Single Crochet two togetherSc3tog- Single Crochet three together.-----------------------------------------------------------------------5mm HookDk YarnMeasurements  Using Dk Yarn.Triangle Measurements 5”/12.7cm x 5”/12.7cmUse stitch markers to keep track of decrease rows.Ch25.Row 1. Sc into 4^th ch from hook.  Sc in each ch across. Turn (23)Row 2. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 19 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (21)Row 3. And every alternate Row from here. Ch1. Sc in each st across. Turn.Row 4. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 17 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (19)Row 6. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 15 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (17)Row 8. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 13 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (15)Row 10. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 11 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (13)Row 12. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 9 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (11)Row 14. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 7 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (9)Row 16. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 5 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (7)Row 18. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 3 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (5)Row 20. Sc Dec. Work 1 sc in next 1 st’s. Sc Dec. Turn (3)Row 22. Sc3tog. Fasten off and cut yarn.Sew in ends.Block Triangles so they sit flat.  This will make them easier to join.The main picture is a little teaser of what I am making from these.  It is going to beFAB-U-LOUS!!!!! 

Nice Words For Sale! Going Cheap!

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.

My Very Own Sunflower Crochet Hat

I Love Flowers!I Really Love Sunflowers!Sunflowers make you smile!So who doesn't want to walk around with a Sunflower on their head?My testers and I had fun with this one.  Fun to make and fun to wear.This is available in several sizes:

•   Baby 17-inch circumference• Toddler -18-inch circumference• Child -19.5-inch circumference• Teen- 21- inch circumference• Adult Small- 22.5-inch circumference• Adult Large- 24-inch circumference

4mm HookMade from Stylecraft Special DkThe band is Half Double/Treble Crochet worked into the 3rd Loop.Crocodile Stitch is used to form the Petals.A small amount of Surface Slip Stitch is done on the Flower centre.This is a written pattern with some photos to help along the way.The pattern is in written form Uk and USA terms.This is a paid pattern and available on Ravelry, Etsy ,   Craftsy This Post May Contain Affiliate links

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

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!!!!!

Clover Crochet Hooks and A Bit of Whirl!

I truly love my Clover Hooks.  They are easily my hook of choice.BUT... I do have one minor gripe about them.  Why don't they separate the colours just slightly better? I have lost count of the times I have had to frog a project, due to picking up the 3.5mm instead of the 3mm.They are both RED! Yes, different shades of Red, but still Red. It is so annoying!I am sure that they could mix it up a little. Put some Polka Dots on one. Or some Stripes.The cynic in me thinks they do it on purpose.  It's someones idea of a cruel joke. Whoever thought the colour choices up are probably a frustrated Hooker, cackling in glee that they made me frog another project.What I am currently working on, happens to be made from Scheepjes Whirl, in Lavenderlicious. Have you ever tried frogging that? To add to the disaster of it all, I always intend to rewind as I frog but often it doesn't happen. Tangled Whirl is a nightmare!As I was untangling my Whirl,  I had the thought, ' If I throw a Whirl, does it become a whirling, Whirl?'Just maybe Scheepjes and Clover got together and decided to make the hook sizes most used for this yarn the same colour.  It is their evil plan for world frogging domination! How sinister is that!But hey! My latest Design is going to be FAB-U-LOUS in my Lavenderlicious.  Two Squares done and a heap of them to go!Disclaimer;  This post may contain Affiliate links.

What The Heart Wants Crochet Scarf

Filet Hearts in a line.  Colour is added with chain lengths, threaded through the holes.Throw in a Pompom or two, and you have a fun Boho Scarf that is unique to you.  Choose the colours that suit you, and you want to spice up your look.This is a great project to use up some of that scrap yarn that has been piling up.The main Body of the Scarf uses two balls of Stylecraft Special Dk Yarn in Graphite but any dk yarn could be used.If you don't have any leftover yarn (Hah! Sure!), I used part of a ball of Magenta in the Stylecraft and a Gold I had.This is an Easy Project, using simple stitches, Double/Treble Crochet and Chains to create a Filet Crochet Technique.  It works up quickly!4mm hook.The pattern comes in Uk and USA terms.Finished size: 148cm/58.5’ x 22cm/8.5’ The pattern is available on:CraftsyLove CrochetAnd Ravelry

The Mystery of Surface Slip Stitch!

I can do anything with a Big Ball of String, or yarn, as the case may be!We all have our favourite or 'go-to' things.   I know I do.   I have several design techniques that I tend to default to, when working up a new design.I like to work borders for Blankets, one side at a time.  I also like throwing in a bit of Surface Slip Stitch, in many of my designs.Surface Slip Stitch can turn a simple single/double Crochet into a work of art!  A masterpiece of epic proportions!That plain cushion cover can become interesting or fluffy (depending upon yarn choice).It's also a great way to use up left over balls of yarn in your stash.   It is so easy to do too!The main photo shows my Shaggadelic Vest.  This turned out fluffy and warm, using Drops Melody  for the Surface Slip Stitch.Also, my  Wish Upon A Star Cushion.   This uses Paint Box Simply Chunky   I just love the look.Lastly my Dragonflies in Spring Blanket, made from dk Cotton yarn.  The Surface Slip Stitch on this just makes the pattern pop.Three different items and three different looks. How to Complete a Surface Slip Stitch

• If beginning your Surface Slip Stitch at an edge, Slip Stitch to attach your yarn.  If your Surface Slip Stitch begins in the middle of your work or elsewhere, I just start right from step 2 and leave a long tail to sew in later
• Insert hook through face of work
• Pull up a loop from the back of work, through to front of work and through loop on hook.
• Insert hook into next st. Repeat.

 

The Yarn Stash, Swallowed My Sunshine!

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?