I was sent a screenshot recently by a designer friend. It was of a post in a Facebook Crochet Group. The person who posted this was basically looking for affirmation, and for people to say that her actions are okay.
What had this person done? They had seen a lovely crochet item, painstakingly designed by someone with creativity. The designer had gone to the bother of publishing this works and taking some fabulous photos of the design to promote it. It is a slow process from idea to pattern, filled with testing calls and hours of editing, photography, along with producing the item itself.
Along comes the person who posted the question and sees this incredible work. They want one. They enlarge the photo and lo and behold they can see each and every stitch. Did they buy this pattern from this creative designer? Nope!! They decided that they could reproduce it from the stitches in the picture and did so. Now they want others to tell them , sure it's okay, you go ahead and do this.
The majority of comments on this question posed, were others claiming loudly that, sure it's okay, everyone does it. Why would you bother to buy the pattern? Many people congratulated the person for having the ability to copy a designers work, claiming that if they are of a standard to be able to copy then it is more than fine for them to do so. The catch phrase of 'Everyone Does it' was ringing loudly.
One person exclaimed that if a designer is silly enough to publish a pattern that an intermediate crocheter could copy then it is their own fault, and why would they bother to publish an easy pattern anyway? This person also exclaimed that they just use the pictures to inspire them and anyway, the finished item won't be exact stitch for stitch, so therefore its really alright to do it.
Several designers and group members tried to explain just how morally wrong it is to do what was done, but most of those posting really didn't care!!!
Who cares that patterns have to go through the ideas stage, on to the make stage, then the test stage and finally publishing? Who cares that a design can be months in the making and producing? Hey, if you can just copy it and steal someones idea, then why bother to pay a couple of dollars for the pattern?
I know where I stand on this!!!
Just because you can copy a designers work does not mean it is right!
So if you are thinking about making one of my designs by enlarging a promotion photo of it, and reproducing it that way, please think again. It is wrong!!!! If you want to wing something, then by all means do so and don't cheat by stealing someone elses intellectual property.
And I applaude those few who stood tall and told the many that they support designers and their work. Thank you to them!!!
This is my opinion and if you don't like it please move along!!! Or enjoy the read, it's all RELATIVE!!!!
The main photo on this post is of my wonderful testers completed Fishing for Luck Shawls. The work they do is very much appreciated.
Crochet can be a very useful item in so many ways when travelling!!!
I recently had the need to travel interstate to Far North Queensland.
Only going for a few days, I wanted to pack lightly. This, of course did not apply to my crochet. Crochet falls into the 'Must Have' category when travelling. Who cares if I wear the same clothes for three days? As long as the crochet fits in the suitcase, all is good!
I packed my smallish suitcase with my usual care (everything got thrown in at the last minute, except for the carefully selected 3 crochet WIPS (work in progress)). I often send a photograph of my extremely bad packing to my daughter to irritate her. She packs with a neatness that most certainly did not come from me, and often asks if I am really her mother.
I headed to the airport with magic wand (hook) in hand.
The airport was a nightmare! Crowded with people enjoying school holidays. Check-in took way longer than the length of my patience. I was glad when I could find a quiet corner (well as quiet as a busy airport will allow.) and wait for my plane.
Out came the crochet, and I sat working away on my latest design 'Flight of the Dragonflies'. I find crochet can often be a topic of interest for those waiting around you, and conversation often begins with people interested in what I am working on.
Pattern availabe soon. Flight of the Dragonflies. Made from Scheepjes Whirl and Whirlette.
Finally boarding time and I get to my seat. A father and his teenage son were already in my seating row. The teenager must have disliked his allocated seat (which was middle, row) and decided that my allocated window seat was nicer. I certainly was not sitting in the middle between his father and him, so I politely chucked him out of my seat. Just as well he moved over or I most certainly would have stuck him a few times with my crochet hook to get his attention. He was rather lucky I was feeling in a good mood and had my crochet to immerse myself in, once seated.
I had a couple of hours waiting in Cairns for my husband to arrive as he was on another flight, so again out with the crochet. More conversation with interested people, often oohing and ahhing over the blanket I am making.
Then came the short road trip to Port Douglas. Hubby drove so I could crochet.
Crochet while road tripping. Dragonflies squares that I am in the design stage of. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mill Cotton in 8ply
We had several pleasant days in Port Douglas with my middle child, who had been working in the area this year. One of our days away was spent Tree Surfing in the Daintree Rainforest. This involves zip lining in the tree tops, at times more than 17 metres up. I happened to be last in the group to go down the zip-line each time.
My watch
So there I was with the male guide on the platform and he spots my watch. It has a crochet look band and face to it. He exclaims 'is that a crochet watch?' So I told him about my watch and about designing crochet. While he was re-clipping my harness ready to go on the next length of zip-line, he was asking me all about my crochet. His mother and sister were avid hookers and so he wanted information to pass on to them.
At the end of the trip, this guide comes up to me with pen and paper in hand, wanting me to write down my online information for his mother and sister. Who knows, if they did follow up, they may even be reading this. If so, all I can say is that you have a very lovely son/brother. He made our zip-lining very enjoyable.
And it just goes to show, crochet can be a topic of interest anywhere in the world!!
Even when you are hanging around upside-down, 17 metres in the air, in the middle of a rain forest!!!
Me just hanging around in the Daintree. Figured I may as well have a go at the zip-line upside-down. Was a real buzz!!!
Firstly, you may be wondering why I named this ‘The Paper Bag Hat’. I did so due to the way I have chosen to close the top of the hat. It reminded me of the old-fashioned brown paper bags from my days working in a local Supermarket.
I started as a Checkout Chick in my teens and the registers were all push button (but not in the digital sense). I would have to ask each customer if they would like a box, or a bag for their purchases. If they wanted a bag I would grab one from the pile of neatly stacked brown paper bags and open it up. The bags had a square bottom, and the sides had a concertina fold. So totally different from the tons of plastic bags that are in supermarket now. Know doubt many people over the years would also love me to put a paper bag over my head so now I can!
Materials: (click on any of the yarn names to source them)
Once you have your chains to start done, you can place themaround the head you are making the hat for and adjust if you think it will notbe the right size. The starting chains must be dividable by 3 sothe pattern will work.
It is a good idea to sew the ends in as you go and to eitheruse a stitch marker or count your stitches so you don’t lose one of them asthey are slippery little suckers and tend to hide.
Ch1 stitch to begin rounds does not count as a stitch.
If you find it too confusing on the rows that you work inthe round, you can just slip stitch each round closed. Doing the rows in the round as stated in thepattern will give a better look visually to the larger sections of sc.
Treble stitches on Round 31 which you place into the frontloops you made on Round 28 count as ast. Don’t make Treble stitches tootight.
Finished Circumference: Adult Small 20 ½’ 52cm, Medium 22’ 56cm, Large 24’ 61cm
Gauge: 24 rows to 10cm . 17 stitches to 10cm
Difficulty Level Intermediate
Abbreviations.
Ch. Chain
Sl St. Slip Stitch.
St. Stitch
Sts. Stitches
Bl- Back Loop
Scbl. Single Crochet Back Loop Only.
Notes: DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND READTHE NOTES
Once you have your chains to start done, you can place themaround the head you are making the hat for and adjust if you think it will notbe the right size. The starting chains must be dividable by 3 sothe pattern will work.
It is a good idea to sew the ends in as you go and to eitheruse a stitch marker or count your stitches so you don’t lose one of them asthey are slippery little suckers and tend to hide.
Ch1 stitch to begin rounds does not count as a stitch.
If you find it too confusing on the rows that you work inthe round, you can just slip stitch each round closed. Doing the rows in the round as stated in thepattern will give a better look visually to the larger sections of sc.
Treble stitches on Round 31 which you place into the frontloops you made on Round 28 count as ast. Don’t make Treble stitches tootight.
Hat
With C1. Ch 75 (81,87) Do not twist Chain. Slst to first chto form a ring.
Rnd 1: (Right Side): Ch1. Sc in same Ch asjoining and in each Ch around. Slst into back loop of first sc. Turn. – 75(81,87) sts.
Rnd 2: Ch1. Bl only, Sc in each st around.Slst to join. Turn. Fasten off and cutyarn.
Rnd 3: Attach C4 in same st as join. Ch1. Blonly, Sc in each st around. Slst to join. Turn.
Rnd 4:Bl only. Sc in each st around. Slst to join. Turn. Fasten off and cut yarn.
Back or hat.
Rnds 5-6: With C3, repeat Rnds 3-4.
Rnds7-8: With C4, repeat Rnds 3-4.
Rnds 9-10:With C2, repeat Rnds 3-4,
Rnds 11-12 With C4, repeat Rnds 3-4
Rnds 13-14 With C3, repeat Rnds 3-4
Rnds 15-16 With C4, repeat Rnds 3-4
Rnds 17-18 With C1. Repeat Rnds 3-4
Rnd 19: With C4. Sc Bl only into each Sc around. Do not cut or turn.
Rnd 20: Continue working in the round and usea marker to show where each row starts. Shift the marker after each round to the next row. Sc into both loops.
Rnds 21-22-23-24-25-26-. Repeat Rnd 20
Rnd 27: Sc into each St around. Close round with Slst.
Rnd 28: Ch1. * Scbl1, sc2* Repeat from *to * around. Close round with a Slst. Insert stitch marker 75(81, 87) sts.
Rnd 29: Ch1. Sc around. Close round with a Slst.
Rnd 30. Repeat round 29. Do not cut yarn
Rnd 31. Change to C3. Ch1, Sc1 into same st.Tr2tg the first part of this will go into the loop in Rnd 28 that has thestitch marker in it. The second partinto the next free loop. This counts asone st on row 31 (or the row you are working on). Sc2. *Tr2tg first part into same st as before and second part into the nextfree loop, sc2* Repeat from * to * around. Sc1. Close round with a Slst. Cutyarn. 25 (27,29) v’s
Rnd 32, 33, 34: Continue with C4. Ch 1. Sc in all stitches around. Do not close round, continue onto the next round with sc. (this round will work in a spiral. 75(81, 87) sts. Keep using a st marker to mark the start of each round.
Rnd 35: Sc around. Close this round with a Slst atStitch marker point.
Rnd 36: Repeat row 28
Rnds 37-38: Repeat row 29
Rnd 39: Using C2. Repeat row 31
Rnds 40-41-42: Continue with C4. Ch 1. Sc in all stitches around. Do not close round, (this round will beworked in a spiral). Continue onto the next round with Sc .75(81, 87) sts.Place a St marker at the end of the round.
Rnd 43: Continue with Sc around. Close this round with Slst at St marker.
Rnd 44: Repeat row 28
Rnds 45-46 :Repeat row 29
Rnd 47: Using C1 Repeat row 31
Rnd 48-49-50-51. Continue with C4. Ch1. Sc in all stitches around. Do not close round, continue onto the nextround with Sc. 75(81, 87) sts. Place aSt marker to show the end of each round. Fasten off and cut yarn.
Rnd 52-53-54: Attach C1. Sc in all stitches around. Do not close round, continue onto the next round with sc. Place a St marker to show the end of each round. Fasten off and cut yarn. 75(81, 87) sts.
Closing the top of the Hat:
Step One:Lay the hatflat and neatly folded into half. Measure in 3.5 “(3.”, 3.9’”inches) 9 (10, 10)cm.
Step one.
Step Two:
Tuck the measured section in on itself or folded in onitself.
Step two.
Step Three:
With your darning needle and C1. Use tacking stitches to hold the fold inplace for when you crochet around it.
Step three.
Step Four:
Repeat the last three steps on the other side.
Step Five:
Starting at a fold edge, attach yarn and slip stitch the twolayers of the fold together. Slst acrossthe middle top of the hat and onto the left-hand fold edge. Fasten off and cut.
Step five.
Step Six:
Done!!!
You will now have two folded edges remaining to do. Attach the yarn at one of them and Slstacross to close. Fasten off andcut. Attach yarn at other fold edge, slst across to close.
Sew in any ends.
A free Pdf version of this pattern is available on Ravelry (Click here). Please give some of my pattern some love if you visit and pop a few in your favourites.
Now for the Boring 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. Please do not resell my patterns.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.
This pattern has been tested by a large group of pattern testers, with varying abilities in crochet.
If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.
Mosaic Filet Lap Blanket. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply Dk Cotton In Parchment.
I have been staring at patterns created by Tessellated Tiles for ages. My mind has been busy working up a pattern, using the shapes that mimic these tiles. I have to say I am pretty darn excited by the results.
I love Filet Crochet! It is simple and gives a very effective finished product, which is easily achievable for most levels of crochet ability.
Below: (Pictured) are a few of my testers blankets. They look super fantastic!!! As usual a huge thank you to all those who tested for me.
Left: Amanda Corniello test blanket. Made from Premier Dk Everyday Baby yarn in Fog Grey. 3.5mm hook. Approx 1300m of yarn used. Right: Simone Howes test blanket. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mills 4 ply/ Fingering Cotton in Wisp Grey. 3mm hook used. Approx 1250m of yarn used.
Left: Sharon C Coys Elderton test blanket. Made from Stylecraft Special Dk in white. Right; Michelle Rose test blanket. Made from Caron one pound, worsted weight in Limeade.
Now for the Boring 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. 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.
This pattern has been tested by a large group of pattern testers, with varying abilities in crochet.
If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.
This shawl was so much fun to make! Each time I added one of the little clovers that hang at the end, it felt like such an achievement. And they look so cute!!!
Working from a Scheepjes Whirl cake is always a blast. The excitment of reaching each colour change in the yarn cake! I just love it!!!
CLOVER CHALLENGE. We all know that a four leaf clover is a rare thing!! This shawl has three leaf clovers throughout. The challenge is to place one (JUST ONE) four leaf clover somewhere in the shawl. Show off your finished shawl on ravelry and link it to my pattern.
Fishing for Luck Shawl. Scheepjes Whirl in Scrumptious Lush!
The pattern comes in UK and USA terms and now available in NL Terms (Dutch). It uses a 3.5mm/E hook and one cake of Scheepjes Whirl.
The pattern has been tested by a fabulous group of crochet super heroes, with some incredible results. Below picture shows some of the test shawl results.
Top Left: Dulcy Harris Test Shawl. Made from Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball. Colour Feng Shui Grey. H/5mm Hook
.
Top Middle: Amanda Haynes Test Shawl.
Top Right:
Amy Belanger Dreffs Test Shawl. Made from Lion Brand Mandala in Centaur. 2.5 cakes used. 5mm hook
Bottom Left:
Denise Cullen Test Shawl. Made from Scheepjes Whirl in Brambleberry.
Bottom Middle:
Hannah Schmuker Test Shawl. Made from Lion Brand Mandala. E Hook. 12 pattern repeats.
Bottom Right:
Amy Elizabeth Peterson Test Shawl. Made from Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody in Gerbera Daisy. 3mm hook
Congratulations to Denise Cullen. Her Fishing for Luck Shawl took out 2nd at the Canberra Royal Show. What an achievement. I really do only use the very best pattern testers as their work is exceptional.
Now for the Boring 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. 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.
This pattern has been tested by a large group of pattern testers, with varying abilities in crochet.
If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.
Sometimes the cogs in my brain just start turning, and an idea pops into my head that just has to be turned into reality.
The other week I had the idea for the Boho Bikini Wrap and I found myself grabbing for my magic wand (crochet hook) and working away in a designer frenzy.
Boho Bikini Wrap modelled by Layne.
Which as the dictionary states is:
frenzy/ˈfrɛnzi
a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behaviour."Auburncraft Design worked herself into a frenzy of rage"synonyms:hysteria, madness, mania, insanity, derangement, dementedness, delirium, feverishness, fever, wildness, distraction, agitation, turmoil, tumult; wild excitement, euphoria, elation, ecstasy; informalcraziness; raredeliration"the crowd (change to,no just me) worked themselves (herself) into a state of frenzy"fit, seizure, paroxysm, spasm, bout, outburst;ferment, fever, storm"she contorted her face in a frenzy of anger (perhaps change this one to crochet excitement)"
Well, whatever. I guess you are getting the picture!
The results of this frenzy are the Boho Bikini Wrap. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here). Soon also on Love Crochet. The pattern is available in Uk and USA terms
This cute little wrap can be used as a bikini accessory or even a belt. It looks great over both bikinis, leggings, jeans etc. The fringe length can be adjusted to suit your height or style.
Worn over leggings.
I am fortunate enough to have some fantastic friends who are willing to loan out their daughters to model for me.
My main model for this is over 6ft tall, and an approx Australian size 8. She is a fantastic person and even though she was laid up with her foot in a moon boot, due to breaking it playing rugby, she didn't hesitate to throw on a swim suit and model for me.
Now to the boring stuff.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.
This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.
If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.
Velvet Scrunchies seem to be everywhere at the moment. I thought I would jump on the band wagon and do my own little version. These are something that I tend to wear often. They can be useful to keep my long hair out of the way when working out at the gym.
I don't know about anyone else, but sewing items together is not a huge favourite of mine. These Scrunchies pretty much a no sew item. That is of course if you don't count sewing in the tails created, but two tails I can cope with.
These are super easy! Super fast to make and super fun!!!
The free pattern is available below in USA terms. For Uk terms and a pdf version (also free), you can visit my ravelry store (click here) or my Love Crochet page (click here) and download it free!!! If you download from ravelry please give my patterns some love and add a few to your favourites!!!
Elastic Hair Tie(available at most pharmacies and many retail stores).
Needle tosew in ends.
Hair Elastic. Bernat Velvet
Notes:
This is worked in a continuous spiral.
Follow the instructions in Row 1 to prevent twisting of the starting chain.
Numbers in rows indicate corresponding photographs. Example [5]
Do not make the starting chain overly tight. A 6mm/I hook can be used for the starting chains or a foundation row can be substituted, if you find it necessary.
Add a stitch marker at the beginning of the row to easily count your rows.
Count your stitches each row.
Stitch counts appear at the end of each row. Example [20].
Gauge and finished measurements are not applicable for this project.
Abbreviations:
Ch- Chain.
Hk- Hook.
Yo- Yarn over.
St- Stitch.
Sc- Single Crochet.
Rs- Right Side.
Slst- Slip Stitch.
Row 1: [1]Ch10. Remove hook from Ch and insert Hk throughfirst Ch (furthest from hook) and working Ch. With both loops on Hk, Ch 35. Toclose the Ch and form a circle Yo and pull through both loops on Hk. [45]
Pictures 1 and 2
Row 2: [2]Ch1 (does not countas a St). Sc into same Ch and into eachCh around. Do not close round. Place a St marker to indicate beginning ofrounds. [45]
Row 3: Continue in a spiral. Sc into each St. Do not close round. [45]
Row 4: Sc into each St. Do not close round. [45]
Row 5: [3] Sc into each St. Donot close round. [45]
Pictures 3, 4, 5, 6
Row 6: [4] With RS facing,place elastic hair band to the back of the Scrunchie. [5] [6] Fold the Scrunchie over the elastic. Work 1 Scthrough Row 1 and Row 5 inserting hk through both and enclosing hair elastic. [7] Do not close round. [45]
Pictures 7 and 8
(Round 7 is optional to add picots)
Row 7: Ch4 (counts as Scand 3 Chs), Slst into third Ch from Hk (picot made). Sc into next 3 Sts. [Ch3, Slst into third Chfrom Hk. Sc into next 3 Sts]x13. Ch3, Slst into third ch from Hk. Slst to Ch1at beginning or round. Fasten off andcut yarn.
Sew in ends.
Now for the boring stuff!!!
This pattern is free and will remain free unless it is found that this is being abused. Even free patterns have copyright. To read about my last bad experience with a limited time free pattern, please go to my blog https://auburncraftcrochet.com/2019/03/26/crochet-pattern...
This pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwiss. This includes posting a copy of my PDF to your own web page or facebook group. Please do not resell my patterns.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.
This pattern has been tested by my very capable band of testers. If you do find an error please let me know.
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.
Pattern just released this week. This is a simplified version of my Clematis Shawl. The flowers appear at the edge only. The pattern is available on Love Crochet, Ravelry and Etsy.
*Ravelry Discount . For two weeks only (till 26th Aug 19) buy both the Clematis Shawl and the Vintage Clematis Shawl using the code 'Clematis' and get both for $6. *
Vintage Clematis Shawl made from Vintage Cleckheaton Fleur 8Ply
This was made from Vintage Cleckheaton Fleur, found in a local Opportunity/Thrift Store. It was just begging to come home with me, and so I granted its wish! I enjoy finding treasures (like this yarn)in these shops. When you spot a find like this, it kind of makes you want to do an arm pump in the middle of the store and yell, 'Yes, score!' Maybe I did do that or maybe I didn't, you just had to be there!!!
Kelly Thompson Shoemaker's test shawl. Bernat Baby Sport yarn used.
I love anything refurbished. There is nothing like taking something that has been discarded and turning it into something useful.
I have quite a habit of improvising, instead of spending money on items or tools for a specific job, it is much more satisfying to use an everyday item you have on hand and adapt it.
One of the items I repurposed is a broken mini fridge. My delivery man was getting a bit snippy as the letterbox was too small for the many parcels (most likely yarn) that were arriving. So hubby and I went to the re-cycling centre attached to the local tip. We found this mini fridge and so home it came. I spent a few dollars on paints and set about turning it into a unique parcel container.
Fridge refurbished into a parcel fridge.
I think my delivery guy was quite impressed, and now has tons of room to shove all those parcels of yarn arriving at my place.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a yarn link on my page and purchase yarn, I get a small commission. This does not affect you in any way but helps me to keep my blog going.
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!!!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a yarn link on my page and purchase yarn, I get a small commission. This does not affect you in any way but helps me to keep my blog going.
*Ravelry Discount Link in post . For two weeks only (till 26th Aug 19) buy both the Clematis Shawl and the Vintage Clematis Shawl using the code 'Clematis' and get both for $6. *
I have a few favourite things in life!
Flowers! I love flowers! Many of the things I crochet incorporate flowers in them as flowers make me happy! The Clematis flower is supposed to be part of the Buttercup family and if this is so, then it must be the cool Aunt, due to its beautiful colours (usually purples, pinks and creams).
Clematis Flower!
I love Purple! Purple makes me happy!
Chances are if I am looking at yarn, my hands will automatically be drawn to the purples. I have always had a love of purple. When I got my own bedroom as a child, my father was silly enough to ask me what colours I wanted in my room. While he didn't let me paint the walls purple, I did get purple curtains and a purple chest of drawers.
So while shopping for some unnecessary yarn (haven't we all been there?), I spotted the Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake (which also comes in a ball). They had a few different colours on offer but of course that Mindful Mauve was just calling to me.
My long suffering pattern testers were outstanding during the test process. They produced some really beautiful shawls, each with their own individual yarn choices and colours.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a yarn link on my page and purchase yarn, I get a small commission. This does not affect you in any way but helps me to keep my blog going.
This is a paid pattern but will be available on ravelry free for 2 days, ending 27th June Midday Australian Time. The code to use on ravelry is at the bottom of this post. PLEASE GIVE THIS POST A LIKE AND PERHAPS CONSIDER FOLLOWING MY BLOG. This helps me to keep offering free patterns and discounts. So please do not just grab the code and run as this is a small request. The like button for this post is at the bottom of the page.
I love different things!
I especially love things that are colourful and unique! Yes, I would wear this hat if I had made it in Adult size, but this time I decided to stick with just the three sizes. Babies, Toddlers and Children, have all the fun!
My Very Own Daisy Hat
This is a fun hat for Babies, Toddlers and Children.
Filigree Flowers is a delicate shawl comprised of simple shells for the border and for the main body of the shawl, Solomons/Lovers Knots.
Nestled in between the knots are 4 petal flowers. These are constructed of chains all grouped together. Photo tutorials show how to create these delicate flowers.
If you are looking at this shawl and thinking 'Oh, I can't do that stitch, it looks too difficult,' then you would be wrong!
Lovers/Solomons knot may look a difficult stitch, but it is in fact a simple stitch and works up quickly. Combined together with a shell border and simple flowers the result is quite satisfying.
This is a written pattern in Uk and USA terms, with pictures and graphs to help along the way.
The pattern is a four row repeat and best results are achieved with a light fingering weight yarn. I used Alize Angora Gold Simli for mine.
I love both yarns and while the shawl looks great in the Alize, this is often a little harder to source than the Lion Brand yarn.
I am extremely fortunate to have some fabulous testers and they produced some really lovely shawls.
As for the naming of this shawl....Yes! most of us know what the word Filigree means, but for me it is a little more. I had a gorgeous pure bred Appaloosa Horse with the name Filigree. Her full name was TTT Bar Filigree. I lost her at the age of 23 due to Cushings disease.
She was a character, and was known to push our shed roller door up with her nose, to get at the feed barrels inside.
My husband often had his lunch stolen by her. If he left his esky in the back of his ute and she happened to be in the yard, she would get the lid off with her nose and take his sandwiches.
The birdseed in the bird feeder was a favourite snack of hers, when she was not eating the heads off my dahlia flowers. My kids loved her, and would stop to pat her when they walked down our drive after school! She had a delicate white pattern over her rump and so I named this delicate shawl after her.
Some of my testers shawls. 1. Kim Carlos. 2. Natishia M Curry. 3. Kathy Mant. They all came out beautiful.
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My Diamonds crochet blanket pattern is available in Butterfly Diamonds, Dragonfly Diamonds and Flower Diamonds.
Simple stitches are used making this a beginner friendly pattern. This works up quickly.
Dk yarn is used, although a larger blanket could be achieved with the use of an Aran weight yarn. I used Sirdar Snuggly(available here) which is a lovely soft nylon-acrylic yarn, very suitable for babies.
3.5mm hook 4mm hook for borders and surface slip stitch
Four separate pieces come together to make this a sturdy little purse. The inner circle adds a feature of its own, with colour peeping through the outer mandala. The flowers are made as you go and not sewn on later.
Instructions are also included in the pattern to make your own polymer clay beads and button. This is quite easy. I don't use any fancy tools to make these as I am always one to improvise and use what you have on hand. Items such as a crochet hook and a lipstick lid are used to get the holes and shapes.
This purse works up quickly and I know several of my testers had family members claiming their finished purses the minute they were finished. Definately a popular item for teenagers.
My testers made this purse in a variety of yarns and colours, each one unique to them. The results were stunning!
A few of my testers bags. 1. By Christy Schuler. In navy and cream and looking fabulous with a two-tone fringe. 2. By Jane Wynne. I love this in the cream with just a hint of blue. 3. By Sharon C. Coys Elderton. I joked with Sharon as anyone who knows me, knows I really don't like green, but Sharon won me over with her beautifully neat stitches. She also made her own polymer clay beads and button (instructions for this are in the pattern ).
This is an advanced beginner to intermediate level project. Instructions include how to make your own polymer clay button and beads if you choose to. Materials: 3.5mm/E hook 5mm/H hook for I-cord 3 x balls Lincraft Dk cotton in black. 100m/109yd per ball. 3 x balls Lincraft Dk cotton in Red. 100m/109yd per ball. 7 x Beads 10mm/0.38-inch or larger. 1 x 40mm button 2 x d-rings or bead circles. 2 x Metal necklace caps/tassel ends. Tapestry Needle. Craft Glue (optional). Polymer Clay (optional if making your button and beads). Acrylic Varnish for craft (optional if making your button and beads.
Most people have probably seen the ads for the American Express card in which the motto is, 'Don't leave home without it'.
Yes, a few of you are nodding as you know the ads I mean!
Well for us die-hard crochet maniacs, while a credit card is a very important thing to have on hand, say for if you need to duck into a yarn store or two. Michaels could be having a flash sale and then that card will be your best friend............but I think for most of us, the top of the list of what to take on leaving home, would be an emergency crochet WIP.
You know how it is! You are going about your day and the unexpected happens and you get stuck somewhere. I had one of those days this morning.
I was leaving the gym after a rather strenuous pump class and got to my car, my car must have been in a rather selfish mood as it had a flat tyre. Surely it knew I was actually a bit tired and would rather not have this delay. I did plead with it to not have a flat tyre, but it was refusing to listen. As I stated, SELFISH!
I looked at the tyre and thought about it for a bit. My dad ensured that I knew how to change a tyre and I am pretty darn good at it. Mind you I have told my long-suffering husband that we really need a better jack than what is in the car. It takes longer to get the car up on the jack, than it does to change the tyre. So with this in mind I considered just how much air was left in this tyre, how tired I was, and I made the sensible decision to drive the 200 metres to the tyre shop down the road.
Now they were great and got stuck into changing that tyre right away. But as I sat there, waiting I was also kicking myself. This was prime crochet time. Sitting there, hands idle, nothing to do. I had left all approximately 30 WIPS at home.
I thought about the Girl Guides we have in Australia (for anyone in the USA this is sort of like a Scout) and their Motto "Be Prepared". Well I was not! I guess I can excuse my lack of preparedness due to the fact that I was never a Girl Guide, although I was a Brownie, which is sort of an understudy to Girl Guides. Once initiated into this group you get put into a sub group, some of which were Pixies, Elfs, Leprechauns and I forget what else. As an added incentive to becoming a Brownie you get to wear a hideous poo brown pinafore. I wanted to be a Pixie, but of all the sections to be put in, I got Leprechaun. No wonder I hate green!
Well being a Brownie was obviously a waste of time. Don't think I paid a lot of attention to the Brownie code at all as none of it helped me today. I was not prepared!!
So lesson learnt. I won't make that mistake again! What a boring 15 MINUTES that was! Imagine how many rows I could have done in that time!
Time to pack the car with an emergency WIP!
SO, DON'T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR CROCHET WHEN YOU LEAVE HOME!!!
