In reality I don't actually think that I misplace them; I am pretty sure that I have Leprechauns and Pixies that live in my house.
Maybe I could entice the little things with a pot of gold. If only I had one.
Note to self: Ask my Irish designer friend and partner in crime if she knows how to trap a Leprecaun!
These little creatures wait till I am asleep and steal the things they know very well I am going to want to use the next day. My fabric tape measure was missing for several weeks. I eventually found they had returned it and shoved it down the side of the couch. Very Sneaky!
I love my Clover Armour Hooks, but I only have one in a few sizes. My 6mm is gone. No doubt the Pixies found the shiny hook too much to pass up! They don't realise the imposition that they are putting me too. I have had to resort to using a cheap Aluminium hook for my latest design. It is equivalent to entering a Formula One race, while driving a Mazda 3, or attempting Brain Surgery with a Chisel.
Clover Armour
The Clover Hooks glide nicely through the yarn seemingly with no or little effort. I feel like I am wielding a Jack Hammer having to use an inferior hook.
I bet those horrid Pixies and Leprechauns will wait till I have finished this design and then my Clover Hook will appear. I can just imagine their laughter having caused the chaos they wanted.
So if you happen to know how to trap a Pixie or a Leprechaun please let me know and if you speak to one, please ask them to return my 6mm hook.
Quote: The White Witch : I can make anything you like. (Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis)
And with that quote in mind, I did go right ahead and make anything I liked!
I like things that are unique, quirky and maybe a little odd.
I had this design rattling around in my head for weeks. I had seen a scientists graph somwhere online charting Icicles and instantly my brain decided that this would make a great idea for a crochet design. I did try very hard to resist the urge to purchase the yarn for this, but I already had the cream in stock, so what can a person really do? I gave in and bought a second ball of Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury to start making it. This arrived by owl mail (yes a Harry Potter reference), but I still did not give in to the urge to start on the design right away.
The design idea refused to leave me alone. It was insistant upon being made. My brain had re-worked it a dozen times over. I had just completed another unique scarf (Moths Ate My Flower Scarf) and was trying to decide what project I would work on next. So I gave in and grabbed my hook and started to create 'Ice Queen'.
The base for this beauty is a simple Sc (US Terms) scarf with tapered ends.
The uniqueness is created with the layer of Surface Slip Stitch over this simple base. Icicles dance from the edges, created by simple chains, puff stitch and slip stitch.
When it came time to name my creation, I had a few names in mind. I wanted the Icicle theme to be apparent in the name and I kept thinking of the Snow Queen in C.S. Lewis Narnia Chronicles. Combining the two themes together created the name 'Ice Queen'.
The Scarf also doubles as a Cowl with the addition of a button and buttonhole. You can also add an extra buttonhole loop near the neckline if you wish to wear it just draped across your shoulder and buttoned at the neck.
So if you would like to feel like an 'Ice Queen', all snug and warm in your very own Scarf/Cowl, now is your chance.
If you have a fear of Surface Slip Stitch, all I can say is DON'T be afraid. It is easy.
The pattern is in written form and is available in both UK and US Terms and is available on:
Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).
It comes with many pictures and graphs for the Surface Slip Stitch as well as the written stitches.
Materials Required:(click here) for Bendigo Woollen Mill yarn.
I have some patterns available on Bendigo Woollen Mills Webpage and Ice Queen will be listed on their shortly as well.
5mm hook
C1=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply Aran in Cream 300m perball. Approx 220m used
C2= 1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 8ply Dk in Shadow 400m per ball.Approx. 350m used
1x button approx 45mm/1.77inches (optional)
Tapestry Needle
Stitch markers
My pattern testers did themselves proud with their crochet abilities. They helped to fine tune the pattern and I know I would be lost without them!!!
Ice Queen Test Scarf by Amanda Haynes. Made using So Crafty Dk in Slate Grey and So Crafty Chunky in Cream.
Ice Queen Test Scarf by Cindy Cary. Made
Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury in Navy and Aquarium.
Ice Queen Test Scarf by Kathy Mant. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury in Slate Grey and Cream.
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.
Some actually find being referred to as a hooker a major frustration! Not me that is just fine! Call me a hooker all you want!
Others cannot stand that mess of yarn barf and will actually throw it away or pay someone to untangle it.
Yarn Barf!
My frustration for the day is reaching for a design I have partly done and then looking for the 4mm hook needed to do some on it. Mr. 4mm is in my favourite colour purple and you would think I would know his where-a-bouts given that. But, no, he has left the building. Maybe he got a better offer. Better work conditions. Someone with nicely manicured hands to hold him. Someone who will pack him away nicely into a beautiful hook case with tender loving care, instead of leaving him laying around till he is needed. He didn't leave a note to say he was leaving! Nothing!
Then to add to the frustration, all the silly red 3.5mm hooks and 3mm hooks that I do use quite often and have slowly lost, turned up in my search.
Red hooks everywhere!
So I am now in a sea of red hooks and not a purple one in sight.
Footnote: Major alert! Call off the search!!!
I found him... He was hiding in amoungst a bag of purple and pink squares I have been designing. Now we are going to have to have a talk about hiding. He could have let me know with a yell or a 'Hey I am here'. Typical male. he knows how much I want him and he is playing hard to get. Well he won't be happy once I give him a few hours of hard labour hooking away!!!
Combining Dragonflies and Crochet have become a bit of a thing with me!
I truly love Dragonflies!
I have many designs that incorporate the Dragonfly in them. My Flight of the Dragonfly Blanket was such a huge success that I decided a triangle shawl using the same motif was in order.
On The Wings of a Dragonfly by Auburncraft Design. Made using 1 x Scheepjes Whirl in Salted Caramel Matcha. 3.5mm hook.
This gorgeous shawl pattern is available in Uk and US terms.
I used 1x Scheepjes Whirl in Salted Caramel Matcha, with approx 60 to 70 metres remaining of the one cake. To complete the shawl using a single whirl, you will need to meet gauge and keep your tension the same throughout. Two of my incredible pattern testers found that they required a small amount more than the 1000m that comes in one Whirl. Please keep this in mind when ordering yarn.
On The Wings of a Dragonfly Shawl by Auburncraft Design, Made using 1x Scheepjes Whirl in Salted Caramel Matcha. 3.5mm hook
I originally designed this for use with one Scheepjes Whirl but felt that a solid colour made using quality cotton would be a great use of the design. The pattern for the solid colour made using Bendigo Woollen Mill 4ply Cotton will be available in the next few days.
This pattern has been through the testing process and the feedback from my testers has been very positive. I always try to credit my testers in my patterns. Their work enbles me to offer quality pattern and I value their input greatly.
Below is some of their work:
On The Wings of a Dragonfly test shawl by Michelle Rose. Made using Nako Angora Luks.
On The Wings of a Dragonfly test shawl by Jamie Johnson. Made with Hobbii Twister using just over one cake.
On The Wings of a Dragonfly shawl by Bethany Colhoff. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Blackcurrant Squeeze Me. Just over one whirl used. 3.5mm hook
On The Wings of a Dragonfly by Elika Rivera. Made using Caron Cotton Cakes: Hydrangea with a 5mm hook
On The Wings of a Dragonfly test shawl by Stephanie Joann Nolasco.
Made using Caron Simply Soft Ombre Teal Zeal. 3.5mm hook
On the Wings of the Dragonfly test shawl by Sandie Leach. Made with Little Favorites by Rea-Unicorn. G/4mm
On The Wings of a Dragonfly in Cotton by Cindy Cary. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mills 4 ply cotton in Parchment. 2.75mm hook. This version will be made into its own pattern for use by BWM. A huge thanks to Cindy for all her work to make this possible!
Now to the boring stuff!
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.
Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.
You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.
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.
I am apparently quite hard on my computers (according to my tech guy). The hours I spend writing up patterns and editing pictures drives most of my poor computers right over the edge, so to speak!
In the past 18 months I have gone through two computers. They both died a slow painful hinge death. Once the hinge goes, the case cracks and it is all downhill from there.
I know I should have learnt my lesson with the second computer hinge and taken it straight to the computer techs to fix it. But I am sure everyone knows how things tend to creep up on you. I told my tech guy that I had dabbed a little bit of WD40 onto the hinge and he was less than impressed. This is (according to him) almost like sudden death to a hinge. It attracts more dust etc to the troubled spot. The look on his face, when I told him of my handwork with the spray can, was quite priceless. He was trying to be diplomatic and tell me of my error, but I could see he really just wanted to jump the desk and slap me a time or two.
The tech guys updated my computer with one that has an almost industrial type casing. Bet they think I can't break that!
I think they are considering me for a job as a product tester. If any computer can stand up to the punishment, I put it through then it must be GOOD!
So today, here I am working away on a new crochet design that needs to get to the testers. This pattern has a heap of pictures. I am editing this picture and so what does my idiot computer go and do? It froze! It would not unfreeze. Begging it to do so had no affect at all! Selfish thing! So I had to close it down and reopen. All the while I am thinking, 'did I save my work?' Apparently not! Why would I do something that sensible?
I lost 2 hours of work on my crochet design! The selfish computer should have thought of that, but no it had to go and freeze. I am quite sure it had nothing to do with the fact that I had approx. 45 open pictures in editing, probably around 30 different pages also open on the computer and I was also watching an episode of the Good Doctor and had not shut that. Still if the computer can't cope with that and doesn't want to work hard enough and do a good job, then I doubt this one is going to last all that long either. I thought about throwing it on the floor and jumping on it, but I could just see my tech guys face when I tried to explain that one!
Having survived Christmas and made my way into 2020, I was extremely happy to get two new blanket designs off to my testers. My testers were all really glad to be released from the locked room I keep them in and allowed to get to work on the roughly 28 pages of the pattern put in front of them. A couple of them complained about not being allowed to go home for Christmas, but I did allow them some turkey scraps, so they should all be good to work! If I can force them to all work really hard, not sleep and generally crochet 24 hours a day, I am hoping to have the designs really to publish towards the end of February.
I made a promise to one of my testers a few months back that I would name a design after her and so I named the two blankets, Bouquet for Bethany Blanket and Vintage Bouquet for Bethany Blanket.
The blankets are a mixture of Filet work and Popcorn stitches and I am really looking forward to publishing them. The patterns are similar, with one using a solid yarn and having a variation on the border to make it an individual design. The other a slow colour change yarn for a completely different look. Vintage Bouquet for Bethany is made using Bendigo Woollen Mill 4ply cotton and Bouquet for Bethany I have done in Scheepjes Whirl.
Yarn and colour choice can take a design and change the look of it completely. It then becomes an extension of the person making it with their choices.
Sneak peek Vintage Bouquet for Bethany Blanket coming soon.
I have been using Scheepjes Whirl yarn a bit over the last few months and had some success with my Flight of the Dragonflies Blanket and my Fishing for Luck Shawl. Both have been accepted well and are proving to be my top sellers.
Left: Fishing for Luck Shawl. Right: Dragonflies in Flight Blanket.
I have quite a number of partially completed original designs on the hook at present and should have some great things coming in 2020.
Thanks to everyone who supported my designs and patterns in the past 12 months. I appreciate it!
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
This year, a designer friend and I decided to start a Facebook group which combines our love of crochet, our businesses and a whole pile of other people (including other designers) who share our interest.
The Designers in our group are welcome to post their patterns on weekends, using the tag #wickedweekend. This is great for the Designers and also prevents the group being over run by Designer posts every day.
The group is slowly growing and we have implemented a Designer of the Month program. Each month a new designer has free reign to run giveaways and promote their patterns whenever they want.
My partner in crime in this venture is an Irish Designer who runs Flo's Crafty Crochet. Our partnership works well as when she is awake in Ireland I am sleeping in Australia. So one of us is usually around to tend to our group.
To get our Designer focus months started Fiona became Novembers Designer of the Month. This month I am Decembers Designer (Auburncraft Crochet).
It has been a fun month with pattern give-aways and competitions. At present I have a competition running for a copy of my Flight of the Dragonfly pattern. So if you would like to join in and win a copy of my Flight of the Dragonfly Blanket Pattern, join Two Redheads Crochet on Facebook (click here).
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).
Australia is nearing the end of Spring and heading towards Summer. We will soon see Dragonflies flitting about yelling 'Summer is here', as they herald the beginning of the long hot Summer.
I have done many different variations on patterns that include Dragonflies, but I have to say I am pretty proud of this design. It was a lot of work to get it here, to the publishing stage, and I believe it was worth every bit of effort.
With Purple being my favourite colour, I just had to make this beauty using Scheepjes Whirl in Lavenderlicious and Whirlette in Grappa.
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.
