Please and Thank You!

It has been a week of standing on the sidelines and watching many designer friends deal with situations very unique to designers. I decided that it was time for a blog post on the trials and tribulations facing crochet designers.

Find yourself a time machine and step back in time fifty years. To crochet you had only a couple of options. You would learn from someone else and if you needed a pattern you would either go to the library and borrow one (where no doubt the designer had been paid for the design in the publication) or the local store that sold a little bit of everything and buy one, along with your yarn and probably most of your groceries as those stores had everything.

Sneak peek of a design that will be listed this weekend

Of course most people didn't need to use a pattern as there was often someone around to help show you how to crochet, but then you were limited to their abilities.

Right now you can go online and learn to crochet for free and there is a huge amount of patterns for free. Many designers offer free patterns and I know I have a few myself. But these patterns don't magically make their way onto the web for everyones use. They take work.

This week I know of one designer who was almost in tears, due to having one of her patterns bought by one person and then placed for free on a website that is well known for doing this. Her pattern had then been downloaded over 5000 times for free. She complained about this and was told (by someone who claimed that they never bought patterns and all patterns should be free) that she was greedy. Patterns should be free. She pointed out that her crochet business was her only means of feeding her family, but the accuser did not seem to care. Patterns should apparently be there for everyone to just have. Doesn't matter the hours of work involved in this pattern. It should just be free!

A lot of the bigger name designers can offer free patterns and still gain income. They get kick backs from yarn companies and affiliate links. Smaller designers don't have these options.

Another designer friend did a giveaway to try and draw some marketing interest in her work. She gave away quite a number of patterns for free to people. Again, it was hard work for her. Out of all the people who took those patterns, only 6 bothered to say thank you!

Designers are mostly creative people with a love of crochet. But this doesn't mean they should not be paid for their hard work. If you are offered a free pattern by someone, when you know it is actually a paid design, think twice before taking it. You could actually be taking food out of some families mouths by doing so. You don't walk into a Bakery and just take the bread rolls. You don't ask a Tradesperson, Doctor or Accountant to work for nothing and give you freebies. So please do the right thing and pay for your paid crochet patterns, and be thankful for the free ones given to you by the designer.

Also if you have to contact a designer, please be considerate of their time. The stories some of us could tell you about customer contact. We love to help you, but if you just so happen to do a blanket with chunky yarn when it should be make in fingering weight and decide you have an issue, please realise that the issue is your own. If your printer won't work then call a tech person as a crochet designer can't fix your printer.

I will end with the fact that most people who designers have contact with are lovely. It is just not always the case. But designers need to eat too!!!!

Disclaimer:

No Designers or crocheters were harmed in the writing of this post!

Filet Crochet. Keeping it neat!

What is Filet Crochet?

Basic Filet Crochet is crochet made up of blocks, usually using two different stitches. Double Crochet (USA terms) and Chains form these blocks. They can be constructed with a Double Crochet each side of one chain. Or they can have two chains between the Double Crochets.

Sneaky peak at my latest design Mosaic Filet Blanket. This uses basic block Filet Crochet.

Many filet patterns come in graph form only. The graphs are worked with odd rows from right to left and even rows from left to right.

The heading picture is of my most recent design 'Filet Mosaic Lap Blanket'. This uses one chain per block. This pattern is still in the design stage and will hopefully be in the testers hands in the next few weeks. This is 125 rows of pattern. This comes in written form and graph. Stay tuned for the upcoming pattern.

I do love a bit of Filet Crochet. Watching the pattern slowly appear is very satisfying. It can look fabulous if done in a neat manner, but getting those neat little blocks can be tricky. So if your Filet work is looking more like a Maze no one is ever going to get out of, below are some helpful little tips to keeping it neat.

1. Your initial starting chain needs to be the same tension your rows will be. If you feel you tend to work your chain a lot tighter, then go up a hook size. If you don't the beginning or bottom of your blanket with have a bow in it.

2. Keep your tension the same throughout so your stitches can form the blocks in a neat manner.

3. Keep your stitch height the same throughout. Tension and stitch height are not the same thing. If you have issues with stitch height, there are many helpful tutorials online.

4. It is very tempting to use that chain loop to crochet around instead of into. If you want your Filet to really pop, take the time to work any stitches that are placed as solid blocks into the chain (not around)

5. Ensure each Double Crochet sits squarely on top of the Double Crochet of the row below.

6. Chaining 3 at the begining of a row for that first stitch can look messy. A Standing Double Crochet (USA terms), Treble Crochet (UK terms) can add neatness to your edges.

7. Count your stitches each row and section. Finding out you have missed a stitch 10 rows back is no fun at all.

8. Think about your yarn choice. Some colours tend to show the Filet work better than others and fibre content can also make a difference. A flat yarn such as cotton will show more defined stitches.

Filet Crochet does not have to be just open and closed blocks. Once you get past the basics of Filet Crochet, you can step into slightly more advanced patterns such as adding blocks that span two normal sized blocks, with chains and Single crochet (USA terms). Below pictures showing a close up of this as an example.

An example of more advanced techniques that can be incorporated into Filet Crochet,

One of my designs yet to find its way to the testers. I decided that the original (that I made a number of years back) needed improving on. It now sits half done, waiting for me to finish it. It shows more advanced filet squares, nestled inside basic blocks.

You can also learn techniques to increase and decrease blocks. An example of this can be seen in the picture below. This is my 'Fishing for Luck' Shawl/Wrap, which is now in the capable hands of my testers. I will be publishing this pattern early to mid-September.

Fishing for Luck Shawl/Wrap showing increasing Filet Blocks

If you have not tried Filet Crochet, grab your hook and give it a go.

Below my Butterfly Diamond Filet Blanket This pattern is available on Love Crochet (click here), Ravelry (click here) and Etsy (click here).

Butterfly Diamonds Filet Blanket. This is an easy blanket and part of a series which includes, Butterfly Diamonds Blanket, Flower Diamonds Blanket and Dragonfly Diamonds Blanket.

Flower

Diamonds Filet Blanket. This is an easy blanket and part of a series which includes, Butterfly Diamonds Blanket, Flower Diamonds Blanket and Dragonfly Diamonds Blanket.

Above my Flower Diamond Filet Blanket This pattern is available on Love Crochet (click here), Ravelry (click here) and Etsy (click here).

Lace Me Up Bandana Cowl.

This Bandana Cowl is made using Ice Yarn Kuka 100% wool. I have had this yarn quietly hiding in my stash drawer for some time. I made a pact with myself, that I would attempt to use stash yarn for a few projects and resist the urge to get more. Lockdown sure helped with this and Lace Me Up is the result.

This is a fun design made using mostly basic stitches. The neck has a unique laced effect and this does take some patience.

Lace Me Up Bandana Cowl by Auburncraft Design.

The pattern can be found on Ravelry (click here),Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Materials:

5mm/H hook

27-inch size: 2 x Kuka Magic Wool Deluxe 251yd/230m per ball. 27-inch sizing: 382yd/410m.  

30-inch sizing: 3x Kuka Magic Wool Deluxe. 251yd/230m per ball. 27-inch sizing: 430yd/490m.  

Tapestry Needle.

Needle and Thread

Scissors

Stitch Markers

Substitutes for yarn:

Red Heart Unforgettable (click here).

Katia Azteca (click here).

Adriafil Zebrino (click here).

I am fortunate to have some amazing pattern testers who help to make my designs become reality. Below is some of their work.

Test Bandana Cowl by Sallyanne Fisher. Made using Lion Brand Mandala yarn in the colour Troll

Test Bandana Cowl by MJ Rose. Made using Premier Everyday Baby yarn in Black, white and green.

MJ managed to capture a real hippy vibe with this one!

You can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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.

But I Don't Want Gaps! A Linked Double Crochet How To!

It all starts with an idea. You want to make something, but you have a few things you want this item to have. You start a checklist:

1. No Gaps.

2. You don't want it to take forever.

3. You would prefer fewer stitches.

4. You find single crochet (US) rather annoying and when it comes in abundance it is enough to make you just want to sit down and cry. You don't feel a great deal different about Half Double Crochet (US).

Never fear as there is an answer and it is Double Crochet (US). Not ordinary Double Crochet but Double Crochet with super powers. Linked Double Crochet ticks all the boxes and is actually a fun stitch to do. It isn't hard and can be rather addictive.

How do you work this amazing stitch you ask?

Just keep scrolling and all will be revealed.

The concept is really quite simple. Double Crochet (US) has those tiny little bars that sit across the centre of each stitch. To get rid of that gapped look between the stitches you just join those little bars.

But let's start at the beginning of the row!

How to create that first linked stitch.

Linked Double Crochet (US). How to start a row. Steps outlined below:

Step 1: Chain 3. This counts as your first stitch.

Step 2: Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook and draw up a loop. This has created the connection to the first stitch.

Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.

Now for the rest!

Continue creating Linked Double Crochet (US). Steps Below:

Step 1: The orange line indicates the bar that sits in the middle of each Double Crochet.

Step 2: Insert your hook down through this bar and draw up a loop.

Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook.

And done! You have created a Linked Double Crochet (US)!

Linked Double Crochet is a very useful stitch. Any time you want a solid look but dread the thought of working in Single Crochet (US), think of this stitch instead. It is so versatile and can be great for anything from basic wash clothes to clothing. It can be worked flat or in the round and the little line of bars that form in rows give it a unique look.

Linked Double Crochet (US)

Now to the boring stuff!

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 any of my work 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.

I Talk To Yarn!

Like a lot of crazy crochet people during this difficult worldwide pandemic, I have been locked away with my quite substantial yarn stash, whiling away the time crocheting and whipping up designs.

I have been drawing up quite a few new designs as my head just refuses to stop doing so. If I am out on my lawn mower I find by the time I am finished, I have a new idea all formatted out in my head and I am reaching for a pen and paper to jot it down. This happens no matter what I am doing. I just try to remember my ideas for a more appropriate time.

I have truly done my best to use stash yarn for many new designs, but sometimes it just is not enough.

I have one new idea that I have been itching to start. I then start to think about what yarn I need for it and of course colour!

If I had my way every single design would be made in the only colour truly worthwhile of being named Overlord of all Colours! Yes. Of course I am talking about PURPLE! I would truly make everything in purple if I could, but being a designer I do try to be a little bit diverse. Just don't suggest I work in GREEN (yuck) and we will probably get along fine, and don't get me started on RED! Red I only use very, very occasionally. One of my only designs in red is my Frankie Drake Cloche Hat (click here for a link to the pattern).

Frankie Drake Cloche hat. Pattern available on

Etsy (click here)

,

Ravely (click here)

and

Lovecrafts (click here).

Suitable Yarn to Make

Frankie Drake (click here).

For this new design, I had a NEED, LONGING, NECESSITY, UNDENIABLE URGE for Scheepjes Whirl yarn and thankfully my LYS has finally re-opened with a 2 person limit on how many people can be in the store at any one time.

I pondered long and hard as to which colour I should use. Of course I truly wanted to use Whirl in Lavenderlicious, but I have recently done a blanket in this and so I knew I must resist.

I looked at many items made in all the colours, trying to decide what colour would be just perfect. This had me rushing for the anti nausea pills as I came across Peppermint Patty Cakes (Green YUCK!). Once my stomach had finally calmed down, I narrowed the choice down to Mid Morning Mocha'roo and Licorice Yum Yum. Trying to decide between two colours totally does my head in at times. I find myself swapping and changing my mind over, and over, and of course the Lavenderlicious keeps popping into my head as the ultimate choice.

Find Scheepjes Whirl Click Here

The outing to the LYS was a real treat after being stuck in for so long, but my trusty little car had not forgotten the way there. I could hear the joyous hum from the motor as it knew just where to go. I soon found myself stepping over the threshold into yarn heaven. I didn't let any of the other yarns entice me to stop and adore them. Don't you worry, they were really trying. I could hear them whispering, 'Look at me, I am so soft'. 'Come on over here, you know you want to squeeze me! I told them to leave me alone in a harsh tone and they did quieten down considerably.

I stayed focused on my mission and headed straight for the Whirl section. I quickly scanned the shelves looking for the Mid Morning Mocha'roo and finally found one lone cake sitting all by itself as though being shunned by the other cakes. Normally this find would have had me singing BUT.... I needed TWO. My bottom lip dropped to the floor and I had to resist the urge to cry, or throw a tantrum. I managed to hold it all together as the last thing I could want is to be banned from the yarn store. Looking again for the Licorice Yum Yum my eyes landed on the LAVENDERLICOUS! I slapped myself a few times and forced my gaze to move on. 'My eyes, oh my eyes'. My gaze had fallen into the abyss, landing on the PEPPERMINT PATTY CAKE. This had me staggering to hang onto the shelves as nausea took hold.

Regaining my composure and averting my eyes from the hideous green, they finally landed on several cakes of Licorice Yum Yum. I reached for two cakes and headed to the checkout. The Mocha'roo was taunting me as I passed it 'You know you really want me, I'm much better than Licorice, C'mon buy me'. 'You know I can't' I muttered to it. I held my head high and kept walking. The store owner did give me an odd look as I paid for my purchase, but doesn't everyone talk to the yarn? Surely they were standing well back simply due to the covid restrictions and no other reason. Oh, well back to my designs!

You can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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 go into the designing and producing of my patterns.

You are purchasing/downloading my patterns 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.

Choke Me With Flowers Crochet Bandana Cowl

If you must, then please choke me with flowers!

I love flowers!

I love quirky names!

Being in lockdown had me deciding to use up some yarn that had been in the stash for a while. The brain cogs started to turn and the idea for this Bandana Cowl was the result. 'Choke Me With Flowers Bandana Cowl'.

This is a lovely warm addition to your wardrobe and comes with a stylish split neck.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here.

Find Lion Brand Heartland yarn (click here).

Materials:

6mm/J hook for the main body of the Cowl

4mm/G hook for the surface slip stitch and flowers

C1-2 x Lion Brand Heartland in Mammoth Cave 251yd/230m per ball. 27-inch sizing: 382yd/350m.    30-inch sizing: 492yd/450m

C2- 1 x Stylecraft Special Dk in Cream. 322yd/295m per ball. Approx usage total. 27-inch sizing: 76.5yd/70m. 30-inch sizing: 87.4yd/80m

Tapestry Needle.

6mm Beads

Needle and Thread

Scissors

As per usual my hardworking and amazing pattern testers excelled and produced some incredible cowls.

Top Left: Kelly Thompson Shoemaker's test cowl made using Caron Yarn.

Top Right: Bronwyn Bellwood's test cowl made using Elle Gold Yarn.

Bottom: MJ Rose's test cowl made using Lion Brand Pound of Love.

You can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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.

I Just Can't Bear It Crochet Washcloth

I Just Can't Bear It Crochet Washcloth

I have seen these little bears made from normal type towels and washcloths many times. I had not seen any done in a crochet washcloth, so I thought to myself that it was time.

These little washclothes are simple to make, great for a last minute gift or for adding to gift hampers such as baby shower hampers, house warming gifts etc.

I used one full 50g ball of cotton/bamboo for mine but any soft cotton or cotton blend will work great.

US Terms are used in this pattern.

Materials:

• 5mm/H Hook

• 1 x Noya Bamboo Cotton Dk 50g. (I rate this as a thicker Dk.) This yarn may not be readily available everywhere. An alternative would be King Cole Bamboo Cotton (click here to find).

• Ribbon in a matching colour.

• Rubber Bands in a matching colour.

Materials used.

Notes: 

• Chains count as a stitch. A Chain 1 is used at the beginning of the row instead of Chain 2. This creates a tighter and neater edge. This method suits my style of crochet and tension. This may not be the case for everyone. I offer two options as alternatives here and work what suits your style of crochet best. Alternative Option 1: Ch2 at the beginning of each row instead of Chain 1. Alternative Option 2: Ch1 at the beginning of each row and do not count this as a stitch. Place your first Half Double Crochet into the same place as the Ch1.

• This washcloth is designed to be lightweight and not tightly stitched. Check your gauge to make sure you have the right hook size for your yarn choice.

• If your tension is similar to mine your washcloth should be square. If not adjust the number of rows to make a square.

Gauge:

10 Rows to 4inches/10cm

14 Stitches to 4inches/10cm

Abbreviations:

Ch- Chain

Hdc- Half Double Crochet

Sc- Single Crochet

St- Stitch

Hk- Hook

Sp-Space

Cnr-Corner

Slst- Slip Stitch

Measurements:

30cm/11.8inches x 30cm/11.8inches

Abbreviations:

Ch- Chain

Hdc- Half Double Crochet

Sc- Single Crochet

St- Stitch

Hk- Hook

Sp-Space

Cnr-Corner

Slst- Slip Stitch

Washcloth:

Basic Half Double Crochet Washcloth

Row 1: Ch42:  Hdc into 3rd Ch from Hk. Hdc into each Ch across.  Turn [40Hdc]

Row 2: Ch1 (counts as a St). Hdc into each St across. Turn. [40Hdc]

Rep. Row 2 till you have a total of 38 Rows.

Border:

Ch1. Work 2 Sc into the same Sp as Ch1. Sc into each St across top edge.  Work 3 Sc into Cnr.  Work Sc into each row end across side.  Work 3 Sc into Cnr. Work Sc into each row end across side.  Slst to Ch1 to close.  Fasten off and cut yarn.

Sew in Ends.

Create your Bear:

Steps 1, 2 and 3.

• Step 1: Lay your washcloth flat. Firmly roll one edge towards the middle.

• Step 2: Repeat Step 1 on the opposite end of the washcloth so they meet in the middle.

• Step 3: Gently twist the top half of the washcloth.

Steps 4,5 and 6.

• Step 4: Fold the top section towards the back. You need the fold to be placed so that you the back section of the fold is longer by approx 2 inches.

• Step 5:Picture shows what the back of the bear will look like after the fold.

• Step 6: Get a matching colour rubber band and place this part way down the front section of the fold to form a head.

Steps 7,8 and 9.

• Step 7: Open the ears and arms out slightly.

• Step 8: Add a matching colour rubber at the top to form an ear.

• Step 9: Rep the last step for the second ear.

Steps 10 and 11.

• Step 10: Add matching colour rubber bands to form the bears feet.

• Step 11: Tie a length of ribbon around the neck.

Enjoy your bear!

And if you love my pattern buy me a cup of tea! Find the button to do so on my blog!

My pattern testers makes. Aren't they amazing!

You can find my patterns on Ravelry (Click here), Etsy (Click here),Lovecrafts (Click here) and Bendigo Woollen Mill (Click here).

Follow me on Instagram Auburn 1414 (click here), Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here) and Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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.

Please note that while this pattern is free on my blog, free does not mean you can reprint, distribute or use this without permission. This is for personal use!

Dragonfly Hide n Seek Crochet Shawl

What fun it is to see the Dragonflies playing Hide n Seek amoungst the flowers and diamonds.

The pattern for Dragonfly Hide N Seek can be found on Ravelry (click here), Etsy click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Dragonfly Hide n Seek Shawl

If you have not noticed or maybe it is your first time visiting my blog, I kind of love dragonflies! I also love flowers!

Dragonflies have a habit of appearing in my work as I keep thinking up new ways to incorporate them into my designs.

The Filet Crochet Technique is used for this project and the stitches are basic. A need for concentrating is there due to the width of the shawl. You have over 300 stitches per row.

I used 2 x Scheepjes Whirl in Shrinking Violet (click here for yarn) for this project.

I worked from the inside of the first ball till completion and then from the outside of the second ball to keep the colours flowing. Once the main body of the shawl was completed, I then worked from the inside of the remaining ball to make the border along the bottom edge. This kept the colours all flowing nicely.

This versatile shawl can be worn many ways.

The testing process is so important to my designs and my hard working testers deserve credit for their efforts. You will always find a page on in my patterns dedicated to showing off their efforts. Some people find having extra pages to a pattern annoying, but to me these people deserve to be credited and so I do. You can choose to omit printing this page if you like. Below is some of their incredible work.

Test Shawl by Angee Hudson. Made using Cotton Kings Twirls Deluxe in Edcora Red.

Test Shawl by Michelle Ross. Made using Nako Angora Luks col 1915.

Test Shawl by Amy Elizabeth Peterson. Made using Redheart Its a Wrap in Rainbow.

Test Shawl by Asra Konzak. Made using Cotton Kings Twirl in Rainbow.

Test Shawl by Jamie Johnson. Made using Cotton Kings Twirl in Yellow Citrine. Approx 1748yds used.

Test Shawl by Stephanie Joann Nolasco. Made using Caron Cakes.

Test Shawl by Michelle Westwood. Made using Lalables

Test Shawl by Cindy Cary. Made using Scheepjes Whirl in Peppermint Patty,

I had someone recently trying to pick my brains about the stitch composition of my Dragonflies as they are (according to the person) neater and more defined than other patterns they have seen. Of course I am not going to state outright how I achieve this as it is in the pattern, but I do have my very own way of combining stitches to achieve my particular Dragonfly.

It may seem mean not to just openly share my method, but this particular shawl has taken over 200 hours from idea, to drawing and then to construction and slowly working its way through the pattern testing process. Imagine asking a plumber, doctor, architect, cleaner or anyone else to share their work processes or work for free! Yeah I don't think this is gonna happen!

You can follow me on the following:

Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here).

Instagram: Auburn1414 (click here).

I also run a Facebook group in partnership with an Irish Designer: Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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.

6 (un)Helpful Crochet Hints That Could Save Your Project! Maybe!

Helpful crochet hints

1: How to find the yarn tail to pull from the centre of the ball:

This really depends upon whether the Pixie living inside the yarn ball is in a good mood or a bad mood.  They tend to like biscuits, honey and warm milk and so if you speak to them nicely and offer them at least a nice biscuit they may offer the end of the yarn up to you.  Whatever you do, do not annoy them. Get them annoyed and you will end up with a tangled mess and may never find the end of the yarn.  Good luck!

2: How to deal with finding a mistake in your project and the need to Frog (pull the project back to before the mistake).

Frog it!

There are several different methods that I have used/employed to deal with this situation.  I guess my all-time favourite is throwing the project into the open fire.  It solves the issue of having to Frog (see what that means above).  If you really cannot do this, I do recommend you throw the item across the room and call it names for several minutes.

3: How to deal with people who want you to make them items for nothing.

Perfect item to make certain you never get asked to make anything again!

This can be a really tough one as sometimes (just sometimes) you really don’t want to annoy your friends and family as you may need them at some stage,  so saying a firm ‘no’ may  not be the best answer.  The best thing you can do is make them the item and do a really, really bad job.  Make this the worst thing you have ever crocheted.  I can guarantee they will never again ask you to make something.

4: Those you live with are getting annoyed that you are using the dining table as a blocking board.

My Fishing for Luck Shawl Blocking. Pattern available on Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts

Of course, you could just go and buy some blocking boards but really that is just money you could have spent on more yarn. Yes, I do know that most of us have a huge stash that could sink the Titanic but that is another issue altogether.  I suggest visiting a thrift store and buying those little trays that you can sit on your lap, or even a stable table (those things were a fad back in the day and nearly every mother and grandmother ended up with one, so thrift stores are full of the things). Train your family/room mates to eat with their meal on their lap.  Problem solved and everyone is happy.  I think!!!

5: You made your starting chain or foundation row for your exceptionally large blanket too tight.

Dogs have super powers

Yeah sure you could Frog the whole thing but who enjoys frogging. A tried and sure-fire method to fix this issue is to give your dog one end of the blanket and encourage a game of tug of war.  Dogs really do have super powers! Keep this up till your chain or foundation row has enough give in it.  If it has not worked then your blanket is probably ripped to bits by the dog anyway, so problem solved!

6:Your child or pet will not let you crochet and is insisting upon being on your lap!

Of course you could get rid of the offender but I know this is not an option for everyone. This is however a simple fix.  Go out and buy a large playpen.  Put your crochet chair inside the playpen and leave the child or pet outside of it.  If you also leave a set of textas with the child and perhaps a full bag of doggie food with the dog. Problem solved and a bit of peace to crochet. I cannot guarantee the condition of the house after several hours of free rein with textas and dog food (note: It is also not a good idea to get these two methods confused. Unless your dog is a budding artist). Crochet time is everything!!!

Disclaimer: No crochet items, children or pets where harmed in the writing of this post. If you took this seriously, then all I can say is 'Really!'

Fanatical Flower Fiend Bandana/Cowl

I decided it was time I designed a Cowl. I decided to use the flower I designed from my Clematis Shawl and turn it into a Cowl.

The results are just amazing and I am extremely pleased with the outcome.

I used Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball for the proto-type and feel this yarn is very suited to this design. Find Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball (click here)

The pattern is available in Uk and Us terms and comes in two sizes. Find it on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

Materials:

5mm/H hook

1 x Lion Brand shawl in a cake. Pastel Unique Unicorn 481yd/440m per ball.  Total used for 26-inch/66cm approx. 400yd/365m. Total used for 29-inch/73.6cm approx 460yd/420m

This pattern works up very quickly, which is a great bonus if maybe you want to whip something up as a gift for someone. It only uses the one ball of Lion Brand Shawl in a cake.

The process to get this pattern ready to publish is a rather lengthy one! I wish I was perfect but I am not! I make errors or what I like to call 'Boo, Boo's'. I have amassed a great pattern test team over time and I really make them work hard!

My testers are overworked (I work them 24 hours a day, or it seems that way as they are from all over the world, so at least one of them is working at any given time), they are underpaid (I don't pay them at all. They get access to my latest design and a final copy once completed). Even with these tough working conditions, they seem to keep lining up to test for me! I appreciate their efforts to get my patterns ready to publish, as without them they would really be a real mess!

You will notice in my patterns that the last page is always dedicated to thanking these hard working, underpaid heroes. I know some people don't like extra pages to a pattern, but to me it is very important to give credit where it is due.

Below are some of my testers makes:

Test make by Amy Jj. 26-inch sizing. Made using Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in the colour Jade Pool

Test make by Karen J Best. 29-inch sizing. Made using Sirdar Colourwheel.

Photo Left: 26- inch size. Test cowl by Bronwyn Bellwood. Made using Elle Gold.

Photo Right: 26-inch size. Test Cowl by Jane Wynne. Made using Moda Vera Bouvardia in the colour Canyon Flight.

Test make by Amy Elizabeth Peterson. 26-inch sizing. Made

Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in the colour Feng Shui Grey

Test make by Nikki Barker. 26-inch sizing. Made using Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in the colour

Prism.

Test make by Bethany Colhoff. 29-inch sizing. Made using Namaste in Neutral colour.

You can find my patterns on Ravelry (Click here), Etsy (Click here),Lovecrafts (Click here) and Bendigo Woollen Mill (Click here).

Follow me on Instagram Auburn 1414 (click here), Facebook: Auburncraft Crochet (click here) and Two Redheads Crochet (click here).

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.

Pixies and Leprechauns stole my Crochet Hook!

I have a habit of misplacing things!

In reality I don't actually think that I misplace them; I am pretty sure that I have Leprechauns and Pixies that live in my house.

Maybe I could entice the little things with a pot of gold. If only I had one.

Note to self: Ask my Irish designer friend and partner in crime if she knows how to trap a Leprecaun!

These little creatures wait till I am asleep and steal the things they know very well I am going to want to use the next day. My fabric tape measure was missing for several weeks. I eventually found they had returned it and shoved it down the side of the couch. Very Sneaky!

I love my Clover Armour Hooks, but I only have one in a few sizes. My 6mm is gone. No doubt the Pixies found the shiny hook too much to pass up! They don't realise the imposition that they are putting me too. I have had to resort to using a cheap Aluminium hook for my latest design. It is equivalent to entering a Formula One race, while driving a Mazda 3, or attempting Brain Surgery with a Chisel.

Clover Armour

The Clover Hooks glide nicely through the yarn seemingly with no or little effort. I feel like I am wielding a Jack Hammer having to use an inferior hook.

I bet those horrid Pixies and Leprechauns will wait till I have finished this design and then my Clover Hook will appear. I can just imagine their laughter having caused the chaos they wanted.

So if you happen to know how to trap a Pixie or a Leprechaun please let me know and if you speak to one, please ask them to return my 6mm hook.

Ice Queen Crochet Scarf/Cowl

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 can follow me on Auburncraft Crochet on Facebook (Click here), Instagram (Click here) and join Two Redheads Crochet on Facebook (Click here). This is a group I jointly run with an Irish Designer, Fiona Campbell.

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.

Frustrations of a Hooker!

What is frustration to a Hooker?

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!!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/703981100116431/

https://www.facebook.com/Auburncraft-Crochet-103007401116090/

On The Wings of a Dragonfly Crochet Shawl

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.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

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.

Crazy World!

The world has finally gone crazy!

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.

Click the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/703981100116431/

You can also follow us on our individual crochet pages:

https://www.facebook.com/Auburncraft-Crochet-103007401116090/

https://www.facebook.com/floscraftycrochet/?eid=ARDZYLPf_U1RS-6R88dE91rq3yxvXRWHv-qHUFWEc__kgz8NGVLEgAgjvq3k00JIiDVKK9IeTKaQoLwU

We run designer of the month focus takeovers and the odd giveaway. A new giveaway will begin tomorrow (20/19 March).

If you are a designer we allow self promotion on weekends.

Crochet is our Happy Place!

Moths Ate My Flower Scarf

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.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (clickhere).

Materials:

3.5mm Hook

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.

This post may contain affiliate links!

Vintage Bouquet for Bethany

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.

The pattern can be found on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts (click here).

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.

Bouquet for Bethany Blanket

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

The pattern can be found on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and Lovecrafts.

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.

Crochet Bunny Rabbit Chocolate Box Cover

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.

Materials:

6mm hook

4mm hook for the eyes, Nose and Cheeks.

C1=1 Bernat Velvet  Grey for main colour (click here).

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.

This post contains affliate links.

Crochet Design is Hard Work!

Just ask my computer!

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!

Ah well, back to pattern editing!