Dragonflies For Dee Wall Hanging

Dragonflies represent many things.

Vitality, poise and beauty. They can be a sign of future changes, and a sense of harmony in relationships.

I always find myself smiling and my mood improving, when I am lucky enough to spy a dragonfly going about its day, totally oblivious of the worlds troubles and trials.

Dragonflies have become my signature design focus and while this is my first attempt at a wall hanging, it will not be my last.

I set about creating this beautiful piece as a gift for my daughter and was very pleased with the results. I loved it so much that three proto-types in various yarns, were produced during the design process.

The first wall hanging was created with Yarnart Flowers in blue shades as I felt my daughter would appreciate these colours. This yarn was ideal for a wall hanging and the final result was brilliant,

The second of three, I chose to use Scheepjes Whirl in Turquoise Turntable. This colour was chosen with another relative in mind. The Whirl is just slightly thinner than Yarnart Flowers but it worked well and the same size hook was used.

Number three was made as another gift and Hobbii Sultan Deluxe from my sizable yarn stash, in the colour Baltic Amber was used. I love working in this yarn and I feel that of the three this one was my favourite.

My amazing pattern testers used varying yarns with some incredible results and their works can be viewed on the dedicated pattern page via the webpage button below.

You can also find other relevant information about the pattern and some places to source hoops.

North South East West Forget-Me-Not Blanket

No matter the path you walk, North, South, East or West, my heart is with you. Never forget that!

Forget-Me-Not Flowers can represent many things. They are for remembrance of a loved one who is no longer with you. A friend separated by distance or illness. Or a special love! They can be a symbol or declaration that you will not forget a person on separation no matter the reason. A reminder of connection and precious memories

Do you love a bit of filet crochet?

Join the Forget-Me-Nots as they travel to the North, South, East and West.

Basic stitches are used to create this beauty. But while the stitches are basic don’t be fooled! This pattern is not as simple as it may look. There is no obvious repeat to the pattern as these flowers are on a quest. They move as they travel heading north, south, east and west. Each round is written and there are photographs to help along the way.

A colour block graph is used to chart the main body of the pattern and a symbol graph to show the border. You can find information on colour block graphs in my how to section on my webpage. Click on the photograph to be taken to the webpage for links to the pattern.

A Cat in Contemplation Cushion

Do you love cats? Or maybe know someone who does and need a super fast make for the holiday season?

My latest design uses Aran weight yarn and a 5mm hook. It is designed to compliment, A Contemplation of Cats blanket.

I find crochet cushions can be annoying when it comes time to wash them. Well this cover is removeable and designed to fit a 50cm/19.6 inch pre-made cushion of contrasting colour, making this a much more practical cushion.

2022 is slowly drawing to a close and this is the second last design of the year for me. I do have a blanket to release in the next few weeks though and that will be me done for the year.

2023 is sizing up to be super amazing! I have a couple of dragonfly designs already being run through their paces with the design team. I know it would be bragging to say these are most likely my best ever dragonflies but I will say it anyway. Cos, these are pretty darn good! If you are not a subscriber to my webpage you will miss the discount codes and notification of launches!

I will leave this post with some words from T.S. Eliot.

When you notice a cat in profound meditation, the reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name: His ineffable effable, Effanineffable, Deep and inscrutable, singular name.  T.S. Eliot

A Cat in Contemplation Cushion

A Contemplation of Cats Blanket

Quickkkkkkk I Need a Fast Make For TOMORROW!

Fast and Fabulous Makes

Click on the buttons right for the webpage for each.

I know I have been there!

I remember my precious darlings often neglected to pass on the information that a small gift was needed for a school THING until the night before.

Or perhaps you are a tad forgetful and suddenly remember the new person at work, that you are required to do a Secret Santa for! Or a million other scenarios that creep up on you at this time of year!

Don’t be too hard on yourself as I know I am guilty of forgetting the odd thing now and then.

It will all be okay! These are super fast to make and many of them even use scrap yarn.

Some of the selected makes are free and some are paid patterns, with the majority on the free side. The cost for the paid patterns is minimal and hey, a girl has to eat. And with that in mind, don’t forget I do have a Buy Me a Tea button on most webpages as the dog does love her biscuits too!

Christmas Treat Bag

Christmas is looming closer in a rather scary way!

Click on the picture to be taken to the webpage for this. See the button for the limited time code.

I am starting to feel the need to race out and buy plum pudding ingredients!

The list for who I need to buy things for is spinning around in my head. I am of course ignoring it! After all, I do have crochet to do and that is far more important.

But hey, why not combine the two things!

With that in mind I have created a little treat bag. This is no ordinary bag as it uses linked stitches. No prying eye will gain a peek into this little beauty. Inside could be chocolate or small toys or any wonder of things small enough to fit inside!

The last code giveaway was received quite wel,l so I will do similar again, but please do take the time to favourite this on Ravelry. ONLY ABOUT HALF OF THOSE WHO DOWNLOADED THE LAST PATTERN DID SO! This is a small thing but makes a huge difference to me.

This pattern is free for the first 40 people to use code found on the front homepage of my webpage. After the 40 free patterns have been redeemed you can use the second code to get 15% off. Again this is for a limited time. Click the button above for the my main webpage where you can find the codes.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY

If you are feeling incredibly generous, you can buy me a cup of tea. The button for this is also on my webpage.

Chicken Kisses Ornament Applique

I don’t know about other people, but sometimes my crochet hook just seems to have a life of its own!

Chicken Kisses Ornament/Applique

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You walk into the room and hear this faint noise and realise it is coming from your favourite crochet hook. It’s begging you to pick it up. Apparently IT has this incredible idea and just wants to create!

This is what happened with this little ornament.

I picked my hook up and the next thing I knew, a chicken was staring at me!

I whipped this little darling up in no time (with the help of my insistant crochet hook).

FEATURES:

Reversible

Can be made from scrap yarn.

Could be used as an ornament or just making one side, an applique.

Fast to make.

Fun (It’s a chicken so how could it not be fun!)

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I then had a bit of a quandry as to whether this should be a paid pattern or not. Sure it is small and works up fast, but that darn pattern ended up being a lot to write up!

Of course I never make my life easy, as I did graphs and special stitches etc. And sure I don’t really need to eat… but in the end I decided that the dog does love her doggie bickies and so a few cents towards those would make her very happy! BUT, I am going to give quite a few away FREE ON RAVELRY (FOR A LIMITED TIME). A code will be available on the front page of my webpage. If you hurry you may be lucky enough to gain this little chicken pattern FREE! Click the button above for the my main webpage where you can find the code.

But please do pop it into your favourites on Ravelry. It would make my day to get to number 1 on Raverly maybe once this year, even if it is only with a chicken! Please DO NOT tell my crochet hook that, it tends to get offended easily and is rather puffed up with its efforts on this one!

If you are feeling incredibly generous, you can buy me a cup of tea. The button for this is also on my webpage.

Thank you to all! And please don’t vent your disappointment if you miss out on the pattern for free. My generosity only stretches so far and then I turn back into the grinch I really am!


Remembering Grandma Bed Scarf

For my latest design I’ve stepped into my very own time machine and headed back to the days when Grandma always made a colourful rug of squares for your bed.

Remembering Grandma Bed Scarf ©

Many people my vintage will have recollections of the masterpieces that Granny produced. My Grandmother used to make rugs of knitted squares. She would crochet around them and then join. Usually always bright colours, with black used for the edging and joining.

The comparision ends there as I have a slight adversion to joining and do try to avoid it in most of my designs. What this mean is that this bed scarf is one piece. No joining squares anywhere to be found. And while you don’t need to be a Grandma to enjoy this simple design, it does help to have an understanding of linked stitches and colour change.

The beauty of linked stitches is the dense pattern they produce. You don’t get any of those gappy holes in your work and it is rather simple to master.

The final touches for this piece are the lacy edge on both ends and the large tassels.

This pattern has instructions for Twin, Double, Queen and King sized beds.

Click on the picture right ➤ to be taken to the dedicated webpage with links to Ravelry and Etsy. There you will also find yarn quantities, measurements and view my pattern testers works to gain an idea of different looks that can be achieved.

20 Minute Crochet Bookmark

Do you like Cats?

I am a bit on the agnostic side of this question. Don’t get me wrong I love all animals, but I had decided a number of years back that I did not want another cat.

I did not however factor in the insistance of one small black cat now named Billy Thunder. He moved into my house of his own accord and I do love him, but he was not invited. He just demanded in a very strong manner that he was now living in what he apparently considered his house. If you would like to read the story of Billy Thunder my cat, you can find this in my blog posts!

But back to the reason for todays blog. If you love crochet makes that take 20 minutes or less, then this is for you!

Some of my amazing pattern testers bookmarks. Nancy McKain, Trish Perry, Michelle Westwood, Colleen Harris, Sue Pfer, Mirjam Annaars, Denise Thomas

This cat bookmark is super fast and super cute. It is available as a free download on my webpage and Ravelry, just cos I am feeling generous! You may be wondering at your good fortune. Did I wake in a good mood and decide to be benelovent? Or maybe I got too much sun yesterday!

Not to worry either way as the good fortune is yours and I hope you love Cat’s Meow Bookmark!

Do you have eagle eyes? And perhaps love vintage books from way back when!

Take a good look at the book in the picture. This was given to my by a great Uncle many years back and is from the 1800’s. It has some real gems on relationships and the way a lady should behave in these. It is one of my treasured possessions!





And the Topic for Today is ME!

Stella, overlord and boss.

Just a bit of useless information you probably don’t want to know!

Things have been a bit quiet of late as far as launching patterns, but rest assured as I have 3 in testing right now! So in the meantime a random blog post about nothing important seemed in order!

  • I crochet!

    Yes, of course you probably knew that! Did you know it is mainly my youngest childs fault! He does a rather dangerous sport as a profession and I found myself needing something to distract me during those times when he is competing.

  • I can’t count!

    Well in reality I can count but with three patterns in testing at present, you could ask my very patient pattern testers to take a secret poll as to whether or not they thought I could count, and I am pretty sure what the results would be.

  • I am not the boss of my crochet business!

  • My crochet business is really run by the overlord that presides within my house. Oops I mean her house! Her name is Stella and she is the brains of the business. She spends hours literally pawing over the designs to ensure they are perfect! She is a real tyrant! (See picture and you can judge).

  • I don’t like green!

    If you didn’t know that one then you must not have read any of my prior blog posts. Green only exists to make Purple look really great. Ask any Jacaranda tree and they will tell you it’s true!

  • I don’t do video tutorials of my crochet!

    No one wants to suffer me for an hour or two or three whilst trying to crochet one of my patterns. For one I refuse to do my nails all pretty for a video and I would most likely swear way too often!

  • I am a part time model! Insert hysterical laughter here!

  • I do, in fact, grudgingly model some of my shawls. The reason for this is that it is easier to do this than try to organise someone to do so.

    My husband is a great support in taking the time to try and get just one decent photograph of a new shawl. In many of the pictures it can be 35 celcius where I live and so my mood is often not all that spectacular when out in the sub-tropical weather wearing a shawl etc. And trust me, I have no skills at modelling what so ever!

  • Many of my designs feature dragonflies!

  • This just makes sense to me. Dragonflies are amazing and I love to bring them to life in my designs. The feedback I get on launching a dragonfly make tells me to keep doing them.

  • I once had a whole ball of yarn unravel on a plane during take off.

  • Yes it’s true. The ball had fallen off my lap and worked its way towards the tail of the plane many rows back. On discovering it was missing I looked down and realised my problem. I turned to look down the aisle and saw the male flight attendant still seated centre of the aisle for take off. He had an armful of yarn he had gathered up. Oh the embarrasment of watching him slowly work his way back up the aisle, winding that ball of yarn as he went.

  • I don’t do crochet requests or orders .

  • Nope, never, no way, not gonna happen! I crochet and design what I like. Begging won’t help! A huge bribe may sway me a bit, but I am not interested in making things to order.

  • I tend to work in ordered chaos.

  • It’s true.! If you think designers have it all together and it is all sunshine and roses when producing a design, think again. This designer usually has hooks and yarn in a tangle and a very needy cocker spaniel on her lap. I manage to lose my crochet hook, tapestry needle, ipad and pretty much everything all the time.

  • I have dozens of designs graphed out and ready to make.

  • Ideas pop into my head at the strangest times and I find myself drawing and graphing. Some of these things I even have the yarn all ready to go. I just need more time.

  • I enjoy writing blog posts about nothing much at all.

  • I do. But you are reading it! Life is at times tough enough, stressful enough and not everything (in my opinion) needs to be serious. There is enough of that each day as it is!

    So if you enjoy reading my nothing blog posts, please do subscribe and I can promise to bore you with more! Don’t forget that subscribers receive the best discount codes on launch day!

    The next pattern launch will be in 12 days times!

  • PS. Guess whose blog is now in the top 15 Australian blogs on Feedspot! MINE!

Click the picture to be taken to Feedspot

Click on the picture for the pattern.

Pantone Colour of the Year, VERY PERI!

Designed by macrovector / Freepik"

I see most articles/blogs etc write such positive words on colour choices and how one must follow this rule, or that, for the perfect colour selection. That is all fine if you would like to follow these examples, but not for me. This is just my views on colour selection.

Just who is this Pantone and why do they think they know all?

Well from my simple understanding they are the colour guru’s of the world. Companies come to them for their predictions and forecasts in global colour trends. Each year they decide/predict a colour and we are meant to rush out and swap all our worldly possessions to this colour. Sounds like a great marketing ploy for some!

I do personally think this is not really a thing. I most certainly will not be changing my taste in colours just because they say a colour is the ‘thing’ for that year! And if they really think I am going to make a point of designing in the colour green as that is the ‘it’ thing for that year, well everyone had best not place a bet on that one!

Sometimes of course they do get it right and this year I will bow to their intelligence with the choice of the colour Very Peri, which is basically the colour purple.

What they had to say:

2022

Very Peri is a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone. Futuristic in feeling and encouraging inventiveness and creativity, Very Peri blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red. A brand new shade, it's the first time Pantone has created a new colour in the history of its Colour of the Year forecasts.

Well if it is vivifying then of course I am on-board with it. One just has to be really!

*I have a pattern in testing right now which features this colour. The pattern will be released early next year. Possibly as a CAL!

But let’s have a look at a few other choices from not so long ago!

2021

Illuminating and Ultimate Gray

Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity; a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.

Ultimate Grey quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience. The versatile grey shade resembles pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time.

They were a little undecided in 2021, or maybe they had a fight over which colour should be the thing, as they had two colours. How could one not feel the need to purchase yellow and gray!

I could do with some illuminating and a bit of quiet assurance!

2020

Classic Blue

An expansive presence, Classic Blue is evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky opening a world of possibilities.

I don’t mind a nice blue and especially love cars in the colour blue. I do, at times choose to design in blue and in fact have a design on the hook right now in this colour. The fact that it was colour of the year in 2020 did not really help me make that decision.



2019

Living Coral

Living Coral is an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge.

Certainly sounds pretty good doesn’t it! I can live with the colour Living Coral, but lets just say its orange and be done with it. I do like a nice orange!



2018

Ultra Violet

A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towards the future.

Any year that is dubbed to be purple is a good year as far as I am concerned, so of course they will get a huge thumbs up from me on that one! I will even swoon dramatically and maybe a bit provocatively if needed.

2017

Greenery

A refreshing and revitalising shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.

Really! Are they mad!

This in my humble (yeah sure) opinion was a bad year. Greenery, Yuck! Yes, all year I had to fight the urge to rush out the door and buy everything and anything in Green. Sure!

But how do you decide what colours to use when you are wanting to start a new crochet project?

There are so many webpages that cater to helping others select colours. They tell you how to successfully use a colour wheel to select your colours.

Tips on how the colours such as: black will diminish other colours and white will set them apart as a feature. I guess this method can work for some, but you would never find me bothering with them. I find black can be a great tool to make other colours the star of the show.

And as for asking others to help such as friends or LYS staff………well that is great if you happen to want a creation in the colours that they like, but I want something I would like.

Colour charts have their place but I am not really going to use them. But if they are for you, then all good.

Colour is personal!

Colour is a very personal thing to each of us and I gravitate towards purples and oranges. Dislike green and red with a passion, don’t mind pinks and am agnostic towards many other colours. And that is okay! My motto is that you should be you and choose what you like and I will continue to be me!

Colour perception is emotive!

Colours have a way of drawing a person in. They can evoke emotions on a wide spectrum and this is very individual for all.

Colour is in the eye of the beholder!

Ask any crochet designer and they will tell you that a design can transform and change visually, with each and every colour selection. What I may like and think is perfect, others may hate. If a colour brings you joy, then that is for you.

Some tips to selecting colours:

  • Look at natures Kaleidoscope of colour. It changes depending upon region and weather. You just have to look at a snowy landscape with a few bare spots, or maybe a snow covered tree. These can be your colour palette.

  • Or perhaps an Autumn day with the beauty of the trees in varying colours. The reds of a Japanese maple or the yellow of a Liquid Amber tree.

  • The ocean on a stormy day can have an array of colours.

  • Or a rainbow after a shower

  • Use the colours of flowers. Flowers are clever and they always get colour combinations right. When you think of a garden with a multitude of flowers, the colours always mix and match so beautifully together. And I will even admit (although don’t quote me on this) that green has it’s place in many of these scenarios!

  • Art work can also be an inspiration and show you what colours will compliment each other.

  • Life in general is full of colour and inspiration can be found in even the strangest places!

See what yarns call to you:

  • Place yarns together and see how they make YOU feel. No one elses opinion really matters (unless you happen to be making the project for someone else). I know the Scheepjes whirl are often yelling my name when I enter a LYS. The purples are usually the loudest!

  • You may want to feel bold with colours that hit you in the face or subdued with neutral colours. Or even monochrome with simple black and white.

    Decide what emotions or feelings you may want to create from your design/project piece:

  • Colours can be calming or exciting and there are so many different articles on what emotions each colour is meant to illicit but it does depend upon what you read. They can vary. Take yellow for example. Depending upon what you choose to read or believe yellow can portray, happiness, sunshine, jealousy, cowardice, sickness, mental illness, warmth, hope, youth or even freshness. That certainly is a selection! I could mention the varying meanings of so many colours but if you want that information, there are a million places at your fingertips that will tell you what a colour is meant to make you feel.

  • I say to use your own thoughts on this one and go by what the colours make YOU feel.

    But most of all be brave in your choices and selections. It is your project and colour selection is an extension of you!

  • But if you do want GREEN, GREEN, GREEN then maybe for me you had best just keep moving along! Just joking!

    Links to the patterns in the pictures:

  • Dragonfly Labyrinth Blanket (click here)

  • Vintage Bouquet for Bethany Blanket (click here)

  • Autumn Snowdrop Keyhole Headwarmer (click here)

  • Bouquet for Bethany Blanket (without the embroidery) (click here)

  • I Wish I Were a Butterfly Blanket (click here)

  • A Solitude of Flowers Shawl (click here)

  • Granny’s Gone Bohemian Shawl (click here)

  • Tirari Desert Flower Ruana (click here)

    You can find all the information about the yarns used etc on the designs featured via the links above.

  • I hope you enjoyed reading my take on Pantone colours!

Dragonflies! READ ON FOR A DISCOUNT CODE!

Dragonflies are my THING!

The very first pattern I wrote happened to be dragonflies. It was of course a simple dragonfly, made from the basic stitch combo but it was still dragonflies. My dragonflies have progressed over the years and now have my own unique stitch combo to create them. Sometimes they have long tails and other times short!

I get asked when I will run out of ideas for blankets etc, that feature my dragonflies. Trust me, it is not gonna happen. I finish one and then draw up another that just has to wait till I get time to make it.

I have one dragonfly design in the hands of my capable pattern testers right now. I have all 11 of them secured in a secret location (my basement) for the duration of the 10 week test period. So far testing is moving along in a smooth manner. In truth I am just not paying attention to the odd bit of complaining. Note to self: Put more insulation in the flooring to stop the noise coming from the basement!

The design my testers are all pouring over, may not be released until January of 2023, as it may become a CAL!

But don’t despair as I have a dragonfly design all ready to start. I just need the yarn to arrive. It is on a slow boat from overseas. Once it arrives I will begin on that and hopefully will have that out later this year.

And although the idea of it tends to cause immense pain to ME, I decided to do a little discount on my dragonfly patterns published on Ravelry!

So for the next few days you can get 14% DISCOUNT (I like the number 14) on any dragonfly design of mine on ravelry. E books excluded. Use the code ‘RAINING’ at checkout.

WHAT ELSE AM I WORKING ON!

Look I used bobbins! And it is pretty neat. Well for me it is!

I have a few things on the hook at present. One is a little blanket that features flowers (another thing I love). I am also working on a bed scarf which will probably end up being a wrap as well due to the versatile nature of it. You can see a few of the colours in this, in the top picture!

DO YOU THINK DESIGNERS ARE ORGANISED?

If you do, then this is so very far from true with myself. But what about all those lovely staged photographs that are used for promotion or in the pattern? (Insert huge laughter here).

I usually work in managed CHAOS! One of the things I have on the hook at present requires colour change. And yes I do know the neat and manageable way to work in colour change without ending up in a huge mess.

Let the chaos reign!

DO I USE THIS METHOD?

Nope! But what would be the fun in being organised! I can be found, usually surrounded by a tangled mess of yarn and muttering to myself that I should have used bobbins! I can use bobbins and have done so, but mainly so I can photograph my superior excellence in having done so!

The times that I don’t use bobbins, I promise myself next time I will. But I don’t, ever (unless I need to photograph it)!

I like to live dangerously!

There is something to be said from working this way, as the sense of achievement that is felt when you finally do complete the project is huge. Wow, I survived that!

Enjoy the little discount on offer for the next few days. I don’t often offer my dragonflies on discount! I must have gotten too much sun today or something!

Links:

Leadlight Blanket, pictured below, (click here).

Stylecraft Batik yarn. This happens to be on sale at present, (click here).

Auburncraft Crochet Design Ravelry discount code ‘raining’, (click here). This code is applicable for all designs with dragonflies excluding ebooks.

Premium pattern section of my webpage: (click here)

How clever am I! Ssshhh noone needs to know I had a mess making it!

Crochet Go Bag!

Yes, this is a thing!

If you are serious about crochet then like any good boy/girl/person guide/scout knows, BE PREPARED!

Let’s face it! Any serious crochet connoisseur knows that there is nothing worse than finding yourself somewhere with time to kill and hands just itching for some crochet, but you didn’t bring it with you. Of course when this happens I know I kind of just feel like plonking myself down wherever I may be and having a good sulk/cry/tantrum! Whoever decided that adults should not have tantrums really needs a talking to!

And unless you happen to be a type of Macgyver who can fashion a crochet hook from a low hanging tree branch and perhaps crochet a strategically placed clematis vine, then you will spend those hours wistfully wondering how much crochet you could have achieved.

This is where the Crochet Go Bag becomes an essential item. Always at the ready and packed with a WIP or 2 just in case.

Whenever I know I have to go pretty much anywhere, the first thought that comes to mind is, what crochet WIP shall I take?

Having a spare skein of yarn, or 2, or maybe 3 or 4 stashed away in your car, handbag, suitcase, backpack, etc, with a spare hook is just forward thinking. And a darn good excuse to buy more yarn and hooks.

I think if anything happens to me, the family shall have hours of fun finding all the well placed emergency skein and hooks, that I have planted everywhere. Maybe I should be kind and leave them a treasure map marking where the booty can be found. X marks the spot! Here and here, and here and there and over there. I can just hear my children all exclaiming ‘Mum was rather odd at the end. We found yarn and hooks hidden everywhere!’

They would probably all be wondering if I actually packed a Go Bag to take with me! Mmmm now that is a thought! Perhaps I should arrange this!

Crochet Go Bag Contents.

1, 2, 3, 4 or maybe 5 skeins of yarn. ✔

Mini scissors. ✔

At least one hook or two (go on throw in a third one). ✔

Measuring tape. ✔

Stitch Markers. ✔

Tapestry needle. ✔

W.I.P. ✔

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Be organised! You will thank me when you can just reach for your emergency crochet go bag when the need arises!


Links:

Vagabond Bag Link

Stylecraft Special Dk yarn

Clover Armour Hooks

Tapestry needles

Stitch Markers

Measuring Tape

Scissors

Crochet tote





Let's Talk Shawls!

Gold dress made using Madam Tricote thread

With my designs I have a tendency to stick to things like blankets and shawls.

I do love it when I find time to dabble in unique wearables but……………….. I don’t often bother to create patterns for this. It comes down to a hatred of having to size things. Designing is a ton of work at the best of times and sizing is a real bore. So what does one do to still be creative and create the odd wearable? Shawls!

I get to let my imagination run wild and I don’t really have to bother with sizing. It’s a win, win situation! Pictured you will see a dress I made for a wedding a couple of years ago. I used Madam Tricote metallic thread doubled and was very happy with the results.

I have also added a picture of my Technicolor Yarn freeform vest. Made from many different colours of pure wool. And yes I do wear this! I wore it to the Cinema just the other night to see the new Thor movie. The movie was not all that great but at least I looked good!

But back to shawls. I do have some shawls that fit the usual standard triangle or rectangle shapes but the ones that are a little more on the weird side are my favourites.

My latest design ‘Grannys Gone Bohemian Shawl’ uses a simple square joined with the join as you go method! The unique and weird factor creeps in as these squares only touch in the corners , thus using the negative space to create something just a bit different!. The main colour I have used is a softer cream/beige with slight colour flecks through it. I then used a splash or purple in various amounts on selected squares to form a feature pattern across the shawl.

The base of the shawl has a split fringe in the main colour, with basic purple fringe on the sides.

I worked with yarn from Glenheaven Knits.

Jenece from Glenheavan Knits is an Australian Indie dyer whose yarns are something special.

The main body of the shawl is made from a gorgeous BFL Cashmere Silk. The accent colour is a deep purple sock yarn.

Technicolour Yawn Vest

I wanted the purple to pop and draw the eye to the pattern created with the subtle splash of colour.

I do have to say that I was very happy with the end result! The yarn was lovely to work with and I am sure this shawl is going to become one of my favourites.

Links to the shawl and yarn can be found on my main webpage. Look under premium patterns, then shawl.

What is a Yarn Fast?

Otherwise known as Yarn Fasting!

This is the practise of refraining from and resisting any urges to purchase yarn. Whether this be via online purchase, visiting LYS or even buying from destash sites.

I have been on a succesful, self imposed, yarn fast for all of 2022. I have way too much yarn and some of it needs to go. I have tried to design items that will use up some of this copious amounts of yarn, and while I have placed a tiny (and I do mean tiny) dent in it, no one else would probably think so.

Yesterday was a very odd day! Where I live had torrential rain. Yep it was bucketing down and as the old saying goes, IT WAS RAINING CATS AND DOGS!

I had the need to venture forth into the world and check on an elderly relative. I combined this with a stop at the gym for a workout. Heading out I was wondering if this trip was a great idea. I had to drive my little car through a few patches of water that was halfway up my car tyres. The optimist in me just kept saying that it would all be OKAY!

After doing the things that needed to be done and braving the CATS AND DOGS flying everywhere, I headed for home.

Now sometimes the call for yarn can be strong!

And in fairness to myself I did have to drive home via a different route than I usually take due to the flooded roads. This would take me RIGHT PAST the LYS. I live very rural and this store just seems to magically be there. It isn’t in a row of shops (as you would imagine most yarn stores to be), but on a property fronting a road I had to drive right past. I am sure that often when I pass, I can see a halo of light shining above the place beckoning me in.

Of course today was a little different due to all the Cats and Dogs flying everywhere, but as I neared the spot where the LYS appears sort of like Brigadoon, I looked through the madly rushing windscreen wipers as they made a vain attempt to keep the windscreen clear enough to see, I felt the urge to shop! Have you ever tried to resist the yarn buying urge when it just calls to you? Impossible, RIGHT!

I do need some Scheepjes Whirl to finish a partially designed blanket, I thought to myself. I am only going to have to come back another time if I don’t get it now. Sooooooooooo there is a little bit of rain, i think to myself as another log goes drifting by the car.

I knew the LYS should be open on this day as they usually are. But apparently making a promise to ones self is taken seriously by the powers that watch over these things!

The entrance gate to the LYS was shut and I could just make out the horrid RED sign (I don’t much like red. It’s not as bad as green but still not a favourite) on the gate CLOSED! Sure it was a day of flood warnings and I did have to drive through water that was now up to the top of my car tyres, but really. I wanted yarn! I did consider just ramming the gate and demanding they provide me with yarn, but then they may never let me back. I discarded this idea almost immediately.

Sulking due to being thwarted in my effort to break my yarn fast, I headed on home.

I did eventually manage to get there and I won’t be going anywhere till the flooding subsides. I sure won’t be buying any yarn from the LYS until it does!. In all honesty Scheepjes should just give me some for all the designs I do with their yarn!!!! Just saying!

Back to my Yarn Fast. Did I tell you I HAVE NOT bought yarn all year!

How To Catch A Dragonfly Blanket

Catching a dragonfly requires a nimble body, stealth like movements, patience, and a gentle hand.  A net also helps!  According to Western Folklore catching a dragonfly meant you would marry within the year! P.S. Just remember to release the Dragonfly unharmed!

My 110th design! The pattern and further details can be found in my premium patterns section under blankets.

Of all the designs I have done (and there is now quite a few) I would have to say this one is in my top ten for sure. I would even go so far as to say it is very high up in my top ten.

It flows really nicely and the gentle texture created with the front post stitches (to me) has a gorgeous look to it.

I was also rather glad I had saved the Hobbii Sultan Deluxe in Koi for this project as I loved the outcome of colour and I enjoy working in the Sultan Deluxe. You can see my review about this yarn in my YARN STALKER section on my webpage.

I am not going to add here all the details about material. They can be found on the webpage under premium patterns and blankets.

I was lucky enough to round up, coerce, force, 10 super hero pattern testers to run this pattern through the test process and make sure all the errors within were found.

I am always amazed at their tenacity to sign on and test. They don’t seem to mind being locked in my basement for weeks on end with porridge for dinner and one hours sleep time per day.

I asked a few of them to write a bit about their thoughts on this design. Yes, it is true I refused to allow them leave of absence from the basement until they stated a few glowing words, but I am sure they did really mean what they wrote. I THINK!

I have added their words below:

MJ Rose

If you couldn’t already tell this is a Sue Stapleton blanket. I believe that I usually complete the majority of her dragonfly collection. I just really like them!!! This one was claimed before I even got started by a coworker who is doing a baby neutral room.

This one is probably one of her easiest since the pattern is repetitious and you can’t miss what should happen next. BUT DON’T GET OVER CONFIDENT I totally have mistakes in that blanket (shh don’t tell Sue) that I didn’t catch until three rows up so please make sure you are counting your stitches x.x. Sue’s patterns are always easy to read and have graphics and photos to help you along. I get really spoiled with her patterns compared to others because of all the detail and time that she puts in them.

So yeah, love it! Definitely give it a try!!

Mj Rose.

Catherine Henderson

Sue Stapleton of Auburncraft Crochet Design, has created another stunning filet and texture blanket called "How To Catch A Dragonfly”. This amazing blanket design uses basic stitches with post stitches for texture. I was so excited and grateful for being part of her test team! I worked on my version for 3 weeks. This amazing blanket works up so fast, and changes with every new row. The pattern works great for either a left or right handed crocheter. With comprehensive easy to understand instructions and photos for reference. I had so much fun making it, that I found myself rushing through my housework, and any daily appointments so I could sit down to work on the blanket. I used Malli Knitting Yarn 8ply, in Mint Green, with a 4mm hook. I enjoyed the pattern so much that I started a second using a light multi coloured yarn.

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Colleen Harris .

Sallyanne Fisher

How to Catch a Dragonfly is the latest pattern in Sue Stapleton’s signature dragonfly designs. As usual, she insisted on maximum labor for minimum wages (basement accommodations and one bowl of gruel daily)!

Nevertheless, this design was an enjoyable and relaxing way to crochet a delightful hexagon shaped blanket. The dragonflies are everywhere, flying in ever increasing groups, but are trapped in their hexagonal web. The look is elegant and refined and is a joy to make, even if she did force me to test it!

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Oops!

Not sure how Sallyannes quotes found their way onto the page! DISCLAIMER!!! NO TESTERS WERE HARMED IN THE CREATING OF THIS DESIGN! Well not a lot anyway!!! Really who doesn’t love gruel!

If you are a fan of dragonflies and enjoy my design, do please show me your makes from the pattern. You can find Auburncraft crochet design on instagram, ravelry, etsy, lovecrafts and bendigo woollen mills.

Sallyanne Fisher.

I Like To Write

If you follow my works on facebook, instagram etc. You may have noticed that I often add a poem or a little bit of writing here and there. Or maybe you have purchased one of my patterns and found a poem hiding amidst the instructions.

I like to write!

Now, I didn’t say I was great at it, and I know my grammar and punctuation is much like an out of control train headed straight for the station, but I do my best.

I find writing an extension of creativity and feel it adds just a little bit more of a personal touch to my designs. I write about things that I love and feel strongly about. I thought I would share just a few of my scribbles here.

Note: If there is pattern attached to any of these writings you will find it by clicking the poem.

In my latest design ‘The Tangled Garden Shawl’ I have written about what I think a garden should be.

Those who know me well, will know I love the colour purple.

Naturally I had to write about it!

Become a Dragonfly Cindee Rose Blanket was dedicated to a dear friend that left the building quite suddenly. I wrote ‘Good Bye Cindee Rose’ for this.

Many of my designs feature my own signature Dragonflies. At certain times of year I have Dragonflies in abundance where I live. I love to watch them flit about, seemingly on a mission of their very own.

One of these little scribbles is ‘I Wish I Were a Dragonfly’. And following that I wrote ‘If I Were a Dragonfly’

I dedicated ‘Pink’ to an Irish friend who really does not think very much of the colour!

When I designed ‘A Contemplation of Cats Blanket’, I used a BWM cotton yarn in a lovely peach/orange colour and this prompted a poem about the colour ORANGE!

Last year I designed ‘I wish I were a Butterfly Blanket’ and wrote a poem with the same title.

I am always spending way too much time trying to discover where I have put my crochet hook. I am sure that they are hiding from me. I decided to write about this issue.

Who doesn’t find it hard to put the crochet down and go to bed!

This prompted this poem.

And my final one for this post is dedicated to one of my fabulous pattern testers/editors who has the patience of an angel. She puts up with my crazy errors and wades her way through my inability to count at times. Nikki also likes to make a point of creating her tests in the colour GREEN, mainly due to the fact that she knows I really hate green. So I wrote this for NIkki.

I will continue to add my musings to my patterns and platforms and hope that they are received well!

Six Wishes for a Dragonfly by Nikki Barker

Diary of a YARN HOARDER


I began this year with a vow to myself that I would downsize my yarn stash. This is never easy and so I thought I would share my bravery via my diary exerpts from earlier this year.

28th January 2022

Dear Diary,

Today was a difficult day! I made the decision to downsize my yarn stash. I knew this day had to come sooner or later. And I knew today had to be the day!

I honestly don’t know how it happened. First it was just one ball and then 2. Before I knew it there were hundreds of the things. Yarn had slowly crept into the house and grew much like feeding a gremlin after midnight.

I can honestly say that I have enough yarn to make a chain length that would span the Pacific Ocean. And while that would look really great the yarn invasion must end!

Now Diary, as you know I do use quite a lot of yarn in my designer endeavours, but there is a small amount of yarn that should have left home many moons ago.

Of course there will be tears but I can do this!

I do have a few things I do need to do first (such as browsing yarn stores online) and then the destash will begin. I think! Maybe! Or Maybe tomorrow!

29th January 2022

Dear Diary,

No time today! Destashing will have to wait!

30th January 2022

Dear Diary,

I tried to make a start on cleaning out the yarn stash but I got distracted and spent the day just squishing and admiring it all.

31st January 2022

Dear Diary,

What yarn stash?

1st February 2022

Dear Diary,

Busy, busy! I didn’t get to the yarn destashing yesterday! But have made a start today. Separating the yarns into piles in order of, I MUST KEEP, want to KEEP, need to KEEP and the very small pile that I can maybe stand to rehome.

I do think someone is trying to sabotage my efforts as several of the balls placed in the rehome pile have found their way into the keep pile. But then maybe that was just me!

Diary, I think I need help!

2nd February 2022

Dear Diary,

Yarn everywhere! I need a medal for bravery! I gave 6 skeins of yarn (of dubious quality) away. I was responsible and carried out in-depth interviews with those wanting to give the yarn a new home. I am confident they will be well cared for. I said goodbye to them, gave them one last squish and watched them depart. Yes, tears were shed but they are going to a better place.

Tomorrow I will continue sorting the massive piles of ‘MUST KEEP’ yarn and storing it neatly away! Maybe a few more will need to be rehomed! Or not!

3 February 2022

Dear Diary,

Didn’t get any yarn sorted today. Life just got too busy. I must try to get to it soon as there have been family complaints re: having to leapt over mounds of yarn to traverse the house. I even received several threats of violence directed at the yarn.

Tomorrow for sure!

4th February 2022

Dear Diary,’

Wow, sorting yarn is great! I found a skein of Malibrigo Lace that had been missing for ever! Of course I had to jump online and order 4 more in the same colour to make a shawl. One is just never enough and it would be irresponsible not to make use of this beauty!

While I was online I also spotted some lovely Debbie Bliss alpaca in a gorgeous shade of purple and added 6 of those. And what luck, they had a sale on Scheepjes Whirl, so 3 of those crept into the checkout basket. Oops!

But Diary, you would be so proud of me. I managed to get much of the yarn stash stored away and now only need around 5 large plastic containers to store the rest. Tomorrow I will head to the shops to get the containers.

5th February 2022

Dear Diary,

Shopping day was fun! I ended up purchasing 6 plastic containers as I figure it is better to be prepared. I had to pass the LYS on the way to get them and I am not quite sure what happened but the car just stopped. Now some say that is what happens when you hit the brakes, but I can neither confirm or deny this!

And what luck! They had Premier cotton on sale.. I managed to get 10 skeins at half price! Woo hoo!

6th February 2022

Dear Diary,

Today I finished cleaning out the yarn stash and packing all the lovely squishies away. I did need the 6th plastic container as the Malibrigo/Debbie Bliss/Whirl also arrived this morning. I may need to grab just one more container next time I shop as they are all very full.

The feeling of achievement from downsizing my yarn is AMAZING and I am feeling really superior!

I shall have to clean out my yarn stash more often!



Dragonfly Labyrinth Blanket

Enter the Labyrinth…. If you dare!

Lured into the Labyrinth by the scent of flowers, the Dragonflies find themselves lost. Their sense of direction gone! Maybe you can help them find their way!

i designed this beauty last year and it has spent the past 6 months under exclusive contract, but now the 6 months has ended and so I am showing this one off yet again and doing a little re-launch!

I put a lot of thought into the design of this one.

I would classify it as an intermediate level blanket.

It has dragonflies (of course) as a feature and for the border I placed my dragonflies into boot camp. They underwent a grueling course learning to fly in the opposite direcction. It took a bit of hard work, but they finally mastered this. The result is some extra special dragonflies heading into the labyrinth. They just cannot resist the scent of flowers and feel they must investigate.

Of course life was never meant to be easy and their path has many obstacles. Once inside it is almost impossible to leave! Filet chevron shapes block their way to freedom!

For this blanket I worked in fingering weight yarn. Any of the many different brands of this will give a great result. Several people have made this in a slightly heavier weight yarn and also with great results. Just keep in mind that this will result in a larger outcome.

Each round in this blanket is different and you won’t find a simple repeat anywhere.

So take a look at Dragonfly Labyrinth and hopefully you will feel the need to ENTER THE LABYRINTH!

Click here to be taken to my webpage to purchase the pattern (HERE).

Click here to be taken to Ravelry (HERE)

Webpage subscribers can use the re-launch discount code on raverly.

Or Etsy (HERE)

Guest Blogger Claudia Bierau of CB Creations!

Claudia of CB Creations and I crossed paths a few years back over a ‘Borrowed’ pattern of hers. I was concerned about the situation that had arisen where someone had taken a bit of licence with one of her patterns and we had a mutual connection to the source.

So we bonded over a Amigurumi Viking and have stayed friends ever since.

Claudia hails from the Netherlands and thankfully is fluent in English, as I have no understanding of Dutch at all.

Claudia has written of the adventures of Pedr The Viking (with a bit of artistic licence added in) and how he formed our friendship. Take a look at her webpage and her beautiful work. Claudia produces some of the best Amigurami I have ever seen.

Click any picture to be taken to PEDR THE VIKING and CB CREATIONS!

 

Viking Pedr connects crochet pattern designers worldwide

 

This is the romanticized story of Pedr the Viking. All the names are real, the story is based on true facts, but of course there are some fictional elements in it!

 

The origin of Pedr, a tough Viking

It's been almost 3 years since I designed Pedr the Viking.

I had wanted to make a Viking for a while, but that idea remained only an idea in my head. And suddenly there was the series Vikings!! But I also watched the Vikings in the movie How to train your dragon.

I wanted to make a tough looking Viking with a wild beard. So I mainly looked at Hiccup's father, in combination with Ragnar Lothbrok. And here's my Viking pattern.

Pedr is armed with a knife, an axe and a shield. He has a fur coat and a helmet with horns. Yes I know, real Vikings didn't have horns on their helmets, but because Pedr is my creation and he's just as stubborn as I am, he has horns on his helmet!

He may look ferocious, but in real life he is very nice!

 But why the name Pedr?

I like to explore my family tree. During that research I came to a distant ancestor on my father's side.  Pedr Hansson, born approximately in 1748 and from Graa-Dyb in Denmark. In 1781 Pedr Hansson married Magdalena Wilkens in Amsterdam. So I have a little Viking blood in me... Yes!! I knew it!

 Pedr the Viking in Denmark

Pedr the Viking was welcomed everywhere. He was very popular, not only in the Netherlands but also far beyond! Via a detour via France, he also ended up in Denmark. What more could I wish for?! Pedr Hansen was back home, where the story once began.

 When he arrived in Denmark, he had a great time, in the beginning! He was well taken care of, asked if his axe needed extra sharpening, if he wanted a larger fur coat. But after a while they were not so nice anymore. Something bad happened to Pedr in Denmark. He was kidnapped, kidnapped and held captive for the purpose of cloning him. Yes really, they wanted to make another Viking out of him!

 Help from Australia

He tried to convince them neatly, to explain that that was not supposed to happen. That he is unique and wanted to stay that way! If you want to create another Viking, you have to come up with a completely different Viking. Then we can still be brothers, but not twins!!  After reasoning didn't work, help came from an unexpected source! A nice lady from Australia heard his cry for help and decided to put on her world famous boots. These are very special magic red boots, which this lady puts on every now and then to save people from difficult situations. And yes, it helped! After a large kick to the kidnapper's buttocks, Pedr was able to escape and sail back to the Netherlands.

 

Auburncraft Crochet Design

Back in the Netherlands he couldn't get this lady out of his head. Who was this Australian lady? After some detective work in certain purple groups on Facebook, he found the lady. It was Sue from Auburncraft Crochet Design! Oh and what did he see? She also had red hair just like him! Terrific!!

 He sent her a beautiful bunch of purple flowers, because purple is her favourite colour, and heard from her that she had created a whole new group on Facebook to combat this kind of abuse in the creative world. A group for designers of crocheted creations. To support each other with all the problems that can occur in this world of crochet, such as kidnapping of creations! Sue runs this group together with another red-haired lady: Fiona. Fiona lives in Ireland! The name of the group is: Crochet Designers Support Group.

 Of course, a special Facebook group of these 2 ladies could not be missed: Two Redheads Crochet! 

Look them up!! (click here for Two Redheads)

 Pedr has recovered well from his adventure and is already looking for other adventures here at CB's Creations. Would you like to invite this great tough Viking to your home? Then it is best to crochet him yourself, so you can be sure that he is really yours!  

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Links to CB Creations

You can find more of Claudia’s incredible Amigurami on her webpage (click here).

Other links: (click here)

You can also find my guest blog post on Claudia’s webpage:

Oh, The Shame of it ALL!

I recently did a bragging post about the Yarnfast I was on (see previous blog post as to an explanation of what this is).
Yes, I was so proud that I had made my way through 2 full months of the year and in fact the whole of 2022 without buying yarn.

Well the fast has broken!

I feasted on yarn yesterday! Now I did not over indulge and really only bought what I NEEDED. But it still results in the same thing!

Yesterday I felt the call of the LYS. The store was loudly shouting in my ear ‘Come visit me!” The thing is, it wasn’t as though I went out of my way to go there. Due to recent flooding (see previous yarn fast post), I simply had to drive right by it, as my usual way home is still blocked.

And if we are going to get all technical about it all, the best way to lift ones spirits after a tough few days, is a visit to the LYS.

I hopped out of my car and was totally surprised at the extra spring in my step. My feet just danced across the road towards the LYS entrance.

I think I may have even been humming a cheery tune as I entered. I was very clinical in my approach to this just the same. I headed directly to the shelves I know housed the Scheepjes Whirl (again, (see other blog posts) why won’t Scheepjes just give me some yarn? I did ask them once with a lovely proposal and got a Dear John back . So I have no idea why I bother to use it so much).

I needed a Whirl in Shrinking Violet for a super fantastic blanket of which I have on the design board and partially completed. I didn’t let any of the other colours distract me and ignored their pleas begging for me to caress them. Then I headed to the Whirlettes. I needed 2 different shades of what colour? Purple of course! How silly that anyone may think it could be other than that!

I can tell you the colours I grabbed do looks so nice together !

Straight to the counter to pay and while the staff chatted with me for a bit, I did try to rush out the door as the temptation to shop was strong. It was all done in a kind of ‘Buy (no, not BYE), gotta run’ and all the while trying to not look as the shelves whilst muttering to myself ‘Don’t look!”

I have not used any of this purchase as yet but have spent some time admiring and squishing it. It is so pretty!

Now I must really try to start my YARNFAST all over again!