Crochet Design. Looking Behind the Design Curtain. (Crochet Curtains of course)

Around 400 hours of work went into this design. Leadlight Blanket. Click the picture for the pattern.

How much work should a designer do?

I guess that depends upon who you ask!

This is an opinion piece!

Now before I get into the deep and meaning section of this post, I must say that in general people who reach out with questions and ask for help, are on the whole lovely. This post does delve into the darker side of designing. So if this is not for you then that is okay!

I would like to try and tactfully highlight a side of designing that many would not consider. I co-run a designer support group which means that I am in contact with over 450 other crochet designers. We could all write a book with tales of what goes on behind the scenes.

Patterns do not suddenly appear in written format for people to make and use, and while many seem to think that all patterns should be offered free for use, the reality is that for many of those who design, this is a business.

We try to make our patterns user friendly but we are human and every so often an error will slip through. I know if this happens I correct this as soon as possible. I don’t want a pattern to be out there with an error.

Most of my patterns are of an intermediate level. I know I spend hundreds of hours to get patterns that are of this level tested and published. I put as much information into these as I can, in an effort to try and make them as user friendly as possible.

This year alone I know of 2 incredible designers who simply gave up desigining and this is where I get to the point of this post.

Designers deserve to be paid for their work. They offer up a pattern for a few dollars and hopefully this is well written and error free (don’t forget the human factor). We have people purchase from all over the world and with this in mind, a designer may well be asleep when people decide they need a question answered. Answering questions takes time.

Questions can be as simple as people not being able to download on the platform they purchased from, to numerous other issues. People who message often assume a designer can instantly know where they purchased the pattern from. Many designers sell on multiple platforms and unless a person states that they bought from a specific one, it takes time to sort through sales information to find just where a person purchased from. I often have contact, where the person states that they bought my dragonfly pattern. I have over 20 dragonfly patterns. This usually then results in a scramble at my end to find what pattern was purchased. This means searching through each sales list, on each platform.

Many issues that occur, such as the download problem, can be solved by a simple Google search on how to download from a specific platform.

Most designers will state the ability level required to attempt a pattern. Please look for this and keep it in mind when you make a purchase. If a pattern states intermediate level, you can assume that it is expected for you to have a good understanding of crochet techniques, to be able to read a pattern and comprehend how repeats can be formatted.

Please try to be patient and understanding that designers get many questions. I can be almost ready to get into bed for the night and a message pops up with someone wanting help. Or I may be out shopping and without access to the patterns. There could be a sick child in the house or any one of a million situations that a designer is dealing with and many questions result in a need to research each pattern to understand what the customers issue is. I have well over 100 designs and really do not remember every row of every pattern I have done without looking.

I would also like to touch on a few other instances that people may not be aware of.

FREE PATTERNS

Many designers will offer free patterns in the hope that they will draw traffic to their webpages. This is where the complaints begin. Just a few of the messages that people have taken the time to send to designers:

It’s pointless trying to do this pattern, as you have too many ads on your webpage.

You have a buy me a coffee button on the page and are trying to make me feel guilty and buy you a coffee.

This is not a free pattern as I cannot print it out.

I am a beginner and WANT a video tutorial, can you do this for me.

I want to do this in a larger size and so want you to spend several hours doing the calculations so I can.

REVIEWS

While reviews have their place and are a necessary thing, there are times when it would be nice if a customer stopped for one minute before pressing that post button and thought for a moment. Just because I have not been able to make this, does it mean there is an issue? I didn’t ask for help, but I will blame the design or the designer for this, and my review will reflect this.

Once a review is left it can impact a designer in a good or negative way. Many factors come into play.

Designers who sell on the Etsy platform are now also finding that we are held to ransom with this new STAR SELLER badge that Etsy has decided to implement. Etsy does not seem to recognize that those buying a pattern do not want to leave a review right after purchase as they have not made the item yet.

This does not stop them from sending constant emails to the buyer requesting they do so. This sometimes means that a buyer will do a review to shut Etsy up. They have not made this item and so may decide to leave a 4 star or less due to this.

What impact does this have on the designer?

I had this situation a while back:

Some yarn pretties! Woltraum My Melody in the colour Always and Durable Color Cake in Licorice. Both available from Yarn Me Calm. You can click the picture for Yarn Me Calm

A customer left a 4 star. As this was right at the end of the month, the month ticked over and first I knew of it was Etsy sending me an email stating that it was bad luck, I had not received a star seller badge this month, but don’t despair, as they would help me to get back on track and correct this wrong doing, in order for me to get that badge back next month. Then I receive a condescend email stating, that they would help me be better and let’s get you back on track.

This year a new search choice was also put in place on Etsy. Buyers can choose to only search for items from star sellers. I understand that people do not want to purchase from sellers who may be questionable, but it takes so little to lose the star rating.

It seems fair that a person should be allowed to write a review as they wish but please do stop and think before doing so. But Esty’s star sellers system relies heavily on customer feedback. The concern with this is the subjectivity of the evaluations.

Below are real questions and statements sent to designers. Some of these relate to reviews and others are general questions or comments gathered from a group with over 450 designers worldwide:

Do note that most people who do contact, are genuinely lovely. Then there are times not so much!

• I couldn’t make the pattern as it is intermediate. I didn’t ask for help but I am going to give it a poor review as I am only a beginner and can’t make it.

• I bought your pattern and while I know you don’t do videos, I would rather be able to watch one, so I am leaving a one star rating.

• I paid you $5 for a blanket and you didn’t send it to me. Where is it.? No I didn’t read it is a PDF copy to make a blanket, even though you have it everywhere on your selling platform.

• I am very unhappy with your video tutorial explaining the tricky parts of your sweater pattern. I didn’t buy the pattern and so cannot understand fully how to make the sweater. Can you do another video free amd detailing all parts, so I can make it.

• The formatting of your pattern hurts my eyes.

• I cannot work out how to enlarge a page of your pattern and the graph is only A4 size so I have removed a star from the rating. In future please keep this in mind when designing

• I am unable to print your pattern as my printer is refusing to do so. I want a refund.

• I saw you had a limited time discount for a pattern. I missed out and really don’t think that is fair.

• I bought this pattern and while it stated it is in English, I am Spanish and want it in Spanish. Please write it in Spanish.

• I can’t understand this pattern as I bought US Terminology and it is in English.

• I purchased your pattern and it is too small to view on my phone. You need to make it bigger.

• Does this look right? Blurry photograph is attached.

• My phone won’t download pdf’s and I cannot download your FREE pattern. Can you make me a video of it?

• I downloaded your pattern to my computer and now I cannot find it. Where is it?

• I have given you 3 stars as I did my own addition to your pattern and feel it looks better than yours.

• I love your pillow pattern but have only given it 1 star as it took me too long to make.

• I changed your design as I didn’t like it. Now I have made a mistake. Can you help me?

• I really like your baby blanket pattern but I wanted it to fit a king sized bed. I tried repeating the last 20 rounds but the stitch counts don’t work. Can you give me all the stitch counts for rounds enough to fit a king size bed.

• I have only given you 3 stars as I don’t like the yarn you used in your design.

• Is centimetres the same as inches?

• You are a thief. There is no pattern and I want my money back. (This was a pre-release purchase of a CAL pattern which at this point only had the introductions released).

• My printer won’t print your pattern but printed all the others just fine

• Here is a photograph of my enormous yarn stash. Can you pick some colours from it for use in your blanket pattern?

• My stitch count is right. Your pattern is wrong. Money down the toilet as far as I am concerned. I want a refund. (the pattern in question did not have an error).

To those who take the time to leave a nice review and/or put a project on Ravelry, or even just show off your project and credit the designer, thank you!

Seeing my designs displayed and loved, puts a smile on my face.

Designers have lives beyond design and while some may crochet as a hobby, most are doing this to make a living.

Crochet designers are just people, who are trying to bring their art to the world and hopefully make some money along the way. This can be a very bumpy road.

Be kind to a designer!

Please also remember that copyright of designs is a real thing!

Not everyone has the same opinion, but this is mine on the topic!

Golden in the Sunlight Wrap

When working on wraps, shawls or any other garment design, I don’t design ordinary. I design statement pieces.

Golden in the Sunlight Wrap

My mind is drawn to the unique, the unusual and I am happiest when my wardrobe reflects this.

The idea for this wrap rattled around in my head for quite some time, before it came to life.
How to do leaf layers, without the need to sew them into place, did take a bit for my poor brain to nut out!

I wanted to combine a reasonably simple stitch combo and turn it into something unique and interesting. I hope I have achieved this.

I have labelled this beauty as high end, intermediate. Simple stitches create the main body of the wrap, but the ability to think outside the square, using the hook differently to the normal, is required.

I used an amazing hand dyed yarn for this design from Knit or Dye. This is an Australian Indie Dyer and the yarn is just lovely. I do recommend it.

Finding a name for designs can be a challenge at times, but for this design it was simple.

My beautiful daughter wrote the poem pictured on this page. She was aged around 9 or 10 years. For years I had a coffee table that I had painted with autumn trees. I spent hours with paint brush in hand, writing the whole poem around the edge of the table. It stuck firmly in my mind from this experience and matched this lovely yarn and design perfectly.

The poem’s title: Golden in the Sunlight ,seemed the perfect name for this wrap. The pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and my webpage.

Knit or Dye Yarns

Golden in the Sunlight by Chloe Stapleton

How Many Dragonfly Designs?

So many incredibly important questions!

You can always rely on me (Auburncraft Crochet Designs) to focus on the most important questions in life!

How many dragonfly designs is too many?

I do have quite a lot!

21 to be exact!

11 of these are blanket designs. One of these designs is a CAL that is running right now, The Secret of the Dragonfly Blanket. pictured right. Click the picture for further info on the CAL. The rest is spread over shawls/wraps, headwarmers, cushions and mandalas.

I do design other things, but I always wander back to my signature dragonflies.

I like dragonflie,s and have also found that these designs do tend to be my most popular.

Should I keep designing dragonfly patterns?

I do have several designs incorporating them, all drawn up and just waiting in the queue to be created.

Can I possibly keep thinking up dragonfly design names for all these designs?

I am sure I can. Suggestions are always welcome!

Should I make the shawl design I have drawn up next, or the blanket that I drew up ages ago?

Does anyone really care?

Personally I think life without dragonflies is pretty darn dismal! The world needs dragonflies!

Dragonflies on Parade Pattern Published June 2023

My latest dragonfly design, Dragonflies on Parade blanket. This is a simple design with an easy stitch combo. The pattern works up quickly and has a repeat to it. Click the image to be taken to the web page for this blanket.

Do you want more dragonflies?

Welcome to the Apocalypse Pocket Wrap

Ever wondered what the best dressed survivors of the Apocalypse are wearing?

Well, it’s always best to be prepared! This wrap comes with pockets to store all your survival items .

Cosy and warm, with that worn out look that comes with the end of the world.

————————————————————————————

I am a huge fan of any end of world type movies or TV series, but then who doesn’t love a great zombie show!

The idea for this pocket wrap was running around in my head for some time. I pondered on how to create the larger holes and to make the edges of the pockets and hood look worn.

Once I had the design concepts figured, I then spent several months trying to find a yarn that I felt would do it justice. Bendigo Woollen Mills came to the rescue with an advertisement for their Calypso yarn. This is a thick-and-thin slub cotton plied together with a soft light wool to create a crepe style yarn and was just perfect for the design.

The pockets have been designed as part of the wrap and not sewn on.

I used a 5.5mm hook which is possibly larger than I would normally use for a Dk weight yarn, but the main stitch used in the pattern is a linked treble (US). Linked stitches do tend to produce a tighter construction and so the slightly larger hook was suitable.

Crab stitch worked across surface slip stitch is also used to add further texture and a rough or worn look. This was done in a contrasting colour,

The pattern is in written format, with pictures and detailed instructions for any special stitches.

The LowDown On Yarn Stashes

You know how it is!

You begin your crochet adventure with a ball or two of yarn. The things have a bad habit of multiplying, overnight . Its like buying a guinea pig or hampster. You start out with two and while I am not sure what happens with those little creatures during the night, before you know it your house is overrun with them.

Yes, there are the few people with amazing skills, who only purchase enough yarn for each individual project. I do question this. Surely they end up with part balls, or may over estimate by one, or two, or three, as to how much they will need! Maybe they are yarn hoarders in secret, hiding the truth from the world.

Of course having a huge stash does have its benefits! During the covid period of past few years, with random lockdowns and not being able to physically shop, I didn’t have to stress that my yarn fetish would need to be placed in check. The lockdowns could have lasted till the next decade at least, before it would have become an issue for me.

I have tried to downsize my stash by giving away bags full of skeins that I knew I would never use, to those who crochet for charity, BUT to the untrained eye and on viewing my stash, one would refute this claim.

The struggle is most definately real!

I do blame the yarn for creating the problem.

How can the yarn be the problem, you ask? Well it goes a little like this:

I decide to sort my yarn and downsize. I begin sorting through the containers, drawers and various other places that store this.

There is that gorgeous yarn that has been discontinued. One day I will surely find a design that requires just that amount. If only I had at least one more ball of it. Best thing to do is stop for just a minute and see if anyone online is now destashing any!

Nope, no one has any but I did manage to purchase a dozen skeins of this gorgeous purple angora that I just know I will use.

Back to the downsizing of the yarn stash!

Half an hour later.

Mmmm I have a few of these and really must use them. They are the perfect colour but I don’t much like working in that yarn. But the best course of action is to keep them, as they should be used. I don’t want to be wasteful!

Oh my, this is so soft. Wish it wasn’t in variegated colours, as I seldom work in that. I will use this, for sure.

30, 31, 32, 33…………………. gee I do have quite a lot of Stylecraft Special Dk. I don’t work in that all that often , so how did that happen. Oh, yeah, I bought that lot to design a blanket and then didn’t. This lot was supposed to be a shawl that I never got around to. Oh well, I will use this one day! I had best get a couple more in several of the shades to be sure I have enough!

Oh, 2 cakes of Whirl in Tangerine! Woo Hoo ! I forgot I had this. Oh, I wish I had remembered. I just did a blanket in oranges in Hobbii Sultan. Probably shouldn’t do orange again for at least a few months. Best remember where this is. for later

Maybe I should sort the yarn in colours! What a great idea. I will just start sorting again.

Owwhhh, how yummy is this hand dyed skein. I wonder what hook I should use for that? It will only take a minute to make a crochet square and test this gorgeous yarn out. Oops, I made five!

And as the sun begins to set………..

Where did that time go?

The yarn stash really doesn’t seem to have diminished at all.

Oh, well, tomorrow is another day! Perhaps I will downsize tomorrow!

I am a yarn hoarder and it has been 0 days since I last purchased yarn! But today it was only 4 balls of Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury and my need was great!

Just for fun!

I have published this before, but here it is again!

A helpful guide to managing your yarn stash Hobby/addiction/disorder/problem!

And so the journey begins!

You decide to take up a hobby and get creative! Crochet sounds good, doesn't it? You begin to search online for helpful tutorials and join a group of like minded beings who can guide you on this wonderous journey.

DAY 1: THE CHANGE BEGINS. After reading up on what you need to begin, you head to your LYS and frugally select a ball of yarn and a hook.

Day 3: After a couple of hours spent with your new hobby you decide that you don't have the necessary supplies in order to continue on this wonderful JOURNEY! Heading back to the yarn store you decide to treat yourself to several balls of yarn in several different colours. These will be all you need!

Day 13: By now you are feeling a bit masterful of this new hobby and feel that you need to expand your knowledge further. New stitches must be tried. None of the yarn you have is going to work. Back to the LYS you go and spend 2 hours fondling the yarn and exclaiming how wonderous it is. You end up selecting a trolley full of the wonderous fibre. You also stop and buy a number of storage containers to keep these treasures safe.

Day 21: You now belong to at least a dozen online groups for crochet. You have started trawling marketplace web groups and find several posts about private yarn sales which you feel you must attend. You rush to the address and manage to beat an elderly woman in a walking frame to the huge yarn collection and even though she is crying you know your need is greater. You also spot a tasteful yarn tote (which you ripped from the grip of the previously mentioned old ladies fragile grasp) so you can now take your crochet with you wherever you go.

Day 25: Today is dedicated to ensuring your yarn pattern library is equal to the yarn stash and 5000 patterns is NOT too much. You also managed a few hours of crochet and taught the whole family to NEVER, NEVER speak when you are counting.

Day 28: The last stage of metamorphosis. A few days back you discovered online yarn stores and very sensibly took out a loan from the bank to purchase while the yarn happened to be on sale. The truck arrived today with all your yarn. The metaphorphis is now complete.

Disclaimer: No elderly ladies with fragile hands were harmed in this journey, although some harrassment of yarn delivery drivers did occur!

Do You Like CALS? Do you love Dragonflies?

Do you like CALS?

Do you love Dragonflies?

What about a CAL with Dragonflies?

Today part 1 of The Secret of the Dragonflies blanket, has gone live.

10 Weeks of fun

Part 1 is available on Ravelry right now. Part 2 will land in two weeks time.

Find the CAL (here), and (here)

Right: Just a few of the amazing makes from my pattern testers.

The Secret of the Dragonfly CAL 2023

Coming soon

The Secret of the Dragonfly Blanket

In the years I have been designing I have carefully skirted around the idea of running a CAL. There is a number of reasons for this!

Firstly it is a lot of work and as the majority of my patterns are of intermediate level, I was unsure as to whether this would attract enough genuine interest.

When I was designing The Secret of the Dragonfly Blanket, it seemed a design very much suited to a CAL. I decided that maybe it to give it a go!

I had this design completed and through testing late last year, but knowing that as it would run over 10 weeks, I felt it would be best to launch this early 2023.

The plans for this got a bit crazy, as life decided to throw a few curve balls and the decision to wait till life calmed down a bit was made.

Life is still slightly crazy but the blanket is ready to go.

The pattern will be launched on Ravelry on the 30th April 2023 for pre-sales. The introduction will be available at this time so yarns can be organised.

Parts will be released via Ravelry on the following dates;

Part 1: 10th May 2023

Part 2: 24th May 2023

Part 3: 31st May 2023

Part 4: 14th June 2023

Part 5: 21st June 2023

Part 6: 28th June 2023

Part 7: 1st July 2023

Part 8: 5th July 2023

Part 9: 12th July2023

Part 10: 19th July 2023

The design features my signature dragonflies in a unique blanket and will come in two sizes. I classify this as an INTERMEDIATE level .

The CAL will be run through my webpage, and Facebook Group. Purchase of the pattern will only be available via Ravelry.

This is a written pattern with photographs, and graphs. I DO NOT offer video tutorials, so please do not ask for these.

This is a PAID CAL. For those who may think that paying for CALS is not for them, this is fine and I fully understand. I will point out that I am not a huge designer and therefore get kick backs from other areas. I paid for the yarns to design this and Ispent hours, upon hours working on the pattern and I am not in a position to do this for free.

A basic break-down of yarn used is below. More information will be available on Ravelry and my main webpage.

Scheepjes Whirl in Shrinking Violet

Scheepjes Whirl in Brambleberry

Scheepjes Whirlette in Grappa

Scheepjes Whirlette in Banana

I hope you that some will decided to try my CAL and enjoy the process of creating their own Secret of the Dragonflies.

Auburncrafts Mandala Comet

Auburncrafts Mandala Comet is my third foray into the area of wall art design.

With everything that I create, I try to be unique. I want those who use my patterns to look at what they have made and say ‘Wow, I made that!’

The stitches used in the design are simple. The challenge is working from bobbins for the colour changes over the 8 rounds that utilise this.

The next couple of months will be a busy time for me, with the launch of my very first CAL in the next 10 days. Do keep an eye out for this and if you are not already a member of my dedicated facebook group, do join.

The CAL will be run through both Ravelry and my facebook group.

In the meantime, amuse yourself with your own copy of Auburncrafts Mandala Comet Pattern. Head to my webpage to view some of the beauties created by my pattern testers.

Dragonflies N Ivy Wall Hanging Mandala

Introducing Dragonflies N Ivy Wall Hanging Mandala.

I have discovered that designing wall hangings can be fun!

I did enjoy designing this piece. Dragonflies dance amidst the Ivy to create a unique piece that would give any wall a lift.

Despite exclamations of perfection (mostly coming from ME), I am not perfect. I am creative, but quite capable of errors.

This piece was a bit of a bear for my hard working pattern testers. I had a lot going on behind the scenes when I designed and wrote this. This translated to a number of what I like to call my ‘Boo, Boo’s’. Thankfully my pattern testers are amazing and found their way through the maze of Boo, Boo’s and this beauty is ready to go!

You can view my testers makes on my webpage dedicated to this piece.

The hours that have gone into getting this piece from idea to launch have been in the hundreds. I really hope everyone loves this piece as it does have a lot of heartache poured into it, due to the difficult time over which I designed it!

I made this piece twice. First with Scheepjes Whirl in Shrinking Violet and then in Durable Colour Cake in Licorice Layer Cake. Any yarn similar to this will work for the piece. It uses one Cake!

Enjoy!

Dragonflies on my Mind Head Warmer

More Dragonflies!

And these ones are FREE!

This is a simple pattern that works up super quick. Each head warmer has three dragonflies spaced around it.

Head to my webpage to see some fantastic makes from my pattern testers.

You can also find the FREE PDF to download there. This is available in both UK and US Terminology.

But please do take just a moment to pop over to ravelry and favourite the pattern there. This is a small thing, but really does make a huge difference to my ability to keep designing.

Beware! The Dragonflies are on the March!

I have so many dragonfly designs! How many dragonflies designs? Heaps!

Let’s face it. One can never really have enough Dragonflies. Simply an impossibility!

Naming all of them can sometimes be tricky. What to call this one? Mmmmm.

I passed the task of naming this new design to my husband. He felt it described the design perfectly!

And today the exitement is building! Why is this so?

It’s pattern launch day! March of the Dragonflies, is ready!

If you were wise and subscribed to my webpage, you will have received a pattern launch day code for use on ravelry. My subscribers always get the best discounts.

I am however feeling a bit generous today and am willing (truth be told, my CEO → told me I had too) to offer a 10% launch day discount to everyone else for use on Ravelry.

Use the code ‘generous’ on ravelry at checkout.

Looks like a sweetie, but don’t be fooled. Stella gets what Stella wants!

But best be quick. My generosity can only stretch so far and as soon as my CEO turns her back I am likely to end this. Yep, I am mean! Someone has to be!

For more information and links to the pattern (click here) to be taken to the webpage for the pattern.

Split The Difference Cowl Neckwarmer

I have decided that Jacob and his ladder really needed to move over and make room for AUBURNCRAFT’S LADDER!

Sure I have used Jacob’s basic technique. But Jacob didn’t think outside the box with their ladder. I have!

No one really stated that this ladder needed or, had to be used in a certain way. Therefore it was up to ME to find a new way to use it! And I have!

Click the image to be taken to Ravelry

Split The Difference Cowl Neckwarmer is a relatively quick make. I used quality Bendigo Woollen Mill Aran Luxury for this. It used just over one ball to create a neckwarmer that can fit an averaged sized neck. The size can be adjusted by working extra repeats across a row and/or more rows.

The end result is a twisted look to a basic Cowl/Neckwarmer, with a luxurious feel to it having used the BWM Luxury. You can get 50% off the pattern on Ravelry only for a very limited time. See the picture with the code for use here! Do take the time to pop the pattern into your favourites to show it some love!

Just one more BALL!

I am sure we have all been there!

You decide to create something and head to your yarn stash.

If you happen to be anything like me, this is a rather daunting task with a stash that could easily be seen from outer space if stacked corrrectly.

After digging through the mountain of these unused (but nevertheless precious) yarns, you spy a few balls of yarn that you purchased a while back. You remember that you had purchased several more balls (just to be sure you had enough) not all that long ago. You proceed to tear the yarn stash apart to find them.

Eureka, there they are! This is plenty for a blanket for sure!

Yes, this yarn will do nicely. I like this yarn. This yarn will work and this will be brilliant. How fortunate that I have so much of it. It pays to be prepared!

The project is begun with a lot of enthusiasm. Working away you use 1 ball, 2 balls, 3, then 4 and at about this point you start to calculate the rate of usage and the amount of pattern left to create. Mmmmmm, is this an issue? Nah, it will all be fine. There is enough yarn to complete this for sure!

Ball 5 is disappearing fast and your mind is now more focussed on calculating over and over again just how much yarn is required to finish this masterpiece. The speed your hook is travelling is beginning to slow. It comes to a grinding halt.

You begin to look online for yarn suppliers. Oh, dear! This is now discontinued. This isn’t good!

Instead of crocheting you spend the next few hours trying to find someone, anyone who has a ball in stock (just in case of course, as you may still make what you have stretch just far enough).

Ah, a supplier with stock. The order for 1 ball is placed. Back to crocheting.

What is THAT in my inbox. They have refunded me. What the……..yarn out of stock. How can this be? What is wrong with them? They clearly stated they had stock.

You run back to your project and again recalculate how much yarn is needed to complete. The amount has not by some miracle changed. Back to trawling through the internet to find that one ball. You start to beg online in social groups.

Please Sir/Madam, can I please have some more.

Surely you have one ball somewhere that you could spare?

You have another sleepless night plotting revenge against all yarn manufacturers who discontinue yarn lines when they must know you will be needing some in a few months time.

Then you remember where you purchased the last few balls of this yarn from. Yes, they have some. But wait! How can they possibly be on holiday? Do they really expect me to wait 5 weeks to get one ball of yarn? How dare they!

Work continues on the blanket. Ball 6, 7, 8. 9…. One ball remains. The rows are again counted. Maybe, just maybe I could make it. But would I have enough yarn left for the designated fringe, I have planned? Mmmmm.

Only one way to find out!

And so the crochet continues at a rather frantic pace. The blanket is completed with a bit left, but will it be enough to add that fringe?

A lot of thought is put into the length of this fringe, how many strands of yarn should be used? How far apart can these be spaced without looking odd?. Calculations. More calculations.

You hopefully begin placing the fringe.

One end of the fringe is done!

Looking at the other end, dread creeps in. There seems no way that this bit of remaining yarn will stretch that far. But then your eyes land on those ends still to sew in. Some of these are rather long.

This could work!

The ends are carefully sewn in and every scrap of yarn that could be saved put aside.

Back to adding the remaining pieces of fringe.

Success!

I have never, ever finished a blanket with zero yarn left, but today I ticked that one off my bucket list.

I don’t need that extra ball of yarn and never did.

What was created from this yarn you ask?

Nope! You will have to wait. It is now in testing. I will say it features my signature dragonflies and it is pretty spectacular!

Remember to subscribe to this blog for discount codes and notifications on pattern launch days!

Add a comment! It costs nothing! Be nice though!

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.