Being a Crochet Designer

Before I sat to write this, I decided I would give AI a chance to state what it is like to be a crochet designer and see if they were right.

This is what I got back:

Being a crochet designer requires creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Start by mastering basic stitches and techniques, then experiment with different yarns and patterns to develop your own unique style. Practice regularly to hone your skills and don’t be afraid to frog projects that aren’t working out. Remember to take breaks to prevent burnout and stay inspired by following other designers and trends in the crochet community. Lastly, believe in yourself and your abilities – confidence is key to succeeding as a crochet designer.

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I guess most of the above is true, and I do agree that patience is very much key to being or having a chance to be a successful designer. Having the strength to be unique is also very important, at least to me.

I am constantly in touch with other designers, but I would rather be me and not worry about what others are producing. I am never on trend and don’t intend to be.

I was asked recently about tips for being a designer, and below are my top eleven:

  1. Know your own pattern.

    You need to know what you are talking about. Your pattern could have been published a month ago, a year ago, or several years ago, and you will have customers who don’t understand an aspect of it. You need to be able to help these people, and the only way you can do that is if you know what you are talking about.

  2. Stitch counts and clear instructions really do matter.

    If I am crocheting just for me, I can easily fudge something and make a count work by adding a stitch or decreasing. But if you are expecting others to create the same item, they expect that your pattern makes sense and that all counts work. Every stitch must be accounted for. Just because one customer understands a section doesn’t mean all will, and this is where pattern testing is important.

  3. Yes, pattern testing is important.

    Having brilliant pattern testers is a must. I put my testers through the ringer to get a pattern ready to publish. I have one particular tester who claims that they talk Auburncraft. Meaning they can figure out what I mean even when I am not sure myself. I can look at something forever and not see the glaring mistake right in front of me. Thankfully, my testers are very prepared to keep at me till I get it right.

  4. Listening.

    It is important to listen to those on your team who are trying to help get your pattern out into the world. I am not saying they are always right, but when one of my team members states I have something that needs attending to, and I am thinking, Nuh! I am right, most of the time I am not. Their opinions are important!

  5. Have very broad shoulders, and check your ego at the door.

    I used to find it upsetting that I could not get everything perfect right away. I am now very used to feeling like a dill for making an error. I have learned not to rush to a corner and cry if someone posts a review that is not five stars, as there is just no way to please everyone.

  6. Social media is a necessary evil.

    You need to be out there and show off what you have, as otherwise you will be overlooked.

  7. Being available.

    The world is a small place, and being a crochet designer means that questions come in from all corners of the world. These need to be answered within a reasonable time frame. People do not like to wait!

  8. Great photographs are necessary.

    I am not a photographer, and I most certainly cannot afford to pay a photographer to photograph every stage of my work, including final photographs for marketing. I do try to get the best photographs that I can with what I have. The more engaging the picture, the greater the likelihood that your pattern will pique interest.

  9. Copyright and trademarks are real things.

    As a designer, I take the stance of not creating anything that I am aware has a trademark attached. Large companies such as Disney, Hello Kitty, and many others take copyright and trademarks very seriously and will track you down if you choose to use any of their copyrighted or trademarked characters. It is not smart.

  10. Your own copyright

    As for your own copyright, it is important to add copyright information to your own patterns and be prepared to lodge takedown notices if someone does infringe your rights, but in saying that, sometimes it is pointless. You have to know when to turn a blind eye and walk away and which battles you can win. It is not if someone steals your pattern or photographs; it is when.

  11. Do YOU!

    It is very important to be creating what you feel. Sounds a bit deep and yeah I guess it is! I have at times been asked if I will create something specific for someone and generally the answer is no. I create what I feel at the time and if I have to start creating things that I don’t like or are not me, then it is time to stop designing.


    These are my own views, and I am sure many other designers have a different idea of what is important, but these are mine!



Below: Just a sample of some of my blanket designs. Click here for the blankets webpage.

Perfection is Overrated

So you think my crochet looks okay?

Ah, but you don’t see what’s behind the curtain!

When I first began designing, I wondered if I was good enough to even attempt to do so.

Would people even like my designs? Was I clever enough, unique enough to even try?

A number of years down the track and over 140 designs later, I try not to question myself further on this topic. I design what appeals to me and give it my best efforts, and that is all one can ever do.

I know a lot of people worry that what they produce, whether it be of their own design or from a pattern, is not good enough. Well, I say who cares!

No one is perfect, unless of course we are referring to Auburncraft's CEO, Stella. Stella consistently tells me she is! I tend to agree with her assessment mostly.

Although I do not for a minute believe that it was Mr. Billy Thunder (the cat) that pulled the bag of rubbish from the bin and all over the floor. She insists this is the truth!

But, back to the crochet. I know my crochet is certainly not perfect, and to be honest, I do have some ability (almost perfection, one may say) in fixing boo-boos (what I call my errors).

I have become very good at hiding an error a row or round back, by adding a missing stitch in as I go or doing a maneuver that I like to call a cut and paste.

When you have 800 plus stitches per round of a project, the last thing you want to do is frog the whole round. I simply cut and patch, then continue. The end result looks perfect, but it isn’t.


He Loves Me He Loves Me Knot Blanket CAL. Part 1 will be release tomorrow. Give it a go! The pattern is available on Ravelry.

Perfection is really overrated in my opinion!

I prefer to let the creative side of my mind loose, and often this can produce some interesting results. I have been known to get partway through a design and realize that I did something completely different from what I intended.

The design turns out miles away from what I first thought of.

But it’s all good!

Don’t be afraid to give things a go. If it turns out different than what you intended, who is going to know?

Some of the best artwork comes about by mistake!

He Loves Me He Loves Me Knot Blanket CAL 2024. Part 1 will be released tomorrow! The pattern is for sale on Ravelry!

Winters Blush Scarf

Who doesn’t love a little but of luxury!

When I first set out to design this scarf I was thinking it needed to be front post stitches. But then the issue with using this stitch is the front of the work looks amazing, but the back of the scarf, not so much and pretty darn boring.

I solved this little dilemma by creating a new stitch.

Winters Blush Scarf is fully reversible and quite decadent. The pattern appears on both sides of the scarf taking this simple design to a new level.

The end result is a scarf that you can be sure will keep you warm, no matter how cold it is.

I have to say I was very pleased with the finished product and do feel the need to brag a bit (quite a lot) actually about it.

This new stitch is also amazingly easy (once you get into the swing of it). I know I will be producing a blanket using the same technique, very soon.

I love working in Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury yarns. It is just soooooo soft.

For further details on materials extra click here



Crochet Trends 2024

Well, the new year has begun. I am finding many, MANY posts about trends for the year!

  1. What will they be?

  2. How can I start a trend?

  3. How can I cash in on a trend?

Number 3 of the above is probably the most relevant to these posts. Most who are marketing this idea of trends should probably just pop a sign above their head stating ‘look to me, I am all knowing’.

Do they know what is really going to be a trend? Well, I can tell you that nearly every designer would have made a pig in a blanket FIRST, if they really thought that it would go crazy! Those little piggies were everywhere.

Mabel the chicken was another one that you would have seen designers rushing to the front of the queue to be THE ONE, if they had of known!

Maybe others have a secret crystal ball that they peer into. Well, I sure don’t!

I have never really been one to follow trends. And in all honestly, more likely to do the opposite just to be able to tell myself that I did!

So what can you expect from Auburncraft Design this year?

  1. You can expect that there will be crochet.

  2. There is a reasonable chance of dragonflies at some point, simply cos I can!

  3. There will be a CAL (crochet-a-long).

  4. The majority of my designs will be paid patterns. I like to eat and money is kind of a necessity to enable that! Stella (auburncrafts CEO) also has expensive taste in food).

  5. I probably won’t do a collaboration with other designers. I don’t play well with others!

  6. Patterns will most likely be of an intermediate level. I prefer this type of crochet. I need to enjoy what I am doing.

  7. All my designs will be pattern tested. (The pattern test basement is already full of testers working away on the upcoming CAL).

I choose to be my own trend and shall create my own reality! You do you! And I will be ME!

Crochet to enjoy!

I have a follower of 1. Her name is Stella. She truly does follow me everywhere! Probably as it is nearly walkies time, but hey, when you’ve got it, you’ve got it!


But do subscribe to my webpage to keep up with the latest ‘TRENDS’, or not!

I predict that there will be crochet, with a slight chance of more crochet!

Cos, basically I really don’t have a clue!





Stella

Thank You For Supporting Auburncraft Crochet Design 2023

2 Free designs until Christmas Day

Both patterns will be available only in my Facebook group until Christmas Day. You will find them in the files section of the group.

Have you been Naughty or Nice this year?

I have been nice most of the year, with intermittent bouts of naughty added in, just to keep things interesting!

Introducing: Christmas Naughty List Coal Bag

  • Works up fast.

  • A great Secret Santa gift

  • Comes with a bonus Chocolate Truffle recipe.

And: Christmas Hope Ornament

For many 2023 has been a tough year. I know mine has!

This ornament is designed to be a wish of hope for a better year to come.

  • Works up fast.

  • Make one for someone who needs a better 2024

  • Make a dozen for your tree

Thank you to everyone who has supported my design business this year. 2024 will be full of new crochet designs. A CAL will also run early in the new year. This will be comprised of 12 parts. Subcribe to my webpage and join my facebook group to stay informed. You can also follow me on instagram.




String of Flowers Scarf

If you like things that are just a bit different and a tad quirky, then this scarf will appeal to you.

This is a super fast project and perfect for last minute gift ideas.

Thick to thin, bouccle style yarns work great with this. I used Alize Maxi Flower yarn in black. This has tiny flowers every few centimetres.

It is also a great project for using up that ball of yarn. Yes, you know the one! You just had to have it!

So unique and pretty that it just forced you to purchase it. But it’s not enough to make anything huge with. These types of yarn sit in the stash drawer and only see daylight when you feel the urge to give them a squeeze, every now and then.

Odd, quirky and unique yarns work very well here.

The main body of the scarf uses approximately 80 metres in total. The flowers are made with randome balls of aran yarn, that I had in the yarn stash.


My pattern testers produced some amazing scarves. Each one is very unique to them. To view these click on the webpage button below.

The pattern can be purchased on Etsy, Ravelry and Lovecrafts, via the links below.

Coming soon

24 Dragonflies

Many year ago, my very first crochet design (at least the one I decided to write down) was a very simple dragonfly blanket. This was based loosely on the format that Cal the Midwife blanket uses.

I wrote a very basic pattern and found that people wanted it. Others saw this simple idea and ran with it. The same pattern began to appear being used by other designers and now you will find similar blankets free everywhere. I was however the first to do this.

Since that humble beginning, I developed my own stitch combination for my dragonflies that in my opinion, is far superior.

I now have 24 designs featuring dragonflies.

Of course I design other non-dragonfly items, but generally my dragonflies are my best sellers. I wander back to my beginnings and my dragonflies often.

The list is quite extensive when it is all together. I am rather proud of them!

The picture collage shows them in no particular order. Links can be found to all my selling platforms via the buttons below.




  1. The Secret of the Dragonfly Blanket.

  2. Apricot Blossom Dragonflies Blanket.

  3. Rainforest Dragonflies Shawl.

  4. Dragonflies on Parade Blanket.

  5. Dragonflies for Dee Mandala.

  6. Dragonflies on My Mind Headwarmer.

  7. March of the Dragonflies Blanket

  8. Dragonflies n Ivy Mandala.

  9. How to Catch a Dragonfly Blanket

  10. Dragonflies n Ladders Blanket

  11. One, Two, Three Dragonflies Cushion

  12. Become a Dragonfly Cindee Rose Blanket

  13. Dragonfly Labyrinth Blanket

  14. Lost in the Dragonfly Labyrinth Shawl

  15. Six Wishes for a Dragonfly Blanket

  16. Cover Me in Dragonflies n Flowers Shawl

  17. Dragonfly Hide n Seek Shawl

  18. On The Wings of a Dragonfly Shawl

  19. Flight of the Dragonfly Blanket

  20. Dragonfly Diamonds Patch

  21. Dragonfly Patch Blanket

  22. Dragonflies in Spring Blanket

  23. For the Love of Dragonflies Blanket

  24. Dragonfly Blanket



So Ask Yourself, Have You Been Good?

About this time of year one begins to reflect on things in general. The usual questions are being thrown around. Questions one sometimes does not want to answer. One in particular springs to mind!

Have you been naughty or nice?

I have to admit that I am usually on the naughty list. What can I say. Being naughty does have its advantages, but I am trying to be good.

I thought that if I created a Christmas based crochet item, and offered it as a free version on my webpage, surely that has to tip the balance just a bit towards making that nice list.

No guarantee for sure, but I have to try!

So here it is, the Christmas Goodie Sack!

This works up fast, and is fun to make, (or so my pattern testers tell me. Totally of their own free will. Really, truly).

Mmmm, that reminds me. I really must remember to release the pattern testers from the pattern test command centre (the basement), at least before Christmas. Ah, well. I am sure they will be alright!

But back to the Christmas Goodie Sack.

Linked stitches are used to create a densely stitched bag, large enough to hide some really decent Christmas Booty within.

No sneaky eyes peeking here!

Surface slip stitch is used to add a Christmas scene to the front of the bag. Snowflakes are added for that extra special Christmas look. A draw string completes the sack, ensuring no Christmas Goodies fall out.

Please visit my webpage for the free US version of the pattern.

Ad free PDF versions are available on Ravelry and Etsy in both US and UK Terminology.

Help a girl out by heading to Ravelry and popping this pattern into your favourites.

You, know who, may be watching and every little bit of praise helps. Apparently (or so I have heard), he has a list. He checks it twice. I really must be on that nice list this year!

Apricot Blossom Dragonflies Blanket

There is something rather special about Spring. Australia, around mid October, when the trees are almost collapsing from the weight of their blossom, the dragonflies appear.

I think they know Spring is just about as perfect as it is going to get. The flowers are all set to welcome them. Trees with blossom in a variety of colours, are a treat to see. From brilliant reds, to soft pinks and apricots. I love them all, but I do think the Jacaranda is my favourite.

I had the beauty of Spring and blossom in my mind when I put pen to paper and begin the initial idea for this design. I wanted it to be as soft and delicate as I could. with an almost vintage style to it.

The Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 4ply in Soft Blush was the perfect choice for this. Once I got into the rhythm of the pattern, the name for design simply popped into my head. It seemed right.

This pattern is comprised mainly with basic stitches. It does have a couple of special stitches of a more intermediate level. The filet crochet technique is used to bring this blanket to life.

It has a delicate edging top and bottom.

This is a stroller or crib sized blanket but can easily be sized up. You own calculations for this are required

The pattern links can be found on my webpage.

2023 Yarn Related Advent Calendars

Do you love a good advent calendar, stitch calendar/club etc. You know. That little treat leading up to Christmas that is just for you!

I decided to compile a list of what is available for this year, 2023.

Most are just links. I have added a couple with a feature picture. All links lead to each advent calendar or stitch calendar. If you have an add blocker this may prevent the link. Some have affiliate links, some don’t.

I have not included pictures with each link, as this would have been too time consuming.

Mignon Crochet Advent Calendar Pattern

Flo’s Crafty Crochet Stitch Marker Club

Bellemae Yarns Ultimate Lola Advent Calendar

Pattern Relaunch Day! Arctic Spring Square

I am busy! There is just never enough time in the day!

And just to make life a tad more interesting I decided to remake and relaunch an older design.

I designed this square a number of years back. It really never got the love it deserved at the time. The pictures I did were terrible and I didn’t bother with many photographs or graphs.

I found this old square when searching for yarn in the stash. The design really did deserve better than it got at the time. So I dropped the hundred other designs I was working on and began again.

One day I may even make this into a blanket.

I used Stylecraft Special Dk (click here for supplier). Any Dk weight yarn will work fine!

Stepping Stones Scarf

I have been so amazingly good and steadfast,of late, in my desire to use up stash yarn!

Not that it has made an obvious difference in the amount of yarn I do have stashed away, but I am trying!

Enter stage left, Stepping Stones Scarf. I must brag a little with this one as I am rather chuffed with this scarf! It is a simple concept but I feel it looks great.

I used a Dk weight for this design. It can be made using just the four colours as I have done, or you could use up random balls over the colourwork sections.

Linked stitches are used to create the main body of the scarf. Intarsia crochet forms the colour work.

The scarf is finished off with a simple twisted fringe. I love the end result with this method and it is so easy! I think I will be adding twisted fringe to everything from now on!

The end result is a unique scarf! Make it your very own with colour selection. Mix it up a bit and use up those odd balls of yarn that are just too nice to chuck away!

This is a written pattern and comes in US and UK terminology. The pattern includes a chart and photographs.

The pattern is available via my webpage, ravelry and Etsy.

 

If It Were Spring Every Day!

If It Were Spring Every Day Shawl

*affiliate link

Springtime in Australia. Pink Trumpet trees bursting into bloom, bringing with them the hope of prosperity. Jacaranda trees with purple blossoms dancing on their limbs, whisper of wisdom, rebirth, wealth and good luck. It is said that if a Jacaranda flower drops on your head, then it means good fortune.

The birds are happy that spring is here, and so am I!

I am so lucky to live surrounded by gorgeous landscapes of hills and rainforest and Spring in Australia is extra special. Each day I take the CEO of Auburncraft Crochet Design on a wander through the rainforest. And while I say, I take, The reality is more like an enforced walk. Stella (CEO) can be rather, let’s just say, pushy, if she does not get her walkies!

With Spring in mind, my latest design features filet flowers, with a filet border at each end of the shawl. I had some lovely Hobbii Sultan Deluxe Shine in my stash that was so perfect for this design and Spring, that it just had to be used.

This design can be worked from just one cake for a shorter length wrap, or 1 1/4 cakes for that extra length.

Crochet terminology: Both US and UK.

This is a written pattern with photos and graphs.

The pattern uses basic filet crochet technique.

Materials
3.5mm hook Clover Armour Hook (click here for Clover Armour Hook)


1 x Cotton Kings Sultan Deluxe Shine. 250g 1000m per cake, to create a shawl measuring 166cm/65.3inches x 48.2cm/19inches.  If gauge is met.

1 and 1/4 x Cotton Kings Sultan Deluxe Shine. 285g. to create a shawl measuring 186cm/73.22 inches x 48.2cm/19inches.  Approx total used 1140m/1246.7yd. If gauge is met..

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Finished Measurements: (size stated here is for a shawl using 285g of Sultan Deluxe)

·       186cm/73.22 inches Long including the edging.

·       48cm/18.8inches Deep/Wide

Yarns suitable for substitution:

Scheepjes Whirl- (click here for supplier)

Scheepjes Fine Art Whirl: (Click here for Scheepjes Fine Art Whirl)

Rico Wool Creations: (click here for Rico Wool Creations) .

Sweet Georgia: (Click here for Sweet Georgia)

Hobbii Twister

Lola fingering weight

 

Five Day Flower Shawl

Some days I sit and look at my yarn stash wondering just how it all came to be. A little bit of this yarn, and a little more of that. Soon you find yourself the proud owner of enough yarn to traverse the world if joined into one continuous line. There is just too much of it!

But whenever I do try to downsize, I find it almost impossible. This is not rubbish yarn. This is yarn that just never found its purpose.

Within this enormous amount of yarn, I had several balls of Stylecraft Aran Ombre in the colour Ethic. I just loved this yarn. The purple is gorgeous! But each time I tried to use it, I would calculate how much I felt I needed and would be disappointed that it was never enough.

I decided I had to remedy this problem and so the Five Day Flower Shawl was created.

There was no excuses with this project. It could be larger or smaller, dependant upon how many flower motifs I chose.

My intention with this design, was to create a shawl that could be sized to suit, while using up stash yarn. I also wanted something that could be a fast make.

This design ticks all of those boxes.

The shawl can easily be created in five days by working one long row of motifs each day. I made the proto-type in four days.

I chose to use the same yarn throughout, but the sky is the limit with this one.

I do recommend at least an aran weight yarn, due to the nature of the design. Chains are used in the motifs to create the petals and a yarn of less substance than aran, may not result in as good an outcome. I also recommend a roving style yarn, as again, this suits the makeup of the design best.

This pattern is a free readable pattern on my webpage, in US terminology. If you require a ad free printable PDF copy, this can be purchased on any of my selling platforms. The webpage does have the entire pattern, but this is not printable. A girl does have to keep some secrets!

If you love this design, please let me know, or leave a review on one of my selling platforms. Enjoy!


Rainforest Dragonflies Shawl

I live in heaven!

Well not literally. But if I did, I am pretty sure it would resemble my little spot of earth.

My place is surrounded by a rainforest, and the pictures for this shawl were taken here.

Secret rainforest gullies hide things like huge fallen logs. It is like stepping into my own little private jungle.

My crochet CEO, Stella, thought nothing of walking straight across one such huge log suspended around 15 to 20 feet in the air, across our creek. On the other hand, I was having quite the panic attack about it all. But I wanted some photographs of the new shawl featuring that log. So, I put on my big girl boots and headed out.

The things I do for crochet!


But onto the point of this post! I was fortunate enough to have Andrea from Yarn Me Calm kindly give me a huge cake of Wolltraum My Melody in the color Always. I set to work and turned this into the Rainforest Dragonflies Shawl.

This is an easy/intermediate level crochet project. The main body of the shawl has simple enough stitches, with the edging being a little more technical. Of course, this shawl features my signature dragonflies. My own unique combination of stitches creates these dragonflies, and I do think this lovely yarn shows them off quite well.

Will I ever run out of ideas for a dragonfly pattern? Well, at this point, I still have several all drawn up and ready to start. I just need time!





 
 

Designer Brain

When you have a dozen designs partly completed, The only sensible things to do is to start something else.

Designer Brain!
I have been deep into the art of contemplation today, pondering over the complexity of a designer's mind. My own included!
I have spoken to others who confess that they often struggle to decide on their next design or project. However, I NEVER have that issue.
My brain treads a fine line between moments of brilliant clarity and borderline insanity.
Two nights ago, I experienced a crisis when I realized that the design I had dedicated hours to required more yarn than I had. To make matters worse, it was a limited edition yarn that had already sold out. I felt panic rising within me, and the thought of starting over using a different yarn had me considering tears. Eventually, I managed to track down more yarn, but the frantic search did reveal the crazy side of my mind.
As I rummaged through my stash in search of the missing yarn, I stumbled upon a combination of other colours that harmonized beautifully. Instantly, my brain conceived a completely new design to add to my ever-growing collection of designs waiting to just BE.
Move forward to today and I attended a high-intensity step aerobics class at the gym. One might assume that during this intense 55-minute workout, there would be no time to think about anything else. But no, my brain seemed to get bored and started churning out ideas for a design that could incorporate the long-forgotten skeins of Stylecraft Ombre Aran yarn from my stash.
However, I must have a stern conversation with my brain because, in its excitement for creating new designs, it neglected several other important tasks. For instance, on the way to the gym, it failed to remember to move forward when the traffic light turned green. The honking from the horn of the driver behind reminded me. Do they have no idea that I was in the midst of an intricate design idea? One would think they could wait just a moment!

My brain seems to be an entity all its own. When I finally sat down to do a little work on the design that caused the yarn meltdown, the next thing I knew, I had made a flower. I was not going to make a flower, but there it was. The idea for using that ombre yarn insisted that I attend to it right then.


My brain rebels against me when asked to perform life's more boring tasks, wandering back to the things IT prefers!


I have my suspicions in regards to what happens when I am fast asleep. I am almost certain that my brain leaves the building and goes on its own mini holidays. I can imagine it frolicking through the yarn stash and perhaps it even takes it a step further by browsing yarn stores online, adding pretties to the purchase cart.
Just who is driving the bus here? Am I in control of my brain, or is it the other way around?


Today, I truly believe that I am suffering from the dreaded "designer brain." Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this condition. Although I have heard that buying yarn could eleviate the symptoms! Mmmm now there’s a thought!

But is it really my thought?