The Right Yarn - Does it Exist

Yarn Selection: Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Crochet Project

Note: The charts in this blog post are available to download for Members of the webpage. Membership is free. Sign up on the home page.

Let’s be honest… choosing yarn should be the fun part.

But sometimes it turns into one of those moments where you’ve got twelve tabs open, three skeins in your cart, and you’re still sitting there thinking “Is this going to crochet up beautifully… or am I about to make something that feels like a dishcloth?”

Because here’s the thing: not every yarn suits every project.

You can have the most stunning stitch pattern in the world, but if the yarn choice is off, the finished piece just won’t have the look or feel you were hoping for.

So if you’ve ever wondered why one shawl looks floaty and elegant, and another one (using the same pattern!) looks stiff and awkward… it’s almost always the yarn.

Let’s go through what actually matters when choosing yarn.

Start With the Finished Look (Not the Yarn Label)

Before you even think about fibre content or hook size, ask yourself:

What do I want this project to feel like when it’s finished?

Do you want it to drape and flow?
Do you want it warm and cosy?
Do you need it to hold its shape?
Is it going to be worn on the skin, or is it more decorative?

Once you know the goal, the yarn becomes much easier to choose.

Drape: The Secret Ingredient in Beautiful Shawls and Wearables

If you’re making shawls, wraps, scarves, or anything wearable, drape matters more than almost anything else.

Drape is basically how the fabric hangs. Does it fall nicely? Does it move? Does it feel soft and elegant?

A yarn with good drape will give you that “flowy” look that makes a crochet piece feel polished and wearable.

Yarns that usually give lovely drape:

• bamboo blends

• silk blends

• alpaca

• some soft wool blends

• lightweight acrylics with a smooth finish

Yarns that tend to be more structured:

• cotton

• thick acrylic

• firm spun wool

• anything that feels stiff straight off the skein

And yes… cotton is beautiful, but if you’re making a large shawl with it, it can get heavy fast. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Other times, it turns your lovely floaty design into something that feels like it could double as a picnic rug.

Weather Matters (Especially Here)

I’m in Australia, so I always keep the weather in mind.

A yarn that feels perfect in winter might be completely unbearable in summer, and a light summer yarn might not give you any warmth at all when the cold hits.

For warm weather makes:

Go for breathable fibres like:

• cotton

• bamboo

• linen

• cotton blends

They’re light, airy, and won’t have you sweating after ten minutes.

For cooler weather makes:

Warm fibres are your best friend:

• wool

• alpaca

• mohair blends

• acrylic (especially for everyday wear)

And if you want warmth without bulk, mohair and alpaca blends can be magic.

Fibre Content: It Changes Everything

Fibre isn’t just about softness. It affects how the yarn behaves while you crochet, how it blocks, how it wears, and how it feels when you actually use it.

Here are the main ones most of us reach for:

Wool

Warm, springy, blocks beautifully, and gives great stitch definition. Wool is one of the best fibres for winter garments and shawls.

Cotton

Strong, breathable, great for stitch definition. Perfect for summer items, bags, home décor, and baby pieces. But it can feel heavy in larger projects.

Acrylic

Affordable, easy to wash, and comes in every colour imaginable. Acrylic is brilliant for blankets and gifts (because not everyone wants to handwash a crochet item like it’s royalty).

Bamboo / Viscose

Soft, silky, and drapey. Makes gorgeous shawls. Can be a little slippery to work with, but the results are worth it.

Alpaca

Soft and warm with beautiful drape, but it can “grow” a little over time, so it’s not always the best choice for structured fitted pieces.

Mohair

Light, fluffy, and dreamy. It adds a halo and makes everything look delicate and luxurious. Not ideal if you want crisp stitch definition, but stunning for soft wraps and airy layers.

Budget Matters (and That’s Completely Okay)

Not every project needs luxury yarn, and not every crocheter has the budget to spend $15–$30 per skein. And honestly? That’s perfectly fine.

Some of the best crochet items I’ve ever seen have been made with affordable acrylic, budget cotton, or sale yarn.

The key is simply choosing a yarn that suits the purpose of the project.

If you’re making a shawl as a special statement piece, you might choose something with a little more drape or softness. But if you’re making a blanket for everyday use, a budget-friendly yarn that washes well can be the smarter option.

There is no “wrong” yarn — only yarn that is better suited to certain projects.

Crochet should be enjoyable, not stressful, and you should never feel pressured to spend more than you’re comfortable with.

Stitch Definition: Do You Want the Pattern to Pop?

If your pattern has texture, lace, cables, or detailed motifs, you’ll want yarn that shows it off.

Smooth yarns are best for crisp stitch detail.

Fluffy yarns (like mohair) can blur everything, which can be beautiful… but it depends on the design.

So before you commit, ask yourself:

Do I want the stitchwork to be the star, or the yarn?

Because sometimes the yarn is the feature, and the stitch pattern is just along for the ride.

Yarn Weight Isn’t Always as Straightforward as It Should Be

We’ve all seen it.

Two yarns can both say “DK” or “worsted”… but one is clearly thicker, and the other is closer to sport weight.

So if you’re swapping yarn, don’t rely only on the label.

Check:

• metres per 100g (or per ball)

• recommended hook size

• how it feels compared to the yarn suggested in the pattern

And if you’re unsure, a quick swatch will tell you immediately if you’re in the right ballpark.

Think About Wear and Tear (Because Real Life Happens)

A shawl made from a delicate silk blend is gorgeous.

But if you’re making something that’s going to be worn daily, tossed on chairs, shoved in a handbag, or dragged around by kids… you need to be practical.

For everyday items, you want yarn that:

• won’t pill too quickly

• can handle washing

• doesn’t stretch out and lose shape

• feels good on the skin

This is why acrylic and acrylic blends are still so popular — they’re not “fancy”, but they are reliable.

Care Instructions: Don’t Set Yourself Up for Regret

If the yarn label says “handwash only” and you know deep down you’re not going to do that…

choose a different yarn.

Same goes for gifts. If you’re making something for someone else, you want it to be easy-care unless you know they’ll treat it gently.

Because the last thing you want is your beautiful crochet gift getting ruined in a hot wash two weeks later.

A Quick Note About Felting (Because It Happens!)

Some yarns, especially animal fibres like wool and alpaca, can felt if they’re exposed to heat, agitation, or sudden temperature changes.

Felting can happen accidentally in the washing machine (or even sometimes with rough handling), and once it happens, it’s permanent.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid these fibres — they’re beautiful to work with and often perfect for winter projects — but it does mean you’ll want to check the care instructions and treat the finished piece accordingly.

If you’re making a gift, or something that needs to be easy-care, choosing a yarn that is machine washable (or a superwash wool) can save a lot of heartbreak later.

Colour Choice Can Make or Break a Project

Colour isn’t just about what looks pretty in the skein.

Some colours show stitchwork beautifully, while others can hide it completely.

• Light colours show texture clearly

• Dark colours can hide stitch detail

• Busy variegated yarns can overpower lace or motifs

• Tonal yarns are often the sweet spot for textured patterns

If you’ve got a detailed stitch pattern, a solid or lightly tonal yarn will usually let it shine. If the stitch pattern is simple, bold colour changes can look amazing.

But colour choice is also a deeply personal part of the process. It’s just as important to choose colours that genuinely speak to you — the ones you keep coming back to because they simply feel right in your hands and in your imagination.

The main exception is when you’re creating something as a gift. In that case, the focus shifts from what sings to you, to what will resonate with the recipient. A little time spent noticing their favourite colours, clothing tones, or home style can make all the difference in creating something they’ll truly connect with — and help avoid the heartbreak of discovering the blanket you spent 200 hours making shoved in a cupboard… or worse

Swatching: I Know… But It Saves Heartbreak

I know swatching is not everyone’s idea of fun.

But it’s not just about gauge.

A swatch will tell you:

• if the fabric is stiff or drapey

• if the stitch pattern is clear

• if the yarn feels nice once it’s worked up

• if the yarn is going to stretch or sag

Even a small swatch can save you from crocheting half a project only to realise you hate the way it’s turning out.

Final Thoughts: Choose Yarn With the End Result in Mind

The best yarn choice isn’t always the prettiest yarn on the shelf.

It’s the yarn that suits:

• the drape you want

• the climate you’re making it for

• the stitch pattern

• how it will be worn or used

• and how much effort you want to put into caring for it

Once you start thinking this way, yarn shopping becomes much easier… and your finished projects will look and feel exactly the way they should.

And honestly, that’s the goal.

Because we don’t crochet just to make things…
we crochet to make things we actually want to wear and use.

Still Playing With Tulle - The Court of Quiet Mischief

Tulle + Crochet? Yes please.

I still had the bug and felt the need to play with tulle again.

Tulle often brings to mind ballet skirts, weddings, and fairies… but it really is so much more than that. And if you’re thinking of the old-style tulle with that stiff, scratchy feel, I promise this is different. Soft tulle is light, drapey, and surprisingly easy to work with — and it adds such a unique touch to crochet.

This is my second venture into using tulle alongside yarn, and I absolutely love the result.

The finished piece is a unique neck warmer collar that works up quickly and makes a real statement. It’s a super fast make and can easily be sized up or down depending on how you like the fit. Definitely one for those who love to stand out a little.

For this design, I used multiple yarns held together to create a soft, textured fabric that still feels light and wearable. That said, it could also be made using a single yarn if you prefer to simplify it.

Hooks

5 mm (H)
6 mm (J)

Yarn Notes

Yarns are held together as specified in the instructions. All yarns listed are required.

Yarn amounts are based on a 45-row neck warmer. Additional yarn will be required if you choose to make a larger size.

Materials

C1: Prestige Yarns Moseta (Kid Mohair & Silk), Colour 06/001
Lace weight
25 g / 210 m / 229.6 yd per skein
72% Kid Mohair, 28% Silk
Approx. total used (if gauge is met): 127 m / 138.8 yd

C2: Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4 ply (Fingering), Colour Frost
200 g ball – 720 m / 787.4 yd
Approx. total used (if gauge is met): 101 m / 110.4 yd

C3: Patons Baby Dreamtime Merino 4 ply (Fingering), Colour Black
Approx. total used (if gauge is met): 25 m / 27.3 yd

Soft tulle: 1/4 metre / 0.27 yd

Stitch markers
Scissors
Needle and cotton thread (for adding beads)
22 x 6 mm pearl beads

If you want, I can also add a closing paragraph that gently nudges them to join the members section + grab the code, without sounding salesy.

If you’d like to grab this one with a launch day discount, make sure you’re signed up as a free member. The promo code will be posted in the Members Section on release day and will be dated, so you’ll know exactly how long you have to use it.

I’ll still send out an email to let everyone know the pattern is live, but instead of including the code in the email, you’ll need to pop over to the website and log in to access it. It’s a small change, but it helps support my website and keeps it worthwhile for me to keep designing new patterns.

And while you’re there, take a look through the free patterns too. I’m slowly giving them all a makeover and adding more as I go.

t's time for a close look at Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply!

The good and the bad.

As always, this is just my personal opinion!

The hard facts

Composition: 55% Nylon / 45% Acrylic

Construction: Smooth plied yarn

Weight: 50 g ball

Length: Approximately 226 metres (247 yards)

Weight Category: 4 Ply / Fingering

Recommended Hook: 3.25–4.0 mm

Machine Washable: Yes

Range: A wide range of solid colours and baby shades

My Opinion

I've recently been working with Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply, and overall I've really enjoyed using it.

The first thing you notice is just how soft it is. It's designed with babies in mind, and it certainly feels that way. It glides nicely over the hook, produces neat stitches, and has a lovely drape.

It's the sort of yarn that makes you understand why it has been around for years.

One thing I particularly liked was how easy it was to crochet with. There was very little splitting, and it behaved itself beautifully throughout the project.

And let's be honest... yarn that behaves itself deserves recognition.

My Project

I used Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply to create a baby blanket, and it produced a lovely soft fabric that would be perfect for little hands and sensitive skin.

The finished fabric feels cosy without being heavy, making it an excellent choice for blankets, baby garments and delicate accessories.

For

Beautifully soft

This is definitely one of the softest acrylic blends I've worked with in a long time. It has a lovely gentle feel that's perfect for baby projects.

Easy to crochet

The yarn flowed smoothly through my fingers, didn't constantly split, and made for a relaxing crochet experience.

Great stitch definition

Even with delicate stitch patterns, everything remained nice and crisp.

Good colour selection

Sirdar offers a lovely range of classic baby shades along with brighter colours, making it easy to find something suitable for almost any baby project.

Readily available

Unlike some specialty yarns that require overseas ordering, Sirdar is stocked by many Australian yarn retailers, making it fairly easy to source.

Against

Only 50 g per ball

This is probably my biggest criticism.

While the yarn itself is lovely, larger projects require quite a few balls. You can find yourself joining new balls fairly regularly, which isn't the end of the world—but it's something to factor into both the cost and planning of your project.

Inconsistent yarn thickness between colours

This surprised me.

I purchased several colours at the same time—Pastel Pink, White, Pastel Lemon and Lilac.

While the pink, white and lemon all appeared to be very consistent, the Lilac was noticeably thinner than the others.

Unfortunately, this became quite problematic because I was using multiple colours within the same project. The difference in thickness affected the overall look and forced me to rethink my design as I went.

I don't know whether this was simply a batch issue or something more widespread, but it's certainly something worth mentioning.

Consistency is one of those things you don't really think about... until it isn't there.

Overall

Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply is a beautifully soft yarn that's a pleasure to work with and an excellent choice for baby blankets, baby clothing and lightweight accessories.

Its softness, stitch definition and ease of use make it easy to recommend.

The only things that stop it from being close to perfect are the relatively small 50 g balls—which mean lots of joins in larger projects—and the inconsistency I experienced between colour thicknesses.

Hopefully my experience with the Lilac was simply an isolated manufacturing issue, because aside from that, it was a genuinely lovely yarn to crochet with.

Would I use it again?

Absolutely.

I'd just be a little more cautious when mixing different colours within the same project.

Crochet Free Downloads - Auburncraft Crochet Design Yarn Stalker Gold - Members Section

Exciting things are afoot at Auburncraft Crochet Design!

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been working quietly behind the scenes on something new — a Members Only section on my website. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m happy to say it is now officially up and running.

Introducing Auburncraft Crochet Design – Yarn Stalker Gold.

And the best part? It’s completely FREE to join.

Welcome to Yarn Stalker Gold

Members of Auburncraft Crochet Design – Yarn Stalker Gold will have access to free downloads of selected patterns, available exclusively through the members area. It’s my way of giving a little something back to those who support my work and love crochet as much as I do.

New Pattern Launch: Makin’ Daisies Bandana

To celebrate the launch of Yarn Stalker Gold, I’m also releasing a brand new design today — the Makin’ Daisies Bandana.

This cheerful little project is made from joined flower motifs and is designed to brighten up your day (and your hair!). It’s a fun and practical accessory with plenty of handmade charm, and it also makes a lovely gift.

The Makin’ Daisies Bandana has now been added to Yarn Stalker Gold as a FREE member download.

How to Get Your Free Download

Head to my website and sign up via the link on the home page, then access the members area to download your copy and view other Free downloads!

Visit: https://auburncraftcrochetdesign.com/

Auburncraft Crochet Design – Yarn Stalker Gold will grow as new FREE Downloads are added!

Makin’ Daisies is also available to purchase on Ravelry and Etsy!

Ode To A Butterfly Belt

I recently launched A Moment of Butterflies Scarf and fell in love with the delicate wave of butterflies dancing along the edge of the design. The brain cogs began to whirl, and the idea for a belt was born.

Ode to a Butterfly Belt uses the same concept, with a touch of filet crochet (Auburncraft style)* — meaning I’ve tweaked it slightly… and added a whole lot of butterflies.

The best thing about this design is that it can be made to any size by adding or subtracting butterflies. Sizes from x-small to xx-large are included in the pattern, along with the number of repeats needed to achieve them. However, the sky is the limit, and it can easily be made larger.

Due to the shape of the butterflies, the two ends that meet at the centre are not mirrored. However, the pattern is designed to accommodate this, finishing both ends with delicate beading and ties to fasten the belt. Eight beads add just the right touch of elegance to the closure, and if you feel a little hesitant about adding beads, don’t worry — I have a a walk-through in the tips section of the webpage. You’ll also find helpful tips on keeping your filet crochet neat and crisp.

This is a super-fast make at an intermediate level, and one most won’t stop at just one belt… it’s addictive.!

Using fingering weight yarn and a 3.5 mm E hook, it’s a light, delicate make that comes together quicker than you’d expect.
Be warned though… one may not be enough.
Ode to a Butterfly Belt is now available on Ravelry and Etsy.

Adding the Beads

Yarn and Tulle, Tulle and Yarn!

People with creative minds are often classified as… let’s just say different. I don’t mind the description, as I recognise that it does describe me. My mind works a little differently than most people I know — unless they happen to be creative types too, and then we have our own little padded room where we can all be different together.

Who knows what others think about when they have a moment to themselves or during a 30-minute commute. Or when dozing off to sleep late at night. My mind tends to wander to what I might create next. Lately, that train of thought has landed on tulle.

Perhaps I am longing for the days when my eldest child attended ballet classes. Although I do have to say that if I never have to watch The Nutcracker again in my life, I won’t complain. My daughter’s ballet teacher was high up in the Cecchetti ballet world and she absolutely loved The Nutcracker. I believe my daughter danced in it for the end-of-year concert at least five times. She began as a tiny fairy and, as the years passed, I had the honour of watching her dance the Tarantella.

But anyway… this brings my familiarity with tulle to the fore.

Why not use tulle with crochet?

And so I did.

Dancing With The Fae Neck Warmer was born from ideas of the magical — and more than likely from those years of watching my daughter in tutus and the wonder that brought to my life. This is a statement piece of whimsy.

The tulle is added in a similar way to fringing, so if the need to wash the piece arises it can easily be removed and replaced.

For the yarn I used some leftover Hobbii Friends Extra Soft Merino 4-ply combined with Prestige Moseta Kid Mohair and Silk 4-ply held double. This combination adds to the fae-like feel of the piece, as it is unbelievably soft.

Of course, this design needed a touch of quirk. The main body tapers wider, and the added flowers slowly grow in size. It closes with a button and long ties.

The tulle I chose has an ombré effect with small beads scattered across it. The strips were cut in a deliberately random way, while still keeping the ombré grading flowing through the fringe.

And despite how it looks, it works up surprisingly fast.

If you enjoy a design that steps a little outside the ordinary and embraces a bit of whimsy, this might just be the project for you. Sometimes the most delightful creations come from the slightly unusual ideas — and perhaps from a mind that wanders to tulle during a quiet moment.

Granny Style Filet Crochet Blanket - Where The Dragonflies Dance

Sometimes a classic stitch meets a favourite motif in just the right way. I had been thinking about combining my signature dragonflies with the humble granny stitch for a while, and finally, the idea came together in a small blanket design.

Where the Dragonflies Dance

Where the Dragonflies Dance brings the good old granny stitch together with my signature dragonflies — a combination I don’t often use, but one that had been quietly waiting in the back of my mind.

I don’t usually reach for the classic granny stitch when designing. It’s a familiar technique, so I often find myself wandering down slightly different paths. But every now and then an idea just clicks, and this was one of those times.

A few balls of Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4ply had been sitting in my yarn stash, and this felt like the perfect project to put them to use. Sometimes the yarn almost seems to choose the design for you.

The pattern is built around a 12-row repeat, letting the dragonflies appear and drift across the fabric while the granny stitch provides a simple, predictable structure that’s easy to follow.

For the finishing touch, I added a bit of colour to the tulip border using more Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury yarn that had been itching to be used. While the stitches in the border are simple, it does require concentration to keep the stitch count correct — sides 1 and 3 are a different length to sides 2 and 4, so you’ll need to pay attention as you go.

Aside from that, this pattern sits at the lower end of intermediate — possibly even leaning toward easy, which is not something I say often about my designs!

The finished blanket measures approximately 37.7 inches / 96 cm by 39.3 inches / 100 cm, a perfect size for a lap blanket, pram blanket, or just something cosy to drape over your favourite chair.

I had so much fun creating this design, and I can already imagine a version worked in rounds in the future — when time allows. If you enjoy dragonflies and like the idea of pairing them with a classic stitch, this one might just be perfect for your hook.

Head to the webpage for further information on materials and to view some of my amazing pattern testers versions of the design.

From Impulse Yarn Buy to Crochet Wrap – The Story of Violet Haze

If you enjoy crochet patterns where the yarn truly shines, Violet Haze Wrap is a wrap design that balances simplicity with a touch of Auburncraft quirkiness. Designed to highlight beautiful hand-dyed yarn, this crochet wrap features an easy repeating pattern and a playful floral border.

Violet Haze began as an impulse buy.

You know that moment when you’re scrolling through yarn sellers’ posts and you spot a yarn so luxurious that, if you could reach through the screen, nothing would stop you from giving it a really good squeeze? Then it’s like your body is taken over and you have no control. The next thing you know, that yarn is in your cart and you’re pressing the purchase now button.

And just like that, I became the proud owner of two skeins of Neon Donegal Cloud Fingering in the colour Enchanted Wisteria.

I was super pleased with my purchase and did spend a considerable amount of time staring at this lovely pile of squishiness with love in my eyes. I wanted to do this yarn justice, so the cogs in my brain began plotting a course for the next unique Auburncraft crochet design.

With this design I wanted the yarn to be the star, but it still had to have the usual Auburncraft quirkiness. The result was a simple four-row repeating pattern for the main body of the wrap and, for that added quirky factor, a border with dangling flowers.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry and Etsy.

The final product is a wrap that ticks a number of boxes:

Yarn shining through — ✓
Pattern with a simple repeat — ✓
Added quirky factor — ✓

I recommend you check out Folklore and Fibre’s bespoke style yarns.

For Information on Materials Etc, Click the main webpage link below.

The Designer The Hook and the Yarn.

The Designer, the Hook, and the Ball of Yarn
(My crochet version of the man, the boy, and the donkey)

Once upon a time there was a crochet designer (Me) who had a lovely ball of yarn (That was certainly NOT GREEN) and a shiny crochet hook. She decided she would design a beautiful pattern to share with the world.

She sat down and began.

Soon someone said,
“Why are you using that yarn? Everyone knows cotton is better.”

So she changed the yarn.

Then another voice said,
“Cotton? Oh no. Acrylic is much more practical.”

So she changed the yarn again.

She started crocheting.

Someone else said,
“That stitch is far too complicated. Beginners won’t like it.”

So she simplified the stitch.

Another person frowned and said,
“Well now it’s too basic. Experienced crocheters will be bored.”

So she made the stitch more intricate again.

She worked on the design all night.

Someone said,
“It should be a blanket.”

So she made it a blanket.

Another person said,
“Blankets take too long. People prefer quick projects.”

So she turned it into a scarf.

A third person chimed in,
“Scarves are overdone. You should make garments.”

So she tried turning it into a sweater.

By now the designer had a pile of half-finished ideas, a very confused ball of yarn, and a crochet hook that looked like it needed a lie down.

Finally an old crocheter passing by stopped and watched for a moment.

Then she said,
“My dear, if you try to crochet for everyone, you’ll never finish a single stitch.”

The designer looked at her tangled yarn, picked up her hook again, and said,

“Right then… I’m making what I like.”

And strangely enough…
once she did that, plenty of people liked it too.

Moral of the story:
In crochet design, if you try to please everyone, you’ll end up with nothing but a tangled skein and a headache.

Better to make the thing that makes your hook happy.

And the funny thing is… designing crochet has taught me far more life lessons than I ever expected.

Lesson One: Be yourself.

I don’t want to fit in a box. I don’t want to follow trends. I want to step over the lines and draw my own boundaries.

Pattern sales are wonderful when they happen — and yes, I do like eating — but more importantly I want to be proud of my designs. I want to look at them and think, that’s mine. In my mind I occasionally picture them on a catwalk somewhere… which may or may not involve models dramatically swishing around in very complicated shawls.

A designer can dream.

Lesson Two: Everything annoys someone.

That’s actually a quote from Ricky Gervais, and I suspect he knows what he’s talking about.

If you are not annoying someone, you are probably sitting alone in a room talking to yourself.

You can spend hours making a short video to show off a design. Lighting, angles, editing… the works. Someone will give it a thumbs-down. Why? Who knows. Maybe they hate the colour. Maybe they hate crochet. Maybe they hate Tuesdays.

Someone, somewhere, will take offence at something you do.

In fact, there is probably someone annoyed right now that I quoted Ricky Gervais.

Lesson Three: I am not nearly as clever as I think I am.

Send a pattern to testers and you will very quickly discover the glaringly obvious mistake you somehow managed to overlook.

The one that you read past seventeen times.

Testing is always a humbling experience.

There are designers who say, “Oh, I don’t need testers. I checked the pattern myself.”

Well… good for them.

Personally, I need my testers. They check my maths, my instructions, my sanity, and occasionally my eyesight. They also provide a healthy and regular reminder that I am, in fact, human.

Lesson Four: Crochet skill levels are… flexible.

One person’s intermediate is another person’s advanced. Everyone learns at their own pace and their own level, and that is perfectly fine.

But if you see the word intermediate, it usually means there may be a few slightly tricky bits involved.

Interestingly, it is often the people who are “advanced” — “I have been crocheting for fiiiiiiifty years” — who believe there must be an error or that the pattern should have been written differently.

How do I know they’ve been crocheting for fifty years?

Because that is usually the opening sentence of their message.

I am occasionally tempted to reply,
“Wow… you must be very tired.”

Lesson Five: Humour helps.

If you design long enough you will make mistakes, someone will dislike your work, someone will misunderstand your instructions, and someone will absolutely insist their way of crocheting is the only correct way.

If you can’t laugh a little, you probably won’t last very long.

And perhaps the real lesson is this:

Designing is a strange mix of creativity, stubbornness, problem-solving, and the occasional small crisis involving stitch counts.

But it is also incredibly satisfying to turn a ball of yarn into something that didn’t exist before — and then see someone else in the world make it with their own hands.

That part never gets old.

So I will keep designing.
My testers will keep finding my mistakes.
Someone will keep telling me they’ve been crocheting for fifty years.

And somewhere out there, hopefully, someone will be enjoying the process of making something beautiful from my design.

Which, when you think about it, is the whole point.

Find my patterns on Etsy and Ravelry.

Why I Love Filet Crochet?

Why I Love Filet Crochet

(And Why You Might Too!)

If you're looking for techniques and tips, be sure to check out my post: Filet Crochet: Keeping it Neat!

What Is Filet Crochet, Anyway?

The word filet is French for "net"—or so I’m told! It gets its name from the open squares that resemble the mesh of a net. Simple, structured, and surprisingly elegant, filet crochet has a charm all its own.

Historically, filet crochet evolved from traditional lace-making techniques in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. It was often used to create delicate curtains, tablecloths, and samplers with decorative motifs—flowers, birds, and monograms were all popular. Though it may look fancy, filet is usually made with basic stitches, giving it a lovely blend of accessibility and sophistication.

But Why Choose Filet Crochet?

Others may have their own opinions, but here’s mine!

After reflecting on why so many of my designs lean toward the filet technique, I realised it comes down to a few simple reasons:

Why I Love Filet Crochet

(And Why You Might Too!)

If you're looking for techniques and tips, be sure to check out my post: Filet Crochet: Keeping it Neat!

What Is Filet Crochet, Anyway?

The word filet is French for “net”—or so I’m told! It gets its name from the open squares that resemble the mesh of a fishing net. Simple, structured, and surprisingly elegant, filet crochet has a charm all its own.

Historically, filet crochet evolved from traditional lace-making techniques in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. It was often used to create delicate curtains, tablecloths, and decorative samplers. Popular motifs included flowers, birds, and monograms. Though it may look intricate, filet crochet is usually made using very basic stitches, which gives it a wonderful balance of accessibility and sophistication.

Filet crochet is also a technique that works beautifully for creating pictures and motifs. By arranging open and filled blocks in a grid, you can form shapes, patterns, and even detailed images.

But Why Choose Filet Crochet?

Others may have their own opinions, but here’s mine.

After reflecting on why so many of my designs lean toward the filet technique, I realised it comes down to a few simple reasons.

1. I’m not overly keen on constantly swapping yarn colours.
Let’s face it—changing colours every few stitches can get a bit fiddly.

2. While sewing in lots of ends doesn’t completely bother me…
…it’s still not my favourite way to spend my crafting time. Less ends = more joy!

3. Filet crochet is incredibly versatile.
You can create something simple and sweet, or craft a masterpiece that spans a wall. Often, even large and intricate pieces use only basic stitches—but it’s the arrangement of open and filled blocks that creates the magic.

4. It can be wonderfully technical—if you want it to be.
Working with detailed images or complex motifs means every open block matters. A single square in the wrong spot can throw off the whole design. That challenge? I absolutely love it.

5. It’s rhythmic and relaxing.
Once you settle into the pattern of open and solid blocks, the work becomes wonderfully meditative. It’s the sort of crochet that lets you relax while still keeping your mind gently engaged.

6. Most of all, I simply enjoy it.
And that, I believe, is what it’s really all about. You need to enjoy what you’re making. For me, filet crochet just feels right.

Testing the Boundaries of Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is often thought of as neat rows of boxes worked in a fairly regimented way. But I rather enjoy testing those boundaries.

One of my recent designs, A Moment of Butterflies Scarf, does just that. While designing the filet pattern for the scarf itself, I wanted the filled blocks within the design to really stand out. After several attempts, the pattern still wasn’t giving me the effect I was looking for—the solid blocks simply weren’t popping the way I wanted them to.

So I experimented a little.

Instead of using the traditional solid filet block, I replaced it with a Dc3tog (US). That small change added a little texture and created the visual pop I was after within the scarf pattern.

The butterflies themselves hang from the edge of the scarf, but the textured blocks within the filet design help give the overall piece a bit more depth and interest.

It does require just a little extra concentration while crocheting, but that small adjustment helped bring the design to life and satisfied my love of creating something a little different.

A Moment of Butterflies

If you're curious to see how it worked out, you can take a look at A Moment of Butterflies Scarf here.

My Favourite Tools & Yarn for Filet Crochet

When working in filet crochet, I typically use a 3.5 mm hook and either 4 ply (fingering weight) or 8 ply (DK weight) yarn, depending on the project.

I especially enjoy working with cotton. It’s crisp, has great stitch definition, and holds its shape beautifully—perfect for showing off those clean filet blocks.

One of my absolute favourites is cotton from Bendigo Woollen Mills. It’s smooth, strong, and ideal for projects where you want the stitches to really stand out. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go.

Of course, I dabble in other crochet styles too—but I always find myself coming back to filet. There’s something so satisfying, so meditative, and so beautiful about working in this technique.

Do you enjoy filet crochet too? Or are you tempted to try it for the first time? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Check out some of my Filet Designs. Patterns are available for all of them on Ravelry and Etsy.

If Yarn Had Feelings — A Lighthearted Look Inside the Stash

If Yarn Had Feelings

Do you have a yarn stash that, when unravelled, could wrap around the earth multiple times and still have a bit left over to create a nice hat with matching mittens?

Let’s be honest — we all have a yarn stash that’s slightly out of control (some of us more than slightly). And sometimes, when you open that cupboard or tub, the judgment coming from inside is epic.

So I got to thinking… what if yarn actually had feelings?

That Fancy Merino — Bought for a Special Project

"I’m still in the drawer? I see you’re still waiting for the ‘perfect idea’ again?"

This one lives in the “too nice to mess with” pile. You take it out, pat it, sigh a bit, give it a cuddle, and put it right back again like some kind of pet. A very expensive, squishy pet.

That Giant Acrylic Cake From That Time There Was a Sale

"You don’t love me. You settled for me. You needed comfort yarn in lockdown and I was available. I remember."

The poor dear! It’s not glamorous, and it’s had a hard life. It was once a half-made scarf, resulting in a tension disaster. A brief moment as a corner-to-corner that was just not right. One day you’ll use it up on a charity blanket and we’ll all pretend none of that ever happened.

The Black Yarn

"Here we go again. You treat me like a gremlin. Once the sun goes down I’m just a problem. I can’t help it if I need a tiny hook."

This yarn is simply yummy — but it’s a menace after sunset. You can’t see a thing, and you want to use this beauty but are just not quite brave enough. The trauma is real!

That Gradient Yarn

"Oh look, it’s time for my weekly Instagram photoshoot. I’m thrilled. Still not a scarf, though, am I?"

This is the star of your shelf. The elite one that lords over all in the stash. The one you keep petting but can’t commit to. You need a project of epic proportions to do justice to this one, so instead it gets admired like yarn royalty, but never used.

That Weird Scratchy Ball You Inherited

"You don’t know what I’m made of. I don’t know what I’m made of. But here we are, together forever, and I am stuck in this forgotten basket."

The label for this one disappeared eons ago. It kind of feels like sandpaper. Smells faintly like someone's Nan's cupboard. You don’t want to use it, but you don’t want to throw it out. Because what if it’s alpaca? It’s probably not. But still.

That Hand-Dyed Indie Skein You Were “Saving”

"One wrong stitch and I will tangle like your life depends on it."

This one came from a market. Or a small-batch Etsy seller. Or someone who dyes yarn in their kitchen with beetroot and moss. You only have one skein. Not enough to make a blanket, or really anything much. But it’s so lovely.

That Basket of Tiny Leftovers

"We are here and will one day be a beautiful scrap blanket or a very questionable art piece. Won’t we!"

Remains of blankets past. Little balls that refuse to be thrown away because “they might be useful.” One day you’ll use them. That day is not today.

Finally…

The yarn needs love. It just wants to be chosen, turned into something soft and snuggly, and maybe shown off a little. And if it doesn’t get what it wants — well, it will continue to judge you from the corner of the room. Quietly. Constantly

Intricate Filet Blanket with Texture - Dragonfly Citadel Blanket

Yes… another dragonfly design.

Dragonflies are the heart of my signature style. Although I design many pieces without them, I always seem to wander back to where it all began — dragonflies.

My latest blanket, Dragonfly Citadel, is worked in a hexagon shape. Filet crochet is paired with post stitches and popcorns to create depth and texture. At the centre, a six-point star edged with post stitches radiates outward, encircled by watchful dragonflies and diamond-shaped turrets. A second ring follows, then the palisade walls, and finally a scalloped edge — the last line of defence.

The stitches are mostly basic, but there is no obvious repeat, and the placement of post stitches requires attention. The centre section does include a repeat to help establish the pattern.

Two YarnArt Flowers cakes were alternated throughout for a smooth, continuous colour flow.

The pattern is available on Ravelry and Etsy.

Visit the webpage for materials, sizing and to view pattern testers makes. View more of the blanket on Youtube.

Crochet Tournament 2026

This year has seen the design team — myself and CEO Stella — hit the ground running, with ideas and designs flying everywhere.

2026 is shaping up to be fast and furious, with a strong design focus that actually began six months ago when I was invited to be a featured designer for the upcoming Crochet Tournament 2026.

As one of the three Australian designers involved, I’ve had a first-hand look at the beautiful designs participants will get to create throughout the tournament.

Have a read about it below — registration opens today.

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Winter is nearly here, and the Crochet Tournament 2026 is your chance to get cosy. This year’s challenge is all about creating wearable, warming accessories that will see you through the cold months. Join in, connect with others, and craft your own winter-ready collection.

The aim of the tournament is for you to have a fun, challenging and inspiring time.  We all want you to grow as crocheters and learn new stitches and techniques. 

As in previous years, there are two streams – a beginner (newbie) designed for those new to crochet or with basic crochet skills and an intermediate (competent).

Each stream will have a prize for each project (stage)  and there is an overall prize for each stream that everyone who completes all stages by the final date will be eligible for.  

All you have to do is complete each stage in time, and submit a photo within the time frame and you go into the draw to win some fabulous prizes.

In both streams, the stages progressively get a little more difficult and challenging, helping you to grow and learn new stitches and techniques.  If you are new to crochet, please only sign up for the beginner/easy stream, and give yourself time to learn, both before and during the tournament.

All designs have been prepared by Australian designers and will be written in both US and UK terminology.

The tournament will begin April 1st and for each stage you will have 4 weeks to complete the project and submit your photo.

See all the details and register for your chance to wrap up warm this winter

A Moment of Butterflies Scarf

Catching a glimpse of a butterfly going about its day, always lifts the spirits.

A leftover cake of yarn. Summer. Butterflies. Somehow it all just flowed together.

My new design, A Moment of Butterflies Scarf, has quickly become my new favourite.

I spent forever and a day getting this one just right. At first glance it looks like a filet design — but it has quirks. I wanted the pattern in the main body to really show and be unmistakable. After many attempts (well over ten), it became clear that a standard block-style filet just wasn’t going to cut it.

So this design breaks the rules a little. It uses a mix of larger and smaller filet spaces to make the pattern stand out, and while there is an eight-row repeat, you’ll definitely want your thinking cap firmly in place when it comes to stitch placement.

The butterflies are worked as you go, not added on later. This involves turning the work and crocheting down the side of the scarf for certain rows — a little different, but very satisfying once it clicks.

Yes, it’s a bit challenging. But it’s also wonderfully addictive once you find the rhythm. I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with it just as much as I have.

As always, the pattern has been thoroughly tested by my dedicated team of testers.

For yarn choice, most fingering-weight yarns will work well. Avoid anything with a fuzz factor — I did try, and the pattern simply disappears. Very busy yarns are best avoided too, as they hide the details. Ombre yarns, on the other hand, look absolutely stunning.

This pattern is available on Ravelry and Etsy.

Crochet Designing is Soooo.. Easy!

Crochet design is so easy!

I tell you, the money just rolls in and the patterns practically write themselves whilst I live in lazy luxury.

…said no crochet designer I’ve ever met. This, of course, is something no crochet designer has ever actually said. At least not one who is still conscious and not laughing hysterically.

A look at the last month (aka: the glamour)

The past month involved four patterns in testing, which is exactly as relaxing and effortless as it sounds.

Fortunately, I have some truly excellent pattern testers. They know me well now — my strengths, my weaknesses, and the small but significant detail that I sometimes cannot count. They also know that if something is glaringly obvious, there is a very real chance I will stare directly at it and still not see it.

They’ve learned that the only effective solution is persistent nagging until my brain finally connects the dots. This is an essential part of the process, because no one wants an error in a pattern. Let one slip through and, based on experience, the resulting fallout rivals Days of Our Lives.

The designer is then sentenced to emotional distress via bad reviews.
This sentence is not recommended.

Two new wraps and the fuzz factor

Over the past few weeks (months, really), I’ve been designing two new scarf/wrap patterns. My hope — as always — is that the written patterns will be clear, easy to follow, and not induce rage. I truly want my customers to love what they create from them.

Designing began with the purchase of some luxury yarn featuring a generous fuzz factor.

The first design was attempted with this yarn. Getting a design to work perfectly is usually a matter of trial and error — and this one involved a lot of trial and a lot of error. Fuzzy yarn is deeply disagreeable to frogging
(frogging: the slow unravelling of your hopes and dreams).

Frogging fuzzy yarn involves frustration, tears, swearing, and a deep questioning of your life choices. This design went through 15+ attempts before it finally worked — only to reveal that the beautiful stitch pattern was completely lost to the fuzz.

So naturally, I frogged it again.

A different yarn was used, the design finally behaved itself, and the fuzzy yarn was placed in time-out to think about what it had done.

Giving the fuzz a second chance

The second wrap was designed specifically for the fuzzy yarn, because it really was too pretty to ignore. I tried to keep the stitch pattern simple to reduce the risk of further emotional damage, but some frogging was still unavoidable.

This required intense concentration, excellent lighting, a fine darning needle to tease fibres apart, and an amount of patience that I simply did not possess.

At this point, I began sourcing patience elsewhere.

Please sir, do you have any patience? I’ll take everything you’ve got. Quickly.

Meanwhile, in testing…

While I was frogging my way through existence, my pattern testers were calmly working through designs in testing — sending corrections, clarifications, and occasionally suggesting I sit quietly in a corner and think about my decisions.

Add to this customer support: helping those who genuinely needed assistance, and navigating the occasional customer who, after one hour, decided the special stitch was impossible, didn’t ask for help, and concluded the pattern was “rubbish”.

Naturally, this resulted in a one-star review.
Offers of help were made.
The customer vanished and attempts of help ignored.
The star remained.

The good bits (yes, there are good bits)

There were lovely moments too. Messages from customers who enjoyed the pattern, thoughtful reviews, kind words. These are the moments to hold onto — especially when the crochet champions reappear demanding blood because the pattern isn’t written in French, doesn’t include a full video tutorial, or is simply above their current skill level and apparently hurts their brain — their review said so.

But yes.
Crochet design is very easy.
Anyone can do it.
And the millions just roll right in.

(Choke. Chortle.)

Stay tuned for new designs. Several will launch very soon. Subscribe to receive launch day discount codes!

Stepping into 2026

Some of the designs created in 2025

Every new year starts the same way. Bold declarations are made. Bad habits are banished. Someone, somewhere, buys a planner.

And suddenly, 2026 is here. How did that even happen? I feel like I only just turned around after celebrating the Millennium, wondering whether the Y2K bug would destroy life as we know it or not. That slightly unhinged, end-of-the-world-but-make-it-digital vibe. And yet… here we are. 2026, somehow still standing.

It really makes no difference what declaration I make on New Year’s Eve — I know I am not going to change. I won’t use that planner purchased with intent. I won’t complete every crochet project I begin. The one shoved in the corner and glaring at me every time I enter the room will continue to judge me in silence. I won’t resist the urge to purchase that really nice yarn I don’t need but absolutely might need later. And the one thing I am absolutely certain of is that, as a designer, I won’t please everyone — no matter how much effort, experience, or care goes into the work.

My year ended with a four-star review on Etsy from a buyer who loved the pattern but, for some reason, found the written instructions in this much-loved design (with dozens of five-star reviews) hurt their head. The graph, however, was great. Just as well I spent hours upon hours not only writing the “offending” words, but also painstakingly drawing a usable chart. A progress photo was included, and the project looked like it was coming along nicely. Short of offering to crochet the piece myself for the buyer — in their chosen yarn, size, and preferred tension — there really was no point worrying about it.

I know the pattern is well written and clearly marked as intermediate level. So what can a person do? I looked at that review — which wasn’t awful, but… meh, it could certainly have been better — and realised it summed up 2025 rather well. A year of effort, learning, persistence, and the occasional quiet sigh. It could have been better.

Do I expect 2026 to be better, stronger, kinder? One can only hope — but it would be unwise to hold one’s breath. Experience suggests optimism is best served with a side of realism and a good cup of tea.

As I head into 2026, I will do my best to continue creating usable patterns of unique pieces. They will, no doubt, remain intermediate level — because that’s where I enjoy designing, and where creativity still feels like a challenge rather than a checklist. I will savour the kind reviews people leave and, just as surely, feel a little miserable over the lesser ones that pop up from time to time, even though I know better.

The biggest thing to remember is this: while a new year may have begun, renewal does not require becoming a completely different person. And in crochet terms, not every project needs to be finished. Some are lessons. Some are experiments. Some are simply there to remind us where we were at the time. If others do not appreciate the skill, time, and effort that go into crochet — whether as a gift or as a design — that does not make me less.

Crochet is different for every individual. Some people love fast projects and instant gratification. Others enjoy charts, challenges, and complexity. Neither is wrong.

For me, I enjoy creating more complex designs, while also finding that the repetition of crochet helps focus the mind on other things. The quiet counting, the reworking of a design, the problem-solving when something doesn’t quite sit right — it’s a challenge I love to immerse myself in, even when it tests my patience.

My hopes for 2026

To create some amazing designs.
That people will be courteous and thoughtful when leaving reviews.
That there will be some appreciation for the many hours spent creating workable patterns.

And mostly, that people remember that behind every pattern is a real person — thinking, adjusting, counting, frogging, and doing their best.

Designed with care, tested with love, and unmistakably me — 100% Auburncraft.

Auburncraft Crochet Design The Year That Was

2025 has certainly been an interesting year.
A year full of challenges — the sort that arrive uninvited — yet somehow the creativity kept going. Even with everything happening around me, I still managed to create 17 new designs. From smaller blankets to doilies and scarves, to a few projects that seriously tested my patience, the hooks kept moving in a blur of creativity.

The pattern test resort (also known as the basement) has been permanently at capacity, staffed by my hardworking testers and fuelled, of course, by quality porridge and the customary daily hour of downtime. I’m sure I test their patience more often than I should, but they keep signing on — so I must be doing something right. Or maybe they just really love porridge. It is top-shelf stuff, with only a few weevils in it.

My latest release was epic! As often happens when I design, an idea morphs as I go, and this one did exactly that — growing into a very large blanket, the kind that quietly expands until you suddenly realise it spans a king-sized bed. The initial aim was to use up my yarn stash, but that idea quickly went by the wayside when, of course, there wasn’t enough. And if this was going to be in rainbow colours, I simply had to have yellow — and I couldn’t possibly leave orange out. I suppose I shall have to add Greeeeeeeeeeen. Vomit!

In the end, it was worth all the work, even the addition of the dreaded Greeeeeeeeeeen, and watching it come together reminded me why I love designing in the first place.

This year also pushed me into something new: videos.
I’ve started making a few very basic clips for parts of my patterns that people often need help with. I cannot imagine myself ever doing full tutorials — that’s not who I am — but small, simple steps feel manageable. My little YouTube channel is growing slowly, and I’m genuinely grateful for everyone who watches, subscribes, or just presses the thumbs-up button.

Small moments — like seeing one of my designs proudly shown off by a maker, gifted to someone special, or featured by a company such as LoveCrafts — always put a smile on my face. They might seem like small things, but they’re big for me and a quiet reminder of why I love doing what I do.

Of course, the landscape has shifted this year too.
With AI-generated content popping up everywhere, the number of scams has exploded. People selling patterns that don’t work, designs stolen, photos misused, and items that look pretty on screen but are impossible to crochet in real life. Add in the ongoing juggling act of keeping customers happy. And of course, there’s always that sting of a less-than-stellar review from someone who never even asked for help. It’s added a whole extra layer of frustration and worry — and I suspect things will not change in the future. As for the AI, it’s something we’ll all be dealing with even more in the years ahead. It’s made me even more determined to create work that’s tested, trusted, and genuinely mine.

Looking towards 2026, there’s plenty more coming.

Next year I’ll be taking part in at least one event in collaboration with a local yarn store. I was also invited to a much larger convention here in Australia. It was an honour to be asked, but I decided to decline — I’m simply not a front-of-house person. Put me behind the hook, behind the scenes, and I’m perfectly happy. Put me in front of a hall full of people and that’s a very firm “no, thank you.” I love sharing my work and I’m more than happy to join in, as long as it can be done from behind the scenes. But ask me to be a keynote speaker and that’s just not going to happen

Several designs are already in testing, and there’s a long list waiting in the design queue. Expect more texture, more unexpected details, more flowers worked in… and yes, more dragonflies, always.

Latest Release

Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 - Cloud Dancer - REALLY?

Do you ever find yourself longing to step back in time?

Because honestly, I’m feeling an almost gravitational pull dragging me back to 2023. The Pantone Colour Institute — in all their infinite wisdom — has me diving head-first into my time capsule and hurtling down the Time Tunnel straight to the glorious days of Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750).

Ah yes. 2023. A very good year. But let’s be real: any year dipped in a shade of purple is automatically superior. It’s scientific.

And then… we arrive at 2026.
Pantone steps forward and triumphantly announces PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer — an off white so off it makes you wonder if the colour-picking committee spent their afternoon locked in a padded room and thought, “Hey, this looks familiar.”

I can already see people begging for colour — any colour (okay, maybe not green). Honestly, it would take one rebellious flick of a brush dipped in purple, orange, pink, or yellow to “accidentally” fall into the tin of off white. Just a tiny sabotage. For the greater good.

Picture the big Pantone board meeting:
“Alright team, 2026. What sums up the mood?”
A chorus of architects and interior designers replies,
“I know! Let’s go with a noiiiiice off white. It’ll be fab-u-lous.”
Of course it will. Everything white is fabulous, darling.

But wait — the meaning of off white:
Purity. Innocence. Cleanliness.
Also… death and sadness.
Perfect. A colour for every occasion.

White makes spaces feel bigger, they claim.
Maybe that’s the grand plan for 2026: make the year look large and airy so no one notices how truly rotten 2025 has been. Clever.

“Let’s call it Cloud Dancer,” they say.
Because clouds are famously known for their structure and reliability.

So here we are, marching boldly (or reluctantly) toward 2026 with an off-white energy — a blank canvas for literally anything more interesting to land on it.

Bring on 2027 — and please, Pantone, anything but greeeeennnnnnnn. Well maybe not ANYTHING!

Massive Design Launch - Chasing Rainbows Finding Tulips Blanket

My new design, Chasing Rainbows Finding Tulips Blanket, is finally ready to launch.

This is a huge one! Six months in the design stage and more than three months in testing.

I decided to use rainbow colours for this one, partly because I had quite a bit of leftover yarn that could go towards it, and partly because my mind kept drifting toward rainbows.

Rainbows can mean many things to different people. Me? I simply like rainbows.

The name — Have you ever wanted something badly, but life turns you in another direction? You don’t get what you thought you would, but you end up with what you need, or something unexpected. Chasing Rainbows – Finding Tulips.

Now, a bit about the design:

This intermediate to advanced crochet pattern includes written instructions, step-by-step photos, and symbol-style charts, with both US and UK terminology provided. Worked in rainbow rows with an embossed tulip texture, this blanket is perfect for makers who love colour play and floral motifs.

Features:

• Written instructions with step-by-step photos

• Symbol-style charts included

• Separate US and UK terminology versions

• Hexagon and triangle construction

• Rainbow layout with striped border

• Embossed texture using post stitches and popcorns

• Intermediate to advanced skill level

Yarn Weight: DK (8 ply)
Hook Size: 4 mm (G-6)
Total Yarn Used (if gauge is met): approx. 6170 m / 6747.5 yd

Finished Measurements
155 cm / 61 in (length)
245 cm / 96.4 in (width)

Big enough to span a queen-sized bed!

After many months of work, I’m pleased to finally share this design with anyone who enjoys a challenge and a bit of colour therapy. If you decide to make it, I hope the process is as satisfying for you as seeing it come together was for me.

Head to the webpage to see some of the pattern testers examples! And view the short videos on Youtube!

Veil of Avelisse Doily

So there I was, playing with a skein of Fiddlesticks Posie and not really knowing where the hook was heading. The end result became ‘Veil of Avelisse’.

This is a wonderfully versatile pattern. I ended up making several versions while honing the design, and the very first — in a gorgeous purple — has now been framed and proudly adorns a spot in my sitting room.

I was very brave and actually purchased a couple of skeins of Fiddlesticks in a greeennnnnnnnnn and a red. Green and I don’t generally get along all that well, so it’s always a challenge for me to work with. I continually look at what I’m creating and wonder why on earth I’m working in green. But I wanted to create a Christmas table runner, and green is kind of a necessity… so, as I say, I was very brave and soldiered on. I even made a table placemat from the greeennnnnnnnnn.

This design can be a tablecloth, doily, table runner, table centre, or even a framed focal piece. One of my pattern testers even modelled it as a scarf!

The pattern includes fully written instructions in both UK and US terminology, a symbol graph, and helpful progress photos. It can be made as a stand-alone doily, and instructions for joining motifs — as well as how I framed mine — are included. The choice is yours.

‘Veil of Avelisse’ will be available on Ravelry and Etsy. There’s still time to make something beautiful for your Christmas table, or even whip up a last-minute framed gift that looks wonderfully thoughtful. I hope you enjoy bringing this delicate design to life as much as I enjoyed creating it..

The Goldilocks Method of Designing Crochet. An Auburncraft Initiative!

You know that feeling — you get a brilliant idea and, in your head, it’s epic!

This is going to be bigger than Ben Hur (or that’s the saying, I think?).

You map it out in your head, and the sheer magnitude of just how brilliant this idea is makes your head a few sizes too large for the gorgeous crochet beanie you made last week!

Of course, in your head, this design works per-fect-ly... Every stitch lines up, and it all falls into place to create a piece of crochet that a queen would wish to have adorning her in some manner or other.

Then you begin working on this masterpiece. You try one yarn, and it doesn’t work that great — maybe the texture is too rough. You try another, and it’s way too soft. Then you try a third, and it seems just right.

You grab your 5mm hook and do a few rows — turns out it’s too big.

You work a few rows with your 4mm and, you guessed it, it’s too small. By this time, you can hear your 4.5mm grumbling from the hook storage: “Told you I was the right size. You should have picked me in the first place.”

Sure enough, the 4.5mm is just right — and it did have a point. You should have listened.

Single Crochet

You think you’re now ready to whip up this masterpiece and begin using single crochet (US). You work up a large portion of the design, but the further you go, the more you start to think this stitch might not be right for it.

Maybe this just isn’t going to work.

You slow down, partly so you can ponder how you could possibly be wrong. After all, it worked so well in your head! Eventually, you’re down to one stitch a minute. Your brain is shouting loud and clear: IT WILL NOT WORK.

The realisation dawns — it just ain’t gonna work — and off you go a-frogging.

But then your vision begins to shift. This new idea will work — it will be super fabulous for sure. How could you have missed this before?

Half Double Crochet

Half double crochet may well be the way to go with this. This will work! This will be great! Fantastic! Fabulous! You may even be awarded Queen of the World for this design.

Butttttttttt… you get to about the same point you were at with the single crochet and just know it is NOT SO!

By this time, the new, fabulous, incredible design has been given the gift of flight — you chuck it across the room and leave it there for a few hours.

Waistcoat Stitch

This is it! This is the one!! This stitch will be raised above all others and become legend in this design. People will queue for hours to admire the crochet artistry you’ve created with this stitch.

As you work, you realise it’s true — it does work. It’s right. Wonderful, even. You crochet harder and faster, knowing those queues of crochet fans will soon be waiting to view your masterpiece.

Once again, your head has grown a few sizes too large for that beanie, and before you know it, the day is gone. It’s late, and suddenly you feel an overwhelming urge for a large bowl of porridge. You must have one! After all, you’ve been working very hard all day and thoroughly deserve it!

You’re now so exhausted from your day of frogging that you also require a nap.
You go in search of a bed — but of course, it has to be one that’s just right!

The Goldilocks Method of Crochet Design is a patented technique used exclusively by Auburncraft Crochet Design.
No bears were harmed in the making of this crochet method — although several bowls of porridge were definitely eaten.