January 2018 - Crochet blog

#seasidestashbustingblanket

#seasidestashbustingblanket

Published on January 30, 2018January 30, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin19 Comments

As if having one large blanket on the go isn’t enough! I have accidentally, well…ok…I spent 2 hours rummaging through my yarn stash, so not accidentally at all…but I couldn’t help but chain the starting chain for this mystery CAL, which is being hosted by the talented Eleonora over at Coastal Crochet.

In my defence I am using only stash and there are only 4 sweet rows of the pattern being released each week…so that’s doable isn’t it?

I was a little late to the hook up, starting in week 2, but I am fully caught up and I can’t wait for week 3. The bobbles were fun to hook and I am pleased with the mustard (gold) against the raspberry. The yarn is stylecraft special dk and I’m planning on using these colours.

In addition to these colours I will also be using Graphite (charcoal grey) and Gold and possibly candyfloss pink…I am still undecided about the candyfloss…mmm…we’ll see…What do you think?

I am slightly disgruntled that I have not been able to find my yarn pegs for these missing colours in the picture, but I am unable to look properly because of this…

It really hurt! and I am a big baby!

Yes, It’s all done and it wasn’t very pleasant and I still feel queasy, and I am not a good patient (it must be the nurse in me!) but I am grateful to be this side of it.

I have always wanted to complete a CAL like this but have always been a bit cautious about being able to follow the pattern instructions, but Eleonora’s instructions are written very clearly and she has also made a video tutorial to help out if needed, so I think it will all be gucci.

The blanket is going to be a fair old size when it’s finished in the Autumn. You can checkout other blanketeers in this CAL by using the #seasidestashbustingblanket or #coastalcrochetcal.

xxxxx

Crochet Robins Nest Square motif in cotton yarn, perfect for lightweight summer crochet projects

CAL Granny Style

Published on January 27, 2018January 28, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin18 Comments

February is just in view, in fact it’s approaching so quickly it may possibly arrive before I finish this post…you see every time I have sat down to type, something has needed my urgent attention. It seems this has been the reoccurring theme here at the nest this January, so much so that not a lot of hooking has taken place!!

crochet bag — My crochet has followed me around in this bag…but has not come out to play since Scotland 🙁

But… I have plans a foot for February…which start with being immobile thanks to some planned foot surgery early next week. On the bright side this will require a period of recuperation mainly with my foot up and sat right next to a basket of yarn… hooking perfection!

First on my hooking list is a delirious granny CAL (crochet a long) which begins on the 01st Feb and which is being hosted by the lovely Rosina over at Zeens and Rogers…do hop over and check out one of her podcasts they always make me smile and always inspire me and of course feel free to join the CAL too.

Top 5 things to crochet when it's hot and number 1 is ironic! — Robins nest square

Thinking about what to hook for the CAL has got me looking at all things granny and I realised that the simple treble stitch nestled next to two other simple treble stitches…classic granny stitch…is actually one of my go to stitches…

It is also #yarnlovechallenge time again. Check out last years prompts here and if you want to join the fun check out the #yarnlovechallenge on Instagram or check back here on Thursday.

So I am going to try and post short daily posts throughout February inspired by the daily prompts and crochet out rather than being too spaced out on pain killers…I hope!

Have a great weekend.

xxxxx

a wee sottish adventure

A Wee Scottish Adventure…

Published on January 19, 2018January 18, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin25 Comments

Last weekend Mr R and I took the train and embarked upon a wee Scottish adventure.

It was business for Mr R but I tagged along with my hook and yarn. The temptation of a long train journey without the little Robins was just too much, even if it did mean an early start!

It provided a whole few hours of just sitting watching the world go by with just Mr R for company and the opportunity for guilt free hooking…what was not to love!

I got some more rows done on my Charming Harbour Blanket…I am still hooking away at this. It is rather slow going, not because of the pattern, more the sheer size of the thing and the fact that I am only working on it every now and then. But, I am enjoying the hook and I do not have any deadline pressures with this one.

Crochet blanket — Charming Harbour blanket PHD

The journey to Glasgow and then onto Ayrshire was hassle free and I can highly recommend hooking on a train…there is something about the rhythm of the hooking combined with the uniform clickety clack of the train which hushes one into a calm serenity.

Mr R got the business thing done quickly and we wound our way down to the north Lake District and found a charming little place to stay in Cockermouth before heading back home to the little Robins because by then we were really beginning to miss them!

xxxxx

crochet tea cosy free pattern and tutorial

The Grandma Florence Tea Cosy

Published on January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin7 Comments

In my haste to release the fourth gorgeous tea cosy of the Grandma Collection…The Grandma Florence tea cosy; I realised that I hadn’t posted the formal introduction. So here it is…

Dedicated to my lovely Momma…Florence.

My Mom: the woman who raised me and who has quietly influenced me throughout my life.

I followed in her duty shoes and trained as a nurse, inspired by memories of her putting on her nurses hat and cape…of course that style of uniform has long since gone…but I wanted to help people just like her.

My Mom has been such a creative influence in my life too, for as long as I can remember she has made stuff. Clothes, flower arrangements, knitting, patchwork quilts…no wonder I have the desire to create and craft.

My Momma has also taught me how to be a Momma to my boys…and if I do half as good as her then I’ll do alright by them! But most of all she is always there and she is kind and that is just what I want to be.

So this is the Grandma Florence tea cosy, a pretty cosy woven with bright ribbons to represent the encouragement, love and inspiration that my Momma has woven throughout my life… Thanks Mom!

xxxxx

So that is the Grandma Florence tea cosy in all of her glory, here is the pattern linky thing which is free and has a photo tutorial also.

xxxxx

personalised organic cotton labels

I’ve finally found labels for my crochet…

Published on January 12, 2018January 11, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin18 Comments

I’ve finally found labels for my crochet makes!

The great folk over at Calico Labels

sent me some to try out and I was super thrilled to say the least. And there is more…Their cracking little Etsy shop is full of organic cotton no fray labels in some seriously cute designs and fonts. Seriously cute, so be warned if you go check them out!

Just look at what they sent me…

squeeee…sorry, but they make me very excited.

I have attached the first one to the 100 patch granny that always greets me on my blogging chair. It took me a little while to decide on which birdie house to choose, but in the end I went with the pink one.I am so thrilled…thank you Calico Labels

xxxxx

Crchet tea cosy free pattern and tutorial

Grandma Florence Tea Cosy…Free Pattern and Tutorial.

Published on January 9, 2018May 1, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin7 Comments

This is the fourth tea cosy in the Grandma collection, and is sure to charm. The crochet mesh design means this pattern makes for a very quick hook up. Ideal for beginners using just a half treble crochet stitch, this cosy is abidingly delightful and will trim any tea pot with joy.

Dedicated to the inspiration that is ‘Nanna Florence’ otherwise known as my Mom!

The pattern makes a tea cosy that fits a standard 6 cup teapot.

I used less than 50g of Stylecraft special dk yarn in cream. Please note that I have used a different colour yarn in the beginning of the photo tutorial below.

You will also need a darning needle, a selection of 5mm wide ribbon, a 50cm length of fluff, a button, a pair of scissors and x4 stitch markers (or small safety pins or scraps of different colour yarn). The use of a hot glue gun is optional, ribbons can either be glued into position or stitched.

Stitches used in this pattern refer to English terminology, however a conversion to US terminology is provided in brackets.

Ch – chain stitch

slst – slip stitch

dc – double crochet (single crochet)

htr– half treble crochet (half double crochet)

You will also need:

a 4mm crochet hook

Ok, here we go…

Using the cream yarn Ch 4

Join with a slst to form a ring.

Row 1: Ch1 (does not count as a st), 6hdc into ring,

finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (6hdc).

Row 2: Ch1, (does not count as a st) 2hdc in same space, 2hdc in each st around, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (12hdc).

Row 3: Ch1 (does not count as a st), 2hdc in same space, 1hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next st . Repeat * – * to end, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (18hdc).

Rows 4: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 2hdc in same space, 1hdc in next 2 sts, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 2 sts. Repeat - to end, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (24hdc).

Row 5: Ch1 (does not count as st), 2hdc in same space, 1hdc in next 3 sts, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next 3 sts. Repeat - to end, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (30hdc).

Row 6: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 2hdc in same space, 1hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdcin next st, 1hdc in next 4 sts. Repeat - to end, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (36hdc).

Row 7: ch1 ( does not count as a st), 1hdc in same space and in each st around, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (36hdc).

Row 8: ch1 (does not count as a st), 2hdc in same space andin each st around, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (72hdc).

Row 9 and 10: Repeat row 7, finish with a slst in 1st hdc. (72hdc).

You should have something that is starting to look a bit like a flying saucer! This is a good point to check your measurements with your intended teapot. Place your hooked disc on top of your teapot. You want the edges of the circle to be approx. 1cm from the handle of the teapot.

To mark out handle and spout holes, simply take x4 st markers (or cut short pieces of yarn in a different colour as I did) and place/ tie first marker in the st behind where you joined last row.

Counting backwards (or to the right)miss x3 sts and place/tie second marker in next st. This marks out your handle.

From this second marker count backwards (or to the right) 30sts and place 3rd marker in the next st (31st st). Return to the first marker and count forwards 30 sts (or to the left) and place 4th marker in the next st.

You have now marked out the handle and spout positions for your cosy. Marker #1 and #2 indicate the handle space and markers #3 and #4 indicate the spout space.

The next stage of the cosy is to construct the sides. So, for the purposes of the pattern these will be referred to as side A (between marker #1 and #4) and side B between marker #2 and #3).

Side A row 1: In Cream yarn Ch 4 (counts as 1htr and 2ch), miss 2sts htr in next st, ch2, miss 2sts

repeat * -* until you reach marker/ tie #4.

NB/ last htr is completed in st marked by marker / tie #4

(x11htr, x10 ch2spaces)

Side A row 2: ch4 (counts as htr and 2 ch) turn work.

Miss 2 sts, htr in next st, ch2, miss 2 sts

repeat * – * to end of row, placing last htr in top of ch2.

(x11htr, x10 ch2 spaces).

Side A row 3: We are going to increase the mesh at each end of the row.

Ch 4 ( counts as htr and 2ch, turn work, htr into same st ( increase made), ch2, miss 2sts, htr in next st, ch2, miss 2 sts

repeat from * – * til end of row placing htr in ch2 of previous row, ch2, htr in same space (increase made).

(x13htr, x12 ch2 spaces).

Side A row 4: ch 4 (counts as htr and 2ch), turn work, miss 2 sts, htr in next st, ch2, miss 2sts

repeat * – * til end of row. (x13htr, x12 ch2 spaces).

Side A row 5 – 15: repeat side A row 4. Fasten off. Side A completed.

Side B: Join cream yarn in st to the left of st marker #2

repeat Side A instructions between markers 2 and 3. Fasten off and sew in all loose ends.

Remove stitch markers.

Place on your teapot to check the fit.

Now for the fun part! Weave the ribbons in and out of the mesh.

ayarnyrobin free crochet tea cosy pattern — weave the ribbons in and out of the mesh…

alternate each row ie, start weaving from under the post on one row and over the post on the next row. NB/ on row 3 you will not need to alternate in order to keep the pattern of covered and exposed posts.

crochet tea cosy pattern available at ayarnyrobin — This gives me another idea!!!

Repeat weaving ribbons for both Side A and Side B. Once completed you need to secure the ribbons. I used a hot glue gun to do this but you could just as easily machine sew.

Turn work so that the wrong side is facing upwards and begin by securing the ribbons that end by going behind the post. In the picture below this would be the green ribbon, followed by the blue then the red ribbon. Secure both sides being careful not to pull the ends of the ribbon to tight, you need to allow a little give in the ribbon.

Continue to secure the ribbons in this way. You should now only have ribbons that go over the post left to secure. To do this split the side of the post stitch with your nail and thread through the ribbon. In the photo below the top picture shows the blue ribbon already threaded and the bottom picture shows the red ribbon yet to be threaded with the place for it to be threaded through indicated by the safety pin.

NB/ this can be a bit tricky and may require a wee bit of patience!

Once threaded, secure as before.

Edging: join cream yarn to the bottom corner (any side).

Ch2 (does not count as a st), htr into same space (to the right side of ribbon), ch1.

NB/The next st is to be placed in between ribbon).

ch1,htr in between ribbon

repeat - until last ribbon at the top. Don’t worry too much about the ribbon seeming loose at the sides, just keep placing those htr’s between the ribbons! The last htr being placed to the left side of the last ribbon.

Dc in the sts across the lid of the cosy.

Now place htr to right of top ribbon on opposite side,ch1, htr in between ribbon.

Repeat * – * to end. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat the whole of the edging process on the other side of the cosy, but do not fasten off as this is where the tab is created..

Tab: To complete the tab ch2 (does not count as st) turn work,

Tab Row 1: htr in ch sp, htr in next st repeat * – * x3 more times (8htr in total)

Tab Row 2: ch2 (does not count as a st) turn work, htr in each st along (8htr)

Tab Row 3: repeat Tab Row 2.

Tab Row 4: Turn work, slst in next 2 sts, ch8, miss 4 sts, slst in next 2sts, fasten off and weave in ends.

Attach button centrally on opposite side to tab.

Now to sew handle opening. To do this sew the two edges on opposite side of cosy to tab and button. Sew from bottom up to the 4th or 5th ribbon or until the bottom of your handle.

Finally to neaten the edges around the spout, join cream yarn to st just above the tab.

Ch2, htr in each st around until st just above button, fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat the process to neaten the edges around the handle, this time joining the cream yarn to any st in the opening for the handle, ch2, htr in each st around, joining with a slst in top of ch2 to finish. Fasten off.

Finally to add the pompom.

Now you could just make a pompom, but I just tied the first part of a bow over and over until I had a fluffy ball.

I threaded some yarn through it and secured it to the top of the tea cosy where it looked rather quite proud.

Et voila! A beautiful tea cosy to warm your brew!

xxxxx

I REALLY HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED MAKING THIS PATTERN AS MUCH AS I HAVE ENJOYED CREATING IT FOR YOU. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT SOMETHING OR NOTICE ANY ERRORS PLEASE SHOUT UP. EQUALLY PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR Grandma Florence Tea cosy CREATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW or on social media using the hashtags #ayarnyrobin or @yarnyrobin…I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM!

Grandma Florence Tea Cosy is part of the Grandma Collection ©2018 designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin

New Crochet Tea Cosy Free Pattern Coming Soon…

Published on January 5, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin8 Comments

Just wanted to drop in and let you know that I am almost done on the newest tea cosy in the Grandma Collection; which means that I will release the pattern on Tuesday. I am so very excited about this one, it’s simply beautiful. Here’s a sneak peak…

This photo was taken a little while ago…I can’t wait to show you! Have a great weekend

xxxxx