Mostly enjoying this busy, beautiful life with lots of yarn and a hook! I'm hooked on God, my 3 boys, Mr R and if your reading this then you'll know I'm hooked on crochet too!!
By day I am a full time nurse working in the community in children's health, but by night I am a maker of cute baby things. Pop over to my Etsy shop by clicking the tab at the top of this page or message me if you would like me to make you a custom order.
I also love to blog and Instagram my creative journey and design my own crochet patterns; you can find me by clicking the links below.
So thanks for stopping by...feel free to have a good old poke around...and I hope you enjoy your time spent with me because you are very welcome here xx
These beautiful baby bloomers just fell off my hook…what do you think?
I am totally in love with them, and that colour is looking mighty fine!
The textured pattern is a delight to hook and I adore the little cinched in waistband. I think these would look great paired with a simple pair of tights, but equally would suit a little boy also. The ribbed banding around the waist and legs finishes the pattern with a soft definition and you know me…I always love to crochet a rib.
You can just imagine a cute little baby bum in that can’t you?
The pattern was great to follow and I highly recommend you pop over and take a look at this designers patterns, she is certainly bossing the way in British crochet baby wear. I will pop all of the details at the bottom of this post as usual with all of the relevant linky things too.
And if you don’t fancy hooking your own pair I am happy to hook some for you…just click here and drop me a message.
The yarn was also a delight, super soft for baby’s skin and has a gentle sheen which compliments the textured pattern of these bloomers. This yarn is also practicle in that it is machine washable and anti-pilling and can even be popped into the tumble dryer!
This mustard has to be one of my favourite colours right now. It reminds me of fields of rape seed in the countryside and sunflowers and yet makes me think autumn will come again…and I can’t wait for the beautiful season that is Autumn.
As it is the Easter Bank Holiday, I have a new project on my hook. Little Jess is in great need of some pretty blankets to sleep on and so I didn’t have to look far for some inspiration. I have a lot of crochet pins on my pintrest boards and I have a wish list that could go around the world at least once!
It wasn’t too long before I knew this was the perfect choice…you just know when your project is going to work! I mean just take a look at those squares.
It has been so long since I have done any hooking like this and my heart felt full. So full, it wasn’t too long before I found I had dozed off!
But, so had Old Alf, so I found I was in good company!
Anyway, the snooze has done me good and I plan on hooking the evening away now with a little gin and tonic or three…you can bet I will be nodding off on the sofa again before long!!
With only a week until Easter Sunday, I thought I would share the pattern for these Easter bunny ears I made yesterday. I was making a little newborn bunny photo shoot outfit and needed some cute floppy bunny ears to complete the look. I am using my Baby Bear Bonnet Pattern and my own diaper cover pattern which I have just not had chance to write up yet!
They are super simple to make. I used Stylecraft special Aran weight yarn in grey and cream and a 5mm hook and my finished floppy bunny ears measure approx.16cms long.
The outer ears are worked in the round, with the inner ears worked in rows and made separately then sewn into place. My pattern is written using UK terminology but I have provided a US stitch conversion below. Please note chain stitches do not count as a stitch unless otherwise stated in the pattern.
Round 1: 6htr into 2nd ch from hook, join with a slst into top of 1st htr, ch1 . ( 6htr see pic 1.)
Round 2: 2htr in each st around, join with a slst into top of 1st htr, ch1. (12htr see pic 2.)
Round3: *2htr in next st, 1 htr in next st* repeat around, join with a slst into top of 1st htr, ch1. (18htr see pic 3.)
Round 4 – 9: htr in each st around, join with a slst into top of 1st htr, ch1. (18htr see pic 4.)
Round 10: htr2tog, htr in next 14sts, htr2tog, join with a slst in top of 1st htr, ch1 (16htr)
Round 11: htr2tog, htr in next 12sts, htr2tog, join with a slst in top of 1st htr, ch1 (14htr)
Round 12: htr2tog, htr in next 10sts, htr2tog, join with a slst in top of 1st htr, ch1 (12htr see pic 5.)
Rounds 13 – 17: htr in each st around, join with slst in 1st htr, ch1 (12htr see pic 6.)
Round 18: htr2tog all around, join with a slst in 1st htr, ch1 and turn (6htr)
Now flatten circle and slst edges together, fasten off and leave an extra long tail for sewing…longer than you normally would, trust me here as you will need the extra length later! (see pic 7)
Inner Ear is made in rows
make 2
In cream
Row 1: ch4, htr in 2nd ch from hook and in each st along, ch1 and turn (3htr)
Row 2: 2htr, htr, 2htr, ch1, turn (5htr)
Row 3: 2htr, htr in next 3sts, 2htr, ch1, turn (7htr)
Row 4 – 6: htr in each st, ch1, turn (7htr)
Row 7: htr2tog, htr in each st along, ch1, turn (6htr)
Row 8: htr2tog, htr in each st along, ch1, turn (5htr)
Row 9 -11: htr in each st, ch1, turn (5htr)
Row 12: htr2tog, htr in each st, ch1, turn (4htr see pic 8.)
Row 13: htr in each st along, ch1, turn (4htr)
slst all around inner ear to finish, fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Sew to outer ear (see pic 9)
To attach bunny ears to chosen bonnet/hat I found that giving the top of the ear a twist and securing with a couple of stitches, gives the ear a little bounce and allows the inner ear to peek out. If the ear is not twisted before attaching to bonnet / hat then you will not be able to see the inner ear…which seems a shame, been as you have just gone to the effort of hooking them. See Pic 10 to see where to twist and sew (indicated by red dots).
Finally pin and securely sew your bunny ears to your bonnet. If you prefer a hat why not checkout My Best Beanie Pattern available in sizes newborn to large adult.
Now all that’s left to do is enjoy all of that floppy bunny ear cuteness!
Please do let me know what you think by dropping me a sentence in the comments below…I love to get your feedback and a like or a share goes a long way too!
I just wanted to share these bunny ear knot headbands with you because they are so adorably sweet. I found the pattern on pintrest and have popped a link in for you below if you fancied hooking your own in time for Easter.
I did find the sizing a slight issue in that the pattern goes from 0 – 3 months right through to adult and by my sizing guide I feel it should be newborn – 6 – 10 years.
Having said that the pattern is beautifully written and the extended double crochet (sc) stitch is so pretty and delicate and those bunny ears….well they are just adorable don’t you think?
I think this sweet bunny headband would make an excellent Spring / Easter newborn photo prop, or a lovely little Spring baby shower gift. It would also look cute for an Easter Egg hunt or just for every day wear too.
So, if you fancy hooking your own you will find the pattern by clicking the link below
I hope you are all ok? I thought I would just drop in to show you my latest make and to thank you for all the kind feedback I have received regarding my free baby blanket pattern…The Angelece Baby Blanket
I have really enjoyed playing around with something a bit different to usual, and this is what I came up with. Of course, it had to have a bit of crochet somewhere and these little flowers were just perfect.
I am not the worlds greatest when it comes to sewing, but I do find it quite soothing, if the embroidery floss doesn’t get in a tangle. I did order some cheap embroidery floss to start with…this was a BIG mistake as it split and tangled so easily. Suffice to say the more expensive thread was of a much better quality and made the embroidery a pleasure.
The leaves and flowers are hooked from scraps of cotton and I glued them into position with a hot glue gun, and finished the centres with a tiny white bead.
Finally, I finished my hoop with a circle of mustard felt, which I also glued into position, just to give a tidy finish. It is a small piece of happiness.
I may just make some more, but I think I will keep each one completely unique…I have some other Mama sayings that I would like to stitch.
Thank you for the lovely feedback I have received on my free baby blanket pattern; if you missed it you can find it by clicking on the link.
I had a lovely little hooking session yesterday evening, and this is what came off my hook. I am so in love with these sweet hats and I love the colours too!
I am very pleased to share with you my pattern for this beautiful baby blanket; it has been sitting half written in my documents for a couple of years now…so, it’s about time it saw the light of day!
I made mine from a cotton mix, which means it has a scrumptious drape and I’ve finished it with cute little tassels on each corner. A beginner’s introduction to filet crochet, this pattern uses chain, double crochet and treble stitches. On trend in pretty mint, (but you can make yours in whatever colour you choose) the blanket measures approx. 60cms x 66cms, ideal pram blanket size. Details of how to up-size the blanket can be found in the pattern details below.
If you would prefer to download an ad free version of the pattern, you can purchase just here for less than a cup of coffee! So, lets talk yarn. I used Women’s Institute Home Cotton – Aran weight in Light Blue 100g and I used 3 balls. A good alternative to this is Lion Brand Prima Cotton. But, any aran weight yarn would also be suitable, however a cotton blend lends itself to a beautiful drape and lighter weather conditions, which hopefully will be here with us very soon.
You will also need
5mm hook
Scissors
Darning needle
Card to make tassels – an old cereal box will do!
The pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and the stitch abbreviations can be found below. I have included US terminology in blue if you wish to convert. You may wish to use a stitch marker to indicate the last stitch of each row. Turning chain counts as a stitch throughout the pattern unless otherwise stated. Repeats are marked by asterisks *.
Dc: Insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 2 loops on the hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
Tr: Yarn over hook, insert hook into chain or under both loops of stitch, yarn over and pull through so there are 3 loops on hook, yarn over again and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through last 2 loops on hook.
Gauge is not so important for this project, although I have given you a gauge guide below. To make this blanket larger or smaller, adjust your starting chain by multiples of 12 to desired width and hook more or less rows to desired length. Remember increasing the size of the blanket will require more yarn than stated in this pattern.
11tr x 5 rows = 3.5” (8.5cms) x 3” (7.5cms)
Photo by Anete Lusina
So, lets get started shall we? To begin ch84
Row 1: 1tr in 2nd ch from hook, 1tr in next 10sts, *ch1, miss next st, 1tr in next 11sts* repeat from * – * to end, ch2 (counts as 1tr) turn
Row 2: 1tr in next 10sts, *ch1, miss next st, 1tr in next 11sts,* repeat from * – * to end, ch2 (counts as 1tr) turn.
Row 3 – 4: repeat row 2
Row 5: repeat row 2 but at end of row ch3 (counts as 1tr + ch space) turn.
Row 6: miss next st, *1tr, ch, miss next st* repeat * – * to end of row, finishing with a tr stitch, ch2 (counts as 1tr) turn.
Rows 7: 1tr in next 10sts (ch space counts as st), *ch1, miss ch space, 1tr in next 11sts* repeat from * – * to end, ch2 (counts as 1tr) turn.
Rows 8 – 10: repeat row 2
Row 11: repeat row 5
Row 12: repeat row 6
Rows 13: repeat row 7
Rows 14 – 16: repeat row 2
Row 17: repeat row 5
Row 18: repeat row 6
Row 19: repeat row 7
Rows 20 – 22: repeat row 2
Row 23: repeat row 5
Row 24: repeat row 6
Row 25: repeat row 7
Rows 26 – 28: repeat row 2
Row 29: repeat row 5
Row 30: repeat row 6
Row 31: repeat row 7
Rows 32 – 34: repeat row 2
Row 35: repeat row 5
Row 36: repeat row 6
Row 37: repeat row 7
Row: 38 – 40: repeat row 2
Row 41: repeat row 5
Row 42: repeat row 6
Row 43: repeat row 7
Rows 44 – 46: repeat row 2
Row 47: repeat row 2, ch 1, turn, do not fasten off.
Now to add the border
Along the horizontal edges of the blanket you will dc into st as normal. Along the vertical edges of the blanket you will have to make a dc around the post of each tr at the end of each row.
1dc in each stitch to end, ch2, dc in same st (corner made). You will now be making dc stitches along the vertical edge of the blanket. 2dc per post to next corner, ch2 dc in same st (2nd corner made). 1dc in each st to end, ch2, dc in same st (3rd corner made), repeat 2dc per post on final vertical edge, placing last dc in same space as ch1 at end of row 47, ch2 and slip stitch and fasten off to finish.
Make 4 chunky tasssels and sew securely to each corner. If you are not sure how to make tassels here is a great youtube tutorial to get you started…they are easy to make and will finish your blanket with style.
This pattern including all photos are the property of Nicola Florence at ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com. Please do not modify, resell, publish in part or in full, or share this pattern or photo’s as your own. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, I hope it becomes a hot item for you; but please credit, with a link, that the item is made using @yarnyrobin pattern.
I hope you enjoy making this blanket. I would love to see your makes; the easiest way to do this is to share them on your social media by tagging me, it will honestly make me do a happy dance!
You can also follow me on Instagram as @baby_yarnyrobin or @yarnyrobin and on facebook as Baby_yarnyrobin for discounts and latest updates.
Once you try this brim…you wont go back to chunky front post, back post brims!
Yes, that;s right…I love this crochet brim for my hats because it is less chunky, has a ‘knit look’ finish and makes my beanies have a lovely snug and comfortable fit and I will show you how to make your own ribbed brim for top down construction hats right here.
Now, if you have been with me a while you will know that a video tutorial is a first for me, so I would appreciate your feedback as it has taken forever to put together!
The pattern for ‘My Best Beanie’ has also taken me a long time to write and edit, and is now available just here. I have made this a pattern for all the family as it is written for sizes newborn right through to large adult. If you prefer a more traditional bonnet, I have a pattern for those too…just here.
photo credit @luandlo_x on instagram
Let me know what you think? Should I do other free crochet tutorials and if so what would you like tutorials on?
I just wanted to share with you this very sweet and quick make, that I hooked up a couple of weeks ago now, for little Jess. I did want to make it in navy with rainbow stripes to match Mr R’s hat…but Mr R was not the least bit impressed by this at all!!
The pattern details can be found at the end of this post. It’s a lovely little free pattern, which gives directions to make a bespoke dog sweater based on measurements for your dog…so you can make any size you need to!
Jess, was rather proud with the finished item and was happy to pose. I love the ribbed collar and waist band and because it is bespoke just for Jess, I was able to make the leg holes just for her, so it fits comfortably and allows for natural movement.
I finished the sweater off with one of my cork labels.
I think I will still make one with navy with rainbow stripes to match Mr R…
Yes, that’s how long it has been since I last dropped by…and my, how the landscape of the world has changed; internationally, nationally and personally!
I write because it makes me feel like someone is listening. – Or I am finally listening to myself!
I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to carry on writing here; I felt like I had lost my way a little and didn’t know how too move this space forward. Opening my little Etsy shop has been so much fun, but it also kind of took all my spare time. I have also changed jobs…well same job, different Trust and different Team…that has been life changing for me! I am now part of a team that nurtures and cares instead of tears apart and destroys; so I feel like I have gained a lot of head space back. Anyway, I’m sure we are all going through our own trials right now, so I’m not going to dump mine here for you to absorb. I just wanted to let you know, I’m planning to be around these parts a bit more often…but for now, I will just leave you with some pictures of some recent hooking exploits.
Previously Boys and Chickens, I have created a new blog to share my sewing adventure as 2018 is they year I plan to teach myself to sew! There will also be bits of crochet and cooking too.
ayarnyrobin.com 