colour – Crochet blog

A New Blanket for Jess…

Published on April 2, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobinLeave a comment

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!

So, I grabbed my hook, some aran weight yarn and my favourite Campfire Coffee…(you really should try it!) and started to hook up these beautiful Sunburst granny squares by crochet325knittoo

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!!

xxxxx

seaside stash busting blanket weeks 17- 20

Published on June 9, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin8 Comments

I thought you might like another little update on the slow CAL (crochet a long) I’m participating in which is being hosted by the lovely Eleanora over at coastal crochet. You can also find lots of other amazing blankets and makers participating in this CAL across social media by searching #seasidestashbustingblanket.

You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and weeks 5 – 8 just here

weeks 9 – 12 here

and weeks 13 – 16 here

Here is how it has been growing…

Now, I’m off to catch up with the rows for week 21!

xxxxx

seaside stash busting blanket weeks 13- 16

Published on May 15, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin9 Comments

I can’t believe that this blanket has been on my hook and in my life for four months. It is getting large enough now for me to throw it over my lap in the evenings and I thought you might like another photo update on my progress.

You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and my weeks 5 – 8 just here

and weeks 9 -12 just here

But let me show you weeks 13 – 16.

Now Weeks 13 -15 were just fine…

but week 16…

well it was basket weave and if you are a long time reader you may remember my last foray with basket weave…It looks great but I do not like hooking this stitch you can read why just here.

So it came as a very welcome relief to find out that the next stitches were the relaxing long wave stitches after the stressful basket weave!

If you want to find out more about this delightful slow CAL (crochet a long) which is being hosted by the lovely Eleanora hop over to her beautiful blog… Coastal Crochet. You can also find lots of other amazing blankets and makers participating in this CAL across social media by searching #seasidestashbustingblanket.

I‘m off to do another couple of rows now. I will be back soon to show you what else has been on my hook of late and I will also write an update about my yarny knitting adventure.

xxxxx

seaside stash busting blanket weeks 9 – 12

Published on April 10, 2018April 11, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin27 Comments

I thought you might like another little update on the slow CAL (crochet a long) I’m participating in which is being hosted by the lovely Eleanora over at coastal crochet. You can also find lots of other amazing blankets and makers participating in this CAL across social media by searching #seasidestashbustingblanket.

You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and my weeks 5 – 8 just here

But let me show you weeks 9 – 12. I have enjoyed these weeks so much, hooking out and about in town

The blanket is certainly growing larger and no longer resembles a scarf…in fact it is way past scarf stage now and is handy for keeping my lap warm whilst I hook away.

I think this will be the last close up picture where the whole of the blanket will fit into frame.

I’m still ploughing through my stash too, so this makes me doubly thrilled with this blanket. I find I am really looking forward to every Monday and Friday when the next rows are released. I love the surprise of not knowing what the next set of rows will be.

xxxxx

#seasidestashbustingblanket weeks 5 – 8

Published on March 14, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin19 Comments

I thought you might like a little update on the slow CAL (crochet a long) I am participating in which is being hosted by coastal crochet…details of weeks 1 – 4 are just here. You may have seen it across social media with the #seasidestashbustingblanket.

#seasidestashbustingblanket — mixed stitches…

There are several things I am enjoying about this CAL. The first of which is the pace. Eleonara, is releasing just four rows a week; two on a Monday and two on a Friday and so it feels very relaxed.

The second little gem is that I am busting my stash! The CAL’s focus is using up what you already have and so this blanket is being made entirely from stash. I have a lot of stash, not as much as some, but too much to be just lying idle. I feel like I am achieving something very positive using up my hoard and turning my treasure into usable wealth.

The third pleasure is the online community element of this CAL. I have met and chatted with so many talented ladies and gentleman and have been inspired and encouraged. It never ceases to amaze me how folk can hook the same pattern and yet the different colour choices make it look so different.

Creativity…I just love it!

Eleonora, has called it her seaside blanket because she lives by the sea and takes her inspiration from her surroundings and therefore that is reflected in her colour choices. It made me smile when she introduced pink into her blanket… stating she new she would have to as it was in her stash. Eleonora, likened it to strawberry icecream on the beach, which I liked a lot.

It got me thinking about the colours in my blanket and what they reminded me of and after some thought I think they remind me of a stormy sunset.

So I am going to call this my Stormy Sunset blanket…what do you think?

xxxxx

Grandma Kathy Tea Cosy…Free Crochet Pattern and Tutorial.

Published on February 23, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin6 Comments

This is the fifth tea cosy in the Grandma collection, and is quite simply delightful. The use of traditional granny stitches means that this pattern can be hooked within an evening. Ideal for that last minute handmade present. This cosy is sweetly uncomplicated and will cloak any tea pot with elegance.

Dedicated to the inspiration that is ‘Nanna Kathy’

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

I used less than 50g of Stylecraft special dk yarn in gold and scraps of apricot.

You will also need a darning needle, pin or stitch marker and a pair of scissors.

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

Ch – chain stitch

slst – slip stitch

dc – double crochet (single crochet)

htr– half treble crochet (half double crochet)

tr – treble crochet (double crochet)

dtr – double treble crochet (treble crochet)

You will also need:

a 5mm crochet hook for main body of teapot and a

4mm hook to complete picot edging trim.

Ok, here we go…

Using the gold yarn and 5mm hook, Ch 20

To adjust cosy size, the starting chain should be equivalent to the height from the base of teapot to the top of the body of the teapot or to put it another way, to the start of lid. If adjusting the starting chain it must be a multiple of 3+2.

*********************

Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in each st along, ch3, turn (ch3 counts as tr) (19dc in total).

Row 2: 2tr in same space as ch3, miss 2 sts, 3tr in next st (granny cluster)

repeat * – * til end of row, ch3 (counts as tr) turn.

(x7 granny clusters / x6 spaces).

Row 3: miss 1st granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster, miss granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster Repeat * – * to last space, miss 2 sts, 1tr in last st of row, Ch3 (counts as tr), turn.

(20sts = x6 granny clusters / 7 spaces / 1tr on each end of row).

Rows 4: 2tr in same space as ch 3, miss granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster Repeat * – * to end. Ch3 (counts as tr), turn. ( 21sts = x7 granny clusters / x6 spaces).

Row 5: – 17: Repeat rows 3 and 4, but omit turning ch on row 17.

Row 18: turn, ch1 (does not count as st)dc in same space, dc in each st across, ch3 (counts as tr), turn.

(20sts).

Now to make the spout hole!

Row 19: 2tr in same space as ch 3, miss 2sts, 3tr in next st, ch 10, miss next x5 granny clusters / x4 spaces, 3tr in last st.

(20sts).

Row 20: ch1 (does not count as dc), dc into same space, dc in next 2sts, dc in next 10 chain sts, dc in next 6sts, ch3 (counts as tr), turn. (19dc).

Row 21: Repeat Row 2.

Row 22 – 32: Repeat rows 3 and 4 but omit turning ch on row 32.

If adjusting cosy size make sure to finish this section on a row that is the same as row 3 in the pattern ie/ starts and finishes with 1tr.

*********************

Row 33: ch1 (does not count as dc), dc in same space, dc in each st along and fasten off and weave in ends

(20dc).

nb/ top and bottom – x1 granny cluster underneath spout

Noting top and bottom correctly, attach gold yarn to top right side.

Now to complete the petals.

Row 34: ch1 (does not count as dc), dc in same space, dc in each st across – ( the term sts here is used loosely as they are actually the side posts of the trebles and double crochet sts of the previous rounds. It may look a bit ambiguous, but we are aiming to get 36dc across this top edge), turn.

crochet tea cosy free pattern and tutorial — try to space these sts as evenly as you can… its just a case of getting them in!

Row 35: ch1, miss 2 sts, in next st place dc, htr, tr, 2dtr, in next st place 2dtr, tr, htr, dc

Repeat * – * to end of row

slst to beginning ch1 to join cosy in a circle.

Side Seam: Place cosy on teapot and mark with a pin across top of handle, slst from top of cosy down to this point (approx. 1.5cms).

Return cosy to the teapot and repeat process, this time marking below the handle. Remove cosy leaving marker in place, continue to slst along one edge (not both) until you reach marker for the bottom of the handle. Now slst both edges together to bottom of cosy, fasten off and weave in all loose ends.

Picot trim: Finally, attach apricot yarn in any beginning dc of petal (ie. dc to the right hand side of petal).

With a 4mm hook, ch1 (counts as dc), dc in next 3sts, dc in next st, ch3, slst into 1st ch (picot made),

dc into same space as previous dc, dc in next 4sts…1st petal edged.

For next petal and for all petals around, dc in next 4sts, dc in next st, ch3, slst into 1st ch, dc in same space as previous dc, dc in next 4sts.

NB/ do not crochet in this space by mistake

To finish slst to beginning ch of trim, fasten off and weave in ends.

Now I think it’s time for a brew…don’t you?

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 Kathy Tea cosy CREATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW or with the #THEGRANDMACOLLECTION #AYARNYROBIN ON SOCIAL MEDIA…I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM!

THE Grandma Kathy Tea Cosy IS part of the Grandma Collection ©2018 designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin

#seasidestashbustingblanket

Published on January 30, 2018January 30, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin25 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…

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

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 @ ayarnyrobin12 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

C2C crochet baby blanket, crochet heart squares in paintbox cotton yarn

End of year review…Bring on 2018

Published on December 30, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin16 Comments

2017 has certainly had it’s ups and it’s downs. I am pleased to report that it is ending on an up. I have really enjoyed perusing back through my posts and have picked out my favourite from each month in way of reviewing 2017 here at the nest. Before we begin I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of my seasoned readers, to those of you that have recently discovered this little corner of yarniness and to you if you have just stumbled across this post by accident.

Without all of you, I would just be here, hooking and writing and hooking some more; annoying my family by taking photo’s every 2 minutes and whilst that would be ok, it is so much more fun with you dropping by and saying hi every once in a while. You encourage me and inspire me to keep blogging about all things yarny and for that I am very grateful.

So grab a glass of prosecco or the bottle! or maybe a cuppa if you prefer and lets look back at 2017 here at the nest.

January 2017

shawl crochet ayarnyrobin — crochet in bed.

2017 began with shawls, having completed x2 virus shawls I had the bug for more. This‘ is the ‘pink shawl’ by Cecile Balladino, and it is still one of my favourites although I still can’t call it the ‘pink shawl!’

February 2017

I had so much fun doing the yarn love challenge during February. A post a day was a challenge, but I relished the daily prods to share.

I’d love to do this again in 2018.

Here is a little link to my favourite #yarnlovechallenge post and another favourite… well I couldn’t just pick one!

March 2017

Another month another shawl…This time the beautiful Sunday Shawl by Alia Bland. This project proved to be the perfect way to jump into spring, maybe it was those delicious pastels against the warmth of the grey.

April2017

A milestone birthday, an alpaca birthday cake, and a graduation. I couldn’t have imagined a happier set of celebrations. I was so blissfully unaware of the catastrophe about to beset us.

May 2017

At least I got some crochet in whilst juggling hospital trips and the absence of a critically ill Mr R…crochet is not only my joy it’s my default when things get tough…my sanity.

This Baby Wilmer blanket, filled me with hope, a new life just entering this world, whilst life at the nest felt as if it had paused in some horrific nightmare.

June 2017

yarnbomb, ayarnyrobin gate installation — yarnbomb

Mr R had prayerfully turned a corner and our healing had begun, it was time for some fun and this yarny gate installation celebrated that!

July 2017

free dog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can crochet in under an hour — Jess… with her new crochet collar.

Still healing, but healing well!

Small projects worked best and this ‘Oh so cute’ free dog collar pattern went down a treat with little Jess.

August 2017

I fell so in love with these adorable C2C (corner to corner)hearts that I just couldn’t stop hooking them! I couldn’t!!

They fell off my hook so quickly that before I knew where I was I had enough for a blanket of hearts.

I have to confess that I still need to border this lovely…yes it is still a PHD (project half done). In my defense I just can’t decide what colour to border it in!

September 2017

crochet barefoot sandals - Corfu designed by ayarnyrobin.wordpress.com, summer feet — Corfu – Barefoot sandals

September felt much more ‘normal’ although I don’t know why…I spent a large majority of it bobbing around on a lazy river being drenched in golden sunshine on the amazing island of Corfu. I didn’t forget about you though…look I made these barefoot sandals by the pool… here’s the link to the free pattern just in case you fancy a pretty 20 minute hook up!

October 2017

Autumn woodland walks a plenty, a suprising wildlife sighting and family…I am so blessed.

November 2017

The Grandma Dot Tea Cosy, crochet tea cosy, The Grandma Collection by ayarnyrobin — Grandma Dot Tea Cosy

Finally, the release of my newest tea cosy in the Grandma Collection…the Grandma Dot tea cosy. I don’t know why this took me so long to publish but it did. Anyway, thank you for your frankly very kind feedback about this free pattern…there will be another one coming very shortly in the new year.

December 2017

loom knitted hat, ayarnyrobin — loom knitted beanie…

I told you 2017 ended on an up…the hat fit!

Enough said.

Thank you 2017 for the joy, for the triumphs, for the challenge and even for the heartbreak…for all the folk that have stood alongside me whether that has been for a few minutes, a few days or for those lifers that are always cheering me on… you know who you are.

Finally, thank you once again to you, for riding this journey with me… I think you are amazing and want to wish you all a very blessed and extremely yarny 2018…

wherever it may take you.

xxxxx

Grandma Dot Tea Cosy…Free Pattern.

Published on November 8, 2017May 1, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin10 Comments

This is the third tea cosy in the Grandma collection, designed with simplicity and sweetness. The top down design means this pattern makes for a quick hook up. Ideal for beginners and sure to guarantee a perfectly sweet cosy for your teapot. Dedicated to the inspiration that was ‘Nanna Dot’

The pattern makes a tea cosy that fits a standard 4 cup teapot.

I used less than 50g of Stylecraft special dk yarn in colourways cream and raspberry which I used as my base colours. Please note that I have used a different colour yarn in the photo tutorial below.

I also used scraps of stylecraft special dk yarn in: lipstick, saffron, meadow, fondant, gold, shrimp, lime, khaki and grape.

You will also need a darning needle, a selection of beads with a centre hole wide enough for the dk yarn to be threaded through, 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, flowers 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

hdc– half double crochet (half single crochet)

You will also need:

a 4mm crochet hook

Ok, here we go…

Using the raspberry 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 1(does not count as a st)* 1hdc in same st and in each st along to marker/tie 4, ch1, turn*

Side A row 2: repeat Side A row 1 returning to marker/tie 1.

Repeat (side A row 1 and side A row 2), to fit the height of your teapot. I completed 15 rows in total. Fasten off.

To complete side B, join cream yarn in stitch to the left of stitch marker number 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.

Next, using a darning needle sew sides A and B together from the bottom of the cosy to below the spout (approx. 2 rows) and on the handle side from the bottom of the cosy to below the handle.

Now for the creative part… making ‘dotty little crochet flowers’. I made x4 flowers in each of the following colours:

lipstick, fondant, grape, gold, raspberry, saffron and shrimp

A dotty little crochet flower — A dotty little flower

To make a ‘dotty little flower’ ch4, slst to 1st chain to make a ring. Ch 2 (counts as a hdc) x9 hdc into ring, slst into top of starting ch and fasten off to finish.

To create flower centres you can cross stitch the centre, add beads and create a french knot centre.

I used a cheat method to create the french knot centre by pulling a piece of yarn from the back of the flower to the front and then tying a knot x10 in the yarn in exactly the same place to make a large knot.

To finish thread the other tail of the yarn from the front to the back, so both tails are now at the back of the flower, tie to secure and trim tails short.

Secure your dotty little flowers to both sides of the cosy. You can sew them into place or secure them with hot glue! Then using green yarns sew simple stems and leaves using a back stitch to finish. I used stylecraft special DK yarn in meadow, khaki and lime.

And there you have it…a sweet dotty flower tea cosy to keep your brew warm.

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 DOTTY FLOWER CREATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW oron social media using the hashtags #ayarnyrobin or @yarnyrobin…I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM!

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You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and weeks 5 – 8 just here

weeks 9 – 12 here

and weeks 13 – 16 here

Here is how it has been growing…

Now, I’m off to catch up with the rows for week 21!

xxxxx

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I can’t believe that this blanket has been on my hook and in my life for four months. It is getting large enough now for me to throw it over my lap in the evenings and I thought you might like another photo update on my progress.

You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and my weeks 5 – 8 just here

and weeks 9 -12 just here

But let me show you weeks 13 – 16.

Now Weeks 13 -15 were just fine…

but week 16…

well it was basket weave and if you are a long time reader you may remember my last foray with basket weave…It looks great but I do not like hooking this stitch you can read why just here.

So it came as a very welcome relief to find out that the next stitches were the relaxing long wave stitches after the stressful basket weave!

I‘m off to do another couple of rows now. I will be back soon to show you what else has been on my hook of late and I will also write an update about my yarny knitting adventure.

xxxxx

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You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and my weeks 5 – 8 just here

But let me show you weeks 9 – 12. I have enjoyed these weeks so much, hooking out and about in town

The blanket is certainly growing larger and no longer resembles a scarf…in fact it is way past scarf stage now and is handy for keeping my lap warm whilst I hook away.

I think this will be the last close up picture where the whole of the blanket will fit into frame.

I’m still ploughing through my stash too, so this makes me doubly thrilled with this blanket. I find I am really looking forward to every Monday and Friday when the next rows are released. I love the surprise of not knowing what the next set of rows will be.

xxxxx

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I thought you might like a little update on the slow CAL (crochet a long) I am participating in which is being hosted by coastal crochet…details of weeks 1 – 4 are just here. You may have seen it across social media with the #seasidestashbustingblanket.

There are several things I am enjoying about this CAL. The first of which is the pace. Eleonara, is releasing just four rows a week; two on a Monday and two on a Friday and so it feels very relaxed.

The third pleasure is the online community element of this CAL. I have met and chatted with so many talented ladies and gentleman and have been inspired and encouraged. It never ceases to amaze me how folk can hook the same pattern and yet the different colour choices make it look so different.

Creativity…I just love it!

It got me thinking about the colours in my blanket and what they reminded me of and after some thought I think they remind me of a stormy sunset.

So I am going to call this my Stormy Sunset blanket…what do you think?

xxxxx

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Dedicated to the inspiration that is ‘Nanna Kathy’

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

I used less than 50g of Stylecraft special dk yarn in gold and scraps of apricot.

You will also need a darning needle, pin or stitch marker and a pair of scissors.

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

Ch – chain stitch

slst – slip stitch

dc – double crochet (single crochet)

htr– half treble crochet (half double crochet)

tr – treble crochet (double crochet)

dtr – double treble crochet (treble crochet)

You will also need:

a 5mm crochet hook for main body of teapot and a

4mm hook to complete picot edging trim.

Ok, here we go…

Using the gold yarn and 5mm hook, Ch 20

To adjust cosy size, the starting chain should be equivalent to the height from the base of teapot to the top of the body of the teapot or to put it another way, to the start of lid. If adjusting the starting chain it must be a multiple of 3+2.

*********************

Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in each st along, ch3, turn (ch3 counts as tr) (19dc in total).

Row 2: 2tr in same space as ch3, *miss 2 sts, 3tr in next st (granny cluster)*

repeat * – * til end of row, ch3 (counts as tr) turn.

(x7 granny clusters / x6 spaces).

Row 3: miss 1st granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster, *miss granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster* Repeat * – * to last space, miss 2 sts, 1tr in last st of row, Ch3 (counts as tr), turn.

(20sts = x6 granny clusters / 7 spaces / 1tr on each end of row).

Rows 4: 2tr in same space as ch 3, *miss granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster* Repeat * – * to end. Ch3 (counts as tr), turn. ( 21sts = x7 granny clusters / x6 spaces).

Row 5: – 17: Repeat rows 3 and 4, but omit turning ch on row 17.

Row 18: turn, ch1 (does not count as st)dc in same space, dc in each st across, ch3 (counts as tr), turn.

(20sts).

Now to make the spout hole!

Row 19: 2tr in same space as ch 3, miss 2sts, 3tr in next st, ch 10, miss next x5 granny clusters / x4 spaces, 3tr in last st.

(20sts).

Row 20: ch1 (does not count as dc), dc into same space, dc in next 2sts, dc in next 10 chain sts, dc in next 6sts, ch3 (counts as tr), turn. (19dc).

Row 21: Repeat Row 2.

Row 22 – 32: Repeat rows 3 and 4 but omit turning ch on row 32.

If adjusting cosy size make sure to finish this section on a row that is the same as row 3 in the pattern ie/ starts and finishes with 1tr.

*********************

Row 33: ch1 (does not count as dc), dc in same space, dc in each st along and fasten off and weave in ends

(20dc).

Row 2: 2tr in same space as ch3, miss 2 sts, 3tr in next st (granny cluster)

Row 3: miss 1st granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster, miss granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster Repeat * – * to last space, miss 2 sts, 1tr in last st of row, Ch3 (counts as tr), turn.

Rows 4: 2tr in same space as ch 3, miss granny cluster, 3tr in space before next granny cluster Repeat * – * to end. Ch3 (counts as tr), turn. ( 21sts = x7 granny clusters / x6 spaces).

Row 35: ch1, miss 2 sts, in next st place dc, htr, tr, 2dtr, in next st place 2dtr, tr, htr, dc