pattern review – Crochet blog

Peony Baby Bib Set Crochet Pattern…

Published on June 27, 2022August 7, 2022 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

PEONY BIB SET

USE CODE HAPPY10 for 10% off.

This beautiful Peony Bib set is both pretty and practical as well as perfect for a
special occasion. Made from 100% cotton, these bibs are absorbent making them
ideal for catching dribble.
The patterns are suitable for a beginner with some experience of basic crochet
stitches and each bib uses less than 50g of cotton… just perfect for gifting a special
little someone!

I have really enjoyed putting this beautiful Peony Bib set together and I hope that you love it just as much as me. The pattern suggests using Drops Safran 100% Cotton yarn and if you have been following my recent posts you will know this is my go to cotton yarn. The cotton makes these bibs super absorbent, so just perfect for dribbling, teething babies. Not only that, but it is also Oeko Tex standard 100 approved; which means the cotton has been certified to be free of harmful chemicals and is safe for human use, as well as being verified as both safe and non irritating to human skin.

The handy Bib printable were made for me by MJHARRISPRINTABLES. I highly recommend this shop for all of your crochet gifts, if you want to label them professionally.

This bib set would make a great baby shower gift, coupled with my free Teething ring pattern…don’t you think? So if you fancy 10% off this pattern use code Happy10… but hurry because that offer won’t be around for long!

This post contains affiliate links

Crochet Angel

Published on January 13, 2022January 13, 2022 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin4 Comments

Isn’t she lovely, isn’t she wonderful. Isn’t she lovely made from love
Lionel Ritchie

Let me start by saying I simply loved hooking every stitch of her. Isn’t she just adorable. I made her for a lovely sidekicksista aka a beautiful crafty friend. I can’t wait to hook another crochet angel. I would love to gift some more and make one for myself too.

The pattern is certainly not for beginners and it took a little deciphering, however it is a beautiful pattern that did not disappoint. I have never hooked with such a small hook before, a 2.5mm! That also took a little practice. The pattern states to hook with a fingering weight yarn held double stranded and gave a lovely denseness to the fabric of the doll.

I love everything about this angel, from her crazy curly hair to her button fastened limbs and little blush cheeks (which were ridiculously good fun to paint on)

Here are the full pattern details

PATTERN: Crochet Angel

By: Irina Moilova @crochetconfetti

You should also know, before you fall down this crochet angel hole…she has lots of other beautiful dolls to make…you may get hooked!

XXXXX

Bloomin’ Beautiful Baby Bloomers

Published on July 9, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin4 Comments

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.

Pattern: Camden Bloomers by Babes in the Wool

Yarn: Stylecraft Bambino in Mellow Yellow.

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

April crochet…

Published on April 24, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin8 Comments

Well the rain and the snow finally stopped for a little while and the sunshine made a cameo appearance last week.

It seems more rain and freezing temperatures are on there way again! But, the sunshine certainly influenced my hooking last week and I took my hook alfresco whenever I could. I have also enjoyed getting back outdoors and walking the dogs now my foot has finally healed.

Of course there were pit stops along the way!

I have also been keeping up to date with the seaside stashbusting CAL…this photo was taken at the trampoline park.

Not much has occurred on the knitting front, in fact it would be fairer to say nothing has happened. I am enjoying my hooking far too much to be slowed down by needles and I have a couple of commissions that I really must finish. One of which I can now show you…

Aren’t they just the sweetest?

I loved making these little baby shorts.

The pattern is by Mon Petit Violon Designs and I will definitely be hooking some more. I used Rico baby cotton soft yarn in a dk weight and a denim blue and finished them off with some little wooden buttons. Rico was a lovely yarn to hook with and has given a beautiful stitch definition to the garment. Of course it is soft enough for babies skin also and machine washable.

Finally, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has given me such encouraging feedback across my social media about the Sunshine Jelly Baby Blanket…

It has really made me smile.

Have a good week what ever you get up to

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

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

C2C crochet blanket, afghan, corner to corner technique,crochet love heart squares, totally smitten

My Yarny Autumn Blanket Round up…

Published on September 30, 2017September 30, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin2 Comments

With Autumn sneaking in…well here in the UK anyway, I thought I would take a little look back at some of my favourite blankets that I have hooked over the years.

I rather think there is nothing as good to hook as a blanket, the process is satisfying and restful and of course it always involves that lovely stage of playing with colour and almost always buying new yarn!

Here is my yarny autumn blanket round – up…pattern details can be found in the links below or on my Ravelry page just here.

Granny square camping blanket — already a firm favourite!

This is my favourite camping granny square blanket. Strictly speaking I did not hook this one as the squares were made for me from all around the world. In return I sent squares all across the world too. You can read more about this blanket here .

crochet blanket — design by Katherine Eng

This beautiful apartment lapghan in this stunning alpine colourway, was a fabulous hook. It challenged me at the time with the starting chain in the middle of the blanket ! I finished hooking this in the sunshine and I was thrilled with the end result…a perfect gift.

I loved the alpine colourway so much that I used the scraps from the lapghan to make this simple granny square blanket. I love to hook a traditional granny square and always return to this pattern every now and then! I couldn’t resist a fringed edge for this one and it didn’t disappoint.

ripple crochet blanket — ripple so far…Attic 24 pattern

This happy ripple was another perfect gift…and just had to have a happy bobble edging to crown it. This was a very, very happy hook…and I wished I could have kept it for myself!!!

crochet blanket, basket weave — basket weave baby blanket

Gorgeously cushy and in chilli pepper red. This basket weave baby blanket nearly tipped me over the edge, to read why click here. I’m glad I have done basket weave, but it is my least favourite stitch and I think you get very similar results and much more joy from a C2C (corner to corner) technique. I did not follow a pattern as such, I followed a you tube clip on basket weave stitch (I cant remember which one!) but my ravelry page for this blanket is just here, it might give an idea of amount of yarn used etc

Cosycattage blanket, ayarnyrobin, crochet blankets — Cosy Cottage Blanket by Attic 24

Another Lucy blanket and a dash to the finish line. A simple hook but a mammoth project. I love this blanket and still get to snuggle under it even though it was a gift…as I gave it to my Mom!

Pattern details just here

crochet baby blanket, popcorn stitch — rows of popcorn stitches

Once I had the pattern repeat in my head, I was able to hook this beautifully understated baby blanket on auto pilot. I adore the popcorn stitches, and the alternating texture of this blanket. This blanket draped well, felt soft and squishy and I remember thinking any baby would feel cherished snuggled in this blanket. For pattern details click here.

Another great stash buster and great for crocheting whilst watching a box set…A giant granny square blanket. Going back to my roots with this blanket as it was one of the first patterns I taught myself to hook…so the pattern is in my head…but youtube traditional granny square and you will be certain to find a tutorial for sure.

crochet granny squareblanket with bobble edging — 100 patch granny

I kept this 100 patch mini granny square blanket after learning sometimes smaller is better! I couldn’t resist another bobble edge again, but this time in duck egg. I joined the squares using a double crochet technique which frames each square beautifully. Pattern details are here.

crochet v stitch blanket, rainbow blanket — Very V blanket

A rainbow lovely.

This simple v stitch blanket proved to be nothing but joyous from the moment the yarn arrived in its lovely balls all bagged up together. Hooking this merry delight was rhythmically therapeutic and soothed me whenever I picked it up…needless to say I couldn’t put it down!

Pattern details just here.

An interlocking stitch on this Baby Wilmer blanket, gave a dense squishy feel and a reversible fabric, ideal for putting in the pram. Using just 3 colours also meant I could work the yarn threads up the sides of the blanket without getting in a tangle; meaning colour changes were a doddle and the number of ends to be woven in at the end were reduced by a gazillion!

And finally, the blanket on my hook at the moment, a real stunner and a keeper…this C2C heart blanket which I am smitten with. Pattern details just here and yes… it is still awaiting a border.

So, there you have it; my yarny autumn roundup of blankets I have made over the years. I will never tire of hooking such beauties and I still have so many on my to do list.

I hope if you have the blanket bug this may help in your happy, hooky deliberating.

If you have got this far and read all of this and you don’t have the blanket bug, just know that you may well have caught it by now…look out for symptoms over the coming week!

xxxxx

Top 5 things to crochet when it’s hot

Published on June 24, 2017September 24, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin11 Comments

We are not used to a long spell of hot weather here in the UK, but this week has seen our temperatures soar way above 30 degrees.

Top 5 things to crochet when temperatures soar and it's hot and sunny — Heavenly blue skies

And oh how lovely it has been, it has meant an exodus into the outdoors, picnics and walks and a lot of sunscreen!

But, I found myself unprepared in the crochet stakes…it was just too hot to be sitting under a half made blanket or to be half draped in a shawl; sweltering under a wool blend.

So, I have compiled my yarny list of the top 5 things to crochet when the temperature starts rising.

Top 5 things to crochet when it’s hot…#1

Ironically, top of the list is …..gloves!

Top 5 things to hook when it's hot andnumber 1 is ironic! — zingtastic mitts by Sandra at Cherryheart

It is not as mad as it sounds.

Small, picnic portable, quick to hook… and you will have a lovely pair of mitts ready for when the sun disappears and the colder weather brings a chill.

Top 5 things to crochet when it’s hot…#2

A cute little square like this one

Hook one, or two, or three or more..you can always join them in the autumn when the warm weather is a distant memory…and between you and me…what’s another PHD!

Top 5 things to crochet when it’s hot…#3

A splendid little tea cosy…the perfect finishing touch to a sunny afternoon tea…. al fresco of course.

Top 5 things to crochet when it’s hot…#4

How about a little inspiration from the outdoors… a yarny little leaf.

Embellish until your heart is content. I think these would look great in bright hot colours…don’t you?

Top 5 things to crochet when it’s hot…#5

How about spreading the love

Hook these lovely little flowers and add a key chain then give them away or leave them around your community and spread a little yarny H.U.G

#Bonus Summer Hook

Corfu barefoot sandals

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

Hook these cute barefoot sandals for the perfect summer look!

So, whether you are currently in the middle of a scorcher or if it has been a while since the sun shone down on you, I hope I have inspired you to grab your hook and get outside.

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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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Well the rain and the snow finally stopped for a little while and the sunshine made a cameo appearance last week.

It seems more rain and freezing temperatures are on there way again! But, the sunshine certainly influenced my hooking last week and I took my hook alfresco whenever I could. I have also enjoyed getting back outdoors and walking the dogs now my foot has finally healed.

Of course there were pit stops along the way!

I have also been keeping up to date with the seaside stashbusting CAL…this photo was taken at the trampoline park.

Not much has occurred on the knitting front, in fact it would be fairer to say nothing has happened. I am enjoying my hooking far too much to be slowed down by needles and I have a couple of commissions that I really must finish. One of which I can now show you…

Aren’t they just the sweetest?

I loved making these little baby shorts.

Finally, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has given me such encouraging feedback across my social media about the Sunshine Jelly Baby Blanket…

It has really made me smile.

Have a good week what ever you get up to

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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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

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With Autumn sneaking in…well here in the UK anyway, I thought I would take a little look back at some of my favourite blankets that I have hooked over the years.

I rather think there is nothing as good to hook as a blanket, the process is satisfying and restful and of course it always involves that lovely stage of playing with colour and almost always buying new yarn!

Here is my yarny autumn blanket round – up…pattern details can be found in the links below or on my Ravelry page just here.

This is my favourite camping granny square blanket. Strictly speaking I did not hook this one as the squares were made for me from all around the world. In return I sent squares all across the world too. You can read more about this blanket here .

This beautiful apartment lapghan in this stunning alpine colourway, was a fabulous hook. It challenged me at the time with the starting chain in the middle of the blanket ! I finished hooking this in the sunshine and I was thrilled with the end result…a perfect gift.

I loved the alpine colourway so much that I used the scraps from the lapghan to make this simple granny square blanket. I love to hook a traditional granny square and always return to this pattern every now and then! I couldn’t resist a fringed edge for this one and it didn’t disappoint.

This happy ripple was another perfect gift…and just had to have a happy bobble edging to crown it. This was a very, very happy hook…and I wished I could have kept it for myself!!!

Another Lucy blanket and a dash to the finish line. A simple hook but a mammoth project. I love this blanket and still get to snuggle under it even though it was a gift…as I gave it to my Mom!

Pattern details just here

I kept this 100 patch mini granny square blanket after learning sometimes smaller is better! I couldn’t resist another bobble edge again, but this time in duck egg. I joined the squares using a double crochet technique which frames each square beautifully. Pattern details are here.

A rainbow lovely.

This simple v stitch blanket proved to be nothing but joyous from the moment the yarn arrived in its lovely balls all bagged up together. Hooking this merry delight was rhythmically therapeutic and soothed me whenever I picked it up…needless to say I couldn’t put it down!

Pattern details just here.

And finally, the blanket on my hook at the moment, a real stunner and a keeper…this C2C heart blanket which I am smitten with. Pattern details just here and yes… it is still awaiting a border.

So, there you have it; my yarny autumn roundup of blankets I have made over the years. I will never tire of hooking such beauties and I still have so many on my to do list.

I hope if you have the blanket bug this may help in your happy, hooky deliberating.

If you have got this far and read all of this and you don’t have the blanket bug, just know that you may well have caught it by now…look out for symptoms over the coming week!

xxxxx

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