Crochet blog

A yarny little heart…free pattern.

Published on November 3, 2016January 25, 2022 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin8 Comments

My hands have been yearning to hook in the evenings lately; but the projects I have on the go at the moment (which have to remain secret at least until after Christmas) are rather more intricate than I dare attempt at such an hour where I am prone to the odd gin and tonic or two as well as a little snooze.

So whilst creating numerous chains the other evening…see here . I found myself hooking up a yarny little heart with not a care of the process noted down at all.

Fast forward a couple of evenings later when the nest was still and quiet, I found myself unable to sleep, thinking of creative yarny possibilities and my yarny little heart began to trouble me.

So, I found myself unpicking my heart and writing down the pattern and my world was well again.

So here is my pattern for a ‘yarny little heart’.

This little heart is a great stash busting hook up as it only requires scraps.

You will need:

scraps of yarn, I used baby / sport weight…but you can use what you have. The thicker the yarn the bigger the hearts.

3.5mm hook, (or hook size to suit your yarn choice)

darning needle to weave in the ends.

Abbreviations used UK terminology (American terminology in brackets)

Ch – chain,

slst – slip stitch,

dc – double crochet (single crochet)

htr – half treble (half double crochet)

tr – treble (double crochet)

dtr – double treble crochet ( treble )

Begin with ch2

Round 1: 10dc into 2nd ch from hook (10dc).

Turn circle over and give the tail end a firm tug…this should pull the centre of the circle into a more closed position.

Turn back over.

Round 2:

Ch 1, 2dc in each st around (20dc)

Round 3:

Ch4 (counts as a dtr), 1dtr in the next 3 sts,

1tr in next 4sts,

1htr in next st, dc in next st,

ch3, slst into same space (this creates a picot),

dc in next st, 1htr in next st,

1tr in next 4 sts,

1dtr in next 4 sts, slst in to ch1 of beginning ch4.

Round 4: ch4 (counts as a dtr),

3dtr into next 3sts (these are actually the chains from previous round)

1tr in next 3 sts, 1htr into the next st, 1dc in next 4sts,

Slst in picot space

ch3, slst in to same space (picot made)

1dc in next 4 sts,1htr in next st, 1tr in next 3 sts, 1dtr in next 4sts,

slst in to the cleft of the heart

Fasten off and leave a long tail if you are going to sew it onto another project as a decoration, or weave in the ends.

Repeat until your hearts content.

My Galentines cup cosy pattern uses this heart and the cosy pattern can be found for free just here.

xxxxx

A yarny little heart ©2016 designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin

A little something…a long time in the making!

Published on October 25, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin8 Comments

Do you remember a little while back, in the summer I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous hank of yarn courtesy of Joey of littleblackdogsa all the way from South Africa…Well, this yarn is a dream to hook with and let me tell you I have hooked with it!

I have hooked and frogged and hooked and frogged, because I wanted this little hank of yumminess to become something special.

You see this little hank has travelled some miles, all the way from South Africa to the Midlands of England. Then it wasn’t long before it was travelling again, this time back south to Devonshire. Where it was hooked almost everywhere

poolside…

seaside…

and even at the farm. But, I just didn’t feel the pattern I had chosen was special enough for this beautiful yarn.

The yarn as you can see is a 4 ply cotton organic yarn, which slipped over my hook effortlessly. Its twist meant that it did not split once during all of its hooking and frogging and it also maintained its tension throughout. But, the best thing about this yarn from One of a Kind Yarns is the amazing and unique colourway throughout. My heart swelled each time the delicate colour blended into the next gentle tone, non so much as when the lemon hues began to merge with the deep lavender…mmm it is still making me smile now!

Anyway, let me show you what I finally made…

A little something just for me.

Thanks to Joey.

xxxxx

Alpaca Walking…yes honestly!!!

Published on October 21, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin15 Comments

I have been so looking forward to writing this post; you see I have been on the most amazing adventure. However, this post should really come with a warning, so here it is…

This post will make you fall in love; quite a bold claim I realise, so it might be advisable to get yourself a cuppa (or a glass of something bubbly!) depending on what hour of the day it is that you are reading this…and if you are sitting reading this and you are in England then oh my, I take no responsibility!

So warning done, now for the adventure.

instagramcapture_896916e9-a8ca-4ec6-8aa2-6a9d2ef2a82d — A road trip

It started a month or so a go when the lovely Mr. R booked an anniversary trip of a different kind (don’t worry, this is ‘U’ rated honestly!). So on Saturday, after counting down the days, we got up early with the boys and headed on a short road trip. Destination…

To say I was excited was an understatement, it took every ounce of control I had not to burst through the gates looking insane. You will be pleased to know that I think I managed to appear fairly normal!

We were greeted and welcomed into the most amazing farm house by Trish, Zoe and Helen

We were made to feel so welcome and were provided with as much coffee, tea and squash as we desired. The girls allowed us to relax and take in the view as they chatted and answered all of our questions that we could think of about alpacas; whilst Pip and Tavish the farm dogs snuggled up to us for a bit of fuss.

After a laid back cup of coffee or two we pulled on our boots and headed outside to be greeted by these lot

Right to left

Teddy, Zeus, Tex, Arnie and Brownlee…

all adorable and all ours for the next two and half hours, well not quite, I think Trish had sussed that I was verging on gaagaa over them!!

Arnie chose me to be his walking buddy, he led the pack and was well behaved; gentle and funny. His top lip got all jittery when he stopped to have a scratch.

Inquisitive and cautious he constantly surveyed the path ahead, peering his neck around corners to check it was safe to continue; his ears a constant twitch.

We wandered and explored and all the time Trish and the girls guided and chatted and generally put us at ease. The countryside was just glorious…(Mr R. had ordered the sunshine) and walking with these beautiful creatures filled me with an incredible peace.

We paused for a long while next to a babbling stream, drank more juice and paddled, whilst these guys watched us. We had time to take photo’s too

and Yarny and Arnie bonded a little more…

(Did you know that alpacas have the most delicious smell; a bit like popcorn).

Eventually we wound our way back through orchards and fields back to the homestead, where I tried to put Arnie in the car without Trish noticing. Alas, this did not work and I had to settle for one more photoshoot in the glorious sunshine.

Before we were treated to more luxurious hospitality, in the form of mince pies and hot cross buns…we had a little chuckle at the clash of Easter and Christmas nibbles, I don’t think I have ever come across that combination before.

At the end of this unique experience,

I felt like I had partaken in a little peice of heaven and I can’t wait til I can return to Temevale alpacas to get up close and personal again with these adorable creatures.

xxxxx

Nest Rhythm

Published on October 8, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

I think that we are starting to get a rhythm here at the nest…finally. New job, full time, school, homework, housework and Saturdays. Oh how I love Saturdays.

This morning started early with a park run and new personal bests for us all

I have a love, hate, love relationship with running. I love the idea, I hate the running bit then love the buzz after a run; that lasts for the whole day.

Saturday is always better when yarn is delivered too.

I know exactly what to hook with this ‘new to me’ yarn and I am eager to see how it hooks up as it is ridiculously soft and the colours are divine.

Rather than complete any PHD’s recently it seems I’ve added to the list…

I had a yearning to do a little more broomstick crochet, but had forgotten how to start and finish each row.

but a little hooky play during lunchtimes this week has it all sorted

I think I may make some fingerless mitts, with this yarn now I’ve got the broomstick down.

And of course the next tea cosy in the Grandma collection is being designed, if only in my mind at the moment!

So cheers for dropping in…

hope you have a great weekend

xxxxx

Grandma Mary Tea Cosy Pattern

Published on October 2, 2016January 22, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin5 Comments

This is a very pretty tea cosy, perfect for keeping your teapot dressed in style and your tea hot. It is the first of a series of tea cosies which make up the Grandma collection.

Dedicated to the inspiration that was ‘Mary’ the pattern has flowers made on a small flower loom, which are inexpensive to buy and relatively easy to use. I purchased mine for about £3.

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

I used just under 50g of Rico baby classic dk yarn in colourway (026)

and scraps of yarn.

I used scraps of stylecraft special dk in the following colourway (nb/the mint is Stylecraft life dk)

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)

dc tog – double crochet together (single crochet together)

You will also need:

a small flower loom

a 4mm hook

a darning needle

scraps of yarn to use as temporary tie markers

scraps of yarn to make flowers

a string of beads 50cms long

50cms of lace 0.5cms broad

a stitch marker

Top Tip: safety pins make excellent stitch markers!

Ok, here we go…

Ch 80 and join with a slst to form a circle (before completing the slst make sure chain is not twisted).

It is a good idea to check at this point that the circle of chains fits around your teapot. (see end of pattern for instructions about adjusting pattern).

Row 1: Ch1 (mark with a stitch marker, does not count as a dc), dc in each ch around

finish with a slst in ch marked with a stitch marker taking care that work is not twisted when completing the slst. (80dc).

Row 2: Ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, does not count as a dc)

Dc in each st around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with a stitch marker. (80 dc).

Rows 3 – 5: repeat row 2

Row 6: Ch 1 (remove st marker from previous row and place in this ch, does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 14sts, mark next st with a tie marker (different colour yarn which will be removed later – I just tied a bow in red yarn!) see picture below.

slst in same st as tie marker and in next 6 sts and mark last slst with a second tie marker as shown in the picture above. This is where the spout hole starts!

1dc in next 33sts, mark next st with a third tie marker, slst in same st as tie marker and in next 4 sts, mark the last slst with a fourth tie marker. This is where the hole for the handle starts!

1dc in next 21 sts, slst in ch marked with a stitch marker. (35dc, 7slst, 33dc, 5slst). Fasten off.

This next part of the pattern is worked in rows as side (a) and side (b) and forms the sides of the cosy.

So let’s do side (a) first…

Row 7a: Join yarn in st next to the 4th tie marker and to the right hand side of the stitch marker

ch1 (does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 35 sts to next tie marker, turn.

Row 8a: ch1 (does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 35sts to tie marker, turn.

Rows 9a – 25a: repeat row 8a, fasten off.

OK, now let’s do side (b). Turn over work and join yarn in st next to second tie marker on the right as shown.

Row 7b: ch1 (does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 33 sts to next tie marker, turn.

Row 8b: ch1 (does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 33 sts to next tie marker, turn. Rows 9b – 24b: repeat row 8b.

Row 25b: ch1 (does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 33sts to next tie marker, ch5,

slst into 1st st on row 25a as shown.

Again, this is a good point to check the cosies fit on your tea pot. We return to working in the round again now.

So Row 26: Ch1 (mark with a stitch marker…NB/ this ch does count as a dc), dc in next 34sts, ch7,

dc in next 33sts,

dc in next ch5, slst into ch marked by stitch marker. (80dc).

Row 27: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place stitch marker in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in next 34sts, dc in next 7chs

dc in next 38sts, slst in ch marked with the stitch marker. (80dc)

It is now time to start decreasing the number of stitches to form the top of the cosy. To do this a dc tog stitch is introduced. Top Tip: each row that uses dc tog stitches finishes on a dc tog before slst in to ch marked with st marker! Here we go…

Row 29: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in next 5sts, dc tog in next st, dc in next 6sts, dc tog in next st

repeat * -* around,

finish with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (72dc).

Row 30: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in each st around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (72dc).

Row 31: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in next 3 sts, dc tog in next st,

* dc in next 4 sts, dc tog in next st , repeat -* around,

finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (60dc).

Row 32: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in each st around,

finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (60dc).

Row 33: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in next 2sts, dc tog in next st, * dc in next 3sts, dc tog in next st , repeat -* around,

finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (48dc).

Row 34: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as dc),

dc in each st around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (48dc).

Row 35: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as dc), dc in next st, dc tog in next st,

* dc in next 2 sts, dc tog in next st , repeat -* around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (36dc).

Row 36: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as dc), dc in each stitch around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (36dc).

Row 37: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as dc), dc tog in next st,

* dc in next st, dc tog in next st *

repeat - around, finishing with slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (24dc).

Row 38: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as dc), dc in each st around, finish by slst into ch marked with stitch marker. (24dc).

Row 39:ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as dc), dc tog in next st,

* dc tog in next st * repeat - around, finish with a slst in ch marked by stitch marker. (12dc).

Row 40:repeat row 39 (6dc).

Row 41: repeat row 39 (3dc). Fasten off.

You should have something that resembles the above …now its time to make the flowers!!!

If you don’t know how to make loom flowers they are simple to make. I highly recommend you watch a tutorial…I found this one excellent…

loom bloom video tutorial

Make

x8 white / violet flowers

x10 raspberry flowers

x9 pale rose / plum flowers

all flowers to have the same colour centre…I used mint. Leave long tails on each flower to make attaching them easier.

Keep back x1 raspberry, x1 white, x1 pale rose and x1 plum flower.

Begin to attach the rest of the flowers to the top of the tea cosy using the long tails and darning needle.

Continue around

Evenly attaching the flowers…

Once attached turn tea cosy inside out and tie of all loose ends

Snipping to make tidy.

Next, take the lace. Turning the tea cosy inside out tack the lace around the edge of the opening for the spout and the handle.

Turn, the cosy back to the right side; you should now have a cosy that is beginning to look very pretty indeed…

Taking the string of beads, thread a darning needle with some raspberry coloured yarn and tie a large knot.

Starting at the bottom side of the handle hole pull the needle through from the inside of the cosy to the outside so that the knot cannot be seen.

Begin to tack between each bead, fixing them in a line around the cosy towards the spout hole.Once at the spout hole, snip the beads, turn cosy over and repeat on side b.

Finally, attach raspberry coloured flower at the bottom of the handle hole in the space between the beads.

Attach remaining white, pale rose and plum flower in space between the beads at the bottom of the spout hole. Weave in any remaining loose ends.

Just one last thing left to do now. Boil the kettle and make a brew…enjoy and admire.

NB/ TIPS FOR ALTERING THE SIZE OF THE cosy…regularly check the size of the cosy on your teapot. The body of the cosy has the same amount of stitches as row 1, if yours is more or less than 80sts then keep the number of sts you have up to row 28 in order to create the handle and spout holes, place around your teapot and mark with tie markers as described then count your sts between each marker and substitute your numbers into the pattern.

xxxxx

The Grandma Mary Tea Cosy

Published on October 2, 2016November 14, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin7 Comments

Introducing the ‘Grandma Mary’ tea cosy…the first in the Grandma Collection

Dedicated to my Grandma Mary who was a truly inspirational woman. Born in October 1916 and christened Vera Mary, she grew up in England in the West Midlands and trained as a primary school teacher. I was privileged to have had her in my life for 34 years before she left this world at the grand old age of 94. Granny Mary played a huge part in nurturing my creativity as a little girl, teaching me how to make pompoms and to French knit using a wooden cotton reel and some nails that my Grandad would have made. She was a gentle and patient woman, who always had a smile and a piece of chocolate. I once asked her what the best invention of her life time had been and without hesitation she quipped…’washing up liquid!’

Granny Mary worked hard, but always took time to make things pretty… whether that was pansies in the garden, geraniums in the porch, sugar on a peeled apple, a pretty apron whilst doing the housework or a tea cosy for the teapot.

Prettiness was important because it was the way she cared for people and her care was a true blessing.

So this cosy had to be pretty, in colours that evoke memories of her and of course had to be covered in flowers.

The beads at the bottom of the cosy actually belonged to her. I have a bag of broken plastic beads that she gave me – she never threw anything away!

I am honoured to put them to good use…I think she would be really very pleased with their new use.

So that is the Grandma Mary tea cosy in all of its glory, here is the pattern linky thing.

xxxxx

The Grandma Collection

Published on September 25, 2016February 21, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin25 Comments

I’m so, so, soooo super excited to launch this new series here at the nest.

I would like to introduce you to a collection of beautiful tea cosies over the course of the next few months, named ‘The Grandma Collection’. Each one dedicated to the inspirational women in my life.

The patterns will of course be crocheted, but will also include other mixed media embellishment, making these cosies the perfect companion for your teapot….and as always the patterns will be free.

If you have been following me on Instagram then you will have seen some sneak peeks…

The Grandma Mary tea cosy… coming later this week. I really hope you will enjoy this series with me.

xxxxx

Since this post was written there are now four stunning Tea Cosies available in this series…the links to each can be found below.

I do hope you enjoy these free patterns and that your tea pots love their new adornments.

xxxxx

A looming bouquet

Published on September 17, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin6 Comments

You may remember back in April I had to open my birthday present a whole week early to prevent insanity prevailing…you can read about it just here if you feel the urge to do so!

Well despite my many Phd’s I began another…I really couldn’t help it. In my defence this project won’t ever become a phd as it only takes ten little minutes to make each one…

Aren’t these little loom blooms the sweetest yarny flowers ever?

They have made me extremely happy. So happy infact that I found it quite difficult to leave my current yarny nirvana to come and share with you this delight.

So, if you will excuse me I’m off to finish a looming bouquet.

xxxxx

A lovely week

Published on September 16, 2016September 16, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin4 Comments

Well put out the crochet bunting….I’ve qualified!…a long hard slog, but it is done.

So of course celebrations have been ongoing (both alcoholic and non alcoholic), but my favourite (and the one I am going to share with you) was a blissful week at home, pretty much to myself. Doing this sort of thing…

InstagramCapture_3735a626-ffcc-447a-8415-d1f7727bedbf — she looks so cute once she gets a blow dry…

drinking coffee from my special mug — drinking coffee …

Enjoying suprise gifts left by a neighbour…

and hiding daffodill bulbs under the ground.

wp_20160908_08_36_13_pro — and contemplating what to do with these bag handles??????

wp_20160909_20_04_04_pro — Enjoying the cosiness of home with friends…

wp_20160909_19_52_45_pro — Yes…a lovely week indeed…Now, the hard work really begins! xxx

A quilting OUCH?

Published on September 8, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin7 Comments

Oh deep joy!!!

The lost hours deep cleaning the back of beyond in my teenagers wardrobe has resulted in screams of delight followed by screams of pain as I fell off the ladder!!…but, I have finally found the long lost quilts….and sprained my ankle. That aside look, look at these…

My bravery in summoning up the courage to venture into the teens room was rewarded well, when on tip toe I stood on one foot, precariously balanced on the handle of the step ladder, which of course was not tall enough. It was also painful to stand on for longer than a second and peering my head into the deep dark recess of the cupboard I could see what looked like a familiar old sewing bag. And so I grabbed a pillow and placed it over the handle of the step ladders (as in the style of an episode of Casualty*); where the impending injury is starkly apparent to all but the poor human it is about to befall. I gave a large tug at the bag, screamed with delight as I cast my eye upon my long lost quilts and then drew in sharp breath as my foot slid of the handle of the step ladders and I plummeted to the floor with the quilts in hot pursuit. I will spare you a picture of my bruises!

It was worth it though.

This is a beautiful single quilt patched from a jellyroll…I made it whilst recovering from surgery some years ago. I have part hand quilted the main section and will have to ponder about how I finish the rest.

This is a lap quilt I began making years ago, before I learnt to crochet. It is a Tilda pattern and I remember the roses around the little cottages took a long time to hand sew. I really must get this quilted before this winter. Alas my PHD mountain has just grown some more!

xxxxx

A yarny little heart ©2016 designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin

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Do you remember a little while back, in the summer I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous hank of yarn courtesy of Joey of littleblackdogsa all the way from South Africa…Well, this yarn is a dream to hook with and let me tell you I have hooked with it!

I have hooked and frogged and hooked and frogged, because I wanted this little hank of yumminess to become something special.

You see this little hank has travelled some miles, all the way from South Africa to the Midlands of England. Then it wasn’t long before it was travelling again, this time back south to Devonshire. Where it was hooked almost everywhere

poolside…

seaside…

and even at the farm. But, I just didn’t feel the pattern I had chosen was special enough for this beautiful yarn.

Anyway, let me show you what I finally made…

A little something just for me.

Thanks to Joey.

xxxxx

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I have been so looking forward to writing this post; you see I have been on the most amazing adventure. However, this post should really come with a warning, so here it is…

So warning done, now for the adventure.

It started a month or so a go when the lovely Mr. R booked an anniversary trip of a different kind (don’t worry, this is ‘U’ rated honestly!). So on Saturday, after counting down the days, we got up early with the boys and headed on a short road trip. Destination…

To say I was excited was an understatement, it took every ounce of control I had not to burst through the gates looking insane. You will be pleased to know that I think I managed to appear fairly normal!

We were greeted and welcomed into the most amazing farm house by Trish, Zoe and Helen

After a laid back cup of coffee or two we pulled on our boots and headed outside to be greeted by these lot

Right to left

Teddy, Zeus, Tex, Arnie and Brownlee…

all adorable and all ours for the next two and half hours, well not quite, I think Trish had sussed that I was verging on gaagaa over them!!

Arnie chose me to be his walking buddy, he led the pack and was well behaved; gentle and funny. His top lip got all jittery when he stopped to have a scratch.

Inquisitive and cautious he constantly surveyed the path ahead, peering his neck around corners to check it was safe to continue; his ears a constant twitch.

We wandered and explored and all the time Trish and the girls guided and chatted and generally put us at ease. The countryside was just glorious…(Mr R. had ordered the sunshine) and walking with these beautiful creatures filled me with an incredible peace.

We paused for a long while next to a babbling stream, drank more juice and paddled, whilst these guys watched us. We had time to take photo’s too

and Yarny and Arnie bonded a little more…

(Did you know that alpacas have the most delicious smell; a bit like popcorn).

Eventually we wound our way back through orchards and fields back to the homestead, where I tried to put Arnie in the car without Trish noticing. Alas, this did not work and I had to settle for one more photoshoot in the glorious sunshine.

Before we were treated to more luxurious hospitality, in the form of mince pies and hot cross buns…we had a little chuckle at the clash of Easter and Christmas nibbles, I don’t think I have ever come across that combination before.

At the end of this unique experience,

I felt like I had partaken in a little peice of heaven and I can’t wait til I can return to Temevale alpacas to get up close and personal again with these adorable creatures.

xxxxx

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I think that we are starting to get a rhythm here at the nest…finally. New job, full time, school, homework, housework and Saturdays. Oh how I love Saturdays.

This morning started early with a park run and new personal bests for us all

I have a love, hate, love relationship with running. I love the idea, I hate the running bit then love the buzz after a run; that lasts for the whole day.

Saturday is always better when yarn is delivered too.

I know exactly what to hook with this ‘new to me’ yarn and I am eager to see how it hooks up as it is ridiculously soft and the colours are divine.

Rather than complete any PHD’s recently it seems I’ve added to the list…

I had a yearning to do a little more broomstick crochet, but had forgotten how to start and finish each row.

but a little hooky play during lunchtimes this week has it all sorted

I think I may make some fingerless mitts, with this yarn now I’ve got the broomstick down.

And of course the next tea cosy in the Grandma collection is being designed, if only in my mind at the moment!

So cheers for dropping in…

hope you have a great weekend

xxxxx

Share this:

This is a very pretty tea cosy, perfect for keeping your teapot dressed in style and your tea hot. It is the first of a series of tea cosies which make up the Grandma collection.

Dedicated to the inspiration that was ‘Mary’ the pattern has flowers made on a small flower loom, which are inexpensive to buy and relatively easy to use. I purchased mine for about £3.

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

I used just under 50g of Rico baby classic dk yarn in colourway (026)

and scraps of yarn.

I used scraps of stylecraft special dk in the following colourway (nb/the mint is Stylecraft life dk)

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)

dc tog – double crochet together (single crochet together)

You will also need:

a small flower loom

a 4mm hook

a darning needle

scraps of yarn to use as temporary tie markers

scraps of yarn to make flowers

a string of beads 50cms long

50cms of lace 0.5cms broad

a stitch marker

Top Tip: safety pins make excellent stitch markers!

Ok, here we go…

Ch 80 and join with a slst to form a circle (before completing the slst make sure chain is not twisted).

It is a good idea to check at this point that the circle of chains fits around your teapot. (see end of pattern for instructions about adjusting pattern).

Row 1: Ch1 (mark with a stitch marker, does not count as a dc), dc in each ch around

finish with a slst in ch marked with a stitch marker taking care that work is not twisted when completing the slst. (80dc).

Row 2: Ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, does not count as a dc)

Dc in each st around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with a stitch marker. (80 dc).

Rows 3 – 5: repeat row 2

Row 6: Ch 1 (remove st marker from previous row and place in this ch, does not count as a dc), 1dc in next 14sts, mark next st with a tie marker (different colour yarn which will be removed later – I just tied a bow in red yarn!) see picture below.

slst in same st as tie marker and in next 6 sts and mark last slst with a second tie marker as shown in the picture above. This is where the spout hole starts!

Row 29: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in next 5sts, dc tog in next st, dc in next 6sts, dc tog in next st

* dc in next 4 sts, dc tog in next st , repeat -* around,

Row 33: ch1 (remove stitch marker from previous row and place in this ch, counts as a dc), dc in next 2sts, dc tog in next st, * dc in next 3sts, dc tog in next st , repeat -* around,

* dc in next 2 sts, dc tog in next st , repeat -* around, finishing with a slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (36dc).

repeat - around, finishing with slst in ch marked with stitch marker. (24dc).

* dc tog in next st * repeat - around, finish with a slst in ch marked by stitch marker. (12dc).