flower – Crochet blog

Bright and Bold Summer Flowers…pattern news

Published on June 25, 2019July 7, 2019 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin2 Comments

Do you remember not so long ago I said I had some exciting news to share with you? Well, I can share that news now…

These are my bright and bold summer flowers and they were featured in Crochetzine, a fabulous online crochet magazine, last month!

I felt so proud and excited to see my work shared. Of course I want to share it with you also. These are great flowers to make from left over snippets, but I think they work best in a cotton yarn, as they hold their shape better.

The pattern is based on hyperbolic crochet, but don’t let that put you off…it is really simple! I have had so many lovely comments about the bunch I have on my table. Here’s the link to Crochetzine, where you will find my pattern.

Do let me know what you think if you make any won’t you?

xxxxx

Off Piste…

Published on May 11, 2019 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin6 Comments

I said I would pop in and write about some recent makes…so here I am, I hope you are well. My makes of late have been a little off piste, in that they are not yarny at all!

Over Easter I had a little time away from work which was just delightful. The weather was sunny and spring was most definitely flourishing. The boys were off school too, so our days were lazy and quite carefree. Amongst the laid back ways, I still had chores and it was whilst ironing of all things that I was overwhelmed with an urge to embroider.

The urge just fell so heavy upon me whilst ironing an old but beloved blouse of mine. The material had become thinned in areas and I sadly decided the blouse could no longer be worn. I loved that blouse and some of the material was still good and this is what sparked my embroidery urge.

Having never done any embroidery before I happily abandoned the ironing pile and exchanged it for a pinterest exploration and I was gone for several hours. I gathered supplies and with a fabric sewing pen I sketched out my design. Between consulting youtube clips and pinterest I ventured on my maiden embroidery voyage. I loved it, it scratched that creative itch so well, I felt so deeply satisfied.

I can only show you a little of this make as it is a gift and is still to be gifted.

I embroidered at every opportunity, I just couldn’t put it down.

I made a second hoop which I can show you, as this has already been gifted.

Oh, how I adore French knots and satin stitching. What do you think?

xxxxx

crochet tea cosy free pattern and tutorial

The Grandma Florence Tea Cosy

Published on January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin8 Comments

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

Dedicated to my lovely Momma…Florence.

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

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

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

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

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

xxxxx

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

xxxxx

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

A Dotty Little Flower…

Published on November 11, 2017January 22, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

Below is the very quick and simple pattern for my

‘Dotty Little Flower’

which featured in my latest tea cosy design.

The ‘Grandma Dot Tea cosy’ which is part of my Grandma Collection.

I have had some lovely comments and thought putting the pattern for the flower on a separate post might be useful….even though it is so simple, you could hardly call it a pattern!

Maybe inspiration may be a better phrase.

Any how this is what I did.

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 a real field of flowers cross stitch some centres, add beads to others and save some for a french knot centre. When using beads, just make sure they have large enough centres for the yarn to pass through!

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.

et voila!

A dotty little flower ready to be sewn or glued or attached to whatever your heart desires.

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

xxxxx

Dotty Little Flower ©2017 designed by Nicola Florence @ayarnyrobin

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!

The Grandma Dot Tea Cosy

Published on November 8, 2017November 8, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin5 Comments

Introducing the ‘Grandma Dot’ tea cosy…the third in the Grandma Collection

Dedicated to my husband’s Nanna Dot who was a truly formidable woman.

Nanna Dot was a tiny woman in stature but a mighty woman non the less.

Strong, brave and wise with the most beautiful smile. No matter what was going on or how much hell was breaking loose round about; Nanna Dot would make a cuppa tea or something a wee bit stronger and in a way that I still do not really understand, she would put things into perspective with a gentle reassurance.

I wish I had known Nanna Dot for longer. I especially loved her love of family and Christmas. Family were so important to her. When my first son was born, we counted from Nanna Dot and Grandad Ernie that our son was number 50….a BIG family indeed!

So this cosy is covered in ‘dotty little flowers’

A meadow of ‘dotty little flowers’ to represent the growth and legacy of her family, which at last count is upwards of 60!

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

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.

What are your hot hooking tips?

xxxxx

daffodils

seedlings

pretty colour

Jess just chilling

Flaming peris

bleeding hearts

Easter Tree

pretty whites

helebres

lemon daffodils

climbing clematis

Mr Alf

heuchera

bridal spray spirea

Hello Spring…

Published on April 11, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin1 Comment

Baby Shower Diaper Cake…

Published on April 8, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin2 Comments

Take a look at this little creation I just made…

Sweet Dreams Diaper Cake

add your decorations.

aqua and grey elegance

I would have adored one of these when I was expecting! So, I got to work constructing my diaper cake as soon as I received my friends baby shower invitation.

There are lots of tutorials on the web about how to make your own diaper cake, but I did take photo’s of each step and have included them below.

I found the hardest part of creating a diaper cake was deciding on the colours and of course a theme!

I used an old cake board, a kitchen roll tube, card, scissors, sticky tape, hot glue gun, elastic bands, string, ribbons, a teddy, ‘sweet dreams’ bunting and some artificial daisies and about 64 size 2 diapers (nappies).

So this is how I made mine…

Step 1:

I used the kids loom bands to secure, but elastic bands would work too.

Step 2:

Using the scissors snip approx. 1cm around one end of the kitchen roll.

Step 3:

Secure the tube to the centre of the cake board with sticky tape.

Step 4:

place rolled up diapers around the tube.

Begin placing rolled up diapers around the base of the tube, in x3 rounds. Secure each round with an elastic band or tie with string. If tying with string keep loose ends short and tuck any remaining ends in between the diapers as you go to keep your cake looking neat.

Step 5:

Hot Glue a ruffled ribbon around the base onto the cake board.

Step 6:

Repeat the process for the second tier, this time for 2 rounds only.

Now, at this point, the kitchen tube, disappeared as you can see in the photo above, as the height of the tube was equal to the height of the second tier.

You don’t really need to worry if your cake topper is rigid or small. But, as my topper was a cute little bear, that was quite floppy and soft, I added an extension to my tube in the form of a bit of plastic pipe, Mr R had spare.

If you need to extend your tube, card would suffice at this point, but as I did not have any I went with the plastic pipe.

To secure Mr Bear, I tied his leg with a bit of string and threaded the string through the pipe, securing the string at the bottom of the pipe with sticky tape. I then placed the pipe inside the kitchen tube, before proceeding with step 7.

You may find you can go straight to tier 3 and decorate with your topper once tier three is insitu, it will just depend upon what you have chosen for your decoration.

Step 7:

The final Tier, just one round of diapers needed here.

Step 8:

Using the hot glue gun secure your ribbon in place.

Just like so.

Step 9:

And there you have it.

I just love this sweet dreams theme in aqua and grey. The little yellow centres in the daisies and Mr. Bears matching bow tie add a little extra zing!

It looks so elegant and I have had so many gushing comments about it and requests to make more I may just have to!

If this inspires you to make a diaper cake I would love to see your pictures, your colours and your themes and just how your imagination runs away with this quick and simple project.

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

Dedicated to my lovely Momma…Florence.

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

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

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

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

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

xxxxx

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

xxxxx

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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.

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.

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.

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..

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).

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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