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yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge days 21 -24

Published on February 25, 2018February 24, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

#yarnlovechallenge... we are almost done, but not quite.

If you’re not following this on Instagram…here are my days 21 – 24.

Day 21 : Multiples…How pretty are these Robins Nest granny squares? I always feel a surge of joy when I look at them. Not only that but they are a complete pleasure to hook. The free pattern for them comes complete with a step by step photo tutorial.

Day 22: Bag…Well I have had a bag on my ‘must hook’ list for years. But, for some reason I have never got around to starting one, not even as a PHD! I have purchased the bag handles though.

Day 23: Mend… Not sure how to mend this or why it has happened!

Day 24: LYS…I don’t like my local yarn store as sometimes they can be a bit moody…and I think that’s off. You shouldn’t have to walk in wandering if the owners are going to be vexed with one another. Having said that they stock a good selection of my stock yarn and if I run out it’s handy. I would just like my LYS to be a lovely, friendly independent that sold some hand dyed as well as the usual. That ran classes out the back and had a whole yarny community vibe going on….moan over!

There are now only four days left of this challenge, but it’s not too late to join in the fun, each day in February has a prompt, as long as there is a tenuous link to yarniness in some way your good to go!

xxxx

crochet tea cosy free pattern

Grandma Kathy Tea Cosy…Free Crochet Pattern and Tutorial.

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

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

Dedicated to the inspiration that is ‘Nanna Kathy’

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

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

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

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

Ch – chain stitch

slst – slip stitch

dc – double crochet (single crochet)

htr– half treble crochet (half double crochet)

tr – treble crochet (double crochet)

dtr – double treble crochet (treble crochet)

You will also need:

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

4mm hook to complete picot edging trim.

Ok, here we go…

Using the gold yarn and 5mm hook, Ch 20

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

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

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

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

(x7 granny clusters / x6 spaces).

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

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

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

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

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

(20sts).

Now to make the spout hole!

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

(20sts).

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

Row 21: Repeat Row 2.

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

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

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

(20dc).

nb/ top and bottom – x1 granny cluster underneath spout

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

Now to complete the petals.

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

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

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

Repeat * – * to end of row

slst to beginning ch1 to join cosy in a circle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NB/ do not crochet in this space by mistake

crochet tea cosy free pattern and tutorial — Do not crochet in this space by mistake else your picot will not be central!

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

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

xxxxx

I REALLY HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED MAKING THIS PATTERN AS MUCH AS I HAVE ENJOYED CREATING IT FOR YOU. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT SOMETHING OR NOTICE ANY ERRORS PLEASE SHOUT UP. EQUALLY PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR Grandma Kathy Tea cosy CREATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW or with the #THEGRANDMACOLLECTION #AYARNYROBIN ON SOCIAL MEDIA…I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM!

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

yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge days 17 -20

Published on February 20, 2018February 18, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

#yarnlovechallenge... if you’re not following this on Instagram…here are my days 17 – 20.

Day 17 : Ink…No tatts to show, but I do have a yarny shopping list!

Day 18: Art…Well it had to be this ‘Flower Fiesta’ wall art that I hooked a while ago now…the link to the post is here and the little leaf pattern (which is free of course) is just here

Day 19: Notebook…I have notebooks in every room of the house, except the bathroom. I even have one in my car because you never know when the creative lightening bolt may strike.

Day 20: Swatch…I’m not a fan of swatching…at all! But I did do a little one for my charming harbour blanket, because I don’t usually hook with navy and I wasn’t sure if I could commit to a big project without swatching first.

It’s still not too late to join in the fun, each day in February has a prompt, as long as there is a tenuous link to yarniness in some way your good to go!

xxxx

yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge days 13 -16

Published on February 16, 2018February 15, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

#yarnlovechallenge... if you’re not following this on Instagram…here are my days 13- 16.

Day 13 : Publication…This book was published by Readers Digest in 1981. It’s the best stitch dictionary I have ever used and I have a few! Timeless.

Day 14: Yarn Love…a heart for Valentines Day. I love all yarn…it’s that simple ♥

Day 15: Cheer…This is the ‘Very V’ blanket…rows and rows of beautiful V stitch. This blanket was a joy to hook and never fails to cheer. The free pattern and tutorial are available just here.

Day 16: Join…how about a lovely double crochet (single crochet if you use American terminology) join, to give you a gorgeous raised frame around a granny square. Tutorial just here.

We are now over half way through this challenge but it’s not too late to join in the fun, just jump over here. Each day in February has a prompt, as long as there is a tenuous link to yarniness in some way your good to go!

xxxx

#seasidestashbustingblanket

Hooking and Healing…

Published on February 15, 2018February 12, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin18 Comments

If you read my last #yarnlovechallenge post, you may have gathered that I’m a bit laid up… but every cloud has a silver lining and my enforced rest has meant lots of crochet.

broken foot and crochet — guilt free resting!

and a spot of jigsaw (ing!!),

but mostly crochet and cuddles with my buddy.

scnoodle dog — Jess, my crochet buddy…

I have really made some headway on my Charming Harbour blanket . I hadn’t picked it up for a while and I was just beginning to feel burdened about the possibility of it becoming a long standing PHD. I am so glad to have pulled it back out as I have found the simplicity of hooking this blanket most pleasing lately.

Additionally, I have been thrilled to be taking part in a CAL hosted by Coastal Crochet. I found the CAL a little late in week 2, but I soon had the rows completed, thanks to my prescribed idleness. I have kept up to date ever since too. We are now in week 5 and this stash busting blanket is growing into a mighty fine array of mixed stitches, with beautiful waves of long stitch abounding currently.

#seasidestashbustingblanket — mixed stitches…

I have still to make a start on the Granny Square CAL details of which are just here, but I still have another week until my stitches come out so I’ve got time.

Enjoy the rest of your week whatever you have planned.

xxxxx

yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge days 9 -12

Published on February 12, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin7 Comments

#yarnlovechallenge... if you’re not following this on Instagram…here are my days 9 – 12.

Day 9 : View…I’m getting tired of this view now…I’m loving the extra hook time, but would like to loose a few stitches (surgical ones that is!)

Day 10: Novelty…If you are new here and you have not been introduced, then this is the quirky Grandma Florence Tea Cosy. A mesh of crochet woven with ribbon for a very novel way to dress your teapot. The free pattern and tutorial are just here.

Day 11: Smell… These alpacas smell like popcorn and of course their yarn is divine. Taking them for a walk is also pretty cool too. You can read about such adventures just here.

Day 12: Worn…I generally gift most of what I make…but, I kept this lacy infinity cowl for myself. Details of this gorgeous pattern are just here.

It’s not too late to join in the fun, each day in February has a prompt, as long as there is a tenuous link to yarniness in some way your good to go!

xxxx

yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge days 5 – 8

Published on February 8, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

#yarnlovechallenge... if you’re not following this on Instagram…here are my days 5 – 8.

Day 5: Style… Rocking my own style with these barefoot sandals

Day 6: Colourwork… One of the best things about starting a new project is planning which colours to use. These are my colour pegs and these are the colours of my latest blanket on my hook.

Day 7: Designer.. My current design crush is Eleonora at Coastal Crochet and this is the beautiful CAL blanket.

Day 8: Prep…Following on from day 7’s designer prompt…I love to design my own hooky makes. This takes a lot of prep and I do like to be near to the kettle!

xxxx

yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge days 1 – 4

Published on February 4, 2018February 4, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin1 Comment

#yarnlovechallenge... if you’re not following this on Instagram…here are my days 1 – 4.

Day 1: Intro…Well this is me…

Day 2: Volume…I had to think a bit more about this one. I was going to post a snap of a bright and vibrant crochet blanket, like the Very V blanket. But, then I thought about those rare precious moments, when all is silent in the nest, and I can curl up with a coffee and some yarn….ssshhhh!

Day 3: Soothing… That is exactly the essence of this ripple blanket, happy and soothing with a bit of an addictive bobble edge!

Day 4: Snack…You just can’t beat a clotted cream tea for a real bit of indulgent hooking!

xxxx

yarnlovechallenge 2018

#yarnlovechallenge 2018

Published on February 1, 2018January 30, 2018 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin10 Comments

So, it begins…

I will be posting daily on Instagram, you can click the Instagram button on the side bar to follow me.

I will post every few days here on my blog collating a few days prompts together. If you want to join in then please do, it is a great way to meet fellow crafters and it’s good fun too!

xxxxx

#seasidestashbustingblanket

#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…

It really hurt! and I am a big baby!

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