Jess – Crochet blog

crochet blanket cal

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

crochet mixed stitch blanket

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

CROCHET MIXED STITCH BLANKET

seaside stash busting blanket weeks 9 – 12

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

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

You can read about my weeks 1 – 4 just here

and my weeks 5 – 8 just here

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

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

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

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

xxxxx

#seasidestashbustingblanket weeks 5 - 8

#seasidestashbustingblanket weeks 5 – 8

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

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

#seasidestashbustingblanket — mixed stitches…

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

#seasidestashbustingblanket — as approved by little Jess

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

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

Creativity…I just love it!

#seasidestashbustingblanket — week 8

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

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

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

xxxxx

#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

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

End of year review…Bring on 2018

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

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

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

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

January 2017

shawl crochet ayarnyrobin — crochet in bed.

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

February 2017

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

I’d love to do this again in 2018.

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

March 2017

Sunday Shawl by Alia Bland — Sunday Shawl hooking

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

April2017

Alpaca cake…

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

May 2017

Interlocking stitch

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

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

June 2017

yarnbomb, ayarnyrobin gate installation — yarnbomb

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

July 2017

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

Still healing, but healing well!

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

August 2017

C2C crochet baby blanket, crochet heart squares in paintbox cotton yarn — crochet and coffee

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

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

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

September 2017

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

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

October 2017

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

November 2017

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

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

December 2017

loom knitted hat, ayarnyrobin — loom knitted beanie…

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

Enough said.

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

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

wherever it may take you.

xxxxx

Picture Perfect…

Published on December 11, 2017December 11, 2017 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin3 Comments

A picture perfect weekend…

Jess enjoyed chasing the sledge...

Jess enjoyed chasing the sledge…

winter berries

winter berries

picture perfect

picture perfect

a snowy tree

a snowy tree

sledging...then home for hot chocolate...

sledging…then home for hot chocolate…

Christmas tree

Christmas tree

A snowy Midlands...

A snowy Midlands…

Dudley Castle in the snow

Dudley Castle in the snow

With all this snow, I have started another hat…let’s see if I can make this one to fit Mr R’s head this time!!!

Yes, the countdown to Christmas has begun at the nest.

xxxxx

free dog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can croche in under an hour

Free dog collar crochet pattern…

Published on July 2, 2017February 19, 2021 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin15 Comments

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

Isn’t she a sweetie?

I can’t believe she will be 3 years old in August….do you remember her as a tiny pup?

How time flies, and oh how dirty her collar had become, despite washing it!

So of course it seemed sensible to make her a little yarny cover for her collar and this is how I did it!

‘Such a cutie – dog collar’…free pattern:

Pattern uses English terminology (American equivalent in brackets). You will also need a dog collar.

St/ s – stitch / es

ch – chain

htr – half treble (hdc – half double crochet)

I used Paintbox dk cotton yarn

yarn a – washed teal

yarn b – lipstick pink

yarn c – bubblegum pink

Do not cut yarn at the end of each row. Instead, work with 3 balls bringing the selected yarn up the side of the work. This will prevent lots of ends needing to be sewn in!

Row 1: With yarn a, ch 9, 1htr in 2nd chain from hook,

1htr in each st across (8htr).

free dog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can crochet in under an hour — Row 1

Row 2: Join yarn b, ch2 (does not count as a st), turn. 1htr in each st across (8htr).

Row 3: Repeat row 2 with yarn c.

free dog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can crochet in under an hour — Juggling 3 balls will reduce the number of ends to be sewn in at the end!

Rest of rows: Repeat row 2, colour repeat – Yarn a,b,c to end. Measure against your dogs collar for length.

free dogcollar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which youcan crochet in under an hour — sew in ends…

Sew in the ends and whip stitch around dog collar as shown.

free dog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can crochet in under an hour — Sew a seam with a simple whip stitch.

tOP TIP:

To increase or decrease width of collar you could use a larger or smaller hook or increase or decrease the number of starting chains accordingly.

freedog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can crochet in under an hour — Voila…all done.

Jess likes her new collar…I hope you do too!

Enjoy the pattern and send me photo’s of your cutie sporting a yarny collar if you make one won’t you?

free dog collar crochet pattern...simple free pattern which you can croche in under an hour — Such a cutie…

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…

wet Jess — Bathing Jess…

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

drinking coffee from my special mug — drinking coffee …

working on a new tea cosy pattern — working on a new tea cosy pattern…

Enjoying suprise gifts left by a neighbour — Enjoying suprise gifts left by a neighbour…

planting out my winter window boxes — planting out my winter window boxes…

and hiding daffodill bulbs under the ground — and hiding daffodill bulbs under the ground.

Enjoying a fish and chip picnic

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

Where did that week go!

Published on April 10, 2016 by Nicola Florence @ ayarnyrobin5 Comments

Well where did that last week go to?

With only about 8 waking hours left of the spring break, to cram in as much fun as possible…I will leave you with some photo’s which capture my week.

Hope you a had a good week

xxxxx

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