Everything I Did (and Didn't) Crochet in 2023 + 17 Free Crochet Patterns

Today I'm excited to take you on a visual journey through all the crochet projects I took on in 2023. There is also a list of 21 crochet patterns at the bottom of this post, and 17 of them are free! Watch the video and follow along with the blog post.

You may have noticed a trend of crochet creators showcasing their projects from the past year. Well, I couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon, albeit a little late. Now, I admit, I have a bit of a habit for starting projects and not necessarily finishing them. But hey, who says that's a bad thing? It just means there's always something exciting in the works! So, without further ado, let's dive into what I managed to complete in 2023.

Amateur Amigurumi

First up, let's explore the realm of cuddly companions and playful creations. One of my early projects was a quirky shark designed to hang in my partner's car. As a proud supporter of the Cronulla Sharks, I figured a crocheted shark would make the perfect addition to his ute. Despite some wonkiness, it became a beloved fixture hanging from his rearview mirror.

Next, I crafted a cute bear teething rattle for my newborn niece, Florence. This was a quick last-minute project to add to her Christmas gifts.

One of my more ambitious endeavours was a delightful turtle pattern from talented designer Aradiytoys on Etsy. Intended for my nephew, Rocky, this intricate creation was well received. I got comments that it looked like a character called ’Turtle Boy’ from Bluey!

Last but certainly not least in the toy category was a whimsical doll featuring rainbow hair. Made especially for my niece Audrey, its reception was a bit… lukewarm… Oh well, it’s the thought that counts, right? (Kids are so dang honest…)

For the Home

Moving on to home decor, I ventured into the realm of practical elegance. I crocheted plant hangers with fun patterns like the monstera leaf design which brought more plants into the kitchen.

However, the pièce de résistance in this category was undoubtedly the granny square blanket lovingly crafted for baby Florence. A labor of love, this blanket accompanied me on travels, becoming a cherished heirloom for my sister and my niece.

Clothing and Accessories

Onto my current obsession, crocheted fashion. From cozy hats perfect for poolside lounging to practical AirPods cases and book carriers, these creations blended style with functionality. Not to mention the breezy beach sarong, a delightful gift for my mum's upcoming travels.

Unfinished Business, aka WIPs

Of course, no crocheter is without their share of unfinished projects. Tucked away in boxes are the beginnings of future treasures, including bunnies, cows, and sheep waiting to be brought to life, pillows and ottomans waiting to become part of my living space, and bralets, tops and sweaters waiting to join my wardrobe. One piece, inspired by Mona Mills' "Crochet Crush," holds a special place in my heart. This oversized ottoman, born from a pillow pattern, awaits its completion as I eagerly await the arrival of more yarn. Yet, amid the half-finished stitches and abandoned patterns, a sense of determination lingers. My mantra this year? “I WILL finish these in 2024!” 

In saying that, as I reflect on my crochet journey thus far, I find gratitude knowing that every stitch, each project, whether completed or abandoned, has contributed to my growth, intuition, and abilities as an artist.

So there you have it, a glimpse into my crochet escapades of 2023. As I dive into the year ahead, I can't help but wonder what new creations await. Whether it's toys, home decor, or fashion, one thing is for certain: I freaking love the crochet community, I’m having so much fun here!

Thanks for joining me, and I can’t wait to keep sharing more crochet content with you all.

xx Carley Rose

Patterns mentioned in the video:

1. FREE  Baby shark pattern by @scandistyle_dolls (and this pattern looks like it’s been updated since I made it) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSy7lcdKDZu/?img_index=1

2. FREE Bear rattle/teether pattern by Julia Deinega @deynega_yuly https://amigurum.com/2020/07/bear-baby-rattle-crochet-pattern.html

3. PAID Turtle Gina pattern by Aradiyatoys on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/497873174/turtle-gina-from-aradiyatoys-design?click_key=639ea19eb39cf302fcf00153de0fa246e8d4b962%3A497873174&click_sum=7dbb3179&ref=shop_home_active_54&pro=1&sts=1

4. PAID Friendly Luna doll pattern by Aradiyatoys on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1471510936/amigurumi-crochet-doll-pattern-luna-with?click_key=c1d0adacf0d7dd72c7e097aa9c5bf16d1abd8a3b%3A1471510936&click_sum=fc436f85&ref=shop_home_active_7&pro=1&sts=1

5. FREE Monstera Plant Hanger Tutorial by JolieKnots (there is also a left-handed tutorial on her channel) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XEFovKj7Yc&ab_channel=JolieKnotsCrochet 

6. FREE Crochet Flower Granny Square Pattern by Winding Road Crochet https://www.windingroadcrochet.com/crochet-flower-granny-square-pattern-video/

7. FREE Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern by Sirdarhttps://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/10560-crochet-bucket-hat

8. FREE Crochet Tulips AirPods Case by Kukkacrochet By Putri (I used this to help me start my pattern) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzmd1QEnDiA&ab_channel=KukkacrochetByPutri

9. FREE OK Flower Crochet Motif Pattern by Atty https://atty-s.com/2021/09/ok-flower-crochet-motif-pattern.html

10. PAID (Book) Crochet Crush by Molla Mills (heaps of patterns that I have used, beautiful book)

11. FREE Ravenna Cushion by Pippin Poppycock https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ravenna-cushion

12. FREE Retro Daisy Granny Square Tutorial by Elyse Myers (not the exact one I used, but this is a better updated tutorial) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqXD9FFAesY&ab_channel=ElyseMyers 

13. FREE Cactus Garden crochet pattern by Artefacts Crochet Design (I used the rhipsalis pattern but there are lots in this pattern!) https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cactus-garden-6

14. FREE Simple Crop Top by Carrie M Chambers (I didn’t end up loving this pattern, but it could work for you) https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-crop-top-3

15. PAID Sunburst Mosaic Bralette by Lizard&Hook https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1120886264/crochet-top-pattern-sunburst-mosaic

16. FREE Night Out crochet dress pattern by Giulia Introzzi https://hobbii.com/night-out-dress

17. FREE Pura Vida Halter Top by Amanda Love Santos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg5i1hxiDvM&ab_channel=AmandaLoveSantos

18. FREE Crochet Flower Top Tutorial by Nikita Nightingale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fjdqGCWym8&ab_channel=NikitaNightingale

19. FREE Hexagon Cardigan tutorials available here https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hexagon+granny+square+crochet+cardigan

20. FREE Sophie’s Universe Crochet Along by Dedri Uys (this is the mandala blanket pattern) https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sophies-universe-cal

21. FREE Chevron C2C Crochet Scrap Blanket Pattern by Maria Weaber (this isn’t the exact pattern I used but it’s the closest I could find today!)  https://mariasbluecrayon.com/2020/01/crochetscrapblanket.html