This week I have a new knitting book recommendation for you. Written by Emma Osmond, this is a fresh, modern take on the perennial stash knitting theme (and let’s face it, most knitters and crocheters have a sizeable stash of yarn bought for projects we never completed or simply loved too much to leave on the shelf). The projects are mostly simple, knitted in beautiful … Continue reading Review – Weekend Makes: Stash Knitting
The first daffodils signal the arrival of spring and remind me that warmer days are not very far away. I love making these tiny flowers as they bring colour to my home and mean that I can leave the real blooms in the garden, where they last much longer than in a vase. I’m posting the pattern here, but if you head over to Ravelry … Continue reading A Crochet Bouquet
Emma Varnam – you’ve done it again lovely lady! What can I say, this book is an absolute joy. Written in Emma’s signature style, full of fun and mischief, this is a book that has even entranced my non crochet friends. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Emma’s work, she has a generous spirit, a cheeky sense of humour and a talent for … Continue reading Review: Crocheted Succulents
I have a new crochet workshop class starting in March. This class will take place at the Ashton Hayes Pavilion, Cheshire (the village where I live), on Tuesday mornings 12th, 19th and 26th March. I am running this class as a fund raiser for Ash-worth Timebank, a charity that is based here in the community and supports local residents by offering social activities, support and … Continue reading New Learn to Crochet Class
I’m very happy to share the news that 200 More Crochet Stitches and Crochet: Learn It, Love It are finally here and I can send out signed copies to those of you who requested them. Both books are available in your local book store or online. Also, several libraries (Including my own, here in Cheshire) are stocking it. I have been selling copies at workshops … Continue reading New Books Now Here!
We all have items lurking in our wardrobe that we don’t wear any more, but can’t bear to throw away. Cardigans with a frayed cuff, a tear in the fabric of a favourite dress or a hole in the elbow of our snuggliest jumper. Instead of letting these much loved items languish in your wardrobe why not try revamping them? With a little imagination and … Continue reading Make It and Mend It
Just in time for Valentine’s day I’ve released my little Heart Pops pattern. These simple little hearts are very quick to make and look fabulous strung as a garland or made into wall hangings. Some of you might recognise them as part of a feature I wrote for Issue 64 of Inside Crochet in 2015. You can use any yarn for these. I’ve suggested double … Continue reading Heart Pops for Valentines
My new book “200 More Crochet Stitches” will be published in the UK on January 15th. I will be selling signed copies via my Etsy shop, if you would like me to let you know when these re available, just send me an email or contact me on Instagram. This book is also available in America with the title “The Step by Step Guide to … Continue reading Book News
So, while I’ve been hooking up stars, holly and garlands a whole gang of crochet designers have been sharing their makes too. So, as I wrap up my blog until the New Year for my annual social media break here’s my round up of some great patterns you can find right now: I am definitely making a few of these cracker hats by Emily. They … Continue reading The Best of the Rest
I love sprouts. Boiled, sauted with chesnuts and bacon, fried leftovers, even shredded in salads. I just can’t resist them. Now I have “sprouts a la crochet”! This garland is hanging in my kitchen, strung with lights and making me smile. It might be the ultimate in kitsch, but I love it! These little sprouts are easy to make. I used DK cotton and a … Continue reading Sprouts!
Another one of my very early designs for Inside Crochet, these felted baubles have become a Christmas tradition. I love to find new ways to decorate them. Hand stitched with beads or covered in sequins, they always look spectacular. Remember to use a natural fibre such as wool or mohair, not a superwash wool or they won’t felt. Of course, you can make the same … Continue reading Felted Baubles
Years ago, when I designed these decorations for Craftseller, hardly anyone had heard of Hygge, and the Scandi phenomenon was still a twinkle in Instagram’s eye! But, I loved the simple colours and decoration and was very happy that they re-appeared the next year in a different magazine (same publisher) where they were declared “on trend” – probably the first – and only time I’ve … Continue reading Scandi Baubles
