Due to the continued ill health of my husband I am no longer undertaking design commissions, book or product reviews. Comments, emails and enquiries related to Granny Cool Crochet or my books will be answered as and when I can. Please accept my apologies for delayed responses to enquiries. I hope you will all understand my priority at this time has to be my family. … Continue reading On Sabbatical
Happy February. In a spirit of joy and optimism and I am declaring this the month of crochet hearts and flowers! This is the month when the garden slowly bursts back into life, with bulbs appearing and shoots making their way through the chilly soil to promise colour and joy all through summer! For me this is a month definied by friendship and (of course) … Continue reading Hearts and Flowers
Well I’m back – with many apologies and few excuses! We finally moved house in December and I’m slowly unpacking, getting used to my new surroundings and writing exceptionally long “to do” lists! High on the list for some time has been “get back on the blog”, but it always seems to fall below “get out and meet people” or “explore the footpath by the … Continue reading Why Blocking Matters
This garland might be a little bit brighter than my usual makes – but with Easter almost upon us I couldn’t resist adding a bit of whimsy to my kitchen shelves! The carrots are made using the chilli pattern (which is free on Love Crochet) I used to make this garland for Love Crochet magazine way back in 2014. I’ve given instructions for the daisy … Continue reading Easter Garland
Well hello – and thanks for stopping by! I want to introduce you to Sofia and Sparkles. Sparkles the mouse made her debut on Instagram before Christmas, but it’s taken me three months to write up and check the pattern, meanwhile she was joined by Sofia, a little bunny with an impossibly cute pom pom tail! There will be a wardrobe of clothes for these … Continue reading Sofia and Sparkles
Hello Little Mouse! I make no apologies for my current obsession with tiny cute things – making them is a joy – and being able to make something so quickly is definitely a bonus! These little mice started life as a sample for a Learn to Crochet Class, I quickly realised that others might fall in love with them too. They’re much cuter than the … Continue reading Free Pattern: Wee Mousie
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
