Yesterday was “International Granny Square Day”, you didn’t know granny squares had their own “day”? Well everything has it’s own day in the spot light these days and so it’s no surprise someone decided to celebrate the humble granny. (Check Suregal27 ‘s Instagram feed for more background and pictures). Even though I learned to crochet as a young child, I didn’t make my first granny … Continue reading Granny Squares Rock!
(Sponsored Post). Earlier this month, Lancashire based company Three Bears Yarn launched a new collection of cotton yarns to the public. When the company invited me to take a look at their yarn I agreed of course – great cotton yarns are always appealing to crocheters – and these didn’t disappoint. I was sent two yarns to test, the DK “Affection” which comes in a … Continue reading Introducing Three Bears Yarn
I do love the summer, a chance to spend time in the garden with friends and families. I often decorate the garden with crochet bunting, especially for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings and christenings. I counted up, over the years I’ve published over a dozen patterns for garlands, wall hangings and bunting and I’m sharing two of my favourites with you today. You’re welcome to … Continue reading Buntings and Garlands (free patterns)
Over the summer I shall be redesigning and re branding all my knitting and crochet patterns, some will be “retired” for ever and some are being made with new yarns in new colours. Before I remove them all from sale here’s your chance to grab a bargain. Most patterns are now reduced to just £1 (plus VAT), so head over to Ravelry and choose your … Continue reading Ravelry Pattern Sale
This fabric Mouse House sits in an upstairs bedroom at my Mother in Law’s house. She made it over 20 years ago and all the grand children have loved it. I have often said I would love to make a crochet version, but time and inspiration never seemed to allow the opportunity to sit down and really think about doing it justice. I have seen … Continue reading Personal Project: Mouse House
The May / June issue of Love Crochet goes on sale this week and I’m thrilled to see a couple of my designs on the cover. My favourite has to be this picnic hamper, which was a challenge for me as it has a sewn lining (I’m no sewer!). The hamper is made in flat pieces and seamed to fit a cardboard box frame. The … Continue reading New Pattern: Picnic Hamper
I’ve always been “bistitchual”. I’m just as happy with needles and yarn as I am with a hook. I learnt both skills early on and sometimes I’ll even combine the two in a single project. (My knitted baby blanket for Craftseller for instance had a pretty crochet trim). It always surprises me that other yarn enthusiasts think that combining both crafts is unusual or even … Continue reading Love to Knit, Love to Crochet
Slowly, very slowly I am adding all my free patterns to Granny Cool. It’s a slow process. The new book is at the editing stage (still lots of samples to make). We’ve done a couple of shoots and I’m desperate to share some images with you and tell you about the amazing collaborators who are designing and working with me. Meanwhile, if you click on … Continue reading Free Crochet Patterns (& More to Come)
Issue 64 of Inside Crochet is now on sale, as always I cannot choose my favourite project from this issue, Claire Montgomerie’s Aster Wrap is beautiful (I’m loving the colour). Can’t you just imagine a summer evening, watching the sun go down with this elegant wrap covering your shoulders? I’m also thrilled to say that I have a feature in this issue on the subject … Continue reading Time to Celebrate
I have uploaded some new patterns to my Ravelry store. They are suitable for beginners. Most of the patterns are “bundles”, in other words, you get more than one pattern included (for example, the desk set has patterns for pencil pot, ipad cover, iphone cosy, flower garland and coasters). here are a few pics to show you what’s on offer this month: I know this … Continue reading New Patterns for Sale
My garden is full of spring bulbs, the dawn chorus has begun to wake us and Mr T has brought the wooden garden furniture out of hibernation. This can only mean one thing: Easter is almost upon us. These tiny Easter eggs are made in just a few minutes and are ideal for using up your stash. They look fabulous strung with ribbon from tree … Continue reading Free Patterns for Easter
This is one of the classic crochet motifs and one of my favourites. I wrote a simple version of the pattern for Craftseller magazine, way back in September 2012, and it’s one I use quite often. You can easily join this motif to make blankets or even a small cushion like the one I designed for Craftseller. I know that not everyone finds it easy … Continue reading Circle in A Square Motif
