Louisa Harding Yarn review

The super people at Laughing Hens asked me if I'd like to try some of the lovely yarn they sell.
 Of course, I said, I'd love to.
 And so they sent me a ball of this:

Louisa Harding Pitturissimo Aran in shade 206 'Vita'

Now, multicoloured yarns are not everybody's cup of tea, but I've always had a bit of a thing for them 'cos I am a lazy crocheter at heart - this won't surprise any of you who are regular readers - take a look at my Very Lazy Blanket, for starters....

This yarn does all the hard work for you- no faffing around with colour changes, or joining, or sewing in lots of ends. 

Here you can see the colour runs. They're fairly short, varying from 4 - 8 cms in length and cycle through bright oranges, reds, blues and browns, with green being the most prominent colour.

But how does it crochet up, you wonder?
 Here's a few different things to show you, using a 6mm hook:

 Linen stitch (1dc, 1ch repeat)

This stitch works particularly well with multicoloured yarns as the colours change so frequently. I'd be interested to see if anyone manages to colour pool with this yarn (I ran out of time to try) - although I'm not sure if the colour changes are too short?
Let me know if you do...

 A granny circle:

Me likey - the colours appear a little more random, but really pop.

 A traditional granny square

This is quite a busy design and probably a bit too fussy for such colourful yarn.

 Circles

I absolutely LOVE how these turned out - aren't they fun??
What should I do with them, though?!!

 Here's the yarn details:
 Aran weight Superwash Fine Merino with Bamboo 75% Viscose 25% 
Suggested needles/hook 5-6mm
 100g / 150 m
 Suggested tension 18-16 sts x 24-22 rows
 Available from Laughing Hens here

 Overall, this yarn is really lovely- it's beautifully soft, and super squishy and I don't think it's likely to be itchy, as some woolly yarns can often be. It will be perfect for those funky winter knits: hats, scarves, gloves - anything to keep you warm.

 So what will I be making with mine? Well, it's going to be a scarf, made with the Granny Circle motif and maybe a slightly bigger hook, to create more drape... Do let me know what you make with yours!

 Have a happy week,
 Sarah xx  

Autumn Storm Shawl

Here in the U.K. the weather has changed; darker evenings, damper mornings and a distinct chill in the air mean that Autumn has most definitely arrived.

 

 

 

And so I felt the need for a big ol' shawl-type-thing. 

Something I could drape around my shoulders to keep the shivers at bay and wrap around to completely cocoon me in warmth.

 

 

And I came up with my Autumn Storm Shawl*

 

 

*Actually, I cannot take any credit for the name. I ran a little Instagram competition and had lots of amazing suggestions- this is the one I chose and it's pretty perfect, I think.

 

 

Crocheted in the most lovely Deramores Vintage Chunky yarn, this Shawl is a simple and speedy project, despite its size.

 

If you'd like to make one, then you can find the pattern here. 

I can promise it'll keep you super-snug.

 

 

 

Happy crocheting,

Sarah xx 

Wearable crochet: Clothes

Ah, those bygone eras, when crochet was well, erm... itchy... and judging by a screen shot of my search results for 70s knitwear, mostly orange.

(Digging those dudes in their ponchos, btw)

So far in my rather brief crochet career, my foray into clothing has been zero; I've dabbled with hats and scarf-y accessories, but just haven't been convinced that crocheted clothes would ever be my thing.

And then came Pinterest and Instagram and all manner of crochet magazines, where independent designers were strutting their very cool stuff, and the most modern and wearable of crochet clothes were being showcased.

And I've changed my mind. 

So here's my most favourite, totally wearable crochet pieces and there's not an itchy, orange jumpsuit in sight...

Classic and simple, these jumpers are modern and fun. Bright colours, or plain neutrals. Whatever takes your fancy works here.

By Frank & Olive. Pattern here

By Yarnspirations. Pattern here

By Rohn Strong. Pattern here

By Pardon My Chaos. Pattern here

And for anyone who prefers something a little more free-spirited, bohemian crochet is for you -

fringes, tassels and the most infamous Granny squares make this style a classic:

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

So what am I planning to make next? 

Well, it'll probably be something for my hols-I love the simple lines of this beach top:

Pattern link here

And the stiking hexagons of this Anthropologie-inspired sweater:

Pattern link here

If you'd like some more inspiration, then follow my 'Wearable Crochet' Pinterest board and be inspired to create your own, original crocheted wardrobe.

And if you've crocheted your own clothes (you clever person, you) then let me know- I'd love to hear all about it.

Have a great week,

Sarah