Yarn Festivals

I've gone and done it again - Yep, another YouTube video.

This time, grab your glow sticks, 'cos I'm talking about Festivals !!
(Yarn Festivals, that is)

Watch the video here. (Show notes and links below)



Episode 2: Yarn Festivals Show Notes

To find a Yarn festival near you, see here:

Yarns:

Manos Del Uruguay Silk blend DK - website
Unique Yarns Co  - Glow in the dark yarn 
Whimzy yarns - Sokkusu O Max in 'Man of Rock' and 'Medallica'
Sparkleduck  - Lucy in 'Purple Pigeon' / Pulsar in 'Enchantment'
Rosie's Moments  - Lace Weight in 'Autumn Floor'
The Knitting Shed - Ainsworth & Prin Alpaca Silk Lace
Eden Cottage Yarns - Oakworth 4ply
Bilum Yarns - Pukpuk
The Women's Institute Soft and Chunky yarn in Grey - from here

Doodlestop Yarn Buddy

Pattern
The Little Mitts in Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend DK

Inside Crochet magazine

YouTubers
Chrissie Crafts

Hope you enjoyed it!

Have a great week,
Sarah xx

A trip to Stylecraft Yarns

Right back at the beginning of this month, I was invited back up to the Stylecraft Mill in Yorkshire with my fellow blogstars.

Hooray!!!

Here we all are, looking very happy indeed.

From left: Jane from Janie Crow, Phil from The Twisted Yarn, Me, Heather from The Patchwork Heart, Julia from Hand Knitted Things, Lucy from Attic 24, Helen from The Woolly Adventures of a Knitting Kitty, Emma from Emma Varnham, Sandra from Cherry Heart, Lucia from Lucia's Fig Tree and Kathryn from Crafternoon Treats

In fact, we are not all here - two of the gang joined us via Skype from the other side of the globe and so couldn't be in the pic.

Can you see them? They're right at the end of the table in laptop form, Skyping us from afar: Angela from Get Knotted Yarn Craft and Zelna from Zooty Owl

The trip involved an amazing visit to the Guild of Knitting and Crochet, where we were shown the most beautiful samples from the Guild's archives (a blog post for another day, methinks).

We were also shown the new ranges of Stylecraft yarns, and talked about all things knitting, crochet and blogging, too.

Check out my YouTube video for a closer look at some of the yarns:

We even had a Tunisian Crochet workshop - have you tried it before?

Here's my little attempt - it's a really intersting technique - something I'd like to try again. 

 

And beautiful blankets made by Lucia and Heather were shared and much admired.

Heather's Blanket - Pattern details here

Lucia's Blanket  - Pattern details here

The Stylecraft sheep looking very dapper

It was the most brilliant weekend - a great opportunity to chat and share ideas with like-minded souls.

I'm already looking forward to my next visit in July. 

Wishing you all a great week,

Sarah xx

Supersize Crochet - a new book

Oh yes, it's very nearly here...
My new book is currently at the printers, ready to be released in May 2017 .
*supresses squeals of excitement*

There are 20 projects to choose from ranging from larger-than-life rugs and blankets to an oversized colour block cowl and hat for super-sized accessorising. The projects are simple enough to be tackled by beginner crocheters and you’ll be amazed by how quickly they work up.
All you need to get started is a big hook and some yarn and you’re good to go!

So why tell you about it now?
Well, I thought it would be jolly nice to offer this free BONUS pattern for anyone who decides to pre-order a copy.

Here's what you need to do:

Want a FREE copy of my “Gelato Snood” pattern?
(Offer valid until 25/05/17)
If you pre-order my book on Amazon, it’s yours with my thanks! Here’s how to get it:
1) Preorder Supersize Crochet on Amazon by clicking here:

2) After you have placed your order, click here to visit the link to receive your free bonus project (you’ll need to input your order number, so have that handy).

3) Enjoy your free pattern right now!

I hope you all like the new book - it's been a real pleasure to design the projects for you.

And if you fancy a quick peek at all 20 projects, then check out the Ravelry page here.

Happy crocheting,
Sarah xx

A little crochet storage bowl

I'm always in need of storage - you?

I have big baskets for yarn and boxes for projects, tins for hooks and pots for needles.  

But I hadn't got anything for all those little bits.

You know - the  tiny gubbins which find their way down the sides of the sofa - those little stitchmarkers, yarn needles, tape measure...

 

And then I had a simple idea for a simple bowl.
So I made it.
And I made a video, too.

Want to make one for all your bits and pieces?

Here's the YouTube video, or see below for the written pattern:

 *This pattern is written in UK terms, for US, substitute double crochet for single crochet*  

Pattern:
You will need: 85g  / 17m (approx) tshirt yarn
12mm hook
Yarn needle
Stitch marker

Stitches used:
dc = double crochet
cdc = centre double crochet (to make a cdc, insert your hook into the 'legs' of the stitch  - see pic)

Row 1: 6dc in magic ring
Row 2: 2cdc in each st around. (12 sts)
Row 3: (1cdc, 2cdc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)
Rows 4 - 5: 1cdc in each st around.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Easy peasy!

Enjoy your week,

Sarah xx