CrochetZine

CrochetZine

It's brand new, shiny, online magazine about all things CROCHET - and I'm super-proud to be part of the creative team behind it. 

So what is this exactly? 

It's a magazine with just 12 pages. In each monthly issue, we plan to feature two free patterns, articles about designers, makers and current topics, some funny stuff and a brilliant giveaway. The idea is that it's just about long enough for you to read in your tea-break. And feedback from our readers so far, has been amazing.

CrochetZine is the brain child of Sharna Moore (one of my crochet besties) and I was thrilled to be asked if I'd like to be part of the team, along with Chrissie Asbridge (my other crochet bestie). Now, you'll need to read the mag to find out how it all got started, but we've discovered that we're a bit of a dream team, which is so important when you're beginning a new venture, isn't it?

Find the pattern for these coasters in Issue One

Here's how it works: 

Sharna is the really arty, crafty one. She's beautifully creative, has a bazillion original ideas in her head and is a throughly nice person.

Chrissie, apart from also being amazingly talented at crochet and embroidery and having a very successful YouTube Channel, has a background as an Editor and is also a thoroughly nice person.

Me? I'm a designer, maker and author and can write and check patterns and, with being a teacher, am quite the organiser.

And so you see, it all works rather well.

If you'd like to have a read, and see what all the fuss is about, then read CrochetZine here.

CrochetZine is the first Instagram crochet magazine; 12 squares of crochet goodness delivered to your IG feed every month.

Join us for the ride as we’ll be featuring patterns you REALLY want to make, features and articles you REALLY want to read and some of the newest and coolest designers and makers on the block you REALLY want to meet.

I hope you enjoy it!!

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 

Instagrannies' Day Out

Well I have to say, the writing's going well so far and I must admit, I'm really rather enjoying the whole process.

But as we know, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so it was with great excitement I went off to our second Instagrannies' day out (the first seems so long ago...)

Image from here

This is the meeting place (Barnett Hill, near Guildford).
Isn't it lovely?

It's a beautiful house, built in 1905 by the grandson of Thomas Cook, the Travel Agent. It was later given to the Red Cross and used as a convalescence hospital during the war years and then as a training facility. Now, it's a conference centre. 

History lesson over.
Oi, you at the back, wake up.

Anyhoos, the super-gorgeous ShabbyChicSarah is the brains of the outfit and decided to invite the gals of Instagram to a little meet-up. And so, for a very reasonable fee, we travel from far and wide and get together.

Tea is sipped.

Homemade cakes and biscuits are nibbled at.

Look at all the crafty stuff

We sit, chat and bring our projects to work on and there is sewing and crochet and knitting and embroidery and lots and lots of laughter.

(And we also eat a great big lunch. Four courses, no less).

And before we know it, our time has come to an end and we mourn how quickly our day has passed.

Plenty of yarn

Busy bees. There's Ashley from CountryRoseCrafts, too!

But new friends have been made and ideas have been shared. Tips and tricks have been wondered at and stories have been told.

And there is the promise of another get-together in the summer....

...I will be there. With bells on.

Yours truly and the lovely Sarah (not so shabby, really)

Have a lovely weekend, everyone.

(Bank Hols here in the UK- yipppeeeee!!)

Sarah x

I am LOVING...

 ...Red Clogs

Clippity Clog

Aren't they just lush?
Less than £10 from my good friend, eBay.
I must admit, it's taken me a while to pluck up the courage and the right look to wear them, but now tis done and clog-wearing is my new thang. Comfy and quirky. (And you can hear me coming a mile off)
Which colour to buy next, I wonder?


....Crochet shoes:

Oooo, much quieter

These little beauts were reduced to £2 in Primark. What's not to love here?
I thought they needed a little button to cuten them up even more.

...More bargains from le high street:

Two super-snuggly wool hats from Monsoon.
Reduced from £15 to ONE POUND each. I kid you not. It would have been criminal to leave them in the shop, methinks.

 ....And my newest addiction.
Instagram.

Oh dear, the housework will never be done again, I fear.

So cool.
Do come and play along! Click on the Instagram linky over there on the side bar and say hello.

Have a great week!
xx
PS Don't forget the 10% discount code HAPPY1 for my Etsy shop....

x