Flowers Abound Winner

The winner (chosen at random) of Shelley's wonderful book, Flowers Abound is....

Comment number 25- theamiproject  !!

Well done to you!

I'll be in touch.

Thanks to everyone for entering.

Have a fab week,

Sarah xx

Flowers Abound giveaway

Hooray, it's another giveaway!

This time, I was asked by the ever-fabulous Shelley Husband from Spincushions blog if I'd like to have a little look at her new ebook before its release... And maybe host a giveaway...?

It took me all of 3 milliseconds to reply with a resounding 'yes'! - I've loved following Shelly on Instagram and watching her crochet designs take shape. She is a very talented designer and blogger and hosts amazing CALs (crochet-a-longs) and already has two very successful ebooks.

Her new book, Flowers Abound will be available later on this month, either as an ebook, or as a PDF and features 20 beautiful flower motifs. Why not use them to make a blanket, cushion cover, rug, bedspread, or a scarf?

And what a smashing book it is! There's lots of advice, tips and tricks for how to make these squares. Shelley's even designed a border to finish off your project beautifully.

I had to have a little play and so crocheted Zahra and Fhool squares. 

Aren't they pretty?

My plan is to make a cushion cover. I think I'll choose a few more motifs from the book, too.

Would you like to win a copy?

I thought so.

Just leave a comment below and I'll draw a winner on Saturday (22nd Aug).

Have a great week, everyone.

Sarah xx

A cotton project

Cottons are one of my favourite yarns to work with; they have that lovely feel through the hands and are smooth on my hook.

Usually, I stick to my old favourites. Rico Creative Cotton Aran, or Drops Paris Cotton - both come in a huge array of colours, are inexpensive and have a wonderful, matte finish.

But I had an idea to make something else - something for me. Something for me to wear.

(Did you know that I have never made myself an actual, crocheted garment before. This is new territory for me.)

And so for that, I needed a different yarn. I still wanted cotton, but I wanted something finely spun, that would produce a nice drape....

And so I am trying this:

Patons 100% Cotton DK. It's mercerised, too (which has always scared me a bit). But is basically a manufacturing process which strengthens the yarn and produces a lustrous sheen. 

And so this is what I've managed so far:

Admittedly, it's not much, but I'm making it up as I go.

I like the stitch definition and I think the sheen is rather lovely. The label recommends a 4mm hook, but I'm using a slightly larger 5mm to give a better (I hope) drape.

My plan is for it to be a summer cardigan....

...at this rate it might be finished by next summer. 

I'll keep you posted!

And if you'd like to purchase some of this yarn, then you could try the very lovely folk at Stitch Craft Create, who will be only too happy to help.

Have a great weekend,

Sarah x

And the WINNER is...

.... Sue Bellwood

Well done to you!

I used a random number generator-thingy and yours was the lucky number! 

You have won a signed copy of my book, along with a hook and some fab yarn to get you started.

Please leave me a comment below with your email address (it won't be published) and I'll be in contact  to arrange who you'd like the book dedicated to and where you'd like your goodies to be sent!

Super-exciting.

Have a fab week,

Sarah xxxx

Beginner's Guide To Crochet GIVEAWAY

Well I know how much you all love a giveaway, so here's one I hope you'll like:

You could win this little lot:

A signed copy of my book, Beginner's Guide to Crochet*

3 balls of Rico Creative Cotton Aran in Green, Pink and Turquoise

and a 4mm hook

*aimed at the complete beginner, but perfect for experienced crocheters too, with 20 projects to keep you busy...

So to enter, you just need to do the following:

- Be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post. 

That's it, no jumping through of hoops necessary...

... however, for additional chances to win, then mention (and link to) this giveaway post in one of your blog posts (let me know if you do) and I'll stick your name in again. For every new blog post you mention the giveaway in, you get another entry.

And as if that's not enough, I am also running an identical giveaway on Instagram, so head over for yet another chance to win..

The boring rules:

The winner will be drawn at random on Monday 27th July (closing date will be Sunday 26th July 12pm GMT).

Open worldwide.

One copy of the book/yarn/hook to be won through this blog giveaway and another book/yarn/hook to be won through my Instagram giveaway.
The winner of the blog giveaway must follow this blog.
The winner of the Instagram giveaway must follow my Instagram account.

Any entrant who mentions the giveaway on their blog must link to this post and let me know before the close of the draw on Sunday 26th July 12pm GMT.

The winner of the blog giveaway will be identified in a blog post published on Monday 27th July and must contact me with 2 weeks, or the draw will be made again.
The winner of the Instagram giveaway will be tagged in an Instagram post on Monday 27th July and must contact me with 2 weeks, or the draw will be made again.

Good luck to you all, I can't wait to draw the winners!!

Sarah xx