Thoughts on Gauge ::

As we started the 'crochet-a-long' for The Crochet Sock Collection on Friday, I had some things to say about gauge and why it's important.

If you're a seasoned knitter or crocheter I'm sure you are already aware that you should always swatch before starting a project, but I'm sure there are a lot of you who don't. That's Ok, I won't judge, I am also guilty of going straight on in without doing a swatch myself every now and again. For some projects it really doesn't matter so much, shawls and blankets are a good example of that, but if your project needs to fit on your body, then you really really should. You know that saying 'a stitch in time saves nine'...if you've had to frog half (or more a sweater) you'll know it can be a lot more than nine.

The numbers that a pattern provides you with as gauge/tension are what the designer has based the whole of their pattern around. For me, these are the numbers that go on to my spreadsheet and all the other little boxes fill themselves up from there. They are the foundation of it all!

If your tension varies to mine, which it almost certainly will a little, crochet is like handwriting, we all have our own unique style and that may affect the number of stitches you get per cm, then if you blindly follow the yarn and hook recommendations you may find your finished item to be a completely different size and shape as it's intended to be. Which is why we're always banging on about making sure you check your gauge!

When working on a swatch, always use the stitch the pattern tells you to, the yarn you intend to use and the hook you are going to use, both the size and the material used for them will alter your tension. If the pattern says, work in the round, then work in the round, if it says work flat, then work flat. Basically just do everything exactly as you would when your working on the actual garment, that way the stitches in your swatch should match up perfectly to those on your finished piece. After you've made your swatch, wash and block it, let it dry then take your measurements.

I tend to do a swatch that is made up of exactly the number of stitches and rows as suggested for 10cm square, I'll take a measurement before blocking if it's more than 10cm then I know my tension is too loose and I'll need to go down a hook size, if it's correct or less than 10cm I'll block that swatch to 10cm square. For the most part the tension would have to be much much too tight for it not to stretch out to the desired size, so again it will be an obvious problem. Once the swatch has dried I have a good look at how it drapes and feels and looks. Just because it stretched all the way out to 10cm may not mean it I like the way it feels, it may be too tight and lack any give, or it may seem too dense still. If so I'll adjust my hook size accordingly and try again.

All this may seem like such a time consuming task, but I assure you it's much less time consuming than having to create a garment all over again because you missed this one step!

If you fancy joining along with CAL we have a facebook group over here, or we're using #thecrochetsockcal on instagram (you can follow me here).

The Crochet Sock Collection is available to purchase as a PDF download here and as a print copy here.

The Crochet Sock Collection :: Crochet-A-Long ::

To accompany the launch of The Crochet Sock Collection, I thought it would be nice to run a CAL (crochet-a-long). I have never run a CAL, but it's something I've always wanted to do. Socks aren't especially difficult, but there may be some techniques which are new to some and I thought this would be a great way to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Plus I love an 'a-long' myself, be it knitting or crochet, it's so inspiring to see other peoples interpretations of projects and it's always nice to have a little yarn enabling in your life.

It's going to be a very free range affair. There's a facebook group (here) and a hashtag for Instagram (#thecrochetsockcal) so we can all share our progress and chat about our socks, there's also an official start date (Friday 24th June) but there are no particular rules, join in whenever you like. Just grab one of the patterns, some sock yarn and a hook, get crocheting and share your progress.

The patterns are available singly now as PDF downloads and the full collection is available as a download too and you can also purchase a printed copy on etsy.

Any 4ply sock yarn should do the trick, I'd generally say use something with a little nylon if possible and steer clear of cotton. The majority of the patterns use a 3.5mm hook, some also require a smaller hook for the ribbing, but obviously the size you need will mostly depend on your gauge. Hook details can be found on the ravelry page for each pattern.

There will be prizes! I have recently ventured into dyeing yarn so will be offering up a couple of skiens of my hand dyed sock yarn, plus some stitch markers and crochet hooks. I will share pictures once I have all prizes finalised, but to get you tempted here's a shot of some yarn I dyed especially to giveaway. I'll also set an end date for the prizes, though there's no deadline to finish the socks and you won't need to have finished for a chance to win.

We start officially tomorrow, but feel free to grab some yarn and get checking your gauge today if you like :)

I'm going to be using some lovely yarn from Burrow and Soar and I think I'm making the Winter Wonder socks.

The Crochet Sock Collection ::

I cannot tell you how excited I am to announce the release of the crochet sock collection. I started this project 2 and half years ago. Life threw some pretty time consuming stuff at me over those 2 and half years (baby, 2 house moves to mention a few!) so it took a whole lot longer than I imagined, but I'm so so pleased and proud of what I'm putting out into the wild today.

The Crochet Sock Collection is a collection of 6 crochet sock patterns. Here is a little bit of the intro from the book ::

People often seem surprised by the idea of crochet socks. I regularly hear cries of ‘I never thought of crochet socks!’. Of course, you can crochet anything. If you’re a crocheter who frequents the internet I’m sure you’ve seen with your own eyes that just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should! When it comes to socks however you absolutely should.

Having been a sock knitter for many many years, when it came to crochet socks I found it difficult to find any patterns that didn’t look bulky, stiff and uncomfortable. Tempted to try my hand at knitting lacy socks but lacking the confidence, I turned to my trusty crochet stitches and a new love was born. You really can make crochet socks that are comfortable, beautiful and practical.

I won’t lie to you, crochet does not have the same stretch and flexibility as knitting does, but by utilising the stretch it does have and finding the right stitches, crochet socks are very much a possibility.

In this collection are six designs that all have different techniques, different stitches and varying heel and toe constructions. These are socks that are designed to work, be loved and be put through their paces!

I am so in love with this collection, the second my lovely photographer (Kasia Fiszer) had finished her work I started wearing them all on constant rotation.

I'll talk about each pattern a bit more through the week, but in the meantime you can purchase the Ebook over on ravelry where you'll find a little more info on each of the individual patterns. If you'd rather have an 'in your hands copy' you can buy a print copy over on etsy, this is currently preorder and will be shipping at the beginning of next week, but I'll send you over a PDF copy in the meantime.

I'll be running a crochet-a-long for anyone who wants to join in and crochet themselves some socks from the collection. I've set up a facebook group here, but we'll also be playing along on Instagram if that's your thing (#thecrochetsockcal). I'll post more details for the cal in the week, but I thought we could start officially on Friday 25th, though you can start whenever you like of course.

Thanks so much to everyone who has help with this project and spurred me on to the finish line.

Finding Inspiration :: Gifts for Yarn Lovers ::

As Christmas begins to near, I've started to think of gift buying and thought I would revive my gift guide series from last year, featuring gift ideas from UK etsy sellers. There are so many fabulously talented UK based sellers on etsy that there is a lot to showcase.

Today I'm looking for gifts for the yarn lovers in your life, basically this is a list of all the things I would like for Christmas!

1. Personalised Yarn Ball Keychain from Doodle Pop Designs
2. Wool Knitting Earrings from Max's World
3. Knitting Mug from Kelly Connor Designs
4. Knitting Needle Ring from Yellow Bear Wares
5. Wool Yarn Bowl from Little Wren Pottery
6. Silver Bird Pin from Ross and Ross

For more ideas for gifts from UK etsy sellers you can take a look at my pinterest board.

Circle Cowl ::

My circle cowl designed for this weeks Design Wars Challenge is available to purchase and from now until Sunday you can get 50% off with coupon code DWSALE

It's a perfect last minute gift idea and as it only uses 1 skien it won't break the bank either.

Pattern is available here, yarn here.

Design Wars : 1 Skien Cowl ::

I'm taking part in another round of the Design Wars Challenge, this week I'm up against Design Wars founder Salena Baca and our theme was '1 Skien Cowl', we both used Red Heart Yarns Boutique Unforgettable.

I really love this yarn, despite being 100% acrylic it's so soft, it almost feels as though it has a silk content, but it was the colours that really won me over.

My design is a cowl that uses front post treble stitches to create a stretchy ribbed edge, and filet crochet techniques to create a circle pattern on the main body of the cowl. It's snuggly and cosy and oh so soft next to skin.

I was lucky enough to have a model in the shape of my gorgeous niece too, which makes a change from me trying to direct Johnny to take photos of me!

Salena's cowl uses a gorgeous open lacework stitch which really shows off the yarn.

The patterns will be available from Thursday but in the meantime you can cast the vote for your favourites over here.
And find the ravelry listings here (mine) and here (Salena's).

Jolene Shawl ::

Another pattern to add to my rereleases this week. Time for the Jolene Shawl, as I pulled it out of the box of shawls this week to keep me warm now the weather has started cool off, I thought is was high time I got it listed up for sale.

I love this shawl so much, originally published in Inside Crochet Magazine, when I took it off the blocking board I was so reluctant to post it on to the magazine for photography, I just adored it so so much.

The yarn (Faery Wings by Fyberspates) is especially delicious and the drape is wonderful, it's so light and airy, yet warm and comforting.

Made up of motifs which are joined in a hexagonally tessellation, like honeycomb. The motifs are joined as you make them up.

Pattern is available in both UK and US terms and you can get an automatic 50% discount over on ravelry until the end of the weekend.

To Space or Not to Space?

To space or not to space? I'm talking about crochet pattern writing style of course. Last week I asked over on facebook and instagram if when reading a crochet a pattern you prefer to have a space between the number and the stitch or no space.
For example :
Row 1: Ch3, 3dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc in each st to end, turn.
vs
Row 1: Ch 3, 3 dc, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each st to end, turn.

One thing I've definitely learnt in my last few years of pattern writing is that every publication seems to have their own way of writing patterns. For the most part they're pretty similar, but I find myself having to check and recheck a publication's style sheets numerous times whilst I'm pattern writing and almost always have to rewrite my notes to meet their criteria.

One thing I'm never sure of is whether or not to put that space between the stitch and the number. In my experience so far I tend to find UK magazines will omit the space, whilst US magazines like the space. Having taught myself from UK books, I think I'm probably more used to the lack of space, but I'm really undecided which I actually prefer.

The overriding answer on facebook and instagram was definitely no space, although there was a third option offered up; a space unless the stitches go in the same st. I think I really like this option, but wonder if it's too extravagant!
For example:
Row 1: Ch3, 3 dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc in each st to end, turn.
Plus in writing it out I realise there are more questions to be added to this style, do you space between the chains, do you space between the '1dc in each st to end'?

As I'm getting my crochet sock collection together and ready for publishing and looking in to taking on a lot more self publishing in the future, I've been constantly thinking about these (seemingly) minor issues the last few weeks! Time to write myself a really strict style sheet I think!

So what do you think? Space or no space?

Design Wars :: Boutique Midnight ::

I'm back competing in the Design Wars Challenge again this week. I'm up against the lovely Alessandra of Just Be Happy Crochet and we're using Red Heart Yarns, Boutique Midnight.

I really really loved using this yarn, it's so thick and chunky and yet lightweight so it's easy to use and not too heavy to work with especially if you're making something big.

I designed the Minerva Wrap for this challenge, it's warm and snug, versatile and so much fun to whip up. The wrap is worked almost entirely using treble (double) crochet, with a little bit of double (single) crochet, worked from the centre out it grows quickly to form a large accessory perfect for cool autumn days (not unlike today in fact!).

It can be worn in a variety of ways, as simple wrap, thrown over your shoulders or pinned in place on especially blustery days, as a super chunky scarf, hung open at the front like an open fronted cardigan, or my favourite is to put the points at the front and back, so it looks like a double sided shawl! However you choose to wear it it certainly serves it's purpose at keeping off the chill.

Competition is stiff as always this week, here's Alessandra's beautiful Pineapple Knot Vest ::

The patterns themselves will go on sale on Thursday in the meantime you can go cast your vote for your favourite on the Design Wars blog and if you leave a comment over there you also get a chance to win a 30 day subscription to their Love it Membership.
You can find the listing for my shawl over on ravelry if you fancy adding it to your favourites.

Leonie Cardigan ::

One of my (September) new year resolutions (September always feels like the real new year, fresh start to me), is to finally get all my crochet patterns up online for sale. I have so many this may take a while, but my aim is to get one pattern republished every fortnight.

So this weeks new addition is my Leonie Cardigan, originally published in Inside Crochet 2 years ago. I love this cardigan, it came out exactly as I had hoped when I first designed it.

The Catherine Wheel stitch is gorgeously drapey yet full of interest and texture, it's cosy but not too warm and versatile too. Perfect for autumn, which most definitely seems to be making an appearance around these parts.
The pattern is worked from side to side, you work the front panel, make a space for the sleeve, work the back panel, make another sleeve space, before working the final front panel, you then join at the sleeve gaps and work up the sleeves. It's simple yet so much fun.

The yarn is Rowan Pure Wool 4ply in Gerbera, but any 4ply wool content yarn would work in it's place. Block this piece hard on completion for a really drapey finish (make sure to block your swatch too before taking the measurements).

The pattern is available in both US and UK terms and comes in 4 sizes to fit bust sizes : 32-34", 36-38", 40-42", 44-46"

If you fancy making one of these for yourself I'm offering an automatic 50% discount until the end of this weekend, so hop on over to Ravelry to grab yourself a copy.

Photos by the oh so talented Britt Spring

Design Wars :: Heart and Sole ::

I'm so excited to be participating in another Design Wars Challenge. This week I'm up against Cara Louise of Heritage Heartcraft, using Red Heart Yarns, Heart and Sole.

Heart and Sole is a sock yarn, which contains aloe vera! It's fabulous, I love the stripey colour changes and the way it slides easily over the hook when being worked.

However I decided not to make socks for this challenge. You know me, I love socks, but I wanted to do something different. Inspired by the pointy leaves of the aloe vera plant itself I designed a shawl, that's long and thin, making it easy to wrap round your neck and wear as a scarf. Which is generally how I tend to wear my shawls.

It's worked from side to side, using half treble and double crochet stitches, increasing as you go to work up those points. I absolutely love it and have been wearing mine non stop since it came off the blocking board.

My challenger Cara Louise has designed this gorgeous lacy vest top. It's going to be a tough fight this week!

The patterns themselves will go on sale on Thursday in the meantime you can go cast your vote for your favourite on the Design Wars blog and if you leave a comment over there you also get a chance to win a 30 day subscription to their Love it Membership.
You can find the listing for my shawl over on ravelry if you fancy adding it to your favourites.

How to :: Foundation Half Treble (fhtr) ::

How to make a foundation half treble stitch (fhtr) or if you're using US terminology, foundation half double crochet (fhdc) ::

I love using this stitch and it's counterparts (fdc and ftr) because it creates a much more flexible foundation row for your crochet stitches than the traditional row of chains, it's also a really good way of starting a project if you want to turn and work into the underside of the stitches as it creates really clear loops in which to work into on the underneath. It's also really easy and in my opinion much quicker than the chaining option.

I've put together a little video showing you how to construct the the stitch ::

Design Wars Challenge with Scheepjeswol ::

I'm so excited to reveal my newest design for the Design Wars Challenge. If you don't know about Design Wars, it's a weekly challenge pitting 2 (sometimes more) designers against each other. Usually the designers use the same yarn, sometimes they follow a theme, both produce a pattern and the public votes for their favourite. The last time I took part was back in 2013 before the challenge went weekly, you can see my entry over here. You may remember me posting about starting my design process back in May over here. 

The theme for this weeks design challenge was the gorgeous Sunkissed yarn from Scheepjeswol. This cotton yarn has a hand dyed effect, which produces lovely subtle colour changes, it's also really nice to work with, no splitting, which is pretty rare in my experiences with cotton yarn.

Obviously babies and baby garments are heavily on my mind recently, so I was very eager to turn this yarn in to something especially for my little Effie. Inspired by the many envelope neckline vests she has in her wardrobe, I made this envelope style t-shirt. I absolutely adore this Oceanside colourway and paired it with Scheepjeswol's Cotton 8 in Canary to add a pop of colour to the edgings.

I liked it so much I sized it up for Milo too. I moved the little pocket up to his chest to make it a little more boyish and made his in Rockpool, with a red trim.

My competitor for this weeks challenge is the wonderfully talented Ana of Accessorise, with this gorgeous crochet shawl.

You can cast your vote for your favourite of the designs over here.

The pattern will be available to purchase on ravelry from Thursday and if you use coupon code DWSALE you can get 50% off until Saturday too!