Monday 7 October 2024

The Art of Yarn Substitution: Four tips to find your perfect yarn match!

Text: 4 tips to find your perfect yarn match, a close look at yarn substitution. Images, 4 balls of yarn surround the central text

 

Hello! Have you ever fallen in love with a crochet or knitting pattern, only to discover the specified yarn is unavailable, discontinued, or simply out of your budget? Don't worry, in this blog post I'll explore the topic of yarn substitution, a valuable skill that will allow you to personalise projects, overcome yarn limitations and equip you with the knowledge to confidently choose alternative yarns for your next project.

1. Finding the Perfect Match: Yarn Weight and Meterage

The foundation of successful yarn substitution lies in understanding yarn weight and yardage. Look for the meterage or yardage per unit of weight (e.g. metres/yards per 50g or 100g) in your chosen pattern. Aim for a substitute yarn with a yardage as close as possible to the original. A slight deviation of 20 meters per 100g is generally acceptable, but significant variations can impact the size, drape and yarn usage of your finished project.

2. Fibre Content Matters: Understanding Drape

The type of fibre used in the yarn significantly affects your project's final look and feel. Consider the fibre content (merino wool, cotton, alpaca, etc.) specified in the pattern and ask yourself questions such as whether the finished project is a flowing, floaty fabric or is it a stiff, structured material? When substituting, prioritise a yarn with similar fibres. This ensures your project maintains the intended drape, stitch definition, stretch, and care requirements. Many yarns are actually blends, so, if the pattern calls for 100% Blue Faced Leicester wool, a 70/30 blend of Blue Faced Leicester and Alpaca is a perfectly acceptable substitute.




3. Swatching: Your Gateway to Success

This might sound boring, but trust me, swatching is the best thing to do when it comes to yarn substitution! Create a small square using your chosen substitute yarn. This allows you to assess its behavior when crocheted or knitted. Observe the drape, the stiffness, and the overall look. Does it match your vision for the project? Swatching helps you to make informed decisions before committing to an entire project with a potentially unsuitable yarn. To find out more about swatching, read this blog post with my 6 Tips for Better Swatches.

An orange crochet square, worked in rows sits above a long length of blue crocheted in rows of ribbing


4. Resources for the Resourceful Crafter 

Navigating the world of yarn substitution can feel overwhelming, fortunately there are some valuable resources to guide you:

  • Yarnsub.com: This website is has been a lifesaver for me so many times! You enter the yarn you want to substitute, and Yarnsub will suggest alternatives with a helpful match percentage rating. It's very user friendly, I totally recommend it!
  • Ravelry Project Pages: If you have access to Ravelry, explore the project pages for your chosen pattern. See what yarns other creators have successfully used for inspiration.
  • Social Media: Instagram and Facebook both have amazing crochet and knitting communities! Look for project hashtags or ask your followers for recommendations on suitable substitute yarns.

Conclusion:

By following my top tips and using the resources available, you'll be able to tackle yarn substitution with confidence! If you're following one of my patterns, please reach out to me with yarn substitution questions, I'm more than happy to help you make a good decision. Don't be afraid to experiment with a bit of trial & error to find the perfect yarn match to bring your vision to life.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

P.S. Share the love! Please spread the word about yarn substitution by sharing this post on social media. You'll find the image above is pinnable on Pinterest, or share to your Instagram stories. Thank you for your support!

Friday 4 October 2024

Show Notes for Podcast Episode 60: Two Finished Things



Hello! Marta here, I have TWO finished items for you today! I’ve been focussed on finishing a garment and an amigurumi and can’t wait to show you them plus news of a 15% Socktober discount from me!




I'm a crochet designer, so to keep up to date with all my news, get my 25 Crochet Tips pdf AND receive my biggest discount codes (including 30% off in October), you'll want to subscribe to my mailing list!


The crocheted jumper which I finished is made following the design on the cover of Moorit, issue 1! The pattern is called Cumulo and it’s by Liliana Buce-Chmelko. I’m using Drops Andes which I hadn’t used before but which I’m finding fabulous to work with! You can still find digital copies of issue 1 on the Moorit website here.


I also finished an amigurumi project! I thoroughly recommend any of Jen Schenkel’s amigurumi animal patterns to you! The pattern I followed was Philip the Lobster from the book Pica Pau 2, buy here on Amazon



The knitted jumper I’m working on sleeve 2 of is the Little Bousta Yoke by Gudrun Johnston. I'm using Shetland jumper weight wool from various sources, some from old cones, some Jamieson's which I purchased in The Woolly Brew, Pittenweem. Find the pattern on Ravelry here.


I’m continuing to make solid progress with my new Tunisian crochet project! It’s the Rancher Shawl by Toni Lipsey and I’m really enjoying this slightly different technique to regular crochet! 

The yarns I’m using are from Pigment & Ply  and For The Love Of Yarn


The socks which I've begun crocheting following my own sock pattern, Dunkeld Slipper Socks, aren't going so well, but they will improve when the yarn arrives from New Lanark Spinning Co. Make sure that you're signed up to my mailing list to be first to know of that release!




The new quilted project bag is from Rachael at Sew Ray Me.

The Harris Tweed project bag is from Kalok Shek Ellen

The Yarn Worm Collector sticker was from Qwerty Cat Shop on Etsy


The blog post I mentioned all about Socktober is now live too!


If I've missed anything or you'd like more info, please do give me a shout! 


Until the next episode, happy crocheting,


Marta xx


Round Up of Socktober Challenges


Socktober is finally here! The month where sock knitters and sock crocheters come together and share their love for sock-making! One of the main goals of Socktober is to encourage people to knit or crochet at least one pair of socks during the month. Another popular tradition is to donate handmade socks to charities or those in need.

If you're looking to add something extra to your crocheting or knitting routine, consider joining one of the many sock challenges that have popped up on Instagram and Facebook. These challenges often have unique themes or requirements, such as knitting a pair of socks in a specific yarn, technique or time frame. Some challenges might focus on charity knitting, where you'll donate your handmade socks to those in need. Others might be more personal, encouraging you to create a pair of socks for a loved one or to try a new skill.
 
Participating in a sock challenge can be a great way to meet new people, share your progress, and stay motivated throughout the month. The yarn community is a welcoming community; by joining online groups & forums you're connecting with fellow creatives and you'll have a sense of belonging and connection. Sharing your work, exchanging tips, and learning from others creates a mutually supportive network which can combat feelings of isolation & loneliness. So, whether you're a seasoned sock maker or just starting out, be sure to check out some of the exciting challenges happening this Socktober ...

 


DB Socktober 2024 Sock A Long: My online friend Mariette in South Africa is hosting this sock challenge on Instagram and YouTube for the 3rd year! She has released a new knitting pattern to coincide with Socktober, but you don't have to use this pattern - knitting and crochet are both welcome! #dbsocktober2024


Fall Into Socks KAL 2024: This challenge runs until the 15th November, giving you a little more time! There are prizes too (I've donated a crochet sock pattern into the mix!). Any socks, any pattern, any yarn weight. Hosted on Instagram by Jennifer @ellyndria.knits with a Discord channel for an extra chance to make new friends! #FallIntoSocksKAL2024
 
Socktober With The Scottish Yarn Festival: A group for sock loving people, all coming together to knit and crochet socks during the month of October. This is a public group on Facebook.
 
EarthtonesGirl 7th Annual Falling Leaves Sock KAL: Denise started this one back in mid September and it runs on Instagram until November 15th with the goal of creating one pair of socks (or more) a month using autumn colour or themed yarn. Any pattern, knit and crochet both welcome, WiPs encouraged #fallingleavessockkal2024
 
Organised October: Whilst not strictly a sock challenge, it could be! This annual event is run by Laura on Instagram. Participants are encouraged to finish WiPs and achieve other creative goals throughout October. There is an Instagram chat group which is already buzzing with encouragement! #organisedoctober24
 
Have you seen a challenge you fancy joining? Most of the hosts are happy for you (indeed encourage you) to double, triple dip etc into multiple challenges, so feel free to add all the appropriate hashtags!

To encourage you to take part, I'm offering 15% off all sock patterns on my website and in my Ravelry Store throughout October! Simply use the code SOCKTOBER at the checkout for the discount to be applied!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you're hosting or participating in a challenge which I haven't mentioned, please let me know and I'll edit it into the post!

Friday 27 September 2024

A New Look For My Business!

Hello! Over the last two weeks I've taken a significant step towards strengthening my brand identity. In the past, I experimented with various styles across different platforms, creating a fragmented and inconsistent look. If you remember, my blog had a rainbow watercolour look going on, whilst my website was cold, blue and grey. Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube were ok, but I didn't have a logo and the overall impression was generic crochet. 

 


However, I've now embraced a cohesive and unified aesthetic that better reflects my personal brand. To achieve this, I've adopted a vibrant colour palette consisting of mostly  blue and orange These colors not only add a cheerful and energetic vibe but also resonate with my personality. Orange, with its warmth and enthusiasm, symbolizes my outgoing and optimistic nature. Blue, on the other hand, represents my calm and collected demeanor. This combination of colours perfectly encapsulates my unique brand essence.
 
Not only did I choose brand colours, I also carried these across into the design of a logo which perfectly captures the essence of my crochet business. Did you know, I've never actually had a logo for this business? It seems crazy now I think of it!
 
This simple yet effective, circular design not only visually represents my brand but also conveys a sense of warmth, creativity, and professionalism. The warm background colour evokes a sense of welcome and comfort, inviting my potential customers to explore what I have to offer. The central yarn graphic in blue, immediately communicates my creative focus. The circular band around the edge makes me think back to my days in the Girl Guides, achieving and sewing on all those activity badges!
 
The fonts I've chosen are also a crucial element of my new brand identity. I wanted to strike a balance between readability and visual appeal. To achieve this, I've selected a slightly fancier font for my headlines, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. This is complemented by a simpler secondary font for body text, ensuring that my content is easy to read and understand. This contrasting combination of fonts creates a visually interesting and harmonious look that reflects my brand's personality. 



Once I'd created my new logo and brand identity, the next step was applying it across all the places I'm visible online, including this blog. This has taken up most of my time this week, so there hasn't been as much time for crochet as I'd like! Tech is not my strong point and there were times when the laptop nearly got flung, but I think I've got there! 
 
My website was the most involved platform to update because there are so many different pages to go through. When I first got my website I simply chose a theme I liked and worked around it. Now that it has my own look I'm really pleased with how professional it looks. I'd love for you to go and check it out to see what you think! Any feedback is most welcome!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx
 

Saturday 21 September 2024

Show Notes for Podcast Episode 59: Two Sweaters in Progress



Hello! Marta here, I have a sweater filled episode for you today! I’ve been crocheting and knitting like crazy on 2 garments and can’t wait to show you them plus news of a pattern release from me!

I'm a crochet designer, so to keep up to date with all my news, get my 25 Crochet Tips pdf AND receive my biggest discount codes (including 50% off my Cornflower Cowl), you'll want to subscribe to my mailing list:  https://martamitchelldesigns.com/pages/about-me




I’ve finished and blocked my Printer Ink Scarf (my own pattern) which is worked up in gorgeous minis from Sealy MacWheely! I will make it my goal to sew in the last few ends and get it blocked for the next episode! Here’s a link to Katie’s online shop where you’ll find the details of the bricks & mortar shop too:  https://sealymacwheely.com

Printer Ink pattern on my website:  https://martamitchelldesigns.com/products/printer-ink-scarf

Printer Ink pattern in my Ravelry Store:  https://martamitchelldesigns.com/products/printer-ink-scarf





The knitted jumper I’m working on the sleeve of is the Little Bousta Yoke by Gudrun Johnston. I'm using Shetland jumper weight wool from various sources, some from old cones, some Jamieson's which I purchased in The Woolly Brew, Pittenweem. Find the pattern on Ravelry here:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-bousta-yoke



The crocheted jumper which is working up super duper fast is made following the design on the cover of Moorit, issue 1! The pattern is called Cumulo and it’s by Liliana Buce-Chmelko. I’m using Drops Andes which I hadn’t used before but which I’m finding fabulous to work with! Here’s a link to Moorit where you can still find digital copies of issue 1:  https://mooritmag.com/collections/all


I’m making good progress with my new Tunisian crochet project! It’s the Rancher Shawl by Toni Lipsey   @TLYarnCrafts   and I’m really enjoying this slightly different technique to regular crochet! 

The yarn I’m using is from Pigment & Ply:  https://www.pigmentandply.com  and For The Love Of Yarn:  https://fortheloveofyarn.co.uk 


My Cornflower Cowl is being released the same day as this YouTube video! The code CORNFLOWER will give you 25% off on both sites - you’ll find it on Ravelry here:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cornflower-cowl-4 and on my website here:  https://martamitchelldesigns.com/products/cornflower-cowl-crochet-pattern 


Let me know in the comments what you've been working on as you've been spending time with me, I'd love to know. If I've missed anything or you'd like more info, please do give me a shout! 


Until the next episode, happy crocheting,


Marta xx

Friday 20 September 2024

Cornflower Cowl: A Dreamy New Crochet Pattern

Model wearing a long brown coat and a dusky purple crocheted cowl is looking up into the sky, smiling.


Drumroll please! ... I'm here today to announce another crochet pattern release; my Cornflower Cowl. If you've been following me for some time, you'll recognise this beautiful cowl as part of my Winter Coorie Collection, but due to popular demand, I've decided to offer it as a standalone pattern! Yay!

 
You can indulge in the luxury of this lacy cowl, inspired by the delicate beauty of cornflowers, this dreamy piece is a delight to crochet and to wear. The Cornflower Cowl is a mindful crochet project with a meditative chain stitch and cluster pattern. The finished cowl has a light, airy feel that will keep you cosy in style.
 
This intermediate-level pattern is written in both UK and US terms. While there aren't any video tutorials, the pattern does include a schematic and a stitch chart for easy reference.
 
Pattern details:
  • Requires 3x 50g balls of King Cole baby alpaca DK - my sample used the colourway Damson (this is such a soft baby alpaca yarn)
  • You'll need a 5.5mm crochet hook (a bigger hook than you'd usually use for this thickness of yarn) and a tapestry needle for sewing in ends
  • Worked in the round
  • Available on my website and in my Ravelry store

Model wearing her hair up in a metal clasp and a crochet cowl stands with her back to the camera


 
As usual, I'm offering an early bird discount code: there's 25% off the pattern with the code CORNFLOWER Fancy 50% off future early bird releases (of course you do!), simply subscribe to my mailing list here.
 
I hope you'll love this cowl pattern as much as I do! Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Friday 13 September 2024

Crochet Pattern of the Month Offer for September!

Hello! Who's ready for my latest pattern of the month? If you're looking for a new project for the weekend, this could be the very one for you! I've chosen my Elsie Beanie because I know many of you will be on the search for a new beanie to crochet up for the colder weather ahead. Designed back in 2020, this is still one of my favourite hat designs and I love to see your versions pop up on social media too.


Model wearing an olive green beanie with a faux fur pompom. They have their back to the camera and have a map opened out in front of them.
DK version

It's a slouchy beanie, finished with a faux fur pompom! Both DK weight and 4ply weight versions written in the same pattern - you choose (or make both!). Like I said, I created this pattern in 2020 when we were in lockdown and were all stuck at home (it seems so long ago!). The DK (8ply) version in olive green was first featured in the Crate Crochet subscription box in Australia and the yarn which came in the boxes with the pattern was Bellissimo Lucca, a superwash merino/ cotton blend. I did a quick check on Yarnsub.com and found a good match for you if the Australian yarn is tricky to track down: Cascade Yarns Anchor Bay has a very similar yarn content and will produce a comparable drape.

We had a blast taking photos for the pattern in the May of that year; two of my kids, our crazy dog Jazz and I posed with a vintage map and an old camera bag. People passing by might have thought we were a bit strange, but we didn't care!




If you'd like to receive my '25 top crochet tips' for FREE, sign up to my mailing list. There's a load of really good crochet stuff coming your way too, including the biggest discount codes (which I don't share anywhere else). Subscribe here.

When the pattern rights came back to me and I was ready to release the pattern myself, I decided to add a 4ply version. For my pale orange sample I used Cascade Yarns Heritage and I was so chuffed with the way the fabric draped! This photo shoot was taken in the late snow we had in March 2021 - it was another fun one with snow all around and the chance for me to throw snowballs at my photographer! The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice the mitts I'm wearing - we did the photo shoot for my Bandwagon Mitts pattern the same day!


Woman looking side on to the camera wearing a crocheted beanie with a faux fur pompom. There is snow laying all around.
4ply version


Elsie Beanie will be pattern of the month throughout September, which means you can have 15% off the pattern with the code SEPTEMBER - it's valid on both my website and Ravelry!

So, are you Team 4ply or Team DK? Which version will you be crocheting?

I'll be back next week with more crochet news, in the meantime happy crocheting, 

Marta xx

The Art of Yarn Substitution: Four tips to find your perfect yarn match!

  Hello! Have you ever fallen in love with a crochet or knitting pattern, only to discover the specified yarn is unavailable, discontinued, ...