Wednesday 21 December 2022

Merry Christmas (and some quiet days crochet inspo for you)


Hello! I wanted to take the time to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and to offer some crochet inspiration for the quiet days between Christmas and New Year!

This past week has been a mix of getting ready for Christmas (some cleaning & tidying, present wrapping, cheesy music playing, menu planning, list writing, carol services, crocheted presents finished, testing the mince pies are good enough to be handed round, bedrooms prepared for guests, last minute gift buying) and finishing things off for my business so I can enjoy a good break (emails like this to write, pattern finalising, with my tech editor, working on that new design I can't talk about yet, podcast recording, planning ahead for 2023).

What about you? Are you organised for Christmas and the festive break?

Maybe you're looking forward to putting your feet up at the end of the big day and realxing with some chocolate and a new project. If so, I've put together my top 3 best selling patterns of 2022 to inspire you!

 

No.3 Scrappy Blanket III

This pattern only came out in September this year and has already shot to the number 3 position!

  • super easy to remember repeat pattern
  • great stash buster, can be worked in any yarn weight and has instructions for 5 sizes
  • beginner level pattern

Friday 16 December 2022

Baby it's cold outside!



Brrrrr, it's cold out there! We're experiencing a real cold spell at the moment, with temperatures just below freezing for nearly a week now.

On the plus side, it has been dry and sunny so I've been out for lots of beautiful winter walks with my dog Jazz. She is perfectly happy to sniff around while I fill my camera roll with icy puddle photos - future inspiration for a crochet design, perhaps?

The bonus of getting outside every day is the way walking gets my blood pumping and warms me up. I always feel so much warmer afterwards and I know the sunshine must boost my mood too, win-win!

The other good thing about going out in winter is the chance to show off all my crocheted accessories! I now have such a big selection of hats, scarves, cowls and mitts to choose from I love it!

If you're looking for something to crochet up for yourself or perhaps as a gift, there are lots of patterns to choose from as pdf downloads on my webiste. I'm going to share 3 of the most popular ones below, but there are more to choose from if you click through to my website.



 
The perfect pair of mitts to wear on a winter's walk! I patiently waited for snow back in February 2021 for this photo and I can confirm they did keep my hands cosy that day!
 

  • Written for DK weight yarn
  • Available in 5 sizes (child - adult, large
  • Intermediate level pattern

Thursday 15 December 2022

Pattern release in The Journal of Scottish Yarns

 


Hello! I've some exciting news to share today! Another of my patterns has been published in print, this time in The Journal of Scottish Yarns (affectionately known as Yarn for short).

Susan Anderson, the editor, reached out to me back in May and we had a video call about possible designs for issue 2. I left the conversation fuelled up with ideas and inspiration, Susan has such a lovely personality and is full of energy. Both our dogs made an appearance on screen too, cute!

Once my head stopped whirring with possibilities, I settled on creating a robust pair of scocks for wearing in the house. The yarn used is from New Lanark Spinning Co. and it aran weight, 100% pure new wool - perfect for the look I was going for!

It's a toe up sock with a fully turned heel and gusset, finished with a rounded toe. 



The journal contains several in-depth articles on the history and tradition of wool in Scotland, lots of knitting patterns and a few crochet patterns.
 
My Dunkeld Slipper Socks pattern is currently exclusive to Yarn and I'm going to wait until next early autumn to release the pattern myself. 
 
If you'd like the pattern before then, go to Yarn's website where you can find physical and digital copies of issues 1 & 2 as well as kits to make many of the patterns.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx




Saturday 10 December 2022

Not socks for Christmas again!

 


Yes! But what if the socks were lovingly crocheted, cosy and comfy?

I'm receiving more and more positive feedback on the fit and comfort of the socks you have crocheted following one of my patterns. I'm really pleased because I'm always trying to improve on my last design to create an even better pair of socks!


I currently have 9 sock patterns out there and number 10 is on it's way! Why not have a look and see if there's a pattern there that would make someone special very happy on Christmas morning?

  • There are 5 patterns to choose from on my website (you'll find Lyre Socks in my Winter Coorie Collection)
  • I have 2 designs which are currently exclusive (Spring Into Autumn Socks with Crate Crochet subscription box and Dunkeld Slipper Socks in The Journal of Scottish Yarns, issue 2)
  • Two of my patterns are only available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts (simply because I'd like model photos before I list them on my website)
The good news (for this time of year) is that socks work up fast and they're a very portable project that you can add a few rounds to here and there when you have a moment.



My patterns all come with video tutorial links, giving you the confidence to go create that perfect pair of socks!

I hope this post has been inspirational for you. Sign up to my mailing list to receive a weekly dose of crochet news, tips and advice here. 

Until next time,

Marta xx

Thursday 8 December 2022

Pattern of the month for December!

 


Hello! I'm here to introduce the December pattern of the month - Printer Ink Scarf - chosen because it's perfect for Advent mini skeins!
 
The scarf was written for 12x 10g mini skeins of 4ply, but it would work equally well for DK weight yarn - you'd simply end up with a thicker, wider scarf (longer too, but you could crochet less rows).
 
This is one of my favourite designs and I actually sold the prototype at the craft fayre last Saturday. I was quite sad to see it go, but it's gone to a lady at my church so I'll see it from time to time.


Here are ALL the pattern details ...

  • I used Printer Ink Shades from The Knitting Goddess (fingering/ 4ply weight, 480m/ 120g, 40% British Blue Faced Leicester/ 20% British Wensleydale/ 20% British Alpaca/ 20% nylon) but it would work well in any colours.
  • it's an intermediate level pattern, written in UK & US terms.
  • when you reach the border the colours are worked until they run out, making the most of your pretty yarn.
  • the finished scarf is 15cm x 200cm
  • the pattern includes a few ideas for taking the design further by adding your own twist.
  • 4mm hook required.
  • there's a chart for the main scarf pattern.
  • I'm here to help if you ever have any questions, no matter how big or small.

As usual, there's 10% off my pattern of the month - to take advantage of this offer, use the code DEC22 at the checkout on my website.

If you'd like a bigger discount than anywhere else on the internet, simply sign up to my mailing list, there's 20% off waiting for you there!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx


Thursday 1 December 2022

My Christmas hashtag is back!


Hello! I'm really pleased to let you know I'm bringing back my Christmas hashtag this December! Last year I started #christmasmugsandwips - asking people to take photos of their current WiPs (works in progress) alongside their drink in a Christmas mug and it went down so well!

So, this year, same thing! All sorts of crafts are welcome to join in, it's not restricted to crochet and I will be sharing my favourites to my stories on Instagram. Start sharing your photos!

Here's one of my photos from last year ...

Yesterday I popped up to the attic for our box of Christmas mugs and it was so lovely to unwrap them and see them again ... which mug will I choose first?

If you're on Instagram, you can find me @marta.mitchell.designs and share your photos with #christmasmugsandwips

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

No Black Friday deals here!



Like Monica says, no. Just no.

I've been thinking long and hard about Black Friday over the last few weeks and about the pressure on small businesses to compete with the huge corporations out there.

The trouble is, we can't. Most of us have set our prices the way they are to allow us to make a living and if we create big discounts then we're eating right into our profits, possibly even making a loss.

That's why you won't see an enticing Black Friday offer from me today, but I hope you understand why.

I have TWO FUN THINGS INSTEAD FOR YOU!

Firstly, I'd like to draw your attention to my crochet pattern of the month for November - Mavis Mitts. I like to highlight one pattern each month, put it in the spotlight, give it some love and this month it's my lovely mitts design.

This pattern works up fairly quickly because it's mostly shell stitch - working into the same space is always faster. If you're running out of time on the Christmas gift front, this one will be ideal for you.

Did I mention there's an adorable little toddler size?

10% off with the code NOV22


Secondly, I'm having a GIVEAWAY! It's super easy to enter; simply pop over to my website and enter your email address into the competition box.
 
Everyone who enters will be in with the chance of winning their choice of 5 patterns from my website!

Head over to my website NOW and enter! Giveaway closes 7pm on Monday and the winner will be chosen by random number generator shortly after.

Good luck,

Marta xx

 



Wednesday 23 November 2022

5 of the best cowls to crochet as gifts



Hello! I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to panic about the amount of crocheted items I've yet to make as Christmas gifts! Once again, I'm asking myself why I leave it until the last 2 months of the year?

If you're in the same boat - a cowl is the answer! It's fairly small so it won't take you much time and many of the designs I'm about to share with you are stash busters, so they're easy on the pocket!

All the cowl patterns have been crocheted up BY ME and the opinions are my own, this is not an affiliate email. The photos are all my own. 



Claigan Cowl by Claudia Dingle

This cowl was first published in Moorit, issue 2 and was the first thing I crocheted from that issue! It's worked in the round in 4ply weight yarn and has an easy to remember repeat, making it perfect to relax with in these busy months.
 
At the moment this cowl is still exclusive to Moorit magazine; physical copies are still available, digital copies too.

Friday 18 November 2022

Spilling the beans!

 


At last! I can share this project with you, it's been soooo tough keeping quiet on this one!

I was the featured designer for Crate Crochet's October box!

I was delighted to be asked to create a new sock design and I'm really pleased with how this one turned out. Crate Crochet are a crochet subscription box service based in Australia, run by the lovely Carmela. This was the 4th pattern I've designed for them but the first one since the pandemic, it's been a while!

Like I say, they're based in Australia and deliver throughout Australia & New Zealand as well as the USA. Click this link to learn more - their boxes are beautifully curated. 


I designed the socks in Manos Del Uraguay Alegria Grande which is a 10ply weight yarn, 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon and comes in the most amazing aray of colours!
 
It was fun to create a sock in 3 colours, something I hadn't done before, but because the yarn comes in 100g skeins and 20g minis it was totally possible!

The photos for the socks were taken on our local beach when the tide was out. It was a nippy day, so I was wearing my Fair Isle Mitts to keep cosy! My youngest son took a turn at being my photographer and I think they did a great job!
 
At the moment, this pattern is exclusive to Crate Crochet but once this exclusive period is up I will be releasing the pattern myself - sign up to my newsletter be first to be notified.
 
I've also been invited to collaborate with them on another box, which I'm really excited about!


Well, that's my exciting news for now! Until next time,

Marta xx


Friday 4 November 2022

Winter Coorie Collection release day!

 


Hello! I'm pleased to be able to offer you this carfeully curated bundle of crochet patterns! I'm sure these patterns are going to be a joy for you to crochet - there are video tutorials to cover any of the trickier elements, giving you piece of mind to enjoy the process. 


A bundle of 3 crochet patterns all suitable for wearing in the chilly winter months;

  • Fields of Wheat Beanie
  • Lyre Socks
  • Cornflower Cowl

In this collection the patterns all have warm, snuggly qualities and the tactileness of their natural fibres embraces you; both as you crochet and then as you wear.

All patterns are rated Intermediate level and are written in UK terminology.

There are video tutorials to accompany the patterns too.

A little about each pattern;

Fields of Wheat Beanie

A pretty crocheted beanie with intricate wheat stalk motifs. Juniper Moon Farm's baby alpaca wool was chosen for this design because it's so soft and delicate against the skin. Available in 6 sizes! 100g of DK weight wool is enough for all sizes.

Lyre Socks

My 6th sock design featuring a textured detail which goes down the outside of each foot. Extended double crochet stitches are used for their superb stretch! 100-150g of 4ply yarn required.

Cornflower Cowl

A lacy cowl made in King Cole baby alpaca DK which feels luxuriously soft & gentle. The pattern is quick to make up due to repeats of chain stitches - they give the cowl a light and airy feel too. 150g of DK weight wool required.


The Winter Coorie Collection is exclusively available on my website. For one week only it will be at the EARLY BIRD DICOUNTED PRICE of just £8.50. No code required this time, simply add it to your basket! Offer ends 6pm, Friday 11th November, GMT at which time it will go up to full price, £11.50.
 
If you have any questions about the collection or about the individual patterns, please reach out by leaving me a comment.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx





Thursday 3 November 2022

Pattern of the month for November!


Hello! It's the 3rd of November and I'm here to introduce you to my crochet pattern of the month! I've chosen the same design as this time last year because it's a super one for keeping cosy - Mavis Mitts!
I love this mitt pattern a) because it works up quickly and b) because the stitch pattern is so pretty!
It's a fantastic choice If you have a skein of sock weight yarn in your stash and are wondering what to crochet with it, this pattern is a fantastic choice. 100g is enough for even the largest size.
A solid or semi-solid colour way is the best choice for shaowing off the shell stitch pattern.
As with all patterns on my website, there are video tutorials to help keep you on track. This pdf also includes a chart.
If you're interested in this pattern there is 10% off on my website throughout November with the code NOV22



Fun fact: the image above is actually on the home page of the Enamel Happy website! The gorgeous mug I'm cupping is from Enamel Happy - a UK based company with outdoor alternatives to plastic.

I'll be back with more crochet news soon,

Marta xx

Friday 28 October 2022

Your Guide To Choosing The Right Crochet Hook

Text - Your Guide To Choosing The Right Crochet Hook appears over a background of crochet hooks of various shapes and sizes


Hello! With so many crochet hooks out there to choose from, maybe you're confused on which type to go for? Maybe you've tried a few different types and would like to explore further options? Here's my guide to choosing the right crochet hook ...

In this blog post, I'm listing the variety of materials that hooks can be made from and giving you a little info on each one. I also turned this post into a YouTube video if you're more of a visual learner you might want to check that out here.

1) Steel: these are generally super fine hooks (0.5mm - 2mm) which are ideal for working with thread and very thin yarn

2) Aluminium: are a good all rounder! They are cheap to buy and smooth to use. They come in a large range of sizes and are easy to find in charity shops.

3) Bamboo: an excellent choice if you prefer natural materials. Bamboo hooks come in a wide range of sizes, all except the really fine and the super chunky. Personally I have found that these hooks can catch on yarn, especially the finer ones (up to 4mm), but I do enjoy the feel of working with them.

4) Plastic: nice and light to work with. The smaller hooks are solid plastic, larger sizes are hollow plastic. Like aluminium hooks they are cheap to buy. You may want to avoid these if you're considering the environmental impact (unless second hand of course!).

5) Ergonomic: this is where your options explode open! There's a huge range of ergonomic hooks on the market, starting from very cheaply produced ones to luxury ones which feel so good to hold. The handles are formed of soft pastic moulded around an aluminium hook.

6) Hand crafted: these hooks are lovely if you're looking for something a little bit different. A polymer clay is added around an aluminium hook to create a chunkier handle. These hooks range from plain colours to quirky & fun!

7) Hand carved: if you're looking for something special, this is your option! These hooks are lovingly and expertly hand carved from wood. They usually have a bees wax finish to keep them supple and smooth.

8) Resin: Another luxury hook! A quick scroll through Etsy brought up so many pretty options, many of which are combined with wood. These tend to have a chunky ergonomic handle.

9) Interchangeable: A slightly different option; these hooks come with one ergonomic handle and a range of hook sizes to click or screw in place. I haven't tried them, but they are popular.

10) Light up: Similar to interchangeable hooks but with a light up tip. The hook itself is made of clear plastic with a light in the end, these click or screw onto a USB rechargeable handle.

Phew! Did you realise there were this many options?

Which type do I prefer?

Do you know, I tend to default to my trusty aluminium hook for most projects; it's probably because they're what I started crocheting with and they feel familiar to me.

I do also use a range of ergonomic hooks, particularly if I'm doing finer work. For super chunky and T-shirt yarn I like to use a hollow plastic hook because it's lighter. Basically, I mix things up!

A beautiful handcarved or resin hook is definitely on my WISH LIST! (I wonder if the hubby will read this?)

I've deliberately not linked to any hooks here. If there are any types you'd like to look up they're only a quick search away.

As well as different materials for hooks, there's also a difference in the design of the hook head and neck. However, I feel this needs a diagram to explain the technicalities and is probably a whole other blogpost for another day!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you'd like to receive practical crochet info like this straight to your inbox, sign up to my mailing list here. There's a free pdf for you when you do - 25 Top Tips Every Crocheter Needs To Know!


Thursday 27 October 2022

Everything you need to know about dye lots


MY 200th BLOG POST!

Hello! Following on from the top tip I shared about yarn bands last week, I feel there is a lot more to say about dye lots! If you missed that email, you can find the info in this blog post. Can you believe I've now written 200 blog posts? Crazy!

So, what are dye lots? A dye lot is the batch number that a yarn dyer or manufacturer puts on the yarn band or label. See the photo above for an example, it's usually located beside the colour name or number.

Due to the nature of the dying process, each batch is going to differ slightly from the others. Now, this is only a problem if you're creating something with multiple balls or skeins of yarn - then you want to make sure they all come from the same batch or dye lot.

Has the following ever happened to you? You've crocheted a jumper or a blanket and noticed that there's a stripe going across your work that's a slightly different, but ever so noticeable, shade?

So, now you know, always check the label or band!

I have a few pro tips for you here:

1) If you're working with hand dyed yarn there isn't always a batch number and even if there is there can be variations between the skeins! 

In this case the best thing to do is alternate between the skeins, round by round or every 2 rounds (depending on the scale of your project). This will give you an even looking finish.

2) Some yarn shops will keep yarn back for you if you let the owner know you're working on a large scale project and may need to buy more. 

If you find a local shop that offers this AMAZING service, please support them as much as you can! Also, don't forget to let them know when you've finished your project so they can put their stock back on the shelves.

3) If you ordered your yarn online and find you need more you can email or phone them with your dye lot number and they may be able to supply you with the correct batch. 

Oh, one final thing - hang on to those ball bands!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. Top tips like these can be delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss them! Sign up here. 

Friday 14 October 2022

A neat trick I've learnt for keeping track of yarn!


Hello! I'd like to share a neat trick I've learnt for keeping track of yarn in my stash. When I start a ball or skein I snip off a 10-15cm strand and either sticky tape or staple it to the ball band.

I then save them together in a tin so if I need to order more of any of the colours I have all the info I need, including dye lot numbers, which is very useful!

It's also an easy way to begin building up a bank of samples for when you need some inspiration for a project. 

What do you think? Is this something you do already? Have you got a better way of doing things?

Leave me a comment, I'd love to know your thoughts on this.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you'd like to receive tips like this straight to your inbox, sign up to my mailing list here.

Nothing speaks like unique


Hello! One thing I love about crocheting from a pattern, particularly if it's a wearable item, is that I know my finished piece is going to be unique.

Even if I've followed along using the suggested yarn there will be differences between mine and everyone elses out there! There is NO WAY I'll walk into a room and have that awkwardnesss of realising that someone is wearing the same thing as me.

I find this very satisfying. Especially when you consider all the variations within a pattern; sizing, sleeve options, colours (obviously!), little tweaks here and there.

We're all different and so is our way of interpreting a pattern and one thing that I never tire of as a designer is seeing your versions of my designs. I LOVE it!

A feature which I now include with my patterns is a 'Take it Further' section. It's where I encourage you to take my design as a starting point and truly make it your own. I include 3 or 4 ideas to get you thinking, but there are countless ways you can do this!

This week, over on Instagram, lots of you have been tagging me with your makes (it was actually quite hard to choose one for my Gallery section below!).

So, I'd like to encourage you to choose handmade! Whether it's a crocheted hat, a knitted shawl, a home sewn dress. BE BOLD! Make it your own and no one else will be looking the same as you!

If you're looking for inspiration for your winter layers, check out the patterns on my website. I've created a Winter Collection featuring all my hats, mitts and scarves - check it out!

That's all for this week, have a yarn filled weekend,

Marta xx

Monday 10 October 2022

Ready to learn a new crochet skill?


This blog post contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of the sales, at no extra cost to you.

Hello! How was your weekend? I had a fantastic catch up with both my sisters - the first time we've been out together in a long time! We went to a local indian restaurant with the yummiest of curries (Chillie's in Carnoustie if you're a local!) and chatted away all evening, setting the world to rights.

I found time for lots of crochet and knitting over the weekend too, YAY! I'm rotating between 3 favourite WiPs at the moment; my Tunisian Sampler Cowl, my knitted Sea Glass Sweater and my latest crochet pattern which I need to keep under wraps for now but I'll be able to spill the beans soon!


The top photo is a close up of the Tunisian Sampler Cowl, the one above is the Sea Glass Sweater (you can see it now has arm holes, lots of progress on this one!)

Before I began the 'Tunisian Crochet - Basics & Beyond' course, I had convinced myself that I couldn't do Tunisian Crochet (crazy, huh?). 

I had tried a few times over the years but it had never quite come out right. Attending an in-person workshop at some point was a goal of mine, so when this online course by The Crochet Project popped up it was the next best thing!

Joanne's video are perfectly paced for an absolute beginner (even for someone who can't crochet). The course is broken into 8 weekly sections, with just the right amount of crocheting to delve into each time.

You can see the different bands in my cowl - each one a different section of the course. At the end of the course the two short ends of the rectangle will be joined to make a cowl.

I'm enjoying this new technique so much and can't wait for the new content each Friday morning. I've also dug out some Tunisian crochet books I had gathering dust which has inspired me to have a go at writing my first Tunisian crochet pattern!

So, if you'd like to try out this new skill, I urge you to check out this course! www.thecrochetproject.com/courses/tunisian

Until next Friday (9am, BST) when my new look newsletter drops, happy crocheting,

Marta xx




 

Friday 7 October 2022

My story: How I became a crochet designer


I don't think I've shared the story of how I became a crochet designer with you before, have I? It all started back in 2014 when a small online yarn shop called Lemonade Yarns ran a crochet design competition. I saw the call for submissions and, even though I'd never written a single pattern in my life, thought "I could enter that!"

I only went on to WIN the competition! I was over the moon! Partly because I was super surprised at winning, partly because one of the prizes was a signed copy of Erika Knight's new book 'Crochet Workshop' which came with a personal message from Erika herself! SQUEAL!

This was the kickstarter to my crochet design journey! From then on I slowly gained confidence - initially adding free patterns to Ravelry then paid for ones as I saw that people were enjoying them. Later I started selling on LoveCrafts to increase my visibilty in the online space. With each pattern I wrote I listened to feedback and improved. Today all my patterns come with at least one video, many have around 30 minutes of video tutorial included!

Earlier this year I created my own website which was a HUGE step forward for me! It means I've been able to branch out from selling crochet patterns to selling crochet kits and crochet courses - something you just can't do on Ravelry or LoveCrafts. 

I love being a crochet designer because crocheting a sequence of stitches and making yarn come alive in the way I imagined brings me so much JOY! Then later, once the pattern is released into the world, I get to see how others recreate my design and that gives me such a buzz too - particularly when the crocheter surprises themselves by creating something that was a challenge for them.

I also really enjoy the variety of my business day. As well as being my own boss, I'm also the secretary, photographer, accountant, supply manager, social media person, graphic designer, PR assistant, SEO specialist, coffee maker and biscuit supplier, so my work is very varied! Each day is different from the next!

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a crochet designer? Do you have a pattern scribbled down that's bursting to come to life and be shared with the world? If so, check out my How To Write Up a Crochet Pattern Course. It has all the info you need (in the form of video and written tutorials) to get your first pattern written up. 

Throughout October I'm offering you 15% off this course with the code DESIGN

That's all for this post, I hope you enjoyed my story! If you'd like more of the same, plus crochet tips & advice, my latest releases, BIGGER discount codes, sign up to my newsletter here.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Monday 3 October 2022

Crochet pattern of the month for October

 


Hello! It's the start of a new month and the start of a new offer for you! I've chosen Banjo Socks to be my crochet pattern of the month this time because they're so good for keeping your toes warm around the house.

These socks are intended to be worn as slippers with a fold down cuff which helps give shape and keeps your ankles warm. They could just be that extra layer that keeps you cosy without having to turn the heating on!


Here's the nitty gritty on the pattern details ...
  • It's available in UK and US terms. 
  • Instructions for 4 sizes, ranging from UK size 2 to 12 with plenty of scope for adjustments.
  • It's a toe-up pattern, crocheted in the round.
  • You can find the pattern on my website, Ravelry and LoveCrafts.
  • Intermediate skill level required.
  • It's been tested and tech edited, giving you peace of mind and an easy to follow pattern.
  • Half hour YouTube tutorial to accomapany the pattern.
  • Designed in Fiddlesticks Grange Ten - aran weight yarn/ 10ply (40% wool/ 40% acrylic/ 20% alpaca)
  • 2x 100g balls is sufficient for the smallest size, 3x 100g balls needed for the larger sizes.
  • 5.5mm crochet hook required

If there's anything I haven't covered here please reply to this email, I'm happy to answer your questions.

Throughout the month, you can use the code OCT22 for 10% off this crochet sock pattern on my website. Remember, you now have the option to add all patterns from my website to your Ravelry library.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx




Thursday 29 September 2022

Free scrappy crochet blanket pattern!

Scrappy Blanket III

a crochet pattern



by Marta Mitchell


My first 2 scrappy blankets proved to be so popular, so I’m back with a third and I think you’ll find this one equally satisfying for using up all those little balls of leftover yarn!

It’s a super easy to remember pattern; a repetitive “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” rhythm makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mindful crochet project.

The pattern written here is a tiny snippet of the size possibilities for this blanket. You can purchase the pdf of the full pattern (with instructions for 5 blanket sizes, 4 yarn weights, PLUS stitch tutorial video, chart, US terminology AND all my ideas for taking this pattern further) on my website.


This is a BEGINNER level pattern, written in UK terms.

(US terms available on my website)


You will need

  • lots and lots and lots of scraps or odd balls of yarn in the same weight (I made mine in DK/ 8ply) 

  • appropriate size hook for your yarn thickness (I used 5mm) 

  • scissors

  • tapestry needle for sewing in ends


Measurements 

The finished blanket will measure 113cm x 150cm, which is the standard measurement for a cot blanket, but makes for a decent lap blanket too.

For reference, my blanket is ever so slightly smaller in length, it measured 113cm x 145cm (unblocked) and weighed exactly 1.1kg. I started with ch201 and crocheted for 182 rows.


Tension 

18 stitches x 13 rows per 10cm, main pattern in rows using a 5mm hook or appropriate hook to achieve gauge.

Abbreviations UK terms

ch

chain

dc

double crochet

htr

half treble

tr

treble

st(s)

stitch(es)


Notes

  • The pattern is super easy to remember once you’ve crocheted a few rows. 

  • Ch1 at the start of rows does not count as a stitch and is not included in the stitch count. 

  • To achieve neat colour changes, start using the new colour on the last yarn over of the stitch.

  • Weave in the ends on whichever side they fall, making your blanket reversible.

  • For a full table of sizes (pram, cot, small throw, large throw, single bed) plus how to crochet these sizes in 4ply, DK, aran and chunky yarn, you can buy the pattern on my website here.


A special thank you to Fiona Feeney,  Angela Lawton & Tammy de Nobriga for testing out this pattern for me - thanks ladies! xx





Pattern 

Begin with ch201


Row 1 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each of next 4ch, [1tr in each of next 5ch, 1dc in each of next 5ch] repeat from [ to ] until you have 5ch left, 1tr in each of last 5ch. Turn. (200sts)


Row 2 Ch1, [1dc in each of next 5tr, 1tr in each of next 5dc] across. Turn. (200sts)


Rows 3 to 194 Repeat Row 2.


Final Row Ch1, [1dc in each of next 5tr, 1htr in each of next 5dc] across. Turn. (200sts)


Cut yarn & fasten off. 


Finishing off 

If you have any ends, weave them in on whichever side they fall, this blanket is reversible. 


Block your blanket to size to make the stitches pop!


Video Tutorials

I’ve made a few YouTube videos to help you succeed with this pattern because I really want everyone to feel confident about crocheting this blanket! My pattern should be clear to follow, but if you find yourself stuck the videos will help. If you are still stuck please reach out to me via email (crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com) or via Instagram DMs - I’m more than happy to help!


Starting with a huge number of chains  https://youtu.be/BNvUeegDrfI

How I joined in new yarn in this blanket  https://youtu.be/DgpJBKM6pbE

How to sew in those pesky ends!  https://youtu.be/gb9DK1CUZzE


I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Please subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date, receive discounts & free patterns www.martamitchelldesigns.com/pages/about-me




If you have any questions about this pattern, please don’t hesitate to reach out -

crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com


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