My Current Favourite Hook: The Clover Soft Touch

Hello! For every crocheter, there's that one hook. You know, the one you reach for time and again, the one that feels like an extension of your hand. Today, I'm here to sing the praises of my own personal crochet bestie: the Clover Soft Touch. I should say that this is not an affiliated or sponsored post and that all opinions are my own. 

This little wonder isn't fancy or expensive, but it ticks all the boxes for me. Let's break down why it's become my go-to hook:

 

Comfort First:  

Crocheting can be hard on your hands, especially if you tend to grip your hook tightly. The Clover Soft Touch boasts a shaped plastic handle with a smooth, rubber thumb grip handle that's a dream to hold. I can crochet for hours without feeling any strain or cramping.

 

Glides Like a Dream:  

There's nothing worse than a hook that snags on your yarn, making every stitch a struggle. The Clover Soft Touch has a tapered point which glides effortlessly through the yarn, creating beautifully even stitches. 

 

Size Does Matter:

The Clover Soft Touch comes in a whopping 21 sizes, from 0.5mm hooks perfect for delicate threads to 6mm for working with chunkier yarns. Also, if you're just starting out, they offer handy sets of 9 hooks that cover the central range of yarn weights.

 

Kind to Your Wallet:  

Let's face it, crochet supplies can add up quickly! The beauty of the Clover Soft Touch is that it's very affordable. You won't break the bank adding it to your collection, which leaves more room for that gorgeous yarn you've been eyeing up!

 

Bonus Tips: 

If you're on the hunt for your own favourite crochet hook, I highly recommend checking out some reviews online or visiting your local craft store to see if they have any available for you to handle. I also made a YouTube video last year all about the different types of crochet hooks which might be of interest to you, you can watch it via the embedded link below.

Finding the perfect hook is definitely a personal journey, but trust me, the search is worth it! Have you found your own crochet soulmate? Share your favourite hook and why you love it in the comments, I'd love to know!

The Clover Soft Touch 4.5mm hook was my choice for this year's Lazy Days CAL kits. It's my current favourite hook and I want you to try it and see for yourself how lovely it is to use. Kits are still available, but are selling out fast! Click here to order yours today, not forgetting your 10% off discount code: LAZYDAYS

I hope this post has been useful for you. Do let me know in the comments what your favourite hook is!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Lazy Days CAL Kit Launch!

Hello! I'm so, so pleased with how this year's Lazy Days CAL kits have come together! It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with Sophie at The Wool Shed to bring you a fresh new yarn for 2024. Also, you asked and I listened - this year it's an 8ply/ DK weight yarn instead of 4ply/ fingering weight.

The colourway is called Lazy Days, it's a 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon base, 225m per 100g and it's exclusive to my kits. 

I reached out to Rachel at Sew Ray Me and I'm delighted to bring you a selection of her cute notions tins in the kits for the first time! I'm sure you're going to love these for popping stitch markers and other wee treasures in.

My lovely Instagram friend Ruth at Labours of Love Crochet is supplying me with summer themed stitch markers - lobster clasp ones - perfect for crochet.

This year I'm bringing you another of my favourite crochet hooks; the Clover Soft Touch. I love the feel of these hooks, particularly in the summer when my hands can be a bit hot and sticky! It's a 4.5mm hook, the recommended size for the pattern.

There will also be a postcard included, designed by Katie at Katie Birdie. It was Katie who drew the beautiful illustration for me which sparked this CAL back in 2021, you can read that story on my blog here.

Another change for 2024 is that I've had the pattern professionally printed as an A4 folded leaflet (these are so much better than me churning out slightly blurry copies on my printer as in previous years!!)

All of these things will come in a drawstring kit bag made from organic, Fairtrade cotton which is printed in the UK with the lovely foxglove & bee illustration by Katie.

 

My CAL kicks off in 2 weeks time, Friday 5th July, with pre-orders opening for kits today! Kits are £50 each but I'm offering you a discount code - 10% off - which makes them just £45.00!

 

The kit includes:

• 100g of exclusive colourway: ' Lazy Days', DK weight yarn (75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon)
• 4.5mm Clover Soft Touch Hook
• stitch markers from Labours of Love Crochet
• notions tin from Sew Ray Me
• postcard from Katie Birdie
• printed A4 pattern leaflet
• pdf of the pattern with video tutorial links
• organic, Fairtrade cotton drawstring bag with the illustration from Katie Birdie on the front, perfect to keep everything in!

 

This year I'm introducing a budget friendly option too: pattern & project bag combo for £9, but with your 10% discount code, that's just £8.10!

Combo includes:

• printed A4 pattern leaflet
• pdf of the pattern
• organic, Fairtrade cotton drawstring bag with the illustration from Katie Birdie on the front

Both kits and combos will be posted at the end of next week.

 

The code for all offers is LAZYDAYS

I've listed the pattern on Ravelry and on my website and of course you can join the CAL using any DK weight yarn - although I'd recommend a superwash merino with nylon for best results. The links below take you to the pattern and the LAZYDAYS code will give you 10% off on both sites.

For my 2024 Lazy Days CAL there will be an Instagram chat group where we can discuss all things sock related, ask questions, share progress photos, cheer each other on; there will be a an opening Zoom meet up (new for this year!), with a prize draw for everyone attending; and there will be various prizes for taking part.

 

Sound good? Join my CAL today for a summer of crochet community fun!

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

A Relaxing Crochet Project for this Summer

Hello! Are you like me, looking for relaxing crochet project to see you through the summer? Look no further than my Lazy Days Wrap! This airy crocheted wrap pattern is ideal for crocheting on long summer days and your finished shawl will be versatile enough to take you from casual outings to dressy affairs.

 

Effortless Style for Every Adventure:

This every-occasion Wrap is a rectangular beauty, making it customisable to your size preferences: long & skinny or wider & floaty. Whether you drape it loosely over jeans and a T shirt or add a touch of elegance to a summer dress, this wrap is sure to become your go-to accessory.

 

Crochet with Confidence:

Don't let the "intermediate" label deter you! This wrap uses a simple stitch pattern that's easy to follow and remember, making it a perfect project for confident beginners. On top of that, there's the peace of mind that comes from a tested and tech-edited pattern, you can happily crochet away, knowing the instructions are clear and accurate.

 

Here's what you'll need to crochet your wrap:

• 2x 100g skeins of sock weight/4ply yarn (75% superwash merino/25% nylon, 400m/100g) - I used approximately 170g for reference
• 5mm crochet hook
• Needle for sewing in ends

 

Learn with Video Tutorials:

And to make your crocheting journey even smoother, the Lazy Days Wrap pattern comes with a bonus of four video tutorials! In these visual guides, I walk you through each step of the pattern, offering an extra layer of support for those who prefer crocheting with the aid of clear demonstrations. If you're a confident beginner looking to learn new skills, these tutorials will ensure that you crochet your wrap with confidence and clarity. For a taster, take a look at my picot video on YouTube ...

Tempted?

You can find the pattern on my website or in my Ravelry store and as I announced in last week's email, the Lazy Days Wrap is June's pattern of the month, so you can enjoy 15% off with the code JUNE24

I hope you've enjoyed reading more about my Lazy Days Wrap in this post. I'll be back next week, until then, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

The Big Adventure: Conquering a Large Crochet Blanket - Challenges & Rewards

Hello! The allure of a giant, cosy crochet blanket is undeniable. Snuggling under a masterpiece you created yourself? Pure bliss. I love the pile of crocheted blankets I have sitting in my big basket, ready to be pulled out on a chilly evening - I can't recommend creating a few for yourself enough! At the moment, as many of you know, I'm crocheting a Battenberg Blanket which is a MASSIVE commitment! If you're not familiar with the pattern by Sandra Paul, you should check it out on Ravelry; it's hundreds of teenie granny squares. 

But, before I dive headfirst into a mountain of yarn with you, let's explore the challenges and the rewards that come with crocheting a large blanket.

 

The Challenge of Choice:

Not all patterns are created equal! There are so many patterns out there which have not been tested, never mind tech edited! If you're in for the long-haul you want a pattern you can trust with clear instructions. Look for the words "tested" and "tech edited" when choosing your pattern.

 
Dive Deep vs Keep it Simple:

Are you looking for a relaxing project with repetitive elements suitable for long stretches of crocheting? Or perhaps you're after a challenge with multiple new stitch techniques to challenge yourself? Back in 2016 when I was fairly new to crochet, I pushed myself by taking on the Sophie's Universe Blanket by Dedri Uys and I learned so much!! 

Purpose Perfect:

Consider the blanket's final purpose - a throw for the couch needs a different approach than a blanket to cover a king size bed. Think about size you want, the yarn weight and yarn type for optimal use.

Time Management:

Setting Realistic Goals: Be honest about your crocheting speed and the time which is available to you. It might help you to break down the project into smaller, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example; one granny square motif a day or six rows an evening.

Mind Your Motivation:

Not gonna lie; large projects can drag on. Things which help me are sheduling dedicated crochet time, joining a CAL for the support and finally, chocolate ... chocolate definitely helps! Perhaps keeping a project page on Ravelry, using my Project Notes Printable or creating a visual chart to see how far you've come will help. These things can be a huge motivator, especially when facing a seemingly endless sea of yarn.

Tracking Your Progress:

The Power of Progress Markers: Large projects benefit from progress markers to track rows, repeats, or colour changes. They can help you pick up right where you left off without any confusion.

The Finishing Line:

You'll find that there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of completing a large scale crochet project. Seeing your creation come to life, knowing the dedication and skill it took, is a reward unlike any other.

So, Are You Ready for the Challenge?

Crocheting a large blanket is a journey of patience, perseverance and ultimately, immense satisfaction. By choosing the right pattern, managing your time, tracking your progress, and finding a supportive community, you can turn that giant yarn stash into a cosy masterpiece. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight one of my large crochet blanket projects! My Scrappy Blanket III has a simple repeat, making it the ideal choice for a relaxing project and is perfect for using up all your little scraps! 

 

The pattern is free on this blog and for those who want the full range of 5 different sizes and gain extra guidance with video tutorials, there's the option to upgrade to a paid-for version. Click here to go to the post on my blog and get started on your large crochet blanket today!

I hope you've found this blog post inspiring, until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx