The Wonderful World of 4ply Yarn

Hello! In today's blog post I’d like to go deeper into the wonderful world of 4ply yarn. Often admired for its delicate and refined appearance, 4ply yarn possesses a hidden strength that many crocheters might overlook. It's this unique combination of elegance and resilience that makes it a favourite of mine for intricate projects.

The Magic of Multi-Stranded Construction

Have you ever wondered what the "ply" in 4ply actually means? It refers to the number of individual strands that are twisted together to create the yarn. Think of it like this: each strand is like a single thread, and on its own, it might be quite fragile. However, when you bring four of these strands together and twist them, something magical happens; they reinforce each other, creating a yarn that's surprisingly strong.

This multi-stranded construction is fundamental to 4ply's strength. The twisting action creates friction and cohesion between the strands, making the resulting yarn much more resistant to breaking. This means that despite its fine nature, 4ply yarn can withstand the rigours of crochet, allowing you to create intricate and long-lasting pieces.

Why Choose 4ply?

Delicate Detail: 4ply yarn is perfect for projects that require fine detail and intricate stitch work. Its thinness allows for beautiful drape and a lightweight finish, ideal for garments and accessories.
Stitch definition: The consistent twist of 4ply wool also contributes to good stitch definition, allowing intricate patterns to stand out clearly.  
Versatility: From delicate shawls and blankets to elegant sweaters and cosy socks, 4ply yarn can be used for a wide range of projects.
Strength and Durability: As I’ve mentioned, the multi-stranded construction ensures that your finished projects are not only beautiful but also strong and durable.
Wonderful Drape: Due to its lightness, 4ply garments and accessories have a wonderful drape, which makes them very comfortable to wear.

Time is ticking on my early bird offer!

Speaking of beautiful projects in 4ply yarn … I'm really pleased with the release of my latest cowl pattern! Many of you bought the pattern from my stall on Saturday and many more have purchased online, thank you - it's been one of the most successful launches I've ever done!

Designed with the elegance and strength of 4ply yarn in mind, this cowl is the perfect blend of delicate detail and robustness as an everyday item. I think it's a fantastic project for those looking to explore the versatility of 4ply yarn.

My cowl is designed to show off the beautiful drape and stitch definition that 4ply yarn provides. I used Clan 4ply from The Scottish Yarn Festival in the colours Bruce and Errol. Its interesting design will keep you engaged as you crochet and the finished piece will be a stunning addition to your wardrobe.

Ready to Experience the Beauty of 4ply?

Don't miss out on the opportunity to start your own stunning cowl! Click the link below to purchase my new pattern and to take advantage of my early bird offer of 20% off. Use the code RIVER on my website and in my Ravelry Store (offer ends 23:59 on Sunday 30th March, BST). I can't wait to see your beautiful creations - tag me! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet Cowl Pattern Out Now On Ravelry

Hello! A HUGE thank you to everyone who purchased my River Never Sleeps Cowl crochet pattern from my website or from my stall on Saturday at the Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase! If you haven't bought my pattern yet, I can let you know that it's now live on Ravelry as well as my website.

My River Never Sleeps cowl owes its name to a serendipitous discovery: a vintage fishing book by Roderick Haig-Brown. This book's captivating cover art by Stephen Russ fits so well alongside the crochet design, I simply had to poach the name!

Crocheted with a sumptuously soft Shetland/Cheviot blend from The Scottish Wool Festival, this möbius cowl, though complex in appearance, is created by straight forward rounds of crochet. Suitable for intermediate crocheters, the pattern includes both UK and US terminology and requires two contrasting skeins of Clan 4ply from The Scottish Wool Festival.

Thank you for your patience if you were holding out for the Ravelry version, I delayed this release because I wanted to keep things as simple as possible for leaving the house early on the day of the showcase.

The same early bird discount is valid on my website and on Ravelry: RIVER will give you 20% off, making the pattern just £4.40! Discount ends 23:59 on Sunday 30th March.

I'll be back on Friday with my regular blog post - until then, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

River Never Sleeps Cowl Crochet Pattern Release

Hello! A super quick blog post from me as I rush around getting ready for The Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase. I've a moment to let you know that my River Never Sleeps cowl crochet pattern is now live! If you missed yesterday's blog post with all the details go check that out here.

In a nutshell, my River Never Sleeps cowl offers a mesmerising, flowing möbius design, perfect for intermediate crocheters seeking to crochet up a unique and warm accessory.

I'll be at my stall at The Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase with paper copies of the pattern today - come say hello if you're there! I'll have my crochet loving friend Gwen with me on the stall to help answer any questions too.

Can't make it to Perth? The pdf of the pattern is now live on my website and you can take advantage of my early bird discount: 20% off with the code RIVER

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet Cowl Pattern Release Day Tomorrow!

Hello! Tomorrow (Saturday 22nd March) is release day for my River Never Sleeps Cowl! This is a captivating möbius design that flows endlessly, just like a winding river.

The name of this pattern was inspired by a vintage fishing book called A River Never Sleeps by Roderick Haig-Brown. When I was crocheting up the cowl, I stumbled across a battered copy of this book with a beautiful cover illustrated by Stephen Russ and I felt that the perfect name had presented itself right at the moment of creation!

Crafted with the luxurious 4ply yarn in a Shetland/ Cheviot blend from The Scottish Wool Festival, this cowl promises unparalleled softness and comfort on chilly days. The intricate looking möbius construction is achieved by crocheting a long tube in the round and seamlessly joining it with a twist. 

This pattern is designed for intermediate crocheters and includes clear instructions in both UK and US terms. You'll need two distinct coloured skeins from The Scottish Wool Festival to bring this dynamic design to life.

Finished size, after blocking (but before sewing up): length 74cm; depth 20cm. Finished size, after sewing up: width 36cm: depth 20cm

To crochet this cowl, you will need:

• Main colour: 1x 100g skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan 4ply (350m/ 100g, 80% Shetland/ 20% Cheviot), I used the colourway Bruce (blue). 

• Contrast colour: 1x 100g skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan 4ply (350m/ 100g, 80% Shetland/ 20% Cheviot), I used the colourway Errol (green). 

• 4mm (G/6) crochet hook

• Large needle for sewing up

My new cowl pattern invites you to create a truly unique and mesmerising accessory, perfect for adding a touch of handcrafted warmth to any outfit. 
 
Tomorrow is the day of the Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase and that's the day I've chosen to release this cowl pattern, come see me at my stall to purchase a paper copy or check back here on my blog. If you don't want to miss the release, subscribe to my mailing list - loads of crochet goodness coming your way when you do, including my biggest early bird offer!

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

The Ultimate Crochet Sock Guide is here!

Learn to crochet socks with my latest PDF guide!

Hello! Are you ready to say goodbye to cold feet and hello to the comfort of handmade socks? I'm excited to share my brand new PDF guide, The Ultimate Crochet Sock Guide, designed to take you from beginner to confident sock crocheter!

As many of you will know, I'm a seasoned crochet sock designer, with 11 crochet sock patterns under my belt. I've poured my passion and expertise into this comprehensive guide. Inside, you'll discover:

• 6 Themed Tutorials: Master essential techniques with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
• BONUS Pattern: Fabulous Socks! Start crocheting right away with this delightful pattern (worth £5.50).
• And so much more! Including expert tips on measuring for the perfect fit, choosing the right yarn, construction techniques, understanding sock terminology, and navigating colour choices.

 

This guide is designed for flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and refer back to it whenever you need a refresher. Plus, it will be a permanent addition to your crochet library!

Imagine:

• Creating perfectly fitting, beautiful socks for yourself and your loved ones.
• Mastering new crochet skills and expanding your repertoire.
• Enjoying the satisfaction of handmade comfort all year round.

 

Ready to leap into the world of crocheted socks? I'm giving you a special offer: when you purchase my Ultimate Crochet Sock Guide you can choose any sock pattern for FREE (worth £5.50) from my collection! To take advantage of this special offer; simply go to my website, add my sock guide plus your chosen sock pattern to your basket and use the code CROCHETSOCKS at the checkout. 

So, get your crochet sock journey off to a running start and experience the joy of handmade comfortable socks!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Solid colours, variegated yarn or self striping yarn for socks … help!

Hello! In today's blog post I'm going to help you navigate the exciting world of colour choices for crocheting socks. I’ll go through various sock yarn options, from simple solids to more interesting self-striping yarns and teach you how to manipulate colour to create stunning and unique sock designs. 

1. Solid Colours: A Timeless Classic

• Simplicity: Solid colours offer a clean look

• Versatility: Easy to match with any outfit.

• Highlighting Texture: Allows the stitch definition to shine.

My Lyre Socks and Synthesiser Socks (pictured above) will both work best in a solid colour. This is because they have a textured pattern and if you introduce a mix of colours to the sock the texture will be lost. Solid colours are also best for more open or lacy designs, such as my Off-the-Beat Socks.

2. Subtle Variations: Variegated Yarns

• Speckles: Adds visual appeal and personality. A little colour introduces a playful touch to socks!

• Motivation: It keeps things interesting as you crochet; it’s fun to watch the tiny splashes of colour become incorporated in your sock.

One thing I like about crocheting socks is that a 100g skein of indie dyed yarn will give you 1 pair of socks, they’re a brilliant way to try out differnt yarns. My Lazy Days Socks and Fiddle Socks were both designed specifically for variegated yarn.

Click here for your copy

3. Contrast Details: A Pop of Colour

• Add Interest: Introduce contrasting colours for the toes, heels, and cuffs.

• Customisation: Mix and match colours to create unique combinations.

If you want to input colour in a sock pattern one of the easiest ways to do so is to use contrasting colours for the different parts. Even if the pattern you’re following doesn’t specify the use of contrast colours, this is very simple to do and will really change the look of your sock. It’s a brilliant way to stash bust too!

4. Self-Striping Magic

• Effortless Colour Changes: Enjoy the magic of self-striping yarns without the hassle of constant colour changes and ends to weave.

• Endless Possibilities: Explore the vast array of colour combinations out there with self-striping sock yarns. If you’re not confident in choosing colours, this takes the guesswork away for you.

The first sock pattern I ever wrote was for self striping yarn; my Fabulous Socks! This pattern continues to be my best seller, I’m sure it’s down to the striking simplicity of the stripes.

5. Advanced Techniques: Colour Manipulation

• Colour Pooling: Explore the fascinating rabbit hole of colour pooling, where colours in a colour changing yarn line up to create unique patterns.

• Strategic Colour Placement: Carefully plan the placement of colours for intentional effect.  I sometimes start sock 1 from the inside of a self-striping ball and sock 2 from the outside of the ball, creating a pair of socks that are sisters, but not twins.

My Fabulous Socks! (pictured below) are an example of working from both ends of a ball of wool. If you look carefully at the socks you can see the colour order is flipped.

Conclusion

Choosing colours for crocheting socks is a journey of creativity and self-expression. The only way to find out which types of yarn you like is to start crocheting socks, experiment with different techniques, embrace unexpected results and don't forget to have fun in the process! 

Your next steps

If you found this post useful you'll be pleased to know that I'm working behind the scenes putting together the Ultimate Guide to Crocheting Socks PDF with everything you need to know plus all my top tips for success! Subscribe to my mailing list to be first to know of the release and receive my biggest discount code.

Also, if you're interested in trying out any of my sock patterns, they're available from my website and Ravelry, go take a look!

Until next time,

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Tickets selling fast for the Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase

Culross Yarn's stall, 2024

Hello! I know that I have readers all over the world which is amazing when I stop to think about it! I also know that I have a good cluster of readers who are much more local, and this week's newsletter is specially for you.

It was announced this week that there are less than a third of tickets left for this year's Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase, to be held in Perth in the Civic Hall & Council Chambers on the 22nd of March. This annual event has sold out in the past and it looks likely that the same will happen this year, so if you haven't already purchased your ticket, please don't delay!

Lammermuir Wool's stall, 2024

What can you expect at the Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase?

The event is centred around the Scottish wool producing industry and consists of multiple stalls packed to the gunnels with good quality Scottish wool. It's probably the most tactile yarn event I've been to - in fact you're encouraged to squish and sniff the various types of wool on offer. There's a very relaxed atmosphere which enables discussions with the stall holders, many of whom run small holdings and farms (raising the animals which produce their wool) to take place.  After last year's event I recorded and uploaded a podcast special to YouTube which you can watch if you'd like to hear me talk about my day and show off my purchases.

As I've mentioned in previous emails and in my regular podcast, I'll have a stall at the showcase which is super, duper exciting and I'm working hard behind the scenes on the details of how it's all going to look and what I'm going to sell.

I'm going to do two things: 1) shine the spotlight on the many crochet patterns which I've designed in Scottish wool and 2) sell paper copies of 2 of my patterns which call for Scottish wool. The physical copies will be my Perth Beanie pattern, designed to be crocheted in one skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan DK and (all things going to plan!) my River Never Sleeps Cowl, designed to be crocheted in two colours of The Scottish Yarn Festival 4ply.

An update for you: the River Never Sleeps Cowl (above) has now been tested and is currently with my tech editor (Ruth at Orchard House Editing in the USA). Next week I'll be out and about doing the photo shoot with my eldest, which is one of my favourite final steps! Once I'm happy with everything, I'll prepare it for printing and selling on the day of the showcase, which will be a special pre-release day! I will launch the pattern on my website and on Ravelry the following week. So, if you want to be first to get your hands on a copy, come along to the Scottish Wool Producers' Showcase!

Stay tuned for more upcoming news from me - the best way to do so is to subscribe to my mailing list and have it delivered straight to your inbox!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Discover Your Inner Designer: How to Crochet the Perfect Cowl, Part 2

Hello, I'm returning, as promised,  with the second installment of my two part series on designing your own crocheted cowl. I hope you found the first part useful and have perhaps even begun to think about your first möbius cowl crochet design. However, if you missed that blog post, not to worry, you can find it here.

Crocheting Your Own Möbius Cowl Design: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you're happy with your cowl design idea, gather your materials and follow these steps:

1. Work out how many pattern repeats, if any, you're going to need (for a super simple one stitch cowl, there won’t be a pattern repeat): I suggest the circumference of your möbius tube should be around 40cm, but this will depend on the length of your pattern repeats, it may be a little less or  a little more. So, for a 5cm pattern repeat you will need 8 repeats to achieve a round of 40cm (thus creating a tube which is 20cm across).

2. Create a Foundation Chain: Begin with the appropriate number of chains based on your calculations in step 1. Join to work in the round, making sure your chain isn’t twisted.

3. Work Your Stitch Pattern: Follow your chosen stitch pattern to create the desired length of your cowl (I suggest around 80cm).

4. Colour changes: If you’re using more than one colour, yarn can be carried up the inside of your cowl. If it’s a longer jump, cut the yarn and knot the two ends together after joining - with this design method all ends will be hidden inside the tube.

5. Join the Ends: To achieve the möbius twist; (1) with RS turned out, line up both ends of the tube, (2) add a half twist to one end to offset the line up, pin in place. Thread the long tail on a needle & sew the ends together with mattress stitch. Sew in these 2 final ends.

Click here to receive your copy

Tips for Success: 

• Write notes as you go: Keep a notepad or use your phone to keep track of everything you do. It will make it so much easier to come back to, especially if you decide to make a second one or write up the pattern!

• Practice Makes Perfect: I know it's a cliché, but practice really does make perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't quite how you imagined it would be. Simply enjoy the learning process and go along with your own journey of creating. As with all things. It does get easier (promise!).

• Ignore Imposter Syndrome: This kind of follows on from my tip above; try not to compare yourself too much with established crochet designers. They will have been doing this for much longer than you, they'll have more experience and will have made all sorts of mistakes along the way.

• Show Off Your Creation: Share your masterpiece with the world! Post photos on social media of your process and your finished cowl to inspire others.

Next steps:

Did you know I’ve written a course to help you write up your first crochet pattern? If you’re ready to take your scribbled notes to the next level and publish your crochet pattern, check out my How To Write Up A Crochet Pattern Course which will guide you through all the steps in the writing up process. I really encourage you to give this a go and, as always, I'm on hand to answer any questions you have.

Final Words of Encouragement from Me:

Designing and crocheting your own cowl is a very fulfilling experience that allows you to express your creativity at the same time as crocheting a functional accessory you'll cherish for years to come. So, why not discover your inner designer (I bet you’ll surprise yourself!), go gather what you need and embark on this exciting crafting adventure!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Discover Your Inner Designer: How to Crochet the Perfect Cowl, Part 1

Hello! As you probably know, crocheted cowls are a much loved accessory, offering the perfect blend of warmth and style. However, if you’ve been crocheting for a while now, have you thought about designing your own cowl? This can be an immensely rewarding experience because your cowl will be unique. No one else will have one quite like it!. I’ve just finished designing and crocheting my River Never Sleeps Cowl (pictured above), so in this 2 part blog post series, I'm going to guide you through the essential steps of designing a crocheted cowl which perfectly reflects your personal taste and style.

I’m going to lay out the steps for designing a möbius cowl which is a cowl that’s worked in the round as a long tube and sewn together upon completion. The twist in a möbius cowl creates a continuous loop with a subtle but nonetheless intriguing visual effect. The way the fabric drapes and moves is different from a standard circular cowl (worked up and down the way), adding a touch of unique style with the twist highlighting stitch patterns in interesting ways. One huge advantage of the möbius cowl is that all the ends are hidden in the inside, which is especially good news if you choose to work with multiple colour changes!

First Up, Inspiration: 

Before jumping into the technical side of things, take a moment to gather your inspiration: browse through crochet pattern books, magazines and online platforms like Pinterest and Ravelry to explore different cowl styles, stitch patterns, and yarn choices. You may wish to sketch out some ideas, but this is not essential - it depends on your way of working.

Stitch Patterns:

Next I want you to choose the stitch pattern for your cowl. For this construction method, you’ll be working in the round, so choose a stitch pattern which works well in the round - the right side will be showing all the time. Most stitch patterns can be adapted to work in the round, but there are some exceptions. Perhaps you crocheted a hat or a sweater recently and you liked the stitch pattern you used? Well, if it was crocheted straight (without any increases) this will work well for a cowl. You are looking for anything from a 1 round repeat to a four round repeat (let’s keep it simple for your first one, ok). Another place to find stitch inspiration is in a stitch dictionary, although these are usually written for rows of stitches so you’ll have to do a bit of figuring out to switch to rounds, but it’s certainly doable. Searches on Pinterest, Google etc will also bring up stitch patterns and combinations.

• Simple Stitches: Explore basic stitches like double crochet, half trebles or trebles for a clean and classic look.

• Textured Stitches: Stitches such as bobble stitches, popcorns, or shell stitches will all add depth and visual interest.

Gorse Cowl - another of my möbius cowl designs

Yarn Choice:

The yarn you use will have a huge impact on the look of your finished cowl. At this stage you may wish to crochet up a practice version in stash yarn, in which case as long as it’s roughly similar to your final vision, yarn choice isn’t so important. However, if you’re going for it with this version, then here are a few things to consider.

• Fibre Content: Consider the warmth, drape and texture you want to create. There are lots of different wools to choose from as well as cotton, linen, acrylic and blends.

• Weight: Choose a yarn weight that complements your chosen stitch pattern and desired drape. As a general rule of thumb, the finer the yarn the softer the drape and the warmer the finished cowl (because more body heat is trapped in the fibres). However, I have crocheted up a few cowls in chunky yarn and they look fab!

• Colour: Select a colour or colours which resonate with you and complement your wardrobe. This is a chance to show the world your personality!

Size:

For this exercise, the finished depth of your cowl will be around 20cm and the finished width of your cowl (after joining with a twist) will be around 36cm. The 20cm measurement will be worked in the round as a tube, so it will actually be a round of 40cm. The 36cm width before sewing up will be a long tube of around 80cm in length.

Click here for your free copy

Swatching:

Create a swatch, in the round, to ensure your stitches match the vision you have in your head. It doesn’t need to be as wide as your intended cowl width, just enough to try out the pattern and check how it looks and drapes. You may need to play around with stitches or hook sizes to achieve the look you have in mind. 

Note down the following details for later:

• The length of your pattern repeat in centimetres.

• The height of your pattern repeat in centimetres (although you can simply crochet until you reach the desired length, this measurement is less important)

• How often you envision any colour changes.

This is the end of Part 1 of this two part series on designing your own cowl. I'll publish Part 2 next Friday here on the blog or you could sign up to my mailing list to have it delivered straight to your inbox.

If you decide to have a go at this project, be sure to tag me in your photos on social media, I'd love to see! Any questions? Leave me a comment and I'll get back to you.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx