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

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

Cornflower Cowl: A Dreamy New Crochet Pattern

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

 

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

Yarn Substitutes for my Gorse Cowl Pattern

Hello! Thank you so much for the positive response to my latest crochet pattern release - Gorse Cowl! Everything from your likes and comments on social media through to the pattern sales really do boost my small business and encourage me to keep doing what I'm doing, THANK YOU!

Also, I had a flurry of replies to my last post from folks in New Zealand telling me about how gorse is a real pest in that country. Sorry, I had no idea! 

You can find my Gorse Cowl pattern on my website here and on Ravelry here.

In this blog post I'd like to chat about the yarn I chose for this cowl and some possible substitutes for you if you want to use something different.

I bought the yarn for the project one snowy April day in Edinburgh. I'd gone through to Edinburgh for the day with my youngest son and I had my first pay packet from a new job so we visited Jenner's Department Store. There was a good selection of Di Gilpin Lalland in the store - it was the first time I'd come across it and I instantly fell in love with its lambswool softness!

I appreciate that you might not be able to get your hands on the Di Gilpin Lalland or it may simply be out of your budget, so here are a few ideas I have for substituting the yarn because it isn't listed on yarnsub.com.

Biches & Bȗches - Le Lambswool (100% wool). It's slightly thinner than the Lalland at 170m/ 50g but the feel of the yarn is similar.

Simply Shetland Lambswool & Cashmere (88% Shetland Wool/ 12% Cashmere). This yarn has a similar twist to the Lalland and is almost spot on for meterage.

West Yorkshire Spinners Pure DK (100% wool). Lovely and soft with a beautiful twist. Slightly thicker than the Lalland (112m/50g)

King Cole Merino Blend DK (100% wool). An excellent budget yarn which I've used many times in my designs. It is a bit thicker at 104m/ 50g.

Stashbust! This project could potentially be crocheted in most DK weight yarns. Why not pull together a collection of different coloured yarns with the same yarn base? Or you could even make a completely scrappy version - remember all your ends will be hidden inside! Yay!

If you'd like to read more on the topic of yarn substitution, check out this blog post of mine!

 

I hope this has given you some yarn inspiration for the Gorse Cowl, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet Pattern Release: Gorse Cowl

Hello! It's a crochet cowl pattern release day! I went out one beautiful afternoon last week (that's me modelling the cowl for those of you who don't know me!) with my eldest and their fancy-pants camera and we shot some brilliant photos! The subject was a crochet pattern called Gorse Cowl which I always wanted to have photographed in front of gorse bushes in their prime and every year I seemed to miss the moment - until now!!

I wish you could've been with us that day in the sunshine, surrounded by the heady aroma of gorse - it was truly wonderful. The dog came with us, so did my youngest and my eldest's fiance and we all tried to describe what the smell was like - coconut and freshly baked cake we decided. However, my eldest is one of those people who can't smell gorse. Apparently it's a thing, some people simply can not smell it. Such a shame, they're really missing out. Can you smell it?

So, it may be a bit of an out of the blue announcement for you this week, as I wrote the Gorse Cowl pattern, had it tech edited and tested back in 2019 but didn't ever get the photos taken to launch it! Crazy, huh?

Let me tell you a bit about the pattern: 

It's a möbius cowl with a unique crocheted-in-the-round design hiding all your pesky ends, so you can express yourself with yarn without the hassle of sewing in all of those ends. 

 

I designed it in Di Gilpin Lalland, which is DK weight 100% scottish lambswool. It's a gorgeous yarn to work with and comes in so many rich, earthy tones including the yellow I chose. It made me think of the gorse bushes I see flowering so abundantly at this time of year, and so the cowl got its name!

The pattern is rated as intermediate and is written in UK terms. There's a video tutorial showing you how to work the main pattern, which is a really straightforward, mindful pattern once you get going.

 

To crochet your Gorse Cowl, you will need: 

Di Gilpin Lalland, 50g balls (100% scottish lambswool, an 8ply/DK weight yarn, 175m/50g)  

• 1x Beechnut - Colour A
• 1x Ruby Red - Colour B
• 1x Coille - Colour C
• 1x Furze - Colour D

5.5mm crochet hook (or appropriate hook to achieve gauge)

Plus a large needle for sewing in your 2 final ends, stitch marker keep track of rounds and scissors.

You can find the pattern on my website here and on Ravelry here.

I'll have more information about the yarn and possible substitutes in my next blog post. If you have any questions in the meantime, please ask! 

Until then, happy crocheting!

Marta xx