February's crochet pattern of the month

 

Hello! Sorry if you missed my weekly blog post last week, I had Covid so I was taking it easy. Hubby had it too, despite us both being fully vaccinated. At the moment only our youngest is home and he seems to have escaped the virus, phew! I had a bit of a cough & sore throat, violent sneezes that pulled stomach muscles and generally just felt tired & achy. I tell you, I'm glad I had been vaccinated, it could have been a lot worse!

Anyway, the silver lining was the extra hours for crochet and knitting! It's times like these that I'm so grateful to have such creative and relaxing hobbies - I don't know what I'd do without them! The main project I've been working on is Dutch Houses Throw (below), a mosaic crochet pattern by Esme Crick. I'm using Scachenayr Merino Extrafine 120 and I love how this pattern is working up! 

Like I said, the over riding symptom I had with Covid was tiredness. I really had no energy for over a week, which I'm sure any of you who have had the virus can relate to. So, as well as lots of crochet time I have had time to think about my business and the direction I want it to grow in. I recently had a 1:1 business strategy session with Jenny from Female Entrepeneur School which was amazing! Jenny tells it as it is and praised me for what I was doing well, pointed out a few areas that need improving (and how to take action to sort them) and gave me some inspiration to take away and think about for the future. 

2022 is going to be a big growth year for my crochet business so stick around for what's coming next!

I shared the sock tip at the top of the page on Instagram this week and I thought you might find it useful too. I almost always make socks for big feet (size UK9 - 14 in this household!) so I find this tip really helpful, especially on a toe up sock - I can stop the leg when the yarn seems to be running out. Try it and let
me know how you get on!

February's crochet pattern of the month is my Bandwagon Mitts! The good news is that I've given the pattern a once over to bring it up to date and in line with my more recent patterns AND added US terms! Use the code FEB22 for 15% off the pattern on Ravelry! If you can't access Ravelry, have a look at the pattern on LoveCrafts and drop me a comment or a DM over on Instagram and I'll arrange the discount via email and PayPal.

Sign up to my mailing list to keep up to date with all my news, receive free patterns and for the biggest discounts! https://mailchi.mp/920715760d7a/striation

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

It's crochet pattern release day for my Mavis Mitts!

photo © Niall Mitchell

Hello! I'm really excited to bring you my Mavis Mitts pattern! The design was tech edited, tested & photographed last month, I was just waiting for the photos coming in, which they did first thing yesterday morning!

photo © Niall Mitchell

So, what's this pattern all about? Allow me to dive in with the key points here ...

• Pretty shell stitches form the basis of this design; my second mitts pattern.
• They begin at the cuff, worked in rows, then work up to the fingertips in rounds.
• The patterns is available as a pdf download from Ravelry & LoveCrafts.
• Shaping is added to accommodate the thumb and create a beautiful fit.
• Four sizes are included with the pattern; toddler, child, adult M & adult L.
• There's plenty of scope for adjusting the fit of these mitts to suit the size you require. It will be easiest to select the circumference you need & then crochet more or less rounds to suit.
• 100g of sock yarn is sufficient to make even the largest size. I used standard sock yarn from Vicki Brown Designs in the colourway Teal. Vicki kindly provided yarn support for this design.
• This is an intermediate level pattern, written in both UK & US terms.
• There are charts & video tutorials included with the written pattern if you need them.
• This mitts design has been tech edited & tested, giving you peace of mind to enjoy crocheting.
• My patterns now include a 'take it further' section with inspiration for you to add your own twist to my designs.

If there's anything I haven't covered here, please leave me a comment below and I'll happily answer any queries you may have.

photo © Niall Mitchell

To celebrate the release of this pattern, I'm offering you 30% on Ravelry with the code RELEASE. Hurry, offer expires at midnight tomorrow (Wednesday 20th October BST)

I hope you enjoy my new pattern! Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Banjo Socks - crochet sock pattern release!

 

Hello! I'm here today with exciting news of my latest pattern release - Banjo Socks! If you've been following me for a while, you probably saw these socks back in May when they were released as a Crate Crochet subscription box exclusive. I now have the rights to the pattern and I'm really pleased to finally be able to publish it for you to download.

My Banjo Socks are completely different from my other sock designs because they're designed to be crocheted in aran weight yarn. They're more of a house sock than a wear inside your shoes type sock and boy are they cosy! The puff stitches on the upper foot make the fabric of the sock more dense and there's a fold down cuff which helps keep the drafts out. I know I'm going to be wearing these a lot this winter!

Here's the nitty gritty on the pattern details ...

• It's available in UK and US terms. 
• Downloadable from Ravelry and LoveCrafts.
• 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.
• 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 leave me a comment, I'm happy to answer your questions.

Banjo Socks will be my pattern of the month for October. You can receive 20% off the pattern throughout October on Ravelry with the code OCT21. Code valid on my Banjo Socks pattern only.

I hope you enjoy this pattern, don't forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see and share your makes!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

5 Of The Best Slouchy Beanie Crochet Patterns!

Hello! I've picked out 5 slouchy beanie patterns for you to crochet this autumn! They've all been tried & tested by me and I think you're going to love them! I've chosen designs requiring a variety of yarn thicknesses with some free and some paid for patterns. Let's dive in ...

No. 1. is the Lake's Edge Hat by Kat Goldin. This is a free pattern with lots of tutorials to help you if you need them. The hat works up quickly in aran weight yarn (10ply) using V-stitch. I made this hat for my youngest a few years ago and it's still going strong! You can find the pattern here.

No.2 Is the Skipton Hat by Vicki Brown Designs. I loved making this hat, especially in this variegated yarn - the colours kept changing, keeping things interesting. This one is DK weight (8ply) and I added a faux fur pompom! You can find the free pattern here.

No.3 is the Puppy Love Heart Slouchy by Bethany Dearden. The basic pattern in 1 adult size is free on the blog or you can buy the pattern which gives you multiple sizes and eliminates the adverts. This design calls for aran weight (10ply) yarn and it works up super fast! I enjoyed the way the hearts formed in this pattern - I definitely want to make another one!  You can find the free version of the pattern here.

No.4 is the Bromsgrove Hat by Joanne Scrace. This super slouchy design is worked in 4ply and is a great stash buster, you could use as many colours as you like! There are lots of different stitch techniques needed in the rounds, but nothing too tricky - it's rated as easy. This pattern is £4.00 on Ravelry, you can find it here.

No.5 is one of my own designs! This is the Barista Beanie, originally an exclusive for Crate Crochet subscription box in Australia. The pattern alternates between working in rows and working in rounds which gives it lovely drape. Fingering weight (4ply) yarn is required and it finishes with a crochet tie rather than a pompom. Find this pattern on Lovecrafts.com here.

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive more crochet inspiration, free patterns, crochet tips & advice here. I hope you've found this post useful. Let me know if you give any of them a try, I'd love to know how you get on!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet Pattern of the Month for August - with a discount code!

Eeeek! We're well into the 2nd week of August and I haven't announced my Pattern of the Month!

This month I have chosen a hat pattern because I know many of you are turning your attention to creating accessories for the winter months here in the northern hemisphere (elsewhere in the world you may be able to whip one up to wear before the cooler weather is behind you!). 

It's a delicate looking beanie which is crocheted sideways. It has lovely drape to it created by modified linked trebles - if linked stitches are new to you this is the perfect small project to give them a try! The pattern is a simple 4 row repeat which will soon become very rhythmic and mindful. 

The pattern is available in 4 sizes; child, teen, adult - M & adult - L.

It's also written for two yarn weights; 4ply or DK - full instructions are given for both weights so you can choose whichever you prefer working with (or try it out in both!). When choosing your yarn, go for a solid or semi solid colour because the overal look of this crocheted beanie is a knitted in the round effect - definite stripes give away this illusion!

I chose a faux fur pompom to finish it off but you could also make a traditional pompom or if you're not a pompom fan you could do what some of my followers have done and omit the pompom altogether!

You can find this pattern on Ravelry and on Lovecrafts, you can also use the code AUGUST21 to receive 25% off (but only in my Ravelry store). 

If you have any questions about this pattern - from initial yarn choices through to sewing in your ends - please reach out to me in the comments or Instagram DM.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Synthesizer Sock - crochet pattern release!

 

I'm super excited to bring you my latest crochet release - my Synthesizer Socks pattern! This is my fourth sock pattern and I feel it's my best yet - I've combined all my knowledge and experience into its construction. 

• It's a toe up design with a crossed stitch pattern on the upper foot formed of half trebles & extended double crochet stitches on the sole for stretch and durability.
• The ankle is finished with a cosy, fold down cuff.
• I've made several YouTube videos to help you succeed with this pattern because I really want you to feel confident about crocheting socks! My pattern should be clear to follow, but if you find yourself stuck the videos should help.
• 1 skein of sock yarn is sufficient for the S, M & L sizes, 2 skeins will be required for the XL size.
• This pattern has been tested in all the size variations, resulting in a pattern that you can trust.
• I'm here if you need help! You can add a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.

The pattern is currently available on Ravelry here and as soon as it's been approved I will add the link to Lovecrafts too.

I would like to thank my wonderful team of testers - Laura Dimmon, Fiona Feeney, Julie Letton, Tammy de Nobriga, Carina Rego & Hannah Wingfield. These ladies worked so well together inside my Instagram testing group, encouraging and helping each other out. The crochet commuity is a truly wonderful place!

My eldest son, Niall, helped me out with the model photography and loaned me his synthesizer and recording tech for the flatlay photos. Thanks Niall! It's me modelling the socks in front of the woodburning stove on one of the hottest days of the year!

I hope you enjoy this pattern, please tag me on Instagram if you make a pair, I'd love to see! I also love to watch people taking one of my designs and truly making it their own. Crochet is a wonderful way to really let your imagination run wild and I positively encourage you to do so with a few ideas at the end of the pattern to get you thinking.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Bee Happy - child's scarf crochet pattern published!

Hello, I'm on a roll with the crochet pattern releases this year with yet another pattern published this week! The latest pattern is my Bee Happy child's scarf - a practical, cosy accessory with a fun twist - there's a honeycomb shaped pocket with room for a little amigurumi bee! 

This scarf is designed for a young child, 3-8 years of age. It's inspired by my 4 year old niece who does not like layering up to go out in the cold and I thought the little bee would make putting on a scarf more fun. The bee can go along for all her adventures!

To make the scarf you will need just 3x 100g balls of Paintbox Yarns wool mix aran (50% wool/ 50% acrylic); 1x pure black, 1x champagne white, 1x daffodil yellow. You will also need 2x 6mm safety eyes and a small amount of toy stuffing. The pattern is rated intermediate; the scarf is worked in linked half trebles and the bee is crocheted in the amigurumi style.

The pattern is available from Lovecrafts here. This listing has direct links to the correct colours of yarn sold on Lovecrafts, so only 1 payment required. It's also available to download from Ravelry here.

I designed the pattern at the end of last year and quickly had it tested ready for release in the new year. However, I was holding off for a photo shoot with my niece to show it off at its best. With the current Covid restrictions I can't see her and her family at the moment so decided to go ahead and publish without model photos. I can always rerelease once we do get together later in the year! I hope you like the current photos, I tried to aim for a playful look.

I'm chuffed that I am keeping up with blogging this year too, next post shouldn't be too long,

Marta xx

Recent crochet pattern releases

Hello everyone, I'm excited to announce the release of 2 crochet patterns; my Bandwagon Mitts and my Elsie Beanie. The photo shoots for both patterns were done on the same day and they do go well together.

Last week I published the Bandwagon Mitts design and I'm pleased with the response so far. They are the perfect pair of mitts to wear on a winter's walk - indeed, I wore them to go sledging on several occassions! The pattern begins with a stretchy rib worked as a long strip, next it's joined to make a round and then crocheted up to the fingertips in a continous spiral. A gap is made for the thumb and the thumb is crocheted in at the end. It's rated intermediate level.

You can find the Bandagon Mitts pattern on Ravelry here and on Lovecrafts here. The pattern is available in 6 sizes ranging from child to adult XL and requires between 50g of DK weight yarn for the smallest, to 150g of DK weight yarn for the largest. On Ravelry one of the download options is for a full photo tutorial accompanying the pattern, ideal if you are fairly new to crochet.

Here I am wearing the Bandwagon Mitts and the Elsie Beanie throwing a snowball at my eldest, Niall, who was my photographer for the afternoon!

Yesterday I published my Elsie Beanie pattern. This pattern was originally a collaboration with Crate Crochet Subscription Box in Australia, and the pattern was exclusive to subscribers. I wrote the pattern for DK weight for the box but since then added a 4ply weight version too. Again, it's an intermediate rated design. If you purchase the pattern your pdf will include both versions - you can find it on Ravelry here and on Lovecrafts here and if you're quick you can catch it at the early bird price of £2.50.

The Elsie Beanie is crocheted sideways and has a lovely drape to it created by modified linked trebles. If you haven't tried linked crochet stitches before this small project is perfect for you to give them a try. The pattern is a simple 4 row repeat which will soon become very rhythmic and mindful. There is an accompanying YouTube video which will help to keep you right here (note to self - film in landsacpe next time!). These last 2 photos were taken by Niall back in May 2020 and show the DK version of the hat.

I hope you like these new patterns, please do share your photos online if you follow one (or both!) I do love to see them.

Catch you soon,

Marta xx