6 tips for making friends during the Organised October WiP-Along

Hello! Today I'd like to share my 6 top tips for making new friends during the Organised October WiP-Along! If you're not sure what this challenge is about, you probably want to read my last blog post first. 

For me, making new friends is one of the best things about joining in with challenges like these! The WiP-Along is taking place on Instagram, the social platform with a suer friendly and supportive crafting community. Whether you have taken part in the WiP-Along or a CAL (Crochet A-Long) or a KAL (Knit A-Long) or something similar before or not, there's sure to be something useful in this post for you.

For me, making new friends is one of the best things about joining in with challenges like these! The WiP-Along is taking place on Instagram, the social platform with a suer friendly and supportive crafting community. Whether you have taken part in the WiP-Along or a CAL (Crochet A-Long) or a KAL (Knit A-Long) or something similar before or not, there's sure to be something useful in this post for you.

Let's dive in ...

1. If someone leaves a lovely comment on any of your posts, take a moment to leave a friendly reply. If you're not already following them, go and check out their account.
2. Make sure you're following the hosts. They'll be sharing posts in their stories and you'll be introduced to new accounts. My co-hosts are @andintothetrees, @goslingandplumb, @laboursoflovecrochet and @sewcraftynaz.
   
3. Follow the hashtags #wipalong21 and #organisedoctober21 - this way you'll see a few posts everytime you scroll through your feed from accounts you're not following. If you do see posts that interest you, click on them to see more of the other person's posts. Like, comment, save, share, follow - if you like what you see.
4. Leave lots of encouraging comments on posts or in stories. The chances are, you'll get a reply and the start of a blossoming friendship.
   
5. Share other people's content to your stories! This lets them know you appreciate their content and widens everyone's circle of friends! 
   
6. If someone new follows you, take a moment to check out their account. If they look like a good match for you, follow them back!
   

... and I have a bonus tip which is something I try my best to impliment because it's a super friendly way to reach out and connect with new friends - I send new followers a short DM (direct message) introducing myself! When I send these DMs I almost always receive a lovely reply with a bit more information about the other person and our relationship is off to a flying start! If you have a business account you can set this up as a shortcut in DMs. If you don't have a business account, you can set one up in the notes app on your phone and copy & paste from there.

Like I said at the start of this post, the crafting community on Instagram is a positive, supportive one, so don't feel shy about joining in with comments and feedback, everyone is very friendly. I know I've made some really good friends there and I'm sure you will too!

If you have any questions about the WiP-along you can leave a comment below or you can reach out to me on Instagram, I'd love to hear from you! 

Also, if you'd like to keep up to date with my blog posts, receive free patterns, crochet tips & advice, see sneak peeks and more, you can subscribe to my mailing list here.

Until next time,

Marta xx

Organised October WiP-Along

 

Hello! Next month, over on Instagram, I'm co-hosting the Organised October WiP-Along and I'd love you to join us!

What's a WiP-Along? Well, firstly "WiP" stands for Work in Progress and is widely used on Instagram to refer to projects that are on the go. The "Along" refers to the community support of cheering each other on to finish these projects.

If you have a project (or 2, or 5, or 95!) on the go, then this challenge is for you! Dig out those WiPs and take a a look at what needs to be done to finish them. Do you need to order more yarn/fabric/paint etc? Do you need help choosing colours? Do you simply need to get your head down and work on it?

As an extra incentive, there are printables to go along with this too! Laura (goslingandplumb on Instagram) has created a monthly planner, a weekly planner and even a fun bingo sheet with rewards! They are FREE to download so if you're into pretty stationary you should definitely check them out!

my current WiP pile - a mix of crochet & knitting

There will be prompts to encourage you to share photos of your progress - Motivation Monday, Share Saturday etc. We would really like you to post photos of your progress firstly to give you something to look back on and secondly for others to leave you lovely comments, motivating you to continue.

As well as myself and Laura, the other hosts are Ruth (@laboursoflovecrochet), Hannah (@andintothetrees) and Nasreen (@sewcraftynaz). There will be to be tips from all the hosts on tackling your WiPs, covering topics such as setting achievable goals, not comparing yourself to others and challenging yourself.

This annual challenge started back in 2017 and it's not just yarny projects that are welcomed either - you could include sewing, reading, gardening, DIY, calligraphy ... anything creative really!

Are you going to join in? We'd love to see as many of you as possible finishing projects, getting creative, making new friends and cheering each other on, Look out for more details over on Instagram and next week there will be a blog post on Tuesday with some top tips for making the most of this challenge. If you'd like updates straight to your inbox please subscribe to my mailing list here.

If you have any questions, please hit reply to this email or drop me a DM over on Instagram (you know that's my fave hangout!)

Until next time,

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

My crochet pattern of the month for September is ...

Hello! It's suddenly September and I know that many of you are starting to crochet warmer items for the months ahead, so I have chosen socks as my featured pattern this month.

My Fabulous Socks! are a toe up design using extended stitches to create excellent stretch around the foot. The pattern includes a link to my YouTube tutorial showing you exactly how to create these stitches.

The cuffs are worked in rows of back loop only stitches, creating a snug finish around the ankles.

100g of sock weight yarn is sufficient for each of the sizes. I used Paintbox Yarns sock yarn in Stripes - Rainbow, but any sock yarn will work for this pattern.

I've rated this pattern as intermediate level. If you've never crocheted socks before but have are confident beginner level onwards, you'll be absoloutely fine with this pattern. 

Throughout the month of September you can use the code SEPT21 at the checkout on Ravelry to receive 20% off this pattern.

If you have any questions you can drop me a comment below or you can send me a DM on  Instagram, I'm more than happy to help you out. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram if you crochet a pair too, I'd love to see!

Until next time, happy crocheting, 

Marta xx

A few days away and looking forward ...

I had a lovely few days away last week, staying at my sister, Aimee's, house in Norwich and also visiting the coast of north Norfolk. I hadn't been to stay with her for over 2 years and it was an absolute joy to see all the crocheted items that I had gifted to her and the family over the years. The blanket above was the second granny square blanket I made and it's good to see it still being used!

I also spotted my sample for my Luxury Crocheted Floor Rug by my niece's bed so snapped a photo of it too! It's over 5 years old and still going strong - Erika Knight Maxi Wool is amazing! This pattern is FREE in my Ravelry store, you can find it here.

We spent a day around Holt, Blakeney and Salthouse - such a beautiful little corner of the world. It left me feeling refreshed and ready to crack on with pattern writing too!

I'd started a pair of mitts before I left and found the break helped me focus and finish them with ease. I love it when a pattern behaves itself and works out just how I hoped! I'm really pleased to have received yarn support for these mitts from Vicki Brown Designs - 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon sock yarn in Teal - it's such gorgeous yarn to work with!

The next steps for this one are adding the additional sizes (I'm hoping it will work in at least 4 sizes, maybe more) and then sending it to my testing team to see how they get on crocheting them. I look forward to sharing the pattern with you in October!

You can subscribe to my mailing list to keep up to date with my pattern releases, receive discount codes, free patterns and more! subscribe here

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