Can you explain why you love yarn in just 3 words?

Hello! I asked the question on Instagram the other day "Explain why you love yarn in just 3 words?" and I was amazed at the responses I got! Before I share a few of the answers I received, take a moment to think of your response.

When I asked the question I was expecting 3 single words as the response and I got plenty of those! For example; "portable, pretty, possibilities", "colourful, squishy, relaxing", "memories, colour, home" and "touch, sight, satisfaction" and I loved all of these!

However, some people really surprised me with their creative answers, for example; "something outta nothing", "escape the world", "I just do!" and possibly my favourite answer "make something lovely".

What would your 3 words be? Hit reply to this email and let me know!

I'll be back soon with more news, happy crocheting until then,

Marta xx

PS. Have you had a look at my new website yet? I'm making changes to it all the time, it's still a work in progress if you want to check back and see the changes?

Crochet pattern bundle release!

Hello! I'm so excited (and also a little relieved!) to be able to sit down and tell you my first crochet pattern bundle is ready for you! I have worked so hard behind the scenes for the last 5 weeks curating this bundle and a lot of the work involved opening an e-commerce site to be able to sell on too. I don't know about you, but I struggle with technology and it's all been a very steep learning curve. I shared the first glimpse of my website with you last week and since then I've fixed a few issues (listening to your feedback, thank you!) and I'm much happier with how it looks.

What is my Pattern Plus: Colour bundle, you ask? It's a crochet pattern bundle PLUS video tutorials, written tutorials and practical colour exercises to help you make the most of colour in crochet.

Colour is of massive importance to me when I'm crocheting and it's often something that people compliment me on, so I made the decision to share my love of colour with you!

Patterns included:

• Air Balloon Beanie
• Banjo Socks
• Printer Ink scarf
• In The Groove cushion cover (phot above, exclusive to this bundle!)

I've chosen patterns which use multiple colours for you to have fun with using your new knowledge of colour.

Patterns are all in UK terms and they include either videos, charts or both to help you succeed.

Tutorials included:

• Choosing colours (written)
• Playing with colour (written)
• Introduction to colour theory (video)
• Working with a colour mood board (video)
• Choosing colours for crochet projects (video)
• Case study (video)

You can buy my Pattern Plus: Colour bundle on my website now for the crazy early bird price of £15.00 (that's 4 patterns PLUS all the extras for just £15.00!). No code required.

If you have any questions, please get in touch and I'll happily answer them for you.

Until next time,

Marta xx

New crochet website

Hello! This week I was so pleased to be able to send my first ever website live! It had been a goal of mine for quite a while but with my tech challenged brain it's something I kept putting off doing!  I did need my hubby's help to set up a domain name for me - he's a software developer so this kind of thing was a breeze for him. However, after this I did everything myself. I wanted the website to be my own creation, something I had built and I also wanted the ability to make changes whenever I wanted to, not just at the weekends when my husband was free.

My website is still very much a work in progress (there are a few images missing for example), but I could spend forever tweaking it here and there getting it absolutely perfect and being scared to make it public. I made the decision to send it out there and work on it as and when I can. You'll see that all my most recent patterns are up there and that there is a "coming soon" for my Pattern Plus collection. I plan to work on that next week with a view to publishing my first pattern bundle by the end of the week - look out for my next blog post!

Until then, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Teenie, Tiny Bunting crochet pattern release!

 

Hello! I have a lovely crochet pattern for you to work up and add to your Spring decorations! If you've been following me for a while, you may remember my Teenie, Tiny Bunting from this time last year when it was my free pattern - maybe you got it as a 'thank you' for being on my mailing list? Anyway, since then it's been sitting in my "no longer published" folder until I dug it out the other day, gave it a bit of a dust down, added a sprinkling of Spring freshness and it's now been uploaded to LoveCrafts and Ravelry! So if you missed it last year, here's your chance to get your hands on the pattern. 

My Teenie, Tiny Bunting is perfect for hanging on an Easter tree, across a vase of flowers or draped over a photo frame to add a pop of colour to your home! This is a super simple crochet design that’s also quick to make up, crocheted using embroidery thread and a 2.5mm hook. It's a beginner level pattern, written in both UK & US terms with charts and a video tutorial demonstrating the invisible join.

I love that It's a great way to use up scraps of embroidery thread you may have, you know how much I love to stash bust! 

Sign up to my mailing list to be forst to know of all my releases and to receive the biggest discounts here.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Pattern of the month for March - Printer Ink Scarf

 

Hello! A new month has begun! It feels so good to be into March, the start of warmer weather and longer days here in Scotland. I've been regaining my strength after having Covid and have managed some longer walks in the countryside with Jazz this week which has been absolutely wonderful.

This month I have a light-weight crochet scarf pattern for you as my pattern of the month. If you've been following me for a while you'll recognise it as my Printer Ink Scarf which I released last October. I love the way this scarf crocheted up - the colours worked out just as I hoped they would and the open stitch combination makes the scarf light and airy.

Here are all the details you'll want to know ...

• the design calls for a set of 12x 10g mini skeins. I used Printer Ink Shades from The Knitting Goddess but it would work well in scrap yarn or perhaps an advent calendar mix if you have one of those?
• this yarn is fingering/ 4ply weight (480m/ 120g, 40% British Blue Faced Leicester/ 20% British Wensleydale/ 20% British Alpaca/ 20% nylon) 
• it's an intermediate level pattern, written in UK & US terms.
• when you reach the border the colours are worked until they run out, making the most of your pretty yarn.
• the finished scarf is 15cm x 200cm
• the pattern includes a few ideas for taking the design and adding your own twist.
• 4mm hook required.
• there's a chart for the main scarf pattern.
• I'm here to help if you ever have any questions, no matter how big or small.
• you can buy the pattern on Ravelry here.
• you can buy the pattern on LoveCrafts here.

Did I miss anything? You can leave me a comment if you need more info.

You can receive 15% off my Printer Ink Scarf throughout the month of March with the code MAR22.
This code is only valid on Ravelry so please let me know if you can't access this site but would like to take advantage of this offer, I can make other arrangements.

If you sign up to my mailing list you'll receive bigger monthly discounts, free patterns plus all my crochet tips & advice straight to your inbox. You can sign up here

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet tip for you!

 

Hello! I'm back this week to share my latest YouTube video with you. Have you ever crocheted a huge number of chains, turned to work into them, reached the last chain only to discover you are 3 chains short? It tends to happen with projects such as blankets or shawls. Well, I have the solution to this and I've shared it on my YouTube channel.

I hope you find this tip useful - please let me know if you do! I'd appreciate your likes, comments and subscribes on YouTube too, they'll help me to grow and gain visibility on the platform.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Pattern of the month - Bandwagon Mitts

Hello! I relaise I've let you know about my pattern of the month, but haven't told you much about the pattern. I'm here in this post to set that straight and give you all the information you need ...

• 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 my Bandagon Mitts pattern on both Ravelry & LoveCrafts
• The pattern is available in 6 sizes ranging from child to adult XL.
• Yarn requirements range between 50g of DK weight yarn for the smallest size up to 150g of DK weight yarn for the largest.
• It's written in UK and US terms.
• I used West Yorkshire Spinners Aire DK which sadly seems to be discontinued in solid colours but is still available in variegated colourways.
• On Ravelry one of the download options is for a full photo tutorial accompanying the pattern, (ideal if you are fairly new to crochet).
• I held off releasing this pattern for a few weeks because I really wanted a snowy photo shoot! Last February we had the best snowfall we've had in years! Photo credit goes to Niall Mitchell.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm happy to answer any queries you may have about yarn choice and suitability for example.

A big thank you to everyone who has dived in already and bought the pattern. I truly appreciate you supporting my small business.

The discount code is FEB22 for 15% off the pattern on Ravelry. If you can't access Ravelry, have a look at the pattern on LoveCrafts and send me a message because I can arrange your discount through email & PayPal.

Offer ends 23:59 on 28th February GMT.

I'll be back soon with more crochet news. Until then happy crocheting,

Marta xx