Nothing speaks like unique

Hello! One thing I love about crocheting from a pattern, particularly if it's a wearable item, is that I know my finished piece is going to be unique.

Even if I've followed along using the suggested yarn there will be differences between mine and everyone elses out there! There is NO WAY I'll walk into a room and have that awkwardnesss of realising that someone is wearing the same thing as me.

I find this very satisfying. Especially when you consider all the variations within a pattern; sizing, sleeve options, colours (obviously!), little tweaks here and there.

We're all different and so is our way of interpreting a pattern and one thing that I never tire of as a designer is seeing your versions of my designs. I LOVE it!

A feature which I now include with my patterns is a 'Take it Further' section. It's where I encourage you to take my design as a starting point and truly make it your own. I include 3 or 4 ideas to get you thinking, but there are countless ways you can do this!

This week, over on Instagram, lots of you have been tagging me with your makes (it was actually quite hard to choose one for my Gallery section below!).

So, I'd like to encourage you to choose handmade! Whether it's a crocheted hat, a knitted shawl, a home sewn dress. BE BOLD! Make it your own and no one else will be looking the same as you!

If you're looking for inspiration for your winter layers, check out the patterns on my website. I've created a Winter Collection featuring all my hats, mitts and scarves - check it out!

That's all for this week, have a yarn filled weekend,

Marta xx

Ready to learn a new crochet skill?

This blog post contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of the sales, at no extra cost to you.

Hello! How was your weekend? I had a fantastic catch up with both my sisters - the first time we've been out together in a long time! We went to a local indian restaurant with the yummiest of curries (Chillie's in Carnoustie if you're a local!) and chatted away all evening, setting the world to rights.

I found time for lots of crochet and knitting over the weekend too, YAY! I'm rotating between 3 favourite WiPs at the moment; my Tunisian Sampler Cowl, my knitted Sea Glass Sweater and my latest crochet pattern which I need to keep under wraps for now but I'll be able to spill the beans soon!

The top photo is a close up of the Tunisian Sampler Cowl, the one above is the Sea Glass Sweater (you can see it now has arm holes, lots of progress on this one!)

Before I began the 'Tunisian Crochet - Basics & Beyond' course, I had convinced myself that I couldn't do Tunisian Crochet (crazy, huh?). 

I had tried a few times over the years but it had never quite come out right. Attending an in-person workshop at some point was a goal of mine, so when this online course by The Crochet Project popped up it was the next best thing!

Joanne's video are perfectly paced for an absolute beginner (even for someone who can't crochet). The course is broken into 8 weekly sections, with just the right amount of crocheting to delve into each time.

You can see the different bands in my cowl - each one a different section of the course. At the end of the course the two short ends of the rectangle will be joined to make a cowl.

I'm enjoying this new technique so much and can't wait for the new content each Friday morning. I've also dug out some Tunisian crochet books I had gathering dust which has inspired me to have a go at writing my first Tunisian crochet pattern!

So, if you'd like to try out this new skill, I urge you to check out this course! www.thecrochetproject.com/courses/tunisian

Until next Friday (9am, BST) when my new look newsletter drops, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 

My story: How I became a crochet designer

I don't think I've shared the story of how I became a crochet designer with you before, have I? It all started back in 2014 when a small online yarn shop called Lemonade Yarns ran a crochet design competition. I saw the call for submissions and, even though I'd never written a single pattern in my life, thought "I could enter that!"

I only went on to WIN the competition! I was over the moon! Partly because I was super surprised at winning, partly because one of the prizes was a signed copy of Erika Knight's new book 'Crochet Workshop' which came with a personal message from Erika herself! SQUEAL!

This was the kickstarter to my crochet design journey! From then on I slowly gained confidence - initially adding free patterns to Ravelry then paid for ones as I saw that people were enjoying them. Later I started selling on LoveCrafts to increase my visibilty in the online space. With each pattern I wrote I listened to feedback and improved. Today all my patterns come with at least one video, many have around 30 minutes of video tutorial included!

Earlier this year I created my own website which was a HUGE step forward for me! It means I've been able to branch out from selling crochet patterns to selling crochet kits and crochet courses - something you just can't do on Ravelry or LoveCrafts. 

I love being a crochet designer because crocheting a sequence of stitches and making yarn come alive in the way I imagined brings me so much JOY! Then later, once the pattern is released into the world, I get to see how others recreate my design and that gives me such a buzz too - particularly when the crocheter surprises themselves by creating something that was a challenge for them.

I also really enjoy the variety of my business day. As well as being my own boss, I'm also the secretary, photographer, accountant, supply manager, social media person, graphic designer, PR assistant, SEO specialist, coffee maker and biscuit supplier, so my work is very varied! Each day is different from the next!

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a crochet designer? Do you have a pattern scribbled down that's bursting to come to life and be shared with the world? If so, check out my How To Write Up a Crochet Pattern Course. It has all the info you need (in the form of video and written tutorials) to get your first pattern written up. 

Throughout October I'm offering you 15% off this course with the code DESIGN

That's all for this post, I hope you enjoyed my story! If you'd like more of the same, plus crochet tips & advice, my latest releases, BIGGER discount codes, sign up to my newsletter here.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet pattern of the month for October

 

Hello! It's the start of a new month and the start of a new offer for you! I've chosen Banjo Socks to be my crochet pattern of the month this time because they're so good for keeping your toes warm around the house.

These socks are intended to be worn as slippers with a fold down cuff which helps give shape and keeps your ankles warm. They could just be that extra layer that keeps you cosy without having to turn the heating on!

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

• It's available in UK and US terms. 
• 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.
• You can find the pattern on my website, Ravelry and LoveCrafts.
• 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 reply to this email, I'm happy to answer your questions.

Throughout the month, you can use the code OCT22 for 10% off this crochet sock pattern on my website. Remember, you now have the option to add all patterns from my website to your Ravelry library.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Free scrappy crochet blanket pattern!

Scrappy Blanket III

a crochet pattern

by Marta Mitchell

My first 2 scrappy blankets proved to be so popular, so I’m back with a third and I think you’ll find this one equally satisfying for using up all those little balls of leftover yarn!

It’s a super easy to remember pattern; a repetitive “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” rhythm makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mindful crochet project.

The pattern written here is a tiny snippet of the size possibilities for this blanket. You can purchase the pdf of the full pattern (with instructions for 5 blanket sizes, 4 yarn weights, PLUS stitch tutorial video, chart, US terminology AND all my ideas for taking this pattern further) on my website.

This is a BEGINNER level pattern, written in UK terms.

(US terms available on my website)

You will need

• lots and lots and lots of scraps or odd balls of yarn in the same weight (I made mine in DK/ 8ply) 

• appropriate size hook for your yarn thickness (I used 5mm) 

• scissors

• tapestry needle for sewing in ends

Measurements 

The finished blanket will measure 113cm x 150cm, which is the standard measurement for a cot blanket, but makes for a decent lap blanket too.

For reference, my blanket is ever so slightly smaller in length, it measured 113cm x 145cm (unblocked) and weighed exactly 1.1kg. I started with ch201 and crocheted for 182 rows.

Tension 

18 stitches x 13 rows per 10cm, main pattern in rows using a 5mm hook or appropriate hook to achieve gauge.

Abbreviations UK terms

ch	chain
dc	double crochet
htr	half treble
tr	treble
st(s)	stitch(es)

Notes

• The pattern is super easy to remember once you’ve crocheted a few rows. 

• Ch1 at the start of rows does not count as a stitch and is not included in the stitch count. 

• To achieve neat colour changes, start using the new colour on the last yarn over of the stitch.

• Weave in the ends on whichever side they fall, making your blanket reversible.

• For a full table of sizes (pram, cot, small throw, large throw, single bed) plus how to crochet these sizes in 4ply, DK, aran and chunky yarn, you can buy the pattern on my website here.

A special thank you to Fiona Feeney,  Angela Lawton & Tammy de Nobriga for testing out this pattern for me - thanks ladies! xx

Pattern 

Begin with ch201

Row 1 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each of next 4ch, [1tr in each of next 5ch, 1dc in each of next 5ch] repeat from [ to ] until you have 5ch left, 1tr in each of last 5ch. Turn. (200sts)

Row 2 Ch1, [1dc in each of next 5tr, 1tr in each of next 5dc] across. Turn. (200sts)

Rows 3 to 194 Repeat Row 2.

Final Row Ch1, [1dc in each of next 5tr, 1htr in each of next 5dc] across. Turn. (200sts)

Cut yarn & fasten off. 

Finishing off 

If you have any ends, weave them in on whichever side they fall, this blanket is reversible. 

Block your blanket to size to make the stitches pop!

Video Tutorials

I’ve made a few YouTube videos to help you succeed with this pattern because I really want everyone to feel confident about crocheting this blanket! My pattern should be clear to follow, but if you find yourself stuck the videos will help. If you are still stuck please reach out to me via email (crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com) or via Instagram DMs - I’m more than happy to help!

Starting with a huge number of chains  https://youtu.be/BNvUeegDrfI

How I joined in new yarn in this blanket  https://youtu.be/DgpJBKM6pbE

How to sew in those pesky ends!  https://youtu.be/gb9DK1CUZzE

I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Please subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date, receive discounts & free patterns www.martamitchelldesigns.com/pages/about-me

If you have any questions about this pattern, please don’t hesitate to reach out -

crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com

Scrappy Blanket III is currently with my testers!

Hello, this week I took a wee walk with my dog, Jazz, and we went off in search of a good spot in the local woodland to take photos of my latest crochet scrappy blanket design. The leaves are just beginning to turn here in Scotland and I wanted quite a neautral background for the riot of colour in this blanket!

I soon found a fallen beech tree in good lighting with trees in the background. I had laid the blanket over the tree and was just settling into the photo shoot when Jazz jumped up to pose - covered in leaves and (thankfully dry!) mud! I'd forgotten how she is so used to sitting for her photo on stumps etc - clever girl!

The pattern for my Scrappy Blanket III is currently with my testers and I've only asked them to create a swatch so it won't be long at this stage (in fact 2 out of 3 have completed!). One tester has already started on a full blanket, so I'm pleased with that result!!

Next week I should be able to release the pattern and the basic version will be available for FREE on my blog with the option to buy the full pattern from my website, Ravelry and LoveCrafts.

The full pattern will include all the information you need to create the blanket in different yarn thicknesses and sizes. There will also be a chart and video link for the stitch used.

Let me know if you're excited about this one! I've certainly been asked over and over through the making process for a release date which makes me very happy - I'm crocheting something which I love and you clearly love too!

If you'd like to be first to know when the pattern goes live, sign up to my mailing list here!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Lazy Days Socks are popping up!

 

Hello! I am loving seeing all your Lazy Days Socks popping up! This part of being a crochet designer brings me so much JOY! Over on Instagram, the chat group I set up for the socks is proving to be a lovely community space. People are sharing photos, asking questions, offering advice - it's amazing!

Many people in the chat group are crocheting socks for the first time and are finding the support and encouragment they need from the group. I'm hoping new friendships are being formed too - I love to build up the crochet community!

Don't take my word for it, here's a review from Jane, @created.uniquely on Instagram:

"The kit is so lovingly and perfectly put together with such attention to detail. You have everything together in one place - from the yarn that is amazing both in colours and softness to the project bag with the beautiful print and postcard to match. The kit includes dainty stitch markers and a hook and a couple of extras that just add to it. Marta's pattern is so well explained you can't go wrong and there are links to to video tutorials if needed."

Jane has now finished both socks and they are looking so pretty!

If you're considering buying a kit - either as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special - don't delay because I'm taking them off my website at the end of the day this Friday! You can find the kits on my website here and you can use the code LAZYDAYS10 for 10% off the full Lazy Days Range!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx