Everything you need to know about dye lots

MY 200th BLOG POST!

Hello! Following on from the top tip I shared about yarn bands last week, I feel there is a lot more to say about dye lots! If you missed that email, you can find the info in this blog post. Can you believe I've now written 200 blog posts? Crazy!

So, what are dye lots? A dye lot is the batch number that a yarn dyer or manufacturer puts on the yarn band or label. See the photo above for an example, it's usually located beside the colour name or number.

Due to the nature of the dying process, each batch is going to differ slightly from the others. Now, this is only a problem if you're creating something with multiple balls or skeins of yarn - then you want to make sure they all come from the same batch or dye lot.

Has the following ever happened to you? You've crocheted a jumper or a blanket and noticed that there's a stripe going across your work that's a slightly different, but ever so noticeable, shade?

So, now you know, always check the label or band!

I have a few pro tips for you here:

1) If you're working with hand dyed yarn there isn't always a batch number and even if there is there can be variations between the skeins! 

In this case the best thing to do is alternate between the skeins, round by round or every 2 rounds (depending on the scale of your project). This will give you an even looking finish.

2) Some yarn shops will keep yarn back for you if you let the owner know you're working on a large scale project and may need to buy more. 

If you find a local shop that offers this AMAZING service, please support them as much as you can! Also, don't forget to let them know when you've finished your project so they can put their stock back on the shelves.

3) If you ordered your yarn online and find you need more you can email or phone them with your dye lot number and they may be able to supply you with the correct batch. 

Oh, one final thing - hang on to those ball bands!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. Top tips like these can be delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss them! Sign up here. 

Storing Ball Bands

Hello! I'd like to share a neat trick I've come up with for looking after my yarn bands. It's simple: when I start a ball or skein I snip off a 10-15cm strand and either sticky tape or staple it to the ball band. That's it!

I then store them together in a tin so if I need to order more of any of the colours I have all the info I need, including the dye lot numbers, which is very useful! (Edit: I've written a blog post all about dye lots, if you'd like to know more about them you can read it here.)

It's also an easy way to begin building up a bank of colour samples for when you need some inspiration for a project. 

What do you think? Is this something you do already? Have you got a different way of doing things?

Leave me a comment, I'd love to know your thoughts on this.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you'd like to receive tips like this straight to your inbox, sign up to my mailing list here.

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