Not socks for Christmas again!

 

Yes! But what if the socks were lovingly crocheted, cosy and comfy?

I'm receiving more and more positive feedback on the fit and comfort of the socks you have crocheted following one of my patterns. I'm really pleased because I'm always trying to improve on my last design to create an even better pair of socks!

I currently have 9 sock patterns out there and number 10 is on it's way! Why not have a look and see if there's a pattern there that would make someone special very happy on Christmas morning?

• There are 5 patterns to choose from on my website (you'll find Lyre Socks in my Winter Coorie Collection)
• I have 2 designs which are currently exclusive (Spring Into Autumn Socks with Crate Crochet subscription box and Dunkeld Slipper Socks in The Journal of Scottish Yarns, issue 2)
• Two of my patterns are only available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts (simply because I'd like model photos before I list them on my website)

The good news (for this time of year) is that socks work up fast and they're a very portable project that you can add a few rounds to here and there when you have a moment.

My patterns all come with video tutorial links, giving you the confidence to go create that perfect pair of socks!

I hope this post has been inspirational for you. Sign up to my mailing list to receive a weekly dose of crochet news, tips and advice here. 

Until next time,

Marta xx

Pattern of the month for December!

 

Hello! I'm here to introduce the December pattern of the month - Printer Ink Scarf - chosen because it's perfect for Advent mini skeins!

 

The scarf was written for 12x 10g mini skeins of 4ply, but it would work equally well for DK weight yarn - you'd simply end up with a thicker, wider scarf (longer too, but you could crochet less rows).

 

This is one of my favourite designs and I actually sold the prototype at the craft fayre last Saturday. I was quite sad to see it go, but it's gone to a lady at my church so I'll see it from time to time.

Here are ALL the pattern details ... I used Printer Ink Shades from The Knitting Goddess (fingering/ 4ply weight, 480m/ 120g, 40% British Blue Faced Leicester/ 20% British Wensleydale/ 20% British Alpaca/ 20% nylon) but it would work well in any colours. 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 further by 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.

As usual, there's 10% off my pattern of the month - to take advantage of this offer, use the code DEC22 at the checkout on my website. If you'd like a bigger discount than anywhere else on the internet, simply sign up to my mailing list, there's 20% off waiting for you there! Until next time, happy crocheting, Marta xx

My Christmas hashtag is back!

Hello! I'm really pleased to let you know I'm bringing back my Christmas hashtag this December! Last year I started #christmasmugsandwips - asking people to take photos of their current WiPs (works in progress) alongside their drink in a Christmas mug and it went down so well!

So, this year, same thing! All sorts of crafts are welcome to join in, it's not restricted to crochet and I will be sharing my favourites to my stories on Instagram. Start sharing your photos!

Here's one of my photos from last year ...

Yesterday I popped up to the attic for our box of Christmas mugs and it was so lovely to unwrap them and see them again ... which mug will I choose first?

If you're on Instagram, you can find me @marta.mitchell.designs and share your photos with #christmasmugsandwips

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

No Black Friday deals here!

Like Monica says, no. Just no.

I've been thinking long and hard about Black Friday over the last few weeks and about the pressure on small businesses to compete with the huge corporations out there.

The trouble is, we can't. Most of us have set our prices the way they are to allow us to make a living and if we create big discounts then we're eating right into our profits, possibly even making a loss.

That's why you won't see an enticing Black Friday offer from me today, but I hope you understand why.

I have TWO FUN THINGS INSTEAD FOR YOU!

Firstly, I'd like to draw your attention to my crochet pattern of the month for November - Mavis Mitts. I like to highlight one pattern each month, put it in the spotlight, give it some love and this month it's my lovely mitts design.

This pattern works up fairly quickly because it's mostly shell stitch - working into the same space is always faster. If you're running out of time on the Christmas gift front, this one will be ideal for you.

Did I mention there's an adorable little toddler size?

10% off with the code NOV22

Secondly, I'm having a GIVEAWAY! It's super easy to enter; simply pop over to my website and enter your email address into the competition box.
 
Everyone who enters will be in with the chance of winning their choice of 5 patterns from my website!

Head over to my website NOW and enter! Giveaway closes 7pm on Monday and the winner will be chosen by random number generator shortly after.

Good luck,

Marta xx

 

5 of the best cowls to crochet as gifts

Hello! I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to panic about the amount of crocheted items I've yet to make as Christmas gifts! Once again, I'm asking myself why I leave it until the last 2 months of the year?

If you're in the same boat - a cowl is the answer! It's fairly small so it won't take you much time and many of the designs I'm about to share with you are stash busters, so they're easy on the pocket!

All the cowl patterns have been crocheted up BY ME and the opinions are my own, this is not an affiliate email. The photos are all my own. 

Claigan Cowl by Claudia Dingle

This cowl was first published in Moorit, issue 2 and was the first thing I crocheted from that issue! It's worked in the round in 4ply weight yarn and has an easy to remember repeat, making it perfect to relax with in these busy months.

 

At the moment this cowl is still exclusive to Moorit magazine; physical copies are still available, digital copies too.

Find the pattern here.

Spilling the beans!

 

At last! I can share this project with you, it's been soooo tough keeping quiet on this one!

I was the featured designer for Crate Crochet's October box!

I was delighted to be asked to create a new sock design and I'm really pleased with how this one turned out. Crate Crochet are a crochet subscription box service based in Australia, run by the lovely Carmela. This was the 4th pattern I've designed for them but the first one since the pandemic, it's been a while!

Like I say, they're based in Australia and deliver throughout Australia & New Zealand as well as the USA. Click this link to learn more - their boxes are beautifully curated. 

I designed the socks in Manos Del Uraguay Alegria Grande which is a 10ply weight yarn, 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon and comes in the most amazing aray of colours!

 

It was fun to create a sock in 3 colours, something I hadn't done before, but because the yarn comes in 100g skeins and 20g minis it was totally possible!

The photos for the socks were taken on our local beach when the tide was out. It was a nippy day, so I was wearing my Fair Isle Mitts to keep cosy! My youngest son took a turn at being my photographer and I think they did a great job!

 

At the moment, this pattern is exclusive to Crate Crochet but once this exclusive period is up I will be releasing the pattern myself - sign up to my newsletter be first to be notified.

 

I've also been invited to collaborate with them on another box, which I'm really excited about!

Well, that's my exciting news for now! Until next time,

Marta xx

Winter Coorie Collection release day!

 

Hello! I'm pleased to be able to offer you this carfeully curated bundle of crochet patterns! And to ensure your stitching journey is smooth and stress-free, I've included clear written patterns alongside helpful video tutorials for any of the trickier techniques. So, grab your favourite yarns, dive into these inspiring patterns, and experience the joy of crafting something beautiful with your own two hands!

In case you're wondering ... coorie is the Scots' answer to hygge, which embraces cosy nights by the fire, but also extends to enjoying the crisp outdoors and finding contentment in the simple pleasures of Scottish life.

A bundle of 3 crochet patterns all suitable for wearing in the chilly winter months;

• Fields of Wheat Beanie

• Lyre Socks

• Cornflower Cowl

Immerse yourself in the ultimate comfort zone with this Winter Coorie Collection! Crafted from luxurious, natural fibres, these patterns promise a delightful sensory experience – both while you crochet the soft yarns and as you snuggle up in your finished creations. Get ready for cosy nights in and compliments galore!

All patterns are rated Intermediate level and are written in UK terminology.

There are video tutorials to accompany the patterns too.

A little bit about each pattern;

Fields of Wheat Beanie

A pretty crocheted beanie with intricate wheat stalk motifs. Juniper Moon Farm's baby alpaca wool was chosen for this design because it's so soft and delicate against the skin. Available in 6 sizes! 100g of DK weight wool is enough for all sizes.

Lyre Socks

Crochet yourself a pair of socks that FIT! This is my 6th sock design and features a textured detail which goes down the outside of each foot. Extended double crochet stitches are used for their superb stretch! 100-150g of 4ply yarn required.

Cornflower Cowl

A lacy cowl made in King Cole baby alpaca DK which feels luxuriously soft & gentle. The pattern is quick to make up due to repeats of chain stitches - they give the cowl a light and airy feel too. 150g of DK weight wool required.

The Winter Coorie Collection is exclusively available on my website. I'm offering blog readers 10% off this beautiful collection of patterns, simply use the code COORIE at the checkout on my website.
 
If you have any questions about the collection or about the individual patterns, please reach out by leaving me a comment or emailing me at crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com

Until next time, happy crocheting,
Marta xx