Stitching Together: The Benefits Of Joining A Yarn Group

Stitching Together: 

The Benefits Of Joining A Yarn Group

Think back over hundreds of years when knitting and crochet were not solitary activities, when groups of people would gather, probably around a crackling fire, and they would stitch away and talk together. Fast forward to the fractured society we live in now, it can be a little trickier to find like minded people and that's where knit and crochet groups come in; they offer a treasure trove of benefits which go way beyond just yarn-filled companionship.

 
If you're asking yourself "Why should I join a yarn group" then I hope my top tips will help you make the decision!
 

Community and Belonging: 

Stepping into a yarn group is amazing - you'll find yourself surrounded by people who understand the struggles of dropped stitches and the satisfaction of a perfectly formed amigurumi doll. This bond transcends age, background and experience, fostering a sense of belonging that's as warm and fuzzy as your next crocheted cowl. I was at my local craft group this morning and as well as all the yarn related chat, we discussed everything from dogs to unexploded WW2 bombs!

Taken this morning at our Saturday morning craft group!

A Wellspring of Inspiration: 

Feeling stuck in a rut with your projects? Yarn groups are overflowing with fresh ideas! You can look at a friend's stunning shawl and take inspiration from the stitch pattern. You can squish & discover unique yarn combinations you never even thought of. You can witness the diverse creativity around you and allow it to spark your own imagination, leading to exciting new projects and techniques.
 

Learning Made Fun: 

We all have those tricky techniques that leave us scratching our heads. In a craft group, help is there when you need it! Did you know that I learned to crochet granny squares from an 80 year old woman called Grace? She had so much patience with me, it was amazing. You see, seasoned crafters are more than happy to share their knowledge & expertise, offering tips, tricks, and even personalised mini-tutorials. It's like having a built-in yarn guru at your side, making learning both fun and effective.
 

Support and Encouragement: 

Frustrated by a tangled mess? Feeling defeated by a project gone wrong? Let's face it, crochet & knitting projects aren't always smooth sailing. Your local yarn group can be your cheering squad! They'll offer empathy, practical advice, and a healthy dose of "you've got this!" when you need it. This supportive environment fosters resilience and keeps you motivated, whilst reminding you that every knitter and crocheter makes mistakes (and learns from them!).
 

Beyond the Stitches: 

Many groups extend their activities beyond just meet ups. Some organise yarn crawls, charity projects, trips to yarn shows and even social outings. This creates a well-rounded experience that nourishes not just your creative side, but also your social side which is so important in today's isolated society. There may also be opportunities to get to know one another better over a coffee during the week, a chance to deepen friendships!

I'm sitting 2nd from the left in this photo. 

It was taken a Twisted Stitchers, a yarn group I  helped set up back in 2018

Photo credit: Steven Whittaker

 
So, I'd thoroughly recommend joining a yarn group to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the joy of crafting in a supportive environment. With a little yarn and a lot of shared passion, you'll discover a world of benefits waiting to be stitched together.
 

Now you're maybe asking yourself, "How do I find local yarn groups?"

 

Digital search: 

Social media platforms such as Facebook are also good - you want to search for terms like "knitting group" or "crochet circle" in your area. If you can access Ravelry, it has a comprehensive "Local Yarn Shop" directory. You search by your postcode to find nearby shops, many of which host regular groups. Don't forget the power of a good ol' Google search! Search for terms like "knitting guild near me" or "crochet meetup in [your city]". 

Ask your yarn shop: 

Local yarn shops are hubs for yarn fanatics! Beyond the yarn itself, these shops are treasure troves of local knowledge - so, you can ask about nearby craft groups. The shop might even host its own gatherings, providing a chance to connect with fellow yarn enthusiasts. Pop in, chat, squish the yarn and get the insider scoop.

Check community boards: 

Libraries, cafes, and community centres often have notice boards advertising local groups. Keep an eye out for yarn-related flyers and announcements.
 
Remember, the perfect group awaits you! After a little exploration, you'll be stepping into a supportive community with life-long friendships awaiting you! I'd love to hear about your experiences too, so leave me a comment and let me know how you get on in finding your community.

If you like these tips, please consider signing up to my mailing list, when you do so, you'll automatically be sent my PDF with 25 top tips that every crocheter should know! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

11 Tips To Level Up Your Crochet Game

 

11 Tips To Level Up

Your Crochet Game

Whether you're a yarn newbie or a seasoned crocheter, there's always room to refine your crochet skills. So, pick up your hook, grab some yarn, and get ready to dive into some of my tips and tricks to take your crocheting to the next level!
 
 

Solid Foundation: 

Before you tackle fancy stitches, make sure you've got a firm grasp of double crochet, teble crochet (UK terms) as well as basic increases and decreases. I know it's a cliche, but practice makes perfect (and for frustration-free crochet!).

Tension Talk: 

Pay attention to your tension! Loose stitches give floppy results, while tight ones create stiff fabric. Aim for consistent tension for a neat and even finish. If your stitches are too loose, try going down a hook size. If they're too tight, go up a hook size. Still too tight, roll your shoulders and release any tension you might be holding there. Again, it's a practice thing - the more you crochet, the more even your stitches will become.

Reading Comprehension: 

Learn to read crochet patterns like a pro by familiarising yourself with common abbreviations and symbols. For more extensive lists of terms you'll find there are plenty of free resources online and in libraries to help.
 

Start To Chart: 

As well as reading the written word, learning to read crochet charts can make a big difference to your crochet game. Sometimes I find myself looking at a string of instructions and thinking "what?", but a quick glance at the accompanying chart makes it crystal clear!

Stitch Exploration: 

Don't be afraid to experiment, to try new stitch patterns, to explore colourwork, and to incorporate new and interesting textures. There's a whole world of crochet stitches waiting to be discovered by you!
 

Invest In Quality Tools: 

A comfortable hook and smooth yarn can make a HUGE difference to your crocheting experience. The cheap plastic hooks which come with crochet magazines may look colourful & glittery but they're not the best for starting with because they're usually poorly made with jagged bits. I wrote a blog post all about the different types of crochet hooks, which you may wish to look at here.

Learn To Embrace Your Mistakes: 

We all make them! Think of them as learning opportunities, in fact they often end up being happy accidents! Don't be discouraged; untangle, frog, redo, and move on! At the end of the day, it's only yarn!

 

Community Connection: 

I thoroughly recommend that you join online or in-person crochet groups. Search online for local meetups (if your area has Facebook page this is a good place to ask). It's so good to connect with other crocheters for inspiration, troubleshooting, and a good dose of laughter! 

YouTube Is Also Your Friend: 

Utilise the wealth of crochet tutorials on YouTube. Visual demonstrations can be incredibly helpful when learning new techniques and if you haven't found an in-person group to attend or a friend to help you yet, YouTube is your next best thing!

Be A Bookworm: 

Invest in crochet books or magazines for stitch inspiration, project ideas, and expert tips. Libraries are a great resource for borrowing, but keep an eye out in the charity shops for crochet books too!
 

Embrace the Challenge: 

As your skills grow, choose projects that keep pushing you a little further. This keeps things interesting and helps you learn new techniques as you go. Start with small, achievable projects to celebrate your progress and move on to bigger more challenging ones over time.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Don't take things too seriously, experiment, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better crocheter. 

I should also add here that if you're crocheting granny square blankets which brings you joy and you're content sticking with that, go ahead, there's no such thing as the crochet police! As long as people are happy crocheting, I'm happy!

If you like these crochet tips, please consider signing up to my mailing list, when you do you'll automatically be sent my 25 top tips that every crocheter should know pdf! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

My Latest Garment Design For Moorit, Issue 6!

photo courtesy of Amelia Claudia Photography

My Latest Garment Design For Moorit, Issue 6!

I gave you a sneak peek at something which I had to keep secret for AGES in my last email - my latest garment design for Moorit, issue 6! Gosh, it really was hard to keep that one quiet because I was so excited to have a piece accepted by such a prestigious crochet magazine!

 
For those of you who haven't come across Moorit before, it's a fantastic magazine which aims to elevate the status of crochet. Here's a snippet from the Moorit website which explains its values:
 
"Moorit is an independent crochet magazine based in Scotland and run by Alyson Chu. Launched in 2021, it was imagined as an antidote to the dearth of print publications made especially for crocheters. Focussing on wearable, modern garments and accessories made in natural fibres, Moorit is a high-end craft magazine with true indie spirit."
 
I've been buying the magazine since the very first issue came out and it is such a beautiful thing to behold each time a new issue is released, they just keep getting better!

 

photo courtesy of Amelia Claudia Photography

Today I can tell you a little more about my new design and share further photos, which I'm sure you'd like to see. The theme for issue 6 is balance and as soon as I found this out I was buzzing with ideas for a two colour garment! I was in the middle of a garment grading course with the super-knowledgeable Lynne Rowe, so the timing was perfect, I could put my newly learnt skills to use!
 
If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that my favourite yarn thickness to work with is 4ply (fingering weight), and I wanted to use this thickness to create a lightweight drape to my design. I decided to form the jumper of two sections: an upper section, crocheted in horizontal rows and a lower section crocheted in vertical rows. Two different textures which would counterbalance each other, which gave my sweater the name Counterbalance.
 
Alyson at Moorit chose a very similar yarn to the yarn I had suggested in my proposal, but I was very happy with the swap, it was Eden Cottage Yarns Milburn 4ply (85% British Bluefaced Leicester, 15% Mulberry Silk). I had used it before and I can tell you, this stuff is a dream to work with!! The colours I used were Crocosmia and Dusk - two colours which definitely balanced each other.
 
I began by crocheting all the lower panels, and if you go on to crochet this sweater, that's the way I'd suggest you go about it too. The upper panels came next before the seaming and finally the back loop only ribbing around the neckline. 
 
Moorit 6 is currently at the pre-order stage and you can check out the options (digital/ print or even a subscription) here. You can also view the other designs in the issue - there are some beauties - I can't wait until my copy lands on the doorstep!

That's all for now, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 

Fiddle Socks: My Easiest Sock Pattern For Newbie Sock Crocheters!

If you're keen to start crocheting socks then I would definitely recommend my Fiddle Socks pattern - it's my easiest sock pattern for newbie sock crocheters. We're not quite out of the cold weather here in the northern hemisphere and these socks will certainly keep your tootsies cosy! I designed this sock pattern in DK weight (8ply) yarn because it's easier to see your stitches and the socks will crochet up quickly giving you fast results!

Why are Fiddle Socks perfect for newbie sock crocheters?

While these socks might be listed as intermediate, there's magic woven into their design that makes them ideal for newbie sock crocheters looking to build confidence. The cuff-down construction means you start where you can feel and see quick progress, building excitement with each stitch. DK weight yarn is like the Goldilocks of yarn – not too bulky, not too fine – perfect for practicing gauge and mastering tension. Don't let the fancy "cleverly-shaped heel" intimidate you either! The flap, turn & gusset combo is ingeniously broken down, making it surprisingly approachable even for beginner sock crocheters. Plus, the half treble V-stitch adds a delightful dimension to the texture, hiding any minor wobbles while keeping your feet snug and comfy.

You'll pick up so many new skills along the way, helping to build your crochet confidence and once you've grasped the basic sock construction you'll be able to take on future crochet sock patterns.

Yours when you subscribe here!

Here's why Fiddle Socks are an excellent project (even if you don't think you're ready for crochet socks)

1. As well as the written pattern, each section is broken down into easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials. You can watch them over and over if you need to!
2. You only need 100g of yarn for the smaller sizes/ 200g for the larger sizes, so you're not wasting too much yarn if it doesn't work out - it's a budget friendly option.
3. There are no colour changes for the cuffs/ heel/ toes, making it flow nice and simply (of course, if you're ready to mix things up, go ahead and add colour changes!)
4. You only need to have knowledge of a few stitches to crochet up these socks: double crochet, extended double crochet, half treble, front & back post stitches, foundation half treble (UK terms). Plus, all these stitches have YouTube tutorial links to keep you right.

What else might you like to know about this crochet sock pattern?

Well, the pattern caters to four adult sizes, so you can whip up a pair (or four!) for yourself, friends, and family, spreading the joy of cosy handmade socks.

For this sock pattern I used Lay Family Yarn DK (8ply yarn, 225m/ 100g, 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon), my sample used Fireside Cuddles. 1 skein is needed for small & medium sizes, 2 skeins for large and extra large sizes.

You'll need a 4mm hook and a 4.5mm hook (or the appropriate hooks to achieve gauge), plus 2 stitch markers.

On my website the pattern is available in UK terms. On Ravelry, it's written in both UK & US terms.

What's the biggest piece of advice I could give a newbie sock crocheter?

My biggest tip for you is to take each line of pattern as it comes and do not get overwhelmed by the whole thing. Read the first step, follow the first step, then onto the next ... and so on. Before you know it, you'll have a completed sock - especially if you're following this DK weight pattern!

So, why not dive into Fiddle Socks – they're the perfect stepping stone to mastering the crocheted sock!

Don't want to miss my posts? Subscribe to my mailing list today and have them delivered straight to your inbox. There's a FREE pdf waiting for you when you sign up too, with 25 of my best crochet tips!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Be First To See The Progress On My Two Current Projects

Be First To See The Progress On My Two Current Projects

Hello! Since picking up Lachlann (our spaniel puppy) 2 weeks ago, my crochet and knitting time are at an all time low! If you've ever brought up a puppy, you'll know just how time consuming they are! Days are spent playing, feeding, letting him out in the back garden, visiting family & friends (or having them visit us), picking up tiny pieces of chewed up cardboard & paper and then trying to get stuff done in the pockets of time when he sleeps!

But, I am finding some time for yarn! The shawl I'm designing with the advent minis from Skein & The Stitch is coming along beautifully. I'm only 5 minis away from completing it which is exciting. It's a parallelogram shaped shawl with the stripes running along the bias.

If you're new to following me, the theme for the advent calendar was The Hobbit, which was an excellent theme with accompanying read-along! The colours each day were a representation of whatever was happening in that stage of the book. There was even a Discord channel to go along with it, adding to the sense of community which Jess, at Skein & The Stitch has created.

I don't currently have the brain power to write up the pattern (did I mention that my alarm goes off at 2 am for a quick trip outside with Lachlann in either sub zero temperatures/ howling gails or pelting rain?), but when I do it won't take me too long and I'll have it out to testers very quickly.

Sign up to my mailing list to be first to know of the advent shawl release (and receive my biggest discount code). 

I'm restricting myself to 2 WiPs (less chance of wool left dangling around within puppy reach!) and the other WiP is knitting. I'm working on the Mary Rebecca cardigan by Ellen Mason Design and it has just the right level of interest for me right now. The yarn is a vibrant magenta colour which is helping to lift my spirits too. It's a bottom-up design and I've almost reached the split for the sleeves, so progress is happening!

I'll be back next week with more crochet content, until then, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

The Puppy Is Here!

 

Hello! The puppy is here! Yippee, we're over the moon - it's been too long in this house without a dog!

As you can imagine, life is a little chaotic right now, so I haven't had time to write my regular blog post, but I did manage to record a podcast episode, WITH THE PUPPY!

So, to catch up on my latest WiPs and see all the puppy cuteness, you can view the episode now here.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Ready To Write Up Your First Crochet Pattern?

Hello! Have you set yourself any goals for this year? I have a few crochet business related goals which I'll let you know more about as the year unfolds but my main question for you today is "are you ready to write up your first crochet pattern"?

The major goal in my life for 2024 is to declutter my house and create a calm, clean & tidy environment to live and work in. For some, this would be an easy-peasy goal but I'm a naturally messy, chaotic person so for me this is BIG. And I'm working on it. Earlier in the week I had to enlist the help of my dad to take a car full of stuff to the charity shop and the clothes recycling bin. After he left, I felt so much lighter, like I could breathe properly again - such an amazing feeling! 

I'm not stopping here, this was simply the initial push in the right direction. As I'm preparing for the puppy arriving on Friday (today for you!) I'm having a really thorough clean and tidy, moving anything I don't want chewed well out of reach. My YARN! Gosh, I'm going to have to be super careful about where I leave that lying around. For now the sofa will be fine, but it won't be long before he can scale that! Any advice on crocheting with a puppy in the mix gladly received!

Going back to crochet goals, maybe this is the year that you've decided you'll finally write up your first crochet pattern? Have you got some scribbled notes on the back of an envelope that you've been telling yourself you'll write up "one day"? Let me tell you, there's never been a better time to start publishing crochet patterns!

I know what you're thinking - "but Marta, there are already so many patterns out there, surely there's no space for me?". Not true. More people are crocheting now than ever and new platforms for selling patterns are popping up, new crochet magazines are appearing, new classes are starting all over the place. Now is the time to pull up your big girl pants and begin your pattern writing journey.

I have some GOOD NEWS, my How To Write Up A Crochet Pattern Course has all the info you need to take your scribbles of a pattern to the level where you're ready to publish. I've been where you are now, so I've learnt the hard way what to do/ what not to do and in my course I take you through it all, step-by-step, making it as EASY as possible for you.

Do you want more good news? This course is included in my January offer, so there's currently 15% off the usual price. This is the first time I've discounted it since its launch in 2022 and it will be the last time you see it at this price for a long time.

If it's something you're dreaming of doing in 2024, go ahead and check it out TODAY!

Your special discount code is JAN24 to save 15% on my website and on Ravelry!

Would you like more good news? My email subscribers have been given a 25% discount code - you can have this code too when you subscribe to my mailing list!  

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx