Crafting with Care: Crocheting for Babies & Toddlers

 Crocheting For Babies & Toddlers: Safety Considerations

Hello! Let's imagine you've picked out the perfect pattern, chosen the cutest yarn, and your crochet hook is poised – you're ready to create something special for a little one! But before you dive in, it's important to consider safety. Here are some key things to keep in mind when crocheting for babies and toddlers:
 

Yarn 

• Material Matters: Choose soft, breathable yarns like cotton, wool or bamboo. Avoid yarn with loose fibres which may become a choking hazard - opt for more tightly spun yarn.

• Skip the Frills: Resist the urge to use novelty yarns with beads, sequins, or other embellishments. These can become choking hazards.

• Fire Safety: Choose yarns that meet fire safety regulations, especially for items used around sleep. Check the ball band for details.

• As an extra consideration, think about washability. We all know how babies and toddlers like to spill things! Choose machine washable yarns for easy care.

Choking Hazards

• Bye-bye Buttons: Consider embroidered closures or details as a safer alternative. If you must use buttons, sew them on securely with strong thread. 

• Eye Spy: For amigurumi, use safety eyes specifically designed for children's toys. Embroidered eyes are another safe option.

• Loose Ends: Always weave in yarn ends securely to prevent them from unraveling and becoming a choking hazard.

• Double check seams: Take time to examine any areas you have joined together, reinforcing them if necessary.

• Strings & Cords: Long strings & cords are a potential strangulation risk. Keep these short to eliminate risk.

Cuddly and Safe

• Pattern Play: Avoid open lace patterns or anything with large gaps where fingers or toes could get caught.

• Blanket Best Practices: Crochet blankets are wonderful for supervised tummy time or car seat use, but avoid using them in cribs or for unsupervised sleep.

• The Perfect Fit: Make sure clothing items aren't too loose, which could be a tripping hazard, or too tight, which could restrict movement.

General Safety Tips 

• Never leave a child unattended with a crocheted item.

• Wash crocheted items before gifting them. This removes any residues from the yarn manufacturing process and any potential allergens which you may have left on the item.

• Consider the baby or toddlers's age and developmental stage when choosing a design.

Conclusion 

 
By following these simple safety tips, you can create beautiful and cherished crocheted items that are also safe for babies & toddlers to enjoy. Crocheting for little ones can be so rewarding because we can look forward to their happy faces and how cute they will look in our creations. So, apply my tips, use your common sense and don't forget to have fun!
 

Inspiration for you

Looking for crochet pattern inspiration for a baby or toddler? I'm currently expanding my collection, but I do have two suitable cardigan patterns; To The Park Cardigan (at the top of this email) and my Fields of Lavendar Cardigan (top left above). My Mavis Mitts and Saturday Beanie are available in baby & toddler sizes too (above).

I hope this has been a useful blog post for you. 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

From Spring Into Autumn: Cosy Crochet Socks Pattern Launch!

Cosy Crochet Socks Pattern Launch!

Hello! Get ready to step into comfort and style with my Spring Into Autumn Socks crochet pattern! Originally this design featured in the October 2022 Crate Crochet subscription box - I'm pleased to announce that it's now available for everyone!

These fun socks feature a unique puff stitch cuff design on the cuffs which adds a touch of texture to this practical & stretchy part of the sock.
 
This is my 9th crocheted sock pattern and each time I've designed a pair I've built on my experience and feedback from crocheters. I've been improving to create the perfect fit and stretch for you, ensuring all-day comfort from your first stitch to your last.

 

Here's what makes this pattern special:

• There are 6 video tutorials to guide you through every step, from cuff to toe

• It's designed in 10ply/ aran weight yarn, so they work up fast!

• Unique and textured puff stitch cuff for a touch of whimsy

• Comfortable fit and stretch for all-day wear

• Intermediate level pattern, perfect for crocheters with some experience

• It's written in both UK and US terms 

• Fun contrast cuffs & toes!

I mentioned above that they're designed in 10ply/ aran weight yarn; I used Manos del Uruguay Alegria Grande (180m/ 100g, 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon), which I love! This yarn comes in 100g skeins and 25g mini skeins which makes it easy to combine colours to create contrast toes, cuffs and heels! It also makes this pattern a potential stash buster! Hooray!
 
Ready to crochet your own pair of cosy & stylish socks? I'm offering you the early bird discount of 15% off for the first week! Use the code AUTUMN at the checkout on my website and on Ravelry!
This could be your new project for the weekend - start crocheting my Spring Into Autumn Socks pattern today!

Any questions? Please reach out to me and ask, I'm more than happy to help you.

Happy Crocheting,

Marta xx
 

New To My Website: Project Notes Printable

Hello! Question for you: are scattered notes and forgotten details getting in the way of your crochet and knitting process? We've all been there! I used to have notes here there and everywhere!

I've put together a tool to help you take control - my new Project Notes Printable - you'll be so much more organised with everything jotted down in one place. There's plenty of room for writing and any sketches or doodles you may wish to make. I've created the heading in an outline font for you to colour in too!

 

The image below shows you how your print out will look (obviously without the word "sample" going across it) - it's time to say goodbye to hunting for lost notes and hello to a fun & streamlined crafting experience! 

 

Download your Project Notes Printable today and enjoy 30% off for this weekend only! Use the code PRINTABLE at the checkout on my website. Offer ends 23:59, Sunday 7th April, 2024.

Take your crocheting to the next level! Join my email list and instantly unlock my exclusive PDF with 25 crocheting secrets you won't find anywhere else. Plus, you'll be the first to snag deeper discounts on patterns and supplies (my subscribers just scored a whopping 50% off this printable!).

Don't miss out! Sign up today and watch your crochet skills soar.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 

My Day at the Scottish Wool Producers Showcase

 

Scottish Wool Producers Showcase

Well, the event last Saturday in Perth was a blast! I enjoyed every minute, from wandering around squishing wool in the morning to chatting to crochet fans at my stall in the afternoon!

This was the second time that this showcase festival had been run by Eva Christie and the team behind the Scottish Yarn Festival, and it definitely deserves its sell-out success! The upstairs area of the Dewars Centre in Perth was a wool lover's dream!

I arrived in Perth by train and had about an hour to wonder about, look at the stalls and chat to the stall holders. It was so good to see and feel all the different Scottish wools available. 

At midday, myself and the other designers who had been invited had half an hour to set up our stalls to display our designs. I'd brought with me a few samples which used Scottish wool, including my Gorse Cowl and Saturday Beanie.

In the morning, I'd picked up 2 very different types of yarn and I displayed them with large sheets of paper, asking my fans what they thought I should use them for. 

I'd bought 4x 25g cakes of Balgownie Wool from Culross Yarn (above). It's 4ply, spun with wool from their own sheep and beautifully dyed up with the most dreamy plant based dyes! One of the most popular suggestions was wrist warmers/ fingerless mitts/ mittens - so I think I will go along with that. The quantity will be just right and I can work some pretty colour changes in.

My second acquisition was 8x 50g skeins of Ethie Yarn from Lunan Bay Farm (below). This yarn is 10% cashmere/ 40% Shetland/ 50% alpaca and it feels absolutely gorgeous! The most popular suggestion from my fans was to make a tank top/ sleevelss top which I feel would work very well in this drapy wool.  

I'd also brought along printed copies of my Perth Beanie crochet pattern to give away. It was an appropriate one to give away because the Clan DK wool needed for the pattern was available to buy from The Scottish Yarn Festival stall, just down the corridor! This design is free on my blog if you fancy the pattern for yourself, link below.

I made a short podcast episode all about my day which has now been uploaded to YouTube. Go take a look if you'd like to find out more and see extra photos and video footage.

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

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Transitional Crochet Patterns For Warmer Days

Transitional Crochet Patterns For Warmer Days

It's almost Spring here in the northern hemisphere - a time of renewal - and that fresh feeling can extend to our wardrobes! As the days get longer and the weather warms up, we look for clothes & accessories which bridge the gap between winter cosiness and summery lightness. Crochet offers a large range of options for creating beautiful, functional pieces that are perfect for this transitional period, so here in the blog post I'm sharing my top tips for making the most of crochet patterns for these warmer days ahead.

Embrace Lightweight Yarns and Open Stitches:

Crochet Cardigans: A lightweight cardigan is your best friend in Spring! Look for patterns which use 4ply or DK weight yarn and incorporate open, mesh or lace stitch patterns. These cardigans add a layer of warmth on cooler mornings but remain breathable for those afternoons that surprise you with sunshine.

Shawls: Crocheted shawls are incredibly versatile. Work a simple lace pattern in a vibrant spring colour for a statement piece, or choose a variegated yarn that creates a beautiful colour gradient. Shawls can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for all sorts of occasions.
 

Choosing the Perfect Fibre for Your Spring Wardrobe:

When selecting yarn for your Spring crochet projects, consider the fibre content. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk and bamboo are all excellent choices. They are breathable, allowing your skin to stay cool on warmer days. Cotton and linen yarns also drape beautifully, creating garments & accessories with a light and airy feel. If you're looking for a bit more warmth, consider pure wool or a wool blend. Remember, spring weather can be unpredictable, so if there's an unexpected shower of rain, wool will keep you dry for a short while!

Spring is all about celebrating nature's rebirth. Reflect this joy in your crochet projects by using bright, cheerful colours. Pastels, neons, or even a rainbow palette can create stunning garments & accessories. Don't be afraid to experiment, especially if it's on a smaller piece!

Here are some project ideas to get you started:

Lightweight shawl: I'd like to recommend my Daffodil Shawl (above) to you - it's wonderfully light and drapes gracefully around the shoulders. I designed it in Koigu Mori (50% merino wool/ 50% mulberry silk) in a beautiful variegated daffodil colour. As you can see, this crochet pattern comes with a chart.

Home Decor: Extend the springtime feel to your home with crocheted decorations! Light and airy throws in pastel colours add a touch of fun to your living room. Crocheted bunting or crochet flowers are a delightful way to bring a touch of the outdoors in. My Teenie, Tiny Bunting pattern (below) is quick to whip up and looks really cute hanging on an Easter tree, across a vase of flowers or draped over a photo frame to add a pop of Spring colour to your home!

My Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Transitional Crochet Pattern:

Consider Your Skill Level: Choose a pattern which matches your crochet experience. But Spring is also a great time to challenge yourself with a new stitch or technique, it's a time of fresh beginnings! There are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-follow patterns for all skill levels out there.

Think About Wearability: Crocheting garments & accessories you'll love to wear is key. Consider your personal style and the types of clothes you enjoy wearing. Choose patterns that flatter your figure and which complement your existing wardrobe.

With a little planning and creativity, crochet can help you create a beautiful and functional wardrobe which perfectly embraces the spirit of Spring!

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

 
 

How To Make Do And Mend With Crochet

 Make Do And Mend With Crochet

Hello! This week I'd like to focus on one of my core values when it comes to crafting: How To "Make Do And Mend"! Crocheting opens up a world of creativity for us, but what about those leftover bits of yarn and those clothes with minor tears? Don't toss them aside, instead embrace the culture of "Make Do and Mend" with crochet. There are many ways that we can make the most of what we have and in this blog post I'm going to share my top 4 tips to breathe new life into your crochet.

1. Conquering the Leftovers:

We've all been there - our project is complete, but now we have a basket overflowing with colorful yarn scraps. These beauties are perfect for creating all sorts of small projects such as amigurumi or hats. You may need to get creative in the way you combine your yarns, but that's all part of the fun! My Air Balloon Beanie is a two colour pattern which could be made in multiple colours to use up your leftovers. Find the pattern on my website here.

2. Patching Up Perfection:

A small snag doesn't have to spell doom. Crochet patches are both a fun and functional way to extend the life of your favourite garments and reduce landfill waste. Choose contrasting or complementary colours to create a unique design element. My Sunshine & Showers pattern set might be ideal for your next cover up! Find the pattern on my website here.

3. Visible Mending Magic:

Embrace the current trend of visible mending! Instead of trying to hide your repair, use contrasting yarn to mend tears in a bold and artistic way. My dad is constantly bringing me his woollen socks to darn and initially I would choose yarns that were similar in colour to the original, but now I just go wild with my colour choices!
Mending in this way adds a personal touch to your clothes and promotes sustainable practices by letting others see your "Make Do And Mend" attitude. Win-win!

4. From Scraps to Spectacular:

Tiny yarn ends don't have to gather dust either; you can turn them into a vibrant scrappy blanket! This classic project is one of my favourites because it's perfect for using up even the tiniest scraps. You can experiment with colour combinations and create a unique masterpiece for your home.
The thing I like most about scrappy blankets is that as I use each yarn I get to remember the original project I used it in. I have 3 scrappy blankets free here on my blog, this is my most recent one but you can use the search bar at the side to easily find the others. 

Don't forget to share your mending journey online! The online crochet community thrives on inspiration and resourcefulness. Share photos of your visible mends or quirky scrap yarn creations. You might inspire others to embrace the "Make Do and Mend" spirit with crochet! Tag me on Instagram @marta.mitchell.designs and I'll share your photos to my stories.
 
By incorporating my 4 tips, you'll save yourself money, reduce waste and also unlock a whole new realm of creative expression. So, dig out those leftover yarns & scraps and get crocheting – it's a sustainable and rewarding way to keep your love for crochet thriving.

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

 

Lazy Days CAL Back For The Third Year!

Hello! I'm really pleased to announce that I've begun work on my Lazy Days CAL for 2024! This will be the 3rd year I've run this summer CAL (CAL is short for crochet a-long, for any of you newer to the craft) and for the first time I have a brand new colourway!!

I've been collaborating with Sophie at The Wool Shed on the new colourway. For those of you who don't know, Sophie has begun to dye yarn following the sudden death of her daughter Liv last year. I really enjoyed working with Liv and loved the original colourway she came up with for my Lazy Days CAL.

Just like when I began this crochet along with Liv in 2022, the inspiration is a drawing I commissioned from Katie Gammie. This time I sent the isame llustration to her mum, Sophie, and besides asking for "something darker", I gave her free reign to interpret the drawing in her own way. 

I love the way that Sophie has taken the foxglove as her inspiration and picked up the pinky, purpley colours! She was using yarn with a slightly different base to experiment with, so the next step for her is to get some DK superwash and see how it works on that. Yes - this year for the first time the base will be DK weight, not 4ply (I can hear many of you cheering, ha ha!).

Once I have my eager hands on a sample, I'll begin crocheting right away! The pattern is already forming in my mind and I'm excited to get crocheting! I'm going to keep you guessing by keeping my idea secret for now - but, tell me in the comments, what would you like to see for this year's CAL?

If you'd like to see the patterns from previous year's CALs, you can find them on my website and on Ravelry.

The best thing to do to keep up to date with this exciting project as it unfolds, is to sign up to my mailing list. You'll receive a copy of my "25 Top Tips Every Crocheter Should Know" pdf when you do too!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx