The Power of Yarn: How Crochet Can Enhance Your Wellbeing

Hello! I don't know about you, but in our fast-paced world, I often crave moments of peace and activities that will help to keep me calm & sane. I turn to crochet most in these times because I find the repetitive action so soothing. I've been looking into it, and there are so many ways in which crochet can enhance your wellbeing.

 

Stress Relief and Relaxation:

The rhythmic motions of crocheting – the turning of the yarn, the steady flow of the stitches – have a calming effect. It allows our worries fade away and our focus sharpens. This meditative quality can significantly reduce stress & anxiety, leaving you feeling centred and relaxed.
 

In Need of a Confidence Boost?: 

As you master new techniques and witness your beautiful creations come to life, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment which will build confidence and fuel your creative side. Crochet allows you to express yourself through colour, texture and design, fostering a sense of pride and artistic fulfillment.
 

Improved Dexterity and Cognitive Function:

Crocheting requires fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The repetitive motions of crocheting can improve your dexterity and the flexibility in your hands and fingers (especially beneficial as we age). Furthermore, crochet stimulates both sides of the brain which enhances concentration, memory retention & overall brain function.
 

A Sense of Community:

The crochet community is a  welcoming community. By joining online forums, attending local crochet groups, or even simply connecting with fellow crocheters on social media, you'll have a sense of belonging and connection.
Sharing your work, exchanging tips, and learning from others creates a mutually supportive network which can combat feelings of isolation & loneliness. I dedicated a whole blog post to this topic earlier in the year, if you missed that you can read it here.
 

The Joy of Giving:  

Crochet allows you to create beautiful, handmade gifts for loved ones. The simple act of gifting something you've made yourself expresses your love and care in a very real way. I know that my immediate family & friends truly appreciate all the wooly gifts I've given them over the years.
If you crochet for charity it allows you to contribute to a good cause and make a positive impact on the lives of other people.
 
So, next time you pick up your hook think about all the ways in which crochet is enhancing your overall wellbeing! It may be a simple craft but crochet has profound benefits for your mind and body.

Crochet Pattern Suggestions:

Here are a few pattern suggestions from me, all of which you can find by browsing my Ravelry store or my website. One of my favourite projects for relaxing has got to be a crochet blanket and I have 3 patterns available on my blog, the most popular one is Scrappy Blanket III.

If you're looking for a quicker project than a blanket, then I'd suggest my In The Groove cushion cover (above). It has an easy to remember pattern repeat which you can easily immerse yourself in. Find the pattern here on my website and here on Ravelry.

We're finally coming into some warmer weather here in the UK, so if you're after a mindful crochet pattern which will give you a pretty shawl as a result, look no further than my Lazy Days Wrap (below)! It has a simple, easy-to-remember repeat which is suitable from confident beginner up. Find the pattern here on my website and here on Ravelry.

I hope this has been a useful blog post for you, detailing just how good crochet is for our wellbeing! If you have questions about any of my patterns, please ask, I'm happy to help!

Until next time,

Marta xx

Your Guide to Joining Crochet Like a Pro

 Seamingly Seamless: Mastering the Art of Joining

Hello! If you've been crocheting for a while, you'll probably have come across a project where you needed to join pieces of crochet together - perhaps granny squares to make a blanket or maybe panels of crochet to form a garment. In this blog post I'm going to share my tips for joining crochet which will help you achieve a really professional look to your finished items.

Just like choosing the right stitch for your project, selecting the perfect joining method is key. Here are a few popular choices:

The Whip Stitch: 

Go grab your tapestry needle! This classic sewing technique wraps around your 2 edges. Simply sew across the top of the two pieces to be joined, working the needle in the same direction. You can use a contrast colour to add a decorative touch.

The Crochet Join: 

A fast and sturdy option for squares or panels. I like this method because you're continuing with your hook! You either slip stitch or double crochet (UK)/ single crochet (US) through both pieces of crochet. If it's squares it's through the back loop only of the square nearest one to you and the front loop only of the square behind. This join can either be worked on the wrong side (where it shows up like sewn stitches on the right side), or on the right side to add a defined ridge to your work. 

Personally, I LOVE the appearance of the ridge on the right side and this is my go-to join for blankets. It's also the joining method I used on my Counterbalance Sweater to accentuate the joins between the different textures. This pattern is currently exclusive to Moorit, issue 6, which is on sale now!

I have a video tutorial demonstrating this join which you can watch on YouTube.

image courtesy of Amelia Claudia Photography

The Mattress Stitch: 

Another sewn join, this invisible hero creates a seamless look, which is perfect when you want to conceal your joins. If you're looking to create a really professional finish, this join is much better than using whip stitch. It's used mostly in garments and other items of clothing such as hats and cowls. 

I used the mattress stitch join on my Counterbalance Sweater for sewing up the side seams to create an all round look to the garment.

I made a video tutorial demonstrating this join which you can find on my YouTube channel.

Other joining methods: 

Dig around and you'll find there are many other joining methods, particularly for granny square type motifs. For example, there's the join-as-you-go method (often called JAYGO) which is fab if the idea of joining all your squares at the end of a project daunts you.

Pro tip: 

Whether you are sewing or crocheting your pieces together, keep your tension even. Too tight and you'll pucker your work, too loose and there will be gaps. Seek out that sweet, Goldilocks spot and your crochet will shine!

In conclusion: 

The different joins all have their uses. If you're newer to crochet it's probably best to stick with the suggested join in your pattern. Once you know what you're doing, play around and try them out because over time you'll find which ones work best for you. 

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

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