Stitching Through Summer: A July Recap

 

Hello! It was both a busy and beautiful July! There was warm weather here on the east coast of Scotland at last and it was so good to spend time crocheting in my garden. I hope you've had a chance to soak up the sunshine too, wherever you are in the world. With summer in full swing, I've been keeping very active in my crochet business and I thought I'd share my July highlights with you.

Blog Post Highlight:
This month, the blog post which saw the most love was my "Ultimate Guide to Crocheting Socks". I pulled together all my knowledge and experience of crocheting socks into one juicy blog post and you guys loved it! It seems like many of you were eager to dip your toes into sock-making, and I’m so happy to be able to help you on your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned sock crocheter looking to improve your skills or a complete newbie, there’s a wee nugget of wisdom in there for everyone. Check it out here.

Social Media Spotlight:
I was surprised to find that the Instagram post with the most reach (views) was the image I shared of my yarn kit from Stephen & Penelope for the Westknits Surprise Sock Along! This is a month long, mystery sock knitting project with 1 clue being released each Tuesday (as I type it's Tuesday and I'll be straight off to look at clue 4 when I've finished this blog post!). I'm using yarn from Twisted Ambitions Yarn, based in the USA and I am in love with the vibrant colours. If you're not following my journey on Instagram, you can find me at @marta.mitchell.designs

My Bestselling Crochet Pattern:
Not surprisingly, with my own summer CAL running throughout this month, my most popular pattern was my Lazy Days Shortie Socks. I've created a lovely community for this CAL, we've been sharing photos and encouragement on Instagram and we've even had a couple of Zoom meet-ups! I'm hearing from those following the pattern that they're enjoying the simple stitches as a way to bring calm after stressful days at work or busy life circumstances, and I am so pleased to have been able to provide that release for them.
My discount code LAZYDAYSCAL is still running and it's not too late to come and join us! You can purchase the full kit on my website or the pattern on Ravelry. and the code LAZYDAYS gives you 10% off!
 
You Loved This Video:
It looks like you really enjoyed my latest podcast episode on YouTube, and I'm so glad! It's been a huge hit this month, perhaps because after my short break from podcasting I had more energy and felt more inspired about sharing my work! I showed off the yoke of a fairisle cardigan I'm knitting, my Parallel Lines Wrap (it was pattern release day!), my Battenberg Blanket, a new crocheted beanie I'm designing and a few other projects.If you haven't watched episode 56 yet (released last Friday), you can watch it via the embedded link below.

Crochet Shawl Pattern Release:
If you received last week's email, you'll know that I released my Parallel Lines Wrap (top photo), an Advent mini skeins crochet project. I'm really pleased with how this pattern worked out and I am particularly fond of all the photos. A HUGE thank you to everyone who took advantage of my exclusive early bird discount offer, I was absolutely AMAZED at your response to this pattern! Sorry to anyone who missed out (the code was only for the first 50 orders), consider subscribing to my mailing list to keep your eye out for future offers!

If you're currently crocheting up any of my patterns or have a finished Marta Mitchell Designs project, don't forget to share on social media. You can use the tag #martamitchelldesigns and tag me @marta.mitchell.designs to make sure I see it, I do LOVE to see your work!

Stay tuned for more crochet goodness in August! Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

A Shawl Pattern For Advent Mini Skeins!

Hello! Are you ready to dig into your yarn stash? Because I'm really pleased to announce the release of my brand new crochet pattern, the Parallel Lines Wrap! Yes, it has a name at last - chosen via an Instagram competition by husband and wife duo, Peter & Sue. I'm delighted with this name, it encompases both the shape and the repetitive nature of this mindful project.
 
This wrap pattern is perfect for anyone who has leftover mini skeins from an Advent calendar (or any random bits of yarn you've been saving for a special project). The easy-to-learn repeat makes it ideal for both confident beginners and experienced crocheters, and, thinking ahead here, it's the perfect way to unwind during the busy festive season (or indeed any time of year!).
 
Here are all the things you'll want to know about the pattern:

• Crochet pattern written in UK & US terms.

• Available on my website and on Ravelry.

• If you purchase from my website your download will include a link to add the pattern to your Ravelry library if you wish to do so.

• Yarn requirements: 24x 20g sock yarn mini skeins (4ply yarn, 425g per 100m, 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon). 

• I chose minis from The Hobbit Advent calendar by Skein & The Stitch for my version and used approximately 14g of each colour.

• You'll need a 5mm crochet hook (much bigger than your usual hook for 4ply yarn!)

• The pattern is formed by a combination of V stitches and clusters.

• It has a 4 row mindful pattern repeat.

• Just like me, you'll love the surprise and delight of adding each new colour!

• 
  

Did I miss anything? Leave me your questions in the comments, I'm happy to help!
 
Early bird offer! I'm giving you 25% off my pattern this weekend only!! Use the code EARLYBIRD on both my website and Ravelry. 
 
Hurry, Parallel Lines Wrap pattern is only available at this discounted price until 11.59 BST, Sunday 29th July 2024. Don't let those leftover minis gather dust any longer – transform them into a stunning shawl you'll love! Head over to my website or Ravelry to snag your copy before this early bird offer flies away.

Any questions, please leave me a comment or send me an email crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com and I'll get back to you.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 

How To Weave In Ends On Granny Squares

Hello! Have you ever finished a beautiful granny square (or ten!), only to be faced with the dreaded task of weaving in all those ends? I can assure you, we've all been there! I'm here with advice to banish your end-weaving woes and turn you into a pro! After this blog post, you'll be able to conquer all those those pesky yarn tails, leaving your granny squares looking polished and ready to take on the world (or get made into a cosy blanket at last!).

What I do is take each end (one from the centre, one from the corner) and weave them towards each other, taking care to keep this hidden on the wrong side. I then tie them in a reef knot before weaving them in, first one way, then doubling back. I've been using this same method for about 10 years and I can report that it's a releable method for securing ends, none of my blankets have come apart.

 

The easiest way for me to explain the above method is video, so there's a YouTube tutorial which will walk you through my exact method for securing those pesky yarn tails on solid granny squares. The beauty of my technique is that it applies to multiple colour squares as well! The only difference is that with more colours, you'll have less distance to weave in your ends since the gap between ends will be shorter.

 

So, for a more visual demonstration, watch the YouTube video below where I'll walk you through the entire process step-by-step.  

Did you find these tips helpful for conquering those granny square ends? If you're eager to crochet smarter, not harder, consider joining my mailing list! You'll get exclusive access to tonnes of great content, plus a bonus PDF with 25 essential crocheting tips delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up today and unlock a world of crochet goodness!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Something Refreshingly Different: Cucumber & Mint Infused Water

  

Hello! Here is something refreshingly different from me this week: I'm sharing my recipe for a cool drink to have at your side as you crochet this summer! As I type this, it's a rainy Wednesday morning, but we have actually had a few warmer days lately here on the east coast of Scotland, let's hope there are more to come! Anyway, here's my simple recipe, I hope you like it!

Cucumber & Mint Infused Water:

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour + (the longer it chills, the stronger the flavour)

Servings: 4
 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cucumber

Small handful of mint leaves

1 liter of water

Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

Wash and thinly slice your cucumber. 

Wash and gently bash your mint leaves.

Pop the sliced cucumber and mint leaves in a jug.

Pour in about a litre of water and stir gently to combine.

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

To serve, fill a glass with the infused water and add ice cubes (if you like!).

This delightful drink is not only light and hydrating, but the subtle flavours of cucumber and mint add a touch of spa-like serenity to your crafting session. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make – perfect for whipping up a jug in the morning to have on hand for an afternoon of crochet in the garden. So, make up a jug, choose your latest crochet WiP (possibly the hardest part of this whole process!), and enjoy!

Until next week, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. I hope this has been a fun blog post for you! Please consider signing up to my mailing list, lots more good stuff coming your way and when you do, you'll automatically be sent my PDF with 25 top tips that every crocheter should know! 
 
 

Your Ultimate Guide To Crocheting Socks

Hello! Over the last few weeks, with my Lazy Days Shortie Sock CAL on the horizon, I've received quite a few questions from subscribers and followers about crocheting socks. So, with this in mind I've created a round up blog post: a resource you can use if you need any information about crocheting socks. It pulls all my years of knowledge & experience, all my techniques & skills together in one place for you. 

Sock it to Me: Measuring Feet for the Perfect Fit: Let's start at the beginning with how to properly measure feet for socks. I pulled my dad in to help with the video to accompany this blog post! This step is super important to get right if you want to create a sock that fits well and feels comfortable all day long. Read post here.

Demystifying Sock Crochet Terms: No More Head-Scratching!: You have your pattern, but help! What on earth do all these terms mean? Don't worry, this blog post demistifies them all for you, no more struggling to decipher abbreviations or confusing techniques. Read post here.

My Pro Crochet Sock Tips: Here's a blog post with my top 5 tips for crocheting socks, a good one to refer to for some sound advice. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make the sock crocheting process a smoother and more enjoyable one. Read post here.

Designing Crochet Socks that Fit: A Resource for Designers: If you are a crochet designer, or a budding crochet designer, I have a blog post dedicated to designing crochet socks that FIT. It has some useful pointers for crocheters too about achieving the fit you want. Read post here.

Choosing Colours and Yarn for Perfect Crochet Socks: My oldest crochet sock blog post is from a blog hop back in 2018 (yes, I've been blogging a LONG time!). The topic is choosing colours for socks and has lots of useful tips in it. Read post here.

5 Must-Try Crochet Sock Patterns: Looking for more crochet sock patterns to try? I have a round up blog post with 5 of the best, all tried and tested by me! My top 5 feature a variety of sock styles and difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. Read post here.

I really hope this round up is useful for you! If you'd like to receive my weekly wisdom on all things crochet, consider subscribing to my mailing list here.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

My Current Favourite Hook: The Clover Soft Touch

Hello! For every crocheter, there's that one hook. You know, the one you reach for time and again, the one that feels like an extension of your hand. Today, I'm here to sing the praises of my own personal crochet bestie: the Clover Soft Touch. I should say that this is not an affiliated or sponsored post and that all opinions are my own. 

This little wonder isn't fancy or expensive, but it ticks all the boxes for me. Let's break down why it's become my go-to hook:

 

Comfort First:  

Crocheting can be hard on your hands, especially if you tend to grip your hook tightly. The Clover Soft Touch boasts a shaped plastic handle with a smooth, rubber thumb grip handle that's a dream to hold. I can crochet for hours without feeling any strain or cramping.

 

Glides Like a Dream:  

There's nothing worse than a hook that snags on your yarn, making every stitch a struggle. The Clover Soft Touch has a tapered point which glides effortlessly through the yarn, creating beautifully even stitches. 

 

Size Does Matter:

The Clover Soft Touch comes in a whopping 21 sizes, from 0.5mm hooks perfect for delicate threads to 6mm for working with chunkier yarns. Also, if you're just starting out, they offer handy sets of 9 hooks that cover the central range of yarn weights.

 

Kind to Your Wallet:  

Let's face it, crochet supplies can add up quickly! The beauty of the Clover Soft Touch is that it's very affordable. You won't break the bank adding it to your collection, which leaves more room for that gorgeous yarn you've been eyeing up!

 

Bonus Tips: 

If you're on the hunt for your own favourite crochet hook, I highly recommend checking out some reviews online or visiting your local craft store to see if they have any available for you to handle. I also made a YouTube video last year all about the different types of crochet hooks which might be of interest to you, you can watch it via the embedded link below.

Finding the perfect hook is definitely a personal journey, but trust me, the search is worth it! Have you found your own crochet soulmate? Share your favourite hook and why you love it in the comments, I'd love to know!

The Clover Soft Touch 4.5mm hook was my choice for this year's Lazy Days CAL kits. It's my current favourite hook and I want you to try it and see for yourself how lovely it is to use. Kits are still available, but are selling out fast! Click here to order yours today, not forgetting your 10% off discount code: LAZYDAYS

I hope this post has been useful for you. Do let me know in the comments what your favourite hook is!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Lazy Days CAL Kit Launch!

Hello! I'm so, so pleased with how this year's Lazy Days CAL kits have come together! It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with Sophie at The Wool Shed to bring you a fresh new yarn for 2024. Also, you asked and I listened - this year it's an 8ply/ DK weight yarn instead of 4ply/ fingering weight.

The colourway is called Lazy Days, it's a 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon base, 225m per 100g and it's exclusive to my kits. 

I reached out to Rachel at Sew Ray Me and I'm delighted to bring you a selection of her cute notions tins in the kits for the first time! I'm sure you're going to love these for popping stitch markers and other wee treasures in.

My lovely Instagram friend Ruth at Labours of Love Crochet is supplying me with summer themed stitch markers - lobster clasp ones - perfect for crochet.

This year I'm bringing you another of my favourite crochet hooks; the Clover Soft Touch. I love the feel of these hooks, particularly in the summer when my hands can be a bit hot and sticky! It's a 4.5mm hook, the recommended size for the pattern.

There will also be a postcard included, designed by Katie at Katie Birdie. It was Katie who drew the beautiful illustration for me which sparked this CAL back in 2021, you can read that story on my blog here.

Another change for 2024 is that I've had the pattern professionally printed as an A4 folded leaflet (these are so much better than me churning out slightly blurry copies on my printer as in previous years!!)

All of these things will come in a drawstring kit bag made from organic, Fairtrade cotton which is printed in the UK with the lovely foxglove & bee illustration by Katie.

 

My CAL kicks off in 2 weeks time, Friday 5th July, with pre-orders opening for kits today! Kits are £50 each but I'm offering you a discount code - 10% off - which makes them just £45.00!

 

The kit includes:

• 100g of exclusive colourway: ' Lazy Days', DK weight yarn (75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon)
• 4.5mm Clover Soft Touch Hook
• stitch markers from Labours of Love Crochet
• notions tin from Sew Ray Me
• postcard from Katie Birdie
• printed A4 pattern leaflet
• pdf of the pattern with video tutorial links
• organic, Fairtrade cotton drawstring bag with the illustration from Katie Birdie on the front, perfect to keep everything in!

 

This year I'm introducing a budget friendly option too: pattern & project bag combo for £9, but with your 10% discount code, that's just £8.10!

Combo includes:

• printed A4 pattern leaflet
• pdf of the pattern
• organic, Fairtrade cotton drawstring bag with the illustration from Katie Birdie on the front

Both kits and combos will be posted at the end of next week.

 

The code for all offers is LAZYDAYS

I've listed the pattern on Ravelry and on my website and of course you can join the CAL using any DK weight yarn - although I'd recommend a superwash merino with nylon for best results. The links below take you to the pattern and the LAZYDAYS code will give you 10% off on both sites.

For my 2024 Lazy Days CAL there will be an Instagram chat group where we can discuss all things sock related, ask questions, share progress photos, cheer each other on; there will be a an opening Zoom meet up (new for this year!), with a prize draw for everyone attending; and there will be various prizes for taking part.

 

Sound good? Join my CAL today for a summer of crochet community fun!

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx