Crochet Pattern of the Month Offer for September!

Hello! Who's ready for my latest pattern of the month? If you're looking for a new project for the weekend, this could be the very one for you! I've chosen my Elsie Beanie because I know many of you will be on the search for a new beanie to crochet up for the colder weather ahead. Designed back in 2020, this is still one of my favourite hat designs and I love to see your versions pop up on social media too.

DK version

It's a slouchy beanie, finished with a faux fur pompom! Both DK weight and 4ply weight versions written in the same pattern - you choose (or make both!). Like I said, I created this pattern in 2020 when we were in lockdown and were all stuck at home (it seems so long ago!). The DK (8ply) version in olive green was first featured in the Crate Crochet subscription box in Australia and the yarn which came in the boxes with the pattern was Bellissimo Lucca, a superwash merino/ cotton blend. I did a quick check on Yarnsub.com and found a good match for you if the Australian yarn is tricky to track down: Cascade Yarns Anchor Bay has a very similar yarn content and will produce a comparable drape.

We had a blast taking photos for the pattern in the May of that year; two of my kids, our crazy dog Jazz and I posed with a vintage map and an old camera bag. People passing by might have thought we were a bit strange, but we didn't care!

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When the pattern rights came back to me and I was ready to release the pattern myself, I decided to add a 4ply version. For my pale orange sample I used Cascade Yarns Heritage and I was so chuffed with the way the fabric draped! This photo shoot was taken in the late snow we had in March 2021 - it was another fun one with snow all around and the chance for me to throw snowballs at my photographer! The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice the mitts I'm wearing - we did the photo shoot for my Bandwagon Mitts pattern the same day!

4ply version

Elsie Beanie will be pattern of the month throughout September, which means you can have 15% off the pattern with the code SEPTEMBER - it's valid on both my website and Ravelry!

So, are you Team 4ply or Team DK? Which version will you be crocheting?

I'll be back next week with more crochet news, in the meantime happy crocheting, 

Marta xx

New FREE Crochet Pattern Alert: The Tay Beanie

 

IT'S PATTERN LAUNCH DAY!

Hello! I'm always excited about pattern launch day but this beanie pattern is especially exciting beacuse I've lined it up to launch on the day of The Scottish Yarn Festival at Errol Showground, Perthshire which is also today! I've designed my Tay Beanie using the Clan DK wool from The Scottish Yarn Festival and it seems fitting to release the pattern into the world on this special day!

I've spoken at length in previous blog posts about how much I LOVE this wool, but if you missed those you can find them on my blog here.

The Tay Beanie pattern is FREE for you here in this blog post with the option to upgrade to the paid-for pattern on either my website or on Ravelry. The paid-for version has another two sizes plus a video tutorial to accompany the pattern. It also includes my prompts for taking the pattern and creating your own spin on it, something I love to encourage! Use the code BEANIE for 25% off the paid-for version!

To make this beanie, you'll need:

• 1x 100g skein of The Scottish Yarn Festival Clan DK (230m/ 100g, 80% Shetland/ 20% Cheviot), I used colourway Sinclair. Link to buy yarn  https://thescottishyarnfestival.com/our-custom-yarn

• 5.5mm (I/9) crochet hook

• Needle for sewing in ends

The full instructions to make the medium size hat are below, in both UK terms followed by US terms! If you make one, don't forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see!!

Tension 

6.5 stars x 8 rows per 10cm (Star Stitch pattern in rounds, unblocked with 5.5mm hook or required hook to achieve gauge). No time for gauge swatches? At the end of Round 5 of the Crown, the diameter should be approximately 11cm.

Measurements

Medium size: to fit 53-58cm; finished hat circumference 58cm; brim to crown height 20cm. My medium sized sample used just under 60g of yarn.

For the small and large sizes visit my website or Ravelry to download the paid-for pattern.

Abbreviations

UK terms		US terms
bptr	back post treble    ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	bpdc	back post double crochet
ch	chain	ch	chain
chsp	chain space	chsp	chain space
flo	front loop only	flo	front loop only
fptr	front post treble    ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	fpdc	front post double crochet
fptr2tog	front post treble 2 together   ⇨  ⇨	fpdc2tog	front post double crochet 2 together
htr	half treble    ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	hdc	half double crochet
htr2tog	half treble 2 together   ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	hdc2tog	half double crochet 2 together
RS	right side	RS	right side
ss	slip stitch	ss	slip stitch
st(s)	stitch(es)	st(s)	stitch(es)
tr	treble     ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	dc	double crochet
tr6tog	treble 6 together   ⇨  ⇨  ⇨	dc6tog	double crochet 6 together
WS	wrong side	WS	wrong side

Notes 

• Begin at the Crown and work down to the Brim in rounds with RS facing at all times. Do not turn at the end of rounds.

• Some testers found that they went up a hook size (or two!) for the Star Stitches. If you feel your Star Stitches are too tight, go up a hook size then back down a hook size for the Brim. You can try on the hat for size & fit after each reset round of Star Stitches.

• If you’d like more length to your beanie add extra rounds of the Brim section.

• Stitch counts are only given at the end of rounds with a change of count from the previous round. If there is no stitch count stated, it’s unchanged since the previous round.

Special stitches

• Star Stitch is worked over 2 rounds. In the first round you will tr6tog/ dc6tog with the first part of each tr/ dc worked as follows; in chsp just made, in mid side leg of last star worked, in lower side leg of last star worked, in same st as last leg of last star, in each of next 2sts, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch1 = tr6tog/ dc2tog made. To complete the stars you will work a round of (1tr, 2htr)/ (1dc, 2hdc) in each chsp around - be careful not to miss the last chsp before the ss join! A reset round is then worked to bring the stitch count back down.

• To begin a round of Star Stitch; ch4, then tr6tog/ dc6tog with the first part of each tr/ dc worked as follows; in 2nd ch from hook, in 3rd ch from hook, in 4th ch from hook, in the same space as joining st at end of last round, in first st, in 2nd st, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch1 = tr6tog/ dc6tog made

• Front post stitches (fptr/ fpdc) & back post stitches (bptr/ bpdc) are worked in almost the same way as regular trebles/ doubles except they are worked around the post of the stitch instead of in the top.

I’d like to thank my tech editor Ruth Brasch for checking over the fine details; my testers (their photos are in the collage above) - Gillian Clifford, Mary Dodds, Daniela Haible, Carmen Heffernan, Raffaella Invernizzi, Angela Lawton & Hannah Wingfield; my photographers, stylists - Niamh Mitchell & Joy Saunders; my model Niamh Mitchell! Thank you everyone, this design wouldn’t have been possible without all your help. xx

Video links 

I’ve made two YouTube video tutorials to help you with this beanie. If you purchase the paid-for pattern on my website or on Ravelry, you will have access to my introduction video which talks you through the construction of this beanie. 

How to work back post/ front post ribbing  https://youtu.be/WH21Ohlq4IE

How to work the Star Stitch  https://youtu.be/2Y4v6VxATuc

Show Notes for Podcast Episode 58: Too Many WiPs?

Ever have that feeling that you have too many WiPs?

Hello! Marta here, I have a yarn filled podcast episode for you today! Somehow it has become a month between podcasts so there’s LOADS to share with you!

I'm a crochet designer, so to keep up to date with all my news, get my 25 Crochet Tips pdf AND receive my biggest discount codes (including 50% off my Tay Beanie, launching Saturday 7th!), you'll want to subscribe to my mailing list:  https://martamitchelldesigns.com/pages/about-me

The Tay Beanie which I've designed has been tech edited  and tested, model photos have been taken - it’s nearly ready for release! It’s crocheted in The Scottish Yarn Festival's Clan DK in the colourway Sinclair. Find the yarn and all the info on the festival taking place on September 7th on their website:  https://thescottishyarnfestival.com

You can find my yarn review on my blog here:  https://martamitchelldesigns.blogspot.com/2024/08/yarn-review-scottish-yarn-festival-clan.html 

I’m almost finished with my Printer Ink Scarf (my own pattern) which is worked up in gorgeous minis from Sealy MacWheely! I will make it my goal to sew in the last few ends and get it blocked for the next episode! Here’s a link to Katie’s online shop where you’ll find the details of the bricks & mortar shop too:  https://sealymacwheely.com

The knitted jumper I’m working on the sleeve of is the Little Bousta Yoke by Gudrun Johnston. I'm using Shetland jumper weight wool from various sources, some from old cones, some Jamieson's which I purchased in The Woolly Brew, Pittenweem. Find the pattern on Ravelry here:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-bousta-yoke

I began a new crocheted jumper following the pattern on the cover of Moorit, issue 1! The pattern is called Cumulo and it’s by Liliana Buce-Chmelko. I’m using Drops Andes which I hadn’t used before but which I’m finding fabulous to work with! Here’s a link to Moorit where you can still find digital copies of issue 1:  https://mooritmag.com/collections/all

I also started a new Tunisian crochet project! It’s the Rancher Shawl by Toni Lipsey   @TLYarnCrafts   and I’m really enjoying this slightly different technique to regular crochet! After watching and being inspired by  @TheCozyCottageCrochet  I bought the pattern on Ravelry:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rancher-shawl

The yarn I’m using is from Pigment & Ply:  https://www.pigmentandply.com  and For The Love Of Yarn:  https://fortheloveofyarn.co.uk 

And finally, my Battenberg Blanket - which did get a lot of attention a few weeks ago! I'm joining the Battenberg MAL on Instagram following the Battenberg Blanket pattern (free pattern on Ravelry) by Sandra Paul:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

#battenbergmal23_24 hosted by   @dieboervroumariette    and   @independence_yarn_crafts 

If you’re interested in reading my Ultimate Guide to Crocheting a Large Blanket, you’ll find it on my ad-free blog here:  https://martamitchelldesigns.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-big-adventure-conquering-large.html 

Not shown in this episode is the Pica Pau lobster I’m crocheting! Oh … and there’s a fancy granny square blanket that’s not been touched for years! And, em … a pair of mitts I began early this year and can’t decide what to do with! I think that’s 8 WiPs! Too many? How many have you got on the go? Let me know in the comments.

If I've missed anything or you'd like more info, please do give me a shout! 

Until the next episode, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you’d like to be kept up to date with the release of my next video, sign up to my newsletter to stay in the loop! There’s so much crochet goodness coming your way when you do!  https://martamitchelldesigns.com/pages/about-me

Tay Beanie Pattern Launch to Coincide with The Scottish Yarn Festival, 7th June 2024

Hello! Are you ready to add a new masterpiece to your crochet collection? It's time to start getting excited because I'm releasing a brand new crochet pattern to coincide with The Scottish Yarn Festival next Saturday, 7th June!

The Tay Beanie has now been tested and tech edited! This stylish hat is the cousin of my original Perth Beanie and features a stunning textured detail which is sure to make heads turn! Rounds of Star Stitch are used to create this rich texture and I'll be creating a YouTube video to demonstate this cute stitch pattern. 

Crocheted with just 1 skein of the fabulous Clan DK wool from The Scottish Yarn Festival, the same yarn I chose for my Perth Beanie. The sample is in Sinclair, the perfect colour for autumn in Perthshire!

If you're at the festival, you'll be able to choose from the full range of colours available, including the brand new colour, Errol, launching on the day! If you can't make it in person, you can buy the yarn on The Scottish Yarn Festival's webiste. Two weeks ago I wrote a review of this wonderful yarn which you can read here on my blog.

Stay tuned for the official release next Saturday! The pattern, like it's Perth Beanie cousin, will be free on my blog with the option to upgrade to the paid version on my website or on Ravelry to give you access to more sizes and more video tutorials. I'll be sending an email to my subscribers on the day so if you'd like access to all the links and of course the special subscriber discount code, sign up to my mailing list here.

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

FREE UK shipping, this week only!

  

Hello! 

I have a treat for you today; you can enjoy FREE shipping to UK addresses on all my physical crochet products this week! That's right, no shipping costs on your favourite Marta Mitchell Design items, such as crochet kits, project bag bundles and ergonomic crochet hooks.

 

No code required (and you can still use your LAZYDAYS 10% discount, don't say I'm not good to you!). Visit my website to see the products available.

 

Hurry, this offer ends Sunday 23:59 BST.

 

Happy shopping!

 

Yarn Review: The Scottish Yarn Festival, Clan DK

Hello! I've been meaning to share my thoughts on the yarn I've been loving the most lately. It's Clan DK from The Scottish Yarn Festival and it's been getting a lot of use in my projects, so I thought it was time to give it a proper review.

I love discovering new yarns so when I first saw this wool at The Scottish Yarn Festival itself in Perth last September I was super impressed with how it squished ... and as for the colours, WOW!

This soft & woolly yarn comes from sheep grazing in Scotland, it's then milled in Yorkshire and is ready to be transformed into something wonderful by us crocheters and knitters! It's a blend of 80% Shetland and 20% Cheviot, it's DK weight (but comes in 4ply and now aran weight too!).

The visionary behind The Scottish Yarn Festival is Eva Christie and she has created an incredible new yarn, combining her passion and knowledge of Scottish wool to produce something truly special. The yarn is lovely and springy when you squish it in skein form which then translates well when it's crocheted up; it really keeps its stitch definition and shape.

As well as 3 undyed neutral colourways, there is a stunning range of 11 colours and Eva has blended some real beauties! They're all named after Scottish Clans (hence the name Clan). You may remember my Perth Beanie - for that I used the colourway Wallace, a dusky burgundy colour. I have a new design at the testing and tech editing stage using Sinclair, a burnt mustard sort of colour. These colours share a common earthy quality and would look fantastic together (indeed, I'm saving all my left-overs to combine in a future scrappy project!).

Image shows my Perth Beanie

However, it’s not just this yarn’s incredible softness and stunning colour palette that I love. Sustainability is equally important to me and knowing that this wool originates from sheep grazing freely in Scotland, and that processing takes place in Yorkshire, aligns perfectly with my values. Supporting local industries and minimising the environmental impact of production are crucial factors in my yarn choices. By choosing to endorse smaller, more independent yarn suppliers, such as The Scottish Yarn Festival, we not only bolster the local economy, we also help to minimise the environmental impact often associated with larger brands. By choosing to support brands committed to ethical and sustainable practices, we can collectively encourage a more responsible approach to textile production.

As I've mentioned, I've used this wool to design two hats but it would definitely crochet up well in a jumper or blanket, holding its structure well and providing much needed warmth! I'm also looking forward to getting my hands on some 4ply! There's a brand new colourway called Errol being released at The Scottish Yarn Festival on the 7th of September and it's a fabulous green colour, I can't wait to get my hands on it! There are bag/ yarn/ ticket bundles which allow entry to the festival, plus on the day you can collect one of their new tote bags and a skein of Errol, great idea!

Image shows my Tay Beanie

If you'd like to try out the Clan yarn for yourself (it truly is one of my favourites!), then you can find it on The Scottish Yarn Festival website, at one of their many stockists (including The Woolly Thistle for my american friends) or at the festival itself on the 7th September at Errol Showground, just outside Perth. At the time of writing the yarn is not listed on the website due to festival commitments, but if you email hello@thescottishyarnfestival Eva will be able to make arangements for you.

If you've used this yarn already, what did you make? Did you love it too? Leave me a comment to let me know!

Until next time, happy crocheting, 

Marta xx

PS. If you're interested in crocheting my Perth Beanie you can find the pattern free on this blog here!