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

Show Mum You Care with a Bouquet that Blooms Forever: 
Free Crochet Flower Pattern for Mother's Day!

Hello! Are you looking for a unique and heartfelt gift for your mum this Mother's Day? Ditch the wilting flowers and pick up your crochet hook! Mother's Day is on the 31st of March this year in the UK and this blog post features a free and easy crochet flower pattern, perfect for creating something beautiful and lasting that your mum or mother figure will cherish.

This easy crochet flower pattern is perfect from beginners onwards and can be used for many decorations. With just a magic loop and two basic stitches, you can quickly whip up a bouquet of blooming love for the most important woman in your life.

So, grab your yarn, crochet hook, and a cup of tea, and get ready to create something special for your mum this Mother's Day! I took some of my finished flowers, glued them to blank cards, added stems in black pen and gave them as cards. I even added buttons to the centres of some of the flowers.

This is a BEGINNER level crochet pattern, written in both UK & US terms

You will need

A small amount of yarn in any thickness you choose!

Appropriate size of crochet hook for the yarn you've chosen

Needle for sewing in ends

I used DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 310m/100g, 4ply weight yarn) & 3mm hook.

Notes

You’ll need to know how to make a magic loop. I've made a YouTube tutorial if you’re unsure, go take a look!

UK instructions

ch - chain

dtr - double treble

ss - slip stitch

Begin with a magic loop, [ch3, 2dtr into loop, ch3, ss into loop] 5 times. Cut yarn. Pull the starting tail to tighten the magic loop. Weave in the ends on the back.

US instructions

ch - chain

tr - treble/triple crochet

ss - slip stitch

Begin with a magic loop, [ch3, 2tr into loop, ch3, ss into loop] 5 times. Cut yarn. Pull the starting tail to tighten the magic loop. Weave in the ends on the back.

Crochet Chart

The chart above will be a handy guide to visualise the placement of each stitch of the flower. This can make it easier to follow along, especially if you're new to crochet. Once you've completed a few flowers, the process will become automatic and you'll be whipping them up in no time - the muscle memory will kick in, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you can create a beautiful bouquet of crocheted flowers!

💡 Top tip! If you leave your ends long these can later be used to sew your finished flower to your project.

This pattern is completely free for you to enjoy and share with your fellow crochet enthusiasts.

If you find this pattern helpful and would like to show your appreciation, please consider 'buying me a coffee'! It's a small way to support my work and help me continue creating free, high-quality crochet patterns for you to explore. Whether you choose to support me or not, I hope you have a blast crocheting these beautiful blooms!

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

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