How To Create A Mood Board For Your Next Crochet Project

 

How To Create A Mood Board For Your Next Crochet Project

Hello! Have you ever just stared at your yarn stash, overwhelmed by the possibilities, with no idea what to crochet next? I'm sure we've all been there! At times like these, a mood board can be exactly what you need to unlock creative inspiration and guide you towards your next project.
 
Think of a mood board as a visual roadmap for your crochet journey. It's a place to gather anything that sparks your imagination – colours, textures, patterns, even feelings! Here are my top tips for creating a crochet mood board.

First, find Your Colour Palette:

Inspiration Hunting: Flip through magazines, browse Pinterest (personally I LOVE Pinterest and use it for inspiration all the time!), or take a walk in nature. Ask yourself if you're drawn to the vibrant hues of a the sunset, or the calming blues and greens of a coastal landscape? 
 
What to include: Pictures of fabrics, natural elements like wood grain or feathers, or even architectural details that inspire interesting stitch choices. You can add photos of geometric shapes, floral prints, or traditional motifs that could be incorporated into your crochet design.

 
The Emotional Factor: Cut out pictures or write down words that evoke the mood you want your project to have. Elegant, playful, cosy – the possibilities are endless and you get to choose!

Colour Harmony: Use online tools or colour theory basics to create a cohesive palette. Will you go for a bold contrast or a soothing monochrome look? If you're thinking "Woah! Colour theory? That's a bit of a stretch for me!", fear not - this is a topic I cover in my Colour & Crochet Course, which I'll explain more about below. 
 
Putting it All Together:
There are no hard and fast rules! You can use a physical corkboard, a digital platform like Pinterest or Canva, or go old-school like me and use a sketchbook. The key is to arrange your finds in a way that excites you and helps your project vision come to life.

Yarn Matchmaker: Once you have your colour story, raid your yarn stash or visit your local yarn shop to find the perfect matches!
 
Conclusion: So, grab your scissors and glue or open your favourite digital platform, and get started on your mood board today! Let your creativity flow, and watch your next crochet project come to life, filled with your unique colour and personality.
 

Ready to Dive Deeper into the World of Colour & Crochet with me?

My Colour & Crochet Course will take you on a journey to develop your colour confidence and create stunning, well-co-ordinated crochet projects. It's an online course you can take at your own pace with a mix of colour theory lessons, fun exercises, and 4 free crochet patterns to get you started. You'll be able to wave goodbye to yarn-stash overwhelm and learn how to use inspiration to create amazing crochet projects which you will love.

I'm offering you 15% off my Colour & Crochet Course! Simply add the word COURSE15 at the checkout for your discount to be applied.

I hope this has been a useful blog post for you. If you like these tips, please consider signing up to my mailing list, lots more good stuff coming your way. 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

Crochet Your Way: A Fun Quiz to Discover Your Hooky Personality!

 

A Fun Quiz to Discover Your Hooky Personality!

Hello! Have you ever wondered what kind of crocheter you are? Take my quick quiz to discover your crocheting style and your future project potentials!
 
Ready? Let's get quizzing!
 
Question 1: When you picture your dream crochet project, it's most likely to be:
A) A cozy blanket to snuggle under with a good book. 
B) A statement piece of clothing that shows off your skills. 
C) A meticulously planned project with intricate details. 
D) A snuggly beanie made with naturally dyed wool.  
 
Question 2: Your favourite part of the crocheting process is:
A) Relaxing and letting the rhythm of the stitches take over. 
B) The feeling of accomplishment when you finish a project. 
C) Following a pattern to perfection.
D) Experimenting with new colours and textures.
 
Question 3: When you spot an error 5 rows back, you tend to:
A) Laugh it off and keep crocheting, mistakes add character! 
B) Embrace the "happy accident" and see where it leads. 
C) Rip it out and start fresh, determined to get it absolutely right. 
D) Try to fix it discreetly without anyone noticing.
 
Question 4: Your ideal crocheting companion would be:
A) A furry friend who loves to curl up beside you as you crochet. 
B) A group of friends to share stitches, tips & laughter. 
C) An easy pattern that you can binge TV with.
D) A hot cup of tea and a good audiobook.
 
Question 5: When choosing yarn for a new project, what factor is most important to you?:
A) The softness and drape of the yarn.
B) Finding a new colour palette to match your vision. 
C) Using yarn that's the exact weight and type called for in the pattern.
D) Experimenting with different textures and fibres for unique effects. 
 
Your Results:
Mostly A's: The Comfort Crocheter
You find joy in creating warm & practical projects that bring comfort both to yourself and others. Cosy blankets, soft scarves, simple garments all with repetitive stitches are your calling! You enjoy the process of creating and the calming rhythm of the stitches.
 
Mostly B's: The Adventurous Crocheter
You love to turn your ideas into finished projects! Stylish garments, trendy accessories, and bold colour choices are your forte.  Fillet crochet, textured stitches, colourwork and intricate details are your playground. Keep pushing your boundaries and explore the marvels of crochet!
 
Mostly C's: The Perfectionist Crocheter
You crave a challenge and also find satisfaction in mastering intricate stitches and complex patterns. Your yarn stash is meticulously organised by weight, fibre content and colour. Lacework, colorwork, and intricate details are your playground. 
 
Mostly D's: Texture Explorer
You're a yarn adventurer! You love exploring different yarns, such as the rustic charm of natural wool or the cool smoothness of bamboo. Keep trying new combinations, embrace the unexpected and let the yarn guide your projects!
 
What did you get? Leave me a comment to let me know how you got on. Remember this was all a bit of fun and there is no "right" way to crochet. There's also no such thing as the Crochet Police, so embrace your unique style and keep on creating beautiful things.

Looking for inspiration? Here are my top crochet pattern recommendations tailored to your unique style.

A) For the Comfort Crocheter: Printer Ink Scarf
You can lose yourself in the simple pattern repeat of this light weight scarf, it's the perfect comfort project. Pattern available on Ravelry & on my website.
 
B) For the Adventurous Crocheter: Counterbalance Sweater
You'll be intrigued by the unusual construction method of this sweater. There are lots of different techniques going on in the pattern to keep you interested too! Pattern currently exclusive to Moorit 6, available now.
 
C) For the Perfectionist Crocheter: Fields of Wheat Beanie
You will love creating the wheat motifs for this beanie, they are so satisfying to make! Pattern available on Ravelry & on my website.
 
D) For the Texture Explorer: Lyre Socks
You'll have fun choosing wool for these socks - they need a high wool content with a 'toothy' yarn in the blend, such as Zwartbles, to give the stitch definition. Pattern available on Ravelry & on my website.
 
Want more crochet inspiration and fun? Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive news on up-coming patterns, tips & tricks and the biggest discounts out there!
 
Until next time, happy crocheting!

Marta xx

Something Different From Me: A Crochet Themed Colouring Sheet

Hello! This week, I'm excited to let you know about something a little different from me! For a while now, I've been toying with the idea of introducing some fun, creative activities alongside my crochet patterns, and guess what? The time has finally come! I'm absolutely delighted to bring you my very first crochet themed colouring sheet!

I've really enjoyed creating this colouring page, and I can't wait to see how you bring it to life with your own unique colour palette. So, go grab your favourite crayons, pencils, pens, or use it straight way on your tablet and unleash your creativity!

 

To get your hands on your copy, go to my website and if you enter the code COLOURING1 it's yours for FREE (valued at £1.97) when you purchase any of my crochet patterns! Ideally I would like to have more of these available, maybe even create a wee booklet, so I'd really appreciate your feedback -  please let me know your thoughts. 

 

And, if you could share any photos on social media that would be AMAZING! Don't forget to tag me so I can see!

Looking forward to bringing you more crochet news next week, until then happy colouring,

Marta xx

Cracking the Code: How to Read and Understand Crochet Patterns

How to Read and Understand Crochet Patterns

Hello! As you've probably come to realise, the world of crochet is filled with endless possibilities, from squishy scarves to adorable amigurumi. This blog post is especially for all the newbies out there, because if you're a beginner staring down at a crochet pattern can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics, can't it?
 
Fear not, aspiring crocheters! The guide I've put together for you here will equip you with the tools and confidence to decipher patterns and make your crochet dreams a reality.
 

Understanding the Structure of a Crochet Pattern:

Firstly, let's look at the typical layout of a pattern:
Materials: This section usually comes at the top and it lists the yarn, hook size, and any other supplies you'll need. Make sure you have all the required items before you start.
Gauge: Gauge (often referred to as tension) refers to the number of stitches and the number of rows which fall within a square (usually 10cm x 10cm/ 4" x 4"). Crocheting a gauge swatch allows you to adjust your hook size if your tension is too loose or too tight, thus meeting gauge helps ensure your project ends up the correct size. I devoted a whole blog post to this subject, so if you want to know more, you can read it here.
Notes: This section includes any special techniques or stitch variations used in the pattern, as well as useful information such as where the pattern starts, yarn substitution, sizing information etc.
Instructions: Here's where the pattern begins! The instructions are written in rows (for flat pieces) or rounds (for working in circles). They'll tell you exactly which stitches to make and where to place them. Take each row/ round in turn; do what it tells you to do, count your stitches at the end, move onto the next row/ round. It's a good idea to have a skim through the whole pattern to get a general idea of what's expected before you begin.

 

Learning the Language:

You'll first need to get to grips with abbreviations. Crochet patterns are packed full of them to save space and to keep the instructions concise. Luckily, there's a common core set you'll encounter in almost every pattern. Familiarising yourself with a few basic terms will make your life so much easier. Some examples are;
 
ch: chain (the stitch which following stitches are worked into)
ss: slip stitch (used for joining or fastening off)
inc: increase (adds stitches)
dec: decrease (reduces stitches)
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
 
Now, before I go any further ... I need to warn you that crochet patterns are either written in UK terminology or US terminology. I know, I know, as if things were complicated enough, eh?
 
So, a US single crochet is a UK double crochet. A US double crochet is a UK treble crochet, and so on. Patterns should clearly state which terms they use but if you're unsure look for the words "single crochet" to identify US terms because they're never used in UK terms. Remember, it's a shift in names, not the way the stitches are worked!
Patterns should include an abbreviations list which defines all the abbreviations used in that project. There are also handy reference charts available online which you can print and keep by your side. Below is a handy chart to show you the conversion of the basic stitches, I'm working behind the scenes on a printable for you right now!

Mastering the Symbols:

Crochet patterns often include charts to provide a visual aid to reading the pattern. Whilst they may look weird at first, they can actually be super helpful for following more complex patterns. In fact, once you understand how to follow them, they can be used instead of the written pattern. My pro tip for reading charts is to try to follow one after you have finished your project; see if you can trace through your journey from start to finish. I promise that they'll soon start to make sense! Below is the chart for my Simple Flower to give you an idea of what charts look like. 

 

My Tips for Pattern Reading Success:

• Start with a beginner-friendly pattern so you don't end up overwhelming yourself! By Choosing a project designed for your skill level you're far more likely to succeed.

• Look for video tutorials - many crochet patterns have accompanying video tutorials which will visually demonstrate the stitches and techniques.

• If the pattern contains a new stitch or stitch combination, take time to practice it using scrap yarn before beginning the project. When you work and rework yarn over and over it loses it's twist and sheen, so it's best to be able to go for it when you're confident.

• Don't be afraid to rip out and redo because mistakes will happen. It's best to accept that your first few attempts are not going to look like the samples in the crochet magazines (honestly, you should have seen my first attempts!).

• If you do encounter a real problem and you're stuck, reach out to the designer and see if they can help you. I wrote a blog post all about what to do if you get stuck with crochet which you can read here.

• Practice, practice, practice! The more you crochet, the more comfortable you'll become with reading patterns and understanding the instructions.

Armed with these helpful tips and with a little bit of experience, you'll be deciphering crochet patterns in no time. My biggest advice to you is to START ... so, grab your yarn and grab your hook, and get crocheting!
 
If you have any questions, remember that you can leave me a comment below or you can send me a DM on Instagram (@marta.mitchell.designs), I'm more than happy to help you out!

I hope this has been a useful blog post for you. If you like these tips, please consider signing up to my mailing list, lots more good stuff coming your way. 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

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