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

A Relaxing Crochet Project for this Summer

Hello! Are you like me, looking for relaxing crochet project to see you through the summer? Look no further than my Lazy Days Wrap! This airy crocheted wrap pattern is ideal for crocheting on long summer days and your finished shawl will be versatile enough to take you from casual outings to dressy affairs.

 

Effortless Style for Every Adventure:

This every-occasion Wrap is a rectangular beauty, making it customisable to your size preferences: long & skinny or wider & floaty. Whether you drape it loosely over jeans and a T shirt or add a touch of elegance to a summer dress, this wrap is sure to become your go-to accessory.

 

Crochet with Confidence:

Don't let the "intermediate" label deter you! This wrap uses a simple stitch pattern that's easy to follow and remember, making it a perfect project for confident beginners. On top of that, there's the peace of mind that comes from a tested and tech-edited pattern, you can happily crochet away, knowing the instructions are clear and accurate.

 

Here's what you'll need to crochet your wrap:

• 2x 100g skeins of sock weight/4ply yarn (75% superwash merino/25% nylon, 400m/100g) - I used approximately 170g for reference
• 5mm crochet hook
• Needle for sewing in ends

 

Learn with Video Tutorials:

And to make your crocheting journey even smoother, the Lazy Days Wrap pattern comes with a bonus of four video tutorials! In these visual guides, I walk you through each step of the pattern, offering an extra layer of support for those who prefer crocheting with the aid of clear demonstrations. If you're a confident beginner looking to learn new skills, these tutorials will ensure that you crochet your wrap with confidence and clarity. For a taster, take a look at my picot video on YouTube ...

Tempted?

You can find the pattern on my website or in my Ravelry store and as I announced in last week's email, the Lazy Days Wrap is June's pattern of the month, so you can enjoy 15% off with the code JUNE24

I hope you've enjoyed reading more about my Lazy Days Wrap in this post. I'll be back next week, until then, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

The Big Adventure: Conquering a Large Crochet Blanket - Challenges & Rewards

Hello! The allure of a giant, cosy crochet blanket is undeniable. Snuggling under a masterpiece you created yourself? Pure bliss. I love the pile of crocheted blankets I have sitting in my big basket, ready to be pulled out on a chilly evening - I can't recommend creating a few for yourself enough! At the moment, as many of you know, I'm crocheting a Battenberg Blanket which is a MASSIVE commitment! If you're not familiar with the pattern by Sandra Paul, you should check it out on Ravelry; it's hundreds of teenie granny squares. 

But, before I dive headfirst into a mountain of yarn with you, let's explore the challenges and the rewards that come with crocheting a large blanket.

 

The Challenge of Choice:

Not all patterns are created equal! There are so many patterns out there which have not been tested, never mind tech edited! If you're in for the long-haul you want a pattern you can trust with clear instructions. Look for the words "tested" and "tech edited" when choosing your pattern.

 
Dive Deep vs Keep it Simple:

Are you looking for a relaxing project with repetitive elements suitable for long stretches of crocheting? Or perhaps you're after a challenge with multiple new stitch techniques to challenge yourself? Back in 2016 when I was fairly new to crochet, I pushed myself by taking on the Sophie's Universe Blanket by Dedri Uys and I learned so much!! 

Purpose Perfect:

Consider the blanket's final purpose - a throw for the couch needs a different approach than a blanket to cover a king size bed. Think about size you want, the yarn weight and yarn type for optimal use.

Time Management:

Setting Realistic Goals: Be honest about your crocheting speed and the time which is available to you. It might help you to break down the project into smaller, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example; one granny square motif a day or six rows an evening.

Mind Your Motivation:

Not gonna lie; large projects can drag on. Things which help me are sheduling dedicated crochet time, joining a CAL for the support and finally, chocolate ... chocolate definitely helps! Perhaps keeping a project page on Ravelry, using my Project Notes Printable or creating a visual chart to see how far you've come will help. These things can be a huge motivator, especially when facing a seemingly endless sea of yarn.

Tracking Your Progress:

The Power of Progress Markers: Large projects benefit from progress markers to track rows, repeats, or colour changes. They can help you pick up right where you left off without any confusion.

The Finishing Line:

You'll find that there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of completing a large scale crochet project. Seeing your creation come to life, knowing the dedication and skill it took, is a reward unlike any other.

So, Are You Ready for the Challenge?

Crocheting a large blanket is a journey of patience, perseverance and ultimately, immense satisfaction. By choosing the right pattern, managing your time, tracking your progress, and finding a supportive community, you can turn that giant yarn stash into a cosy masterpiece. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight one of my large crochet blanket projects! My Scrappy Blanket III has a simple repeat, making it the ideal choice for a relaxing project and is perfect for using up all your little scraps! 

 

The pattern is free on this blog and for those who want the full range of 5 different sizes and gain extra guidance with video tutorials, there's the option to upgrade to a paid-for version. Click here to go to the post on my blog and get started on your large crochet blanket today!

I hope you've found this blog post inspiring, until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

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