Are you ready for a fun and cosy crochet challenge?

Are you ready for a fun and cosy crochet challenge?

The big idea:

Share photos of your finished projects suitable for the winter months following one of my crochet patterns on social media. Each project you complete counts as one entry with the more projects you finish, the more chances you have to win! WiPs (Works in Progress) are of course welcome!

How to enter:

1. Crochet something suitable for the winter following any of my patterns.

2. Take a photo of your finished project.

3. Share the photo on Instagram.

4. Use the hashtag #MMDWinterCrochet and tag me in your post (@marta.mitchell.designs).

Not on Instagram? That’s ok! Email your photos to me: crochet@martamitchelldesigns.com

Prizes: 

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive their choice of either my ‘Crochet & Colour Course’ or my ‘How To Write Up A Crochet Pattern Course’. There will be runner up prizes of individual patterns too!

I've loads of patterns to choose from! Most of my designs are for hats, socks, cowls, shawls etc., I'm sure you'll find something you like! You can find them on my website and on Ravelry.

This challenge ends on Thursday 28th November. Good luck and happy crocheting!

Marta xx

What Is A Dye Lot Number?

Hello! This week’s hot topic is dye lot numbers! Understanding dye lots is an essential skill for creating beautiful, consistent projects so I’m going to unpack what dye lots are, why they matter and how to work with them effectively. 

What are dye lots?

A dye lot is the batch number assigned to a specific quantity of yarn, given to it by the manufacturer or dyer. You'll typically find this information on the yarn band or label, usually beside the colour name or colour number. Eg. Col: Scarlet, Dye lot: 571

Have you ever experienced this?

Can you recall an incident when you crocheted a blanket or a sweater and when you looked at it on completion, there was a strange, noticeable stripe that was a slightly different shade? This is because yarn from different dye lots was used - the subtle variation suddenly becomes very obvious! Read on to find out how you can go about counteracting this.

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Why are dye lots important?

Due to the nature of the dyeing process, each batch of yarn can have slight variations in colour. This isn't a problem if you're only using one skein or ball, but if you're working on a larger project that requires multiple skeins or balls, it's crucial to ensure they all come from the same dye lot. Otherwise, you might end up with unsightly colour variations in your finished piece. Today’s topic was inspired by the fact that I am about to run out of the main colour for my Battenberg Blanket (eeeek!) and need to make sure that the extra yarn is from the same dye lot.

My pro tips for working with dye lots:

1. Hand-dyed yarn: If you're working with hand-dyed yarn, there might not always be a batch number, and even if there is, there could still be variations between skeins. To avoid these colour inconsistencies, try alternating between skeins every round or two to blend them together.

2. Local yarn shops: Many yarn shops offer a great service where they can hold back yarn for you for a large scale project and you may (or may not) need to buy more. This is a FANTASTIC service, so support your local yarn shops whenever possible (and remember to let them know when you've finished your project so they can pop the yarn back on the shelf).

3. Online yarn shopping: If you order your yarn online and need more, you may be able to contact the company with your dye lot number because you might be able to buy yarn from the same batch. Larger companies are unlikely to help you here, but smaller ones might - it’s worth a try!

4. Keep Those Yarn Bands!: Don't forget to hang onto your yarn bands! They're the only way you’ll be able to identify dye lots and ensure colour consistency in your projects. If you’d like to see how I look after my ball bands, check out this blog post to find out more.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Marta xx

PS. Want to learn more crochet tips from me? Sign up for my free ‘25 Crochet Tips’ PDF to improve your crocheting skills even further!

 

Crochet and Sustainability: Your Guide to Being More Eco-Friendly

Hello! Are you looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of your crochet? There are so many opportunities to create what we do in a more sustainable way. Tiny changes can make a big difference, right? I will say right away that none of us is perfect, and I certainly don't want to be seen as being judgemental here. I know I don’t get it right all the time. However, by incorporating eco-friendly practices into your projects, you can help to minimize your environmental impact and create beautiful, conscious pieces at the same time. With all this in mind, let's explore some of the options to make your crochet endeavors more sustainable.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Yarns

• Bamboo: This is a rapidly renewable resource that produces soft and durable yarn. The drape of the fabric crocheted in this fibre can be stunning!

• Local: Support local or national yarn producers to reduce transportation emissions, provide local employment and embrace traditional farming and spinning methods. 

• Organic Cotton: Choose yarns made from organic cotton, which is grown without harmful pesticides or fertilisers.

• Merino Wool: Be aware of the practice of mulesing in merino sheep, it’s a painful and unnecessary procedure which is causing many consumers and brands to now advocate for mulesing-free merino wool.

• Recycled Yarns: Yarn made from materials like plastic bottles or recycled fabrics, are becoming more and more popular. In fact I have some Kremke Reborn Wool in my stash which I’m keen to try soon. It’s formed of 65%-75% wool and the rest is other fibres such as viscose, nylon or acrylic depending on the textiles used in the recycling process. 

• Fair Trade Yarns: By choosing Fair Trade yarn, you’ll be ensuring ethical working conditions and pay to farmers.

• Wool: Where possible, choose wool from ethically sourced, cruelty-free farms.

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Reducing Waste

• Leftover Yarn Projects: Create small, functional items like coasters, face scubbies, bookmarks or pot holders from leftover yarn.

• Stash Busting: Prioritise using yarn from your stash before buying new. It’s amazing what we can find in our cupboards, under the bed etc - you’re likely to find something there you’d forgotten about!

• Scrappy Projects: If you’ve been around me for any length of time, you’ll know how much I love a scrappy blanket! These are perfect for using up all the left-over bits & piecesyou have from other projects. I have several scrappy projects on my blog for FREE, you can find Scrappy Blanket II here.

Sustainable Project Ideas

• Reusable Items: Crochet reusable iems such as bags, dishcloths or produce bags to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

• Upcycled Projects: Create new items from recycled materials, for example from old clothing or fabric scraps. One item I’ve enjoyed making is a bathmat crocheted up in long strips of old T-shirts.

• Repair and Restore: Give old items a new life by crocheting repairs or additions. I’ve dedicated a whole blog post to this topic, which you can read here.

• Seasonal Projects: Crochet seasonal items like scarves, hats and mitts instead of opting for fast fashion alternatives.

Spreading Awareness and Inspiring Others 

• Share Your Journey: Document your sustainable crochet projects on social media to inspire others and raise awareness about eco-friendly crafting. You can gently encourage others to adopt sustainable crafting habits by sharing information and resources you’ve found.

• Join Sustainable Crafting Communities: Connect with like-minded crocheters and share ideas for sustainable practices. This could be online or in person groups, go find your crowd!

Conclusion

By incorporating even a sprinkling of these sustainable practices into your crochet practice, you’ll be contributing to a healthier planet. Please remember that we're all human and we all make mistakes; it's important to be understanding and supportive of each other to keep the community the friendly place it’s known to be. So, let's try to make more eco-friendly crochet to create a more sustainable future together, one stitch at a time.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

The Art of Yarn Substitution: Four tips to find your perfect yarn match!

 

Hello! Have you ever fallen in love with a crochet or knitting pattern, only to discover the specified yarn is unavailable, discontinued, or simply out of your budget? Don't worry, in this blog post I'll explore the topic of yarn substitution, a valuable skill that will allow you to personalise projects, overcome yarn limitations and equip you with the knowledge to confidently choose alternative yarns for your next project.

1. Finding the Perfect Match: Yarn Weight and Meterage

The foundation of successful yarn substitution lies in understanding yarn weight and yardage. Look for the meterage or yardage per unit of weight (e.g. metres/yards per 50g or 100g) in your chosen pattern. Aim for a substitute yarn with a yardage as close as possible to the original. A slight deviation of 20 meters per 100g is generally acceptable, but significant variations can impact the size, drape and yarn usage of your finished project.

2. Fibre Content Matters: Understanding Drape

The type of fibre used in the yarn significantly affects your project's final look and feel. Consider the fibre content (merino wool, cotton, alpaca, etc.) specified in the pattern and ask yourself questions such as whether the finished project is a flowing, floaty fabric or is it a stiff, structured material? When substituting, prioritise a yarn with similar fibres. This ensures your project maintains the intended drape, stitch definition, stretch, and care requirements. Many yarns are actually blends, so, if the pattern calls for 100% Blue Faced Leicester wool, a 70/30 blend of Blue Faced Leicester and Alpaca is a perfectly acceptable substitute.

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3. Swatching: Your Gateway to Success

This might sound boring, but trust me, swatching is the best thing to do when it comes to yarn substitution! Create a small square using your chosen substitute yarn. This allows you to assess its behavior when crocheted or knitted. Observe the drape, the stiffness, and the overall look. Does it match your vision for the project? Swatching helps you to make informed decisions before committing to an entire project with a potentially unsuitable yarn. To find out more about swatching, read this blog post with my 6 Tips for Better Swatches.

4. Resources for the Resourceful Crafter 

Navigating the world of yarn substitution can feel overwhelming, fortunately there are some valuable resources to guide you:

• Yarnsub.com: This website is has been a lifesaver for me so many times! You enter the yarn you want to substitute, and Yarnsub will suggest alternatives with a helpful match percentage rating. It's very user friendly, I totally recommend it!

• Ravelry Project Pages: If you have access to Ravelry, explore the project pages for your chosen pattern. See what yarns other creators have successfully used for inspiration.

• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook both have amazing crochet and knitting communities! Look for project hashtags or ask your followers for recommendations on suitable substitute yarns.

Conclusion:

By following my top tips and using the resources available, you'll be able to tackle yarn substitution with confidence! If you're following one of my patterns, please reach out to me with yarn substitution questions, I'm more than happy to help you make a good decision. Don't be afraid to experiment with a bit of trial & error to find the perfect yarn match to bring your vision to life.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

P.S. Share the love! Please spread the word about yarn substitution by sharing this post on social media. You'll find the image above is pinnable on Pinterest, or share to your Instagram stories. Thank you for your support!

Show Notes for Podcast Episode 60: Two Finished Things

Hello! Marta here, I have TWO finished items for you today! I’ve been focussed on finishing a garment and an amigurumi and can’t wait to show you them plus news of a 15% Socktober discount from me!

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 30% off in October), you'll want to subscribe to my mailing list!

The crocheted jumper which I finished is made following the design 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! You can still find digital copies of issue 1 on the Moorit website here.

I also finished an amigurumi project! I thoroughly recommend any of Jen Schenkel’s amigurumi animal patterns to you! The pattern I followed was Philip the Lobster from the book Pica Pau 2, buy here on Amazon

The knitted jumper I’m working on sleeve 2 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.

I’m continuing to make solid progress with my new Tunisian crochet project! It’s the Rancher Shawl by Toni Lipsey and I’m really enjoying this slightly different technique to regular crochet! 

The yarns I’m using are from Pigment & Ply  and For The Love Of Yarn

The socks which I've begun crocheting following my own sock pattern, Dunkeld Slipper Socks, aren't going so well, but they will improve when the yarn arrives from New Lanark Spinning Co. Make sure that you're signed up to my mailing list to be first to know of that release!

The new quilted project bag is from Rachael at Sew Ray Me.

The Harris Tweed project bag is from Kalok Shek Ellen

The Yarn Worm Collector sticker was from Qwerty Cat Shop on Etsy

The blog post I mentioned all about Socktober is now live too!

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

Round Up of Socktober Challenges

Socktober is finally here! The month where sock knitters and sock crocheters come together and share their love for sock-making! One of the main goals of Socktober is to encourage people to knit or crochet at least one pair of socks during the month. Another popular tradition is to donate handmade socks to charities or those in need.

If you're looking to add something extra to your crocheting or knitting routine, consider joining one of the many sock challenges that have popped up on Instagram and Facebook. These challenges often have unique themes or requirements, such as knitting a pair of socks in a specific yarn, technique or time frame. Some challenges might focus on charity knitting, where you'll donate your handmade socks to those in need. Others might be more personal, encouraging you to create a pair of socks for a loved one or to try a new skill.

 

Participating in a sock challenge can be a great way to meet new people, share your progress, and stay motivated throughout the month. The yarn community is a welcoming community; by joining online groups & forums you're connecting with fellow creatives and 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. So, whether you're a seasoned sock maker or just starting out, be sure to check out some of the exciting challenges happening this Socktober ...

 

DB Socktober 2024 Sock A Long: My online friend Mariette in South Africa is hosting this sock challenge on Instagram and YouTube for the 3rd year! She has released a new knitting pattern to coincide with Socktober, but you don't have to use this pattern - knitting and crochet are both welcome! #dbsocktober2024

Fall Into Socks KAL 2024: This challenge runs until the 15th November, giving you a little more time! There are prizes too (I've donated a crochet sock pattern into the mix!). Any socks, any pattern, any yarn weight. Hosted on Instagram by Jennifer @ellyndria.knits with a Discord channel for an extra chance to make new friends! #FallIntoSocksKAL2024

 

Socktober With The Scottish Yarn Festival: A group for sock loving people, all coming together to knit and crochet socks during the month of October. This is a public group on Facebook.

 

EarthtonesGirl 7th Annual Falling Leaves Sock KAL: Denise started this one back in mid September and it runs on Instagram until November 15th with the goal of creating one pair of socks (or more) a month using autumn colour or themed yarn. Any pattern, knit and crochet both welcome, WiPs encouraged #fallingleavessockkal2024

 

Organised October: Whilst not strictly a sock challenge, it could be! This annual event is run by Laura on Instagram. Participants are encouraged to finish WiPs and achieve other creative goals throughout October. There is an Instagram chat group which is already buzzing with encouragement! #organisedoctober24

 

Have you seen a challenge you fancy joining? Most of the hosts are happy for you (indeed encourage you) to double, triple dip etc into multiple challenges, so feel free to add all the appropriate hashtags!

To encourage you to take part, I'm offering 15% off all sock patterns on my website and in my Ravelry Store throughout October! Simply use the code SOCKTOBER at the checkout for the discount to be applied!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you're hosting or participating in a challenge which I haven't mentioned, please let me know and I'll edit it into the post!

A New Look For My Business!

Hello! Over the last two weeks I've taken a significant step towards strengthening my brand identity. In the past, I experimented with various styles across different platforms, creating a fragmented and inconsistent look. If you remember, my blog had a rainbow watercolour look going on, whilst my website was cold, blue and grey. Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube were ok, but I didn't have a logo and the overall impression was generic crochet. 

 

However, I've now embraced a cohesive and unified aesthetic that better reflects my personal brand. To achieve this, I've adopted a vibrant colour palette consisting of mostly  blue and orange These colors not only add a cheerful and energetic vibe but also resonate with my personality. Orange, with its warmth and enthusiasm, symbolizes my outgoing and optimistic nature. Blue, on the other hand, represents my calm and collected demeanor. This combination of colours perfectly encapsulates my unique brand essence.

 

Not only did I choose brand colours, I also carried these across into the design of a logo which perfectly captures the essence of my crochet business. Did you know, I've never actually had a logo for this business? It seems crazy now I think of it!

 

This simple yet effective, circular design not only visually represents my brand but also conveys a sense of warmth, creativity, and professionalism. The warm background colour evokes a sense of welcome and comfort, inviting my potential customers to explore what I have to offer. The central yarn graphic in blue, immediately communicates my creative focus. The circular band around the edge makes me think back to my days in the Girl Guides, achieving and sewing on all those activity badges!

 

The fonts I've chosen are also a crucial element of my new brand identity. I wanted to strike a balance between readability and visual appeal. To achieve this, I've selected a slightly fancier font for my headlines, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. This is complemented by a simpler secondary font for body text, ensuring that my content is easy to read and understand. This contrasting combination of fonts creates a visually interesting and harmonious look that reflects my brand's personality. 

Once I'd created my new logo and brand identity, the next step was applying it across all the places I'm visible online, including this blog. This has taken up most of my time this week, so there hasn't been as much time for crochet as I'd like! Tech is not my strong point and there were times when the laptop nearly got flung, but I think I've got there! 

 

My website was the most involved platform to update because there are so many different pages to go through. When I first got my website I simply chose a theme I liked and worked around it. Now that it has my own look I'm really pleased with how professional it looks. I'd love for you to go and check it out to see what you think! Any feedback is most welcome!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx