Some projects fly by. Do you find that? I become so engrossed in seeing it develop and grow that almost don’t notice how many squares I have crocheted. This was so true of the Tutti Frutti Blanket.
It was the colour combinations that really ticked my boxes. I think I started it at the end of January or early February. I certainly had it on the hook for the February half term. Time off in the Winter gives me lots of crochet time and that is where I find projects grow quickly.
This blanket it another Quilt inspired project. I have a growing pile of these designs. The crocheting is very simple and the effect is really the combination of geometric shapes and the negative space created by the use of a natural base.
I started using my stash of Stylecraft Bellissima and strayed into the juicy tropical tones. Not really normally my colour scheme, but I think I was willing on the hotter summer season and so the bright yarn was filling my soul with warm optimism. I really love this design. As with the Stargazer design, I made up a full patchwork motif and then I would sew each motif together.
The large blanket has 9 motifs, 3 rows and 3 colomns. The overall size is 142cm, 65ins square. I attached each square with a mitre stitch sewing technique, this minimises the yarn seen on the seam and gives a more ‘pure’ colour block.
The intention was never to release this pattern, but after a number of you requested it I have been able to put it out as a downloadable PDF. You can get hold of it in the blog shop here or over on my Etsy shop. Once you have learnt to do a half and half granny square, the world is you oyster in terms of patchwork quilt designs. I find the different pattern combinations so inspiring. Tell me what you think, or if you made a few squares I would love to see the colourway you choose.
It has been a very challenging spring/early summer weather wise. I follow quite a few gardeners and flower growers on social media and they are all despairing of the damp dark days and the marauding slugs. How disheartening it must be to see whole crops disappear to a silvery mush. Then there must be the worry of how you can sustain a living if this is your livelihood. I say this, in sympathy and as a prompt to see the flower losses in our garden in proportion.
In the last few years I have enjoyed my adventures growing dahlias. This year I don’t think we will get much joy. I have used Strulch. I have used crushed shell and I am now onto woolly pellets. I am trying valiantly to stay away from the neon blue slug pellets, but I do wish the blackbirds and the hedgehogs would eat out at our snail buffet more often.
Recently for Inside Crochet Magazine I wrote about how much the garden inspires my crochet design. In previous years it has been the colours from plants in our pots which have got my little creative juices going. But this year the flowers that have survived are slow growing and they have missed the heat.
I now realise that it is also the physical act of crocheting outside which connects me to the colour combination. Last week we took a few day out to enjoy having a little time off. We returned to our beloved Lakes District. The first few days were wonderfully hot, and honestly it feels like the ultimate luxury to crochet outside. Because it was local holiday I was able to take two sizeable projects. A two blanket destination. I was able to work on my joyful Stashheap Challenge. Have a look at previous posts to see why I have chosen this simple design. You can also pop over to YouTube to see how I have been building the project. I have also started a simple cotton blanket design which was very relaxing.
But when the sunshine disappeared I was lucky to be able to transfer my activity inside. Thank goodness.
For me there is a definite ‘work’ aspect to crochet – and yet it remains a relaxing hobby too. If you are interested in hearing me chat about how I began my crochet journey and why I design patterns, then it is worth listening to the new Making Stitches Podcast. Lindsay who launched the podcast is a very professional host. I have listened to a number of episodes before. I am also an avid podcast consumer, so it was very flattering to be interviewed. I could have spoken with Lindsay for hours. It is also very useful to reflect on why we do some things. I think by answering the questions it made me reflect on how important sharing our craft is – how it is a lifeline of tranquillity. I am very grateful that both in the busy times and the holiday times – crochet is a companion.
I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying my current yarn projects. The lovely knitted ‘Safe at Home’ blanket is now almost half way. I have completed 4 terraces of cute, colourful homes. Each line of houses is separated by a lovely chunky line of navy garter stitch. There are A LOT of stitches on the needle, but the pure simplicity of the knitting is joyful.
I have left this blanket for a couple of weeks, but I think this weekend I will return and see about adding a new row. In my mind, my deadline is September so that seem more than do-able.
The Stash Heap Challenge blanket I am crocheting is really bringing me a lot of joy. I have put a special page up here on the blog, with the simple colour and stitch recipe. Just in case you want to get involved. Just to keep the cro-jo going I have divided up the blanket into square of 5 x 5 granny squares. I have tended to crochet all the mini-granny-solids for one colour and then I join them together with a contrasting cream square. At the moment I have been able to use just cream dk yarn in my stash. But I think I might have to buy some additional balls to finish the blanket completely. Honestly, I thought the blanket would decimate my yarn stash. Now I am not so sure. Is it possible for yarn to multiply on its own accord?
Pop over to the YouTube if you want to see my progress so far and if you would like to get involved.
In the last 2 years Quilting has really inspired my crochet design. The colour and graphic nature of the shapes translates brilliantly into blanket making. It can be no surprise that during the research I become intrigued by having a go a patchwork and quilting. Just as an experiment. I have done some patchwork in my past. I made a patchwork duvet cover to take to university. Rock and Roll Baby…Rock and Roll. I have also made some patchwork curtains for the spare room. I love them so much.
But my recent adventures in patchwork have taught me a few things. Firstly, I need practice. Tutorials and top tips are invaluable. I might be quick and accurate with the crochet hook. My finishing might be precise with yarn. But oh my, oh my… my sewing skill is not to be admired. I’m not particularly accurate and can quite easily make a right old mess.
I have made a sewing roll, inspired by Kate of the Last Homely House. This was a good project to have quick go at hand quilting. Then at the weekend I made a pot holder using the ‘Wonky Star’ motif. A machine quilted this. The finished mat is quite sweet. But I wonder if I would have been faster making it in crochet.
Will I keep going? Perhaps. I have one small project in my head that I would like to complete. But honestly, I don’t want to invest too much in fabric. I mean I am just trying to whittle down the yarn stash. I don’t need to grow a whole new scrap heap.
If you are making your own Stash Heap Challenge Blanket, please do tag me into your project photos on Instagram. I would love to see them.
As part of the launch of my 10,000 Crocheted Hats, I have made contact with the US yarn company; Jimmy Beans Wool. It has been a wonderful experience. I have made one of the hats from the book in their Madelinetosh DK, which is a fabulous hand dyed yarn. Firstly I have really enjoyed learning about their history. Originally the founder Laura and her husband Doug set up their shop, which sold both coffee and yarn… and then the yarn took over. Their company has expanded and they are now based in Reno, Nevada – sort of near San Francisco. Whilst I have never been there, looking at their yarn shop online it seems incredible. Plus I am so impressed with how they have grown their business and invested in hand-spun yarn and graduate scholarships. They have a very inspiring story.
Last week we did an Instagram Live – which was lots of fun. I think we could have chatted for hours. But I also interviewed Laura separately and thought it would be fun to include it here for you to read.
Emma: For British readers – could you tell us a little about how Jimmy Beans started?
Laura: Absolutely! As many stories do, ours starts with a song. Back in 2002, my husband Doug and I were brainstorming names for our crazy new yarn shop adventure.
There’s a Todd Snider tune called “Doublewide Blues,” Doug started telling me I was “cool like Jimmy,” and the nickname stuck. So, of course, ‘Jimmy’ had to be included. Initially, we paired coffee with the yarn at our Truckee, California location, hence the “Beans” and the “Wool” in Jimmy Beans Wool.
Eventually, the wool took over, the coffee faded, and fast forward to today, and we’ve traded our cozy corner in Truckee for a sprawling space in Reno, Nevada.
Along the way, we welcomed new brands into our family, such as della Q, Madelinetosh, Simply Shetland, Dream in Color, Shibui Yarns, and Yarn Citizen! Our journey has been filled with peaks and valleys, but at its core, it’s a story of loving yarn, lots of creative thinking, and a little luck.
Still, our commitment to providing top-notch customer service and fostering a crafting community remains at the core of everything we do.
Emma: Laura… I’m totally fan-girling you. You have such a passion for the yarn business and have such energy. What does your average day look like?
Laura: Emma, thank you for your kind words! I’m equally thrilled about your book, and it’s an honor to have it in our store!
Unfortunately, my day-to-day routine is a bit irregular due to a fair amount of travel. I split my time between Reno, Nevada, where Jimmy Beans is located, and Fort Worth, Texas, home of Madelinetosh. Trade shows, customer visits to local yarn shops, and vendor meetings are scattered throughout my schedule. On top of being a mother to my son, Huck, a wife to my husband (and the JBW co-founder!), Doug, and juggling my roles as a tackle football player and a big-time runner, my day-to-day routine is quite hectic!
When I’m not on the road, I start the day by checking in with the team via email and Slack. Making sure everyone’s on the same page is crucial, even when I’m not physically in the office.
Throughout the day, I make time for conversations with other LYS owners. These exchanges are invaluable for gathering insights and learning how to improve.
And then there’s the business of keeping our inventory stocked. I work closely with the buying team at Jimmy Beans and our operations staff at the Maddy Tosh Group to handle everything from dyeing yarn to mill orders and managing sea freight logistics, as it’s a vital aspect of our operations! Ensuring our customers have access to quality products requires a lot of planning and coordination behind the scenes.
Last but not least, there’s budgeting and forecasting. I meticulously plan for the quarter and year ahead, even down to the office supplies—every little detail counts!
So, my days (and weeks!) are a mix of travel, communication with my team and other shops, and a lot of number-crunching to keep Jimmy Beans thriving and our customers happy. While also trying to sneak in time for family and me, too! 🙂
Q: In Britain, it appears that very few people can make a sustainable living from the yarn industry. What do you think has been the key to your success?
Laura: The yarn industry can be challenging to navigate, but our success stems from a few key principles.
We’ve always prioritized innovation and adaptability, constantly evolving to meet our customers’ changing needs. Our success was born out of creating essentially the local yarn store experience online when there weren’t many others like us in the early aughts of the 2000s.
We’ve carried that tenacity and ‘out of the box’ thinking as we continue growing and evolving the brands.
Additionally, our emphasis on building strong relationships within our team and with our mills, customers, and other local yarn shops has been instrumental in fostering trust and loyalty.
Emma: You have taken your yarn business to the next level – with supported scholarships, charitable foundations – expanding the exclusive products… what is the secret to your business success?
Laura: We owe our accomplishments to the tight-knit community that has supported us every step of the way!
We don’t just sell yarn; we’re actively involved with the customers who have become friends because we know firsthand the positive impact knitting and crocheting can have.
Our commitment goes beyond just writing a check. Take our Beans for Brains scholarship, for example. It’s not just about generosity; it’s about recognizing the struggle many face to pursue their education. As someone who scraped through school on niche scholarships, I know the difference they make. So, when we can pay it forward, we do.
It’s also about pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the curve. We’ve always strived to be pioneers in our industry, aiming to be the first to market with innovative products and experiences. For example, we were among the very first companies to launch subscription services and advent calendars, and we quickly embraced Mystery Knit-Along events. Our goal is to be on the cutting edge, providing our customers with the best products and experiences possible!
So, is there a secret to our success? With all of that said about innovation, maybe the secret is simply abiding by the golden rule: treating others as we’d like to be treated. Or maybe it’s the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. By supporting each other through initiatives like royalty-based collaborations with people like Gaye Glasspie of GGMadeIt, scholarships, and the MT Community Love Fund, we’re not just building a business; we’re building a stronger community.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about profit margins or market share. It’s about doing what’s right for our business and the community that supports us. And that, to us, is the true secret to success. 🙂
Emma: What makes your yarn stores special?
Laura: Like most yarn shops, our yarn store is a hub where makers come together to share their passion for all things yarn!
While our Team Beans (what we call our team!) provide personalized recommendations and a seamless shopping experience, our commitment to fostering a community truly makes us special. From our regular knitting and crochet meet-ups to classes and workshops led by industry experts (we recently hosted ARNE & CARLOS!) and even our cozy knitting and crochet retreats, there’s always something happening to connect with fellow crafters and expand your skills.
Moreover, our store isn’t just a local stop; it’s a destination in its own right! We’ve grown over the years, thanks in no small part to our General Manager Shannon’s exceptional design eye, turning it into a place that draws makers from near and far. Whether you’re joining us in person or participating in our online events, like the Taylor Swift Make-Along, we aim to provide a space where knitters and crocheters can unite and share their love for the craft.
When it comes to shipping, we understand the excitement of receiving your yarn. That’s why we work diligently to ensure your order is carefully packaged and swiftly sent so you can start your project as soon as possible! (We shoot to have packages out the door within 24 hours.)
Ultimately, our yarn store is more than just a place to buy yarn—it’s a welcoming place to find inspiration, learn new techniques, and connect with like-minded makers.
Emma: Do you ever feel fear? Are there some business decisions that you wish you hadn’t made?
Laura: I do! I’ve found fear to be a natural part of being an entrepreneur, but I’ve learned to embrace it as an opportunity to grow and learn new and better ways to improve.
While there have certainly been decisions that didn’t pan out as expected, each challenge has ultimately led to some unexpected opportunities!
For instance, in 2017, we faced a monumental challenge when our store in Reno, Nevada, was hit by a devastating flood. The chaos and uncertainty of that time were overwhelming, to say the least. However, amidst the crisis, we saw an opportunity to turn adversity into a moment of solidarity with our community. We launched the #SaveTheYarn campaign, rallying support and turning a challenging situation into an opportunity. Additionally, the flood prompted us to reevaluate our space needs, ultimately leading us to find a larger location that was essential for our growth and expansion!
We’ve also weathered the economic ups and downs, which has been a daunting responsibility, especially for me as the founder. Knowing that people and their families rely on us to make a living has always weighed heavily on me. Despite the financial uncertainties, we’ve remained committed to our team, never resorting to layoffs and always finding ways to adjust budgets without compromising our values.
Another significant source of fear has been around launching our in-house brands. The uncertainty of how they’ll be received, the substantial investment required, and the complexities of onboarding a new company have all been daunting challenges.
So, while fear has been a consistent presence in my journey as an entrepreneur, it has also been a catalyst for some of our most significant successes. 🙂
Emma: What would be your top tip for a yarn designer/entrepreneur?
Laura: My top tip for aspiring yarn designers and entrepreneurs is never to stop learning.
The yarn and technological/marketing/finance industries are constantly evolving, so staying informed about emerging trends and technologies is essential while staying true to your unique style, brand, and voice.
And one more thing—don’t be afraid to take risks and adapt! Some of our greatest innovations and successes as a business have come from being creative and thinking outside the box.
Emma: Do you still knit every day – if so what is your go-to happy project? What’s on the needles right now?
Laura: Knitting is still a big part of my life, although these days, I don’t always have as much time for it as I’d like!
When I can pick up my needles, I love working on mindless, instant-gratification projects like sweaters, hats, and scarves.
One of my favorite projects, which I always return to, is Lena Skvagerson’s Mankind Beanie in Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage. I’ve knit that pattern over and over!
Emma: Is there a particular yarn you like to return to?
Laura: Ah, yarn favorites! While I’m always on the lookout to try new blends, there are some classics I keep coming back to—Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light and Madelinetosh A.S.A.P. are two bases I love to work with.
Lately, though, I’ve been really into Yarn Citizen’s Trinity Cashmere – it’s like knitting with clouds (I may be a bit biased, but it’s so unbelievably soft!).
Emma: For your company you obviously have to travel quite a bit. Where have you found the most inspiration?
Laura: Traveling has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, whether exploring new yarn shops and trade shows or immersing myself in different cultures and traditions.
I’ve been fortunate to visit some incredible places over the years!
Still, inspiration can strike anywhere – from India’s bustling streets (that’s how Shannon and I came up with Jimmy’s SmartStix) to the Peruvian mountaintops (where I felt inspired to make our ever-so-popular Alpaca Tape Measures!).
Emma: What’s your next big dream?
Laura: As for our next big dream, we’re always dreaming big here at Jimmy Beans Wool!
We’re constantly looking for new ways to innovate and grow, whether expanding our product offerings, launching exciting new clubs, or reaching even more crafters worldwide.
But above all, our ultimate dream is to create an environment that supports creativity for our customers, teammates, and business partners.
I’m driven to promote and strengthen small businesses and independent artisans, both locally and globally.
Emma: Finally have you visited Britain, – and if you do… can I meet you – you are an inspiration!
Laura: I’ve visited Britain every couple of years and would love to meet you and the rest of the wonderful crafting community across the pond! Maybe you and I can connect next year before or after h+h Cologne?!
Thank you so much for your kind words and the opportunity to be featured on your blog! It’s truly an honor to inspire others through my passion for yarn and creativity.
If you would like to read my interview with Laura – you can pop over to their blog here:
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