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Plump Cowl – A quick knit

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On a recent pilgrimage to the lovely Yorkshire town of Skipton, I made a visit to the very pretty shop; Cool Crafting. This very sweet haberdashery is the home of the lovely felt rabbit Luna Lapin. I have visited the Cool Crafting stall at the Knitting and Stitching Show many times. I love the fabrics they sell, the thick and luxurious felts and the beautiful animals kits. This shop and its contents did not disappoint. I had a lovely chat about crafting and spotted some of my own books, which was an absolute delight.

gooseberycowl-emma-varnamSo Soft

I have a rather shameful stash of yarn and have no need for any more. However I couldn’t resist buying a hank of the super squishy Mrs Moon Plump Chunky. I bought Gooseberry. The shop were selling a lovely quick knit kit pattern for a cowl. This colour is a funny one for me – even though my skin tone suits bright and clear colours, this chartreuse green always seems to suit me and gives my face a bit of a tan. I have never been able to work it out. Ah well. With chunky 10mm needles the pattern took me a few short hours and by Monday morning I was wearing my Plump Cowl to work.

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Top 10 gifts for Crocheters

xmasgifts16.3There is nothing better than giving a gift that someone really wants. When you really love your hobby it can be a bit daunting for your friends and family to understand what would be on top of your gift list. So here I am like a festive yarn fairy to give you a few pointers. These are my personal recommendations based on my love of yarn and my eye for something pretty.

zigzagcrochet2Yarn Baby

Ok, I am going to help you here. Unless you really do know what you are doing – do not, I repeat DO NOT, buy yarn for your crocheter. Why would you? You will be taking away one of the pure joys of the hobby, the choosing of luscious squiggy yarn. So my suggestion would be to buy a rather generous gift token for your crocheter.

Go into your local yarn store and ask them for a pretty gift token and then add in the card you gift them the gift of time so that you can allow them to browse the shelves.

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Project bags

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a crocheter can never have enough project bags. Seriously, you will never disappoint if you buy a yarn fan something to put their yarn in.

My top tips are the witty bags which are available from Loop London, where they have some rather pretty project bags of different sizes; including this rather gorgeous bird themed bag by Miesje Chafer
I am also enjoying using KnitPro Joy Project Bag it sits beautifully on the side table next to the sofa and inside has some rather handy pockets for hooks and scissors.

Hooks, Needles, Bits & Bobs

I am going to get straight to it. My preferred hook is a Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks If you are buying just one or two hooks then a 4mm and a 5mm hook will always be useful. But you can go the whole hog and buy a set and you will be loved forever – Clover Hooks Set of 9

If I am honest – you can also not have enough scissors or tapestry needles. These are easy to pick up in any hobby shop. But if you are looking for covetable beautiful things, then I would suggest a few choice items from Merchant and Mills. Pick out a pair of sharp scissors and these needles in a gorgeous case – Thank you Father Christmas!

Subscription Boxes

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This year we have seen the growth of monthly subscription boxes, what a genius idea. Every month a new box of goodies arrive with a pattern and all the items you need to make the project. I love this idea and have suggested it to many beginners as a good way to build their skills without having to amass huge yarn stash. For fun and funky I would recommend the lovely Crochyay. For lovers of pretty and things then you should try Little Box or Crochet.

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Magazines

I do have a small magazine vice. I find it very, very difficult not buy the latest issue when browsing the supermarket aisles. If you ask me what one of my favourite Christmas gifts would be, I would have to say, ‘Get me a subscription!’.

For beginners then a subscription to either Simply Crochet or Crochet Now magazine would go down a treat.

I am a huge fan of Inside Crochet Magazine and would suggest this for intermediate crocheters.

Books

Ok, I admit it, I am being a bit naughty here. But if you are buying for a beginner, then I will highly recommend this book ‘How to Crochet’. Yes, I did write it… I know, I know. However I have used it to teach quite a few people and lovely readers do send me emails to say how useful they have found it.

My new book Cute Crocheted Animals is not for the beginner, but is for anyone who wants to develop their toy making skills and enjoys making cute characters. I have started seeing beautiful animals popping up on social media. Such a lovely thing to make for the children you love.

My other suggestion would be Granny Squares by Sue Pinner. A great book which updates the classic vintage pattern.

My friend and uber-designer, Claire Montgomerie has brought out a new book, Hooked. Now I will admit I have not been able to get my mits on this yet. But I can always highly recommend her work and will be adding this book to my Christmas list.

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A Bespoke Gift Box

Finally if you want to take all the hassle out of choosing something for your hooky mad loved one then I would suggest ordering a bespoke gift box for the super stylish Cool Crafting. You can choose the value of your Crocheter’s Good Things Giftbox from £20 – £100 and your parcel will be sent on 20th December. But hurry you don’t want to miss that order!

I hope you like some of these suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with all crochet news. Let’s start off your Christmas Crochet gifting by offering two £10 vouchers for Stylecraft yarn, which are redeemable at any ‘bricks and mortar’ yarn shop. If you leave a comment below with your top Christmas Crochet gift on your wish list I will draw out two names at random on Friday 9th December – just in time to put in the post! Good Luck and Happy Shopping.

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It’s in the bag – Project bags I love – Knitpro Joy

knitpro-joy-project-bag There is nothing better than a good excuse to crochet and a train journey is a very good excuse. I have made long train journeys most of my adult life. I adore the space and time they provide to create and think. If I am away for a week, I carry a substantial project page, as featured in yesterday’s post. For a day trip I need a bag I can pop into my handbag.

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This gorgeous tote was sent to me by Knitpro and is part of their Joy range. It has lovely hand blocked printed fabric in my favourite blue and white colour combination.

As you can see the bag fits nicely in my handbag. It has a handy long zip which means it is easy to get your yarn in and out of the bag. The square shape is also ideal as it means that the bag sits nicely on a table or your lap while you work. There are a few small pockets inside to pop my tape measure and tapestry needles. I like it very much.

Other temptations

Do beware though, if you go onto the KnitPro website you might find some devilishly useful cases for hooks and interchangeable needles. Very tempting

So on my ‘crack of dawn’ journey this morning to old London Town, I shall be sporting this beauty. Inside there should be enough space for all the yarn I need for my next project. Please share with me your favourite project bag, I love to discover new innovations.

 

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It’s in the bag – Project bags I love #1

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I can’t deny it, I have quite a collection of project bags. I don’t think I will ever give up collecting them. At any one time I can have 3 or 4 crochet projects on the go. As I flit between commissions, it is useful to have the yarn, hooks and pattern in separated out.

happy-crochet-projecet-bagTwo types

For me project bags tend to fall into two types; firstly there is a large bag which will come with me on holiday or sit adjacent to my spot on the sofa. Secondly I use a smaller bag that will fit into my handbag, ready for a day out. This week I am going to review two bags sent in the post and give you the low down on their features.

Firstly let’s have a look at this absolute beauty of a project bag by Happy Crocheting. I have been eying up a bucket bag like this for ages. I do like a bag to have useful pockets, but this design takes a crafting tote to a whole new level.

The pockets on the side have specific places for your hooks, pens, notebook and accessories.. Suddenly I feel all organised.

In terms of capacity you can fit in a good quantity of yarn. I am in the process of finish a single bed blanket using DK yarn and it easily went into this bag. Having the shoulder strap and the carry handle is useful. When you open the bag, there is a very large zip which means you can flip the top of the bag right back and it acts as an open basket. It is this feature which ensures it will have multiple purposes in our house. I can leave it by the side of the sofa and then dip in and out while I am working in front of the telly.

happy-crochet-projecet-bagThe best bit

However it is out- and- about that this bag comes into its own. On a recent trip down south I took my crochet on the train. On several occasions my cheeky ball of wool ran off embarrassingly under another passenger’s chairs. Argh, how frustrating. I thought even then, ’I wish I had a bag with me with a hole for my yarn so that I could keep it clean and contained’.

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Lots of project bags have a feeder hole for yarn, but it does mean that you work ends up being on one side of the bag and your yarn on the other. The genius of this bag is that you can sit the bag on the floor – your yarn can be captured in the bag while you work.  There is a larger slit in the top of the bag so that you can change the ball of yarn over or even quickly pop your project away if you need to pack up quickly.

happy-crochet-projecet-bagThe test run

I took this bag with me for a test-run the other weekend. Little B was at a go-karting party and I was happy to sit and crochet while he sped around the track. This bag allowed me to discreetly work on my commission without getting muck and dust on my yarn. Perfect.

These project bag is currently retailing at £22.99 on Amazon, you can also have a look at the blog and Facebook page by Happy Crocheting. They are a small British company, who understand the needs of an avid crocheter. Well worth checking out and you will not be wrestling my Crochet drum bag off me any time soon.

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Holiday adventures – yarn shops abroad

yarn, shop, ifil, barcelona, spainHolidays often mean getting away from it all, but for a avid yarn fan you might find more time to indulge your hobby. This year, we have been fortunate to have lots of short holidays with masses of variation. I have made an effort to visit local yarn stores; to enjoy the cultural differences, to be nosy and pick up the odd woolly souvenir.

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Mallorca – Fils i pedacos – Pollenca

We have been to the north of Mallorca so many times. Whenever we visit, it is a ‘must’ for us to shop in the gorgeous market town of Pollenca. However in all our years of visiting we have never stumbled upon a yarn shop. This year, needs must. I had run out of yarn for a project and a quick Internet search happily found us Fils i pedacos in the center of the old town.

Away from the bustling heat, the interior was cool and quiet. I was unprepared for the size of this shop. There were many tall book cases filled with yarn and at the back of the shop was a sizeable project table, ideal for a stitching group or sewing class.

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Brits are very used to browsing in a yarn shop. Unless pushed for time, we will go in, spend happy minutes cruising up and down the shelves looking and wool and cotton, then latterly flicking through the pattern book to look for inspiration. At this stage we might marry a project to our yarn choice and look for help from an assistant. Further research told me that in Spain the tradition has been for yarn shops to have a counter system, very much like the old grocery story. You will arrive and immediately ask for the help of an assistant to find the yarn and the pattern you want to purchase.

When I arrived in the shop in Pollenca, it was obvious that the shop assistant was happy for me to browse. I quickly found the balls of DMC cotton needed for my project. The dominant yarn provider in Spain appears to be Katia, which is not so popular in Britain but some online companies like LoveKnitting hold their yarn and English translations of their patterns.

Key to my visit to the Pollenca shop was finding a 5mm hook, which I had forgotten to pack. I also picked up a lit crochet hook, which is both my most hysterical and practical holiday souvenir of the summer. Great for nighttime crochet alfresco, with none of the blinding distraction of a head-torch. The shop was such a beautiful and cool haven to visit and it was fantastic to see what patterns were popular with local knitters. I will certainly visit again.

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Barcelona – Ifil

Our weekend trip to Barcelona was short and sharp, but by this time I had a taste for yarn tourism. I read an excellent article on Spanish yarn shops here and discovered that after our visit to Parc Guell, it would be an easy walking adventure to find Ifil. Here we were very much off the beaten track and deep within normal life of a local.

What a stylish shop this was – modern, bright and spacious. The boys graciously bowed out and found a handy coffee shop to rest their weary feet. Inside the shop I marveled at the layout and patterns. It seems that Ifil not only sell well known brands but also have their own design range. The designs are stylishly displayed on postcards or hung on the walls. Instead of stacking the yarn vertically on bookshelves, the wool is found horizontally in a series of open ‘bins’. It reminded me very much of old record shops.

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I have never been more frustrated and ashamed that I cannot speak Spanish. There were so many questions I wanted to ask the assistant and I was very inspired by the ‘in-house’ designs. At one point I was sorely tempted to even buy some fabric to make a dress they had displayed, but gave myself a sensible talking to, secure in the knowledge that I would never get round to starting the project.

One of the advantages of visiting a yarn shop abroad is seeing the colour choices and the preferences of style. Ifil specifically stocks patterns which will appeal to a beginner and intermediate knitter. I was very attracted to their colour combinations of brick and aqua, gray and citrus.

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London – Loop

Ok I know London is not abroad, but it is not local to me and when visiting our capital many Brits can also feel like a tourist at home. In June we popped down to London to visit the fabulous London Zoo and more specifically the penguins.

We had a little bit of time at the end of the day and decided to have supper in Islington. I am not sure if it was co-incidence or deliberate choice on my part – but our chosen restaurant was very near the iconic wool shop, Loop.

Compared to my Spanish discoveries, Loop is small and packed to rafters. As you enter, you know you will be some time and that at each step there will be something interesting to see. On a Saturday, the shop was busy, international visitors were seeking the advice of the many shop assistants on hand to help. I was content to scan the shelves; looking and the colours, squeezing the hanks of yarn, perusing the patterns. Here the yarn enthusiast can sate their desires. If you are a lover of the complex and the intricate, you can find a pattern and the finest yarn to create your dream.

I managed to resist buying yarn but was far too tempted by the notions. I bought unusual buttons, a pretty project bag and some kilt pins to keep my shawls in place. This is very much a yarn destination where knitters and crocheters make a pilgrimage and come away a smidgen lighter in the pocket but with a delightful souvenir of our happy capital.

If you have a favourite yarn shop which like to visit abroad, please tell me and leave a comment; it might start a whole new way of making travel plans!

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The Garden Route Blanket

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I am so excited that my new design, created exclusively for Black Sheep Wools is released today on their website. This blanket was inspired by and created on our family trip to South Africa and the colours were chosen to reflect the vibrancy of the colours in that amazing country.

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There is a guest blog post which you can read about the blanket and our trip here. There are also three colour packs available for you to choose which are exclusive to this design and they area amazing value! If you do enjoy making it, please pop by and tell me what your think.

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Home-grown luxury ~ Romney Marsh Wools

romneymarsh3Sometimes I wish we were not quite so busy. Back in the early Spring we got an invite from Kent-based yarn company Romney Marsh Wools to go and experience their lambing season. We looked in the diary and just couldn’t make it work. DARN. So frustrating, both my boys love sheep. They have such cute faces and I think Little B is tickled by the thought that I spend so much time making their woolly coats into a myriad of objects/toys/clothes.

www.matildarosephotography.com
www.matildarosephotography.com

 

Although I missed out on a trip to see the farm, I have been able to sample the excellent wool that they produce. This Romney Cowl uses the finest aran wool. I believe that natural fibres and neutral tones benefit from the simplest to stitch patterns. Allowing the texture of the yarn to sing. I used 2 balls for this project and made a simple rib pattern using a 5mm hook. The cowl is given a twist before slip stitching two ends together and then without even cutting the yarn length I edged the whole piece with an infinite shell pattern.

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A simple yet effective look.

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If you are looking for unusual and quality gifts you must go on the website. The sheepskin slippers are luxurious for little and big feet alike. I am also rather greedily looking at the wonderful woollen throws and cushions in neutral shades.

I am challenged constantly to ‘Buy British’ to think about where products come from. The little on-line book that tells the story of the farm is delightful and I would encourage you to read it and enjoy the fabulous images. Do pop over to their website, the cute woolly sheep set would be lots of fun to make! Perhaps I need to order one x

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How to Crochet Amigurumi

How to Crochet - Ami graphic

Hello Lovelies! I am so sorry that it has been such a long time. Family Varnam has been on a bit of an adventure, which I hope to share a little bit with you. There has been lots and lots of travelling and quite a bit of crochet so I will look forward to updating you on that.

In other news, I am delighted to be joining my friends at Black Sheep Wools for Yarn Shop day.

Love Your Yarn Shop Day is a fabulous idea thought up by Let’s Knit magazine for shops to show off what is so great about visiting a bricks and mortar store. This special day is on Saturday 2nd May and there will be all sorts of fun, free workshops and demonstrations going on at the Black Sheep Craft Barn in Warrington. All events throughout the day will be free to attend. I  would love it if you could come along and say hello. I will be there between 2pm and 4pm giving hints and tips on Amigurumi Toy making, so if you would like to come and chat you can keep me company.

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The Debbie Bliss Fan Club week #1 – Debbie Bliss Home

deb14home7 If you follow me on twitter and facebook you will have an inkling of why this week is a big Debbie Bliss celebration on the blog. But later this week I am going to show you some exciting patterns that I have been developing with Debbie and Team Bliss. Exciting times!

deb14home2I have kept of meaning to blog about my fabulous trip just before Christmas to London and the opening of Debbie’s new shop, Debbie Bliss Home. Being able to spend a day on the train and visiting gorgeous Debbie and her family was a huge treat and I was fortunate that we could work it around family commitments. Above is my beloved Harris Tweed Debbie Bliss project bag….you see you must always stay on message and loyal with your accessories!

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Debbie and Nell have opened a new shop in the heart of the old village of Walthamstow in the East of London (Orford Road, E17). This area of London is becoming increasingly trendy and there was a very cool vibe.

deb14home4 deb14home5 deb14home6 deb14home8It reminded me very much of the cool areas of South Manchester. As you can imagine the look and the product choice within the shop is exquisite. A great mix of affordable gifts, classic designs and homewares from Debbie’s own range.

deb14home1I spent a blissful (pub intended) day sipping a vast amount of Prosecco, catching up with yarn heroes including Sarah Hatton and meeting old friends (Debbie, Teresa and Nell). I also got a tour of Walthamstow village with the dashing Mr Barry Bliss.

DBHome4If you are in the area, go – it is a lovely haven of style and serenity. But if you live far to far away then pop by the on-line shop. I continue to love me Debbie Bliss mugs and tea towels and they are the perfect pressie for yarn fans.

Debbie is now over in India at the moment on a Knit for Peace tour – pop over to her blog to see her adventures.

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Mr Smith’s Dapper Cowl

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It is not always easy designing knitwear for gentlemen. My experience tells me that actually they like an understated stitch. You need to steer away from the fashion yarns. For a fully successful home-knit I think it is best avoiding the chunky weights. Some of my earliest creations for Big B failed quite spectacularly, I did not appreciate the full length of his torso and jumpers looked more 80’s crop top than classic gansey.

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My boys also tend to get a bit over-heated. Hats and scarves are flung asunder in no time. Not all men can really ‘rock’ the textured knit. Obviously ‘real’ men can. Who doesn’t want a bespoke tweed accessory? The lovely people at Debenhams, here in Britain asked me to design a piece of knitwear inspired by the ever-so-dapper Patrick Grant and his Hammond and Co collection. The look of this line is classic Englishman. I decided to turn to the classically British yarn company Rowan for inspiration. I wanted to create an accessory that is both practical and cosy. Mr Smith’s Dapper Cowl is crocheted using Rowan Fine Tweed in Burnsall. I used just two 25g balls and a textured linen stitch. If you look at the photographs you can see the gorgeous variation in colours. This is a very English yarn for a very English man.

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Mr Smith is a talented musician and singer and he pointed out how useful this cowl will be to keep his neck warm in rehearsal. Doesn’t he wear it well? If you are keen to make a gift for a certain Mr this Christmas, my advice would be choose classic colours, a fine quality yarn and small stitch. Make something they want to wear daily. Every gentleman needs his bespoke home comforts. The perfect gift.

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The gorgeous photographs and model come courtesy of Smith Imaging – please enquire via their website or this blog before reproducing these images.

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