Things to make this summer #1

Currently I am knitting a stash lap blanket for Little B. When I am done I will share with you its full garish glory. My reason for mentioning this project is that the process has reminded me how sticky knitting can get in the warmer months. You really need to making things in cotton. All the more reason to switch implements and get out the old hook. In the next few weeks I will share with you my top summer projects. I have a couple of free patterns to release (shhh – say nothing).

The most exciting project that I can share with you is the Mystery project I have designed for Inside Crochet Magazine. The pattern is broken up into three parts and the first instalment is available now in Issue 54.

When the editor, Claire asked me to design this projects, my heart leapt. ‘Yeah, lovely, what a nice idea!’ Then it sunk……..’Oh my, this is going to be complicated’ Now don’t get me wrong the project is perfectly achievable, but a bit like writing a detective novel you have to think about the ending and then work back. I must say that now I have completed the design, I am thrilled with it.  Doesn’t sound terribly modest, but once you have furrowed your brow and had a few sleepless nights – then a good result seems all the more sweet.

Mystery projects are very ‘in’ at the moment. A couple of months ago, the talented Vicki Brown designed a blanket for Inside Crochet. My good friend, Babs has been working on the beautiful Crochet Club project designed by Jane Crowfoot. The sections she completes look fabulous. So if you like your plot to gradually unfold – start making a mystery project this summer.