All About The Crochet-Along
Thursday 13th January sees the launch of our Crochet-Along to see us all through the rest of the winter months. I'm a bit of a winter-being really and love nothing more than hibernating through the cold dark evenings with some woolly crafting on hand. If you're someone who finds the winter months long and difficult, perhaps this can brighten things up for you a bit, give you something to focus on and share with like minded friends.
There have been some really lovely publications for crocheters in recent times so I thought I'd show you a few of our favourites in case you needed a hand choosing what to start with.
We're big fans of The Crochet Project and have a number of their books and single patterns in stock. Any of these would be a lovely project to join in with and I will be making the Lake of Menteith Shawl (pictured above) in lovely soft Edelweiss by Kremke Soul Wool. If you are a total beginner, I can definitely recommend their book for beginners: The Learn To Crochet Project.
West Yorkshire Spinners have some excellent crochet patterns to support their yarns. If you can handle the cuteness there is the "Bo Peep DK Great Adventures" Book which has a series of patterns for children along with a pattern for a teddybear with matching outfits in the beautifully soft Bo Peep DK yarn. There is also a lovely blanket kit, Carousel Baby Blanket, available in the same yarn.
Towards the end of last year, Moorit, a brilliant new crochet magazine, was launched. This generated a lot of excitement as there seemed to be a bit of a gap in the market for a regular publication for crochet along the lines of the popular knitting magazines like Making Stories and Laine. This is a high quality publication with beautiful photography doing justice to the gorgeous and interesting patterns. I think sometimes crocheters feel like their craft is seen as secondary to knitting and this publication really tackles that (mis)perception head on.
Speaking of Laine, they released a dedicated crochet book of their own in December: Crochet Crush by Molla Mills. This beautifully produced hardback book is chock full of fun designs for accessories and homewares. All sorts of things from small bags for a quick project to impressive looking rugs if you're after something that will keep you occupied for a while!
Of course, you may already have your own pattern plans. You can join in the CAL with any crochet pattern you like!
CAL DETAILS
I'll be running the CAL online from our Facebook Group and we will have a monthly Zoom meeting starting Thursday 13th January. The Zoom meetings will be an ideal place to ask our resident Crochet Queen, Janet Friel, for help and advice. The first meeting will be 7pm on Thursday 13th January, then 10th February and 10th March (also 7pm). If you would like to join us on Zoom (and you're not already on our email newsletter list) please email me (Nicky) at info@allabouttheyarn.co.uk and I'll send you the Zoom link and password.
Lastly, there will be a CAL prize draw! All you have to do to enter is join us on Zoom and/or post your progress in the Facebook Group, and be using yarn purchased from All About The Yarn (yarn from Frome Yarn Collective still counts!). No pressure to finish your project(s) - just join in the crochet fun! The prize will be a set of Janet Friel Designs locking stitch markers. The official end date will be 31st March 2022 although I hope we all keep crocheting after that! I'll draw a winner by 4th April.
Whether you're a total beginner just making your first stitches or an experienced crocheter, I hope you can join us online to share our love of crochet!