Inside Crochet 46-Ellie Project Basket

This months Inside Crochet has been published.

As ever this magazine has some wonderful designs. I really like the pleated cardigan by Kat Goldin and I love the colourful Eliza scarf. My pattern is the Ellie Project Basket. A monochrome design that is quick and easy to make, perfect to house those endless crochet projects we all have . It uses 4 balls of aran yarn from New Lanark Mills. The yarn is used doubled to produce a dense thick fabric .6mm hook is used. You can't really see from this thumbnail but the basket  has a very delicate shell crochet edging that uses DMC cotton, I think it frames it perfectly.

 

New Lanark is a World Heritage Site, in Scotland, on the River Clyde. It’s a working model mill village which was built in the 18^th century to provide better working conditions for mill workers. It’s a major tourist attraction  in Scotland (lovely scenic place to visit!) and the mill shop sells fabulous 100% pure new wool from New Lanark, and also organic wool from New Lanark Organic Wool Spinners.Yarn come three ranges:

 

 Donegal silk Tweed; - This range consists of 90% wool and 10% silk for a touch of added luxury.

Heather Mixtures;     reflect all the stunning colours of the Scottish countryside

.Natural Blend; is totally natural, and made from blending Merino and Zwarble undyed wool. Different quantities and variations of the undyed wool are mixed together to produce a wonderful range of pure, unprocessed yarn.

 

I used the natural blend.  Be warned, it is pure sheep style wool so it’s not your fancy soft stuff, it’s a bit rough just like good old fashioned wool always is. It is tough and warm. It is fabulously strong for bag and accessory making. Which makes it perfect for this project it is very good value for money. I am  very proud to support New Lanark Mills and their wools, not only because it is helping to keep the British spinning industry alive, but also it is supporting one of only six world heritage sites in Scotland.  If you get time New Lanark is well worth a visit

Visit the New Lanark website here to find out more about this historic site.http://www.newlanark.org/

 I am not being paid for this post I just want to show my support.

 

Inside Crochet issue 37

 

 

 

My latest pattern has been published in Inside crochet issue 37.It is for  baby booties.They are so easy to make.They are a simple T shape that is folded  and sewn in a way that resembles a booty. I added bows . ribbon , buttons.use any thing you like.Made in Sublime 4ply cashmere,merino, silk yarn , a deliciously soft yarn perfect for wee ones feel.  This pattern is easy to adapt to make larger ones. I have made them for all my family including my brother who has size 13 uk feet. They don't look quite so cute in that size but they make your feet very happy.!!!

 

I m loving the new style of inside crochet , it feels and looks very stylish.I really like the photography,the booties look so pretty all lined up in a row.Well done team Inside crochet!!! 

 

I'm toying with the idea of getting my magazines as a ditigal subscription.I'm rather sad to do this as I am a great lover of books and i love to actually hold books,I love the smell of the paper.I love a new book with no creases,a spine that has not been forced flat and more recently I love the thrill of opening the magazines and book that has my pattern in it. A while back his highness bought me  a kindle something I thought Id hate but I now love it with a passion.However, once you start with electronic reading devices they bring out some other feature that you must have at present I want the kindle to have white paper.

 

However, I am really running out of space for more books.I have six floor to ceiling book cases filled with books I cant tell you the last time i hoovered the dust off them. I remember visiting someones house years ago and they had so many books but they were covered in thick layers of dust. i can remember being shocked that someone would do that to  books, alas,I ashamed to say I have become the same person. I don't know about you but time seems to be flying by, one day rolls into the next. Things that were once so very important now sit on the back burner all I want to do is find more time to design ,cook, read and crochetttttttttt all day long.

More Yarn

I have had one of the most stressful weeks of my life, I cant talk about it until the matter has been resolved . I am so glad that I have crochet as my best friend as it is the only thing that makes me stop thinking about it. I love to crochet and I need to crochet everyday or else I get a little moody.It makes me very happy to sit with a hook and a ball of yarn and a few hours later I will have a gorgeous fabric. As crafters are very lucky people.I look at friends who just watch telly I want to shout out 'don't just sit there, make something.' My hands can not be idle.

On a brighter note I have had two more patterns accepted and will be in upcoming Inside Crochet mag. All very exciting.I still can't quite believe I have had two patterns published.

I have once again been seduced by my lover , his name is yarn. He whispers sweet nothings in my ear, knowing I am weak . These latest balls are from Knitting goddess.

The grey slate colour is 100% cashmere it is do soft. The yellow is is super wash merino 4ply.Last but not least mini skeins. Aren't they lovely?

I'm off to play with new yarn.

Easy Buttons

I have a large selection of buttons. I ve been collecting them for years and yet I often cant find that perfect one. A friend said why not make one to match. I did and this is the result. Very quick and very easy.I love it so much I wanted to share .

You will need; Small amount of yarn, aubergine one is manos, I love this yarn. The green one is rowan romance,white one is nameless.

A crochet hook, any size it depends on the yarn you are using.Sewing needle (large enough for the yarn to be threaded through).

Method

Make 5ch,join with slip stitch.

Round 1; 3ch, 12tr in the ring, join with a slipstitch in the 3ch .

Round 2; 1ch, 1dc in each of the tr, join with slip stitch.

Round 3: as round 2.

Leave a long end, about 10inches ,( you need this amount so that you can then attach button to the item).Using a needle thread through the stitches. Cut some of the same wool off the ball and fill the centre of the button ,really stuff it in. Draw the yarn that you have threaded through as tightly as you can . You are aiming to make a firm button that wont contort when putting it through the buttonhole. This closes the stuffing and you should have a button. Fasten off and use the same yarn to attach the button to your item.

Hope this makes sense, if you find any errors please let me know.

Enjoy.