Summer Lariat - crochet pattern release

I've been itching to try my colorful yarn cakes in a project, and I think I found the perfect one.

Cue - my summer lariat!

The lariat is made in one go, and flowers are added after it is finished. There are 5 flower patterns that work fast and are just the cutest. 

This lariat can transform into a plenitude of things. 

 

Let me give you some ideas: 

* headbands

* bracelets

* belts

* garlands 

* curtain ties

* gift wrappers

Make it as long or short to serve your purpose. 

 

The pattern is in my shops: etsy, ravelry

 

Winding Yarn Cakes

Happy start of the week bloggers!

How is your Monday so far?

For me Monday turned out to be a yarn-winding day! 

I received a large shipment of cotton batik yarn in 1 kilo-skeins. There isn't much interest with buyers for large skeins, so I have to make them in small batches - preferably 50gr cakes. 

This is rather a tedious job, because I have a hand winder, and although winding goes fast, I am contemplating buying an electric yarn-winder. 

Nevertheless, all these colors brighten my mood, so wind-wind I'll go!

A Basket of Flower Coasters - pattern release

Finally, I have something finished to show you. 

I've been slowly but steadily finishing many of my WIPs, and this was the first to be done and dusted. 

This project idea has been swirling around the internet for a while, and I had to give it my own twist. 

This project is a lovely home decor, and quite useful as such.

It appears to be a basket with flowers, but when taken out, they turn out into coasters. 

Quite neat and cute!

The pattern is in my etsy and ravelry shops.

Crochet Ramblings

 

 

I don't know about your part of the world, but we have been having a rainy May.

I expect to start growing mushrooms on myself any day now.

However, my shop always cheers me up, and all the colorful yarn inside make my days brighter and happier despite the horrid weather outside. And it makes me think of summer.

Which brings me to this particular thread. 

 

The Kordenet Flash has an amazing palette of colours and I have been eyeing  several of them for my summer project. First I wanted to make myself a dress, but the thread is thin and unless I double it, it will take forever to make it. Then, I thought that a dress as such is quite limiting as compared to a blouse and a skirt, because as a two-piece, I can combine them with other blouses, tops and skirts. 

So, a two-piece it is going to be. 

Now, I am wavering between the blues and the greens. They are both beautiful (the blouse will be in the lighter shade and the skirt in the darker), but at the moment, I am still indecisive. 

Will let you know which ones I chose. 

Wishing you a lovely day ahead!

 

New Pattern Bundles in the Shop

Flower Necklaces Bundle

 

Floral Home Decor

Boho Home Decor

After what seems like ages, I bundled up some of my patterns again. With these bundles you get 25% off of the regular price if you were to buy them individually.

 

By combining the patterns in each of the bundles you get numerous versatile ways to make jewelry, decorate your home, or make some amazing gifts. All it takes is some yarn, a hook and a whole bucket of wild imagination! 

To get to the bundles, click on the links under the pictures, or simply click here to get to my shop. 

Thank you!

Crochet Videos on TikTok

Happy start of the week crochet friends!

I joined the bandwagon and created a TikTok account for my small business. 

It has been a completely new, exciting and invigorating experience being able to connect with fellow crocheters and same-minded people.

I am only sad that making videos for youtube cannot be as fast as making them on TikTok. But, I'll eventually get there.

 

On my hook: Flower Garland

Happy Friday guys!

Today is a beautiful, warm and sunny day. My shop/ studio is surrounded by lovely green trees and bushes, and they create a wonderful, calm and relaxing atmosphere. The one that fuels creativity. So, after God knows how long, I've taken my hook again and started working on a flower garland. I worked on the sketch first, trying to transfer my mind's vision of it, and luckily, I didn't have to re-do anything because it turned out flawlessly. 

Now I have to work on the edging and I want it to be lacy, romantic and rich. 

Wish me luck!

What are you plans for the weekend? Will you squeeze some crochet?

The Difference Between Cotton & Recycled Cotton

 

Yarns which are Certified Organic are spun from fibers produced without the use of man-made chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Where a yarn is dyed, the dyes must be non-toxic and organic. The production of organic cotton yarn doesn't use harmful chemicals, genetically modified seeds, or water-intensive farming techniques. Organic cotton is better than the regular one because it is much more sustainable.

 

Recycled cotton yarn is sourced from already existent cotton, which means that it helps keep waste down and has a minimal impact on the environment. Recycled cotton is also commonly referred to as regenerated cotton, reclaimed cotton, or shoddy. 

 

Although recycled cotton is durable, it does have some issues with longevity due to it being a natural fabric – it isn't tear, or abrasive resistant. Recycled cotton does not hold a high elasticity in comparison with other yarn.

 

My Own Yarn Shop and Crochet Studio

Hello, crafty blog  friends!

Here I am, after a long absence, with some exciting news.

I opened my own brick and mortar yarn shop and crochet studio!!!

 

Getting everything done, mostly by myself but also with generous help from family and friends when needed, was a tiring journey, but rewarding in the end.

As I slowly settle down with my new role and work, I hope to be able to resume my normal blogging and online work.

Granny Square Bolero

Another thing I made for myself this winter is this granny square bolero. It had been on my list for ages, and I am glad I had this crossed off. 

 

It is one giant square, sewed at the sides. I envisioned it with the ribbing pattern for the sleeves, which was a spectacular idea, because they complement the granny stripe pattern fantastically. When put on, they give the upper part of the bolero a bit of a puff. I wish I could have taken a picture of me with it on, but if you read my last post, this place is still in a state of utter and complete mayhem.

 

Along with the poncho, this is my second best worn piece this winter. 

Elbows Deep in Yarn

I've been in yarn heaven for the past two weeks and still cannot come to my senses! 

However, yarn heavens sometimes have overhanging fluffy clouds, especially if they are messy. I received a large shipment of yarn and must admit, sorting, cataloguing and taking photos of it has been a little bit overwhelming, but I am not complaining. 

My place is horrific - with skeins lying over / scattered about and over almost everything, but my family has been extremely supportive and do lend a hand whenever necessary.

I am working round the clock to sort my new shop/studio out and hopefully I'll be able to show more of it here.

2023 Crochet Summit

 

 

Important: This post contains affiliate links. 

 

Rebecca Page Crochet Summit is coming live in less than an hour ! There you can find my video lesson for the Penelope Scarf.

  

Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet or wanted to level up your crocheting skills so you can tackle any project with ease?

Crochet 101 will help you finally learn how to crochet and have you starting your next project with confidence!

Whether you are a beginner, or have been crocheting 30+ years, Crochet 101 is for you!

In Crochet 101 you'll discover the 18 basic crochet techniques and stitches you need to know to get started so that you can get crocheting with confidence. The exclusive bonus classes will have you using your new skills to create various projects and will teach you even more techniques to crochet any project!

• 18x Crochet Mini-Classes
• 4x PDF Crochet Patterns
• 11x Exclusive Bonus Classes

Watch anytime, from anywhere | Unlimited Replays | Expert Tuition

Yarn Heaven in Istanbul - Kurkchu Han

Hello crafty friends!

Long time no write, but here am I, ending my radio silence.

Recently, we've been on a trip to Istanbul (Turkey) and one absolutely unmissable spot for every crafter, especially crocheters and knitters, is a place in the heart of the Grand Bazaar called Kürkçü Han.

 

This is our fourth visit to Istanbul and every time I set foot into the han, I fell like Alice in Wonderland. The han is filled with mind blowing number of little shops selling everything a crafter would need, from haberdashery and all sorts of accessories, to yarn of all types and quality. While there are several big yarn shops on the ground floor, the second floor of it is exclusively reserved for yarn, and every shop will blow your mind. Literally. The incredible offer ranges from the thinnest (cotton, silk, acrylic) threads to wool and cashmere yarn. 

Due to the recent inflation Turkey is facing, the yarn is way pricier than it was on our last visit. The good thing is the sellers often have discounts on different brands, so you might find some real gems and steals on those deals.

The Best of TLT in 2022

We are counting the last days of 2022; a year filled with tons of wonderful crochet creations that sprang to life, and an equal measure of the ones yet to see the light of day. I'll add another successful tally mark on my crochet journey.

In numbers, there were 14 free and 17 paid patterns published, lots of tips, tricks and techniques shared. 

 

The highlights: my continuous collaboration as a crochet teacher with Rebecca Page and the invitation to design a summer necklace for the Homespun Magazine. 

Cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store for me!

 

 

Past best ofs on the blog:

Best of 2021

Best of 2020 

Best of 2019 

Best of 2018

Best of 2017
Best of 2016

Best of 2015

Best of 2014

Best of 2013

Best of 2012 

Best of 2011 

Mermaid's Dreamcatcher Necklace - pattern available

If you remember, back in June I had this design published in the summer crochet issue of Homespun Magazine, and the mandatory waiting period being over, I am now able to offer it as a pattern in my shops (etsy / ravelry).

 

The pattern comes in both UK and US crochet terminology. 

 

At the time, I also made the pink one above using sequins and pearl beads, and it is quite interesting how the same pattern can look so completely different by using different colors and altering the decorative notions. Don't you agree?

 

Open Sided Crochet Vest

 

 

Open side vests are obviously a thing now, so we simply had to make one. Eva insisted to make her a "plain" vest, meaning I was to use just half /double crochet stitches for it, but I knew she wanted to spare me from working on a more textured pattern. However, if I was to invest time and effort into a piece she so desperately wanted, I wouldn't let myself make her something plain. 

So, I used the "V" stitch for it, and we both agreed it was an interesting and playful pattern for this vest. 

Though, if you ask me, I would definitely make the next one as a regular vest. I was itching to sew the sides of this one :)