More Crochet!

I have finished another piece of crochet. This is a design from a vintage pattern called Four Roses Doily in filet crochet. I absolutely loved making this and another first for me working with fine thread. Not as fine as some though as this was a no. 20 thread on 1.25mm hook. Yes I'm pretty pleased with the result and it is winging its way to the UK along with the Hairpin lace to be marked for the Crochet Diploma Course.

I have one more garment to make and I am tossing up between a Tunisian crochet vest and a Doris Chan cardi in Broomstick lace. It has to be crocheted in a smooth aran weight yarn so I will decide in the next few days.

Meanwhile maybe I should try and finish last years Debbie Abrahams Mystery Blanket as it is a mystery no more. This years first 2 months mystery blanket squares have arrived but I am not very inspired to begin them. It is obviously an Olympic theme and I'm just not into it. I may even sell the whole kit at the end of the year if I really don't like it.

Jane Crowfoots Mystery Crochet Blanket is about to begin for this year.

I just love the colours of the yarns this year for the crochet blanket.

The patterns for the first month of Janie Crows crochet mystery blanket arrive tomorrow! Can't wait as all the yarn arrived a couple of weeks ago and I just love the colours! It is a lace theme this year and I think that so far this year crochet is taking over my life! Not such a bad thing?

This is just a teaser for the Jane Crowfoot patterns that we are about to be emailed.

My First Completed Hairpin Lace Project

I had a great day yesterday as I had the whole day at home to myself and was able to just indulge in my passion for crochet. I am fast approaching the end of Part 1 in the Crochet Diploma course and one of the garments that I have to submit must be an accessory that has to include another form of crochet such as broomstick, tunisian or hairpin lace. As well it had to be in a fashion yarn.

I have been working on this for a couple of weeks as the hairpin had to be in 3 strips of 270 loops on either side of the spine. Then they had to be joined and finished round the sides etc.

I used the Kristin Omdahl pattern "Tessa" but in different yarn so the look is slightly different.

This is the finished article and I am very pleased with it!

February Newsletter

February has arrived and it is hot and humid here in Queensland. That hasn't stopped me from knitting and crocheting though. So, on goes the air-conditioning and out come the needles every spare minute that I have. It seems crazy to be ordering winter yarns while the temperatures have been so warm but I have been, and over the next few months the shelves will be restocked with lots of new yarns as well as broader ranges of others.

I did get a lovely new order of Cashmere Queen early last week. This yarn is made by Schoppel-Wolle and is just beautiful. It is a 5ply/sport weight and 35% cashmere, 45% merino and 20% silk. The colours are very subtle and soft. At the moment I have five colours and will be receiving more soon.

The House of Alpaca have announced 10 more colours to their 8ply range so there will now be 22 colours on offer. They are also bringing out 5 colours in a 4ply which I am excited about. Anyone who has worked with this alpaca will know how lovely and soft it is and with the 20% merino just how well its keeps its shape after knitting and crocheting. These should be coming into the store later in March.

I have also ordered some more of the BC Garn Sarah Tweed as this has been a popular yarn. Top ups of the favorite colours as well as a few new colours. I have placed an order for their Semilla a 100% organic 8ply wool as well. The most difficult decision I have is choosing the colours and from around 40 I have chosen 22 colours.

This week all the information regarding the Prudence Mapstone Workshops went on the website. We are having 2 weekend workshops with Prudence this year. One on the 12th & 13th May and the other on the 17th & 18th November. Prudence is a wonderful teacher and her workshops are always a lot of fun as well as informative. I hope that some of you can join us!

Also this week I formed the Yarn Glorious Yarn group on Ravelry. It is a great place to share projects as well as to find out about what is happening in the knitting and crochet world.. As well, Ravelry is a great site for finding patterns or just asking for help with a knitting or crochet problem. I have made a few really good friends through Ravelry too!

The Craft and Sewing Show will be here again at the Brisbane Convention Centre on the 22nd - 25th March. I have just finalised the details and will be at stand E11. I am hoping to organise a couple of specials just for the show.

That's all the news for this week. Happy knitting and crocheting!