crochet Archives - Page 19 of 31

Easy One-Skein Crochet Market Bag. Free Pattern

May 23, 2018April 26, 2026crochet, free pattern44 Comments

easy one skein crochet market bag pattern

An Easy One-Skein Crochet Market Bag

On Monday, I began recording a video tutorial on my older method for making an easy crochet market bag. Crochet market bags are massive at the minute and, jumping on the bandwagon, I hit record and started crocheting.

I completed a few rounds of my old crochet market bag pattern before I started to question its construction. It became quite clear that I was trying to be way too fancy with the crochet pattern. Quite simply, there are some unnecessary increases included, and two years ago, I didn’t ask myself if there was an easier way. I’ve updated the pattern.

What we have here is a much simpler version of that old crochet market bag. However, it pretty much looks the same.

Here is the video tutorial for how to crochet an easy market bag using only one skein of cotton yarn. The written crochet pattern is below.

How To Crochet An Easy Mesh Market Bag

Notes & Things You Need To Make A Crochet Market Bag

3mm crochet hook
1x50g ball of DK cotton. Try DMC Natura Just Cotton (155m/170yds). Or, Rico Essentials DK works well, but it’s slightly less meterage, so you might want to remove a round of the main body, just in case).
The 3ch at the beginning of the first 4 rounds counts as a UK tr/ US dc
If you have very loose tension, it would be better to go down to a 2.5mm hook
The pattern is written in UK terms. Where it says “dc”, that’s a US sc and a “tr” is a US dc. So htr is hdc! Easy peasy.
No turns are made when making the main body of the bag.

Crochet Market Bag Pattern

Start with a magic ring (or ch4 and join with a slip stitch).
Round 1: 3ch, 11tr into ring, join to top of 3ch with a sl st, pull the magic ring to close. [12 sts]
Round 2: 3ch, 1tr into same stitch, 2tr into each stitch, join to top of 3ch with a sl st. [24 sts]
Round 3: 3ch, 1tr in same st, 1tr in next st, *2tr in next stitch, 1tr in next; rep from * around, join to top of 3ch with sl st. [36 sts]
Round 4: 3ch, 1tr in same st, 1tr in next 2 sts, *2tr in next st, 1tr in next 2 sts; rep from * around, join to top of 3ch with sl st. [48 sts]

The Mesh Section Begins

Round 5: 1ch, 1dc in same st, *ch3, miss 1 stitch, 1dc in next; rep from * around until the second to last stitch.
At this point, ch1 and work 1 htr into the beginning dc. Refer to the chart above to learn how the rounds are joined. Placing a stitch marker on the last stitch of each row from here will help enormously. [24 chain spaces].
Round 6: *4ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 2ch, 1htr into the top of the last st of the previous round (ie, into the top of the htr of the previous round).
Round 7: *5ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 2ch, 1tr into the top of the last st of the previous round.
Round 8: *6ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 3ch, tr into the top of the last st of the previous round.
Round 9: *7ch, 1dc in next ch sp; rep from * around until second to last ch sp, 3ch, 1dtr into the top of the last st of the previous round.
Rounds 10 – 25: Repeat Round 9.
Round 26: Repeat Round 8.
Round 27: Repeat Round 7.

Add Stitches Around The Top of the Market Bag

Round 28: 1ch, 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in space, 1dc in dc, *4dc in each ch-sp, 1dc in top of each dc of previous round; rep from *, 2dc in last sp, sl st to join to 1st dc. [120 sts]
Rounds 29 – 30: 1ch, 1dc in same space, dc around, sl st to join.

the bottom of an easy to make crochet market bag

Adding a Crochet Handle

Row 1: 1ch, 1dc in same space, 1dc in next 6 sts, turn [7 sts]
Row 2: 1ch, 1dc along the next 7 sts, turn [7 sts]
Repeat Row 2 until the desired handle length is reached, or until only half a metre of yarn remains. (I made my handle approximately 18″).

Turn your bag inside out.
To attach the handle to the opposite side of your market bag, count the stitches around the top of the bag. I had 120 stitches. You want your handles evenly spaced, so I counted 53 stitches along from the right side of my handle, and the next stitch (see pic below) was where I started to attach the other end of the handle. Make sure there are no twists!

The hook should be on the right-hand side. If it isn’t, add another row or remove one.
Insert the hook through the first stitch on the handle and the chosen stitch on the other side of the bag. Yarn over and pull through all loops/stitches. Repeat for the last 6 stitches. Fasten off and securely sew the ends.

This crochet market bag pattern has been designed by me, and I really hope that you like it! I think it is such a useful bag, I have made loads; they are just perfect for shoving in the bottom of your bag for quick visits to the supermarket!

And if you enjoyed making your crochet market bag, why not take a look at my other free crochet patterns.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Show me your makes on Instagram #zeensandroger

Cheers! xxx

Zeens & Roger Crochet Vlogcast 29

April 26, 2018April 6, 2026crochet2 Comments

It’s about time I got another crochet chat out, so here is Episode 29 of the Zeens and Roger Crochet podcast.

Immerse yourself in some crochet chat this week!

In this week’s crochet podcast, I share a few delightful things. Check out the photos of yarn and new crochet projects below, too.

Links To Crochet, Yarn & Everything Else!

The Venice blog post. I went to Venice! It was wonderful. We were drooling over the food. And I found yarn shops!

Hotchpotch Granny purse tutorial – I put together a video tutorial showing you how to make a magic knot, how to crochet this purse from the bottom up and how to add lining to your crochet purse.

Mesh bag pattern. A free pattern – Super simple and quick to make this crochet market bag with one skein of yarn.

Holey Smokes no 1 is over on Ravelry – My crochet shawl pattern

Cat pins, I love them! Check out Niaski and Peskimo on Etsy. Both are local to me, and both are amazing designers.

John Arbon Textiles. Proper woolly wool!

Qing Fibre, Garn Surr, Easy Knits, Countess Ablaze

Subscribe to Blog via Email

A new knitting project using Qing Fibre yarn

😀

Crochet A Hotchpotch Granny Purse

April 20, 2018April 6, 2026crochet, free pattern24 Comments

Granny-stripe-crochet-Hotch Potch tote bag

How to Make A Hotchpotch Granny Stitch Purse

I’ve decided that this cute design will be called a Hotchpotch Granny Purse, it fits the bill quite nicely don’t you think? It’s a crochet purse that uses a hotchpotch of leftover yarn scraps and is the perfect colourful crochet stashbuster.

You can also use all kinds of yarn and I use a magic knot technique to join yarn ends, which I think works very well with acrylic yarn. It would probably work well with wool too. I’m not keen on the magic knot for cotton, though. In my experience, the knot has slipped undone, especially with mercerised (shiny-coated) cotton. So, you might want to experiment with yarn scraps to see what works for you.

You can use any yarn to make a purse, along with your favourite corresponding hook size; there are pretty much no rules to this. If you’re unsure about hook sizes, check the yarn’s ball band to see what the recommended hook size is. As long as you have plenty of lovely woolly bits, you may find yourself addicted to making multiple crochet purses of all different sizes! Why not go heavy on the stashbusting here!?

Starting Chain For Granny Stripes

And sorry, I know I just said there are no rules but there is actually one rule: when you create the starting chain for your granny stripe purse, you need multiples of 3 plus 1.

However, if you’re a stitch or two out then I’m sure you can fudge it. Crochet is very forgiving, but aim for 3 plus 1, and you’ll be fine. This multiple is to evenly space the granny clusters.

Crochet Granny Purse Video Tutorial

I’ve filmed a video tutorial over on YouTube for this crochet Hotchpotch purse. Pop over to watch how to make a granny Hotchpotch purse. It’s a crochet pattern that’s easier to show you how it’s done rather than follow as a written pattern. However, if you would prefer a written pattern, I have an ever so slightly different version for a granny stripe cotton tote here.

Covered in the Hotchpotch granny stripe purse tutorial are:

How to make the magic knot (such an interesting technique!)
Working granny stripes into a purse from the bottom up
Lining your crochet purse, too.

All in eighteen minutes! I also recommend you visit my video on how to insert a zipper in a crochet purse. It’s one of my very first video tutorials.

If you have never added a zipper in your crochet before it might well prove a useful tutorial. As you can see below it doesn’t have to be perfect, it gets covered by lining afterwards.

That’s just some dodgy hand stitching, which is perfectly acceptable for this hotchpotch crochet project. There’s another photo below that demonstrates how the embarassment is easily hidden by a matching green purse lining.

Adding a sewn lining to a Granny stitch purse

What Is A Magic Knot?

I don’t always use the magic knot but when I do, it’s like witchcraft! I demonstrate the magic knot in the hotchpotch granny purse video tutorial. It’s a seemingly scary technique that actually works very well indeed. I did a lot of research and discovered a lot of converted sceptics! Many many yarny folk rely on the magic knot and it never lets them down.

In a nutshell, you tie the end of Yarn A around the end of Yarn B and tie the end of Yarn B around the end of Yarn A. With a slidy motion the two knots are gently pulled together. Then, once nice and tight, you snip the ends leaving behind a neat knot. As I said, it might be easier to watch me demonstrate in the tutorial but the yarn was a bit squeaky that day, so it doesn’t look as gentle as perhaps it should!

I have only used the magic knot in my hotchpotch bags as it’s when I use lots of joins in the middle of the fabric I’m making. Most other times, I diligently sew in my ends because, in my opinion, knot tying is almost as boring as sewing in loads of ends.

Oh, actually, I think I also used the magic knot in one sample of See My Vest, which is my crochet hotchpotch tank top design. It’s a versatile method but I keep it specific projects.

Magic-knot for making crochet granny stripe purses with yarn scraps

Working Granny Stripes in The Round

I don’t want to go over this in great detail here as, you know, I have shown you how this simple crochet stitch is made in the video tutorial. But, granny is granny, which is to say, we are working with clusters of three UK trebles / US double crochet stitches.

If you know my catalogue of crochet designs you will know that the granny stitch is one of my absolute favourites, I use it allllll the time! Check out my free crochet patterns page, tis littered with granny goodness. And there are more examples on my Zeens and Roger Ravelry page HERE.

Although I won’t break it down in detail here, a brief overview of the plan for this hotchpotch project is to begin with a starting chain (multiples of 3 +1) and create a foundation round of UK dc / US sc stitches down and up the chain. Once you have completed the first round and joined it together, you build upon that foundation with loads of glorious granny clusters. The thing practically makes itself!

Different Sized Granny Purses

I use my little Hotchpotch purse granny stripe purse as my make up bag. But I have one as a notions pouch too. I then made a bigger granny purse for my sister, like a handbag, which I added leather handles to (see below). I added a few rounds of UK htr / US hdc stitches as a finishing touch to that one. These latter rounds also helped as an anchor for attaching the straps.

Using the stitch multiple rule, you can make a small coin purse, colourful handbag, or a tote-like shopper. There are lots of possibilities and not much stopping you!

The teeny tiny granny purse was 16 stitches. The small, 22 stitches. The make-up bag size was 34 stitches, and the handbag was maybe 49 stitches, but I can’t remember now and have eyeballed it from the photos!

The sizes will also vary depending on the yarn you use. So a 16-stitch purse made in Double Knit yarn is going to be a bit smaller than a 16 stitch purse made in aran weight yarn.

How To Make a Handbag-Size Granny Tote?

If you are making the bigger size with the straps, I recommend the following:

At the lining stage, use iron-on interfacing on the outside lining. Then place it inside the granny purse. Pin in place and decide on where you want the handles to be. Attach those to the outside of the bag, ensuring that as you sew, you also stitch through the interfaced lining. You then add the inner lining and neatly hand stitch or machine sew in place (mind those handles!).

And there’s nothing to say you have to stop at the crochet granny stitch! Check out my colourful C2C stitch Hotchpotch bag HERE.

Happy Crocheting!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Continue reading ➞ Crochet A Hotchpotch Granny Purse

Two Nights in Venice (On the Cheap)

April 17, 2018April 3, 2026crochet21 Comments

This time last week, I was in Venice. It is the most beautiful city I have ever seen. It was awesome, I was literally in awe. Every five minutes, someone heard me say, “This place is amazing, I love it!” The husband started getting annoyed, “You’ve already said that.”

Have you been to Venice? It’s amazing, I love it!

Venice on a Budget

I went expecting to say goodbye to a lot of cash and, if necessary, sell my soul. Yet, our budget didn’t burst its banks at all. This wasn’t actually going to be a post about how you can do Venice on a budget; it was just going to be my usual thing of whacking up pictures and saying what a nice time I had. However, I want you to go to Venice too, and I don’t want you to dismiss it because you think it’ll cost the earth. It doesn’t have to.

Getting To Venice Cheaply

We did Ryanair on the way there and EasyJet on the way back. This wasn’t my job. Another person in our party of six sorted out flights. He found the best times and prices. It didn’t occur to me to choose two different airlines, but this saved us money. We booked in November/December, so I can’t remember how much it was, around £100 pp return from Bristol. Just over, I think.

Once you’re at the airport, you can get a water bus, but it’s half the price to get the train. We wanted to be fancy, so we got the bus. A private taxi would be even fancier, and they really zooom across the water!

That building in the middle? A hospital!

Where to Stay in Venice

It’s Airbnb all the way for me. My job was to find accommodation, and I didn’t bother looking anywhere else. Seeing as we were three couples, we needed a three-bed place. This was also booked in November/December, and I think that was too late. Many suitable apartments had already gone, and there weren’t loads of choices for nice places.

The best bet is to leap on flights as soon as they’re released and book somewhere to stay at the same time. Don’t dilly dally. However, we did manage to find clean accommodation with a nice view out the back and three bathrooms. It was right near a stunning-looking hospital in a pretty square with plenty of bars. Nowhere took more than fifteen minutes to walk to. Unless you got lost. Which we did. Frequently.

The view from our kitchen window. Sadly, there was no access.

What We Ate in Venice

Oh my goodness! Everything I ate was fabulous. The only thing I didn’t care much for was the gelato. I don’t know if I had a duff one or if it’s because I’m normally all about umami, but I didn’t like the dense texture. The gelato I ate was just very sturdy ice cream! If we’d have had time (and emptier bellies), I would have gone to the Boutique del Gelato; apparently, it’s top notch.

cicchetti in venice - a cheap way to get food — Cichetti. I don’t know the name of this place. It was our first bit of Venetian grub.

Venetian Cicchetti!

Cicchetti!! Wowsers, I loved all of it, even the salt cod and pickled fishy things! Cicchetti is a bar snack, a bit like tapas, and you need it in your life. We went to several places to get our fill, and each time we also ordered prosecco. Yuuuum!!!

Stand at the bar and eat, or you can sit too. You might have to pay extra to sit though. Cicchetti is cheap, and you can easily fill up on it for a few quid. Try All’ Arco for traditional/local and also Acqua e Mais for a cone of deep-fried calamari and shrimp. If you’re on a super tight budget, this sort of thing is great, and you don’t need to go mad on the drink (which definitely bumps up the cost). Having said that, a bottle of prosecco is pretty much the same price as a pub here, so much cheaper than I thought it’d be. And so much tastier.

Seafood spaghetti at Trattoria Alla Scala

I don’t remember the name of the place this was from. But it was so good!

Dinner Isn’t Always Expensive In Venice

Waiters will tell you that you must order seafood. They’re not wrong. It’s what I ate both nights, and it was delicious. The first night we went to a restaurant we’d found on TripAdvisor.

In we went, winding our way through tables whilst chatting to the restaurant guy about reservations. As we talked, he escorted us right past all the diners, through the kitchen and out into the alley at the back. We thought we’d been kicked out, but actually we were waiting for a table. Others were already there, snacking on chilli pesto gnocchi and little glasses of spritz.

We were given the same and told how to hold our plate and glass. A few minutes later, the guy we’d spoken to introduced us to a bemused-looking man in blue gloves and an apron. We were told to follow him. We did and ended up in another restaurant, a two-minute walk away.

At the Tratorria Alla Scala there were no tables for six, so they got some other diners to budge up and in we squeezed. We got complimentary glasses of prosecco, grissini and gorgeous garlicky tomato bruschetta. Main meals were around 18 euros, which I think is ace, especially as we paid that much for dinner in Amsterdam last year and didn’t get any extra stuff (not even a smile).

I can’t remember the name of the restaurant we went to the second night, but it was a lot of sharing platters, and ours were delicious. Oh man, I ate way too much in 48 hours. I haven’t even mentioned the sneaky chips, pizza, sweets, pastries or any of the other things I stuffed in. I couldn’t sleep the first night cos my tummy was so full. Yet I still didn’t spend that much money! Honest!

And I bought lovely yarn! (Not from the posh wool shop though, as I had Pretty Woman experience in there, so… big mistake, huge!).

Stuff to Do in Venice

I think it’s safe to say that this was very much an eating holiday. I’m a big foodie, and my bestie’s husband is a chef, so it was always going to be about food. That means we didn’t have time to visit other islands or go into any of the touristy places you’re supposed to visit.

If you wanted to go up the tower in St Marks’ square, though, I think it’s only 6 euros. The Basilica di San Marco is free to enter, as are a couple of other places. Just standing in St Mark’s Square is breathtaking, you don’t need to spend money there! You don’t even need to go there at all. The whole of Venice is amazing to just walk around and gawp at.

More pictures below, ones where the tower isn’t chopped off!

One thing which was total bucket list territory was a ride in a gondola. It was made cheaper by the fact that all six of us squeezed into one boat. Our tour needed to include a goggle at the Bridge of Sighs, but the bloke we chatted to said it didn’t work into his 30-minute route. We wangled a 45-minute trip for 120 euros. Usually, they’re thirty minutes for 80 euros. I know it works out the same, but still.

The alternative was spending more on one hour or finding another fella who was nearer to the prison. Whatever, it was worth every penny. We all loved it, I even got overexcited when I saw a little crab perched on the side of a canal! If you want the gondola man to sing, you have to pay extra, but I would probably pay for him not to sing.

Luckily, our guy only came out with interesting facts about what we were seeing. He even knew where George and Amal got married and had their do. Real Venetian culture!

The Bridge of Sighs. Casanova is the only man to have escaped from prison here. Thanks for that bit of info, Gondola Man!

Things I wanted to do but didn’t get the chance? There’s a market by Rialto bridge. I’d like to go there. Next time I’d go to art galleries too and time it with Carnevale! That sounds like an alright weekend…week? There is loads to do and I did what I wanted to do, saw the things I wanted to see and came home happy.

Basically, if you want to do Venice on the cheap don’t spend money in the San Marco area and you’ll be fine. Eat cicchetti and get the train over. Also, you don’t have to have your accommodation on Venice itself. Burano or Murano would probably work out cheaper. There you go. Boom. Bargain holiday in one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire world.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

A book shop with a lot of books. We could see the back of our flat from here.

I’ve now been sucked into buying a tacky fridge magnet wherever I go.

Rialto bridge and me — Rialto Bridge. 11pm. Over sunned, over proseccoed, up since 3.30am.

Breathtaking. We wandered into St Mark’s Square quite by accident. The best way to “discover” it, I thought.

To commemorate the people who died of the plague. I think. That’s what we were told.

I’ll give you ten points if you can spot it.

All pics are my own or the husband’s, taken on our phones. xxx

Granny Rocks. A Crochet Jumper

March 27, 2018April 3, 2026crochet21 Comments

Right, I’m gonna go way over the top with granny jumper pics and guess who doesn’t care?! Meeee, haha! I took them yesterday so I could put one up on Instagram, and I got carried away. I thought my love affair with the crochet granny stitch would have worn off by now. Nope! Still there. And this jumper is the bees blimmin knees. I won’t go on and on; I just want to show it off for a bit.

It is called the Granny Rocks jumper, and it’s by Claudine, of Iron_Lamb. Claudine’s crochet garments are stupendous. She has a real knack for knowing what looks good; her designs are current, colourful and amazing. The pattern is available to buy on Ravelry. I’d been eyeing it up for ages but kept telling myself that I already had granny jumpers and didn’t need another.

Eh, I wanted it, so I bought it. The shaping is completely different from other patterns I’ve followed, and I was curious as to why. It also turns out I really like to see how other designers write out their patterns too (and thus, that was my justification for buying it!).

Granny Stripe Crochet Sweater

I used a different yarn from the one recommended and therefore needed a different amount. Remember, always check the label for yardage/meterage! I didn’t until after I’d ordered, and I needed nearly twice as much! This is Drops Merino Extra Fine DK, and it’s a pretty heavy yarn, heavier than the yarn in the crochet pattern. But it makes a smashin’ jumper, and I am super toasty right now (I’m never taking this thing off).

Something else you ought to know. I sort of didn’t obey every step of the instructions. I’ve made crochet jumpers before, and I felt confident enough to give the pattern a semi-skim read, which gave me a good understanding of what was what. I mainly went by the measurements of the schematic.

I cut a big corner doing that; risky, but it paid off. I missed a repeat off the arms and maybe off the length of the jumper too (I haven’t double checked). I relied on measurements rather than the pattern because my gauge was different. I know that my granny clusters are tall and thin; therefore, if I stuck rigidly to the pattern, it wouldn’t look like it was supposed to.

I’ll be entering this into the Different Designer CAL and the Fortune Cookie CAL. Find out more about that on the next episode of the vlogcast, which I’ll be recording on Thursday. x

Right, I’m sharing some pictures…Honestly, it’s so much more fun to muck about when you’re not fussed about your face. I was having a good day! I wouldn’t ever attempt self-portraits on Ugly Day.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

;p xxx

An Interview with Yay Retro!

March 22, 2018April 3, 2026crochet5 Comments

I love the internet! It’s thanks to the internet that Sue from Yay Retro stumbled across me via the Granny CAL I’ve been running over on Instagram, Ravelry and this ‘ere crochet blog. As a result, Sue suggested an interview, which I thought was a great idea! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote out my answers to Sue’s fab questions and sent over a massive wodge of photographs of my home (with vintagey stuff- it’s relevant, I promise) and things I’ve crocheted.

In the interest of keeping things a two-way street, I thought it would be nice to get to know Sue, too, so I sent her a few questions for her to answer as well. We have things in common: we both live in Devon, we both love crochet, and we both have a penchant for cool, old stuff! Also, (as an aside) I found all of this really interesting. The questions started a nostalgic trip into the past, which triggered a load of old memories. I think that’s the main reason why I accumulate all my seemingly random junk. They’re connections to places I’ve been and people I’ve known.

Righty, over to Sue…

How long have you lived in Totnes?

We moved here in 2015 to be nearer to our son and family. We felt at home as soon as we got here, it’s a very special, welcoming and friendly place.

How much does living in Totnes feed your creativity and/or love of vintage? [Totnes is a town in Devon known for having an alternative, arty scene]

I did a fine art degree at The Winchester School of Art and trained, then worked as a professional artist (large abstract paintings) for around seven years before becoming a wedding photographer with my husband for six years. After this I set up yay retro! and I think both of these have significantly fed into the look and feel of yay retro! especially as everything needs to be photographed attractively. Totnes and the surrounding area is marvellous for finding vintage wares. I love the beautiful historic buildings and surrounding wonderful countryside, as well as the ‘anything goes’ feel in Totnes, it makes life more interesting and everyone is friendlier and accepting, I think.

What other parts of Devon are your favourite?

I adore Woolacombe in the North as I had all my childhood holidays there, visiting around 5 times a year in our tent and caravan. Tavistock is also a beautiful town, I love the market there and the drive over the Moors. My other favourite spots are the steam railways in Totnes and Dartmouth. These remind me of my Gramp who was a steam engine driver in the 1950s/60s.

There seems to be quite a few creative folk in Devon. Do you think Devon in particular is a good base for creatives? What makes it so special?

I’m quite new here and so have met only a few other vintage sellers and artists. However I am aware of more here than I was in Hampshire where I lived before.

The country and seaside are so inspiring in Devon and the slower pace of life is really superb. I think people’s outlook on life is different to that of people who live or work in or near big cities. Perhaps this is what attracts creative people to the county? Totnes itself is known for its arty folk as it is close to Dartington, which used to be the home of the famous Dartington College of Arts until quite recently.

What is it about vintage/retro stuff that makes you happy?

I was very lucky to have a happy time growing up in the 1960s and 70s, everything I buy for yay retro! makes me think of my Gran, Nan or my Mum all of whom were great home makers. I can recall special, happy times in each of their kitchens, and because each of them had different tastes in home decor, it really is a case of finding and recognising things they had. I only ever buy things that make me smile, that I truly love and would want for myself. If I’m not keen to give it house room myself I don’t buy it! When I find something lovely I say ‘yay! retro!’ in my head and often feel quite elated. It’s a real feel good job to have as I am forever ‘buzzing’ about the lovely objects and textiles I find!

When did you know it was time to make it your full time job?

I started the yay retro! online shop in 2012, and by 2013 knew it was going to take off and that I would need to tail off my other work commitments which were in the family web development company. I now run yay retro! full time.

Do you hangout with other crafty folk?

Being new to Totnes I don’t know that many people yet who are crafty. I do know of other vintage sellers and they are all very friendly and supportive. it’s a lovely community to be part of. On the crafty side of things, I am currently mad on crochet thanks to getting back into it after seeing you publicise the #grannycal18 crochet along. I am currently teaching my daughter in law to knit and soon to crochet. I find joining groups like Hooked on Crochet on Facebook is a good outlet for feedback and crafty talk. It’s also nice to share pics on the yay retro! Instagram page as my followers are really supportive.

What are your thoughts on the maker’s renaissance we’re experiencing?

I think that the internet has allowed people to share their work easily and also to sell their ideas and makes. This probably makes it appear that we have a makers renaissance, when in fact there have always been heaps of creative people out there.

I picked up the ‘making’ bug from my Mum and Gran who were fantastic at making clothes whether it be sewing or knitting. Neither of them crocheted, and I recently taught my Mum so that she could make a blanket for her great grandson.

It’s superb that getting online can enable people to share so much, and get feedback on their work. I spend many an evening being inspired by other people’s beautiful workmanship.

I often think that if only the internet had been as dominant when I was painting as it is now, I would still actually be working as an artist and selling smaller works from a website. At the time I was a working artist going the gallery route, it was the only option, which made my paintings too expensive for most people.

Who are your favourite artistic people? Top blogs? Instagrammers?

There are SO many artists and makers that I love, currently the printmaker Jane Ormes’ work really strikes a chord with me,

Anna Wiscombe’s wooden birds and plants are gorgeous, Jane Foster’s screen prints adorn my home and Chris Made This and Ames_Likes_Toast Instagram’s feed always make me really happy. I have bought quite a few pieces from Anna, Ames and Chris too. My illustrator friend Sara Rhys based in Totnes has a beautiful Instagram page which always brings a smile to my face.

Sue’s Instagram is HERE.

What are your favourite shops/places in Devon to find treasure? And/or further afield?!

I search everywhere I go to be honest. I adore Totnes market; there are some lovely, friendly, helpful sellers there and it’s always great to have a chat as well as browse and buy! Like everyone, I always search around charity shops and often strike it lucky. I particularly like Salisbury in Wiltshire, New Milton in Hampshire and Brixham in Devon.

www.yayretro.co.uk is an online shop where you can buy the very best Vintage & Flower Power wares from the 1940s to the 1980s. Browsing and buying from the website is really easy and worth doing regularly as fresh stock is added regularly… pieces are described honestly and postage and packaging costs kept low, posting across the UK twice weekly. The yay retro! online vintage shop features vintage kitchenware, tablecloths, bedding, ornaments, toys, books, and much more!

Thanks Sue! I really enjoyed your insightful comments. xx

Subscribe to Blog via Email

What Are These Crochet Alongs all about?! What is a CAL?

March 8, 2018October 17, 2026crochet20 Comments

a granny stitch crochet pouch using yarn scraps; — My first (and maybe only!) entry into the Granny CAL 2018

I’m hosting a Crochet Along at the minute and it has got me thinking. It’s easy to assume that every crocheter/maker knows exactly what a CAL is, but it turns out that’s not the case at all. Since the beginning of the “great” Granny CAL of 2018, I’ve had a fair few folk ask me what it’s all about, and I thought a more in-depth look would make a pretty good blog post. Soooo…

What Is A CAL?

The acronym CAL means Crochet Along, just as KAL is Knit Along and MAL is Make Along. Whatever kind of Along it is, it’s usually a themed virtual get-together where everyone makes the same thing. For fun.

The CAL I’m hosting is the Granny CAL and the idea is to crochet something in the granny stitch. That’s all. Nowt tricky. However, there can be loads of different sorts, and loads of different reasons why a CAL pops up. Let’s have a look…

This is a spin off blanket from Cherry Heart’s Spice of Life CAL from 2016. This is Spicier Life!

The Benefits of A Crochet Along

The biggest element of a CAL I’ve discovered is the community. Joining CALs really got me chatting away to other crafty people online, and I’ve made new friends by taking part. I admit that this didn’t even occur to me when I first entered my finished crochet items on Ravelry. Honestly, I just wanted to show off my new stuff and maybe have a chance to win a prize!

The social side was an unexpected perk, but now it’s one of the main draws. I now know there’s not much chance of getting a prize (CALs are mighty popular and get super busy), but I’m genuinely not fussed about that. The sharing of ideas, as well as tips and tricks, brings a disparate bunch of enthusiasts together, enriching what can be a quiet and solitary hobby. In other words, it’s loads of fun hanging out with your crochet mates!

There are lots of different platforms you can choose to hang out on. I’ve seen CALs hosted on Facebook and Instagram, whilst I mainly find them on Ravelry. Have a look below for a few that are happening right now!

three springs crochet shawl — The Three Springs Shawl was entered into Addydae Design’s Accessories CAL last summer.

It’s an opportunity to try something new, too. Perhaps you’re not crazy about handmade socks, but don’t want to dismiss them. Why not try making them with others in a sock along? Maybe the positivity will rub off on you! Want to make a snazzy shawl but are not that confident? Join in the chat, and you’ll be helped and supported by people all over the world!

A CAL (not to mention the people participating) can give you focus and encouragement so you can achieve your goal without the energy wearing off.

There are other benefits too. It might be that the pattern or colour palette is picked for you, so it removes the pressure of working out those details (that’s one of my favourite things to do, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea). And let’s not forget the potential for a prize or two!

Why Host a CAL?

There are also many reasons why designers and makers host CALs. In my case, the idea popped into my head one day; maybe I was just jumping on the bandwagon, but a seed was planted. When I mentioned it on an episode of the Z&R Crochet podcast, there was such a wonderfully positive response that it would have been silly not to do it.

Being a crochet designer can be a lonesome job, so hosting a CAL means you’re not on your own. There’s a shared goal, which brings people together.

The most important aspect of my CAL is that it had to be fun and easy, with no pressure to buy a pattern or any extra yarn if one didn’t need to; the granny stitch is the perfect stash buster after all!

A couple of squares for Lottie & Albert’s Squares for Grace.

It is also a fabulous way to raise money for charity. The host asks lots of crafty makers to contribute a small piece of crochet to make up one impressive, giant project.

And then there’s the publicity angle. What a great marketing strategy for advertising a new yarn or pattern release. Whatever the motivation, every single time, it enables people to come together to do what they enjoy, and there isn’t much wrong with that.

I don’t think CALs are going anywhere. Here are just a small handful that are happening at the moment:

The Fortune Cookie CAL by Crochet Luna: Grab a fortune cookie, crack it open and use the saying as inspiration for your project.
Coastal Crochet’s Seaside Stash busting CAL, a gently paced blanket, taking place over the next few months,
Fays’ Different Desginer CAL, choose a designer whose patterns you’ve never used before.
The Knitted Knocker CAL, hook up some breasts for women who’ve had mastectomies.

What do you think of CALs? Have you taken part in one? A couple? Loooaads?! Let me know your thoughts. X

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Zeens & Roger Crochet Podcast/Vlogcast Episode 26

March 2, 2018March 31, 2026crochet, vlogging6 Comments

Happy March!! We’re supposed to be thinking about spring, but it’s most definitely winter outside!! Brrrr, maybe keep warm whilst watching episode 26 of my crochet podcast!? As usual, click on the pic above to go to the episode or go to my YouTube channel HERE. Ta very much.

Here are some links to stuff I talk about. I wasn’t concentrating, so I hope I have it all. If not, please give me a shout, and I’ll give you extra info.

March Meet the Maker – A month-long Instagram challenge

My Easter Eggs. HERE is the link to the blog post about the latest additions to the family.

Blacker Yarns. This is lovely yarn that I’m going to get more of. I used Tamar Lustre Blend. A real woolly wool from just across the border in Cornwall.

Inside Crochet magazine

Simply Crochet magazine

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Some More Crochet Easter Eggs

February 21, 2018March 31, 2026amigurumi, crochet, free pattern40 Comments

Decorative Crochet Easter Eggs

Am I too early for crochet Easter egg shenanigans? Eh, I don’t think so. Do you remember the pretty little crochet eggs from a couple of years ago? They’ve gone and got themselves some new mates!

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from Hobbycraft asking if I was interested in trying some yarn so that I could tell you about it. Seeing as spring is on the way, I thought it would be a nice idea to choose some yarn to make my amigurumi Easter eggs with. However, I didn’t want more eggs of the same size, so I’ve upped my game. I’ve gone large.

Yarn For Making Crochet Easter Eggs

This is the yarn I decided to try, The Women’s Institute acrylic dk. I wanted big Easter eggs this time, so I also chose the Soft & Chunky in Cream, which is an acrylic mix and has 30% merino. It’s lovely stuff to work with, I think merino is my favourite yarn in the world at the moment.

I also got some dk yarn in pretty spring colours to embroider the eggs with. A lighter yarn makes the embroidered decorations more delicate.

With two 100-gram balls of the chunky cream yarn, you can make three small eggs and one large. I weighed them before I added the embellishments, and a small one was 27 grams of yarn, whilst the large was 89 grams. I used exactly the same crochet pattern; I just doubled up on yarn for the biggy. By that, I mean I held the yarn double when working with it.

I’ve not used this yarn before, but I have used plenty of other DK acrylics. Mostly, I’m left unimpressed, and I have a thing where I don’t like mixing brands because the quality varies so much. Usually, they don’t pass muster, but I don’t think I’d have any qualms about mixing this with the likes of Stylecraft Special or Paintbox acrylic DK yarns (both of which are excellent to work with). This is one of the good ones. I have quite a bit of the dk left, so I might make a crochet blanket along with some other brands to really get a good feel for it (but not anytime soon, as I have got a massive list of other projects to do! Bah).

Anyway, on to the Easter Egg Crochet pattern…

Eeehh, look at the family all together!

Crochet Easter Egg Pattern

This pattern can be used with any weight of yarn, just make sure you use a hook size that will achieve nice, tight stitches (ie go down a couple of sizes than is recommended on the yarn label).

Notes & Things Needed To Crochet Easter Eggs

Women’s Institute Premium Acrylic Yarn DK in Yellow, Lime, Teal, Pink and Light Pink.
Women’s Institute Soft & Chunky in Cream x2 100g balls. This amount makes 1 large and three small eggs.
Polyfibre fill stuffing
Large eye darning needle
Fading ink pen (optional) – it helps to draw out where to put the flowers and leaves before you make the stitches.
For the small egg (approx 11cm tall) use a 4.5mm hook. For the large egg (approx 17cm tall), use a 7mm hook and two strands of the chunky held together.
Use two strands of the dk together for embroidering the large egg.
US terms are used in the pattern.
An Inc = increase. i.e., working 2 stitches in the same stitch.
A dec = decrease. Worked over 2 sts.

This pattern below is also found on my original blog post HERE. And last year, I recorded a video tutorial showing how to make and embroider the eggs.

Amigurumi Easter Egg

Round 1: 6sc into a Magic Ring.
Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. [12 sts].
Round 3: *1sc in next stitch, inc in next; repeat from * around [18].
Round 4: Sc around. [18]
Round 5: *1sc in next 2 sts, inc in next; repeat from * around. [24].
Rounds 6-7: Sc around [24]
Round 8: *1sc in next 3 st, inc in next; repeat from * around [30].
Rounds 9-15: Sc around. [30]
Round 16: *1sc in next 3 sts, dec; repeat from * around. [24].
Round 17: *1sc in next 2 sts, dec; repeat from * around. [18].
Round 18: *1sc in next st, dec; repeat from * around [12].

Fasten off, leaving a long tail, 40cm should be plenty.
Add embroidered flowers using simple stitches. French knots make the flower centres, and the chain stitch makes petals, leaves and stems.
Stuff firmly.
To close your Crochet Easter Egg, thread through the front loops and pull tight to gather the stitches together.
Stitch in and out a few times to fully secure and then snip the end neatly.

Here is a picture of the original Crochet Easter Eggs with embroidery made with DK yarn.

crochet easter eggs, an easy pattern for egg decorations

Please do let me know if you make some, I really would love to see. They make such cute spring decorations, and you could even tie pretty ribbon through the top to hang them in places!

And if you enjoyed making them, take a look at some of my other free crochet patterns.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Happy Easter! X

How I Became a Crochet Designer (& How You Can Become One Too)

January 31, 2018March 30, 2026crochet24 Comments

How I Became a Crochet Designer

I’ve had “write blog post – How to become a crochet designer” on my To-do list for months. I’d been procrastinating, as I knew it would be a long one. Today is the day. I have put some time aside, especially because sometimes, you just have to do the thing you’ve been putting off. I’d like to share some of my thoughts and tell you a little bit about how I started my small creative business as a crochet designer.

EDIT: I thought you might be interested in this YouTube video for my process on how to get crochet designs published. and Publish your Crochet Designs, part 2!

Laying the Yarny Foundations

Before I begin, here’s a little bit of background about me. Three moments in my crafty past have really stuck with me and led me to where I am now:

1 At eight years old, my Nanna told me, “You won’t learn to crochet if you hold the hook like that.” Hmm, nothing quite like turning you off a craft by setting unnecessary rules. Truly, I believe Nanna’s intentions were to create a solid foundation of learning, but in reality, it had the opposite effect. I also think it had something to do with the way Queen Victoria and polite “ladies” held their hooks, but my memory is foggy now. Anyway, I’m no Lady. I’m a woman who eventually learned how to crochet. Via YouTube, on my own terms, twenty years later.

2 Just over halfway through that twenty year break (sometime in my early twenties), I saw my artist friend crochet cups and saucers out of plastic tubing, and I casually sighed, “I wish I could crochet.” Her breezy reply was “It’s easy! Go for it”. I didn’t go for it. I really should have. Much like writing this blog post, I put it off.

3 The birth of my first baby. Nanna crocheted him a giant granny square blanket, and I just knew I had to make him one too. So I did. Sort of. It was actually a ripple stitch blanket, and it wasn’t the first thing I made, but you know, same difference. That was just over seven years ago, and with the flick of a switch, I became obsessed with crochet.

Then I Was a Craft Blogger

The first real step I took towards taking my crochet hobby more seriously was to set up this creative / lifestyle blog. Admittedly, it took me about five years of just thinking about it. I was daft to delay, but it’s about confidence, and I didn’t have any. I had very few crochet designs under my belt at first and was constantly fretting that no other pattern ideas would come to me. So not true!

I have written many crochet blog posts now, but if you are a long-time reader, you will know that I also used to blog about other things too. I wrote about my garden numerous times (I’ve since deleted most of them), typed up records of when we’ve been on our summer hols, and I have shared other creative ventures (some good, some bad!).

The point is, I just started. I wrote what was in my head that day, added a few photographs and hit publish. I didn’t wait for perfection because, if that were the case, this crafty blog wouldn’t exist at all.

The more you tinker and play, the more ideas you get, I promise. It will either lead to something, or it won’t, but at least you will have tried. If you are curious about the ways you can create something new with just a yarn and a hook, you have the right skills for the job to start blogging about your own crochet adventures.

How I Started My Creative Business

Crochet Magazine Work

Several small, teeny tiny baby steps later, I (nervously) decided the time was right. So, in October 2016, I sent out emails to three crochet magazines (I found contact details at the front of my favourite magazines). I sent out pictures of a few different designs I’d created, asking if any publishers were interested.

The crochet designs were all originals that I hadn’t shown to anyone else. Craft magazines prefer exclusive ideas, which is why I don’t say anything about a crochet commission until it’s about to go on sale. That, and I’m scared they’ll pull a design from the issue (it can happen, but not very often). I’m really good at keeping secrets these days. I never used to be!

One of the designs I sent was immediately accepted by Inside Crochet. Not only that, but they also asked to feature my blog in their magazine! I properly freaked out, I was gobsmacked and completely delighted! Since then, I’ve featured in all three magazines and had crochet designs in many issues [my work is on the front cover of each of those magazines in the above pic!!]. I’ve also designed for Hobbycraft. I am super proud of myself, and if I can do it, then so can you!

You don’t initially have to send in ideas as I did. You can just ask to be emailed the submission calls. I was added to a Call for Submissions list by all three of the mags I contacted. Then you get to see the mood board and future magazine themes, for which you then send in your ideas. Keep your eyes on social media too; you often see when a publisher is on the hunt for new designers.

You can skip the magazine bit if you prefer and just sell independently. However, you and your creative business do get positive exposure from being featured in crochet magazines.

Selling Online Crochet Patterns

Did you know that you can publish those magazine crochet patterns independently?!

In most cases (check the contract for this), after a period of time, the rights to your work are yours again, and you can sell individual crochet designs to makers across the globe!

I like Ravelry as a platform for selling crochet designs. I’m still learning about it even though I’ve been on there for years. I’ve experienced some really good sales, but it’s often seasonal, and it’s better to have at least a handful of your crochet designs available to bring in more income.

Once you’ve established how to add your design details and upload a PDF version of your crochet pattern (I need quiet for all of this, as I’m well known for temper tantrums when it comes to filling stuff out online), you cross your fingers for the initial flurry of interest followed by delightful sales.

Etsy has been good for me too, and I’ve just dipped my toe in LoveCrafts, so I don’t have much experience with that yet. If you use these platforms, I’d love to hear what you make of them. There are other platforms too, or you can choose to open up your own online shop. I haven’t done that as the platforms I use sort out sales tax for me, and I’m too clueless to do that myself at the moment.

Hints and Tips for Becoming a Crochet Designer

This is the list of info I think will be helpful for you if you need the extra push to start your own small creative business. I’ve had it scribbled down in my notebook since the autumn…

Always be crocheting. You get better every day.
Set up a blog to showcase your work. After some research, I chose WordPress. If you haven’t got time for the world of blogging, then Instagram is an excellent choice. Show up, though, you have to be consistent.
Keep a sketch book nearby (or scrawl ideas on your phone/tablet). Write down/sketch out every crochet design idea. If it’s a wearable item, draw someone wearing it as well as providing a basic schematic. You’ll need simple sketches for submissions, too.
Swatch swatch swatch. Make good crochet swatches for all submissions. Swatches will help you work out little tweaks that need doing, help with shaping and help you work out if the maths is right etc. I dislike making swatches, but they are necessary and useful.
Practice pattern writing with small design projects. Maybe they can become freebies on your blog. Free crochet patterns are a lovely thing to offer, but I wouldn’t recommend busting a gut on big, time-consuming designs unless you have a large audience. It can be a lot of hard work for very little in return. Make it work with what’s relevant to your readership so that you don’t lose out. Essentially, when your blog is monetised, you can bring in an income from ad revenue. You need a lot of traffic to make this work.
Don’t underestimate your worth. If a yarn company is offering you three balls of yarn in exchange for a review, ask yourself if the deal is worth it. Follow your gut on this, as some collaborations are great, whereas others can exploit your good nature. Remember, exposure doesn’t pay the rent! Three balls of free yarn for an Instagram post and a Story is pretty alright. Three balls of free yarn in exchange for two IG posts, 3 Stories, a Reel and a YouTube review is not a good deal!
Be the best you can be. Don’t release crochet patterns that you aren’t super proud of. I frog A LOT of crochet, and 99% of the time it is the right decision.
Keep abreast of what others are up to. What are the latest fashion trends? Popular yarns for crocheters and knitters? Popular colours? What season should you be working towards?
Have a look at this post about choosing colour in your projects. It might help with the point above.
Keep the pattern writing simple. I use Google Docs. If I’m creating a crochet pattern to sell independently, I add a small intro, a few good photographs of the design, “how-to” pics if I think it needs them, and a crochet chart (Stitchfiddle.com is what I often use).
Just do it! Please start. Don’t put it off, find the time to do it now!
And don’t forget to tell the tax man…

Like other creatives, I just wanna make stuff. I’ve learned a ridiculous amount by playing around (making lots of mistakes), and I’ve probably not even covered half of it here. Crikey, I still have a ridiculous amount to learn. I’m coming up to my third year of craft blogging, but I have only considered myself to be a crochet designer for about a year. That’s not a long time, so I reckon I should come back and look at this next year to see what’s changed!

Please let me know if there is anything else you’d like to know or if you think I’ve missed out a vital piece of information. If you are a crochet designer too, I’d love to know what your experience has been. Tell me! Thanks ever so much! X