knitting Archives - Page 3 of 7

The Grainbow Shawl. A Crochet Pattern

March 13, 2019November 13, 2021crochet5 Comments

This is the Grainbow shawl! If I may I’d like to tell you a bit about it…

Firstly, it is now available to buy on → Ravelry← and Etsy!!

Secondly, I am a little bit proud of the fact that it’s a pattern partnership with one of my favourite independent yarn brands, John Arbon Textiles! They very generously supplied me with some of their Knit By Number double knit to make the first shawl. Knit By Numbers (KBN) is 100% merino and comes in both 100g skeins and 25g minis. You can get it in 4ply too (I used it for Harvest Moon). They also sent some of their gorgeous Exmoor Zwartbles to try. The Zwartbles is earthy and sheepy (oh my, the smell is beautiful!). The KBN is super soft, and saturated in gorgeous colour. Two different wools make two (almost!) different shawls, thus showcasing the awesome ability yarn has to create completely unique looks. I hope to take both shawls up to Edinburgh next weekend for EYF 19.

In the pattern there are two options for the shawl edging because I did my usual trick of not wanting to make the choice between two different ones. I don’t see the point in only offering one if two will work equally well, albeit in different ways. The main body of the shawl uses simple stitches, eyelets and touches of colour; creating a modern crochet accessory. You can turn it from contemporary to classic crochet by adding the pretty lacy border.

Another thing I had fun doing was pretending to be a model for half a day. The Grainbow Shawl had to look its absolute best so I asked my friend to take the pics (the modelled ones. The others are mine). It worked well for us both because he got to work with someone who didn’t know how to model (this is a good thing apparently because he’ll learn how to direct others by having bossed me about), and I got to see how a real photographer works! If you’re in the south west of the UK and need a snapper, he’s Paul Courtney Photography.

I couldn’t decide what to call this shawl, no ideas came. Instead of plumping for something half arsed, I put it out to my friends online . Over on Instagram I asked for names and the one that put the biggest smile on my face was “Grainbow”, which was suggested by My Chaotic Bliss (I’ll link as soon as I can but shock, horror! Instagram is down right now!). The name works for both versions, don’t you think? I was delighted when Kat also volunteered to test the shawl too. Maybe I should have called it Chaotic Grainbow?!

Kat wasn’t the only tester. Everyone who volunteered has made or is making some fabulous versions of Grainbow. I have so loved seeing the enthusiasm these guys have shown for what might be my new favourite shawl design (I think I said that about the last design too!). I’ve been a tester on many occasions myself, I know the effort that is put in and I’m forever grateful to those who want to do it for me. Thank you!!

You’ll be able to buy the pattern from the John Arbon website in the near future too. I’m thrilled that quality yarn companies are embracing crochet design more and more, it’s very exciting to see it being taken seriously. Getting to be a little part of that and see others joining the party makes me very happy indeed!

If you make Grainbow please be sure to let me know. You can tag me on Instagram @zeensandroger and add your project to Ravelry. #grainbowshawl Cheers! x

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Picture overload below…

Zeens & Roger Crochet Podcast 48

March 2, 2019March 2, 2019vlogging4 Comments

Hey, how are you?! I’m a bit late with this episode, so sorry! Better late than never though, yes?! Clicking on the image above will take you directly to the latest episode of my crochet podcast. Click HERE and you get to all the vids!

There’s a rather lovely book Giveaway this episode, please remember to like, subscribe and comment over on YouTube! Cheers. x

Links:

Granny CAL 2019

The Creative Business Network. Fancy coming along to one of the chats?

Mollie Makes

The Volt Sweater is the jumper that used the yarn I’m grannying.

Coop Knits. I love that you can buy 50g skeins

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This episode has a Giveaway for this pretty book!

Waking Winter. New Seasons Crochet Shawl

February 11, 2019crochet5 Comments

Better late than never, Waking Winter is here! This is the third crochet shawl pattern in my Seasons Collection. If you fancy a nose, Emergence of Spring is HERE and Harvest Moon is HERE. All of the shawls in this collection are connected by their take on filet crochet, which is essentially crochet with loads of holes!

The pattern is available on Ravelry, it’s HERE.

Because I also recently added my In a Flap scarf to purchase (and I’ll be adding a couple of other patterns soon) I’ve decided to whack on a 20% discount on all my Ravelry patterns up until the end of Feb. No code is necessary, it’s taken off at the checkout.

Waking Winter will also soon be available on Love Crochet and hopefully The Making Things App.

Can you believe this shawl was supposed to be released on the 21st December? The idea was to have it out in time for the winter solstice. There have been a few snags along the way ranging from genuine Can’t Help It, to my usual lazy apathy (not because I don’t love the shawl, I really really do! Just don’t like writing up the patterns). It’s here now and that’s what counts!

I hope you like it. I’ve really enjoyed creating a proper grown up “collection” so far. I don’t know if I’ll do another one anytime soon but it has been a fantastic challenge to link the designs thematically, yet have them all be different and unique.

Waking Winter comes in both UK and US versions, which I know you love. As well as the written pattern you’ll also find useful stuff, like a proper table for stitch count. I made up a chart for the set up rows and the edging too but all my testers followed the written instructions so I know they’re good on their own.

It has been tested by five fabulous crocheters (thank you!!) and fully tech edited by the lovely Tamara of Crafty Escapism (double thank you!!).

Now to work on the final design: Summer! I have a few ideas but nothing concrete. I know I want it to be a single skeiner and that I want it to be green. That is all so far! I wonder if I’ll manage to actually release it on time…

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The Granny CAL 2019!

February 5, 2019February 5, 2019crochet10 Comments

It’s Granny time again! In just a couple of weeks let’s start grannying with a Crochet Along, what do you say?!

Last year’s Granny CAL was loads of fun and I absolutely loved seeing all the different projects that you came up with. The great thing about Granny is just how diverse she can be. It’s a super simple stitch but can be used in a myriad of ways. She is my heart and soul. Anyway…

First things first, what is a CAL? I wrote a blog post about that last year. Go HERE to find out.

Unlike last year, this Crochet Along will be a bit more low key. I’m into the idea of a very laid back CAL. Rather than going in all guns blazing, which I feel the last two CALs have been, this one will be mega casual. I’m not going to have loads of categories for entries and I’m not going to be dishing out loads of prizes (soz!). It’s all too much for one person and to be honest, the bit I enjoyed the most was seeing everyone come together to share their enthusiasm for crochet.

The Details:

The rules are there are no rules! Well, there’s one: your project must contain the granny stitch somewhere (you know the one). Other than that, make what you want. Finish off an old wip, start something new, use up your stash, whatever, there’s no pressure here.

The CAL officially starts on Friday 22nd February. Let’s say it’ll run for 6 weeks but if we’re all having so much fun we can’t stop then I’m pretty sure we can keep going.

Please look at my Free Patterns page HERE , you’ll see rather a lot of patterns with the granny stitch and that’s because I love it!! I have bags, blankets and things that go round your neck. There’s lots to start you off and I also have another idea for a shawl design that might become a free pattern very soon. ;p

For amazing inspiration please go HERE to the Pinterest board dedicated to all things Granny (it’s not just squares, you know!).

Chat over on Instagram HERE (use #grannycal19 or #grannycal2019) and on the Ravelry thread HERE. Absolutely everyone is welcome to come and chat. Share your ideas, help out others, share what you’re making etc.

And I think that’s it! I thought I was going to write more than that but actually this is keeping in line with being laid back. Phew! 😀

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xxx

Zeens and Roger Crochet Podcast 46.

January 26, 2019January 26, 2019crochet, vloggingLeave a Comment

Another crochet podcast so quickly? Yes, absolutely! Despite this arguably being the second half of last week’s offerings (go HERE for Episode 45) it is nearly an hour long. There is a lot of catching up to do! I do hope you can hang out with me for a bit. x

As usual, you can click on the picture above to go to the episode, or go HERE to my YouTube channel where you’ll find more episodes and lots of crochet video tutorials as well.

Keep scrolling for links and photographs of things discussed…

Links:

Just because… @chrissie_crafts and @sweet_sharna both also happen to be part of the CrochetZine team.

Hook inspo. Check out @jess_rippengale @knitbrooks, Lykke,

The Making Things App.

Wool and the Gang Shoreline crochet bag. There are more kits for New Wave yarn HERE.

The Zigzag jumper by Kimberley of @ Yarnfamily

The Women’s Institute yarn. Soft & Chunky

John Arbon Textiles

Frost Shawl by Hannah of Cozy Cottage Crochet

Cheers! xxx

Zeens & Roger Episode 45. Yarn is Life

January 18, 2019vlogging3 Comments

Hello and a belated Happy New Year! This is a bit of a weird episode so apologies for that. It is technically only half an episode as I don’t have the time or inclination for covering the whole lot. I hope to record the second part (which will actually just be Episode 46) next week. Soz!

Go Here to my YouTube channel or click on the pic above to go to the actual episode.

I didn’t do a very good job of addressing the recent discussions on race, inclusiveness and diversity. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t more succinct. I hope you get the idea of what I was trying to say (albeit clumsily). I think you should watch Caleisha’s story on Instagram and I think you should read the experiences of @thecolormustard, @tina.say.knits and @su.krita to name just a few. Also, Hannah from the Cozy Cottage Crochet podcast says exactly what I think too (watch from 1 hr 9mins). There so much to learn from what’s been happening. This is only the beginning.

Links to things from Episode 45:

Long Dog Yarns

Dreamy Oversized cardi by Lauren Aston Designs

Coup de Grace – my leather bound book Christmas present.

Zelda’s YouTube

Claudia’s YouTube

The Frost Shawl by Hannah of the Cozy Cottage Crochet podcast

I hope to see you next week. x

Zeens & Roger Crochet Podcast Episode 44

December 15, 2018December 15, 2018crochetLeave a Comment

Hohoho! Merry Christmas… Actually this is a normal crochet podcast on YouTube, it just happens to be December… Click on the pic above to get to the latest episode or go HERE to my whole YouTube channel. Thanks. X

Links for all the things I talk about are below (as well as some extra crochet pics). If I’ve left any thing out please do give me a polite nudge. Ta very much.

Oh, I forgot to mention my Christmas crochet Wish lists! Go HERE and HERE, they’re full of great ideas for crochet lovers!

Links:

Zigzgag jumper by Yarnfamily. I talk about this right at the end!

IronLamb Slope Style colourblock hat

For the chunky knit scarf I’m using THIS yarn.

Crocheted Birds by Vanessa Mooncie

The Weekender Blankie by Cherry Heart

Stitchsperation cross stitch

Sally’s Shed

Zelda’s YouTube channel.

Places you can find me Instagram, Ravelry, Pinterest, Facebook, Love Crochet, Etsy…

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Kim from @yarnfamily has designed this awesome zigzag jumper

xxx

Zeens & Roger Crochet Podcast. Episode 43… Mean Streak

November 30, 2018November 30, 2018crochetLeave a Comment

Howdy!! OK, some pics and only a few links this episode but that’s because we’re on a pretty short episode again this time round. Sometimes it’s a good thing to have an episode around the thirty min mark though, right?! Please do click on the picture above to travel with speed to the new episode of my crochet podcast Oooorr you can just find all the vlogs and tutorials HERE!

Links:

ZZ Block C2C Blanket pattern

C2C CAL Special episode

Garter’s Ahoy. A knitted shawl by Sandra of Cherry Heart

The Creative Business Network. An open group of creative folk that meet once a month in Exeter to let off steam!!

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Some basic knitting to improve the skillz

Leaping Waves. A new cowl in issue 108 of Inside Crochet.

A Christmas Wish List for Crocheters!

November 26, 2018November 26, 2018crochet9 Comments

Before we begin, please let me be clear to my family & friends, this isn’t my personal wish list. Don’t literally get me this stuff! Chances are, I have caved and already bought these things for myself…

Right, anyway, this really is very simple. You have a lover of crochet in your life and you need/want to get them something for Christmas. Take a look at this list and I’m sure you will find something that they will LOVE.

You’d think this was a post containing those affiliate links, it’s not. I’m just making things up as I go!

1. Yarn

Goes without saying. Make it good stuff though, yeah? Think along the lines of posh(ish), high end commercial yarn or a gorgeous skein (or two) of indie dyed. Take a look at the sort of thing your friend/family member likes to make and try to match up a bit. If they only like to make baby blankets, the likelihood is they won’t be into a hank of speckled 4ply. Get them quality DK instead. If they’re into making shawls or socks then the indie dyed hank/skein would be brilliant. Find a local yarn shop and chat to the owner to get some help if you need it, or if that’s not possible then you probably won’t go wrong in a John Lewis haberdashery department. Don’t forget that mini skeins make great stocking fillers!

2. Magazine Subscription

There are loads to choose from so this is hard. If I narrow it down to UK subs that makes it easier. Inside Crochet magazine would be my choice, it has contemporary, stylish designs and also embraces the traditional. I also enjoy Mollie Makes as an all round crafty mag. Then there’s Simply Crochet and Crochet Now, both have a good mix of content.

For high-end there’s Pompom Quarterly but I get cross with Pompom. It says there’s crochet on the front cover but there’s rarely any inside of its pages, just a lot of (amazing) knitting patterns. I got a subscription for Christmas a couple of years ago. For the entire year, there was only one crochet pattern. Still, the pictures were pretty…. Fingers crossed some amazing crochet designs get featured soon. Come on Pompom, crochet is awesome!

Toft and Scheepjes both feature crochet in their seasonal magazines too. For the US, I’ve been told that Interweave is a good choice.

3. Clothes!

I got myself an early present in the form of a sweatshirt from Stitchers Tees. You can choose from hoodies and t-shirts as well. I love mine!

A sneak peek of a new cowl that’s coming out later in the week in issue 108 of Inside Crochet!!

4. Pins/Badges/Buttons etc

A fabulous stocking filler idea! Enamel pins are super popular right now. Try Joanne Hawker or Lanabou for craft related accessories. Crochet Luna has an impressive array of crochet buttons, many of which adorn my project bags. I also recently bought myself a pretty brooch from Shirley Rainbow. I know that it isn’t crochet but neither is the cross stitch bauble from Stitchsperation!! I don’t care, they’re still crafty and gorgeous!

Love my new cross stitch bauble from Stitchsperation. I went off piste with the design and did a free form Christmas tree.

5. Project bag.

Loads of makers on Etsy sell handmade bags you can store your crochet projects in. One that is most definitely on my Christmas list is a Floofhunta bag from the Yarnistry shop (navy medium or large with rose gold please!). Or, look at the beauty below from Handmade by Yael.

6. A pattern

You can buy patterns from an independent designer (like me!) all over the internet. These are mostly digital downloads, which you can choose to gift. You just need the email address of your crochet loving pal so it gets sent to them. Try Ravelry, Love Crochet or Etsy, and now there’s the Making Things app, which is a monthly subscription where a maker can get their hands on loooadds of crochet & knitting patterns. I’ll be finding out more about this soon; I’ll be sure to pass on the info.

7. A Fancy Hook

I always see people using Furls hooks, I’ve not tried one before but they’re supposed to be very good to use and ergonomic too, they’re like the designer hook, I guess. Or there are handmade hooks. I’ve seen beautiful hooks whittled from wood (want!). For example, drool over Knitbrooks twig hooks, and squee over Make.E’s hooks which are wrapped in funky Fimo designs.

8. Tickets to a Yarn Festival

There are yarn festivals all over the country and all over the world. Buy a pair of tickets. Day pass, weekend, whatever. Throw in a fancy hotel too! ;p

9. Stitch Markers/Progress Keepers

Another stocking filler. Lots of people make and sell these in online shops. You can quickly end up with a large collection!

10. Yarn Bowl

I’m not fussed about yarn bowls, I quite like my yarn bopping about all over the place as I work, but I know not everyone feels the same. Keep your woolly bits in check by keeping your balls in a bowl.

11. A Granny Square Print

Swoon! A Granny Square print from Kirsten Sevig

This is stunning! I love this so much! Such treasure. The artist is Kirsten Sevig of Striped Pear Studio. I love the sentiment behind it too. The original painting was made for a crochet loving friend of the artist. The friend, Susan, founded Granny Square Day over on Instagram!

12. A Workshop or Retreat

Workshops are wonderful things; fab community get-togethers for like minded makers where you learn a new skill. There will be a small business near you running crafty workshops. They’re great fun! Some will only be a couple of hours and cost just a few quid or you could splurge and book a weekend retreat for proper indulgent crochet time.

13. The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater

Books!! A book can be tricky because there are so many to choose from. Too many, even. Not every book will please every crocheter. Unless you know their style then it might be best to avoid a pattern book and go for memoirs instead. A few months ago I got The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater it’s a collection of essays about being a crafter. It’s mostly knitting orientated but crochet gets a look in too. Having just looked on Amazon I can see a whole load of yarn related memoirs! A Stash on One’s Own sounds good…. eh, I don’t know if I want to go down this rabbit hole. Ooh, I remember getting Dead Men Don’t Crochet a while back, a crime/murder mystery that’s also about crochet. I couldn’t finish it, it was too daft but you might think it’s great! 😀

I’ve got to stop there I’m afraid. I know there are loads more ideas out there but I’m going to rein it in before I get carried away. Have I missed out of any obvious ones? Let me know! x