Hey! Thanks for being here. This one is a shorty. I’ve been busy behind the scenes so there’s only a small flash of the stitches today. But don’t let that put you off or you’ll miss a lovely little GIVEAWAY!! Watch the episode to find out more. Click on the pic above or go to my YouTube channel HERE. Cheers.
Go HERE to Ravelryto get a copy of Emergence of Spring. Until the 4th of July there is a 20% off discount. No codes needed, it automatically gets taken off at the checkout.
Knitcrate. If you’re interested in finding out more, please go HERE. Don’t forget to take the code ZEENSANDROGER20 with you so that you can get 20% off the first box when you subscribe.
A few months ago this pretty wrap was in Inside Crochet magazine (issue 99). In the same issue I got the back page interview!! I was ridiculously excited about both the pattern and the interview (see below). And I still am. Anyway, enough time has passed that I can release Emergence of Spring as an independent pattern.
Fancy 20% off the pattern price? Click on the following text:
Photo taken by Lucy Williams for Inside Crochet. Issue 99.
I loved making this shawl. It was actually my Christmas Day 2017 make (and Boxing Day, and a couple of the following days!). The design was inspired by last summer’s holiday to Lancashire and Yorkshire, which you can read about HERE and HERE. I wonder if you see the same inspirations as me. There are lots of moments as a crocheter that push themselves to the front and this shawl (and all the stuff behind it) is one of them. I can’t explain why exactly because it’s a combination of things. But essentially what you need to know is this, I’m very proud of it and myself!
Cheers. X
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I’m learning to hate this headshot!My dogeared copy of Issue 99 of Inside Crochet magazine.
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 third ch of initial 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 third ch of initial 3 ch with a sl st. [24 sts] Round 3: 3ch, 1tr in same st, 1 tr in next st, *2tr in next stitch, 1 tr in next; rep from * around, join with sl st. [36 sts] Round 4: 3ch, 1 tr in same st, 1tr in next 2 sts, *2tr in next st, 1tr in next 2 sts; rep from * around, join 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, 1 dc in same space, dc around, sl st to join.
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 the 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.
Hello. I’m a woman of few words today. Not in the video, though, that would be a quiet episode. Clicking on the picture above will take you directly to Episode 30 for your fortnightly dose of crochet chat. Going HERE to YouTube takes you to the whole channel where all the episodes and tutorials live.
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. To be honest, I just wanted to show off my new stuff and maybe be in with the chance of winning 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!
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.
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.
Hello!! It is time for Episode 23 of the Zeens and Roger crochet podcast/crochet vlog. There are some delightfully embarrassing moments, including ungainly lumbering upon a sofa and a super geeky confession at the end. I hope you enjoy it! Please click on the link above for the episode or jump to my YouTube channel HERE.
Links to All the Crochet Things
Granny Crochet Along!! information is HERE. The links to Ravelry and Pinterest etc are over there. I am so looking forward to this!
The knitted mitts pattern is called Rowan Frost wrist mitts on Ravelry.
The Crossed Treble stitch tutorial (also known as the Star Mesh stitch or the Cane Work stitch)
I think that’s it for stuff you might be interested in (my notes are on the other side of the room!). A few pics of the last couple of weeks are below. X
I’m hosting a CAL! I fancy trying something new, and this is it! Have you ever taken part in a crochet along? It is so much fun! Not only does it become an opportunity to try something different, it also gives you the chance to hang out with online friends (I’ll be honest, the community aspect was an unexpected perk when I first discovered CALs, I just did it cos I thought I might get a prize! I’ve never won anything in a CAL, but it absolutely hasn’t stopped the enjoyment of taking part). GoHERE for the 2019 Granny CAL.
Why a Granny CAL? Well, it dawned on me that I have two favourite “go to” crochet stitches. One is the Corner to Corner (Oooh, I could do a C2C CAL!!) and the other is the Granny stitch. I love its traditionality, but I also think it’s great that it can surprise people. It doesn’t have to be a plain old granny; you could turn it into anything.
I know that there are people out there who aren’t that fussed about the granny, so let this be your challenge. Create something that changes your mind, put a twist on it, bring it up to date. Do something different! Yes, this is classic crochet, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to traditional. Or actually, you can if you want. How you dabble in your grannification is entirely up to you.
Some Granny CAL Details
The CAL is six weeks long, beginning on Thursday, 1st of February and ending on Thursday, 15th March 2018. A chatter thread is up on Ravelry so jump over there, get talking and share your ideas. I’ll open the FO thread nearer the time. Need help? Here’s my Granny board on Pinterest to get you started. I’ve got a few granny patterns for free right here on the blog; they’re on this page (evidently, I really do have a thing for the granny). If you have seen something amazing, let us know in the comments or on the Ravelry chatter thread. For Instagram entries, please use the ever so adventurous #grannyCAL18 (I struggled with an awesome name – they were all too rude…)
The Crochet Along Rules
There aren’t that many CAL rules…. There must be granny stitches in your make (clusters of three UK trebles/US doubles) * It can’t be something already finished * Wips are allowed *It can be any size (if you’re short on time then don’t feel bad about making a small purse, that’s what I’m doing!) * This CAL is for everyone, whether you have just started to crochet or you’ve been hooking for yonks, this crochet along is for you. * Double dipping is fandabbydozy, I don’t mind if you don’t.
CAL Prizes
The winner of each category can choose five patterns from my Zeens and Roger Ravelry store. We are also very lucky that some prizes have been donated!! Fabulous Fay of the Crochet Circle Podcast is offering one electronic copy of her pattern book Take Two, which she co-wrote with Lynn Rowe. The lovely Vivian from the Keep Calm and Carry Yarn podcast (it’s a lovely listen) makes beautiful project bags and sells them in her Etsy shop, Pearl and Plum. I had a message from her daughter, Alyson, to say they would like to give one as a prize! And Laura from Home Fire Ridge will also be sending out a gorgeous project bag to one lucky winner (the ones I’ve seen are really pretty!) Laura’s Etsy shop is having an update on the 23rd of Jan so keep an eye out! Winners will be drawn after I get back from a weekend away in Edinburgh (arghhh, EYF weekend!!) Edit:: Qualyn from the Quoe Podcast (fast becoming a favourite of mine) is offering his Les Mis collection: two fab granny shawl patterns (I have had the songs in my head allll week). And Claudia (my mate Clauds) from Crochet Luna sent me a message to say she’s popped something in the post for us as a giveaway prize!! This is getting exciting!!
Prize Categories
I will randomly select one winner from the chatter thread on Ravelry and one winner from the finished object thread, too. I will randomly select one winner from Instagram, and one prize will be awarded to my favourite make overall. That is four opportunities to win a prize! Wahoo!
Cheers!
Finally, a massive Thank You!! I have had such a hugely positive response to this crochet along; it has been truly awesome! Without the enthusiasm from you guys, the idea would have been fleeting and surely fizzled out. If you have any questions or feel like I’ve left something out, please comment below or get yourself over to Ravelry to join in the chat. I cannot wait to see your gorgeous grannies!!
By the way, it’s episode 21 where I first mention the idea of a Granny along, and then there’s a bit more blather in episode 22. I’m sure I’ll go on about it in future episodes too! Ta. X
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All the above items are made by me. The patterns are mine, except the Colour Block Jumper by Cleckheatonand the Magnolia Mandalaby Crochet Milan.
Happy New Year!! Hope you had a good one, filled with yarny goodness! So this is the first crochet podcast episode of the year. Not many links to share, but there are crafty photographs to look at….
Holey Smokes is here!! I have wanted to design a crochet fade shawl for aaaages. It has been in my head for a while. I knew I wanted to make a fade style shawl, I knew it had to have lacy stitch patterns, and I knew I wanted crazy colours.
For a long time, I didn’t feel brave enough to sit down and do all the maths, but a few weeks ago I made myself do it. There’s no point putting something off just because you’re a little bit worried. The only way to find out how it would go was to dive right in. Back in the spring, I made Deanne’s Addydae Designs crochet Blurre Shawl (have a read) and this was another spur onwards (it’s so pretty, it’s so fadey!).
I love that knitting is embracing The Fade, but, come on, crochet! We need more! Sooo, Holey Smokes is my contribution. And I’m kind of working on another one too. Keep your eyes peeled. EDIT: (several months later…) The sequel: Smoke on the Water is HERE!!
Smoke on the Water. Holey Smokes’ sequel
The pattern is now for sale on Ravelry. You can find it HERE. I’ve put many more details about this lacey crochet shawl over on Ravelry; you can find out more technical gubbins by jumping across. I also have a tutorial on YouTube for the Crossed Treble stitch. In the meantime, here are some sporadic thoughts about my fancy new crochet shawl…
Yarn For a Colour Fade Crochet Shawl
I love the yarn! It’s Bluefaced Leicester (so hot right now!) and the colours are just amazing! I happened to stumble upon Somerset Yarns (I wish I could remember how). I absolutely knew that I had to get my hands on all those glorious colours. The fact that Tracey is relatively local to me (just over an hour away, in Bristol) is a coincidence. In fact, I’ve had a spate of buying local hand-dyed yarn recently, and all of it is coincidental.
The Crossed Treble Stitch
Working up the pattern is pretty easy once you get to grips with the main stitches. In the crochet lace shawl pattern, I have included written instructions, photographs and a chart. Not to mention the video tutorial – linked above.
Between all of that, you should be able to decipher the “Crossed Treble” stitch without too much trouble. I’ll be honest, it isn’t the easiest of stitches at first. I saw about 4 different ways of it being written before I decided to offer a fifth. It has been the biggest challenge in writing the pattern, but I did it! Yay!
The pattern has been tested by five wonderful, beautiful, helpful (not to mention patient) people, and I’ve had really positive feedback. Big, enormous thanks go to them; they spotted my silly mistakes, such as rows numbered the same as each other. Honestly, I don’t know how that happened!
I’m still having trouble photographing bright colours. The camera says “no”. You can get the gist, though. And we are talking bright colours. Really bright! In fact, I couldn’t help vocalising some choice words when I was hooking it up. That is why it’s called Holey Smokes. It’s a slightly tamer version of my initial exclamation. The “e” is there because the shawl has holes…
What do you reckon? I think it’s ace! I’ve got another one planned, but I’m not sure when I’ll get cracking on it. Do you want to make one? Let me know. Cheers! X
Hey! Thanks for being here. This one is a shorty. I’ve been busy behind the scenes so there’s only a small flash of the stitches today. But don’t let that put you off or you’ll miss a lovely little GIVEAWAY!! Watch the episode to find out more. Click on the pic above or go to my YouTube channel HERE. Cheers.
x
