Crochet Extra – April 2022

Those cool Autumn evenings and mornings have begun to set in here on the Sunshine Coast and are a very welcome change from the heat and humidity we have had.  This is also good for us crocheters as it becomes more comfortable to crochet those larger items – blankets, sweaters, etc.  I hope you all have some great winter projects planned.

Next month of course is Mothers Day, and we have some brand new kits to make and gift to your Mum – or the kit itself can make a lovely gift.  See some of our Mothers Day Gift Ideas here.

We also have back in stock the catona minis – in almost all colours – and at long last the book Crochet Prayer Shawls.  This is one of my favourite shawl books to select patterns for gifts.

Have you booked your spot at the Crochet Retreat in August?  We will be looking at two different techniques – beading and Irish crochet.  It’s a great weekend away to enjoy crocheting with others with none of the usual distractions!   We have been able to secure more rooms – both standard and Ocean View – book now so you don’t miss out.

There is still time to sign up for the Tournament.  Tournament packs are also still available for purchase – but don’t delay – there are only 2 weeks left to purchase your pack (WA 1 week) so that they arrive on time before the tournament begins on 2 May.

21st of March was National Poetry Day.  We held a poetry competition for our crafty crocheters.  The winner was Melissa Pearce who won a spot at the April Class to learn to crochet the amamani puzzle balls, with her poem. In April we will be having a special one day workshop on Saturday 30th April to learn to dye yarn, with Lynley Buckley.  Lynley is the current vice president of the Crochet Guild Australia and has begun dyeing yarn and teaching this skill to others in the last few years to create her own unique colourways.  The workshop will be held at Crochet Australia.  There are a limited number of spots available – book now to guarantee your spot.In April we will be turning our hand again to amigurumi, but this time making amamani puzzle balls – they make great toys for young tots and help with their dexterity.

See other upcoming classes in our Events Calendar. 

Until next time

Lynda.  

Theme—A Month of Giving and Remembering

This year in April we have Easter and Anzac Day – two significant days in our history to spend with loved ones and remember the sacrifices so many made both centuries and decades ago.

For Easter, giving easter eggs has been a long-held tradition, being a symbol of new life.  After all of the hardship many have gone through the past 12 months, this is exactly what many need. But if you are like me and are conscious of a healthy life you will be looking to minimise the amount of chocolate and sweets given for Easter and replace this instead with a thoughtful well-meaning gift.

Here in Australia our Easter leads up to the Winter season so items that offer comfort and warmth make great Easter gifts, to friends, relatives and those who have lost everything in recent disasters and conflicts. This is where crochet and knitted gifts are very welcome.

A pair of handmade slippers or socks, gloves or scarves for those cold winter mornings or afghans and throws to hide under when you want to take some time out for yourself over the 4 days of Easter or attend dawn services. Pretty baskets and bags for your kids to leave out for the Easter Bunny or Bilby to bless with goodies or to use to gather goodies during an Easter Egg hunt. Why not make personalised ones for each of the family members. Something they can reuse and cherish always.

Easter hat parades need Easter bonnets and embellishments. Beanies that can be adorned with flowers that can be removed later means they can be reused during the winter months.  There are also some beautiful decorations you can make to add that cheerful Easter ambience like bunting, table runners, placemats etc. which can continue to bring colour and cheer inside during the grey winter months.

For many, Anzac Day has more personal meaning, as we all know someone who has fought in one of the wars.  Both of my Grandfathers did and though they are no longer with us, their stories remain.

As a symbol of remembrance, the poppy flower is worn.  While this was traditionally associated with Remembrance Day in November, it is also seen during Anzac Services.  Did you know that there are 4 different coloured poppies symbolising different things?

Red Poppies – It is thought that the red of the petals represents the blood of those who gave their lives, the black button in the middle is for the mourning of those who never welcomed their loved ones home and the green leaf shows the hope that the grass and crops growing after the war brings.

Purple Poppies –  also known as the “Animal poppy” is a memorial tribute remembering the service and sacrifices of all animals, great and small, that subsequently lost their lives in service; as well as honouring and recognising animals within the armed forces who bravely serve and work the frontline today.

White Poppies –  is an international symbol of remembrance for all the casualties of war – civilians and armed forces personnel – but focuses on achieving peace.

Black Poppies – an emerging trend that has two meanings.  One to remember the black, African and Caribbean communities’ contribution to the war effort, and the other commemorating all those who have died, and are still dying, due to war and its legacy.

With the war now taking place in the Ukraine and the threat this can become broader, our reflections this Anzac Day are ever more important.  Grab some cotton and crochet or knit your own poppies for family and friends to wear with pride this Anzac Day.  Make poppies of all colours, using this free poppy broach pattern from Crafting Happiness.

Look What We Found