Crochet Extra – 167th Edition – July 2020

We are half way through what is turning out to be a very difficult year  – fires in the new year, covid 19 virus and black lives matter riots and protests.  It has brought havoc to many families and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.  We can only hope that the second half of this year gets better.

In store we have been researching new yarns again, and have two new yarns now available:

Scheepjes Merino Soft—wool/acrylic blend—and Scheepjes Bamboo Soft—cotton/bamboo blend.  The Bamboo Soft complements the Cedar range with its bold bright colours.

We also have 6 new colours added to the Boho Sock yarn range—there’s still plenty of cool weather coming where warm socks are necessary.

Heat 3 of the Crochet Tournament begins today—if you haven’t already—do pop over to the facebook group to check out the fantastic squares made in Heats 1 and 2.

This month we begin our instore workshops again, and will continue with our online workshops as well.  Our Schedule for the next few months is as follows:

July in store —Tuesdays 9.30am—11.30 or Wednesdays 5.30pm—7.30  Crochet Gloves
July online—Tuesdays 6.00pm—8.00 or Thursdays 9.30am—11.30 Learn Tunisian crochet and 6 Tunisian stitches
August in store -Tuesdays 9.30am—11.30 or Wednesdays 5.30pm—7.30 or online—Tuesdays 6.00pm—8.00 or Thursdays 9.30am—11.30 Learn Entrelac crochet.
Until next time

Lynda

Theme—Winter Garments

Winter crochet projects are always fun to work on – they’re plush, comfy, and specifically designed to keep you warm. It makes for a cozy activity to craft when it’s cold out, too.  Garments for winter months are the perfect thing – they are practical, can be worn for any occasion and make great gifts.

The yarns and colour selection are numerous – the new Merino Soft from Scheepjes, Stonewashed from Scheepjes, Papyrus cotton/silk by Fibra Natura or Superb 8, 88 or Tweed by Fiddlesticks – make excellent cardigans, jumpers and other winter accessories.  Whirls make excellent shawls, while the cedar and bamboo soft, sunkissed, almina and catona make excellent light weight cardigans, jackets and tops as layers against the skin, or for the changing seasons.  Handmade skirts also create a statement.

Don’t forget your pets – winter coats will keep them snug and warm.  And for the younger girls, a selection of winter outfits for dolls is also a must.

The following pages have just a selection of patterns and tools available, to help you find something suitable for the winter months.  Hand-made buttons add interest to your garments, or jazz up other jackets.  So why not try the free button patterns for your next garment:

Ball buttons
Flat buttons
Crochet covered buttons
Crochet ring buttons

Tip of the month

Adding Borders to Afghans

How many times have you completed your garment/object and you just need to add the buttons, and you’ve stalled, or it then doesn’t look right?  The key is to take time and plan.  I’ve noted below a few tips I’ve picked up for adding buttons and avoiding mishaps.

Book of the Month

Top Down Sweaters

by Karen Whooley.

6 great sweaters / cardigans for the entire family using the Top Down technique. Sizes Newborn to Adult XL. All skill levels. 3 for mum, one for dad and one for the little person in your life. All these patterns begin at the neck edge, hence the name top down. Our Australian 8ply would work with these patterns. No seams to worry about either. 19 pages  US terminology

Look What We Found