Crochet Extra – February 2022

We’ve suddenly arrived at the last month of Summer – where did it go?  It has certainly been a very wet one here in Queensland, and such a difference from the last few years.  But it has been good to see the rain fill up the water supplies.  It has also meant some more crochet time – what else do you do when you can’t go out in the rain?

Organization of the 2022 Crochet Tournament is well underway, and registration will be open later this week.  I am excited as we have three new Australian designers with some amazing projects that will delight and challenge you.  Once again, we have a beginner and intermediate stream and you can choose to keep the projects a secret until the start date or take a peek when you register.  But if you do peek at the projects, remember to keep it to yourself!

I am sure you have noticed the inflation rates rising and the prices of all the good things increasing – unfortunately these increases are also occurring in businesses including ours.  Suppliers have introduced further price increases which cannot be avoided. When you combine these increases with increased power, logistics etc,  we have no choice but to pass on an increase in our products from 1 March 2022.

As announced last month, our new shipping rates come into effect today.  Shipping rates will now be:

Some of the new colourways for winter are beginning to appear.  We received this week the two new colourways in the Patons Sierra  – see them all here.

Organization of the 2022 Crochet Retreat is also in full swing, and full details will be revealed later this month.  Those who registered their interest before December have been given first chance to confirm their booking, and then it will be open to all.

This months’ workshop is the beautiful and romantic crochet parasol.  Create lasting memories for special events or just take it out to the sun to provide some shade. Your friends and family will go “WOW” once they see what you have made from thread!  We’ve started it this week, but you can quickly catch up if you missed signing up.  Book your spot here

Next month we are exploring broomstick crochet. Be the talk of the town with a relatively simple top using broomstick lace – choose to make either the long sleeve boxy shaped top or a sleeveless vest. (Your class fee includes one of these patterns only).  During the class you will learn to create broomstick lace and then use it in making the sleeveless vest – or explore 4 different variations of the stitch and create an intriguing lace top (Indian lace top). Book your spot here

See them all in our Events Calendar

Until next time

Lynda

Theme—Boho Chic Styles

Boho is hip!

But what is boho exactly?  It draws from hippie and bohemian influences.  Bohemian fashion is laid back, unconventional and highly expressive.  Hippies are free spirited, and refuse to dress in order to conform.   Boho combines these to be an alternative type of fashion – different from the mainstream trends.

Most boho items are made with natural fabrics, retro patterns, neutrals and warm shades merging with 70s style accents and a flair for statement accessories.  Crocheted and knitted boho items are generally made with 100% cotton yarn – primarily 5,8 and 10ply.  Suitable cottons in store include Finch, Royal Colour Waves, Wren, Catona, and Camilla Batik.

From a fashion sense, it has traditionally been associated with festival season, but it is popping up anywhere.  Generally it has a free and flowy statement, and features lacy crochet pieces and fringes.  Crop tops, bralettes, skirts, tunics, bags, halter tops, shawls, and large bold jewellery can be crocheted and knitted.  Granny squares and mandalas feature strongly. Macrame features strongly too, and with cotton make excellent embellishments, bags and jewellery.

But it doesn’t always have to be something new.  A good way to ‘boho’ up your existing wardrobe is to add crocheted edges – to your tank tops, t-shirts, skirts, and shorts.  Or add a crochet motif to your favourite jeans or a bag.

Boho in the home combines items that are relaxed, bold and unconventional.  An eclectic mix of natural elements and many colors, patterns, and textures.  Items to crochet, knit or macrame include wall hangings, dream catchers, plant hangers, baskets, lamp shades, rugs, cushions, again using the thicker natural cottons.

Or jazz up your items with beads, tassels or pom poms for a free flowing look.  In the next sections we feature a range of patters to inspire you to create your own boho collection.  We also feature some of the tools and accessories to to make your boho journey easy and enjoyable.

If you are not sure where to start your boho journey, try this free pattern for the Granny Boho Bag by The Lazy Hobbyhopper

Here at Crochet Australia, we love helping you turn your wishlist into a reality so pop in and see us or give us a call.

Customer Corner

Thank you everyone for sending in pictures of what you have been making in the past quarter. We feature below some comments and masterpieces submitted by customers. Send us a photo of your masterpiece (by the submissions page, email or on our facebook page), telling us which book it came from and which yarn or thread you used, and be in the draw to win a $25 voucher in May 2022  (see conditions on our website). Please also add any tips you’ve picked up when making them. Congratulations to Angela G for winning this quarter’s voucher – submitting a photo of her mandala bag made with catona cotton

Look What We Found