Crochet Extra – 166th Edition – June 2020

Winter has arrived – some say that’s a great thing because they love the cooler days  – I myself don’t particularly like the cold weather. But I do love being able to rug up in some lovely crocheted warm items, and have an excuse to light the fire at night.

Things are slowly getting back to normal here in the Sunshine Coast—we are able to get out and enjoy our environment while maintaining a distance from others. It also means we have almost resumed normal service, with the  shop open for visitors again Monday to Friday 9 to 3 – although currently limited to 2 customers in the shop at a time. We will also be opening back up on the first Saturday of the month – so we are open this Saturday 6^th June.

If all continues well, we will begin hosting our in-store workshops and lessons again in July.  As we will need to practice safe distancing – we will be limiting attendees to 8 per workshop – bookings will therefore be essential.  We will continue with our online zoom workshops but these will take place at different times.

Our June workshop – crochet socks –  will continue to be conducted via Zoom.  Bookings are now open – Tuesday’s 9.30 – 11.30 am, Wednesday’s 5.30-7.30pm, and Saturday 13 June 11-2pm.   You have a choice of basic textured sock, or diamond lace socks.

And of course Heat 2 of the Crochet tournament begins today…. If you registered, don’t forget to check your emails for details.  If you didn’t register, follow the fun by joining the Facebook group Crochet Tournament 2020.
290 people signed up to participate in the tournament, with 214 qualifying to be in the draw for prize for heat 1.  Our winner for Heat 1 was Lynn Mayman who won a $100 yarn pack from TexYarns.  Well done Lynn.  Here is a sample of some of the finished projects/squares from Heat 1

Until next time

Lynda

Theme—Jazzy feet and hands

Handmade socks, slippers and gloves are some of the warmest you can ever wear. And as the weather begins to cool, feet and hands are some of the first to feel it. I have always believed keeping them warm is the secret to staying warm.

Socks and gloves are also great portable projects, they can be reasonably quick to create and make great gifts. Many patterns exist for socks and gloves using a wide range of yarns – from 4 ply through to chunky. Chunky yarn in particular make great slippers or around-the-house socks. Read more about yarns to use for socks in our tip.

While the shops are full of machine-made socks, slippers and gloves, making them yourself means you have more choice for colour, style and pattern. And many of the patterns I see, you can’t find them pre-made in the stores.  And of course if you do buy these items, you can add your own touch by adding decorative edges.

We always associate socks and gloves with winter, but there are also some wonderful lacy patterns to bring a touch of elegance in the warmer weather.

You’re bound to find something to keep your feet and hands warm in our collection of patterns and accessories featured in the next section. Or try this months free pattern  from Patons– twisted lace socks.

Book of the Month

LA5567 Learn to Crochet Socks for the Family

This book is considered to be one of the best crochet sock books on the market.

By Darla Sims.

15 ready to go patterns for the whole family plus learn to easily design your own socks. Handmade socks are comfy and soft as one of life’s luxuries. Stitch patterns include shells, lace designs, spike stitch, diagonal shells and faux V stitch. Whether it is crew socks, anklets, lacy legs, little clusters, cuffed slippers, ribbed anklet, anklets gathered with a tie and sports socks. This book ticks all the boxes.  56 pages.   US terminology

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 email or on our facebook page—www.facebook.com/crochetaustralia), 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 October 2019 (see conditions on our website). Please also add any tips you’ve picked up when making them. Congratulations to Jill N for winning this quarter’s voucher.

Look What We Found