Welcome Back!
Now that we’re more than halfway through September, it seemed like the perfect time to start talking about autumn/ winter. It’s been a very busy few weeks at our yarn shop, with deliveries arriving and tonnes of new yarns to be put on display. In this edition, I’m going to give you a tour of some of our brand new Autumn/ Winter 2022 collections so you can have an in-depth look at the fantastic new ranges available for this season. In keeping with the autumn spirit, I’ve also got some tips for handmade pumpkins and a collection of free knitting and crochet patterns for scarves so you can start prepping your handmade accessories for when the cold weather really kicks in.
I hope you enjoy this yarn lover’s edition of In the Wool and find lots of creative inspiration for your own handmade projects!
This week we’re featuring a brand new yarn that has just arrived, and that is going to be a big hit this coming season. When the weather turns colder, we find that most makers are looking for warm, chunky yarns that are great for projects such as blankets, hats and scarves. This year, more than ever, we know this will be true. With the energy crisis only set to get worse over the winter months, already our local customers are starting to stock up on the cosiest, cost effective yarns to keep their families warm. That’s why I’ve selected Christmas Super Chunky for this instalment of Yarn Corner. It’s super snuggly, builds up quickly, and doesn't break the bank.
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3 Things: Tips for Handmade Pumpkins
It’s that time of year when the crafting world goes pumpkin crazy - and I’m here for it! I love seeing the knit and crochet pumpkins that other makers create, and how they incorporate these lovely decorations into their homes for an autumnal atmosphere. I’ve already made some pumpkins this month after having a good rummage through my yarn stash and finding some great seasonal shades. As I was crocheting, I started thinking about the different ways you can jazz up a pumpkin, whether that be with yarn choices or added details. Here are my top 3 tips for elevating your handmade pumpkins and helping your decorations stand out!
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Katia Yarns: New for Autumn/ Winter 2022
The changing of seasons is always an exciting time for yarn shops, especially when it comes to Autumn/ Winter. New yarns, new patterns, fresh ideas - Autumn/ Winter collections never fail to impress, and 2022 is no different! Our yarn shop is full to the brim now that our deliveries have started to arrive for this season; in total, we have 11 brand new yarns launching this Autumn, and in this article I’m going to cover the ones from our Spanish supplier, Katia Yarns. We have eye-catching colourways, interesting textures, and a brand new ball designed specifically for granny square lovers. Here are this season’s latest and greatest yarns!
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In the last edition, I showed you an amigurumi pig I had started working on. I was hoping to have a finished crochet character to share with you this week, but my procrastination got the best of me. I really love amigurumi projects, but sewing all the different pieces together is my least favourite part. The legs, arms, ears, snout and tail are all ready to go, but the mood to stitch them all on to the head and body has not struck yet. Fingers crossed I’ll get it finished this week, but I do have some other crochet projects on the go that have been distracting me…
I’ve just finished making these two pumpkins, and already I want to make more! Pumpkins are the best handmade decoration for getting in the autumn spirit, and very soon I’m going to have a house full of them. I used cinnamon sticks for the stems so they feel extra festive and smell great. A couple of times a day my dog goes over to them as I think he can smell the cinnamon, but this is one crochet project he will not be getting his paws on! To see how I used these pumpkins in a handmade display in my house, you can read the article featured earlier in this edition, 3 Things: Tips for Handmade Pumpkins.
Community Creations
Community Creations is a relatively new feature of In the Wool, and I have to say it’s become one of my favourites. Whenever I get sent photos of your fabulous handmade projects, it always makes me smile! I may be biased, but I think Babes in the Wool’s customers are just the most creative and talented group of crafters. In this edition, I have 2 crochet blankets to share with you that have been made using a free pattern by Sirdar and Katie Jones from their recent crochet along. The pattern is called the Day Tripper Picnic Blanket and is made using Hayfield Bonus DK.
Pictured left is a Day Tripper Blanket made by Lynn using yarn from her stash. The crochet looks so neat and it’s just as eye-catching and colourful as the original design. You’ve done a wonderful job, Lynn!
Pictured right, we have a Day Tripper Blanket which has been crocheted by Denise from Look What Mum’s Made (click here). This blanket has an extra special meaning behind it, as Denise made this as a gift for her daughter, Lucy. Lucy has just moved to London to start attending circus school, and this blanket could not be a better companion! It’s fun and colourful, and I’m sure she will treasure this blanket for years to come. From all of us at Babes in the Wool, we’d like to wish Lucy the best of luck on her new adventure.
Thank you so much, Lynn and Denise, for sharing your beautiful #babesinthewoolhull projects with us! Your blankets look so great that I’m tempted to try out a couple of these square designs for myself. Click here to download the free crochet pattern from Sirdar!
Free Patterns!
Scarf season is almost upon us. Get a head start on your handmade accessories with these knitting and crochet patterns!
Houndstooth Cowl by Bella Coco Crochet (crochet)
Autumn Scarf by Crochet Arcade (crochet)
Honey Ripple Scarf by Burgundy and Blush (crochet)
Cocoon Maxi Scarf by Knitting Therapy (knit)
Staggered Fisherman’s Rib Scarf by Purl Soho (knit)
Hearthstone Wrap by Two of Wands (knit)
Keep Reading…
In the Wool #53: Sayonara Summer (click here)