In the Wool #62 (free)
Love to Learn
Hello!
I hope this edition finds you well and that you’ve had a very creative start to the year. This edition is all about getting focused in February and developing your love to learn when it comes to crafts. I have some new features to share in the next instalment of The Yarn Journal (including a yarn bingo board!) and a HUGE collection of free knitting and crochet patterns for Valentine’s Day. January was a good month for my crochet. I didn’t quite reach my goal of completing my scarf but I did pick up an old project and get absolutely lost in it; for the last week I’ve been crocheting for hours every evening. Despite the wrist and hand aches this gave me, I’ve been feeling really motivated to tie up loose ends with some of my WIPs so I hope that this edition can inspire you to do the same… or start some exciting new projects!
This week we’re shining a spotlight on one of our favourite baby yarns: Twist! We started stocking this yarn about a year ago, ordering in just 6 shades to try out. Since then, it has become one of the most popular yarns in our shop; our customers love it and we now have 20 fabulous shades to choose from! As it’s been a year, I thought it would be a good time to revisit this range in Yarn Corner and see how this selection has shaped up. Let’s get into it!
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Even More Free Patterns for Valentine’s Day!
Last year I released an article called ‘My Ultimate List of Free Valentine’s Day Patterns’. My original plan for this year was to expand on this list but I ended up finding so many great patterns that I just had to make a second list! The new list contains 30 free knitting and crochet patterns so, combined with last year’s article, you’ll have 60 fabulous free patterns to choose from this Valentine’s Day. From gift bags and mandalas to cushions and wall hangings, this list has it all! I hope you enjoy this free pattern collection and find lots of lovely novelty makes that you’d like to try.
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My list of free patterns for Valentine’s Day from last year is available for free. CLICK HERE to access 30 free knitting and crochet patterns!
The Yarn Journal: February
It’s time for the second instalment of The Yarn Journal! As promised, I’m releasing these journal pages in advance of February so that you can use them for the full month. This time we have a new spread for February, a 2023 finished project tracker, a journaling exercise and, my personal favourite, a yarn bingo board! Keep reading to learn more about these pages and to download your own copy to print out.
So far I’ve been finding The Yarn Journal really useful for staying on track with my crochet. It’s helping me set goals, plan for future creative projects, and it has given my crojo an overall refresher. I’ve been working hard on my current WIPs and loving every second; it makes such a difference knowing what I’m working towards and keeping track of my smaller achievements. Looking back at January’s pages…
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I’ve certainly been feeling the chill over the last couple of weeks and I’ve wanted nothing more than to stay inside and curl up with a cosy project. Lately I’ve been working on my crochet star blanket again as it’s the perfect make for keeping me warm! I finally completed the block of 6 rounds using dark blue yarn; I feel like this section took a really long time to do. I thought it felt like a long time simply because the blanket is getting bigger, but since then I’ve completed 3 rounds of green and 2 rounds of grey in less than a week. Perhaps the darker yarn made me a bit slower whilst crocheting, or I was just feeling refreshed and energised after taking a break from this project!
The blanket is getting to a good size now, but every time I think it must be close to being done I just want to keep adding more rounds. I’d say I’m definitely past the halfway point now so I’m going to keep going for as long as I can. Unfortunately this project has turned into a serious game of yarn chicken. I have to choose whether to use up the amounts of each shade I have left (two of which are dwindling) and then call it, or if I want to get more yarn and make it huge. Decisions, decisions…
The other project I’ve been working on this week was a repair job. I got…
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Community Creations
Another edition, another fabulous set of makes to share with you! First up we have a gorgeous table runner which has been made by Rosemary. Rosemary used a vintage crochet pattern and made her table runner using Katia’s Alexandria crochet cotton. The detail on this project is stunning and it makes such a beautiful decoration for the dining table!
Next up we have a cross stitch project which has been handmade by Caroline. Caroline recently started coming to our monthly craft group at Relax Café and was working on this fantastic piece at our latest meeting. We don’t get too many cross stitchers or embroiderers at our group so their work always stands out when we do. It’s such a lovely design and Caroline has done a fantastic job!
Our last community creation this week is a fabulous granny square blanket which has been made by Sheila. The vibrant colours were an excellent choice; Sheila created this mix by combining 2 shades of James C. Brett’s shhh… yarn. The different colours work really well together and make for a very eye-catching project!
A huge thank you to Rosemary, Caroline and Sheila for sharing your #babesinthewoolhull projects with our subscribers! We love seeing the wonderful makes that our crafty community comes up with😁
Free Patterns!
As this edition is called ‘Love to Learn’, I’ve rounded up some knitting and crochet projects to help you develop your favourite hobby and learn a new skill or stitch along the way. I’ve included one free pattern or tutorial to learn the stitch, and then a corresponding free pattern for a project to try using your new skills!
Tulip Stitch Afghan Square by Oombawka Designs (crochet)
Tulip Bouquet Tote Bag by Spring Into Fall Designs (crochet)
Jasmine Stitch Tutorial by Desert Blossom Crafts (crochet)
Jasmine Scarf by Fluffy Stitches (crochet)
Waffle Stitch Tutorial by Smart Knit Crocheting (knit)
The Parker Throw by Meghan Makes Do (knit)
Honeycomb Cable Stitch by Studio Knit (knit)
Honeycomb Cable Scarf by A Modern Homestead (knit)
Keep Reading…
Article: 2023 Yarn Horoscopes This year I thought it would be fun to give you your horoscopes for 2023 in relation to the one thing we all love… (click here)
In the Wool #61: Your Craftiest Year Yet! (click here)