I’ve been working on an “Oh the Places You’ll Go” Blanket and I made up a simple hack to make the increases and rounds look beautiful and seamless! In the video I show you how to make the blanket from the start … and there’s a special treat at the end!
Yarn
I’m using 6 colours of Amano Yarns Chaski – the yarn is lovely but it’s fingering weight and taking FOREVER to finish. I highly suggest using a thicker yarn than I did, the pattern uses a Worsted weight yarn and I recommend Berroco Modern Cotton (for a baby blanket you’ll need 1 skein of each of 6 colours, for a throw you’ll need two skeins of each colour, for something even larger try three skeins of each colour, and you may want/need an extra skein of yellow, that’s the colour I used the most of/ran out of first):
Other Materials
Locking Stitch Markers (I used 12 in a main colour, one in a contrast colour, and another odd one to help me keep an eye on things)
You can find the details for this project, all our other videos, and other recommended video support on our website in the main menu under VIDEO. We’ve included project ideas, links for skills, and more!
Designed for knitting blankets, throws & rugs, Cotton Puff is a jumbo yarn crafted from soft cotton & nylon. Ideal for home goods like blankets, pillows and baskets, this yarn is machine washable & dryable. Cascade Cotton Puff wears well & does not pill as it is a knit fabric tube with a light fiber core to create structure.
Since single-use plastic bags are being phased out in Canada, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the good old-fashioned string bag. I could be wrong, but I feel like we were doing well reducing our plastic before COVID, but the pandemic seems to kind of disrupt that progress. Setbacks happen, we’ll just get back on the horse and forge forward! The following are some of my favourite patterns … both knit and crochet. I prefer crochet because the nature of the crochet stitch strengthens the structure of the bag, but in the end, it’s really all good, as long as we’re cutting back on plastic.
Qualities I look for in a yarn for making string bags:
Washability: I want to be able to throw it in the washing machine.
Strength: it needs to be strong enough to carry stuff and not break.
Resilience: it needs to wear well, I want it to last.
Why Bother?
Some philosophies believe that we are connected to everyone and everything on this planet. Since there is now garbage in orbit around the planet, I’ll just extend it a little further and say that you’re connected to everything in creation. You are tethered to everything, and this connection is centred in love. You are important, what you say is important, and what you do is especially important. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz says we should be impeccable with our words, but I think it’s time we learn to be impeccable with our actions (as an aside, the audiobook narrator Peter Coyote is EXCELLENT).
During the early COVID shut-downs I noticed a LOT of plastic bags leaving the store, and it made me kind of queasy, so I started switching over to paper bags and biodegradable shipping bags. But paper isn’t the answer – it decomposes and recycles, but it’s substantially more expensive than plastic, it’s resource-heavy, and its manufacture and distribution generate lots of greenhouse gases. The solution is to not use resources that you don’t need to. We have to make new habits, but when you do, try to do it from a different context, try it from a place of love. Most of us live from a centre of fear, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s working for us. When you approach things from a foundation of fear everything seems to be slow, jerky, resistant, and hard. When you come at it from a paradigm of love, things just seem to flow, they’re easy, and they move naturally. We have a lot of changes ahead of us, so if you can find a way to lean into it gracefully you’ll be leagues ahead of the game.
I tried to find you a suitable pattern with a video tutorial on Youtube, but while I was previewing them I started feeling really angry and frustrated, so I passed. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow one if you find one you like, it just means that I didn’t find anything that met my standards for referral (a combination of accessible skill level, clear instructions and happy energy).
P.P.S.(COVID Related Supply-Chain Disruptions)
Distribution disruptions due to COVID are still in the works, and I received a note from the distributor last week that the price of Cascade Ultra Pima is going up to $14.97/skein. Our inventory is still at the old price, $11.97/skein, so if you were thinking of picking some up best to do it before we have to raise the price.
Here’s a great one for the people who aren’t afraid of the hook – a gorgeous french market bag crocheted with cotton! I’ s a substantial bag that will hold a lot of whatever you’re carrying. We made our store sample with Cascade Ultra Pima and we used about 320m of yarn. I’d like to try it with a linen, like Quince & Co Sparrow, I love the sturdiness and resilience of linen. If you want an even bigger bag, level up to a 4.5mm or 5mm hook and use Lion Brand Pima Cotton.
Ilene is a great free bag pattern that’s been around a long time. It holds a lot, but if you want it bigger just make the body longer, and you can make the handle longer or shorter to suit your carrying needs.
I designed this little bag many, many moons ago and it’s still one of my favourites. My favourite version were the ones I made a few years ago with some Quince & Co Sparrow Linen– they’re sturdy, light, and put away up nicely! This bag also makes a great little gift.
I’ve always liked the Monteagle bag because it’s just really groovy looking and reminds me of macrame. It’s like on larger needles to play up the stringiness of the string bag.
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
Normally I post a little pattern for you, but I feel like a national celebration of the birthday of a long-dead Monarch (Queen Victoria) deserves something a little more …. today I share the digitized collection of Victorian Knitting Manuals, gratis the Univerity of Southampton’sKnitting Reference Library & JStor. There are 67 books in the collection, so it should keep you busy.
It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of the library and put her in a store full of yarn, but apparently, you can’t take the library out of the girl!
Whenever I find something up to scratch for the crocheters I like to include it … there aren’t enough pretty patterns for crochet. This top is also a fairly simple piece, so you don’t need to be especially experienced to make it.
Zelie is a boxy, loose-fitting, simple summer crochet top that lets the yarn do all the work. The back and front are worked separately and seamed – that’s it, it’s just two pieces. It’s made with a simple half-double crochet stitch throughout. It’s a K.I.S.S. top (Keep It Simple Sister)! I also really like the way this yarn crocheted up – it’s like a colourful camo …. so you can blend seamlessly at the botanical garden.
Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. 100g/270 m (295 yds). 47% Cotton, 44% Acrylic, 9 % Nylon. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Made in Italy.
These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
Moorit is a beautiful new luxury CROCHET magazine from Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s printed in the same magalog style as Laine and Pompom (softcover, high-quality printing on heavy, high-quality paper), but is devoted exclusively to beautiful, wearable crochet patterns. You can also download a digital version of the magazine with your purchase (download code is included in the magazine).
Pre-orders will ship/be available for pick-up on the release date is March 29, 2022.
The distributor sent me a copy of the first fall issue and it’s really a lovely magazine (the bird got at the cover, so I can’t sell it, but if you want you can see it in-store). If you want to order Moorit no.1 it is also available for pre-order on our website.
In Moorit no. 2 the designers looked to the sea for inspiration; Clear Waters, to create pieces that feel like a breath of fresh coastal air.
Discover 12 patterns inspired by the movement of the ocean, the colours of the seaside, and magical moments on the beach. And with 8 tops to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spring garment to make.
The issue also includes a tasty recipe from Helda Penagary and a feature on The Birlinn Yarn Company by Meg Rodgers.
Designs are by… Aklori Designs, Claudia Dingle, Emilia Johansson, Fay Dashper-Hughes, Ines Rodgers, Jeanette Bøgelund Bentzen, Linda Skuja, Michelle Boucher, Michelle White, Stephan C. Burse Jr., and Yessabett Bueno Fernández.
Crochet Crush
If you like the looks of Moorit you may also be into Crochet Crush from Laine Press, which is relatively new (it came out last December).
If you love the look of macrame, but aren’t presently interested in learning a new craft, there are some beautiful patterns for macrame-like projects made with crochet.
Photo:
Crochet Macrame Curtain
This gorgeous crochet piece is inspired by macramé and embodies the Modern Boho Chic style. It works well as either a curtain or a wall hanging and is worked side-toside so creating the width you want is a breeze. The written instructions also include a chart, making this pattern an easy to follow how-to!
Size
Approximately 77” 196 cm wide X 6” 15 cm tall, excluding fringe.
Note: When fringe is attached, work will stretch to approximately 7” 18 cm tall plus fringe
Front-post stitches, back-post stitches, and chains combine to create a macramé style crochet design in this gorgeous pillow. This pattern includes complete instructions for how to make and assemble both an inner and outer cushion cover. The written instructions also include a chart, making this pattern an easy to follow how-to.
Size
+16” X 26” 40.5 x 66 cm.
Yarn Options
Kelbourne Mojave: 5 skeins each for outer & inner pillow (use 4mm hook)
Photo of teal bedroom by Photographee.eu and available from Shutterstock, Photoshopped by Erin Black.
Crochet Macrame Square Pillow
Front-post stitches, back-post stitches, and chains combine to create a macramé style crochet design in this gorgeous pillow. This pattern includes complete instructions for how to make and assemble both an inner and outer cushion cover. The written instructions also include a chart, making this pattern an easy to follow how-to.
Size
20” 51 cm square
Yarn Options
Kelbourne Mojave: 5 skeins each for outer or inner pillow (use 4mm hook)
Admiring the works of macrame artists as a crocheter, I created this wall hanging to honour the sophisticated simplicity of macrame knots by using just crochet techniques. With this FREE easy crochet pattern, you will be able to create a simple yet sophisticated wall hanging that will surely leave your fingers yearning to make more than just one! Experiment with different fibers and weights of yarn, and you may well create yourself a whole wall of crocheted wall decor, adding simple texture to the walls of your home, child’s room, or nursery.
This macramé-inspired crochet table runner is a textural masterpiece! The pattern comes to life with a simple 4-row repeat. Featuring back post treble crochet, you’ll love the versatility of this pattern that’s easy to shorten as needed, to fit your table. It’s ideal for everyday use and special occasions. Make a set in a different color for every season!
Phildar Phil Creativ’ is a super bulky weight T-Shirt yarn made from recycled fabric reclaimed from the garment industry. T-Shirt yarns are generally great for home projects, they are especially popular to making baskets! ‘Tarn’ is extremely good for crochet, and also works extremely well for wall hangings.
100% Recycled Fibres (50% Polyester, 50% Other Fibres)
400g/ 90m to 100m
10mm/US15 to 12mm/US17 needles/hook
Knitting Tension: 9 sts & 13 rows = 4″/10cm
Made in France
Projects for T-Shirt Yarn
Here are a few searches for patterns that feature “T-shirt Yarn” or “Tarn” :
Nest is exactly what it looks like – a nest for your pet (or someone else’s pet). I would make one of these in a second, but unfortunately small enclosed spaces encourage breeding behaviour with birds (which comes with hormonal shifts), and Gruau has already getting a little too personal with my lunch bag.
The hanging basket is a new-ish idea for me, but I quite like it, as it serves a dual purpose of oragnizing stuff (getting it off the floor) and decorating.
How much do you want to fill your house with little crocheted baskets? This pattern is from the UK, so the terms are slightly different than north America, so here’s a UK/US a Chart of US vs. UK Crochet Terms . The only difference in this pattern is that dc (double crochet) means sc (single crochet).
If you are feeling inspired to make your own t-shirt yarn, I unfortunately don’t have a lot of insight for you – I’ve tried it a couple of times but didn’t get very far. Here is a tutorial for you, and a few of my insights:
You need A LOT more material than you think you do. Like WAAYYYYYY more. In the tutorial they suggest 7 to 8 XL sized t-shirts to make a basket. So it’s probably a good idea to collect your materials ahead of time and then start cutting.
The quality of the fabric matters. The really inexpensive t-shirts fabric fray, I suggest passing those over.
The fibre content makes a difference. You know how some shirts have more give than others, some flows and some are stiff? That’s going to be a factor for your t-shirt yarn, because the yarn will behave differently, stretch more or less, and end up different thicknesses.
It also goes that if you want to make something that is stiff and stands up, like a basket, you’ll want to start with fabric that is stiffer and has less give.
We’re shifting over to our Summer Store Hours after the Victoria Day long weekend, so please note that we are CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. We go back to the regular store schedule the week of September 13th.
Most of these projects are made with Berroco Vintage, a soft, worsted weight machine washable wool/synthetic blend. A knitting store staple, it features a wide color range, an incredibly soft feel and yardage that goes on and on. Its unique fiber blend makes laundering a breeze and perfectly suited for easy care garments for both children and adults. 52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon, 100g/199m (218 yds). Made in Peru, machine wash inside out in cold water, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry.
Pre-Order
These kits are a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them any time (they will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). That said, we Berroco Vintage in stock all year and are always reordering, so if the yarn is in stock your kit will be available very quickly. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
High Fidoodlity Crochet Blanket Kit
This colourful depiction of sound waves makes a cheerful blanket (and a great tent). If you’d like to make a grown-up sized throw you should purchase two kits. This piece is worked in blocks and sewn together. If you don’t have it in you to do that you can try using the instructions from the wavy blanket. I’ve played around and worked out some colour palettes that are harmonious with the design, but you can also choose your own colours if your inspiration leads elsewhere.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: 38″ wide x 46″ long
Gauge: 16 sts & 20 rows = 4″ (10cm) in single crochet stitch
Kit Includes:
Berroco Vintage: 2 skeins each of 4 colors, 1 skein in one colour of (total
of 9 skeins). Shown in colourway 01: 5104, 5121, 5125, 51180, 5107.
The Vintage Baby Blanket is a retro-inspired sampler of color, texture, and cable stitches. The design is closely tied to the mustardy yellows and browns popular in the 1970s. We’ve sat down with the yarns and come up with a the colour combinations that match just right and will make your project pop. You can also choose your own colours if your inspiration takes you in another colour direction (I love seeing what other eyes come up with!).
1/4 yard fabric (optional, you can also knit an I-Cord)
Moderne Baby Blanket
This blanket is inspired by the colours and geometric construction of mid-twentieth-century artwork. It’s made of twenty garter stitch blocks – some blocks are knit in a solid colour and others are worked in multiple colours. It’s an easy project to tackle, one square at a time. The small squares also make it easier to work on in warmer weather, and make it easy to pop in your bag. I’ve worked out some additional colour combinations, but like always you are welcome to choose your own colour adventure!
The Glamping Blanketwas extremely popular when it was first came on the scene, so much so that the company ran out of the suggested yarn colours and had a hard time getting more because of COVID. Now that the company is starting to catch up, I think it’s a viable option again, especially for a fun baby blanket.
The Glamping Blanket is a graphic combination of colours and textures. The yarn, Berroco Vintage Chunky, is the PERFECT blanket yarn – it’s soft and cozy, it knits up quickly, and it’s easy to wash – ideal for comfy snuggling for all ages. I went to town, working on new colour combinations that will work in balance with the design, in including (but not exclusive to) grown-up palettes, and I even came up with a few Christmas colourways (for those of you who go all-out at the the holidays). Like all our other kits, please feel free to choose your own colours!
Skill Level: Intermediate (trying different stitch patterns)
Sizes
Cat Blanket: 18″ X 22”
Baby Blanket/Small Dog/Portly Cat: 24″ X 36”
Dog/Lap Blanket (or a larger baby blanket): 35″ X 44”
Sofa Blanket: 46″ X 58”
Kit Includes
Berroco Vintage Chunky: colour A. 1 (2, 3, 5)hanks, colour B. 1 (2, 2, 4) hanks, colour C. 1, (2, 2, 4) hanks, colour D. 1, (1, 2, 3) hanks.
Knit-o-Matic Yarns 