Tag: crochet

Posted in Uncategorized

Buzzing About Betty Bee

Posted on by Jackie B

The upstairs room at Amble Pin Cushion was buzzing yesterday for my latest crochet workshop.

This time I was introducing participants to the joys of Amigurumi – those double crochet toys and figures that have become so popular. I took some previous projects and a work in progress to show them, including a couple of my mini-ponies.

The project I’d chosen for them to make was a cute bumble bee that I’ve named Betty! Isn’t she bee-utiful?

Betty’s construction included several techniques that are commonly found in amigurumi…

  • Magic loop (a way of starting off when crocheting in the round that leaves no gapping for stuffing to show through)
  • Double crochet increase
  • Double crochet decrease
  • Changing yarn colour

I’ve been making some mini tutorial videos to help my students continue their project at home without getting too bee-wildered. There’s only so much of it can be completed during a 2-hour session so I hope this will bee a useful way to help them practice these skills.

As with all my classes, I prepared detailed illustrated instructions but also included an info sheet about amigurumi. I also put together materials packs, including cotton yarn, filling, beads for eyes and pre-cut wings (made from offcuts of dress netting) , some of which had been kindly supplied by APC’s owner, Norma. The only thing the students needed to bring on the day was a crochet hook.

Five people took part, and before long the room was a hive of industry. All were fairly new to crochet and included a pair of sisters, a member of my spinning group, who is also booked on to my Granny Squares workshop next month, and one of my regular students. What a lovely group of women! There was a really nice atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed running the session.

I always ask people to complete a short evaluation at the end of the session. think if I run it again it might bee a good idea to prepare some ready-started projects, with the magic loop completed – it took some of the group a while to get past this which really ate into the time available. … and I don’t want my lovely participants getting bee-fuddled by something early on in the session and bee put off.

Hopefully they’ll now have enough information to complete their projects and there’ll be a whole swarm of Betty Bees dispersed through this part of Northumberland.

I’ll stop the bee puns now!

I’m back in the training room at APC next month to repeat my popular Granny Squares workshop – there always seems to be a demand for this one, with lots of potential projects in unlimited colour combinati0ns once you’ve mastered the basics.

Posted in Uncategorized

Knit-a-Long Baby Blanket: Week 15 (Final Instalment)

Posted on by Jackie B

After a bit of a delay, because Christmas and New Year have been hectic, here is the final part of the pattern – sorry if you’ve been waiting for it. My fault! Yvonne was on time as usual but I got caught up in other things and neglected the blog. Anyway, hope you had a lovely Festive Season and hoping that all of you have a fabulous 2024.

If you remember, the previous section was a checkerboard design of alternating plain and purl blocks of 3 stitches and 3 rows.

The final strip, before the garter stitch border looks rather like a diagonal rib.(see photo at top of post)

Yvonne writes,”I know you’ve all been waiting for the next instalment of our baby blanket and the final pattern which is pretty straightforward I think but we will see. So here we go…”

Week 15

Row 1. Remembering the edge sts, then K1, *K2tog but don’t slip the sts off and K into first st again and slip both off together, repeat to end of the row.
Row 2. And all wrong side rows P.
Row 3. K2tog, and K into first st again slipping both off together to last st K1.
Repeat rows 1 and 3 with P rows in between and then first two rows again until 10 rows have been completed.

When you have completed the pattern finish with your 10 rows of garter stitch to finish your blanket. Cast off, sew in ends and you’re all done.

Yvonne adds, “I have really enjoyed doing this blanket with you all and hope you have too and also learned something new along the way. Thanks guys for attempting to do this and I know it hasn’t been easy so well done to you all.”

I’d like to thank Yvonne on behalf of all of us for creating this project – we’ve all had a blast doing it and we love how they all turned out. It really took us out of comfort zones to try some challenging new stitches. Here are some of the results, from A, L and R respectively

It’s been very strange not to be knitting the blanket and comparing notes every week in our little knit and natter group.

Here’s my finished blanket – I’m going to block it. A labour of love like this deserves the time it takes to finish it properly…and I got a blocking mat for Christmas!

Posted in Uncategorized

More Crochet Teaching On The Way

Posted on by Jackie B

Last month I taught my first crochet workshop at Amble Pin Cushion. You can read more about it here. Initially I’d agreed to do this as a one-off and see how it went before I decided to do more. I ended up really enjoying the afternoon and the group taking part were absolutely lovely…..I’m now just about ready for my next workshops on Wednesday – this time I’m running one in the morning, and repeating it in the afternoon – there are still a few places left before the list closes tomorrow afternoon. You can watch the video I made about the course here

This time I’ll be teaching how to crochet either a scarf or a cowl, using a simple pattern of trebles. This course is suitable for beginners.

I chose this, crocheted in rows because I know this can be difficult when you first start with crochet, specifically where to place the first and last stitch of each row.

The treble stitch is great for quick-t0-crochet items: it grows quickly – it’s a great opportunity for beginners to perfect their treble stitches in this very simple pattern.

I strongly believe that simple doesn’t have to be dull, so I’m using a variegated yarn – the different colours in the yarn do all the work to make the design.

I used Stylecraft “Knit Me Crochet Me” in Nebula – a grey/blue main colour, alternating with lengths of rainbow colours. It’s an acrylic/wool blend double knitting yarn and feels very soft, without being too fluffy. Of course there are loads of different variegated yarns on the market and most would make great scarves (maybe not the harsher wools, which could be a bit scratchy to wear round your neck!). All will give a completely different result however, even using the same basic pattern of treble stitches, depending on the size of the colour repeats.

I like to give my students some handy hints to help them up their crochet game – this time I’m going to include the mysteries of the ball band – decoding the information on the back like dye lots, gauge and yardage, so there’ll be plenty to talk about as well as the practical crochet tuition.

With just a few more info packs to print out, I’m almost ready to go!

Posted in Uncategorized

Crochet Class

Posted on by Jackie B

I mentioned in a recent post that I’d been crocheting lots of granny squares to prepare for teaching my very first crochet workshop. I spent a while getting prepared.

Last week I was joined at Amble Pin Cushion by 6 lovely ladies – my students for the afternoon. They all worked really hard and the two hour beginners class flew by – we could have made it longer really!

By the end they had made real progress on their granny squares and I encouraged them to keep going and practice at home.

Today I got an email from one of the participants with a photo attached – she’s been working away and wanted to show me her completed square. She’s made a great job of it.

I always said when I was asked to teach these workshops that I would see how this first one went before I committed to more, but I loved doing it and the students seemed to enjoy it too. I’ve agreed to continue and I’m now planning my next one for the end of November.

Posted in Uncategorized

Crochet Credibility

Posted on by Jackie B

I’ve taught a fair few people to crochet over the years, friends and members of the various craft groups I attend. I was recently asked if I would run something at The Amble Pincushion as their usual crochet tutor has retired. I’ve agreed to teach a 2-hour session on making classic granny squares, something suitable for beginners. If it works out I may do more.

Granny squares seemed a good choice. The catwalks and clothing shops have featured loads of garments that include crochet squares this year. I’ve even just seen a picture of a jumper made of crochet-printed fleece on the Nicola Knits Blog– simulated granny squares!

To get ready, I’ve been preparing yarn packs and handouts. I’ve even made a promotional video.

I’ve also been making lots of granny squares, most of which I made up into a sleeveless pullover. I used shades of brown, beige and white, crocheted them together and added a double crochet edging.

I used four different colour schemes for the squares and joined them sequentially.

The only thing I would have done differently is join the squares together as I went along – it did take ages to join them up. I used the crochet method which gives a really neat join.

I edged the neck, armholes and waist with a band of several rows of double crochet, placing some decreases at the underarm to improve the fit.

If I wear this for my course I’m hoping it gives my students confidence that I know what I’m talking about. Maybe I should call it my credibility top!

I just heard today that the course is fully booked, which is great news!

Have you been on a craft workshop recently? What did you enjoy most about it?

Posted in knitting

Knit and Natter Update: Yvonne’s Baby Blanket – Our First Knit-A-Long

Posted on by Jackie B

Our little Online Knit and Natter Group still meets every week on Zoom for a chat and to look at what we are all busy making.

Recently some of us were inspired to put down the knitting needles, pick up a crochet hook and make the Seaside Stash-Busting Blanket on the Coastal Crochet Blog.

We’ve all thoroughly enjoyed making this (with some of us up to our third blanket and trying out more of Eleonora’s designs) The pattern was originally released as a Crochet Along project and the anticipation of looking up each new instalment was great fun.

I loved the challenge of learning some new stitches too. I think the basket stitch and bobbles were my favourites.

We were discussing our blankets at Knit and Natter a little while ago and thought it would be good to do our own Knit Along (KAL). Yvonne has risen to the challenge and produced a pattern for a baby blanket, which she is releasing in weekly instalments over the coming weeks.

Yvonne writes, “Here it is. Welcome to the Mystery Knit and Natter Knit Along Blanket.It is knitted in any dk wool with 4mm needles.
It can be done in a solid colour or you can add different colours as we go and you will need approximately 160g to complete the project.Happy knitting guys!”

Week 1

Cast on 141 stitches and work 10 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).

I’ll post the next bit next weekend. Meanwhile here’s my completed Week 1 knitting.

Please join in and let me know how you get on…feel free to send photos too. Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized

Knit and Natter Round Up: April

Posted on by Jackie B

Over the last month the group have been busy making all sorts of items.

R completed a cardigan in a beautiful patterned yarn in pale blue, fawn and white.

Y made an amazing pink cabled sweater and some trainer socks.

She’s currently crocheting flower hexagons which will be joined up to make a very cute triceratops toy like the one in the picture!

With her first grandchild due later this year, A is busy making baby clothes in a range of colours and white.

Last month L completed her sweet pea blanket. She’s using the left over yarn to make another smaller blanket.

She’s also making a cardigan for her granddaughter, made in one piece, which alternates rows of white with a rainbow of colours

C is working on a blanket for her dog. He’s a very lucky boy!

I’ve been continuing with a cardigan in dark brown Suri alpaca and some alpaca socks

I wonder what the group will be working on next month.

Posted in Uncategorized

Knit and Natter Round Up – March

Posted on by Jackie B

The group continue to knit, crochet and sew all manner of beautiful things. Here are a selection of their makes.

L has now completed her colourful Sweet Pea Blanket (pictured above), by adding the border.

This was a kit she received from her daughter at Christmas.

L has also been loom knitting this hat.

R has been making herself a cardigan in a self patterning yarn in soft shades of blue and beige.

She’s also been continuing a patchwork project that has been on the go for many years ands wondering how to do the border.

L came to the rescue with some advice as she’s made hexagon quilts before, including this lovely pink one.

That’s the beauty of social knitting/crafting. All that pooled experience means that there is seldom a question that cannot be answered.

We also put our heads together on this project that Y has been working on.

This is one of a pair of gentleman’s kilt stockings in a cable design made in very fine yarn. It involved purl twisted cable, which took some working out! Y is definitely the Sock Queen – she also made these colourful self striping socks, with bright shades alternating with black.

It took me longer to make my alpaca socks than she took to make both of these pairs!

C has made these lovely blue baby bootees….

…and has been working on a pink teddy bear!

A has been crocheting baby blankets, including this one in pretty pastel shades.

She also asked someone skilled in amigurami crochet to make this bunny – isn’t it lovely?

Another crafty friend, who is not in our online knitting group – showed me something she recently completed from a kit: a crocheted Harry Potter! The kit included the tiny broomstick!

Have you made any toys recently? I’d love to hear about them.

Posted in Uncategorized

Back to Blogging: Knit and Natter Round Up and a Milestone

Posted on by Jackie B

I have been on a break from the blog . My last post was on 1st November and for a while I seemed to have nothing much to write about, then it was Christmas and as time went on it simply got harder to return to it. Today I got a notification to say that my blog has had 10,000 views. That seems to be quite a milestone and was just the push I needed, so here comes my first blog post of 2022 – thanks to everyone who’s read my blog, especially those who like, follow and comment – I always love to hear what you have to say.

The online Knit and Natter Group continues to meet every Friday on Zoom. This grew out of a group that used to meet in our local doctors surgery, which began to meet on Zoom during the COVID Pandemic. The organisers have now found a venue for in-person meetings to resume. Fortunately it is on a different day so both groups can continue with the choice to attend either or both.

Our Zoomers have continued to knit and crochet a load of fabulous items. Here are just a few they’ve been working on since the start of 2022.

Even though R has moved to the other end of the country, she is still part of the group: that’s the beauty of meeting online. She recently completed a cosy Christmas blanket made-up of knitted squares in different patterns, using a red/white/green/gold palette.

R’s first new project of 2022 was this purple scarf. One end is sewn down to form a loop – to wear it you simply pass the other end through the loop and adjust the fit. R had trimmed the scarf with some striking square buttons

R is now working on a cardigan for herself using a self-patterning yarn in shades of grey and pale blue.

A has been busy with baby blankets.

She stockpiles these as new baby gifts and recently raided her blanket stash for a mutual friend’s baby girl. A’s latest blanket is a big white one, crocheted in a shell design. I wonder which lucky baby will end us with this one!

L received a blanket kit as a Christmas gift from her daughter in the most beautiful sweet pea colours.

She is about to crochet the edges to complete her “sweet pea” blanket.

Y has been knitting socks!

She made a pair for a work colleague, who kindly modelled them for this screenshot!

Her current project is a pair of gorgeous cabled stockings.

Y’s husband is a proud Scot who wears a kilt on every special occasion. At dinner during a holiday, a fellow guest admired his stockings and Y agreed to knit him a pair. They include a rather challenging purl twisted cable – we put our heads together on that one – I love that we pool our knitting/crochet knowledge to help each other out with our projects.

We also have a new member. C likes knitting socks too.

She’s also been making baby hats for newborns.

I’ve been sock knitting too – just finished the first of a pair made with my handspun yarn , pictured at the top of this post.

It’s good to be writing again and describing our work. There’ll be another knit and natter roundup soon….. and other blogposts too.

Posted in Uncategorized

Knit and Natter Round Up – September 2021

Posted on by Jackie B

Our online Knit and Natter Group members have completed a number of projects over the last month

Y is such a prolific knitter. She completed this commission – an adult sweater in a deep raspberry shade, with a complex cable design

She’s also nearly finished making this man’s sweater – just the neck and the side seams to go….and probably finished by the time I write this.

She’s also been working on a Childs sweater – it’s a project from her Knit In A Box subscription.

If all that wasn’t enough, Y has been spinning too and recently made this beautiful black (Welsh Black Mountain) and white (Dorset) yarn. She spins in the grease and it looked quite yellow when it was first spun but now it’s washed the white has come out really bright. It’s stunning!

R has been making squares for a blanket. These are knitted in different designs, either textured or multicoloured, using a palette of red, green, gold and white

L finished a crocheted blanket for her step granddaughter, in black and grey with a touch of sparkle.

A has been working on a waistcoat for herself in this lovely soft grey yarn.

I finished the scarf I’ve been knitting on Friday. I used my handspun, hand-dyed alpaca yarn. I wore it over the weekend and it’s lovely and warm.

I also started spinning some black Shetland wool.

It’s always fun to see what everyone is working on.