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A different technique for starting a new row I am constantly learning new techniques for crochet and was informed about this little nugget having talked about better ways to start new rounds in new colours as part of The Crochet Circle Podcast.  That technique is called 'standing crochet stitches'. If you are starting a new row in the same colour then the below technique may be for you.  It is called 'starting crochet stitches' and I think it is a neat way of starting a new row. Here you can see the differences between a starting crochet stitch dc and...

Why we don’t finish projects Ever wondered why you don’t finish projects and what you can do about it? The excitement of squidging yarn in a shop, the whiff of something shiny and new, the latest pattern that ‘has’ to make it to the top of your queue - there are many things that sway us towards new projects.  For some this isn’t a problem because they are monogamous crafters, finishing a project, assessing what they want to make next and only then buying the supplies for the next project/ challenge.  But let’s get something clear, this isn’t most people! ...

A couple of years ago I got some bargain British wool from one of my favourite wool festivals - Wonderwool Wales.  The wool was British which ticks my box, a bargain (£10 for about 3.5kg) which definitely ticks my box, but it was rough as anything! Now, I'm not the type to shy away from a wool with 'character' however this wool was gnarly and not in a cool surfer dude way. The wool sat in my stash for a couple of years until I insisted on using up my oldest stash and finding appropriate projects.  A couple of months...

If I need to contain something my first thought is always can I crochet a suitable container? These little ones are great for holding your notions, spare change, rubber bands... I actually use all three of these to hold lavender flower heads.  They live in my Stash Palace (yes I have a Stash Palace) and in my office - no coincidence, given that these two locations are where I keep my yarn and I want to keep moths away. By having the lavender in easy to access and pretty containers, I am more likely to give it a little fondle...

Knitting patterns for the Festive socks I wanted to create this sock pattern so that they could be filled with lavender and hung in my stash or placed in my WIP bags.  Christmas then approached and I felt the need to make some festive coloured ones and then decided that they also needed some colour work too! There are two sizes available and for each size they are designed as cuff down socks knitted using double pointed needles (DPNs).  These are great for using up stash sock yarn and you can mix and match as many colours as you like....