A quick update for you on my 109 Blanket progress….its going better than expected!!
The 109 Blanket
‘ve had a bit of time off, raising a tiny human but I’m starting slowly to get my cro-yo back on and have the occasional spare half-hour to actually do some of it!
This 109 Blanket might be the thing to help me get motivated again!
Lucy’s Lucky Shells – Design Published
A few weeks ago I came out for help testing a new shawl…the shawl with no name. Three wonderful people came to my rescue and following their hard-work and feedback I’m pleased to announce that Lucy’s Lucky Shells Crochet Shawl Pattern is now “live” on Ravelry! If you’re interested you can find it here! I […]
Lucy’s Lucky Shells – Crochet shawl pattern
Check out this gorgeous work on my Lucy’s Lucky Shells crochet shawl by my fabulous testers. I hope to be able to release the pattern soon but in the meantime, drool over these pics with me!
Here comes a new Scheepjes Whirl Pattern!
So, although I’ve been a little absent from blogging the past few weeks, I’ve not been absent from yarn. I’ve been very busy finalising a few of my designs.
New Crochet Design – the shawl with no name
Hello friends! I’ve been super-busy over the past couple of weeks working on this new crochet design for a summer shawl. I have just one problem that I need your help with….but more of that later…! If I’m honest its been fighting me a little bit. The main-body is made up of this beautiful shell-pattern, […]
Garden Crochet – with extra Garden!
I’m really loving this May – the weather has been brilliant all month and I’ve been able to get a LOT of garden-based crochet and knitting done. I’m currently working on my Last Dance in the Beach (Last Dance in the Garden) blanket… I’ve got three rows joined so far and am working on joining […]
Last Dance in the Sun
Hello friends! The weather in England was glorious this weekend! It also (rather surprisingly!) coincided with a bank-holiday. Something that almost NEVER happens. Consequently I’ve been spending much time getting my cro-yo on in the garden! Well it’d be rude not to right!? I’ve been working hard to complete my Last Dance on the Beach […]
Ever fancied learning Tunisian Crochet?
Ever fancied learning Tunisian Crochet. The Tunisian Crochet “simple stitch” is exactly what it says…simple! I’ve created this (hopefully!) easy to follow step-by-step tutorial to help you learn how to crochet the Tunisian Crochet Simple Stitch
How to crochet a granny square..it really is simple!
When you think of crochet, you may think “granny square”. Whilst there are a lot of other things you can do with crochet, the granny square is still (in my opinion!) one of the simplest ways to create something beautiful!
The Granny Square is surprisingly simple and in this quick photo tutorial, I’m going to show you step by step how to make a granny square!
It was another WIP weekend…
Well this weekend was yet another WIP wet weekend…when will summer arrive? I made the most of being confined indoors by working on my crochet! I’ve been cracking on with my “Last Dance on the Beach” blanket and I think I made some good progress over the past two days!
Learn how to crochet a Magic-Loop with this easy photo-tutorial
How to crochet a magic loop was one of the first tutorials that I posted. Here is an updated version. The steps are all the same but I felt it needed updating a bit! 🙂
This is a crochet tutorial, for a technique used to start crocheting “in the round”, for example when making a mandala or some amigurumi. Please don’t confuse it with the magic-loop knitting technique!
My Crochet Between the Lines (CBTL) Shawl – WIP
Hey Folks! Recently I’ve been getting my cro-jo back on and I’ve been working on this new shawl design from the super talented Tammy Canavan-Soldaat. She has created a knitted one called Read Between the Lines and a crochet one called Crochet Between the Lines. I’ve done a lot of knitting projects recently so I […]
You’ll be proud of me…I am knitting sleeves!
Hello, for those that have read some of my other posts, you’ll know I don’t like knitting sleeves. I am however focussed on my January 2018 Goals, one of which is to complete this Everything Nice Hoodie. I finished the body last week and so I had no option BUT to knit the sleeves… When […]
Which Yarn to use for knitting or crochet?
There are so many types of yarn to choose from. If you’re just starting to learn to knit or crochet, you might find this a bit confusing…I know I did!! I’m hoping this post will help you with which yarn to use for your next project! Whether you crochet or knit, yarn is yarn and […]
My favourite tutorials of 2017
Earlier this week I shared some of the projects I’ve been working on in 2017. In this post I thought I’d look back at some of the tutorials I’ve shared, just in case you missed them! It started in February, when I shared this Magic Loop technique for crocheting in the round. In May, […]
My 2017 in Wool…a round-up of 2017’s knitting and crochet
We are fast-approaching the anniversary of my Jo-Creates blog, coming up mid-January. Thanks to all of you who read and follow my ramblings. All of your comments and support are greatly appreciated and spur me on to create more!! Without you there would be no point to what I’m doing!! 🙂 🙂 To celebrate my […]
My WIP Graveyard – the crochet edit!
Last week I shared my knitting WIP shame. As promised here it my Crochet WIP list. This list is MUCH shorter (yay!) but I still feel a little shame-faced! Exhibit 1 (m’lud) What is it?: This a blanket that I use every day, even though its not finished. It still has the ends that need […]
Scheepjes Whirl Pattern – Rough Diamonds Shawl now released
You’ll have seen in this sneak preview that I’ve been creating a new Scheepjes Whirl Pattern. For a few months now I’ve been busy designing and testing a new shawl using Scheepjes Whirl. I LOVE a Scheepjes Whirl pattern! It’s such a lovely yarn to work with! Rough Diamonds – a Scheepjes Whirl Pattern So […]
Learn to Knit for Beginners – Introduction to Knitting
Hello! Welcome to my Learn to Knit for Beginners series of posts. In the next few posts I’ll be exploring the basics of knitting. I’ll also provide some hints tips and tutorials to help you learn to knit. What’s this all about? In this introduction to the Learn to Knit for Beginners course I’ll describe […]
Get more organised. Simple craft storage ideas for the untidy (like me!)
Is your yarn piled up and shoved in a box (like mine used to be!)? Or are you super organised and neat (like I’m trying to be!). I’m the furthest thing from “neat” that you can imagine, much to the exasperation of my other half. As a result, I’m always looking for craft storage ideas!
The 11 things I learned about yarn dyeing my first Skein
I’ve recently been experimenting with yarn dyeing. Step 1 was lots of googling and research, I thought I’d share what I learned about yarn dyeing on my first trip down “dye-street”. Why 11? I dunno, just the number I ended up with!
Take a peek at my weekly Instagram round-up
Here is a quick look at some of the pictures I’ve put on Instagram this week. This week I’ve been stalked by penguins…All over the place….they are even watching me now….sinister! I also have a lovely smooshy delivery of yarn… from All Wool that Ends Wool! Look at those lovely colours, can’t WAIT to start […]
Sore hands from knitting or crocheting? These stretches might help!
Do you get pains in your hands and wrists when crocheting or knitting?
A WIP in time…or is it nine?
I’ve just got back from a nice sunny Saturday run. I went “nosing” around all the posh houses and gardens (all £1m plus!) today. I can only dream of owning one of those. I’ve returned to the more reasonably priced end of town and an sitting on my patio pondering what to do next! I […]
Keeping your brain active – can knitting and crochet help?
I was driving to work yesterday morning, when i heard an article on the news about there being a link between keeping an active brain and reduced risk of dementia. I thought about it on the way to work and decided to do a bit more reading on the subject. I’m in the unfortunate situation […]
Lorna’s Star Mandala Free Crochet Pattern
New Pattern update! – after my fun playing with colours earlier, I’ve created another couple of Mandala’s You can download it “here” This one has two colour variants, this first one reminds me of a summer’s day so I’ve called it “Lorna’s Star, sunshine on a summer’s day” This second one was designed specially for […]
How to crochet a “double treble” (dtr)
A couple of the patterns that I’ve published (or ones that I’m working on at the moment!) include a double treble crochet (dtr) stitch. Its really a very simple stitch but I thought I’d share how to do it….I’m using UK Crochet terms 🙂 The double treble is made the same way as a treble […]
Mexican Sun Mandala Free Crochet Pattern
What do you do when you have left-over yarn? Make a mandala! This could be used as a coaster or just to look pretty on your desk!
Blocking – why bother?
I thought it might be useful to write about how to block different items that you have knitted or crocheted.
Rippling Waves Afghan Square Pattern
This is my pattern for the extra square that I’ve designed for my “Last Dance on the Beach CAL” blanket (I know….that’s sooo 2016 darling!).
Sheepjes Whirl Shawl Update – Liquorice Whirl Shawl
I’ve finally finished my Liquorice Whirl Shawl!!
What is the best type of Crochet Hook for beginners? – Inline or tapered
When I first started crocheting, I wanted to find the best type of crochet hook for beginners. Do you know what I found? The perfect crochet hook doesn’t exist….. …..but before you switch off and think, why bother reading on, let me explain. As a new crocheter, I came from the land of Knitting. I […]
Which is the best crochet hook?
Question: Which is the best crochet hook….? Answer: Any of them..!! There are so many different types of crochet hooks, the best crochet hook is really subjective and completely up to you. Some people love the “in-line” style hooks like Susan Bates, whilst others wouldn’t start a project without their trusty “Clover” hook. If you’re […]
Liquorice Yum Yum Shawl
As you’ve probably spotted, I’m a little obsessed with Scheepjes Whirl at the moment. Having finished off my Green Tea Tipple Scheepjes Whirl Shawl I’m absolutely loving wearing it, I almost don’t want the summer to come, just so I can keep wearing it….!! OK, I said ALMOST!! come on Summer, hurry up and be […]