Crochet Circle Podcast

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A crochet podcast with a little bit of knitting on the side

Episodes

Sunday Jun 12, 2016

Bonus Interview with Arne and Carlos

Sunday Jun 12, 2016

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

Featuring a bonus interview with the talented Scandinavian design duo Arne & Carlos. This short but sweet interview was recorded during the lunch break of their 'Five Virgins Wrist Warmer Workshop' at Black Sheep Wools, Warrington, which Fay and Lynne attended.

You can find out more about Arne & Carlos through the following links:

Website: http://arnecarlos.com/

Blog: http://arnecarlos.com/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArneCarlos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCswHDKvVlidNa02Y_T0D1Zw/videos

Black Sheep Wools, Warrington:

http://www.blacksheepwools.com/

We hope you enjoyed the interview and thanks for listening to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Don't forget to tune in on the first Friday of every month for our regular episodes.

Happy listening and crocheting.

Lynne and Fay x

Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast

Instagram: provenance.craft.co

Instagram: FayDHDesigns

YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast

Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

Friday Jun 03, 2016

Episode 4 - A Crochet Journey

Friday Jun 03, 2016

In this episode we talk about getting started on a crochet journey, including substituting yarn and the importance of making a tension square; lace-weight yarn; myth-busting – does crochet really use more yarn than knitting? WIP Wall and FOs along with our usual magazine round-up and our look towards Woolfest.

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the Show Notes from Episode Four.

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

Rooster Delightful Lace Competition Prize is sponsored by

www.roosteryarns.com

First, we have a few thank you’s for helping us to reach over 1,200 downloads on Podbean.

Thank you to Kathryn at www.crafternoontreats.com who mentioned us in her podcast Episodes 7 and 8 and also to Tamara at www.craftyescapism.com for a great review on her website.

Thanks to Trinketknits for her lovely iTunes review and to everyone else that is engaging with us through Pinterest, IG, Ravelry and Twitter.

You may have spotted us in Crochet Now, Let’s Knit magazine and Simply Crochet - so thanks to Hugh, Sarah and Sara for featuring The Crochet Circle on their News pages. We're really chuffed to bits.

1. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet (at 3.55 mins)

It's a nay from Fay about lace-weight yarn and having to use anything below a 3mm hook:

I love what other people can create, however, it just isn’t for me as I prefer more instant gratification. I don’t intend on doing everything in chunky yarn but I found lace weight crocheting and knitting REALLY frustrating and I’m very happy to leave that in the hands of others...

Such as these brilliant examples of miniature crochet, from Suami:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SuAmi

Its a yay from Lynne on teaching crochet:

Last week was the last of my 5 Learn to Crochet Classes at Sandbach in Cheshire. I’ve been running crochet and knitting classes through the Sandbach Adult Education programme for about four or five years now and I’ve met some lovely people along the way – many of whom have become really good friends and even work colleagues J. This time round I had four enthusiastic ladies who had all tried to teach themselves but hadn’t been able to get to grips with crochet and felt that they need to be physically shown, rather than learning by book. It was great that I have a wide range of ages, from a lady in her late 20’s up to a lady who was 79 (and who came on her bike!!!). We learned the basics of crochet and made a flower, granny squares, ripple stitches, shell stitches and we worked in a spiral. I’m always amazed when my pupils return the following week with things they’ve made from the stitches learned and even happier when they tell me how much they’ve enjoyed making things with their new skills.

2. Helpful Hints on how to get started on a project (at 8.05 mins)

We're both starting a crochet garment (or two) that we aim to wear at Yarndale.

You can join in too and we can see just how stylish crochet can be.

We've set up a board here on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/topics/3438284

In this episode, we talk about choosing or substituting yarn and the importance of working up a swatch or tension square.

We recommend http://yarnsub.com as one method of checking which yarns you could substitute to.

We covered making a tension square in the last episode and you can find the notes here:

http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/explaining-crochet-tension.html

Then in upcoming episodes, we’ll cover:

Finishing off the project - best way to sew it together
Washing and blocking the project so that the stitches look as they should
Wearing/using the object
Aftercare
Darning if required – dealing with holes etc.

Lynne has chosen Aster, by designer Marie Wallin from her book 'Filigree collection three'

Ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aster-14

Filigree Book link: http://www.mariewallin.com/filigree.html

I love Marie's Filigree collection and have chosen a design as my first 'proper' crochet garment. I will raid my stash for an alternative as I'm desperately trying not to buy yarn. I've written a blog post here on how to substitute yarn:

http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/substituting-yarn.html

Fay has chosen Liala, also by Marie Wallin – it's a free pattern available on Rowan's website: if you subscribe:

http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/liala

The pattern calls for you to use Rowan Panama which is a 55% viscose, 33% cotton and 12% linen mix and although the ball band suggests a 3.25mm hook.

I also considered a few other things such as: I want to use my stash; I want the finish to be a little more fitted; I want to use something with wool content and I don't want to use anything below a 3mm hook.

After raiding my stash, I found a suitable alternative with Jeanette Sloan Baby Alpaca and Silk and started my tension square.

Link to Jeanette Sloan yarn:

http://www.jeanettesloandesign.com/ourshop/cat_835200-Baby-Alpaca-Silk-4ply.html

It's important to block your tension square as the size of your stitches may change after blocking. For my first square, there was about a 9% increase in size for both stitches and rows which was going to work perfectly for me in substituting yarn and pattern size (so I'll make a small size rather than the medium). It's worth remembering that most yarns when knitted or crocheted up will change when blocked. I like to wet-block almost everything because it helps release the dirt that builds up and it helps to bring out the pattern in the fabric especially if there are cables or lace. But be careful not to over-stretch the fabric when you block.

I gently squeezed my square, rolled it up in a towel and then pinned it onto a blocking mat and leave it to dry.

It's worth taking the time to assess whether you're using the right yarn, hook or needle, rather than get to the end of a project and then not being happy with the fit or finish of the item having put so much work into it.

Here's a link to Fay's Ravelry project for Liala:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/liala

We also promised to let all of the Rowan yarns that are being discontinued. This list was provided by St Trinians on Ravelry:

Superfine Merino DK & Aran

Pure Wool 4 ply

Kidsilk Haze Stripe

Mohair Haze

Wool Cotton

Rowan Finest

Rowan Tweed

Fine Art & Fine Art Aran

Alpaca Colour

Tetra Cotton

Cotton Lustre

Panama

Revive

Pure Linen

All Seasons Cotton

Soft Knit Cotton

Truesilk

Lima

Lima Colour

Fazed Tweed

Colourspun

Thick 'n' Thin

Alpaca Chunky

British Sheep Breeds

Fur

Creative Focus Worsted

Chenille

Big Wool Colour

Big Wool Silk

3. Yarn Review - Manos Del Uruguay Marina (at 28 mins)

Shade Shantung N1765

Lace-weight yarn

100g/800m

100% superwash merino wool

RRP £16

Recommended needle size 2-4mm

Hand-dyed in Uruguay by Ellta, who is part of a fair-trade cooperative.

Link to full range of shades:

http://www.roosteryarns.com/manos-marina.html

Read about the Manos Del Uruguay fair-trade cooperative here:

http://www.roosteryarns.com/about-manos-del-uruguay.html

Link to Lynne's full yarn review:

http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/yarn-review-manos-del-uruguay.html

4. Myth-busting with Fay (at 34.50 mins)

Fay investigates the generalisation that crochet uses more yarn than knitting.

Is it a myth or a fact? Well, it's a bit of both really, with some interesting results!

Read Fay's full investigation here:

https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/blogs/news/179247111-in-the-ring-its-crochet-v-knitting-but-who-is-the-heavyweight

5. Magazine Round-up (at 43.10 mins)

Inside Crochet Issue 78

Theme: Bright Ideas – all about colour and texture for Autumn.

Lynne's favourites include Scullis Shawl in Rachel Atkinson's Column

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knittingtastic/scullis

Lisa Sweater designed by Annelies Baes

Fay's favourite is also Lisa Sweater

There are also lots of lovely bags and baskets

Link to Inside Crochet issue 78:

http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/blog/bright-ideas-with-issue-78/

Crochet Now Issue 2

Theme: Rainbow brights – creative with colour – things that make use smile Lynne's favourite is Nerida Shawl by Anna Nickipirowicz – a deep semi-circular with a simple lace pattern

In my yarn stash diaries this month is a crochet staple – a washcloth which is great for last minute gifting

Fay's favourite is Spring leaves cowl, designed by Mary Renji

Link to Crochet Now:

http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/956/crochet-now-issue-2/

Let's Get Crafting issue 81

Theme: Brights with Fiesta yarn kit – lots of toys including a very cute pair of Pandas by Sachiyo Ishii

Lynne's favourite is the Hanging Heart wreath designed by Irene Strange

and everyone loves a bit of bunting - Fiesta Bunting designed by Tilley Bancroft

Link to LGC issue 81 projects:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lets-get-crafting-knitting--crochet-81/patterns

Woman's Weekly June issue

Theme: Crochet Special including five crochet garments and some lovely crochet homewares

We spotted an interview with Louise Walker who is a member of our Ravelry group and we love Louise's very cute animals and blanket.

Link to Woman's Weekly:

http://www.womansweekly.com/

Simply Crochet Issue 45

Theme: Summer Brights, including a great article on how to sort your stash.

There's a very pretty Ladder stitch top designed by Editor Sara Huntingdon and a fun giant doughnut cushion by the renowned Twinkie Chan.

Link to Simply Crochet:

http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/

6. WIPs and FOs (at 45.30 mins)

We haven't done a great deal this month as we've both been really busy with our businesses and the podcast content. Fay has been working on her Shoreline Blanket and Lynne is ready to start the beading rows on her Odeletta Shawl.

We'll be adding to our WIPs with our crochet garments, and we'll be keeping a record of how long they take us.

7. Our Book (at 52.50 mins)

We're delighted to announce that we're writing a book of 8 crocheted accessories - 4 designed by Lynne and 4 designed by Fay.

We’ve currently secured yarn support from

Erika Knight http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/

BaaBaaBrighouse https://www.baabaabrighouse.co.uk/

Laughing Hens https://www.laughinghens.com/

We’ll say more in time. But it will be a really useful collection of crochet essentials that are straight forward to make, using gorgeous yarns

8. Charity Projects

We're still collecting your fungi an mammals for the National Trust's Woollen Woods project.

You can read more here on our Ravelry page:

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3425147/1-25

10. Competition to Win Rooster Delightful Lace (at 54.30 mins)

We have a new competition open on our Ravelry forum to win a gorgeous skein of Rooster Delightful Lace in Shade Talara 623.

Rooster Delightful Lace is well, delightful! A blend of 80% Alpaca and 20% Silk creates a stunning 2-ply lace weight yarn which is perfect for light garments and shawls.

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3438319/1-25#7

9. What's Good (at 56.05 mins)

We're looking forward to Woolfest:

http://www.woolfest.co.uk/

and Fay is looking forward to visiting Caithness on a retreat organised by Louise Hunt from the Caithness Craft Collective podcast:

http://caithnesscraftcollective.podbean.com/

Happy listening and crocheting.

Lynne and Fay x

Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast

Instagram: provenance.craft.co

Instagram: FayDHDesigns

YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast

Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

Thursday May 26, 2016

Bonus Interview with Cara Ackerman, DMC Creative World

Thursday May 26, 2016

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

We were delighted to interview Cara Ackerman, PR Coordinator and resident needlecraft expert at DMC Creative World, at a Trade Show earlier this year. We were keen to find out more about Cara and also about DMC’s recent yarn launch.

You’re currently launching a new ‘DMC’ yarn – can you tell us a little bit about it?

DMC Natura Medium is 100% cotton; it’s really soft and doesn’t irritate the skin –so it’s lovely to wear and great if you have any skin conditions or sensitive skin. Natura Medium is a natural follow-on from Natura (4-ply) and Natura XL (super chunky). It sits between a double knitting and aran weight, so it’s great for beginners to learn with. It comes in a range of 32 colours which are gorgeous and range from neon brights to more subtle tones. Like any yarn, a tension square is recommended before you begibn your project to make sure you match the pattern tension and your finished project will be the right size.

Crochet seems to be the “new knitting” - have you seen an increase in the number of people crocheting over the past 4 or 5 years?

We were looking at the crochet market about 4 years ago when the advent of the Crochet part-work magazines really helped spread the word of crochet. It seemed to attract a younger audience who had seen people crocheting and who wanted to learn. Since then we’ve seen a huge increase, year-on-year, in the number of people crocheting. DMC has developed a range of cotton yarns specifically for crochet, and we launch new patterns seasonally. A lot of knitters are moving over to crochet to expand their skills too, which is fantastic.

People often see crochet as a bit 1970s – we often see photos of strange crochet paraphernalia on social media (such as crocheted shorts/bikinis etc.). Do you think crochet is now being taken more seriously now that “handmade” is back in fashion?

Thanks to Beyonce, the crochet bikini has taken on a whole new meaning and I was recently chatting to a younger crocheter who wanted to crochet a bikini. The DMC cotton range would be perfect as the colours don’t run – so watch this space!!! Many of the top fashion houses have vintage-style crochet in their Spring/Summer collections and it’s great to see designers being creative with crochet. You can also mix and match crochet with leather or fabric as well as beads and tassels to make your projects more up to date and personal.

Do you have a favourite bit of crochet paraphernalia?

My favourite crochet items are my mum’s crochet hooks, which are very precious to me. When I use the crochet hooks I feel a special connection, and they’re still as good today as they were all those years ago. Although I must admit that I also love our DMC bamboo hooks which are lovely and smooth and light. They look fun and appeal to a young audience who like natural fibres and they’re great if you suffer with arthritis as they are warmer to use than traditional metal ones.

Do you have a top tip for Crafting in general, not necessarily just for crochet?

I do a huge number of crafts, and so my tip is to try and finish a project before you start a new one. It’s really easy to start too many. I have one project on the go that I keep dipping in and out of, but I’m determined to get it finished before I start another big project. That said, I keep playing around with Natura Medium making Spring flowers and Easter bunnies.

What in this industry inspires you?

On a personal level, my inspiration is to get as many people as possible crocheting, whether it’s working with designers and tutors, or by using magazines and videos. I think it’s really important for crochet to be as accessible as possible.

On a work level, my inspiration is the colour range of DMC yarns. DMC is all about colour and we’re known for our fantastic colour range. It’s great that we can offer such an amazing range to inspire people, it’s like going into a sweet shop and being spoilt for choice.

What would 16-year-old Cara make of you now?

I was very creative as a child and have been crocheting since I was 8 years old when I was taught by a neighbour and I still haven’t stopped learning. I always hand-crafted gifts at Christmas, so I think 16-year-old Cara wouldn’t be surprised at the older Cara today, and I think she would have been very proud of my achievements.

On the scale of a couple of balls of yarn to a Westminster Abbey sized heap, how big is your stash? What does your stash look like, how is it organised?

My husband would say the size of Westminster Abbey, and I would say no it’s not –but I have to admit that it’s quite big and I love to add to it at any opportunity. However, my stash is not just yarn, as I enjoy lots of other crafts as well, so I have boxes of threads and buttons all over the place. My yarn stash itself is quite manageable but it does need sorting out, and it’s on my to-do list for 2016.

How many WIP’S do you have?

I try not to have too many WIPS at any one time, and try to finish each project before I start another one. Crochet is my passion so most of my WIPs are crochet and initially I would have said that I only had two, but I’ve found a few more tucked away in bags, which makes a total of five!

Thank you so much for your time and for giving us and future crafters such a great choice of yarns. You are now an honorary member of The Crochet Circle and it has been an absolute pleasure to welcome you in.

DMC manufactures richly-coloured yarns, threads and fabrics and essential accessories for your craft projects.

To see the full range visit www.dmccreative.co.uk

To win 200g of DMC Natura Medium you can enter our competition here on Ravelry (open until 30th. June 2016):

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3424604/1-25#10

We hope you enjoyed the interview and thanks for listening to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Don't forget to tune in on the first Friday of every month for our regular episodes.

Friday May 06, 2016

Episode 3 - Socks Away!

Friday May 06, 2016

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the Show Notes from Episode Three.

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

The books and yarns in this episode were all purchased by ourselves.

Arne & Carlos yarn competition prize - supplied by Provenance Craft Co.

DMC Natura Medium competition prize - supplied by DMC Creative

In this episode, we talk a lot about socks as well as Wonderwool and Edinburgh Yarn Festival, stylish crochet designers, crochet tension, Crochet Yeah! WIP Wall update, Finished Objects and The Woollen Woods.

1. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet (at 1.25 mins)

It's a yay from Fay on her Shoreline blanket:

In Episode 1, I spoke about a blanket that I hadn’t touched for a year. I can now safely say that it has moved on somewhat and has made me think about the shorelines beyond the small island that is the UK. I've thought about our listeners that are further afield and love the idea that through something as simple as a hook and a length of yarn, with a bit of technology, we can share our passions for crochet, knitting and yarn. Every time I pick up the blanket to do a bit more I think about our lovely listeners.

The Shoreline Blanket uses a very subtle 4dc, 1htr, 2tr, 1htr stitch pattern for the ripple.

It's a Nay from Lynne on paper yarn.

I used paper yarn recently for a knitting and crochet commission and I was really looking forward to trying it out.

I have to admit it wasn't one of my favourite yarns, mainly because it wasn't as flexible as I thought it would be. You have to give it a tug when working a stitch and often it popped off the end of the hook. My projects turned out fine but I would only recommend using it for homewares and accessories that will be used indoors, mainly mats, coasters and baskets or bags because if it gets wet it will also get soggy. Quite a few yarn companies are now manufacturing paper yarn so we may see more projects and patterns becoming available.

2. Festivals (at 4.55 mins)

Fay visited Edinburgh Yarn Festival in March and had a great time. If you're into your designers, workshops, patterns and like to meet up with fellow enthusiasts then it's a great show for you.

Lynne and Fay visited Wonderwool Wales - we both love this show, which is open and airy with good light and it's great to get around and there's a lot of space. We found some great bargains that we can't wait to turn into something lovely.

Lynne's Wonderwool haul:

Fay's Wonderwool Haul:

We're also exhibiting at Yarndale later this year, which is really exciting. We will be sharing a stall so come and say Hi. For information on Yarndale 2016 see: http://yarndale.co.uk/

3. Helpful Hints

We've had a few questions via our Ravelry group (search for The Crochet Circle Podcast) on stylish crochet and also getting your tension right. We've researched both topics and here are our thoughts and tips:

Crochet Tension (at 13.25 mins)

Lynne has provided a detailed article over on her blog.

http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/crochet-tension.html

Stylish Crochet Designers (at 18.35 mins):

Marie Wallin:

Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/marie-wallin

Website: http://www.mariewallin.com/

Joanne Scrace

Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/joanne-scrace

Website: http://notsogranny.com/

Kat Goldin:

Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/people/katgold

Website: http://www.slugsontherefrigerator.com/

Vicky Brown

Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/lilley-stitches

Website: http://www.vickibrowndesigns.com/

Contemporary Crochet - 37 European Designs - Sys Fredens

For book details see here

Designer Crochet - Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby. Create figure-flattering garments with great shape, with easy-to-follow tutorials.

For book details see here

4. Book Review (at 27.50 mins)

Crochet Yeah!

Crochet Yeah is a collaboration between Joanne Scrace, Kat Goldin and Rachel Coopey (Coop Knits). Joanne and Kat have designed 6 projects for the book, all using Coop Knits 'Socks Yeah!' Yarn. Projects include 2 hats, pair of mittens, scarf, cowl and socks.

Fay's full review is here:

https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/blogs/news/162848583-book-review-crochet-yeah-by-the-crochet-project

5. Yarn Reviews (at 33.50 mins)

Socks Yeah!

In Shade Iolite (75% Superwash Merino/25% Nylon; 212m/50g)

RRP £5.45

Machine washable at 30 degrees

Recommended needle size 2.25mm

Read Fay's full review here:

https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/blogs/news/162718215-yarn-review-socks-yeah-from-coop-knits

Regia Design Line by Arne and Carlos

4 ply engineered sock yarn (75% virgin wool and 25% polyamide; 50g/210m)

RRP £5.19

Recommended needle size is 2-3mm

Read Fay's full review here:

https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/blogs/news/162372423-yarn-review-regia-design-line-by-arne-and-carlos

6. Magazine Reviews (at 40.00 mins)

Inside Crochet issue 76: The Theme for Issue 76 is Spring Time, so there are lots of lovely flowery projects, cute children’s accessories and cosy crochet for cooler evenings or country walks.

Lynne's choice: Celandine Wrap by Emma Wright – inspired by the flower of the same name. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/celandine-wrap

Fay's Choice: Pop! Socks designed by Katherine Mills. Stretchy socks, comfortable to wear and fun to show off. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pop-socks

Let’s Get Crafting issue 80: Includes a feature on Gregory Patrick (Madman knitting) and how knitting helped him to get out of homelessness. www.madmanknitting.wordpress.com

Lynne's choice: Fairisle Purses designed by Lynne. I know I'm breaking my own rule of not talking about my own projects but I had such fun designing and making these and love the way they turned out. I've enjoyed seeing the reader's own versions too. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fair-isle-purses

Fay's choice: Lavender Sachets designed by Nicola Valiji - but would try a crocheted version. Lavender is great from deterring moths from your stash. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scented-sachets

Simply Crochet – issue 44: An Oriental theme with free amigurumi sea creature pattern cards.

Lynne's Choice: Kat Goldin’s column – an interesting read, all about her sock obsession for cosy crochet socks and passing on tools and heirlooms.

Fay's choice: Blossom Cushion - simple cushion base with pretty Oriental flowers and embroidery (image not available yet)

Woman’s Weekly Knitting and Crochet, May 2016: Bright/Spring theme.

Lynne's choice: Crocheted Daisy Dog Toy and Blanket – a vintage pattern from the1970s, reworked in Yarn Stories Fine Merino and Baby Alpaca DK – in Cream and Dove. (Image not available yet).

Fay's choice: Crocheted Bowls. (Image not available yet).

Crochet Now issue 2 will be reviewed in our next Episode as it isn't on the shelves yet.

7. Finished Objects (at 41.00 mins)

Fay's FOs:

EYF Scarf - Endless Possibilities - the pattern will be released shortly. www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/endless-possibilities

Knit British - Nature's Shades along - Nougat Neck - design to be released shortly. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/nougat-neck

4 (yes 4!!) crochet shawlettes (shh it's a secret - to be released soon)

Crochet Socks for The Duke www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/crocheted-baby-socks

Knitted Socks for Winkie www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/basic-socks-2

Lynne's FOs

Simple Granny Square Blanket using Stash yarns (DMC Natura Just Cotton): own design (not published yet)

Baktus Scarf using Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend Shade 7438 Zenith (2 skeins): http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baktus-scarf

Simple Stocking Stitch cowl using Rowan Fine Tweed (discontinued): own design (not published yet)

8. Works in Progress and WIP Wall (at 41.00 mins)

See who's at the top of the WIP Wall this month over on Pinterest:

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040403148820/

Fay's WIPs

Missed Kingfisher shawl by Joanne Scrace:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/missed-kingfisher

Scarf for Baby Bird using a knitting sequence from Cecilia Campochiaro’s book

Sequence Knitting: http://www.sequenceknitting.com/

The purple blanket that you can see was frogged during the recording of Episode 3!

Tardis cross stitch cushion (available to buy on Etsy):

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/203231184/tardis-de-lys-instant-pdf-pattern?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=tardis%20fleur%20de%20lys&ref=sr_gallery_1

John Arbon socks (update - these are now finished and another pair started)

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/basic-socks

Winkie's postal scarf is just simple rows of colour.

Shoreline Blanket (picture at beginning of show notes) is Fay's own design using a very subtle 4dc, 1htr, 2tr, 1htr stitch pattern for the ripple.

Lynne's WIPs

Spice of Life CAL (Sandra Paul): http://www.cherryheart.co.uk/p/spice-of-life-blanket.html

Agrarian Artisan Scarf CAL: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/august-crochet-scarf-mcal

Fairisle Blanket (Lynne Rowe): http://www.womansweekly.com/knitting/knit-a-long-knit-a-knitted-blanket-15631/

Odeletta Shawl (Anna Nikipirowicz) (update - I've now bought beads so ready to finish the last few rows): http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LynneRowe/the-odeletta-shawl---crochet-gifts-5

Accordion Mittens (Lynne Rowe): own pattern not yet published

9. Other links

Woollen Woods at Arlington Court, North Devon. 27th. August - 30th. October 2016 (at 59.30 mins)

Organised by Natalie Savage, Visitor Services Manager

For more information see:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum/features/woollen-woods-in-autumn

The Crochet Circle will collect any mammals and fungi that you would like to make and send them all together. You can find out more along with some free pattern links here in our Ravelry Group:

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/topics/3425147

John Arbon Mill Membership (at 10.50 mins)

https://www.jarbon.com/mill-membership/mill-membership#.VysCaY-cHIW

Woolfest and the wool clip

http://www.woolfest.co.uk/whos-involved/woolclip.htm

10. Competition Winners

Thanks to everyone who entered our Ravelry competitions and Congratulations to the winners:

Erika Knight Studio Linen - theemmashan

Lynne Rowe's Once Upon a Time in Crochet - jojotwinkletoes

Erika Knight's Simple Colour Knitting - Dianneb

11. New Competitions (at 63.30 mins)

We have 2 new competitions open on our Ravelry Forum:

Arne & Carlos Summer Nights Yarn 2 x 50g

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3424381/1-25

200g DMC Natura Medium 100% Cotton

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3424604/1-25

Good Luck and thank you for listening to our chatter. Don't forget, every Episode is published on the first Friday of every month.

Happy Crocheting.

Lynne and Fay x

Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast

Instagram: provenance.craft.co

Instagram: FayDHDesigns

YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast

Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

Sunday May 01, 2016

Yarn Shop Day Interview with Sara from Black Sheep Wools

Sunday May 01, 2016

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

Featuring a bonus interview with Sara from Black Sheep Wools on Yarn Shop Day, 30th April 2016.

Yarn Shop Day was founded in 2014 by Sarah Neal, Editor of Let's Knit Magazine. Sarah wanted to do something to help bricks and mortar yarn shops because many are struggling to keep their businesses going, due to many reasons including rising rent on the high street and competition from online stores. Sarah had seen how an annual event called Record Store Day had helped the fortunes of independent record shops and thought "Why can't we do this for our own industry." And so Yarn Shop Day was born.

There was a sock knitting drop in with Christine Perry, aka Winwick Mum, crochet inspiration with Stylecraft crochet designer Sue Pinner, weaving with Beryl Weir and a crochet drop in with bagalong extraordinaire Katherine from Crafternoon Treats.

Christine Perry (aka) Winwick Mum

www.winwickmum.blogspot.co.uk

We enjoyed chatting to Christine about knitted socks and she explained the sock knitting is not as hard as you might think. Lots of customers were wearing socks they'd knitted from Christine's book called Super Socks. Christine was wearing a lovely knitted shawlette made from sock yarn which is her own design called Couthie Shawl, and available as a free download from her blog.

Crafternoon Treats

www.crafternoontreats.com

We had a great chat about crocheted socks and recording technology with Kathryn from Crafternoon Treats. Kathryn is a blogger, vlogger and crocheter. Kathryn vlogs about all things crochet and is known for her Bag-a-long project. We're looking forward to meeting Kathryn again at Yarndale in September.

Beryl Weir (also known as Crafts from the Dungeon)

www.craftsfromthedungeon.com

Bee gave weaving demos and it was great fun to join in and learn a new skill. She had some amazing samples on display and it was interesting to learn that you can use the same yarns for weaving as you use for crochet and knitting. Here's Fay's woven fabric.

Susan Pinner

shropshirescrappersuz.blogspot.co.uk

We had a brief chat with Susan about yarn and blankets. Susan has authored two amazing books based on the popular Granny Square motifs and she's also the crochet designer for Stylecraft.

At the end of the day, we interviewed Sara to learn more about what Yarn Shop Day means to the retailer.

Sara's gorgeous hank of Blue Heron Yarn

Fay enjoyed knitting with Arne and Carlos again.

We hope you enjoyed the interview and thanks for listening to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Don't forget to tune in on the first Friday of every month for our regular episodes.

Friday Apr 01, 2016

Episode 2 - Meeting Erika Knight, Our Icon

Friday Apr 01, 2016

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

Featuring a full-length interview with Erika Knight, chatting about her new Studio Linen yarn and Studio Linen Collection, her partnership with John Lewis, the importance of Yarn Shop Day, British manufacturing and why she wants to teach Bear Grylls to crochet.

Please note that this interview was recorded at a trade show so there is quite a bit of background noise and you may need to adjust your volume a little. We have tried to filter out as much of the background noise as possible, but is was a very busy trade show...

1. Studio linen

http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/studio-linen/

2. Studio Linen Collection

Studio-Linen-Collection-web-image_small.

http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/studio-linen-collection/

3. John Lewis Partnership - Erika Knight for John Lewis

http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/erika-knight-for-john-lewis/

4. More information on Linen and Flax

http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-linen-and-vs-flax/

and

http://www.myinterestingfacts.com/linen-facts/

5. New Manchester cotton mill

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/cotton-industry-revived-in-manchester/7002776.fullarticle

6. Yarn Shop Day

http://www.letsknit.co.uk/yarnshopday

7. YAK Brighton

http://yarnandknitting.com/

8. Black Sheep Wools

www.blacksheepwools.com

9. Skein Cocaine

www.skeincocaine.com

Thanks for listening to our podcast and don't forget to tune in on the first Friday of each month for a new episode.

Happy Crocheting

Lynne and Fay x

Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast

Instagram: provenance.craft.co

Instagram: FayDHDesigns

YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast

Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

Friday Apr 01, 2016

Episode 1 - Knowing Me, Knowing You

Friday Apr 01, 2016

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet

If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:

Here are the show notes for our first ever The Crochet Circle podcast. In this episode, we introduce ourselves, our WIPs and our up-coming interview with Erika Knight. We round up this month’s crochet magazines and talk about Yarn Shop Day. It’s quite a long one – but hope you found it well worth a listen.

1. Meeting Fay and Lynne and putting faces to our names

2. Fay’s garoffice and home of The Crochet Circle Podcast

3. Lynne Rowe links

Lynne blogs about her knitting and crochet adventures here:

http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk

and Lynne also has a business website here:

http://lynnerowe.weebly.com

4. Fay Dashper-Hughes links

www.madashper.com for all things craft, blog and food

www.knitit-hookit-craftit.co.uk Fay's new start up company

5. First Competition Once Upon a Time in Crochet

This competition is being hosted on our Ravelry Group and is open until midnight on the 30th April. For full details on how to enter, click the link below.

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3403498/1-25#2

6. Local Knit Groups

Find a crochet or knitting group local to you:

http://www.ukhandknitting.com/why-belong-to-a-group

7. The Crochet Circle WIP Wall (at 18.50 minutes)

Here's a photo of the WIP Wall and current status.

Lynne - 20 WIPs

Fay - 8 WIPs

8. Our WIPs

Lynne's Blanket in Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran:

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040402647882/

Link to the yarn

http://debbieblissonline.com/yarns/donegal-luxury-tweed-aran/

Fay' Blanket:

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040402647891/

9. Lynne’s Use it or Lose it Campaign

http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/use-it-or-lose-it-1-rules.html

10. Erika Knight Studio Linen (at 38.30 minutes)

http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/studio-linen/

11. Pattern for Samples

Crochet sample square pattern coming shortly

Knitted sample square

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cables-and-lace-test-square

12. Magazine Round-up (at 45.00 minutes)

Inside Crochet:

Pom Pom Shawl (Designer Vicki Brown)

http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/patterns/pom-pom-shawl/

Contemporary Cushion (Designer Susie Johns)

http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/patterns/contemporary-cushion/

Inside Crochet Digital Download issue 75

http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/magazine/issue/75/

Intarsia Crochet:

Fay's first attempt at crochet intarsia

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040402647827/

To help with intarsia crochet worked in rows, here are a few helpful tips:

If using a chart and working in rows, always work from the bottom right corner. Read first (and odd-numbered rows) from right to left. This is the right side of your work. Read second (and even-numbered rows) from left to right. This is the wrong side of your work.

Use short lengths of yarn at a time, rather than yarn from the ball, because if you have 4 or 5 different colours on the go at the same time, these will very easily become tangled up. Use approximately 2-3m lengths for smaller areas or 4-5m for larger areas. The great thing with crochet is that you can join a new length of yarn easily at any time. The shorter lengths are easier to work with and can be wound onto a yarn bobbin if preferred.

When the chart changes colour, you will change yarn. However, you will always change colour during the last yrh of preceding stitch. In other words, if the chart shows 8 sts in Colour 1 followed by 10 sts in Colour 2 and then 8 sts in Colour 1, this mean that you will change to Colour 2 during the 8th st of Colour 1, then change to Colour 1 during the 10th stitch of Colour 2.

Make sure you keep your yarn ALWAYS on the wrong side of your work. This is fine when working with the right side facing as your yarn is naturally at the back of your work and therefore against the wrong side. However, when you turn to work the next row, the wrong side is facing you, so you need to keep the yarns against the wrong side (which is the side facing you) when changing colour.

Simply Crochet:

Caravan (Designer Kate Bruning)

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-caravan

Lamb boot toppers (Designer HannahCross)

No info available at present

Simply Crochet Digital Editions:

http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/digitaleditions/

Let’s Get Crafting:

Slip stitch chicken (Designer Fiona Goble)

http://www.letsknit.co.uk/free-knitting-patterns/chicken-doorstop

Subscribe to Let's Get Crafting

http://www.letsgetcrafting.com/#latest