Hook, Yarn & Wonder
This is how we solve decision fatigue...
Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
In this issue, there’s… the creative endeavors of Jennifer Edwards, blue denim delights, a delightful twist on a garment, easy comfort, and…
Plus, beyond the velvet rope (unlocked for you this week) you’ll find…
Discover nostalgia through clever dolls, journey to the 80s with a Greek myth twist, and explore the cutest collaboration.
Next, it was a blanket and now it’s a scarf!
A cute cuddle buddy for the little one, pay homage to your cat with an adorable design, and become one with the forest, and a gratifying project in no time.
Get a clear tutorial on how to create three beautiful stitches, explore illustrations made with crochet, and enjoy a winter wonderland.
You’re missing out if you haven’t tried this stitch yet! And unlock the magic of crocheted cables and discover a verdant garden of yarn.
A swish yarn in beautiful colors, save yourself hours (and the pain of weaving in the ends), and also, learn to make a pocket scarf. Delight in fascinating sculptures, a house of joy, and a foolproof alternative to the Magic Ring.
Crocheter’s Corner
Question From A Reader
“How do they make tweed yarn?”
I adore tweed yarns! They add such interesting texture to an otherwise plain knitting design. I did some research, so here’s an excerpt from my updated post on tweed yarn about the making process:
Wool is dyed in various colors according to the desired tweed pattern.
Dyed wool is mixed to specific recipes to achieve the characteristic tweed color blends. The blended wool is carded again to ensure even distribution of colors.
Small, textured elements called 'neps' or 'nups' are added to the wool blend for additional texture and visual interest.
The prepared wool is spun into yarn using traditional spinning methods or modern machinery. The spun yarn is plied (multiple strands twisted together) for strength and consistency.
The plied yarn may undergo additional treatments, such as steaming or brushing, to enhance its texture.
Quality control inspections are performed to ensure the yarn meets specifications.
The finished tweed yarn is wound into skeins and sent to yarn stores!
Useful Tip — You Don’t HAVE To Crochet Anything
It's okay to stay in your comfort zone. Ignore judgmental people! The most popular crochet projects may not suit everyone. Crochet what you love, not what's popular on social media.
If your dreams of a complex project just aren’t working out, or you’re getting frustrated… Put the work down, and take a break! Come back to it later.
You could try working on a simpler project, start something new, or just switch to something else you enjoy. It’s a hobby, after all! Expanding your skillset is great, having time to relax and enjoy the process is too.
Crochet Joke — My doctor suggested I go on a high fibre diet, so I went to the yarn store!
Worth A Read — The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook
“This is an encyclopedia specifically for yarn lovers! In this treasure trove of knowledge, the two authors, both sheep experts, spinners, and knitters, they discuss over 200 kinds of animal fiber, fleece, and yarn.
Learn how the fleece becomes yarn, and so much more.”
— Sourced from my recommended books for your fiber arts library.
Publication Schedule
Thu — What To Crochet Next
Fri — My yarny adventures
Here’s What I’ve Loved In Crochet Recently…
Jaymie has created a beautiful colorwork granny square hood design. I love what she wrote about why she crochets:
“I adore crocheting for many reasons, it allows my creativity to flow & it helps my mental health, sharing this design gives me the pleasure of gifting you the knowledge to create something for yourself.”
This bag by Emma Simpson is gorgeous! So cheery and colorful.
alexa kari runs a digital and print magazine called material Material Grrrlz ‘full of fiber arts fun.’ Have a look at one of their issues.
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
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Crochet Designs You Can't Miss…
The Many Creative Endeavors Of Jennifer Edwards.
Jennifer Edwards has many lovely garments like the delightful Forever Fantail Poncho! Isn’t the open weave sweet?
To make the sample, Jennifer used four balls of Zooey Twist from Juniper Moon Farm (60% Cotton, 40% Linen, DK Weight.) Since it’s been discontinued, I’d suggest CotLin (70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen.)
And if you love to draw Jennifer has a book with lessons for seeing your life through the lens of a sketchbook.
Currently, she's been working on a Sedge Garden blanket using the Sedge stitch with her beautiful hand spun yarn. Jennifer shared her thoughts on making with me, and it really resonated.
“I want to promote the idea that making things is of such benefit to us, helping us to see the beauty in life, granting us a sense of calm and also accomplishment, infusing our lives with color and hope. Drawing, Painting and Yarn in particular, (especially hand spun yarn), is like a golden thread leading us home. We simply must hold onto it.”
A Denim Blue Delight: No Two Will Ever Be The Same!
Lisa Doherty has some fascinating freeform crochet projects. This tote bag in denim blue is stunning!
As she says about her design:
“This freeform•ish guide doesn’t include instructions for the basic crochet stitches: If you’re already familiar with crocheting you’re good to go.
If not, take the time to learn the single, double, and half double crochet stitches, then keep your favorite how-to-crochet book nearby for reference as you work through the guide.”
You’ll need about 300 grams (~ 10.5 ounces) of yarn in various colors, weights, textures and fibers. A perfect way to use up your yarn scraps!
Black, White & Crocheted All Over
Crafter extraordinaire Vickie Howell popped up on my Instagram feed wearing her version of the Daley Hex Cardi by Sudeep Rao of Sarao_designs.
Hers is a stunning long cardigan with pockets in black and white.
Sudeep recommends using two shades of Red Heart Super Saver (Solids) (100% acrylic, Aran weight), but I’d imagine it’d also look fabulous in Swish DK (100% Merino Wool.)
Step Into Effortless-To-Whip-Up Comfort
These Goldie Slippers by Alisha Littlejohn look so cozy! It’s great for beginners and a quick, satisfying project.
Alysha, the designer, used two skeins of Bernats Softee Chunky yarn (100% Acrylic, super bulky) to create the sample. You could also use Alla Prima (100% Merino Wool) for a truly luxurious knit.
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Crochet Your Way Back To Childhood
I loved playing with dolls when I was younger. These keepsake dolls by Yolanda Jordan are gorgeous!
Since the design is an Amigurumi one, I’d suggest crocheting it with Animation (100% Mercerized Cotton, DK weight.)
Channeling The 80s With A Mythological Twist
Kore is a playful and simple pullover that gives me 80s vibes.
The name comes from Greek Mythology. It’s another name for the Goddess of spring and nature, Persephone. Designer Maysa Tomikawa wanted to create a garment that represents blooming.
For the main color, she used Linen Ramie Cotton from Daruma (70% Cotton, 15% Linen, 15% Ramie, fingering weight.)
For the two ruffles, Mohair Silk from La Bien Aimée (70% Mohair, 30% Silk, lace weight), and Silk Mohair from Daruma (60% Mohair, 40% Silk, lace weight.)
The Cutest Collaboration Yet!
As part of a toy series, Lion Brand have teamed up with designer Lee Sartori of Co-Co Crochet Lee to create The Yarnsters.
How adorable is this little one: Gigglesnort! I mean the name is just too cute.
Transforming Blankets Into Scarves.
It’s a blanket… and now it’s a scarf! Make something truly unique with the perfect excuse to practice crocheting in the round and the magic loop.
It’s such a fun design that’s sure to turn heads. 😊
Janie Crow crocheted the sample in Eden Cottage Milburn DK (85% Superwash British Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 15% Mulberry Silk.) You could also make it in McIntosh British Bluefaced Leicester DK.
A Perfect Cuddle Craft
How cute is this amigurumi friend? Isn’t it sweet! It’d be the perfect gift for a newborn or a little one in your life.
The designer, Marina, used four skeins of Ricorumi Cotton, and black and pink embroidery thread. You’ll need a 2.5mm crochet hook.
Meowgical Squares
These personalized kitty squares are, dare I say, purrfect, for a feline lover! 😉 Take the instructions and make it truly your own (or crochetify your cat!)
And once you’ve got the hang of it, you can turn several into a cushion.
The creator used six colors of DK weight yarn with a size US G/6 (4mm) hook. They’re a perfect way to use up your stash!
Become One With The Trees
This beautifully designed and loose-fitting sweater is suitable for all body types, ensuring your complete comfort! I love the side slits and the openwork.
Vita crocheted the sample with Cascade Yarns Heritage Solids (75% Merino Wool 25% Nylon, fingering weight yarn) and a 3.5mm crochet hook.
Pouf! A Gratifying, Functional Project.
Spend some time making a fun, useful piece of home decor. To guide you through the process, it includes step-by-step instructional videos.
What’s even better? The crocheted exterior is easily removable for washing. It’ll make maintenance much easier.
You’ll need super chunky yarn and a size US P/Q (15mm) crochet hook. The designer recommends using t-shirt yarn to get the texture in the sample.
Insider Crochet Inspiration…
Crisp, Clear, Captivating: A Guide To Tunisian Stitches
Check out these 3 gorgeous easy to do Tunisian stitches. The detail really pops! I love how clear Toni Lipsey’s tutorials are.
She repeats the instructions a few times so you can practice with her, the lighting is crisp, and full of helpful detail.
Exploring Illustrations In Yarn!
Discover the vibrant world of Tuija Heikkinen's crochet illustrations, where every stitch bursts with color and creativity. A delightful blend of textile art that'll to inspire, her work is a feast for the eyes!
A Winter Wonderland In A Crochet Hook
The Wonderland Streamline Glitter Resin hook looks so magical!
The wintery light blue with the sparkly bottom is just the thing to brighten your crocheting in the colder days. It reminds me of Glinda’s exquisite gown (the Good Witch from The Wizard Of Oz!)
You’re Missing Out If You Haven’t Tried This Stitch Yet!
Ever heard of the Uneven Berry stitch? I hadn’t, until Ashley from Heart Hook Home shared her tutorial. It's plush, squishy, and looks fun to crochet.
Perfect for when you want a cozy, textured look in your projects.
Unlock The Magic Of Cables With Ease
Dive into the cozy world of crochet cables with this helpful tutorial by Gregory Stitch It demystifies the process, making what seemed impossible, achievable!
Perfect for adding a twist of texture and warmth to your creations.
Crochet Meets Wildness: Verdant Visions
Dive into Melissa Webb's world where crochet transcends the ordinary, transforming vintage fibers into lush, botanical spectacles that evoke the essence of forests and gardens! She says:
“Through my work, I imagine a reclamation of the earth by wildness—a less human-centered future where we learn to live and thrive in symbiosis with the natural world.”
Super Stylish, And So Many Colors!
Enjoy Swish! A squishy and soft 100% Merino Superwash wool.
Such gorgeous colors to choose from! It's available in DK, Worsted, Bulky, and fingering weight in undyed bare yarn (great for dyeing your own colorways.)
Tassel Magic
Discover Toni’s easy and quick way to make pretty tassel fringes for your projects (and avoid having to weave in the ends!)
It’ll save time and adding a splash of joy and color to your creations.
Uncover The Charm Of A Pocket Scarf
A scarf with pockets makes so much sense! Follow Stephanie from All About Ami’s instructions for how to create yours.
All The Sculptures… But They’re Crocheted!
I found Dale Robert’s fascinating crochet sculptures. It’s an incredible body of work of over 333 pieces!
Joy In 5,000 Balls Of Wool
In a vibrant celebration of Māori culture, Lissy & Rudi have crocheted a traditional wharenui, or "House of Joy," using 5,000 balls of wool, creating an immersive, glowing space that connects people to their ancestors.
A Foolproof Alternative To The Magic Ring
Try out this simple alternative.
Perfect for projects worked in rounds like granny squares or circles, this tutorial provides a foolproof method for achieving a tight and secure starting point.
Hope this issue has inspired your next crochet project!
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P.S. Look at how tiny this crocheted shirt is!
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thankyou so much for the mention <3