Christmoose and embracing winter

This is a combined post, since I am very late with blogging about my A Family Christmoose pattern release and Imbolc was yesterday! Thank you to everyone who purchased A Family Christmoose pattern and kits. They were first seen at Yarndale and I released them on my website in December, just in time for Christmas. There are a few kits left in my online store if you want to get ahead for next year (and be more organised than me!).

My original Christmoose for secret Santa

I had the idea for the Christmoose in 2019 when I gave one as my wooly secret Santa gift in my knitting group. I made the three members of the family that year and they have been up for Christmas every year since then, but it took until last summer for me to get round to getting the pattern written up and tested.

Three Christmoose in a row

The Christmoose head and body are knitted seamlessly in the round using short row shaping to get the moose-shape. They have pretty little stranded colourwork sections on their body and the legs are sewn on with cute buttons so they are poseable. Finally, the antlers are knitted as one piece and sewn on, along with beads for their eyes. I think they make a very sweet family.

The littlest Christmoose

The pattern is available on Ravelry and Payhip, and kits containing all the pattern, yarn, toy stuffing, buttons and beads are available in my website store. I was struggling to put my little Christmoose family away despite the festive season being well and truly over, so I decided to keep them up until Imbolc.

As the winter chill continues to envelop the world, most have already dismantled their Christmas and Yuletide decorations shortly after the holiday season, bidding farewell to the festive ambiance that brightened their homes. However, an age-old tradition suggests an alternative approach, encouraging us to keep the festive spirit alive until Imbolc. In this blog post, I will explain why I have extended the life of my festive decorations this year, and delve into the rich history behind this practice.

Oh Christmas Tree!

I love my festive decorations!

I treat myself to a real tree every year from the local National Trust. I love having a real tree in the house, the smell of pine and having a bit more real greenery in the house. This year I was very late in decorating the tree and it only went up at Yule (22nd December) - Well that is not entirely true, the tree was up and in place for a couple of weeks before I got round to putting the decorations on it. December was busy! I filled our tree with all the handmade decorations that my knitting group makes each year for a secret Santa. Every decoration is made by a friend or has a special meaning to me. It makes my tree colourful and makes me happy. I love the soft warm white lights on the tree and the glow it gives the corner of my lounge, making my home feel cozy in the stormy weather. As I put it up so late, I really did not want to take it down by the fifth night, it seemed far too soon. So I decided to follow the medieval tradition of keeping my decorations up until Christmas.

A special bauble that belonged to my Dad

Celebrating Light in the Darkness

The winter months in Yorkshire have long nights and cold days, making the world outside seem dark and dormant. Christmas decorations, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant colours, bring a sense of warmth and joy to our homes during this gloomy season after all the festivities have finished. By keeping these decorations up until Imbolc or Candlemas, celebrated in early February, we continue to embrace the light and counteract the winter blues.

Honouring Nature's Rhythms

Imbolc, a Celtic festival marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, falls around the beginning of February. This festival is a celebration of the returning light and the first signs of spring. By keeping Christmas decorations up until Imbolc, we align our festivities with the natural rhythms of the Earth, acknowledging the gradual awakening of nature from its winter slumber. It helps me be thankful for the gradual increase in daylight and makes me more aware of the changes happening in nature. The first snowdrops appear around Imbolc and these encouraging signs of spring make me less sad when the decorations finally come down.

Maintaining a Sense of Community

Extending the period of festive decorations fosters a sense of community and shared joy. In a world that currently feels plagued by stress and challenges, the warmth and familiarity of Christmas decorations act as a reminder of the importance of togetherness, and what is really important. Which is not the dusting or the vacuuming of where the tree sits.

My Imbolc display for this year

A Unique Twist on Seasonal Decor

Rather than succumbing to the post-holiday cleanup routine, keeping decorations up until Imbolc allows for a unique and refreshing twist on seasonal decor. Instead of stashing away my favourite ornaments, I get to continue to enjoy their beauty and significance, creating a prolonged and magical ambiance at home.

So, this year, consider letting the twinkling lights and colorful ornaments linger a bit longer, and revel in the joy they continue to bring well into the heart of winter.

Crochet heels

Crochet socks, such as my new Coddiwomble pattern, need heel turns just like knitted socks do. They work better with some arch increases as crochet is less elastic than knitting, so getting away with a straightforward heel turn or afterthought heel is less attractive and can make the sock difficult to get on.

The heel is the most difficult part of the pattern and so I thought I would add a photo tutorial for those who like visual guides as well as the pattern instructions, particularly if you are fairly new to crochet.

This tutorial starts after the arch increases and the initial heel decreases have been completed, so we now have the bottom of the heel ready to go and we move onto the heel shaping. I am using Dc for double crochet stitches - translate this to Sc or single crochet stitches if you are used to American terms.

Arch increases and then heel decreases completed, the heel is ready to be turned. Stitch markers mark the ‘top’ of the heel.

Step 1 - Dc into the sides of the heel decrease rows

After the decreases are completed, the heel shaping begins with working dc stitches into the side of each row of the heel. At the end of the first side, the heel is then joined to the arch increases by a slip stitch. The same is then repeated for the other side of the heel.

Dcs now worked down first side of the heel, followed by a slip stitch into the first arch increase.

Step 2 - increasing the stitches between the markers to turn the heel

Now we begin the heel turn. This part is worked by increasing the number of stitches between the two markers and slowly turns the heel, making it 3D.

This next picture shows the heel before we work the next. We will dc in each st along the side of the heel to the orange marker, dc in the orange marked st and replacing it on the new stitch, then dc to the green marker. We will then dc in the green marked stitch, the next stitch and then slip stitch into the following stitch, placing the green marker on the slip stitch.

Dcs now worked down second side of heel.

This next photo shows the workings to the green marker and the crochet hook is positioned after the next two stitches to be worked after the marked stitch, the first with a dc, then with a slip stitich.

Dcs worked to marker, the extra dc and slip stitch to be worked are between the marker and the crochet hook.

The same is then worked on the other side, working an extra dc and slip stitch to the other side of the orange marker.

Green marker now on slip stitch, extra dc and slip stitch worked and orange marker moved by two stitchs.

The heel turn repeats are then worked back and forth, increasing the stitches between the two markers by two (a dc and a slip stitch) each turn.

Heel shaping rows being worked, with more stitches between the two markers, and the heel turn is starting to take shape.

Be careful when working out the next stitch to dc into after the marked stitch as the dc of the previous row with the slip stitch can be misleading. If in double, pull the work up a little and it should be obvious with a small hole which stitch has the slip stitch in and which is the next dc stitch to be worked.

Photo detail showing dc with slip stitch in and next dc to be worked.

Step 3 - Reducing the arch increases

When one stitch remains at both sides of the heel, we begin to decrease the arch increase stitches. On the first row of this section, we dc in the last stitch of the heel side (all stitches on this side now worked) and then slip stitch into the same arch increase stitch as previously worked in step one.

Showing one more dc to work on heel side and then same arch increase stitch for slip stitch to be worked into.

Showing after this row is worked with slip stitches into the first two arch increase stitches

The next row is worked the same, by working the last dc stitch of the side of the heel and then slip stitches into the second and third arch increases.

The heel is then worked back and forth, with dc in each stitch across the heel and slip stitches into the next two arch increases until one arch stitch remains to work.

Showing how the arch increases are decreased with each heel row.

Step 4 - Completing the heel

Once only one arch increase remains each side, the heel is worked the same. In the next two rows only one arch stitch is decreased with a slip stitch, and after the second row, all arch increases have been worked and you are now ready to start working the leg in the round again.

Heel now complete!

Et voila! The heel is now complete.

Happy crocheting!

Sarah x

Coddiwomble

My first new pattern in a year! I released Coddiwomble crochet socks at Yarndale last weekend and they went down very well. Thank you to everyone who purchased a pattern or kit.

So what does Coddiwomble mean? You may have heard of the word ‘coddiwomple’ which means ‘to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination”, it is popular on social media pictures. However I frequently also ‘womble’ - ‘wander in a casual or relaxed way’. And so Coddiwomble was born - to take a relaxed wander towards a vague destination.

These crochet socks were designed after so many people asked me for a crochet sock pattern at Yarndale the previous year. I took up the challenge! The design went through several iterations before the perfect sock was created. I wanted something that was comfortable and functional. These socks are crocheted from the toe-up in a simple repeating stitch pattern that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

The stitch pattern had to be carefully chosen so there are no ‘knots’ that might irritate under pressure. The heel turn also took several (six!) iterations to perfect. However, I am very delighted with the final results and they are very comfortable to wear. My wonderful testers and editor have ensured the pattern is easy to follow, even for adventurous beginner crocheters.

It looks lovely in both stripy and solid colours of sock yarn and are perfect for using those beautiful one skeins we all have in our stash just waiting for the right project!

Coddiwomble kits available in my store

The pattern is available to download now on Ravelry and Payhip. There are also kits available in my online store in beautiful West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply sock yarn for stripes and Opal Uni 4-ply for solid coloured socks. As always, newsletter subscribers get a discount!

Happy crocheting,

Sarah x

Foundation Double Crochet

Mastering the Foundation Single Crochet: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Crocheting is a beloved craft that allows you to create beautiful, intricate fabric using just a hook and yarn. If you're a crochet enthusiast, you're likely familiar with basic stitches like the double crochet (dc) (also known as single crochet (sc) if you are from the US). But have you ever tried the Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)? It's a versatile technique that not only serves as a foundation row for your project but also adds elasticity and flexibility. In this tutorial, I will explore the Foundation Double Crochet and walk you through how to master it.

What is Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)?

The Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) is a unique and fab technique that combines the chain and a double crochet into one stitch. This creates a stretchy, yet sturdy, foundation row for your crochet projects. FDC is ideal for starting projects like scarves, blankets, and garments, as it eliminates the need for a separate chain row and first-row double crochet. Plus, it creates a more polished, seamless look. It is especially useful if you struggle to count chain stitches to know if you have made enough, or just dread that first row of crocheting into a chain!

Materials You'll Need

Before we dive into the tutorial, gather the following materials:

1. Yarn: Choose your favourite yarn in an appropriate weight for your project.

2. Crochet Hook: Select a hook size that complements your yarn choice.

3. Scissors: For cutting the yarn when needed.

4. Tapestry Needle: Used for weaving in loose ends.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Create a Slip Knot

Start by making a slip knot, leaving a tail of about 10-15cm (4-6 inches). Insert your crochet hook into the slip knot.

Step 2: Chain 2

Chain 2 as you would for a regular chain stitch.

Step 3: Insert Hook and Yarn Over

Next, insert your hook into the first chain you made (the second chain from the hook). Wrap the yarn over (YO) and draw through a loop. There will be two stitches on your hook.

This creates the first chain stitch of the foundation row.

Hook inserted into first chain stitch made

Step 4: Complete the First Double Crochet

Yarn over (YO) again and pull up a loop through the chain. You should have two loops on your hook. This creates the first part of the double crochet stitch.

Now, yarn over (YO) one more time and pull through both loops on your hook to complete the first double crochet (dc).

You should be able to see both a chain stitch at the bottom, then two vertical parts (the V) and the top of the double crochet stitch. Familiarise yourself with this before moving onto the next step.

Step 5: Create the Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)

You've just completed one Foundation Double Crochet (FDC). To make more, follow these steps:

1. Insert your hook into the first Foundation Double Crochet Chain Stitch you made (under the two vertical loops of the stitch you just made (the "V" shape)).

2. Yarn over (YO).

3. Pull up a loop through the stitch, creating two loops on your hook to create a second foundation chain stitch.

4. Yarn over (YO) and pull a loop through again to create the first part of the double crochet stitch.

5. Yarn over (YO) and pull through both loops on your hook to complete the double crochet stitch. You will now have two complete Foundation Double Crochet stitches.

Repeat these steps until you reach the desired number of FDC stitches for your project.

Three FDC created

Step 6: Practice Makes Perfect

The Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) can be a bit tricky at first, but don't be discouraged. Like any skill, practice is key. Keep working on your FDC stitches until you feel comfortable and confident in this technique.

Advantages of Using FDC

Here are some advantages of using the Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) in your crochet projects:

1. Elasticity: FDC creates a stretchy foundation row, making it perfect for projects that need some flexibility, like hat brims or garment waistbands.

2. No Need for a Separate Chain: FDC eliminates the need for a separate chain row, simplifying the beginning of your projects, making it faster to get going and many people find it less tricky and tiresome than double crocheting into chain stitches.

3. Clean Look: It offers a polished, seamless look with neatly aligned stitches.

4. Sturdiness: The FDC row is strong and durable, ensuring your project's longevity.

Now that you've mastered the Foundation Double Crochet (FDC), you can incorporate it into your crochet projects to enhance their appearance and functionality. I use this technique frequently now and have been incorporating it into my patterns, such as my Coddiwomble socks. So, grab your yarn and hook, and start experimenting with this versatile technique today. You can also check out my Instagram reel for a video version.

Happy crocheting!

Spring has sprung and design ideas are blooming

Spring is a season that brings a renewed sense of energy and inspiration to many of us. As the world awakens from its winter slumber, the arrival of spring is a time of rebirth and growth, with longer and warmer days that invite us to go outside, breathe in fresh air and take on new projects. This season offers a plethora of creative opportunities that can help boost our creativity and help us shake off the winter blues.

Early spring sunset after work - it is still light!

While the new year is often associated with setting resolutions and goals, the arrival of spring offers a more natural and organic opportunity to tap into our creativity. This new year I was in an intensive period at work with both my general practice being busy with lots of infections floating around, and several grant applications taking my attention and time in my academic work. I found it difficult to see beyond the deadlines, and plan anything creative. Relaxing involved working on existing projects where I can follow instructions without thinking too much as my brain was just too tired at the end of the day. That means I have made great progress on my Nature’s Walk crochet blanket by Sandra Paul. It has the added advantage of keeping my knees warm on the cold evenings!

Nature’s Walk blanket progress, keeping my knees warm

With the arrival of spring, I have found the extra daylight has given me more energy and I have more mental space to plan and design. The creative juices have definitely been flowing and I have more ideas than I will have time to complete this year!

I love planning and organising and have used all sorts of systems to keep track of my life. I still use pen and journals, writing things out by had works well for me, but I do like to be able to plan and see everything in one place, and that is easy to update without rewriting all the time.

Previously I tried to set out a spreadsheet of designs and their variable stage of progress, with months assigned to achieve each task. This is my spreadsheet from 2020 when I had so many ideas and plans! Some of these did become designs (Stellara, Striate Cowl, Orinthia, Rosie the Angora Goat, Shoulder to Shoulder MKAL) - but not all in 2020. Whilst it would be easy to blame the pandemic (and it definitely took a lot of my designing time away), I think the deadlines, on top of a busy job that often has very demanding deadlines, means that my ideas and plans feel a little overwhelming. I did not even try to recreate the spreadsheet in 2021 or 2022, so it obviously does not work for me.

My 2020 spreadsheet - it was complicated and unrealistic!

Over the past year I have been using an App called Obsidian for making notes, keeping track of tasks and projects for all my work commitments and everything at home too. It was a steep learning curve but I am enjoying the note taking and having a place to record everything. Recently an extension was released to create Kanban boards. These are often used for tracking progress of multiple projects that are at different stages, so I have set one up for my design ideas and works in progress. It makes it so much easier to see what stage everything is at a glance and prioritise what I am working on next. I can move the design ‘card’ along to the next stage as I complete a task. As you can see, I have many that are in the ‘draft design’ stage! You may also recognise some of these as being on the 2020 planned designs… Fluffy slippers I am looking at you!

My Obsidian design kanban

Each potential design has its own note page that I have set up with a template (that I keep playing with to add more sections). I can add tasks, write notes, keep track of what size needle or hook I am using…. and anything else that comes to me as I am working on the design or when something pops into my brain. The great thing about Obsidian is that all the data is my own (it is stored in Markdown files on my computer) and is accessible across all my devices. No excuses to forget anything or miss a deadline!

I am looking forward to making some progress and having some designs to release later this year. I hope you have enjoyed this post on my design planning and how I organise it. This year the arrival of spring really feels like a more natural and organic opportunity to tap into my creativity. With longer and warmer days, new growth, and a sense of renewal, this season offers a plethora of creative opportunities that can help boost our creativity and help us shake off the winter blues. So, take advantage of the season, and let the beauty and energy of spring inspire you to tap into your creativity and bring your ideas to life.

Happy knitting,

Sarah x

Wily Windy Moors

“Out on the wily windy moors…” I" am very happy to release my latest knitting pattern, Wily Windy Moors into the wild. As you can see, I had great fun channeling my inner Kate Bush at the photoshoot getting these pictures!

This pattern is inspired by the wonderful Kate Bush song of Wuthering Heights and the most beautiful yarn that reminded me of the colours of my local moors after a storm, with golden yellow hues of drying grasses as the sun breaks through the dark and heavy clouds after a storm.

I first saw the yarn at The Wool Monty yarn festival in June whilst visiting Ishrat on her Fruitful Fusion’s stall. I was trying to be good and not add to my stash. Despite my initial willpower, I spent Saturday night dreaming about the colour and decided that I just had to buy it on the Sunday and turn it into something ‘Wuthering Heights’! The colour is Sea Bed, and the yarn is Fruitful Fusion 4-ply (75% superwash merino, 25% nylon, 425 m (466 yds) in 100g). The variegated yarn works so well with this simple pattern to show off the textures. Ishrat currently has this beautiful colourway dyed up in her store so grab some quick!

Wily Windy Moors is a cute tee with decorative patterning.

It is knitted from the bottom-up and features a simple cabled pattern decorating the front and a feature matching cable on the back. The cable pattern is simple to work and the top suitable for adventurous beginners.

I released the pattern as a print pattern at Yarndale in September a few weeks ago and it received a lot of love at the show. Thank you to everyone who has purchased it there - and sorry it has taken me so long to release in digital format.

There is a special 10% introductory offer for the next week with the code ‘Heathcliff’ on both Payhip and Ravelry. Newsletter subscribers watch out for your exclusive offer!

Happy knitting,

Sarah x

Alvara

It is always exciting to release a new pattern into the wild and I am especially excited for this one, Alvara, my new crochet shawl. It is big and chunky and oh, so cozy!

Alvara

Alvara means ‘elven warrior’ and the inspiration for the design was something big to wrap myself up in when heading out in all sorts of inclement weather. It makes me feel I can take on anything the world has to throw at me (and it frequently does in every season here in Yorkshire!).

Alvara’s kite shape

Alvara is kite-shaped and is crocheted from tip-to-tip, starting at the point and working up, getting wider and wider. I like this shape for a shawl, it can be wrapped around as a big woolly wrap or folded to provide a narrower scarf.

Alternating lace and plain crochet

The pattern features bands of plain treble crochet alternating with a simple lace pattern. The pattern is suitable for adventurous beginners with only chains, treble and double crochet stitches. I have then finished it with a shell border to create lovely neat edges.

Alvara kits

I have used King Cole Riot Chunky in colourway Moors for my Alvara. The colours reflect my local Pennine moorland in summer when the heather is in bloom. It is a lovely soft yarn and machine washable, and the gradual colour changes show off really well in this design. I have created some kits for my shop in a few different colours, including the rainbow colour Cool and the autumnal pinks and oranges of Turkish Delight. The Moor kits sold out at The Wool Monty but I am hoping to have some back in stock soon. Each kit contains 4 balls of King Cole Riot Chunky and the pattern in a reusable organza bag.

Happy crafting,

Sarah x

Coraleena (and a belated Yarndale thank you)

Coraleena, a crochet crescent-shaped shawl with pendants, is my latest pattern that has just been released!

Coraleena is a narrow crescent-shaped shawl that is easy to wear and acts as a talisman against cool sea breezes. The shawl is crocheted sideways and can be adapted to use any length of yarn. Dainty crochet coral pendant jewels adorn the crescent edge. Coraleena looks particularly beautiful in yarn that has ‘pops’ of colour changes.

Coraleena refers to the beliefs of the ancients that a coral talisman worn around the neck would protect the wearer. Protect our beautiful coral reefs and their abundant ecosystems by wearing a crochet talisman instead of the real thing.

This pattern was inspired by the gorgeous yarn - Fruitful Fusion’s superwash merino in Sand Dunes. The gorgeous semi-solid coral with splashes of bright colours just demanded to be shown off in a design with impact.

The pendants are crocheted at the same time as the shawl, and it uses one full skein of yarn. The pattern contains instructions to adapt it to any length of yarn, making sure no yarn is wasted!

Coraleena has 10% off until the end of 31st October 2021 with the code CoraleenaFall21 on Payhip and Ravelry. Newsletter subscribers, as always, your discount code will be with you shortly.

Coraleena had a lot of love at Yarndale, thank you to everyone who has already purchased the print pattern. How is it already a month since we were at Yarndale enjoying lovely sunshine and lots of gorgeous wool! I very much enjoyed being able to say hello in person and chat with everyone again. I think the organisers did a fantastic job during these difficult to predict times. I am looking forward to doing more shows in person next year.

Happy crocheting,

Sarah x

WOVEN festival 2021

Last weekend was the culmination of a month long WOVEN festival celebrating textiles in Kirklees. The Big Rainbow Knit Weekend took place in St George’s Square in Huddersfield, under the watchful eye of Harold Wilson statue and the colourful rainbow knit yarn bombed pillars of Huddersfield Station.

My Aldersign stand at the WOVEN festival

With the pandemic and restrictions ongoing, I was not sure what to expect, however, it turned out to be a very lovely event, full of joy, colour and music! There were yarn stalls and displays, yarn bombing everywhere - no seat or pillar was immune - and some amazing large-scale craft demonstrations. I particularly loved Darn it! workshops giant rainbow macramé.

A wandering band kept us chilled out with some jazzy music.

Wandering band with fantastic crochet clothing

Stitch and Knit kept us entertained along with many children keeping fit and playing games in the square - they had so much energy, even at the end of the weekend!.

Stitch and Knit showing us how to keep fit

I got to see and chat to many friends who I have not seen for nearly eighteen months now and meet new customers, and some very surprised people who had just been vaccinated against Covid in the ‘grab-a-jab’ tent at the front of the square and had come out into a lively festival.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and a huge thanks to the organisers of WOVEN and Gill (Wild About Wool) for organising the event. You can read more about this fantastic community and heritage inspired textile event on the WOVEN website.

Happy crafting,

Sarah x

Orinthia mittens

New pattern day! My first one for 9 months so I am very excited about Orinthia being released into the wild. Orinthia is a free pattern published in Knitty - First Fall 2021.

Orinthia mittens

Orinthia means "to excite and stir the mind", which is how I feel about fall (or autumn in the UK) arriving: beautiful leaf colors and stunning knitwear to wear. The mittens were created to bring a little excitement and magic to my fall knitting. They are a fun project to learn new techniques and think about construction and fit in a completely different way.

Orinthia thumb shaping and slip stitch pattern

The mittens are worked flat and sideways, with an entrelac panel and slip-stitch pattern that shows off coordinating mini-skein colors. They are surprisingly simple to make, with only one color yarn used at a time.

Shaping of the thumb is created with short rows within the slip-stitch pattern and the mittens are finished with ribbed cuffs knitted in the round.

Orinthia entrelac panel

Orinthia uses one skein of yarn that contains 4 coordinating mini-skeins to create the pattern. It's also a great way to use up leftover yarns. I recommend using a set of four sock yarn mini skeins in solid or semi-solid highly contrasting colours. Choose a high-twist, plied, fingering-weight yarn for durability.

Orinthia slip stitch palms

I used one skein of Blue Ridge Yarns Footlights [100% merino wool; 400 yd/366 m per 3.53 oz/100 g skein] in colourway Pansies that I picked up on holiday a few years ago. I love the warm and rich autumnal tones.

They are also a great project to try entrelac knitting as the panel is small and quickly knit. The pattern contains full instructions on how to knit entrelac and it is a great way to practice before taking on a larger project, such as Stellara, my entrelac yoke sweater pattern. You could even coordinate your mittens with your sweater!

There are lots of great patterns in this issue of Knitty, enjoy!

Happy knitting,

Sarah x