Peter Rabbit Knitting Pattern - A Christmas Make

This Christmas, I dug out my old Peter Rabbit knitting pattern from the 'archives under the bed', for a very special mum-to-be, my brother's girlfriend Monika.

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas for me if I didn't have some handmade gifts to make. Granted with my charity handmade jewellery sale, I was a little short of time this year but luckily I started the knits a little earlier so that was alright. And this year there were more than just knits - I decided to do some Christmas cross stitch too.

But Peter Rabbit was the special one.

Peter Rabbit

 It just so happens that my brother and his girlfriend are expecting a little baby boy this coming February.

I always struggle to know preciseley when to gift knitted things to people and invariably nearly always do it too early or too late. But Christmas seemed a good opportunity to give gifts to the 'bump'.

I picked Peter Rabbit because mum-to-be is a big fan of Beatrix Potter, particularly our cotton-tailed friend here. And my personal speciality has always been knitting toys. It's where I cut my knitted teeth, if you like.

Thankfully I've been hoarding knitting patterns for toys since I was about eight, so in amongst my stash is my Peter Rabbit knitting pattern as well as knitting patterns for the rest of the Beatrix Potter clan.

It's no coincidence that I'm now working at Woman's Weekly Magazine, as I've been an obsessive fan since I could read. My late grandmother used to help me make the toys and it's nothing that I've shaken off.

Sadly, for copyright reasons, the Peter Rabbit knitting pattern is no longer available unless you're able to snag a copy from eBay (worth watching, they do pop up from time to time).

I used Stylecraft Special DK which is pretty handy because they've got every colour known to man, and I added a few embellishments, a couple of brown Trimits safety eyes and a big pom pom for his tail.

I initially bought a pom pom from TOFT, having asked them at Ally Pally whether or not it would be baby safe - they said it was but I soon realised that it probably wouldn't wash, so opted for a synthetic one from Rico instead.

The sewing up and stuffing took some time - I shredded the stuffing and really went to town with puffing out his cheeks and shaping the face. As with all Alan Dart patterns, the shaping and sewing up was extremely complex but worth getting right and undoing if needed. I was thrilled with the outcome and I'm pleased to say that mummy-to-be was, as well.

 Apparently she sat with it in her arms for most of the day on Christmas - not believing that a knitter could produce such a thing. Which is cool, because this is the first thing I've ever knitted for her and it's hard to tell whether or not non-knitters are gonna love the handmade thang....

Sparkly Bezelled Beads For A Dreary Day

It's almost a running joke in the office about the craft phases I go through. I have so many crafts that I do, but I only tend to stick to one for a few weeks and then move on to something else. They're like clockwork, and last about six weeks each. Knitting is not the current phase, it's something slightly sparklier.

Cross stitch is another frequent recurring phase...

A photo posted by Frederica Patmore (@freddiepatmore) on May 5, 2016 at 11:09am PDT

Last Autumn, I went on a bit of a tour around the country teaching various workshops with ICHF and Woman's Weekly. I visited Birmigham, Exeter, London, Manchester and Glasgow for a few days each, all over three months and although was totally shattered by the time I returned, I had an AMAZING time.

...but I brought a new phase back with me. One I hadn't done before.

The first stop was Exeter where I purchased my very first beaded bauble kit in between teaching classes (ahem, in between actual work, that is). I'd seen the kits from afar at various other shows in years previous, but never actually got around to buying one. They just looked too complicated. Turns out, they weren't!

A photo posted by Frederica Patmore (@freddiepatmore) on Oct 1, 2015 at 11:15am PDT

And then by the time I reached Glasgow (penultimate on the tour if I remember correctly), I was zipping around the SECC in between teaching classes to buy random beady bits from all the sellers. I didn't really know what I was going to do with them, I just knew I'd caught the bug!

Into one of my full-day crochet classes, wandered Lesley - one of my 'students', wearing the most stunning pendant you have ever seen. So much so, that while I was trying to teach the group, I just kept getting distracted. It was so sparkly, the more I think about it, the more I blame the 'magpie' effect.

She told me how to make one [I'm all like 'you actually made that?!'] and at Glasgow airport on my journey home, I ordered all the kit on my phone and had a go at it a few days later.

I had to try and remember the colours she used from memory (in my honest opinion, colours aren't something that memory records very well - I should have just taken a picture of the thing). I gave it my best - and despite a couple going wrong, I did alright!

 You start off with a single Swarovski rivoli stone in the middle (for this one I picked a cool dual coloured one - but most of them are just one solid colour) and then weave beads around the edge in different sizes to enclose or 'bezel' the stone...

 I made up a little woven strap loop to hang them on some pretty ribbon cords I get from eBay. The strap uses super tiny beads (size 15s if that means anything to you), so they come out really fine.

Excuse the blue fuzzy background, these are special bead mats which stop the beads from rolling around, they're like a velvery kinda surface.

Next comes stitching on columns of accent beads around the edge - one row of bicone-shaped beads in a large size (4mm)..

 ...and then another row of smaller ones (3mm) on top. The results are mesmerising. Not a day goes by where I wear mine and nobody comments or asks about it. I got caught out in Sainsbury's today with someone very kindly passing compliments. Thank you!

So recently, in this phase, I've been experimenting with different colour mixes for some really fun designs. I've done a few custom orders where I can pick and blend shades according to the personality and preferences of an individual. Those are always fun. But these are just me playing with colour, which is also great fun.

One of my freinds who I made one for recently suggested I try selling them at an annual charity benefit we have in our offices each year. They invite members of staff with 'making' skills to bring their handmakes to sell, and donate a bit to charity. So I've been experimenting with all sorts of colours and styles.

The itsy bitsy beads around the edges are called Czech Charlottes and although are described as a size 15, are considerably smaller. I've invested in a few different ones, although the bronze are my favourite, I've also got some gold and silver plated ones for a more luxurious finish.

Another lady told me recently that they looked like something Imelda Poldark would wear, which didn't mean anything to me at the time as I don't watch it, but I looked it up and lo and behold, not far off at all!

I must watch it one day. Period dramas aren't really my sort of thing but I could always give it a go. I might get some inspiration, who knows!

Anyway, any left from this charity sale at work [if it happens - we're currently moving offices], I'll be selling them off for charity anyway. So if you see anything you like, or you fancy a custom order, proceeds will go to Myeloma UK in memory of my grandmother who sadly passed after a short battle with the illness earlier this year. Just let me know.

I do think that 2016 has been a SHOCKING year for all of us, especially today. So I just thought I would talk about pretty things and enjoy a bit of healthy escapism before The Missing starts (love that show, and David Morrissey is goooorgeous).

Have a lovely evening, all - and look at it this way, 2016 is [thankfully] very nearly over.

Easy Crochet Patterns - My Designs From 2016

I've been working on a few new designs for The Knitting Network, which is really cool because they appeard in Love To Knit And Crochet Magazine, and now they're going up online. So I just thought I'd share a few of them with you where I perhaps haven't shouted wenough about what I've been designing this year.

Essentially, building design time into your work time in an office environment is tricky, so they're simple and quick easy crochet patterns but there's some great stuff here if you're a beginner.

Kicking right off with my pride and joy;

Slash Neck Womens Top Knitting Pattern

This one is very special to me because it appeared as the cover shot on issue 2 of Love To Knit And Crochet magazine.

It's essentially two big squares with some felt-style mesh side panels which gradually turn opaque towards the neckline. I had all sorts of mad ideas for this one including all-mesh with an opaque strip around the bust, but in the end went for this more subtle effect.

The shoulders are tied at the top with crocheted chains so really for this one, all you need to know is how to crochet a double-treble and a chain, all pretty simple stuff. I used Stylecraft Cotton Classique DK, a cotton which has gone on to become a favourite in the crochet cottons of my mental design pallette.

Download your easy crochet top pattern from The Knitting Network website. I have got some Sirdar Cotton DK put aside for me to make one for myself in navy blue - with some AB Purple knitting beads for the front panel - I thought this might give it an evening-y look.

Striped Scarf With PomPom Trim

This was another fun one, mainly for the fact that it was a fun brief, actually.

I don't get many opportunities to design in 4ply (it just takes too long when I'm on a deadline), but with this which was set to be a slightly smaller project, I had the chance to fill my boots with some delectable Rowan Super Fine Merino 4ply.

Really lovely stuff to work with for a soft scarf against your skin.

The brief was fun because myself and several other designers including Anna Nikipirowicz and Kath Webber, were each given a pack of embellishments including beads, pompom trims and embroidery threads, and asked to design a knit which showcases these little flourishes.

A photo posted by Knitting Network (@knittingnetwork) on Nov 3, 2016 at 7:25am PDT

I kept it simple with this easy crochet pattern for a filet striped scarf - it's all trebles and chains (speaking the UK abbreviations speak here), so you can't go wrong if you fancy making my lovely, easy pattern. Download the easy scarf crochet pattern here.

Womens Chevron Poncho

I had lots of fun and slightly mad ideas for this one

Briefed to create a beach cover-up, I'm always a bit of a lover of design sketches. I love to draw, having studied the sculpture of anatomy and faces at high school.

Sadly my tinge of green in the above sketches didn't quite make it to the chopping block, and as such I ended up doing a design in just the duck egg and yellow [which is a little sharp on the eyes to be honest - but you can do it in whatever colour you want, of course!].

I managed to crochet the finished poncho in two and a half days, so this really is designed to be a quickie. I remember the conversation in the office about how good this particular design would be if you were heading off to a festival and needed something quick.

I added armholes just for the sake of being practical - I can't bear snoody and poncho things where you can't get your arms in.

Made in Lily Sugar n' Cream, this is a worsted/aran crochet, which you might think would be really heavy - but with the granny-square style finish, technically the fabric is 'half-empty', so it's surprisingly light. And as the finished item is a big square, it makes a pretty decent beach blanket too. Download this easy crochet poncho pattern from The Knitting Network.

Walking With Wolves In The Lake District

This is probably the most special day trip I've ever been on. I investigated activities in the area nearby where we were staying at The Blue House B and B. And I mean really nearby - and stumbled across one of the greatest animal experiences I have ever encountered. It looked incredible but boy was I in for a surprise - this is an up close and personal hour of getting to know about two very exciting creatures.

Sadly we were out of focus but the trip was amazing!

Just around the corner from where we were staying, is The Predator Experience. With my famously terrible sense of direction, I still managed to take us off in the wrong direction but you'd have to be blind not to see it.


As you can see though, we got there in the end, allbeit slightly late.

To preserve the beauty of the area, there are no signposts but you soon spot the sign on a peaceful, residential looking plot, We had no idea there were big predators in there!

We met hosts Dee and Daniel at their door who popped us into a jeep and drove us off to where we'd be walking with the wolves. Or so I presumed. Dee pointed to something behind us and we turned our heads to reveal two gargantuan (and gorgeous) wolves, Maska and Kajika, sat in the boot behind us!

It was then that it dawned on me that we were going to be walking at a nearby lake with these two beauties on leashes.

The walk was set against magical scenery

As soon as we hopped out of the jeep we were briefed by the impressive and knowledgable guides. I was very excited, and a bit scared at this point and went very quiet. I suppose it had never crossed my mind that we ourselves would be handling the wolves (with help, of course) and I came over very, very nervous. They're a lot bigger than your regular domestic pooch, and a little bit intimidating.

After a few minutes of walking Kajika with one of the guides (Ben has Maska for the first half of the trip), I was fine and totally enamoured.

Maska and Kajika are incredible creatures

It was raining (that horrible misty rain), and I'd brought my trusty old fossil of a camera but when you've got your hands full with these extremely strong, amazing wolves - there's not a lot of time for photo taking.

Luckily the guides had already thought of this, they stopped for a photo op and continued their presentation before we turned around and came back. They also very kindly took our picture although my camera couldn't focus in the rain (boo!).

And as a bit of an enthusiast, I can tell you that this is one of the best wildlife photography opportunities I've ever had. I love photographing animals. I've not seen anything better anywhere else and camera lovers would be silly to pass this up if they're staying nearby.

Don't be fooled - these amazing wolves aren't like dogs at all

The round walk lasted about 45 mins to an hour and Dee and Daniel taught us all about these hybrid wolves on the journey. They usually take groups of four but as I was covering this for Woman's Weekly magazine, it was just Ben and I on this one (and my, did we feel priveleged!).

Dee told us that the wolves' sense of smell was exponentially more sensitive than a household dog's. And we saw it in action - Ben took a tumble on one of the grassy banks on the way up, and on the way down, Kajika went to sniff the area and came over to have a whiff of Ben to make sure he was alright. It was very sweet.

The guides have a fascinating relationship with the wolves

The social behaviours were fascinating, and you can tell that guides Dee and Daniel are very much 'part of the pack'.

These hybrid wolves are exceptionally smart and although we were allowed to pet them (on extremely thick, waterproof fur, I might add - I was jealous of them on this walk!), we were told that they wouldn't 'get it' or respond (shock horror, they didn't!). But hey, we still got to touch these amazing creatures - how many people can say they'd done that?

We learned all about the fascinating mythology behind wolves raising children, big bad wolves in horror stories and werewolves.

I won't spoil it all because you ought to go, really - but did you know that when The Plague was rife, wolves would be seen emerging from the pits where the bodies were stacked?

You can imagine on a misty night to paranoid dwellers that this might look like the dead arising and coming back to life... as wolves. Hence werewolves. So many fascinating stories like that had me engrossed.

I don't spend much of my time quiet (ask anyone in the office) but I was gobsmacked for the duration of this trip. I just couldn't believe that we'd spent our morning in such close proximity to such wild animals.

They don't do tricks or anything, they are very much their own entity and I have the utmost respect for them. I do feel stupid for thinking that they were just big dogs.

All budding photographers should make sure they get to this if they're in the area. Not to be missed.

My other half has got a dicky shoulder and the guides were able to support him with this - they do help you hold the reigns and the terrain wasn't too bad, we quite like a decent walk. But if the weather is anything like it was on our day, make sure you put walking boots and waterproofs on!

Obviously make sure you have a camera - and something on which to record video. Because the tour ends with something you won't be able to see anywhere else.

When we strolled back to the jeep, the wolves hopped in, and Dee continued to educate us about the social nature of these creatures. She introduced us to the idea of the 'social bonding howl', which she starts to do and the other wolves joined in. I was so moved I was in tears! Check it out...

Honestly, it's probably the best thing I've ever done in the Lake District ever. Don't be put off by the price, it is worth every penny (and more!).

To Dee and Daniel; thank you for having us, you have completely changed my outlook on wolves and gave us a spectacular morning which surpassed all expectations. I'll be recommending it to everyone I know who goes up there! All the best in the future.

Kaffe Fassett At The Garden Of The Rose

So guess what I did yesterday?

This was a thrilling trip and I was very honoured to recieve an invitation to pop along and meet Kaffe Fassett at The Gardens Of The Rose in Saint Albans, which is not too far from me.

I popped along to cover the event for Love To Knit And Crochet Magazine, with my personal knitting advisor - my mum.

The gardens were sprinkled with Kaffe Quits amidst stunning floral displays

It's always good to have a second opinion on knitting events which is why I always make sure she is with me. That way I make sure to get a balanced view of whatever the event might be. And it's fun for us to do these things together. I owe her the fact that I'm knitting at all.

I had no idea this pretty little gem had been hidden in such a local area - and on one of the hottest days of the year, it was possibly the most beautiful garden I'd ever had the pleasure of visiting.

The press area gathered at the Pavillion near the entrance

 Having worked for Rowan for a good many years before moving on to publishing, it was a lovely opportunity to catch up with some old friends. I was not expecting a glass of fizz and a goody bag with some yummy Rowan Cashmere popped in (this is earmarked for a hat for the fella - it's his colour).

All the excitement was in the tent, where the fashion show was held

The highlight of the trip was the fashion show - telling the story of 30 years of Rowan. The first magazine came out the year I was born, so it has a very special meaning for me. I remember reading the mags and looking at the glossy pictures before I could understant the words.

The fashion show most certainly did not dissapoint. We had great seats and a fabulous view of the stunning garments.

 

It was really sweet as well because the huge crowd (it had to be fully booked, it was rammed in there) all came together when the older garments started coming round - especially the iconic Kaffe designs. All of a sudden we were all reminiscing about where we were the first time we'd seen certain garments, right down to where we were when we bought the magazines.

It was an amazing day which ended with Kaffe planting a Rowan Tree to commemorate the 60th Rowan Magazine (they do a Spring/Summer and an Autumn/Winter each year). Although sadly we couldn't stay for that bit.

If it ever happens again, I wholeheartedly would recommend you attend. I've also since found out that The Society Of The Rose also host as a wedding venue and let me tell you, I can't think of a better backdrop on a nice day for your treasured wedding photographs.

 

The Best Gypsy Caravan To Stay At In The Lake District

This summer, we took a trip to Cartmel for a week of fun and frolics. Even with rainy weather, we were delighted to find that the cost-effective gypsy caravn at The Blue House Bed And Breakfast  we stayed instead in their gypsy caravan which is on-site and a few metres from the house.

I'd booked it as a surprise, secretly really worried that my other half would find it a bit too hipster and girly. There's no electric to the caravan so it's back to basics! I'd spent months keeping it a secret, which was intensely difficult for me. So it was a bit of a gamble when we turned up.

Nuzzled in picturesque countryside, The Blue House is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway

When we turned up, our friendly driver dropped us at the entrance which is at the back of the property, where the car park is. I was hoping to sneak him in without spotting the caravan, but alas, it was the first thing we saw. I was completely relieved when I turned my head - a big grin was on the mister's face. He was sold.

Owner Tina was wonderful - she let us in early where our previous accomodation had a fairly early check out. Luckily the caravan hadn't been occupied the night before.

He was totally game and we had a very romantic three days with no TV or phones, just each other.

Tina was extremely accomodating, as it happened - I don't drive so lugging a lot of things around on long journeys is not my strong point. She was able to hold on to a couple of parcels filled with goodies which I'd posted up in advance to keep the secret well and truly schtm. This included colouring books, mini novels, a chess set and marshmallows for toasting on the fire pit. Thank you, Tina!

Candles in all shapes and sizes will keep you lit and cosy

We were far from living like animals in there, with a lifetime supply of candles and a plethora of candle holders to keep the place lit, and warm! It was raining for our entire three day stay and far from warm outside, but our conversation, the candles and a glass or two of vino kept us plenty warm inside the caravan.

The bathroom is off inside the house, separate from the double rooms, next to tea and coffee making facilities. It's also where we could charge out electric cigarettes and squeeze a few nibbles into Tina's fridge.

There's just enough room for two chairs and a small table up inside. Which is perfect if you're up for some board games. Even with the candles, we did need our torches though - we packed and brought them with us.

The bed is very warm and comfortable, my fella is about 6 foot 1 and he managed to sleep fine in there. We packed knitted socks and kept ourselves very warm!

At the back of the caravan there is a little hidey hole which we put our beers in to keep them cool. You could keep a suitcase in there if you wanted but we just plonked ours under the bed - it's the perfect spot to tuck things out of the way.

Included in the tiny £60 a night bill, is a delicious home cooked breakfast. In the morning, we sauntered over to the main house where residents of the B and B were staying, there are two double rooms in there. The company was good and the food was delicious.

We were never short of a little canine company

Tina's two dogs made for very pleasant company and were extremely well behaved. We had a disposable barbecue on the go covered in posh sausages one night and they didn't bother us at all.

They did pop by to keep us company from time to time though, and we were very lucky to see their brand new puppies!

Although the location is very much secluded, there is a bus stop a few minutes walk away to get you into Grange-Over-Sands.

And next to the bus stop there's a lovely pub calle The Crown which has some great food in hearty portions. We proudly boast that our best steak ever eaten, was eaten there. And I'm not kidding.

Round the corner is the very exciting Predator Experience which is a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime treat, if you get the chance to go. We did the Walking With Wolves experience and it changed out outlook on these fascinating creatures!

In short, we loved our little trip in the best gypsy caravan. The rain was not aa problem - if anything the pitter patter on the roof made the atmosphere even more romantic, and as city-dwellers, we couldn't do much more to get away from it all.

So if you're agile enough to get up a few steps to hop into bed and you don't mind gettig cosy with you're roommate, I can't recommend this enough. At the price they're asking, you can't afford not to go.

Cider Holder Bag Pattern For Festivals - My New Design

I had great fun with this design because my mini duffel (which doubles as a perfect carrier for a bottle of cider if you're headed to Glastonbury), was the perfect opportunity for me to bash out a design in the round.

My initial design ideas drew from Aztec Inspiration from The British Museum

I'd always wanted to design a Fair Isle pattern in the round, so with an effort to keep this knit quick and seamless, that's what I went for.

It was tricky to find the colours I fancied all within the same range, so shock horror, I ended up turning back to my fond favourites from the Rowan Yarns range. With sturdy Handknit Cotton holding up the structure of the bag, there are flashes of the Anchor Artiste Metallic for a bit of added texture and sparkle.

I'm really pleased with how it came out except the bulkiness of the Handknit Cotton has meant that the drawstring won't pull the opening closed all the way.

Originally this was envirioned as a bag which you could put some cash into, maybe a disposable camera; just something small which you could fill with bits and navigate the crowds at a big festival.

Once I'd seen that it didn't close though, I started to look at the cicumference of the opening more closely - and soon realised that it would be better suited for carrying a bottle of alcohol. I a bottle of wine or cider would fit quite nicely. Hence why I've now decided in myh mind that this really is more of a cider holder bag pattern.

Although I'm allergic to crowds, and therefore would probably never go to a big festival (hats off to you people - I don't know how you do it), I have always wondered how you cart your cans around. Well I suggestg this yearf you ditch them, knit yourself one of these guys instead (or get a very kind knitter friend to do it for you).

You start off at the top of the bag and work downwards, with stranded colourwork in the round (the Fair Isle technique), before swapping down to dpns (double pointed needles) for the base shaping. I'm a lover of technical knits, they just get my juices flowing - so this is a good one if you're a bit like me and like a knit to keep you interested. Get your cider holder bag pattern for instant download.

Introducing - Love To Knit And Crochet Magazine

So I've been saying for ages that I had a bit of news. Well the time has come where I'm safe to blab.

I'm very pleased to announce that I am now writing and designing for Love To Knit And Crochet magazine!

A photo posted by Knitting Network (@knittingnetwork) on Apr 22, 2016 at 8:08am PDT

There's actually been two issues now, they come out at the end of each month and every issue comes with a free gift. We've been making a few videos teaching you how to make them, including the first one which was how to crochet an amigurumi cat;

The top that I'm wearing is one of the knitting patterns from the inside, a multi-textured handknit designed by Pat Menchini that I have 'adopted'. It's so easy to wear and very comfortable. S-wish!

Content Editor @freddiepatmore is looking swish in the multi-textured knit #teepattern from this months issue of #lovetoknitandcrochet magazine. Knit yours now! #knittersofinstagram #knittersofig #knittingpatterns #knitpattern #teeshirts

A video posted by Knitting Network (@knittingnetwork) on May 11, 2016 at 3:12am PDT

Love To Knit And Crochet is aimed at a fresh and modern audience, so it's been great fun linking up with bloggers for interviews. My first was with Ruby of Frank & Olive fame. A fab design house boasting workshop retreats and collaborations with big brands such as Patons.

So thrilled with this, one of my favouritest features I've ever written, a four page #interview with Ruby McGrath of @frankandolive. Grab your copy of #lovetoknitandcrochet, it's a great little mag! Who will it be next month? 😯 #Crochet #crochetersofinstagram @make_it_coats_uk

A photo posted by Frederica Patmore (@freddiepatmore) on Apr 25, 2016 at 12:12pm PDT

Issue 2 landed in shops last Friday, and featured a fun granny square phone cover kit. It's great fun too because so far each freeb kit has come with a colour-coordinated crochet hook and I'm in love with this pink one.

It's a really extra special issue for me this second one, and it sounds completely silly I'm sure but see the crocheted tee on the cover?

You know, the one being modelled by a real-life grown up adult model? That super-easy crochet design is one of MINE and I was squeeing in the office for a good couple of hours at least, when I'd discovered that I'd made the front cover. What an honour!

I never thought I'd say this but I seem to be designing more crochet than knitting these days - weird considering knitting was always the one I was madder about. It's great fun though. These new challenges all feel wonderful.

And what a lovely model!

 

I also had the pleasure of getting to know EmmaKnitted for the interview in this month's issue which was a real honour. She's super nice and has a very distinctive style. Love her pattern detail.

Had an amazing interview with @freddiepatmore for @knittingnetwork #lovetoknitandcrochet magazine this month, I can't thank them enough! ❤️😊Spending my Saturday morning having a read and finishing some crochet 👌 #emmaknitted #emmawright #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knitstagram #knitmagazine #knittingnetwork #yarnaholic #yarnaddict

A photo posted by Emma Wright (@emmaknitted) on May 28, 2016 at 1:51am PDT

Part of the fun of the mag is simply that it uses both knitting and crochet so there's something for everyone, in a wide variety of sizes. Plenty for the total beginner up to much more challenging designs that you can get your teeth into.

It's a very exciting time working with such a refreshing, vibrant team on this new project. I can't wait to see what's around the corner with Teresa Conway at the helm (Previously of C + B).

Teresa (above, right) and I at a press launch for Pompomania, a super-fun book by Christine Leech aka SewYeah

She has more ideas in her head than I'd previously thought possible and I'm greatly looking forward to learning a lot from her.

...and as much as I want to tell you more about what's in the mag, I can't! Go buy one. Don't take my word for it, either - Katherine Lymer has done a great review of our first issue on her blog (thanks, Katherine!).

I'd really like for you to get involved - find the new mag on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Ravelry. If you're a yarn company, a blogger or designer, come say hi. Ideas and feedback always welcome.

I hated the idea of Arm Knitting, but now I love it!!! I show you how

I think Arm Knitting was probably mentioned in the office about a year ago, and I'm pretty sure I screwed up into a big raisiny face at the time.

Arm knitting? What bollocks! Surely no knitter would admit out loud that they have ditched their needles and gone for the gimmick. Surely not.

A photo posted by Covert Craft (@lee.stoffer) on Jan 2, 2016 at 8:49am PST

Previously pooh-poohing the notion to be another social media flash-in-the-pan technique that would come and go, that it would never be taken seriously in the knititng community, I'm now starting to realise I was probably wrong about that.

It came up again recently and I felt it was high time I had a go, even if it didn't go anywhere. If nothing more, I ought to at least learn how to do it. Another string to my bow and soforth.

Playing with it at my desk with my headphones on (bare in mind I work around a lot of journalists who are not knitters), as soon as I built up some speed, I realised I'd attracted a crowd of spectators. They were fascinated!

It was just so massive and so quick, and SO fun. Everyone wanted to see what I was doing.

Having worked out how to do the arm knitting, it's surprisingly easy! Essentially using your arms as needles (well, duh!) and 'knitting' a regular row before working a row in reverse. Arms are big needles, so the thing grows super-quick!

A photo posted by Tammy Kanat (@tammykanat) on Mar 7, 2016 at 1:00am PST

...perfect for HUGE things.

It's all very me anyway, because I knit backwards instead of working purl rows in stocking stitch, something strange which just happenned to me when Learning to knit as a child. Works for me though.

I found the most AMAZING yarn - Premier Yarns in America do this great [and sparkly] stuff called Couture Jazz. I have a secret weakness for anything sparkly. Tinsel included. But this is, y'know, tasteful.

A photo posted by Linds & Chad (@the_gloedes) on Dec 22, 2015 at 8:25pm PST

Obviously, anything super-thick will work. There are plenty of these scarfy yarns around that will be fine - someone on Facebook said earlier that Tiger have started selling something you could use.

So without further stalling, allow me to introduce me introducing the concept of Arm Knitting. Below is a little taster and then the full video is here (it's free, I just can't embed it here!). I warn you now, my hair is doing something almost as crazy as my coffee-fuelled excited self, but enjoy nonetheless!!

Unbelievable! Make this cosy throw in a few minutes - no previous knitting knowledge needed (yes, really!) See the full how-to video here http://ow.ly/Za7Kr
Posted by Knitting Network on Monday, 7 March 2016

In this video I'll show you how to knit a blanket with no knitting experience, in 15 minutes. You should know I did it in 10, but when you do things deliberately on film in a way that's clear to see, it often takes a bit longer. We didn't want to lie, so we said 15. But you could totally do it in 10.

If you've seen the video and fancy having a go, join me and Vicki Walker to Arm Knit your very own snood at the Sewing For Pleasure show at Birmingham NEC from the 17th - 20th March. Anyone can do it and you should leave with a snood to boot! Just what you need in this chilly weather.

I guarantee you'll catch the bug, I sure did!

What makes a good crochet along? Thinking about the Stylecraft CALs

If you haven't yet heard, the days are quickly counting down to the brand new crochet along (CAL) with Stylecraft Yarns - and they've secured the design talents of the very lovely Jane Crowfoot yet again, with another tempting blanket design. Introducing Frida's Flowers.

A photo posted by Frederica Patmore (@freddiepatmore) on Feb 23, 2016 at 1:31pm PST

You probably remember Jane's design for Stylecraft's 2015 crochet along and if not, you'd know a Lily Pond if you saw one. Recognise this? I thought so.

Last year's Lily Pond CAL was designed by Jane Crowfoot and hooked crocheters everywhere with it's addictive design

I guarantee that if you are a knitter or crocheter, you or someone you know has posted something somewhere on Intsagram, Ravelry or Facebook about progress on a crocheted Lily Pond.

The online chatter with last year's blanket was phenomenally noisy and people are still making them, finishing them and talking about them (including me, I'm hooked!).

A photo posted by Lonneke (@bitterkoekje) on Feb 28, 2016 at 3:05am PST

I know crochet and knitalongs are really popular on Ravelry but I'd never witnessed such a huge community form around one particular design. Something that we all forget was a completely alien concept if you asked us 10 years ago! Makes you realise how far we've come.

Mine continues to grow - slowly!

All of the buzz seemed to center around Facebook which I think is really clever - if there's one social media site you use, above all others, it's probably Facebook.

Annabelle Hill, Sales Director of Stylecraft Yarns thinks that, 'Crocheting can be a solitary occupation, so it is nice for crocheters to feel like they belong to something and can access help and advice if needed', much like a knitting group, right? Just online.

Technology now allows you to talk about what you are making from the comfort of your own bedroom instead of venturing out to a physical knitting club

Stylecraft created a dedicated group where people could chat about the project and share their progress. It now boasts nearly 10, 000 members and a year on, people are still posting about this pattern (which is free and still available by the way!).

It's completely fascinated me and got me thinking about exactly why Jane's blanket was such a massive hit - people start crochet alongs all the time but a good design doesn't necessarily make you jump on your computer to post pictures of every tiny amount of progress you've made.

I decided to make mine much much bigger than the original, which of course takes much longer

Anticipating that Frida's Flowers will encourage even more social interaction, I stopped to ask myself just why that is. What is it exactly that got everyone talking, where others have fallen flat?

There's a few answers that I can think of and although they sound pretty obvious, in practice it's really difficult getting all of this stuff together - there's a huge amount of work gone into bringing these CALs to you, for sure!

1. Each square is more tricky than the last

Although many of the flower squares are similar there are subtle differences

It sounds pretty obvious but building up the technique as you go to me is much the same as working on any challenge - a video game, a puzzle - things get harder towards the end. It helps to keep you interested, too.

The fact that each square is so different makes them easy to identify at a single glance when you post pictures to the net, so people can get on board with exactly where you are.

2. Patterns are delivered in regular, manageable chunks

Patterns for the 2015 CAL arrived once every two weeks with four squares to make before the next arrived. Now four squares in two weeks is not much at all. CALs start to fall flat when nobody can keep up.

The progress tool on Ravelry is a handy way to keep track

As soon as people start to fall behind, that IMHO is when they stop interacting, and the project ends up in a box under the bed. To dig myself out of a similar slump, I created a very dorkly spreadsheet to track my progress - or you could use the progress tool on your Ravelry project's page.

I built myself a complex spreadsheet to help measure my progress in tangible figures. It's whatever works for you.

3. The yarn is available everywhere

And I do mean everywhere! There are a couple of options for yarns you to choose from depending on your budget - which come in a ready-made pack so you can order it in one click (dangerous!). All the good stockists had them [and promptly sold out, I might add].

People are already lining up for their Frida's packs....

4. It's pretty

It's not just pretty, it's STUNNING.

A photo posted by Jacqueline Holden (@topstitch_fleetwood) on Sep 20, 2015 at 12:34am PDT

We're all proud to show off something this beautiful and say we made it. It's interesting to look at while you're making it, and it looks good in the room it ends up in.

Not only that, but you're proud to show it to your friends and most importantly, your social media community!

You know what I mean by 'proud', we've all had that one project we'd rather not show anyone!

5. Every miniscule stage is broken down with pictorial instructions

This is a HUGE task. The lucky person has taken 8 different squares and stopped to take photos of each individual step. And then written a small paragraph to accomapany each photo. Some of these go on for >5 pages. Huge, huge job. Bearing in mind the pattern is free. We've been well and truly spoiled!

A photo posted by @shazzeth on Feb 16, 2016 at 12:24pm PST

This means that there's no getting stuck and therefore no major obstacles with this constant pictorial resource to have to hand.

Even if you do get stuck, there is someone in the Facebook group who will be able to help. There's so many of them there, it doesn't even take very long to get an answer. And they're there to encourage you to keep going and get the thing finished, too.

This is the first CAL I've ever really had a go at - I've done sock knitalongs before, but a blanket is a bit of a bigger commitment. I have been trying to understand the mentality behind blanket-alongs for years - they've really taken off and now that I've joined in with one, I completely understand.

If you are like me and you're new to crochet-alongs, now's the perfect time to have a go.

Inspired by Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo, the finished blanket is constructed from hexagons

This blanket will be more rectangular at 110x90cm, and is crocheted using Classique Cotton DK (a yarn I'm really looking forward to trying). Jane decided to use Classique Cotton because of the extensive colour palette and the way the yarn really captures the folkloric embroideries of Mexico.

I've just ordered some to design a garment with, too - watch this space!

Keep your eyes peeled on Facebook and the Stylecraft Website for more info and how to get involved. If you're on Instagram, make sure to watch out for the right hashtags so that you can be part of the community too.