tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9911515800923626602024-03-13T12:22:24.090+00:00Monty; knitting lessons and textiles design in Londonknitted textiles designer talking all things knitting, crochet and textiles in the UK and teaching knitting classesclaire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-84340542223635271132017-12-13T10:52:00.000+00:002017-12-13T10:52:10.469+00:00Christmas shootJust popping in to show you some images from the Christmas shoot I styled for <a href="http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/">Inside Crochet </a>magazine. This is possibly my favourite shoot I have ever styled. Hope you like it!<br />
All projects available in issue 96, out now!<br />
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All images by <a href="https://kirstenmavric.co.uk/">Kirsten Mavric</a>, Hair and Make up by <a href="http://www.nickihenbrey.co.uk/">Nicki Henbrey.</a>claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-91278883509433598602017-07-13T17:23:00.001+01:002017-07-13T17:23:22.330+01:00Apple for Teacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is only a week left of school which will mean my baby has finished a whole year in reception. Where does the time fly?! I have also been teaching her to knit and so we are making something together for her lovely teacher, more about all that later. If you want to make something special for your little one's teacher this year, then how about an archetypal Apple for Teacher? I have just published this little pattern over on<a href="https://www.lovecrochet.com/catalog/product/view/id/187917/?utm_source=designers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pattern_published"> Love Crochet</a> and the little amigurumi toy would make the perfect gift for a cherished teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> All images courtesy of <a href="http://www.kirstenmavric.co.uk/">Kirsten Mavric</a>, styling by me.</span><br />
<br />claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-72955011260201496622017-05-05T13:33:00.003+01:002017-05-05T13:37:38.363+01:00Two little birdies<table><tbody>
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Top of my to-do list at the moment is to pop up all my recent patterns onto <a href="https://www.lovecrochet.com/independent-designers/?designer_name=27185">Lovecrochet</a> and last week I managed to upload these adorable two little birdies patterns. Originally made in Paintbox DK cotton (robin) and Scheepjes cotton (blue tit) the pattern is relatively easy yet fun to hook.<br />
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Head on over to my designer page and you can find the pattern for both this little blue tit and robin red breast in one download!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin image copywrite Claire Montgomerie, Blue Tit image copywrite Kirsten Mavric</span> claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-34376306734384124872017-04-20T13:19:00.003+01:002017-04-20T13:19:58.843+01:00British Wool Photoshoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I sit today and busily prepare for the next photoshoot for <a href="http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/">Inside Crochet</a>, here is a look a recent shoot I styled and directed for the latest issue, which also includes one of my projects, a classic Fair Isle-style glove pattern made in tapestry crochet. <br />
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All images are by the wonderful Kirsten from <a href="https://kirstenmavric.co.uk/">Mavric Photography</a>, Hair and make up by Nicki Henbrey, model is Kristina Lipinskaite.<br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-78386561162230544642017-04-14T10:16:00.000+01:002017-04-14T10:18:02.345+01:00Easter Egg Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Easter holidays I helped run a craft workshop for children with our local creative group the <a href="https://www.neotists.co.uk/">Neotists</a>. The children made nests from found twigs and materials and painted and decorated Easter eggs. It was great fun and if you are at a loss for activities for your children this Easter weekend, then it is so simple, so here are some tips to give it a go!<br />
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To make the nests, we used very bendy green twigs - willow is a perfect choice. We started with three twigs arranged in six pronged 'star' and bound them in the centre with string or yarn. Then we proceeded to weave twigs, grass, straw and yarn in and out of this formation from the centre out. Now time to fill the nest.<br />
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We used polystyrene eggs, but you could just as easily use hard boiled hens eggs. Some of the younger children simply painted their eggs in bright colours, which looked fab. But we also laid out pretty floral paper napkins, leaves and foliage so some children could stick these on. If you want to play with decoupaging your eggs, simply water down some PVA glue slightly, then paint a layer of this onto your egg.<br />
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Now lay on the leaves, petals or paper napkins (make sure you take off the second, bottom layer of tissue from the napkin first to make it easier to stick down) then apply more glue over the top.<br />
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Some of the children cut out some of the motifs from the napkins first to create patterns, however you can cover the whole egg in one napkin, trimming off the excess as you go. You could also use coloured tissue paper to cut out shapes, or other decorative papers, but the thinner the paper the better as it will adhere much more easily.<br />
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This was all great fun, but if you want a slightly less messy activity this Easter, there is also always my cute knitting egg cosy pattern which you can find free <a href="http://montyknits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/happy-easter-to-one-and-all-this-is.html">here</a>!<br />
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Happy Easter! <br />
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<br />claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-57031359624953435762017-03-04T07:30:00.000+00:002017-03-04T07:30:23.343+00:00My favourite hooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am following the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/marchmeetthemaker/?hl=en">marchmeetthemaker</a> hashtag on Instagram and today the prompt is 'tools', so I thought it was a great time to talk about my hook of choice. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When crochet is a large
part of your life, it is imperative that you look after your hands so that you
can continue to craft in comfort. It's so easy to get into the crochet groove
and, in a semi-hypnotic state, end up having a relaxing few hours (or days!) crocheting, but in the long run it isn't good for your wrists, elbows, back, or anything really! It doesn't really matter which type of hook is your favourite, so long as it is comfortable to work with. I always recommend to my beginners that they try out a number of different hook styles as everyone will have their own preference. Personally, I find that handled hooks make for an easier grip and therefore cause less strain on the fingers and so I would always recommend some variation of handled hooks </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> to anyone who does a lot of crocheting</span></span>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you looked inside my hook bag, you would discover that my go-to hooks at the moment are the <a href="http://www.purplelindacrafts.co.uk/clover-amour-crochet-hooks-2mm---15mm-740-c.asp">Clover Amour</a> range. I have them all from 0.6 to 15mm and incase you are wondering, the 3.5 and 4mm are the most well used. The chunkiest - sizes 12 and 15mm - are my most recent addition. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Handles are really useful on the very small sizes as they ensure you have a substantial shaft to grip onto, even with a small hook. However, it is also great that the Amours now go up to super bulky as it is amazing what a difference the rubberised handle makes, even on the large sizes. In fact, the handle section is contoured so that it is actually smaller than the hook, which definitely adds to the ease of use, as bulky hooks are usually quite unwieldy to hook with. I don't even mind the plastic hooks on the largest Amour sizes (over 6.5mm). Usually I am a metal hooks all the way kind of girl, as they are very smooth and snag free, but the plastic on these tools is very smooth and shiny, making the hooking action very nearly as good as the metal hooks on the smaller amour sizes. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oin0Mw7sADo/WLntwK27X0I/AAAAAAAAEHI/WgOzdyh0fRUXKwBC8s6OqQOAxFGnMziRQCEw/s1600/hooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oin0Mw7sADo/WLntwK27X0I/AAAAAAAAEHI/WgOzdyh0fRUXKwBC8s6OqQOAxFGnMziRQCEw/s640/hooks.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I haven't yet persuaded you to give the Amour a go, you may be swayed by the gorgeous rainbow colours of the handles. It is amazing how a pretty rainbow can turn my head, and, yes, I may be superficial, but I just love using pretty hooks, especially if they happen to match my crochet! I especially love these neons in the chunky sizes. If all this talk about their good looks is making me seem a little shallow, I do have to point out that there is a practical side to the different shades, which is that it is easy to pinpoint which hook you need to use instantly, without needing to read the number on the shaft. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, these are my hooks, which now have chewed up ends, smudged handles and which I have used so much that they </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">feel like an extension of my fingers. I'd love to know, what are your favourite hooks? </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-55396655129273662312017-02-14T12:48:00.000+00:002017-02-14T12:48:06.930+00:00Heart Fair Isle pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQbT5RH7r5A/WKL7zy7GKSI/AAAAAAAAEGo/8iIMvPKc_L8i02rcnj_dQDo9OFWnAdBzQCEw/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQbT5RH7r5A/WKL7zy7GKSI/AAAAAAAAEGo/8iIMvPKc_L8i02rcnj_dQDo9OFWnAdBzQCEw/s640/IMG_3645.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I am sure I say this every year, but we don't really 'do' Valentine's day in our house and if cards or presents do get exchanged, they are often handmade. This is my offering this year to my two loved ones. I quickly whipped up a little heart Fair Isle pattern on some graph paper last night and set it into some card this morning. Simple! It didn't take long at all, in fact, I have drawn up the chart, so you could even knock one up today if you forgot to buy a card this year! And if this doesn't take your fancy, I also have a free heart pattern <a href="http://montyknits.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/i-heart-you.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy Valentine's day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujRWYowxa4k/WKL72r5gHsI/AAAAAAAAEGs/Dfnbf9B02rIBpfliOazcaamWY6o2xorigCEw/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujRWYowxa4k/WKL72r5gHsI/AAAAAAAAEGs/Dfnbf9B02rIBpfliOazcaamWY6o2xorigCEw/s400/hearts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-16216053716283045172017-02-13T17:58:00.001+00:002017-02-13T18:01:54.678+00:00Late autumnal shoot<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwqQrvf4vA0/WKHuWxPGYwI/AAAAAAAAEFk/ExHdXDX_OAIa5t3CMmkHoVcoA2DGzLVtwCLcB/s320/071erian-web-sized.jpg" width="230" /></td> <td><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aeOZrhJY4yI/WKHuW6QRLgI/AAAAAAAAEFc/0V0yoADoK08NGdzPFTQkWT6lzWjbsRdqQCLcB/s320/070erian-web-sized.jpg" width="230" /></td> <td><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoSA5pOe_Qg/WKHuWyiSiBI/AAAAAAAAEFg/KxE0lae9Yh8quwTseNu8pxPoB1efSleAACLcB/s320/073erian-web-sized.jpg" width="230" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just a quickie to say hello and post some beautiful images I have been meaning to share for ages from a shoot I styled and directed last autumn with the amazing photographer<a href="http://www.leannedixon.com/"> Leanne Dixon</a> for Inside Crochet magazine. What a beautiful crisp day we had, just look at those colours and how they zing. The glorious sunshine today reminded me of this day and gave me the impetus I needed to post.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg5IgjGz2qw/WKHu6BygaEI/AAAAAAAAEFw/CaLwMruxGKkW4SE9zgK6wBwi8EnO4zBygCLcB/s1600/057erian-web-sized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beret by Emma Friedlander-Collins, scarf H&M</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td> <td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKkRkOvwiC0/WKHulLFR_GI/AAAAAAAAEFo/j1U1xG3ex2MfHFe8VLQRbaJh3W_xZ5OuQCLcB/s320/045erian-web-sized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunisian cardigan by Cassie Ward, trousers Dorothy Perkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3Q8dN0NGBU/WKHuz4yrw6I/AAAAAAAAEFs/z3yh0v3uhNsqGGmmfcPkNU6zKQn-diPdQCLcB/s320/031erian-web-sized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waistcoat by Cassie Ward, top H&M, jumpsuit Matalan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td> <td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLXbZzpQP9g/WKHuJqSBB4I/AAAAAAAAEFY/QfB84huvFEQfD3IAjClWg7qDPngX81vtACLcB/s320/004erian-web-sized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarf by Rachel Atkinson, jumper M&S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2k2io5NSdfQ/WKHvLlc0knI/AAAAAAAAEGE/7eaNu_ZbTRkg8YKdE2YeI0e7o2ptYasNwCEw/s1600/008erian-web-sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2k2io5NSdfQ/WKHvLlc0knI/AAAAAAAAEGE/7eaNu_ZbTRkg8YKdE2YeI0e7o2ptYasNwCEw/s640/008erian-web-sized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarf by Rhian Drinkwater, Oversized Cardigan M&S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The projects shown were in issues 84 and 85 of inside crochet - you can get back issues from their <a href="http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/">website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The hair and make up artist was Nicki Henbrey and the gorgeous model is Erian O'Neill.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cowl at top of post is by Abbey Swanson. All images copywrite of Leanne Dixon.</span>claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-63403081294207957402016-12-02T13:41:00.002+00:002016-12-02T13:44:27.400+00:00Free Christmas Star Pattern!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4d_6sxvocrU/WEF5LlGxVdI/AAAAAAAAEFA/0ztFFVPM91I6c4LtTHi13K8GjdNuKV8HgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4d_6sxvocrU/WEF5LlGxVdI/AAAAAAAAEFA/0ztFFVPM91I6c4LtTHi13K8GjdNuKV8HgCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the Christmassy spirit of Advent, today I have written up a little pattern to share with you, using the very lovely <a href="http://www.lovecrochet.com/paintbox-yarns-simply-dk">Paintbox Yarns Simply DK.</a> It is a very quick and simple pattern but includes a spike stitch and both working in the round and straight so I will knock up some accompanying tutorials for you as soon as I can. I will also publish <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a PDF version on Lovecrochet.com very soo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you enjoy making it, please do share your pictures of your own stars, can't wait to see which palette you choose!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Materials</span></span></span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paintbox
Yarns Simply DK 100% acrylic, 100g/276m/302yds </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181310;">Yarn A: Neon
Pink, 156 x 1 ball</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181310;">Yarn B: Buttercup
Yellow, 122, x 1 ball </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181310;">Yarn C: Rich
Mauve, 144 x 1 ball</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181310;">Yarn D: Rose
Red, 113 x 1 ball</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181310;">Yarn E: Washed
Teal, 132 x 1 ball </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181310;">Yarn F: Lime
Green, 128 x 1 ball</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4mm
hook </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yarn
needle</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toy
Stuffing.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tension</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exact
tension is not essential.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pattern
Notes</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Centre of the star is worked in the round.
Points of the star are worked one by one on Round 6, but are worked back and
forth, breaking the yarn after every point and rejoining the yarn to Round 5 to
begin the next point.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Special
Stitches</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cluster
(cl): [yoh, insert in st, draw lp through] twice, 5 lps on hook, yoh and draw
through all 5lps.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Method</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Star (make two)</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
4mm hook and Yarn A make an adjustable ring. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rnd
1: </b>6dc in adjustable ring, pull tightly to close ring,
sl st to first dc to close rnd – 6dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fasten off Yarn A, join Yarn B to any st around
with a sl st.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rnd 2: </b>2ch, yoh, insert hook in
same st, draw lp through, yoh and draw through all lps on hook, 1ch, (cl, 1ch)
in each rem dc around, join rnd with sl st – 6 cl and 6 ch-sps.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fasten off Yarn B, join Yarn C to any 1ch-sp around
with a sl st.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rnd 3: </b>2ch (counts as 1htr), 2htr
in same ch-sp, 1ch, (3htr, 1ch) in each rem ch-sp around – 18htr, 6ch-sps.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fasten off Yarn C, join Yarn D to first htr of any
3htr group with a sl st.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rnd 4: </b>1dc in same st and in each
of next 2 htr, insert hook down into cl from Row 2, yoh, draw loop through st
and up to the height of current rnd, yoh and draw through 2lps on hook, spike
made, *1dc in each of next 3 htr, spike stitch; rep from * 5 times in total,
join rnd with sl st – 18dc and 6 spike sts.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fasten off Yarn D, join Yarn E to any st around
with a sl st.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rnd
5:</b> 1dc in
each st around – 24dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fasten off Yarn E, join Yarn F to any st around
with a sl st.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Round 6 </b>will be making the star
points one by one as follows:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Star point: </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Row
1:</b> 1dc in this and each of next 4 sts, turn – 5dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Row 2: </b>1ch (does not count as st),
1dc in each st across – 5dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Row 3: </b>1ch (does not count as st),
dc2tog, 1dc, dc2tog – 3dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Row 4: </b>1ch (does not count as st),
1dc in each st across – 3dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Row 5: </b>1ch (does not count as st),
dc3tog – 3dc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fasten
off yarn.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
RSF, rejoin yarn to same st of Rnd 5 that the last dc of Point One’s Row 1 is
worked into, so this stitch of Rnd 5 will be worked into twice. Now work next
point and each following point from Row 1 in the same way as the last, starting
each following point in the last dc of the previous point’s Row 1. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6
points in total.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Finishing</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Block
pieces lightly to shape. Place two star pieces together with wrong sides
facing.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rejoin
Yarn F to the top of any point and work evenly around the whole star in dc,
working each dc through both layers of the star to join them. Before you reach
the end of the round, stuff the star lightly to desired shape, then complete
the round and join with a sl st to the first dc. Make 15ch, then sl st back
down into bottom of the chain to make a hanging loop.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hang
on your tree and admire!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47geBdZiD3s/WEF5Lf7h7lI/AAAAAAAAEE8/yMcwIEBKFpo4W09sJOQInidDIWny4RAqwCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47geBdZiD3s/WEF5Lf7h7lI/AAAAAAAAEE8/yMcwIEBKFpo4W09sJOQInidDIWny4RAqwCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-10642976205678965572016-11-29T22:52:00.001+00:002016-12-02T13:42:42.744+00:00Christmas Crochet Photoshoot<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBmoY09YIbo/WD4BL-fTeoI/AAAAAAAAEEg/oLD42X2qlZ8meiRvdamjEf3MM7rTfCN0gCLcB/s1600/5H5A8633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBmoY09YIbo/WD4BL-fTeoI/AAAAAAAAEEg/oLD42X2qlZ8meiRvdamjEf3MM7rTfCN0gCLcB/s640/5H5A8633.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweater by Rhian Drinkwater, Image Kirsten Mavric, Hair and Make Up Nicki Henbrey, Decorations Pipii</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As it is the first of December<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> tomorrow,</span> we can officially get Christmassy! <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So I thought I would share some images from t</span>he current issue of Inside Crochet, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">as I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">styled a</span></span> rather festive <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">photoshoot <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this month</span>.</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The</span> gorgeous <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">shots are by</span> by Kirsten Mavric<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, in<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cluding some <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a wreath and</span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">decorations <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that</span> I designed for the issue.</span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AU8Z4Emt-x8/WD4BDFvCiuI/AAAAAAAAEEY/rjD8vZ8_DcEjFEL6SwTc-A6OEff-BhJegCLcB/s1600/5H5A8540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AU8Z4Emt-x8/WD4BDFvCiuI/AAAAAAAAEEY/rjD8vZ8_DcEjFEL6SwTc-A6OEff-BhJegCLcB/s640/5H5A8540.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardigan by Ruth Maddock, Image Kirsten Mavric, Decorations www.pipii.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7d5KTzByfU/WD4A0Ur5xkI/AAAAAAAAEEU/zOGbf8Wnw9sUI9rVt8vnbZdNcduj3mghgCLcB/s1600/5H5A8152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7d5KTzByfU/WD4A0Ur5xkI/AAAAAAAAEEU/zOGbf8Wnw9sUI9rVt8vnbZdNcduj3mghgCLcB/s640/5H5A8152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wreath by me, Image Kirsten Mavric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLP8rDaHN9I/WD4Avsf9y4I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/4Ji2hl_f3Mcs8wix4DjfppEkKFy-TRU-gCLcB/s1600/5H5A8140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLP8rDaHN9I/WD4Avsf9y4I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/4Ji2hl_f3Mcs8wix4DjfppEkKFy-TRU-gCLcB/s640/5H5A8140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Wreaths by me, Image Kirsten Mavric, Decorations www.pipii.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF2HYBKPB_0/WD4BLo5NgZI/AAAAAAAAEEc/k7xnr28lDs4evqZf_aifRQS1WjWhPUyNwCLcB/s320/5H5A8630.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Kirsten Mavric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig5T2S_zL_E/WD4Br4FqsyI/AAAAAAAAEEs/K9H5aFkJgCo0FeOPDNTo-GoEOExWKEyKACLcB/s320/5H5A8910.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloves Tracey Todhunter, Image Kirsten Mavric </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y1Q_fuBHRE/WD4BSy0QtXI/AAAAAAAAEEk/jNycudvnEq4qadVJQhB1DLtysTwaGyrOACLcB/s320/5H5A8680.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Kirsten Mavric, Decorations Pipii</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlYruczJJz4/WD4BdBRwf9I/AAAAAAAAEEo/Qoajhjj0EMMS6QaPfnnuTfHb8U1aJ7xcwCLcB/s1600/5H5A8877.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="330" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hat by Rhian Drinkwater, Image Kirsten Mavric, Hair and Make Up Nicki Henbrey, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-29789856845322892142016-11-04T10:22:00.003+00:002016-11-13T21:09:32.701+00:00Reloved Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCjcG-GoBZM/WBxhSq6x8aI/AAAAAAAAED8/rNDAVtWY-tgxPxm-7-6SoQBb5SJrlBUcQCEw/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCjcG-GoBZM/WBxhSq6x8aI/AAAAAAAAED8/rNDAVtWY-tgxPxm-7-6SoQBb5SJrlBUcQCEw/s640/IMG_2570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This Summer, I made the difficult decision to leave my role as editor of Inside Crochet to spend more time with my daughter before she started school this September and so far it is proving to be the right choice. I am not only enjoying spending more quality time with my family but I also have the opportunity to contribute to other publications. One I have recently had some work published in is <a href="http://www.relovedmag.co.uk/">Reloved</a>. It is a magazine devoted to upcyling and slow living, so of course its ethos is one I am very interested in at the moment, as I am both trying to encompass a slower lifestyle while at the same time trying to do up my new home on a budget and ensure that my daughter has a lot of craft and making in her life.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Lucy Williams, Make up Nicki Henbrey, Styling Claire Montgomerie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have had a feature in each of the last two issues. The series focuses on upcycling old sweaters, something I have been passionate about since my degree and MA in textiles. Reworking old clothes is a great way to extend your wardrobe on a shoe string, but in the first feature, I also give some ideas for other interior and accessories projects you can create with some felted knitting and a bit of embellishment, including these pictures.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAYC6N0vQsQ/WBxdDAghmVI/AAAAAAAAEDc/Q0siHyyxODoMz-uPT0vcnSHTihTDdysEACLcB/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAYC6N0vQsQ/WBxdDAghmVI/AAAAAAAAEDc/Q0siHyyxODoMz-uPT0vcnSHTihTDdysEACLcB/s640/IMG_0877.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Lucy Williams, Styling Claire Montgomerie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had a fabulous old sweater, possibly from the fifties of sixties, which was sent to the charity shop because it had been felted in the wash. As its lucky new owner, I made not only a stylish hot water bottle cover from it, but also <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s</span>ome cute cuffs and still had some lovely cabled fabric left over, which I need to decide what to do with! If you are careful with your knits and don't have any felted pieces to utilise, I also give my tips for successful fulling.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Lucy Williams</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the second issue (out now!) there is an interview with me and I look at how to unravel old jumpers to utilise the yarn in new ways, creating a cute beanie from an old wool and mohair sweater. This way of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">upcycling</span> is not new - people have been ripping back old knits for the yarn as long as we have been knitting. WWII was probably the last time the practice was performed in earnest due to the wool shortage cause by the war, but it is just as relevant now, with fast fashion filling our landfill sites at an alarming rate. I love the idea of a handmade wardrobe which is lovingly repaired and reworked with the seasons and fashions. I do love high street shopping, but I am much more thoughtful about my purchases these days and now I have more time on my hands, I am hoping to hone my sewing skills to match my knit and crochet ones to create more and more beautiful items for my family which will last a whole lot longer than some of the cheaply made items available in the shops contemporarily. If you feel the same, go pick up a copy of the magazine, it is full of great inspiration from wonderful designers like Annie Sloan, Kate Beavis and Charis Williams.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image by Lucy Williams, Styling Claire Montgomerie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzHQxEzaXD8/WBxdxjhuFdI/AAAAAAAAEDs/7VT-KV7N18M7IEu2Nt6KgBuUI5Tu9znegCLcB/s400/MAVRIC_PHOTO_HIGH_RES_152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Kirsten Mavric, Make up Nicki Henbrey</td></tr>
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<br />claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-1529355333355936602016-10-31T10:52:00.001+00:002016-10-31T10:52:25.953+00:00Maker Crafts: Hooked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPOlkXcL0GQ/WBcYoQrDVRI/AAAAAAAAEC8/m4iPGR-zlsQP1qbPCB5UYAkoYYNSGDhagCLcB/s1600/collar_sketched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPOlkXcL0GQ/WBcYoQrDVRI/AAAAAAAAEC8/m4iPGR-zlsQP1qbPCB5UYAkoYYNSGDhagCLcB/s640/collar_sketched.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been meaning to talk about my new book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooked-Step---Step-Fashionable-Crochet/dp/1474804187/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477908367&sr=1-4&keywords=claire+montgomerie">Hooked</a> </i>for a while, but life has been getting in the way! Anyway, apologies for the delay, but here is a little preview of the loveliness inside, along with some of the work in progress sketches which I made while writing it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The book is for absolute beginners and the aesthetic is inspired by simple, modern, Scandinavian-style design and colours. I began by creating a mood board with inspirational images of the type of projects I wanted to include, along with the desired colour palette.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The designs needed to take into consideration the things I have learned from many years teaching people how to crochet – I wanted the range of patterns to be achievable for a beginner but also to appeal to more advanced crocheters, which I hope I have achieved. From there, I came up with some sketches and yarn swatches for the final designs in the colours and yarns I hoped to use. Using these sketches and swatches as a guide, I began making the projects. I usually design as I go rather than writing the pattern first, as this helps the project to evolve as you make it, allowing for unforeseen design problems or textures/stitches/colours that aren’t working. After ripping back and beginning again a few times, each project usually then progresses quite quickly and once complete, I can write up my hand scrawled notes into simple, clearly written patterns with as many tips for beginners as I can fit in. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Possibly my favourite project is the </span>gadget cosies, as they are so very simple to make but the strong chunky stitch definition, simple double crochet stitch and the bold stripe of bright colour as a contrast to the neutral base really appeals to me. Plus they are very practical, so it is a good all rounder!</span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">The how to crochet guide included everything you need to begin, but also to become a confident, competent crocheter. The three pattern chapters evolve in order of difficulty, beginning with <i>Getting Started, </i>moving to <i>Growing in Confidence </i>and finally, <i>Hooked on Crochet!</i></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">There is another book in the series, <i>Stitched!</i> by the very talented Ros Badger, which is just as lovely, so I do urge all you budding sewists out there to check that out, too. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">I am very proud of this book and I hope you will love it as much as I do, as well as finding it incredibly useful on your crochet journey. </span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">The publisher, Parragon, have given me two copies of the book to giveaway!* If you want to be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is leave me a comment below, and if you want an extra entry, pop over to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairemonty1/">Instagram</a> account and leave a comment on the Hooked competition post. Good luck<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span>
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</style><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGj3FZgJlh0/WBcX0r3rdKI/AAAAAAAAECU/CjUJBMQ0AhsiEZDkPGyWlqA-WUcSeObGwCLcB/s1600/hooked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGj3FZgJlh0/WBcX0r3rdKI/AAAAAAAAECU/CjUJBMQ0AhsiEZDkPGyWlqA-WUcSeObGwCLcB/s400/hooked.jpg" width="311" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>* Competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 30th November. Prizes are as offered and are
non-transferable, non-refundable, non-changeable. No cash alternatives
are available. Only one entry for website and one for Instagram is permitted per person and the editor's
decision is final. Entries received after the closing date of the promotion
will not be considered. No responsibility is taken for entries lost or
delayed, by way of technical errors including malfunctions via
the website. The winner will be drawn at random. No correspondence will be entered into. The winner will be
notified within 28 days of the closing date. Unless specified otherwise,
if a prize remains unclaimed for six months it will not be awarded,
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-3804268268623911102016-09-10T19:11:00.004+01:002016-09-10T19:21:21.595+01:00Edward's Crochet Imaginarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjDbMsN5Bu8/V9Q8qvKBVSI/AAAAAAAAEBw/W57oXG2LwVkXxvhGHADEHqjnufKRH1OAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjDbMsN5Bu8/V9Q8qvKBVSI/AAAAAAAAEBw/W57oXG2LwVkXxvhGHADEHqjnufKRH1OAgCLcB/s640/IMG_1688.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am very excited to have been asked by Pavilion Books to join in the blog tour for the latest in the <i>Edward's Menagerie </i>book series from Kerry Lord of <a href="http://www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk/">Toft</a>. Yesterday you heard from Sarah of <a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2016/09/book-review-edwards-crochet-imaginarium.html">Crafts from The Cwtch</a> and tomorrow I hand over to Natasja from <a href="https://crochetime.net/about/">Crochetime</a>. You can see the beginnings of her monster from the book over on her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/NatasjaKing/">Instagram</a> account and I for one can't wait to see how it turns out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Menagerie's distinctive designs and aesthetic appeal to me and I always look forward to seeing what Kerry
comes up with next. Once, when editing Inside Crochet magazine, I even
had the chance to request an exclusive animal to be designed by Kerry
for the publication - the result was an adorable <a href="http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/patterns/francis-the-hedgehog/">Hedgehog</a> called Francis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Edward's Crochet Imaginarium </i>is a diversion from
the usual themes in the series as it is a collection of mythical animals
- or rather monsters - as opposed to the usual critters which have
generally been based on actual living (and extinct!) birds and mammals.
It is also published in a rather unusual and extremely entertaining
flipbook format. Kerry's books have always included an interactive
element that was mainly aimed at children, allowing them to pick and
choose their favourite characters, while the basic shapes of the animals
remained fairly simple and similar and therefore easy for the maker to create. The Imaginarium
takes things one step further by allowing you to create your own unique
character from a myriad of different design elements - there are
supposedly over a million variations, meaning practically limitless
appeal! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The spiral bound, flip book format is so gorgeous and engaging that my daughter read it for ages by herself, treating it like one of her picture books. The reader is actively encouraged to construct their own monster using the well-loved split-page layout familiar from a multitude of children's books, but something that I can't recall seeing in a craft book before. This is a great tool for those crafters who are a little scared to stray far from the design of the pattern they are making - it is very common for knitters and crocheters to want to make a pattern exactly as the one on the page, down to the yarn type and colour as they are unsure whether the finished result will be successful. This book doesn't give any single pattern for one creature at all, but simply the 'recipe' for a smattering of different body parts that can be used in different ways, actively encouraging you to play with body shape, limbs, hair, colours, embellishment and placement of the appendages to create a unique personality, suitable for the monster's new owner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are still a little apprehensive at starting from scratch, there is a handy gallery of sample monsters, which is actually where my littlun started her design process. I was quite surprised that she loved Bella, as she isn't the 'pinkest' of little girls, but she liked Bella's long hair and horn mix (as did mummy!) and we tweaked her limbs and added in some other colours and design elements to make Bella just right for her new playmate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kerry suggests in the book drawing out the basic shape of the monster and then letting the child you are making for colour it in, which we loved the idea of. This resulted in the addition of a couple of other colours and a whole lot of stripes, which both of us are partial to...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
the yarn arrived, I was glad to find that the colours are bright and
clean and the pink was a very pretty shade on the right side of coral - I
think I have said before, I am not much of a pink lover to say the
least! It is also really lovely to use. I have never used the coloured yarns before, only the naturals and it is a really nice experience to work in technicolour in such a lovely alpaca yarn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There
is only one point that I found a little clunky with this book. As one toy can be a mixture of many patterns, even though every effort has been made to make
everything clear for the reader, it can get a little confusing skipping
around the book, especially if you make the decision to add more elements to your
design. I would suggest writing out your selected pattern mixture before
you begin, so you don't have to keep flipping pages and referring to
different sections of the book with your crochet in your hands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having said this, the project I am currently working on is really fun, and very simple once you have worked out the pattern. I have especially enjoyed the collaboration with my daughter on this - she really feels involved in the whole process as she often gets frustrated that she cannot yet crochet and help me out! She has also been hovering over my shoulder as I make Bella, getting more excited as each element becomes recognisable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tune back in soon as I will be revealing the completed character as soon as she is finished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those kind folk over at Pavilion books have also given me one copy of this lovely book to give away, so if you are as excited about this new book as I am, please leave a comment below or on my Instagram feed under the relevant comp post to have a chance to win - comment on both for an extra entry! *</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> * Competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 14th September.</span> <small>Entries from the UK only please, sorry! Prizes are as offered and are
non-transferable, non-refundable, non-changeable. No cash alternatives
are available. Only one entry for website and one for Instagram is permitted per person and the editor's
decision is final. Entries received after the closing date of the promotion
will not be considered. No responsibility is taken for entries lost or
delayed, by way of technical errors including malfunctions via
the website. The winner will be drawn at random. No correspondence will be entered into. The winner will be
notified within 28 days of the closing date. Unless specified otherwise,
if a prize remains unclaimed for six months it will not be awarded,
provided reasonable attempts have been made to contact the winner using
the contact details supplied.</small></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note that the publisher provided the book for review and the competition prize and </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Toft provided the yarn to make Bella </span>but I have received no other reimbursement for the review and all views are my own.</span></i>claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-37252977454015087542016-04-16T17:28:00.001+01:002016-04-16T17:40:28.938+01:00The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Un-6Q_nzLUk/VxJi521kD4I/AAAAAAAAEAg/YvtZ8tHTqKEBfzrl-NdOSnbbJsO1iLXUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0854_low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Un-6Q_nzLUk/VxJi521kD4I/AAAAAAAAEAg/YvtZ8tHTqKEBfzrl-NdOSnbbJsO1iLXUgCLcB/s640/IMG_0854_low.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Probably some of the most common questions I am asked when people find out what I do for a living have something to do with how much knitting and crochet I do for my daughter. No doubt when asking, they have pictures of a poor little urchin bundled from head to toe in mismatching handmade items...if only!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Usually my poor little one has to make do with things I have made for books or magazines but luckily she usually loves them. It warms my heart to know that she still adores anything that mummy knits her. Her current favourite is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alpine-adventures-balaclava">this</a> simple balaclava from my book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitting-Children-Claire-Montgomerie/dp/1907563210">Knitting for Children</a>, which sat in the cupboard for about 7 years waiting for the day it would fit a child of my own. I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">knew</span> th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at I had</span> to make her something that was just hers, designed with her in mind and that she would love regardless of whether I had made it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finally</span>, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a</span> couple of months before her third birthday<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, </span>I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">decided</span> that I would make her something for her <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gift</span>, and settled on some toys inspired by a film that she love<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d</span>. To try to illustrate just how little leisure craft time I have, I finally finished them in February of this year. Just one year and 5 months after her third birthday, so just a tad late! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Luckily, it was worth the wait, because although she is less obsessed with the film these days, she still knows all the words to the songs and dresses up as the characters. Incase you haven't guessed, the film is a certain animated and very cold story of sister princesses! I have always thought that the little rag dolls the sisters own as children were very cute (if you haven't spotted them, keep an eye out in the Do You Want to Build A Snowman song!) These cuties are my crochet take on their dolls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of course, the <span style="font-family: serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ridiculous</span> </span>length of time this<span style="font-family: serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">project</span></span> took wasn't helped by the fact I wanted to make the dolls underwear so they were decent, along with removable dresses, not to mention a full head of yarn hair to plait and style, which I painstakingly hooked into their heads one thread at a time – I used a whole ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for each doll!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fortunately, the toys have passed muster with the littlun; she took them both to bed with her on the first night I gave them to her and enjoys dressing them and styling their hair as well as pushing them in her buggy. Huge sigh of relief!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will get round to writing up a pattern for the basic doll and dress so that you can make your own versions and customise them. I find the finished toys so lovely, that I keep thinking of what other characters I could make. Littlun has started watching Brave again, to my delight, so I may have to find time to make a Merida, although I must admit that the thought of all that hair is making me have second thoughts....</span><br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-77620207375799614062016-04-07T22:40:00.000+01:002016-04-07T22:40:35.552+01:00Patti Wrap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Patti Wrap crochet pattern is now up on <a href="http://www.lovecrochet.com/patti-wrap-crochet-pattern-by-claire-montgomerie">Love Crochet. </a>A very simple beginner pattern that can be worn as either a scarf or a wrap and that can be whipped up in no time. Made originally in Rico Essentials Big and Rico Essentials 365 Aran, the Aran is now discontinued but any other Aran yarn will substitute. The pattern is written in both UK and US terminology so nobody need miss out!</span><br />
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<br />claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-81427795087149408072016-03-24T22:12:00.000+00:002016-03-24T22:15:16.139+00:00Happy Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am aware that I was getting into a blogging swing but March has been so busy that I haven't had a chance to post much. It was this time last year that illness saw the beginning of my longest break from the site. In a strange coincidence, exactly a year to the week, at the beginning of this month I was again undergoing surgery, related to the ongoing problems from last year, and I am currently having a little time 'off' work to recuperate. (I use the inverted commas as part of my problem is that I am never fully 'off' and have been trying not to answer too many emails or do too much work related knit and crochet!)<br />
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Anyway, I have been spending my 'free' time quite constructively, by finishing off a lot of non-work related projects, mainly baby themed for the baby boom that seems to be occurring presently! (More on that in a later post). <br />
So do not fear, I don't plan to disappear again for any length of time. For now, I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter and remind you of a cute, simple, free <a href="http://montyknits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/happy-easter-to-one-and-all-this-is.html">knitting pattern</a> for chick and rabbit egg cosies that I posted at Easter a few years ago. The images come from an Easter knitting class I ran showing some beginners how to make them. As usual, I love the quirky interpretations of the simple design that create distinctive personalities with only a few stitches and notions.<br />
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I have plenty planned for after the Easter break, including a new set of how to crochet tutorials and a post about some dolly beauties - the feet you can see below belong to them - who I was crocheting for over a year on and off and recently finally finished (sound the triumphant trumpeters!!)<br />
Keep an eye out for all of that and more coming soon and in the meantime have a very lovely, relaxing Easter - don't eat too much chocolate!<br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-78667276078824689032016-03-02T19:50:00.001+00:002016-03-02T19:54:24.656+00:00World Book Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oO8lrTFmuyE/VtdCilyJ2AI/AAAAAAAAD90/-WI8hIAAAYE/s1600/IMG_0966a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oO8lrTFmuyE/VtdCilyJ2AI/AAAAAAAAD90/-WI8hIAAAYE/s640/IMG_0966a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I sent off a little mini Alice in Wonderland to school for Wor</span>ld Book Day. I am quite proud of the make do and mend style costume (inspired by the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mary Blair<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> designs for <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the Disney film </span>rather than the original bo<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ok!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">) T</span></span></span></span>he 'Alice' band is crocheted and the apron was cut and sewn from a cheap cotton pillowcase. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want to have a go at the hairband - simply use any DK weight yarn, make 5ch, then work 1dc in 2nd chain from hook and each chain to end. Carry on working straight in rows on these 4 double crochet until band is desired length around head, fasten two ends into a ring by working a slip stitch join.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then work another strip in the same way of approximately 20cm long. Make two loops with this strip and sew or slip stitch join in place on top of head band. Weave in all ends and wear proudl<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y!</span></span><br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-13170370079424213182016-02-26T11:38:00.003+00:002016-02-26T11:38:30.524+00:00Periwinkle Necklace<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gv83MQRf-c/VtA42-C_LvI/AAAAAAAAD9c/aCZucNL0QSI/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gv83MQRf-c/VtA42-C_LvI/AAAAAAAAD9c/aCZucNL0QSI/s640/IMG_0459.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image by <a href="http://www.brittspring.com/">Britt Spring</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another new pattern up on the<a href="http://www.lovecrochet.com/periwinkle-necklace-crochet-pattern-by-claire-montgomerie"> Love Crochet </a>site - Periwinkle necklaces, simple and addictive! Easy to customise to your own desired length and they look fabulous in lots of different weights of yarn. This yarn is <a href="http://www.lovecrochet.com/wendy-supreme-cotton-4-ply">Wendy Supreme Cotton 4ply</a> which is lovely for crocheting with - strong and smooth. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image by<a href="http://www.brittspring.com/"> Britt Spring</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A little project for the weekend...?!</span>claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-58936304787926231722016-02-18T17:08:00.001+00:002016-02-18T17:09:43.762+00:00Daisy Chain Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7xlVw55K4U/VsX4xds2FTI/AAAAAAAAD9I/lzdrR1oeS7c/s1600/MAVRIC_PHOTOGRAPHY_133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7xlVw55K4U/VsX4xds2FTI/AAAAAAAAD9I/lzdrR1oeS7c/s640/MAVRIC_PHOTOGRAPHY_133.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another pattern up on the <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/">Love Knitting</a> and <a href="http://www.lovecrochet.com/">Love Crochet</a> sites this week is this pretty <a href="http://www.lovecrochet.com/daisy-chain-necklace-crochet-pattern-by-claire-montgomerie">Daisy Chain Necklace</a>. It is a really versatile project - I have already made necklaces, garlands and some pretty flower clips for my littlun to wear in her hair using these flowers and each project (especially the hairclips!) receive plenty of admiring comments. The chain is so easily customisable to any desired length, and you can play with the yarn weights used to create differently sized daisies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is very quick to hook and the pattern is written for both UK and US crocheters. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wvWAX5HJ04/VsX4xBTtQTI/AAAAAAAAD9E/J-ahSgjQFFA/s1600/MAVRIC_PHOTOGRAPHY_135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wvWAX5HJ04/VsX4xBTtQTI/AAAAAAAAD9E/J-ahSgjQFFA/s640/MAVRIC_PHOTOGRAPHY_135.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All images by </span></span><a href="http://kirstenmavric.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kirsten Mavric</span></span> </a></div>
claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-17478419737647697942016-02-15T22:07:00.003+00:002016-03-24T22:17:49.661+00:00New Patterns<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Britt Spring</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will be pleased to hear that I am fulfilling my unofficial <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New Years Resolution an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d </span></span>finally getting organised! Currently I am going through my back catalogue of patterns published in magazines with an eye to producing them as downloadable single patterns. First up on <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/">Love Knitting</a> is <a href="http://www.loveknitting.com/molly-hat-crochet-pattern-by-claire-montgomerie">Molly</a>, one of my favourite designs, a bold hat with colourwork made from scallop stitches a-topped with a cute pom. It is made with the lovely Jamiesons Spindrift yarn, but it is held double and crocheted with a 4.5mm hook, so a DK to Aran weight yarn held singly will work perfectly. And just in time for a chilly end to February!</span></span><br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-40146986455251838592016-02-01T09:58:00.000+00:002016-02-01T09:59:03.062+00:00Happy Tenth Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w34pnodPhu8/Vq8rafDqbyI/AAAAAAAAD70/XjbCQEDjcms/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w34pnodPhu8/Vq8rafDqbyI/AAAAAAAAD70/XjbCQEDjcms/s640/image2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a very special day today. One of my beautiful nephews (I have four, all equally as gorgeous!) has a momentous birthday. Today he turns ten. It is extra momentous to me as it made me realise that it is ten years since I was commissioned to write my first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Baby-Knits-Clothes-accessories/dp/1782493530/ref=la_B001JP0ZT6_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454320584&sr=1-3">Easy Baby Knits.</a> How do I know this? Because little Finley, who is not so little today, was a beautiful baby model for it. Only six months old at the time of the photoshoot and with the brightest smile you have ever seen. All the people at the shoot commented on what a happy baby he was and said that the old adage 'Never Work with Children...' definitely didn't apply to him! Hence, there is quite a lot of him in the book!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, in a lovely coincidence, nine years after it was finally released in 2007, Easy Baby Knits has just excitingly been reprinted with a fresh new cover. And guess who the new</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cover model is? My gorgeous Finley. Happy Birthday beautiful boy and thank you my lovely for being the smiliest model I ever did see.</span><br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-15392287623828641192016-01-21T21:51:00.001+00:002016-01-21T21:56:22.583+00:00Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdDRGornTCM/VqFQ7KS6JLI/AAAAAAAAD7A/50k9cv_ssJk/s1600/IMG_5244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdDRGornTCM/VqFQ7KS6JLI/AAAAAAAAD7A/50k9cv_ssJk/s640/IMG_5244.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Last weekend I had the pleasure of bringing the knit into a beautiful baby shower for one of my oldest and best friends. It reminded me that I never posted about this gorgeous, summery baby shower of another childhood friend and as the weather is so bloomin' cold at the moment, it is the perfect time to draw a little warmth from the sunshine in these pictures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My beautiful sister made the amazing cakes and threw the party to surprise her best friend, Dominique. One of the things I so loved about bringing this blanket together is that for the first time since I have been making baby shower blankets the baby's dad also knit a square. He knit as a child, and as dad to four boys (the bump is the fourth!) getting back into it is a great example to set. Knitting and crochet are categorically not reserved just for women, but some of the comments I get these days seem to suggest that a lot of folk now believe that is true, so anything that goes against that stereotype is fabulous. Anyway, before I get too high on my horse, I have to say that I love how this blanket turned out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The colours chosen were bright, so I made some floral granny squares to make use of the gorgeous shades. The squares were also all really different sizes, so I decided to work a crochet granny edge around each of the squares - both knit and crochet - to make it easier to join them and I love the final effect! Gorgeous Rocco - the babe born shortly after this shower - is now one (look how behind I am at this posting lark!) and hopefully still using his beautiful blankie.</span><br />
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claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-11992036749145614532016-01-18T21:43:00.001+00:002016-01-18T21:47:00.384+00:00Resolutions<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSOmBCQvz6c/Vp1ZjsiNFhI/AAAAAAAAD5I/vdRZGFLHA7g/s1600/05inside-crochet-web-sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSOmBCQvz6c/Vp1ZjsiNFhI/AAAAAAAAD5I/vdRZGFLHA7g/s640/05inside-crochet-web-sized.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am probably giving myself too many resolutions to achieve this year, but one I really want to try to keep is to take time out to read more. Reading used to be my biggest passion and how I unwound. Knitting and crochet became my go-to relaxation activity many years ago now and I want to redress the balance somewhat. Therefore, one of my newest designs for <a href="http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/">Inside Crochet </a>- a bookmark - is hopefully going to be put to good use! It is in issue 73, out now in all good newsagents with a glorious granny cluster <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jessica-cardigan-3"> cardigan</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/catherine-waterfield">Catherine Waterfiel<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d </span></a>on the front cover, that I hope I eventually get the time to make for myself! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you don't usually rea<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d Inside Croch<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">et, do go and search out this issue<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - </span></span></span>I love so many of the projects inside this month, the colours and textures are beautiful, so it's well worth a flick through.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bookmark images by <a href="http://www.leannejade.com/">Leanne Jade Photography</a></span></span>
claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-74786241096647558702016-01-09T17:22:00.002+00:002016-01-09T17:37:21.624+00:002015<table><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see if you read my post <a href="http://montyknits.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/healing-crafts.html">Healing Crafts</a>, it has been a bit of an odd year healthwise for me, but I have still managed to squeeze in quite a bit, workwise! Here are some highlights, in order that the pictures appear.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This year marked ten years of freelancing and the event which reminded me of this was the <a href="http://www.loopknitting.com/">Loop</a> tenth birthday celebrations. I was the first Loopette and it was an honour for Susan to ask me to contribute to the book <i>Loops 10 </i>which she published to mark the occasion. I designed the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweetie-pie-capelet">Sweetie Pie Capelet</a> and I will do a proper post to talk more about it all very soon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favourite and most 'liked' patterns of 2015, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ava-sweater">Ava</a> boxy sweater from Inside Crochet 62. (My first task for 2016 is to get all my patterns updated in my Ravelry and Love Knitting shops!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My littlun now fits into most of the patterns I made for my books <i>Knitting for Children</i> and <i>Crochet for Children</i>, so she wore them a lot this year, which made me very proud, as she just loves them, and a lot of them I made when I was pregnant with her, so it has been a long wait to use them! Here is one of our favourite projects - the Mouse Mitts from <i>Knitting for Children.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also discovered my first book, Easy Baby Knits is being reissued early 2016! More about that soon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.yarnstories.com/designers/claire-montgomerie">Nymph</a> is a crochet pattern I designed for Yarn Stories, a UK based yarn company spinning yarns in the UK, a fact that makes me love their yarn even more!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last year I worked on my first book in quite a few years and I have to say I love the way it has turned out. Not seen a hard copy yet but I shall let you know as soon as it arrives! It is a modern crochet book for beginners inspired by Scandi style. (It's just so me!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I really enjoyed the people I have met and classes I taught at City Lit last year - this is from the first ever Giant Knits class that I have taught which was great fun! Next up are knitting and then crochet classes for improvers over the next couple of months - check out the details <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/hand-knitting-for-improvers">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last up are two more of the projects I designed for Inside Crochet - the cute little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/apple-doorstop-and-toy">Apple</a> amigurumi and a versatile <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/daisy-chain-necklace-7">daisy</a> chain necklace/garland.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also went to Yarndale for the first time, which was fabulous! I am definitely going again this year - will I see you there?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's hoping 2016 is as productive with less of the negative side. I am starting the year off having to fix a hole in my hallway ceiling from a leak, but am trying to remain positive and look after myself - lots of calming knitting and crochet for all the new babies coming to friends and family this year are keeping me stress-free so far!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy 2016 everyone.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images by Kristen Perers, Lucy Williams, Claire Montgomerie, Cico Publishing, Yarn Stories, Parragon Books, Claire Montgomerie, Kirsten Mavric.</span> </span></span></div>
claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991151580092362660.post-39237862510995868732015-12-23T21:54:00.000+00:002015-12-23T21:54:41.261+00:00A New Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_rdICwP5uc/VnsX613qCzI/AAAAAAAAD0s/-XdCzr59znE/s1600/IMG_7048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_rdICwP5uc/VnsX613qCzI/AAAAAAAAD0s/-XdCzr59znE/s640/IMG_7048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, you may have noticed that the blog is beginning to change...what do you think of my brand spanking new logo? It was designed for me by a very good friend who blogs over at <a href="http://thebungaloo.tumblr.com/">The Bungaloo</a>, where she has previewed the logos, too. She is a designer with a great eye, quirky style and is a genius with fonts, while she knows me well, so I knew I wanted to work with her on it. She came up with this beauty - I love the linear quality and the use of yarn within the text, while the colours are just so me. Hopefully we shall be working together more on the look of the blog and other, larger projects next year, so stay tuned!</span><br />
<br />claire montgomeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345030471692047266noreply@blogger.com2