First of two parter at City Lit last weekend, it's a 3D crochet class, so much fun was had making beads, weird and wonderful shapes and ruffles. Next class we will be concentrating on surface texture and experimenting, so more pictures to show with the outcomes of that next week!

inside crochet issue 18

Excited about the new issue of Inside Crochet, which you can see a preview of here.

I adore Jennifer Cirka's Wedding Fascinator - my vintage lace top bought for four quid from Bexhill-on-Sea definitely came in handy for this beautiful shoot!

I also love the Eugenio Stork pattern by Yanina from Pica Pau, which I have made, so can enjoy in real life too!

3d crochet workshop

Details of my upcoming class at citylit, perfect for crocheters who know the basics and want to try out some new techniques in a fun way, we will be going through shaping techniques, to create pieces which could be jewellery, toys or art pieces. Get booked on!

knitting vintage

I have yet another new book out, this time one which is inspired heavily by fashions from the 20th Century, called Knitting Vintage. Here are a few pictures to give you a flavour!

pretty slippers...

More pretty pictures from the kid's knitting book today. I love the idea that you can make a simple slipper pattern then customise them to suit your own character or that of your child's. I am sure any little girl who loves to dance will enjoy sewing ribbons to her pretty in pink pair, or if you are a Wizard of Oz fan like me, the ruby slippers are a must! A boy might even like to make some football boot slippers...would love to see any variations you come up with!

Knitting For Children

I have been popping up all 35 patterns from my new book, Knitting For Children, onto Ravelry, quite a task! It has reminded me of my favourite projects and what fun the book was to write and shoot.

My personal favourite project from the book is probably these cute Mouse Mittens. All the kids I have shown them to adore them and can't stop playing with them, like puppets, while they are keeping their fingers nice and toasty! Usually the mice talk to one another, sometimes they kiss, occasionally they fight, but whatever they are doing, it keeps the child busy for hours - so take heed parents, it could be a great project to knit for them, even if they do not want to learn themselves!!!

stripes galore!

I do so love a stripe!

Now that the warmer weather is finally here, it can be hard to find projects which still make you feel like spring, so how about some classic Breton inspired stripes for a fabulous naval look? My new book, Knitting Vintage has a lovely wide stripe sweater in, taking inspiration from just that look, and I love it, even if I do say so myself! I have been wearing it already!

You can also find my nautical striped sweater pattern on Ravelry.

If those are a little warm for you in this mini heatwave we are experiencing in the South East, why not try some very summery lacy stripes. This cute cotton sweater was in Let's Knit magazine last year, but if you can't find your copy, I shall be publishing it on Ravelry soon.