Somewhat famous

As usual, my blog is neglected. My posts about crochet have been few and far between. The truth is, I've been so busy crocheting things that I haven't had time to blog about it! The past year or so has been a blur of making, but as you can tell, very little of it for me and mine. No, I haven't been writing a book, but with the volume of patterns I've been working on can attest, I may as well be! I would like to write another book, something that's very 'me', and teaches the finer points and 'cheats' if you like of crochet. But at the moment I'm elbow deep in hooky. Last year I became a regular contributor to Simply Crochet, and I've enjoyed the challenges of working with different yarns and ideas that aren't mine. Making something that has wide appeal, with an easy-to-follow pattern has taught me a lot, and I'm really thrilled that I'm getting to try out so many of my ideas.

I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to use my blog as a kind of virtual portfolio. I'm not organised enough to have PDFs of all my writing work, and that would appeal to you in NO way. But I think you'd like to see some of my crochet projects. One day I'll get some PDF patterns together for a shop. One day, one day...

Here are some of my designs in Simply Crochet:

 Issue 28- my version of a spring wreath! Simple and effective. I used Phildar Phil Coton 4. 

 Issue 26- I love this neon doily rug! It killed my hands. My the neon Boodles yarn looks great!

 Issue 24- I really enjoyed putting together this Christmas advent garland. Especially the tapestry crochet pouch, the design is inspired by a traditional Nordic knitting pattern. 

 Ahhhh yes! This Christmas wreath in issue 24 was a big hit. I love love LOVE it and the inspiration was instant. Kitsch! 

 This one was featured before. I love seeing other people's versions of it, too. The wonderful Sally has blogged about her cushion here, and you can see the pattern on Ravelry here. 

Some of my patterns from 500 Crochet Blocks have also featured! In 2013 it was featured in Inside Crochet and Mollie Makes, and when browsing the mags in Sainsbury's late last year I found this in Love Crochet!

About a year ago I was approached by a publisher for a super secret Crochet project...it was finally revealed to be these gorgeous bookazines! I made four beautiful projects, and absolutely love the styling.

 J'adore this cowl. I have some much yarn left over I could easily make another. Rowan yarn is just the best, in my opinion. This creative worsted is soft and thick. 

 This rather bonkers tea cosy was the love child of a brief that said 'the madder the better' and my love of neon pink pom poms. 

 I much prefer the colours of these bright coasters- an ideal beginner's project. 

 This rug is made of six motifs, stitched together. Unfortunately it was styled upside down! The right side facing looked much neater, but I used some of my favourite wool- Rowan Big Wool for the project. I think the jersey stuff makes better rugs, but this is so cosy and soft underfoot. 

And finally- some knitting! No, I did not design these projects, but I did knit these delightful photography samples! I can't wait until you see the striped beach hut I made in the next issue...

The Art of Knitting is on sale now, I've been collecting them in this rather natty ring binder, as the styling is so gorgeous. 

And of course there is SO much more to come! I'm currently working on three magazine commissions from Simply Crochet and Inside Crochet. All the time my skills are improving and perhaps by the end of the year I'll be able to design garments. I have so many ideas for simple garments in my head. If you have any tips for helping grade sizes etc please do post links below.

And THANK YOU for all your support buying magazines. I've been a magazine journalist for NINE years now, and seen so many of my former employers disappear into an online ether. Print media has seen a huge decline, so I'm delighted that craft mags are so popular, and that I have the opportunity to work for them. Isn't it bonkers? Five years ago I could only crochet a granny square. Now I'm teaching advanced techniques and making the craft I love accessible and desirable.

Now, best get back to work, I have swatching and scribbling to be getting on with...

xxx