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After another busy week I most definitely have the Friday Feeling today and I hope that wherever you are you are looking forward to the weekend too. This is the first ‘proper’ newsletter of 2020. January went by in a flash and it is had to believe that we are already half way through February. With the India trip on the horizon at the turn of the year it was hard to think about plans for 2020, but, as I said last week in my mini catch up, I am beginning to sort out my ideas for the year and am looking forward to sharing more images and information with you over the forthcoming weeks. My focus since coming home from India a fortnight ago has been the new CAL design that I will be releasing in the spring. The patterns are written and are being checked and we did the photo shoot yesterday – I am almost at bursting point in my eagerness to show you the inspiration for the project, the design itself and the fabulous images from yesterday, but I have to sit on it for a few more weeks. We will be showing the design to the trade at a show this weekend and so sneaky peeks and more info is not far away….. With the design process for the CAL now over I am beginning to think about new projects. I have a few ideas for new designs and will be giving some older projects a 2020 makeover. Within the next few weeks I will be re-releasing a project called Imogen, which was originally designed as a christening blanket. As soon as we have the patterns I will share a link with you. I have quite a few things to tell you about this month – I have included a quick summary of the trip to Mysore, which is accompanied by a piece that Sarah has contributed about the history of Indigo dye and Kantha stitching. I also have some of the usual features, including my Instagram Favourite and Eco product of the month. I hope that you are able to find the time to settle down in my company for a few minutes and that there will be something within this email that inspires you, whether it be an idea for a crochet project, or the recipe for ‘Vegan Richa’s’ yummy breakfast cookies that I have provided links for lower down….
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Janie's Quick Update
I hope this email finds you well and that you are looking forward to the weekend....
Today's email was supposed to be my big January Newsletter, but as usual I have been chasing my tail big time! I have been trying to get myself sorted for the Knit For Peace trip to India and have also had a problem with Mailchimp - the host of our newsletters, as the site stopped working on my laptop, from where I usually do my newsletters. As a result I have had to commandeer one of the bigger PCs in the office. Poor Sue has also been off sick for a couple of days, so we have had to fill her shoes in the packing department!!
Today's email was supposed to be my big January Newsletter, but as usual I have been chasing my tail big time! I have been trying to get myself sorted for the Knit For Peace trip to India and have also had a problem with Mailchimp - the host of our newsletters, as the site stopped working on my laptop, from where I usually do my newsletters. As a result I have had to commandeer one of the bigger PCs in the office. Poor Sue has also been off sick for a couple of days, so we have had to fill her shoes in the packing department!!
Magic Circles Scarf
Anyway, as time is ticking away for me I thought I would just let you know that my Magic Circles Wrap /Scarf pattern is now available to download via Ravelry. We will put paper copies on both the Janie Crow and the Just Knots web site in a few weeks time when we are back from India.
I love looking at how shapes fit together and had wanted to create a tessellating circle design for some time. Circular motifs can be tricky to fit together and it is common to find the circular shape becomes slightly distorted when motifs are pieced together, so rather than create motifs that are square or octagonal, I designed cross-shaped infill pieces that protect the shape of the large circles.
This pattern was originally written for a blanket, but when I saw the beautiful range of shades available in Eden Cottage Milburn DK range I knew I had to make a scarf version.
Just Knots have had the kits on sale since November. If you fancy making the project in the suggested yarn, then the kits on the Just Knots site work out as good value - the pattern is included for free. You can find the kits by following this link.
When making the small infill circles you are asked to make a magic loop to start. You can find a technique download that explains how to do this on the Janie Crow website
We have had a flurry of new subscribers to the Janie Crow newsletter, so I have left the information I put in the newsletter 2 weeks ago in this week's one - I know that a lot of people want to know more about the CAL in particular - more info on this will be available soon.
This pattern was originally written for a blanket, but when I saw the beautiful range of shades available in Eden Cottage Milburn DK range I knew I had to make a scarf version.
Just Knots have had the kits on sale since November. If you fancy making the project in the suggested yarn, then the kits on the Just Knots site work out as good value - the pattern is included for free. You can find the kits by following this link.
When making the small infill circles you are asked to make a magic loop to start. You can find a technique download that explains how to do this on the Janie Crow website
We have had a flurry of new subscribers to the Janie Crow newsletter, so I have left the information I put in the newsletter 2 weeks ago in this week's one - I know that a lot of people want to know more about the CAL in particular - more info on this will be available soon.
We head out to Mysore for the Knit For Peace knitting and crochet holiday today, so I have been busy working on the projects for the group. I have prepared a knit project and a crochet one, so have had quite a lot to do! I am really happy with both projects and will be releasing them as patterns in the future. The projects are based on an indigo, cream and red block printed patchwork throw I found on my last trip to India. I have added lots of stitching and embellishments, so there are lots of techniques included. I will show you some images of the project and of the trip in my February newsletter.
I will be launching a new crochet along (CAL) with Stylecraft in the spring. The pattern will be relased in 8 parts for free from late April/early May through to the end of July and I really hope you are going to like it! I have already made my prototype blanket and the patterns are being checked, but we have now decided to make a second version using Stylecraft's new natural yarn range, which will make an appearance via yarn stockists soon. I am really excited that another natural yarn is set to join Classique Cotton DK in the Stylecraft range and think that you are going to love the fabulously subtle range of chalky colours in this new yarn palette - I am already madly in love with it! Look out for more information about the CAL and the new yarn in forthcoming newsletters.
The trip to Mysore and the CAL are both on my imminent forward radar, but there will be some more (what I think are) really exciting projects coming through this year, some of which are reworkings of older designs and some that will be brand new. If you are interested in my back catalogue of designs you might be pleased to hear that the patterns for many of these are being added as download options to my Ravelry store. As I have said already you can now find the Magic Circles Blanket pattern to download here and the Summer Palace Wrap here.
Paper brochure copies of my patterns are all still available via the Janie Crow web site.
I will be launching a new crochet along (CAL) with Stylecraft in the spring. The pattern will be relased in 8 parts for free from late April/early May through to the end of July and I really hope you are going to like it! I have already made my prototype blanket and the patterns are being checked, but we have now decided to make a second version using Stylecraft's new natural yarn range, which will make an appearance via yarn stockists soon. I am really excited that another natural yarn is set to join Classique Cotton DK in the Stylecraft range and think that you are going to love the fabulously subtle range of chalky colours in this new yarn palette - I am already madly in love with it! Look out for more information about the CAL and the new yarn in forthcoming newsletters.
The trip to Mysore and the CAL are both on my imminent forward radar, but there will be some more (what I think are) really exciting projects coming through this year, some of which are reworkings of older designs and some that will be brand new. If you are interested in my back catalogue of designs you might be pleased to hear that the patterns for many of these are being added as download options to my Ravelry store. As I have said already you can now find the Magic Circles Blanket pattern to download here and the Summer Palace Wrap here.
Paper brochure copies of my patterns are all still available via the Janie Crow web site.
When I was thinking about what I was going to tell you about in the newsletter I happened across a great 'woolly' story on the BBC app. It is about seaweed eating sheep on Orkney. You can find it by following this link or clicking on the image above.
It's Nearly the Weekend!
It is really strange to think that by the time you are reading this newsletter I will (hopefully) be travelling to India - I always find it surreal that we can be in one place one day and in another place a very long way away in a relatively short space of time.....
I am hoping to post images from my trip to Mysore on my Instagram account. I know from experience that the internet connection whilst we are at the Green Hotel can be a little patchy, but if you do follow me on social media platforms then you might well see some lovely colourful images of wonderful India!
Whatever you have planned I hope you have a good time. I will be back in your inbox in early February with a bigger more info packed email, until then, please stay safe and happy....
I am hoping to post images from my trip to Mysore on my Instagram account. I know from experience that the internet connection whilst we are at the Green Hotel can be a little patchy, but if you do follow me on social media platforms then you might well see some lovely colourful images of wonderful India!
Whatever you have planned I hope you have a good time. I will be back in your inbox in early February with a bigger more info packed email, until then, please stay safe and happy....
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Janie's Quick Update
I hope this email finds you well and that you are looking forward to the weekend....
Apologies for not making an appearance in your inbox for a while - it is good to be back! I hope that you have enjoyed a lovely festive holiday season and that you are heading into 2020 in good health and happiness!
Apologies for not making an appearance in your inbox for a while - it is good to be back! I hope that you have enjoyed a lovely festive holiday season and that you are heading into 2020 in good health and happiness!
'Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending'.
(Carl Bard)
(Carl Bard)
We have been dipping in and out of the studio over the last few weeks, but I will not be properly back there until next week when things will start to get busy again. I have spent the last few days scheduling my 2020 plans into my new diary and setting the wheels in motion for all the new things we have in store for you. I think it is going to be an exciting year!
We head out to Mysore for the Knit For Peace knitting and crochet holiday in 2 weeks time, so I have been busy working on the projects for the group. I have prepared a knit project and a crochet one, so have had quite a lot to do! I am really happy with both projects and will be releasing them as patterns in the future. The projects are based on an indigo, cream and red block printed patchwork throw I found on my last trip to India. I have added lots of stitching and embellishments, so there are lots of techniques included. I will show you some images of the project and of the trip in my February newsletter.
I will be launching a new crochet along (CAL) with Stylecraft in the spring. The pattern will be relased in 8 parts for free from late April/early May through to the end of July and I really hope you are going to like it! I have already made my prototype blanket and the patterns are being checked, but we have now decided to make a second version using Stylecraft's new natural yarn range, which will make an appearance via yarn stockists soon. I am really excited that another natural yarn is set to join Classique Cotton DK in the Stylecraft range and think that you are going to love the fabulously subtle range of chalky colours in this new yarn palette - I am already madly in love with it! Look out for more information about the CAL and the new yarn in forthcoming newsletters.
The trip to Mysore and the CAL are both on my imminent forward radar, but there will be some more (what I think are) really exciting projects coming through this year, some of which are reworkings of older designs and some that will be brand new. If you are interested in my back catalogue of designs you might be pleased to hear that the patterns for many of these are being added as download options to my Ravelry store. You can now find the Magic Circles Blanket pattern to download here and the Summer Palace Wrap here.
I will be launching a new crochet along (CAL) with Stylecraft in the spring. The pattern will be relased in 8 parts for free from late April/early May through to the end of July and I really hope you are going to like it! I have already made my prototype blanket and the patterns are being checked, but we have now decided to make a second version using Stylecraft's new natural yarn range, which will make an appearance via yarn stockists soon. I am really excited that another natural yarn is set to join Classique Cotton DK in the Stylecraft range and think that you are going to love the fabulously subtle range of chalky colours in this new yarn palette - I am already madly in love with it! Look out for more information about the CAL and the new yarn in forthcoming newsletters.
The trip to Mysore and the CAL are both on my imminent forward radar, but there will be some more (what I think are) really exciting projects coming through this year, some of which are reworkings of older designs and some that will be brand new. If you are interested in my back catalogue of designs you might be pleased to hear that the patterns for many of these are being added as download options to my Ravelry store. You can now find the Magic Circles Blanket pattern to download here and the Summer Palace Wrap here.
Paper brochure copies of my patterns are all still available via the Janie Crow web site. If you are one of the many people waiting for the pattern for the Magic Circles Shawl, which was released as a kit via Just Knots back in November, this will be added as a download to Ravelry within the next 2 weeks and as a paper copy via my web site and via Just Knots at the same time.
When I was thinking about what I was going to tell you about in today's newsletter I happened across a great 'woolly' story on the BBC app. It is about seaweed eating sheep on Orkney. You can find it by following this link or clicking on the image above.
I also saw this piece about how a knitwear company that sells hand knitted hats made within knitting groups in New Zealand has been inundated with baby hat orders after the image of Prince Harry with baby Archie was released for the New Year.
It's Nearly the Weekend!
It is a bit of a funny time isn't it - that bit between Christmas and New Year and then those odd couple of days where most people are back to work, but the kids are still off school. It is one of those times when we all seem to loose track of what day it is and cannot quite work out exactly what we should be doing!
I have been working from home this week - I am trying hard to shake off the lurgy that arrived a few days before Christmas, so I am busy drinking hot honey and lemon and trying to keep snug while I work at the kitchen table - it is like old times working from home for a few days, but I am looking forward to heading back to reality next week.
We have a calm weekend ahead of us. We are visiting a wedding reception venue with Summer and Chris on Saturday and I am hopefully off to see Little Women at the cinema on Sunday with a group of girlfriends - so long as my annoying cough has shifted itself by then!
Whatever you have planned I hope you have a good time. I will be back in your inbox on January 17th with my bumper monthly email, until then, please stay safe and happy....
I have been working from home this week - I am trying hard to shake off the lurgy that arrived a few days before Christmas, so I am busy drinking hot honey and lemon and trying to keep snug while I work at the kitchen table - it is like old times working from home for a few days, but I am looking forward to heading back to reality next week.
We have a calm weekend ahead of us. We are visiting a wedding reception venue with Summer and Chris on Saturday and I am hopefully off to see Little Women at the cinema on Sunday with a group of girlfriends - so long as my annoying cough has shifted itself by then!
Whatever you have planned I hope you have a good time. I will be back in your inbox on January 17th with my bumper monthly email, until then, please stay safe and happy....
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Janie's Quick Update
I hope this email finds you well and that you are looking forward to the weekend....
It is Friday again and so here I am with a Janie Crow update. I am writing this while listening to Woman's Hour on Radio 4 and they have just started talking about chocolate, so I am a bit concerned that I will be a tad distracted from my newsletter writing......
Autumn is most definitely here in North London now. It has been damp and dismal all week and so I have had no qualms about snuggling up on the sofa in the evenings and getting on with my knitting and crochet projects. As you know, I am a real sun lover, but I do find the evenings at this time of year very relaxing and cosy!
It is Friday again and so here I am with a Janie Crow update. I am writing this while listening to Woman's Hour on Radio 4 and they have just started talking about chocolate, so I am a bit concerned that I will be a tad distracted from my newsletter writing......
Autumn is most definitely here in North London now. It has been damp and dismal all week and so I have had no qualms about snuggling up on the sofa in the evenings and getting on with my knitting and crochet projects. As you know, I am a real sun lover, but I do find the evenings at this time of year very relaxing and cosy!
'Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.'
(John Howard Bryant)
Climbing Rose Wrap
The third motif for the Climbing Rose CAL project has been published in Inside Crochet Magazine this week. The motif is called Rambling Rose and if you are following the project you need to make 10 of them. I have already seen the motifs popping up on social media platforms and there have been a couple posted within the Climbing Rose Facebook Group.
Iceland
Last week I told you about the knitting trip to Iceland that I will be tutoring next summer. There are just 5 places left on the trip. This is what the Stitchtopia web site says of the trip:'Circumnavigating Iceland, taking in extraordinary waterways and ports along the way, you’re in for an exhilarating adventure packed with opportunities to marvel at the awe-inspiring natural wonders, dramatic landscapes and magical wildlife of one of the world’s most spectacular countries.
In Reykjavik our included excursions combine all the highlights of the classic ‘Golden Circle’ with visits to the producers of the famous Álafosslopi yarns and the studio of a renown Icelandic knitter. There will also be plenty of opportunities for shopping!
Our knitting expert, Jane Crowfoot, will offer four full day knitting and crochet workshops on board, as well as plenty of opportunities for social knitting as we circumnavigate Iceland.'
In Reykjavik our included excursions combine all the highlights of the classic ‘Golden Circle’ with visits to the producers of the famous Álafosslopi yarns and the studio of a renown Icelandic knitter. There will also be plenty of opportunities for shopping!
Our knitting expert, Jane Crowfoot, will offer four full day knitting and crochet workshops on board, as well as plenty of opportunities for social knitting as we circumnavigate Iceland.'
Instagram Favourite
I didn't manage to include my Instagram favourite of the month in last week's newsletter, so here it is:
I came across Aulaartesana a few weeks after visiting the Peruvian Textile Exhibition at The Fashion & Textile Museum. It was a fabulous exhibition that showed all the incredible textile heritage of the country. There is so much inspiration on this feed and I love seeing the colours and patterns of these amazing textiles - and the Alpacas are really cute too!
I came across Aulaartesana a few weeks after visiting the Peruvian Textile Exhibition at The Fashion & Textile Museum. It was a fabulous exhibition that showed all the incredible textile heritage of the country. There is so much inspiration on this feed and I love seeing the colours and patterns of these amazing textiles - and the Alpacas are really cute too!
Bohemian Blooms - Two New Versions
The colour sub documents for the two new versions of my Bohemian Blooms Blanket are available to download for free from the Janie Crow web site. You can find them by following this link.
One of the new versions of the blanket that I have named 'Bloomsbury Gardens' has been designed in a simpler layout than the original and features the square flower and butterfly blocks as the focus. The blanket has been made using Stylecraft Life DK, Life Changes, Bellissima and Batik, all of which are DK weight yarns. Yarn packs for this version of the blanket went out of stock via most of the Janie Crow flagship stores when I mentioned this a few weeks ago. The packs are back in stock on the Just Knots web site.
Yarn kits include the colour substitution documents, but, if you do not have the original Bohemian Blooms pattern book already you will need to purchase that too. Just Knots have the book at a slightly reduced rate if you buy a kit. If you want to make the blanket using alternative yarns from your stash, then you can order the book from Janie Crow and use the colour sub documents to help you choose a new palette.
Knitting with Wire Workshop
There are just 2 places left on Suraya's knitting with wire workshop next month. You can find more information about it by following this link.
Suraya's awesome son, Umar, is involved with a project called Plant Paradise. It is a really interesting project that aims to get people planting more trees and shrubs - something that is very much at the forefront of the topic of conservation at the moment.
The project is called Plant Paradise and you can find the web site by following this link.
'Our planet is not in a healthy state. We’ve used up a life-threatening amount of natural resources and we need to do something about it.
Plant Paradise aims to connect volunteers with planting projects on a global scale. We are developing a platform that makes it easy for planting projects to promote their events, and simple for volunteers to discover local planting and permaculture work.
Now is the time to give back to the planet we have taken so much from.'
The Plant Paradise web site includes a survey. It takes just a minute or so to complete and it would be great if you could take a look.
It's Nearly the Weekend!
We had a really nice time at Summer and Chris's engagement party last Saturday. I managed to get the cake finished in time, and although it was far from perfect, it did the job! An image of the cake, along with a pic of my Mum and Dad, Summer, Chris, Andy and I.
If you haven't already voted in the Craft Business Awards I would really love it if you could take a couple of minutes to do so. You can vote by following this link and you can skip questions you don't want to answer. I have been nominated in the Craft Influencer of the Year category.
It has been a really busy week here at Janie Crow with quite a few late nights, so I am really looking forward to a bit of quiet time over the weekend. Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great weekend...
If you haven't already voted in the Craft Business Awards I would really love it if you could take a couple of minutes to do so. You can vote by following this link and you can skip questions you don't want to answer. I have been nominated in the Craft Influencer of the Year category.
It has been a really busy week here at Janie Crow with quite a few late nights, so I am really looking forward to a bit of quiet time over the weekend. Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great weekend...
Janie's Friday Feature
Welcome to October's bumper newsletter - the Janie Crow equivalent of a Sunday supplement magazine....
It has been a really busy month here with pretty much back to back yarn shows - Yarndale and The Knitting & Stitching Show. I love shows and it was really fabulous to see so many of you on the stands. Andy, Sarah and I had a great time chatting to you all and it was so good to see your positive reactions to my new work - both Bloomsbury Gardens and the Climbing Rose Wrap kits proved incredibly popular at both shows.
We are now back in the studio for 6 weeks before our next event, so I am looking forward to some catch up time. I have been designing a new CAL project for spring 2020 release and am into the final stages of this. I love seeing big designs come together and I can't wait to show you the project next year.
As we have no more shows until the new year we have put a few events into the Janie Crow diary - one is a workshop with designer Suraya Hossain of Mahliqa Wire and the other is our Winter Open Day here at the studio. You can find more information about these events and find out about other plans within the 'Dates for your Diary' feature of this month's newsletter.
If you have five minutes to spare, I hope you will be in a position to prepare a drink of choice, settle into a comfy chair and enjoy a catch up with all things Janie Crow....
'The end of the summer is not the end of the world. Here's to October....''
- A.A.Milne -
What's New?
The response to the new layouts of my Bohemian Blooms project has been amazing! So amazing that we sold all the dedicated yarn packs via Just Knots at both Yarndale and The Knitting and Stitching Show. Unfortunately Just Knots and Wool Warehouse are now out of stock of the kits, but hopefully they will be back in soon, so do keep checking on the links if you want to get your hands on a kit. If you would rather use some of the yarns from your stash you can find free colour sub documents for the new Bloomsbury layout and for Emma May's Special DK version by following this link to my web site. You will need to purchase the pattern book to make any version of the pattern.
The third instalment of my Climbing Rose CAL will be published in next week's issue of Inside Crochet Magazine. It has been a real treat watching your progress with the Climbing Rose CAL over the last few weeks. Many of you have been speeding through the motifs and I have loved seeing the images of your crochet popping up on line
Next week's pattern will be for the Rambling Rose motif, which is shown to the right side of the image above. You can find more information about the CAL by following this link and don't forget that there is a new dedicated Facebook Group. You can find the group by following this link and above is an image of Sue and Tracy who both moderate the group.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
I am really pleased that many of my designs are now available as patterns and project kits via Wool Warehouse. It is great to have such a high profile on line yarn store showcasing my work and so I was really chuffed when they asked if they could interview me for their blog as part of their Designer Profile series. You can find the interview by following this link.
As I told you a few weeks ago, I have been nominated in the Craft Influencer of the Year category in the British Craft Awards. I am extremely proud of this, especially as I am the only 'yarn' crafter to have been nominated - my fellow nominees are all from other craft areas such as card making, patchwork and quilting and DIY/Lifestyle, so it is a real honour to have the chance for crochet to be recognised within this category for the first time
If you have a spare minute or two I would love it if you would vote for me. The link to the poll is here. You can skip any of the categories if you are unsure of your favourite choice within them. Thank you!!!
Dates for your Diary
I am really pleased that Suraya Hossain of Mahliqa is coming to the studio on Sunday 10th November to tutor a 'Knitting with Wire' workshop. You can find information about this class by following this link. There are just 8 places on this workshop, so you may need to sign up quickly if you want to come. We will be adding 2 new crochet workshops to the diary for 2020, so do look out for those in the future.
Alongside Suraya's workshop we have also added the date for our Winter Open Day, which will take place at the studio here in North London on Sunday 8th December. It would be really lovely to see you at the event where we will have lots of gift ideas for knitters and crocheters, kits and accessories. We will also have some great crafty bargains and Helen Bridgwood will also be holding a pop up shop to showcase her lovely knitted necklaces.
I get asked a lot to tutor both knit and crochet workshops and although I really love teaching I have decided that for 2020 at least I am going to step back a little and do fewer day long or weekend workshops. Teaching on longer workshops, like the trip to India with Knit For Peace and my recent trip to Ireland gives participants a chance to really get stuck into a project and hone their skills, so I am really pleased to be able to finally confirm that I will be teaching on a 10 day cruise to Iceland as part of Arena Travel's Stitchtopia workshop programme in late June/early July next year.
Details of the trip have been published on the Arena web site today and I have been told by the company that 8 places have already been sold, so it looks like the trip is going to fill up fast! You can find more information on the web site here, but you will need to phone Arena to discuss your booking as the cabin configurations are quite complicated.
STOP PRESS! There is just one place left on the Knit For Peace workshop trip to Mysore in January 2020. Juliet Bernard will be joining me as my assistant and we are really looking forward to the trip. Book the last space now!!!
Natural Dying Workshops
I met Louise Drosdzol a few years ago. Louise is an expert crocheter who has made some of my display blankets whilst pattern checking my designs. As well as being an ace crocheter Louise is also an expert on hand dying yarn using natural dyes.
Louise has recently started running workshops at The Riverbarn Arts Centre in Walton-On-Thames and she has two forthcoming workshops for the autumn. You can find more information on Louise's web site by following this link.
Introduction to Natural Dyeing and Foraging
Sunday 10th November £35 11am - 3pm
In this workshop you will learn how you can forage and use seasonal and regionally relevant plants to create lasting and effective colours. Louise will cover her favourite local plants and what colours to expect. You will collect and forage along the beautiful Thames Path in Walton Upon Thames and then return to Riverhouse Barn to make magic!
An in depth 2 day course.
Sunday 1st December and Sunday 8th December 2019 £80
On this course we will discover how by using different natural mordents and colour modifiers we can make at least 20 different colours from one dye pot of Madder root dye. After this course you will be able to make the most of every natural dye bath you prepare, to achieve a variety of predictable colours.
Maker of the Mont
As you already know, I really love getting images of your projects. I really like seeing different colour ways and alternative layouts that you have come up with using my designs as a basis, but it is also really fabulous to hear how the projects have made you feel whilst crocheting and it is especially nice to hear how they have been included in special events, such as baby showers, weddings and big birthday celebrations.
Helen Miller recently got in touch to share an image of her Lotus Flower Shawl, which was worn by her new daughter in law during her wedding celebrations. Helen kindly gave me her permission to share the image below of her son and her gorgeous new daughter-in-law on their wedding day.
Helen Miller recently got in touch to share an image of her Lotus Flower Shawl, which was worn by her new daughter in law during her wedding celebrations. Helen kindly gave me her permission to share the image below of her son and her gorgeous new daughter-in-law on their wedding day.
Helen's email read as follows:
'I contacted you earlier this year with a picture of a beautiful pin I had bought for the Lotus Flower shawl I had made. I still have the pin but I will be reordering the shawl kit as I am delighted to say that my new daughter-in-law decided that the shawl was perfect for her wedding! I had promised to make her a shawl, but we could find neither yarn nor pattern that seemed just right when, by chance, she saw my Lotus Flower shawl and fell in love with it. She wore it on her wedding day and it was much admired. I have attached a picture for you.'
BIPOC in Fiber
Just in case you missed it last month....
BIPOC in Fiber is the new name for what began as the POC Designers & Crafters List started in 2018 by Jeanette Sloan. Originally posted on Jeanette’s blog, the list quickly proved both popular and useful. Highlighting the many people of colour who work with fibre, the list reveals an urgent community-wide demand to see and support those talents. This very real demand doesn’t just come from other POC, or just from knitters, but from people of all ethnicities and a wide variety of crafting disciplines. This has led to a change of name and given the project a clearer sense of purpose.
BIPOC in Fiber is the new name for what began as the POC Designers & Crafters List started in 2018 by Jeanette Sloan. Originally posted on Jeanette’s blog, the list quickly proved both popular and useful. Highlighting the many people of colour who work with fibre, the list reveals an urgent community-wide demand to see and support those talents. This very real demand doesn’t just come from other POC, or just from knitters, but from people of all ethnicities and a wide variety of crafting disciplines. This has led to a change of name and given the project a clearer sense of purpose.
BIPOC in Fiber is creating an interactive directory and resource portal highlighting the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour working in the fiber community across any discipline; from knit, crochet and weaving, to yarn bloggers, indie dyers, writers, tech editors and everything in between.
Here at Janie Crow (and Just Knots) we are proud to support this fabulous initiative and I hope that you will visit the page, read all the info and support the project too. The link is here.
The BIPOC in Fiber campaign has now raised beyond it's target of £20,000 to support the vital and exciting work.
'Since January 2019 there's been a vital conversation on social media about racism, representation, inclusion and diversity within the online crafting community.
The urgent need for change has been revealed through this discussion - change that must be led by BIPOC makers.
BIPOC in Fiber is a website and resource portal. It's mission is to amplify and celebrate the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour working in the fibre industry.'
Note: Fibre is the UK spelling and Fiber is the US spelling.
Jeanette and her team have chosen to use the US version within their name and logo.
Here at Janie Crow (and Just Knots) we are proud to support this fabulous initiative and I hope that you will visit the page, read all the info and support the project too. The link is here.
The BIPOC in Fiber campaign has now raised beyond it's target of £20,000 to support the vital and exciting work.
'Since January 2019 there's been a vital conversation on social media about racism, representation, inclusion and diversity within the online crafting community.
The urgent need for change has been revealed through this discussion - change that must be led by BIPOC makers.
BIPOC in Fiber is a website and resource portal. It's mission is to amplify and celebrate the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour working in the fibre industry.'
Note: Fibre is the UK spelling and Fiber is the US spelling.
Jeanette and her team have chosen to use the US version within their name and logo.
Blog of the Month
I am a big fan of the work of hand knit and crochet designer Emma Varnam. Emma has a demanding high profile job away from her life as a knit and crochet designer and so it never ceases to amaze me how prolifically she designs new projects.
Emma is the author of lots of fabulous books, but I especially like her toy books, which feature the cutest of crocheted animals. You can find Emma's blog by following this link.
Emma is the author of lots of fabulous books, but I especially like her toy books, which feature the cutest of crocheted animals. You can find Emma's blog by following this link.
Emma has recently talked about her process for making for the lovely crocheted cardigan above and about the perils of making a project that combines knit and crochet patches. If you have some time to spare over the weekend, why not check out her lovely blog.
It's nearly the weekend!
We are looking forward to Summer and Chris's engagement party on Saturday evening. I made a prototype engagement cake a couple of weeks ago and made the new cake last night. I don't know whether I had beginners luck with the first cake as it seemed like harder work yesterday - I had a few 'bake off' disaster moments where I thought the cake was going to go off skew, but I managed the crumb coat of buttercream and am looking forward to decorating it properly this afternoon. I never thought I would manage to make a cake like this, but with the help of YouTube tutorials by Cupcake Jemma I think I managed to make a pretty decent job of it! Below is an image of my first cake and I will (hopefully) show you the final cake next week so long as all goes to plan!
Whilst at The Knitting and Stitching Show last week I fell in love with a hand knit design by Erika Knight. The project is a slouchy cropped cardigan called Fettle (shown below). I haven't knitted anything for ages, but I am already really enjoying working on this project. I am using West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious DK, which is knitting up really nicely. I am hoping to get some 'me time' on the sofa this weekend to work a little bit more of this project. I am nearly at the end of the rib on the back piece and am looking forward to some relaxing stocking stitch!
Anyway, that is it from me for another week. I hope that things are good where you are and that you are looking forward to a lovely weekend, whatever you have planned. As always if you want to get in touch please hit reply...
Yarny love and crochet kisses..
Janie's Quick Update
I hope this email finds you well and that you are looking forward to the weekend....
We have had some exciting news here this week as I have been informed that I have been nominated in the Craft Influencer of the Year category in the British Craft Awards. I am extremely chuffed about this, especially as I am the only 'yarn' crafter to have been nominated - my fellow nominees are all from other craft areas such as card making, patchwork and quilting and DIY/Lifestyle, so it is a real honour to have the chance for crochet to be recognised within this category for the first time.
If you have a spare minute or two I would love it if you would vote for me. The link to the poll is here. You can skip any of the categories if you are unsure of your favourite choice within them.
Bohemian Blooms - Two New Versions
The colour sub documents for the two new versions of my Bohemian Blooms Blanket are now available to download for free from the Janie Crow web site. You can find them by following this link.
One of the new versions of the blanket that I have named 'Bloomsbury Gardens' has been designed in a simpler layout than the original and features the square flower and butterfly blocks as the focus. The blanket has been made using Stylecraft Life DK, Life Changes, Bellissima and Batik, all of which are DK weight yarns. Yarn packs for this version of the blanket are available via the Just Knots web site.
The second new version is a recolouring of the original layout by Emma May of Pippin Poppycock. To make 'Sussex Gardens' Emma has used a lovely pink, cream and mocha palette using Stylecraft Special DK. Yarn packs for this project are also available from Just Knots and I am hoping that other stockists will follow suit soon.
All yarn kits include the colour substitution documents, but, if you do not have the original Bohemian Blooms pattern book already you will need to purchase that too. Just Knots have the book at a slightly reduced rate if you buy a kit. If you want to make the blanket using alternative yarns from your stash, then you can order the book from Janie Crow and use the colour sub documents to help you choose a new palette. As always I would love to see what you choose - I love seeing my designs in alternative colours and yarn choices.
It may not look like a lot, but reworking patterns takes quite a lot more work than you would imagine, so I would like to thank my ace crocheter Mary Schwarz for making the new 'Bloomsbury Gardens' version of this blanket and for all her expert help with the revised pattern. I would also like to thank Emma May at Pippin Poppycock for allowing me to share her alternative yarn choice. Luise has also done a fabulous job laying out the colour sub documents and creating new charts too!
We had a great time at Yarndale over the weekend, despite the torrential rain and we are looking forward to exhibiting at The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace here in North London next week. We have a couple of complimentary tickets for the show, so if you want one, let us know by clicking reply. We will allocate the tickets on a first come first served basis and we can only donate one ticket per person. If you want to come on Saturday you will need to pay a £5 entry cost even with the complimentary ticket.
All yarn kits include the colour substitution documents, but, if you do not have the original Bohemian Blooms pattern book already you will need to purchase that too. Just Knots have the book at a slightly reduced rate if you buy a kit. If you want to make the blanket using alternative yarns from your stash, then you can order the book from Janie Crow and use the colour sub documents to help you choose a new palette. As always I would love to see what you choose - I love seeing my designs in alternative colours and yarn choices.
It may not look like a lot, but reworking patterns takes quite a lot more work than you would imagine, so I would like to thank my ace crocheter Mary Schwarz for making the new 'Bloomsbury Gardens' version of this blanket and for all her expert help with the revised pattern. I would also like to thank Emma May at Pippin Poppycock for allowing me to share her alternative yarn choice. Luise has also done a fabulous job laying out the colour sub documents and creating new charts too!
We had a great time at Yarndale over the weekend, despite the torrential rain and we are looking forward to exhibiting at The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace here in North London next week. We have a couple of complimentary tickets for the show, so if you want one, let us know by clicking reply. We will allocate the tickets on a first come first served basis and we can only donate one ticket per person. If you want to come on Saturday you will need to pay a £5 entry cost even with the complimentary ticket.
'I know every day is a gift but where are the receipts for Mondays? I want to return it for another Friday.'
(Unknown)
We are looking forward to a weekend at home. I am hoping to have a practice run at making a cake for Summer and Chris's engagement party in a few weeks time. I have never iced a large cake before, so it remains to be seen how this is going to turn out. I will let you know!
Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great weekend. As always, if you have anything you want to share with us please let us know.
Yarny love and crochet kisses...
We are looking forward to a weekend at home. I am hoping to have a practice run at making a cake for Summer and Chris's engagement party in a few weeks time. I have never iced a large cake before, so it remains to be seen how this is going to turn out. I will let you know!
Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great weekend. As always, if you have anything you want to share with us please let us know.
Yarny love and crochet kisses...
Janie's Quick Update
I hope this email finds you well and that you are looking forward to the weekend....
This week has been all about preparation for Yarndale, which takes place this weekend. As I have said so many times, Yarndale is probably my favourite show, but with it comes a huge amount of preparation, so we have been getting all the goodies ready to take along with us!
If you are coming to the show please come and say Hello! We are in our usual position on stand 134. We will have lots of blankets, shawls and cushion covers on display and, as Janie Crow will be sharing a stand with Just Knots, we will also have patterns, yarn kits and knit and crochet accessories.
This week has been all about preparation for Yarndale, which takes place this weekend. As I have said so many times, Yarndale is probably my favourite show, but with it comes a huge amount of preparation, so we have been getting all the goodies ready to take along with us!
If you are coming to the show please come and say Hello! We are in our usual position on stand 134. We will have lots of blankets, shawls and cushion covers on display and, as Janie Crow will be sharing a stand with Just Knots, we will also have patterns, yarn kits and knit and crochet accessories.
Climbing Rose CAL
Last week saw the release of the second motif from my Climbing Rose Wrap via Inside Crochet Magazine. This month's motif is called Anemone and the inspiration for it came from the kind of flowers that William Morris may have had in his own garden twinned with the styling of his famous fabric and wallpaper designs.
The project has been designed as a large comfy wrap, but because of it's size and weight you could also use it as a runner - I think it would sit beautifully on a bed or draped over a sofa.
The Climbing Rose CAL Facebook group now has over 1500 members and you can find it by following this link, or clicking on the banner above. All images are courtesy of Inside Crochet Magazine and Leanne Dixon.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
Maker of the week
This week Helen Prentice sent me an image of her 'Primavera' version of my Frida's Flowers CAL project.
A while ago Helen and I had a discussion about how she might be able to hang her blanket up on her wall. Helen says:
'I remember talking to you at Bournemouth last year about mounting my crochet and I’m delighted to say I’ve finally managed it and am very pleased with the result and thought you might like to see it. Richard, my husband, put batons on the wall at the top and bottom. I mounted the crochet on a piece of material and have used Velcro to attach it.'
I think Helen has done an amazing job, so I asked her if she would be happy for me to include her in this week's newsletter.
A while ago Helen and I had a discussion about how she might be able to hang her blanket up on her wall. Helen says:
'I remember talking to you at Bournemouth last year about mounting my crochet and I’m delighted to say I’ve finally managed it and am very pleased with the result and thought you might like to see it. Richard, my husband, put batons on the wall at the top and bottom. I mounted the crochet on a piece of material and have used Velcro to attach it.'
I think Helen has done an amazing job, so I asked her if she would be happy for me to include her in this week's newsletter.
This version of Frida's Flowers is available from Just Knots Yarns as a kit, although I think their stock holding is currently low, so it might be an idea to look again in a week or so. The colour way was chosen by Lucia Dunn, who also put the Eastern Jewels version of Persian Tiles together. The Primavera colour way is only available as a kit.
The weather forecast for this weekend up in Skipton is looking wet, so we have packed our rain gear for set up today. If you're coming to Yarndale, please drop by the stand. Sarah will be with us this weekend and I am really looking forward to spending some time with her alongside lots and lots of smashing show visitors and I will do my best to get some images onto Instagram over the weekend.
Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a smashing time.
Yarny love and crochet kisses...
The weather forecast for this weekend up in Skipton is looking wet, so we have packed our rain gear for set up today. If you're coming to Yarndale, please drop by the stand. Sarah will be with us this weekend and I am really looking forward to spending some time with her alongside lots and lots of smashing show visitors and I will do my best to get some images onto Instagram over the weekend.
Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a smashing time.
Yarny love and crochet kisses...
Janie's Quick Update
I hope this email finds you well and that you are looking forward to the weekend....
It has been another speedy week here at Janie Crow especially as we had a very cheeky Monday away from the studio to travel back from our weekend trip up to see Andy's family in Cleethorpes. We had a really great weekend - the fish and chips totally lived up to expectations and the weather was surprisingly good. We managed to have some lovely walks on the sand dunes and some time playing on the beach. Of course we managed to squeeze in about a thousand ice creams and had great fun taking part in a family game of crazy golf on the seafront! Oh and doughnuts, there were lots of warm doughnuts........
So, it was back to reality with a thump on Tuesday when we returned to the studio. Thankfully the wonderful Sue had once again done an amazing job holding the fort at Janie Crow and Just Knots. She is a total star!
It has been another speedy week here at Janie Crow especially as we had a very cheeky Monday away from the studio to travel back from our weekend trip up to see Andy's family in Cleethorpes. We had a really great weekend - the fish and chips totally lived up to expectations and the weather was surprisingly good. We managed to have some lovely walks on the sand dunes and some time playing on the beach. Of course we managed to squeeze in about a thousand ice creams and had great fun taking part in a family game of crazy golf on the seafront! Oh and doughnuts, there were lots of warm doughnuts........
So, it was back to reality with a thump on Tuesday when we returned to the studio. Thankfully the wonderful Sue had once again done an amazing job holding the fort at Janie Crow and Just Knots. She is a total star!
Climbing Rose CAL
Yesterday saw the release of the next motif from my Climbing Rose Wrap via Inside Crochet Magazine. This month's motif is called Anemone and the inspiration for it came from the kind of flowers that William Morris may have had in his own garden twinned with the styling of his famous fabric and wallpaper designs.
I am amazed at how quickly many of you are ploughing through the project and so grateful to all those of you who have been in contact to say how much you are enjoying it.
I am amazed at how quickly many of you are ploughing through the project and so grateful to all those of you who have been in contact to say how much you are enjoying it.
Don't forget that there is a dedicated Facebook Group for the Climbing Rose CAL. The group now has over 1500 members and was created by my fabulous friend and talented crocheter Sue Macdonald. You can find the group by following this link, or clicking on the banner above. All images are courtesy of Inside Crochet Magazine and Leanne Dixon.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
Yarndale
This week we have submitted our yarn orders for kits to take to Yarndale next Friday. I cannot believe how fast the show is suddenly approaching and I am scared that it will be over within the blink of an eye - it is my favourite show, but it always comes and goes so quickly! We are planning to take lots of yarn kits and patterns, as well as hooks and needles, but if you are coming to the show and want to reserve anything in particular please let us know so that we can have it put to one side for you.
At the show I will be showcasing the new layout of my Bohemian Blooms Blanket, which I have named 'Bloomsbury Gardens'. There is another sneaky peek for you to see above. The yarn and bead pack for this project will retail at somewhere around £57, so it is easier to afford than the original version.
I will also be revealing another alternative colour way of the blanket, which is called 'Sussex Gardens' very soon. The colour way has been chosen by Emma May of Pippin Poppycock who has given me her permission to share the shades of Stylecraft Special DK she chose to substitute for the original yarns. The yarn substitution document for both new versions will be free downloads on my web site week beginning 30th September.
Aisling Beret - Free Pattern
My fellow Blogstar, Emma May, aka Pippin Poppycock, has designed a lovely slouchy crochet beret using Cosy Delights - a beautiful snuggly soft chunky weight yarn from Stylecraft.
The pattern uses just 1 ball of yarn and a 5.5mm hook.
The pattern uses just 1 ball of yarn and a 5.5mm hook.
Stylecraft have created a new Facebook group where you can find information and links to all the new Blogstar projects. The group is called Stylecraft Make Along Group and it is easy to join, so why not take a look?
World Record Attempt
Avid crocheter Natalie Morrison will be attempting to break the world record for continuous crochet in November.
Natalie is hoping to raise lots of money for her 3 chosen charities, including Knit For Peace and it would be fabulous if you could support her, either by donating or by supporting her at the event.
Natalie says:
'I’m trying to promote mental health, trying to get more people to speak out, and the benefits of craft as a coping strategy. In May next year, my local group Exmouth Crafty Crafters will be 5 years old. I founded this group after a bad mental health period, to make new friends and discuss and do craft. I now have 24 people who come regularly, every Tuesday evening fortnightly. I am also building a website that will be a reference for sufferers and those that want to understand more.'
You can find Natalie's Crowdfunding page here.
Maker of the week
I love this Delft style version of Persian Tiles that I came across this week. This huge blanket has been made by Jutta Heisalo, Koukkuunkoukussa on Instagram, using just 4 colours - 3 shades of blue and cream.
I think this blanket is absolutely stunning and shows how incredibly versatile the Persian Tiles pattern can be.
Tip of the week
I have featured the beaded crochet technique a few times within my newsletters over the last couple of years, but as there are a lot of new members on the mailing list I thought it might be good to feature it again, especially as beaded crochet is becoming more and more popular.
You can find a free technique download on the Janie Crow web site by following this link. There is also a free pattern for the beaded flowers shown above. We also have a Youtube video that shows how to add beads into 3 different stitches - double crochet (US -sc), treble crochet (US-tr) and half double crochet (US-htr).
Scheepjes have recently teamed up with Toho Beads to produce a fabulous range of size 8 knitting and crochet beads. You can find the range of beads here. The Debbie Abrahams range of knitting and crochet beads are also of top quality and come in a load of fabulous colours.
So that is it for this week - We are looking forward to a weekend at home and the weather appears to be doing us proud as we head into autumn with temperatures of up to 24 degrees predicted for tomorrow. Maybe we might manage a final barbecue of the year?
Whatever you are up to, I hope you are looking forward to a lovely relaxing weekend and that you are healthy and happy wherever you are....
Janie's Friday Feature - September
Welcome to September's bumper newsletter - the Janie Crow equivalent of a Sunday supplement magazine....
It has been a bit of a strange week here at Janie Crow, with a few things throwing us a little off kilter, but on the whole it is good to be back in the studio after our recent holiday, especially as we have a lot to do in the lead up to our exciting autumn schedule...
Weather wise it has been a bit of an odd mixture here in the UK this week. On Monday it was cold to the point where I was desperate to turn the heating on and yet today it is warm again and, as I look out of the studio window, people are walking around in T shirts and shorts once again - let's hope that an Indian Summer is on the cards - I am definitely not ready to pack my summer clothes away just yet!
So here we are in September, the kids are back at school and the shops are full of uniforms, note books and stationary with the odd bit of Halloween related stuff thrown in for good measure. Sue, our trusty office supervisor, tells me that she has even seen Christmas cards in the supermarket, so there is no denying that we are heading into autumn, even if the weather is attempting to make us think otherwise.
As a lover of the sunshine and warm weather I always feel a bit sad to think of us heading away from the summer months, but from a business point of view the autumn and winter are the most exciting and the busiest for us and so I am looking forward rather than lamenting the past....
This newsletter is my monthly round up rather than a quick update and I have included some bits and bobs that I hope you will find interesting. If you have five minutes to spare, then grab a cuppa and find a cosy seat and catch up with all things Janie Crow....
It has been a bit of a strange week here at Janie Crow, with a few things throwing us a little off kilter, but on the whole it is good to be back in the studio after our recent holiday, especially as we have a lot to do in the lead up to our exciting autumn schedule...
Weather wise it has been a bit of an odd mixture here in the UK this week. On Monday it was cold to the point where I was desperate to turn the heating on and yet today it is warm again and, as I look out of the studio window, people are walking around in T shirts and shorts once again - let's hope that an Indian Summer is on the cards - I am definitely not ready to pack my summer clothes away just yet!
So here we are in September, the kids are back at school and the shops are full of uniforms, note books and stationary with the odd bit of Halloween related stuff thrown in for good measure. Sue, our trusty office supervisor, tells me that she has even seen Christmas cards in the supermarket, so there is no denying that we are heading into autumn, even if the weather is attempting to make us think otherwise.
As a lover of the sunshine and warm weather I always feel a bit sad to think of us heading away from the summer months, but from a business point of view the autumn and winter are the most exciting and the busiest for us and so I am looking forward rather than lamenting the past....
This newsletter is my monthly round up rather than a quick update and I have included some bits and bobs that I hope you will find interesting. If you have five minutes to spare, then grab a cuppa and find a cosy seat and catch up with all things Janie Crow....
'There comes a time when autumn asks ''What have you been doing all summer?''
- Anon -
What's New?
Do you already follow JANIE CROW on Facebook? If not, you can find the link to the page here. Gemma, the fabulous new addition to the team here at JC, has been busy curating some great posts, including a chance to share your project images with us on a Monday. Because of the way many social media platforms work these days, you might not always see our posts, even if you have previously clicked to follow us. If you have 'liked' the page in the past, but are not seeing our new posts, of which there are now 3 a week, please follow the link above to the page and click to like a few of the historical posts, hopefully that will mean we start to show up on your feed again....
If you are in London on the 25th September then it would be great to see you at Knit Night in London a fun event for knitters and crocheters organised by the fabulous team at Row House Yarns USA.
"We're coming back to London! Come join us for a Knit Night at the Thomas Cubitt gastropub near Victoria Station on September 25th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM.
All fiber artists are welcome, and we love beginner knitters! We'll have a knitting teacher available, and if you are a newbie, and need yarn and needles, please email us at info@rowhouseyarn.com to let us know. We'll have a few balls of yarn and needles available."
Get a ticket to reserve your spot now, as space is limited. Tickets are £20 and include drinks (beer and wine) and shared appetisers.
If you are in London on the 25th September then it would be great to see you at Knit Night in London a fun event for knitters and crocheters organised by the fabulous team at Row House Yarns USA.
"We're coming back to London! Come join us for a Knit Night at the Thomas Cubitt gastropub near Victoria Station on September 25th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM.
All fiber artists are welcome, and we love beginner knitters! We'll have a knitting teacher available, and if you are a newbie, and need yarn and needles, please email us at info@rowhouseyarn.com to let us know. We'll have a few balls of yarn and needles available."
Get a ticket to reserve your spot now, as space is limited. Tickets are £20 and include drinks (beer and wine) and shared appetisers.
It has been a real treat watching your progress with the Climbing Rose CAL over the last few weeks. Many of you have been speeding through the Day Lily motifs and I have loved seeing your images of your crochet popping up on line.
It is hard to believe that the next set of patterns will be released next week! The first set of patterns asked you to make a lot of motifs, I think it was 16 main motifs and 16 half motifs, so there was a lot to do. If you are not quite finished working on these don't panic, the next set of patterns will ask you to make just 11 main motifs, so there is plenty of time to catch up!
Here are just a few of the images that have popped up on my social media feeds this week:
It is hard to believe that the next set of patterns will be released next week! The first set of patterns asked you to make a lot of motifs, I think it was 16 main motifs and 16 half motifs, so there was a lot to do. If you are not quite finished working on these don't panic, the next set of patterns will ask you to make just 11 main motifs, so there is plenty of time to catch up!
Here are just a few of the images that have popped up on my social media feeds this week:
The CAL will be published in Inside Crochet Magazine through until November. You can find more information by following this link.
Don't forget that there is a new dedicated Facebook Group for the Climbing Rose CAL. The group has been created by my fabulous friend and talented crocheter Sue Macdonald and you can find it by following this link. All images are courtesy of Inside Crochet Magazine and Leanne Dixon.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
Don't forget that there is a new dedicated Facebook Group for the Climbing Rose CAL. The group has been created by my fabulous friend and talented crocheter Sue Macdonald and you can find it by following this link. All images are courtesy of Inside Crochet Magazine and Leanne Dixon.
If you are still looking for a yarn kit to accompany the project you will find them on Just Knots, Wool Warehouse and Black Sheep Wools.
'Bloomsbury Gardens', my new version of the Bohemian Blooms CAL style blanket that has been made using Stylecraft Life DK, Life Changes and Batik DK will be revealed at Yarndale in a little over two weeks time and the free downloadable yarn substitution document will be on the web site thereafter. We will also be revealing another version of the blanket called 'Sussex Gardens' that has been made using Stylecraft Special DK by Blogstar Pippin Poppycock. Below and above are a couple of teaser images and I am looking forward to showing you more very soon.....
Just Knots and Janie Crow have taken a stand at this year's Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace here in North London. We will be on stand TGQ5 in the Textile Gallery. The show runs from Thursday 10th October through to Sunday 13th. You can find information about the show by following this link.
This year the show has a really big workshop and demonstration schedule and you can find more information by following this link. You can find a full schedule of the workshops here.
This year the show has a really big workshop and demonstration schedule and you can find more information by following this link. You can find a full schedule of the workshops here.
My great friend and fabulous crochet designer Jo Smith will be teaching a Learn To Crochet workshop on Thursday 10th October. This is currently sold out, but you can join a waiting list. Jo will also be teaching Tapestry Crochet on Friday 11th at 3pm and how to 'Crochet a Mandala' on Saturday at 10am.
On the Thursday at 3pm the very talented Luise Roberts will be showing how to make lovely knitted beaded button covers (as in the image above). Luise is a very patient and talented tutor - she is also my fabulous Graphic Designer and the brain child behind lots of the things that go on here at Janie Crow. Luise will also be showing how to knit a Fairisle Egg Cosy on Saturday at 11.45 and how to work cross stitch and beading onto a crochet fabric on the same day at 3.30pm - this looks like a really fabulous workshop judging by Luise's example image above.
Crochet tutor Diana Bensted is also doing a range of workshops at the show, including 'Crochet Mini Monsters' on Thursday 10th at 3.30pm and Broomstick Lace Crochet on Friday 11th at 10am. If you are an early riser then you can join Diana at 8.30am on Saturday 12th to learn how to make Tunisian Finger Mitts and Diana will be rounding off her classes with how to make a 'Tunisian Crochet Coaster' on Sunday at 10am.
BIPOC in Fiber
BIPOC in Fiber is the new name for what began as the POC Designers & Crafters List started in 2018 by Jeanette Sloan. Originally posted on Jeanette’s blog, the list quickly proved both popular and useful. Highlighting the many people of colour who work with fibre, the list reveals an urgent community-wide demand to see and support those talents. This very real demand doesn’t just come from other POC, or just from knitters, but from people of all ethnicity and a wide variety of crafting disciplines. This has led to a change of name and given the project a clearer sense of purpose.
BIPOC in Fiber is creating an interactive directory and resource portal highlighting the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour working in the fiber community across any discipline; from knit, crochet and weaving, to yarn bloggers, indie dyers, writers, tech editors and everything in between.
This week has seen the launch of a Crowdfunder page with the aim of raising money to support this fabulous project. Here at Janie Crow (and Just Knots) we are proud to support this fabulous initiative and I hope that you will visit the page, read all the info and support the project too. The link is here.
The introduction to the campaign, which aims to raise £20,000 to support the vital and exciting work is as follows.....
'Since January 2019 there's been a vital conversation on social media about racism, representation, inclusion and diversity within the online crafting community.
The urgent need for change has been revealed through this discussion - change that must be led by BIPOC makers.
BIPOC in Fiber is a website and resource portal. It's mission is to amplify and celebrate the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour working in the fibre industry.'
Note from Jane: For some reason my version of Mailchimp (the host we use for newsletters) does not do autocorrect on my spelling and I know that checking through my words is not my strongest talent! I also know that quite a few of you love to tell me when I have spelt things wrong and so I thought I should point out that I have used the words fiber and fibre in this piece on purpose and not because I have left my spelling unchecked!
Fibre is the UK spelling and Fiber is the US spelling.
Jeanette and her team have chosen to use the US version within their name and logo.
This week has seen the launch of a Crowdfunder page with the aim of raising money to support this fabulous project. Here at Janie Crow (and Just Knots) we are proud to support this fabulous initiative and I hope that you will visit the page, read all the info and support the project too. The link is here.
The introduction to the campaign, which aims to raise £20,000 to support the vital and exciting work is as follows.....
'Since January 2019 there's been a vital conversation on social media about racism, representation, inclusion and diversity within the online crafting community.
The urgent need for change has been revealed through this discussion - change that must be led by BIPOC makers.
BIPOC in Fiber is a website and resource portal. It's mission is to amplify and celebrate the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour working in the fibre industry.'
Note from Jane: For some reason my version of Mailchimp (the host we use for newsletters) does not do autocorrect on my spelling and I know that checking through my words is not my strongest talent! I also know that quite a few of you love to tell me when I have spelt things wrong and so I thought I should point out that I have used the words fiber and fibre in this piece on purpose and not because I have left my spelling unchecked!
Fibre is the UK spelling and Fiber is the US spelling.
Jeanette and her team have chosen to use the US version within their name and logo.
Discovery of the Month
When I first started this feature I thought it would be easy to recommend things that I have found over the last month that might cut down on the amount of plastic, general waste or pollution we are all causing, but one of the decisions I made a few months ago was to stop on line shopping binging. I have stopped following links to web stores on social media platforms and have not been aimlessly wandering around shops and so, as a result, I have not come across many 'eco' things that have appealed to me other than 'homey' things like shampoo, soaps and cleaning agents, which I am sure you have already made your own decisions about anyway. I do, however, have a few things to say about getting ready for the autumn that might sit well within this feature....
As it has got colder here over the last week or so we have been resisting popping the heating on at home and at the studio. Our daughter Summer is becoming a bit of an eco warrior and she keeps telling us to put on another jumper or to add a pair of thicker socks if our toes are chilly, rather than putting the heating on. It makes me laugh because I have spent the last 20 years saying the same things to her! I am so glad that she finally gets it.....
As it has got colder here over the last week or so we have been resisting popping the heating on at home and at the studio. Our daughter Summer is becoming a bit of an eco warrior and she keeps telling us to put on another jumper or to add a pair of thicker socks if our toes are chilly, rather than putting the heating on. It makes me laugh because I have spent the last 20 years saying the same things to her! I am so glad that she finally gets it.....
So, my first recommendation as we head into the colder months is to get yourself some woolly socks if you haven't done so already - we love the range by West Yorkshire Spinners and will be getting some in the store in the lead up to Christmas. Wool is far warmer than synthetic fibre, so if you are looking for socks or slippers, make sure you keep this in mind. I find pure wool socks a little scratchy so I wear a pair of cotton socks inside them when I am padding around the house.....
Another recommendation is that you actually make use of some of your lovely crochet blankets and have them at the ready in the living room for when you want to snuggle up a little cosier. It sounds like an obvious recommendation, but until recently I used to think of my blankets as being for show rather than for use, but now we have them sat ready on the settee for when its a tad chilly.
We live in a small semi detached 1930s bungalow. We added an extension to the back of the building about 8 years ago and so the new parts of the house are insulated and warm, however the original bedrooms to the front and side tend to be really cold in the winter despite the fact that we had new radiators installed.
It worried me that not only did the bedrooms feel cold, but that they were tending to feel a bit damp too, so I thought we needed to add more heating to the house. Last winter, on the advice of my cousin, we opted to invest in an electric dehumidifier instead of a heater and I have to say the results were amazing! Despite being electric and constantly switched to the 'on' setting, the dehumidifier we bought automatically switches itself on and off when it detects the humidity levels need adjusting.
Dehumidifiers are proven to boost the effect of your heating system as the air becomes drier and therefore warmer. Our energy bills last winter were reduced compared to the year before - the house felt warmer and it was bliss to get into bed unworried about whether or not the bedding felt a little damp.
Another recommendation is that you actually make use of some of your lovely crochet blankets and have them at the ready in the living room for when you want to snuggle up a little cosier. It sounds like an obvious recommendation, but until recently I used to think of my blankets as being for show rather than for use, but now we have them sat ready on the settee for when its a tad chilly.
We live in a small semi detached 1930s bungalow. We added an extension to the back of the building about 8 years ago and so the new parts of the house are insulated and warm, however the original bedrooms to the front and side tend to be really cold in the winter despite the fact that we had new radiators installed.
It worried me that not only did the bedrooms feel cold, but that they were tending to feel a bit damp too, so I thought we needed to add more heating to the house. Last winter, on the advice of my cousin, we opted to invest in an electric dehumidifier instead of a heater and I have to say the results were amazing! Despite being electric and constantly switched to the 'on' setting, the dehumidifier we bought automatically switches itself on and off when it detects the humidity levels need adjusting.
Dehumidifiers are proven to boost the effect of your heating system as the air becomes drier and therefore warmer. Our energy bills last winter were reduced compared to the year before - the house felt warmer and it was bliss to get into bed unworried about whether or not the bedding felt a little damp.
And while we are talking about beds, another recommendation I have is in regards to duvets and toppers. Check out Baavet on Facebook, they make fabulous bedding from wool that will keep you cool in the summer and really cosy in the winter.
Finally - we have seen a lot of chat lately about micro fibres - a bi-product of washing our clothes that end up in our water supplies and in the sea, this having an impact on marine life and so we decided that we would test out a few of the things that you can buy that say they help cut down on fibres in the washing system.
We bought a Coraball. We even considered stocking them, but as it turns out I am glad we decided to give it a test run before we invested in a load of them as, in the 2 months that we have been using it, I have found no evidence of the 'build up of fibre fluff' that the manufacturers say we should have seen and I kind of wish I had read this review first.
If you have found any washing related items that do appear to work, or if you have a different experience of the Coraball to us, then I would be really interested to hear from you. So far our Coraball has only managed to snag a load of bra straps and get tangled up in a duvet cover, so I am not a fan! I am sure the amount of plastic it is made from could have been put to a better use too!!!
We bought a Coraball. We even considered stocking them, but as it turns out I am glad we decided to give it a test run before we invested in a load of them as, in the 2 months that we have been using it, I have found no evidence of the 'build up of fibre fluff' that the manufacturers say we should have seen and I kind of wish I had read this review first.
If you have found any washing related items that do appear to work, or if you have a different experience of the Coraball to us, then I would be really interested to hear from you. So far our Coraball has only managed to snag a load of bra straps and get tangled up in a duvet cover, so I am not a fan! I am sure the amount of plastic it is made from could have been put to a better use too!!!
Colour Palette of the Month
I have been looking at the interior and fashion trends for the autumn over the last couple of weeks and have to say I am really in love with the colour palettes I keep coming across.
I had my 'colours' done about 15 years ago and came out as 'winter', so pinks, mole browns and icy shades are good colours for me to wear - looking at the trends I am happy to see many of these included this year.
I had my 'colours' done about 15 years ago and came out as 'winter', so pinks, mole browns and icy shades are good colours for me to wear - looking at the trends I am happy to see many of these included this year.
The images of the palettes I have featured this month are from Sarah Renae Clarks and I think her capsule palette, shown above, could be a really handy tool when choosing yarn shades. I am smitten by Fruit Dove, Biking Red and Galaxy Blue!! Dark Cheddar is just making me hungry!
Maker/Instagram of the Month
We featured my Mystical Lanterns pattern on Facebook this week and asked followers to post images of their own projects. It was so nice to see so many lovely versions pop up on the feed and it led me to discover Tominashandknits on Instagram, who appears to have made the Mystical Lanterns shawl many times in lots of different fabulous colour combos, so I thought I would share a few with you thin week. All of the images below are from her feed.
You can find the patterns for the blanket, shawl and scarf by following the links.
It's nearly the weekend!
We are hoping to head up the motorway to Cleethorpes later on today to spend a bit of time with members of Andy's extended family. Andy's Grandfather was born in Grimsby and so we try to get at least a weekend away up there most years. When the kids were little it was a real treat to spend a week in a caravan taking walks on the long sandy beaches and visiting some of the attractions that the Humberside area has to offer.
I know Cleethorpes doesn't sound like everyone's ideal location for a holiday, but I have always loved the 'kiss me quick' seafront of amusement arcades, deep fried doughnuts and of course, the very best fish and chips in the whole wide world, so I am really looking forward to jumping in the car and heading off for a few days....
As I said at the beginning of this email it has been a bit of a strange week for us here at Janie Crow and I have just realised that it is Friday the 13th and I heard on the news this morning that there is going to be a rare Harvest Moon tonight too, so perhaps this explains why things have taken a bit of an odd turn!
Anyway, I hope that things are good where you are and that you are looking forward to a lovely weekend, whatever you have planned. As always if you want to get in touch please hit reply...
Yarny love and crochet kisses...
I know Cleethorpes doesn't sound like everyone's ideal location for a holiday, but I have always loved the 'kiss me quick' seafront of amusement arcades, deep fried doughnuts and of course, the very best fish and chips in the whole wide world, so I am really looking forward to jumping in the car and heading off for a few days....
As I said at the beginning of this email it has been a bit of a strange week for us here at Janie Crow and I have just realised that it is Friday the 13th and I heard on the news this morning that there is going to be a rare Harvest Moon tonight too, so perhaps this explains why things have taken a bit of an odd turn!
Anyway, I hope that things are good where you are and that you are looking forward to a lovely weekend, whatever you have planned. As always if you want to get in touch please hit reply...
Yarny love and crochet kisses...
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