​I think it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that at this time of year many of us find ourselves reflecting on the previous 12 months in order to calculate and consider all the things that we think we have achieved and the things we have learnt so that then, through this contemplation, we are able to decide what objectives we will take into the future. We reminisce about the good times we have had, look at our achievements and then make new plans based on these things, whilst also making a mental note to learn from, and not revisit, the bad times.
 
2020 has been a game changer. It has been about staying safe and looking out for others. It has been a chance to reset and reflect over the course of months rather than as a reaction to the New Year looming. This year, whilst it is inevitable that we all have different things planned for 2021, the overriding achievement has to be (that unlike the many of thousands of people who have lost their lives, or who have had their life drastically altered thanks to the pandemic), we are lucky enough to be in a position to reflect on 2020 in the first place!

For me the past year has been a chance to re-evaluate the things that we prioritise and really think about how we want our home and work life to look going forwards. Over the last few months we have been busy making some exciting plans for the new year that we hope will include projects and events that you would like to get involved in. 2021 will be Janie Crow's 10th Anniversary year so it is extra exciting for us!
 
Your support over the last year has been incredible and I am always blown away by your lovely emails and messages and your amazing response to my work. I wish you all good health and happiness for 2021. With love from my family to yours....
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I hope you are all having a nice festive holiday. I am here again to let you know that the fifth yarn substitution document for the Love is Enough version of the Fruit Garden Crochet Along project is now live on the Stylecraft web site. 
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​Have you made your list and checked it twice? Have you been naughty or nice? Whatever your answers to these 2 questions there is no escaping the fact that a week today will be Christmas Day! For most of us it is set to be unlike any Christmas Day we have ever seen before, but a fact is a fact - this time next week we will be donning our fancy frocks and silly paper hats, eating a little too much and maybe getting a tad tipsy, all in the most grown up, socially distanced and sensible way possible!
 
I must admit I am really looking forward to the festive break despite the fact that it will be quieter than usual and I have already stared to line up the projects I want to work on while we are at home - I have rummaged around at the back of the sofa and found a few WIPS that are not far off being finished, so it will be nice to settle down with these and have a few days of Christmas movies, jigsaws and mince pies!

We are planning to spend this weekend finishing off our festive preparations and getting ready for the not so big day! Over the course of 2020 we have tried to keep ourselves to ourselves as much as possible in order to keep our family safe and so from now through to Christmas we will be extra hermit like so that we can see some of our loved ones. We have really missed the usual run of parties and events that lead up to the festive period so Andy, Charlie and I have decided that we will have our own 'Christmas Do' at home on Saturday evening - not quite sure what that will entail just yet, but I am hoping for a few party dances and a game of guess the intro - one of my favourite games especially in regards to the 80s and 90s music rounds!

I would love to know what your plans are especially if you are lining up a new knit or crochet projects or if you have some ideas for fun things to do in small groups - it would be lovely to share some of these on social media...

I am really pleased to say that team Janie Crow managed to raise nearly £800 by completing the Big Walk for Shelter. Our total currently sits at £760 which really is amazing, but there is still time to donate if you want to. Thank you so much for all your amazing support!

This is my last newsletter for 2020 and I will be back mid January with the next one.
The studio opening times over the next few weeks will be as follows:

25th - 28th December: Closed.
29th, 30th & 31st December: Open 10am to 4pm. 
1st, 2nd, 3rd January: Closed

Please note that we will be unable to man the phone line during the festive period so please do not call. If you have a query about an order or want to contact us about anything else please us the following email address: info@janiecrow.co.uk

So that is pretty much it from me for 2020. It has been the strangest of years for obvious reasons. On a personal level there have been some major lows over the course of the last 9 months but there have also been some incredible high points and it has been amazing to have been part of your crafting journeys this year.

I hope that whatever your plans are that you have a good time despite the restrictions. We are sad not to be able to see some of our family but we know that the more we all behave and adhere to the rules the more we are protecting our loved ones and the quicker we will see a brighter future. I look forward to being back here with you in January when we will hopefully already be reaping the benefits of a better New Year.
 
With much love
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​I am here again to let you know that the fourth yarn substitution document for the Love is Enough version of the Fruit Garden Crochet Along project is now live on the Stylecraft web site and to let you know that Stylecraft are running some fabulous festive giveaways via their Facebook page and blog. The giveaway gives you a chance to win the yarn to complete one of the projects that have been featured on the Stylecraft Make Along Facebook Group over the course of this year, each one designed by a Blogstar. There are some great prizes to be won and if you visit the page on Thursday you can enter the prize draw to win the yarn to make the Melsetter Fruit Garden cushion cover. Click on the image below for more info.
   

​So, as I said already, today sees the release of the yarn substitution document to make the next part of the Fruit Garden CAL. To work through the Aster motif and the next part of the Acanthus motif you will need to download the original pattern for Part 4 and use the yarn sub document alongside this as a guide for which yarn shades to use. If you are joining in the CAL and using one of the 2 original colourways or your own colour palette then you will not need the yarn sub document. 
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​I have recorded a short video to accompany the re-release of the first set of patterns and you can find the video here. You can find a video to accompany the Purple Aster and the next few rounds of the Acanthus motifs here.

​If you want to make a cushion to accompany your project you can find the patterns as a free download or as a paper pattern by following this link. 

If you want to make a Fruit Garden blanket in the Naturals Bamboo + Cotton, Night & Dusk colour way (shown above) we now have kits in stock on Janie Crow and Just Knots. Don't forget that you can find help and join in some crochet orientated chat via the Stylecraft Yarns CAL Facebook page here.

Yarn substitution documents for the next part of the project will go live on the 29th December.

Sending big yarny hugs to you all and hoping that you are safe and well.

​It is hard to believe that Christmas Day is just 2 weeks away - are you ready for it? I think we are pretty much sorted for our much quieter day than usual, but there are still a few bits and bobs to get and some gift wrapping to do. I hope that wherever you are and whatever you have planned that you are looking forward to a fabulous festive break despite the current situation.
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The paper version of the Festive Edition of Inside Crochet magazine has sold out, but if you are looking to make some last minute decorations or fancy embarking on a lovely new project to make over Christmas you can download a one off copy of the magazine by following this link.
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There are so many fabulous projects in this magazine including projects by some of the UK's leading designers and I am honoured to have been asked to contribute the patterns for some festive decorations that feature in an exclusive 'beaded crochet' cover book. ​
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If you like the idea of beading but feel you need a bit of extra help you can find a video tutorial that Sarah and I filmed a few years ago on the Janie Crow YouTube channel here and a free to download technique document here.

You can find more bead shades over on Andy's Just Knots site by following this link.
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The response to the Janie Crow Lifestyle brand, which we launched a little over a month ago, has been amazing and it is incredible to see the number of followers of the Instagram page grow by the day. We are closing in on 850 followers, which is just great - thank you all so much for your kind words and messages.
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​Sarah has been looking at some neat ways to use oddments of fabric, scarves and tea towels to make some great reusable gift wrapping and she has also included some ideas of how to use pages from a magazine or newspaper as gift wrapping and you can find her ideas and images along with links to great tutorials lower down this email.
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​As we come to the end of 2020, I think many of us will want to put some extra thought into the way we wrap our gifts for friends and family. There is a certain irony in me writing this piece for you as I am not very good at wrapping gifts, since I usually leave it right until the last minute. However, since working on the Lifestyle brand with Jane I have become much more aware of packaging generally and we might present some of our gifts more thoughtfully and consciously. 

So often we turn to the East for inspiration and this year I have noticed that lots of brands - large and small -are encouraging us to practice Furoshiki, the Japanese art of fabric wrapping. Back in the Nara period (710-794 B.C.) cloth was used to wrap important goods and treasures. Fast forward to 2006 and the Japanese Minister of the Environment encouraged the use of Furoshiki cloth to reduce the use of plastic. As a result of this kind of intervention we are now seeing this ancient Japanese art being practised all over the world.

“It would be wonderful if the furoshiki, as a symbol of traditional Japanese culture, could provide an opportunity for us to reconsider the possibilities of a sound-material cycle society. As my sincere wish, I would like to disseminate the culture of the furoshiki to the entire world.”
Ms Yuriko Koike – Minister for the Environment (Japan) 2003-2006

I was really surprised by how quick and simple the technique is. All you need is a square piece of cloth. Ideally this should be double sided, but it is not crucial. Most Furoshiki cloths are either 45cm or 70cm square, but in reality they can be as large or small as the gift requires. There are lots of tutorials available online and I found this one from Edinburgh based Furoshiki Giftwrap, really helpful. 

This inspired me to have a go myself and here is a Friendly Soap bar wrapped and ready to go!
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Every year as a child my mum would meticulously preserve wrapping paper from one year to the next. During one of our Janie Crow Lifestyle catch ups we thought it would be nice to show you how to reuse not only gift wrap but the pages of magazines, leaflets etc by making an origami gift bag. Just like the Furoshiki this idea is also influenced by Japan where the art of paper folding is practised to a magnificent standard.

We have posted a super quick video of me making one of these bags over on the Janie Crow Lifestyle Instagram feed, but if you would like to learn how to make one yourself then the following link will take you to a fantastic tutorial by Paperkerwaii. It is incredibly soothing to watch and I made the following bags from magazine pages and ribbon that I have collected from packaging over the years!
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I have only touched on a couple of ideas here, but I hope that they will inspire you and since this is my last piece for 2020 I thought it would be nice to leave you with a gift!

Here is the pattern for my Slipstitch Gift Bag – it’s a great stash buster and perfect for soaps, candles or anything small. These can be used again and again and I hope you enjoy making one or two!
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​SLIPSTITCH GIFT BAG
 
Yarn:  This design can be worked in 4ply or DK oddments in three colours, A, B & C.
Needles and notions: 3.25mm needle for 4ply version.
4mm needles for DK version.
Tension:  25sts and 40 rows to 10cm using 4mm needles and measured over pattern.
Measurements:  Varies according to multiple of sts cast on.

Abbreviations:
wyib - with yarn to the back
wyif - with yarn to the front

Pattern notes: 
Information inside the brackets refers to DK version.
Twist yarns not in use, up the side of the work.
Slip all sts purlwise.
The bag can be made larger or smaller for either yarn weight by casting on more or less stitches equal to a multiple of 4 + 1. e.g, 4 x 4 =16 + 1 = 17

Instructions:
Using 3.25mm (4mm) needles cast on 21(25sts) in yarn A.
Purl one row. Change to yarn B, but do not break yarn A.
Row 1(RS): K1, *sl3 wyib, K1; rep from * to end.
Row 2: P2, *sl1 wyif, P3; rep from * to end, ending last rep with P2.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Purl.
Rows 5-8: As rows 1-4 in C.
Rows 9-12: As rows 1-4 in A.
Repeat last 12 rows, twice more.
Break yarns A and C.
Next row: Knit in B.
Next row: Purl in B.
Repeat last 2 rows, two (three) more times, increasing one st at the end of the last row. 22 (26) sts
*Eyelet row: K2, *yfwd, K2tog, K2; rep from * to end of row.
Next row: Purl.
Work a further 3 (5) rows in stst. Break yarn B.
With WS of work facing join in yarn C and cast off loosely.*

To Finish:
Plain back version:
With 3.25mm (4mm) needles pick up and knit 21 (25) sts from cast on edge in yarn colour of choice.
Starting with a Purl row continue in stst until work measures the same as the Front to Eyelet Row. Work from * to *.
Patterned version:
With 3.25mm (4mm) needles pick up and knit 21 (25) sts from cast on edge in yarn A. Work as Front.
Both versions: Weave in any loose ends and block according to ball band instructions. Join side seams using back stitch or mattress stitch if preferred.
Make a twisted cord/ crocheted chain long enough to be slotted through eyelets and tied into a bow.
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When we started looking at products to stock on Janie Crow Lifestyle we were keen to source plastic free things that would act as a replacement for items that most of us already use, such as soap, deodorants and moisturisers. We also wanted to have items that were good quality and had a price point that matched their longevity and that ultimately looked good. Over the last 6 months we have spent a lot of time testing things and have chosen items that ticked lots of boxes, such as plastic free, cruelty free and low waste, whilst also trying to source things that are made in the UK and so have a low carbon footprint.

When it came to finding good cosmetic brands it was difficult to find items that could tick all our boxes so we have had to make a few compromises on some of the brands we have chosen. One of these is our brand new range of Lipstick pencils from Beauty Made Easy, which we fell in love with and just had to stock!
 ​

Last week I mentioned how much I like our range of Friendly Soaps and so I was really pleased to discover that the company have now won an award for their Lavender and Geranium hair conditioner bar. You can find more information about this by following this link to their Instagram page and you can find the award winning conditioner bar on sale in our store here.
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Head huggers have proved to be a really popular accessory this season. Not only do they keep your ears warm, but they are a great way to use up your stash. Why not make a few to give as gifts for friends and family this Christmas?

I have tried out a couple of ideas this week and thought I would share them with you! This is not so much a pattern but a few guidelines for making your own head hugger with the resources you have available.
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The basis of the head hugger is a knitted or crocheted tube measuring approximately 22cm wide and 48cm long. So when you are working out how many stitches or chains to make, first of all check the tension details of your yarn. If you are using a standard DK, you should get 22sts to 10cm in width. This means that 1cm is equal to 2.2sts. If you multiply 2.2 x 22 you will get 48.4 sts. You will need to round this up or down depending on the stitch you have chosen to use. As a rough guide I made 37 chain for my chunky head hugger (shown above on the beautiful Phoebe) and 48 chain for the DK version (shown lower down). You may find that some stitch patterns use more or less stitches to achieve the same width, so to be super accurate it is a good idea to work a tension square first. 

Having worked out how many stitches to use you can then start to make your tube. I used Waffle stitch for my chunky hugger and Rope stitch for the DK version. Details are at the end of this piece. You may prefer to work this as a flat piece or to work in the round. Either is fine, but if you are working flat, join the long edges with right sides together using either mattress stitch or slip stitch so that you achieve a nice flat seam. ​
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Waffle stitch
Worked on an odd number of stitches plus 2 for the foundation chain.

Special abbreviation: 
2 Linked exdc – 2 linked extended double crochet
Insert hook as instructed, yrh, pull a loop through, insert hook in next stitch as instructed, yrh, pull a loop through, [yrh, pull through two loops] twice.

Foundation row: make the required number of chain depending on your yarn choice. 

Row 1 (RS):  2 linked exdc in 3rd and 4th ch from hook, *ch1, 2 linked exdc in each of next 2 ch; rep from * to last ch, ch1, 1dc in last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch2, (does not count as st), 2 linked exdc in first dc and next ch-sp *ch1, 2 linked exdc inserting hook to right of next vertical thread (at centre of next exdc) and then into the ch-sp; rep from * to last exdc, ch1, 1dc in last exdc, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until you reach desired length.
 
Rope stitch:

Worked on a multiple of 3+2 stitches plus 1 for the foundation chain.

Foundation Row: 1tr in 4th ch from hook, ch1, 1tr in next ch, *skip 1ch, 1tr in next ch, ch1, 1tr in next ch; rep from* to last ch, 1tr in last ch, turn.

Row 1: Ch3, (counts as 1tr), skip first 2tr, * [1tr, ch1, 1tr] in ch-1 sp. skip 2tr; rep from * to last tr, skip last tr, 1tr in 3rd of ch3, turn.

Repeat Row 1 until you reach desired length.
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​My lovely friend Jan contacted me this week to tell me about the charity and social enterprise 'Fine Cell Work' which enables prisoners to 'build fulfilling and crime-free lives'.
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You can find their web site by following this link and this is what they say about their work in prison and post release programme:

'Fine Cell Work is a charity and social enterprise which enables prisoners to build fulfilling and crime-free lives. We do this by training them in high-quality, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells to foster hope, discipline and self-esteem. Our aim is to allow them to finish their sentences with work skills, money earned and saved, and the self-belief to not re-offend.

At the Fine Works Hub, our London-based community workshop, we run our Open the Gate programme which provides work experience, formal training and employment support to ex-prisoners (who we call apprentices). Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the programme aims to support ex-prisoners with their reintegration into society upon their release from prison'.

The needlepoint and embroidered cushion collection is possibly my favourite area on the site. The collection is simply stunning and the quality of work looks perfect.
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If you fancy having a go at making a cushion cover yourself or are looking for a gift, then the needlepoint kits would be a great choice, especially if (like me), you are a big fan of the work of Arts and Craft Movement ceramic artist William De Morgan.

I think there is something for everyone on this web site and I will definitely be popping back there to look for a few gifts and decorations although quite a lot of the Christmas bits and bobs are now out of stock.

The standard of work is amazing and of course I love the fact that the charity have made the link between craft and well being and I think as crafters we can all relate to their belief that 'The making and selling of high-quality needlework boosts their self-worth, instils self-discipline, and fosters hope.'
 ​

You can follow Fine Cell Work on Instagram here and you can find a brilliant informative video that shows the process of how items are created on this web page. 
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​We had thought that we might head into the West End to do a little bit of shopping and see the Christmas lights this weekend, but I think with London on the verge of going into Tier 3 that this would not be the best decision so (as usual) we don't have big plans for the weekend. I guess we will be spending our time pottering around at home and baking Summer's lovely brownies at some point. The weather forecast is not brilliant but maybe we will manage a walk or two and of course we will be only too pleased to settle ourselves on the sofa with a craft project or a book!

I hope that whatever your plans are you keep safe and well. Sending big virtual yarny hugs to you all.
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​I have been nominated within the Craft Influencer of the Year category of the Craft Business Awards once again. I was fortunate enough to win this award for 2020 and would love to do so again. If you would like to vote for me then click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the online voting forms.
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​My goodness! Just like that it is Friday again and I am here with a quick catch up email. As usual it has been a bit of a bonkers week here at Janie Crow and Just Knots HQ but we are feeling really positive this Friday after a week of better news in regards to the pandemic here in the UK at least with the Pfizer vaccinations getting the go ahead. We know that we will still face lots of restrictions over the coming months, but hopefully better times for all of us are not too far away...

Last weekend we managed to get the Christmas decorations down out of the loft but the boxes have remained unpacked all week, so hopefully we will make it a priority to get the house decorated this weekend. I love getting the festive bits and bobs out, but it is going to be strange for us all this year with pared back arrangements and less interaction with the extended family and friends. I hope that whatever your situation is that you have managed to make at least some plans for a little celebration.

From a creative point of view I am very pleased to report that my crojo has definitely returned after a few worrying months where I was feeling wholly uninspired. So many of you emailed me with great tips about how to cope with a loss of motivation and you were all so supportive, thank you!

I have a few things to tell you about this week so I hope you have 5 minutes for a quick catch up and wherever you are and whatever you have planned I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
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​There will be just 7 of us getting together for a few days over Christmas, but we are still looking forward to the festive season, partly because it will mean a little bit of time off and that all important rest and recuperation so that we are fit and ready for whatever 2021 will throw at us.

I am a big lover of the summer time, when days are longer and warmer, but I also really like this time of year at home when we can shut out the dark and cold and enjoy cosy nights in front of the fire and some hearty, warming meals together. As I sit here at the studio writing this email it is dismal outside, almost as if it is getting dark at 2pm and so I am already thinking about what project I might pick up and work on in the comfort of my settee later on! The thought of twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, some lovely scented candles and a few festive treats makes this thought even more enticing..
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​Yesterday evening I had a sudden urge to rearrange our bedroom and in the process I managed to sort out the light up decorative tree that we usually have here at the studio. I have put an image of it on the Janie Crow Lifestyle Instagram page this morning along with an invitation for you to tell me your thoughts on the big fake vs real Christmas tree debate. If you want to see the post you can find it here.

Our main tree is an artificial one. I bought it about 10 years ago when the children were small because I fell in love with the snow covered look that came into fashion around then. A decade down the line and I am not sure I would make the same decision again, but I still love my tree and envisage it being a lifelong companion. What I miss about a real tree is the smell of fresh fir, but I certainly don't miss having to vacuum the pine needles up daily or having to do quick clean up jobs when the tree has an accidental wobble! 

There are lots of facts and figures about whether it is ethical to have a fake tree, but there are lots about having a real one too! I suppose in an ideal world we shouldn't really have either (bah humbug!) so I guess the best way to approach it is to stick with a fake tree if you already have one (the suggestion is that you should have an imitation one for at least 10 years) or, if you are a fan of real trees try to make sure you get one that comes from a sustainable source and dispose of it in the correct way as trees that end up in landfill can create a lot of methane gas. There is an article here that you might find interesting in regards to weighing up the pros and cons of both.
   

​If you are looking to create a sweet festive treat that could also make a great gift for someone, Summer has posted her recipe for rum & raisin fudge on her Instagram feed Rosie Baker. I can vouch for the fact that the fudge is amazing, but do be careful with the amount of rum you add as this will have an effect on how well it sets! 

We have some great stocking filler type gifts in stock within the new lifestyle brand on Janie Crow. The Friendly Soaps have been going like hot cakes, so we have just created another order and hope that more stock should arrive here next week. The Travel Soap bars are brilliant 'all rounders' and can be used as body soap, shampoo and can even be used to wash your clothes. I am currently in love with the Cinnamon and Cedarwood bars, which smell wonderfully festive. Other good choices are the Rose and Geranimum, which smells and looks like Turkish Delight and the selection boxes, which make a really great treat! You can find a video on the Friendly Soap YouTube channel that shows their production process by following this link.
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All Friendly Soaps are made in Yorkshire and this is what they have to say about them:

'We’re a wee bit obsessive at Friendly, and putting ethics before profits underpins everything here. That’s why our products aren’t just vegan, or cruelty-free, or made by people paid a living wage, without using plastic, preservatives, sulphates or triclosan. They’re all of these things. Sure, we could make more money doing things less ethically, but all we ever really wanted to make was a difference.

For soaps this ethical we use a cold-process method handed down through generations of makers. It creates no by-products and relies on old-fashioned elbow grease, with every bar poured, cut and packed by hand, right here in Yorkshire. The soap is biodegradable too, so it’s better for the planet even once you’ve used it. Our recycled and recyclable packaging is just us being sticklers.'

*Please note that some of the shampoo and conditioner bars are not suitable for hard water areas.

If you are looking for some little gifts we also have some great telescopic metal straws that come in a metal case that can be attached to your bag or your key ring. These come in silver or rose gold and are super handy. My final recommendation, although not strictly the kind of thing you might use as a stocking filler, is one of the fabulous fragrances of Scence deodorant. This is a product that we all really love here and out of all the items we have chosen for the Lifestyle range this is probably our favourite so far. The deodorants smell good, don't leave a sticky mess on your skin and come in cardboard packaging that does not break down in any way during use. With a £12 price tag these do seem expensive but they honestly last for ages. I have been using the same one daily since the end of October and am barely half way through the tube. Oh! and they really work! 

If you are looking for a great festive drink then you might fancy giving Andy's Marmalade Gin a try. A few years ago we were introduced to the delight of this drink by a friend of ours who had made it for one of her pre-Christmas parties and Andy has been making it ever since so it has become a firm favourite with our family! 
   

​​This scrummy gin is good on it’s own with lots of ice, or served with tonic or sparkling wine and it is super easy to make! You need to leave it to rest for a couple of weeks, so this weekend would be the perfect time to get it ready!
 
You will need:
A large airtight Kilner type jar - sterilised.
A muslin cloth and a funnel for straining.
A bottle to store it in once it is ready.
 
Ingredients:
A bottle of cheap gin – no need to use the expensive stuff!
A jar of good quality marmalade.
2 bay leaves.
A large slice or 2 of fresh orange peel - not zest.
 
Method:
Add all the ingredients to the Kilner type jar and stir well.
Seal the jar and leave it in a dark place for 2 weeks giving it a little shake every few days.
After 2 weeks strain the mixture through muslin a couple of times to ensure there is no residue left in the liquid and transfer to your (sterilised) bottle.
 
Cheers! 
   

​I have known Jo for a long time and I have always admired her fabulous use of colour. Jo is a crochet designer unafraid to use bright clashing colours in a way that works brilliantly making her crochet creations perfect for decorations, shawls, blankets and jewellery. I am really happy to have a fabulous collection of Jo's handmade creations for sale in the Janie Crow shop just in time for the festive season.

Jo is a crocheter, knitter, early years specialist, grandma, gardener, and crochet teacher. Jo loves sharing her skills and has regularly led crochet workshops at the Knitting and Stitching Shows and at Waltham Abbey Wool Show.  Jo’s work has an exuberance and childlike energy and joy. She uses a cacophony of colour and sparkle, making pieces that are vibrant, sometimes gaudy and always joyful. Her colour choices may look like a crazy random mix of rainbows and neons and sparkles but are always carefully considered so each complements or contrasts with others to make the piece sing.
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​Jo has been crocheting for over 50 years and makes blankets, wraps, bags, cushions garlands, etc. if it can be crocheted, Jo has crocheted it.  Jo delights in experimenting with colour, pattern and texture. As she makes one thing she’s already working out different colours patterns and stitches to try next. So you will never find 2 things the same. Everything she makes is unique.  
  

​You can find a link to more information about Jo here on the Janie Crow web site and there is a link to the items that Jo has designed in stock here. I am particularly smitten by the bauble style crochet 'bead' necklaces and bracelet! Click on the images for more information.

I think all of Jo's creations would make the perfect way to brighten up a quieter Christmas than usual...

​Since moving into their home on the edge of Dartmoor, my brother and his wife have started providing food, water and shelter for hedgehogs in their garden. I thought you might like to see and read about what they have been up to, so this is what Simon has to say:

'Hedgehogs are brilliant! They are not only amazing creatures to have roaming around the garden, but they do a very effective job of hoovering up those pesky slugs that otherwise create havoc in the veg plot and flower borders. However, while there were an estimated 30 million hedgehogs in the UK during the 1950s, there are now fewer than one million roaming our gardens and hedgerows, which is a 50% decline since 2000 alone. Organisations such as the British Hedgehog Preservation Society are looking to alleviate this, along with the help of the eco-friendly British public. 
   

​We provide the local hedgehogs with dried cat food - the best is chicken and it’s cheap! I have made covered shelters that have a small opening and a further obstacle at the entrance that allow hedgehogs in (and out!) but not cats – our recent night-time video clips confirms that this works. We also provide water in old drip trays or saucers, both of which are shared with the garden birds. To our amazement, the night-time clips also show that the hedgehogs drink from the pond that we dug out during the ‘lockdown summer’. The edge of the pond has a shallow slope, which is important for hedgehog safety.

We feel very lucky to share our garden with such amazing animals, and to also share our clips with those living in urban areas, for whom seeing a hedgehog in the wild is an unlikely event. We are also fortunate in having a caring vet as a close neighbour, who is also on-hand to offer help and advice when needed.'

We will put Simon's video in next week's newsletter but in the mean time you can find a great award winning film 'Hedgehog Close' made by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society by following this link.

​There is still time to make some crochet decorations and these cute little crochet stockings would look great hung on the Christmas Tree. They are big enough to fit in a small gift, so you could make some to use as an alternative to gift wrapping, or, if you fancy making 24 of them, you could create your own advent calendar and pop in some scrummy chocolate treats to enjoy during December!
   

​The stockings do not use much yarn so are a great stash busting project too! Why not try making stockings with brightly coloured stripes from lots of colours or add different types of decoration on the cuffs like bright pom-poms or bigger beads?
   

​The pattern includes the instructions for four variations of the stocking. Two of the stockings are striped and two have a cuff. One stocking has a beaded cuff and another has a crochet holly detail. The pattern is written for DK weight of yarn and the stockings are worked in the round. The pattern is written in UK terms and has a chart for US equivalents at the front of the brochure.

The pattern is £5.95 and you can get the paper pattern via the web site here or you can download it via Ravelry or Etsy.
   

​I love the way unpacking the decorations year after year and arranging them around the house brings back lots of lovely memories and good feelings. Handmade decorations make extra special gifts as they convey that sentiment too and are a great way of using up odds and ends of yarn from your stash.
   

​For these hanging decorations I have used four shades of yarn for a more contemporary, simple look, but I think these would also look great made with all sorts of yarn types and colours with added buttons, beads and ribbon to add in a big splash of fun!

The pattern in written for five decorations and I have included an alternative shade sequence for each one, so you can see I have included ten decorations in the images. 
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​The pattern is written in UK terms, but includes a list of US equivalents. The pattern is available as an 8 page paper brochure or you can purchase a download copy via Ravelry or Etsy.
   

​Team Janie Crow will be walking 10k on Thursday to help raise funds for the homeless charity Shelter. Andy and I will walk whatever the weather has in store on the day here in North London (even though the walk can be done between the 10th & the 13th December) as those living on the streets don't get to choose what type of weather conditions they are homeless in. Sarah and Paul will be walking on the same day in Birmingham too. 
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​We are so grateful to all those of you who have already donated and we are so pleased to have raised £290 already, which is totally amazing! Thank you!

If you want to donate you can do so by following this link and you can find out more about Shelter's invaluable work and the Big Walk by following this link.
   

​Don't forget that you can check out my back catalogue of designs by taking a look at the Janie Crow brochure. Simply click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the full colour download version or pop one in your cart alongside any other purchases on the Janie Crow web site and we will send you a paper copy for free.
  

​It has been really great seeing all the images of your Christmas makes on social media. I particularly like seeing all the festive decorations made from stash yarns and it has been a treat to see so many of you making the crochet decorations that featured in Inside Crochet Magazine this month.
  

​The yarn substitution document for Part 3 of the Love Is Enough version of my Fruit Garden CAL went live on Tuesday and we do still have some stock of the Night & Dusk packs featuring the Bamboo + Cotton yarn.

As lockdown restrictions have eased slightly this week we are hoping to get out to do a bit of Christmas shopping over the weekend, but with the forecast looking a bit chilly and damp we are sure to be spending most of our time being the 'home bunnies' that we are - pottering around at home and keeping cosy in the knowledge that we are incredibly fortunate to be able to do so.
 
Don't forget that you can get in touch by simply hitting reply, so please let me know if you have any suggestions for techniques or questions that you might want answered in the December newsletter. I hope that wherever you are and whatever you have planned for the weekend you will find some time to indulge in a spot of crafting too and I hope you keep safe and well.
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​I have been nominated within the Craft Influencer of the Year category of the Craft Business Awards once again. I was fortunate enough to win this award for 2020 and would love to do so again. If you would like to vote for me then click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the online voting forms.
   

​As promised I am here again to let you know that the third yarn substitution document for the Love is Enough version of the Fruit Garden Crochet Along project is now live on the Stylecraft web site.

To work through the Clementine motif and the next part of the Acanthus motif you will need to download the original pattern for Part 3 and use the yarn sub document alongside this as a guide for which yarn shades to use. If you are joining in the CAL and using one of the 2 original colourways or your own colour palette then you will not need the yarn sub document.

I have recorded a short video to accompany the re-release of the first set of patterns and you can find the video here. You can find a video to accompany the Clementine and the next few rounds of the Acanthus motifs here.
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If you want to make a cushion to accompany your project you can find the patterns as free downloads or paper patterns by following this link. 

If you want to make a Fruit Garden blanket in the Naturals Bamboo + Cotton, Night & Dusk colour way (shown above) we now have kits in stock on Janie Crow and Just Knots.

Don't forget that you can find help and join in some crochet orientated chat via the Stylecraft Yarns CAL Facebook page here.

Yarn substitution documents for the next part of the project will go live on the 15th December.

Sending big yarny hugs to you all and hoping that you are safe and well.

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​​If you would like to vote for me in the Craft Business Awards please click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the online voting forms.
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Hello my lovelies! Hoping you are all keeping well and safe. It has turned really chilly here in North London this week so I am looking forward to some cosy time on the settee over the next few days, but before we head home for the weekend I have a couple of things to tell you about quickly, so hopefully you have a few minutes to spare to catch up with all things Janie Crow...
 
This week we have added products from a new Designer Maker to the web store in the shape of our good friend Jo Smith, who creates fabulous crochet decorations and Sarah has put a piece together focussing on shopping small - particularly relevant today on Black Friday!

Thank you so much for those of you who took the time to get back to me in relation to the item I included about plastic waste last week. It was really good to hear that so many of you are also looking at your use of plastics and waste in general and I think it is interesting to hear how lock down has had an effect on the way that many of us have looked at our lifestyles. The positive overview of your emails did make it a bit of a surprise to get an email from one lady accusing me of spreading false propaganda and telling me that I should stick to my crochet design! I have emailed her back explaining that for me the process of designing and running my own business is intrinsically linked to a wish to be mindful of my effect on the planet, but like I said in last week's newsletter, we will all have different view points and priorities, so I hope that whatever your mindset you will find some items in this week's newsletter interesting and inspiring....
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I have known Jo for a long time and I have always admired her fabulous use of colour. Jo is a crochet designer unafraid to use bright clashing colours in a way that works brilliantly making her crochet creations perfect for decorations, shawls, blankets and jewellery. I am really happy to have a fabulous collection of Jo's handmade creations for sale in the Janie Crow shop just in time for the festive season.

Jo is a crocheter, knitter, early years specialist, grandma, gardener, and crochet teacher. Jo loves sharing her skills and has regularly led crochet workshops at the Knitting and Stitching Shows and at Waltham Abbey Wool Show.  Jo’s work has an exuberance and childlike energy and joy. She uses a cacophony of colour and sparkle, making pieces that are vibrant, sometimes gaudy and always joyful. Her colour choices may look like a crazy random mix of rainbows and neons and sparkles but are always carefully considered so each complements or contrasts with others to make the piece sing.
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Jo has been crocheting for over 50 years and makes blankets, wraps, bags, cushions garlands, etc. if it can be crocheted, Jo has crocheted it.  Jo delights in experimenting with colour, pattern and texture. As she makes one thing she’s already working out different colours patterns and stitches to try next. So you will never find 2 things the same. Everything she makes is unique.  
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You can find a link to more information about Jo here on the Janie Crow web site and there is a link to the items that Jo has designed in stock here. I am particularly smitten by the bauble style crochet 'bead' necklaces and bracelet! Click on the images for more information.

I think all of Jo's creations would make the perfect way to brighten up a quieter Christmas than usual...
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​Decisions about how and where to spend our money at Christmas has been brought sharply into focus this year. I think we are all aware of how significant this could be for small independent retailers and designer-makers, so for the next couple of weeks I am going to be looking out for and letting you know about interesting brands and stores that I have come across. There will be many, many more that I don’t know about so please don’t see this as our preferred list and if you come across anybody you think we would be interested in featuring then please let us know. We simply want to support others if we can!
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Emma Dunbar - Artist
www.emmadunbar.co.uk
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I came across Emma on Instagram and was immediately drawn by how similar her sense of colour is to Jane’s! Her paintings have been reproduced as greetings cards, posters etchings and even fabric designs. She is ‘attracted to the vivid colours and Decorative qualities in everyday objects’.
You can find Emma on Instagram here.
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Goldrick - natural living
https://goldricknaturalliving.com/
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Located up in Beverley in East Yorkshire, this lovely company sell lots of sustainable items including some handmade beeswax Christmas candles and paper tape which makes a great alternative to plastic tape! you can find them on Instagram here.

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Quarters Home – seasonal gifts and homewares.
https://www.quartershome.co.uk/
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'The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.' – William Morris. This quote is at the heart of this company with its carefully selected range of gifts and accessories. I particularly like the fact that they feature the work of designer-makers. You can find them on Instagram here.
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Lou Tonkin – artist and printmaker.
www.loutonkin.com
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Lou is somebody I follow on Instagram and I love seeing how her drawings are made into lino cuts before the final reveal of the printed piece. If you love Cornwall, then I think you will like her work too! Find Lou on Instagram here.
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These cute little crochet stockings make a lovely festive decoration and would look great hung on the Christmas Tree. They are big enough to fit in a small gift, so you could make some to use as an alternative to gift wrapping, or, if you fancy making 24 of them, you could create your own advent calendar and pop in some scrummy chocolate treats to enjoy during December!
 ​

The stockings do not use much yarn so are a great stash busting project too! Why not try making stockings with brightly coloured stripes from lots of colours or add different types of decoration on the cuffs like bright pom-poms or bigger beads?
 ​

The pattern includes the instructions for four variations of the stocking. Two of the stockings are striped and two have a cuff. One stocking has a beaded cuff and another has a crochet holly detail. The pattern is written for DK weight of yarn and the stockings are worked in the round. The pattern is written in UK terms and has a chart for US equivalents at the front of the brochure.

The pattern is £5.95 and you can get the paper pattern via the web site here or you can download it via Ravelry or Etsy.
 ​

I love the way unpacking the decorations year after year and arranging them around the house brings back lots of lovely memories and good feelings. Handmade decorations make extra special gifts as they convey that sentiment too and are a great way of using up odds and ends of yarn from your stash.
 ​

​The pattern is written in UK terms, but includes a list of US equivalents. The pattern is available as an 8 page paper brochure or you can purchase a download copy via Ravelry or Etsy.
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​Don't forget that you can check out my back catalogue of designs by taking a look at the Janie Crow brochure. Simply click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the full colour download version or pop one in your cart alongside any other purchases on the Janie Crow web site and we will send you a paper copy for free.
 

We have received a mountain of yarn here at Janie Crow and Just Knots this week so we have been working hard to get some kits back into stock. We are really happy with the new cardboard packaging but it is still hard work unloading and repacking so many kits, so we are really looking forward to a few days rest.
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The yarn substitution document for Part 3 of the Love Is Enough version of my Fruit Garden CAL will go live on Tuesday so I will be popping back then to remind you where to find the patterns and accompanying videos. If you are looking for a yarn kit to make the project we now have stock of the Night & Dusk packs featuring the Bamboo + Cotton yarn.

I am pleased to say that I seem to have finally got my crojo back and have started working on some new projects for next year. We already have some exciting plans for 2021, especially as it will be Janie Crow's 10th Birthday, so some brand new design work will make it even more special.
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I have been nominated within the Craft Influencer of the Year category of the Craft Business Awards once again. I was fortunate enough to win this award for 2020 and would love to do so again. If you would like to vote for me then click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the online voting forms.
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​It seems to have been one of the speediest months ever here at Janie Crow and I honestly cannot believe that I am here with another of my bumper monthly newsletters! To be honest, it is getting a bit scary to realise that Christmas really is on the horizon and that another year is almost over. I keep thinking how strange it is going to be to look back on 2020 and have very few punctuation points to remember, like big family birthdays or holidays, so I have downloaded a year planner for 2021 and stuck it up on the wall in the studio this week in the hope that I can start filling it up with exciting projects for next year....my fingers are very tightly crossed!

So this newsletter is pretty much all about the Festive Season and we have some lovely things to show to you including some new designs I have contributed to Inside Crochet magazine and some images of hanging decorations that Sarah has made from my recent pattern using some lovely alternative colour palettes. We also have an interesting piece that Sarah has written to showcase the designer maker Melanie Keevil and we have also focused on our new Lifestyle brand, with a piece I have written all about plastic! 

You can find a video introduction for this newsletter by following this link or by clicking on the image below.
   

​We have some new products on the Janie Crow web site this week including the brilliant knit and crochet stitch inspired tea towels from Tilly Flop (shown above) and an updated stock holding of loads of my crochet project kits. 
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​If you have been patiently waiting for any of these kits we now have yarn packs for the Love Is Enough version of the Fruit Garden CAL, Mystical Lanterns Blanket and Lily Pond Blanket to name but a few. All in all we have updated stock levels of 9 designs and have added more than 100 kits to both Janie Crow and Just Knots, so we are sure you will find something to keep you busy over the next few months as the weather turns more chilly!
   

​You can check out my back history of designs by flicking through the downloadable catalogue here.
 
This month we are focussing on the technique of adding beads to your crochet and you can find a technique video by following a link that is featured lower down this newsletter. Don't forget you can send in your questions for our monthly Q&A simply by replying to this email.

I hope that you can spare a few moments to settle down with this week's newsletter and catch up with all things Janie Crow.
  

​I am a big fan of Inside Crochet Magazine and I have a lovely relationship with the team there - they are incredibly supportive and helpful and I am so thankful for their friendship. I think Inside Crochet Magazine is one of the best crochet mags out there and I love that they push the boundaries of the craft and have such a beautiful style with the quality of the images and styling, the stunning locations and the projects they choose to feature.
   

The new Festive Edition of the magazine is out now and boy is it a (Christmas) cracker! There are so many fabulous projects in there including designs by some of the UK's leading designers and I am honoured to have been asked to contribute the patterns for some more festive decorations that feature in an exclusive 'beaded crochet' cover book. 
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The cover book contains the patterns for 4 decorations (made in 2 alternative colour ways) and step-by-step instructions and images for adding beads to your crochet. The magazine even has a tube of gold beads included to help you get started on your beaded crochet journey.
   

​If you like the idea of beading but feel you need a bit of extra help you can find a video tutorial that Sarah and I filmed a few years ago on the Janie Crow YouTube channel here and a free to download technique document here.

You can find more bead shades over on Andy's Just Knots site by following this link but unfortunately we have now sold out of the magazine, however you can find it for sale on the Inside Crochet web site here.
 

​I have been really inspired this year by Jane’s Festive Crochet Decorations pattern to dip into my stash and make some decorations to hang in our home and also to give as gifts. By coincidence our sitting room is decorated in grey and white, but the rest of our abode is much more colourful and this got me thinking about using Jane’s designs in different colours. In fact one of the great things about this pattern is that it provides you with a framework to create your own unique colourways. 

I am not going to bang on about colour theory because the chances are that you may not have the ‘right’ colours in your stash. Instead I am going to show you some examples of how I have used my stash this week by taking inspiration from what I already have!

This year we have been encouraged to get outside and take the time to absorb what nature has to offer us. The colours used for this first decoration were inspired by the idea of walks in the forest and the colours of leaves, tress and pathways.
   

​I have used various different DK weight yarns to echo this idea and tried to link them to some of the things from our Christmas drawer of treasure!
   

​My second source of inspiration came from a little collection of hand-painted wooden houses that I bought last Christmas but in fact display all year round because I love the mid-century palette that it conjures. Anybody who knows me will recognise how much I love coral and this one really helps to balance the more muted tones in this scheme.
   

​I particularly enjoyed making this motif as it contains some oddments of beautiful hand dyed cashmere that I was fortunate enough to find a few years ago. It is so soft and precious and reminds of the day I visited the dyer at her studio with friends. 
   

​Blue has been the Pantone colour of the year for 2020 and so this decoration was inspired Pantone’s Christmas colours. Again you will see that I have sneaked in some of my favourite orange but this time it is much deeper and helps to draw in some of the reds that are so prevalent at Christmas. 
   

​These colours also make me think of Scandinavian countries and that lovely contrast of red and terracotta tiled roofs against blue-grey buildings and waterlines. I bring the painted stones out every Christmas and they are amongst my absolute favourite decorations.
   

​Finally it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of Winter Wonderland. This choice was inspired by my daughter, Phoebe who loves the sparkle of Christmas. It may be difficult to see in the photograph but the darkest yarn is a sparkly sock yarn. (I used this double to get a similar weight to the other yarns).
   

​​The other colours are intended to suggest a winter sky with that soft pink that we sometimes see at this time of year.
   

​I hope that my words and images have inspired you to look at ways of making your decorations extra personal this year to reflect our love of home and also using the resources we have to give as gifts or keepsakes.
   

​You can find the patterns for Jane's hanging decorations and her mini stockings by following this link or by clicking on the images below. 
   

​As seems to be usual for me these days I decided fairly last minute, towards the end of November last year, to make advent calendars for my daughters. I liked the idea of making something that could be used from year to year and that I could fill with little treasures that suited their interests.  
 
I had purchased some fat quarter bundles of Christmas themed fabrics to do the job I then set about cutting all my pieces out. The tiny little pockets took quite some time to cut out and sew and then these were sewn onto the background fabric before assembling the calendar. I sandwiched wadding in between the front and back pieces of fabric and then used bias binding around the edge to hold all the pieces together before adding two loops to the top edge through which I could feed a dowel and ribbon for hanging. I had also sewn two channels on to the back fabric to slide two dowels into to give the calendar some weight and stability, but a piece of sturdy cardboard sandwiched inside would have worked well too. The stick-on numbers for the pockets finished the calendars off. 
   

By the time I had the calendars finished I had left myself about 48 hours to get things to fill the pockets with!  So, the idea of little treasures flitted quietly out of the window and I set about trying to use my imagination to come up with ideas. My eldest daughter Olivia was (and still is) totally obsessed with cats so I set about crocheting her a cat family.  They were very simple 2D cat shapes, but she loved them. That accounted for about seven of the pockets and the others were filled with a variety of small foil wrapped Christmas chocolates such as santas and snowmen along with some ‘vouchers’ to be exchanged for little treats such as a manicure or facial, or choice of DVD to watch or book to read together.  Instead of the cats for my youngest daughter Emily, I had hidden away some of her favourite toys, Disney Tsum Tsums. These are tiny rubber collectible figures of Disney characters and she was delighted to find one of these in her calendar every few days.  The remainder of her pockets were again filled with small chocolate treats and treat ‘vouchers’.  
 
The calendars are still up in the loft with all the other Christmas paraphernalia at the moment, but Olivia is reminding me on a daily basis that they need to be got down and filled. She talks about using them for years and years and even when she is grown up.  The fact that the calendars have already become a ‘family tradition’ puts a huge smile on my face and makes the time spent making them feel like time well spent. 
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​Thank you for the amazing response to the new Janie Crow baby! We are so pleased to have received so much positivity about it and we are really grateful for all your follows on the Instagram page.
   

​Did you catch the link to Summer's yummy double chocolate cookie recipe? If not you can find it by following this link and clicking on 'Vegan Recipes' at the top or by clicking on the image below.

Since posting the cookie recipe Summer has made some more cookies and added recipes for carrot and coriander soup and vegan Yorkshire puddings to her site - don't worry if you are not vegan, many of the recipes can be converted to use butter and eggs and Sum gives advice on how to do that.    

Andy made a batch of the double chocolate chip cookies at the weekend using butter and non vegan chocolate and although his cookies looked a little less professional than Summer's they were really tasty! The brilliant thing about these cookies is that you can make the dough in advance and pop them in the freezer so that you can bake them when you want. They are gorgeous when fresh and gooey out of the oven!
   

If you didn't see last week's newsletter where we launched the Lifestyle brand you can find more information by following this link. The aim of the brand is to give you a more personal insight into our lives and loves here at Janie Crow but also to showcase what we think are some great lifestyle and beauty products, all of which have an ethical, zero waste attribute. If haven't checked out the lifestyle store yet then take a look here. The hand and lip balms have been flying out over the last week along with the gorgeous 'Friendly Soaps'. If you click through to the accessories section you will find some more fab things too!

This week we have continued to look at our packaging options at Janie Crow and Just Knots. All Lifestyle products will be sent using biodegradable and ethically sourced packaging with no plastic options and we are swapping our grip seal plastic bags to boxes for as many kits as we can. We also reuse packaging that comes into us - for example we put the Janie Crow Tea Towels into the left over resealable bags that are used to send sets of crochet hooks by one of our distributors and we use waste bubble wrap to pad out any orders that may need it rather than throw it away. We also reuse any boxes that arrive in good shape!

Over the last year we have been using mailing bags made from sugar cane and we have had a few emails from followers wondering why we are not going to continue using these for all your mail so I thought I would use this weeks email to talk to you about the 'big plastic spin'! 

​I remember first becoming aware of the word 'spin' in regards to politicians making sure that however dodgy or dishonest their proposals or legislation might be - if the way it was fed to the public in terms of how it was written or presented had a positive spin then the masses would be more likely to fall for what they were saying.

In a world of social media where we are fed needs and musts all the time it is easy to believe the 'spin' surrounding plastic with words like 'sustainable', 'renewable sources' and 'recyclable' being banded around left right and centre. The mailing bags that we have been using at Janie Crow also say 'Carbon Neutral' and show a symbol that shows they are made from sugar cane, BUT (and of course there is a BUT!) this does not mean that they are biodegradable or that they can be recycled. And it is that factor that is the big problem!

And when I say big problem I mean BIG PROBLEM!

Many mailing bags focus on the process by which they are made rather than the fact that few are biodegradable or recyclable in your home recycling bin, but rely on you taking them to larger commercial recycling bins such as those found at the big supermarkets - I have checked out all of our local supermarkets this week and none of them recycle plastic bags, so it would be interesting to hear if any of you have found a similar problem.

If you have read my Lifestyle value document you will have seen that the decisions we make in regards to yarn use here at Janie Crow present me with lots of dilemmas. ALL the yarn we purchase at trade arrives here in plastic bags and that is regardless of how high end the yarn inside might be. If you add to this the fact that many yarns use processes that use plastic (such as Superwash Wool being sprayed with a type of plastic to make it less likely to shrink when washed) and the fact that more bags are used to pack kits and then to be put in the post you will see that this is a big plastic problem.

If you take a moment to think about this, try and envisage the number of plastic bags being sent out with yarn orders across the globe and then think about the impact that this could be having on the world. Did you know, for example, that only 5% of the world's plastic is in-fact recycled? Did you also know that there is a plastic 'garbage patch' in the Pacific Ocean and that it is estimated that 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean each year from rivers. More than half of this plastic is less dense than the water, meaning that it will not sink once it encounters the sea.

Watch the video here from The Swim.
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​Over the last few years the yarn industry has focussed on micro fibres and the impact that this could be having on our oceans. Many people therefore see man made fibres as the big enemy, but I would urge you to look at the much bigger picture - the one that shows the billions of wasted plastic bags floating in our oceans along with the plastic drinks and shampoo bottles - the things we use and replace day in and day out.

Over the next few years I will be consciously looking at the yarns I use for new projects and I am so pleased that so many yarn brands are also beginning to look properly at what they produce. I do think though that yarn use is a very personal thing though, and that you are all grown up enough to make the decisions of what yarn to use for your project by yourself! If I have written a pattern for a man made fibre and you want to use wool or cotton then go ahead! Simply check the tension and meterage to ensure you have enough and off you go! 

Natural fibres are definitely the way forward, but they are not always within easy reach financially so before we all become big yarn snobs we need to look more closely at making bigger and more necessary changes, which for us here at Janie Crow and Just Knots currently means changing to cardboard boxes and paper packaging for as many items as we can.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this - simply hit reply and let me know what you think!
  

​As you know, here at Janie Crow we are always keen to find out about and support the work of fellow artists and crafters and this week, I want to tell you all about my friend, Mel.
  

I first met Mel through a mutual friend at one of her solo exhibitions and was immediately struck by the intricacy and integrity of her work. I have been lucky enough to visit her studio, built by her husband and been fascinated at the sheer industry that goes into creating such evocative pieces. The following words are from Melanie and describe her inspiration and process – enjoy!

'For the last ten years I have worked from my garden studio in Kings Heath, Birmingham.
I create abstract ceramic wall panels that are a personal response to landscape, coastline and rock formations. Recently I have also started making ceramic vessels.
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My ceramic pieces begin life as a sketch or idea in my notebook. Wherever I travel my sketchbook is with me and I use it to record a detail that catches my attention. Whilst wandering around the sun drenched streets of Spain or France I might sketch part of a building, eroded stonework, a beautifully shaped window or the peeling paint on a door.

The starting point could be the landscape and rock formations of Cornwall and the colours and patterns of a pebble on the beach. I make notes about the colour and light to help choose the right glaze that will best capture the effect that I want to create. I also use the camera to reference colours and composition.

Back in my studio I begin by rolling a slab of white stoneware clay to work on. With my sketchbooks as a reference I draw and press into the clay to make lines, patterns and shapes. I then have to wait for the clay to slowly dry to a firmer texture. The clay panel is sandwiched between newspaper and boards. It has to be done like this to prevent the clay from cracking or warping as it shrinks whilst drying out. Once the clay is leather hard I can begin carving. This creates a three dimensional surface. I select areas to carve that will later be filled with glaze. Some areas will be much deeper than other sections depending on the type of glaze I plan to use, for example some glazes are quite runny and need to be contained.
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The next stage is probably my favourite part of the process. This is where I use coloured slips (liquid clay) and coloured stains to paint onto the clay surface. I enjoy the freedom of using the slips like paint, creating expressive marks and texture and building layers. The work is then left to dry out completely this time, slowly between boards. This can take another couple of weeks. It is then biscuit fired to 1000 degrees in my electric kiln.

Glazing is a time consuming process. I mix and create all my own glazes. Over the years I have tested hundreds of recipes. I now have a large range of favourite glazes that I will use on my work. Even so in each firing I will always squeeze in a few more tests. I never stop experimenting with different variations to find a perfect matte turquoise or a pale green crackle to add to my collection. So with my pallet of glazes arranged on my workbench, I set about glazing the bisque fired ware. I find the clay surface uninspiring at this point as it seems a little lifeless somehow. The prepared glazes are in jam jars and look very similar to each other in this raw state. There is no hint of the colours they will become just varying hues of grey, white and rust.
I apply each glaze with a brush. Each glaze will need two or three coats and has to dry between applications. The glaze has to be applied carefully to avoid touching the boundary of the glaze next to it. It is a complicated process and hard to keep track of how many layers l have applied. It is difficult to identify which glaze has been put where as they all look so similar at this stage. There can be as many as thirty different glazes to apply in one of my larger panels.

I fire my work to 1260 degrees. It takes about 13 hours to reach temperature. After two days the kiln will have cooled sufficiently to open. Evert time I open the door of the kiln I am filled with anticipation and apprehension in equal measures. There is always the risk of the work being ruined as well as the exciting possibilities of a glaze that works marvellously to make the finished piece a success.
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​This year on my Instagram account I am taking part in #artistsupportpledge a wonderful initiative set in motion by Matthew Burrows MBE. Artists sell their work for under £200 and when they reach £1000 in sales, pledge to buy another artists work to the value of £200. This creates much needed support system for the creative community.
I currently have work in two exhibitions,‘Architectural Echoes’ at Studio Vault in Yorkshire and ‘Crux’ at Little Buckland Art Gallery in The Cotswolds. Both galleries are selling work online because of the current lockdown situation.'
 
If you would like to see more of Mel’s work and support her by purchasing one of her beautiful items, then you may like to look at her Instagram page @melaniekeevil or visit her website

​So, as often happens on a Friday afternoon I am a little late with this email - it is already getting dark outside and the weekend is beckoning. I hope that wherever you are and whatever you have planned you will stay safe and well.

I am planning to sit with my new book in a comfy spot and hope to get out for a long walk in preparation for our big walk in aid of Shelter in a few weeks time. I am also hoping to crack on with my version of the Stephen West MKAL project which I only have 8 rows and the cast off left to complete!
Sending big virtual yarny hugs to you all.
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​I have been nominated within the Craft Influencer of the Year category of the Craft Business Awards once again. I was fortunate enough to win this award for 2020 and would love to do so again. If you would like to vote for me then click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the online voting forms.
   

​It has been so lovely to see all the activity surrounding the re- release of the Fruit Garden CAL over the last couple of weeks. I am here to let you know that the second yarn substitution document for the Love is Enough version of the Fruit Garden Crochet Along project is now live on the Stylecraft web site.

To work through the Columbine motif and the first part of the Acanthus motif you will need to download the original pattern for Part 2 and use the yarn sub document alongside this as a guide for which yarn shades to use. If you are joining in the CAL and using one of the 2 original colourways or your own colour palette then you will not need the yarn sub document.
   

I have recorded a short video to accompany the re-release of the first set of patterns and you can find the video here. There are a couple of documents I suggest you look at before you start work if you have not completed the project already - these are the introduction document for the Love is Enough colour way, which you will find here and the Getting Ready document. You can find a video to accompany the Columbine and the first few rounds of the Acanthus motif here.

If you want to make a cushion to accompany your project you can find the patterns as free downloads or paper patterns by following this link. 

Don't forget that you can find help and join in some crochet orientated chat via the Stylecraft Yarns CAL Facebook page here.

Yarn substitution documents for the next part of the project will go live on the 1st December.

Sending big yarny hugs to you all and hoping that you are safe and well.

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​If you would like to vote for me in the Craft Business Awards please click on this link or on the image below to be taken to the online voting forms.
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