July News

It has been another busy couple of weeks since I was last here in your inbox, with a fabulous workshop with Stitchtopia and some new design work in the mix. I know I say it all the time, but it amazes me how quickly the weeks pass and it is time once again for me to write an email to you all. I hope that whatever the last few weeks have had in store for you, that you have at least managed to squeeze in some knitting or crochet, despite the warm weather.
 
I have a few things to tell you about this week, including a recap of my recent Footsteps of William Morris workshop in London, so I hope you can spare a few minutes to catch up with all the Janie Crow news.

I love that groups of animals can be given affectionate, cute names, such as flamingoes who become a flamboyance when they’re together and rabbits who become a fluffle. I recently found out that a group of ladybirds is known as a loveliness which is just so, well, lovely!
Here at Janie Crow Emma and I decided we needed a word for a collection of crochet blankets and so now refer to them as a comfort. A comfort of blankets. So fitting don’t you think - as not only the blankets themselves, but the making of them brings us so much comfort and joy. Blankets are a true gift of love aren't they. They bring warmth and comfort to the recipient and let them know they are cared for and they keep us crocheters warm and cosy while we make them, gently easing a busy or troubled mind in the process of stitching and bringing joy and comfort at the same time. I just love them! 

The image above is from our recent shoot, photographed by Leanne Dixon and beautifully styled by Claire Montgomerie. Featured projects are Persian Tiles Sandalwood (at the bottom of the group), Magic Circles in the Skimming Stones colourway and Imogen (at the top) made using yarn from the fabulous Yarnsmiths range of yarn - this kit is still on a really good offer on the Wool Warehouse website, so do take a look. 

We had the best time last week on the ‘In the Footsteps of William Morris’ workshop trip with Stitchtopia. The crochet holiday included two full days of workshops and two days packed full of visits to notable Arts & Crafts Movement houses and organisations.
 
We visited the William Morris Society which is situated in the basement of William's former home on the banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith, where we were treated to a great presentation about the man himself, his plethora of work and those associated with the movement, including his daughter May, of whom I am a great fan! 
 
On the same day we visited Emery Walker's House, which is just a few minutes walk away and is like stepping back in time as you walk through the front door. It's the house where we shot the images for the Spirit of Flora crochet along project a few years ago. The image below shows my total delight at being shown May Morris's incredible lovers knot embroidered bedspread, which is jaw droppingly beautiful! 

On the same day that we visited the houses in Hammersmith we attended a brilliant trip around the V&A Museum where our incredibly knowledgeable guide Barry told us about the huge influence that Persian and Islamic arts had on members of the Arts & Crafts movement, particularly William Morris and ceramicist William De Morgan. A really fabulous day! ​

On the day that we took our second trip into London we visited the incredible Leighton House where we were once again lucky to be shown round by a very interesting guide, who really brought the world of Lord Leighton and his neighbouring artist set to life for us. 
 
We also visited Sambourne House, the home of Punch illustrator Linley Sambourne. Full of Arts and Crafts wallpapers, fabrics and artefacts, as well as the most ostentatious Victorian pieces, this house really is a feast for the eyes, with every surface packed full with ornaments, clocks and sculptures and the walls full to bursting with patterns, prints and art works.

The project I prepared for the workshop group was a cushion cover that used the Gillow motif from the Spirit of Flora Collection. ​

My retreat trip to Croatia next year is now fully booked, but there are still places on my West Yorkshire knitting workshop in June, where the week will have a relaxed, ‘retreat’ feeling this time. Alongside two full days of knitting workshops we will also visit the Knit and Crochet Guild and the Colne Valley Museum.
 
Just one place remains on the Knit For Peace retreat that I will be tutoring in Mysore, India next year. The break will run from 22nd January to 4th February at The Green Hotel, with comfortable accommodation on a full board basis. You can find more images taken on previous trips to Mysore with Knit For Peace on the Janie Crow Instagram feed here. If you would like to join me and other craft enthusiasts on this fabulous break, follow this link to Knit For Peace for more information and to book.

If you are a fan of Arts and Crafts houses, I urge you to check out the National Trust property Standen House in East Grinstead, especially as they are currently hosting an exhibition of contemporary artists work - each piece inspired by the work of the movement.
 
I am absolutely delighted that The Fruit Garden blanket was chosen to be part of the show and I am looking forward to visiting to see it in situ soon. You can find more info by clicking here.

​I found this recipe in a magazine at the hairdressers recently and liked the look of it so much that once my hair was done  I headed straight to the shops to get the ingredients for dinner.
 
The recipe, which you can find here, suggests cooking the Tenderstem and the halloumi cheese on a barbecue, but I cooked them in the oven on a baking tray lined with paper and it was still delicious. 
 
I have a quick tip for cooking halloumi - soak it in water for a little while before you cook it as this draws out some of the salt and makes it much softer, and thus less prone to squeakiness, when you cook it. 

As well as being busy with work we have been filling our spare time up pretty well too, and this weekend is no different as I am heading off to the seaside with a group of girlfriends and Andy is travelling up north to spend the weekend with some of his pals too. 
 
After being so busy for so long I have been trying to put a few projects ‘to bed’ over the last week so that I can take next week off. I am so ready for a break having not had time away from work since early March so I am hoping the weather will stay kind and I can enjoy the garden and plan a few days trips. I am hoping to get tickets for the Schiaparelli exhibition at the V&A and maybe I will get to see the new Frida Kahlo one too, so keep an eye on our social media channels, such as Instagram and Facebook for any pics I might take at those! 
 
I will be back in a couple of weeks time with a quick catch up email, until then I hope you are all safe and happy. Sending yarny hugs….