Quick Catch Up with Janie Crow

As today marks the beginning of a bank holiday weekend here in the UK and as chocolate has to be the main focus of everything over the course of the next few days, this is likely to be one of the quickest Quick Catch Up emails we have ever sent from Janie Crow.
 
I have just a couple of things I want to tell you about this week so I hope you can spare just a couple of minutes to catch up with our news….

The most recent publication of Inside Crochet Magazine was officially released yesterday and you can find another instalment of my monthly journal within its pages. I am really enjoying having a platform to write an in depth piece on a monthly basis and this time I have talked about how satisfying (and bang on trend) it is to showcase your treasured items within your home - including your all important yarn stash! If you don't already subscribe to the magazine, you can find more information here.
 
Magazine 188 has a whimsical theme and all the projects are based around pastel palettes, so I used this opportunity to revamp my Imogen blanket project, which was originally made using a Rowan yarn that is now discontinued. The new version, shown in the images above and below, uses Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK, which I think adds a really lovely vintage, heirloom look to the piece. You can find kits for the project via the Wool Warehouse website by following this link. You can find more information about the project on our website here, where you will also find the paper brochure pattern and links to downloads.
 
The new version of Imogen is made using DK weight yarns and you can find a free yarn substitution document (which needs to be used along side the original pattern) by following this link.

There are now just a handful of places left on our summer crochet event in June, so if you do fancy coming along, check out this link for more information and to book.
 
If you choose to join myself and members of the Janie Crow team for a fun afternoon of crochet in the surroundings of Old Fold Manor Golf Club, Barnet, Hertfordshire, we will welcome you with a lovely goody bag and a yarn kit to create a small, summer-themed project designed by me. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the project at your own pace with expert guidance on hand throughout the afternoon.
 
Light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to browse our pop-up shop, where a 10% discount will be available on the day. We hope this will be a lovely chance to relax, chat, connect, and share ideas with fellow crocheters in a friendly, welcoming setting and we are really looking forward to it.

There are only a couple of places left on the Knit For Peace retreat that I will be tutoring in Mysore, India next year. The retreat will run from 22nd January to 4th February at The Green Hotel, with comfortable accommodation on a full board basis. 
 
During the trip I will lead seven morning workshops including both a crochet and a knitting project for those who wish to participate. Afternoons and weekends will be free to explore the city and surrounding countryside.
 
Knit for Peace retreats are both extremely friendly and very relaxed.  Join in as much or as little as you wish. Come on your own and make new friends or bring a non-crafting partner or friend to share with you. Everyone is welcome. The retreat could be an excellent first introduction to India, or a joyous return to a lovely city.
 
The weather in Mysore in January is usually beautiful and sunny. The town itself is interesting and still retains its old-world charm. There are many places of interest to visit including palaces, a world-famous market, temples and nearby bird sanctuaries and wildlife reserves.
 
You can find more information about the trip by following this link.

If you're looking for a new project, we generally have good level of kits in stock including the new Stylecraft Special DK version of the Climbing Rose Wrap. This yarn kit has been updated due to some of the yarns used in the original version being discontinued.
 
Andy has put kits for Sandalwood back in stock this week, so if you have been waiting for that to come back, take a look at this link for more details.
 
Over the last week Emma put a fabulous post about the Sunshine and Showers crochet along on our Instagram feed. This is a great project for this time of year as I designed it to start in spring, with each section of the twelve part design representing a month of the year. You can find more information about the project here.

We were away last weekend house and dog sitting for some friends who live on the south coast. Andy and I had a fabulous few days away walking on the beach, checking out the shops and mooching around with ice creams! It was really nice to have a dog joining us too and he was such a pleasure to look after that I have really missed him since we got home! Thankfully we are seeing our daughter Summer and her lovely pooch tomorrow, so there will be lots of puppy cuddles again.  
 
I haven't managed to come up with an idea for a recommended recipe this week, but as we had the most outrageously delicious snack in a pub in Brighton on Sunday, I thought I would share this idea with you - garlic and herb roast potatoes, with a gravy boat dip! Totally delicious, especially with a good shake of salt and a pint of lager! 

​We are looking forward to a little bit of time in the garden over the weekend - it is the Easter tradition for us to have a really good sort out over the bank holiday weekend (weather permitting) so I am really looking forward to that.
 
I have a workshop project to put the finishing touches to over the next few days, so I am also looking forward to a bit of time crocheting in the comfort of the sofa. I am working on a quilted sewing project that I picked up at the Stitch Festival a couple of weeks ago too, so lots to keep me occupied even if the weather is bad! 
 
 I will be back in a fortnight's time, hopefully with an update on the status of the new Sevilla Blanket which is waiting patiently in the wings. Until then I hope you will keep safe and happy….