September 20th, 2019

Janie's Quick Update
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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!
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Climbing Rose CAL
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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.
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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.
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Yarndale
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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.
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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.
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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?
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World Record Attempt
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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
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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.
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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....