In praise of Ravelry.com

 

When "Yarnsmith" came my way in 2007 I was an experienced knitter (so I thought), I'd crocheted one project (at college - and not been over enamoured), could embroider and quilt proficiently so I considered myself an all round crafter. Since then I have discovered felting, spinning, dyeing and weaving - all to greater or lesser success and now, as mentioned previously, am hooked on crochet. However, it's the knitting which has undergone the biggest overhall and this is, in no small part, thanks to Ravelry.com

I don't remember how I first came across the site, whether it was a recommendation or I 'stumble upon', but I do remember the effect - all these talented people sharing their skills and expertise, all the groups to join, patterns to search through, yarns to try - it's an internet "7th heaven". 

Looking back my self-image of "experienced" knitter was woefully short of the mark! I'd never used a charted pattern, tried different cast-on techniques (always using the two needle method my Great Aunt had taught me) added beads as embellishments, attempted the magic loop or designed my own project. I know have 93 projects listed, 226 favourites from other users, 162 projects "queued" (waiting to be cast/hooked on) and 397 items in my library - yes, I've even uploaded all my pattern mags and books! 

You can take a look at my Ravelry profile here, so, if you haven't yet discovered the delights of this "facebook for yarnies" get over there right away - a whole new world awaits!

The simple granny square

I only took up crochet at Christmas (Christmas day to be precise) so don't profess to be an expert, however, if your forgive the pun, I'm totally "hooked"! The biggest revelation has been the simple Granny Square and the more I've made, the more I've noticed they're bang on trend this year. Rugs, bags, pockets, blankets and cushion covers - all begin with the humble Granny. 

They are a great starting point to practice simple stitch and colour combinations, an ideal way to perfect tension and stitch groupings, portable (I always have one in my bag), and depending on your yarn and shade choice can give a vintage look or contemporary feel. I might even go as far to say, perfect your Granny square (or hexagon, circle, pentagon or triangle) and you'll never be stuck for project ideas.

There are a plethora of books available, (as well as countless YouTube videos) so here are three of my favourites; "300 Classic blocks for crochet projects" (Linda P Schapper) offers a mind boggling selection of stars, swirls and floral blocks as well as the standard squares, hexagons and circles. It's clearly set out given written and diagram instructions. Susan Cottrell's "Granny Squares Now" takes the technique a step further looking at the effect of different yarn choices and some wacky suggestions for your square's finished use. My current favourite is Susan Pinner's "Granny Squares ; 20 crochet projects with a vintage vibe". The cushion pictured above is based on the pattern for the flower light shade and is really simple. I love the transition from circle to square - I also crocheted the squares together rather than sewing up so a much more pleasant experience all round. 

A couple of words of wisdom though (learnt through bitter experience) sew your end in as you go, (so much nicer than being left with 18 squares worth to do in one go) and remember that US and UK terminology is different - life made much more sense when I realised that "their" double crochet was "our" treble!

A new look to yarnsmith..........................

 Click here for the "new look" yarnsmith

I am really excited to launch our new look website - fresher, easier to navigate and more fun to use! You should still find all your favourites as well as some new and exciting ranges and I am still committed to providing the same, friendly and efficient service we strive towards! 

Please let me have any thoughts or comments on the new design - it's much easier to change from this end so hopefully we will be able to respond to any suggestions you feel will improve the look and feel of the shop!