Easy Crochet Patterns - My Designs From 2016

I've been working on a few new designs for The Knitting Network, which is really cool because they appeard in Love To Knit And Crochet Magazine, and now they're going up online. So I just thought I'd share a few of them with you where I perhaps haven't shouted wenough about what I've been designing this year.

Essentially, building design time into your work time in an office environment is tricky, so they're simple and quick easy crochet patterns but there's some great stuff here if you're a beginner.

Kicking right off with my pride and joy;

Slash Neck Womens Top Knitting Pattern

This one is very special to me because it appeared as the cover shot on issue 2 of Love To Knit And Crochet magazine.

It's essentially two big squares with some felt-style mesh side panels which gradually turn opaque towards the neckline. I had all sorts of mad ideas for this one including all-mesh with an opaque strip around the bust, but in the end went for this more subtle effect.

The shoulders are tied at the top with crocheted chains so really for this one, all you need to know is how to crochet a double-treble and a chain, all pretty simple stuff. I used Stylecraft Cotton Classique DK, a cotton which has gone on to become a favourite in the crochet cottons of my mental design pallette.

Download your easy crochet top pattern from The Knitting Network website. I have got some Sirdar Cotton DK put aside for me to make one for myself in navy blue - with some AB Purple knitting beads for the front panel - I thought this might give it an evening-y look.

Striped Scarf With PomPom Trim

This was another fun one, mainly for the fact that it was a fun brief, actually.

I don't get many opportunities to design in 4ply (it just takes too long when I'm on a deadline), but with this which was set to be a slightly smaller project, I had the chance to fill my boots with some delectable Rowan Super Fine Merino 4ply.

Really lovely stuff to work with for a soft scarf against your skin.

The brief was fun because myself and several other designers including Anna Nikipirowicz and Kath Webber, were each given a pack of embellishments including beads, pompom trims and embroidery threads, and asked to design a knit which showcases these little flourishes.

A photo posted by Knitting Network (@knittingnetwork) on Nov 3, 2016 at 7:25am PDT

I kept it simple with this easy crochet pattern for a filet striped scarf - it's all trebles and chains (speaking the UK abbreviations speak here), so you can't go wrong if you fancy making my lovely, easy pattern. Download the easy scarf crochet pattern here.

Womens Chevron Poncho

I had lots of fun and slightly mad ideas for this one

Briefed to create a beach cover-up, I'm always a bit of a lover of design sketches. I love to draw, having studied the sculpture of anatomy and faces at high school.

Sadly my tinge of green in the above sketches didn't quite make it to the chopping block, and as such I ended up doing a design in just the duck egg and yellow [which is a little sharp on the eyes to be honest - but you can do it in whatever colour you want, of course!].

I managed to crochet the finished poncho in two and a half days, so this really is designed to be a quickie. I remember the conversation in the office about how good this particular design would be if you were heading off to a festival and needed something quick.

I added armholes just for the sake of being practical - I can't bear snoody and poncho things where you can't get your arms in.

Made in Lily Sugar n' Cream, this is a worsted/aran crochet, which you might think would be really heavy - but with the granny-square style finish, technically the fabric is 'half-empty', so it's surprisingly light. And as the finished item is a big square, it makes a pretty decent beach blanket too. Download this easy crochet poncho pattern from The Knitting Network.

Walking With Wolves In The Lake District

This is probably the most special day trip I've ever been on. I investigated activities in the area nearby where we were staying at The Blue House B and B. And I mean really nearby - and stumbled across one of the greatest animal experiences I have ever encountered. It looked incredible but boy was I in for a surprise - this is an up close and personal hour of getting to know about two very exciting creatures.

Sadly we were out of focus but the trip was amazing!

Just around the corner from where we were staying, is The Predator Experience. With my famously terrible sense of direction, I still managed to take us off in the wrong direction but you'd have to be blind not to see it.


As you can see though, we got there in the end, allbeit slightly late.

To preserve the beauty of the area, there are no signposts but you soon spot the sign on a peaceful, residential looking plot, We had no idea there were big predators in there!

We met hosts Dee and Daniel at their door who popped us into a jeep and drove us off to where we'd be walking with the wolves. Or so I presumed. Dee pointed to something behind us and we turned our heads to reveal two gargantuan (and gorgeous) wolves, Maska and Kajika, sat in the boot behind us!

It was then that it dawned on me that we were going to be walking at a nearby lake with these two beauties on leashes.

The walk was set against magical scenery

As soon as we hopped out of the jeep we were briefed by the impressive and knowledgable guides. I was very excited, and a bit scared at this point and went very quiet. I suppose it had never crossed my mind that we ourselves would be handling the wolves (with help, of course) and I came over very, very nervous. They're a lot bigger than your regular domestic pooch, and a little bit intimidating.

After a few minutes of walking Kajika with one of the guides (Ben has Maska for the first half of the trip), I was fine and totally enamoured.

Maska and Kajika are incredible creatures

It was raining (that horrible misty rain), and I'd brought my trusty old fossil of a camera but when you've got your hands full with these extremely strong, amazing wolves - there's not a lot of time for photo taking.

Luckily the guides had already thought of this, they stopped for a photo op and continued their presentation before we turned around and came back. They also very kindly took our picture although my camera couldn't focus in the rain (boo!).

And as a bit of an enthusiast, I can tell you that this is one of the best wildlife photography opportunities I've ever had. I love photographing animals. I've not seen anything better anywhere else and camera lovers would be silly to pass this up if they're staying nearby.

Don't be fooled - these amazing wolves aren't like dogs at all

The round walk lasted about 45 mins to an hour and Dee and Daniel taught us all about these hybrid wolves on the journey. They usually take groups of four but as I was covering this for Woman's Weekly magazine, it was just Ben and I on this one (and my, did we feel priveleged!).

Dee told us that the wolves' sense of smell was exponentially more sensitive than a household dog's. And we saw it in action - Ben took a tumble on one of the grassy banks on the way up, and on the way down, Kajika went to sniff the area and came over to have a whiff of Ben to make sure he was alright. It was very sweet.

The guides have a fascinating relationship with the wolves

The social behaviours were fascinating, and you can tell that guides Dee and Daniel are very much 'part of the pack'.

These hybrid wolves are exceptionally smart and although we were allowed to pet them (on extremely thick, waterproof fur, I might add - I was jealous of them on this walk!), we were told that they wouldn't 'get it' or respond (shock horror, they didn't!). But hey, we still got to touch these amazing creatures - how many people can say they'd done that?

We learned all about the fascinating mythology behind wolves raising children, big bad wolves in horror stories and werewolves.

I won't spoil it all because you ought to go, really - but did you know that when The Plague was rife, wolves would be seen emerging from the pits where the bodies were stacked?

You can imagine on a misty night to paranoid dwellers that this might look like the dead arising and coming back to life... as wolves. Hence werewolves. So many fascinating stories like that had me engrossed.

I don't spend much of my time quiet (ask anyone in the office) but I was gobsmacked for the duration of this trip. I just couldn't believe that we'd spent our morning in such close proximity to such wild animals.

They don't do tricks or anything, they are very much their own entity and I have the utmost respect for them. I do feel stupid for thinking that they were just big dogs.

All budding photographers should make sure they get to this if they're in the area. Not to be missed.

My other half has got a dicky shoulder and the guides were able to support him with this - they do help you hold the reigns and the terrain wasn't too bad, we quite like a decent walk. But if the weather is anything like it was on our day, make sure you put walking boots and waterproofs on!

Obviously make sure you have a camera - and something on which to record video. Because the tour ends with something you won't be able to see anywhere else.

When we strolled back to the jeep, the wolves hopped in, and Dee continued to educate us about the social nature of these creatures. She introduced us to the idea of the 'social bonding howl', which she starts to do and the other wolves joined in. I was so moved I was in tears! Check it out...

Honestly, it's probably the best thing I've ever done in the Lake District ever. Don't be put off by the price, it is worth every penny (and more!).

To Dee and Daniel; thank you for having us, you have completely changed my outlook on wolves and gave us a spectacular morning which surpassed all expectations. I'll be recommending it to everyone I know who goes up there! All the best in the future.

Kaffe Fassett At The Garden Of The Rose

So guess what I did yesterday?

This was a thrilling trip and I was very honoured to recieve an invitation to pop along and meet Kaffe Fassett at The Gardens Of The Rose in Saint Albans, which is not too far from me.

I popped along to cover the event for Love To Knit And Crochet Magazine, with my personal knitting advisor - my mum.

The gardens were sprinkled with Kaffe Quits amidst stunning floral displays

It's always good to have a second opinion on knitting events which is why I always make sure she is with me. That way I make sure to get a balanced view of whatever the event might be. And it's fun for us to do these things together. I owe her the fact that I'm knitting at all.

I had no idea this pretty little gem had been hidden in such a local area - and on one of the hottest days of the year, it was possibly the most beautiful garden I'd ever had the pleasure of visiting.

The press area gathered at the Pavillion near the entrance

 Having worked for Rowan for a good many years before moving on to publishing, it was a lovely opportunity to catch up with some old friends. I was not expecting a glass of fizz and a goody bag with some yummy Rowan Cashmere popped in (this is earmarked for a hat for the fella - it's his colour).

All the excitement was in the tent, where the fashion show was held

The highlight of the trip was the fashion show - telling the story of 30 years of Rowan. The first magazine came out the year I was born, so it has a very special meaning for me. I remember reading the mags and looking at the glossy pictures before I could understant the words.

The fashion show most certainly did not dissapoint. We had great seats and a fabulous view of the stunning garments.

 

It was really sweet as well because the huge crowd (it had to be fully booked, it was rammed in there) all came together when the older garments started coming round - especially the iconic Kaffe designs. All of a sudden we were all reminiscing about where we were the first time we'd seen certain garments, right down to where we were when we bought the magazines.

It was an amazing day which ended with Kaffe planting a Rowan Tree to commemorate the 60th Rowan Magazine (they do a Spring/Summer and an Autumn/Winter each year). Although sadly we couldn't stay for that bit.

If it ever happens again, I wholeheartedly would recommend you attend. I've also since found out that The Society Of The Rose also host as a wedding venue and let me tell you, I can't think of a better backdrop on a nice day for your treasured wedding photographs.

 

The Best Gypsy Caravan To Stay At In The Lake District

This summer, we took a trip to Cartmel for a week of fun and frolics. Even with rainy weather, we were delighted to find that the cost-effective gypsy caravn at The Blue House Bed And Breakfast  we stayed instead in their gypsy caravan which is on-site and a few metres from the house.

I'd booked it as a surprise, secretly really worried that my other half would find it a bit too hipster and girly. There's no electric to the caravan so it's back to basics! I'd spent months keeping it a secret, which was intensely difficult for me. So it was a bit of a gamble when we turned up.

Nuzzled in picturesque countryside, The Blue House is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway

When we turned up, our friendly driver dropped us at the entrance which is at the back of the property, where the car park is. I was hoping to sneak him in without spotting the caravan, but alas, it was the first thing we saw. I was completely relieved when I turned my head - a big grin was on the mister's face. He was sold.

Owner Tina was wonderful - she let us in early where our previous accomodation had a fairly early check out. Luckily the caravan hadn't been occupied the night before.

He was totally game and we had a very romantic three days with no TV or phones, just each other.

Tina was extremely accomodating, as it happened - I don't drive so lugging a lot of things around on long journeys is not my strong point. She was able to hold on to a couple of parcels filled with goodies which I'd posted up in advance to keep the secret well and truly schtm. This included colouring books, mini novels, a chess set and marshmallows for toasting on the fire pit. Thank you, Tina!

Candles in all shapes and sizes will keep you lit and cosy

We were far from living like animals in there, with a lifetime supply of candles and a plethora of candle holders to keep the place lit, and warm! It was raining for our entire three day stay and far from warm outside, but our conversation, the candles and a glass or two of vino kept us plenty warm inside the caravan.

The bathroom is off inside the house, separate from the double rooms, next to tea and coffee making facilities. It's also where we could charge out electric cigarettes and squeeze a few nibbles into Tina's fridge.

There's just enough room for two chairs and a small table up inside. Which is perfect if you're up for some board games. Even with the candles, we did need our torches though - we packed and brought them with us.

The bed is very warm and comfortable, my fella is about 6 foot 1 and he managed to sleep fine in there. We packed knitted socks and kept ourselves very warm!

At the back of the caravan there is a little hidey hole which we put our beers in to keep them cool. You could keep a suitcase in there if you wanted but we just plonked ours under the bed - it's the perfect spot to tuck things out of the way.

Included in the tiny £60 a night bill, is a delicious home cooked breakfast. In the morning, we sauntered over to the main house where residents of the B and B were staying, there are two double rooms in there. The company was good and the food was delicious.

We were never short of a little canine company

Tina's two dogs made for very pleasant company and were extremely well behaved. We had a disposable barbecue on the go covered in posh sausages one night and they didn't bother us at all.

They did pop by to keep us company from time to time though, and we were very lucky to see their brand new puppies!

Although the location is very much secluded, there is a bus stop a few minutes walk away to get you into Grange-Over-Sands.

And next to the bus stop there's a lovely pub calle The Crown which has some great food in hearty portions. We proudly boast that our best steak ever eaten, was eaten there. And I'm not kidding.

Round the corner is the very exciting Predator Experience which is a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime treat, if you get the chance to go. We did the Walking With Wolves experience and it changed out outlook on these fascinating creatures!

In short, we loved our little trip in the best gypsy caravan. The rain was not aa problem - if anything the pitter patter on the roof made the atmosphere even more romantic, and as city-dwellers, we couldn't do much more to get away from it all.

So if you're agile enough to get up a few steps to hop into bed and you don't mind gettig cosy with you're roommate, I can't recommend this enough. At the price they're asking, you can't afford not to go.

Cider Holder Bag Pattern For Festivals - My New Design

I had great fun with this design because my mini duffel (which doubles as a perfect carrier for a bottle of cider if you're headed to Glastonbury), was the perfect opportunity for me to bash out a design in the round.

My initial design ideas drew from Aztec Inspiration from The British Museum

I'd always wanted to design a Fair Isle pattern in the round, so with an effort to keep this knit quick and seamless, that's what I went for.

It was tricky to find the colours I fancied all within the same range, so shock horror, I ended up turning back to my fond favourites from the Rowan Yarns range. With sturdy Handknit Cotton holding up the structure of the bag, there are flashes of the Anchor Artiste Metallic for a bit of added texture and sparkle.

I'm really pleased with how it came out except the bulkiness of the Handknit Cotton has meant that the drawstring won't pull the opening closed all the way.

Originally this was envirioned as a bag which you could put some cash into, maybe a disposable camera; just something small which you could fill with bits and navigate the crowds at a big festival.

Once I'd seen that it didn't close though, I started to look at the cicumference of the opening more closely - and soon realised that it would be better suited for carrying a bottle of alcohol. I a bottle of wine or cider would fit quite nicely. Hence why I've now decided in myh mind that this really is more of a cider holder bag pattern.

Although I'm allergic to crowds, and therefore would probably never go to a big festival (hats off to you people - I don't know how you do it), I have always wondered how you cart your cans around. Well I suggestg this yearf you ditch them, knit yourself one of these guys instead (or get a very kind knitter friend to do it for you).

You start off at the top of the bag and work downwards, with stranded colourwork in the round (the Fair Isle technique), before swapping down to dpns (double pointed needles) for the base shaping. I'm a lover of technical knits, they just get my juices flowing - so this is a good one if you're a bit like me and like a knit to keep you interested. Get your cider holder bag pattern for instant download.