The NEW Thick & Easy Wool Yarn

We are pleased to have it back in stock after such a long wait, the new Thick & Easy Wool Yarn has finally arrived. Anxiously we have been waiting to see the new colours and knit up a few samples. We would like to present to you, the new:

Thick & Easy Wool Yarn
100% pure wool yarn
Supplied in 100g hanks
Length approx. 110m / 100g
Recommended needle size: 6 - 7mm
Tension: 14 sts x 20 sts

Here are our first 11 colour choices for you:
Papaya Whip, Eggshell Beige, Olive Drab Green, Seal Brown, Cherry Red, Chilli Red, Cashmere Rose, Aubergine Purple, Teal Blue, Blue Black and Panther Black.

Colours from left top: Seal Brown, Eggshell Beige, Olive Drab Green, Papaya Whip,
Teal Blue and Blue Black

Patterns available for the Thick & Easy Wool Yarn:

Eve Hat and Wrist Warmer, a beautiful set for girls, enhanced with flowers and embellished with heart buttons. Girls love special gifts and the new colour range of the Thick & Easy offers you a lovely choice. Watch out for a new version in the new Thick & Easy Wool Yarn. Pictures and pattern description are available on our past blog post about Eve.

Eve Hat and Wrist Warmer knitted in Thick & Easy Wool Yarn
Aubergine Purple, Papaya Whip and Cashmere Rose.

Samuel's Waistcoat, this sleeveless waistcoat with V-neck finish and a cord to tie is perfect to keep the little heart warm. Very quick and easy to knit, pattern ranges from 4 - 11 years. Read more about Samuel's Waistcoat here

Samuel's Waistcoat knitted in Panther Black Thick & Easy Wool Yarn.

 

World Cup Scarf, using White Natural Wool Yarn and Black Thick & Easy. You could go for a colour combination of Eggshell Beige for the main scarf and make the Black stripes in Cashmere Rose, Cherry Red, Teal Blue and Aubergine Purple. Want to find out more about the pattern, click here to read the previous blog about it.

Purple Velvet Wrist Warmer, originally using the Kolibri Wool Yarn. Our new yarn alternative is the Thick & Easy Wool Yarn. Two years ago in November we had a blog about this pattern, click here to read it.

Giant Christmas Mitten, originally knitted in our super chunky Merino Wool Yarn, as alternative for a smaller version it can be knitted in the Thick & Easy. We also had a past blog about the Giant Christmas Mitten

Giant Christmas Mitten knitted in Thick & Easy Wool Yarn
Cherry Red and Papaya Whip.

Cable Nation, originally designed in the Kolibri Wool yarn, however also perfect to be knitted in the new colours of the Thick & Easy for a more settled version. You can read our previous blog about the Cable Nation here.

Triology Scarf, another one of our favourites! Choose 3 colours of Thick & Easy, for example: Olive Drab Green, Papaya Whip and Blue Teal. The scarf is knitted in 3 panels, which are joined on one side and left loose on the other.

Twist and Shout Cowl, this was designed to be thick and warm. Here you could make a more elegant version in the Thick & Easy Wool Yarn, just keep going a little longer to get the same length. For pictures of Twist and Shout click here.

The new Thick & Easy is our Product of the Month for December and this month we are offering you a 100g hank for only £5.92. That's 25% off the original price!

And if that is not enough, today until the end of December we will give you one of the patterns above for free with every purchase of Thick & Easy Wool Yarn.
Simply add the yarns to your basket check out your order and let us know which pattern you have chosen to receive.

With a beautiful stitch definition, it is very easy and quick to knit up. Currently only available in a limited stock range until the new dye lot is ready to arrive in the shop. Shop now with 25% off the Thick & Easy and a FREE pattern on top!

Seal Brown, Cashmere Rose, Cherry Red, Aubergine Purple,
Olive Drab Green, Eggshell Beige, Blue Black, Teal Blue and Papaya Whip

Links to this blog:

Thick & Easy Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/106-thick-easy-yarn

Patterns available from knitshop.co.uk: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/161-knitshop-pattern

Product of the month: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/content/17-product-of-the-month

Giant Christmas Mitten re-knitted

Today we are pleased to present to you our new version of the Christmas Mitten. The pattern was originally designed by Julieta Brandao in the super chunky Merino Wool Yarn Roving. However, we now have an updated version for you, using the brand new Thick & Easy Wool Yarn.

Giant Christmas Mitten, knitted in Merino Wool Yarn Roving
and Thick & Easy Wool Yarn.

Basically you knit the Christmas Mitten from the same pattern, using the Thick & Easy colours: Chilli Red and Olive Drab Green or Cherry Red and Papaya Whip.

The Christmas Mitten is knitted in the round and grafting is used to finish off the mitten. The knitting is done in a basic 1x1 rib to start with, and the rest is simple stocking stitch in the round.

Giant Christmas Mitten
knitted in Cherry Red and Papaya Whip

Using a 6-8mm needle, depending on your tension. For loose knitters we recommend a 6mm, or for tighter knitters we would recommend you use an 8mm circular needle, alternative you can use the longer version of the double pointed needles.

Thick & Easy Wool Yarn
colours from left to right: Seal Brown, Eggshell Beige,
Olive Drab Green, Papaya Whip, Blue Teal and Blue Black.

You will need two hanks, 1 per colour and you will easily get 3 mittens out of two hanks of Thick & Easy Yarn.The yarn is currently on offer for £5.92 / 100g hank. The pattern you can download for free this month from our website @knitshop.co.uk.If you are interested to read more about the original Giant Mitten, visit our previous blog post here: http://knitshopcouk.blogspot.bg/2013/12/giant-christmas-mittens-to-stash.html#uds-search-results

Christmas Mitten, perfect as stocking for your little ones.

For any questions, pattern help or instructions you can contact the shop on (UK +44) 020 7099 8864 or email us through the website, click here to open the contact us form.


Links to this blog:

Thick & Easy Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/106-thick-easy-yarn

Giant Christmas Mitten Pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2919-giant-mitten.html

Knitting Needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/274-knitting-crochet-accessories

Christmas Gifts from knitshop.co.uk

It is the Christmas spirit that we carry in our hearts that lights up the Christmas magic around us. It's been a while since knitshop.co.uk's last blog post, however we do want to keep the tradition of posting a blog about Christmas Gifts available from knitshop.co.uk.

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. By Norman Vincent Peale

Our number one Gift this year and every year is something given with love. Something you made for someone you love..... choose from a selection of patterns at knitshop.co.uk, here is some that you can still tackle until the big day:


Purple Velvet Wrist Warmer, using an aran weight yarn, a more experienced pattern as it combines lace and cable stitches at the same time.

Purple Velvet Wrist Warmer designed by Julieta Brandao
using Kolibri Wool Yarn.

Linen Light Ladder Stitch Scarf, this was originally designed for the Cotton Linen Yarn from knitshop.co.uk, however it looks gorgeous in absolutely any yarn, is easy and quick to knit up. Choose your loved ones favourite colour and give it a go!

Linen Light Ladder Stitch Scarf designed by Julieta Brandao
using Cotton Linen Yarn.

To name just two patterns, find more on our website, some of them to download for free. And do not forget to check out our FREE DOWNLOAD of the month.

We can also offer you a selection of books and magazines that are an easy stocking filler and always a joy for crafter's. Or choose from our great selection of knitting and crochet yarns.

As said by Julieta Brandao, the owner and founder of knitshop.co.uk and knitshop yarns:

"For a Knitter I believe it is true to say that Yarn weighs more than Gold!"

And last but not least you can always get a Gift Voucher from knitshop.co.uk.
What ever you choose to give to the special people around you this Christmas, be sure it is something special for them!

Merry Christmas!
Your knitshop.co.uk Team. 



Links to this blog:

Purple Velvet Wrist Warmer: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2896-purple-velvet.html

Linen Light Ladder Stitch Scarf: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2702-ladder-stitch-scarf-pattern.html

FREE Download of the month: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/content/11-free-patterns

Books and Magazines at knitshop.co.uk: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/140-patterns-magazines-books

Knitting and crochet yarns: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/81-knitting-yarn

Gift Voucher from knitshop.co.uk: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/188-gift-voucher

Take your knitting and crochet up a notch

As the calendar rolls over to April, knitshop.co.uk reveals a raft of new knitting and crochet workshops. This month there’s another chance to try Tunisian Crochet – a hybrid of knitting and crochet that uses a very long needle with a hook at one end. Using this easy to master needlecraft you can create distinctive and hardwearing homewares such as mats and rugs. 

Experienced crocheters will find it adds another string to their crafting bow and that some stitches are worked in the same way. Our Tunisian Crochet class was extremely popular when we ran it last year, so sign up now to secure your place. 

Tunisian Crochet Workshop at the Lee Green Outlet.

Knitters wanting to boost their skills should take a look at our Knitting In The Round class on Friday 10 April. Here, you’ll learn how to knit on circular or double-pointed needles and which to use when making hats, gloves and jumpers. We’ll get you started making a pair of wristwarmers and give you the pattern to take home to complete them. Choose from the Purple Velvet Wristwarmers or Lacet Wristwarmers pattern.

If sewing up and neat edges are a challenge, choose The Perfect Finish on 17 or 24 April. This finishing techniques workshop introduces you to Kitchener stitch – an invaluable stitch the creates a firm but flat seam on knitted items. Of course, if you’ve mastered our Knitting In The Round class you won’t be knitting many more items with seams and can choose from the many seamless designs in the knitshop.co.uk Pattern Library. 

Knitting in the round with cable feature.
Gabriele Wrist Warmer knitted in Natural Angora Soft.

We’ve also got kids’ crochet and knitting classes at £10 each and a Last-Minute Decorative Easter Egg crochet class this coming weekend. Note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can sign up to any of our classes online and head down to knitshop.co.uk’s boutique outlet at 326 Lee High Road, London SE13 5PJ for 11am. All classes last two hours and come with email and phone support so we can help ensure you complete your new project. 

Knitting Workshop at the Lee Green Boutique Outlet.

For help in person, look out for our free SOS classes where we help you get those knitting and crochet UFOs (unfinished objects) off the needles and ticked off your to-do list. 

Links to this blog:

April workshops: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/244-april

Knitshop.co.uk patterns: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/161-knitshop-pattern

Crochet a Last-Minute Easter Decoration, 4 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3249-5-august.html

Crochet Your Own Socks workshop, 18 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3256-7-june-crochet-a-sock.html

Free Unfinished Object class, 18 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3258--ufo-workshop-come-with-your-unfinished-project-finish-or-start-new.html

Free Unfinished Object class, 24 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3245-free-sos-clinic.html

Kids’ Crochet Class, 4 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3242-lets-get-hooked.html

Kids’ Knitting Class, 10 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3243-swing-the-needles.html

Kids’ Crochet Class, 11 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3244-lets-get-hooked.html

Knitting In The Round workshop, 11 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3255-knitting-in-the-round.html

The Perfect Finish, Finishing Techniques workshop, 17 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3247-finishing-techniques.html

The Perfect Finish, Finishing Techniques workshop, 24 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3246-15-july-crochet.html

Tunisian Crochet workshop, 11 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3248-11-april-tunisian-afghan-crochet.html

Addi circular lace needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/addi-knitting-needles/3199-25mm-addi-circular.html

Bamboo double-pointed needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/275-bamboo-dpn

Lacet Wristwarmers pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2701-lacet.html

Purple Velvet Wristwarmer pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2896-purple-velvet.html

Create colourful Easter Eggs

Create colourful crocheted Easter egg decorations

If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking out for an excuse to decorate your home with attractive trinkets and homemade decorations.

Easter lends itself perfectly to a fun makeover. Along with chocolate eggs, fluffy rabbits, cute chicks, brightly-trimmed bonnets and fancy bows are all part of the Easter tradition. Baskets of pastel-coloured eggs – both edible and otherwise- are also a common Easter sight. 

 

Coquette Crochet Easter Eggs.

 

knitshop.co.uk has a fun multi-coloured decorative Easter Egg pattern to crochet that you can download and start on straight away. We recommend making your eggs in either Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn or another cotton yarn such as Cotton 4ply Mercerised Yarn or Cotton DK Yarn. Although the yarns are nearly comparable in thickness, you’ll find the Pure Cotton DK Yarn version creates a slightly larger Easter egg. You’ll need a 2.5mm crochet hook if you’re using Coquette or Cotton 4ply Mercerised Yarn and a 3.5mm crochet hook if you’re making your eggs in Pure Cotton DK Yarn. You’ll also need some toy stuffing to create the egg shape.

Coquette Vintage Cotton in small 10g hanks for our Easter Egg Crochet Kit.
Colours from top down: Spearmint, Old Lace, Canary, Amethyst and Aquamarine.

As you can see from our photos of the finished eggs, they look particularly good in a combination of colours. We’ve put together an Easter Egg Decoration Crochet Kit containing the all-important pattern along with 10g (approx 25 metres) each of five complementary shades of Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn. The kit costs £9.95 and includes Amethyst, Aquamarine, Canary, Old Lace and Spearmint Coquette yarn. You’ll be able to make at least three Easter egg decorations using the kit. We usually sell the 10g skeins for £1.99 each, so by buying the Easter Egg Crochet Kit you’re essentially getting the pattern for free.

Crochet Easter Eggs in Cotton DK Yarn

If you’d prefer some tuition in making your homemade Easter egg decorations, just sign up for our Crochet An Easter Egg Decoration class on either Saturday 28 or Saturday 4 April. The two-hour workshop takes place at our south-east London boutique shop from 11am to 1pm and costs £15. Follow the link for your chosen workshop and choose ‘self-pickup’ at checkout. These crochet classes are suitable for beginner and intermediate crocheters and cover basic techniques and stitches and pattern reading. 

Easter Eggs made from Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn.
Colours: Spearmint, Old Lace, Amethyst, Canary and Aquamarine.

 

Links to this blog:

Easter Egg Crochet Pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2733-easter-egg.html

Easter Egg Decoration Crochet Kit: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3252-easter-crochet-kit.html

Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/323-coquette-vintage-cotton

Cotton 4ply Mercerised Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/129-4ply-cotton-mercerised

Crochet An Easter Decoration workshop, 21 March: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3233-crochet-easter-egg-decoration-workshop.html

Crochet An Easter Decoration workshop, 27 March: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3234-5-august.html

Last-Minute Easter Egg Decorations workshop, 4 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3249-5-august.html

Pure Cotton DK Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/92-dk-cotton

2.5mm crochet hook: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-crochet-accessories/2526-2mm-metal-hook.html

3.5mm crochet hook: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/metal-crochet-hook/1761-35mm-metal-hook.html

Crochet Daffodil for Marie Curie Cancer Care

March is the month that Spring finally arrives and a riot of colour erupts as daffodils, crocuses and other Spring bulbs burst into bloom. March is also the month that the wonderful charity Marie Curie Cancer Care holds its annual Daffodil Appeal fundraising event with this iconic flower as its symbol. Supporters are encouraged to sell the charity’s own daffodil buttonholes and to hold events to raise money. Selling handmade daffodils is an increasingly popular option. 

Daffodil Crochet Pattern for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
All proceeds of this pattern will be donated to Marie Curie!

knitshop.co.uk is a keen supporter of Marie Curie Cancer Care and founder Julieta Brandao has created a Daffodil Crochet pattern especially to raise money for the charity. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and costs £3. The full £3 from each pattern sale goes directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

This Daffodil is crochet in Canary Coquette - also available as a kit,
includes pattern and yarn!

The pattern is designed for knitshop.co.uk’s Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn in Canary Yellow. We recommend using a 3mm crochet hook. You should be able to make at least four daffodils from each skein of Coquette yarn.

The Daffodil Crochet pattern is also available as a kit containing both the pattern and a ball of Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn for £7.95. If you buy the kit, knitshop.co.uk will donate a percentage of the proceeds from the yarn sale to Marie Curie Cancer Care as well as the £3 cost of the pattern.

Canary Yellow Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn.

Of course, daffodils are not always just one colour, so you could create a two-tone one by knitting the trumpet in Pumpkin Orange Coquette yarn. You could also try crocheting your daffodils in one of our other yarns. How about Sun Yellow Mulberry Silk Merino Yarn, perhaps contrasted with the Yellow or Light Yellow shades in the same yarn range?

Alternatively you can use our Mohair Silk Yarn or pure silk for a more
elegant version of the flower.

The Yellow and Orange shades in our Mulberry Silk Plied Yarn collection would also look fantastic. For either of these two alternative yarn choices you’ll need a slightly larger 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook.

Finally, for a different effect, you could also try knitshop.co.uk’s Mohair Silk Yarn in Yellow.

Links to this blog:

Marie Curie Cancer Care: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk

Daffodil Appeal: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/daffodil-appeal/blogs

Daffodil crochet pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3028-daffodil.html

Daffodil crochet kit: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3253-daffodil.html

3mm crochet hook: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/1635-3mm-metal-hook.html

3.5mm crochet hook: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/bamboo-crochet/1760-35mm-bamboo-hook.html

Canary Yellow Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/coquette-vintage-cotton/2765-canary-coquette.html

Orange Mulberry Silk Plied yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/mulberry-silk-twist/855-orange-plied-silk.html

Pumpkin Orange Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/coquette-vintage-cotton/2761-pumpkin-coquette.html

Light Yellow Mulberry Silk Merino yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/silk-wool-blend/827-light-yellow-mulberry-merino.html

Sun Yellow Mulberry Silk Merino yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/silk-wool-blend/829-sun-yellow-mulberry-merino.html

Yellow Mulberry Silk Merino yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/silk-wool-blend/828-yelllow-mulberry-merino.html

Yellow Mohair Silk yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/mohair-wool-yarn/1069-yellow-mohair.html

Yellow Mulberry Silk Plied yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/mulberry-silk-twist/1178-yellow-plied-silk.html

Cable Nation Scarf Pattern

Do the twist with knitshop.co.uk’s Cable Nation scarf pattern

Looking for a new project to get stuck into and perhaps learn a new knitting technique as you go? knitshop.co.uk tutor Marcia Hamilton’s exclusive Cable Nation scarf pattern is a great addition to our pattern library and ideal for honing your cable knitting skills. Most of the pattern is created using knit and purl stitches, with a single cable running down the centre of the scarf.

Cable Nation Pattern knitted in Kolibri Wool Yarn

Cable Nation knits up quickly on 6mm knitting needles with the edging finished off using a 6mm crochet hook. If you don’t have a cable needle you can use your crochet hook to hold the stitches when working the cable pattern. If you don’t crochet, you can easily make the scarf lay flat by blocking it once you’ve finished knitting it.

A great scarf to keep you warm and still look smart!

You’ll need around 100-150m of chunky or aran weight yarn to make this scarf, so it’s also a great project if you’ve got a single skein of yarn. Marcia designed this chunky pattern for knitshop.co.uk’s popular Kolibri Wool Yarn. The contrasting yellow and turquoise shades in this variegated pure wool yarn are really striking.  

To show off the cables to full effect you might prefer a solid colour. The natural shades of our Alpaca Quito yarn would be a good choice. Alpaca yarn is very soft and will feel very snug.

cable knit of Cable Nation.
For a more elegant look use Mohair Silk or pure Silk Yarn.

You could also make the Cable Nation scarf in knitshop.co.uk’s Thick And Easy Yarn or our Natural Wool Tweed – you’ll need 7mm or 8mm needles.

Our Mohair Silk Yarn or Mulberry Silk Twist range is a great choice if you want a slightly narrower, more elegant and less bulky scarf. A single 250m skein would make a satisfyingly long scarf to envelop you. 

The Cable Nation scarf pattern costs £2.50 and is available as a PDF download from our online pattern library. If you get stuck with any of the techniques in our patterns, we’re always happy to give you a hand. Just email us or, if you live locally, come along to one of our free monthly SOS workshops. Held on the last Friday of each month, these where you can drop in and get help with projects you’ve started but can’t complete.

As with all our workshops, you need to book a place in advance by following the link and selecting ‘self pick-up’ at the checkout. Workshops take place at our boutique outlet at 326 Lee High Road, SE13 5PJ from 11am to 1pm. 


Links to this blog:

knitshop.co.uk patterns: www.knitshop.co.uk/161-knitshop-pattern

Alpaca Quito Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/179-alpaca-quito

Cable Nation Scarf pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3250-cable-nation.html

 Kolibri Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/176-kolibri-yarn

knitshop.co.uk workshops: www.knitshop.co.uk/156-workshops

Knitting and Crochet SOS, 27 March: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2980-free-sos-clinic.html

Knitting and Crochet SOS, 24 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3245-free-sos-clinic.html

Simply Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/126-simply-wool-yarn

Turquoise-Yellow Kolibri Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/kolibri-yarn/1287-turquoise-yellow-kolibri.html

6mm knitting needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1349-6mm-23cm-sp-bamboo.html

6mm crochet hook: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/bamboo-crochet-hook/1627-6mm-bamboo-crochet-hook.html

7.5mm knitting needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1606-bamboo-knitting-needles-7-5mm.html

Classes this March

Knitting and crochet classes at knitshop.co.uk this March
Mothering Sunday gifts and Easter decorations feature heavily in our March knitting and crochet workshop programme. Our Knit A Mother’s Day Gift class on Saturday 14 March focuses on small knitted items that you can make in time for Mother’s Day. You have the choice of making a pair of wrist warmers, a flower corsage or fancy boot-toppers.

Knitted Rose - the perfect flowers for Mother's Day!

If crochet’s your thing, sign up for our Crochet A Mother’s Day Gift class on Friday 13 March. Here, we’ll give you a refresher lesson in crochet techniques (or teach you how to crochet) then let you apply what you’ve learnt while making flowers, wrist warmers or a coaster.

Crochet Daffodil, the perfect spring flower!

For something slightly different try our Tunisian Crochet workshop, which introduces a very firm, tight crochet technique that has elements of both knitting and crochet. It’s ideal for making hardwearing homewares.

Tunisian Crochet Workshop for a different type of crochet!

On Saturday 21 March and Friday 27 March we’ll be showing you how to Crochet An Easter Egg Decoration. The brightly-coloured orbs made a striking alternative to Easter chicks and flowers. The techniques used here are fairly easy to master, so these classes are fine for both beginner crocheters and those with some experience.

Crochet Easter Decoration - learn how to make your own.

If you’d prefer to learn the basics first and then on your own projects at a later date, our introduction to knitting and crochet workshops are just for you. The Beginner’s Crochet class on Friday 6 March takes you through holding the crochet hook and manipulating the crochet yarn, creating foundation chains and working your first crochet stitches. Master these elements and you’ll soon be able to crochet your first items.

If you want to make something both Spring-like and a potential Mother’s Day present, check out the Crochet Daffodil pattern in our pattern library. It’s easy to make and all the proceeds from the sale of the pattern go to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Workshop at the Boutique Outlet in Lee Green.

Don’t worry if you get in a pickle with the projects you start in our workshops. We offer plenty of post-workshop phone and email support and also hold free Knitting and Crochet SOS clinics at the end of each month where you can bring along a project and get advice on how to get it back on track. Just follow the link to book your place.

Some people love to make socks and can’t seem to stop making them once they learn how. Making socks involves specialist techniques such as turning a heel and grafting the toes, so we’ve split our Toe Up Sock Making workshop into two parts. You’ll also need to be confident at increasing and decreasing and at knitting in the round. Toe Up Sock Making Part I is on Saturday 21 March, with Sock Making part II the week after on Saturday 28 March. 

Long knitted Socks and Boot Toppers are perfect for the changing seasons!

Finally, if you’re after a challenging new crochet project, why not join us for our Crochet A Lace Shawl class on 27 March where we’ll be using very fine crochet hooks and lace yarn to make a delicate wrap. We’ll give you a thorough grounding in how to read both European and American crochet patterns and help you with any crochet stitches you’ve not encountered before. As with all our classes, full support is provided, so you can embark on this rewarding crochet project with confidence.

All knitshop.co.uk workshops are taught by fully qualified tutors and are held in our south-east London boutique outlet at 326 Lee High Road, Lewisham SE13 5PJ. Classes last two hours and run from 11am to 1pm. Full instructions and materials are provided. To book a class just follow its link and choose ‘self pick-up’ at the checkout.


Links to this blog:

March workshops list: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/243-march

Beginner’s Crochet class: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2920-beginners-crochet-workshop.html

Crochet a Mother’s Day gift: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2985-crochet-mothers-day-gift.html

Crochet a Lace Shawl: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3049-lace-crochet-shawl.html

Crochet A Decorative Easter Egg: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3233-crochet-easter-egg-decoration-workshop.html

Crocheted daffodil pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3028-daffodil.html

Knit A Mother’s Day gift: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2979-mothers-day-gift-knitting-workshop.html

Knitting For Beginners: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2017-07-mar-beginner-knitting-learn-workshop.html

Free Knitting SOS clinic: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2980-free-sos-clinic.html
Marie Curie Cancer Care: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk

Tunisian Crochet workshop, 20 March: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2924-beginners-tunisian-crochet-workshop.html

Toe-Up Sock Knitting workshop: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2706-sock-knitting.html

Foxtail Curly Boa Scarf pattern

Here’s something really fun we’re sure you’ll love to knit. The latest addition to the knitshop.co.uk pattern library is a funky scarf you won’t be able to resist wrapping around yourself. It’s a simple pattern, so it’s a great project for fairly new knitters to try. The curls are created using short rows and by changing needle size part way through. You’ll also get plenty of practice with slip stitches!

Foxtail Curly Boa knitted in Orange Mohair Silk Yarn
Model: Alina Brandao

The Foxtail Curly Boa Scarf pattern was exclusively designed by knitshop.co.uk favourite Meg Crowther and is great fun to make. Gauge isn’t critical with this easy-to-knit pattern. It will work well with any 4ply or DK yarn.

Our version uses Mohair Silk Yarn – a wonderful combination of 70% mohair and 30% mulberry silk. We love the cheerful yellowy orange shade of Mohair Silk Yarn that Meg has used. It would also look great in lovely mellow yellow or in the fashionable dark grey. Each skein of this luxurious 4ply wool is 125m long. You’ll need five balls of it to make a really long version of the Foxtail Curly Boa scarf.

A fun and funky scarf that will keep you warm and cheerful.

For a different effect, take a look at the great variegated shades we stock including the striking Blue Tit Silk Lace Yarn. This comes in generous 250m skeins, so you’ll only need two or three skeins to knit an amazing multi-coloured curly boa.

If you prefer solid shades, there are plenty of Merino Wool Mulberry Silk Yarn options from the brightest of blues to the sunniest of yellows as well as lots of muted shades such as Dark Gold.

For a lighter option, check out our choice of Cotton Plied Wool Yarns. Perhaps the Blue-and Pink or Blue-Green shade will take your fancy. If you need any advice on a suitable choice of yarn or how much to buy, just drop us a line at info@knitshop.co.uk.

Mohair Silk Yarn in Blue, Red, Yellow, Brown and Rust Red.

As well as your chosen yarn you’ll need a pair of 3.5mm needles and a pair of 6mm needles.

Links to this blog:

Knitshop.co.uk: http://www.knitshop.co.uk

Foxtail Curly Boa Scarf pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3231-foxtail-curly-boa-pattern.html

Blue Tit Silk Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/164-silk-knitting-yarn

Blue Merino Wool Mulberry Silk Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/silk-wool-blend/838-blue-mulberry-merino.html

Dark Gold Merino Wool Mulberry Silk Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/silk-wool-blend/830-dark-gold-mulberry-merino.html

Knitshop.co.uk patterns: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/161-knitshop-pattern

Mohair Silk Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/57-mohair-wool-yarn

Sun Yellow Mulberry Silk Merino Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/silk-wool-blend/829-sun-yellow-mulberry-merino.html

Blue-Green Cotton Plied Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/cotton-wool-yarn/1314-blue-green-cotton-wool.html

Blue-Pink Cotton Plied Wool Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/cotton-wool-yarn/1315-blue-pink-cotton-wool.html

Cotton Wool Plied Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/cotton-wool-yarn

3.5mm Bamboo Knitting Needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1694-bamboo-knitting-needles-35mm.html

6mm Bamboo Knitting Needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1349-6mm-23cm-sp-bamboo.html