Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
In this issue, there’s… creativity & comfort, craft a santa so charming, chic plant hangers, a bubbly burst of colors, and…
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Plus, beyond the velvet rope (unlocked for you this week) you’ll find…
A seasonal must-have, leafy lace stitches, Cedar Mill comfort and style, crafting compassion, starry coasters, deck your cups with festive fervor, striking the perfect balance, and toadstool whimsy.
Blossom like a rose with the primrose stitch, the right side vs wrong side in crochet, embrace size inclusivity, cozy up with this unique crochet stitch, and unlock precision: try wire blocking.
Quickly double your yarn winder's capacity, perfect your spike stitches, brighten your windows with easy rainbows, dental floss: a surprising amigurumi hack, no gaps no worries, crochet meets power tools, and sunflower sun shininess.
Useful Links: About | Member Support
Publication Schedule
Thu — What To Crochet Next
Fri — My yarny adventures
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Table Of Contents
Crocheter’s Corner
Question From A Reader
"I'd like to use self-striping yarn for my next project. What projects would show the stripes without being overwhelming?"
Self-striping yarn is indeed a delightful choice for adding pops of color! I find it works beautifully with:
Scarves with basic stitches
Simple beanies
Crocheted blankets in single or half double crochet
Each project allows the yarn’s color changes to create stunning visual effects without complicated stitching. See my guide here for more inspiration and tips.
What projects have you loved making with self-striping yarn? I’d love to hear! Reply to this or leave a comment below.
Useful Crochet Tip
Creating A Neater Foundation Chain
"When you work your foundation chain, notice you have a V shape and an extra little bump at the back. Instead of working your first rows into the chain, insert your hook through the back bumps. This makes the V-edge point outwards so it'll match the bind off edge."
— Excerpt from the Crochet Habits Success Manual.
Crocheting Comedy
I love sharing the fun of our craft and I hope you get a giggle out of this…
Streaming platforms should have a category called “easy to follow while crocheting.”
The Great Crochet Debate
I so enjoy finding out about my readers’ experiences. Please let me know your thoughts in this poll.
Cast your vote by the next issue for the reveal!
Worthy Of A Spot On Your Bookshelf
Here’s my weekly recommendation for an excellent resource to help you on your crocheting journey.
The Yarn Garden by J. Marsha Michler
“Learn everything you need to know about working with plant-based yarns in this delightful read, and then some! Their construction, how they work up, and their production. It also includes some designs to practice what you've learned.”
— Sourced from my recommended books for your fiber arts library.
Crochet Through Time
I enjoy discovering historical art that displays our craft throughout the ages.
This sketch of a woman who’s dropped her ball of yarn is so relatable! I don’t know how many times I’ve accidentally done the same. 😊
Fabulous Yarny Happenings
Some fiber arts events occurring around the world this week:
The Knitting Hotel Learnaway: Festive Frolics in Devon, England
Harrogate Festive Knitting and Crochet Retreat in the UK
One of my most popular posts has been my list of global Fiber Arts Events. Check it out for all the details of the upcoming festivals, gatherings, and retreats.
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This Week In Crochet News
Here’s what I’ve found for you…
A Blossoming Connection
It’s not every day you see an art project that really bloomed!
The “Wildflowers of Wisconsin” at McKee Farms Park is a stunning example of community, crochet, and conservation. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. It’s a gentle reminder of our connection to nature and each other.
When She Isn’t Writing…
shares what she loves to do when she isn’t writing… And what a beautiful stitch the finished project has!Crocheters Inspire Next Generation
What a heartwarming visit by the Saddleworth Yarn Bombing team to Friezland Primary School! It’s a beautiful reminder of how crochet can connect communities and inspire the young minds.
Read all about their visit and get inspired to share your craft with your community.
A Fall Inspired Work-In-Progress
shares a beautiful slideshow of her Fall-inspired projects.Every first Thursday of the month, I unlock the weekly issue for all members. To enjoy the full experience every week, upgrade now!
Crochet Designs You Can't Miss…
Creativity & Comfort
The Callista shawl by
is just what colder weather calls for!Soft textures mixing trinity stitch and simple crochet make it easy and elegant. Who can resist those handy pockets?
Work it up in a wool-alpaca mix or any cozy weight #4 yarn that suits your skin.
Craft A Santa So Charming!
's Santa Claus Amigurumi captures the joy of the holidays perfectly!The recommended yarns are Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, or Bernat Handicrafter Cotton and all need a 3mm hook.
Chic Plant Hangers
The Iris Plant Hanger is a fantastic project for beginners and seasoned crocheters. This project, with its easy-to-follow instructions, is worth your crochet time. It's perfect for gifting too!
While the design recommends Lion Brand Re-Up yarn, that’s since been discontinued. I’d suggest Berroco Remix (30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen.) You'll need a US Size I-9 to K–10 1⁄2 (5.5-6.5mm) crochet hook.
A Bubbly Burst Of Colors
Alex from You Should Craft presents a delightful bobble stripe baby blanket! its texture and colors are ideal for sprucing up baby gifts. What I adore most is the playful zigzag bobble border: such a whimsical touch.
Crafted with Caron One Pound yarn, which is machine washable, you’ll need a US Size H/8 (5mm) crochet hook.
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A Seasonal Must-Have
The Ventanitas Crochet Top by Amber, with its simplicity in design, is so versatile. It has a vibrant design dubbed as ‘little windows,’ and contrast of surface slip stitches add a dash of pizzazz!
This delightful make requires Heatherly (sport weight, 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool) and 4.5mm and 5mm hooks. You could also make it in Wool of the Andes Sport (100% Peruvian Highland Wool.)
Leafy Lace Stitches
The Leafy Lace Tunisian Crochet Baby Blanket by Andrea from YarnAndy is a treasure for any crochet collection. This design captures the essence of a forest with its leafy stitches working with eyelets and lace in Tunisian crochet.
The designer recommends using a baby-friendly merino wool DK weight yarn. So, I’d recommend Swish DK (100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool.)
Cedar Mill Comfort & Style
The Cedar Mill Tunisian Poncho by CreationsbyCourtney captures the essence of a day outdoors: imagine the warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze.
Crafting Compassion
The Gratitude & Grace Beanie resonates with me. It's more than just a crochet project; it's an act of kindness. Designed for those undergoing chemo, this infuses love into every loop and stitch with its elegant design.
It requires an I (5.5mm) crochet hook and 150-200 yards of worsted weight yarn.
Starry Coasters
The Ring of Stars Coasters project caught my eye with its elegant approach to functional art. Farrah Jane’s design makes for a charming gift set!
Made from easy-care DK yarn and a 4mm hook, so I’d recommend Animation (100% Mercerized Cotton, DK weight.)
Deck Your Cups With Festive Fervor
I think Ella Stutchman’s Christmas Tree Coffee Cozy is a charming pick for the season! It’s such a festive, quick project that brings a touch of handmade love to your holiday gift-giving. The minimalistic tree design is adorable.
Striking The Perfect Balance
Jennifer Renaud’s Men’s Split Level Pullover strikes that rare balance of style and versatility! It pairs beautifully with jeans or can be dressed up with a collared shirt. The engaging texture and crew neck make it timeless.
Toadstool Whimsy
Just imagine a whimsical toadstool taking shape under your crochet hook—how fun is that Toadstool Basket from TheCraftyTherapist! Perfect for mushroom lovers or fans of fairy tale decor, this project is delightful.
The waistcoat stitch is a nifty skill booster too, adding that perfect texture.
You'll need a 7mm and a 4mm hook, plus t-shirt or worsted weight yarn.
Insider Crochet Inspiration…
Blossom Like A Rose With The Primrose Stitch
The Primrose stitch has delightful rosette-like clusters. This tutorial by Made by Gootie breaks it down beautifully. It’s easier than it looks: just single crochet, chains, and double crochet in a two-row repeat.
The Right Side Vs. Wrong Side In Crochet
Admit it, we've all been puzzled about which side is the 'right' side in our crochet projects. This helpful guide by Alex from You Should Craft clears up that confusion! Especially with textured stitches where it really matters.
Embrace Size Inclusivity
Andrea's guide to size-inclusive measurements for crochet garment design is enlightening! This meticulous study is a must-read for anyone looking to tailor crochet garments more precisely.
Cozy Up With This Unique Crochet Stitch
I always look forward to a quality Crochet Along, and this Uniformed Cozy Crochet 4 Row Repeat for the Tranquility Blanket CAL doesn't disappoint!
It's structured yet cozy, offering a fresh take on cable style without overwhelming complexity. Using an H (5mm) hook and worsted yarn, this intermediate level project weaves a beautiful pattern perfect for blankets.
Unlock Precision: Try Wire Blocking!
Ever tried blocking with wires? It feels magical. The clarity it brings to the details in your crochet pieces is fantastic. I started with Courtney's guide. Her tips make complex shine: it's so worth the extra effort.
Quickly Double Your Yarn Winder's Capacity
Katie's simple trick to expand your yarn winder's capacity is great for bulky 8oz skeins! Her step-by-step guide saves you from buying a new, pricey winder.
Her pantyhose tip for keeping yarn neat is so inventive!
Perfect Your Spike Stitches
Jennifer Renaud of A Crocheted Simplicity has just what we need for crisper, more uniform spike stitches. Her quick fix transformed her Wanderlust Chevron Backpack, and it’s all in her short guide.
Her tip? Make a swatch in a contrasting color!
Brighten Your Windows With Easy Crochet Rainbows!
Who knew yarn and a few simple stitches could transform a room? This tutorial for crochet rainbow curtains is a gem for beginners.
I adore how these curtains can cheer up any window, and they're surprisingly simple to make. A delightful weekend project to brighten your home.
Dental Floss: A Surprising Amigurumi Hack!
What an unexpected trick for crafting amigurumi doll heads: using dental floss! It offers a tight, durable shaping method, though I’m curious about the longevity.
Have you tried unusual materials in your projects? How did it turn out?
No Gaps, No Worries
I adore when I find a tip that really transforms everyday projects! This post from Dorothy Jean Crochet offers a stitch so effective, especially if you aim for garments with fewer gaps: like a snug tank top.
When Crochet Meets Power Tools
I have to share a creative crochet hack: using a power drill to wind yarn! It may not be for everyone (watch out for potential tangles!), but imagine the time saved!
Sunflower Sun Shininess!
Oh, the charm of a crocheted tote! This Sunflower inspired tote idea on vyazanie_zakazhi's post is just gorgeous!
Hope this issue has inspired your next crochet project!
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If not, reply back or leave a comment with what you’d like to see.
P.S. Isn’t this repeating openwork design just gorgeous?
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