Crochet Extra - May 2023 - Crochet Australia

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Welcome to May – where the mornings are cool and crisp – perfect for a nice brisk walk with my dog Roxi. It is hard to believe it was a year ago now that she was badly attached. She has completely recovered and to look at her you wouldn’t know anything had happened. And for those of you who visit regularly, you will know how she loves greeting everyone on arrival. She certainly enjoys all the pats and tummy rubs she gets.

And of course this month its Mothers Day – so Happy Mothers Day to all those Mum like figures for Sunday the 14th. I hope your day is filled with many happy moments with your families. We have included in this newsletter a link to our Customised Mothers’ Day Gift Ideas – Browse our selection of kits, new and exciting pattern books, organisers and hooksets for something special. Or if you don’t see what you want, contact us to select something unique.

And today – 1st of May sees the beginning of Stage 2 of the Crochet Tournament. It has been amazing seeing the photos being posted on Facebook of the Poncho and cowl in Stage 1 – the colour combinations are very inspiring. If you haven’t done so already, take a look through the photos in the Facebook Group

It’s not long now until the Crochet Guild Australia Conference will be taking place. This year it will go for three days 1st – 3rd June in the centre of Sydney. There are a mix of programs – general entry enables you to be the audience for special demonstrations, informative presentations and panel discussions which take place every day – I myself will be part of the discussion panel sharing experiences of owning a yarn store.

There are also many wonderful tutors teaching workshops that will help you elevate your crochet to new levels. Tutors include Dedri Uys, and Shelley Husband, former Committee Members – Jenny King, Lyndall Reeve and myself – and many more.

I myself will be leading a workshop on crochet cables – They are a great way of adding texture and interest to your projects – whether that be blankets, baskets, or garments. And the best thing – they are simpler than you think, and in my opinion far easier than knitted cables!

So book your spot at the National Crochet Conference.– what is it you would like to see?

Because I will be at the conference, we won’t be open on Saturday 3rd June. Instead we will be open on Saturday 10th June instead. And that corresponds with World Wide Knit and Crochet in Public Day. We will have Coffee Van on site and hand-made goodies to eat from the Yandina branch of the QCWA, as well as some fun crochet activities. We would love to see you all there. More details will come out closer to the day.

May 1st is also the beginning of Screen Free Week – it’s a great opportunity to focus on craft activities with the younger generation. Why not pick up a learn to crochet kit, and pass on your skills. Rewarding for them and you.

Our crochet classes this month is learning a new stitch and preparing for the cooler winter weather about to descend on us with the Waffle-icious Caridigan by MJ’s Off the Hook Designs. You can join these online Monday nights or Tuesdays or Wednesdays in store. The first session kicks off tonight – 1st May – but you still join in later weeks.

Looking forward to June we begin the Bay of Shells Bag by Live Love Crochet Shaz. This is a bag made with many techniques to add texture, uses a leather base and bag fastening – all of which are now available at Crochet Australia.

Until next time

Lynda

Theme—Jumper and Jackets and Everything in Between

As a Queenslander it is refreshing to see some cooler weather coming through. Which means Jumpers and Jackets and all those soft, warm and comfy pieces we love to wear in winter. Winter crochet projects are fun to work on – they make for a cozy activity to craft when it’s cold out, and winter garments are so practical – they can be worn for any occasion and make great gifts.

Let us help you get inspired with lots of lovely patterns, yarns and accessories to make your new winter season garments.

Firstly – the yarns. There are some beautiful yarns perfect for the winter months with some equally beautiful colours available – Scheepjes Merino Soft, Patons Sierra, Scheepjes Stone Washed, Fiddlesticks Superb 4, 8, 88 or Tweed or Alpaca Yarn Fusion Sulco, Fibra Natura Papyrus all make excellent jumpers and cardigans and winter warming accessories. Scheepjes Whirl and whirlette, Opal Sock yarn, and Alpaca Yarn Sox also make beautiful light weight caridgans and winter shawls. Now you can make your own unique garments in colours that suit you and your wardrobe rather than being confined to what is left in the store.

Shrugs and wraps are also still fashionable and just the thing for a cover up when a jumper or cardigan is just too much. We even take some of the guess work out for you with our selection of kits that are ready for your colour choice.

And don’t forget your pets – winter coats will keep them snug and warm too. And for the younger girls, a selection of winter outfits for dolls is also a must.

The following pages have just a selection of patterns and tools available, to help you find something suitable for the winter months.

If you have always wanted to make a jacket and don’t feel confident in getting your measurements right, then our May classes might be just what you need. This month we are making the Waffle-icious Cardigan by MJ’s off the Hook designs. You can learn how to make a garment and learn the waffle stitch as you go. We offer on-line classes on Monday nights, in-store classes on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Join in at any point…the more the merrier.

Whether it’s crochet or knitting we can help you get your new winter wardrobe up and running.

The Fishermans Jumper has long been a classic in many wardrobes – try making a modern version of this with this free pattern by Zoe Did It for Make And Do Crew

Tip of the Month – Gauge Swatches – What and Why?

I’m sure you have all heard the term gauge swatch or tension swatch and read this in a pattern – but how many of you actually do it and use your gauge swatch to its maximum benefit? Read our tip to help you get your gauge correct and find out how else you can use the swatch.

Book of the Month

Styles for You!

Create stylish crocheted sweaters in sizes Small to 3X. The clear instructions and diagrams will help you get the perfect style in just the right size! Choose the “Style for You” whether it’s a wrap front tunic, a trapeze sweater, or a swing coat. With eight designs included in all sizes, there’s something for everyone! 8 crochet sweaters made using Simply Soft 4-ply, light worsted weight yarn (medium weight)

Skill levels range from Easy to Experienced. 36 pages

US terminology