I finally spent a day organising my yarn collection which was in desperate need of doing because I have a habit of spotting pretty yarn and giving in to the urge to buy it all… whoops… I really need to learn to restrain myself, especially as most of the time I don’t even have a pattern in mind, which means I may or may not end up buying enough yarn for potential future projects.
So in an attempt to be more aware of what yarn I am actually currently in possession of, I spent some time sorting my office and having a re-jig of pf my shelves to create a proper yarn corner. Without much further ado, here are the before and after photos of my office rearrange.
The past few months had seen my desk become a bit of a dumping ground. So it feels great to finally have an organised space again. My yarn had also been stuffed into big boxes which although great for storage, meant I couldn’t see half the yarn in them and I’d forget what yarn I had.
Now with everything on display I can finally keep track of my yarn stash. I’ve got them all sorted and grouped into various yarn types and stacked up on my bookcase. It’s so satisfying to see all the pretty colours and know what yarn I have available. I’m so happy to have a corner dedicated to my crocheting and knitting and it’s inspiring me to keep creating!
I really enjoyed my first Floret Pop Pullover pattern test for Yarn by Beck and was eager to do more. When I saw Eli looking for testers for her Basic Beret pattern I thought it would be the perfect relaxing pattern test to apply to as it wasn’t as big a project as the last one.
I really loved the look of Eli’s Basic Beret and was excited to be chosen as a tester. I was keen to test making a light summery version of her pattern and thus decided to reuse the same multicoloured DK recycled cotton yarn from my previous project as I still had plenty left.
This was my first project working in the round and I definitely felt like I was getting lost sometimes with the stitch counting, but I manged to fumble my through. I also think I may be low key obsessed with this yarn! I just love the dye pattern and how nicely the warm colours blend together. Saying that I also really want to check out some other colours from this yarn in future!
Being a beginner to reading crochet patterns there were certain elements that initially confused me, but I soon figured out. With it being such a small project it also doesn’t feel quite as precious; meaning if I didn’t get it right the first time, I could always try again and make a second or third hat quite quickly. Although I made a few mistakes first time round, I would still say Eli’s pattern is definitely beginner friendly.
Eli’s pattern is also easily customisable and it’s fab to see just how differently all testers approached it. I used a 5mm hook with a dk recycled cotton yarn and although I like the tension I was working with, my end product turned out just a tad too small/tight. So next time round I think I might try a 6mm hook or add an extra row or two, or both aha. I defiantly want to try making a cosier winter version with a thicker yarn.
So here’s the finished Basic Beret by Eli. I’m really pleased with how my first attempt turned out despite the odd mistake and miscounting. If you want a beginner friendly beret pattern, please make sure to check out her pattern here!
After finishing my granny sqaure cardigan I felt like I was on a crochet roll and decided to apply to be a pattern tester for this wonderful looking jumper by Yarn by Beck. She stated it was begginer friendly and I ended up being chosen to test her new Floret Pop Pullover pattern, which I was chuffed about.
As summer was approaching I thought I’d try and make a loose and lightweight version of the jumper and, after some deliberation, went for a lovely multicoloured recyled cotton yarn in wonderful warm shades.
The beginning was the hardest. After getting used to working in squares, it took a while to adjust to building up a pattern in a linear fashion. I also wasn’t quite sure how big to make it and continually worried I’d accidentally increase or decrease stitches. However as I got used to the pattern I slowly got comfortable and managed to retain a straight shape.
I spent many an hour listening to an audiobook and building my first jumper row by row. As I’m still a relative newbie this stich combination was not known to me but I absolutely love how the pattern comes together and the overall look of the Floret Pop Pullover.
At one point I was off to Sheffield to visit my best frind Emily from Peak Knits, and of course I had to take my crochet with me. We explored a beautiful local garden and spent some time sitting in the sun working on our projects. It’s also a great activity to keep you occupoied on the train whilst listening to an audibook.
I was really happy with how the front and back panels came together but I did feel somewhat stressed towards the end as I knew I wouldn’t have time to finish the sleeves before the deadline, and thus decided to make a t-shirt version by only adding short selves for the time being. They weren’t amazing as I winged the pattern, but I knew I’d be able to go back and add long sleeves later down the line.
And voila – my first finished pattern test! The Floret Pop Pullover by Yarn By Beck. If you want a beginner friendly pattern to make a jumper tailored to you, please make sure to check out the pattern here!
Completing my first pattern test was a big learning curve for me and although it had it’s challenges I loved the experience. I’m not 100% sure on the colour of the yarn on me personally, and the neckline and jumper in general ended up a tad too big, however, the recycled cotton has created a very loose fitting and airy version of this jumper which is perfect for summer and exactly what I was after.
I do love this pattern and am hoping to make another Floret Pop Pullover with a thicker warmer yarn for winter. Do let me know if you decide to buy this pattern and have a go – I can highly recommend!
After the success of my first crochet project I was eager to take on another, and once I came across the hexagon crochet cardigan I knew this would be it. I popped to my local Boyes to browse the yarns and decided for a chunky marble in a greeny blue shade.
This design still followed the basic granny square pattern I’d already learned, but instead of going round in a square, you add two extra sides, making a hexagon which will eventually folded in half to create one sleeve and side panel.
Once I had both sides made to the same size (which I almost managed, the tensions was slightly off), I went on to sew up the sleeve seams and decide how to connect the two at the back.
I decided to make a series of smaller granny squares in a lush deep blue for the joining back panel and then also went on to add a border on the sleeves and bottom of the cardigan. I’m so happy with how well the dark blue compliments the green / blue marble yarn.
To finish off the cardigan I made 2 larger granny squares with a mix of the deep blue and green / blue marble yarns. These two granny squares I then sewed on to be pockets at the front of the cardigan.
And voila – there you have it – my first ever hexagon granny square cardigan! I am so so pleased with how it turned out and it really is quite satisfying being able to say I made a cardigan from scratch! I love how it all came together, the pattern, the colours and the fit!
For now it’s a finished project. However, in future I might still experiment with making the cardigan a little longer. Generally speaking, I prefer my cardigans a bit longer, sitting below the bum, so I might still add a few rows to the bottom one day.
Finishing my second crochet project has been even more rewarding than my first. There’s something so satisfying about making your own clothing.
My next project is a jumper. I’ve been chosen as a pattern tester for the Floret Pop Pullover by Yarn by Beck and I’m super excited to get stuck into this new crochet project. I’ve already started and it’s such a lush stitch I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!
Have you been busy with any craft projects or learning new skills??? Do let me know in the comments below!
On a random day at the end of 2024 I decided to follow a crochet tutorial by one of my favourite YouTubers by Helen Anderson. Managing to pick it up pretty quickly, I instantly became hooked – it’s such an addictive hobby.
Early in January, after completing 3 large granny squares as practice, I decided to embark on my first full project. One of my oldest friends was coming to visit from France with her baby and as she had just moved house I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make her a cosy blanket for a housewarming present.
I browsed the yarn section in my local Boyes for forever, trying to decide which colours to go for and how to combine them. Eventually I made my choice and got started as soon as I got home, eager to see my vision come to life. I had chosen a mustard yellow, a pinky red, a light blue and a white to create two different designs by inverting the order of colours used for the squares. I also went for a darker blue to border the squares and be the join colour.
As the pile of squares grew, so did my excitement – the squares were looking soo good. A little niggle of worry did cross my mind too though as the tension wasn’t always 100% equal. I just hoped they’d all join together nice and evenly. Working every evening after work, I managed to get all my squares completed in about 2 weeks.
The joining of the squares was another new learning curve as I’d never done it before. I had a look online at a few different methods before settling on one that seemed simple enough. It was a little confusing at times and I accidentally joined the wrong sides once or twice and had to back track, but seeing the squares gradually transform into a cohesive blanket was very rewarding.
Crocheting my first granny square blanket has been such an enjoyable and rewarding experience and I can’t wait to make more – who knows, perhaps I’ll make everyone a blanket for Christmas this year aha!? The success of my first project has spurred me on to learn more and also try some more challenging projects.
Next stop – a granny square cardigan!
I’d love to know if any of you also crochet or knit??? Do let me know in the comments below!
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