I’m beyond excited to finally introduce Hamish the Highland Cow – the latest, cuddly, tuft-haired friend in the Dear Ewe character collection!
We first launched Hamish at the Stafford Wool Gathering at the end of October, and wow – you absolutely loved him. So much so, we sold out at the show! After a quick restock, he has continued to sell out at every show and pop-up since. We are absolutely thrilled by how much love and enthusiasm you’ve shown for Hamish, and we’ve managed to get a restock through before Christmas so we’ve got some available for you.❤️
Hamish isn’t just a crochet project, he’s a little bundle of Highland charm, ready to bring warmth and whimsy into your home, your craft room, or to delight a friend as a handmade gift.
What’s Inside the Kit?
Like the other Dear Ewe crochet kits the Hamish the Highland Cow kit is packed with high-quality materials to ensure your crafting experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you can expect inside:
Premium Yarn: Soft, durable cotton / acrylic blend Scheepjes Stone Washed yarn perfect for those signature “fluffy” Highland-cow locks.
Stuffing: High-quality toy fiberfill so Hamish ends up cuddly and huggable.
Pattern Booklet: A tech edited pattern booklet with written instructions and photos in UK crochet terms to guide you through every part of the process.
Project Bag: An exclusive ‘Hamish illustrated’ reusable 100% cotton project bag to keep your project together while you work.
Optional extras, such as the perfect hook size, stitch markers, and a yarn needle, are also available if you’d like everything ready to go from the moment the package arrives.
Hamish is a lovely project for those with some experience of working in the round and doing amigurumi; if you’ve made a few soft toys before, he’ll be a delight to create.
How to Order
Kits start at £27.95, and since Hamish has already been a sell-out superstar at every show and pop-up, we never quite know how long they’ll stay in stock – so if you’d love to welcome him home, don’t wait too long!
Whether you’re making him for your own collection, your home, or as a thoughtful handmade gift we hope Hamish brings you as much joy and cosy charm as we felt when we created him.
And don’t forget his other pals – explore more Dear Ewe craft kits in my Etsy Store alongside a range of modern gifts for crocheters, knitters and makers.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Psst… If you love crochet make sure you are signed up to the blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
You may remember that back in December 2024, I had the privilege of visiting Longest Yarn Exhibition exhibition for the first time – and I was absolutely blown away by it. The creativity, craftsmanship, and sheer scale of that original installation were unlike anything I’d ever seen before. So when I heard there would be a second instalment, I knew I had to try and visit. And what better day to share it with you than Armistice Day, when we all pause to remember the bravery and resilience of those who lived through war.
Following the success of the original exhibition, The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War builds upon the same heartfelt storytelling – this time focusing on what life was like in Britain between 3 September 1939, when war was declared, and 8 May 1945, VE Day.
The exhibition features 80 brand-new panels of “wool art,” each one metre long, depicting key moments and experiences from the Second World War. From The King’s Speech to D-Day, The Blitz, the Home Guard, the Women’s Land Army, rationing, and much more, each piece offers a vivid, tactile snapshot of wartime Britain – all told through the medium of yarn.
Once again, I found myself completely mesmerised by the artistry on display. Every stitch, every colour choice, every carefully rendered detail spoke volumes about the love, dedication, and skill poured into this project.
Accompanying the panels is an extraordinary set of eight life-size wool figures, collectively titled “Army of Duty Calls.” These represent the many faces of service and sacrifice during the war; from a Land Girl to a Spitfire Pilot, each crafted with astonishing detail and care. Standing among them feels almost like stepping back in time. I was particularly blown away with the piper Bill Millin, the attention to detail was just astonishing!
I could easily have spent hours photographing each panel – but instead, I’ve chosen a small selection of images to share with you here, to give you just a taste of this unforgettable experience.
The level of detail in each yarn creation was truly astounding. Guided by historians to ensure historical accuracy, every scene was thoughtfully chosen by its creator to tell the story of this momentous period in history, each one unique, heartfelt, and crafted with exceptional care.
From evacuees and bombed houses to families sheltering in the Underground and incredibly detailed machinery, every panel captured such poignant moments in yarn that it completely blew my mind how thoughtfully each one had been constructed. It was so clear how much love and effort had gone into every piece. I couldn’t help but marvel at how each crocheter and knitter had managed to convey such depth and emotion through yarn – it’s nothing short of genius.
As I mentioned in my original blog post, the exhibition actually began as an idea by Tansy Forster, who was inspired by the post box toppers and yarn bombing events seen around the UK. She initially planned to create a small topper for her garden wall in Houesville to mark the 80th anniversary, but after chatting with a few friends and fellow knitters, the idea quickly grew and grew!
After touring the UK and Ireland, drawing more than 250,000 visitors, the original Longest Yarn is now on display in the United States for a year-long exhibition. I doubt Tansy ever imagined it would evolve into such an incredible worldwide exhibition, let alone lead to a whole second instalment. Personally, I’m hoping there’ll be a third one in the future!
As before what truly made the exhibition so special was the incredible sense of community woven through every crocheted and knitted stitch. Each panel told its own story, lovingly created by individuals and groups who poured their hearts into preserving this important part of our history. It’s a beautiful reminder of how creativity not only connects us to the past but also inspires those who will carry these stories forward into the future.
The Longest Yarn 2 exhibition is currently touring Great Britain and Northern Ireland and will continue through to the end of 2027. It’s free to attend, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience this remarkable creative tribute.
However, the project receives no formal funding and relies entirely on public generosity to keep it on the road. A £5 donation is suggested, which helps cover essential travel and setup costs – a small price to pay to support such a meaningful and inspiring initiative.
If you get the chance to see it for yourself, I thoroughly recommend it. It’s a moving, beautifully made reminder of our shared history — and a celebration of the power of art, craft, and community spirit.
Just a little side note. As we remember those who served, I’m also continuing to raise money for the Royal British Legion through sales of my poppy crochet pattern. It’s a small way to give back and to honour those who gave so much – and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s supported this cause so far.
If you’d like to crochet your own poppy and help support the Poppy Appeal, you can find all the original details (and the pattern link) in my post here: 👉 Pattern Re-Release: Poppy Appeal
Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
What an absolute joy the long weekend at Carry on Crafting (CoC) was! The weather was nothing short of scorchio – hot, sunny and glorious – the kind that makes you forget what day it is and just melts you into pure holiday mode.
If you’ve not heard of Carry on Crafting before it’s a crafting festival that is held usually in July in the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. I have been before (you can read about a previous visit here) and it’s a crafting event that I look forward to on my calendar.
This year was my first time glamping and I have to say, the bell tents were brilliant! Spacious, beautifully pitched with sparkly lights on that came on at night, and the beds were surprisingly comfy. With the sun blazing down, they did turn a bit hot during the day (but that’s the same with any tent), but that just meant more incentive to stay out enjoying the crafty fun!
I went as part of a group of about 27 “hookers” – most of us having met through attending The Crochet Sanctuary at different times, and it’s amazing how those weekends have turned into long-lasting friendships. CoC has become a perfect annual get-together where we crochet, craft, laugh, and soak up the atmosphere.
Crafting Highlights
I signed up for the bird bath mosaic workshop, which ran over two evenings – and I loved every minute of it. It was calming, creative, and so satisfying watching my little garden masterpiece come together piece by piece. It’s definitely something I’d like to do again!
I also popped into a drop-in macramé session and ended up totally hooked. There’s something so soothing about working with knots and cords, the teacher was really helpful and the atmosphere around the craft tents was so welcoming and relaxed, it was fun to chat to other session participants too.
Festival, Food & Fibre
The food from the vendors was top notch – everything I tried was delicious and perfect fuel for a busy crafting weekend. Whether it was a cheeky sweet treat from the crepe van or something savoury, like my burger spud, to keep us going, they had us sorted. There was also live music and sheep to see, an ariel display, movie night, bingo and just so much to see and do…
One of the best parts of CoC is always catching up with my fibre friends. It was great to see:
the lovely Eleonora from Coastal Crochet, whose work always inspires.
Bex from The Pigeons Nest, who was sharing a stand with Kitey (though didn’t get a photo – must do that next time),
Justine from Little Box of Crochet, who also happens to be the mastermind organiser of CoC,
Alice from The Burrow who definitely had one of the best show set ups for her stand.
The Annual CoC Project
For the past three years, myself, Amanda from Mrs G Makes, and Jess from Hook & Cwtch have created a special CoC project for our group to enjoy. You might remember:
Festival Fade – the asymmetric shawl I designed for our first year,
The Yarnival Bag – this year’s group project, which I’m excited to say will be released later this month! It’s full of colour, fun stitches and festival flair – can’t wait to share it with you all!
What I Bought…
There were over 100 vendors at CoC sharing their wares as well as many specialist artisans running crafty workshops. The majority of vendors took card or cash payments making it very easy for me to spend on some fabulous things! Here’s what I bought;
The brand new Crochet Socks that Rock Book by the lovely Anna Nikipirowicz from publishers David & Charles. I was extremely excited about this book for two reasons, firstly as it’s a pre-release copy (it’s not officially available until September), and secondly because it has been on my crochet bucket list for ages to make some crochet socks this will be the impetus I need to get that ticked off.
Then I bought some yarn from a stall, that I unfortunately didn’t keep the name of, I bought a Schoppel Zauberball a yarn which has been on my list to try for ages, and then some pink 100% Natural Dye Studio Dazzle Sock British Blue Faced Leicester yarn – both of which I’m planning to hopefully use on some socks from the Crochet Socks that Rock Book.
Then anyone that knows me knows I love any kind of stationery so I couldn’t resist the cork notebook from Alice (aka The Burrow) it has a faux tarot card featuring ‘The Crocheter’ which I had to have!
Then I bought a gorgeous handmade project basket bag from The Embroidered Fox which I love, love love!
Then I bought a beautiful little handmade ceramic toadstool (whose stall I also unfortunately didn’t make a note of) but I love toadstools so I couldn’t resist it.
Then I popped by to see Bex (aka The Pigeons Nest), I love her stickers and knew she’d got some new designs so wanted to get some of those, and I picked up some of her fun slogan pencils too, and I couldn’t resist her ‘Emotional Support Project’ pouch in black and neon orange, it had to come home with me!
Then from Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer) I bought some bright neon yarn and some dark blue yarn, both DK, with the mind to re-imagine our latest collab, Sassy Sardines, in a different colourway and in a slightly different size – a project that I’m excited to get stuck into.
All in all, CoC was the perfect mix of creativity, community, and sunshine. I came back with a full heart and a camera roll of happy memories. If you’re a maker, a crafter, or just someone who loves to be surrounded by inspiration you need to add Carry On Crafting to your calendar.
Although I’m sadly not going to be able to make it next year, due to already having plans on that date, I’m already looking forward to 2027. If you’ve now read this post and it sounds like something you need to get in on there’s still some availability for 2026 show (11 – 12 July 2025) – find all the details on the Carry on Crafting website. 💛✨🧶
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
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Today, I had the privilege of visiting the Longest Yarn Exhibition at Stoke Minster, and I’m still buzzing from the experience. This absolutely breath-taking display celebrates craftsmanship, community, and commemoration in the most extraordinary way.
The exhibition showcases a knitted and crocheted tribute to D-Day; 80 scenes include the build up in England, the horrors on the Landing Beaches and the bloody inland battles on 6th June 1944 in wool art.
Quite simply it’s a patchwork of storytelling and history woven into every stitch. For me, it felt deeply personal; my granddad landed on Gold Beach on D-Day, and standing before the vibrant, intricate scenes definitely made me think of him.
I could have easily spent hours photographing every single detail of the exhibition—it was that incredible—but I’ve captured a small sample to share with you here. I have also shared some videos I took on todays Vlogmas reel over on Instagram. Hopefully, these glimpses give you a sense of the wondrous craftmanship that went into creating this spectacular display.
The level of detail in the yarn creations was astounding. Created with guidance from historians, retained by the project, to be historically accurate, each scene has been selected by the creator to depict the story of this momentous day in history, each scene unique and made with care.
From depictions of soldiers on the beaches to poignant moments captured in yarn that just blew my mind how they had thought to construct them. It was clear how much love and effort went into every piece. I couldn’t help but marvel at how each crocheter and knitter had managed to create such depth and emotion with yarn—it’s nothing short of genius.
Reading up on the the exhibition apparently it began as an idea by a lady called Tansy Forster who admired the post box toppers and yarn bombing events in the UK. She then had the idea that she’d make a topper for her garden wall in Houesville for 80th Anniversary, however mulling it over with a few other folk and some other knitters the whole thing rather grew!
Now it’s a work of 80 meters representing 80 years and the 80 days of The Battle of Normandy. The exhibition, created by over 1,000 crafters, is broken up in to 80 x 1 meter panels being constructed around the world; as from as far as Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and Europe.
What definitely made the exhibition special was the sense of community woven into each piece. Each section had its own story, crafted by individuals or groups who poured their hearts into preserving this vital piece of history. It’s a powerful reminder of how creativity can connect us to the past while inspiring future generations.
If the Longest Yarn Exhibition ever comes to a location near you, I cannot recommend it enough. There is no charge to enter the exhibition, but donations are welcome. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates incredible art, this is an event you won’t want to miss. From the leaflet from the exhibition The Longest Yarn is scheduled to visit following places next;
Are you ready to hop into your next creative project? Following the successful sell out launch at this years Wool@Jct13 yarn show I am very excited to finally introduce the NEW and exclusive Fletcher the Frog crochet amigurumi kit!
The latest luxury crochet kit to the Dear Ewe collection, Fletcher is a curious and adventurous little amphibian who loves exploring the great outdoors.
Fletcher’s favourite activities include hopping through lush meadows, splashing in cool, clear ponds, and basking in the warm sun on a lazy afternoon. With his adventurous spirit and gentle heart, Fletcher Frog is more than just a crochet project— he’s a friend who’ll bring a little extra joy to your day.
What’s Inside the Kit?
Like the other Dear Ewe crochet kits the Fletcher Frog kit is packed with high-quality materials to ensure your crafting experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you can expect inside:
Premium Yarn: Soft, durable cotton / acrylic blend Scheepjes Stone Washed and River Washed yarn in two different shades of green and a vibrant yellow for Fletcher’s body, plus a touch of black for his charming eyes.
Stuffing: High-quality toy fiberfill to give Fletcher his cuddly, plump shape
Pattern Booklet: A tech edited pattern booklet with written instructions and photos in UK crochet terms to guide you through every part of the process.
Project Bag: An exclusive ‘Fletcher’ reusable 100% cotton project bag to keep your project together.
You can choose optional extra’s like the perfect size hook to create those tight, neat stitches Fletcher needs. All yarn is vegan friendly and comes from a pet free / smoke free home and all kits are packed in eco-friendly, recyclable materials.
The pattern is suitable for advanced beginners, with some experience of working in the round in the usual amigurumi style.
How to Order
Ordering the Fletcher Frog Crochet Kit is simple and ensures that you’ll be one of the first to receive this delightful crafting package. Kits start at £27.95 for just the basic kit, or £32 for the kit with tools (premium bamboo hook. stitch markers and metal yarn needle).
Click on the link below to go straight to our Etsy store to check out your very own amphibian friend!
Make Fletcher for yourself or give as a gift to create a treasured handmade heirloom.
Love Fletcher Frog? Explore more Dear Ewe craft kits in my Etsy Store alongside a range of modern gifts for crocheters, knitters and makers.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Psst… If you love crochet make sure you are signed up to the blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. This June, I’ll be vending at the fabulous Wool@Jct13 event, and I can’t wait to see you there! Mark your calendars for Sat 29 – Sun 30 June 2024 because this is an event you won’t want to miss.
What is Wool@Jct13?
For those who might not be familiar, Wool@Jct13 is a vibrant, two-day wool and yarn festival held annually in Staffordshire, UK. It’s a gathering of crafters, makers, and fibre artists from all over the country. The event is packed with stalls showcasing a wide variety of yarns, and handmade goods, along with workshops, demonstrations, and the chance to meet like-minded people who share a passion for all things woolly.
Wool@Jct13 is more than just a market; it’s an experience. Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, spinner, weaver, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade crafts, this festival offers something for everyone. The atmosphere is always buzzing with creativity and inspiration, and it’s the perfect place to discover new projects, tools, and techniques.
What’s New at My Stall?
This year, I am especially excited to share some of my brand-new crochet kits! After months of designing, testing, and perfecting, these kits are finally ready to make their debut at Wool@Jct13. I’ll definitely be bringing the Pretty Petal Pincushion and Bunty the Bear, along with all the old favourites, and all being well something new from Dear Ewe!
All the kits come with easy-to-follow written instructions and all the materials needed to complete the item. Each kit includes top-quality yarn and notions to ensure that your finished project will be something you’re proud of. Perfect for those looking for a new project to crochet or looking to gift someone a fun crochet experience.
Why Visit My Stall?
Aside from checking out the new crochet kits, visiting my stall, Stand No. 12 in the Marquee, is a great opportunity to see and feel all the products I’ll be taking from my Yarnybobs and DearEwe online stores in person. I’ll also be there, alongside my lovely mum who’s helping me over the weekend, to answer any questions, offer tips and tricks, and help you find the perfect kit or yarn for your next project. Plus, there will be exclusive show specials and discounts that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re looking to stock up on beautiful kits, find a unique gift, or start a new hobby, my stall at Wool@Jct13 is the place to be. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow crafters, sharing my love for crochet, and making this year’s event unforgettable.
Join the Fun!
As I mentioned Wool@Jct13 is happening at the end of June, so make sure you plan your visit. It’s at The Heritage, Bishton, Staffordshire, just 25mins from J13 of the M6 or a stones throw from the A51. There’s crafty workshops to try, the knitted tearoom to experience, live music to enjoy and delicious street food to sample. Information about camping pitches and places to stay can be found on the website.
So bring your friends, family, and fellow crafters for a day (or two!) filled with creativity and fun. I can’t wait to meet you all, share my new crochet kits and crafty products, and be a part of this wonderful community event.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or special requests. See you at Wool@Jct13!
Disclaimer: I received two free press tickets to attend The Knitting and Stitching Show from the show organisers. However I have not been financially compensated by the company to write this blog post. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of my visit.
This year the show, which is held over four days, was on 16 – 19 November 2023 held at the Harrogate Convention Centre. After am early start and rather an epic journey (3 trains later) mum and I arrived into the city just before midday. After dropping our bags off at a nearby Travelodge we made our way straight to the show.
Have you ever visited a Knitting and Stitching show? For craft lovers it’s like a little slice of heaven! So much to see and do and featuring hundreds of retailers selling fabric and patterns, yarn and thread, sewing machines and equipment, accessories, crafts kits and gifts, from well-known global brands to small artisan companies.
I don’t know why but I wasn’t expecting the Harrogate show to be quite as big as the London shows I’d visited previously (read about those here and here). But it was actually quite huge! Held over 4 large rooms (Halls A, B, C and M) with several places to get refreshments dotted along the way.
As we were going to be there for two days we resolved to be fairly systematic in our approach – we decided that the first half of our day would be spent mainly looking at what was on offer, and the second day would be more purchasing. Now it didn’t work completely like that, as there was some buying on the first day, but it seemed like a good way to see the show.
Show guides were priced at £5 and were available from a show merchandise stand at the start of the show. This handy programme included details of events and workshops and list all the vendors – great if you want to plan out what you are going to see before you start walking around.
There was about 150 plus vendors, which in the guide were themed for things like yarns, craft supplies, fabrics and buttons to name a few, Though it is kind of fun to walk around and come across new stalls I found the guide particularly useful later on when we wanted to backtrack to a stall where we’d seen something that we liked.
The first day we arrived was the Saturday, which as you can expect, was very busy. At times, just because of the amount of people, it was a bit slow going to get through the crowd, and to see a stall if there were people around it, so we did do some doubling back at times. But we worked our way through all of the rows looking at both sides, through each of the buildings and I would say we took about 4 hours in total – as we were oohh-ing and ahhh-ing over things we spied as we went.
As we were browsing the stall and we found ourselves at Tanya’s stand from The Woolly Tangle. Tanya has been our stall neighbour a couple of times when we’ve been out on the road with Dear Ewe. It was really nice to catch up with her and hear about her experiences of the show – and I may have rescued some yarn from her that needed to come home with me.
It was nice to see the dedicated ‘The ‘Yarn Village’, section of the show, it was a place of small-scale specialist retailers who were offering a selection of unique, high quality yarn and accessories, not found on the high street.
As a fan of all things yarn I wouldn’t have been sad if ‘The Yarn Village’ section was even bigger and included even more yarn and things for crocheters and knitters, though there was a very nice selection to be had from the vendors that had their stall there.
A highlight of the show were the fabulous textile exhibitions that were a delight to walk round. Even if it’s not your particular craft I don’t think you can fail to appreciate the artistry involved in the work -and they are incredibly inspiring! This year’s Textile Galleries featured exhibitions by Art Textiles: Made in Britain (Illuminate),
As well as stalls and exhibitions there are also demos and workshops that you can choose to take part in. We didn’t actually catch any of the Creative Living Theatre shows this year – though there were several free daily demonstrations. We also decided not to do one of the workshops (though there were several that looked really fun) as we decided we were going to do something else that Harrogate is famous for.
As we’d walked our legs off at the show we decided we needed a bit of a rest so we headed off to find Betty’s Tea Rooms! Betty’s is quite a famous tea room that has been serving irresistible treats in Harrogate for over 100 years. I’d had the opportunity to go once, possibly about 15 years ago, but mum had never been so we decided we needed to make a visit whilst we were in town.
You don’t have to book for Betty’s but you do have to be prepared for a bit of a queue. We waited for about 10 minutes and were provided with a menu to peruse whilst we were waiting. We opted for the festive afternoon tea option and it didn’t disappoint!
Our sandwiches consisted of things like Wensleydale with red onion and cranberry chutney, and then we had mini cakes like chocolate cubes. Our favourite though had to be the cranberry and orange scones which were absolutely delicious! I would definitely recommend a visit to Betty’s if you visit a future The Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate.
The next day we walked back to the show and enjoyed a closer look at some of the beautiful textile exhibits before finding our way to the stalls we’d earmarked the day before. It was a little quieter on the Sunday so getting around to look at the stalls was much easier.
We got to have a lovely catch up chat with Sara (and Steve) from Black Sheep Wools. You may remember that Black Sheep provided yarn kits for the last two crochet-alongs and it was nice to chat about what’s been happening and possible future plans.
As we were walking round we also bumped into one of the winners of the giveaway for tickets for the show and had the opportunity to chat to them which was lovely. That’s one of the really nice things about visiting the shows, it’s the catching up with people, meeting new people and of course finding new things you didn’t know you needed in your life.
We did an awful lot of walking that weekend, I had turned on Strava (an fitness app) on whilst walking round the event (and Harrogate) and over the two days we walked over 12.2 miles (19.6km) so it was great exercise whilst enjoying ourselves! Then before we knew it, it was time to catch the 3 trains and a tram home again.
Between us mum and I managed to pick up things for 13 new projects – 10 of them were mums, but she’s very much of a multi-crafter so she picked up sewing, cross-stitch and yarn items to use.
I bought some yarn and several lovely pom poms, one to re-make a hat pattern I want to re-release. I also bought some beautifully soft DK brown alpaca yarn, with no plan other than I wanted it. Then we both bought some bits to make some wreaths which I’m looking forward to doing on a crafty afternoon with mum sometime soonish.
Like all the craft events I’ve attended the show is not only about the pretty things I have the opportunity to buy it’s about the people and the experience. If you get the chance to go to a future Knitting and Stitching Show I can thoroughly recommend it.
I’d like to say a big thank you again to the shows organisers for offering me the opportunity to visit and for offering the special deals to my lovely KCACO.UK readers!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Last weekend I attended the Carry on Crafting Festival at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. It was a wonderful event and I thought I’d write a post all about the crafty days I spent there.
The Carry on Crafting Festival is new to me and I always like to attend a show that I’ve not been to before to see what it’s like. It is a two day festival, this year on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July and it’s held about 200 miles away from where I live.
However a superstar friend offered to drive us both down there so I booked a room to stay in locally and we headed off Friday morning so we would be ready for the show start at 9.30am the next day.
Yarn shows and craft festivals always seem to be such great events. A chance to gather with fellow creatives and admire stalls from independent sellers. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and see some familiar faces!
In fact I bumped into the lovely Eleonora from Coastal Crochet (you can read the designer interview I did with her here) who it was great to catch up with (as you can see I look a bit overexcited!).
I also got to have a quick chat with the lovely Kitey otherwise known as The Yarn Whisperer (my MAL partner in crime) which is always a blast – though we do have a tendency to talk ten to the the dozen and get a bit over excited about things (we may have been chatting about future MAL plans!).
There were loads of many wonderful stands and I did buy a few bits and bobs. As you would expect at a ‘crafting’ festival it wasn’t just yarn (though there were a couple including Kitey’s (The Yarn Whisperer) and Bex (The Pigeon’s Nest).
I will confess to buying some yarn and stitch markers (I can’t help myself!) from Kitey from his tarot collection (to go with some I already have) and some pencils (which I love!) and a fun yarn related sticker from Bex.
I was excited to see in the flesh some of the new kits that Kitey had put together for the Peppermint Pageant. This is the first time a new colourway for one of our MALs has been put together after the MAL has finished. The new colourway is so pretty and I believe will be available in his shop soon once his end of show stock take is done.
The only other bits I ended up buying whilst I was there were some lovely stickers and keyrings to give to my kids and of course the food.
There were several food stands to choose from, prices were reasonable and I would say the sort of prices you would expect at a show. Options ranged from chips, burgers, Mexican food, jacket potatoes and crepes.
The timing of the show was brilliant, being at the start of July meant it didn’t interfere with the school holidays. We were also quite fortunate with the weather; all the stalls for the show are outside and it was nice to have a walk around in the sunshine.
We did have a few showers but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits it just seemed to add more fun to the experience.
The South of England Showground is huge and there were plenty of spaces set up with seating where you could stop for a bite to eat or just sit, chill and crochet. It’s so nice to see folks able to get back together again in a relaxed way – something we definitely missed during COVID times.
Many of my friends were camping so we all sat together for most of the time, gathered around their tents, crocheting and laughing so much that my ribs were sore afterwards (what a tonic!). I also couldn’t resist getting a souvenir Carry on Crafting glass – used as a refillable option from the bar. I loved that eco friendly offering instead of plastic glasses.
As there was a large group of hooky friends attending the lovely Jess (Hook and Cwtch) and Amanda (Mrs G Makes) and I decided to put together a special collab. It meant we could sit around working on the same project which is always a special thing to do.
The pattern I created is called the Festival FadeShawl (which I will be releasing soon) for which Jess dyed up a gorgeous 100g skein to go with five 20g sparkly minis.
This was then combined with a fabulous tote bag, yarn cosy and cute caravan stitch marker from Amanda.
Although I’d already completed my Festival Fade Shawl in the original colours Jess, being the sweetheart she is, dyed me up a new special colourway which meant I could join in crocheting the project too. Such a kind thing to do and I really enjoyed working on it again without having to do the thinking part!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the show, and although it was a LONG way to travel to it was most certainly worth the trip. I think I’ll definitely be back to Carry on Crafting Festival next year – who knows I might see you there?!
I’d love to hear about any yarn shows you’ve attended recently, and what you enjoyed about them – drop me a comment below.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
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I’m very excited to say that I’m going to be back at one of my local craft shops this year to run some more weekend workshops.
The Artisan Boutique in Stone, Staffordshire is a veritable treasure trove of gorgeous handmade and artisan products, and provides a fabulous backdrop to a lovely hooky morning or afternoon! The workshops that I’m hosting in 2020 are listed below:
This class is ideal for beginners or for anyone that wants to refresh their skills. In this class you will be shown / reminded of some of the basics of crochet such as holding the hook and yarn and some basic stitches. By the end of the session you will have started a fun facecloth or dishcloth to finish off or take home with you.
Intermediate Crochet:Let’s Make a Llama! Sunday 1st March: 12.30pm -3pm,£35pp
This class is great for someone that knows the basics of crochet and would like to develop their skills to learn the technique of amigurumi crochet. We will be working from the Sidar ‘Happy’ amigurumi books to make their fun llama together. This class will cover how to read a pattern, how to begin working in the round, increasing and decreasing and sewing parts together.
In this fun and relaxed class we will build on your existing crochet abilities to create a crocheted mandala. De-stress from life’s difficulties by working on a pattern that requires focus, stillness, and attention to the present moment – key components of mindfulness meditation. Take home a beautiful mandala by the end of the session.
This class is ideal for beginners or for anyone wanting to refresh their skills. Through the morning we will be looking at all things granny square! This will including treble crochets and change colours, as well as reading a crochet pattern. By the end of the session you will have started a ‘granny square’ themed project, to complete at home, using your new skills.
Intermediate Class: Let’s Make a Shaped Scarf! Sunday 5th July: 12.30 – 3pm, £35pp
This is the perfect workshop for those looking to advance their crochet skills or try new stitch techniques. This scarf will include elements of filet crochet and combine a fun series of stitches using just 100g of lovely yarn. We will cover how to read a pattern, and look at different shaping to start making a beautiful scarf that everyone is sure to admire.
Intermediate Class: Let’s Make a Sloth! Sunday 20th September: 12.30 – 3pm, £35pp
This class is great for someone that knows the basics of crochet and would like to develop their skills to learn the technique of amigurumi crochet. We will be working from the Sidar ‘Happy’ amigurumi books to make their fun sloth together. This class will cover how to read a pattern, how to begin working in the round, increasing and decreasing and sewing parts together.
This class a great class for someone who knows the basics of crochet and would love to learn a new technique of corner to corner crochet. Through the morning we will be looking at how you do corner to corner crochet. This will including the ‘box stitch’ and how you can change colours, as well as reading a crochet pattern. By the end of the session you will have started a ‘corner to corner’ themed project, to complete at home, using your new skills.
This class is great for someone that knows the basics of crochet and would like to develop their skills to learn the technique of amigurumi crochet. We will be working from the Sidar ‘Happy’ amigurumi books to make one of bauble designs together. This class will cover how to read a pattern, how to begin working in the round, increasing and decreasing and sewing parts together.
With each class you get the yarn and hooks, and anything else you need along with a drink and cake – which is always delicious! The minimum age for the workshops is 13 years old and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
So if you are in located in or around Staffordshire and fancy taking part in a crochet class why not pop along toThe Artisan Boutique. Susan also has another lady running ‘learn to crochet’ workshops, if you are a complete beginner, where you can learn how to hold your hook and yarn and get a feel for the craft before booking onto one of my classes.
It’s such a nice relaxed atmosphere and such a sociable and friendly way to pass the time when you work on a project together! Bookings should please be made directly to The Artisan Boutique.
I hope to see some of you at a workshop soon!
Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Attention all crochet beginners! Have you perhaps stumbled upon this blog because you’d like to learn more about crochet? Do you live near Staffordshire? Well I’m pleased to say that I’ve been asked back to Abakhan in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, to do some more crochet demonstrations in 2020.
If you are in the neighbourhood then why not join us in store for a range of crochet demonstrations. You do not need any prior knowledge of crochet to come see what it’s all about just an interest. You could learn tips for a new hobby and find something to be inspired – and should you have any pressing crochet questions then I’ll be there to help anyone that needs it.
Learn to Crochet – Saturday 18 January: 1pm to 4pm
Always wanted to learn how to crochet? In this free in store demonstration I will be sharing tips on how to hold your hook and yarn, how to read a pattern, how to make a foundation chain and how to work your first stitches.
The other FREE crochet demonstrations that I’m facilitating in 2020 at Abakhan are listed below:
Granny Square Therapy – Saturday 7th March: 1pm to 4pm
Always wanted to know how to make a granny square? In today’s free demonstration I will be sharing how to make a granny square, changing colours and sewing granny squares together.
Learn to Crochet – Saturday 5 July: 1pm to 4pm
If you missed the learn to crochet session in January don’t worry as we are re-running the demonstration just before the summer holiday season begins!
I’m also going to be in Hanley for Yarn Shop Day 2020 which is always a fun yarny sort of day – so make sure you save the date of Saturday 2nd May 2020!
If you’ve not heard about Yarn Shop Day before you might like to take a look at a couple of my previous blog posts about they kind of thing that goes on for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
If you love a crafty workshop then Abakhan always have several classes and workshops available in their stores (in Stoke-on-Trent, Chester, Manchester, Liverpool, Altrincham and Shrewsbury) including dress making, sewing machinery, creative sewing, knitting and crochet and patchwork and quilting.
I hope to see some of you at one of the demonstrations soon!
Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
