Mega Yummy Crochet by Miya Book Review and Giveaway

Posted in Book Review, Crochet, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Disclaimer: I received a sample copy of the book on which this review is based. However I have not been financially compensated by the supplier, book company or the designer to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of using the book / pattern. This post does contain affiliate links which means that I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.

Edited: Congratulations to Maureen on the blog and Becky on Instagram who are the winners of this giveaway.

Today I’m sharing a look at a crochet book that’s a little bit different and a whole lot of fun. Mega Yummy Crochet by Miya, published by Zakka Workshop, is packed full of bold, playful amigurumi projects inspired by food – and not just any food, but gloriously oversized, joyful, huggable versions of it. If you enjoy crochet that makes you smile as you stitch, this is definitely a book worth taking a closer look at.

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A child admires a large, colourful crochet cake display made of yarn, featuring vibrant decorations. The background includes paper decorations and a patterned tablecloth. The image also showcases a crochet book titled 'Mega Yummy Crochet' with various amigurumi food items, along with a review label from KCACO.UK.

✍🏼 A bit about the author:

Miya has been crafting amigurumi since 2001. As well as being an author of multiple books published in Japan, she’s a practicing clinical psychologist who truly appreciates the positive effects that creative handiwork can have on our wellbeing. You can find Miya’s work on Instagram via @miya_amigurumi.

📖 What’s Inside the Book?

From donuts and macarons to hotdogs and hamburgers, and even some traditional Japanese sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. With over 26 unique patterns to explore, there’s plenty to keep your hooks busy. The book includes patterns for:

French Cruller (White Chocolate)
French Cruller (Strawberry Chocolate)
Donut (Strawberry)
Donut (Mint Chocolate)
Donut (Banana Chocolate)
Macaron (Mint x Blueberry)
Macaron (Strawberry x Cherry)
Macaron (Lemon x Lime)
Ice Cream Cone (Strawberry Single Scoop)
Ice Cream Cone (Lime & Orange Double Scoop)
Lollipop
Polka Dot Candy
Striped Candy
Burger
Hot Dog

Egg on Toast
Naked Cake
Strawberry Cupcake
Chocolate Roll Cake
Strawberry Shortcake
Fruit Tarte
Mousse au Citron
Charlotte Cake
Custard
Pancakes
Cream Soda
Nerikiri / Chrysanthemum
Nerikiri / Clematis
Sakura Mochi
Taiyaki

A colourful crochet ice cream cone project featured in a book alongside a smiling child holding large crocheted ice cream cones, with a cup and decorative items in the background.

💡 Who Is This Book For?

If you love playful crochet projects, enjoy working with amigurumi, or want something that’s a little out of the ordinary, this book would make a wonderful addition to your craft library. These oversized amigurumi make playful pillows and cushions, huggable toys, or decorative objects perfect for kids, pets, and the young at heart. I know my teenager would just love the burger cushion for her room, and my youngest would probably love all of them to fill her room, but I think she’d especially like the strawberry donut!

The book uses U.S. crochet terminology, if you are not sure about the differences then you might find my blog post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the Difference? helpful.

A colourful children's book page featuring a large knitted burger with two children playfully posed on top, surrounded by photos of kids with hot dog-themed toys and a dog resembling a hot dog.

📖 Review

I really liked the mix of fun food items; I had no idea what a cruller was before reading this book (though now I very much want to try one!), and it’s a lovely touch that Miya has included Japanese treats she would be familiar with, as it adds a lovely cultural flavour to the collection. I love the variety of food designs included, from sweet treats to more savoury options, which keeps things interesting and fun to try.

There are several things I really love about this book, starting with the clear and easy-to-follow instructions. The book includes the patterns, charts and helpful illustrations. There are also some step by step photos, but not for every project. One thing I did notice was there is no gauge information, so your finished project size may vary depending on personal tension.

An open crochet book displaying a step-by-step tutorial on double crochet techniques, featuring images of hands using a crochet hook with yarn.

One thing to note is that the book doesn’t specify skill levels for each project, so some patterns will naturally be easier than others. While many of the designs are still approachable, I’d say this book is really well suited to intermediate crocheters. Projects like the macarons or small pastries could be tackled by confident beginners, but the larger, more intricate items, like the burgers or layered cakes, might require a bit more experience and patience.

Obviously one of the most unique things about this book is the scale of the projects – the projects range in size from 12cm (5″) tall to 69cm (27)″ long. The amigurumi are deliberately oversized, making them incredibly playful, satisfying to make, and perfect for statement pieces or gifts. The book calls for yarn held double to achieve the oversized amigurumi, but you could easily use the same patterns with a single strand (or thinner yarn) to make smaller versions too.

🧶Helpful Supplies

Super chunky (bulky) weight yarn like: Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky, Emu Classic Super Chunky Acrylic Yarn, Utopia Crafts Velvet Lux Chenille Super Soft Chunky Yarn
Chunky (bulky) weight yarn like: Emu Classic Chunky Acrylic Yarn, Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Chunky, Cygnet Jellybaby Chunky Chenille
Crochet hook sizes: 4.5mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm and 15 mm
Toy stuffing
Large eye yarn needles
Jumbo locking stitch markers

A colourful display of crocheted candy items, including lollipops and donuts, on a light blue background. The image features a crochet instruction book open to pages showing candy patterns and instructions.

🛍️ Where to Get Your Copy

You can pick up your own copy of Mega Yummy Crochet by Miya from Amazon.

🎁 Giveaway Time!

The lovely publishers from Zakka Workshop have kindly supplied TWO copies of Mega Yummy Crochet by Miya for a giveaway! There are therefore two chances to enter, either here on the blog or on Instagram.

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is either leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post (or on my Instagram post about the giveaway) about which food item you would like to make first and why.

The competition closes on Friday 13 February at 7pm (GMT). Winners will be contacted via the email supplied from their comment or by DM on social media, by Monday 16 February, and will be expected to provide a full name and postal address to claim their prize. The competition is opened worldwide.

A colourful crochet book titled 'Mega Yummy Crochet' featuring a child holding oversized crocheted desserts. The book is placed on a light wooden surface alongside a mug of coffee, scissors, a notebook, and crafting tools.

I’d like to say a big thank you again to Zakka Workshop for offering this special deal to my lovely KCACO.UK readers! Good Luck everyone!

🌐Stay connected

I’d love to stay connected with you so please do sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, giveaways, special offers or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

An image showing a festive crochet project, featuring a Peanuts-themed box with yarn and patterns in a cozy setting.

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28Mar2025

Hooks and Needles Crochet Box Review plus Giveaway

Posted in Crochet, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED: Congratulations to @crochetandcancer on instagram

Disclaimer: I was gifted a sample box on which this review is based. However I have not been financially compensated by the supplier, company or the designer to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of using the item / book / pattern. This post does contain affiliate links which means that I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.

As a crochet enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of receiving a surprise package filled with crafty goodness. That’s why I was thrilled to be gifted a HooksnNeedles.com subscription box, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint!

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HooksnNeedles.com Crochet Subscription Box – Unboxing & Review! A beautifully curated box featuring premium yarn, exclusive patterns, and fun extras.

What is the HooksnNeedles.com Subscription Box?

HooksnNeedles.com is a company which offers a monthly subscription box designed for crochet and knitting lovers. Each box is carefully curated with high-quality yarns, exclusive patterns, and thoughtfully selected accessories to make your crafting time even more special.

Unopened HooksnNeedles.com subscription box – a beautifully designed pink box with a yarn-themed design, ready to reveal its crochet surprises inside.

What’s Inside the Box?

You can choose from a knitting or crochet subscription. While the contents change monthly, here’s what they say you can typically expect:

Premium Yarn – Beautiful, high-quality yarn in various textures and colours.
Exclusive Pattern Booklet – A new and exciting crochet or knitting pattern designed to complement the yarn.
Crafting Accessories – Think scissors, hooks, and other handy tools to make your crafting journey smoother.

Close-up of two balls of Woodland Whisper yarn – a rich teal colour with tweedy nepps, showcasing its soft texture and beautiful flecks of colour.

My First Impressions

From the moment I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the carefully packaged items inside were a delight. My box included:

Three balls of Woodland Whisper Yarn, a medium-weight (Aran/Worsted) blend of 97% Merino Wool and 3% Viscose. Two were a deep, rich teal, while the third had a more natural grey hue. Both shades featured beautiful tweedy nepps throughout, which I really loved—tweed yarns are always a favourite of mine!
5mm (US H/8) soft touch ergonomic style crochet hook with metal upper, I particularly like this style of hook for crocheting with.
Vacuumed pack of stuffing for one of the projects should I need it.
Wooden needle case with three yarn needles inside, really loved this gift, I love all wooden things generally so thought this was a beautiful case and the needles are sure to be useful.
Monthly pattern book Three patterns to choose from, they did advise that there wouldn’t be enough yarn for all the projects – but I’ll come on to that…
Special monthly gift: cute pair of gold stork scissors – you can never have too many scissors! I think the monthly gift changes each time which is a nice idea.

Opened HooksnNeedles.com subscription box displaying all its contents, including premium yarn, a pattern booklet, crafting accessories, and surprise extras, all beautifully packaged

I really appreciated all the little extras, which made the box feel like a special treat. The yarn was beautifully soft and squishy, and I loved learning (from the website) that the yarns for the boxes is usually sourced from Italy and Portugal—such a great way to experience yarns I might not have come across otherwise.

The pattern booklet included three projects, each ranked by difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. I had the option to make a headband, a rabbit lovey, or a basket. The Sailor’s Knot Headband (ranked beginner) immediately caught my attention, as I was curious about how it was constructed. The booklet featured the headband in the teal shade, but I was drawn to the more natural colour, so I opted for that instead. By the time I finished, I still had two full balls of the teal yarn left, which I think would be perfect for making the basket pattern as well!

Subscription Box

When you sign up to receive a subscription box, you’ll receive either a knitting or crocheting box once a month for approx. £27.80 / $35.97 per box. Shipping is free for the first order, and roughly £6.16 / $5.97 for all future boxes. First box ships immediately, with delivery within 2-6 days, then the following boxes ship on the 7th of each month. And if you find it’s not for you, you can cancel at anytime.

Final thoughts

With HooksnNeedles.com it was great to find that the box included pretty much everything I needed to complete any of the project suggestions. I had no trouble following the pattern, and I really enjoyed the interesting construction process. The booklet was full-colour, with helpful images to support the pattern, which I thought was a lovely touch. Each pattern also included a QR code that links to a digital PDF version, perfect for those who prefer to store their patterns on digital devices.

Close-up of the closed HooksnNeedles.com subscription box with the Sailor’s Knot Headband placed beside it, along with some of the included crafty accessories

Overall, I think the HooksnNeedles.com subscription box is a wonderful treat for any crochet or knitting enthusiast. The selection of yarn, patterns, and accessories makes it feel like it would be a special gift each month. It’s a great way to try new yarns and discover fresh project ideas without the hassle of shopping for each individual item. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this box offers a delightful mix of high-quality materials and inspiring projects, making it a fantastic monthly indulgence. If you love surprises, this box is definitely one to consider!

Giveaway

I’m so excited to share the joy of these boxes with you! I’ve got one of the Knitting HooksnNeedles.com subscription boxes for a lucky reader to try.

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is either leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post (or on my Instagram post about the giveaway)

Leave a comment below telling me your favourite thing about crochet or knitting.
Share with your fellow crafters!

The competition closes on Tuesday 8 April at 7pm (GMT). Winners will be contacted via the email supplied from their comment or by DM on social media and will be expected to provide a full name and postal address to claim their prize. This particular competition is open to the UK only.

I’d like to say a big thank you again to the folks of HooksnNeedles.com for offering this special deal to my lovely KCACO.UK readers!

Good Luck everyone!

Stay connected:

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Subscribe to the blog:

12Apr2024

Dive into the World of Shakespeare: A Review of “Hooked on Shakespeare” by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard

Posted in Book Review, Crochet, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Disclaimer: I was gifted a sample copy of the book on which this review is based. However I have not been financially compensated by the supplier, book company or the designer to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of using the book / pattern. This post does contain affiliate links which means that I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.

Shakespeare’s timeless works have captivated readers and audiences for centuries, but for many, delving into his plays can feel daunting. However, “Hooked on Shakespeare” by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard offers a refreshing and accessible approach to understanding and enjoying the Bard’s masterpieces. In this review, we’ll explore how Hatchard’s book demystifies Shakespeare’s works and makes them accessible to readers of all backgrounds and ages.

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Pin for Pinterest for a book review by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK for Hooked on Shakespeare by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard

A bit about the author:

Gurinder Kaur Hatchard is the founder of yayforcrochet.com, an online platform dedicated to inspiring and teaching others how to crochet with her gorgeous patterns and brilliant beginner’s ‘Couch to Crochet’ series.

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Gurinder, at a previous Wool@Jct13 show when we were both vendors, so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to take a look at her lovely new book.

Discovering the Book:

Published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio being published, this fabulous collection of creations ranges from the iconic Romeo and Juliet to Hamlet and the Ghost, and from the Three Witches from Macbeth to Bottom and Titania from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There are 15 amazing amigurumi characters to make and love including;

Romeo and Juliet
Macbeth and the Witches
Titania and Bottom (Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Antony and Cleopatra
Hamlet and The Ghost
Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Cardinal Wolsey
Julius Caesar and Brutus
King Lear and The Fool

Benedick and Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)
Prospero, Caliban and Ariel (The Tempest)
Othello and Iago
Antigonus and The Bear (The Winters Tale)
Falstaff, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford (Merry Wives of Windsor)
Viola / Cesario (Twelfth Night)
Wooliam Shakespeare

Image showing the opened Hooked on Shakespeare book which shows a contents page and all the wonderful crocheted characters you can make.

Crafting Your Literary World:

“Hooked on Shakespeare” serves as a wonderful gateway to Shakespeare’s world. Gurinder, a Shakespeare enthusiast, brings her passion for the Bard to life in this engaging and informative book.

To pun or not to pun, that is the question. You know me, I love a good pun, so I was HERE for ‘Woolliam Shakespeare’!!! That meant he was definitely the character I needed to make. Did you know I actually studied Shakespeare (A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth, Henry V and Othello) as part of my Literature degree so it felt kind of nice to be bringing him to life!

Image showing the opened Hooked on Shakespeare book which shows crocheted amigurumi's figures of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

For my Wooliam I used some Ricorumi DK from my stash which is a firm favourite yarn of mine. Ricorumi DK is a 100% cotton yarn that comes in wee 25g balls [57.5m] in that’s available in 80 solid shades and I had all the colours I needed. I also decided to add a bit of bling to Woolliam’s outfit by using some Ricorumi Lame in gold instead of plain yellow.

The only other things I used were some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing and a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3) and a pair of 6mm black safety eyes. He finished up being 20cm / 7.8 inches tall which was perfect and I completely love him!

Close up of Woolliam Shakespeare a crocheted doll made from the Hooked on Shakespeare book by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard

Review:

I enjoyed the wide range of characters that Gurinder chose for this book and appreciated the accessories such as a mini skull for Hamlet and a cauldron for MacBeth’s witches. I also love how each new character is introduced, before you get to the pattern, so even if it’s a play you’re not familiar with you are provided with some context.

The designs themselves include fully illustrated stitch basics making it accessible to crocheters of all skill levels. There are also general tips, with lots of helpful photos, and guidance on how to crochet if you are complete new to the craft. And with so many characters to choose from there are lots of projects to keep you busy.

Image showing the opened Hooked on Shakespeare book which shows crocheted amigurumi's figures of Hamlet and The Ghost.

I think the characters have immense potential as gifts – imagine gifting a crocheted Macbeth to a theatre enthusiast, or presenting a Romeo to a literature-loving friend. I also believe these crochet creations could serve as invaluable teaching prompts in classrooms. What better way to engage students with Shakespearean literature than through tactile, interactive projects.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “Hooked on Shakespeare” is a testament to the boundless creativity that arises when art and literature intertwine. Gurinder’s masterful designs offer a fresh perspective on timeless tales, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the magic of Shakespearean drama one stitch at a time. So, grab your crochet hook and embark on a journey through the pages of this enchanting book – the world of Shakespeare awaits, ready to be brought to life with the slip of a stitch!

Get your own copy of the book:

You can pick up your own copy of Hooked on Shakespeare: Crochet Projects Inspired by The Bard by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard from Amazon.

Image of Hooked on Shakespeare Book on a wooden book stand on a white desk, there is a white flower pot with a bright green plant nearby.

Which is your favourite character? Which would you hook up first? Let me know in a comment below.

Stay connected:

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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18Mar2024

Crochet Your Own Dog by Mieko Shindo Book Review and Giveaway

Posted in Book Review, Crochet, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

In the world of crochet enthusiasts, finding unique and adorable patterns can spark a wave of creativity. If you’re a dog lover and a crochet enthusiast, then Crochet Your Own Dog by Mieko Shindo is a must-have addition to your crafting library. This delightful book offers a collection of charming crochet patterns that allows you to create your own cuddly canine companions. Let’s dive into the world of crocheting and explore the magic of crafting your own furry friends.

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Pin for Pinterest for a book review by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK for the Crochet Your Own Dog book by Mieko Shindo.

A bit about the author:

Mieko Shindo is a fibre artist known for her adorable animal creations. A lifelong crafter, she made her first crochet doll in 2011, which was an amigurumi version of her dog. You can find Mieko’s work on Instagram via @mieko.monpuppy

Discovering the Book:

Mieko Shindo’s Crochet Your Own Dog is a treasure trove of adorable patterns and step-by-step instructions for crafting a variety of dog breeds. Whether you’re drawn to the playful energy of a Long Haired Chihuahua, the regal elegance of a Shih Tzu, or the quirky charm of a Dachshund, this book has something for every dog lover. With detailed instructions and helpful illustrations, even beginners can embark on their crochet journey with confidence.

There are 14 life-sized amigurumi pups to make and love;

Sitting Toy Poodle
Standing Toy Poodle
Papillon
Lie down Long Haired Chihuahua
Sitting Long Haired Chihuahua
Sitting Pomeranian
Standing Pomeranian

Lie down Dachshund
Standing Dachshund
Maltese
Miniature Schnauzer
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
Bichon Frise

Image showing the opened Crochet Your Own Dog book which shows photos of six of the crochet dog projects

Crafting Your Canine Companion:

One of the most enchanting aspects of Crochet Your Own Dog is the opportunity to bring your favourite dog breeds to life through crochet. Each pattern is meticulously designed to capture the unique characteristics and personality of the breed, from floppy ears to wagging tails. As you work through the patterns, you’ll experience the joy of watching your creation take shape, stitch by stitch.

Personal Touches and Customisation:

One of the beauties of crochet is the ability to add your own personal touches and customisation to each project. With Crochet Your Own Dog, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred colours, yarn textures, and embellishments to make each dog truly your own. Whether you’re creating a replica of your beloved pet or exploring your imagination to craft a whimsical creation, the possibilities are endless.

Image showing the opened Crochet Your Own Dog book which shows photos of the Minature Schnauzer.

Review:

There are several things I love about this book especially the clear and concise instructions, making it accessible to crocheters of all skill levels. The book features detailed patterns, charts and helpful illustrations to ensure that even beginners can create lifelike and adorable dog companions. Additionally, I appreciate the variety of breeds included in the book, allowing you to craft your favourite dog. And finally, the unique thing about this book, is that the amigurumi are nearly life size, adding to the realistic nature of their appearance.

Conclusion:

In the world of crochet, Crochet Your Own Dog by Mieko Shindo stands out as a delightful and heart-warming resource for dog lovers and crafting enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a novice looking to embark on a new creative journey, this book offers endless possibilities for crafting your own canine companions. So pick up your crochet hook, choose your favourite pattern, and let your imagination run wild as you bring your furry friends to life one stitch at a time.

Get your own copy of the book:

You can pick up your own copy of Crochet Your Own Dog by Mieko Shindo from Amazon.

Image of Crochet your own Dog Book on a wooden book stand on a white desk, there is a white flower pot with a rose plant nearby.

Giveaway:

The lovely publishers from Zakka Workshop have kindly supplied TWO copies of the book for a giveaway! There are therefore two chances to enter, either here on the blog or on Instagram.

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is either leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post (or on my Instagram post about the giveaway) about which dog you would like to make first and why.

The competition closes on Monday 25 March at 7pm (GMT). Winners will be contacted via the email supplied from their comment or by DM on social media and will be expected to provide a full name and postal address to claim their prize. The competition is opened worldwide.

I’d like to say a big thank you again to the publishers for offering this special deal to my lovely KCACO.UK readers!

Good Luck everyone!

Stay connected:

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Subscribe to the blog:

12May2021

Hobbii Yarn and Magazine Giveaway!

Posted in Crochet, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

EDITED: Giveaway now closed! Congratulations Heather Reeve who’s name was selected at random as the winner!

I can’t believe this year marks 7 years of blogging like how did that happen? I wanted to do a bit of a giveaway to celebrate my blogiversary…. it was in January … so it’s a wee bit late, but I still wanted to do a little giveaway to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported me here and on social media.

I’m going to do a giveaway here on the blog, another one on Facebook and another on Instagram so there will be several places you can win a prize!

The prize ties in with one of the latest patterns, The Parisian Plait Wrap, I created from Issue 68 of Crochet Now magazine (read the blog post here).

What you can win:

So up for grabs here on the blog is a copy of Crochet Now magazine (Issue 68) AND a Hobbii’s Cotton Kings Twirl, in Peach Danubrite, so you’ll have everything you need (apart from a hook) to make your very own Parisian Plait wrap.

Then I’ve got two more copies of the magazine, one to giveaway on my Facebook page and one on my Instagram. And as well as all the great patterns that are in the magazine this issue has two extra supplements of patterns, so there’s loads of fun things to choose from to make!

Here’s how you can enter:

To enter for the big blog prize, leave a comment at the end of this post telling me what’s your favourite things to crochet in Spring – to gain an extra entry maybe you might like to sign up to my newsletter.

Then hop over to my Facebook page and my Instagram for the instructions on how you can win the prize there – really easy ways to enter!

The contest is open from RIGHT NOW until Thursday 20 May 2020. The winner will be selected using a random number generator and I will need to be supplied with a full postal name and address to send out the prize. If efforts to contact the winner remain unsuccessful after a week, an alternative winner will be randomly selected.

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE!

Thank you all my blog readers and social followers for your wonderful support and encouragement!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

2Feb2019

Five Years Blogiversary Giveaway!!

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Giveaways, Sale / Special Offer by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

EDITED: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED, congratulations to Leonie! You are the winner!

Five years ago (er…well the day before yesterday) I hit PUBLISH and my life changed! I’ve now been blogging for FIVE whole years! And because of my blog I’ve had some amazing opportunities, got to know some fabulous people and worked with some amazing companies – for which I am so very grateful!

WANT TO SEE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN? CHECK OUT MY FIRST POST!

Each blogiversary is a huge milestone and my 5th birthday is no exception. What started as a complete experiment is a large part of how I evolved into a working crochet designer, but I blog because I enjoy writing, I love to share my passion for all things crochet, and I love to hopefully inspire you.

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do – Rumi

The past five years have been full of highlights and new experiences for me. Here’s just a few (of many!):

Having a design appear on the front cover of LGC Knitting and Crochet Magazine in 2017
Being part of the Stylecraft Blog Tour in 2016
Being the guest designer for The Crochet Sanctuary in 2018 (can’t wait to go back this year!)
Designing the mascot for Yarn Shop Day 2018
Being invited as part of the press in 2017 gang to The Knitting and Stitching shows (again really looking forward to going again at the end of this month!)
Starting a yearly Crochet-Along , having Scheepjes sponsor the 2018 CAL, and seeing all your projects grow and develop!
The opportunity to interview some fab fellow designers that I admire and who definitely inspire me! Like Dedri Uys, Lucy Ravenscar, Kerry Lord, Irene Strange and Eleonora Tully (definitely want to try and do some more of these this year)
Having the whole design supplement with Granny Square designs for Simply Crochet Magazine in 2018.

And I’m so appreciative to all the awards my little blog has received over the years!

You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. ― Octavia E. Butler

I was looking at some stats about blogs in general and was really surprised to learn that almost over 80% of blogs do not make it past the first three months – so I’m going to take a little moment to say go me! I’m still here – as are so many of you!

Just in case I don’t say it enough I want to say a big THANK YOU to you all that read my ramblings! I really appreciate the time you each take to visit my blog and especially when you leave me comments and feedback. I’d also like to thank you to those of you that have shared my blog your friends and family too.

LET’S CELEBRATE MY 5TH BLOGIVERSARY WITH A GIVEAWAY!

I’ve actually got double cause to celebrate at the moment because as well as blogging for five years my Facebook page recently hit the mahoosive milestone of 15 thousand followers! Just amazing! So I’m going to do a giveaway here on the blog, a different one on Facebook and another little one on Instagram because I like hanging out there! So that’s THREE different prizes up for grabs starting with this one!

So what do I have on offer as prize here on the blog for my blogiversary? Well one winner will receive the following:

5 x Keep Calm and Crochet On UK crochet patterns of your choice
1 x Dear Ewe Monochrome Maker Mug in the ‘Yarn’ design
1 x Dear Ewe Medium Project Bag ‘Make Something Amazing’ design
1 x 100g / 225m skein of ‘Firey Sands’ 100% Suprima Hand-dyed Cotton by The Mermaid Purse Yarns (purchased by me)

Here’s how you can enter:

To enter, leave a comment at the end of this post telling me which 5 patterns you’d pick as part of the prize – to gain an extra entry maybe you might like to sign up to my newsletter.

The contest is open from RIGHT NOW until 8pm (GMT) on Wednesday 20th February 2019. The winner will be selected using a random number generator and I will need to be supplied with a full postal name and address to send out the prize. If efforts to contact the winner remain unsuccessful after a week, an alternative winner will be randomly selected.

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE!

Thank you my loyal friends and followers for your everlasting support and encouragement! Without you, I would serve no purpose!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

24Jan2019

Win tickets to The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show 2019

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Days Out, Getting Crafty, Giveaways, Life, Outings, Sale / Special Offer, Yarn Show by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

EDITED: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED, congratulations to Heidi Bradshaw, Sharon Bowles, Candida Carvalho, Cristiana Alexandra Ferreiro do Vale, Jackie Walter and Michelle Smith!

Hey folks, would you like a chance to win some FREE day tickets to the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at London Olympia?

I’ve got FIVE pairs of tickets, most generously donated by the shows organisers, for all you lovely readers – plus they’ve also set up a nice discount on ticket prices for anyone that doesn’t win (more about that in a moment).

If you love a good craft show, which of course I do, and you aren’t familiar with the Knitting and Stitching Show then you are really missing something. These shows are the UK’s biggest textile art, craft and design events and the Spring show will open its doors to thousands of crafters for FIVE whole days at London Olympia on Thursday 28 February until Sunday 1 March 2019.

You may remember I went to one of the shows back in 2017 with my lovely mum and we had a blast (you can read about that visit here). So we are going back down to the show together again this year for more crafty fun!

Any hoo, if you want to go straight to the details on how to win tickets scroll to the bottom of this page, if you’ve got a few more minutes I just want to tell you about another couple of things that’s happening at this years Spring show…

I for one am extremely excited to see the amazing work by Italian textile artist and designer Luisa De Santi who is bringing her extraordinary knit, crochet and embroidery work to the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show. Her exhibition called Magical Crochet Spells sounds like something not to be missed out on! I’ve seen some of the photos of her work and it’s just so intriguing!

Lucia creates complex and colourful 3-D modular structures that are amazing and mind-boggling, weird and wonderful all at the same time and I can’t wait to see them in the flesh!

I’m also looking forward to seeing The Fashion and Textile Museum who are hosting a 50 Years of Fabulous. They are doing a showcase with a collection of garments from its forthcoming exhibition celebrating iconic British designer Zandra Rhodes’ 50th anniversary. Although I don’t sew I do admire those that can (and I LOVE The Great British Sewing Bee) so I bet that’s going to be a whole lot of fabulous fun to see!

dame zandra rhodes. photograph by simon emmett. copyright zandra rhodes ltd

I also can’t wait to see the stunning Enchanted Wood – an elaborate scene of
knitted and crocheted magical creatures created by the Louise Hamilton Knit and Yarn Group and Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers. It looks so amazing doesn’t it!

Ooo the more I’m writing about it, the more excited I’m getting! As well as all these exhibits there’s going to be over 150 exhibitors selling specialist craft supplies (including yummy yarn that needs to come home with me), and there’s going to be hundreds of workshops and demonstrations too. I’m still looking at the full workshop list deciding what to do as there are so many I just want to do!

Spend a day re-stocking your yarn stash, learning to knit, mastering the art of tailoring and just so much more. There has never been a better excuse to go to a show – it’s been designed for us to enjoy to the max!

Right enough enthusing from me, I think you get that I’m quite excited about going, let’s get on to how YOU can win tickets to the show…

Giveaway

I’ve got FIVE pairs of tickets to giveaway and the tickets are for redeemable any day except Saturday 2nd March. These tickets are only for the Spring Knitting and Stitching show at the Olympia London which runs from 28th February until 3rd March 2018.

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is to leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post about why you’d like to go to the show. The competition closes on Thursday January 31st 2019 at 7pm (GMT) with the winners being announced later that evening here on the blog. Good Luck Everyone!

Special Discount

But if you want your ticket’s RIGHT NOW I’ve also got a special discount for you! Just quote KCACO19 and get £2 off any advance adult ticket or £1 off any advance concessionary ticket. This means that tickets will be £12 instead of £14/£13 (please not there is a £1.75 fulfilment fee per transaction).

This discount is for advanced bookings only and can be redeemed before 23:59pm on Wednesday 27th February. Tickets can be booked online https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/spring/ or by calling 0844 581 1319 and quoting the discount code.

I’d like to say a big thank you again to the shows organisers for offering this special deal to my lovely KCACO.UK readers and maybe we will catch up with some of you at the show?

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

21Oct2018

Sincerely Pam and Dear Ewe | Win Triangle Chart Mug

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Dear Ewe, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So regular readers of my blog know that, as well as doing crochet design work, this year I set up the company for creative folk called Dear Ewe. Well I felt that I just wanted to share our first product review by the lovely Canadian crochet designer and blogger Pam (aka Sincerely Pam).

We know that people like to hear about products from actual people, so we are very excited to have received such a lovely review from Pam. As a new business it obviously means the world to us that people like our products!

You can read Pam’s full product review post here – and excitingly you could enter her prize draw to win your very own Triangle Chart mug. Entries for the giveaway are direct through Pam’s blog – winner will be selected on October 24, 2018.

We were also delighted to be part of her Makers Maven series with an interview where we shared a bit more about us and how Dear Ewe got started.

You can read the full interview here and learn how gin was an integral part of the beginning of Dear Ewe and how Becky and I work together as a team as well as being friends.

To keep up with more Dear Ewe news you can follow us on the Dear Ewe BLOG, FACEBOOK, or INSTAGRAM.

PLUS make sure you check out the blog post about the ‘Sheep on a Shelf’ Crochet Competition which will run from December 1st-12th 2018 and is going to be so much fun!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

7Mar2018

Big Blue Yarn Giveaway Winner

Posted in Competitions, Giveaways by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

And so that’s that! My four weeks of giveaways is now over – I hope you’ve enjoyed it! All that’s left for me to do is announce who has won the Big Blue Yarn giveaway.

And the winner is…

Yay congratulations Sharon! I’ve sent you an email for your address details so I can get your prize out to you.

And I have to finish off this celebration of four years of blogging by saying again that I want to thank you for visiting my blog and enjoy reading your wonderful comments. I’m very grateful to each and everyone of you and I hope we can continue for many more years enjoying our crafts together!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

28Feb2018

We have a winner!

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Giveaways, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

CELEBRATING MY 4TH BLOG ANNIVERSARY

WITH 4 WEEKS OF GIVEAWAYS!

So we need a winner for the lovely Wulla Yarn hooks don’t we! And the winner is….Kate Rowell, congratulations! I’ve sent you an email for your address details so I can get your prize out to you.