On & off the needle and hook:

Off the hook

Maud Lewis' Yellow Birds Crochet Sweater (Ravelry link) by Grace Tompkins is off the hook! This was one of my Christmas cast-ons, I absolutely LOVE it, I really enjoyed embroidering all the surface decoration, it took it's sweet time, but with some dedicated hours this week it's ready to wear!

A few of you have seen me working on this over the last few months and had requested a workshop, it's gonna be a great two part workshop, in the first class we'll cover the tapestry crochet technique + the crochet flowers, and the second workshop will be all about surface decoration; Surface slip stitch, straight stitch, surface darning stitch, couching, filled lazy daisy and french knots.

Previous experience in embroidery is helpful, but not essential.

Made in my beloved Anchor Bay, it's the perfect Spring top!

Off the needle *and* hook!

I came across this design when creating a Granny Square Appreciation Ravelry bundle, for Granny Square day last year (fyi, Saturday August 15th this year!!)

As soon as I saw Granina Socks (Ravelry link) by Marie-Eve Wedge I knew I was going to make them, it was just a matter of with what, and when. I specifically wanted to make them in cotton yarn so I could wear them in Summer, so off I went to order Cascade Cotton Sox! I had to not-so-patiently wait for the new Spring colours to arrive, I just had to use soft yellow for the flowers, and then I could finally start!

I've made one sample for the shop, so you can come and take a look next time you're in, and I'll be making a pair for me too! I was really pleased how soft the cotton sox feels once it's knitted up, softer than in the skein. I might even make a pink centre, turquoise sock too, but I won't get ahead of myself, I'll get one pair done first!

I made the socks shorter (3 granny squares instead of 4) as I wanted a shorter sock for summer vibes, and I added short rows to the back before I started the ribbing to balance out the height. For the next ones I make I think I'll add knitting-in-elastic to the ribbing for a bit more bounce.

On the hook!

Dalia top (Ravelry link) by Agnieszka Reduch is on the hook and well on it's way to be ready for Summer!

I've used Lana Gatto Fresh, a 100% linen sport weight yarn, 50g/ 165m. Linen isn't everyone's cup of tea but I love it, and it's the perfect fibre to wear on those 30 degree summer days!

I added some extra shaping to the shoulders to build up the neckline to make it a rounded style, and I'll be blocking it before I add the final pattern for the hem to make sure I'm happy with the length.

Arne & Carlos

Arne & Carlos second sock assortment has landed in store, 6 fun new colours for you to choose from. Arne and Carlos are knitwear designers and have brought their iconic designs and patterns to these socks! They are 75% virgin wool, 25% recycled nylon, and a great price at $21.95!

And with perfect timing, a new order of Cottonwood Creations Sock rulers have landed in store too, the first order disappeared oh so quick, I thought I best get some more!