Crochet Starflower pincushion

Working in circular rounds, with simple increases and decreases in double crochet stitch, this crochet starflower pincushion is easy and fun to make.  However, complete beginners might find the flower a bit tricky to crochet, but if you focus on the different stitches – the process is both enjoyable and rewarding.  Whether you’re making it as a gift or for yourself, this pincushion will keep pins and needles beautifully tidy.

In a pale violet, the round cushion is topped with a layer of violet, pink and raspberry starflower.  Also, the tones of lavender give the pincushion a sense of calm and coolness once crocheted.

Free crochet pincushion pattern

Continue reading

Demands from a passionate crafter

It’s not difficult to feel ambitious when thinking about making Christmas gifts for family and friends.  The list of projects looks simple, so it seems, finishing them before Christmas looks positive.   Equally, it’s also easy to be carried away with planning the festive season that you lost track of time. Then finishing the crochet projects before Christmas seems impossible.

Now, your plan falls apart and you wish you only had to worry about one crochet pattern instead of twenty.  Self-demands from a passionate crafter can be very tough, especially if you’re a perfectionist.

crochet slouchy beanie
Slouchy beanie

Continue reading

How to turn a hank into a ball

It’s very tempting to buy hanks of artisan yarn, because the colour looks authentic and the fibre is sumptuously attractive  – just like a beautifully decorated wedding cake.  Then the thought of having to wind it into a ball before you can work with it can be daunting.  For those who may have been tricked into buying those beautiful hanks of yarn may curse their own temptations now.

Well, the task should not be as tedious as it looks.  Instead, the process is fun and therapeutic, so take a break and enjoy a quiet moment with your beloved artisan yarn.

 

manos del uruguay alegria

Continue reading

New found Yarns

Finally, spring decides to pop up, but only after many days of heavy rain and strong winds.  Thankfully, the forceful conditions left behind some glorious sunshine to revive our senses.

For crafters, spring means that it’s time to declutter the yarn stash and cleaning your hooks, knitting needles and scissors.  So, put on the Marigold gloves and those floral aprons that have been hibernating comfortably throughout those winter months.  First, wash the steel crochet hooks with warm soapy water before drying them with a clean cloth.   Second, to preserve the quality of bamboo hooks, simply clean these hooks with a wet cloth.  This would restore them to their original condition.

Manos del Uruguay

Continue reading

Turn over a New leaf

Hello there!

Welcome to my new website.

It’s time to turn over a new leaf, and the next chapter is without the shop page.  My little shop is now connected to the Etsy marketplace – where you can continue to buy handmade crochet kits.  Also, a new collection of ethical yarns has been added to the shop to make crafting more sustainable.   The shopping experience and the excellent customer service remains the same.

turn over a new leaf

Continue reading