And another thing

Just one last word from the French!! This is such a cute idea for a bolero and you really could pick it up and run with it. Think of as many motifs as you can and adapt the pattern to suit.

We're back at Grannymania (you have to scroll down 3 posts to where I'm talking about) and there's more than just crazy granmothers who would wear this little number. It obviously started life as a Japanese pattern and you know I adore them.

I will pass you over to Granny and she in turn will redirect you to Talons Aiguilles. If you're not too savvy with the diagrams and ask sweetly, then there is a pdf pattern available. Maybe, if I'm feeling focused enough I'll post a quicky guide to diagram reading. I swear by them but I know alot of people are a wee bit scared of their squiggly little legs.

Bonjour, mes amis!!

Give a big chaincreative welcome to all the French friends who have arrived from Toutes a nos crochets. Across the language barrier, crochet jumps over the divide!

Something for the weekend

I love the French blogs that are listed on the right. My French is diabolical but I can understand enough and you can definitely pick up the enthusiasm despite the language gulf.

My travels without a suitcase brought me back to Toutes a nos crochets and I found this scarf project with links that brought me to a very nice step-by-step guide which I thought might interest you.

As well as Toutes a nos crochets, the scarf project has many French fans and different incarnations.

Heres Hier peut-etre with the pattern used as bracelet.
Then Adeltrala has made a choker.

She even posts a schematic pattern.

The best method is the one where you can look and learn and this one is available on Grannymania! What a fabulous name. Just what it says on the tin!!

Using the schematic pattern and the pictures gives you some idea without having to resort to the dictionary if you must. I just loved the way the motifs switch-backed onto each other.

A very nice way to create something on a sunny day.

Designer interview - Without Seams

Well, I think it's about time for another Designer Interview. I've got a few bubbling in the stove and this one's baked!!! I love these interviews as they just keep giving! I'm so reassured when I learn the many ways that people come to crochet and how holistic it often is. Learning whilst awaiting for a baby - what a wonderful image. I also love the idea of adaptability that Michelle describes of her patterns and stitches. That is an aspect I particularly appreciate of crochet, it's general adaptability and ability to be changed. Anyway, enjoy the interview and hurry to this interesting and thoughtful blog. The patterns are beautifully written and the designs are very tempting. Chevron Lace Cardigan

Chain Creative Interview Questions of creativity and inspiration

The creative mind behind Without Seams!

Michelle, describe your various creative skills.

Knitting, crochet and I also enjoy dyeing and spinning.
When did you start to crochet and who taught you?


Eva's Shawl


My mother tried to teach me as a child but I couldn't get beyond crocheting a chain. I finally learnt when I was overdue with my second child. My mother-in-law was staying with me, and we both decided to learn from a book to pass the time whilst waiting for my second daughter to arrive.
The name of the business is interesting. What was the inspiration behind it?
My blog name Without Seams comes from my love of knitting and crocheting seamlessly in the round.
What influences your style and output? What are your inspirations?
One of the big influences in my crochet design is Elizabeth Zimmermann - even though she didn't crochet.

I am influenced both by her interesting, and often seamless construction techniques, and also by her concept of writing recipes rather than row by row instructions. There is usually some adaptable element to my designs, they can either be worked with different yarn weights or the size of the finished project can be varied to suit the intended recipient.
What are the most important aspects of your work to you?
I try to make my designs simple but adaptable so that whoever tries the pattern can add their own touches to make their project their own. I try to use simple pattern stitches, which hopefully do not require too much concentration.
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Probably Eva's shawl - this is one of my most popular designs, and I love seeing different variations of it.

Eva's Shawl


When are you most happy when you’re working?
When I am trying out a new idea and it actually works out!

Thank you for chatting!

Love Bee

The Italian Earthquake and how crochet can help

Although I don't want to downplay the enormity of this, I never thought that crochet could be mentioned in the same sentence as the telling of the stories of survivors from the terrible devastion in Abruzzo, Italy. My heart goes out to those trying to make sense of it all and tremendous respect to the nonna of ninety plus who resorted to her crochet in a time of crisis. How many times have I (and many others, I guess) said how relaxing I find it but never could I have imagined that it could also be a protection of sorts from a horrifying situation. May she have a speedy recovery with her crochet and her life! Here are two reports on the story from The Australian and Italy Mag.

A 98-YEAR-OLD woman was pulled from the rubble of L'Aquila last night, 30 hours after an earthquake devastated the historic Italian town.
The rescue came as the death toll in Italy's deadliest earthquake in nearly 30 years rose to 207 and left tens of thousands sheltering in makeshift camps.

Maria D'Antuono told the ANSA news agency she whiled away the time by "doing crochet". Sky TG24 said the woman was in good condition.
A 98-year-old grandmother rescued 30 hours after Monday's earthquake in Abruzzo said she had whiled away the time ''crocheting'' amid the rubble.
Firemen on Tuesday morning found Maria D'Antuoni waiting in her bed surrounded by fallen plaster in the small village of Tempera.
D'Antuoni ate some crackers and told television crews ''at least let me comb my hair'' as they waited for an interview.
''What did I do all this time? I was working, I was crocheting,'' she said.

Love Summer

The wind still has a bite in it but summer is around the corner so it's important to forward-plan!!!

Making a dress might be a thought - time to figure out patterns and then get the darn thing made!

I was immediately put in mind for this idea by the fashion section of the Sunday Observer last week. Stella McCartney often champions the craft industry by including knitwear and crochet and I love the dress/tunic at the top of the post.

Filet crochet is an area that is a little neglected in the pattern books and it is nice to see it brought right into style.

In my collection of vintage patterns I rustled up a great publication from 1976, McCall's Summer Crochet and I thought a pattern for the blog might get the ball rolling.

I was a bit spoiled for choice as there alot of filet patterns but instead I went for a hoodie (no jokes here please) which could look stunning as a stand-alone dress.

If you try it out then let me know how it goes.

Secret Spring

Happy Spring to all of us in the Northern Hemisphere. The light is brighter, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.

Here is a beautiful spray of cherry blossom from Suili. The secret is...they're crocheted!!!!!