Didn't we have a lovely time...

We had the most wonderful day at The Waltham Abbey Wool Show yesterday. It was the first ever show organised by the lovely team at The Crochet Chain shop located in the town and between them they managed to pull off a really great show!

There were lots of fabulous stalls holders and inspirational knitters, crocheters and stitchers, including the lovely Jeanette Sloan with her gorgeous alpaca yarns. The show was really busy and there was a great buzzy atmosphere all day.

We were really chuffed to have been invited along and we are already looking forward to next years show. You can read a really good review of the show by fab hat crocheter Claire Mackaness here

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Pattern: Honeycomb Infinity Scarf

This cozy infinity scarf is really easy to make and has a nice border to edge the honeycomb pattern.

Materials:
Crochet hook Size J
2 skeins Vanna's Choice in Taupe

Stitches:
Ch - chain
Hdc - half double crochet
Sl st - slip stitch

Instructions:
Ch 225, sl st in first ch to join in the round (careful not to twist!), ch 1 (do not turn).
Row 1: 1 hdc in each ch across, sl st in turning ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: 1 hdc in each st across, sl st in turning ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: 1 hdc in each st across, sl st in turning ch, ch 2, turn.
Row 4: skip first st, 1 hdc in next st, *ch 1, skip st, 1 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * until end, ch 1, sl st in second starting ch, ch 2, turn.

Row 5: 1 hdc in ch 1 space, ch 1, *1 hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1.* Repeat from * to * until end, sl st in second starting ch, ch 2, turn.

Repeat Row 5 15 more times (16 times total), or until you reach the desired width before the edging.

Row 6: *1 hdc in ch 1 space, 1 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * until end, 1 hdc in last ch 1 space, sl st in turning ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 7: 1 hdc in each st across, sl st in turning ch. Cut and weave in ends.

Find me on Instagram and tag me in your photos! I'd love to see your work. @knitabitcrochetaway

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Win A Copy Of Kaleidoscope

You can win a copy of Kaleidoscope by signing up to receive the Knit Pro newsletter. All you have to do is follow this link and register your name and email address.

Knit Pro have a wonderful range of knitting needles and crochet hooks, including the new 'Waves' crochet hooks, which we now have in stock on the web site - so why not take a look?

We have some of the interchangeable needle sets too - you can check out our full range here

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Boyfriend Hat with Crocheted Flower

This is my favorite skull cap to make because it looks great on almost every head. You can make it plain or change it up by adding some stripes near the brim or adding a flower.

Materials:
Size 8 double pointed needles and circular needles
Size H crochet hook
1 skein Vanna's Choice in black
1/2 skein (or less) of scrap yarn in grey

Instructions:
Hat pattern available here. Use the black yarn to make the whole hat. Use the circular needles to make the body of the hat and switch to the double pointed needles on the decrease.

I like to make the hat a bit longer down on the head to make sure it covers your ears entirely so I work the pattern approximately 6 1/2 inches before the decrease.

Flower pattern available here. These are really cute flowers that aren't too large for a hat, but they pop out to make it really dynamic.

The instructions are a bit confusing when you go to work a new row of petals, so I've tried to clarify and make minor changes below:

4th Round: ch1, (working behind) sc in first dc from 2nd row, *ch4, sc in next dc from 2nd row.* Repeat from * to * across, end with ch 4, sl st in first sc.

Work in a similar manner for the 6th Round. Hopefully this helps!

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Waltham Abbey Wool Show

The Crochet Chain in Waltham Abbey and local community website AboutMyArea EN9 have joined forces to organize a brand new wool show on Sunday 19th January 2014 at Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel, Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX from 10am to 4pm.

The Waltham Abbey Wool Show will have exhibitors' stands with luscious hand dyed yarns, beautiful handmade wool and felt items, unique knit and crochet kits, a wide selection of accessories from buttons to project bags for sale, demonstrations of spinning, weaving, rag rugging and crochet plus a gallery of projects on display.

I will be opening the show at 10am and will have a stand for the day too. There will be a Best "Funky Hat" competition and the organizers are encouraging people to come wearing a handmade wool or felt hat to enter for the chance of winning Crochet Chain shop vouchers. Why not bring along your latest knit or crochet project and enjoy the company of others in the "Knit & Natter" area too.  They will be knitting and crocheting squares to make blankets for Age UK and Homeless Action charities - donation of wool or completed squares would be appreciated or join in and make a square on the day.

This show is not just for those addicted to wool as it is for anyone who appreciates good quality hand-made items as there will be a room packed full of unique products looking for a new home.

Diana Bensted, owner of The Crochet Chain: "Since opening the shop three years ago and attending many yarn events, I have always wanted to hold my own wool event to have the opportunity to hand pick exhibitors to show that knitting and crochet can be modern, exciting and funky and challenge the outdated old fashioned view of these traditional crafts".

You can book tickets by following this link

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Pattern: Cozy Shrug

Materials:
2 skeins Loops & Threads Impeccable in Aran
Size 10 1/2 needles
Sewing needle

Stitches:
CO - cast on
K - knit
P - purl
M1 - make stitch by pulling up then knitting a loop from the horizontal yarn between the two stitches
Sl - slip stitch
Psso - pass the slipped stitch over the last stitch made
Yo - yarn over needle
K2tog - knit two stitches together
P2tog - purl two stitches together

Instructions:
Cuff
CO 42 sts
Row 1: *K2, P2.* Repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 2: *P2, K2.* Repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, P2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the cuff measures approximately 7 inches.

Back
Row 3 (increase row): *K1, M1.* Repeat from * to * to end. 84 stitches total.

Row 4 (RS): *Sl 1, K1, psso, yo, K2, yo, K2tog.* Repeat from * to * until end.
Row 5 (WS): P across.

Repeat Rows 4 and 5 until the entire piece, including the cuff, measures approximately 36 inches.

Row 6 (decrease row): *K2tog, K2tog, P2tog, P2tog.* Repeat from * to * until last 4 sts, K2tog, K2tog. 42 stitches total.

Cuff
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for approximately 7 inches. Make sure the cuffs have the same amount of rows worked to keep them even.

Finishing
With the wrong side facing, sew the sides of the first cuff together for the 7 inches of the cuff to make the first sleeve. Repeat the same with the second cuff for the other sleeve.

Find me on Instagram and tag me in your photos! I'd love to see your work. @knitabitcrochetaway

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