Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

SPOOL for yarn lovers!

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Spool Magazine is a new, tabloid sized quarterly magazine for anyone who loves yarn!  At $4.95 per issue or $18 per year, it’s nicely priced for gifting, too.

What’s in Spool?  Its Premier Issue cover tells us that it contains projects for counted cross stitch, knit, needlepoint, crewel, assorted and sundry needleart AND crochet.  And, unlike other multidiscipline publications, it actually contains two articles/projects for crocheters.  In addition, even tho’ I don’t do cross stitch, needlepoint, or knit, I still enjoyed those articles and learned a bit too.

The two crochet projects are not cutting edge, but this isn’t a fashion publication.  Cross stitch and needlepoint both use charted designs which crocheters can take advantage of.  The cute cat, Spot, designed for cross stitch, could easily be worked up in crochet.  Even the rather intricate looking skating Santa will work for crochet.  This design is charted in color and covers two full pages (Santa as Centerfold!) with a color guide and a picture of the finished project.  I don’t think anyone could finish this in time for Christmas this year.  But, for next year…..

The Premier Issue contains several embroidery, punch needle, and duplicate stitch projects.  This are nice complements to crochet.  If you love  yarn, these are techniques that are fairly easy to master.  Easy, you say?  Well, if I can master them, they aren’t in the category of Master Piano Class.  Believe me!

Crochet Contributor, Doni Speigle, has created two adorable coffee/tea mugs that are made ‘sushi’ style.  You crochet a long narrow row in pattern, then roll it up and add a few touches to finish it off.  Crochet Contributor Linda Permann offers a set of covered hangers that are much more appealing than any I’ve seen.  Any woman would love to have these in her closet.  I love crochet covered hangers to store my favorite garments that will stretch out of shape on any other hanger.  These are especially nice when made in toddler and children size also.

Other articles and/or projects in this issue cover quilting, thrift store sweater recycling, yarn shops to visit when you travel, an enticing Three Leaves Mini Garland (simple embroidery on felt by Sasha Wagner), several other articles, and book suggestions.  Even the ads are appealing, making me want to check out every website with an image in this publication.

This would make a great gift for a knitter, crocheter, or anyone interested in needlearts or interested in experimenting with needle and thread or yarn and hook.  As one who is primarily a crocheter, I’ll be subscribing.  There’s plenty non-crochet stuff in this mag, IMO, that makes it a reasonable value for a crocheter.

Visit www.spoolmag.com for subscription details.

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.