Hello,

The Sea Urchin hat (below left) that I started got ripped back this week. I didn't follow my own advice. In the pattern notes I clearly talk about the type of yarn you need, it needs drape and I tried to make it in a yarn without much and it just doesn't work as well. The hat is just a little too rigid which makes the puff stitches form corners giving too much of an octagonal feel to the hat. I tried to photograph it to show you but it was hard to see in its unfinished state and I didn't have the heart to finish it off just as a teachable moment. It's a beautiful yarn, but just not right for this project - I shall have to have another think, perhaps a new Kelpie Hat (below right) as that is made in a yarn with much more similar qualities.

If you are new to the term drape then you can take a read of this article for better understanding. But my mistake in this case was not substituting the yarn for something similar to the original design. I chose a tight spun wool to substitute for a loosely spun silk/camel blend - of course I was going to get a different result. You can read more about yarn substitution here if you'd like to not fall into the same mistake I did.

I am always very comfortable in crochet to call time on a project when it isn't working, I enjoy the process of making something but I hate to create something that won't get worn, so if it isn't right I will pull it all back and rewind the yarn right away. How about you, do you find it easy to call time on a project?

The Sea Urchin hat is our pattern of the month in the Hub and you can make your own version with some video assistance - just choose a suitable yarn!

Socks

Also in the Hub or available as a standalone class, the sock class continues with new content launched each week on Fridays. Today we move on to ankles with heel turns next week. Now is a good time to join us if you've been thinking about as there isn't too much to catch up on - although the class will remain open indefinitely and you can work through at your own pace.

Get in before the price review?

Just as a little warning, I am about to start a pricing review. I have held my pattern and book prices the same since 2015 and, while I hate to increase them at a time when many are feeling the pinch from so many price rises, I also need to feed my family. If there is anything you have your eye on then it might be worth planning to buy it sooner rather than later.

I'll also be looking at the Hub pricing - I get told at least weekly by someone that I am under pricing it! I have decided already though that anyone already signed up will continue to pay that price for the entire time they are subscribed. If it goes up, it will only be for new subscriptions. So again, if you were wavering, now might be the time to go for it.

I will always try and be fair in my pricing and there will always be sales, offers and funded places to keep it financially accessible to as many people as possible.

And finally...

This weekend I'll be playing around with some design ideas that are popping into my head to see if any of them cut it for future release. I am really hoping at least one lends itself well to a mystery crochet along as it has been a while since we had one of those. So wish me luck, ideas seem to have been slippery things for me lately...

Until next week

Joanne