When I first set out on my venture to teach what I know it was with the clear intention of teaching from the heart. To encourage as well as inspire. To ensure that every person coming to a workshop, be it in crochet, mosaic or needle felting not only leaves with a beautiful creation and a new skill but most importantly a deeper sense of their own innate creative capabilities. It always amazes me how many people I meet who tell me they are not creative....of course I take this as a challenge!

So it was my absolute pleasure yesterday to host a needle felting workshop with Lydia Needle of Blackdogandgingercat. We had the most wonderful time being taken through each step in the creation of a magnificent needlecelted Hare. She was patient, funny and always encouraging. It didn't matter one jot if all of our ears or arms or bodies (felted ones not our actual ones!!!!!) were completely different to each others she reassured us that they were all perfect ..... and of course they were.

I spend so much time teaching others that I had neglected the importance and value of being on the receiving end, to say nothing of the sheer delight of getting to the end of the day and proudly displaying my Hare!

Sculptural needle felting is in a whole different league to the sort of felting that I do. My workshops are about instant gratification and the joy of working with bright colourful wool. With me you get to explore the basics of needle felting whilst making decorative pieces for the home. All of this can be achieved in two hours by anyone and you have great fun in the process. Sculptural needle felting in the manner of Lydias work takes time (making a Hare really did take us 6 hours!) and it's a process that is best learnt under the watchful eye of a skilled professional.

So, I just wanted to share this with you all and to say a really big heartfelt thank you to Lydia. I am looking forward to our next workshop where we shall be creating Reindeers for christmas and if you would like to join us you can book here. Places are limited and several people have already booked so there are only a few places left. We shall be returning to Hares and Bares spring 2015 so watch this space.

4 happy ladies proudly showing off their complex needle felted hares

Metropolis Mitts

£3.50

Enjoy winter like never before with these adorable mitts that are guaranteed to get noticed! They are a heady mix of style and function combining a joyous blend of colours whilst being warm and cosy to wear. What’s not to love? Given a good box set and an uninterrupted weekend of crochet you can hook a pair in no time at all!

Mitts are worked using a 3mm hook and Scheepjes Metropolis yarn in a variety of colours. All the shades used in these samples are listed in the pattern and most 4ply yarns this can be used as a substitute (Its the same weight as most sock yarns). Each glove is made of two squares joined together across two sides leaving space for the thumb opening. Edging is added around the top and the bottom and is where the creative magic happens. Once you have worked a few rounds you will be free to follow the sequence to the letter or go off piste and create your own colour versions, adding more rows to make the wrist part as long as you like!

Cosy Cable Blanket

Made with snuggling in mind this chunky blanket is a glorious blend of colour and comfort that will look equally lovely draped across a bed or sofa. Inspired by classic cable sweaters the simple repeating cable pattern works beautifully to create a warm and stylish patchwork blanket. This is the perfect project for those wishing to dip their toe into the world of cable crochet without getting lost in it! Once you have mastered the first 19 rows its just a simple repeat with colour changes creating the patchwork effect.

This patterns includes full written instructions together with a chart detailing every stitch row by row. There is also a little colour diagram to help you with the layout and all the colours used are listed. I have used Rico Design Mega Wool Chunky which is a blend of 55% wool and 45% acrylic (100g/125m) but any chunky weight yarn will work.

The blanket is constructed from six strips, and each strip has seven ‘patches’. The strips are crocheted together (so no sewing!) and finished with a super simple border and tassels at each end.

Bright Lights C2C Crochet Blanket

Inspired by the bright colours and bold shapes of Moroccan Boucherouite rugs this blanket is perfect for anyone wishing to add a splash of colour to their lives. It will brighten up any bed and look equally at home hung over the sofa for cozy nights in front of the tv. This blanket is a firm favourite with all the family and the pattern is easily adapted to be as large or as small as you like.

This blanket is worked using a 7mm hook and a chunky, aran weight yarn in a selection of bright colours making it a great ‘stash-buster’ project. Emma used Scheepjes Chunky Monkey and the yarn colours and quantities are listed in the pattern. You can watch Emma teach you how to crochet C2C in the round here however please be aware that part two of the video differs to the final pattern for this blanket (but the video is perfect to get you going!)

Rainbow's End Crochet Stash-Buster Blanket

It’s time to dive into that yarn stash and get hooking this timeless classic! The pattern is designed to use all those leftover part balls from previous projects and get you feeling the joy of working with colours as you move through the rainbow spectrum from cool blues to hot pinks. The easy to follow pattern lists all the colours and quantities used for those wishing to top up their stash and replicate the sample you see here and you can use any combination of colours to suit your mood. The border can be any colour and would look equally as beautiful in grey or black.

Mosaic Dream Crochet Blanket by Emma Leith.jpeg

Mosaic Dream Blanket

£4.50

Originally designed as a crochet along this blanket remains one of my all time favourites. The gentle grey tones of the main body of the blanket contrast beautifully with the bright pops of colour that push through the textured stitches to create a classical piece that will look good in just about any setting.

This blanket is worked using West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab DK pure wool which includes several balls of their self striping yarn. For a more budget friendly project any dk weight yarn can be used and the little ‘Floral Tiles’ that form the white middle border can be worked using any scraps of dk from your stash. All shades and quantities are listed in the pattern. With over 50 detailed step by step photos this pattern will hold your hand very step of the way and is ideally suited to the more experienced crocheter.

Please note this blanket does not include mosaic crochet technique despite its name!

Dot to Dot Linen St Shawl

£3.00

Gentle on the mind and pleasing for the soul this simple pattern promises beautiful results every time. Detailed step by step colour photos accompany the easy to follow pattern to guide you every step (or stitch!) of the way. Included are full details of two colour palette options - autumn colours worked in double knit and a chunky yarn version using bright springtime colours. The double knit version includes a lovely picot edge finish with tips on how to achieve a relaxed drape. Linen stitch is a wonderful way to explore and play with colours making the perfect project for anyone wishing to brighten up their winter wardrobe!

Sweet Clover Crochet Blanket

Welcome to the Sweet Clover blanket which is designed to have you combing colours with ease. Made up of 42 squares using 20 balls of Ricorumi DK this blanket is packed full of colour and texture. At first glance it may seem a little complex but the Sweet Clover square is only 6 rounds and you get to repeat each square in any colour combination of your choice. The pattern walks you through 3 simple colour tips ensuring balance and harmony with any palette guaranteeing spectacular results every time. 35 colour photos accompany the written pattern guiding you every stitch of the way.