The Knitter who can't stop crocheting!

It's a cliché and groan-worthy pun, but I am completely hooked on crochet at the moment - you have probably noticed this already. Needless to say, when Joanne launched a new pattern as part of The Crochet Project a few days ago, I couldn't resist. The pattern is Contour Shawl  and it's perfectly suited to a bank holiday weekend as it is a gentle relaxing project which can be worked on while chatting (or sipping a glass of something cold and bubbly!) as it doesn't require much concentration. 

In the description, Joanne describes Contour as being "shaped like a tick, it wraps well and sits neatly. Plus its like wearing a secret affirmation of your correctness all day!" - I love that! Contour would make a perfect first crochet shawl for a beginner, or someone like me who can crochet but prefers not to be referring back to a pattern all the time. Once the set-up is complete there's a simple two row repeat which is very easy to remember. (I've put an extra stitch marker in before the final increases, so I only need to pay attention when I get close to a marker, and can leave my fingers on auto-pilot.)

I'm using 'stashed' yarn that's been hanging around for a while waiting for the right project - variegated yarns can be so tricky to match to a pattern - it's Berroco Boboli Lace (42% wool, 35% acrylic, 23% viscose) in colourway 4376, Seine. It's not the softest yarn but is very pretty and coincidentally looks nice with my 4.5mm Clover Amour hook. The pattern is designed to make the most of variegated yarns like this, so if you have some in your stash, this could be the one you've been waiting for. (You can purchase the pattern from Ravelry.)

This photo was taken 24 hours ago, and it's already almost finished as it's super-speedy. Keep an eye on Instagram for further progress pics. I'm pretty sure I'll be making more than one version of this shawl, as it will make a perfect travel project - an alternative to sock-knitting. There's some lace weight yarn in my stash that I'm eyeing up as I type.

If you're a knitter who has yet to discover the love of crochet, there are some great beginner classes on Creativebug (affiliate), including Crochet Techniques for Knitters with Cal Patch. Use the link below to get a free trial of all Creativebug content (there are lots of kid-friendly crafts too, so it could turn out to be a half-term saviour!) - just remember that UK and US crochet terminology is different so you may need to use a conversion chart. 

In other (non-crochet) news, I have put the finishing touches to a new knitting pattern and it's out with test knitters this weekend. I can't wait to tell you more about it, but it's part of an exciting new product launch so I have to wait.