Crochet Extra – August 2020 | Crochet Australia

We are in the final stages of the 2020 Crochet Tournament, with the grand final kicking off earlier this week. It has been a wonderful journey to see the all the colourful squares made in each heat. It has challenged and inspired, pushing many out of their comfort zone, but it has been rewarding to see people expand their skills – for both myself as the organizer and the designers. I am already in the process of planning 2021….

Unfortunately, we have many parts of the country back into lock down and in isolation with the pandemic. All of us here at Crochet Australia wish everyone the best during this time – keep safe and busy.

At this point in time we are still going ahead with the Crochet Retreat in November, but we are in close contact with the venue for contingencies, and information requirements they will need for all attendees. The weekend package (with accommodation) is full, but we still have day bookings available (meaning you will need to find accommodation elsewhere). For those of you booked, you will receive confirmation, invoices for your deposit and colour selections for your project in the coming weeks.

We have had many people drop into the store, and as a result we are extending our opening hours 2 days a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4pm. Our shipments will still need to be finalized well before this (2pm), but this allows us to continue to take phone calls and for people to call in. Our commitment to you is that orders placed before midday (Monday to Friday) will be sent out that same day.

The edgeit tool has been in high demand – so much so the manufacturer has run out! They are making more and we have our order in, but it may be several weeks until these are back in stock. The DMC yarns – particularly Petra – we are still having difficulty getting in and we are not sure when we can restock it.

The Peter Pan Baby yarn (which is no longer being produced) is going out the door fast and we are starting to run out of colours. So if you haven’t got your stock yet, don’t leave it too late. We are still offering the bulk buy prices which apply when you buy 10 balls.

Lastly, I have updated the workshop calendar for the rest of the year. You can book for any workshop via our website or by calling us. Each month we offer both instore and on-line sessions. On-line sessions are limited to 10 per workshop. Kits can also be purchased ahead of time. See the events calendar or the worskshop category for full details.

Until next time

Lynda

Theme—Children & Baby Wear

It’s cool to wear crochet outfits again! What better way to show your love for the kids in your life than making them their own crocheted outfits? – not to mention the fact that they will last for a long time when made with good quality yarn. The rate of growth of kids these days is phenomenal. Every school holidays my son seems to go up a size (length and breadth) and I’m forever buying/making new clothes and passing on what he has grown out of to his cousins. Things you make are unique and are perfect for special occasions. And it is rewarding to see children and babies wearing the results of your efforts.

In today’s society, sustainability and eco friendly yarns are in demand. We have two cottons in store that are produced with sustainable methods that are great for children and babies. This is the organicon and bamboo soft cotton/bamboo. Other cottons (Catona, camilla, sunkissed) cotton blends (stone washed, cedar) and wool, acrylic and blends (Peter pan baby yarn, merino soft, superb 8) with their soft and luxurious finishes are also perfect for children and baby garments.

Children’s garments can also be embellished with crocheted appliqué designs. These are great ways to personal the object you are making as well as adding some interest and intrigue for the wearer. I particularly like some of the removable ones that can changed as interests change or become things to play with on a day out.