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It is very rare that I don't have a crochet hook, knitting needles or sewing needle in my hands.  I hear what sounds to me like horror stories of people losing their crafting mojo and I always wonder what the causes are.   Some of you may know that I also have a monthly crochet podcast called the Crochet Circle Podcast (video and audio).  We have an excellent community of crocheters called the Crochet Clan and when I ask them questions about crafting, they always deliver the goods.   So, to gather helpful info on the topic of losing and...

I now have 3.5 years of running my own business under my belt.  I now make good use of a few key tools.  These are things that I wish I had known about from the start. For each tool, I have given a quick bit of background so that you know why I am suggesting it. For reference, I work in a creative industry.  I run an online crafting shop and also vend at yarn shows, I am a crochet and knitwear designer and I have a monthly crochet podcast.  Realistically, these are three different jobs and that means I...

Originally designed for 'Olann and' magazine, Criss-cross is a deceptively easy crocheted shawl pattern. I have shown it in different yarn types so that you can see how it works up as a DK, 4 ply/light fingering variegated and sportweight undyed version (see photos). As with all my patterns, there is a full video tutorial on how to crochet your Criss-cross Shawl. The UK terminology version can be downloaded here. The US terminology version can be downloaded here.  Criss-cross Shawl in Shorelines & Strata by TJ Frog    Criss-cross Shawl in Gym Nut 4 ply sock by Green Elephant Yarns  ...

Every now and then, I like to develop a recipe and more often than not, it's for soup.  We eat a lot of soup in our house, so I am always looking to develop new recipes that can be made from mainly store cupboard ingredients.   This soup is quite spicy, lending heavily on Thai flavours.  If you want a less spicy version, stick to the same ingredients below, but simply use one rather than two pots of Thai Red Curry Paste.   Ingredients: 1-2 tbsp olive oil 2 medium onions finely chopped 3 celery stalks finely chopped 2 x...