Oh, what a ride this year has already been! Navigating the craziness of this world in 2025 requires a determined mind. So let me focus on different things today. Let’s talk about crochet. With astronomical Spring a couple of weeks away, it is the time of year to store Winter things and take out lighter clothing; as one does, it is inevitable to stumble upon all those boxes and storage bins of yarn. Oh, my. There are so many! That realization instantly turns into, “Time to get crocheting again, and no more yarn buying until this stash is gone.” That will require a lot of work, yet there is no time like now to focus on mindfulness.
I did not crochet much this Winter—at least not as much as I had hoped. The temperatures dropped so much that it would have been clear that I would keep warm while crocheting something warm. Does that make sense? I spied a pattern by Lillabjörn Crochet in January: the Astrid Shawl and Cowl. Since shawls and scarves abound, I decided to crochet the cowl, or several, as it were. I had enough leftover Scheepjes Terrazzo (felted tweed yarn) from a previous project. I worked the pattern in different hook sizes and the cowls turned out very nicely every time! And the colors!
These cowls kept me warm through our polar vortices (yes, plural)—inside (when the heater barely kept up with Mother Nature) and outside, when fresh air beckoned. Any time spent outside in those subfreezing temperatures was challenging, but I never was chilled enough to run back inside. I strongly recommend this pattern: quickly worked up in less than half a day, and so warm if you use wool, merino, tweed, or even chunky acrylic yarn. I love Tatsiana’s (the woman behind Lillabjörn Crochet) patterns! I have added several of her pillow cover patterns to my want-to-do list as Spring evenings are beckoning. Stay tuned for updates!
In the meantime, I have picked up Janie Crow’s “Fruit Garden” crochet blanket (Night and Dusk colorway) again. I have always felt intimidated by the British designer’s patterns: they are so intricate, colorful, and full of life! Adding to the hesitation in attempting them, Janie’s patterns were often available only in UK terms (in book form). Thankfully that is no longer the case, and I do not need to engage in cerebral gymnastics to convert to US terms anymore. Side note: though challenging, Janie’s patterns are easy to follow and worth the time and effort – not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Her books are preferable because they narrate the inspiration and history of the resulting patterns – learning all kinds of things.
Speaking of learning, my companion for any crochet work is Janie’s “Perfect Crochet Finish” book (in the UK, the title is “The Complete Crochet Handbook”). Published last year, this book is a must-have. I had thought I had learned plenty throughout the years, but I stand corrected. How does the saying go? “I was x years old, when […]” Whether you are a beginner or an advanced crocheter, there is something you still did or do not know until you read Janie’s book. Beautifully illustrated, “Perfect Crochet Finish” enriches knowledge, provides cheats, and detailed instructions. For everything crochet and crochet-related you may think of. It should be on your shelf!
Finally, in this “about-to-be-Spring” crochet recap, the United States Postal Service delivered an unexpected book last Saturday. “Charlotte’s Universe” (Crochet-Along) by Dedri Uys (and sent by the same) found its way to my mailbox. Given the ongoing questionable performance of our national postal service, even living in a big metropolitan area, I was surprised that it arrived (though a bit battered) remarkably only a week after its release. Having been part of the testers and translators’ group for the Charlotte Universe Crochet-Along in 2021, the book is a welcome token of appreciation.
The book’s wisteria/orchid pink cover complements its robin egg blue cover “sister” book, “Sophie’s Universe (Crochet-A-Long)”, published in 2019. In the photo is my version of Charlotte’s Universe, “Space for Grace” (I wrote about the testing experience in February 2022; read here). If you want to know more about Dedri Uys, read the informal interview here, or visit her blog and read her celebratory post upon the book’s release. The book is available for purchase via (my favorite go-to shop): Wool Warehouse (they are restocking as fast as possible, as it has already been sold out) and other retailers in Europe and Australia.
I will tell you about my yarny adventures and (possible) mishaps in upcoming weeks. What are you working on? Nothing yet? Get started—Carpe diem. Have a motivated and serene weekend.