New Workshop dates and Classes at Ditchling Bookshop

Come and enjoy learning to crochet in this fabulous location in Ditchling.

Ditchling is in a quiet corner of Sussex, near Brighton and tucked into the shadow of the rippling South Downs, home to artists, writers, craftspeople, winemakers and families who have lived in the village for generations. Lovely pubs that welcome locals and visitors, cosy cafes serving up the best Sussex produce and well-tended walking and cycling routes, so that it’s easy to get out and explore the glorious countryside that surrounds. 

Come and spend the morning or the afternoon surrounded by some amazing books in this little gem of a shop.

https://www.nickitrench.com/#/crochet-classes/

https://www.facebook.com/DitchlingBookshop/

Nicki's CAL Autumn/Winter 2017 - Winter Jewel - Release of Yarn Pack to pre-order

I'm really delighted to have released information of my new CAL which starts with the first Part on Friday 20th October (happens to be my birthday, but hey ho!).

The Yarn Pack is available now for this CAL and you can find it in the Shop section of this website. Just click here and it'll take you straight there. Book your yarn pack now and it will be sent the week before the first Part (Friday 20th October)

I’ve been working really hard to find the right designs and colours for the squares to make this really gorgeous jewel-toned blanket. It’s made using an aran weight yarn, which is lovely and thick for the autumn and winter months.

I have been inspired by the trend for Eastern European folk art and bright 70s crochet knitwear. By using the black background it really makes the other rich vibrant colours pop out. The edging is made up of a little tulip stitch, and I wanted to add this in to keep us feeling positive and looking forward to the next batch of tulips next spring!

The patterns will be released in Parts every two weeks and sent in a pdf format your email address. I will also post up the pattern on the private CAL Facebook Group which you will also be joined into.

The dates for the releases are:
Part 1:                        Friday 20th October 2017
Part 2:                        Friday 3rd November 2017
Part 3:                        Friday 17th November 2017
Part 4:                        Friday 1st December 2017

The level is suitable for all. Beginners will enjoy working through some of the basic stitches and the more experienced crocheters will be able to work confidently through the techniques following the clear instructions I’ve written. All the patterns have been pattern checked and I’m confident that it all works. However, if you have any problems at all, please get in touch with me and I will do my best to help. There will also be a community of crocheters on the CAL Facebook Group to give support and guidance.

Lovely Review

Inside Crochet have reviewed the Crochet Along in their next issue...

Interview

I was interviewed today by Cico Book's on their Blog: Makeetc:

https://makeetc.com/blogs/about-the-authors/nicki-trench

Sevilla

I'm in Seville for the week! Having a little holiday - well I say holiday - I made 26 flowers this morning for the centres of one of the Crochet along squares .... but the idea is to do some dance workshops and improve on my pivots and backward ochos ...

But it's so great to come away just to get inspired by all the colour and the culture and the everything... I love this city.... it has been raining since I arrived, so not many photos and not much chance to get out and about yet (hence the 26 flowers), but you can't fail to be inspired by the colour here ... .just look at these tiles in the lobby of my B&B and the orange blossom is out and then I found this tree with loads of oranges on it! I'm not entirely sure, but I think they must be from last season, but get the colours on this in contrast to the grafitti behind. The Spanish really know how to do bright around here...

Crochet Along Blanket

I've now chosen all the colours for the Crochet Along Blanket. Here is the colour palette below using DY Choice DK yarns. At first I thought I would be designing a blanket inspired by Brighton Beach, but I've realised just how influenced I am by the seasons and I just can't get away from flowers right now and thinking of my garden and all the gorgeous colours that are coming soon. All being well and if I can get it finished in time, the Crochet Along Blanket should be available at the end of April. I will release more details of cost and how to buy it soon. I need to finish making it so I can calculate exactly how many balls it will take. It will be a 5-week crochet along - I know that much, because there are 5 different square designs, 1 large one and 4 small ones. Lots of gorgeous squares and with a floral theme. I'm just enjoying this SO much! Watch this space.