Summer might be heating up, but here at Pearson HQ, the creativity is keeping pace! From exciting magazine news to experiments with handspun yarn, plus a handy fibre guide and fresh patterns on the horizon, there’s plenty to catch up on this month.
A Busy Month at Pearson HQ
It’s been another month of crafting adventures here, and I can’t wait to share what’s been happening!
🌿 Crochet Magazines: Exciting News!
A little while back, I submitted some designs to a crochet magazine during their quarterly call-out. I’m absolutely thrilled to say my ideas were selected for their Autumn/Winter programme—and hopefully my work will be appearing in three consecutive issues!
The yarn for the first design has just arrived, and I’ve already made a start. The only challenge? Working with chunky wool during a summer heatwave. My solution so far: plenty of iced drinks and regular hand-cooling breaks!
🧶 Spinning & Handspun Projects
My spinning is getting more consistent (at last!), and I’ve been experimenting with some fibres I picked up at the Wool Monty. I’ve managed to create nearly 300g of worsted-weight 2-ply yarn in soft pinks, and I’m absolutely loving it.
I’m also working on a pattern using this yarn, and it’s coming together beautifully. The good news? I’ll be sharing this pattern with my email subscribers for free next month. It’s perfect for any DK, worsted, or even aran-weight yarn, so stay tuned!
🧵 Yarn Talk: Understanding Fibres
Ever feel overwhelmed by all the different yarn types out there? What’s acrylic actually made from? And what does “mercerised” really mean?
I’ve put together a quick guide to common fibre types to help demystify the jargon. You can check it out here.
🛍 Why I Love Local Yarn Shops
Like many of us, I often order from big online outlets such as Wool Warehouse or Black Sheep Wools—they’re great when I know exactly what I want. But nothing compares to visiting a yarn shop in person: reading labels, feeling the fibres, and discovering new ranges I might never have considered.
My local shop, Friary Stitch, introduced me to a gorgeous aran yarn from La Paz that’s become a firm favourite for weaving. And as a bonus, the staff there are always so lovely and helpful.
✨ Latest & Upcoming Patterns
Last month was a little quieter for pattern releases as I juggled new projects, but I did launch the Tracery Cowl, a sweet and simple design.
Looking ahead, next month is shaping up to be busy:
- A Tunisian crochet cushion cover
- A large summer crochet wrap
- A beautifully pink woven shawl
- And don’t forget the free handspun-friendly pattern for subscribers!
Thanks for following along on this month’s making journey—whether you’re spinning, stitching, or just planning your next project, I hope you find a little inspiration here. I’d love to hear what you’re working on, too—just hit reply and say hello!Happy crafting,
Sue
Pearson Handmade 