Author Archives: Pearson Handmade

This has been in the works for a while. First of all I got waylaid with two magazine commissions and then, when I’d finished making the shrug up, I found all sorts of reasons not to sit at the computer and write it up. Even when I’d written it up and tested the pattern, I still kept putting off the final touches. What I’ve realised is that I love creating and making, but I really don’t enjoy the admin. This is a lovely, lightweight shrug, ideal for when the weather finally begins to warm up. It drapes beautifully, and because of the short sleeve seams it is easier to wear than a wrap in my opinion. Pattern is on Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts.

I made this one over the Christmas period, and I have to say I’ve really enjoyed wearing it since the weather has turned much colder. This Field of Stars Shrug is worked in an aran yarn, and I’ve used the three colours to create quite striking blocks. It is worked in a rectangle and then joined at very short sleeve seams to create cuffs, so it drapes like a blanket over the shoulders – it’s like wearing a hug. The shrug is a Tunisian crochet design, so I’ve worked honeycomb stitch in bands around all edges to prevent curling, and the centre of the rectangle is worked in star stitch, to create texture. Pattern is available on all my sites, and Ravelry.

I have so many works in progress (WIPs) that I was determined to get one finished, and here it is: the Moorland Poncho. I’ve worked it in Hayfield Spirit DK, a lovely variegated yarn that created the stripes you see here. The pattern is largely based around treble crochet (US double crochet), either worked ‘as standard’, grouped into V-stitches, or worked together to create triangles. It is a two-row repeat, so you quickly become familiar with the pattern and I found it quite relaxing. I have a tendency to over-complicate things, so I’m making a real effort this year to keep patterns a little simpler, while still including enough detail to be interesting. This poncho is made of two panels, joined at the shoulders. Pattern is available on Etsy, Lovecrafts and on Ravelry

I finished so many projects in the run up to the Christmas break, but didn’t want to release anything until the new year, so expect to see some new things over January and February. To start with, I’m releasing this Salted Caramel Wrap. I had one cake of Scheepjes Whirl, and wanted to make a really long, light, rectangular piece that I could wear draped over my shoulders or wrapped around on colder evenings. I kept the stitches reasonable simple, as I am aware that I often over-complicate things, but I did include a little challenge. There was a lovely rhythm to the stitches when I was making this, which is what I always aim for. The long gradient change in the yarn came out beautifully – I often think the end result is far better than the cake itself suggests. Pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveCrafts and Etsy.

This is quite the biggest throw I’ve ever designed, in a lovely aran yarn so it is really cosy for the colder months. I’ve called it the Leilany Tricolour Throw, and I’ve kept the Tunisian crochet stitches simple to focus on the dramatic colour changes. Tje pattern is available on Lovecrafts, Etsy and on Ravelry

Welcome to the Mira Cowl. This was a challenge I set myself to use only one skein of beautiful indie yarn, a 4ply from Fruitful Fusion, to create something wearable. The cowl is made up of individual squares that are then stitched together, fastened with a single button. I happened to be going to York, and so I was able to visit the wonderful Duttons for Buttons to find exactly the shade and size of button that I needed. I loved making this cowl, and it drapes so well. I think it’s the most elegant thing I’ve made to date.

Cascade Yarns were kind enough to supply me with some of their beautiful 220 Superwash Wave wool, and I designed the Solar Flare Wrap. This is the first time I’ve designed a triangular wrap and, if I’m honest, there was some head-scratching over the maths involved to keep all the edges straight. I’m delighted with how it turned out – the wrap drapes beautifully and is very cosy. I shall be wearing it all winter.

This was a ‘between projects project’ if you know what I mean. I’m in the middle of two big makes, using lots of yarn, and really just wanted a small, quick make for a bit of light relief. I had a skein of beautiful indie yarn in my stash, just waiting for the right project to come along. I’m moving, slowly, into embracing technology more than I used to, which involves using my phone a lot more. I always have it with me, and I don’t always need anything else, so I thought I’d make a simple cross-body bag in which to store my phone when I go out, leaving my hands free for important things like feeling yarn, reading or drinking coffee. Whilst looking for a suitable cord for the bag, I learned how to crochet a Romanian cord. I’ve included a photo tutorial in the pattern, and a link to a short YouTube video to show how I did it. Introducing the Lia Mobile Phone Bag – so quick to make I made 2, one with a tie fastening and one with a button fastening. The button I used had been in my button box for years and came from Duttons for Buttons in York. Just goes to show, never throw buttons away. Pattern is available in all of my shops, including Ravelry

Introducing my latest pattern – a slouch hat in dk yarn with lots of texture and whimsical tails. I’m currently working on some big projects, so this was a pleasure to make as a change from those. It seems to have come at the right time too, just as the weather here definitely shifts towards autumn. Pattern is in LoveCrafts and on Etsy, and find it in Ravelry

This is the bag I designed for Simply Crochet Magazine Issue 132, and I’m so pleased to finally be able to add it to my stores. It uses one skein of beautiful indie yarn from Fiona at Kosy Kitchen Fibres . This design uses her 4ply Merino Nylon, which was lovely to work with. Fiona worked the pattern up for herself, and is taking the bag on tour with her as she exhibits at the following shows: Kernow YAFF, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge- Sunday 17th September ICHF Creative Craft Show, Westpoint, Exeter – 21st to 23rd September The Knitting & Stitching Show – Alexander Palace, London – 5th to 8th October Craft for Crafters, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet – 12th to 14th October Stitchfest, Newton Abbot – 4th & 5th November. Make sure you look her up if you get the opportunity to visit any of these.

My pattern for the All Squares Bag is available in Etsy, LoveCrafts and on Ravelry