Week 3 is here!! And time is surely flying fast!! We are sure all of you are on your start to making beautiful versions of The JuJu Scarf!!
If you have made it this far then pat yourself on the back and a big congratualtions!!! you have made it through the quirks of the pattern and completed 60% of the scarf!!!
Way to go!!!!
so, Last week we saw the start of the scarf pattern, We started with our gauge swatch and foundation Single Crochet. We learnt how to decrease the pattern to create the triangular shape and also learnt how to add beads to the corners of the clusters. So many new fun things to learn!!!
Our Designer Divya Bhat of Stringtierey went live on our facebook group explaining how to reada pattern and also adressing your questions and queries!! You can join our Facebook group and watch these very informative lives and be part of the cal!!
For week 3, we are going to continue on the pattern and start the last part of the decrease. in this week we will learn how to decrease by single clusters on each side and how to finish the last row!! Yes your heard that right, the last row!!
But the work doesnt end here and we learn all about finishing, tassle making and blocking in the last and final week of the CAL!!
Leave us your questions and queries in comments below and join the facebook group to get in on all the details and the giveaway for this week!!!
We are sure you guys have all got your materials by now and are all super excited to begin!!
Week 2 is the actual start of the CAL and the pattern will be shared to everyone who has registered for the cal, via email. Once you get the email, download your pattern and you are all good to go!!
Week 2 is all about taking it slow, reading all the instructions, and going step by step as per the pattern. Our Designer Divya Bhat will be availble on our facebook group to answer all the questions and queries’ . She will also be going Live on the IndiaYarnCircle Facebook group to answer all your queries and address your issues. So do look out for that!!!!
The cal is happening on the IndiaYarnCircle Facebook group. So do Join the group below.
Hi everyone. I am Sindhu from @cosine_crochet. Basically I am an amigurumi artist. Only recently I started exploring other forms of crochet. While scrolling through Pinterest, I saw a crochet necklace, unable to find a pattern, I decided to just wing it. I have used 15-16 different colours of Anchor Embroidery threads and a crochet hook of size 1.6mm to make this “Gem Drops Jewellery Set”. This is beginner level crochet. Anyone with basic knowledge of crochet, will be able to make this. Thank you.
Hi! This is Vimala Vignesh and I have been crocheting for more than 25 years. I have always crocheted for others and have for long wanted to crochet a saree blouse for myself. Work with Anchor Crafts came at the right time to give this idea a go. I used Anchor knitting cotton art. 4057 in shade numbers 22 and 330. I used 400 gms totally shade 22 -300 gms and shade 330 about 100 gms. The size I made was large. This pattern , designed by my daughter, uses post stitches and is worked neck down, left shoulder first, then right and joined. Same is repeated for the back and then these the are joined to form the bodice. The sleeves are worked flat and then attached. This blouse is a pullover kind and it sits perfectly though I would suggest adding elastic at the base of the blouse to ensure a fitted look. I am really happy the way the blouse came together and I am happy I got to make this using anchor knitting cotton. You can find me on Facebook/Instagram under the user name- vimalavignesh.
Hello I am Meenakshi and my Instagram handle is CrochetMantra. I always wanted my first top to be my own pattern, my original design!! When I got this opportunity from Anchor I decided this is the time to design and make one for myself. I named my top Red Shadow and the reason behind that is obviously the colors I used and to also indicating that it’s about me coming out of the shadows. I came out of my fear of making wearable. I used Anchor 4057, Colors 47, 10, Hook size 3mm. I made mine in size medium. Pattern is more like intermediate level. I worked in rounds till the armhole then I divided it in 2 parts, front and back. After doing neck part and joining shoulders I added some frills to give some style there. I easily managed the back of neck in boat shape, but had a little difficulty with front V- neck. Finally after working on it several times, it came out really well,if I do say so myself. Drape is good but instead of using textured stitches it would have been better to use lighter or lacier stitch. Looking on the bright side it will make a perfect wearable should the weather turn a bit chilly.
The Blouse Hana . Where Hana (flowers) bloom so does Hope and Happiness. This is a unique, modern and beautiful crochet boat neck blouse with few pastels from the wide color ranges of Anchor knitting and crochet cotton yarns. . Design Courtesy – @yarnfables
All images are copyright of IndiaYarnCircle and the respective makers, unless otherwise mentioned. You can read our disclaimer policy here.
Hello everyone, Im Priyanka from craftsandcoffee17. I always wanted to try crochet blouses for sarees. So decided to make one. I got fantastic , quick and easy crop top pattern from Pinterest that is Ruffle Sleeve Crop Top.
It is a very good option for blouse and I chose cotton yarn from Anchor threads. Here I have used Anchor mercerised knitting cotton Art. 4057 in red colour with shade number 047. Usually anchor threads come in balls of 50g and I used 4 to 4.5 balls for this crop top, which is approximately around 800 yards. I used a 2.5mm hook size. Basic crochet level is enough for this make with a bit knowledge of seaming, sizing and fit. Only challenge I faced here is to make crop top fit like a blouse without buttons or hooks . The long tail construction to knot at back is a good option to make fit to size. The Knot also turned out classy. Draping is very comfortable as a long tail is provided to make flexible in tieing tight or lose as we want.
Hello, I am Meera Radhakrishnan. The meanbo open front bolero is a simple summer wear and can be paired with casual outfits.Its incredibly light so its perfect for hot summer days. This crochet bolero pattern is simple and beginners friendly and quite quick to work up. The pattern is worked as one piece with only minimal seaming required.
I have used anchor mercerised cotton 4057 shade no 54, the hook size is 2.5mm and approximate yardage required for making this small size bolero is 550yds. This anchor yarn will give the bolero a light and cool feel and perfect for summer. If you are new to crocheting lace, then this bolero would be a perfect opportunity to give it a try. If you want to know more about this pattern you can check my Instagram page @crochettalesbymeera
Hi I’m Pooja and my Instagram handle is poojascrochet.
I have made an easy lacy summer vest. The pattern is designed by Katerina, I got it from Pinterest and it is also available on the designer’s blog bykaterina.com. The great part about this pattern is that it is available in written format, as a chart pattern and as a video tutorial. It is an advanced beginner pattern since it uses only simple crochet chains and stitches. I have made this vest using Anchor 4057 in shade 0050 which is a pretty pink and I used a 2.5 mm crochet hook. I used about 4 and a half balls which comes up to about 220g. The anchor cotton makes the vest comfortable for the summer since it is soft and light. It is easily customisable to any size. I had a great time making this pattern.
Hi I’m Raveena and my Instagram handle is @yarntoart.
I have designed this minimalistic Sencilla summer hat. This hat may look normal in front view. And in back you can see this beautiful bow. I made this hat in adult small size. Of-course you can find measurements for other sizes in my written pattern which is available on my website http://www.yarntoart.com. This pattern is super easy and beginner friendly. Checkout my YouTube channel YarntoArt, in which I make Tamil crochet tutorials.
I used Anchor mercerized knitting cotton 4060 in shade 926 and 2.75 mm crochet hook. I used 2 and half ball for this size.This yarn gives stiffness to this hat and it is very comfortable to wear. I used 4057 in shade 368 for making flower and strap.I really enjoyed making this hat.
There’s also a CAL for one of our makes “The JuJu Scarf” by Divya of Stringtierey that is going to start soon!! Head over to our blog post and register for the CAL HERE. If you are interested do register by 19th July. After that, it won’t be a free CAL. So hurry!
Anyone who wants to indulge in yarncrafts would go to a kangan store or shop next door and pick up Anchor yarns and this is the impression Anchor has left in our minds. While Anchor leaves us with these distinct memories, they have been a go to brand for many of our yarn crafts ranging from embroidery, crochet, knitting , tatting, string art and many more forms of yarn crafts.
In this blog post we are going into a little detail about the yarns from Anchor.
YOU CAN ALSO WATCH OUR VIDEO EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENT ANCHOR YARNS
1. Anchor Stranded Cotton Skeins – Art4625
A spectrum that would compare a rainbow, Anchor stranded cotton skein is the most well-known premium hand embroidery thread all over the world. A superior 6-strand thread, made from the best Egyptian cotton is ideal for all forms of embroidery. Available in single and multicolor.
Ideal for – all types of hand embroidery – Free style & Counted thread embroidery
Key features –
Imported Egyptian cotton fiber
Long staple cotton – superior strength
Double Mercerized – Superior luster & strength
Extensive shade range
Packaging – 25, 8meter skeins to a box
2. Anchor Mercer Crochet Cotton – Art4054
Anchor Mercer Crochet cotton is available in two thicknesses – Ticket 20 & Ticket 40 (ticket 20 is thicker than ticket 40). Being mercerized, these threads are a little stiff and can be used very strikingly to give a lacy feel.
Ideal for – all types of Lace crafts like Crochet, Tatting, Knitting and Hairpin lace.
Key features –
Imported Egyptian cotton fiber
Long staple cotton – superior strength
Double Mercerized – Superior luster & strength
Packaging – 10, 20gram balls to a box
3. Anchor Mercer Pearl Cotton – Art4591
Anchor Mercer Pearl cotton, is a versatile soft thread with a pearly sheen on it. This gives your work an extra glossy effect.
Ideal for – all types of hand embroidery – Free style & Counted thread, and Lace crafts like Crochet & Knitting.
Key features –
Imported Egyptian cotton fiber
Long staple cotton – superior strength
Double Mercerized – Superior luster & strength
Packaging – 10, 10gram balls to a box
4. Anchor Mercer Knitting Cotton – Art4057
Anchor Mercer Knitting cotton, as the name implies is used for knitting, as well as Crochet and chunky Tatting. It is also used embroidery and soft toy making. Available in single and multicolor.
Ideal for – all types of Lace crafts like Knitting & Crochet. Also used for different kinds of hand embroidery – Free style & Counted thread
Key features –
Imported Egyptian cotton fiber
Long staple cotton – superior strength
Double Mercerized – Superior luster & strength
Packaging – 10, 50gram balls to a box
5. Anchor Mercer Knitting Cotton – Art4060
This is a versatile thread that is soft and lustrous. It is strong and flexible and used for Home furnishings apart from embroidery and lace crafts.
Ideal for – all types of Lace crafts like Knitting, Crochet & Macramé. Also used for different kinds of hand embroidery – Free style & Counted thread
Key features –
Imported Egyptian cotton fiber
Long staple cotton – superior strength
Double Mercerized – Superior luster & strength
Packaging – 4, 50gram balls to a box
WHERE TO BUY –
Instore –
Options are umpteen , look around any craft supply stores and you are most definite to be offered anchor yarns
Don’t forget to ask for shade cards to pick the right colors for your project !
We hope that we were able to help you with deciding the right Anchor Yarn for your projects. Leave us a comment or note if you like to know more about Anchor Yarns.
All images are copyright of IndiaYarnCircle, unless otherwise mentioned. You can read our disclaimer policy here.
Anchor in collaboration with IndiaYarnCircle launches it’s 1st Crochet Along to make The JuJu Scarf designed by Divya Bhat of @Stringtierey.
Woohoooo!!!! Did you see our Summer Fashion show with Anchor in our Previous Post?? We were super glad to collaborate with Anchor to show off our Summer cotton makes and we are here to take it a step further!!!
We are super excited to finally annouce our 1st Crochet Along with Anchor – The Summer Fashion 2020 CAL!! Its our first Group activity in the IYC community and we cannot wait for all the interactions and exchanges of projects!
If you are still clueless on what a Crochet along is then do read our detailed post about it HERE.
The crochet along is hosted in the IndiaYarnCircle Facebook group and is a 4 week schedule starting from 13th July 2020 to 7th August 2020. The Instructions for the pattern will be updated every week of the CAL and notified by email to everyone who Registers for the CAL.
REGISTRATIONS FOR THE CAL HAVE BEEN CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE SUMMER FASHION CAL!! SEE YOU IN THE FACEBOOK GROUP!!
(Keep scrolling to the end to join the group!)
WEEK 1 – 13TH JULY 2020 TO 19TH JULY 2020
Week 1 is all about Registering for the cal and getting your materials! So dig into your Anchor stash, order your Anchor yarn, select your colours and beads (Yes the pattern has an option for adding beads too!!) and swatch your gauge! Show off your Choices in our IYC FB group and be ready to get go!!
WEEK 2 – 20TH JULY 2020 TO 26TH JULY 2020
Week 2 kicks off with the pattern instructions with a video tutorial for easy understanding. you can work all week and get back to us with your queries and doubts. We will be having a live Q&A session at the end of the week on our FB group to resolve all your issues and check out your progress!.
WEEK 3 – 27TH JULY 2020 TO 02nd AUGUST 2020
Week 3!! We have a GIVEAWAY scheduled for this week for the best picture! And its gonna be Epic!! We also go live at the end of the week to chit chat, show off and announce the winners of the giveaway!!
WEEK 4 – 02nd AUGUST 2020 TO 09TH AUGUST 2020
Week 4 is all about finishing!! We will give you tips and tricks for finishing you make and you can submit your final pictures to be a part of the CAL Video of participants!! The end of CAL marks your achievement and you will be rewarded with a digital Certificate from Anchor!!!
As Part of the Crochet Along you will be Required to follow the below rules:
Follow @Indiayarn.circle @anchor.crafts and @stringtierey on Instagram.
Join the IndiayarnCircle Facebook group.
Make The JuJu Scarf Pattern with Anchor Yarns only.
Share progress Pictures on the FB group to be eligible for giveaways.
Complete your make by 07th of August 2020, to be eligible to get a digital certificate for the CAL by Anchor Crafts India.
The Juju Scarf!
The JuJu scarf is a Lacey, Light weight, summery crochet triangular scarf which will be the perfect accessory to any outfit and style.The scarf pattern is availble in instructions for Fingering weight yarn as well as DK weight yarn. Its a free size super light scarf which requires only 575 yards / 150 gms of fingering weight AKC Art 4057 yarn with 3.5mm hook and 575 yards / 200 gms of DK weight Anchor 4ply Art.4060 yarn with 4.5mm hook size.
Most of us crafters have grown up using Anchor yarns starting at some point in our lives either mom’s engaging us in our summer holidays with a stitch kit’ or getting us to do those lovely flower embroideries.
Let us acknowledge that Anchor is an household brand name, however one thing that we would like to highlight is Anchor’s mission to keep all forms of yarn craft alive and their commitment to disseminate the craft to the new generation which perfectly blends with India Yarn Circle’s mission to Nurture Passion for all Yarn Crafts and Crafters by building a strong community encouraging crafters at different level to pick up the craft.
Anchor and IYC collaborated to embark on this journey to explore and show the possibilities of designing wearables. We deliberated on numerous ideas and everything was a possibility the list was unending. While crochet or knitting is most often associated with winterwear we wanted to break the myth to create wearables for Indian context be it the weather conditions, or traditional wear, or styling it up for everyday fashion.
“Summer Fashion” theme fitted as an apt pick to kick start the series. We makers rolled up our sleeves to directly dwell into the creative zones to design, create our Anchor summer outfit. It was a tremendous journey for us to explore in detail the possibilities of utilizing Anchor cotton yarn for different types of makes scarf, hats, blouse for saree, tops , dress , jewelry etc. (details of the makes to follow) .
The video is a tribute to all the designers in the community for bringing the best in every make, enduring spirit of designing for self-satisfaction, continuing to be spirited about yarn crafts.
We thank Anchor for giving us an opportunity for the collaboration and more importantly the creative freedom to showcase our work. We are most certain that the collaboration is just a small beginning in our joint effort to keeping the craft alive.
Enjoy the Anchor x IYC 2020 Summer Fashion show and let us know what you think!!
Do share with us your anchor makes and do drop a comment on any questions you have on Anchor yarn and we will be happy to respond!
I am joining a CAL, I saw someone post about KAL on Insta and it got us thinking – does everyone know about what a CAL is? Its often taken for granted that crafters know what it means, however we understood not many understand the same and nuances. In the past few days of going live we have had many ask us are you hosting a CAL and some asking what is a CAL and we believe it’s best to come together on even grounds as we embark on this journey of pursuing various yarn crafts.
What is a CAL?, What is a TCAL? What is a KAL? What is a SAL? What is a MAL? So many acronyms and very little information on what these stand for.
and there are more versions of this for various forms or arts and crafts.
Now that we know the acronym, lets get into details
Before that, do watch our video explaining all things cal for better understanding.
What do people do?
A group of people coming together to work on a project at the same time and pace with an objective of learning new technique , work on a new pattern, clarify doubts , share experiences, learn from each other and commit to finish along the group. This is team is often led by a designer of the pattern or a group can decide on a pattern / theme that be pursued together. In our experience joining a team often leads to connecting with people / community who have similar interests and leads to strengthening the passion to pursue yarn crafts even after the project
Who can Join?
A person with some experience of yarn craft can join the project. Some are targeted towards advanced designs and some for everyone can participate, no matter their skill level. It’s a good practice to always check the skill level that is required for the project before joining
How does it work?
The host or a group decides the pattern or a theme which will be made available to the participants on registration either by way of sharing a full pattern or partial based on progress, sometimes free.
The group can leverage various platforms to connect share and interact – e.g. either by way of closed groups on facebook, a blog platforms, instagram chats or whatsapp groups
Material list like recommended yarn, yarn weight, hooks, needles et, al are published, choice of color scheme is completely up to the designer unless and until specified.
Official start date and end dates are published for the participants to start and finish the project – usually enough time is provided considering that this would be a learning phase for many
Progress update – the host may seek for progress pictures, as a good practice no matter where you’re at, so be sure to share, receiveing constructive feedback always helps in improving!
Do’s and Don’ts in a CAL
Do’s
Try to use the recommended yarn weight and hook size
Follow the guidelines well enough to get the project right
If you finished your work early post the progress so others in the group can learn
When in doubt – participate, engage and interact with members to learn and refine
Do share your feedback on the CAL and finished products on your social media platforms to encourage the community
Don’ts
Don’t be in a rush to finish the project – stick to the schedule, CAL’s often work on a schedule
Don’t modify the pattern , Finish the project as per design of the CAL – Making your own versions can offend the designer
Avoid using offensive language or negative comments on others work
Stick to the schedule and don’t prompt the designer to share beyond schedule
Let the designer handle technical queries and concern
Don’t circulate the pattern freely unless its free for all. Remember designers put in a lot of effort to get one pattern out. As a community its our responsibility to protect interest of our designers
Finally – don’t forget to show of your finished work! Some modelled pictures will always be a huge encouragement for the designers to engage again and again!
Leave us your questions in the comment and we will respond soon.
What do you think is the most relevant topic after we learnt about yarns different types of yarn in our know your yarn series? we think most of you are waiting to indulge in picking yarn for the projects that have been waiting to see light of the day, besides we must tell you this topic is one of the popular demand on our social media platforms on where to pick yarns.
We have decided to start the “Yarnoholic Series” – A guide for all about yarns in India. We kick start the series with 5 cotton yarns available in India along with where to pick them, to help you go on a shopping spree!! And to help you understand these yarns better, we have created a Yarn Index .. So let’s indulge!
BUT!……Before you read ahead, get to know the types of cotton yarns available in India in our video below!
Commonly called as SilkIndian and well known for their silk yarns, their recent entry into range of cotton yarns has been quiet damaging on our pockets. Their yarn ranges from 100% mercerized cotton to cotton blends in viscose
YARN INDEX^
Popularity
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Availability
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Color Variety
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Color Fastness
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Price
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^ Index is on a scale of 5 ( 5 being highest and 1 being lowest) Yarn Index is an output of IYC analysis can vary from person to person
These lovely cotton yarns are sourced and retailed by a wonderful person Akanksha Kapoor Tandon, founder of The Crochet Bella and Me n Yarns. She is a crocheter by passion and an engineer by profession. White Rose is produced in India by Shiva International Group and they have a wide range of cotton from threads for fine crochet lace work to thick and soft 4 ply cotton yarn
YARN INDEX^
Popularity
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Availability
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Color Variety
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Color Fastness
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Price
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^ Index is on a scale of 5 ( 5 being highest and 1 being lowest) Yarn Index is an output of IYC analysis can vary from person to person
So now that we have the first 5 cotton yarns available in India – do let us know how do these yarn fair on the yarn index and do list the names of yarn you would like to see on the list.
All images are copyright of IndiaYarnCircle, unless otherwise mentioned. You can read our disclaimer policy here.
Lets continue our talk on fibers now. We were very unaware of the types of fibers available in the market even though we are very much into yarn crafts. Acrylic yarns is most often the go to fibre for all, for almost all the projects, but without much information and detail on them. We dont even realise the fact that the Acrylic yarns we use, come under the Synthetic yarns aka manmade yarns category. So today, lets get together and learn more about synthetic fibers.
So Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers, prepared through chemical synthesis. They are the result of extensive research by scientists to improve upon naturally occurring animal and plant fibers. The animal and plant fibers are already covered in the previous blogs.
Here in this post, lets focus on types of synthetic fibers available and their advantages and disadvantages over the others.
Different types include Rayon, Nylon, Acrylic, Polyester, Polyurethane, and Polypropylene. Millions of tons of these fibers are produced all over the world each year.
Lets look into each in detail:-
1. Rayon
SOURCE: Internet
This is a type of synthetic fibre obtained from wood pulp.
Rayon fabric is soft, absorbent and comfortable.
It is easy to dye in a wide range of colours.
2. Nylon
SOURCE: Internet
This type of synthetic fibre is obtained from coal, water and air.
Nylon is very lustrous, easy to wash and elastic.
It dries quickly and retains its shape.
3. Polyester
SOURCE: Internet
This type of synthetic fiber is obtained from coal, water, air and petroleum.
Polyester is made from repeating units of a chemical known as esters.
Polyester is easy to wash and it remains wrinkle-free.
Polyester retains its shape and remains crisp.
4. Acrylic
SOURCE: Internet
This type of synthetic fibers made from a polymer (polyacrylonitrile)
Acrylic is lightweight, soft, and warm, with a wool-like feel.
It can also be made to mimic other fibers, such as cotton when spun on short staple equipment.
Acrylic is the “workhorse” hand-crafting fiber for crafters who knit or crochet.
It may also be perceived as “cheap” because it is typically priced lower than its natural-fiber counterparts.
Advantages of Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fibers are very durable and do not wrinkle easily
They are elastic and can be easily stretched out
They are strong and can sustain the heavy load.
They are soft and hence used in clothing material.
They are cheaper as compared to natural fibers.
Such fibers have a high luster, and with age, they don’t fade.
Synthetic fibers are more durable, they have bright wear and tear resistance.
Disadvantages of Synthetic Fibers
Most synthetic fibers do not absorb moisture.
Synthetic fiber can be affected if washed using hot water.
They catch fire easily as compared to natural fiber.
Like natural fibers, synthetic fibers do not easily take up colors.
SOURCE: Internet
We hope you like the write up and that it was helpful for you in knowing your yarn better. Do let us know through the comments below, which synthetic yarn you like to use the most and what you like to know more about from us.
All images are copyright of IndiaYarnCircle, unless otherwise mentioned. You can read our disclaimer policy here.
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