Wow - I’ve been blown away by the numbers of fabulous CALs (Crochet Alongs) and KALs (Knit Alongs) that have been gracing my Instagram pages since Lockdown became global. Some are temptingly described as ways to use up your stash. I find that positively alarming (give me a room of emergency yarn over panic buying toilet rolls any day) and instead find excuses to supplement my stash with (whoops) another yarn purchase.

In addition to continuing with my Trellis Poncho, I’ve been pulled into The Mercerie’s Isolation CAL, Crojo Retro ….. yes my good intentions were to use up my many balls of Felted Tweed stash, but as each pattern piece was released….. well….. I just LOVE Rowan Felted Tweed , and it’s no surprise that it’s a clear best seller here at Norfolk Yarn. With a delicious palette of almost 50 colours, all of which look so good together, in any combination, and its mix of wonderful natural fibres, this DK with a long meterage for its 50g, is a clear choice for many many projects.

Because I’ve done a few (all) of The Mercerie’s projects run at the shop, I wanted my version of this current CAL to look different colourwise to all the previous ones. It’s a bit tricky trying to visualise those colours when you’re making a mystery. But it’s oh so pleasurable choosing! This is what I’ve come up with so far.

Boo’s Crojo Retro, pattern by The Mercerie

Boo’s Trellis Poncho, pattern by The Mercerie

We try and keep all 48 colours in stock at any given time, and currently have most, with deliveries coming in most weeks.

Despite the joy of crocheting up such beautiful designs, my first love (crafting love), is and will always remain, knitting. So when I spotted Arne and Carlos’s Quarantine KAL, I thought it was perfect to use up more of my felted tweed supplies. The two have given a library of YOU TUBE videos to aid each little mystery piece (one design coming out, mostly daily).

Each little square is a perfect little example of Fairisle, and because they are so small, they are great for novice knitters who want to learn a new technique. The instructions and charts are free and available on the Arne & Carlos blog. It takes me about an hour to complete one little square, so it’s just perfect for fitting in between all those other tasks that we’re finding ourselves immersed in whilst we stay at home. My favourite square and one I haven’t knitted yet, is “Hug Me Later” - I think that must sum up how many of us are feeling at the moment.

Don’t forget, that although the physical shop is closed, Becky and I are hard at work behind the scenes fulfilling all the online orders. Local deliveries near to Norwich city centre are being delivered by bike, some in the Dereham area are being delivered by car and all others are going 1st class Royal Mail.

Remember to use code C20 to get your delivery or postage free of charge when you’re spending £20 or more.

Boo