For the last few months I have been working on quite a few new designs for my shops without actually having published any. Or rather, without actually having finished any. Once I'd started on something new, the ideas started flowing and of course I had to go with those and before I knew it, I had about 8 WIPs and hand-written notes everywhere. Until yesterday that is, when I finished the pattern writing for a new peacock feather which I named "Pavo." I have five more peacock-related patterns in the making and one flowery one, which I all plan to have in my shops before the end of the year.

"Pavo"

But first it's time to introduce "Pavo." I derived the name from the Latin name for the Indian or Blue peafowl, Pavo cristatus (and by the way, it's very fitting I think that this Latin name has my own name in it!).

It's a cute feather that measures about 6 x 8.5 cm / 2.4 x 3.4 in and can be used as an applique on hats, shawls, tablet sleeves, notebook covers, box lids and presents. Of course, you can also make a garland of as many feathers as you like. The pattern includes instructions how to make one. Talking about the pattern......just read on because there's a nice free bonus when you buy it in the next few days.

2 for the price of 1
To celebrate the fact that after about six months, I can finally show you a new peacock feather design, I've decided to give you a free bonus pattern - also a new one - when you buy "Pavo." It's a Little Feathers Garland, inspired by birds of paradise.
Both patterns include clear written instructions and photos, details on the Scheepjes Catona yarn + colours I used, both US and UK crochet terms and links to instructional videos for the magic ring and invisible join.
This offer is valid until Monday 3 October, 12.00 midday (GMT+1) and you can find it in both my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
If you'd also like to use Scheepjes Catona to make the feather and garlands, it's available from Deramores and WoolWarehouse *(international shipping).













*The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through this link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you! 

It's been a while since I crocheted anything non-peacock related so today I decided it's time for something completely different. I love working on my peacock designs, but it's not something I can do while watching TV. I really want to crochet something that doesn't require a lot of counting and that has rounds that take a while to finish. And besides, I have a few episodes of Poldark on the hard disk recorder, so I really need this new project ;-).

Today I'll just show you the yarn I selected for it and will keep you updated on progress once I've actually started what I have in mind. And I'll share the pattern here on my blog! The yarn is Scheepjes'* Merino Soft Brush, a brand new addition to the regular Merino Soft line you may be familiar with through The Last Dance on the Beach CAL. It's the same soft mixture of 50% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Micro and 25% Acrylic but the Brush version has lovely soft tweed flecks "brushed" into it. I'm really looking forward to making something soft and squishy.

I think the reduction in size compared to Catona is definitely worthwhile.  Aren't these small Bonbon/Sugar Rush feathers the cutest? The smallest one in the picture on the left, which is a free pattern, measures just 3 x 3.5 cm!

2. I love the stitch definition. You can clearly see it in the photos I think. The stitches really stand out giving it a beautiful dimension, which suits if you plan on wearing these motifs as brooches or earrings.

3. Hook size. For me a 2mm hook works best. I started out by using a 1.5mm hook as advised on the band but the result was too tight and the stitch definition was lost a bit because of this. It just depends on what you're making and on how tightly you hook, so always make a swatch.

4. Sturdiness. This thin mercerized cotton is surprisingly sturdy and the motifs keep their shape very nicely. They do not flop at all so, again, ideal for jewelry or appliques.

5. Blocking. Even tough the motifs looked great before blocking, I decided to give them the treatment I also give the motifs I make using Catona. So I blocked them and let them dry for about 12 hours. And as I already guessed, the result was even better after blocking (isn't it always?). Especially the final rounds came out sharper and more even.