When I learned to crochet some three years ago I dreamed of blankets-huge ones to swaddle myself in and fall asleep under on a cold winter’s afternoon,blankets I had made myself over many months and that one day I would perhaps give to my daughters when they left home: woolly heirlooms.
Oh Loop how do I love thee, let me count the ways…
I had a meeting in London and found myself in Camden passage. Loop, arguably London’s most beautiful yarn shop beckoned. Oh though, the yarn-filled shelves held almost too much choice. I plunged my hand into cube after cube of delicious fibres. I gathered my thoughts and focussed on the chunky options. The jewel-like shades and gossamer softness of Misti alpaca handpaint were hard to ignore. I stroked skein after skein in the colours of bluebells, faberge eggs, wintry lakes and then I spotted ‘sky grey’, like a watercolour of a Norfolk beach. Two skeins of this exquisitely soft, painterly yarn came home with me.
The granny square began to grow quickly and my fear of stitchy boredom was unfounded as the colour of the yarn shifted subtly with each stitch, from white, through aquamarine, cyan, grey and mossy green and back to white again. I hared through those first two skeins and my outsized granny square came to a halt. I yearned for more but decided to draw out the delicious process of making this blanket. Have you ever done this? It’s the delay of woolly pleasure – luxuriating in the lovely process of hand making an object. I asked for a skein or two at Christmas and birthdays. I would buy one as a treat when we went on holiday, returning to Loop each time I was in London. The blanket grew steadily and I savoured every handpainted stitch.
I’ve been adding to my blanket for over a year and is not yet done. This may seem strange – there is usually guilt associated with unfinished objects but for me the end of yarn trailing from it holds the promise of more making joy, more beautiful stitches in the colours of sea and sky and rock. In fact despite the prospect of a deliciously thick, kitten-soft textile to swaddle myself in once it’s done, I’ll mourn the completion of this blanket slightly – I’ll miss the sight of the yarn being looped steadily into clusters and each cluster into smallish duckegg blue bricks in the wall of the granny square. I’ll miss each movement of my hook and each time I wind a skein around my thumb to make an exquisitely soft egg-like ball of yarn. Each small step of this project has been a sensory joy.
Loop’s delicious interior
I’m utterly thrilled that Susan from Loop has offered a voucher for me to giveaway. £25 is a yarny spree, a skein of Misti alpaca and a beautiful crochet hook, a chance to visit this divine shop, either online or in person and dawdle over its beautiful shelves, knowing that you can skip off to checkout with glee carrying a real or virtual basket of soft goodness. You may enter below in four different ways (I know!) and the giveaway will be open until next Friday, 25th September when the clever Rafflecopter shenanigans will choose a woolly winner.
Best of all yarny luck…
Rachel says
I think I would give the voucher to my mother, who is good at crochet and and would I am sure enjoy doing so with some really gorgeous yarn!
Celia Hart says
I've never been to the Loop shop, my head would spin trying to decide what to choose! I'd need a lie down.
You can't cut the gorgeous misty blanket in two, so you NEED another heirloom blanket 😉
xx
Jax Blunt (@liveotherwise) says
I want to make myself a lovely soft autumnal shrug.
Katherine M says
Inspired by your beautiful hand-dyed blanket, I think I would make myself beautiful to wear (maybe a winter hat? Or pair of wrist-warmers?) out of one of the beautiful Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merinos. The green-purple-blue of colour P117 is calling to me…
Deborah - eisiad says
I would make merry! And possibly mayhem too. Loop's yarns are very desirable but I think I would go for one of their wondrous pattern books, maybe Ju Ju's Loops (title approximated from memory). Beautiful blog post, glorious 5'11" woman! x
Lootytoot says
I managed to break not one, but two (my only two) 2.5mm crochet hooks yesterday so I would definitely replace those, and some deliciously soft yarn to make myself a cowl for the winter!!
Emma Seward says
Those colours – they make my heart explode! I think I'd treat myself to some of this yarn in the same colourway, and make a snood or cowl so I could snuggle my face in its wooly lovliness to my heart's content 🙂
Gilly Holmes says
I am also making a blanket which is knee size at the moment. It has two functions. The first is as a meditation tool. Each time I work on it I think of someone in need of special attention at this time and hold them in prayer as I crochet. The second to keep me toasty as the weather gets colder. I would like a complementary colour to work with now.
Unknown says
I would make something for my mum and something for myself….as I live in Australia on the other side of the world whatever I make I would cherish forever and ever….as
I can only dream of one day visiting
"Loop" in London?
CJ says
Oh it's wonderful, wonderful, I can see why it's such a pleasure to make. And the yarn is gorgeous, a lovely choice, it's nice when there are subtle variations to keep your interest. I am so in love with Loop, it's a fabulous shop, although I've never been, I am (rather too) familiar with the online shop. One day I shall get there in person. CJ xx
Catherine says
Wow what a lovely giveaway, thank you! I have always wanted to try the Misti Alpacas Peace, Love & Misti Sock Yarn, so I would knit myself the most luxurious and snuggly pair of socks from that 🙂
CannyCat says
I would buy some yarn to make a cardigan with 🙂
Anna Castillo says
I would like to buy some yarn new for me!!
Ana says
I'd like to buy some yarn to knit a shawl
Katoke says
I would buy some lovely yarn, either in the online shop or maybe winning would get me so far as to take the eurostar ans spend a weekend in London and being able to visit the store on which I have been reading so many good things.
KirstenLN says
I knew just at the sight of the blanket, that you made it! I've been following your blog and your Work especially over the past few years and immediately recognized your colourway. It looks lush! If I win I'll indulge in some luxurious yarn – probably to crochet a shawl or knit a cowl.
Clair McCowlen says
I would love to make something warm and snuggly to wear whilst sea watching.
asteride says
I would buy some luxury yarn and make a cowl and then the lovely Mignon pattern, so cute!
mrsrobinson says
Oh, such a lovely giveaway! If I were a lucky duck I would spend oh so long looking at those delicious wools… for a cowl? A shawl? Something autumnal!
Alice says
Some fingerless gloves in some unnecessarily nice wool
Quinn says
If I was the lucky winner I honestly I don't know what I would make but I would have loads of fun deciding! 🙂
Jeanette Renting says
If I may win the give-away, I would make a little blanket.
Delightful for autumn and winter.
Fiona says
I would buy some wool to make a gorgeous cardigan for my beautiful little daughter for the winter. What wool, I don't know but I always look forward to a long browse in Loop.
Amy King says
Ooh if I would I would love to go to loop and indulge in some seriously scrummy yarn for winter. Lovely blanket, I would love to make one for myself!
Alex says
I would buy some lovely Misti alpaca, and knit myself…an alpaca!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alpaca-with-bikini
Allycoll says
Like you a lovely soft snuggly blanket would be my choice…ready for the cold winter ahead?
Annie says
I would love to make an autumnal blanket from Tunisian Crochet, wonderful way to make a pattern zing, you could convert from a knitting or a crochet pattern. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Good Luck to everyone
Jules says
A visit to Loop is such a rare treat, I am not sure what I would use the voucher for if I was lucky enough to win. That said I am certain that something would speak to me whilst browsing the shelves.
Anne Marie Becka says
I would love to win this yarn. I would make a warm, squishy shawl for my mom!
Sabine Bassler says
I am constantly either knitting, crocheting or embroidering, sometimes doing all three on the same project. I don't know what I would make if I were to win the voucher – I would have to come, look around and get inspired – I think you need to see and feel the material. I wouldn't by wool on the internet.
amchart says
If I won (please pick me!) I think I would use the voucher for buttons for the many WIPs I have lying around just in need of the perfect button.
Jaydee MacNamara says
I would buy some beautiful wool and make 2 keepsake blankets for two very special children to remind them every night before they go to sleep just exactly how much their mother loved them. She is not with them any longer to give them cuddles but they can clutch their blankets and just remember her and her love when remembering becomes so hard.x
Anna James says
I Love Loop – their service is amazing! I would knit yet another brioche cowl as I'm completely obsessed with them!
Jo@awholeplotoflove says
What exquisitely beautiful wool to make a blanket out of. I'd like to do the same though far away from my dog & his shedding hair xx
Julie Shackson says
Loop is my favourite wool shop in the world! If I won, I think I'd make some gorgeous boot toppers.
HookandScumble says
I would be inspired by all the beautiful yarns to create a piece of crochet aret
Angie says
I have knitted a scarf with some Misti Alpaca sock yarn, and it was absolutely lovely to work with – and the colour! Northern Lights!
However, I am desperate to knit the Silene Cardigan from the new Loop's 10 book; so, a voucher would be gratefully put toward yarn for this! Thank you for this amazing giveaway.
Unknown says
I would look for unusual fibres that I've not seen anywhere else, because that always inspires me to get my knitting needle or crochet hooks out
pok says
I'd make a plush cowl.
Linda Rumsey says
A cosy winter cowl is calling!
Angela says
I'm learning to knit again – prompted by the fact that I can't find a nice mustard scarf in the shops anywhere – despite the fact that they are everywhere (in magazines and other people I mean!) I would love to win the voucher to get me started. thanks
Marisa says
A delicious conundrum! Perhaps the Loop 10 book, or some Old Maiden Aunt DK. Such a lovely post:)
Marisa says
A delicious conundrum! Perhaps the Loop 10 book, or some Old Maiden Aunt DK. Such a lovely post:)
Janeyc49 says
I really enjoyed reading your Blog and love the blanket you are crocheting. The colour is beautiful, I think perhaps I would challenge myself to make a huge Granny Square blanket. The selection of colours in the yarn you have chosen are gorgeous. Thank you to you and of course, Loop, for giving the opportunity to win a voucher. Fingers crossed !
Anonymous says
Would like to start a crocheted bag
KATHY D
Mokki says
I'd make a lace shawl. They have some beautiful yarn I imagine it would take longer to choose yarn than a pattern!
Katherine says
Your blanket sounds like a project of love, joy and peace. It's beautiful.
trish says
What a wonderful giveaway….I would make some socks. Made my first one recently, and when I have finished an urgently required cardigan for a little on I shall knit the other, then I want to make more!
Kath Webber says
Such a beautiful blanket! I've only recently discovered the joy of slow projects, selfish projects using very special yarn. And it seems I've only just discovered hand-painted and dyed yarns too! Oh the joy of fibre! And the possibility….therefore I'd be very selfish and spend the voucher on me! Probably on a skein or two of the special 10 year anniversary colours dyed especially for Loop. I love the Kettle Yarn Co Islington DK and DyeForYarn's golden beehive- perfection!
Jane Dale says
I would choose some wonderfull squashy yarn to make the Laurel cowl from Anthology 2
Pat Collingwood says
I would buy some lovely yarn to make hats and socks
Anonymous says
I would love to make a warm hat with matching fingerless mitts for winter. Instagram: Jadestar8
Christine B says
If I was fortunate enough to be selected I think I would crochet a snuggle blanket for my 9 month old grandson who will be travelling from Australia to spend his first Christmas with us in the UK. Love the blog.
Anonymous says
I would make a beautiful cuddly cowl – winter will soon be here!
Gill says
I'd make myself a new cowl !
Amy's Crafty Shenanigans says
I would buiy really chunky wool and make a throw for me on my couch in my draughty English cottage!
Äiti says
Your blanket is lovely.
I'm hoping to go to London this December and would love to pop into Loop.
Unknown says
I need to get my hands on some of this yarn and make my mum a wrap for autumn.
Donna O. says
Gorgeous woolly socks to keep my toes warm, might even be able to squeeze out 2 pairs from this very generous voucher. Keep going with that beautiful blanket.
Nancy says
I would make a cowl for my daughter to remember our upcoming trip to London!!! Can't wait.
Wei-Lin says
I would buy some gorgeous hand painted yarn to knit something for me! A bit of self indulgence after all the gift knitting. A lovely autumnal shawl.
Frances says
Emma, it was fun to read this post with its photographs of truly beautiful yarn and to learn about your slow crochet being "tied" to slow acquistion of that luscious yarn. I have quite a large collection of yarns hereabouts, and have mainly been knitting complicated things from 4ply weight.
Just this past week, I changed the tempo and did some … fast crocheting to create some gifts. I enjoyed galloping through some of my colorful cotton yarns and like the results.
Now…it's back to the 4ply. I love Loop and was so happy to see the photo of some of what is on offer there.
Crossing my fingers to win the draw. xo
Louise says
Emma, your blanket is just perfect ♡ I would like to make a soft wrap similar to your blanket especially for me!
Bente Simone says
Thanks for sharing that lovely storhulking of a blanket. I too have had those kind of projects. Love to enjoy the process. And such a beauty the yarn is.
Anonymous says
Gorgeous blanket! If I was lucky enough to win I'd find something luxurious to knit my sister a scarf or cowl 🙂
driftwood says
oooh Loop. Such a wondrous place! I think I'd made a kitten soft scarf x
ps I don't know how to regram……..
Kimberley says
it would be so exciting to be able to buy any ball of British wool to me. Hard to find in New Zealand wool shops. Love your blanket too.
greenrabbitdesigns says
I love Loop, I don't get to visit often but it's a beautiful place!
Not sure what I'd make, I'd have to play with the yarn first before I could decide! 🙂
Peri says
We send lots of yarn to Loop but I've never yet visited the shop. If I won, I'd take the opportunity to visit and pick out a special skein.
MCKGJK says
After reading this I would be very tempted to try my own giant granny square!
Anna Sharp says
I would start a slow snowden blanket- love the idea of slow knitting/crochet
Annaksharp
Deborah says
There is something both comforting in the creation of such a blanket and in the result – I shall keep my fingers crossed that I'm lucky!
Periwinkleblue says
I would make a new hat for my son, who loves anything hand-knitted and recently said that knitting was like wearing a mixture of Maths and Magic!
Modesty Brown says
You've inspired me to pick up my crochet hook. It's been too long!
Felicity Hearn says
Your blanket is beautiful and your story of the process of creating it was inspiring. I would love choosing some gorgeous yarn to create some gloves.
lp_ lisa says
Nothing beats a beautiful chunky blanket. Perfect for snuggling under this winter whilst watching it grow a stitch at a time. I would make one in Gemstone or Sunset Ridge. Or Foxtail. Or… arrrgggh, so many lovely colours!
nickamram says
I'm just learning to crochet at the moment so will be starting with something fairly easy like a scarf. I'd love to work my way up to making animals though.
Anonymous says
I would add to my vintage/higgledy piggledy blanket where I have been making granny squares in all my different yarn. I don't know when it will be finished as I just make a few squares when I have a moment to spare. Each square reminds me of someone or something so when it is finished it will be a special project x
Your blanket is beautiful and the colour way is lovely.
Beth says
What a lovely blog post! I think if I won I might buy myself a skein of Eden Cottage Yarn from Loop- I bought some to make my sister a shawl and I'm already feeling sad about giving it to her when it's done…!
Jessica Powell says
I'd make something festive for Christmas 🙂
Lou says
Would be so happy using this yarn and introducing it to my knit and natter friends x
Fleurelot says
I think I will knit a nice scarf with it. I usually crochet but this is a good reason to start knitting again!
andamento says
What would I make? I've no idea. I'd browse and ponder. Probably not a blanket (too much yarn), possibly yet another shawl. I like them. I've started giving them away as I've made too many for me to wear!
lynn says
I'd make a hot water bottle cover to snuggle up with on cold winter evenings
Cathryn Brown says
Lots and lots of lovely scarves in lots and lots of lovely patterns to wrap my friends and family in. I love these colours of the sea and sky!
Jennifer Smith says
A wonderful story about your slowly growing blanket it is true that you do feel under pressure to finish a project so you can start the next so it's lovely to read about a project to do at your own pace as it slowly evolves 🙂 if I won I'd be inspired to spend it on a yarn I wouldn't normally be able to afford &knit something luxurious like wrist warmers that will be a reminder to enjoy the process of making a project as well as the finished item 🙂 xx
Ailsa (Topaz Magpie Jewellery) says
Oh, Loop is definitely on my list for my next London trip ? your blanket is beautiful! I just finished my first blanket yesterday…
Lori ann says
i love so much how you wrote this, putting into words the absolute joy and passion that is making. as i've gotten older, this is how i feel about about every stitch i take too, it's a precious thing. your blanket is gorgeous, makes me feel i need to brush up my crochet skills and make one too! and thank you and loop so much for this giveaway!! i'm sooo excited, i finally get to visit!! in four more weeks we'll be making a little trip over!! (i already follow you both on ig, where i saw this first!) xxx
Lori ann says
oops! forgot to add, would make a shawl from the new loop book!! thank you! xxx
Anonymous says
That sounds like such a nice yarn to play with – it's so hard when you finally have to finish a big project. It's like finishing a good novel; you almost feel bereft and need a few days to recover 🙂
I'm not sure what I'd make first to be honest – depends on the yarn chosen 🙂
Kind regards,
Andrea
RaphaeliteGirl says
I think I'd make some lovely hand and wrist-warmers. I love the shades of this wool. Reminds me of a Finnish landscape. All moominy… ?
milly says
I'd make a deliciously snuggle shawl wrap scarfy type thing!
Petersson13 says
Id either finally treat myself to some 'socks that rock' or buy some more madeleine tosh yarn.mI'm doing the same with madtosh as you did with misti alpaca….a skein here, a skein there…..I'm not sure what it wants to be, but I'm looking forward to finding out
mintyvicky says
Having visited the shop for the first time last week I imagine it would take hours to decide what to buy! I think I'd buy some ridiculously luxurious yarn to make my sister a beautiful infinity scarf, as she's the person who helped me overcome my crochet demons this summer, helping me to make my very first hat, I owe her a great deal!
Susan says
I am envious of your beautiful blanket, I have tried so many times to learn to crochet without success. I can however knit, and if I won I would use the voucher towards the purchase of some Madelinetosh merino light to make the amazingly popular Hitofude Cardigan on Ravelry. Choosing a colour would be a major challenge though.
Archie the wonder dog says
I'd knit another shawl – I can't wear them (allergic to wool!) but I love knitting them and they make good presents.
Jane Duke says
You have inspired me to start a granny blanket – I must make a renewed attempt to conquer basic crochet as this seems an excellent way to spend the ever darkening evenings. It can be added to the list of 'things that make approaching winter bearable', along with candles, open fires and Strictly Come Dancing.
MrsE says
I would make some cushion covers 🙂
Rosie Holloway says
I'm just learning but would love to be able to make a blanket one day!
Ruth Harwood says
I would make a blanket as I'm still learning so this would be a good opportunity to hone my skill xx
debgarretty says
It would have to be a snugly, frothy snood to keep out the winter chills. Thanks for the chance to win.
Carole Turner says
I would also make a yummy cosy blanket. Something for me and my cats to cosy up in.
aw says
I've been learning to crochet with our craft group and next year we aim to have a craft fair so would love to win yarn to make some of the crochet flowers and Christmas decorations we have tackled. Unbreakable decorations could be passed on down through the generations, too.
Ann
Margaret Lee-Roberts Abram says
I want to make myself a comfy cardigan without buttons to wrap round myself in the winter months. The choice of yarn is really important, because I want it to be my favourite garment.
Belinda Piper says
I would treat myself to some new knitting needles and a skein of sock wool! I am an avid crocheter turned obsessive knitter. Socks are my thing at the moment 🙂
Belinda Piper says
I would treat myself to some new knitting needles and a skein of sock wool! I am an avid crocheter turned obsessive knitter. Socks are my thing at the moment 🙂
Nancy says
Looking forward to knitting soft, fluffy cowls for the onset of cold weather!
KateP says
My only grand children (aged 6, 4 and 2) live in London. I live in Australia and so we would all visit and have fun letting them choose what they want Granny to knit. I can't wait until I arrive November 5!!!!!!!!
Kay Foster says
I think I would try and make lovely soft shrug.
Katharine A says
I've made blankets and love doing so, but need quicker projects on the go too. I need to see an and in sight to motivate me to finish. I would love some lace weight yarn to crochet a shawl to scrunch up as a winter scarf too.
A Deegan says
i have a yearning to crochet an emerald green circular skirt – failing that (and i would!) a few skeins of something soft to sit and stroke will do 😉
Anna says
so beautiful. I would love to have the endurance needed to make a blanket and your story encourages me that maybe one day I'll manage it!! so yes, if i won, I would have to decide between some chunky yarn to give it a try, or some laceweight – my eternal weakness!
sheridarby says
I would love to make a really snuggly cardigan
Cheryl says
What a gorgeous blanket! I've just gotten back into crochet and am enjoying it immensely! Thanks for the new inspiration!
Emma says
I wish I had the stamina to make a whole blanket! Maybe if I had some luxury yarn I'd really be motivated…
Amy Taylor says
Well, there's no such thing as too much yarn, and Loop sells some lovely stuff… might be time to splurge on some malabrigo that everyone raves about…
Tania says
Beautiful yarn and an exquisite blanket. What a treasured heirloom this will be. Thank you for the chance of winning.
Fae says
I'm completely besotted with Misti Alpaca's hand painted chunky yarn, every time I visit Loop I spend way too much time stroking the beautiful skeins. I have an idea of a hood-thingy, using either Gingerbread, Lake Superior or Faberge… they're all so gorgeous, it's hard to choose.
Anonymous says
I come from Chile, so a very knitting culture! Any alpaca yearn would be lovely, however Loops is so tempting that anything could be.
Jenny says
I love the idea of a blanket project inspired by a landscape – inspired to start one using fabulous mossy greens seen on my first trip to the Lake District this summer. Coupled with some steel-grey (rocks, water and skies) and the odd flash of foxglove-purple, I'll keep my eyes peeled for suitable yarn palettes…
Anonymous says
Your blanket is beautiful, subtle and dreamy. I'd make a cozy cardi for my little granddaughter Naomi. Thanks for the chance to win.
taz says
I would, if I won give this to my lovely Aunt who loves to crochet she make beautiful things for all the family. Thanks
Gaynor says
I'd love to crochet a nice warm wooly hat and scarf ready for winter
Sheryl says
I would buy myself some yarn to knit Ysoldas mittens and Tifs mittens from Loop's 10. I can't quite decide which to knit first though……
A.E. ADKINS says
I have been knitting hedgehogs for charity – just started learning to crochet as I have found a crochet pattern. Guess voucher would be spent on "hedgehog" wool!
Anonymous says
Apologies if this leads to me commenting twice, I can't get it to work – I left a comment but it hasn't appeared.
Here goes take two (deep breath, think calm thoughts)… I would spend a long time choosing something from all the lovely things in Loop, which would be a delight in itself, for me at least! I expect I would choose something soft, cosy and beautiful to make a shawl or scarf, something to cuddle into when the winter winds are blowing. And making it would be as lovely as wearing it.
Sally
Anonymous says
I would make a present for my lovely friend who is hosting me on my trip to London.
frances hopkins says
I'd get my mum to make me a hat
janice says
I love the idea of slow crochet as I am always assnly lining motif work
The idea that the blanket can grow organically under you fingers one soft and silk row at a time is so tempting. I would buy the yarn take it for me!!
Acornmoon says
It looks like I am the last to the party but I have enjoyed seeing your crochet project. The colours are very Silverpebble. I have never been to Loop but have fond memeories of Camden Passage which was home to the original Camden Graphics in the seventies.
Emily ava says
I'd make a lace shawl. They have some beautiful yarn I imagine it would take longer to choose yarn than a pattern!
Madelief says
Looks like a beautiful book Emma! Lovely wild flowers too! I hope you don't mind if I don't join your giveaway. I wish I had time for knitting or crochet, but alas….
Happy evening!
Madelief x