Lockdown Challenge – Crochet Cushion
As you may have heard we, the whole of New Zealand, were recently put into lockdown for the first time since last year. During this time the office staff here at Ashford HQ were able to continue working from home as much as possible. There was also time for a bit of creativity. Kate Williams (wee Kate) our sales and despatch assistant, had some fun with crochet and Ashford yarns.
Kate did a very good job of something a lot of us struggle to do, myself included, and that is the process of sampling! Not only does she sample – but she keeps great records! We should all be inspired to be as methodical as Kate. I hope you enjoy Kate’s project.
Happy crocheting!
Kate (big Kate)
Lockdown Challenge
by Kate Williams
Lately, I have been experimenting with crochet. Here in New Zealand, we were recently put into lockdown at quite short notice, which left me with not much time to gather supplies for any craft projects. So I got creative with some yarns in my stash. I had a range of 8ply (DK weight) yarns, and Opal sock yarns which I decided to combine for something different. After some experimenting, I found an Opal yarn that matched well with one of my Ashford DK yarns so I decided to make a cushion for my brothers new home. These colours fitted in well with his colour scheme.
You will need:
1 ball of Ashford DK yarn
2 balls of Opal yarn
5.5mm crochet hook
4mm crochet hook
Scissors
Darning needle
I find it helpful to do small samples of colours and techniques before starting on the final piece.
For the front cushion I used one strand of Opal yarn and one strand of Ashford DK yarn together.
The cushion is basically one large granny square with 14 rounds. There are many different granny square techniques so you can choose whichever one you like best. The one I use is by The Secret Yarnery,
The cushion is basically one large granny square with 14 rounds. There are many different granny square techniques so you can choose whichever one you like best. The one I use is by The Secret Yarnery:
For the back of the cushion I used three strands of Opal yarn, one strand was the same colour as the front and two were from another ball (taking yarn from the inside and the outside of the ball simultaneously).
I used a contrasting mustard coloured yarn and 4mm crochet hook to join my pieces together using UK Double Crochet, I joined with wrong sides facing so the contrast was visible. The contrasting yarn also co-ordinated with other cushions in my brothers house.
Sometimes life throws us unexpected challenges but as long as you have yarn in your stash there is always potential to create!
