101 uses for yarn ends (and other excuses I use)

I collect my yarn ends, even the scrappy ones, and keep them in a large glass jar.  It's the ultimate yarn barf, especially if the kids have been in it and Mr Hopo says I'm hoarding but I beg to differ and here's why:

1 - It's pretty.  Nuff said.
2 - I might need them. Erm, for colour matching.
3 - For stuffing toys with.  They deserve to be pretty inside and out.
4 -  Kids crafts, gluing, sticking, colour matching, general fiddling with and spreading around the house.  Yes, you'll spend the next week finding small threads everywhere BUT you did get to have a cup of tea and do a few rows of crochet so totally worth it.  Kind of.
5 - Art.  Kind of a continuation of kids activities except I think I probably enjoy this more.  Last time we did some yarn art they abandoned me to my task quite quickly but at least it started as something for them.  I did a yarn rainbow last and am thinking a portrait next.  I'd love to create something like the wonderful work of Marna Lunt.  It would probably be more akin to spaghetti thrown at a wall but I'll try anything once.
6 -   For making wall hangings.  We collected sticks and tied yarn and ribbons to them for colourful wall hangings that have pride of place in our kitchen.  (My whole house is covered in the kids art and it always make me smile)
7 - If you collect enough you could start insulating your house with them.  Although Mr Hopo says I've got enough yarn to do that anyway. 
8 - To use in embroidery.  I've never done that, but I definitely will. Definitely.
9 - You can use them as a prop in photo's.  I have lots of stuff that I have just as props for photo's, like baskets and sheets of paper.  (Mr Hopo doesn't feel those items are necessary either though)
10 - The growing pile of ends shows how much you've achieved and a reminder of all the beautiful things you've made. 
11 - Erm, ok so I don't think I'm going to get to 101.  Maybe more like 10.1. 

And my last reason is the most important one.  Because I WANT to.  And it's MY yarn. So there Mr Hopo. 

The Easy Peasy Cowl and Crazy Sexy Wool review

I recently managed to get my hands on some super squishy and yummy Crazy Sexy Wool by WATG * A/W collection. Let me tell you, this yarn is as good as it looks! It's fluffy, soft and sumptuous.  I literally squealed when I got it out of the bag and spent ages squeezing and admiring it.  (My yarn addiction may be getting slightly out of hand!) 

The colours I've got are (from bottom to top) Cameo Rose, Pink Lemonade and Mustard Sally.  Initially I thought the mustard was my fave because, well, mustard right? But the more I looked at the deeper pink the more I loved it so I decided to use that one first.  Sometimes we have to make tough decisions. 

After some deliberation I decided on a cowl as 3 skeins will only go so far and although I think these would make a perfect baby blanket I don't know any pregnant people right now (and I'm definitely not volunteering).

 This is a yarn that doesn't need any fancy stitches because it's beautiful as it is so I went for a plain half treble crochet stitch and thus the Easy Peasy Cowl was created!

The Easy Peasy Cowl

Pattern is in UK terms

You will need:
one ball of Crazy Sexy Wool (or 200g of super chunky yarn)
20mm hook
Large tapestry needle for sewing together

Terms:

Ch - chain
Htr -half treble crochet **

Method:

Row 1 - Ch 28, htr in 3rd ch from hook and in each subsequent st (26)

Row 2 - Ch 2 (does not count as first st) then htr into each stitch (26)

Repeat row 2 another 6 times (there will be enough yarn to do another row if you wish but I felt that it was deep enough at this point).

Fasten off then sew together the shirt ends.

Voila! One snuggly, cozy and Crazy Sexy Cool cowl.

If you're umming and aahing about buying this one (it's definitely a pricier yarn) I say treat yourself! Your worth it.  And with this pattern you get a usable accessory and don't break the bank.  (Not to mention the cool box with your name on it, basically worth it just for that!)

I've got a small amount of yarn leftover and plan to make a little lavender bag with it.  Granny chic at it's best!

I hope you like the pattern and I'd love to see it if you make one!  Just tag me on instagram @hookonepurlone

Much love and hugs,

Heather xx

Just to let you know, I haven't been paid for this post, just my views on some yarn and sharing a pattern!

*Wool And The Gang

** a half treble crochet is as follows:  yarn round hook, insert hook into next stitch, yarn round hook and pull yarn through the stitch (3 loops on the hook) then through all 3 loops on the hook.