Buried somewhere in this blog post are a giveaway and a product review.
It’s been a week of minor frustrations. Nothing catastrophic or blogworthy. Nobody has been squished by a falling grand piano, and nobody accidentally clicked ‘Delete Entire Database’ during a meeting at work. Just lots of trivial challenges. On the bright side, I have learned how to re-programme a car key, I have ordered the reclaimed Victorian bricks for this project, and the twinnage have adopted a pair of worms – Bartholomew and Matilda* – who are now living in an improvised wormery in the utility room. I do wish we could get a proper pet. Don’t worry, the twinnage are taking good care of vermicular welfare. (Another bright side: I’ve learned the word ‘vermicular’.) Also, there’s blackthorn blossom:-
And some tasty things from the allotment:-
But this has been a good week for crocheters (and knitters, but this post is about cotton, which is often slightly more of a hooker’s thing). At the risk of sounding like an advert, a new range of 100% cotton yarn (4-ply – that’s US fingering-weight) arrived in the shops a couple of days ago. I do have to declare an interest because I was given the whole range for free, but there was no requirement to write about it, let alone to say anything nice.
Introducing Stylecraft Classique Cotton 4-ply. If it looks familiar, that’s because there’s already a range of Classique in DK-weight, but people who make Very Small Things, and patient sorts who make Very Big Things Out Of Very Small Yarn, can now join in the fun, too. In addition to the ‘Soft Lime’ shade above, there are eleven other colours. Look!
I hope they bring out some more strong, dark, colours to add to the range, but that’s just my personal preference. So what’s it like to use? ‘Excellent’, is the short answer. 🙂 It’s relatively soft and forgiving for a pure cotton, compared with the firmness of DMC Natura, for example. I knitted some teeny tiny fruits with it (apologies but they’re a bit Secret Squirrel so I can’t show you those quite yet) and the stitch definition was good. I can show you some crochet, though. Well, Tunisian crochet, which is a sort of bicraftual hybrid that feels more like crochet than knitting. I decided to make a washcloth. Love this purple (‘Lavendar’) with the cream (‘Ivory’). See: it’s a reasonably firm cotton, not a fluffsome mess:-
We were taught Tunisian crochet at the most recent Blogstars meet, and the general consensus was that it was interesting, but s-l-o-w. It’s also more difficult than either knitting or crochet to do whilst walking:-
You don’t go to Stylecraft for your one-off skein of merino that’s been hand-dyed by eunuchs under the light of a full moon. (Note to Stylecraft: new product idea there?) But you do go to Stylecraft for very affordable yarns of absolutely consistent quality with a good range of colours. Classique Cotton 4-ply is very well-priced: as an example, from one of the major online retailers that supplies worldwide, you’ll pay £2.59 for a 50g ball, compared with £3.79 for an equivalent ball of DMC Natura. But still, The Twisted Yarn cannot take responsibility for any abuse of your credit card that takes place as a result of this post.
So let’s have a few more details about the yarn. For now, there are twelve shades, available in 50g (1.8oz) balls. Knitting tension: 28 sts x 36 rows in a 10cm/4″ square on 3.25mm needles.
If you’re wondering about the Tunisian crochet hook in this post, it’s a lovely specimen from the Symfonie range by KnitPro. Look!
So, at the end of a longish week, let’s celebrate with a giveaway that could enable you to get some of this fine yarn for free! There’s one tiny problem, and I’m very, very, sorry about this, but unlike the usual giveaways on here, this one is UK-only (unless you’re based elsewhere but are planning a trip to the UK soonish to spend your prize, in which case, do feel free to enter). Big apologies. Anyway, we have THREE prizes to be won, each comprising £10-worth of vouchers for Stylecraft products! Wa-hey! They can only be spent in bricks-and-mortar shops, not online, but if you don’t live nearish to a shop that sells Stylecraft then you’re probably hopelessly lost in the wilderness somewhere, and should probably concentrate on finding your way back to civilisation anyway.
Usual Twisted terms and conditions apply. Sorry that this is a UK-only contest, due to the fact that the prize can only be used in UK shops. To enter, leave a comment below. To gain a sneaky additional entry, ‘like’ the Twisted Facebook page, and leave a comment on its post relating to this competition. The contest opens RIGHT NOW, and will close on Saturday 18th March at 12.00 noon, UK-time. After then, three winners will be randomly selected using random.org, and I will contact them to arrange delivery of your prizes. If for any reason any of the winners cannot be contacted within a week, then alternative winner(s) will be selected at random.
Am I making sense? I hope I’m making sense. Good luck.
Ooh look! More spring flowers!
And now, I must go and check on the worms.
∗ Names changed to protect the identities of innocent worms.
Helen McLean says
The shades look very Spring like in this new Stylecraft range! ??
Chris Scholes says
This cotton is just what I have been looking for. Usable adult colours too.
Julie Bailey says
Well, I live in the USA…unfair!! However I am visiting the motherland in April….and my sister lives there…AND if I win it will give me an excuse to go to a yarn store!! I have already been looking at that yarn and wondering what I could do with it….only looking…I have a self imposed yarn ban jan/feb/march every year. Have to make do w what I have (also extends to fabric and clothes…)
Julie
Ann Shepherd says
One thing I’ve never tried is Tunisian crochet. Gives a lovely texture in this Stylecraft cotton and such great colours. Something else to add to the ‘have a go’ list.
Amber Sylvan says
Really beautiful cotton yarn! I live stylecraft!
Amy says
Love the new cotton yarn. Thanks for a great giveaway. I am in Australia but from the UK. I still have a postal address at my mum’s and I am visiting in 6 weeks for the first time on 2.5 years!!
Patricia Giles says
This yarn would be ideal for crocheting octopuses and jellyfish for the ‘Octopus for a Preemie’ scheme!
Janet says
I love the DK classique, very easy to use. I have some 4ply projects in mind that would really suit this yarn!
ShazzaC says
What a lovely prize ? Stylecraft yarns are such good quality ?
katactivity says
I love that yellow. So hard to find a good clear yellow. Same with green.
Steph Edie says
I definitely need a new dishcloth and this looks like the perfect quick project (in perfect colours) that might actually get finished!
Vivella says
Ooo yummy hookie cotton.
Sandra says
Really looking forward to giving this 4 ply cotton a go. 4 ply is my yarn of choice as is cotton 🙂 I’m a happy bunny.
Adele Sullivan says
I love Stylecraft yarn, lovely colours and well priced 🙂
Mrs Squiggle says
Love the look of this, will give me a good excuse to dig out the Tunisian crochet hook I bought at Yarndale but have yet to use!
Michelle Gladwish says
Beautiful Yarn and what a generous giveaway – would make a lovely early Mothers Day gift too xx
LavendarLadi says
Beautiful colours! I’ve been using a 100% cotton yarn that I picked up here in Canada. The colours and texture of the yarn just say spring to me! I’m glad you’re enjoying your projects.
Heather says
This cotton looks lovely and will give it a go! Nice spring colours!
The Snail of Happiness says
I’m really not convinced by Tunisian crochet… is it worth persevering?
The Twisted Yarn says
Hmm, not really.
mariposaknits says
I haven’t tried knitting with cotton yet, but I love those colors!
pixiemumblog says
Such lovely colours, will need to check my LYS stocks them.
Tineke says
What! Only UK! ^%##&@ I PROTEST! And feed those worms some cardbox in layers, they love it. Good colours by the way, lavender is a real good colour for dishcloths. I doubt I’ll ever make dishcloths, never understood the use of handknitted/crochet dishcloth. My precious handwork used as dishcloth, never.Especially not in lavender.
Lindsey Loughtman says
Love working with cotton yarn. Your blog is very entertaining too!
Jen Thomas says
Love your (slightly mad) blog, thank you for the chance to win- I love working with cotton
Tracey Hodgson says
Hi I would love to win so I can get some of this. Have crocheted 5 Octopii for premature babies with seriously strandy but very lovely jaeger cotton. This looks far less strandy which will save me loads of time.
Thanks and also thanks for not being at EYF like everyone else. My old stomping ground and getting very jealous at everyones instagram pics.
saraelin says
I would love to win this! The Tunisian crochet looks SO neat but I’m not keen on slow…
Nicola Florence says
I love the pet worm names…we once had pet ants!!! I love a giveaway too and these cottons look delicious xx
aprettypotato says
beautiful yarn <3 I hope I get chance to try it! I have those crochet hooks and they are my favourite! So much I couldn't resist buying the matching knitting needles….
Victoria Smith says
Just beginning my first crochet project using 4 ply… Usually hook up something chunkier. Enjoying it and would love to try out the new stylecraft 4ply
Jill says
Must give Tunisian crochet a go. Looks very neat and professional.
swatt says
Had to double-check I’m not lost in the wilderness before commenting and it appears I’m not – yay!
Charlotte says
I’ve never tried cotton but would love to! Nice colors just in time for spring as well 🙂
Maryfairy says
You Tunisian crochet is fantastic, I could never get on with it myself. Love the new yarn too:)
nicolaknits says
Oooh, I can actually enter this giveaway. I live in Canada but I have family in the Channel Islands so I can provide a British address AND I will be going on holiday there in May. I spotted some Stylecraft in one of their yarn shops last year. Cool! Oh yes, and I rather like Tunisian. I don’t find it slow, and I like the result of the different stitch options.
Nicola
linda says
Always wanted to try crochet with cotton. Those colours are just the thing.
gladeridercrafts says
Definitely interested in this one! The yarn looks amazing 🙂
cath says
great for crocheting colourful string bags -saving the planet and all that!
Julie says
Love the look of the cotton and the colours would make a glorious spring bouquet of crochet flowers, thanks for a fab giveaway, I’ve got my hooks crossed to win : )
Betts says
Good colours for toddler sweaters although I agree a few more darks and brights would be good
nanacathy2 says
Thanks for hosting this lovely giveaway. The yarn sounds lovely and I would love to win. Meantime best wishes to Bart and Matilda worm. Be very good for your compost bin.
nanacathy2 says
And now I have liked your Facebook page!!
Jennifer Ashbridge says
Oh these look lovely.
Marjory says
What beautiful colours to start some spring projects. Sounds like a good yarn for my flower wreath. Thanks for getting it out. ?
Sarah says
Love the range of colours.
Jill Cole says
Lovely colours – 4ply cotton yarn is my favourite for summer
Mags Hobby says
Looking lovely. I’m hoping for a chance to try them.
Rebecca says
Ooh yum, lovely stuff 🙂
Sarah Pearson says
I really like the colours I could make something for my daughter with these 🙂
Rachel says
I love Stylecraft yarns – affordable and good to work with. Would love to win some!
quietwatercraft says
I just made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t buy any more yarn until I’ve used up some of my stash. But if I win it then it doesn’t count, right? That’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it!