New pattern out in Crochet Now

Latest issue of Crochet Now was published on Thursday with two of my designs in. On the front cover you can see the ripple hot water bottle covers and then within the issue you can find a matching pyjama case. In today's post I give you the inside story...

The brief
Back in the Summer, Amy, the editor of Crochet Now, put out a call for design submissions for the upcoming Autumn and Winter issues. One of the themes was 'festive opulence'. The brief said;
"It's the most decadent time of the year, so pick a palette of rich colours and sumptuously tactile makes".

The idea
The festive period for me is all about family, making memories, delicious food and wrapping up warm - whether inside or out. Like many others I have Raynaulds Phenomenon and really struggle during the Winter to keep warm and it's not unusual to find me with a hot water bottle during the day or with a heated hand warmer when we're out. When I saw the brief I thought it would be really lovely to design a hot water bottle cover for a small hot water bottle that could accompany me out and about during the Winter - I wanted something beautiful and functional.

This brief also immediately called for beautiful jewelled coloured yarn and a tactile raised ripple or gentle wave pattern that invites you to run your fingers over. I quickly sketched up a design and made a swatch.

Being commissioned
I received an email from Amy on a barmy sunny day in August commissioning my design. Imagine planning Christmas in the middle of Summer! I was delighted but then the hard work began.

Pattern writing and samples
As you will probably know magazines work months ahead needing to allow time for tech-editing patterns and photographing samples and so I didn't have long to write up the patterns and work up my samples.

One of the reasons I want to work with a magazine during my initial forays into designing is the rigour and good discipline they require. In the case of Crochet Now, they have a comprehensive style guide you must follow when writing the pattern and in using it, you really have to think about what you want to convey to the reader.

Finished objects
I was delighted with the finished results and so pleased to be able to incorporate buttons from my dear Gran's button box. In my hurry to get the samples in the post I failed to photograph them which is quite frustrating but the team at Crochet Now have done a super job of styling and photographing them so you should buy a copy and see how lovely they look!

Crochet Now, Issue 21
I received my preview copy a week or so ago and I was thrilled to spot my hot water bottle on the front cover.

I hope that my Gran in whose memory this blog is named would have been proud! In a month or so I'll receive my samples back and I can't wait to start using my little hot water bottle to stave off the cold.