MY HOOKY TREASURE

Julie Nelson Rhodes aka Tilly Flop shares her favourite technicoloured dream throw, made for her by her sister.

When we moved from London to Manchester, my sister made me this beautiful crocheted throw as a generous housewarming gift. Not only was it the pattern I loved (from www.thepatchwork heart.co.uk/2015/05/the-story-of-grey-blanket. html), but she chose an Orla Kiely-type colour palette for it, too. She knows me very well!

Being a new crocheter and starting to understand the mechanics of it all, I can see that it really was a huge undertaking for her to make it in time, even though it’s just a treble and three rounds. It also renewed my determination to learn to crochet.

My little sister Shirley has been a crafter for many years and used to cross stitch. Coming from a family of knitters, she then finally picked up two needles, but discovered crochet about six or so years ago and hasn’t looked back. Having only ever knitted for years and years myself, she’s very patiently showing me the ropes (or yarn!). She’s taught me well, and I can now boast a very humble pile of similarly coloured small granny squares.

To get started I ordered a pack of Stylecraft Special DK Limited Edition which I think is quite forgiving for a new crocheter – it certainly copes with being ripped back several times! The colours were appealing too. They’re not all my favourites but they all work well together: Duck Egg, Mustard, Grass Green, Boysenberry, Kelly Green, Empire, Pistachio, Lobelia, Fuchsia Purple and Cypress.

The sum total of my crochet career thus far is rather small, but I am inordinately proud of them and believe that one day I will have enough to make a throw. I like the idea of small plain squares too, as it makes me think of pixels, which appeals to the graphic designer in me! Don’t miss our gifts this issue, featuring an exclusive card, stickers and tattoos designed by Tilly Flop, and you can nd Tilly Flop’s full range of designs on her etsy shop at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/tilly opdesigns