Dreaming in Crochet

A New Year

2012-01-11T16:14:00.002Z

Happy New Year!

2012 promises to be a very exciting year for Peeko Crochet. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon. But first of all I must apologise for being so quiet for such a long time. You see exciting things are afoot and I have been concentrating on sorting these secret-for-now things out. I will hopefully be able to share this exciting development with you all shortly.

I will be teaching some crochet workshops for Tigerlily Makes in Lichfield, so if Lichfield is closer to you, why not come along and learn how to make one of the crochet items designed specifically for Tigerlily Makes courses. There are 4 on the schedule so far, using fabulously luxurious yarns. For dates etc. click here.

I have been designing a lot lately and hope to be showcasing these new designs shortly.

The workshop schedule for January and February has been announced. See the website for details of when you can learn how to make your very own crochet items.

Tuesday Yarns starts again on 10th January - it is an informal meeting of crafty people in the Somerville Arms in Leamington. Bring along your current project and chat with like-minded people. More info here.

A little reminder that workshop gift vouchers are now available through the website. Why not give the gift of making to a friend or family member.

In the spirit of January sales, get 15% off all workshops booked before 31st January 2012. Please email me for details.

And with all that, I wish you all the best for the coming year and hope to see you soon!

Denise

Announcing crochet courses at Tigerlily Makes!

2011-09-12T13:31:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I will be running crochet courses for the lovely Lisa at Tigerlily Makes in Lichfield. Check out her brand new website for details.
While on the new website, why not check out the other fabulous courses that you can book onto at Tigerlily Makes, such as felt making, knitting, textiles. It is a hub of creativity, for you to immerse yourself in and be inspired by.

Crochet workshops in March

2011-02-28T13:35:00.000Z

I can't believe it's March already. Here's a quick run down of the crochet workshops planned for March.

Crochet Wire Jewellery
In this workshop, you will learn how to crochet with wire and beads, to create beautiful bracelets. It will be possible to make earrings or a necklace based on the same technique also... (more info)

Amigurumi Animals
Amigurumi is the Japanese for a cute, stuffed, knitted or crochet toy. This workshop is aimed at those who have done some crochet before, or those that have been previously been to the Amigurumi Flowers workshop... (more in fo)

Crochet Surgery
Are you trying to complete a crochet project, but need some guidance and help? Are you a beginner and need some help understanding the basics? Are you looking for help with more advanced crochet techniques? The crochet surgery is just what you need... (more info)

Intro to Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian crochet is not crochet and is not knitting. It is a craft in its own right. When completed, it looks like a cross between knitting and crochet... (more info)

Click 'n Hook
A new social knit/crochet/stitch group is just about to start meeting in Leamington spa on Tuesday evenings. It will be an evening to continue with projects that you are already working on, or start new projects... (more info)

Thanks for reading and as always, contact me if you have any queries.

Denise x

I love days like this!

2011-01-22T23:24:00.001Z

It's days like today that make me really grateful that I get to do what I absolutely love all of the time.
It started last night with some late night baking, and then setting up for the Finger Crochet Hat workshop this morning. Time flew as I set up the materials, printed patterns, got other workshop samples out on show, added frosting to mini cakes, prepared tea makings and got music playing. I was excited about this workshop, because although I only have a few people at sessions at the moment, this is one of my most favourite patterns that I have written and I love to share it with others. The lovely ladies arrived and before I knew it we were chatting, crocheting, eating cake and time was up already. The ladies were excellent crocheteers and I look forward to seeing them again soon.

Here is the detail at the back of Jayne's beret

I love the social aspect to workshops - I am a really chatty person and I love getting to know people and letting them get to know me. Some may find this approach too informal, but I think a friendly, informal atmosphere goes hand in hand with crafting.

Some of the yummy mini cupcakes we had today, with chocolate cream frosting

The day was rounded off with a wonderful takeaway from our favourite restaurant and I'm now enjoying a glass of wine while I crochet into the night.
Have I mentioned, I love my job! :)

Wonderfully Felty Workshops, with Tigerlily Makes

2011-01-21T19:06:00.000Z

Image & design courtesy of Tigerlily Makes and subject to copyright

Just thought I'd let you all know about the wonderfully talented Lisa Olson, the brains behind Tigerlily Makes. Lisa is passionate about all things felty and wanted to spread her love for the craft, and so Tigerlily Makes was created. Almost a year on, her courses are receiving rave reviews and are in high demand.
Check out the list of courses currently on offer from the lovely boutique in Staffordshire and get the felting bug.

Latest Peeko Workshops and News

2011-01-21T14:16:00.002Z

The new workshop programme has been announced!

Click on the image above to be taken to the full list.

Things have been very busy lately. The new website has been taking over a lot of my time (I have been working ridiculous hours to get it to a good state). It is definitely worth it though. The new focus and look is so much better than I could have hoped it was going to be. I have been dreaming in html code though a little. ;)
I still need to add some more content, like FAQs, more testimonials (if anyone has anything they would like to say, now is the time to do it), and a press page. Not to mention, photographing and inputting more products. Overall though, it is a working website, that I think is easy enough to navigate around (please do le me know if something doesn't work or if you have any feedback).

It's Finger Crochet Hats tomorrow, (one of my absolute favourite workshops) so I need to start to get things organised for it. The biggest decision is what to bake for it! ;) I'm toying with the idea of mini cakes (like fairy cakes) some with a vanilla cream frosting and others with a chocolate cream frosting. I know, pretty predictable flavours, but you can't really go wrong with vanilla or chocolate. I have lots of lovely new chunky wool for the workshop too, and I have had to restrain myself from making things with it - it's just so lovely! :)

I guess I should probably get back to work - it's amazing, I usually find it difficult to write blog posts, but when I have hardly no time to write, I end up wanting to write a post that trails on and on.
Oh well!

Happy Friday!
Denise x

Latest Peeko News

2011-01-10T17:10:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

2011 already, how this last year has flown by. Peeko has grown quite a bit this year, which would not have been possible had it not been for you, lovely supporters. I am very grateful to still be able to do and share what I love.

New website feedback
As it is a new year, I decided that I would work on a new website. I have been toying with the idea for a while now - I wanted the website to be more workshop orientated, so this past weekend I embarked upon changing it. I am really beginning to like the new style, but would love some feedback. It is still very much a work in progress, but the bones have been laid out, I am just filling it out with content. This will probably take me the best part of a week to complete, but I would love to know what you think and if you have any suggestions.

Shiny new products
2011 will be a year of more frequent website updates, and as such I will be shortly annoucing new crochet products on the website. Keep an eye out for crochet wire jewellery and a very special product in the run up to Valentine's day.

New crochet workshops
Further crochet workshops will be announced this week. See the new website for details of ones that have already been announced. If there is something that you would like to learn, now is your chance to get it put on the workshop programme. Upcoming this year - Intro to Tunisian crochet; crochet wire jewellery; hair accessories; amigurumi; design your own amigurumi. Get in touch and have your say.

Many thanks again for your support through 2010, and I wish you all the best for the New Year.
Denise x

Workshop in Leamington this coming Thursday

2010-11-08T13:32:00.001Z

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and improvers wanting to learn something a little bit different. You will learn all the basics needed to complete a piece of crochet loop jewellery. The workshop will last for 3 hours, from 6.30 pm until 9.30 pm.

All materials are included in the price, as well as tea and homemade cake.

Get in touch if you would like to book a place. :)

I have listed Crochet Loop Jewellery on ooh.com

Beginner's Crochet at C.O.W

2010-07-13T17:04:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder that I will be leading a beginner's crochet workshop at C.O.W in Birmingham on Saturday 17 July, from 1-4pm.

You will learn basic stitches and how to read a crochet pattern. Suitable for complete beginners or improvers that would like to learn some more techniques.

Ring/loop bracelet - crocheting basic stitches over rings that will then be sewn together to make a stylish bracelet.
Finger crochet flower - using our fingers and basic crochet we will create a big flower that can be worn as a brooch or in your hair... etc.
Bow - we will learn how to crochet bows that can embellish any number of things. Basic crochet stitches but working on a flat piece.

There will also be a few more flower patterns if you fly through all of the above and would like to expand your crochet stitch knowledge. :)

Email Francine to book your place.

Hope to see you there,

Denise x