Frost Loves Wool And The Gang

crochet, make your own hat. wool and the gang crochet, make your own hat. wool and the gangIn today’s consumeristic throw away society what could be more cool than making your own hat- or bag- from scratch? Well Wool and The Gang are a great company making knitting cool. Why buy a hat from Primark when you can get a pattern and everything you need to crochet your own? Easy to do and oh-so fashionable. Frost loves Wool and the Gang and we suggest you get on board too.

WOOL AND THE GANG LAUNCH RAFFIA: A DESIRABLE NEW YARN AND ACCESSORIES COLLECTION PERFECT FOR YOUR CITY TO COAST SUMMER GETAWAYS

As the days get longer and it seems spring is in the air, it’s time to turn our minds to Summer! DIY fashion pioneers Wool and the Gang are proud to announce the launch of their brand new yarn and accessories range Ra-Ra Raffia -​ after all, we believe crochet is the perfect way to spend balmy holiday evenings.

The durable fibre has fast become the go-to summer material for brands including Celine, who want to bring a touch of the Riviera to their pieces. The trend looks set to continue for 2018 with the return of straw totes and woven baskets, for those who want to channel their inner Jane Birkin the Ra-Ra Raffia makes the perfect iconic basket bag.

The distinctive raffia fibre is light and airy, water-resistant and quick-drying – perfect for creating pieces to take on sand-filled, shady getaways (as well as light enough for those urban city adventures). From slouchy bucket bags and playful totes, to authentic hats and bohemian-inspired house accessories, these projects are the perfect way to transcend seasons and get yourself vacation-ready! The wide-brimmed floppy hat ​Worn This Way is the ultimate Summer statement piece – versatile and stylish, paired with the beginner-friendly ​Money Honey Clutch​ ​or ​Starstruck Bag​ for added texture and depth to your summer outfits.

The new release features 9 new crochet kits and 2 free patterns, available in 4 balmy, summer inspired hues; Ivory White, Cinnamon Dust, Midnight Blue and Desert Palm.

Step into Summer with Ra-Ra Raffia accessories – the ultimate summer projects for the start of the warmer months.

Yarn: ​Ra-Ra-Raffia
Shades: ​Ivory White, Cinnamon Dust, Midnight Blue, Desert Palm Price:​ £14.50 / ​ €​17.00 / $20.00
Yardage/Weight: ​273yd/250m and 100g
Suggested knitting needles: ​4.5mm

Washing Instructions: ​Hand wash

Kits: ​Money Honey Clutch, Starstruck Bag, Bad Romance Bag, Paper Gangsta Bag, Worn This Way Hat, Joanne Hat, Love Game Basket, Oh La La Plant Hanger, Poker Face Cup Holder.
Free Patterns: ​Speechless Phone Case, Perfect Illusion Placemat

Kit prices: ​Range from £15.00 / ​€​17.00 / $20.00 – £65.00 / ​ €​76.00 / $8.00

ABOUT WOOL AND THE GANG

Wool and the Gang, are committed to making knitting a thing of the future and it all starts with their community. From the type of wool to the design to the finish – when it comes to clothing and accessories that reflect personality, the ‘Gang’ know better than anyone what they want, so who better to make them? With responsibly sourced materials, tools and most importantly, easy to follow instructions, the kits come with everything needed to make knitters DIY dreams come true. Whether starting with something simple, or deciding to go for the Wool Monty, they’ve got you covered. Wool and the Gang has collaborated with Giles Deacon for his LFW show, Friends of the Earth, the British Fashion Council, Mini, Veuve Clicquot, Christopher Raeburn, Whistles, Soludos and & Other Stories to date. The Gang cares deeply about provenance and collaborates with the best producers to source their yarns.

https://www.woolandthegang.com

Knit Quit Kit Review: Can It Help You Quit Smoking?

knitquitkitowlFrost came across this unique and gorgeous knitting product that was launched to help smokers quit whilst learning a new and very popular skill.

Inventor, Vanessa Bracewell, says: “I am not an experienced knitter and only started the wonderful craft/obsession 8 months and 5 days ago when I stopped smoking – after 30 years of burning my money and probably damaging my health…From experience, when quitting smoking it is impossible to concentrate on anything, including counting rows.”

Included in the kit are three very easy projects using only cast on/off, knit stitch, increase, decrease and changing colour of yarn.

Everything needing to complete the three projects is supplied in the novelty cigarette style gift box. Includes extremely easy to follow patterns specially designed with tick boxes to keep track of your knitting.

The patterns include: Bill the Owl Keyring (to offer wisdom and support in moments of stress and weakness) BFT Bracelets (Best Friends Together) one to knit for yourself and one to knit for your quitting smoking helper to thank them for their support and a practical drawstring Purse/Bag – to save your well earned money in.

www.knitquitkits.co.uk

Our writer, Helen, tried it out.

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Helen loves knitting so we sent her the kit. Helen is also trying to stop smoking. She liked the look of the kit but found some of the knitting hard because of her eyesight. Shouldn’t be a problem for people with good eyesight.

She thought it was easy to do and the owl, bracelets and drawstring bag were all cute and unique. The kit looks great and comes with easy patterns. The colours are also beautiful but Helen thought it was a little pricey at £17.99.

Whilst knitting and doing the kit Helen did find her mind occupied. She has not managed to quit smoking completely but has cut down considerably. Good stuff.

The Best Craft Books For Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and our wallets are bracing themselves for the onslaught. There is a more thoughtful and cost effective way to let people know how much they mean to you, and it is fun too: Craft. So Frost Magazine has gathered up some excellent craft books for hours of fun and brilliant, original gifts for the people in your life.

Clangers

An excellent knitting book on the incredibly popular and historical British Television show, Clangers. The Clangers have been around since the 1960s. You can make the Clangers and their entire universe in 15 fun step-by-step projects. The book has original Clanger knitting patterns. Clangers is a very well illustrated book full of imaginative ways to make the Clangers universe. A must buy for fans and interesting for those who are not acquainted.

This fantastic new book will allow you to knit your own Clanger. Choose from Major, Mother, Granny, Small and Tiny. Includes instructions on the Soup Dragon, Iron Chicken and of course the Froglets. There are insider tips and tricks to create your very own Clanger planet with step-by-step instructions for Tiny’s boat and Major’s rocket as well as sets and trees. Learn how to make scenery, backdrops and props, and perfect that distinctive Clanger whistle!

Clangers: Make the Clangers and Their Planet with 15 Easy Step-by-step Projects (Knitting)

Best in Show: 25 More Dogs to Knit

I love this book. It shows you how to knit dogs, actual dogs. Whether it is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shar Pei, Lurcher or Greyhound, your favourite breed of dog will probably be in here. And what an awesome present. Your sibling might get your mother something from Boots but imagine telling her you knitted her a DOG. It is an ace in sibling trump cards.

The book is separated into sections such as Toy, Utility, Working, Terriers, Gun Dogs. I think this is an excellent present. Full marks for coolness and imagination.

www.knityourowndog.com

The leading knitting books of 2010 and 2011, Best in Show Dogs & Cats have been outstanding global successes. Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne are back with 25 even more fabulous dog designs. You can knit your own precious pet, reproduce your favourite breed, or even knit the dog you have always desperately wanted.

Best In Show: 25 More Dogs to Knit

Mollie Makes Christmas

This book has over 20 projects to keep you entertained in the run up to Christmas and beyond. Buy this book and learn how to make Heirloom Stockings, Crochet a reindeer, make some festive stationary, knit an iPad cosy and make a Christmas Tree

You can make finger puppets to keep children entertained and cushions to pass out on when exhausted or when you have had too much wine. Fun for you and all the family. A great fun book.

If you’re hooked on crochet, hanker for handmade and would rather create your own unique Christmas than buy from a superstore, then this little book is for you. It perfectly captures the ‘living and loving handmade’ spirit of Mollie Makes magazine, celebrating the world of ‘granny chic’. Featuring over 20 new projects from Mollie Makes magazine’s favourite designers, Christmas showcases a passion for handmade. All the projects are easy to follow with clear step-by-step photographs and instructions, plus handy tips along the way. Many are suitable for beginners, but the Mollie Makes ethos is to give it a go and be proud of the end result. We positively embrace imperfection. Here’s to living and loving a handmade Christmas!

Mollie Makes Christmas: Living and Loving a Handmade Holiday

We Knit You a Merry Christmas

This book is as excellent as it’s name. This adorable book has 20 patterns for festive handmade gifts. A cool Turkey, ‘Let It Snow’ which is adorable snowballs on a sledge. Gingerbread men that look happy, Baa Humbug – cute sheep wearing Christmas hats. The most adorable deer. Santa and a polar bear. A Penguin, Three Wise Men, an Angel… It has everything to make your Christmas fun.

This book also has excellent and easy to follow knitting basics, sewing basics and conversions at the back which are really handy.

Christmas is a time for sharing, and hand-knitted gifts for friends and family are the perfect way to spread a little festive joy. We Knit You a Merry Christmas has something for everyone.

Traditional Christmas characters such as angels, choir boys, Father Christmas and the three kings make great decorations. Or add some fun and laughter to your Christmas celebrations this year with knitted animals such as sheep (‘Baa Humbug’), crocodiles (‘Snappy Christmas’) and Three French Hens, as well as quirkier items like chillies, sledging snowballs and of course the famous pea (‘Ha Pea Christmas’).

So forget gold, frankincense and myrrh and give the gift of knitting this Christmas.

We Knit You a Merry Christmas: 20 Patterns for Festive Handmade Gifts