crochet – Ella's Place

Summer is nearly done (yes, sorry to let you know about that one) and I’m looking forward to refreshing JB towers with some new looks for AW16.

I’m very excited about this season – there are so many looks I love that can be enjoyed and adapted to suit your style. There are seven really strong themes that would work well in any kind of interior, large or small, grand or modest.

Colour pop fun

I can’t resist a pop in colour in my rooms. You can go bold with a Memphis-inspired scheme like the one from Very above or you can simply add colour accents to a more restrained room with accessories. How about some bright crockery or a statement lamp or piece of brightly coloured furniture.

Lush and plush

We all love a bit of luxe; gorgeous fabrics and textures that are tactile, soft and warm that make us feel warm and snuggly while still retaining a sense of style and opulence. Key colours are navy, purple and turquoise and beautiful metallic touches. Oh, and don’t forget a bit of greenery!

Understated luxury

This look reminds of years ago when, in another life I think, as production editor on Restaurant Magazine I went on my first press trip. It was to the Martel Chateaux in Bordeaux and it was really quite something. Woven carpets and tapestries, distressed wooden panels and floors. Studded sofas, elegant candelabra and pretty chandeliers – the whole place was just divine and now is rather easy to evoke with a few high street buys.

Quirky classics

Quirky classic ellasplace.co.uk — From Marks and Spencer

If you’ve had a look at my menagerie pages you’ll know I love a home with a sense of humour and a touch of the unexpected. So I’m pleased to see accessories from so many leading retailers that make you smile this year. I’m particularly taken with this vase from Marks and Spencer.

Cool and clean

Simple elegance AW16 ellasplace.co.uk — From Dunelm

A calm colour scheme and well chosen, minimal accessorising can be a really rather wonderful thing. Its certainly something I like in a bedroom and this was definitely my approach when I lived in a small flat. There are so many collections available in terms of furniture and accessories that you can co-ordinate to get this grown-up look.

Cosy eclectic

As a former editor of craft mags I’m always drawn to a mismatched style that showcases knitting, crochet, patchwork, weaving and a nice bit of trimming. Check out this room scene from Homesense – it’s colourful and cosy sure but it also has such a cohesive style, it’s just so inviting.

Woodland wonders

No autumn round up would be complete without this season’s take on nordic and woodland. I think these ceramics and ornaments from George are really cool; contemporary and fun.

A granny square was the first thing I learned to crochet. This was about three years ago. I won’t lie – I did find it a little tricky to get my head around them initially, but now I can do them in my sleep. Well, perhaps not in my sleep but I can make them while watching telly, on the train and while my family are all arguing about the relative merits of George Orwell and Charles Dickens (I kid you not – getting into some crochet was a good way to duck out of the ‘action’).

The thing I love about granny squares is that their easy pattern means that once you get into the rhythm of making one you can make a collection of little ones, joining them up to make a patch-style throw or crocheting one large square to create a blanket. Plus, their classic, regular design allows you to be really creative with your colour combinations and yarn textures.

I made this baby blanket for a very special little person and two lovely big people. My dear friend Ruth Crilly aka A Model Recommends has just had the most adorable little baby girl and I am delighted for Ruth and Mr AMR. Crochet 10

For this blanket I used Debbie Bliss cotton DK in Ecru (cream) and Butter (yellow) for main parts of the cover. I like to play with texture so I also added a grey and orange accent by crocheting a strip of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby in Silver and Burnt Orange. You can get these yarns at Love Crochet.

To make a big blanket I simply crochet a basic granny square and keep on going, working my trebles and chains into the spaces and around the corners.

If you’re new to crochet and unsure about the stitches and the classic granny square design, I suggest you follow a video step by step (I find them a big help when trying something new), visit Top Crochet Patterns – not only is there a granny how-to but it also talks you through basic stitches. The site has lots of additional free crochet patterns –ready for when your talent and crochet confidence grows.

Tag: crochet

7 Strong AW16 Home Looks

How I made a baby blanket from a crochet granny square