When my BFF and crochet confidant Stephanie from Its Crochet O’Clock told me that she was hosting a pattern by new upcoming designer I jumped at the chance to get on board and offered to test the new design.
The Designer
Russell Sansom aka theticcyknitter on instagram is a UK based fiber artist. Inspired by the natural elements around him. Living in Portsmouth, close to the sea and also not far from the countryside of the South Downs, nature is a big creative influence, especially for color combination. An avid knitter taught by his mum as a kid and has been knitting for several years.
Russell started crocheting almost 5 years ago, he was hosting a craft class for the hospice charity he work for. A member of the hospice offered to teach him the basics of crochet and he was hooked, but admits being left handed he found it difficult to begin with, but with patience and determination he soon became addicted.
“I really likes the texture possibilities of crochet and how fast it can work up. Just playing around with stitch combinations really fires my brain.”
Russell has Tourette Syndrome, Crochet and knitting have played a huge part in how he manages his condition.
“it calms my brain and motor tics because of the counting and repetitive motion” says Russell.
Knitters who read my blog may has seen Russell Kirsty Allsopp TV show, “handmade Christmas” were he won the Christmas Jumper competition two years in a row.
The Pattern
Inspired by the Dorest coastline close to his home, She Sells Sea Shawl is an curved shawl working from the small tip – increasing out. It measures 62″ long by 27.5″ wide when blocked.
I fully enjoyed making She Sells Sea Shawl, it worked up rather quickly and is so versatile as you can see I took the liability of adding few extra contrast stripes 🙂
A combination of standard stitches are used Single Crochet, Half Doubles, Trebles and Puff Stitches.
That’s not all i took liability with either.. You know me.. I like them big! so with an extra ball of accent yarn and the left overs I had I repeated the pattern repeat to add on some extra length.
The pattern uses Nurturing Fibers Eco Fusion (50% cotton, 50% bamboo – light DK weight) 5 balls for the main color (I used Vanilla) and 1 ball for the accent color (I used Charcoal) But I did buy one extra charcoal.
The pattern is a free download on Its Crochet O’clock
Explore color options on Goodloops
Follow Russel’s adventures on Instagram
Check out other patterns by Russel on LoveCraft
Now I’m off to work some more on Russell’s Tide Turner Knitter Shawl 🙂
Happy Hooking
Love Emma May xoxox
Pippin Poppycock 
Always room for a new designer ! 🙂
But – that’s too many biscuits. [grin]
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