Crochet Nation • Issue 7

📬 A Collector’s Must-Have! Get Your Hands on the Print Newspaper Dedicated to Crochet!

Missed out on Issue 7 of Crochet Nation? Now’s your chance to grab this back issue and dive into the magic of crochet, delivered straight to your mailbox!

Here's What's Inside Issue 7:

• Your blanket is gorgeous but weighs as much as a winter coat. Page 4's Wind River Weighted Blanket is supposed to weigh 18lb (8kg)—that's the point. Inspired by Rocky Mountain landscapes, this tapestry-style blanket uses super bulky cotton for calming, breathable weight that feels like a therapeutic hug.
• Think wool's history is just about warm sweaters? Page 5's "10 Surprising Ways Wool Changed the World" reveals how this humble fiber funded empires, fueled revolutions, and shaped civilization. From Babylonian merchants to American patriots turning homespun into rebellion, every ball of wool carries centuries of history.
• Ever wonder why Spain became a global superpower in the 15th century? Page 5 explains: merino wool. Spain developed exceptional softness and quality, then guarded it as a national asset—exporting sheep without royal permission was punishable by death. Merino monopoly = global dominance.
• The British Empire was literally built on wool. Page 5 reveals that by the 19th century, wool was England's most valuable export. The Speaker in the House of Lords sits on a cushion called the Woolsack—wool helped power the engines of the Industrial Revolution.
• Columbus didn't just bring sheep to the Americas for wool—he brought an empire. Page 5 explains how 16th-century Spain began developing what would become its most valuable export: merino wool. The crown imposed strict controls, making wool a guarded national asset that established Spain as a dominant force in global trade.
• Want a throw pillow that looks like Portuguese azulejo tiles without the heavy lifting? Page 6's Portuguese Tiles Throw Pillow (designed by Mark Roseboom) brings intricate Mediterranean elegance to your home. Intermediate level, worked in mosaic crochet using Scheepjes Catona in midnight blue and white. This showcases layered colorwork and richly textured tile motif for a statement accent piece.
• Mosaic crochet intimidating? Page 6 breaks it down. This pattern is made using the mosaic technique, working all sc sts in the back loop of the sts. When picking up a color, you always do that in the back loop of the indicated st. The pattern shows exactly how to read diagrams by starting in the middle, working right then left.
• Your world is your mood board—you just need to learn how to see it. Page 8's "The World Is Your Mood Board: How to Spot Crochet Inspiration Everywhere" teaches you to train your eye for color (sunsets, graffiti, bouquets), look for texture (tree bark, tile mosaics), and start an inspiration journal. Stop scrolling Pinterest—start noticing the fence pattern in your neighborhood.
• Want a bag that's clean-lined, modern, and actually holds your essentials? Page 9's Truitt Tote (designed by Meghan Ballmer) is worked in panels using beautifully textured herringbone stitch. Intermediate level, plenty of room for all your essentials. Modern style meets sturdy finish—this isn't your grandma's market bag.
• Tired of crochet that looks "cute" but not sophisticated? Page 10's "5 Steps to Turn Your Crochet Passion into a Thriving Business" features Sarah-Jayne Fragola of Bella Coco Crochet, who built a YouTube channel, blog, yarn line, and global community by staying consistent, showcasing her work, and protecting her passion with boundaries and systems.
• Dream of turning crochet into income but don't know where to start? Page 10's insider tips from Sarah-Jayne: share what you love (even before it feels like a business), stay consistent, grow your presence by showcasing your work, build community authentically (not algorithmically), and protect your passion with boundaries. She spent years eliminating things from her life that no longer aligned—so her business could thrive.
• Need a cozy cowl that's quick, relaxing, and beginner-friendly? Page 11's Gateway Cowl (designed by Lena Skvagerson) highlights the beauty of simple stitches and elegant finishing touches. Worked flat and seamed into a loop, it's designed to shine in Yarn Citizen's sustainable yarns: Harmony (50% alpaca, 50% wool) or Unity (100% upcycled Peruvian wool). Soft, eco-friendly, and perfect for no-nonsense energy.
• Craving modern crochet that doesn't scream "vintage doily"? Page 12's "A Fresh Approach to Classic Crochet: Olena Fedotova on Modern Design" explains how designer Olena Fedotova brings subtle modern style to crochet. She looks at older patterns and asks: "What would change to make this feel more modern?" Then she chooses fibers that flow, considers color with care, and edits the edges (adding slip-stitch borders or ruffles) to soften bold designs.
• Thought traditional crochet patterns were boring? Think again. Page 12 reveals Olena's approach: she doesn't discard the past—she refines it. She favors smaller, subtle stitches that build structure without overpowering the fabric, avoids tall dramatic stitches, and believes "shape, drape, ease, and texture are what really make a crochet piece feel modern." Her love of color runs deep—it's a love of "all colors on the Earth."
  
• Amigurumi assembly always a mess? Page 14's tips will save you. Anna Leyzina's "Amigurumi: A Clean Finish" explains how to close the opening (decrease stitches until only one is left, then fasten off securely), cover the gaps (use a yarn needle and the same yarn to cover up holes), and use the mattress stitch for virtually invisible seams. Sewing pins, bent needles, and leaving yarn ends all make assembly easier.
• Want an adorable amigurumi that's actually beginner-friendly and teaches skills? Page 15's Flower Princess (designed by Nathalie Amiel) brings enchantment to your crochet collection with pastel yarns, gentle shaping, and delicate details. Advanced beginner level. This project is perfect for crocheters looking to expand their doll-making skills while creating something truly magical.
• Want wearable crochet that's light, stylish, and works for real life? Page 17's Easy Shell Stitch tutorial shows how this classic stitch alternates clusters of double crochets ("shells") with simple single crochets, creating a fan-like pattern that adds visual movement and gorgeous drape. It's quick to learn, beautifully textured, and works up into soft, scalloped fabric—perfect for baby blankets, lightweight scarves, and wraps.
• Crocheting on vacation sounds dreamy until your yarn explodes in your suitcase. Page 18's "Crochet in Transit: Adventures in Airport Crocheting, Backseat Blocking, and Nautical Frogging" offers laugh-and-learn advice: keep calm and pack like a pro (choose projects that travel well, like granny squares), make it through TSA (crochet hooks are officially allowed), and avoid yarn chicken at 30,000 feet (pack more than you think you'll need).
• Social media making you feel like your crochet isn't good enough? Page 19's Dear Grandma Ange tackles this head-on: stop doom-scrolling crafters online. Those "flawless" projects have three filters, a ring light, and someone crouching off-camera with a highlight reel. You're making something by hand, and that's worth more than any perfectly curated feed. Document your progress, celebrate function over flawlessness, and join a real-life craft group.
• Want a neckerchief that's pink, elegant, and effortlessly simple? Page 21's Selene Neckerchief (designed by Sarah-Jayne at Bella Coco Crochet) is a lightweight, beginner-friendly accessory perfect for transitional weather. Designed for both comfort and style, it's the perfect blend of texture and simplicity—and it's featured in "Stitches of Deception: Installment 7."
• Ever stood in the yarn aisle paralyzed by choice? Page 22's "4 Essentials for Choosing the Perfect Yarn" with Sarah-Jayne Fragola breaks it down: match yarn to the project's purpose (soft and washable for baby blankets, luxury for shawls), swatch before you stitch (it's low-commitment exploration), avoid the most common yarn mistake (using the wrong weight throws off everything), and confidently choose a color palette (draw inspiration from things you already love).

📰 It’s Print! No screens, no distractions—just the joy of flipping through a real crochet newspaper.

🧶 It’s Packed with Value! Each issue is brimming with patterns, stories, and crochet inspiration.

🎁 It’s Happy Mail! There’s nothing like the excitement of receiving a tangible, crochet-filled surprise in your mailbox.

💌 Limited Stock Available! Back issues are printed in limited quantities, so once they’re gone, they’re gone! Snag your copy today and complete your collection.