Old English Creations

Making Space for Crochet Special Places I have a cherished spot in my home that's dedicated to my crocheting. It's where I spend a lot of my creative time. At any given moment, you'll find me working on at least two crochet projects. One of them is usually a...

Crochet and Sustainability for Eco-friendly Self-care

Discover how crochet and sustainability have a natural intersection, as this craft involves creating beautiful and useful items from yarn, a renewable and versatile material.

Craft Business Card Design for your Micro-business

Crochet Business Cards

Inspiration

Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in the creative process of designing my new set of business cards.

For an aspiring artist and crochet enthusiast like me, these little cards are more than just a means of sharing contact information; they’re a canvas for inspiration and a reflection of my craft.

Simple Design

When it comes to crochet business cards, my aim is clear: to keep the design simple and uphold good design practices.

Simplicity is key because it echoes the elegance and minimalism found in crochet itself.

The act of crocheting is an art form that relies on simple, repetitive stitches to create intricate and beautiful patterns.

In the same vein, my business cards will be a testament to the beauty of simplicity.

These business cards are more than a formality; they’re an extension of my passion and a means to connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts.

They will carry a piece of me, my love for color, and the simplicity that makes crochet such a captivating art form.

Meditative Art

The design process itself is a meditative art, much like crocheting.

It’s a journey of trial and error, of experimenting with different combinations until I find the one that resonates with my vision.

Much like crafting a crochet piece, it’s about patience, attention to detail, and a genuine love for the process.

Design

Incorporating good design practices is not just a formality; it’s a way to ensure that my cards convey the essence of my craft effectively.

Here’s how I plan to do it:

Color Palette

As a lover of color, I understand that the right colors can evoke emotion and capture attention.

I’ll choose a color palette that resonates with my artistic style, possibly drawing inspiration from the vibrant shades of yarn in my crochet projects.

Typography

The choice of fonts can make a significant difference.

I’ll select fonts that are not only legible but also harmonize with the overall design.

This way, my cards will be a visual extension of my crochet artistry.

Texture and Finish

Texture can play a vital role in making the cards memorable. I

might explore options like textured paper or finishes that mimic the feel of crochet stitches.

These tactile elements can add an extra layer of depth to the design.

Information Layout

While the front of the card will feature the creative design elements, the back will be organized with essential contact information.

This balance ensures that the cards remain functional while showcasing my artistic flair.

Brand Fonts

I love the Helvetica neue font so that’s my choice.

It can be bold or super thin and always looks fresh.

Brand Color

My only colours are red for the rose and black. Choosing only two colours keeps the printing costs down.

White Space

Having “white space” (the gaps between the logo and the words) makes it easy to read.

The four elements in my new business card are:

Logo top centre
My name in capitals in the middle
My website address
My tagline

These four elements are really all that is needed.

What Not To Have

Phone Number

You don’t need a phone number no one phones anymore, and if they want to contact me they can Tweet or email from the information on the website contact page.

I’ve had experience in other online business where people call me on the phone at 6am on a Sunday, like they were my friend, but I’ve never met them.

Be wary of too much information. If I do give my card to a customer I may handwrite my phone number on the back if they insist.

First Draft

So it will look like this:

ALISON HEATHCOTE

OldEnglishCreations.com

Creative Crochet Design

Logo

Just as a signature crochet piece might feature a unique motif or pattern, my business cards will incorporate a logo or symbol that represents my brand.

This symbol will be a visual anchor, instantly connecting my cards to my crochet identity.

The Red rose of Lancashire

I got the logo I am using sorted out earlier in the month, it is the red rose of Lancashire.

There is a story behind this choice as well all about how I chose the name Old English Creations way back.

Lancashire in Merry Olde England is my home county, and some days I feel old as well.

Lancashire rose

I am creative every day of my life and I wake-up in the morning with ideas and inspiration for crochet patterns, writing projects or craft, gardening or cooking recipes I plan to make.

Sustainability

Keeping in mind the environment and my commitment to mindful living, I’ll explore eco-friendly printing options for my cards.

Sustainability is a part of my ethos, and it will be reflected in my choice of materials.

Going Forward

So, as I continue to shape the design of my crochet business cards, I do it with the same care and dedication I put into every crochet project.

They’re a testament to the artistic journey I’ve embarked on, and I’m excited to see how they will represent my craft and connect me with a world of fellow creatives.

Thanks for reading and please join our mailing list (below) so you can get all the good things on Old English Creations straight in your inbox.

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Alison

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

B&G: Blankies and Grannies

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Lancashire Day

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Lancashire Day 27th November every year is Lancashire Day. Lancashire is a county in the north west of England. This special day is celebrated by men and women and lassies from Lancashire who may or may not still live there. Like me. I am originally from Lancashire...

https://mailchi.mp/247ca867b970/basicgrannysquare

Granny Squares – Basic Pattern

by Alison | Basics, Patterns

by Alison

Crochet Stitch Diagram – Basic Granny Square

This is a basic Granny square

A Granny square is the building block of crochet work. Every crocheter can learn to make a Granny square and it is lots of fun.

Each row is made with a different color yarn and there are four rows in total. You can add as many rows as you like.

Pattern tips for Granny squares

Turn your work

I make my Granny squares but I turn the work from the front to the back each row change.

This means that row 2 (and all even rows) are done with the wrong side facing (WSF) me as I start the row, and row 3 (and all odd rows) are done with the right side facing (RSF) me as I start the row.

I do this because if you continue on the right side all the time the square can easily become slightly out of shape as you are always going one way.

But, if you turn the work each row it creates a balance for the square as the stitches are worked first one way and then the other way.

It is like knitting on two needles where you knit one way and then the other way, but when you do circular knitting (all the same way) the work starts to creep in one direction.

Over time I have found that Granny squares made right-side-facing then wrong-side-facing keep their shape even after being washed for years.

How to Make Corners

Every corner is a 3 chain (3ch or ch3) corner. If you have 3 chains in the corner you have one on each side when you are sewing up. This helps to keep the squares well, square as you sew.

Sometimes I add add a 1 ch between the groups of 3dc on the sides.

Joining Granny Squares

I recommend sewing your squares together. I am not keen on crocheting them together as that can make a bulky seam and it is not always regular in tension.

When you sew your squares together the seam lies flat which is nice. In this particular Granny square pattern I will use the same black yarn that I used for row 4.

If every Granny has the same color on the last row it is easier to sew them together so it looks neat.

Crochet Terminology

Please note: This pattern used US/Canadian crochet stitch notation not UK or RSA. You can learn more about the difference between USA and UK crochet terminology and follow along.

Materials

5mm crochet hook

I used Vanna’s Choice yarns in three colours. It is like a double knitting weight yarn and smooth when running over the hook. Weight [4]. See more on yarn weights.

Tapestry sewing needle to sew in the ends.

Basic Granny Square Pattern

First row

The first row is in a yellow.

Foundation chain: With yellow, ch 5, join with slip stitch (sl st).

Row1: Ch 2 (as 1st stitch), 2 dc, ch 3 (corner), 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 3, join with ss. Sew in ends as you go.

Second Row

The second row is white.

Row 2: With white, wrong side facing, in a corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, in next corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, in next corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, in next corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, join with a sl st. Sew in ends.

Third Row

The third row is pink. Row 3: With pink and right side facing, start in a middle gap, 3dc, in first corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, 3dc, in second corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, 3dc, in third corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, 3dc, in last corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, join with sl st. Sew in ends.

Finished Granny Square

This particular Granny square is an example.

You can make this Granny square in any combination of color and the color choices depend on what you will be using the squares for.

See more about choosing colors for your crochet projects and make sure to select the best combinations for the projects you make.

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Repetitive Actions and Crochet

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Your Crochet Business in the New Year

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Crocheting on the Go

by Alison | Self-care

Making Space for Crochet

Special Places

I have a cherished spot in my home that’s dedicated to my crocheting. It’s where I spend a lot of my creative time. At any given moment, you’ll find me working on at least two crochet projects. One of them is usually a substantial undertaking, like a cozy blanket or an elegant shawl. The other is a smaller piece, often composed of charming granny squares.

Large and Small Projects

The larger project tends to stay put at home. It becomes a part of the decor, blending into the cozy atmosphere. On the other hand, the smaller crochet project is portable, which is a blessing. I can take it with me wherever I go, and it’s become my trusty companion during moments of waiting.

Waiting Rooms

Whether it’s in a doctor’s waiting room, a dentist’s office, or sitting in the car while waiting for the kids to finish school, my crochet work is a constant presence. I’ve even brought my small crochet piece to coffee mornings and craft group meetings. It’s amazing how a few stitches can make those moments more serene and enjoyable.

Stash in Drawers

There was one house we lived in where I had a special drawer in the kitchen exclusively for my yarn and squares. It was a convenient setup. While waiting for the spaghetti to boil or dinner to cook, I’d pull out my crochet project and make some progress. It’s incredible how those few moments of crafting can transform mundane kitchen time into a delightful creative escape.

Kitchen Crochet

I must admit that my passion for crochet doesn’t stop even during everyday chores. You might find me with a ball of yarn peeking out from my apron pocket while I prepare dinner. It’s almost as if my crochet is a constant companion, adding a touch of artistry to the everyday tasks. Even when I’m on the phone, I’ve been known to keep my hands busy with my beloved crochet work. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a way of life.

Multitasking

It’s moments like these, when I’m multitasking and weaving my art into the fabric of my daily routine, that I realize the true beauty of crochet. It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about infusing creativity into every corner of my life. Crocheting is my meditative art, my sanctuary of colors, and my constant companion. It brings a sense of calm and joy that’s hard to describe.

Reflection

So, as I reflect on my crocheting journey, I can’t help but smile. It’s not just about the finished projects; it’s about the process, the moments of waiting, and the everyday life where my love for colors and art shines through. Crochet is a part of me, and my special place at home is a testament to the love and dedication I have for this wonderful craft.

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

B&G: Blankies and Grannies

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Selecting Colours for Soft Home Furnishings

by Alison | Color

Soft Furnishings Colors

Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are cushions, afghans, throws, rugs, exposed tapestries and things like that. At a stretch you can add table cloths, place mats and napkins in fact all table wear (napery). Furthermore you can consider beautiful bed sheets, embroidered pillowcases and lacy trimmed lampshades as soft furnishings and in the bathroom, all the mats and towels with trims can be seen as soft furnishings. Crochet is very good for all soft furnishing items for your home. either as the main component or as a trim.

50 Shades of Beige

Using bright colours on soft furnishing like afghans, blankets and cushions should be done with care. This is why neutrals and beige are popular home furnishing colours. Think IKEA and 50 shades of beige. You want your home to be relaxing and not jangly all the time. Managing your style and lifestyle is about managing color

Selecting Colours for Soft Furnishings

Neutrals are best and white, cream, taupe, beige, grey and brown always look good. Although you can make a statement cushion in red to add a pop of colour to a room, the best rooms are decorated in soft neutrals like dove grey, soft blues, pale pinks and light greens.

Do not use primary or secondary colours for your soft furnishings. Stay away from orange, purple and turquoise. Instead use soft heather, sea foam and light apricots. Soft hues work best and will be attractive to many people.

If you make soft furnishing to sell in your store or at craft fairs you are likely to sell more if the colour is appealing. Consider your colour choices and enjoy crafting.

Author Bio

Alison is a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger. She combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Read more about Alison’s crochet journey.

Crocheting on the Go

Making Space for Crochet Special Places I have a cherished spot in my home that's dedicated to my crocheting. It's where I spend a lot of my creative time. At any given moment, you'll find me working on at least two crochet projects. One of them is usually a...

Crochet Basics

Basics

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Using Color in Crochet

by Alison | Color

Author: Alison – Updated: February 2025

Choosing Colors for Crochet Projects

Color Decisions

Align

When crocheting physical items such as hats, bags, cardigans and blankets, selecting the right yarn type is important, but equally crucial is choosing the perfect color. The colors you use in your crochet work can influence how the item is perceived, who will be drawn to it and even how well it sells if you plan to market your handmade goods.

The Importance of Color Appeal

Color selection is more than just personal preference, it affects mood, perception and desirability. While you have the creative freedom to use any color you like, certain color palettes naturally resonate with different age groups and demographics.

For example, if you were crocheting a baby blanket, a black-and-purple combination might seem out of place for most parents. While some modern parents embrace unconventional baby colors, traditionally, colors associated with infancy tend to be soft, pastel and comforting.

If you plan to sell your crochet creations, understanding color psychology and age-based color preferences can help you make informed choices that attract your target customers.

Color Preferences

Age Based

People’s relationship with color evolves over time. From infancy to old age, color preferences shift based on emotional development, personal experiences and societal influences. Below is a breakdown of how color preferences change through different life stages.

Newborns (0–12 months)

Newborns are often dressed in white, symbolizing purity and innocence. However, traditional gender-based color cues still play a role, soft pinks for girls and baby blues for boys. These gentle hues create a sense of calm and safety, which is why they are commonly used in baby clothing, blankets and nursery décor.

We used to own a baby shop and have some more ideas on color for babies.

Toddlers and Infants (1–3 years)

As babies become more active and begin exploring their environment, pastel shades remain a dominant choice. Soft yellows, mint greens, lavender and peach are popular because they maintain a sense of gentleness while adding a touch of playfulness. Pastel colors in toddler clothing and accessories signal that the child is still young, dependent on caregivers and in need of gentle handling.

Primary School Age (4–11 years)

At this stage, children are full of energy, curiosity and creativity. Their color preferences shift to bold primary and secondary colors:

Primary colors: Red, blue, yellow
Secondary colors: Green, purple, orange

Bright, saturated colors reflect the playful, adventurous nature of childhood. These hues are commonly found in toys, backpacks and kids’ clothing, emphasizing fun and liveliness.

Tweens (10–12 years)

As children enter their pre-teen years, their color choices begin to mature. Girls gravitate toward magenta, purple and deep pinks, which build upon the pastel pinks they favored as younger children. Boys start favoring blue, black and grey, signaling a shift toward a more subdued, grown-up palette. This transition is a steppingstone toward teenage color preferences, reflecting the subtle emotional and social changes tweens experience.

Teenagers (13–18 years)

Teenage color choices often lean toward more muted and moody tones. Boys and girls both adopt denim blues, dusky pinks, khaki and charcoal greys. Bright colors from childhood are toned down by adding a hint of black, creating dusky, deeper hues that reflect a shift toward maturity. Teenagers often go through phases of self-expression and their clothing colors reflect their evolving moods, independence and emerging identities. This stage marks a departure from the bright and carefree childhood palette.

Adults (19+ years)

By adulthood, color choices become more intentional and tied to lifestyle, career and personality. Adults often choose:

Jewel tones: Teal, maroon, emerald green, sapphire blue, these colors signal sophistication and confidence.
Neutral classics: Black, brown, grey, navy, white, neutral colors convey professionalism, maturity and authority.

Adults use color strategically in their wardrobes and home décor. Darker colors, especially black, suggest power and competence, while jewel tones add richness and depth to personal style.

Interestingly, color choices in adulthood also reflect status and societal expectations. A person wearing a well-tailored black coat and navy trousers is perceived differently than someone in a bright yellow outfit, simply due to the associations with those colors.

Older Adults and Seniors (60+ years)

In later life, color preferences often return to soft, pastel shades such as cream, pale blue, lavender and soft pink. These colors create a sense of calm and approachability. Lighter tones suggest warmth and gentleness, signaling a shift away from competition and status toward comfort and serenity. This return to pastels mirrors the colors worn in early childhood, marking a full-circle journey in color preference.

Understanding Color Psychology in Crochet

When crocheting for different age groups, consider how colors influence emotions and perceptions:

Bright colors (red, yellow, orange) = Energy, excitement and playfulness
Cool colors (blue, green, teal) = Calm, relaxation and trust
Dark colors (black, deep purple, navy) = Sophistication, authority and mystery
Pastels (soft pink, lavender, pale blue) = Gentleness, warmth and non-confrontation

If you are crocheting for personal use, you have complete freedom in choosing colors that make you happy. However, if you plan to sell your crochet work, selecting colors that align with your audience’s preferences can make your products more appealing and marketable.

Author Bio

Alison is a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger. She combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Read more about Alison’s crochet journey.

Crochet and Sustainability for Eco-friendly Self-care

Discover how crochet and sustainability have a natural intersection, as this craft involves creating beautiful and useful items from yarn, a renewable and versatile material.

The Meaning of Colour

by Alison | Color

Colours Have Meaning

You can use colour to boost your mood.

Wear the colour you like or choose a colour whose meaning is how you want your day to go.

Pastel, primary, jewel or darks?

Pastels (lemon, lavender, mint green, baby pink and baby blue) are calming, soothing and non-confrontational. Pastels look good on babies and the elderly.

Primaries (red, yellow and blue) all stimulate the brain but in different ways.

Jewel colours (purple, teal, amber and ruby) are grown up and indicate confidence, up beat and positive vibes.

Dark colours suggest control and power. They can imply seriousness and subdued danger.

Red

Red is the colour of challenge, courage and sex. It says “Look at me” and that danger is near.

Red is stimulating and that is why it is the colour favoured in restaurants and good for your dining room because it stimulates conversation.

Orange

Orange is rude. It is a colour that suggests caution and be careful. If you wear orange you are sending the message that you are unpredictable and others should watch out. But that you are fun loving and unique.

Yellow

Yellow is the colour of sunshine and creativity it is a difficult colour to wear near your face as it reflects a yellow glow that is not always flattering.

Yellow’s message is one of inspiration and lateral thinking. Wearing yellow aids creative solutions to problems. It is a good color to wear when you want some fresh ideas to pop into your head.

Green

Green is the colour for peace and tranquility. It should be worn to calm and rejuvenate your psyche.

Mint green is calming but chartreuse suggests some spiky ideas running through your head.

Blue

Blue in its purest sense is what used to be called French blue and it is like a sapphire blue.

This is a strong color and the wearer is confident and fair. The darker the blue the stronger the person.

Pale blue is for young children or men’s formal shirts which are covered by grey or charcoal suits.

Indigo

Indigo is a colour for getting things done it works well for men and women. It is confident and casual at the same time. Think dark denim jeans which are both smart and casual.

Violet

Violet is the colour of originality. If you wear violet you are stating that you are your own man or woman and will do your own thing in life. Violet in home furnishing can be wild flowers and heathery creamy violets work well.

White

White looks good on just about anyone. A sharp white blouse is a wardrobe staple. White next to your face in blouses or shirts is flattering to all complexions.

Black

Black is a serious city color. Most people can wear black and be taken seriously. Black pants are a woman’s wardrobe staple.

Brown

Brown is a color to wear when you are feeling down and want to hide from life. It is a colour for doing nothing in. It indicates you may be forlorn or pining for days gone by. It can be a sign of depression and if you wear brown it will make you feel browned off and life weary.

Grey

Grey is a colour that wants to blend into the background. It is a non confrontational colour and suggests the wearer is passive and will conform to the will of others. It is a colour that wants peace and quiet.

Author Bio

Alison is a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger. She combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Read more about Alison’s crochet journey.

The Doll’s House Maker

Stories and Yarns

Joe's Story Background Joe was married and had three kids at school. Joe's skill was woodworking. His talent was crafting wooden doll‘s houses. With having two daughters he had made the first doll's house when the girls were very young and they had hours of fun...

Bundle of Joy – The Baby Shop

Many years ago my husband and I owned a baby shop called “Bundle of Joy”.

We sold prams, buggies, bottles, cots, baby clothes, blankets and a million other goodies that a baby needs.

As I was a crocheter I started to create baby blankets to sell in the store.

They did well.

I made crochet baby blankies in white, pink and blue. But never pink and blue together in one blanket.

I made granny squared ones and row on row ones. it was a perfect time of running a business and crocheting at the same time.

I then tried baby yellow and baby green blankets. But they never sold. I could only sell pink or blue blankets.

Our shop attracted customers who were grannies, aunts and mothers of new babies. Over time we got to know the clientele and they would pop in to say “hello” when the went for their groceries at the supermarket in the mall.

During our time at the baby store we were lucky enough to welcome our own bundle of joy and our daughter was born.

So we had a real live baby prop in the store and this too attracted customers.

They would come into our shop and ask, “Do you only have pink or blue blankets?”

To which I responded, “How about this lovely baby mint green or pale lemon?”

Everyone then said, “Oh, I’ll take the pink for my new daughter,” or, “I’ll take the blue because my baby is a boy.”

So even though we could offer a selection of colors, the customers only ever bought the two traditional colours of baby pink and baby blue blankets.

Moms want to clearly define the sex of their baby. If anyone sees a pink or blue blanket in a buggy or pram it is immediately clear that the child is a boy or girl.

In the three years we had the shops we never sold a yellow or a green blanket but, by having them as a selection to offer our customers, the awkward colored yellow and green blankets helped us sell the pink and blue ones, by them being offered as a choice to our customers.

You can read more on the meaning of colours, selecting colours for your crochet work and soft furnishings.

Active Income and Passive Income

by Alison Stapleton

Let’s Look at Types of Income

If you have a day job it means you have an active income like making kids clothes.

Your Money Tree

A passive income is one that brings in income whilst you sleep. It is something you set up and then it continues to generate income by itself.

A passive income will pay in even after you are dead.

Eventually you want your passive income to out strip your active income.

So you can be free from your day job.

Examples of Active Income

Working for someone else and getting paid.
Working two or three jobs and getting paid.
Being paid by the hour for whatever you do.
Crafting crochet hats, barefoot sandals or sweatpants and getting paid.

Example of Passive Income

My strongest stream of passive income comes from eBooks and writing.

Selling eBooks online or from your site. People can buy an ebook at anytime of the day or night even when you are asleep, thus passive income.

I started with eBooks in 2012.

It took me six months to write the first one for a course I was already teaching so I had the info on the page. I just had to get it into an ebook.

This takes time.

Smashwords

Smashwords is an ebook creator and will take mainly text booked and format them to sell on all the platforms.

The only thing is as its is an American company you get caught with withholding tax at a rate of 48%. This cuts into profits. But you get better exposure.

Enter the PDF ebook and eJunkie

Since 2014 I have been selling PDF eBooks as immediate downloads and these eBooks are full of charts and images.

Don’t kid yourself the income is slow but constant.

In the first year I sold 24 books and in the third year 187. Still small potatoes but at $2.99 each it still counts as income.

In 2015 and 2016 I wrote and published two more eBooks and things have slowly turned around.

Income from my eBooks is now at around $20 per month and that is one of my income streams.

A passive income stream.

Micro Business Ideas that You can Start Today