Christmas Crafting

I realise it's a little early to mention it...but Christmas is not far away and so this week I’ve begun some yuletide crafty projects.

This year my family have all agreed to put their varied skills to the test and make presents for one another, instead of traipsing endlessly around the shops buying gifts that we don’t really want or need.

Already this has made Christmas more meaningful. I’m already giddy at the thought of my family’s reactions to the little creations I’ve made. Equally I’m excited about the things my loved ones will make for me…with a chef for a mother and a Dad who makes beautiful wine, I think Christmas is going to be very merry in my household!!

Obviously I can’t show you the things I’ve made (just in case a relative can’t wait until Dec 25th!) but I can give you a teeny tiny glimpse at some bits and pieces I’ve been working on…

Homeless No More!!

Finally my crochet hooks have a home! Today I made a roll to keep all my hooks together, and there's even room for a pair of scissors and some pins. What do you think? I think it's turned out rather beautifully, despite the odd little mishap with the binding! (but shh don’t tell anyone!)   

Oh and as a quick make to use up some scraps, I made a little pincushion.

I hope you like them :o)

Wonky Crochet

Here's a little look at the new scarf I started yesterday. It suddenly occurred to me over the weekend, that although I own and have made many scarves in lots of different colours and styles, I don't own a scarf in any autumnal colours! So after a quick trip to John Lewis I have made a start on my first crocheted neck warmer! You may be able to spot the mistake...its slowly shrinking the further down I get!! Ooops!! The question is now though, do I carry on and have a wonky scarf...or undo it all and start again?! What do you think?

Rainbow Parcels

I'm super excited about the recent delivery of two very special parcels. The first has travelled all the way from America and contains a stack load of beautiful fabric from the very talented Anna Maria Horner. I am now the proud owner of her Good Folks collection and I can't wait to get started with making something lovely.

The second parcel was from Carina of Carina's Craftblog, containing some yummy yarn to make her Electric Rainbow Blanket.

I can now make a start with my Autumn challenge....now where did i put my crochet hooks?!?

Crochet Challenge!

I love autumn.

It's perhaps my most favourite time of year. I love the mix of autumnal colours everywhere you look and I particularly love the feeling of wanting to snuggle up under a blanket with a hot cup of tea!

It is usually this change in season that sparks a change in craft project too. I tend to move away from sewing and embroidery, in favour of reaching for lovely, warm balls of wool, knitting needles and crochet hooks.

I'm notorious for having multiple projects on the go (usually because I run out of time before I finish, and then have a sudden stroke of inspiration to do something else!) but this autumn I’m determined to set myself a crochet challenge of two!!

The projects I've attempted in the past have consisted of scarves (and other square or rectangular items!) nothing particularly tricky. But not this time!! My crochet challenge is to…

1. Crochet an entire blanket!
2. Crochet a super cute animal from Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet for my seriously cute nephew, Luca!

Luca

Electric Rainbow Blanket

The first challenge will be helped by Carina as I’ve ordered the wool and pattern for the beautiful blanket above. However, thanks to the postal strike I may need to wait a little longer to get started. I’m very excited about starting this project as I only learnt to crochet about 8 months ago and so I’m still painfully slow…checking and rechecking every stitch to make sure I get it right. This will be a real incentive to keep at it.

Has anyone else set themselves a crafty challenge this autumn?