Update

It's been a while since I've sat down to write something, mainly because I've been so busy with either work or finishing off little projects I just haven't had to energy to sit and type (especially when I'm in front of a computer all day).

I've been a busy bee though on the crochet front. With Christmas fast approaching (okay, I know we still have about 8 weeks!) I have a list as long as my arm of projects I either need to finish off or start. I also keep getting distracted with other little makes that might only take an evening to finish but I need to be stricter with my time if I want to get it all completed before December 25th! So, here is a little compilation of what I've been up to...

We went down to the New Forest for a couple of days in September which was absolutely wonderful. It was so pleasant and peaceful down there; everyone was really friendly and it was nice to see new things, especially the horse but alas I struggled to get a descent picture of them!

We bought ticked to Wicked which is a show I have seen before but the Other Half had never been to the theatre so I decided that was a brilliant show to see. It was 'wicked'! I love all the songs and the stage production and how everything moves so seamlessly never fails to impress me.

The weather has most certainly changed over the last couple of months and it is officially Autumn. I love this season; everything gets a little more cosy, the leaves turn to that lovely auburn/orange colour and there is a crispness in the air. I had seen an autumn/fall wreath on the blog Repeat Crafter Me and I thought I would give it a go. I got the polystyrene wreath from Hobbycraft and bought a selection of autumnal colours from Deramores. The pattern can be found here as well as patterns for the tiny pumpkin and leaves.I really enjoyed making it and it only took a few days to complete.

I also decided to make a slightly larger pumpkin using the same pattern featured in RCM's blog post, just increasing the initial chain stitches to give a bigger version. I'm really pleased with this too and added a pom pom wreath made using Clover Pom-Pom Makers, which was super quick and easy!

These are a couple of little projects I have on the go. A possible Christmas present in the form of a Cath Kidston inspired cowl scarf and a cutie teddy bear for a new baby arrival :)

I hope you have all been well and enjoying the change in the seasons.

Betty xXx

Crochet Hand Warmers

The weather has decided to abandon all hope of an Indian Summer and it seems to have officially become Autumn. I do love this time of year; getting cosy on the sofa with a blanket, wearing jumpers and boots, plus I get to wear scarves again. Aside from being constantly cold, getting wet in the rain and being blown about by the wind, its a great time of year!

It seems a little early to be dusting off the gloves and scarves (although I'm tempted), I thought that some hand warmers/fingerless glove things would be more appropriate and would keep my mits warm on the way to work. I've seen a couple of people posting their makes on Instagram (my username is betty_button) which has inspired me to make my very own pair. After a quick internet search I found a blog post by Lucy from Attic 24 which seemed super easy so I've given it a go. I used Hobbycraft's value yarn in blue (although its more of a purple shade) and a light beige I had in my left over stock pile. They are both DK and I used a 4mm hook. They only took one evening to make!

 It was super easy to make, although I made the mistake of not doing enough foundation chains (Lucy suggests 35 and I only did 30), so I had to do 3 single crochets (UK double) down the side to make it fit! I went around 24 rows high, using one row of single crochets and the rest as half double crochets (UK half treble). I thought they looked a bit plain with just one colour so I added some light beige to the thumb hole and a neat bobble edging along the top.

I wore them to work this morning and they were lovely and cosy; definitely kept me warm in this cooler weather!

Betty xxx

Christmas Crochet Inspiration

With summer pretty much over in the UK and the leaves turning a lovely orange colour I can now start thinking about all the crafty things I want to make for Christmas! I know, I know, It's still a good three months away but I would like to make a few crochet presents this year as I was still just a complete beginner last year. I still count myself as a beginner but I am competent enough to make a few things now that don't fall apart!

My main easy make will be scarves - for myself as well as others. I am also thinking about place mats, coasters, candle votive covers and anything of course some lovely decorations to adorn our new flat! I particularly would like to make a wreath a la Attic 24 (I love Lucy!) and my mum has been eyeing up some stocking garlands to hang over the fire place. Of course with all of this crochet making madness I will be making my biggest order to the wonderful website, Deramores. I really cannot fault them! Every order I have placed has arrived the next day, they have a massive stock selection, colours...I could go on. I have also seen a lovely seller on Instagram who is selling DK packs in various colours and she'll even put custom packs together for you! This will be great for Christmas colours as well as future projects I have in mind. Her name is Anita and her Instagram username is mycraftlife (she also has a personal account madebyanita showing off her lovely creations).

Here are some Pinterest inspiration:

 

Red Apple Placemat by MariMartin

 

Basket Weave Placemats - Redheart.com (free pattern!)

Granny Stripe Infinity Scarf - Olgasoleil.blogspot.com

Christmas Stockings - www.talesoftwistedfibre.wordpress.com

Colourful Christmas Wreath - Attic 24

Christmas Wreath - Julia Crossland

I hope that has given you some inspiration, albeit a little early perhaps! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Betty xxx

Etsy Love

Recently I find myself spending a lot of time on Etsy. Not necessarily making actual purchases but just looking at all the pretty goods there are and being in awe of how talented all the sellers are. The great thing about Etsy is that you can shop all over the world and find treasures that are unusual, handmade and quite often, unique. I also love that they have a massive vintage section featuring bags, clothing, jewellery and home wares.

As a seller on Etsy (www.bettybuttonpie.etsy.com) I have to say I am quite lazy. I have been selling my handmade jewellery on and off for about three years now but after a bit of a disastrous craft market and lack of money I lost my mojo and haven't really gotten it back. I am a lover of all crafts and can see the time and effort that has gone into each pieces I favourite on Etsy, but unfortunately my passion for selling my wares has dwindled, at least for now.

Here are some of my most favourite items at the moment:

 

Harry Potter Expecto Patronum T-shirt

 

Mustard Yellow Button Earrings

 

Silver Stacking Rings

 

Bicycle Phone Cover

I could honestly go on and on listing all the wonderful creations but I hope you liked a few of my personal favourites. 

What are your favourite items? Do you have a shop on Etsy?

Betty xxx