New Year Crochet Plans

Now that Christmas is out the way I can start thinking about projects for the New Year. I have one main plan in particular but I'll share that with you later when I have more details. It's lovely to make things for other people but I do like a project you can do at your own pace and then being able to enjoy it once it's finished, so I thought I would spend some time of these things and hopefully learn some new skills.

A while ago, whilst flicking through Simply Crochet magazine I came across a piece on filet crochet  and was intrigued by how delicate but intricate it looked. It seems that there are many patterns to follow, similar to embroidery and lots of things to make, from coasters to wall art. I'm planning to purchase the book by Betty Barnden (link here) to learn some new skills and hopefully create something pretty!

For a long time now I've wanted to make a jumper or cardigan for myself. I've practiced with small people sizes as seen in this post but have not had the time or inclination to set myself the challenge of an adult size. There are some easy to follow patterns on Ravelry and Simply Crochet mag so I'm going to attempt one and hope I get it right! I am tempted to adapt the baby pattern for an adult size as I really like the style! However I'm not very good at doing that so don't think I'll try on this occasion.

My first big project for 2014 is going to be a mood blanket. There is currently a hashtag on Instagram going around for #crochetmoodblanket2014 and despite saying that I was not going to do one, I caved and have just placed an order for 12 balls of lovely coloured yarn! I'm still undecided about what stitch(es) to use - originally I thought of doing a patchwork blanket with each square being a different stitch but realised that some squares may need to be bigger or small than others. I then thought about a multi stitch striped blanket but am now leaning towards a simple one stitch multi colour stripe...I'll keep you posted. 

Currently I am working on baby things to hopefully sell on Etsy once I get enough practice to think they are good enough. The gifts for my Godson went down really well which has given me some confidence but I'm planning to start small and see how I get on.

I have a lot of goals for 2014, both crafty and personal. I hope for a fantastic year and wish you all the very best!

Betty xXx

 

A Year in Crochet

It was around November last year that I thought myself how to crochet. Once I got the hang of it I was hooked (pun intended!)

I've developed my skills slowly but have really enjoyed it and I'm now addicted! From the very first scarf I made to baby clothes, teddy bears, and blankets, here is a selection of the last 12 months...

I'm really looking forward to developing my crochet skills and new crafty adventures in 2014. I hope you are all enjoying your New Year's Eve celebrations what ever you're up to. For me, it's an evening snuggled up on the sofa with a cuppa tea :)

Betty xXX

Little Tank Top

I've been wanting to make some little people clothing for a while and after my successful attempt at a cardigan (minus the sleeves - I've not quite mastered those yet) I decided a cute tank top would make a great gift for my godson. Would you believe it was so hard to find a pattern for one especially for toddlers, but after a bit of searching I found one by Lisa Hoffman - Little Boy Springtime Vest

I chose a simple light grey colour yarn using Stylecraft Special Aran in silver and did an edging in a sage green from New Fashion DK in glacia. It was such an easy pattern to follow, I'll definitely be making more! It can easily be adapted for smaller or larger sizes but changing the yarn and hook size, and even the colour to make it more girly. I think next time I'll add an appliqué motif to give it a bit of character. Here are some pics:

At the beginning it did feel like it was going to take forever.

The back complete, now to do the front.

It's all finished!

I must get some crochet clothing tags or try to make my own as shop bought ones tend to be aimed at knitting. I had to use 'stitched with love' tags as it was the closest thing to crochet! 

Hope you are having a lovely time over the festive period and eating lots of yummy food :) 

Betty xXX 

Christmas Crochet Makes 2013

With only 5 days to go, I have been crocheting like a mad woman for what seems like weeks now. I felt like I got the main Christmas gifts out the way but then others sneak up on you and before you know it, you're in the last week and it's time to start giving gifts.

I'm pleased so far with my makes and I hope that the recipients like them; WIP's so far have included the CK inspired scarves, a little cardigan for the OH's cousin, a tank top and Pocoyo doll  for my little godson.

I'm now working on the final projects which include a Pocoyo doll and tank top for my Godson

I somehow managed to make myself another snood in the meantime - you know we always have to have more than one thing on the go and this was a very quick make taking only a couple of days to finish.

I've really enjoyed having lots to focus on but I think next year I will definitely start nice and early and have a clear plan of what I'm going to make. *Note to self - order enough yarn*

I hope you've all been enjoying the festivities! I can't wait to have a break and enjoy lots of lovely food...and more crochet :)

Betty xXx