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

Cath Kidston Inspired Crochet Scarf

I am a self confessed Cath Kidston addict. I love the whole concept of the brand, the patterns, homewares, clothing...everything! The basic colour palette is usually a vintage inspired combination of red, pink, blue, yellow and green; colours that I love individually as well as when put together.

A while back a saw a tutorial from the lovely Kath's blog, Inverleith for a CK inspired cowl/scarf which I adored straight away. Unfortunately this was near the beginning of my crochet journey and I wasn't sure about how to make such a wonderful thing. So it was stored in the 'To Do' projects and put to the back of my mind...until now.

I've found brilliant supplier on Instagram, mentioned in a previous post and purchased her CK style colour pack which comes in 6 or 12 balls of wool. I went for 6 was plenty to make a scarf and I have lots left over.

I'm really please with how it turned out - you can wrap it around three times so its cosy and snuggly! It is meant to be a Christmas present for my sister-in-law but I'm tempted to keep it for myself!

I also made a slightly smaller version for the other sister-in-law in more neutral colours. I love this combination of nature neutrals with a splash of pink. For this I used Stylecraft Special DK in Brown, Cream and Clemantis with the green from the CK pack. I did a starting chain of 130 + 3 for turning and followed the same granny strip method as before. With this snood it can be turned twice but in hindsight I should have maybe gone up to 150 +3 so there is a bit more room to get your head in on the second turn! I might keep this one for me and make another for the SIL!

Betty xXx