Sunday 27 April 2014

Latest Crochet Makes


Well it's happened. 

I have a feeling that the reason I procrastinated about learning to crochet for so long was because really, I knew it would be addictive. I have spent enough time reading blogs and on Instagram to know that housework gets left undone, to-do lists are left unticked, and entire days end up wrapped around the hook once the crochet bug has been caught. ...But I'm very happy about it!

I never want it said about this blog that I am a crafter in pursuit of perfection, which is why I try to show my projects, wonky shonkyness and all. As a crochet newbie I'm yet to make anything without a few flaws, but that's all the fun of the learning process, and of course producing anything handmade. 

So after finishing the bunting for Bea the next thing I made was a couple of chunky snoooooooods, the pattern had been recommended to me as a good one for beginners by Claireabellemakes. I'd actually started one of them before the bunting, but found that crocheting round in circles was a little confusing - I couldn't see where the next stitch was because the fabric curved - but once the bunting was complete I found I was sufficiently practised to crack that, and produced two snoooods over two evenings. Very satisfying after fifteen years of spending weeks at a time knitting scarves!

There wasn't anyone around to help take a photo of moi in one of these snoods, so here is a very grainy, dodgy selfie on the evening I finished the first one - my mum had the honour of receiving this fine portrait (cough) to cheer her up (cough) when she was working on a night shift. I'm sure she was very proud. (Cough cough).


Moving swiftly on... my next crochet make was a little impromptu, in that my gran passed away, and I had decided that I wanted to wear a white rose to her funeral service. She was a proud Yorkshirewoman, and having lived myself in Yorkshire for seventeen years now, including four in her native Leeds, I felt it would make a nice emblem to wear on the day. The problem was that the night before I had a crisis of confidence about wearing a real rose, especially as I'd chosen not to wear black, in case others thought it was more appropriate for a wedding than a funeral. So, at 9pm I hopped on YouTube and sought a speedy tutorial for crocheting a white rose. This was the result...


I really enjoyed making it, and felt it made just the right statement on the day. I've whipped up this peach one since and am positive there will be many more to come - they make such nice presents and embellishments after all.


Next up, a pair of slippers for my mum's birthday this week. I spotted this rather lovely soft yarn - 30% wool  - for £2 a ball on Doncaster market, and as it reminded me of a pair of slippers my mum had owned previously I took it as a good sign! 


This was my first attempt at adapting a pattern. I used the how-to in Makery by Kate Smith but found that by the time it came to binding off the finished slipper wouldn't have fit a child. Luckily it was just a case of keeping on building the rows until I had the right size. I also decided to add straps to help them stay on. My favourite part was choosing the buttons, as always!


A foray into cotton for my last makes. I found a kit for making coasters among my Mollie Makes freebies, but found the pattern a little tricky for my skill level. So I used the yarn to have a go at Yvonne Eijkenduijn's supremely pretty coaster pattern (US) instead and after this one turned out a little dodgy...


This blue one turned out nicely. I'm keeping and using both of course, it's like having my own personal crochet journey dotted around my home!




So, a yarn order has been made, but that's it; no more until I have got some other tasks done!

Have you got any crochet blog recommendations for me?



16 comments:

  1. Your tea cup Is beautiful.I like the Picture with wool and flower on It!!
    And your sleepers funny and feminin
    Miss xx

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    1. Thank you, I found the slippers quite funny to make too! ;) x

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  2. Wow you've certain gone head strong into crocheting and everything looks wonderful, especially those slippers. I really don't crochet has much as I use to or could, i'm meant to be working on a new afghan blanket for myself but I've been distracted by cross stitching lately.

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    1. As long as you're crafting it's a good thing, I say! x

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  3. This post is full of so many wonderful makes, it makes me wish I could crochet! Well done on getting so good at it that you achieved all of this, the snood is gorgeous, as is the beautiful white rose. Sorry to hear about your gran, I hope you and your family are coping and remembering the happy times you had together. Xxx

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    1. Give it a go Hannah! And thank you, there are a great many happy times to remember :) x

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  4. Sorry to hear about your Gran, but I love the idea of wearing a white rose for her - what a wonderful way to remember her! As for crochet blogs, you will probably know about Attic 24 already? If not, get yourself there now for some super duper inspiration and fab step-by-step patterns with lots of pictures - great for newbies! I've also just discovered color 'n' cream - pretty colours!! Have fun with crochet, it's pretty addictive!!
    Anna x

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    1. Thank you. Attic 24 has been a brilliant resource so far, and a big thank you for the Color 'n' Cream recommendation, I checked it out and am in love! x

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  5. So excited that you're crocheting! Those slippers look lovely. I tweeted you some bloggy suggestions, but you should check out Simply Crochet magazine too. :) x

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    1. Thank you for the brilliant suggestions, they have been added to my blog roll! Simply Crochet was great for when I needed a quick reminder of how to do the basic stitches, it's so clear. Thanks Becca :) x

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  6. Lovey flower for the funeral, and such a thoughtful gesture. Keep up the good work with the crocheting, it's coming along a treat :)

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  7. I am sorry to hear about your Nan's passing Anna. What a lovely flower to wear on her day of remembrance.

    You are well and truly hooked (pun intended). I am not sure what it is about crochet that makes it so addictive. I think I find it more satisfying than knitting as it grows so quickly. The mustard snood proves it and it looks very snuggly.

    Very proud of you for sticking with it. I blogged about my first ever crochet attempt with pictures too and I really reminded me how far I had come. You are going to be able to remember such lovely makes through this post.

    Xx

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    1. Thank you, Claire. And I am indeed hooked! It feels more liking 'building' than knitting does, not sure whether that's got something to do with how satisfying it is!

      I'm already enjoying watching my crochet journey develop through this blog and Ravelry, so thank you so much for your encouragement and support in my crochet adventure so far :) x

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  8. Beautiful crochet my dear, when my Grandma passed away I wore my brightest, sunniest dress. I stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the sea of black, but my Gran was such a colourful creative person, she would have loved it! :) x

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    1. Good for you! I may have got a few odd looks too but so pleased to have celebrated a happy life well lived with a cheerful outfit and while wearing something handmade. x

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