Big Knit 2011

Ok, so I really wanted to take part in Innocent's Big Knit this year. For every hat knitted Innocent donates 25p to Age UK. The have the info here, and some knit patterns. I am a complete novice at knitting. my stitches are usually too tight, I drop some and gain some from some unknown stitch dimension and the thought of following a pattern scares me. So seeing the beginner pattern on the Innocent site, I tried.......and came out with this:



Embarrassing isn't it? I'd much prefer to crochet one, but couldn't find any info on their site regarding patterns, so I tried one out myself and came out with this...:

As you can see, I was more confident with the final hat, that I went ahead and added the bobble. I then thought it would help others if I wrote up the pattern for this, so here it is below. This is the first ever crochet pattern I've written up, so let me know if it doesn't flow or I've missed something out.

Crochet pattern for Innocent Big Knit 2011

You will need a 4mm hook and some dk wool (this is a great way to use up any leftovers)

Start using a magic adjustable ring

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into the centre of the ring. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Sc 2 in each sc. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 1 - repeat around (18 sc)

Rnd 4: Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 2 - repeat around (24 sc)

Rnd 5: Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 3 - repeat around (30 sc)

Rnd 6, 7, 8: Sc in each sc. (30 sc)

Change wool colour here.

Rnd 9,10,11: Sc in each sc, (30 sc) holding the wool more taut than before (this allows it to grip onto the bottle top)

Now finish off the end of the wool, and stitch in any stray strands. If you want to add a bobble you can follow a general pom pom tutorial like this one at thingstomake.com. I used a circle of card which was approximately 3cm diameter for the size of the bobble in the picture.

Stitch the bobble onto the top of the hat with the same colour wool and voila, one hat complete.

This pattern could be adjusted to fit dolls too, I think the one I made might actually fit my vintage Sindy!

Enjoy!

xx

I like new things

Ok, maybe I'm a little slow in discovering new gadgets and the like online, but I get really excited when I do. I have just found Pinterest! It's a place where you can created all types of 'boards' adding images to them from the site. It's also easy to add any online image you find to the site. I've added a few pins of my own crafts but am enjoying looking at everyone else's.




http://lastejeymaneje.blogspot.com



Its a great source for inspiration and creating mood boards. Check out my Crafty Stuff board, so many cute items I want to own!!

I have posted out a few more orders today and have more in the pipeline, after that, maybe I can return to sewing my Mr Kipling collection. There are so many things I want to start, just never enough time.

So Inspired

I am feeling so inspired today! I popped over to give my bro his birthday pressie last night and found my sister-in-law and her friend had made some amazing origami crafts!! (I promise to post about these over the weekend). She has given me some great ideas of making my own rubber stamps and about the possibilities out there. Maybe, if I ask really nicely, she will put a tutorial online to show you how to make your own stamps.

I have also been browsing a little online, catching up on craft sites etc, and came across this pic on Craftzine:

Theres so much to love about this image. The clean whiteness of it all, the huge chunky knitting needles and yarn, and also the fact that I envy her big, clean working space. You could carpet a whole room with that knit!

Also, I saw these patterns on Craftzine too:



Crochet flower coasters



Crochet spring bunny



Valentine teddy amigurumi



How to: Simple skirts



Mainly crochet catching my eye today, such cute amigurumis and pretty, pretty coasters. And as for these skirts, well they are so simple to make! And yes, they can be made in grown up sizes too!!! Hooray..Can't wait to get my machine set up for this one!

Summer food inspiration!

Hi all,

Hope you're enjoying the glorious weather we're having here in the UK. So, feeling inspired by the bounty of summer foods popping out so say hello, I thought I'd share some fab food themed products people have out there:

Left to right from the top:

Soapsicle - Watermelon, Boston Tea Party, Neapolitan or Orange Cream - AudreyEapothecary

Knitted food prepare your own burger - The Shabby Tiger

Fruit Tart 2 - Original Watercolor - Crayonmonster

4 Sprinkled Ice Cream Cones/Handmade Felt Embellishments - RainbowFelt

Giant jelly baby soap - BitsnBobs
Twister Lolly / Ice Cream Pendant - Stars & Scars
Handmade cross stitch pdf pattern - Thecupcakeclub
Felt Orange Watermelon and Strawberry Iced Sugar Cookies - ViviansKitchen
Sweet & Small Scoops - S Earrings - IceCream Collection- PetitPlat

I'm in love with all these items, well done everyone for creating such inspiring things!