Hello February

Goodbye January

January is supposed to be a blue kind of a month, but to be honest, my January has been quite nice. 

Here are a few things I've enjoyed most this month. 

Bath Bombs

Firstly, I've been enjoying a weekly bath - using Lush cosmetics bath products. On boxing day, I managed to get my hands on a half price advent calendar - thanks to the Ninja-like skills of my girlfriend. This calendar really does include some gems! My favourites being the Sleepy body cream, and Shoot for the Stars bath bomb. I like to save my bath bombs for a Friday night because it's nice to relax after a week of work - and the scents seem to help any headache I have. 

Christmas Chocolate

Next, I have to admit that I've spent most of January eating my way through Christmas Chocolate!

Now is the time to start eating healthy - but who can complain about chocolate?

My absolute favourite chocolates (excluding Cadbury's Dairy Milk) are Lindt Lindor Chocolate Truffles mmmmm. :) 

La La Land

La La Land has made my January! I have seen it 3 times now, and just can't get enough. I could honestly watch it over and over again. It just gets better the more I watch it. I really can't recommend this film enough, especially if you are the arty type, and appreciate performance, dance and music. This film is a piece of art, and the sound track is mesmerizing. It's currently getting played on repeat on my Spotify. The arrangement and composition in some of the tracks is comparative to the music in classical Ballets. 

Instagram

Since New Year, I've put a lot more effort into my instagram account - and it's paying off. 

When Gran died, I lost the one person I could talk to and share all the little details of my WIPs with, and in this respect - I've been very lonely. 

I still haven't mustered up the courage to return to my local knitting club by myself. Although I know I will eventually, I keep putting it off. I worry that people might not want me there and I might not fit back in. 

Anyway, back on track - Instagram! 

Now that I'm on this so-called journey to self acceptance, I have realised I've released the crochet beast and so my instagram account has become more specialised with a specific theme. I still want to be able to post photos of anything so I haven't restricted myself to craft only - just increased the volume of crochet photos. 

I've connected with some lovely people, and it's been so nice to have dialogue with other crafters. Even just likes <3 are encouraging and supportive. 

Here are a few instagrammers that have been most encouraging to me:-

@lollymakes

@goslingandplumb

@gezzy_b

@bjorgbjoberg

@nans_olive_torana

@m0chii

@countryside_crochet

@crochetbetweenworlds

Moorland Blanket CAL

Finally, the best part of my January has been the Moorland Blanket CAL by Attic 24. It's given me something to work on each week, and something to look forward to. I've enjoyed taking part in a crochet-along too, because you get to see other crocheter's progress, and there's a real sense of community online. Also, because it's Lucy's design, and she is a very popular (if not most popular) crochet designer, there are a lot of people interested, and want to talk about your WIPs. It's so lovely that a crochet pattern can bring people together. 

So, Goodbye January, thank you for not being shitty as expected... 

and Hello February, I hope you are as good, if not better than January. 

Love Charlie, Xxx

WIP Wrap-up

WIP Wrap-up

The last two weeks, I've been busy finishing some WIPs and continuing my two main projects - my Moorland CAL and my Cosystripe blanket. After finishing the Cosy stripe baby blanket, I was a bit behind on the Moorland CAL and I wanted to finish part 2 before the next part was released.

I had last Friday off work as me and my partner were looking after her parent's dogs and her brother and sister whilst her parents were away for the weekend. One of the dogs had a poorly foot, so he was especially cuddly, and a great crochet companion. I spent the majority of the day on the Moorland CAL, getting half way through part 3. 

This blanket is getting quite big now, and the pattern is extremely satisfying - both to make and to snuggle under. The repetitive wave pattern is relaxing and therapeutic - and I look forward to seeing the development of colours each week. 

On the Saturday, I made a baby hat to match the blanket I made. I designed the pattern myself, and was quite happy with the outcome - although I don't know it it is the right size or not. 

I then wrapped it up with a thick pink ribbon. I love to put ribbons on finished projects as I think it makes them look special. 

On the Sunday, I went to Blakemere with my Sister in Law and we went pottery painting. 

I chose to paint a travel mug, as I've wanted one for a while but couldn't find one that I really loved. I wanted a Cath Kidston one, but the patterns I love the most are her old ones - which don't tend to be printed on new products. When I saw a travel mug - I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create a mug that I knew I would love. I copied (tried to) one of my favourite Cath Kidston patterns. 

The picture on the left is the mug before it was 'baked' and the second is after. The colours become vibrant and the texture goes from matte and powdery to shiny and smooth. I'm very happy with the outcome! 

I also made a bit of progress on my Cosy Stripe blanket, and I'm now on the second repeat of colours. The further I get with this blanket - the more content I am with the colour palette. I'm using Stylecraft Special DK Yarns that Katie bought me for Christmas. You can see on the photo below on the right, the names of the colours I've used. I've started to keep a notebook with colour palettes for projects so that I know where I'm up to in a pattern that has several colour changes. I also think it's very satisfying to see a row of neatly stapled tassels of yarn. :)

Finally, I finished a WIP that I had started a while back. I finished my Attic 24 Yarn bag! 

I didn't use multi-colours, but instead stash busted some tweed Aran yarn that I had, and used up some grey I had left from another project. I didn't intend to put handles on this bag - but wanted to use it as more of a basket for yarn. It's great having the balls of wool stood up in there, packed in - because when you pull from the centre of a skein, it doesn't snag or pull your ball of wool around the floor. I made the bag tall so I could fold the top down and give it a bit more structure, but in the end I decided to add handles anyway. I thought 'There's no harm' and also thought it added the convenience of being able to just 'pick up and go'. So far, I'm loving the practicality of this bag and also love that when I don't need it, I can fold it up and put it away - unlike a wicker basket. 

So as you can see, last weekend, I was extremely busy-not busy. Haha. I had nothing important to do, so really cracked on with some of my current projects. I enjoyed ignoring adult responsibilities at the flat and crashing with the in-laws for the weekend - even if I did come home to a pile of washing ;)

This weekend wasn't much different from last - although I did go into work on Saturday to catch up. It's amazing what can be done in 4 hours on a Saturday morning compared to a whole day during the week. I think it's because the phones aren't ringing!

I am excited to celebrate 200 followers on Instagram! To some people, this is insignificant but I'm so happy. I'm really trying to commit to posting photographs often... and photographs that I'm proud of. I'm so thankful to everyone that is supporting me and liking my photos. It's making me feel 'not quite so weird'. 

charlielittlearty

Hope you liked this little catch-up. 

Love Charlie, Xx

A Great Sunday

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A Great Sunday

I had a great Sunday! Usually, I hate Sundays because I spend all day thinking about all the jobs I have to get done for Monday. Yesterday however, I didn't. 

Here are 4 reasons why I had a great Sunday!  

1. YARN HAUL

I woke up, and Katie took me to Black Sheep Wools in Culcheth, Warrington. http://www.blacksheepwools.com/ 

Immediately, this was going to be a great day!

I wanted to pick up the wool for the stylecraft ripple blanket.  I bought 12 colours (forgot to pick up a green) as I already had the grey. I also bought 8 balls of cream wool so that I could start edging the squares on my 'TV blanket'. 

I love it here. I love to go to my local wool shop the majority of times I need craft materials as I like to show loyalty, but sometimes it's a nice treat to go to Black Sheep Wools as there is so much choice! 

2. La La Land

I went to see La La Land in the cinema with my mother and sister-in-law. Oh wow, this film. It's a musical but it's fresh and innovative with influences from classic musical theatre. The soundtrack to this film is incredible and beautiful and soothing and clever and just wow. I love Emma Stone, so that was great. I can't really find the right words to explain how this film made me feel. I thought it was good whilst I was watching it... but in the 24 hours since seeing it, it has grown and grown in my mind. I need to go and see it again! 

The love story is so real. The ending is not what I expected but it's the truth, and I respect that... even though I left the cinema devastated. 

There's so many special moments in this film. It's so cheesy but I know already that it's going to be one of my favourite films.

3. Finished the Baby Blanket

I finished the baby blanket, and it turned out lovely. I made this in less than a week so I'm actually quite proud of myself. I can't explain how easy this pattern is, and it works up really quickly. 

The Cosy Stripes pattern by Attic 24 works into a neat 'lacy' classic looking blanket.

I'm also super happy to finish this blanket because now I can get on with part 2 of the Moorland CAL. I can't wait to see the colours develop and start using more of the purple shades. 

Check out my other projects on instagram and ravelry!

4. Organised and Prepared!

Although this is mundane and boring... I feel so much better about things when I'm organised and ready. I had a shower and washed my hair, painted my nails, and put on clean Pajamas. Then I lit candles and put music on and started dinner whilst drinking gin and pink lemonade. :) Mmmm. 

I made lunch and breakfast for Monday and did the washing up. It took no time at all and I didn't spend any time worrying about all the things to remember in the morning. 

This was a bit of a scrappy and poorly written blog post, 

but I wanted to document what a nice day I had. 

Have a nice week!

Love Charlie, Xxx

Current W.I.P's

Current WIPs

Well, this post was originally '3 projects I'm working on now' - but has since developed into 5!

Just a little comment first though...

I'm so happy right now with the way my life is. I mean, I'm learning not to care if people think I'm strange. Of course, everyone wants to 'fit in' but I'm more comfortable with who I am now. I love to crochet, and I love to read - but that doesn't make me weird. In fact, I'm starting to think it's pretty cool... It's only taken 4 years. I'm proud of what I can do and what I can make. It makes me unique, and maybe that's not so bad after all. 

Anyway, enlightenment over...

Here are my current projects.

1. Virus Shawl

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/virus-shawl---virustuch

I added this to my list on Ravelry quite a while ago, and also bought the wool a while ago too! I chose Stylecraft's Cabaret in Rainforest, but I didn't realise how beautiful this yarn was until I started working it up. Oh, this shawl is so simple! There's only a small section you need to learn, and then it just repeats and repeats until you reach your preferred size. 

The colours in this yarn are gorgeous and autumny - but I think any yarn would look lovely crocheted to this pattern. I think I'm liking making shawls. And I could get used to making more for myself. However, every time I make something - I'm thinking 'oooh, Mum would like one of these' or 'maybe I should give this to so and so...'

2. TV Blanket/Stash Buster

This is an ongoing blanket that I started a year or two ago. I'm just making lots of granny squares 4 rounds big in pretty pastel colours. I've used up wool from my stash and also bought some new skeins and just crocheted the whole thing. I'm building up quite a pile of squares now, which I will edge in a 5th 'granny' round in cream before joining them randomly. 

This is as easy as it gets, and that's the whole point. I love this project because I don't have to concentrate on anything, so I can watch films (hence it being called a TV blanket) I can also get on with this in between other projects, and when I'm busy I can put it away for months and just pick it up again. 

3. Moorland Blanket CAL by Lucy @ Attic24

http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2016/11/introducing-the-moorland-blanket-cal.html

Finally :) I've been waiting for this one for a while. Mum bought me the wool for Christmas, and I've been so eager to start. This is my first CAL (crochet along), and my first Attic 24 pattern - What do they say? 'Two birds, One stone?'

Parts of the pattern are released each Friday. The colours are inspired by the Yorkshire Dales, and are fresh, mellow and comforting. The wave pattern is easy, repetitive and relaxing - and helps the colours blend together in a natural, organic way. I can't wait for Part 2 to be released! Only one more day...

4. Cosy Stripe Blanket

http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/cosy-stripe-blanket.html

As I finished the first 20 rows of the Moorland Blanket CAL within days, and my girlfriend said she was going to claim it when it was finished, I decided to make another blanket alongside it. I've wanted to make this blanket for a while and have had it saved on my Ravelry for over a year. This blanket was also released as a CAL. Katie, my girlfriend bought me a Stylecraft colour pack for Christmas with 12 colours in, so although it's not the same 15 colours in the original pattern, I figured I'd just make it as big as I could before running out. If it was a gift for someone else, I would have bought 3 more colours, but I'm not too bothered about the size. 

I arranged the colours I had into a 'rainbow' colour order and started the pattern. I hope to make about the same amount as the Moorland blanket each week so that by the end of February I'd have 2 blankets. I've not made much yet, but what I have done - I love! 

5. Cosy Stripes Baby Blanket

So, this week I had a phone call from my Mother-in-Law, asking for a baby blanket as a gift for a friend. I spent a while looking at patterns, but in the end, decided to carry on with the Cosy Stripes pattern I started the day before but in cream. I made the width shorter, and will carry on until I have a square. Then I will choose an edge. 

I only have 2 weeks to get this finished, so my other projects are on hold for the moment. I'm hoping to have this done by the end of next week, so I can catch up on the Moorland CAL. Even though this is a random project, I;m loving it, and the Cosy Stripes pattern is looking lovely even when it's worked up in one singular colour. I wouldn't mind one for myself! 

As you can see, I have a lot of projects on the go... But the more the better! :)

I hope you liked this blog post as much as I enjoyed putting it together. 

Love Charlie, Xxx

Last Day of Christmas Ramblings

Last Day of Christmas Ramblings

Today was the last day of my Christmas break - tomorrow it's back to work. I spent the morning cleaning and putting presents away. Then I has my friend over with her children for coffee and chocolate :) It was nice to catch up and we must meet up more often. 

I had plans to return to the local knitting club tonight (first time since losing Gran) but I couldn't face it without her. I know the women there are lovely, but I just felt that going alone was too overwhelming. Maybe next week. I did however spend the evening crocheting. I finished a shawl that I started on New Year's Day with the wool that my Girlfriend's Nan & Granddad bought me for Christmas, I'm going to make a lilac and silver one too soon. 

The pattern was from Simply Crochet magazine - which my Mother in Law bought me the subscription to for Christmas -  the pattern by Davis De Herraiz. The pink is really glittery, although you can't really see that from the photos. This is the first crocheted thing I've really made myself - the year's off to a great start! Also, after watching the whole series of 'The Crown' on Netflix, I started watching 'Victoria' on Now TV. Kinda into the Monarchy at the moment. :)  

Today was nice because I got a lot of jobs done and the flat is clean and airy and ready for my return to work. I made overnight oats for my breakfast and a salad for lunch. I washed my hair and yesterday, I painted my nails, and drank a lot of green tea. I think it's done me good to take a bit of time for myself. 

I hope to continue like this. I always put things off and end up with lots of washing and other chores on the weekend. I am an adult now! And need to get off my lazy bum and get things done. A little each day and then I can enjoy my weekend. I think it's called optimizing your time?

It was also a good day because I caught up with an old friend. We don't get to see each other often, so when we do - we talk about all sorts. Today we talked about not being so negative. It's so easy for our first reaction to be negative 'I'm too fat' or 'I'm not good enough' or 'I'll get it wrong' without even giving ourselves a chance. I don't want to be like this anymore - and maybe it's the New Year Vibe that's got me like this. (#newyearnewme) But, I'm just feeling so laid back and I don't want to underestimate myself anymore. We also talked about our lack of new year's resolutions. How we don't want to set ourselves up to fail - but just be happy and appreciate the small things in life. 

I don't know how long I'll stick to it - but I'm trying to write down things that have made my day good in a diary each day so that at the end of the year I get to read how many nice things have happened. (Like the bits of paper people put in jars - but without the mess) 

Anyway, that's it for today. Sometime this week I'll do a blog post about my crochet plans for 2017. I can't wait to start the Moorland Blanket CAL! So excited. 

Love Charlie, Xxx

Hello 2017

Hello 2017!

Hi 2017, please please please be nicer than 2016. New year is a time to reflect on the good and the bad. As much as I want to forget the events if 2016, they weren't all bad. 

I made decisions and experienced life changing things. I have a new job which I love - it's an administrative role which suits me well. I don't often say I am good at things, but I think I am good at this job. I have met some amazing people who have welcomed me into a tight knit group of friends. 

I also saved up and bought an iphone SE. This is quite silly to acknowledge as a good thing that I experienced - but I love it so much. It's not good to be too materialistic, however I believe that if you genuinely appreciate something and have worked hard to earn it, then it's ok. I've always wanted an iphone, and it was nice to buy something I've wanted for years. 

I went on a lovely family holiday with my inlaws to Cala D'or in Mallorca. Cala D'or is one of my favourite places is as I have incredible memories of happy times there. 

This year my Girlfriend and I celebrated 7 years together, and she bought me the cutest ukulele. I really really wanted this ukulele. After watching Grace Vanderwaal and Doddleoddle on youtube - I was inspired. I can't sing, but I thought who cares, life is short - and it's such a happy instrument. It's meditave to learn something new and it can't help but cheer me up. 

I bought so much wool! I had a little panic a few months ago when I noticed my wool stock was running low, and was pitiful for a wool horder! I didn't have the right colours/enough yarn to make a complete project. Sooo, I went crazy and bought enough for a small empire. I also got so much wool for Christmas! My mum bought me the wool for Attic 24's Moorland blanket CAL, and my Girlfriend bought me wool to make the Stylecraft ripple blanket. My Girlfriends Nan and Granddad bought me 800g of pretty sparkly silver and lilac yarn which I am making into a scarf from the latest Simply Crochet Magazine. I'll make a blog post soon of projects I want to complete in 2017. 

Moorland Blanket
http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2016/11/introducing-the-moorland-blanket-cal.html

Despite the highlights, there have been many sad times throughout 2016. The worst part was losing my Gran. I miss her so much. 

Going forward, I don't particularly want to make tonnes of new years resolutions and end up giving them up before January is over. Of course I'd like to lose weight, get fitter, get prettier etc, etc - but I don't want to set myself up to fail. I just generally want to take better care of myself. So my new year's resolution is simple... to learn how to knit. It's a challenge, it's something I've wanted to do for a long time, it's achievable and it would make my Gran proud. 

Happy New Year Everyone!

Love Charlie, Xxx

Gifts I made for Christmas

Gifts I made for Christmas

I made a few presents this year... I love making things for friends and family. In fact, the only thing I've ever made myself is a teapot cosy. 

Anyway - this year I made two blankets, an embroidery, a crocheted bag, and a stuffed sleepy cat... and a few coasters.  

Sunburst Granny Square Blanket

The first blanket I made was for my girlfriend's Nan and Grandad. I used the Sunburst pattern from CraftyMarie. 

http://www.craftymarie.com/2015/07/easy-free-sunburst-granny-square.html

I used the women's institute wool from Hobbycraft, as it's super soft and great value for money. I managed to get exactly the colours I was looking for and I think the end product is nice. 

Victorian Lattice Square Blanket

The second blanket I made was for my mother-in-law. I wanted to make a big blanket that could be used for either snuggling up on the sofa with or using as a bed spread. I used a beigey brown? colour and cream so it would match the interior decorations. This blanket turned out lovely. I used the Victorian lattice square from Destany Wymore. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/victorian-lattice-square

I chose this pattern as I wanted the blanket to look vintage and classic but I didn't want to use plain granny squares. I felt that this pattern was kind of shabby chic and antique. I used the women's institute wool from hobby craft for this blanket too - it's just so soft and snuggly. 

Sleepy Cat Plush

I made my mum a crocheted cat plush from Nekoyama. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amineko-crocheted-cat

This project was fun and was my first proper amigurami-type finished toy. He's been named Bob Cat and he looks cool however he's sat. For this I used a varied coloured yarn from my stash. Not sure what the brand was, 

Cotton Bag

For my girlfriend's great grandma, I made a bag. I made this pattern up myself, taking inspiration from photos on Pinterest. I lined it with pretty floral fabric.

Embroidered Elephant

Finally, I made my mum an embroidery of an elephant. I got the pattern off Pinterest. It is an embroidery that my Gran wanted to make my mum, but I only remembered this as I was halfway through making it which I thought was quite cool. This is the first embroidery I've ever finished so I'm proud of myself. 

That's it for 2016. I'm very happy with my handmade gifts. I like to make gifts specifically for people I love as it's so much more thoughtful, and shows you care. 

Hope you liked these, check my projects out on my ravelry page:- http://www.ravelry.com/people/lovecharlieblog

Love Charlie, Xxx

I'm Back

I'm back.

It's been a long time since I have blogged, A lot has happened in 2016, and I can honestly say it's been the worst year of my life. I am very happy to see the end of 2016 and welcome the new year and it's bright prospects. 

I am sad to say that I will be moving into 2017 without my Gran by my side. My Gran, June Inman, died on the 5th of June 2016. 

This is why I haven't been online. My Gran was everything to me. She taught me to crochet and we were extremely close. We did so much together, and she was my best friend. We shared a lot of precious memories together, and I will never forget her. Six months later, I am starting to heal, although the grief is like a scar and I think of her everyday. My Gran helped me to shape who I am, and that impression will never fade. 

Moving forward, I am changing things up a bit. This is still a crochet blog, but I don't want to confine myself to just crochet. I have a lot planned for 2017, and I want to share that on here. I have recently started to play the ukulele, and I will be learning to knit in the new year. I also want to talk about life in general, health, well being, family and everything in between. 

This post is insignificant to the world - but to me, it means everything. 

Thank you to whoever reads this! 

Love Charlie Xxx

Baby Blanket

I've finished a project!

I have been working on a baby blanket for a customer for a few months now. The blanket was ordered months in advance so it allowed me to take my time on the project and make other things at the same time. 

I am so pleased with the final outcome. I have made this blanket before in a baby pink colour (see at end of blog post) but I think it is so pretty in this mint green shade. The blanket takes just over 4 balls of DK wool made with a size 4.00mm hook. I used my Pony Easy Grip crochet hook and was satisfied that the colour matched the project :)

I used the Bernat Baby Blanket Pattern (< click to be taken to pattern) for this blanket as it produces a large, versatile blanket suitable for cots, swaddling, as a comforter, and for warmth. The blanket is square so it can be folded into either a rectangle or triangle making it even more flexible. The pattern is so pretty and lacy. I consider this pattern to be a 'smart' baby blanket pattern due to the delicate pattern and shape. 

I have since started two new projects with one already in progress - that's three WIP (Work In Progress). Is it just me? Or do all craftsmen and women have so much ambition they have multiple projects going at the same time? I have an almost complete Seashell Scarf using a pattern from the book, 'Cute and easy Crochet' by Nicki Trench available from Amazon.co.uk at £9.09 in paperback and £5.03 as Kindle Edition. However I always recommend getting your pattern books in physical format rather than an e-book. It makes for better sharing and easier to read. This scarf is a present and I have chose a bright, aqua blue... a favourite colour of the recipient. 

Baby blanket with WIP - Seashell Scarf

I have also started a corner to corner baby blanket with a self-striping wool as a gift to a friend who is having a baby. I have left this one for a while, wanting to get on with the mint green one, but I can now crack on with it! 

My third WIP is a granny square blanket in pastel pinks and oranges. I haven't made granny squares over the last year - preferring more complex patterns after my degree show. However the time to crave a familiar 'work on while you watch TV' project has consumed me and before I knew what I was doing, I had 8 perfect pink squares sat on the arm of the sofa. I can't wait to put time to actually design this blanket and imagine the final outcome. 

It is probably best that this becomes the project I take to 'Chicks that Knit' as I am teaching a knitter how to crochet granny squares. 

Blanket in Baby Pink

If you want to order a blanket like this, check out my 'Orders' page on the right hand side and send an email to lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com - Please make sure you order at least a month in advance to give me time to make it! 

What are you crocheting? Let me know in the comments below.

Follow me on Ravelry.com

Love Charlie, Xx

5 Crochet Tools I Can't Live Without

5 Crochet Tools I Can't Live Without

Do you have a favourite crochet hook? 
Do you have a Taylor-made tool kit, put together for your use only? 
Are you distraught when you can't find your mini polka-dot sewing scissors?

If your answer is yes, then you may be like me - and you might spend hours on Pinterest looking at everyone else's survival kits and 'can't live without' tools. Recently, I discovered that I had misplaced (I had to convince myself that I had misplaced as I couldn't  cope with the possibility that I'd lost it forever) my favourite set of needles. Pathetic, I know. I spent the morning upturning every caddy, box, and basket, every jar, pencil case, bag and pouch. I still couldn't find it. I resulted in pacing around and staring into space - procrastinating, and worrying about the traumatic things that could have happened to it. For example: the borrowers might have found some brilliant use for my beloved needles.

Thankfully, the next day I had an epiphany and remembered where I'd put them, I checked straight away and there they were! The relief was incredible. But it got me thinking about making this blog post. How many others felt the same way about inanimate objects? 

I suppose all craftsmen and women have favourite tools, although I really am just making presumptions.  Personally, I am quite obsessive compulsive and organisation and personalisation is key to my mental health and enthusiasm. Like when you start a new school term with new stationary all shiny and ready to be used. For me, if I am stuck with a crochet hook that isn't my favourite, I struggle to get into the flow of productivity. Also, like at school - I have serious issues with lending people any tools that are either my favourites or part of a set.

My collection of crochet hooks is copious, yet I could select my go-to hooks with my eyes closed. (Not that I'd have to - they have a dedicated Cath Kidston pencil case to live in away from the inferior hooks on the shelf.) Yes -they're my babies and I would definitely have a break down if I lost them. Maybe I shouldn't keep them all together - cue protective paranoia.
I'm rambling now. Let me take you through 5 of my crochet companions that I cannot live without.

1.  Clover soft touch crochet hook in 4.00mm

This is most definitely the comfiest crochet hook in the world. After using this baby, you do not want to use a steel hook! This hook is also a bit shorter in length so it doesn't get caught on things. It is light and warm. (it doesn't feel like an icicle when you get it out of your bag: unlike steel/metal hooks.)My partner bought me this as a Christmas present a few years ago and it is one of the best, practical presents I have ever received.  

2. Pony Easy Grip crochet hook in size 4.00mm

I picked this one up in Hobby craft a year ago and it now never leaves my side. Although it isn't as comfy as the Clover soft touch, it is very flexible. What I mean by this is that the handle has a bit of give in it and is slightly bendy. When you are struggling to pull your yarn back through, it is incredible how the little bend of the hook eases and adjusts the tension. It's hard to describe what a difference it makes, but I have found the same benefit from using a plastic hook before now. (Unfortunately after over use it tragically snapped.) That is what is great about this hook;- you have the strength and qualities of a reliable steel hook brand with the aid of a flexible handle. The only negative thing I can say about this hook is that the grooves on the handle and lack of a 'flat' space makes it sometimes uncomfortable on your supporting finger.

3. Russian doll/Butterfly sewing scissors

I love these scissors! My gran bought me these scissors from Hobby-craft a while back so we had a matching set (she has the same in blue.) The unique shape makes these easy to find in my bag or pencil case plus they're super cute and different.

4. Essentials knitters needles

These needles were bought from Crafty Stitches in Northwich and are so cheap and effective! They come in this handy little pouch so you can always find them in your bag without stabbing yourself. The two plastic needles aren't included but have wider eyes so are really good to use with thicker yarns, so I slipped them in to keep them safe and accessible. I love using these needles to join up seams, sew on accessories and to weave ends in quickly. 

5. John James Tapestry Pebble

Finally, the elusive needles that I eventually found! I lost the purple pebble - my favourite. These are categorised as 'Tapestry' needles, although I use them for everything. The eyes are perfect for quick threading and small projects. Also, I find that there is a perfect amount of choice (it isn't overwhelming like the other pebbles.) There is a nice range of size in this set and the pebble design keeps them safe. I also like the fact that something sharp and potentially dangerous has become the shape of something smooth and aesthetically pleasing.

There you go - My 5 "Can't live without" Crochet tools. Or should I say, "Can't crochet without" tools. Let me know what your essentials are. 

Love Charlie, Xx

My First Twiddle Muff and Tutorial

How I made my first Twiddle Muff and how You can too!

In my last blog post on Love Charlie: Crochet, I discussed how many organisations are in need of donations of Twiddle Muffs. Over the last week I decided that I would make my own pattern as I only crochet and don't knit. There are patterns available to crochet Twiddle Muffs, but I wanted my pattern to be very flexible so I can make every one differently. These are great to make using odd bits of wool and the end of skeins. You don;t need to especially go out and buy new wool for this project as all colours and textures can be incorporated. 

Step 1

I started with the outside layer (a muff is made two layers thick to keep patient's hands warm.) I made a chain 60 stitches long, then I added two stitches before turning around and doing a row of treble crochet as my first row( 3rd stitch from the hook). This can be done in any stitch though, I just alternated my stitches to create texture and holes for the patient to touch. After all, this is a sensory alternative therapy. If you do your first row in double crochet only add one chain after your initial 60 and start in the 2nd chain from the hook. 

Step 2 

Carry on back and two in various different stitches. I created cluster stitches, bullion stitches, puff stitches, double crochets double trebles, and trebles. I wanted to create as much texture as possible. I also varied my colours regularly to keep the muff eye catching and interesting for the patient. Carry on until the height of your crocheted material is between 10 and 11" than fasten off and tuck in your ends. 

Outer Layer of Twiddle Muff

Step 3

Repeat the same process as step 1 and step 2 until you have a piece of material the same size. Note: The sitictches don't have to mirror that of your first piece, neither do your colours. For example, I only used one ball of wool for the inside layer of my muff, although I chose an extra soft yarn so that it would be warm and cosy for the patient's delicate hands, I presume baby wool would maybe be a good idea. 

Inside Layer of Twiddle Muff

As you can see, I have created a lot more textured stitches on the inside layer as there are going to be less accessories added on the inside than on the outside. I created the texture randomly so that it leaves the patient's hands to explore creating increased brain simulation. 

Close up of the textures I created on the inside layer.

Step 4

Next, you have to gether accessories and bits and bobs to attach to your Twiddle Muff. I made a few of my decorations. I made a Crochet button flower using this tutorial: Button Flower Tutorial

I also double crocheted around some curtain rings to give a solid but soft item for patients to play with. For example, in the picture below, I did two rounds of single crochet then created  a 3-chain loop in eaach stitch to give it it's pliable, medallion shape. I then added some large pearl beads. 

I then created a hanging decoration from beads and buttons, and another decoration made from ribbon. 

Step 5

After collecting jingle bells, ribbon and extra buttons, I lay out what I had and arranged it so items were equally spread over each surface. When I had decided about positions, I started sewing. Remember to sew onto the top surface. The next step will be to sew the backs of each layer together. 

Note: Sew everything on well!

Step 6

Next, you want to put the back of each panel together and double crochet along the top stitches, making sure to get the front and back loops of every stitch (the length not the height) At the end of the row, fasten off and tuck your end in. 

Then turn your material upside down and repeat joining the opposite edge. 

Next, you want to bring your material into a loop making sure your inside layer is on the inside. Nest you want to double crochet the edges of the inside layers together creating the inside loop of the muff. When you have done this your last step is to double crochet the outside edges together neatly leaving just one seam visible and raised. As you crocheted the inside layers on the outside of the muff first, they will not be either visible or raised. Your outside seam will look similar to mine below. 

Good Luck! And get Creative! 

Here are the completed photos of my first TwiddleMuff to be donated to Leighton Hospital. 

Love Charlie, Xx