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

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

Ray of Hope

Ray of Hope

This Morning I phoned Christine Cooper from the Ray of Hope Charity at Leighton Hospital, Crewe. I discussed my plans to crochet hats and blankets for the premature babies and it seems as though they have a great demand for 24" blankets and hats for 'normal' size babies. (Head as big as grapefruit) 

I hadn't realised that this charity provide every single baby born in Leighton Hospital with a hat and other accessories if necessary. (That's a lot of hats!) For some reason I was under the impression that only preemie babies had accessibility to the support this charity offers. Every baby will go home with a hat provided by the kindness of volunteers who have spent the time to make these items of clothing.

 

(Examples of donated handmade clothes and gifts.)

I will definitely talk to my friends at 'Chicks that Knit' on Tuesday and try and rally a group of us together that will put some time aside to make hats and blankets. Patterns are available at http://www.p2designs.com/Links-CharityPatterns.htm

If you are in Cheshire and are interested in making garments for a good cause, please contact Cristine on 01270 582187, or you can make your donations and take them to the Rydale Pharmacy in Crewe and they will make sure the donations get to Leighton Hospital. 

The address for Rydale Pharmacy is:
North Street
Coppenhall, Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 4NL

Love Charlie, Xx

  

New Venture

So, it's been a while. Since the summer when I installed a crocheted leg warmer onto a beam in the Boatyard Art Space in Middlewich, I have been very busy. 

I now go to a knitting and crochet club every week with my Gran. The club is in Northwich and is run by Joan of 'Crafty Stitches' and the club is called 'Chicks that Knit'. See her website at http://www.craftystitchesonline.co.uk/ or phone 01606 43187 to find out details. 

Whilst there, I have been very busy making hats for friends and family through the winter. This has been a nice little project for me and as soon as I finished one, it seemed as though there was always someone that wanted one for themselves. 

I have also done a few craft fairs, selling Christmas decorations, hats and flower hair clips. Finally, I have been commisioned for a few crocheted blankets. This is my favourite thing to do. Design or create something to someone's specific outline and see the final outcome develop over the weeks. In 2016, I would like to do this more. Please email me at lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com to order bespoke crochet gifts. 

However, as much as I would love to earn money from my crochet, it is inevitable that there is not always going to be business. I want to do something with my skills that benefits others. After doing some thinking and some research I have found a charity called Ray of Hope at Leighton Hospital that provides premature and tiny babies with handmade, knitted and crocheted baby hats, bonnets, clothes and blankets.  It is my aim over the next week to get in touch with this charity and see if I can help. Both myself and my sister were premature babies and it would be very warming to think that my handmade gifts could benefit new, tiny little lives. 

I will keep you posted. 

Love Charlie, Xx

Guess Who's Doing Some Bombing!

Guess Who's Doing Some Bombing!

Yes, I said bombing. Yarn-bombing! I am so excited to be involved in a project with the Boatyard Artspace on the canal side in Middlewich. You may have heard of yarn bombing before; or may be wondering what on earth it is. 

Yarn bombing is when a craft-artist or activist creates a knitted or crocheted piece of fabric that is custom made to be installed somewhere in the environment. Typically, bright, colourful stripes or patterened pieces are wrapped around trees and benches, bollards and statues. The purpose or this unique and quirky art practice is to reclaim urban, industrialised and corporate environments and bring in some creative energy and colour. Turning concrete and metal into a soft, familiar and comforting inhabitance. But it doesn't have to have purpose. This craft is a celebration of colour and the handmade. It can be a community project where several artists contribute or just an individual artist. Yarn bombs can be made from typical wool and acrylic blends or even recycled materials, raising issues of ecology. Yarn bombing can be a colourful and interesting way to draw attention to architecture and features of an environment. 

Over the next 3 weeks, I will be making various creations to decorate and celebrate a new and exciting community project and hopefully raise awareness of the incredible artistic talent we have harboured in Middlewich. The boatyard Artspace is developing swiftly into a creative hub of local talent. Ian Hill-Smith and other 'Middlewichian' artists have successfully turned an old boat keepers house into a tidy gallery, surfacing some of the hidden characterful architecture and traditional features of the cosy space. 

I have also been given the opportunity to display and sell some of my handmade gifts so please take a visit and have a look. The boatyard is also successfully running a tea shop so have a wonder down. The boatyard is on the section of canal opposite the British legion.

I am considering running some crochet workshops/lessons in the autumn/winter; where participants can learn to make a granny square and chunky hat. If you are interested please contact me through my Facebook page: Love Charlie Crochet, or email me at lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com

Check out the Artspace on Facebook at: Facebook/boatyardartspace

Poppy Blanket

Poppy Blanket

A month after the order was made, I have finished the bespoke poppy blanket. This project was really enjoyable and was a new pattern. I like to learn new patterns as the challenge makes me concentrate. I used aran wool so this blanket is especially warm and soft. I am happy to know that someone is receiving this unique blanket as a homemade gift. 

If you are interested in a custom made blanket, please contact me through lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com 

A Bright Future

The Liverpool John Moores' Art Degree show came to an end last week and I have received a 1st for my final exam. Although I don't know what my graduation grade is until the 29th, I am extremely happy that I have achieved this grade. The last three years have been hard, however I remained motivated and determined to remain a craftsman in the midst of contemporary artists. I am contemporary also, however, and I am pleased to have been able to celebrate craft through my work. The final year of my degree lead me to a turning point and I finally realized that I can achieve what I put my mind to. I believe I have found my niche in crochet and I feel that my ideas will blossom after engaging with my skills. Realizing that it's OK to do what you love and be who you are is enlightening and comforting. Feeling free and excited to create is something I want to embrace. I am enthusiastic at the prospect of opening an Etsy shop in the next few months and sharing my love of crochet with other lovers of craft and the handmade. I want to create beautiful, colourful home decorations and bespoke blankets. The next few months I will be making stock and experimenting with ideas. Here are some photos of my exhibition piece which measured 3.5 metres x 1.5 metres.