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

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