tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411307821653212052024-03-14T13:19:41.359+00:00Made Out Of ThingsA blog about crochet, cooking, cardmaking, Minecraft, children, and everything in-between!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-75764813502527621722016-12-07T23:04:00.000+00:002016-12-07T23:04:16.879+00:00Homemade Hand Hotties<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm in the process of crafting for this Christmas and it reminded me of my "makes" from last year. I created a little hand hottie for each family member we get presents for.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPYD9Gs9-3oe_omJLLk-IlE2dD-Grmgx4B_PHlAa4ZIbif3PQ8_AtjGSeGuWnhVSCxRwhNDp-l8q2yzfGnYOEfgx1L-wF7W10XLq5XG4PMutFXwmS037WheHstR_hIG-T990M-hlehi9N/s1600/Hottie+Cover+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPYD9Gs9-3oe_omJLLk-IlE2dD-Grmgx4B_PHlAa4ZIbif3PQ8_AtjGSeGuWnhVSCxRwhNDp-l8q2yzfGnYOEfgx1L-wF7W10XLq5XG4PMutFXwmS037WheHstR_hIG-T990M-hlehi9N/s1600/Hottie+Cover+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I created simple rectangles using half double crochet(hdc), ranging in size from about 14hdc across to about 20hdc across. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMDtyX1O0Ui_BtRjXS9F6JsZkLKkKgVyuKeaK6I-_ffdjgPURzK6IXkeOz8eprGlAX-afrDiUPV532v0ur69AJpeUXx-OoKj2YrkRJ0KAQ3uIa6FU_85KWX1t3hv5nSRoH54cNNWWqzLt/s1600/Hottie+Cover+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMDtyX1O0Ui_BtRjXS9F6JsZkLKkKgVyuKeaK6I-_ffdjgPURzK6IXkeOz8eprGlAX-afrDiUPV532v0ur69AJpeUXx-OoKj2YrkRJ0KAQ3uIa6FU_85KWX1t3hv5nSRoH54cNNWWqzLt/s1600/Hottie+Cover+2.JPG" width="522" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had to make the rectangle long enough that folded in half it would create a nice sized hottie, plus a little extra for a flap at the back to keep the hottie insert inside. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75rpELin4HR-xLy9dtimulAPik1T7b03cZCCIeGgeD2ERsK0TyBWfn_ARwstMlDQFWEAti3p0X0dMh4z65TpqostO_ot1UklGRkVon3X972tiUfmZg9utao_wkh6dvSdDcgNAD-_TZRdr/s1600/Hottie+Cover+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75rpELin4HR-xLy9dtimulAPik1T7b03cZCCIeGgeD2ERsK0TyBWfn_ARwstMlDQFWEAti3p0X0dMh4z65TpqostO_ot1UklGRkVon3X972tiUfmZg9utao_wkh6dvSdDcgNAD-_TZRdr/s1600/Hottie+Cover+5.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For some I had to think about the colours I was going to use, for others I simply used the same colour for the rectangle and then added felt for decoration. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMgrvjD_zkLI1JHidtlRHm0CFB9yVIvWEdDbgM-7n2GCHQjSwp-I_6jC5fHqs0XQKnjvOMXunmi9OcetxUvdKCkD5YeTHX13HlcY8S19n7SMEJzExPq7AEDJlIUcU3YT-U30VkKGstw-5/s1600/Hottie+Cover+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMgrvjD_zkLI1JHidtlRHm0CFB9yVIvWEdDbgM-7n2GCHQjSwp-I_6jC5fHqs0XQKnjvOMXunmi9OcetxUvdKCkD5YeTHX13HlcY8S19n7SMEJzExPq7AEDJlIUcU3YT-U30VkKGstw-5/s1600/Hottie+Cover+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
For a couple I added crochet flowers as decoration. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F0FCQh2xuzLMVmlqqvHz52M1r7n-4uKVlvJdL2sB8TQmdoyJV1AFRl1goBfCukIW0_ftrR8MH6UH-PuufFE2t1muXBCBeeiXM41WU8-Ux3me0CX5wwTH3kP4B-q-U1zLRA349-kRQQ91/s1600/Hottie+Cover+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F0FCQh2xuzLMVmlqqvHz52M1r7n-4uKVlvJdL2sB8TQmdoyJV1AFRl1goBfCukIW0_ftrR8MH6UH-PuufFE2t1muXBCBeeiXM41WU8-Ux3me0CX5wwTH3kP4B-q-U1zLRA349-kRQQ91/s1600/Hottie+Cover+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a lot of fun making these, and so had the covers finished way before Christmas, hence I have a fair few pictures that weren't taken on Christmas Eve in the fading light!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63D9hQ1xdhUwQkbFDjH-0iq2ysaUl60KeRIz7JoBgb-_QiHoaEjrM_wKeDZw1CpiZq6eHxQs7T5E3FUxecdzCtir-NoXVB7IVRz9qexQMegmHOBXYcmPCTo2Yb994bFjhNBf0AEZNZTQO/s1600/Hottie+Cover+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63D9hQ1xdhUwQkbFDjH-0iq2ysaUl60KeRIz7JoBgb-_QiHoaEjrM_wKeDZw1CpiZq6eHxQs7T5E3FUxecdzCtir-NoXVB7IVRz9qexQMegmHOBXYcmPCTo2Yb994bFjhNBf0AEZNZTQO/s1600/Hottie+Cover+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The insides took a little longer to complete, only because I was hoping my daughter would do them for me! I used small rectangles of material and sewed them together leaving a small opening for some rice. We turned them inside out for a prettier finish, added the rice and then sewed up the holes. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNlxIoiAjYzPmKLaZsQeU5w-zaeygAacNGV1To-lrqIfyBsBgsQ1X5jOQiPu8usjsI8nkHzfxfqdqeS-1KbrbMU1oCr7ZXbcHqCZ72nDccCnMSWsYVH9hg_ptMhqpVqNl1hlzAUbmsx8e/s1600/Hottie+Cover+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNlxIoiAjYzPmKLaZsQeU5w-zaeygAacNGV1To-lrqIfyBsBgsQ1X5jOQiPu8usjsI8nkHzfxfqdqeS-1KbrbMU1oCr7ZXbcHqCZ72nDccCnMSWsYVH9hg_ptMhqpVqNl1hlzAUbmsx8e/s1600/Hottie+Cover+8.JPG" width="440" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We added instructions saying that:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>" I'm a hand hottie. Put my insides in the microwave for 40 second and then return me to my holder and keep me in your pocket. I will keep your hand nice and warm!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyqR907CuvnjCCZuhYjpb0nePqHvVF1XACqaV9tvJ0yCfBhCgCJPUAouIRKenuIeCI5z5vdbYXsOp-jLylvxlHkMqelagXu2qvWIcG7FPDc5Yn9chy9vWDVUwyDSK53mxDEWiNMvgL4Ft/s1600/Hottie+Cover+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyqR907CuvnjCCZuhYjpb0nePqHvVF1XACqaV9tvJ0yCfBhCgCJPUAouIRKenuIeCI5z5vdbYXsOp-jLylvxlHkMqelagXu2qvWIcG7FPDc5Yn9chy9vWDVUwyDSK53mxDEWiNMvgL4Ft/s1600/Hottie+Cover+9.JPG" width="418" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My Mum is really pleased with hers, and has also nicked the one I made for my Dad to keep both hands warm (should have thought about that really!). She used hers everyday in the cold. I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I still can't decide which is my favourite.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX-t9xQYmhtYHW8yyuaQmfmy1WZGifj-kx21vB8iiWavRuUztdpl8RvbS0qGDQkFu4tJ0VgbGrXm6VYF9iMHuI3TVeQP5JHVoskL3ElzXNxR2Szn_TbfXzkxUp9vqySkwPGhJpgeNNbmQ/s1600/Hottie+Cover+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX-t9xQYmhtYHW8yyuaQmfmy1WZGifj-kx21vB8iiWavRuUztdpl8RvbS0qGDQkFu4tJ0VgbGrXm6VYF9iMHuI3TVeQP5JHVoskL3ElzXNxR2Szn_TbfXzkxUp9vqySkwPGhJpgeNNbmQ/s1600/Hottie+Cover+10.JPG" width="410" /></a></div>
<br />
The method also works for hotties that are a larger size, I created a couple for the kids and they ask for them every night to keep their beds nice and warm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJzCoREoRyGyl1sc079jfrgaIaEHNlEN6xaMnHDSFTUvwRHbXKcVm-vDoldaihmuNkG0dX2IfFLjb2k1_p47dBGby5o_nqJKeF9-gIofrdaoaKUSrR5CklYnVamGDkYmiwtMbVfVdsJw1/s1600/Hottie+Cover+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJzCoREoRyGyl1sc079jfrgaIaEHNlEN6xaMnHDSFTUvwRHbXKcVm-vDoldaihmuNkG0dX2IfFLjb2k1_p47dBGby5o_nqJKeF9-gIofrdaoaKUSrR5CklYnVamGDkYmiwtMbVfVdsJw1/s1600/Hottie+Cover+4.JPG" width="612" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
They would work as phone socks too. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-50360543030068788102016-02-10T23:09:00.001+00:002016-02-10T23:09:36.963+00:00Harry Potter Inspired Party - Part One!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love preparing for my childrens' birthday parties. I just sort of wish that I didn't have to actually run the party. Normally how I've planned it in my head is lot better than how it actually turns out. This year something exciting happened, the party worked better than I had imagined it possibly could. Even though some of the children hadn't read the Harry Potter series (they are only 8 year olds), they still seemed to be happy to be at Hogwarts!</div>
<br />
To stop myself from running out of time I decided to write a timetable for the day:<br />
<br />
TIMETABLE<br />
<table cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 298px;">
<colgroup><col width="216"></col>
<col width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0.1cm;" width="216">Get supplies in Diagon Alley</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 0.1cm;" width="64">16:30</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Sorting in the Great Hall</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">16:45</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Spells Exam</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">16:55</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Charms Class</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">17:05</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Quidditch Practice</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">17:20</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Herbology class</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">17:40</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Magical Beasts and their Care Class</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">18:00</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Dinner in Great Hall</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">18:20</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="216">Defence Against the Dark Arts Class</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="64">18:40</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As you can see we had a lot to fit in!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOMakzkGEkLFIgeyh3_0DcNv9uu1HMBpYXQiG3Npak8_SR2IzeRuQAxRZlKKJBHT1aWEw5Xu0jT8h4vcx_HmIUZxL4ZRf4mrP4_PyV6CJu9Q24bbmv3rGeT8bJJ2y2gO9qzOZSSuoJF8m/s1600/HP+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOMakzkGEkLFIgeyh3_0DcNv9uu1HMBpYXQiG3Npak8_SR2IzeRuQAxRZlKKJBHT1aWEw5Xu0jT8h4vcx_HmIUZxL4ZRf4mrP4_PyV6CJu9Q24bbmv3rGeT8bJJ2y2gO9qzOZSSuoJF8m/s640/HP+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I created a lot of supplies for the day, and I wanted the children to have access to some of them throughout the party so we created our Diagon Alley. As they arrived we handed them a list of the supplies they had to find:</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 287px;">
<colgroup><col width="244"></col>
<col width="25"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0.1cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";"><b>SUPPLIES TO FIND</b></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 0.1cm;" width="25"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Tick</span></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Timetable</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Hogwarts Carryall bag</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Quidditch Practice Rules</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Mini Book of Monsters</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Standard Book of Spells</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Herbology Handbook</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Maurauders Map</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Wand</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Owl Pack</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Broomstick</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: none; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="244"><span style="font-family: "meera";">Quill</span></td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: none; padding-bottom: 0.1cm; padding-left: 0.1cm; padding-right: 0.1cm; padding-top: 0cm;" width="25"><br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had made each child a bag that was to be used to carry their supplies and also serve as a party bag at the end. I was lucky to fund some suitable material - it was that disposable table cloth material, in a charity shop for 50p a metre. I think I used 4m. I topped the bags with some black cotton tape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kS88_TgBaSRbqbUmzElzm4BvbdJQYPSzmY9-CuBQicMThxqgRT20Re-m39-yEa84e4quij-PpBuv2tXM74h8eCOQBPSD2j3Yijdtzwdqf_9qKvrwmg8QC7tgzOK5Wwi9kpfS9pjwrpBV/s1600/HP+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kS88_TgBaSRbqbUmzElzm4BvbdJQYPSzmY9-CuBQicMThxqgRT20Re-m39-yEa84e4quij-PpBuv2tXM74h8eCOQBPSD2j3Yijdtzwdqf_9qKvrwmg8QC7tgzOK5Wwi9kpfS9pjwrpBV/s640/HP+1.JPG" width="336" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For their textbooks I used a lot of free printables that are available on the internet. Honestly it was hard picking out which ones to use. For the Standard Book of Spells I found one <a href="http://dirtandsunshine.com/party-ideas/harry-potter-party/" target="_blank">here</a>. We didn't do Divination for the party, but we've printed out the "Unfogging the Future" booklet from there too and it is a lot of fun. We printed them out as leaflets and then I simply hand sewed up the spine to create them individual books (luckily I wasn't doing this for too many kids otherwise it would have got quite dull).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7u9uZ9IvwM1lPpJtUh5MRrxXOJqc8qfwmFDBj_NbB1M3Ry-HVnSZm3-DV9uJF7Y0jAEQ5EHANgq7pDs-AM_PBxaQhOmeJck6gW4DvHJzMWiGlTWuW1utSqvxLpxGcaoFr5y0ljzG3ig-/s1600/HP+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7u9uZ9IvwM1lPpJtUh5MRrxXOJqc8qfwmFDBj_NbB1M3Ry-HVnSZm3-DV9uJF7Y0jAEQ5EHANgq7pDs-AM_PBxaQhOmeJck6gW4DvHJzMWiGlTWuW1utSqvxLpxGcaoFr5y0ljzG3ig-/s640/HP+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I created the Herbology Handbook using information from a variety of sources, I customised the information to the seeds I had bought for the Herbology lesson. I used a couple of books I had bought for the kids and searched "magical properties of____" for seeds that weren't included in these books. I also searched online for black and white pictures of each of the plants so they could be included in the book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv-ILCIESzqEkYztrqh6lp4x-s8Y-T7652j2pR8GjB1WZQUTZIMUv7KETyE-rBtnULl1KCv4jxzCnilNwgqbkNCGfR6Y6eRCkjwD1GT2bJN_wmobNRgqlRI0PTiN8JSBIuyDSVee-NsK1/s1600/HP+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv-ILCIESzqEkYztrqh6lp4x-s8Y-T7652j2pR8GjB1WZQUTZIMUv7KETyE-rBtnULl1KCv4jxzCnilNwgqbkNCGfR6Y6eRCkjwD1GT2bJN_wmobNRgqlRI0PTiN8JSBIuyDSVee-NsK1/s640/HP+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a lot of fun creating the Mini Book of Monsters. Firstly I found some reduced fluffy pencil cases and bought them all - 6 in total. The next job was to find notebooks that would fit inside the pencil cases and allow me to create the number I needed (14). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZEk6E2RstZ6pkfk7935-BBoQATeBr-3_efptIClIdgsKYpaMd91utCs4ZT1VLyncLfyvEp5wKEfuspDyS8-Z5POfFh3lcKvlC0E5rTQykwpmpX35ZPPy3Ng8E8sAaT5z20X_KDDJjvOb/s1600/HP+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZEk6E2RstZ6pkfk7935-BBoQATeBr-3_efptIClIdgsKYpaMd91utCs4ZT1VLyncLfyvEp5wKEfuspDyS8-Z5POfFh3lcKvlC0E5rTQykwpmpX35ZPPy3Ng8E8sAaT5z20X_KDDJjvOb/s640/HP+17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point I didn't think it was going to be possible, I thought I was going to have to abandon the whole project. Then I came across these little notebooks in sets of 12 and as an added bonus each pack was only £1. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvciw-q-IvNOomWXXqtkHArQ7oL6hzpI7HPn4vuZpNd4yII3-_nfBzb78VEKRre1XhoXjvk15Dl4hioVlD7nEGf3HNMFimy7LWLaEZqJ8MmaO5kkpF4y16ooRQZ3l6_yngV5ZAwtSpSBD4/s1600/HP+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvciw-q-IvNOomWXXqtkHArQ7oL6hzpI7HPn4vuZpNd4yII3-_nfBzb78VEKRre1XhoXjvk15Dl4hioVlD7nEGf3HNMFimy7LWLaEZqJ8MmaO5kkpF4y16ooRQZ3l6_yngV5ZAwtSpSBD4/s640/HP+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I dissected the pencil cases, and cut them into three separate book covers, stabilised the notebooks with old cereal packets, cut and sewed felt into tongues and teeth, then glued it all together including the googly eyes using a glue gun. I won't lie these were shedding fur the whole time up to, and during the party, but I think they look awesome! The idea was from <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Monster-Book/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0oOATlqFmrR1mwpNCfCAPIv8w-M0Z6SCI2tViPNKf7g54P_VRJz412FVzy5VRzCSl9PKO8QpSTahcMMxSmscE5mfltIobj2kBdbpjphdV4ni_rA_J0vVhWpEOaLuN4aUBD5k2vMY89f1/s1600/HP+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0oOATlqFmrR1mwpNCfCAPIv8w-M0Z6SCI2tViPNKf7g54P_VRJz412FVzy5VRzCSl9PKO8QpSTahcMMxSmscE5mfltIobj2kBdbpjphdV4ni_rA_J0vVhWpEOaLuN4aUBD5k2vMY89f1/s640/HP+19.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I didn't need the Marauders' Map for any of my planned activities, but I saw <a href="http://www.dealwisemommy.net/2012/06/harry-potter-crafts/" target="_blank">this</a> and I couldn't stop myself from adding these to their party bags. It was satisfying work to fold these up, the instructions are so good, they are super easy to create and very effective.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tBAx6q77VG_uVOyG63-DZ8Ni_Roh6fRMxm3mpa65x5AeOoR8BcSERc6AHCxxYtHdAl3eqUt9nIIwzEK4VhGNiqKBqXK63sm4t2iRKRGuMP10Wskh5YbE6sqsClrnMvI3_h7HzkGq074-/s1600/HP+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tBAx6q77VG_uVOyG63-DZ8Ni_Roh6fRMxm3mpa65x5AeOoR8BcSERc6AHCxxYtHdAl3eqUt9nIIwzEK4VhGNiqKBqXK63sm4t2iRKRGuMP10Wskh5YbE6sqsClrnMvI3_h7HzkGq074-/s640/HP+16.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For quills we simply washi taped some craft feathers onto pencils. The children were still calling them quills throughout the party!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rK-SF7IOtgtHR02uMZ_B2PtI_9RROFMj-Fm-SGYDW5PrSXJNZ-8hcDud_Yw1oplsZtp_FEO5WQdrd1FsY7YtQxl7EBZ9B1oqUqFQdvL4GEhBKgYC-wYm8cwxSavfAbwD2OZ5wD4y-R5Y/s1600/HP+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rK-SF7IOtgtHR02uMZ_B2PtI_9RROFMj-Fm-SGYDW5PrSXJNZ-8hcDud_Yw1oplsZtp_FEO5WQdrd1FsY7YtQxl7EBZ9B1oqUqFQdvL4GEhBKgYC-wYm8cwxSavfAbwD2OZ5wD4y-R5Y/s640/HP+15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The broomsticks were created using the tube from the inside of a roll of wrapping paper and fringed newspaper. We had done this for a friend's Harry Potter party too, so I knew it would work. I added some jute string to cover the sticky tape and they were done. The trickiest part of this project was finding enough tubes! Although effective, they do not stand up to a lot of wear and tear, several had to be repaired during the party! We have some made out of plastic tubing for the kids to play with and these are a lot sturdier. If I'd known I was going to be doing this party I'd have been stocking up on cheap brooms at a Halloween sale.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2fdVsy0udpALOaBncHytcxPZDzWuctZ7E-3JBDbGYiBqmKNZ24P7tsFwixot3IgAmKPe21X53dul29pMutz-qlZmYxp-CO6GDu0821KZRcpnEuEt4xFutUooKqvpXV4VmCqlfjKQv5gq/s1600/HP+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2fdVsy0udpALOaBncHytcxPZDzWuctZ7E-3JBDbGYiBqmKNZ24P7tsFwixot3IgAmKPe21X53dul29pMutz-qlZmYxp-CO6GDu0821KZRcpnEuEt4xFutUooKqvpXV4VmCqlfjKQv5gq/s640/HP+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The wands were made from cheap (and I mean cheap - something like 99p for a billion) chopsticks. You add glue with a glue gun to create the handle and then paint them. I've also added beads in with the glue to make fancier wands, but for mass production I would recommend as little glue as you feel you can get away with. I do think some of the very simple designs are very effective. I let my kids pick the colours to paint them. You could organise it so you had enough colours for one for each child, that way they would always know which wand was theirs. Or alternatively have them all the same, so it doesn't matter. My husband made a cool wand holder for the "Olivanders" shop and we attached an old cupboard door to hide the holder. I thought it looked brilliant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9B21juM22qs1jF8JOuki3uyafMWyxg8jgZu_E4dB2fpSy-YQC9b2TdXLtRryXDSz10QZDBNaDWgEaN9SjNzufO7kpTyXVDF8ybglOvwaruTb-hMO0OmFrUfvkxyvIhMM3_bRuhoneQD5/s1600/HP+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9B21juM22qs1jF8JOuki3uyafMWyxg8jgZu_E4dB2fpSy-YQC9b2TdXLtRryXDSz10QZDBNaDWgEaN9SjNzufO7kpTyXVDF8ybglOvwaruTb-hMO0OmFrUfvkxyvIhMM3_bRuhoneQD5/s640/HP+2.JPG" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanaQ38SSeuTWfKxjubonrcjUKGHcSiKOzcpMx-ZiFnW6R5UQMpjZQ9lG9Z1qkOYCa_BcdJKoTHCm64lV0hnye_Wb2j4wg8JWgNGIm4Oa1GQna9t4VBdzWST_KyMfmYCwvZ_kCHS-C4qMG/s1600/HP+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanaQ38SSeuTWfKxjubonrcjUKGHcSiKOzcpMx-ZiFnW6R5UQMpjZQ9lG9Z1qkOYCa_BcdJKoTHCm64lV0hnye_Wb2j4wg8JWgNGIm4Oa1GQna9t4VBdzWST_KyMfmYCwvZ_kCHS-C4qMG/s640/HP+3.JPG" width="370" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The owl packs were so each child could create their own owl that would wait in the Owlery during the party in case it was needed for any postal work. It also meant that the children had something to do whilst we were waiting for everyone to arrive and collect their supplies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCw9CYNAGPVVSOesND6DZdTqba4b25hH-bLZAvAhLt7LiaNYtfhi37CLMBjmEWRUlZwt1ql4LMKeoZ0rxwf3EktuteLjTHfYN1bmsI-hMsogoIygVIb8RcM0sVd1IfNcu68WVpsOvTKYH/s1600/HP+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCw9CYNAGPVVSOesND6DZdTqba4b25hH-bLZAvAhLt7LiaNYtfhi37CLMBjmEWRUlZwt1ql4LMKeoZ0rxwf3EktuteLjTHfYN1bmsI-hMsogoIygVIb8RcM0sVd1IfNcu68WVpsOvTKYH/s640/HP+13.JPG" width="558" /></a></div>
<br />
We also got them to have a photo shoot if they were waiting so we could turn them into thank you gifs that looked like Azkaban Wanted posters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were so many other things I wanted to do as well - I wanted to make robes and scarves and chocolate frog wrappers, and a hundred other cool things I had seen online, but in the end I felt that this was probably enough! I had also run out of time and money to spend on more things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-13918744214240352752015-12-21T17:12:00.002+00:002015-12-21T17:13:24.722+00:00Yummy Brussel Sprouts<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love sprouts, I think they are delicious. So when I saw <a href="https://folksy.com/items/6718806-Crochet-Christmas-Brussels-Sprout" target="_blank">these</a> little beauties on folksy, I thought I must have one immediately. Unfortunately they had already sold out, and I'm not surprised, they were total bargains and very cute.</div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">My husband said, something along the lines of surely you could make one though? How hard can it be. Ummm, actually not too hard. In fact I now have a little army of sprouts, enough to give some to friends who admired and named them...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv719qUau9EEggEH6Zq7RjXO-xXZDLK8BStdZDI5usOLbMZzx6Bt1VwzQK4pYzwLk0l5XgYA70b9Vy50zymyIGvego5LvdvvjT6wcpA2Zz4-Juxj0qrJlSFVgPfvnDYB-gASQ-ND57iFPW/s1600/simon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv719qUau9EEggEH6Zq7RjXO-xXZDLK8BStdZDI5usOLbMZzx6Bt1VwzQK4pYzwLk0l5XgYA70b9Vy50zymyIGvego5LvdvvjT6wcpA2Zz4-Juxj0qrJlSFVgPfvnDYB-gASQ-ND57iFPW/s640/simon.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks <a href="http://jollyspoon.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jolly Spoon</a> for letting me use your photo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So to make these, you need to create three circles and one sphere and then sew them together. Add eyes and you're sorted.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds6aWb72Ruz66d2b1F9qG8dVEqzj5FY0q2nJcPs91JHyYzSjjHhCP9uPJRYRRP43BEYPw6nsdLSFMF6sHLBpQRG8R14Rw-ja3Q7U0ix_q5uKjdZj2VfmR0WCe69qwmt3AJZa3DNceeQiG/s1600/Sprout03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds6aWb72Ruz66d2b1F9qG8dVEqzj5FY0q2nJcPs91JHyYzSjjHhCP9uPJRYRRP43BEYPw6nsdLSFMF6sHLBpQRG8R14Rw-ja3Q7U0ix_q5uKjdZj2VfmR0WCe69qwmt3AJZa3DNceeQiG/s640/Sprout03.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To make these ones I used a 3mm hook with double knit yarn, but you could use anything. This is in American terms (sorry I know I chop and change between the two - it just depends on which patterns I've been using most recently).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pattern for the circle:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R1: Chain 2</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R2: 6 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from the hook ( 6 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R3: 2 sc into each stitch (12 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R4: 2 sc into the next stitch 1 sc into the next stitch x 6 (18 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R5: 2 sc into the next stitch 1 sc into the next 2 stitches x 6 (24 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leave a long tail so you can sew this onto the sphere</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You need to make 3 of these.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pattern for the sphere:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R1: Chain 2</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R2: 6 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from the hook ( 6 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R3: 2 sc into each stitch (12 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R4: 2 sc into the next stitch 1 sc into the next stitch x 6 (18 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R5 - R7: 18 stitches around</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R8: 1 sc decrease, 1 sc into the next stitch x 6 (12 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stuff your brussel now, I use the stuffing from an old pillow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R9: 1 sc decrease x 6 (6 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leave a long tail and then sew up this bottom</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now put them all together. I glue gunned on the eyes and then ended up creating one for everyone I know...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By now I'd become a little sprout obsessed, and so I needle felted this little guy.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eKomvDGmfbgHHZmC62XhsG_AvhMu_Y2ZUjzSBl96-wTaqzplcsmCFQRkeNy61pdmrcDiwOC-qUaGohNky9J42J6Qhtoo1nXgMwj-X49y9j64HbM6IChL4DH4LJMVHsm7IO8U06vTA3kg/s1600/Sprout0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eKomvDGmfbgHHZmC62XhsG_AvhMu_Y2ZUjzSBl96-wTaqzplcsmCFQRkeNy61pdmrcDiwOC-qUaGohNky9J42J6Qhtoo1nXgMwj-X49y9j64HbM6IChL4DH4LJMVHsm7IO8U06vTA3kg/s640/Sprout0.JPG" width="554" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here he is with his mates.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkBBEF9F99yY8nVkjU8AX3kj20avlEWTBBrbQsishqaVguWGBCXT5f0iocFpzWiX9ueIfP2LpdFYK2cOKEePQD2NrbKKrLH22H_dFDBKVNYdwJfHWZ85GxXPtqlqM_dX4CKw4HMXVHplH/s1600/Sprout04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkBBEF9F99yY8nVkjU8AX3kj20avlEWTBBrbQsishqaVguWGBCXT5f0iocFpzWiX9ueIfP2LpdFYK2cOKEePQD2NrbKKrLH22H_dFDBKVNYdwJfHWZ85GxXPtqlqM_dX4CKw4HMXVHplH/s640/Sprout04.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My son has claimed him as his own.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-76596425328661558482015-04-29T15:17:00.000+01:002015-04-29T15:17:52.630+01:00April Showers<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today it is wet and miserable here, not so much April showers as April down pours. Bleurgh. It did remind of a lovely little decoration I'd been inspired to make after seeing a similar one. A simple cloud, which I felt simply <i>needed</i> the addition of raindrops. So I immediately got to work. I used:</div>
<ul>
<li>some thick beading wire</li>
<li>my heart punch </li>
<li>some white paper</li>
<li>some insulation tape</li>
<li>some thin white cotton</li>
<li>some normal sticky tape</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ylQUyfl0VCQpzIHUatyX0DQDTxsqZlLEnMWNDdmxKUAyjW2J2hlnX10k2WWPJFQDOcKUh97UOu0xISfY4UyNGa3AIqXBalPD4gYGkp-IowC8ITS9zfM5OjDe0v9zArurwVnje6Jl5DWq/s1600/cloud+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ylQUyfl0VCQpzIHUatyX0DQDTxsqZlLEnMWNDdmxKUAyjW2J2hlnX10k2WWPJFQDOcKUh97UOu0xISfY4UyNGa3AIqXBalPD4gYGkp-IowC8ITS9zfM5OjDe0v9zArurwVnje6Jl5DWq/s1600/cloud+2.JPG" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I shaped the beading wire into the cloud shape I was after and then wrapped it with the blue insulation tape to make it stand out a bit. Next I punched out several hearts and used those to create the rain drops (cut in half and slightly shaped). I tied the cotton onto the cloud shape and added my half heart rain drops to the cotton and that was it. I was finished. Tah Dah. A nice easy peasy craft that still looks super effective now.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84k6vFjw7o7-9ckWXrjK-NixLXwJV5dw7ke5gzlb2COErzhJR0mBP15M5ojZnGuGyHUV1fig73s8jJmR7H7Sq_xWfn0vbK37yV045IwRJnssZjPiEmELyKx0OzcrmQLYtNiuhZAQi3FDY/s1600/Cloud+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84k6vFjw7o7-9ckWXrjK-NixLXwJV5dw7ke5gzlb2COErzhJR0mBP15M5ojZnGuGyHUV1fig73s8jJmR7H7Sq_xWfn0vbK37yV045IwRJnssZjPiEmELyKx0OzcrmQLYtNiuhZAQi3FDY/s1600/Cloud+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think you could possibly make this work as a coat hanger too, a flat bottom to the cloud, without the raindrops, and then add a hook to the top. That would make it into something useful, as opposed to just looking pretty.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-35345435518042693722015-04-17T15:29:00.000+01:002015-04-17T15:29:12.633+01:00Another Little Flower PatternImaginative title, I know. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7741130782165321205" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjYu2n1dixBeXEsd5aWf0JPYYPBhuAPAtYrFnOTNiGj1sHq3fsjNHCvROjFq_XpLNPyZDB84-MmkqQWOFLsewjIU3iY4o9Z-iD5OMcWN7f_8I4gKjT-gvZqoJLtFHkom0aO4P65laFw3d/s1600/flowers+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjYu2n1dixBeXEsd5aWf0JPYYPBhuAPAtYrFnOTNiGj1sHq3fsjNHCvROjFq_XpLNPyZDB84-MmkqQWOFLsewjIU3iY4o9Z-iD5OMcWN7f_8I4gKjT-gvZqoJLtFHkom0aO4P65laFw3d/s1600/flowers+7.JPG" height="606" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just wanted to create another little pattern for a flower. The reason was exciting, I was off on a spa weekend with some friends. Squeal. Whenever I'm in a spa (every weekend - in my dreams) I'm always worried I'm going to end up with someone else's robe. I don't think you'd even know until you tried to open your locker and discovered you couldn't because the key in your pocket isn't yours!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUy0U3ySgYY4ClRu5kLbnuwlRqrHXqbTOYgyJrPYAWY1JoSDchN-F32OHNlfobQr3nuF2ElHcQR9LSEfkut15WEDQKkMVlPb24XtJmaUxov-d0guwIe3cK3vDbvGKfo4IMETxIf70mkxE/s1600/flowers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUy0U3ySgYY4ClRu5kLbnuwlRqrHXqbTOYgyJrPYAWY1JoSDchN-F32OHNlfobQr3nuF2ElHcQR9LSEfkut15WEDQKkMVlPb24XtJmaUxov-d0guwIe3cK3vDbvGKfo4IMETxIf70mkxE/s1600/flowers+2.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last year, for a similar trip, I made everyone the flowers I made for my brother's wedding. The pattern for those is <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/flowers-for-wedding.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I think for me one of the highlights of our spa trip this year was that several people had kept and remembered to bring, the flower I'd made for them the previous year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2diewzOyEAXh_4q02kqZeQaZP5rOnNP7V5Sj-ar9B-tyRybz99iJuyzNTMjv4thRjpy1iq02PSJthjORdaJAKAghEFAcC3a3uxsCL-VEqCYbE6QuQwtVvKAtA6Xty_6Ye6kxhCjz1Fr7/s1600/flowers+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2diewzOyEAXh_4q02kqZeQaZP5rOnNP7V5Sj-ar9B-tyRybz99iJuyzNTMjv4thRjpy1iq02PSJthjORdaJAKAghEFAcC3a3uxsCL-VEqCYbE6QuQwtVvKAtA6Xty_6Ye6kxhCjz1Fr7/s1600/flowers+5.JPG" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year's flower is a more pointy affair. It wasn't based on a particular type of flower, I just liked the idea of playing around with the petal shape.</div>
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjQ7-tB0jHKjmXmoQWiy_n3XX8qoAA_0_n5f6OaEG6gU_ZIjehQOdtM0pfHcvav2G6ma7pauzhDE-yo7ZQPRki8O28REdTe-l9A58Wf-m9xQ0cL8AZSL1TaXnn2rngvRXk-dVni-MZe4-/s1600/flowers+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjQ7-tB0jHKjmXmoQWiy_n3XX8qoAA_0_n5f6OaEG6gU_ZIjehQOdtM0pfHcvav2G6ma7pauzhDE-yo7ZQPRki8O28REdTe-l9A58Wf-m9xQ0cL8AZSL1TaXnn2rngvRXk-dVni-MZe4-/s1600/flowers+3.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><u>Pointy Petal Flower Pattern</u></u></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>US terms. Hook Size can be anything but I made these using DK yarn and 3.5mm Hook</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 1: Chain (Ch) 4 and slip stitch (sl st) together</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 2: Ch 2 and 12 double crochet (dc) into the circle, sl st together.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 3: Ch 1, 2 single crochet (sc) inn each stitch, and sl st together</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 4: Ch 4, skip 3 stitches and sl st into next stitch, repeat to end</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 5: sc, half double crochet (hdc), 2dc, 1 treble crochet (trc), 2dc, hdc, sc and sl st into each loop and finish off after the final petal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alternative Round 5 (for when you have very little yarn leftover!): sc, 2hdc, 1trc, 2hdc, sc and sl st into each loop and finish off after final petal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To create the flowers for the spa I used tiny little scraps of yarn from my stash so I used the alternative round 5.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOh3V2GJ1LumCI2-YE_z-4RIJ1FlOe_sBb3iLSg51bX028ud2kV6xseY8HuMU3EWlWMBVqS3R7Fv0QNrbRNOfx7utAzosjgnMR_HbQufCmROO3b3JWJgM86FF_BsW_uWaL1jthdPyG9ea/s1600/flowers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOh3V2GJ1LumCI2-YE_z-4RIJ1FlOe_sBb3iLSg51bX028ud2kV6xseY8HuMU3EWlWMBVqS3R7Fv0QNrbRNOfx7utAzosjgnMR_HbQufCmROO3b3JWJgM86FF_BsW_uWaL1jthdPyG9ea/s1600/flowers+1.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am lucky that people know how much I love yarn and so I get some as presents. This means that I have enough colours so that everyone can have a different coloured flower. I simply added a safety pin to the back of the flower and then you have your very own robe marker!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-78784039364019094412015-04-05T16:51:00.002+01:002015-04-05T16:51:45.744+01:00Easter Egg Doodle<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wish I could call this an Easter Egg Zentangle, but I think that would overstate this little doodle of mine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each year the kids enter an Easter Egg Colouring Competition, and I don't like to feel left out, so I photocopied one for me to have a go with too. Obviously I didn't enter mine into the kids competition, tempting though it was it would have been a little embarassing to lose against the kids!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_OVzFT9wwEHup7uHvhbVqiebstL6jsK9K2DL-RtXw8L3eAxm71jkkDBcr1gSvdbWPFZBXGVqEvmE8UABHUp1k3HOnOwN8QGsWkWG77-mLtYxgoI6WML4PPWn-IwJzilB5Z3w-2LI_MM/s1600/EasterEggDoodle2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_OVzFT9wwEHup7uHvhbVqiebstL6jsK9K2DL-RtXw8L3eAxm71jkkDBcr1gSvdbWPFZBXGVqEvmE8UABHUp1k3HOnOwN8QGsWkWG77-mLtYxgoI6WML4PPWn-IwJzilB5Z3w-2LI_MM/s1600/EasterEggDoodle2.png" height="640" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope everyone has a lovely Easter holiday, we're aiming to find as many Easter Egg hunts as possible to complete, but so far we've only managed one.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-82455190982493066242015-04-01T14:54:00.000+01:002015-04-01T14:54:00.613+01:00Crochet Cross Bookmark<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A while ago my daughter was invited to a Confirmation Party for a friend. I was not sure what the drill was for a confirmation party, as we're not religious. However I did decide that it would be nice to make a little something for the little girl who was getting Confirmed. I decided to do something more in keeping with the occasion than either a hat or a bag like I would normally do.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3stGCiVYjrOtp8JQ6hzCecPmV6lmKA6LHDenZCzxRYccTvUW2Y7WHISih_XR69IJRTrA4ndNtCt82yeOoz1fX12aKaZKrJhIrRa6q9dLJVTN8b0Q1yLTBEWT07KtPysFX3-OWQzFnsUgK/s1600/cross+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3stGCiVYjrOtp8JQ6hzCecPmV6lmKA6LHDenZCzxRYccTvUW2Y7WHISih_XR69IJRTrA4ndNtCt82yeOoz1fX12aKaZKrJhIrRa6q9dLJVTN8b0Q1yLTBEWT07KtPysFX3-OWQzFnsUgK/s1600/cross+1.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I searched the web and found <a href="http://www.petalstopicots.com/2012/04/lacy-cross-crochet-pattern/" target="_blank">this</a> lovely pattern for a crocheted Cross Bookmark. I thought it was perfect.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I found the pattern easy going once I'd understood the meaning of the long single crochet stitch (basically reaching further in than the standard stitch, but still using a single crochet stitch to do it). It was probably the first time I'd tried working in anything other than DK yarn, so I was really pleased with how it turned out. I still am if I'm honest!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtff-2T2oMTmY7Oawdp3KkoSD3l2aRM3oWrybE4bjI33G62EJSAnK1usw4JgLNhaWcsJVad6ATQDy-d_HQggHmhaE5ZIYW-ug0QV48lsv5JA5O09tZiOhAdPPy3X4LxbOreehowWErdPq/s1600/cross+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtff-2T2oMTmY7Oawdp3KkoSD3l2aRM3oWrybE4bjI33G62EJSAnK1usw4JgLNhaWcsJVad6ATQDy-d_HQggHmhaE5ZIYW-ug0QV48lsv5JA5O09tZiOhAdPPy3X4LxbOreehowWErdPq/s1600/cross+2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think this could make a lovely addition to my <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/the-easter-tree.html" target="_blank">Easter Tree/</a>Easter Decorations. I'm just hoping that I'll have some need to make another one in the future as it was a fun pattern to complete.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAB6KAkZrD1QCq0Ld5RMSmV2nqCl4WGvMODEut9_2Ph7S46dpIAh1SBJiZGfVKM06viNxU29AJ5CLx9S7zOyItkOCecLtyR0Bx5bh32ALb0eK08PfY87uRHZCfk0z1Zkc81GgRCq5h_MX/s1600/cross+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAB6KAkZrD1QCq0Ld5RMSmV2nqCl4WGvMODEut9_2Ph7S46dpIAh1SBJiZGfVKM06viNxU29AJ5CLx9S7zOyItkOCecLtyR0Bx5bh32ALb0eK08PfY87uRHZCfk0z1Zkc81GgRCq5h_MX/s1600/cross+3.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-64455284076815463492015-03-21T23:28:00.002+00:002015-03-21T23:28:38.899+00:00Bookcase Makeover<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently my husband and I bought a new bookcase. It was to replace one we inherited when we moved into our last house. We didn't really like it, but we are both hoarders, and we needed storage. Especially for books. We still do. I have a problem when it comes to buying books. So even though we had replaced an old, unloved bookcase with something a lot prettier we didn't feel we could just chuck out the old one. I really must remember to take "before" pictures, but I'm too impatient to get on with a crafty project to stop and take pictures. So instead here is the "after" picture to start with!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFRTDn_dlDFoliSzbV1Xch_m0lQXUUkWmLCDIds4Fs2IpsXlbUM_IK1HVbVqgQ7_-11UM72KU137Bmf_x-FCcPeuXcnaf8lHYXOTLddjK4-VOViogUjh9zyhxisZuI7UyswBnmThqNSxX/s1600/Bookcase+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFRTDn_dlDFoliSzbV1Xch_m0lQXUUkWmLCDIds4Fs2IpsXlbUM_IK1HVbVqgQ7_-11UM72KU137Bmf_x-FCcPeuXcnaf8lHYXOTLddjK4-VOViogUjh9zyhxisZuI7UyswBnmThqNSxX/s1600/Bookcase+10.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Actually I didn't manage to take any of the pictures for this post, they were all taken by my husband. He was pretty keen on this project, in fact the whole thing was his idea. Although up close this isn't the prettiest project in the world, it is functional and from across the room it is very pretty indeed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I mentioned we were hoarders, but I think this project illustrates it perfectly. Not only did we use an old bookcase we didn't really want, but couldn't throw out, we also found a 2000 UK road map whilst we were de-cluttering. It didn't have any special memory attached to it, we didn't go on a lovely trip around the country in 2000 that we never wanted to forget. We were keeping it, just in case. Just in case the roads magically reverted to how they were 15 years ago overnight and no one else had a map perhaps?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6oWCWcXvVqsYx8TUqGnciZ-DDvrUR7w5yAUV31W5gHNfdUku6Q7WkXGnXh6ePNMrKy0n8kg81w_VSpkapYspdrOvSD9lJrL5LEEgwqygpLU4m3-CtKpz28lzIRfRk5UowCQsk1YAxKT-/s1600/Bookcase+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6oWCWcXvVqsYx8TUqGnciZ-DDvrUR7w5yAUV31W5gHNfdUku6Q7WkXGnXh6ePNMrKy0n8kg81w_VSpkapYspdrOvSD9lJrL5LEEgwqygpLU4m3-CtKpz28lzIRfRk5UowCQsk1YAxKT-/s1600/Bookcase+9.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The bookcase we had inherited when we moved into the house, and was a black ash like this one you can buy from Asda (Walmart). Obviously, we forget to take a proper 'Before' photo, opting instead for 'Midway Thru' and 'After' photos only.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBG4mJZ3J6rpOGmDbtlHnhRcXTlXtWZ5YeURjduaUYGXTpglFnYoBIhGfG1ZS-KZ6JUnlv1dYQ7kVdADu8oXRMjFIRjabscFz4gCLM_uLNOxWjlxZPdAljijlpZroSKMQBmUt9Hv3ReQ/s1600/blackash2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBG4mJZ3J6rpOGmDbtlHnhRcXTlXtWZ5YeURjduaUYGXTpglFnYoBIhGfG1ZS-KZ6JUnlv1dYQ7kVdADu8oXRMjFIRjabscFz4gCLM_uLNOxWjlxZPdAljijlpZroSKMQBmUt9Hv3ReQ/s1600/blackash2.png" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As a family we like maps (obviously we are hoarding them from 15 years ago), so it seemed logical to try and create something from the map and the bookcase. When my husband suggested this I wasn't sure whether he was hoping it would go horribly wrong and that we could throw the whole thing out, or whether he was hoping it would work and would be able to house my ever increasing collection of cookery books.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5lvgDC2fXEFdgM8U2oxXqk3U9LoDo9UIfIY7YhprkzHM7lhn2vObG57iLYD92y633WkJPY8pCh0xP7jvTwpLS6RnM0TemgDE6zddhhgiBOSqRA6p8fhoUSFOu-aTi-zRVDJ_SFGk04kx/s1600/Bookcase+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5lvgDC2fXEFdgM8U2oxXqk3U9LoDo9UIfIY7YhprkzHM7lhn2vObG57iLYD92y633WkJPY8pCh0xP7jvTwpLS6RnM0TemgDE6zddhhgiBOSqRA6p8fhoUSFOu-aTi-zRVDJ_SFGk04kx/s1600/Bookcase+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfDugNQDyFGy24_WSqzySMqZyA0pa3Kv8IzT-WdF5Nr4sqwbqcuW6jgaalU5c4QCPPETRUlxaoQQtaAgJS5wpd6ELDEs1kWAqYGc1na8FxVObbOARlo47wodi5-KGvxICIkEg2gzHQ6b-/s1600/Bookcase+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfDugNQDyFGy24_WSqzySMqZyA0pa3Kv8IzT-WdF5Nr4sqwbqcuW6jgaalU5c4QCPPETRUlxaoQQtaAgJS5wpd6ELDEs1kWAqYGc1na8FxVObbOARlo47wodi5-KGvxICIkEg2gzHQ6b-/s1600/Bookcase+3.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPifxTCP7gHdrDKdlY-8Yarb9UB9wgdg2FSZbTL_OpkYK4D-y2PKI9TAa-SH9AGJKlKT5XCWZ86r3GFVXlCW9Pq-3vQTe37p5wM7AkFY6d6HRH-2gpcLJXfq6omQ4K_7Zk_p0wWUADwok_/s1600/Bookcase+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPifxTCP7gHdrDKdlY-8Yarb9UB9wgdg2FSZbTL_OpkYK4D-y2PKI9TAa-SH9AGJKlKT5XCWZ86r3GFVXlCW9Pq-3vQTe37p5wM7AkFY6d6HRH-2gpcLJXfq6omQ4K_7Zk_p0wWUADwok_/s1600/Bookcase+4.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We set to work, I did help, but mainly it was my husband deciding which parts of the part should go where. We have London on the top shelf and a pretty coastal area along the bottom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6bxUvH9NgrYnEx8sLyBnzBeILgA0ll76AKWvkEbsEwgTB2sM_iGxtG8CbYx-uNWiZAVyLm0J4dw-dRprZcNXbLLPhmLE9KWbY7s3ghrpit65MU3wcYV1UqQhT_n77iAl33KbKa1kVmwq/s1600/Bookcase+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6bxUvH9NgrYnEx8sLyBnzBeILgA0ll76AKWvkEbsEwgTB2sM_iGxtG8CbYx-uNWiZAVyLm0J4dw-dRprZcNXbLLPhmLE9KWbY7s3ghrpit65MU3wcYV1UqQhT_n77iAl33KbKa1kVmwq/s1600/Bookcase+8.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We used a glue and varnish in one (like modge podge) and just covered the whole thing. We worked in sections, waiting for bits to dry before moving on to the next section. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIKBrnensa7A-eNZVcs0Naxh8Ab3hDFMmhH_O8gAXTIQ1avVX8IHoHuVQW0oe3OeBMmCdkpWMcILL55ijjRuRs74GyOxL_1dhuVe55zG7D0fb1vUfyrwF6sfH4_5F5zwmBMFALQzit684/s1600/Bookcase+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIKBrnensa7A-eNZVcs0Naxh8Ab3hDFMmhH_O8gAXTIQ1avVX8IHoHuVQW0oe3OeBMmCdkpWMcILL55ijjRuRs74GyOxL_1dhuVe55zG7D0fb1vUfyrwF6sfH4_5F5zwmBMFALQzit684/s1600/Bookcase+6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally using the very last of a pot of glue, and the last couple of pages of the map we were done.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADeqwVIfxQSX6l3Vy1K4QtlXxW_CyX-9ARJ83jkfghzqL6GC5mNiV5QHL0hxy0ydx7EZMlMNFswRZ4sbPoMJ5mVwOwwm9EpJ2kXx8sLtn-dyWwjCAFmkYzwJhVe9WpfAUOVV4nL5WLnrV/s1600/Bookcase+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADeqwVIfxQSX6l3Vy1K4QtlXxW_CyX-9ARJ83jkfghzqL6GC5mNiV5QHL0hxy0ydx7EZMlMNFswRZ4sbPoMJ5mVwOwwm9EpJ2kXx8sLtn-dyWwjCAFmkYzwJhVe9WpfAUOVV4nL5WLnrV/s1600/Bookcase+5.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It is now proudly up in the kitchen with my cookery books and some board games on there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY41dw-D0nvR5lFTxETDjPYEhYZIipOL6cX3n6f3N4xMyYmeF9HoVvJSpIEc6VqZSnNqlqrfBAQrWu7usuaxvlKVTxYzPKhflaPBn4kJvfKcHX6PZy3C_nkPElJHzLUAf9KPJ951yZFoKi/s1600/Bookcase+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY41dw-D0nvR5lFTxETDjPYEhYZIipOL6cX3n6f3N4xMyYmeF9HoVvJSpIEc6VqZSnNqlqrfBAQrWu7usuaxvlKVTxYzPKhflaPBn4kJvfKcHX6PZy3C_nkPElJHzLUAf9KPJ951yZFoKi/s1600/Bookcase+7.jpg" height="640" width="594" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so finally, here's the after photo again. We're really pleased with it. It's a lot brighter than the black ash, and is certainly a unique piece of furniture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFRTDn_dlDFoliSzbV1Xch_m0lQXUUkWmLCDIds4Fs2IpsXlbUM_IK1HVbVqgQ7_-11UM72KU137Bmf_x-FCcPeuXcnaf8lHYXOTLddjK4-VOViogUjh9zyhxisZuI7UyswBnmThqNSxX/s1600/Bookcase+10.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFRTDn_dlDFoliSzbV1Xch_m0lQXUUkWmLCDIds4Fs2IpsXlbUM_IK1HVbVqgQ7_-11UM72KU137Bmf_x-FCcPeuXcnaf8lHYXOTLddjK4-VOViogUjh9zyhxisZuI7UyswBnmThqNSxX/s1600/Bookcase+10.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFRTDn_dlDFoliSzbV1Xch_m0lQXUUkWmLCDIds4Fs2IpsXlbUM_IK1HVbVqgQ7_-11UM72KU137Bmf_x-FCcPeuXcnaf8lHYXOTLddjK4-VOViogUjh9zyhxisZuI7UyswBnmThqNSxX/s1600/Bookcase+10.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sos6rtAML3E%2FVQ3fK7qgqII%2FAAAAAAAABDo%2F-HiL5B6z9sw%2Fs1600%2FBookcase%252B10.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFRTDn_dlDFoliSzbV1Xch_m0lQXUUkWmLCDIds4Fs2IpsXlbUM_IK1HVbVqgQ7_-11UM72KU137Bmf_x-FCcPeuXcnaf8lHYXOTLddjK4-VOViogUjh9zyhxisZuI7UyswBnmThqNSxX/s1600/Bookcase+10.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-74826124777610712122015-03-11T23:21:00.000+00:002015-03-11T23:21:08.593+00:00A Quick Little Project<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wasn't sure whether to share this, as it is something that I'm considering to create for presents, but it was such a lovely project to complete, and so quick I thought I should.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some crochet covered coat hangers. Yarn bombing on a small scale!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQhTSDEp7k7sn-duMVztJBjCy2xy3oCcegW_cvw0oTfSNjlF79wB_JuB9tHJazvFuJ3lxUCUEgMqJkbbZK8P95bH7myU_QdFQh9rcalcj7Mda8HCrM7B1vCtBSp18EvW0zryyo0eUvKCL/s1600/hanger+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQhTSDEp7k7sn-duMVztJBjCy2xy3oCcegW_cvw0oTfSNjlF79wB_JuB9tHJazvFuJ3lxUCUEgMqJkbbZK8P95bH7myU_QdFQh9rcalcj7Mda8HCrM7B1vCtBSp18EvW0zryyo0eUvKCL/s1600/hanger+1.JPG" height="310" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">I organised a little craft evening, where everyone was bringing a project to work on and shortly before my guests were going to arrive I had a sudden panic - I didn't have a project to work on! Oops.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I grabbed some sweetie style colours (at least that is what the remind me of) and a coat hanger that had been hanging around (pun intended) for ages waiting a restyle. I had read a couple of tutorials and they all seem to go about this in the same way - create a rectangle of fabric and then sew together once you've made one big enough to go round the hanger.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFUkptJBLFeb8wwu5L_3vpBW_T6plo7JJUvON-u_7NtWCw-0xSqc5rwIHZkUabj3ZrgT2kvL3dKxTUFLybcGw4bkWm7jm48qKaxMXbmByk2e8_R-uK7xz_0ld0nx2P3ztrSnh3H7a94aq/s1600/hanger+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFUkptJBLFeb8wwu5L_3vpBW_T6plo7JJUvON-u_7NtWCw-0xSqc5rwIHZkUabj3ZrgT2kvL3dKxTUFLybcGw4bkWm7jm48qKaxMXbmByk2e8_R-uK7xz_0ld0nx2P3ztrSnh3H7a94aq/s1600/hanger+2.JPG" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I dislike sewing lots of stripes together, I've done it before it takes me ages and ages and ages and ages. You get the picture. So after one row I decided this would be a project best worked in the round, and it didn't really matter if it didn't work because I was just experimenting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbNZlY2pL_bS0QWg4HXtuDMJp3fGt5TucT26CJF1q8dVi_4MIvj_49SE46ml1EzcGVQsJBQRWZCVfHo-5E4xgnO5_KF5u5ZVbWCT6PTTsWWqcvyB6lujipF4IHC8tiFObXp7mfk1k8QHz/s1600/hanger+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbNZlY2pL_bS0QWg4HXtuDMJp3fGt5TucT26CJF1q8dVi_4MIvj_49SE46ml1EzcGVQsJBQRWZCVfHo-5E4xgnO5_KF5u5ZVbWCT6PTTsWWqcvyB6lujipF4IHC8tiFObXp7mfk1k8QHz/s1600/hanger+3.JPG" height="290" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Obviously this technique is much easier before you get to the hook part, you can work it up off the hanger. Once I got to the hook I simply kept the cover on the hanger and crocheted around and around. It did take significantly longer to do the second half (twice as long maybe), and the hook seemed to get in the way a lot for the first few rounds, but soon I got into the rhythm and then it was finished. My daughter loved it straight away and my son requested one for him too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I bought these hangers pre-padded, but I'm trying to work out whether I could fancy up some less pretty ones. A project for another day.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-33257127219193912912015-03-02T20:18:00.000+00:002015-03-04T23:00:58.271+00:00New Sewing Machine<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was very lucky this Christmas and I got such lovely presents, particularly exciting was my very own <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-mini-sewing-machine/p367714" target="_blank">sewing machine</a>. This is a very new craft for me, I've never been a seamstress before. I have tried, but never really got on with sewing machines, or anything that has needed sewing. Since having children, I've had to learn how to hand sew a bit - sewing on buttons and badges. I've even managed a couple more complicated sewing projects, you can read about them <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/diy-hello-kitty-house.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/look-what-i-made-pyjama-trousers.html" target="_blank">here</a>. My poor Mum did try and teach me, but it never seemed to click, my siblings could manage fine and then I would mess up whatever it was that Mum was trying to get us to do. But now, finally I'm going to crack it, well at least that is the plan. I tried learning knitting as my New Year's Resolution three years running and never mastered it, but I have my fingers crossed for sewing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got the same machine that my daughter has, and it is fab. I love that they come in different colours, mine is yellow (my favourite colour). It also helps that when I get stuck she can help me and it made threading it for the first time a breeze. It is a little embarrassing to have to ask your 9 year old for help, but she has been very good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTZHU03vAPXVJs4zFkY_v31ycW_FurKKooL-IsOhj3om4kdgVjkdwWxKRMkVQtlHA-PPhMpV36uYgyjelr9-FociL3J9MHDbfrbs1UWCyn_C0av3YgAKiL5y-wlLaN2tKHcWSAa3Tdye8/s1600/dress+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTZHU03vAPXVJs4zFkY_v31ycW_FurKKooL-IsOhj3om4kdgVjkdwWxKRMkVQtlHA-PPhMpV36uYgyjelr9-FociL3J9MHDbfrbs1UWCyn_C0av3YgAKiL5y-wlLaN2tKHcWSAa3Tdye8/s1600/dress+1.JPG" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So far I have made a toddler dress out of an old shirt, it was meant to be big enough for my daughter, but doesn't quite(!) fit. The idea came from <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-shirt-dress.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and I loosely followed the instructions on the tutorial. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlAdOOiBpcyZJLsULfKM89xx8rZRvDTMi4ufvzwAC8tBLdi8MvbJs-CwrAaFBvD1M_aWJpAFhsW-AdciNkzhaDdRpU0XqpTZIbh7-_ngEadfIpQ6MDPDOz8eUbzdEv0pT-VtgKrlFrRk2/s1600/dress+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlAdOOiBpcyZJLsULfKM89xx8rZRvDTMi4ufvzwAC8tBLdi8MvbJs-CwrAaFBvD1M_aWJpAFhsW-AdciNkzhaDdRpU0XqpTZIbh7-_ngEadfIpQ6MDPDOz8eUbzdEv0pT-VtgKrlFrRk2/s1600/dress+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">My daughter did try to squeeze into it, but I would guess it would fit a 2 or 3 year old. You can see the quality of my work in these pictures. It is going to take a while before I can produce something really beautiful. Now it is hanging up in a cupboard and I'm not sure what to do with it, it isn't good enough to give to someone, but it is the first thing I did on my machine so I don't want to chuck it either! </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPNDx47vC-cc-8_uVrFr9oy3Gb5JQHG2ncpfhzaO74tx4xN-UfWeV_FysTMMa_2v644oL-3gyKA6KWnHZ3HVEJxpVHMu8nVMGG6b6BLcR0Ue0TEZDy0wLDOlZPOxhSUiNn_IaRgmE_SAW/s1600/dress+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPNDx47vC-cc-8_uVrFr9oy3Gb5JQHG2ncpfhzaO74tx4xN-UfWeV_FysTMMa_2v644oL-3gyKA6KWnHZ3HVEJxpVHMu8nVMGG6b6BLcR0Ue0TEZDy0wLDOlZPOxhSUiNn_IaRgmE_SAW/s1600/dress+2.JPG" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also turned an old t-shirt into a shopping bag. The top had a stain on it so I used the parts I had cut out to create some fabric flowers which I attempted to sew onto the bag, and then promptly broke the needle on my sewing machine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEwgTK2LTagn57ZDrO4DrPYfL5PPJktXx5scHa-LQ19ONy24dH2GsKzZhLqUaVCsijUHDwFr0-S4CWysPuXquNINeiOZ4ODI6wGFEVOWpa-S6hMaO4NoIYhR7LknujjBmCDV3CHsODiTB/s1600/bag+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEwgTK2LTagn57ZDrO4DrPYfL5PPJktXx5scHa-LQ19ONy24dH2GsKzZhLqUaVCsijUHDwFr0-S4CWysPuXquNINeiOZ4ODI6wGFEVOWpa-S6hMaO4NoIYhR7LknujjBmCDV3CHsODiTB/s1600/bag+3.JPG" height="640" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqcfXZsKOV9eYgBnqOl8KxotI9W_wCNuuJDW8iuVxDGMN2SY5q9xeYJ3LjPmtTHruiq-UVpzTSwIXN9i3i94nSQX6xBKi2fQqrccpIT9FCwpkL5KFG0K0jYzGPxTHwtgQUMok0oqPfVPC/s1600/bag+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqcfXZsKOV9eYgBnqOl8KxotI9W_wCNuuJDW8iuVxDGMN2SY5q9xeYJ3LjPmtTHruiq-UVpzTSwIXN9i3i94nSQX6xBKi2fQqrccpIT9FCwpkL5KFG0K0jYzGPxTHwtgQUMok0oqPfVPC/s1600/bag+4.JPG" height="640" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Doh. In the end I reverted to a glue gun - this is probably an improvement on some of the materials I've been known to fix clothes with - sticky tape, staples and paper clips...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGd5qJL8HVSdY82s8doBKjIysfFi2sW3TDex2ILnbnjhrtv7NE5wUCzvWg-G-32RYM1VQ99shpwR1D5U2hV6O8G0CntT1vzdmGqI0TxvNwMnlhsmzabYZxZ2kxtStg-PIMvFf7OWhS5Mx/s1600/bag+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGd5qJL8HVSdY82s8doBKjIysfFi2sW3TDex2ILnbnjhrtv7NE5wUCzvWg-G-32RYM1VQ99shpwR1D5U2hV6O8G0CntT1vzdmGqI0TxvNwMnlhsmzabYZxZ2kxtStg-PIMvFf7OWhS5Mx/s1600/bag+1.JPG" height="640" width="596" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nK6W5ar51pKHxFO7pZGmciMwrgNdXDKFgxInXEEc80xc3iRVYqFRJ4Fr5OlAtj5EHf3lTDqd_XGV33qNkYyGJ4YwCwBAPr2-P53OOP9ya1YHRl4e8DfQ5528JvrukMzdZdJw_emL6gGu/s1600/bag+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nK6W5ar51pKHxFO7pZGmciMwrgNdXDKFgxInXEEc80xc3iRVYqFRJ4Fr5OlAtj5EHf3lTDqd_XGV33qNkYyGJ4YwCwBAPr2-P53OOP9ya1YHRl4e8DfQ5528JvrukMzdZdJw_emL6gGu/s1600/bag+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, despite breaking the needle on my machine I'm really pleased with this, it is actually usable, and it gave me a chance to try sewing something stretchy. It was easier that I thought - no doubt some false confidence for when I next try making something!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm planning on something a little more adventurous next time - outfits for World Book Day dress up for the kids for school. I need a princess cloak and some wizard robes. Could be interesting! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-82232874284467238282015-02-24T19:09:00.003+00:002015-02-24T19:09:47.077+00:00Koala Accessories<div style="text-align: justify;">
A friend of ours had a baby boy recently and I wanted to make a little something. I thought about making another little bunny cuddly, like I did <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/crochet-bunnies.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but decided I wanted to do something new this time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rUVLQv0D1PcopkcaeG60ih_DZHElgDcpE9gNn5-3LMQC93KoGWMPi1HLgII0gLR5ST5UNF3WCb8UzwaMMn22gMtKRr277y4R1dlKNjJAv5HWr8DbkAHSSmCSIquuEegPGEpi2hnQIHRF/s1600/koala+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rUVLQv0D1PcopkcaeG60ih_DZHElgDcpE9gNn5-3LMQC93KoGWMPi1HLgII0gLR5ST5UNF3WCb8UzwaMMn22gMtKRr277y4R1dlKNjJAv5HWr8DbkAHSSmCSIquuEegPGEpi2hnQIHRF/s1600/koala+1.JPG" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've also made <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/owl-hats.html" target="_blank">hats</a> as presents and <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/owl-bags.html" target="_blank">bags</a>. For a baby I decided that a hat made a lot more sense. I umm and ahhed about whether to make an owl in more masculine colours for him, but I wanted something completely different. I've said before that I'm mad about owls, but my son is mad about koalas, so that was my inspiration. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGNoRwcKNBosF57qOvRo0NIk6V7OWUmhX0US-CDFgE2Ha4KKSZU6RD3KZE-OsibFizSyUotALf99W2OluQpIsn-9_VPLynM-WLqGiUsxO4eUbOXdgMSXFnX43YS0T56WplGjqHYggL-dN/s1600/koala+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGNoRwcKNBosF57qOvRo0NIk6V7OWUmhX0US-CDFgE2Ha4KKSZU6RD3KZE-OsibFizSyUotALf99W2OluQpIsn-9_VPLynM-WLqGiUsxO4eUbOXdgMSXFnX43YS0T56WplGjqHYggL-dN/s1600/koala+2.JPG" height="640" width="564" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I used the same hat <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hoo-gives-a-hoot-anyway-beanie" target="_blank">pattern</a> as for the owl, but used grey yarn, changed the ears to pom poms and tried to create a koala looking face. I did want to do bigger pom poms, but I was worried about whether they would be comfortable for a little head, so I went smaller.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnConEoZHRmz4SF0wLVGJcw8wUkA4XvDm3_1ndckhJxCNjdfL6jWWc1srTYVLEVP2XritP7VudPT3H4YfcjCH-kCDNKrWnHBg-1OspC5mE2_T_UX5Fk9etJl6RMDgHiKlei4w3_gLqVnbv/s1600/koala+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnConEoZHRmz4SF0wLVGJcw8wUkA4XvDm3_1ndckhJxCNjdfL6jWWc1srTYVLEVP2XritP7VudPT3H4YfcjCH-kCDNKrWnHBg-1OspC5mE2_T_UX5Fk9etJl6RMDgHiKlei4w3_gLqVnbv/s1600/koala+4.JPG" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua2trZYjkzgJtT5IhfLXEYilzN626JjTJQq-svUKlLG3NKJqS6L5sXElj-20ioJcxtrXI1zL_oSoDzkpVeGHbuvHriDx5EFLDZMCiwnL0-d-EMTOD1QptNJAZ2gf2up6C9NO3eMo_kNwY/s1600/koala+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua2trZYjkzgJtT5IhfLXEYilzN626JjTJQq-svUKlLG3NKJqS6L5sXElj-20ioJcxtrXI1zL_oSoDzkpVeGHbuvHriDx5EFLDZMCiwnL0-d-EMTOD1QptNJAZ2gf2up6C9NO3eMo_kNwY/s1600/koala+3.JPG" height="640" width="572" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Continuing on with the koala theme, I made a little coin wallet/purse for my son for Christmas. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZi1hkAKhyLOlAW-FQmkEMnjIIN7WZMtxQyXeaztjBiMJVuGpST80XZXO8aVJ8Sh_N5hjjhlCGLwQbQitBhwkDSlzRK6A7cNZ584dkIC9PZMK875cCmKN0CT3LeOMrevhqzjTbuoC9Obp/s1600/koala+coin+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZi1hkAKhyLOlAW-FQmkEMnjIIN7WZMtxQyXeaztjBiMJVuGpST80XZXO8aVJ8Sh_N5hjjhlCGLwQbQitBhwkDSlzRK6A7cNZ584dkIC9PZMK875cCmKN0CT3LeOMrevhqzjTbuoC9Obp/s1600/koala+coin+2.JPG" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I used the same method for this as I did with my stripy pencil cases, but used a 2 inch zip instead. I think he looks cool and my son is very pleased with him.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh1A8IjxYOpAd-im5E_HZi70uFaOuNoA3Pw8RdaRgbIs3Xvn4KOzns_U0Rgl896fKlXETDOeKb8EUkoUK1I5FGlHEeZ8uJz9ud-GFjb_KgtEjXf3zGjZ8V6fSDbsroIS5PwfdLtifpq19/s1600/koala+coin+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh1A8IjxYOpAd-im5E_HZi70uFaOuNoA3Pw8RdaRgbIs3Xvn4KOzns_U0Rgl896fKlXETDOeKb8EUkoUK1I5FGlHEeZ8uJz9ud-GFjb_KgtEjXf3zGjZ8V6fSDbsroIS5PwfdLtifpq19/s1600/koala+coin+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-9468869030611044232015-02-14T10:30:00.000+00:002015-02-14T10:30:18.607+00:00Bits and Bobs<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been doing some de-cluttering and tidying up around the house recently. You know the type I mean, properly going through boxes and all the bits and bobs that I keep hold of because I'm a hoarder. Whilst doing this I found one of the little monster packages I talked about here. It had been hanging around for a while and the playdough was no longer usable, but you can see the little kits we created and all the bits and bobs that were inside it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fbc1SXOZLPb_X7PUXEXIFuAYICIQ78dYDoeZx_Kip5c3SFtiEHCY1peyKTn9_2OxogL1XYb4y-hLkXsUPWbZMSPc8krfcGYKYyaJ2O7IqZXiw7iKnS8QKGD-zx9JKrIOL2lL5VkbRoyD/s1600/bits+and+bobs+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fbc1SXOZLPb_X7PUXEXIFuAYICIQ78dYDoeZx_Kip5c3SFtiEHCY1peyKTn9_2OxogL1XYb4y-hLkXsUPWbZMSPc8krfcGYKYyaJ2O7IqZXiw7iKnS8QKGD-zx9JKrIOL2lL5VkbRoyD/s1600/bits+and+bobs+4.JPG" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlDD1D3Opyw6vxGxCZ6zkFdSwoprer3lGc5mD5_-QaAQV6O8MTfhluy7bauixNuoe2ge0eq7Kmdlzvqfk0lyt7wFahI0T8knL7U-fp-sbYcrJtuhxk_d-qT7x5r3HE8qq3Y6UJGXhZrOa/s1600/bits+and+bobs+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlDD1D3Opyw6vxGxCZ6zkFdSwoprer3lGc5mD5_-QaAQV6O8MTfhluy7bauixNuoe2ge0eq7Kmdlzvqfk0lyt7wFahI0T8knL7U-fp-sbYcrJtuhxk_d-qT7x5r3HE8qq3Y6UJGXhZrOa/s1600/bits+and+bobs+5.JPG" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also found some things that the kids and I had used the marbling technique I talked about <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/bead-making.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/marbling-on-paper.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I love that they didn't always marble their items, sometimes they just created the colours on the top of the water and dipped their item in. It gives a totally different design. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDhSXlssCBGaQ9PuQCKMTPEDkDEwxjM9EGlP_1LoRorT-GV3E3B-tvDYfGHFaPcBamhQnwECGPED_kjurugpY4NHJxWUkHpNJASc8wjDbao7RUshD8-XadIuGSfSwyJpBn_bd22iiC2AW/s1600/bits+and+bobs+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDhSXlssCBGaQ9PuQCKMTPEDkDEwxjM9EGlP_1LoRorT-GV3E3B-tvDYfGHFaPcBamhQnwECGPED_kjurugpY4NHJxWUkHpNJASc8wjDbao7RUshD8-XadIuGSfSwyJpBn_bd22iiC2AW/s1600/bits+and+bobs+1.JPG" height="304" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We plan to make some necklaces out of the washers. I do think that this would make an awesome craft for a party, I'll just have to see if I can fit it into the party idea we come up with this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyJo92UN5_HodHHi0fHrU514aBBvGeY8H9qELFq0WZKPCEdz9MRoulAD54i_qhNynCJUTz2XGoqSQzlNHRrMmUAt9ACDSgHb5Yfm4dmC9UHyPWB9FBzr0pWvOWyLTcKEFEuaIZzVCRwcm/s1600/bits+and+bobs+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyJo92UN5_HodHHi0fHrU514aBBvGeY8H9qELFq0WZKPCEdz9MRoulAD54i_qhNynCJUTz2XGoqSQzlNHRrMmUAt9ACDSgHb5Yfm4dmC9UHyPWB9FBzr0pWvOWyLTcKEFEuaIZzVCRwcm/s1600/bits+and+bobs+2.JPG" height="640" width="598" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The pegs were going to be Christmas presents (may still use this idea at some point) with magnets on the back so they could be attached to fridges to hold lists/letter/important info.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3-oSUouem11Qd52zZxUtVyTQFRIxYnLhp7icFamfG8R4QzrUJZW76cF7yWFb8f0WrB3C2AYDsuDRpsKrGHIRCkmQFhZlxWrZgVZ1x-_B5lOKw2j9jsaKrCuz670dw_hamsp19ChEX9P7/s1600/bits+and+bobs+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3-oSUouem11Qd52zZxUtVyTQFRIxYnLhp7icFamfG8R4QzrUJZW76cF7yWFb8f0WrB3C2AYDsuDRpsKrGHIRCkmQFhZlxWrZgVZ1x-_B5lOKw2j9jsaKrCuz670dw_hamsp19ChEX9P7/s1600/bits+and+bobs+3.JPG" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We also moved a whole load of CDs which were on display into boxes and put something much prettier on display instead. This wasn't even my idea, but my Husband's. I love it, the kids call it the "wall of wool" which makes it sound so much more impressive. Isn't it pretty?!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHZ_TFshGN0diBkDDxiJ47nsNAtM6lWqRqljQynq107pR2IoJq_x3JY67y7HG5rXmypigOl1DE1mIS18YDoBlTPtrjoGxaxLaUbmgt0Yd7D2PPo7xAVgHtLAeUNO9cYLsviiAby6ZsQel/s1600/bits+and+bobs+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHZ_TFshGN0diBkDDxiJ47nsNAtM6lWqRqljQynq107pR2IoJq_x3JY67y7HG5rXmypigOl1DE1mIS18YDoBlTPtrjoGxaxLaUbmgt0Yd7D2PPo7xAVgHtLAeUNO9cYLsviiAby6ZsQel/s1600/bits+and+bobs+6.JPG" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KTvOb4LHn1eGujXCci3F6sJhrwSV3xuf1O9ehx7x2bqbLMCYQSkGZBEPiODcaD323bJ0NipUU6q6nVjQ2geAjxZAi12P8ax0Z4zz2Ja0BLhqfYEcJihTvEBsjbgoEas_tjDunVm6Een6/s1600/bits+and+bobs+7%23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KTvOb4LHn1eGujXCci3F6sJhrwSV3xuf1O9ehx7x2bqbLMCYQSkGZBEPiODcaD323bJ0NipUU6q6nVjQ2geAjxZAi12P8ax0Z4zz2Ja0BLhqfYEcJihTvEBsjbgoEas_tjDunVm6Een6/s1600/bits+and+bobs+7%23.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And yes, in case you're wondering I did keep all the above bits and bobs, though the crafty bits were returned to the crafty drawers we have, the marbled items are still awaiting somewhere to live. Sigh. Never mind if I'm depressed about my lack of de-cluttering skills I can always look at my wall of wool...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T8d7iaSNtOQnUj3lntY1lHRMJUxNODhxp9ZMbrR_JjJgyWW4vgiY8z3ZZMQp8H0-CAawFyUqoAa3C-_SoSUaKb42Xr8IzwKc5Cp7hTfl1AnkEsGhkE4TQV75ZIYoz58kT9EoiAUiWNnR/s1600/bits+and+bobs+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T8d7iaSNtOQnUj3lntY1lHRMJUxNODhxp9ZMbrR_JjJgyWW4vgiY8z3ZZMQp8H0-CAawFyUqoAa3C-_SoSUaKb42Xr8IzwKc5Cp7hTfl1AnkEsGhkE4TQV75ZIYoz58kT9EoiAUiWNnR/s1600/bits+and+bobs+8.JPG" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-55730810537054098642015-02-10T12:13:00.001+00:002015-02-10T12:13:44.466+00:00Zombie Brains Revamped!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made Jamie Oliver's Zombie Brains a while ago, and although it wasn't very popular I was keen to try and give it another go. In our house we have agreed that we should try everything ten times before we decide whether we like it or not. There is a scientific study out there somewhere which suggests that we can't actually know until we've done that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, although I wanted to try celeriac again, and I thought the kids and my Husband should, I thought I'd need a revamp to make them interested. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16_eddh4fGjfXZasymBF8J50wdPiyANz5YSFBRodZPBLFifWZXbsmgIpowEn2y_-2pGKdRmCxGmcL7bWICz4xoNahA2mjcqPY5998X3SLDG6CGvwRIwLfKYRgNFd95DhbYAJl7JJYtmT3/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16_eddh4fGjfXZasymBF8J50wdPiyANz5YSFBRodZPBLFifWZXbsmgIpowEn2y_-2pGKdRmCxGmcL7bWICz4xoNahA2mjcqPY5998X3SLDG6CGvwRIwLfKYRgNFd95DhbYAJl7JJYtmT3/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We all like curry, so it seemed sensible to mix the two. I make my own curry pastes as a base for the curries we eat and this is another Jamie Oliver <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/recipe/easy-homemade-curry-pastes/#dCpf7rbShzffAXxu.97" target="_blank">recipe</a>, well loosely at least, I think I added some cashew nuts to the Jalfrezi paste for this one. I love these curry pastes so much and this has encourage me to cook so much more curry than I would have done using jars from the shops.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started by roasting the celeriac - the smell of this roasting is lovely, and it is so easy to cut once it is roasted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPnvx06IXAooqHehhiBqjPaqj2jdxESek6uW5z0jVyyRLtV7KT2HRHtdCe3gxIg5TbC02JEmWhG985gNCXq2hIAYnTjS59VA-BMhZHXkaEisOjmtVE8twdSW39-WCFSNxn6f_cy_jnr5b/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPnvx06IXAooqHehhiBqjPaqj2jdxESek6uW5z0jVyyRLtV7KT2HRHtdCe3gxIg5TbC02JEmWhG985gNCXq2hIAYnTjS59VA-BMhZHXkaEisOjmtVE8twdSW39-WCFSNxn6f_cy_jnr5b/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then I fried the paste and onions and added a tin of tomatoes and a good splodge of mango chutney. I think the sweetness this provides is one of the reasons that my kids love curry. We tried a lentil curry at a farmers market once, and they really enjoyed it despite never eating any of my previous efforts, and that one tasted sweet. Since then I've always added a little chutney (or if I'm out of that cranberry sauce, or jam) and they have always eaten it. I love the slight sweetness it provides too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-RrGRBqQSXCPpDhTb4Q2AsQGvanFZtO0P_vfrWciTZmICxly0lvzu9imNaa2VPpnoYwp0mtXoQj7u5T1pw6RVdW-s44v9lcXo0UCSBse-Iz-dkopYyxk-2XV9wpodm8Q_oQbqj270mj5/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-RrGRBqQSXCPpDhTb4Q2AsQGvanFZtO0P_vfrWciTZmICxly0lvzu9imNaa2VPpnoYwp0mtXoQj7u5T1pw6RVdW-s44v9lcXo0UCSBse-Iz-dkopYyxk-2XV9wpodm8Q_oQbqj270mj5/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+6.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once the curry had been simmering for a while I added half a roasted celeriac and a tin of chickpeas along with a little cream and then it was ready to serve.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVlKDgYtv_p2LQQ6x6yVLB1x-epAcol-dFXI6lnWSYyZkXoRDKwEZOHDl43DlBnqYAsJ7-g-TytFs-xREA9oV96TUF3X3vghJtzPvRpZ3UmaMLpd5htaH27S3dgylhFxv8hVv0UjlexLY/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVlKDgYtv_p2LQQ6x6yVLB1x-epAcol-dFXI6lnWSYyZkXoRDKwEZOHDl43DlBnqYAsJ7-g-TytFs-xREA9oV96TUF3X3vghJtzPvRpZ3UmaMLpd5htaH27S3dgylhFxv8hVv0UjlexLY/s1600/Zombie+Brain+curry+9.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The kids did eat it, though they pointed out they prefer it with other vegetables (I normally use whatever veg is unused at the bottom of the fridge, or a couple of tins of chickpeas or a cup of lentils). I didn't tell them it had celeriac in it, but they both twigged very quickly. I preferred Zombie Brains this way, and so did my Husband. Still a few more times to taste celeriac before the kids can decide for sure whether or not they like it! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-67897070944032003532015-02-01T23:55:00.000+00:002015-02-01T23:55:53.163+00:00Crochet Lamb Chocolate Egg Cover<div style="text-align: justify;">
I said I would provide the pattern for the Crochet Lamb Chocolate Egg cover in this picture.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19ectFTa9Shs-U8vL4fS3rjnSLKcDju17j-lVC3pBZhD5sOOsWn9L_UQBJ5C8pe3jzKRH-PHWP82fd2YOin88OCh0rM6PgChi_CsTiuc6b70DCdTQKCa_fDdQDmFoEr0L585IiILOsrev/s1600/Crochet+rabbits+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19ectFTa9Shs-U8vL4fS3rjnSLKcDju17j-lVC3pBZhD5sOOsWn9L_UQBJ5C8pe3jzKRH-PHWP82fd2YOin88OCh0rM6PgChi_CsTiuc6b70DCdTQKCa_fDdQDmFoEr0L585IiILOsrev/s1600/Crochet+rabbits+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I personally like the lamb best, but the Husband thinks he looks like a Zombie Lamb. Hmm, maybe I should have used beads for his eyes, or possibly embroidery thread as opposed to acrylic yarn. I couldn't be bothered to go find some when I was creating him though. My own fault. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mLJjukgpqa_aN8vtCtcqAsMdeuqeBj9OzEEkhIIN6CEX9elp2wFABNjVT45gkxxilPJQCgRUa4FeFIq8uKf2f3COtqzD6M136o4ae21zoTmkaa5k9Y5VmlaeJww8fueWv68JtV-Z_HOU/s1600/Crochet+lamb+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mLJjukgpqa_aN8vtCtcqAsMdeuqeBj9OzEEkhIIN6CEX9elp2wFABNjVT45gkxxilPJQCgRUa4FeFIq8uKf2f3COtqzD6M136o4ae21zoTmkaa5k9Y5VmlaeJww8fueWv68JtV-Z_HOU/s1600/Crochet+lamb+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I used a 2.5mm hook with normal DK acrylic wool for this project. The pattern is my own. The terms are American terms</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Body (Make one)</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Row 1: Magic Circle to begin and chain 1, then 5 single crochet into the circle. (5 st)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Row 2: 2 single crochet into each stitch (10st)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Row 3: *2 single crochet into next stitch and 1 single crochet into the next stitch* - repeat until end (15st)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Row 4 - 13: Single crochet around (15st)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Row 14: *Single crcohet in next stitch, single crochet two together in next stitch* - repeat until end (10 st) Fasten off and weave tails in.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Head (Make one)</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chain 5, 3 single crochet into 2nd stitch from hook. Continue with 1 single crochet in each chain to end of the chain stitches. In last chain complete 5 single crochet. You want to keep going around the other side of the chain and single crochet into each back loop of the chains. When you get to the last stitch (the one you have already put 3 single crochet into) complete 2 more single crochet into the same stitch. Close with a slip stitch. Chain 1, then single crochet all around. Close with slip stitch and fasten off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Or you could simply use a scrap of black felt and cut into an oval shape.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Ears (make two)</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chain 3, 3 single crochet into 2nd stitch from hook. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 Single Crochet into next stitch</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This takes you back around to the first stitch complete 2 more single crochet in that stitch, slip stitch together and fasten off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As with the head, you could use a couple of smaller scraps of black felt,also cut into ovals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Finishing Off</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make two French knots/use pale beads for the lamb's eyes and sew on a mouth to the head section.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sew the head onto the body and then sew the ears on either side of the head.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's it. You're finished.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-14032872706790754852015-01-22T23:47:00.002+00:002015-02-01T23:55:01.042+00:00Anthropologie Inspired Hat<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have seen a number of patterns inspired by a beautiful hat sold by Anthropologie (not available any more, if the link I followed was correct), but none of them quite matched up to the parts I really loved about this hat. Here is a picture of the original hat:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiff3gJP8LD909atAQuGtdOtHnJU7SiY6GlHsNLckUDn7yfIwcJx1J-sq1nvVr4ja7eel6d7zPLO1Hj4j_wE3L3pk1o4f6ZtfCagFihggk4VhgqF-w93Zk4BcIPTNUUbhnFpjlvzMiDxMCF/s1600/anthro+hat+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiff3gJP8LD909atAQuGtdOtHnJU7SiY6GlHsNLckUDn7yfIwcJx1J-sq1nvVr4ja7eel6d7zPLO1Hj4j_wE3L3pk1o4f6ZtfCagFihggk4VhgqF-w93Zk4BcIPTNUUbhnFpjlvzMiDxMCF/s1600/anthro+hat+original.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It has taken a while, but I have come up with a couple of versions of this hat, including the parts of the hat I love best. I'm writing this in US terms as I know a friend who prefers US terms wants to use it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTeVKbDuJGfCNM28oVHGznxnUnaA9WPs8tDLUPkzt_bwOiiUyGlfRZLby7mN2hjd-6kLimsGbw8VjdQAognZ8xCBc-kbQmUwPa7ucnhVpgyCbg-kD8MKmHH3a8F5iE7OJVry3XMLvEEv2/s1600/Anthrohat+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTeVKbDuJGfCNM28oVHGznxnUnaA9WPs8tDLUPkzt_bwOiiUyGlfRZLby7mN2hjd-6kLimsGbw8VjdQAognZ8xCBc-kbQmUwPa7ucnhVpgyCbg-kD8MKmHH3a8F5iE7OJVry3XMLvEEv2/s1600/Anthrohat+2.JPG" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I particularly liked the cluster stitch that I think is included on the original hat and wanted to include that. I personally think that making a cluster stitch is easier than actually explaining how to make it, but I'm going to try! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are probably a couple of more tricky stitches involved in the creation of this hat, I'll try and describe them below. I know there are probably better explanations out there, and I'd imagine video tutorials if you get stuck, or feel free to write a comment and I'll try and explain it better!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Cluster Stitch Explanation:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Start with Yarn Over hook (YO)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hook into space/stitch (in this pattern it will always be into a space)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YO hook</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pull your yarn through 2 loops</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Repeat the above two more times</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then yarn through the remaining loops</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hopefully that makes sense! I checked one of my books and it says: "A cluster is made exactly like a decrease except that the stitches are all worked in a single stitch or space before being gathered together at the top." That probably makes more sense, although I tend to fudge my decreasing if I can't be bothered to check the actual method each time!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Front Post Double (FPDC)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With this stitch the only real difference is that instead of working into a stitch or a space you work around the "post" created by the stitch from the previous row. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Start with YO hook on one side of the stitch;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Put your hook through the hole from the back to the front of the work ;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then on the other side of the stitch push your hook back the other way from the front of your work to the back;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YO hook;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pull your yarn through the first 2 loops on the hook</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then pull your yarn through the last 2 loops on the hook.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This should create a ridge effect on the hat. To create the ribbed look you also need a Back Post Double stitch. Which is created in the same way as the Front Post Double Stitch, but you need to do insert your hook around the "post" of the stitch from the previous row in the opposite way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Back Post Double </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Start with YO hook on one side of the stitch;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Put your hook through the hole from the front to the back of the work ;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then on the other side of the stitch push your hook back the other way from the back of your work to the front;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YO hook;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pull your yarn through the first 2 loops on the hook</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then pull your yarn through the last 2 loops on the hook.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Crab Stitch</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You create this by working the wrong way - so instead of going from right to left along the crochet row you move towards the right. It feels weird to begin with, but once you get the hang of it, it is fine. I like the way it finishes off a crochet piece.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time the ridge is on the inside of the hat. Thinking about it, maybe I do these the wrong way round! I guess it doesn't matter so long as you are happy that you have the ridge in the place you want it for finishing the hat off. I tend to crochet so that the I'm looking at the inside of the hat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Couple of other things to mention. I used a 5mm hook and just some normal DK yarn. At the beginning of each Cluster Stitch Round you should slip stitch into the space, chain 2 and start the cluster stitch sequence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHIPj_AS0RQalM6eV2q4flySNsIefTvfmLbFMm3i1ImLDTUJR_lFQOar-rj8v2_wwwLkIIwQZfmWJ56uu6Fp8G2xz7D7QBwrJ-WDdTcP2ZWiEwtES1MLQrjK3sxKbwBwatAJjMmY4lD65/s1600/Anthrohat+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHIPj_AS0RQalM6eV2q4flySNsIefTvfmLbFMm3i1ImLDTUJR_lFQOar-rj8v2_wwwLkIIwQZfmWJ56uu6Fp8G2xz7D7QBwrJ-WDdTcP2ZWiEwtES1MLQrjK3sxKbwBwatAJjMmY4lD65/s1600/Anthrohat+1.JPG" height="640" width="404" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Hat Pattern</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Magic Circle and chain 2</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 1: 1 cluster stitch (CL ST) + 1 chain(CH) - repeat x 6 slip stitch (Sl ST) to finish </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 2: *1 CL ST + 1CH, 1 CL ST + 1CH* into each space between the previous rounds clusters SL ST</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 3: *1 CL ST + 1CH, 1 CL ST + 1CH into next space, 1 CL ST +1CH into next space* repeat all around and SL ST </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 4: *1 CL ST + 1CH, 1 CL ST + 1CH into next space, 1 CL ST +1CH into next 2 space* repeat all around and SL ST </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 5: *1 CL ST + 1CH, 1 CL ST + 1CH into next space, 1 CL ST +1CH into next 3 space* repeat all around and SL ST </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 6: *1 CL ST + 1CH, 1 CL ST + 1CH into next space, 1 CL ST +1CH into next 4 space* repeat all around and SL ST </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 7 - Round 12: *1 CL ST +1CH* in each space and SL ST at end of round</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 13: 1 Half Double Crochet (HDC) in each stitch all around, SL ST at end of round</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 14 - Round 17: Chain 2 FPDC all around and SL ST at end of round</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 18: *3 HDC in one stitch, SL ST in next 2 stitches* all around. If not quite a repeat I squeezed in 1 extra by only SL ST in one before the last 3HDC.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9dHoChapaR14evpMGyK5YKVT4qoCpYkrrzWpGK_LTXD6kwlYf_wIJTWdSX-DAfD2W3Vw4ux3uPk0j_c-ZuWxnB1YpBCFyH0GZc2uIxbw7gut2mDIMCepmuooYKDK-VMU9OmBAApDSCqS/s1600/Anthro+hat+ribbed+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9dHoChapaR14evpMGyK5YKVT4qoCpYkrrzWpGK_LTXD6kwlYf_wIJTWdSX-DAfD2W3Vw4ux3uPk0j_c-ZuWxnB1YpBCFyH0GZc2uIxbw7gut2mDIMCepmuooYKDK-VMU9OmBAApDSCqS/s1600/Anthro+hat+ribbed+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Alternative Finish to the hat</b> - the ribbed look, you complete the hat as above until Row 14</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 14 - Round 17: Chain 2, *FPDC in next stitch, BPDC in next stitch* SL ST at end of round</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Round 18: Crab stitch around and then SL ST to finish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
I used a couple of flower patterns for these the first one is one I've already described <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/asymmetrical-crochet-flower-necklace.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The second one is a fab pattern from <a href="http://www.bhookedcrochet.com/2013/04/26/popcorn-stitch-flower/" target="_blank">here</a>. I love it and I once spent a week just making them as I was having so much fun! <br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy making this pattern, if it doesn't make sense please let me know, although I know I can create a hat using this pattern I'm hoping other people will be able to as well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-44650681186000689642015-01-07T23:49:00.001+00:002015-01-07T23:49:34.327+00:00Brownies<div style="text-align: justify;">
Woo Hoo, I've made it to a year of blogging. I told the Husband that I would get bored way before a year came round. So my anniversary post is going to be a brownie recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-09ZNHRxji4H5qRXVWlz9lMJ7T12dlVPwBBYZ4wQ58ubI-uLB7ppBZuC_c4c0YIEHYoyYax8V_9PPT5NIo2AKv4bWIDLtyIbzz6wswthz74_sQwlT2ET01uE0_ucNQtidm3tAmgcVOzV/s1600/brownies+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-09ZNHRxji4H5qRXVWlz9lMJ7T12dlVPwBBYZ4wQ58ubI-uLB7ppBZuC_c4c0YIEHYoyYax8V_9PPT5NIo2AKv4bWIDLtyIbzz6wswthz74_sQwlT2ET01uE0_ucNQtidm3tAmgcVOzV/s1600/brownies+10.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmmm, lovely brownies. I do love them, and this is an easy recipe to remember and to make. I love that you can mix it all in one pan ready for baking. The less washing up the better in my books. Again I <i>think </i>I originally found this recipe on the Money Saving Expert forums, but I haven't written down where I found it, so honestly it could be from anywhere. I have a big folder filled with scraps of paper/envelopes/important letters from the kids school with my scribbles on them. Mainly I just write down the ingredients and hope that I remember the method when I next come to them...<br />
<br />
Probably why my cooking can be hit or miss. I don't even bother getting the folder out to make these brownies anymore, I have memorised the recipe and even when I forget things (like baking powder) they tend to turn out ok!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Chocolate Brownie Recipe:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
100g Chocolate</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
70g Butter</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
170g sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
tsp vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
70g flour</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
Melt the chocolate and the butter together in a pan. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vT1Xy2ERez6z1DCMW07hXlei0-mWPnvEFmktYgpuIWbgjvzcTlB2PlBAvQQanMTuiiHTfDfh_y6mYajqfuzSmrSFRMfi5QCFdKkJjgpHm1nvtkttWM6ddG2-jHzp1rECsTcv3Jxc3zNb/s1600/b+1rownies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vT1Xy2ERez6z1DCMW07hXlei0-mWPnvEFmktYgpuIWbgjvzcTlB2PlBAvQQanMTuiiHTfDfh_y6mYajqfuzSmrSFRMfi5QCFdKkJjgpHm1nvtkttWM6ddG2-jHzp1rECsTcv3Jxc3zNb/s1600/b+1rownies.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8lsoKtRxUpbLxDEK8-JmCAaQIE8O8p54IHoOtw4rQPiaHUR27300aPBMA4VP_VM1M69-Bs5POtYKd1283-OJY3RzzQssJZsnadV-0fUNZ1ZYL4DAt5KanXQvjfQsv5Fjrovw56nXVBq_/s1600/brownies+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8lsoKtRxUpbLxDEK8-JmCAaQIE8O8p54IHoOtw4rQPiaHUR27300aPBMA4VP_VM1M69-Bs5POtYKd1283-OJY3RzzQssJZsnadV-0fUNZ1ZYL4DAt5KanXQvjfQsv5Fjrovw56nXVBq_/s1600/brownies+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once melted add the sugar (pretend you can't see the amount of that going in). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjpuB-9knnXQM5qtXk8HGwMlY4XY5DTIOnpRVyImwXjBbvGlCN0rEUithfZ2d9uRRSdJep5gHQkW2sAtSYgXj-7g9dJYxkng9FJQxoxbGchhTQUuXGnP6VSKqk8HE80ZRs9AHvMpDYCSD/s1600/brownies+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjpuB-9knnXQM5qtXk8HGwMlY4XY5DTIOnpRVyImwXjBbvGlCN0rEUithfZ2d9uRRSdJep5gHQkW2sAtSYgXj-7g9dJYxkng9FJQxoxbGchhTQUuXGnP6VSKqk8HE80ZRs9AHvMpDYCSD/s1600/brownies+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3jyLnySGYUMAO80V_feetE3qwJiPfGwlfk-2pF1s2_9tlLh2X5OIhS3_STZLQbOziaZpwHXpkKHCpnupC16x883vSfnbeE6xAB9upiMGpWz_demqxVg1hzilVmAVqvYA_dvtD3Ex1tZr/s1600/brownies+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3jyLnySGYUMAO80V_feetE3qwJiPfGwlfk-2pF1s2_9tlLh2X5OIhS3_STZLQbOziaZpwHXpkKHCpnupC16x883vSfnbeE6xAB9upiMGpWz_demqxVg1hzilVmAVqvYA_dvtD3Ex1tZr/s1600/brownies+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Let it cool a little and add the vanilla and the eggs. You just don't want the eggs to cook on the top of it, it only need a couple of mins. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXJAxQYRKgXfjqQBJbmTWXIlcHHRxcaQNVBIwmm6a3Yx2Bb-Sb2ViAKAqooBBWxHMUSF68QSUF996Q85ghXdkPkI623mkgv4dVVoQoBEff0zxAhRvZR0XPfhy-3ZuB1KydGtxo95Mx4g1/s1600/brownies+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXJAxQYRKgXfjqQBJbmTWXIlcHHRxcaQNVBIwmm6a3Yx2Bb-Sb2ViAKAqooBBWxHMUSF68QSUF996Q85ghXdkPkI623mkgv4dVVoQoBEff0zxAhRvZR0XPfhy-3ZuB1KydGtxo95Mx4g1/s1600/brownies+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then add the flour and the baking powder (they rise better when it is included!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2IBoCbhG7cPeVHpU5fIVZzxg3KJ8-6uZJHACKhDhmvP6qBSorA9yLJGRfeBG1a1nqEyxvEvIJuzdIoLkOxiZh0l-xSNNIkLpQyBGPmgAtJXVNhSmDBDMD2ngvz9iovKYQYjiNmbxLuN-/s1600/brownies+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2IBoCbhG7cPeVHpU5fIVZzxg3KJ8-6uZJHACKhDhmvP6qBSorA9yLJGRfeBG1a1nqEyxvEvIJuzdIoLkOxiZh0l-xSNNIkLpQyBGPmgAtJXVNhSmDBDMD2ngvz9iovKYQYjiNmbxLuN-/s1600/brownies+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You can then choose whether to put them in a small tin and have big chunky thick brownies or spread out more thinly in a larger tin. I normally go with the larger tin because then you can get more brownies from your mix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXowXuARyi8RIbTG7HvKdvjJQqbQSP9cygso_YffWX6IrYDb4ZE2JdPaJ7D3C14ZsS8THI1uEpHhAgYiMXoauFHgiHkEOx2BF_B5LrWzwn_TloS-kJOsiIMyMf26I0SiWBU_fg8yWyXHO0/s1600/brownies+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXowXuARyi8RIbTG7HvKdvjJQqbQSP9cygso_YffWX6IrYDb4ZE2JdPaJ7D3C14ZsS8THI1uEpHhAgYiMXoauFHgiHkEOx2BF_B5LrWzwn_TloS-kJOsiIMyMf26I0SiWBU_fg8yWyXHO0/s1600/brownies+7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I bake them in an A4-is sized tin at 160 degrees for about 15-20 mins. You have to wait for it to crack on top. Too little time and you'll end up with a fudge-y mess. Too much time and you'll end up with something that is more biscuit like, which I find disappointing. I like fudgier brownies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs26mxR5SkX0OxKJRFrArDDlIqFLERx4qGGHLR2AbH5HQLaxaIa34hmILnO3ONX4zw42X-fztyF1xAthVvbPm68dcLlw6D7paY6ezdEqUwgjycELnKTGzYrFAZAMEDOsc6S5Z1s5aqnyNy/s1600/brownies+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs26mxR5SkX0OxKJRFrArDDlIqFLERx4qGGHLR2AbH5HQLaxaIa34hmILnO3ONX4zw42X-fztyF1xAthVvbPm68dcLlw6D7paY6ezdEqUwgjycELnKTGzYrFAZAMEDOsc6S5Z1s5aqnyNy/s1600/brownies+8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've played with these to add different flavours too.<br />
Chocolate Orange - add some zest and some orange flavouring in place of the vanilla. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chocolate Chilli - I added some chilli puree in place of the vanilla, though I'm sure it would work with finely chopped chilli too (only a little)<br />
Chocolate Marmite - I added a teaspoon of marmite to the mix. Not my favourite, although I do love marmite, so personally wouldn't recommend.<br />
Chocolate Almond - replace the vanilla extract with almond extract. Yummy marzipan flavour, disliked by the Husband and my son - such a shame...<br />
<br />
I think coffee would work really well with them as well - if anyone else in the family would eat them I would try adding 2 teaspoons of instant coffee with the melted mixture. Mmm, mocha brownies. Likewise I think mint brownies would work really well if you replaced the vanilla with peppermint essence. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdGmYJH4wItKlt51xZev3RyKZnOBLKsdNv9jwqSl4zH2WMboF9PMVLTKyGAxeyQr_TOlYPoBL4bFmgMmsJb_4pTlj-SezBKUHjgOEuXIcfG78pfQyG1GyOGue9A-Sxx1XIiQldLSMSNVm/s1600/brownies+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdGmYJH4wItKlt51xZev3RyKZnOBLKsdNv9jwqSl4zH2WMboF9PMVLTKyGAxeyQr_TOlYPoBL4bFmgMmsJb_4pTlj-SezBKUHjgOEuXIcfG78pfQyG1GyOGue9A-Sxx1XIiQldLSMSNVm/s1600/brownies+9.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-39819332395988571932014-12-03T22:55:00.001+00:002014-12-03T22:55:18.371+00:00Creating for Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is about this time of year I start panicking about what handmade creations I can make for Christmas this year. I was looking back at things I've done in the past. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last year the ladies got wristlets made with either <a href="http://crochetcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/new-crochet-handwrist-warmers-pattern.html" target="_blank">this</a> pattern. Though sadly I didn't manage to get photos of many of them in the rush to get everything wrapped. This pattern was fab and easy to follow. I did manage to get a couple of pictures:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEYOqodIz_ccO3YF1sGND_gnGhpxhyDyOPi2KEAKtatNMCEEjAF_1yZ3mMUZTHFXrNn7sq0f0h7xV9-b1CeCoVYOsS5fQz_DvNJ50J5fqQVONIag09JNGNMzEc5_9Qvo_ZlcVZbYuFlav/s1600/Wristlets+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEYOqodIz_ccO3YF1sGND_gnGhpxhyDyOPi2KEAKtatNMCEEjAF_1yZ3mMUZTHFXrNn7sq0f0h7xV9-b1CeCoVYOsS5fQz_DvNJ50J5fqQVONIag09JNGNMzEc5_9Qvo_ZlcVZbYuFlav/s1600/Wristlets+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglHxQJZhTlUUXc9xY5l3lTcUBmx_9xY_qPVDp8LGy8VasqNGadbMztAMeUosNGa8N5fLVmy6-T3JrkuwFlidvtY_Bfn-kd9adftHkg2NiyXiRyLf8_Rb_0cWJKsoUqqcPK-hYkyuLjtaD/s1600/wRISTLETS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglHxQJZhTlUUXc9xY5l3lTcUBmx_9xY_qPVDp8LGy8VasqNGadbMztAMeUosNGa8N5fLVmy6-T3JrkuwFlidvtY_Bfn-kd9adftHkg2NiyXiRyLf8_Rb_0cWJKsoUqqcPK-hYkyuLjtaD/s1600/wRISTLETS+1.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The previous year I made slippers for all the ladies and girls and actually my little boy. The ones for the ladies and girls had flowers or hearts on them and the one for my boy looked like paws. Again if I'm making something for a present Christmas or otherwise I tend to leave it till the last minute and not have any pictures. I love <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-slipper" target="_blank">this</a> pattern. I did modify it a little because I thought they would fall off to easily if I didn't. So at R6 I did two extra rows all around. For the children's slippers I started with a chain of 8 and at R7 I only did 16hdc instead of 19hdc. I hope that makes sense, because I've not written anything more on my notes!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did take a couple of pictures on my mobile, so excuse the worse than normal quality of the photos!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdHbV4kUO3pss2U60fH6soeO0lB6YhS8hnN3QTGPzGH_21QMpDH6r1JD3bkUqivMkSIBM2LPk5qecS2Ug3dntwGazAtIWgAyqqfx8tjGDPS8EVELZvZYXGeDb3Bl0v0wmb40SODW7KGz2/s1600/SLIPPERS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdHbV4kUO3pss2U60fH6soeO0lB6YhS8hnN3QTGPzGH_21QMpDH6r1JD3bkUqivMkSIBM2LPk5qecS2Ug3dntwGazAtIWgAyqqfx8tjGDPS8EVELZvZYXGeDb3Bl0v0wmb40SODW7KGz2/s1600/SLIPPERS+1.jpg" height="296" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Though they look pretty and they are comfy and warm they can be lethal on a wood/laminate surface as you basically end up sliding everywhere. On the pair I made for myself I added a few dots of hot glue to see if that helped, without making them less comfy. I'm pleased to say it did.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi8A02Sit5svoJFYumdQeloWSaKz90vkdwoETjK95CBfWMIVhn_8y0UU1BaShovvFl2cHssn8zZaO3q_T_AtDnPDPbgXgiTnMunl8dXEhYWr2tms5AN7G6qwWlpdlKJP6thOvajXz7vgn/s1600/SLIPPERS+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi8A02Sit5svoJFYumdQeloWSaKz90vkdwoETjK95CBfWMIVhn_8y0UU1BaShovvFl2cHssn8zZaO3q_T_AtDnPDPbgXgiTnMunl8dXEhYWr2tms5AN7G6qwWlpdlKJP6thOvajXz7vgn/s1600/SLIPPERS+2.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I dug out the kids slippers, and took a picture of them - these have been well used since I've made them. The reason I've only taken a picture of one slipper for each child has nothing to do with the fact that I can't find the matching pair of either, nope, nothing at all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwdWgjExUAbhdwbqTByxUWe97M28Bj-i-5nFkfQ91c5ZiidPNKXJz4K4zbQ8-dC6rbDWGnpsLd7nOhr7E9xB5SgF8iQ1hWxqT25G-uFDAech05pOzmkeQxkadJa9P0M_n00YbgGmy8V11/s1600/kids+slippers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwdWgjExUAbhdwbqTByxUWe97M28Bj-i-5nFkfQ91c5ZiidPNKXJz4K4zbQ8-dC6rbDWGnpsLd7nOhr7E9xB5SgF8iQ1hWxqT25G-uFDAech05pOzmkeQxkadJa9P0M_n00YbgGmy8V11/s640/kids+slippers+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Adding the claws was suprisingly easy, I simply used some yarn to sew the shape that I wanted and filled it in with the yarn. It was probably quicker than making the flowers I had done for the rest of the slippers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUELa9ZCXn9wriNFLiklhhNNHqe7xai-zj78EKw81qy5LdLvaX377Yz5zz6i9e11ChZsdSkIjDyvjHdJh-0QFX7H76vc4xR2k9GTKC-Kyqmeq_KFB5ieEI3-3HVGEAsjElOZwY2eqMWGHJ/s1600/kids+slippers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUELa9ZCXn9wriNFLiklhhNNHqe7xai-zj78EKw81qy5LdLvaX377Yz5zz6i9e11ChZsdSkIjDyvjHdJh-0QFX7H76vc4xR2k9GTKC-Kyqmeq_KFB5ieEI3-3HVGEAsjElOZwY2eqMWGHJ/s640/kids+slippers+2.JPG" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />
Later I made some for me too and managed to get a better picture of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlG6q25Qdb4wH8HupmTQYE5QvOtPDXgH4E6-Pbdnv4bGnpSwCSDUc27ip-MGUl9R9_AJdULFUjn4jKkEtWLU4ihCDDnPaCz_CX2QvpsVENHhFulWz6WfszsHHzShzQpvJ-OBgjiqvm7qG/s1600/SLIPPERS+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlG6q25Qdb4wH8HupmTQYE5QvOtPDXgH4E6-Pbdnv4bGnpSwCSDUc27ip-MGUl9R9_AJdULFUjn4jKkEtWLU4ihCDDnPaCz_CX2QvpsVENHhFulWz6WfszsHHzShzQpvJ-OBgjiqvm7qG/s1600/SLIPPERS+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Through the original panic, and search around Pinterest I've come up with an idea for presents this year and made a start on making them. This year I've even taken some pictures of the presents before I wrap them!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-14580563585344003142014-12-01T10:59:00.002+00:002014-12-01T10:59:37.841+00:00Advent Books<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple of years ago I saw something on Pinterest that I thought would be a lovely idea for advent - wrapping up a book for each day of advent. I wanted it to be themed so I looked through our books and found all the Christmas books, all the books with any snow included and then all the books with a vague mention of winter and managed to scrape together 24 books to use for advent. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFDzhpDcpGAabyT54CwdjMF199iG6LVwPV76E32sX0w2q98sDhO0Uf_MMp70FQSScN9cgPRne7WLsdYSre_uFCwWGDgJaeWoQn2haecoME-ekwPU8epw2ICE5dVaNoIuqQoIeSgAHf7Rq/s1600/Xmas+books+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFDzhpDcpGAabyT54CwdjMF199iG6LVwPV76E32sX0w2q98sDhO0Uf_MMp70FQSScN9cgPRne7WLsdYSre_uFCwWGDgJaeWoQn2haecoME-ekwPU8epw2ICE5dVaNoIuqQoIeSgAHf7Rq/s1600/Xmas+books+1.JPG" height="570" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since then I've collected enough Christmas books, so now they are all about Christmas, most from charity shops and ex-library books, but some new ones in there too. I think that this is possibly one of my favourite parts of Christmas now - plus the kids get to unwrap a load of presents before the day and they think that is great. They do have favourites, obviously not the same favourites - that would make life way too easy. I also have some favourites that they really dislike, but that is tough because I <i>will </i> continue to read them Threadbear until they are much, much older (left home maybe?!).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyztnN67OyQ-fIXu3xWxW9kljfptMmdrgORXlxv5Bd1C20o8vNtFo9QSLAWCzSWXiEnnmwU3wl6lD0hr9S2nU1MYnxfSjFw-T1tJx37qO9fAFaRK4rxpJnUKeBkTTK51xaUSUiqEg-Ae1/s1600/Xmas+Books+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyztnN67OyQ-fIXu3xWxW9kljfptMmdrgORXlxv5Bd1C20o8vNtFo9QSLAWCzSWXiEnnmwU3wl6lD0hr9S2nU1MYnxfSjFw-T1tJx37qO9fAFaRK4rxpJnUKeBkTTK51xaUSUiqEg-Ae1/s1600/Xmas+Books+2.JPG" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is our list of books (although we do have a few more these are the ones that I tend to use):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Christmas-Little-Miss-Celebrations/dp/1405235012/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870312&sr=8-1&keywords=mr+christmas" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mr Christmas</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Straw-Fredrick-H-Thury/dp/0881063606/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870399&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Last+Straw%3A+Fredrick+H.+Thury%2C+Vlasta+Van+Kampen" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Last Straw: Fredrick H. Thury, Vlasta Van Kampen</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutcracker-E-T-Hoffman/dp/0060278145/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870503&sr=8-4&keywords=The+Nutcracker" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Nutcracker</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Reindeer-Michael-Foreman/dp/1842705822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870554&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Little+Reindeer%3AMichael+Foreman" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Reindeer-Michael-Foreman/dp/1842705822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870554&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Little+Reindeer%3AMichael+Foreman" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Little Reindeer:Michael Foreman</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Usborne-Book-Christmas-Stories/dp/0746058454/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870598&sr=8-3&keywords=The+Usborne+Book+of+Christmas+Stories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Usborne Book of Christmas Stories</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Wish-Enid-Blyton/dp/0752510681/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870647&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Christmas+Wish-+Enid+Blyton" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Christmas Wish- Enid Blyton</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jolly-Christmas-Postman/dp/0141340118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870688&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Jolly+Christmas+Postman" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Jolly Christmas Postman</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Snowman-Raymond-Briggs/dp/072327553X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870726&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Snowman" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Snowman</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harry-Dinosaurs-Make-Christmas-Wish/dp/0140569529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870769&sr=8-1&keywords=Harry+And+The+Dinosaurs+Make+A+Christmas+Wish" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Harry And The Dinosaurs Make A Christmas Wish</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Snowy-Night-Christina-Butler/dp/184506030X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870817&sr=8-1&keywords=One+Snowy+Night%3A+M.+Christina+Butler%2C+Tina+MacNaughton" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One Snowy Night: M. Christina Butler, Tina MacNaughton</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lettice-Christmas-Miniature-published-HarperCollinsChildrensBooks/dp/B00EKYQLKU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870875&sr=8-2&keywords=Lettice+-+A+Christmas+Wish%3A+Mandy+Stanley" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lettice - A Christmas Wish: Mandy Stanley</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fairies-Christmas-Blyton-pocket-library/dp/1858133343/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870922&sr=8-1&keywords=Fairies%27+Christmas+Party+%28Blyton+pocket+library%29%3A+Enid+Blyton%2C+Alison+Winfield%3A" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fairies' Christmas Party (Blyton pocket library): Enid Blyton, Alison Winfield:</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Carol-Usborne-Young-Reading/dp/0746058578/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1415870951&sr=8-6&keywords=A+Christmas+Carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol </a> - we don't have this one, but something similar, I don't read the original to them</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mimi-Mouses-Christmas-Bear-Hugs/dp/0744568188/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871043&sr=8-1&keywords=Mimi+Mouse%27s+Christmas+%28Bear+Hugs%29%3A+Martin+Waddell%2C+Leo+Hartas%3A" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mimi Mouse's Christmas (Bear Hugs): Martin Waddell, Leo Hartas</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Coming-Ailie-Busby/dp/0764153854/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871103&sr=8-2&keywords=Christmas+is+Coming%3A+Ailie+Busby" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas is Coming: Ailie Busby</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Morris-Boris-Wiseman-Bernard/dp/0590332570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871143&sr=8-1&keywords=Christmas+with+Morris+and+Boris" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas with Morris and Boris</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Picture-Puffin-Story-Books/dp/0140554343/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871256&sr=8-1&keywords=Mrs+Christmas++Penny+Ives" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mrs Christmas</span></a></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-So-Bright-Christmas-Tale/dp/1561485365/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871298&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Star+So+Bright%3A+A+Christmas+Tale%3A+M.Christina+Butler%2C+Caroline+Pedler" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Star So Bright: A Christmas Tale: M.Christina Butler, Caroline Pedler</span></a></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Before-Christmas-Pop-up-book/dp/068983683X/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871335&sr=8-6&keywords=The+Night+Before+Christmas" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Night Before Christmas</span></a></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Grinch-Stole-Christmas-Yellow/dp/0007170246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871373&sr=8-1&keywords=How+the+Grinch+Stole+Christmas+%28Dr+Seuss%29%3A+Dr.+Seuss" target="_blank">How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dr Seuss)</a></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Threadbear-Mick-Inkpen/dp/0340573503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871410&sr=8-1&keywords=Threadbear+Mick+Inkpen" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Threadbear: Mick Inkpen</span></a></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mogs-Christmas-Judith-Kerr/dp/0007347057/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415871444&sr=8-1&keywords=Mog%27s+Christmas%3A+Judith+Kerr" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mog's Christmas: Judith Kerr</span></a></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Naughty-Collection-Stories-Sisters-Friends/dp/B0058GNJSG/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415871630&sr=1-3-fkmr1&keywords=My+Naughty+Little+Sister+Collection%3A+Dorothy+Edwards%2C+Shirley+Hughes+-+The+Naughtiest+Story+of+All" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Naughty Little Sister Collection: Dorothy Edwards, Shirley Hughes - The Naughtiest Story of All, Grandpa's Holly and Bonfire Pudding, My Naughty Little Sister Goes to the Pantomime</span></a></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pinDescription" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stick-Man-Julia-Donaldson/dp/1407108824/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415871674&sr=1-1&keywords=Stick+Man%3AJulia+Donaldson%2C+Axel+Scheffler" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stick Man:Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wrap them up and number them. I'm careful with the numbering, to make sure that we will have time to read them on that evening. Even so, it is inevitable that at some point we end up opening 2 books on one day. I was worried that the kids would be upset that there was only 1 book to open each night and two of them, but right from the beginning they seem to have understood and taken turns. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A friend of mine borrowed a load of Christmas books from the library and wrapped those, which I think is genius because then you don't need to store them all year!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-75800460422514427662014-11-26T10:32:00.001+00:002015-02-01T23:55:16.511+00:00Stripy Pencil Case TutorialGreat imaginative title, I know! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOCOXpAJ8flSegZzUIU8zLZP2XWuI_8kl36xgYU4WSWXoOw2iKvHQ-kcKZeHY0ujL9jUH8uE9L2eNgFT9ZJcQfQKeezbUwhT0EX67Hq9lRvnYBX5y3bE4CsAbigaKm6T9rkuxPUKbEQIG/s1600/Pencil+Case+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOCOXpAJ8flSegZzUIU8zLZP2XWuI_8kl36xgYU4WSWXoOw2iKvHQ-kcKZeHY0ujL9jUH8uE9L2eNgFT9ZJcQfQKeezbUwhT0EX67Hq9lRvnYBX5y3bE4CsAbigaKm6T9rkuxPUKbEQIG/s1600/Pencil+Case+1.JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've wanted to do something like for ages, but I've just been too scared of zips. My Mum finds them a nightmare on her sewing machine and probably I would too, but I did these by hand. In case I'm not alone in my fear of zips I thought I would put together a little tutorial of what I did. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2elkhDRK8_tVfvthdHSZz987NZfcpwob0Ir-p_Se0KjF1X6V5JPiPOEI2aYm6M1WGXaO3deOwWD5iqbuO4cT9an-uaqoZ-mBHbf8V9Y90MULJPZQTwDu8itOJoQXDeMDBi4qreSV8oJ8I/s1600/Pencil+Case+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2elkhDRK8_tVfvthdHSZz987NZfcpwob0Ir-p_Se0KjF1X6V5JPiPOEI2aYm6M1WGXaO3deOwWD5iqbuO4cT9an-uaqoZ-mBHbf8V9Y90MULJPZQTwDu8itOJoQXDeMDBi4qreSV8oJ8I/s1600/Pencil+Case+14.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know I've said before, but I am not very confident when it comes to sewing and although I'm delighted with this there are areas where it all looks very messy. I think I must be the only person on the planet that can ends up in a tangle of knots within the first three stitches. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl6oYbz7INaUg65XeCji0O42dCc-vXBVWyl6xcBaG78huFNtOzjwEHjjuwbzXoyMg_riKnFnyoH1bk3_4F6TkpLbF9lWGw5LvMslPzUiNF82qS2wdQ_i5BFfpts5b_MjdIHiZ7NEMcEs2/s1600/Pencil+Case+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl6oYbz7INaUg65XeCji0O42dCc-vXBVWyl6xcBaG78huFNtOzjwEHjjuwbzXoyMg_riKnFnyoH1bk3_4F6TkpLbF9lWGw5LvMslPzUiNF82qS2wdQ_i5BFfpts5b_MjdIHiZ7NEMcEs2/s1600/Pencil+Case+12.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyhow, to start this project I first decided what size pencil case I wanted and simply cut the felt accordingly (no pictures of this I'm afraid). Next I lined up the zip with the top of the felt. I had the zip closed and attached one side of the zip to ones side of the felt. At this point I still had the zip closed. The picture is of the zip open so you can see (just) the stitches I made to attach it. They're not beautiful little even stitches, but I'm proud of them anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP5Uh5zDEnlONxYjokqC6vQkRZ-HApf2R6N3lkjPXt3n33wwznR7oaOyLXk2JolfrSKlrf9Lg8r9wnHcoAQrlK4X8dNEyUQRFskmJvP_51DH62WGuT_HnSm_laUaf2K995qCx8QK7T3Rf/s1600/Pencilcase+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP5Uh5zDEnlONxYjokqC6vQkRZ-HApf2R6N3lkjPXt3n33wwznR7oaOyLXk2JolfrSKlrf9Lg8r9wnHcoAQrlK4X8dNEyUQRFskmJvP_51DH62WGuT_HnSm_laUaf2K995qCx8QK7T3Rf/s1600/Pencilcase+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next I opened up the zip, and attached it in the same way to the other side of the felt. So far so good. I then closed up the zip again and used a blanket stitch to close off the ends of the pencil case. Now it was starting to look like something that could be used. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJTYnlTCatdCG7dy9j6qJnDAlE3flKo2S6Sll__ROdYVs0jcFClMUVidNBEG6Hb1gYnHZdiLIjiY4Eaz8VosxXVroU8N-Fa62rBxC2I8BrnwQjn97y-MUkp2f05_S2GND2zQ-l-m2hpRN/s1600/Pencilcase+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJTYnlTCatdCG7dy9j6qJnDAlE3flKo2S6Sll__ROdYVs0jcFClMUVidNBEG6Hb1gYnHZdiLIjiY4Eaz8VosxXVroU8N-Fa62rBxC2I8BrnwQjn97y-MUkp2f05_S2GND2zQ-l-m2hpRN/s1600/Pencilcase+4.JPG" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After that the next job was to create to the outside cover of the pencil case. I love crochet and I love stripes and my son loves red and orange, this was a mixture of our favourite things. This was easy, I started with a chain that was just longer that the pencil case middle I'd already made and then used a half treble crochet (half double crochet in US terms) stitch to create the rows of stripes, changing colours at regular intervals. I finished with a row of double crochet (single crochet in US terms), once it was large enough to fit the pencil case middle inside. Then I crocheted the edges together using double crochet (single crochet in US terms), two stitches for each space. Here it is before I sorted out all the ends, and tidied it up a little.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVCKnv5pP4hfQ1ns0kQ_87PVy1k37aWiunY8EoMK0Rf-DOLsiLFaLija5IG_kl68yvrSoj8_pdzoqg2gDPK0RzBy-yOwW4SpTwho4_xqptU8VG6PAXP1oRCCwZILn7Aq4i3iclYPhuVwL/s1600/Pencilcase+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVCKnv5pP4hfQ1ns0kQ_87PVy1k37aWiunY8EoMK0Rf-DOLsiLFaLija5IG_kl68yvrSoj8_pdzoqg2gDPK0RzBy-yOwW4SpTwho4_xqptU8VG6PAXP1oRCCwZILn7Aq4i3iclYPhuVwL/s1600/Pencilcase+6.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Next I slipped the middle into the cover. Despite checking the size I seemed to have to sort of push it into the corners to make it fit properly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_wpiNgnwW9ZE9RihS6z0jPk7H3GVukVyxdqUdAeIsZx2zbP9Q-jod1ibl7SJN1OIltHq8beEEJFo4ReTp3DOaHRsktMxHQw2dxRl_LLsXmhhSnJFCzdBF_YbRCcIx5UTrF1vY9ksYJET/s1600/Pencilcase+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_wpiNgnwW9ZE9RihS6z0jPk7H3GVukVyxdqUdAeIsZx2zbP9Q-jod1ibl7SJN1OIltHq8beEEJFo4ReTp3DOaHRsktMxHQw2dxRl_LLsXmhhSnJFCzdBF_YbRCcIx5UTrF1vY9ksYJET/s1600/Pencilcase+7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But phew, in the end it went in fine without any problems. Next I just had to attach the middle to the cover. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4MCY4uw39JrO0IrUQZRuHVq7-m2_0XqIsPsdp0XnPAuhP5YvxEyvQ1fMv-uuuMlW3rJcMQRnYgY5-8ZqSAO213iM9uNhd-7G86iSM4-pY-8BJoX98HIYrCTieXj1c7B39VPA3031YOgw/s1600/Pencil+Case+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4MCY4uw39JrO0IrUQZRuHVq7-m2_0XqIsPsdp0XnPAuhP5YvxEyvQ1fMv-uuuMlW3rJcMQRnYgY5-8ZqSAO213iM9uNhd-7G86iSM4-pY-8BJoX98HIYrCTieXj1c7B39VPA3031YOgw/s1600/Pencil+Case+13.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I just did this around the top of the pencil case and it has worked fine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1CF67X-3Y8lVz-aP61tsBCRYU2f57-Ha3A_mHm9o-e83AzJ4kR7VqCVKgYJ0x5U7oTkbiKa2pC-1P14v5xA3xU_wDtqBFmkPsZNJrKPi_Xxt8fP00qFq70enilqTbhcdQLDYoJ5kSoIE/s1600/Pencilcase+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1CF67X-3Y8lVz-aP61tsBCRYU2f57-Ha3A_mHm9o-e83AzJ4kR7VqCVKgYJ0x5U7oTkbiKa2pC-1P14v5xA3xU_wDtqBFmkPsZNJrKPi_Xxt8fP00qFq70enilqTbhcdQLDYoJ5kSoIE/s1600/Pencilcase+8.JPG" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next add your stationary to the pencil case and you're ready to go!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW3ZfhpKtqOa_mJcgsbuQLU6TSSyMz-4Fe-kxna-1H5da56-hLT7CLms0a9dq1Pna23N6xQTaabAeZhV-yVc9ABMHEEUglebW-4-VIGKHMqtQBz7ooFcq061M5TG9_Lvs1lwR9kpx_0r9/s1600/Pencilcase+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW3ZfhpKtqOa_mJcgsbuQLU6TSSyMz-4Fe-kxna-1H5da56-hLT7CLms0a9dq1Pna23N6xQTaabAeZhV-yVc9ABMHEEUglebW-4-VIGKHMqtQBz7ooFcq061M5TG9_Lvs1lwR9kpx_0r9/s1600/Pencilcase+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've made a couple now, and both are in use all the time. My daughter uses hers to keep her money in, much of which is change, so I can say they will hold a fair amount. My son has taken his to school and uses it everyday. So far, so good, I've not needed to make any repairs anyhow!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVAyccp644JG_GYiNb_k1ZMaF8dB9BjSD7vvezVRG32kaDMp_LnMfepLYv6VV0H5iDg89wnGV4CpJDqHUG1YEww-ftx0VvpQy7sZex6HWp5nNNs3S9ysFW9h-HT_OfshbSV5OOqnBhGaM/s1600/Pencilcase+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVAyccp644JG_GYiNb_k1ZMaF8dB9BjSD7vvezVRG32kaDMp_LnMfepLYv6VV0H5iDg89wnGV4CpJDqHUG1YEww-ftx0VvpQy7sZex6HWp5nNNs3S9ysFW9h-HT_OfshbSV5OOqnBhGaM/s1600/Pencilcase+9.JPG" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-72235951125009772692014-11-24T19:45:00.000+00:002014-11-24T19:45:17.902+00:00Egyptian Minecraft Project <div style="text-align: justify;">
I showed you the <a href="http://madeoutofthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/whilst-im-crafting.html" target="_blank">Tudor house</a> that the rest of my family created on Minecraft a little while ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They have been working on a number of other projects since then, mainly inspired by the kids school work, or by their hobbies (we have an open air gymnastics stadium on Minecraft too. All the projects have been created in Survival mode too, so they have been learning about collecting and managing their own resources!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time I want to show you the Egyptian project they decided on. The Sphinx. It is pretty big and you can see if from quite far away - just like the real thing!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivooB1L2mpyS6JkYV-tO1Ip-SCChSdY57Y1D_ccvGnmCGHzusmBtsh0aiNurn_cg4WlDXOjbYnUENv_bPRY37FX3jCGtwZXW3vmud1MJfa_PKrDJS5VrHWMd6Y8qvjJqk2hw7ZL5V7KXUr/s1600/2014-11-14_16.25.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivooB1L2mpyS6JkYV-tO1Ip-SCChSdY57Y1D_ccvGnmCGHzusmBtsh0aiNurn_cg4WlDXOjbYnUENv_bPRY37FX3jCGtwZXW3vmud1MJfa_PKrDJS5VrHWMd6Y8qvjJqk2hw7ZL5V7KXUr/s1600/2014-11-14_16.25.51.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you get closer the details become clearer, you can see the colours they used - made by dying sheep so that when they sheared them, the wool was the right colour already. You can also dye the wool after the sheep have been sheared, so it is more like real life if you wish, but it takes longer and uses more dye.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScVtcKTUADhcrDx8r93Egtcp5_-aHyxx49-rUh0cYuyLRZFfTewTZM_ojK1jEspLKLw_C7w1rvI_sCO1Dmm02Z06cIUo4LjYF5XDj63jEt64qIbuHhQbKNpCbiYv83PTHxPsX2TZpYonD/s1600/2014-11-14_16.25.56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScVtcKTUADhcrDx8r93Egtcp5_-aHyxx49-rUh0cYuyLRZFfTewTZM_ojK1jEspLKLw_C7w1rvI_sCO1Dmm02Z06cIUo4LjYF5XDj63jEt64qIbuHhQbKNpCbiYv83PTHxPsX2TZpYonD/s1600/2014-11-14_16.25.56.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now you can see the sand blocks on either side are in fact his legs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzsToOlKj6XjlhgYqHCN2oz5myOPbstNDT4zFtAPhTbEWwDoiQYoCefsuM6jL0VH0dd2FNjNQqvHWY5qGLDgItsA1hyphenhyphenO2gtMk_gtaNcIxT1FQFl2081ihIkCaRPSb6QlSKDA2HD1NwHtA/s1600/2014-11-14_16.25.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzsToOlKj6XjlhgYqHCN2oz5myOPbstNDT4zFtAPhTbEWwDoiQYoCefsuM6jL0VH0dd2FNjNQqvHWY5qGLDgItsA1hyphenhyphenO2gtMk_gtaNcIxT1FQFl2081ihIkCaRPSb6QlSKDA2HD1NwHtA/s1600/2014-11-14_16.25.59.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From a slightly different angle he still looks cool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihoOU7LTLY90fI5eTTEj5W0IWvHflfhrMcjm5aUNoFQaH2Hm1IthZThYdJp8eFwDNhximj0XWXaF_BxQQfty00_u_SuueZvdqMWIwYRJ9ptAtd0YsGSrS4eJnxlFwCXlPND21xT-3Kpzv/s1600/2014-11-14_16.26.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihoOU7LTLY90fI5eTTEj5W0IWvHflfhrMcjm5aUNoFQaH2Hm1IthZThYdJp8eFwDNhximj0XWXaF_BxQQfty00_u_SuueZvdqMWIwYRJ9ptAtd0YsGSrS4eJnxlFwCXlPND21xT-3Kpzv/s1600/2014-11-14_16.26.03.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm always impressed with the amount of work they are prepared to put in, especially when this is coming from pictures, either on the internet, or in books. He has some glow stone eyes, so he looks pretty cool at night too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs8x_M7UFlqM4vHlPmgNLu44Oy0WPyI4ECDr-GdCsYGJZmk9IO61rMgCoWhDi4YFd2_Q6Nmc-mtT7WTgjnvv61qlTV8e4TkCYVsZ6winvtJJ-9H9qhtDzv7fHoQu2jO7LJzfoZJfU-iAT/s1600/2014-11-14_16.26.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs8x_M7UFlqM4vHlPmgNLu44Oy0WPyI4ECDr-GdCsYGJZmk9IO61rMgCoWhDi4YFd2_Q6Nmc-mtT7WTgjnvv61qlTV8e4TkCYVsZ6winvtJJ-9H9qhtDzv7fHoQu2jO7LJzfoZJfU-iAT/s1600/2014-11-14_16.26.27.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-53745480963115977822014-11-17T22:52:00.000+00:002014-11-17T22:52:15.939+00:00Owl Bags<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did I mention that I liked owls?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I saw <a href="http://bigcraftyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/free-crochet-owl-purse-pattern.html" target="_blank">this</a> little project a while ago and knew I would have to make it immediately! I've made a couple of minor adjustments to the pattern, mainly because I can't be bothered to sew on the crocheted circles and beak when I can glue on felt equivalents. I also have used an i-chord for the strap I found a fab video tutorial for this <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/how-to-crochet-an-i-cord/" target="_blank">here</a> and I was too lazy to add the little pigtails to the sides. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I've made a lot of them, normally for my daughter's friends' birthday presents. As always if I'm making them for presents the photos tend to be a bit rushed, especially if they were on my phone like these:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSpXe55ER9suKcIDRIitvJZPojEfP1JtmwSW8nwVT5bQj2pUYMj-RkLnurarStuRApJ86Knzr2_433NouFTcXm0YfH7QPSP1RZ3IZdvacmFda2giD9GJLfJ0Te9_lz8uqCvpovxvF8e84/s1600/OWLS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSpXe55ER9suKcIDRIitvJZPojEfP1JtmwSW8nwVT5bQj2pUYMj-RkLnurarStuRApJ86Knzr2_433NouFTcXm0YfH7QPSP1RZ3IZdvacmFda2giD9GJLfJ0Te9_lz8uqCvpovxvF8e84/s640/OWLS+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These were two I made for my nieces. I like that you can make them so they all look completely different depending on the colours you use.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I wanted to try and make a bigger owl bag, so I used the same pattern principle, but added a couple of extra rows. To add extra rows on a circle you simply add one more Half Double Crochet on its own before putting two in the same space. So following on from the pattern, the next row would be 2 hdc in the first space, 1 hdc in the next 3 spaces all around. The next row would be 2hdc in the first space and 1 hdc in the next 4 spaces all around. I hope that makes sense. I think I got to 1 hdc in the next 5 spaces for the owl bag below. For my equivalent of Row 5 from the original pattern I did 1 hdc in the next 20 spaces as it needed a larger area because it was a larger bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had also <a href="http://itsemmamade.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/crochet-tips-using-dk-wool-instead-of.html" target="_blank">seen</a> that you could create a chunky yarn by using two strands of a normal DK wool, so I tried that too, and I was very pleased with the results. I did use a slightly bigger hook, but I can't remember which one exactly now (maybe a 6mm, or 6.5mm).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQukuVINMabDRbj4FWTDIjS_VTWB6bDjQ7NJrWDcdt3yTjBfG8V6igjUqx5xinD2v3bdnjqTYEfEoXRh537iBjKIKh7aD80fpVZwf5uug6LlRVRUtN1eXD5wK7o1JP9ECCa6oufE1GbRfU/s1600/Owl+Bag+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQukuVINMabDRbj4FWTDIjS_VTWB6bDjQ7NJrWDcdt3yTjBfG8V6igjUqx5xinD2v3bdnjqTYEfEoXRh537iBjKIKh7aD80fpVZwf5uug6LlRVRUtN1eXD5wK7o1JP9ECCa6oufE1GbRfU/s640/Owl+Bag+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">As I've made a few of these, I've started lining them with felt. I roughly draw around the bag, and then cut 2 slightly smaller versions on felt and blanket stitch around them before slotted it into the completed bag and sewing around the top of both openings.</span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG4YUw0PRKRoP5m41JWglkIxsxY-FLm5TxzJr4hlMC2VESQtRITFvPKfYvjeFq0Dyj3J1KEEFd-bJzFNvMnRF8xC625qZdaAvTvsf0HAhqqPr4NuIhZ9w3Y-_HzUC4WVJa9OVZaaIXdyc/s1600/Owl+bag+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG4YUw0PRKRoP5m41JWglkIxsxY-FLm5TxzJr4hlMC2VESQtRITFvPKfYvjeFq0Dyj3J1KEEFd-bJzFNvMnRF8xC625qZdaAvTvsf0HAhqqPr4NuIhZ9w3Y-_HzUC4WVJa9OVZaaIXdyc/s640/Owl+bag+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">This time I didn't use an i-chord for the strap as I felt it needed something a bit wider. I just did a long length of 5 single crochet. I played around with the colours that made up the bag for a bit of interest, and not because I ran out of one colour, or two colours before I got to the length I wanted. Honest!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfliOOjv2tv2E7bNuBhsHSoRbNk-JSGyrh-57qRdbfKNM7elnfJhb0Tfiyph2W3hd5khylxtDZcdRwtBpZN0vc03queyKBJbKaTQ82v9p4vv7s6goVnr0F93DaCOWkAcJoGzjR_AenK2Lc/s1600/Owl+Bag+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfliOOjv2tv2E7bNuBhsHSoRbNk-JSGyrh-57qRdbfKNM7elnfJhb0Tfiyph2W3hd5khylxtDZcdRwtBpZN0vc03queyKBJbKaTQ82v9p4vv7s6goVnr0F93DaCOWkAcJoGzjR_AenK2Lc/s640/Owl+Bag+3.JPG" width="362" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-65965533874220337452014-11-13T19:09:00.000+00:002014-11-13T19:09:05.655+00:00Owl Hats<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love owls, I always have. I used to have a whole collection of owls, collected from wherever we went on holiday or when I saw a particularly cute looking one. That was until my Mum decided that I should be the one to dust my collection, then it reduced drastically very quickly! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This means that I love making owl-y projects. I am grateful that I am not alone in my love of owls and that other people seem to like them too. It means that there are a number of free owl-y projects out there to try.<br />
<br />
One that I have made a lot is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hoo-gives-a-hoot-anyway-beanie" target="_blank">this</a> owl hat. It is such a lovely easy pattern to follow, and I've made it in a couple of the sizes and they have fit well. The trickiest bit is the first row and making sure that you don't twist your foundation chain. Once you've managed that, the rest is easy. The only change I've made is being too lazy to crochet the beak, when I've got orange felt to hand (and when I first made the hat I didn't actually have any orange yarn).<br />
<br />
Here is the starting chain, which this time I managed not to twist on my first attempt. Hurrah!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBbgKNQR7IV-YbE33g5eR_CWa8vUHBqxzm5hOVp_CRawJSxyg9hqVkpxQxAv7ZW8PEdqzNZIjdzfj13Qj7QAZfq9utloHrRKfFDh6I8IWtrymvBjH_-UbUiDPBiisW4b8NPsalvsoXq3T/s1600/Owl+Hat+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBbgKNQR7IV-YbE33g5eR_CWa8vUHBqxzm5hOVp_CRawJSxyg9hqVkpxQxAv7ZW8PEdqzNZIjdzfj13Qj7QAZfq9utloHrRKfFDh6I8IWtrymvBjH_-UbUiDPBiisW4b8NPsalvsoXq3T/s640/Owl+Hat+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It comes together quickly, especially if you're making it for a little head!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViwSoC7sKmLGnnM2MKrxLiWjB26mmncAOjRK6OtTAo2z9pJFegmPe8NMCsN25vjVdmwTMV0qKC0ZXj0UqDalf9nkMKks5EVCyqPrtb3_NsuJGq2jISUf0PAfhgHvISmcjYznliFQS3swp/s1600/Owl+Hat+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViwSoC7sKmLGnnM2MKrxLiWjB26mmncAOjRK6OtTAo2z9pJFegmPe8NMCsN25vjVdmwTMV0qKC0ZXj0UqDalf9nkMKks5EVCyqPrtb3_NsuJGq2jISUf0PAfhgHvISmcjYznliFQS3swp/s640/Owl+Hat+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here it is without the owl-y decoration, I have a few ideas on how to make different animals using the same pattern. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77RXMhohRajEl75PKQfr9meKP8xPUOtSB_kl0OEA42nHP4GEq316QDAvU9tIyriLqVpNntWBQCg_9BbxmVPe-fO95LsGyUkCj5VZBJ5SL6nclLC6jWaNHvHZ6Uy93u7AxItf1xbJNaTsa/s1600/Owl+Hat+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77RXMhohRajEl75PKQfr9meKP8xPUOtSB_kl0OEA42nHP4GEq316QDAvU9tIyriLqVpNntWBQCg_9BbxmVPe-fO95LsGyUkCj5VZBJ5SL6nclLC6jWaNHvHZ6Uy93u7AxItf1xbJNaTsa/s640/Owl+Hat+3.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I love those ear flaps.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj27CDubOiJxRWMXMCPATrDlzDWB2eBB1SC4INLLcZWu_zDLJR9BrCz5MII0SrZaxzHHKqKFHkdUyrHVCfkS8oZvqrBiey_oTKt6tc9OXSuTMI_OmJ1mg5zrosTNluPgcUtebeHIDritsz/s1600/Owl+Hat+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj27CDubOiJxRWMXMCPATrDlzDWB2eBB1SC4INLLcZWu_zDLJR9BrCz5MII0SrZaxzHHKqKFHkdUyrHVCfkS8oZvqrBiey_oTKt6tc9OXSuTMI_OmJ1mg5zrosTNluPgcUtebeHIDritsz/s640/Owl+Hat+4.JPG" width="584" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally adding the finishing touches. I really like that the owls are sleeping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFVzwxiVoFFsvIzoM51PRuoPnV-hYlpENDALHZ7VuyH7U0M0XMH2UairghFSaH_3ak1DhI8zztrnabA6o-PzWHdOvQM5uvoOAj7PgzsQLBAGllCDVemE8R5XjcMxhIcBLiMM4dH4bd2xC/s1600/Owl+Hat+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFVzwxiVoFFsvIzoM51PRuoPnV-hYlpENDALHZ7VuyH7U0M0XMH2UairghFSaH_3ak1DhI8zztrnabA6o-PzWHdOvQM5uvoOAj7PgzsQLBAGllCDVemE8R5XjcMxhIcBLiMM4dH4bd2xC/s640/Owl+Hat+5.JPG" width="628" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is our phrenology head modelling the owl hat. Which I have to remember is a pretty good size for a baby/toddler head!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi1en1jgxriR58dSJYf6k55lqdI9Dpse7Lx0BGj-pUHbKNkvKhlDY_cG_txYMS-yyJtvIIG05mDG1Fqnmi2YWmKpvfPVdJxVIKW0iitfxPyBoiLGCnP24bE6ZDUhRC_x1hNxSDiifLi3_/s1600/Owl+Hat+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi1en1jgxriR58dSJYf6k55lqdI9Dpse7Lx0BGj-pUHbKNkvKhlDY_cG_txYMS-yyJtvIIG05mDG1Fqnmi2YWmKpvfPVdJxVIKW0iitfxPyBoiLGCnP24bE6ZDUhRC_x1hNxSDiifLi3_/s640/Owl+Hat+6.JPG" width="516" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think that this hat would be a perfect project if you want to try a hat, but don't feel up to crocheting in the round yet.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-20195378987701520832014-10-07T19:57:00.001+01:002014-10-09T20:30:23.638+01:00Oranges/Satsuma Pumpkins<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does that title even make sense? Maybe not, but that is what we made. We used plain sticky labels, well actually I think we used old computer disc labels. Do you remember them? Weird to think my kids have no idea what we're talking about when the Husband and I discuss them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG85ZBdxUm00HlFSRXF507lJp1BbnGYbx_56LPfG9bEpxdh2uxo756opZEKCckSdvfFLyTDdZ78B7A4OhqWIrkyIsla_oLXzFhv7Zeq44_jWvvlpxp8IsuF25wzaD2P6OXKzRam08gCgfy/s1600/Spooky+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG85ZBdxUm00HlFSRXF507lJp1BbnGYbx_56LPfG9bEpxdh2uxo756opZEKCckSdvfFLyTDdZ78B7A4OhqWIrkyIsla_oLXzFhv7Zeq44_jWvvlpxp8IsuF25wzaD2P6OXKzRam08gCgfy/s1600/Spooky+3.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway all you need is some sticky labels you can cut and colour and then stick onto whatever fruit you have to hand. We chose oranges because that is what I had. Each one got a face lift on both sides as the kids really did enjoy this activity. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI0p_pqpIGn8H7FaAc8Zi_Opl3Y7tpk2Oy32YGQsrmqMh9Of7jKDptmpzNvqOEiT3QIZftxouBhjOZRsTVfEUuhqg57ZbRH9nuiBbVNIr7b6_jwOSXZJbLAW_fuYbaFvyNWFGwljT5G7j/s1600/Spooky+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI0p_pqpIGn8H7FaAc8Zi_Opl3Y7tpk2Oy32YGQsrmqMh9Of7jKDptmpzNvqOEiT3QIZftxouBhjOZRsTVfEUuhqg57ZbRH9nuiBbVNIr7b6_jwOSXZJbLAW_fuYbaFvyNWFGwljT5G7j/s1600/Spooky+4.JPG" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5Prdi0vN_u4BZcG3WqH9Xxiv_K9ymvT6U0vVk9aR-92kBDJzJmbmu0HBY7OBtlmH3D00wAHIM35L-axJJgZagayS7N4Waww6ES3Fa3o4V2PQDd5A1q9jd5Uh4CG7LXcrr8rRckJKl4nX/s1600/Spooky+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5Prdi0vN_u4BZcG3WqH9Xxiv_K9ymvT6U0vVk9aR-92kBDJzJmbmu0HBY7OBtlmH3D00wAHIM35L-axJJgZagayS7N4Waww6ES3Fa3o4V2PQDd5A1q9jd5Uh4CG7LXcrr8rRckJKl4nX/s1600/Spooky+6.JPG" height="618" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXSwJrkZIPP6N6Xm3gOPXEhAI68r96pq0lmApE_roXVprYuCj622j8Keggy0fJ9Oq9wq4CxkhKScmeNo9RJ3CZp59uW5q_cFakfb73B7XiYG9YuCSgZlcdjsp_ny0szEwozPQaN6RRpNI/s1600/Spooky+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXSwJrkZIPP6N6Xm3gOPXEhAI68r96pq0lmApE_roXVprYuCj622j8Keggy0fJ9Oq9wq4CxkhKScmeNo9RJ3CZp59uW5q_cFakfb73B7XiYG9YuCSgZlcdjsp_ny0szEwozPQaN6RRpNI/s1600/Spooky+10.JPG" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought that the stickers would be a good idea because then I would still feel comfortable eating the fruit after Halloween. Though originally I got the idea from <a href="http://underconstructionblog.typepad.com/under_construction/2010/10/halloween-fruit.html" target="_blank">here</a> and they drew straight on to the fruit with sharpies. I know they have a thick peel, but I would have been worrying about whether there were any toxins that had seeped through that I needed to worry about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHAxRYqEQxKXJ1IMurek0-FlI8MK1exOWuH9epX6rUZwGa-N-Ec_MYdp74JRzll7luyX61CzyvwqPCG7Tslh0CO2xSnFGEOylVUudzu3TuyTodxk1NjWPXxbeWG-1DK1E_zv_Pr0dCIYP/s1600/Spooky+5..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHAxRYqEQxKXJ1IMurek0-FlI8MK1exOWuH9epX6rUZwGa-N-Ec_MYdp74JRzll7luyX61CzyvwqPCG7Tslh0CO2xSnFGEOylVUudzu3TuyTodxk1NjWPXxbeWG-1DK1E_zv_Pr0dCIYP/s1600/Spooky+5..JPG" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3SgKaPT2-ujTJpMcwsM4GlrcehF1wOREf_rCFmw4J4MtvoZAOvenzwh9_8yaS2W9WEyBMzuV8X1y_AgYAr_SxaRNfeVv8aBp_yRyffaXVOZ0P9-BjGllu6OE3cRg7G5Qw0kOKJJ77Ni2/s1600/Spooky+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3SgKaPT2-ujTJpMcwsM4GlrcehF1wOREf_rCFmw4J4MtvoZAOvenzwh9_8yaS2W9WEyBMzuV8X1y_AgYAr_SxaRNfeVv8aBp_yRyffaXVOZ0P9-BjGllu6OE3cRg7G5Qw0kOKJJ77Ni2/s1600/Spooky+7.JPG" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We didn't do this last year, I didn't have any of the right coloured fruit, but I must remember to get some in this year for some half term holiday fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWrObclPetPCNp0pe76DVPUU4HjmnBwG0hBt-xsow-1rf_1ns5IxvHT7JJzrVpWtyexbE4rJTsEXb2MmGBx_Bo4eLY5FOx1XAFETNDfoh16yCNCeKofWD_mMHcxD6EIMOpw13xp_8G_hn/s1600/Spooky+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWrObclPetPCNp0pe76DVPUU4HjmnBwG0hBt-xsow-1rf_1ns5IxvHT7JJzrVpWtyexbE4rJTsEXb2MmGBx_Bo4eLY5FOx1XAFETNDfoh16yCNCeKofWD_mMHcxD6EIMOpw13xp_8G_hn/s1600/Spooky+8.JPG" height="640" width="618" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpPXNhnu6c0wkUlk-d9r6DSlGEh4nzISFb_dppGKT_RjzylOoAwFHsVQtH3ooLLIE1vQKzgMsfPlorVlJze6pGxkgmCH5bCqtCqNHiCoWNXLUcHrNocTogxH8M8o0wXIZDzpAVFFJKWOw/s1600/Spooky+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpPXNhnu6c0wkUlk-d9r6DSlGEh4nzISFb_dppGKT_RjzylOoAwFHsVQtH3ooLLIE1vQKzgMsfPlorVlJze6pGxkgmCH5bCqtCqNHiCoWNXLUcHrNocTogxH8M8o0wXIZDzpAVFFJKWOw/s1600/Spooky+9.JPG" height="640" width="598" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-31718393183144451882014-10-06T19:09:00.000+01:002014-10-06T19:09:24.005+01:00Spooky Stuff<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love decorating the house for Halloween and thankfully my kids would much rather stay in the house and give out sweets than go and get some themselves. I think this may be to do with doing it one year in the cold and rain. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought a few little posts on some easy Halloween decorations might be nice, especially seen as I recently found a whole load of Halloween decoration photos I've taken over the last few years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This first one is so easy, and yet a lot of fun. It is simply a phrase typed up and printed onto paper, I've then laminated it so I can use it over and over again. I don't remember where I first saw the phrase (anyone know it?), but it made me chuckle the first time I saw it and I thought I'd copy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my favourite things is being able to hear the reaction from the other side of the door (before you open it). I love it when people see this sign and get a little spooked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GS0yCjoEfp3wekNiuhlNzjBxHiXwe1FdNuB_LKApzD2si2ThquJZDmauw-ahw8zrYm6NEPUIPOXXj5boYnZ3fRukAs1uWKM-tXK6LaugGq8gOWBJZktf0pPvFyHoU1_SELnxFSL0nLRH/s1600/Spooky+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GS0yCjoEfp3wekNiuhlNzjBxHiXwe1FdNuB_LKApzD2si2ThquJZDmauw-ahw8zrYm6NEPUIPOXXj5boYnZ3fRukAs1uWKM-tXK6LaugGq8gOWBJZktf0pPvFyHoU1_SELnxFSL0nLRH/s1600/Spooky+1.JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love it even more when someone in their group makes them jump by grabbing them on the shoulder, boo-ing them, or just generally scaring them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741130782165321205.post-66127765961726229272014-09-27T20:04:00.001+01:002014-09-29T22:27:08.145+01:00Flowers for a Wedding<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not real flower arranging mind, I always seem to struggle with that effortless look some people can achieve. No, I was asked to make some crochet flowers as napkin holders for my youngest brother's wedding. I did know they were having a few guests, but it certainly felt like a lot when I had finished this little bundle:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxLdeTOEElUhdzJJI1Iob29xJpCHuFJFAA3vQGC2SLCYygEdUCNvNu1oKMU9fVtufS8IUfTCzVWzwRfAafsS3I1VasSmOa1ZOyTFYiGByAFPlGir185RGHpAq-woQ238F4r6aMHhc40lx/s1600/flowers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxLdeTOEElUhdzJJI1Iob29xJpCHuFJFAA3vQGC2SLCYygEdUCNvNu1oKMU9fVtufS8IUfTCzVWzwRfAafsS3I1VasSmOa1ZOyTFYiGByAFPlGir185RGHpAq-woQ238F4r6aMHhc40lx/s1600/flowers+1.JPG" height="640" width="560" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had fun playing around with which colours to put where, which ones went well together.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfef5-SFsizCA_27OS0EAN_d15QEfagrG2yb2RKyrDZtzrQEbPwnN3Jk_DRPf2TI1dOVhEZ87Z-YzLxvcfCsqQGqHi_APPUkY-OMfP-17TwFtRxCoMROm1F9PMYhNtHgPcOvWNwBMLp8_/s1600/flowers+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfef5-SFsizCA_27OS0EAN_d15QEfagrG2yb2RKyrDZtzrQEbPwnN3Jk_DRPf2TI1dOVhEZ87Z-YzLxvcfCsqQGqHi_APPUkY-OMfP-17TwFtRxCoMROm1F9PMYhNtHgPcOvWNwBMLp8_/s1600/flowers+3.JPG" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the day each table different colour flower (and herb). It was a lovely day, I'm sure my brother would say that it was totally down to the crochet flowers!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T_j82oxp-y_EHS6Zzq7l9rB-wClQvnmSI9g-N13xM7TD5cnSpTFW7nx6ENhsOmmWVDZXkjf-ZbxIe6_6JXWWu1DXzn8O0KdUfqLMLhFg7J0ioSs1a4rFTAtdrYuNKXH8o96haX0ngrmW/s1600/flowers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T_j82oxp-y_EHS6Zzq7l9rB-wClQvnmSI9g-N13xM7TD5cnSpTFW7nx6ENhsOmmWVDZXkjf-ZbxIe6_6JXWWu1DXzn8O0KdUfqLMLhFg7J0ioSs1a4rFTAtdrYuNKXH8o96haX0ngrmW/s1600/flowers+2.JPG" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the day I totally forgot to take any pictures of them in situ. Duh. Luckily my son obviously thought they looked nice and took a couple of photos of them for me. Excuse the lack of focus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwrfKZ8IJqvMBK4usKh1x4uvkRAhh_fqBGcDePK9oVTHr5ftNZOcPdbEYF87SrMg10W9U4TTjeet0tdDkWG-sTxJANfzToHOnPf0k7NqNW1leNrJy3MV2wIZGnSI8xitoMdyN_ixiHQ7u/s1600/flowers+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwrfKZ8IJqvMBK4usKh1x4uvkRAhh_fqBGcDePK9oVTHr5ftNZOcPdbEYF87SrMg10W9U4TTjeet0tdDkWG-sTxJANfzToHOnPf0k7NqNW1leNrJy3MV2wIZGnSI8xitoMdyN_ixiHQ7u/s1600/flowers+8.JPG" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7stCHgNied4oPnQcKFL5Pq3TSIpF-WDfl-XXGsbM17XgCCKDGpXuOY9_fxRyV7-A9hpb44j0qR-xT0pARMixoiYwXbhbynGIJxdZqUYhwiTOyJ841_lIVTk6mhQvdnSkR2i0mPZ-Wla7/s1600/flowers++9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7stCHgNied4oPnQcKFL5Pq3TSIpF-WDfl-XXGsbM17XgCCKDGpXuOY9_fxRyV7-A9hpb44j0qR-xT0pARMixoiYwXbhbynGIJxdZqUYhwiTOyJ841_lIVTk6mhQvdnSkR2i0mPZ-Wla7/s1600/flowers++9.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I created the flower pattern a while ago, it was based on a couple of others, and different things I liked about them. My pattern uses different stitches which I think makes it look quite interesting, it also has quite wide petals because I like that too! Flowers and hearts were some of the first patterns I learned when I started to crochet, because I wanted to put them on cards. I also wanted something quick to see if I could do it. So I hope that this isn't too tricky for beginners out there and that you enjoy making some quick flowers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Easy Flower Pattern - UK terms</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R1: Magic Circle (or Chain 4 and slip stitch into a circle)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R2: Chain 2, 9 treble crochet into the centre, slip stitch to join (you should have 10 stitches)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R3: Chain 1, 2 double crochet into each treble crochet from the row before slip stitch to join (there should be 20 stitiches now)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
R4: Chain 2, 3 treble crochet into the 1st stitch, slip stitch into the next 2 stitches, then *4 treble crochet into next stitch anfd slip stitch into the next 2 stitches to the end</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You should end up with 7 petals and everything working fine, but if you weren't concentrating on your counting and either have too many or too few stitches don't worry these will work with 6 petals or 8 petals too! If you look carefully you can definitely see a 6 petal flower in this bunch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNv3FpIr8dXRRol6lnFrodIuTS28Np7X-RRLawthMy42huGIKaBamyE5Da24ZxvyYoiRU8qoQKx6aDSmhe2wrsSIHeX0ijk0yWblleoNzCDtW2NOWJ0wlujA5rVGjInjVX9B1UVlCvp1Jg/s1600/flowers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNv3FpIr8dXRRol6lnFrodIuTS28Np7X-RRLawthMy42huGIKaBamyE5Da24ZxvyYoiRU8qoQKx6aDSmhe2wrsSIHeX0ijk0yWblleoNzCDtW2NOWJ0wlujA5rVGjInjVX9B1UVlCvp1Jg/s1600/flowers+1.JPG" height="640" width="560" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840428200187612249noreply@blogger.com0