Hooked On Sunshine Blankets

I’ve been making Hooked On Sunshine Blankets this year having joined the group quite some time ago. Nessa’s patterns are absolutely beautiful, intricate designs that are written so well even I figure it out through brain fog eventually! I hadn’t blogged for a while so I figured I’d show you all what I’ve been up to.

Atlanticus

To start with I made the Atlanticus for Izzy, she loved the pattern and knew what colours she wanted. I’ve made blankets before but never this complicated and stunning. I did doubt myself ever finishing this but somehow I did in just a few weeks too!

Liliana

Next I made the Liliana for the lovely and very pink celebrant Berni! She was so patient even though this blanket took me a little longer than the Atlanticus and so appreciative when I was done it really gave me a boost in confidence.

Phoenix

My third HOS was the Phoenix for the very talented author and one of my besties, Fiona Morgan. She’s had quite a rough time being hit by covid and some personal issues that I wanted to make something really special as a (late 😅) housewarming gift.

Thankfully Crochet UK had the perfect yarn for a Phoenix blanket and I couldn’t wait to get started. This took me a little longer than the last two blankets, mostly because summer holidays with two kids is hard work. But I eventually got there and then decided to delay further by making a bolster cushion to go with it haha!

For (the sake of it)

While waiting for materials to finish the cushion my fingers got a little antsy and I already had the For pattern ready to go and some lovely cotton yarn I really wanted to try out. I sat reading the notes as always and like the idea being that we always crochet For something/someone but me being me decide this was the blanket I wanted to make For the sake of it.

My mental health has been wobbly, with my past and my chronic pain battling for headspace I’ve felt too guilty to do things just for the sake of it. I have so much encouragement from the Mr, family and friends to just rest or do something for me so I decided alongside braving the therapy that my For the sake of it was going to be exactly that for as and when I just fancy crocheting for the enjoyment of it. No deadlines, nobody in mind to gift it to. When it’s done I may well gift it but until then it is just For the sake of it.

I decided to do something I don’t often do and just let it do it’s own thing changing colours naturally too. Normally because the yarn had short colour changes unlike the yarn for the Phoenix I would worry it looked messy. So far I’m at round –  and can’t wait to see the finished piece when I can buy more yarn in the new year!

Elf On The Shelf – 12 Days Of Elvis and Elfie

Elf on the shelf can be great fun! Over 14 million elves have been adopted around the world. Any parent will tell you though that sometimes it can be difficult to come up with ideas. Design bundles have some fab bundles and kindly sent us a box of goodies to make things easier.

Elf On The Shelf Day 1

Elf on the shelf - Elfie is sat under the tree with Elvis his cousin in an Elf Isolation jar, on top of a baking kit.

Elfie has been visiting us for the last few years. He’s an absolute terror and had been told he is not to steal the girls toys this year! So instead he brought along his cousin Elvis. Thankfully he seems a much better behaved elf and arrived in Elf Isolation adhering to the guidelines. Together they arrived with a fun Ginger bread baking kit for the girls to make!

Day 2

Day 2 came around quickly and Elfie and Elvis wanted to dress up. He arrived with a dazzling gold wardrobe and clothing from previous years hung up inside. Naughty Elfie had hidden his poor cousin Elvis (still in Elf Isolation) underneath a discarded dressing gown!

Elfie is sat in front of a homemade golden coloured wardrope, strong across the doors is a festive clothes line with a christmas jumper and pyjamas hanging from it. In front of the wardrobe are pieces of fabric, scissors, glue and a needle along with a sign saying 'I can't find any clothes to wear.. lets make some Love Elfie!.

It seems Elfie wasn’t happy with his current wardrobe and insisted the girls made him some new ones. Thankfully he at least brought his own materials, although cheekily he raided my crochet tin for the scissors and needle.

Day 3

The elves brought some colouring sheets and pens for the girls to do some festive colouring on day 3. Elfie had been colouring in a candy cane when we woke up! The girls couldn’t wait to get colouring with the elves when they woke up. Who doesn’t love colouring!?

Day 4

Elfie and Elvis wanted to make Christmas cards on day 4. Elvis wrote his very own tiny christmas card to the girls which was sweet.

Elfie and Elvis are sat with some colouring pens and cards/envelopes.

He brought the girls some paper and card to make their own which they loved doing. Card making is always fun!

Day 5

On day 5 Elvis and Elfie wanted to make some decorations. They arrived with a bag including a clear fillable bauble, fake snow and some small ornaments to go inside. Naturally we discovered Elfie using his poor cousin Elvis to get inside the bag of goodies!

Elfie's legs are sticking out of a paper bag, his feet are using Elvis' Elf Isolation jar to climb up.

Thankfully nothing was damaged and we were able to make a lovely bauble. The girls loved this as the Mr has a t-shirt in with a camper van and Christmas tree on top!

Day 6

On day 6 the elves decided it was time for the girls to write to Santa. They brought them an example sheet which I copied and a fun snowman pen to write out their lists.

Elfie and Elvis are sat on top of a blank letter to santa with a pen

We were pleased to see Elfie was behaving a little bit better today! Having an elf on the shelf can be worrying, you never know what you might wake up to!

Day 7

On day 7 the elves thought the girls would enjoy making a fun window display from. They brought lots of fun stencils and paper.. Although messily scattered everywhere! We are hoping Elvis is able to tame Elfie a bit when he finally finishes Elf isolation next week! SVG images are great for activities like these.

Elfie and is sat amongst a mess of stencils and paper

Day 8

The elves decided as the girls love doing random acts of kindness that they might enjoy making someone a gift. Along with some card they had left some chocolates. The girls decided they should make a Christmas cracker and use the chocolates to fill it up. Unfortunately this day became quite eventful so we missed a photograph!

Day 9

Acts of kindness are so nice the elves decided to encourage the girls twice! On the 9th day the elves provided a fun list of acts of kindness to help the girls out. Elfie had even left Elvis a note saying he SMELLS lovely! This led to the girls going through their toys and producing a bag for the charity shop a few days later. The elves then rewarded them with some sweets for their kindness whilst sat on the bag of toys.

Elfie and Elvis are sat on top of a sheet of random acts of kindness ideas

Day 10

The elves must have been getting hungry thinking about Christmas being just 15 days away. They brought the girls some things to help set the table. They came with a fantastic glass milk bottle for Santa and card and a shiny pen to make placemats.

Elfie and Elvis are sat with black card to make placemats and a santas milk botttle

Day 11

With the big day quickly approaching, the elves thought it was time the girls wrapped some presents. They brought wrapping paper, a gift tag and a bag of popcorn for the girls to enjoy with a film.

Wrapping with the Elves - Elfie is sat in a popcorn pot with his legs up in the air and over his shoulders next to wrapping paper, washi tape, a christmas tag and popcorn.

The paper is perfect for my sister who loves pugs and has her own called Pugsley! So the girls wrapped for their aunt and uncle using the lovely paper. Once we were all done they enjoyed snuggling up with a film and sharing the popcorn.

Day 12

Although I am certain there was something else planned, such as a fun scavenger hunt for the 12th day, instead we discovered Elfie up to mischief.

Elfie pulling Elvis from his Elf isolation

Of course, being such a naughty elf that he is, he couldn’t wait 2 more days and had dragged poor Elvis out of Elf Isolation!! Lets hope 12 days was enough to keep us all safe!

We definitely enjoy Elf on the shelf as a tradition now and cant wait to see what else Elfie and Elvis will get up to next. I will definitely be using Design bundles in future and check out their free printable resources and new products.

What has your Elf on a Shelf been up to? Do you use any fun resources?

Setting Up Relentlessly Crocheted

I began setting up Relentlessly Crocheted as a Facebook and Instagram page earlier this year. This was mentioned a little in my post about picking back up last week. I love to crochet and my confidence is slowly growing thanks to friends and family. There are a few things I still need to work on to get the business up and running fully.

Setting up relentlessly crocheted

Postage and Packaging

There is so much to research when it comes to setting up selling crochet. Postage and packaging are up there as the most important, alongside yarn costs for pricing items correctly. I also want to make sure my items arrive quickly, safely and packed in an eco-friendly way.

packaging - crop man sealing carton box with tape
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

The weight and size of items can vary wildly so I’ve been looking at different styles of boxes for packaging. I also want to find some eco-friendly postal bags for things such as blankets. I’ve been sending gifts to friends to help work out these costs. I very quickly learnt not working out postage costs correctly will eat any profit from the sale otherwise.

Yarn Costs

The little yarn hut

I’ve been very lucky to find the Little Yarn Hut in Orsett which stocks some beautiful yarns at reasonable prices! If orders were to pick up I would need to look at wholesale prices though. This would help bring the costs down further, for now I’m more than happy to stick to the yarn hut. Jo who runs it is absolutely lovely, full of advice and ideas every time!

Crochet Is My Therapy

Crochet really is my therapy, I can rest yet still feel useful which is great for my anxious little brain! I’ve lost count of how many items I’ve made! There is quite a variety so far and love a challenge, I’m always asking people for ideas. With the help of friends and family I realised there is potential there for me to have a small business. I’m still in the early days of setting things up and relying mostly on gifting friends to work things out.

Relentlessly Crocheted Makes

I’ve impressed myself at times and been frustrated but I am learning I can take most things on. This year was definitely not the year to commit fully to setting up a small business. Instead I plan to share with my readers my plans, makes and journey as I continue setting up Relentlessly Crocheted.

More makes by relentlessly crocheted

Whilst I am not yet set up I am happy to take on orders where possible so do give me an email or message on social media. If you have any helpful tips of ideas that may make setting up Relentlessly Crocheted then please get in touch too.

Easy World Book Day Crafts

We’ve made easy World Book Day crafts in collaboration with Viking. Our crafts involve using old books and craft supplies provided by Viking to help us out.

Easy World Book Day Crafts

We love books and usually wouldn’t dream of cutting them up but sometimes, some books are just beyond saving. We dug around our local charity shops to find a few books we could use that were falling apart, drawn on or just generally in a bad condition.

old books

Unfortunately we were quite limited as our charity shops had very few old books that we felt were worth taking apart but we did manage to change find a lovely old children’s nursery rhyme book which we used for inspiration (and it’s pages!).

1. Bookmarks

Book lovers can never have too many bookmarks, what better way to make them than by using old books? Viking provided us with a few loose pages from an old dictionary so we used these to create bookmarks.

We simply cut a strip of card to the size of a standard bookmark, folded the book page in half, cut it and stuck it to both sides of the card. We then used plastic book wrap to protect the paper from water damage.

Easy world book day crafts - Bookmark. Photo shows a bookmark with faded book pages on it with 'Bookmark' stamped on in black ink

Viking also provided us with an ink pad and letter stamps and Eva decided adding Bookmark would make it stand out more, so we gave it a go. You could try stamping quotes on too!

This craft took just a few minutes and turned a ‘useless’ loose book page into a lovely bookmark that can be used over and over.

2. Gift Tags

Using the same method as we used to create the bookmark, we also created gift tags. Again glueing book pages to both sides of a piece of card, punching a hole in one end and stamping on the recipients name. I love this and think they would look lovely on a gift wrapped in brown paper too!

. Gift tags made using old book pages with the names 'Eva' and 'Izzy' stamped on them in black ink and a black heart stamped in all four corners

3. Nursery Art Work

Izzy wanted to create a picture using a nursery rhyme from a very old children’s book. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is one of Izzy’s favourites. She quickly got to work cutting out the title, image and words to the rhyme. Using dark blue card she stuck these down, used some star and planet stickers and created a moon using chalk.

Izzy's twinkle twinkle art

Viking included a lovely golden frame which was perfect for this piece Izzy created. I think it’s really cute and you could use any nursery rhyme and children’s book quotes.

World book day craft - framed picture on blue card with 'Twinkle, twinkle little star' title, image and words cut out and stuck on. These are surrounded by gold stars

While Izzy made her nursery rhyme piece, I decided to make a similar piece using Winnie The Pooh Stencils to cut out shapes from book pages to create another cute piece for a nursery. Cute art work for a nursery doesn’t have to cost a fortune when you have old books and some card lying around!

World book day craft - P is for Pooh made using book pages and coloured card. Pooh is sitting on the grass (green torn card lining the bottom) along with the letter P, clouds  heart and a bee cut from book pages stuck on a blue background.

We had a few other ideas which we will share another time when we come across the right books.

Have you ever used old books to make art before?

Skull Scarf – Free Crochet Pattern

I’ve altered a Skull Scarf free crochet pattern that I found by Nadelwork on Ravelry. The original narrow skull scarf pattern is beautiful, however, it wasn’t eating enough yarn.

Skull Scarf - Free Pattern 
Purple to grey crocheted skull scarf. Each side has 3 skulls broken up with blocks of double croche

I have a beautiful purple to grey Ice yarn, my lovely friend, Sarah bought me last year that I wanted to use up fully. I decided to make some simple alterations which make it more of yarn eating scarf.

Skull Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

This pattern is lovely and simple, mostly using chains, single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC) stitches. The scarf is worked in two halves and sewn together at the end.

Skull Scarf - Free Pattern

I chose 3 skulls at the bottom of each half as these will be on display when worn, with a simple block of DC between them to break the pattern up but you can decide how many you would prefer to add.

(Make 2)

Chain 46

Row 1: Chain 2, DC in 3rd chain from hook, DC to the end of the row.

Row 2 – 10: Turn, Chain 2, DC to the end of the row.

(From the original pattern)

Row 11: Chain 4, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 9, skip one space, 4 DC in the next space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, Chain 2, DC.

Row 12: Chain 2, 3DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 6, 4 SC around the chain, chain 6, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in space, Chain 2, 4 DC in space.

Row 13: Chain 4, 4 DC in space, chain 2, 4 DC in space, chain 6. (worked on the 4 SC from the previous row to make the teeth) 1 DC, chain 1, 1 DC, chain 1, 1 DC, chain 1, 1 DC, chain 6, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 1 DC.

Row 14: Chain 2, 3 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 8, 11 SC in the skull. (2 around the chain, 1 in the DC, 1 around the chain, 1 in the DC, 1 around the chain, 1 in the DC, 1 around the chain, 1 in the DC, 2 around the chain) Chain 8, 4 DC in the space, Chain 2, 4 DC in the space.

Row 15: Chain 4, 4 DC in space, chain 10, 4 SC (On the last 4 SC of the 11 SC from previous row), chain 5 (This will be the nose). Skip 3 stitches, 4 SC (On the first 4 SC from the 11 SC from the previous row). Turn now Chain 10, 1 SC around the chain 5, chain 10 and slip stitch in the very first SC of this row. (You just made the arches of the eyes!) Turn again, 10 SC around each arch (20 in total), slip stitch into the 8th SC in this row. Chain 10, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 1 DC.

Row 16: Chain 2, 3 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 10, 16 slip stitches on the eyes of the skull. (Count 8 from the middle to balance your stitches). Chain 8, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space.

Row 17: Chain 4, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 6 12 SC on skull (again count 6 from the middle), chain 6, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 1 DC.

Row 18: Chain 2, 3 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 6, 8 SC on on the skull, chain 6, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space.

Row 19: Chain 4, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 6, 6 SC on the skull, chain 6, 4DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 1 DC.

Row 20: Chain 2, 3 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 6, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space.

Row 21: Chain 4, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 4 DC in the space, chain 2, 1 DC.

Rows 22-32: Turn, Chain 2, DC to the end of the row.

Repeat Rows 11- 32 for a second skull and continue this repeat until you have the amount of skulls you are happy with. (I chose 3 each side).

I then continued with 46 rows of DC to use up my ICE yarn, leaving just enough to sew the two halves together. Add as many rows as you feel is necessary for the correct length.

This is a really fun pattern and the added rows of DC help speed it along and eat more yarn. With autumn just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to crochet a beautiful skull scarf.

This pattern is free to use, you may sell finished items but please do credit myself and Nadelwork (on Ravelry) and do not sell the pattern on.

If you’ve used the pattern feel free to tag me in your photo’s.

Crocheted Jesus, Donkey And Grumpy Care Bear

I’ve Crocheted Jesus, his faithful Donkey (as Eva calls him) and a Grumpy Care Bear over the last month. I’m now so close to completing my 10 Crochet Projects for 2019! With just Dobby (who I’ve started), a blanket and an aeroplane left to make.

Crocheted Jesus, Donkey And Grumpy Care Bear

Crocheted Jesus

I really enjoyed making a crocheted Jesus for Martyn, I learnt several things whilst crocheting him. This is one of the first patterns I’ve followed where I’ve had to try out the popcorn stitch. It turns out this stitch is really simple and great for making toes! You can find the pattern here if you’d like to try it too.

Using Popcorn stitch for toes

I also learnt the weft method for creating Jesus’ hair. This is a fairly simple process but takes a little time. Once all strands are split, you can then use an iron or straighteners to smooth out the kinks.

Weft Method

I was impressed with how quickly Jesus came together to be honest. He looked fairly tricky but it didn’t take long. I added some craft wire inside his arms, legs and body so Martyn has a poseable Jesus haha!

Crocheted Jesus

Donkey

Next up was a Donkey, again for Martyn, after all, Jesus needs his faithful donkey (according to Eva!). This pattern was really simple and I didn’t stress at all over this make.

Donkey Head

Crocheting the donkey gave me a little confidence boost. It wasn’t that long ago I could barely hold a hook correctly and now I can make a perfect little donkey head!

Crocheted Donkey

I think Donkey turned out pretty well for a first attempt. I can see one or two small tweaks I could make but overall, I am really happy with him! His tail is pretty cool too.

Crocheted Donkey Side on

Grumpy Care Bear

It’s safe to say Grumpy Care Bear has been one of my biggest challenges yet. The pattern didn’t quite seem to match up, I’m not sure if I was reading it wrong and unfortunately the pattern seller hasn’t replied. I decided to try a few changes and managed to work it out in the end.

Crocheted Grumpy Care Bear

I don’t get on too well when it comes to cutting and sticking felt or sewing details on. What looked like lovely hearts and raindrops ended up looking a little blob-like. Sewing is definitely not my forte but I am determined to improve with time.

Crocheted Grumpy care Bear

Poor Grumpy Care Bear looks a little traumatised, he’s obviously seen things no Care Bear should ever see! Whilst the detail was a bit of a fail, I’m pleased he at least looks like a bear. I guess we all have to start somewhere.

Whilst Grumpy was a little tricky, I’m still really enjoying all these crochet projects! I currently have Dobby’s head and body made and a few other projects I’ll share soon as my list has extended quite a bit. My yarn stash has grown quite rapidly so I should be able to keep myself busy.

Have you crocheted anything lately? What do you think of my latest makes?

Crochet Learn It. Love It. Book Review

I received Crochet Learn It. Love It. By Tracey Todhunter to review. As most of my readers already know I love crochet, so I couldn’t wait to review this book. I have to say before I explain any further, if you are looking for a comprehensive beginners guide to crochet then this is definitely it!

Crochet Learn It. Love It

Crochet Learn It. Love It.

The book contains a mix of essential crochet skills, patterns, tricks and tips to ease you into a life of learning and loving crochet!

Chapter 1 – Essential Skills

Essential Skills covers everything you need to know starting with different yarn types and weight. I was pleased to see a Ball Band explanation, something I haven’t seen anywhere else before. With different types of hooks available, basic accessories and even luxury accessories explained, any beginner is sure to feel knowledgeable.

Essential Crochet Skills

This handy book shows you all the essentials from holding and tensioning the yarn via various methods. It also shows you how to hold the hook, make a slip knot, foundation chain, count chains, work into chains and fasten off. All explained in great detail, accompanied by photos making it easy for any beginner to learn Crochet.

Basic Stitches

There is a great guide to basic stitches which will help you get started on most projects. To make this easier there is a full explanation on how to understand crochet stitches to help you make sense of your work and pick up on any mistakes, a huge help for any beginner. I remember looking at my first crochet attempts and having no idea what I was looking at or if it was correct. This book puts your mind at ease as you learn making it much more enjoyable.

Basic Stitches

Confidence Building

Crochet Learn It. Love It makes reading patterns and charts a breeze and explains measuring AND adjusting your tension! From joining yarn to working neat stripes, stripes with a difference and shaping your work, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

You’ll find yourself knowing how to finish your work, different blocking methods, tapestry needle stitches, crocheted, slip stitch and conceal crocheted seams enhancing your work. I’ve been crocheting at least 2 years now and I had already learned so much from this book, without even passing this first section!

Quick Start Projects

There are several quick start projects throughout the book. These consist of quick and easy patterns which require little yarn. Each project states the finished size and tension along with the items you’ll need. These are items such as yarns, crochet hook sizes, yarn needles, buttons etc.

There is also a list of abbreviations and techniques used in the pattern along with the page no within the book to help you with stitches. Following pattern notes you can find the pattern itself with photo’s to guide you. Compared to other crochet books I’ve read I genuinely felt that I could try each project. This would have been perfect when I first started out. With such great explanations and notes you are filled with confidence to complete each project. I’ll definitely be making a few of these once I’m done with my current Crochet Projects!

Chapter 2 – Working In The Round

Working In The Round

Moving on to the second section you quickly learn how to work in the round. Learn the foundation ring, magic ring and finger wrap methods to start. This section will quickly show you how to crochet circles and spirals along with a gorgeous ‘sun in the center’ pattern to show off your new crochet skills!

Sun In Circle

Blocks and motifs are great for making various pieces and are also worked in the round. This books explains how to make a plain granny square block, granny motif, granny triangles and granny hexagons. These are useful from cushion covers, blankets, cardigans and more. You will also learn to crochet a circle or flower in a square. There’s a lovely pattern at the end of this section for a granny square cushion similar to the one I recently made too.

Granny Triangle

I love granny squares as they are nice and easy but I decided to try a granny triangle for the first time. I found the pattern easy to follow and can now tick it off my list of things to learn!

Granny Triangle

Learning tubular crochet can make things quite fun. Luckily this book makes it simple to learn with some fab patterns to go with it! This handy guide makes crocheting a beanie or Amigurumi fox a piece of cake

Chapter 3 -Stitch Patterns

Stitch variations really can change crochet, from working into just a front or back loop, extended stitches and alternate loops, this book covers it all. This is something I hadn’t found in my other books either and Tracey Todhunter explains it all so well.

Stitch Patterns

I was surprised to find so many beautiful stitches and patterns to go with each stitch enabling you to create impressive crocheted pieces instantly! It really is quite an extensive list for a beginners guide and will no doubt make falling in love much easier.

Chapter 4 – Finishing Touches

Finishing touches such as buttons, holes, edging stitches and more are explained in great details with some fantastic techniques shared. Whether finishing crochet work or adding a touch of crochet to a pillowcase or similar, you can use these finishing touches to pretty up just about anything!

Finishing Touches

Each section is bursting with enough crochet knowledge that you feel confident taking on new projects. I may not be a complete beginner but I still learned a good few tips and stitches. The patterns throughout are simple to follow and will have you falling in love with crochet in no time!

Chapter 5 – Taking Your Skills Further

The Final chapter shows you a few more advanced skills such as tunisian, broomstick and hairpin crochet. I will be attempting the Tunisian at some point as this guide looks much easier than other’s I’ve looked at. Detailed step by step photos with explanations make each technique seem doable.

Taking Your Skills Further

A Fantastic Guide To Crochet

Honestly, Crochet Learn It. Love It. is a fantastic guide to crochet and makes it so easy to learn, you really will love it! You can learn so much from this fab little book and I know I’ll be using it for reference in future. There are a good few stitches in the book I’ve yet to try. I can’t wait to speed through my current projects and try them.

Winter Wonderland Weekend Box Review

We received a Winter Wonderland Weekend Box to review last week! We’ve worked with Weekend Box reviewing their fantastic craft boxes before and couldn’t wait to try the Winter Wonderland box.

Winter Wonderland Weekend Box

Weekend Box

Each Weekend Box comes with 4 themed STEAM activities along with a booklet of activities and instructions. Each box also comes with a set of stickers for your booklet for each activity as well as fun character sticker cards.

Winter Wonderland Weekend Box

Winter Wonderland Weekend Box

The Winter Wonderland theme comes with some really cool and fun activities. The booklet is full of fun activities like word searches, pictures to colour, stories to complete as well as fun facts and jokes. There are also instructions for each activity in the booklet. Everything you need comes in the activity packs apart from a few items you will already have like pencils, scissors etc.

Pop Up Penguins Craft

The first activity we chose to do was this fun and simple pop-up penguin craft. Male penguins find the smoothest, shiniest pebble and places it in a females nest as a ‘proposal’.

Making pop up penguins

This fun activity involved making 2 penguins that pop up, one presenting the other with a smooth, shiny white stone provided in the pack. We began by cutting out 2 penguin shapes, penguin feet & beaks. Then we stuck the feet on to the bottom of the penguins then made a paper spring as instructions and stuck the head down on to it. We then added the eyes and beaks.

pop up penguin craft

This was a lovely, quick activity that only took 10 minutes and the girls loved making them!

Icy Tea light Holder

Next we made an Icy tea light holder, another really easy but satisfying activity! Using the balloon provided we filled it up with water and froze it for a few hours. We then cut the balloon off, broke a hole in the top, let out the water. We then lit the tea light and popped it inside which created a gorgeous effect!

Icy tea light holder

Rocky Road Snow Bites

rocky road  snowbites

A quick and tasty activity like this onev is perfect at the weekend! We simple melted chocolate buttons, mixed in crushed biscuits and marshmallows, sprinkled with icing sugar and let them set in the fridge for half an hour.

Rocky road snow bites

We only managed to make two rocky road snow bites but they were delicious! We’ll be making these again ourselves with enough for everyone!

Salted Snowflake

Salted snowflakes

Making Salted snowflakes was quite fun but a little messy! We traded the snowflakes with a glitter glue pen, let it dry slightly, sprinkled it with salt then dropped watercolour paint onto it and let it dry. It created a gorgeous colourful, sparkly effect.

salted snowflakes

Try A Weekend Box

 Use code SCBR199 and pay just £1 P&P to receive your first box free!

Second Crochet Project Update

Here’s a second crochet project update, you can read the last one here. I set myself a goal of 10 projects to complete this year and have been working my way through them quicker than I thought I would.

Second Crochet Project Update

Second Crochet Project Update

I’ve managed another 2 projects on the Crochet To-do list leaving just 6 left. Thankfully a second list has begun as I can’t see this keeping me occupied all year after all, haha!

Cushion

Admittedly the ‘Cushion for me’ was actually for Martyn! I wanted to make it as a surprise using some of his mums left over wool he gave me at Christmas. I didn’t use a pattern thinking a simple granny square design would suffice. I’ve never made a cushion before but decided to just give it a go.

Granny square cushion

I used blues as it is Martyn’s colour, particularly the middle and grey goes quite nicely in between. As I was using scraps I had to work out a pattern before I started. I made the squares as two pieces then stitched them together leaving one side open to insert the cushion.

Blue and Grey Granny Square Cushion

I was quite impressed with my stitching on this cushion. I added a short panel on one side like on pillow cases so the base of the cushion didn’t poke out. I then added two star buttons to help keep it shut. This means the cover can be taken off to wash and dry.

Unicorn For Izzy

Next I started on a Unicorn for Izzy. I used a pattern for this but with Izzy’s guidance we changed a few things!

The pieces were all quite easy to make. Although my stitching still needs a little improvement with Amigurumi patterns it went together quite easily!

Crochet unicorn

It didn’t take long at all to stitch everything together and see a unicorn slowly appear.

Unicorn with legs

Apart from the glitter wool (never again! Ouch) I quite enjoyed making Izzy’s unicorn. Although I did get a little bored making so many curlicues.

Crochet Unicorn

Luckily Izzy decided we needed less curlicues and rather than two rows all the way down the head she opted to spread them out more like hair. Phew!

Crochet Unicorn

Next Make

I decided my next make will be the Grumpy care bear for Hannah as I have all the yarn I need for it and it looks like another quick make!

Crochet Projects Update 1

A Crochet Projects update was needed this week as I’ve been pretty busy! Izzy has been quite poorly this week so I’ve spent a lot of time cuddled up with her. She’s been fairly sleep but clingy so we’ve been watching a film and I’ve sneaked in some crocheting.

Crochet Projects Update 1

Crochet Projects Update – First Make

I started off with a blue Tulip for Checka, a fairly quick make. The pattern was quite easy to follow too. This was the first time I was adding a stem and then sewing a leaf onto it.

Originally, I thought it would be much trickier, especially the sewing. I was quite pleased with the results in the end I noticed an improvement in my tension and sewing. I was hoping setting myself 10 crochet projects would help me improve and learn more and so far it seems to be working well.

Second Make

Having completed the Tulip I decided to make the pig next. Checka’s daughter, Autumn, is quite poorly with Shingles and bored having a few weeks off school/ I thought it might cheer her up so I posted it off today.

Never having made an animal before I was excited to see how I got on and to order more crochet supplies and to see how safety eyes worked too. Having found a pattern Autumn was happy with, we made a few tweaks to create Piggy Jr. Autumn already has a Piggy and wanted a son for him so we decided to make a blue dummy too!

I didn’t quite get his ears right so he has a bit of a Dobby the house elf look about him. He also seems to have inherited my Scoliosis and even curves to the left like me! We love Piggy Jr though even with his imperfections.

Current Make

Unicorn Head

Izzy has also been rather poorly this week so I have begun making her unicorn. So far the head is complete and I am about to begin the body. I needed more stuffing though so I ordered 2 bags and a few more yarn colours so I can start the Donkey, Jesus for Martyn and the Grumpy Care Bear for Hannah next.