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10 Crochet Projects For 2019

Crochet / 5 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve got 10 Crochet projects I want to complete throughout 2019. I set myself 6 goals this year and one is to continue learning to crochet. I figured the best way to ensure that happens is to set myself 10 Crochet Projects for 2019.

My confidence has grown a lot over the last year when it comes to crochet. I’ve stopped panicking it’s beyond me and giving most patterns a go, knowing if I mess up I can simply start again.

10 Crochet Projects

1. A Tulip – This is for Checka as she kindly bought me new crochet hooks enabling me to crochet easier and with less pain!

2. Grumpy Care Bear – This is for Hannah as she loves Care Bears and when I spotted the patterns I just knew I had to try and make one for her.

3. A blanket – There are so many gorgeous patterns though, it’s going to be tough to pick one.

4. Dobby – Eva loves Harry Potter and she loves Dobby, I want to make her a Dobby of her own and a mini sock to go with him.

5. A cushion – This will be for me, our sofa is horribly uncomfortable so a few extra cushions should help and keep me busy.

6. A unicorn – OK maybe a few of mini unicorns for my girls and one for one of Checka’s daughters too.

7. A pig – Another one for Checka as one of her daughters loves pigs!

8. An aeroplane – I spotted a pattern for an aeroplane and love it. I want to create more items for boys and the first will go to Checka’s little boy.

9. Jesus – Martyn’s choice, I’ve yet to attempt people so this will be a fun challenge!

10. Finally, a Donkey – Again for Martyn as he loves them.

A Fun Challenge

I’m really looking forward to challenging myself over the coming year with my 10 crochet goals. Crochet has become quite a comfort for me, on my bad days I can still feel like I’m achieving something. Each make on the list is different and different levels of difficulty and I know I’ll learn a lot along the way.

If I finish all 10 projects with time to spare then I’ll probably try to fit a few more in too!

Do you have any crochet goals this year?

Part 2 – Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan

Crochet / 5 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Part 2 of my Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan is finally here! Yes, that’s right, after far too long, I finally finished! You may remember Part 1 when Ritohobby kindly sent me some of their gorgeous Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yearn to create this cardigan with.

Purple Crocheted Summer Caridgan Using Ritohobby Yarn

What Took Me So Long?

I loved this project so much but being a much thinner yarn and using the purple 3mm hook began to cause excruciating hand pain. After just 5 minutes of crocheting I’d begin getting sharp pains and after 10-15 minutes, I just couldn’t continue. This led to me crocheting in very small spurts and not overly looking forward to it. I did manage to slowly make progress, but each sleeve took a month.

Part 2

I began getting quite stressed about the delay to part two of my post which unfortunately Checka heard all about! After getting fed up with my moaning she kindly treated me to some new crochet hooks with much more ergonomic handles.

I was quite overwhelmed, to be honest, crochet has helped me so much until this point because it was the only body part that didn’t hurt! Pain slowing me down had been really hard to cope with. As soon as my new hooks arrived I got to work again, completing the final piece of a sleeve, hem and beginning the hood.

Front of Purple Crocheted summer cardigan

With a better hook, this yarn began to work up even quicker than before too. The Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yarn is gorgeous to work with and the colour still amazes me. I’m a little sad not to be working with this yarn any longer. I am however very pleased to be adding this cardigan to my wardrobe! Originally meant to be a summer cardigan, it is one I can see me wearing year round too.

Back of Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan

So what do you think of the completed purple crocheted summer cardigan?

Mental Health Benefits Of Crafting

Crafts / 5 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Mental health benefits of crafting ranges from stress relief to a sense of achievement. There are several benefits of crafting, something I have written about before. I especially find crochet relaxing. Having anxiety, depression, PTSD and chronic pain (peripheral neuropathy) is hard work, focusing on a small craft project can be really beneficial.

Mental Health Benefits

Over the last few years, I’ve realised crafting is so much more than a hobby for me. It’s a stress reliever, a way to escape, a way to quieten my brain whilst I’m ‘in the zone’. For someone who struggles to go out and can’t work, it gives me a sense of achievement I otherwise lack. With low self-esteem and confidence crafting gives me a huge boost!

I encourage the girls to craft too as I know there are so many benefits. You’re are never too young to look after your mental health, a day at school can be stressful and crafting is great for winding down.

I’ve teamed up with BestFabricStore.com to share the infographic below highlighting the many mental health benefits of crafting.

How Crafting Is Good For Your Health from BestFabricStore.com

Anyone that follows my blog will know I craft most days, whether it’s crocheting blankets, drawing with the girls, crafting Cardboard box dragons, I even learnt to make a felt woodland garland last year! The Mr, having realised how much blogging & crafting is beneficial to me has encouraged me to create my own workspace too. It’s made crafting, writing and storing things so much easier.

Especially as the cold weather closes in rapidly on us, crafting can turn dull days into something positive. You can turn your mood around completely by working on a craft you enjoy. From painting, drawing, crochet, knitting, paper engineering, sewing and countless other crafts, there is something for everyone.

Do you craft to benefit your mental health too? What is your go to craft?

Unicorns & Rainbows Craft Box From Squidgydoodle

Crafts / 5 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We received a Unicorn & Rainbows Craft box from Squidgydoodle to try out. Each box comes with 4 themed crafts, the girls loved the Unicorn & Rainbows Crafts. Debbie who runs Squidgydoodle lovingly hand-makes each box. From as little as £2.75 for a mini box there are several different craft boxes including party boxes! Something I know my girls would love to!

Unicorns & Rainbows Craft Box

Our Unicorns & Rainbows craft box contained 4 fun crafts for the girls to do including Unicorn Slime, Unicorn Crown, Rainbow Scrape Painting & a Rainbow Rain Unicorn. These crafts are quite different from the typical craft boxes we’ve received. I love the theme and uniqueness of the crafts.

Rainbow Scrape Painting

Eva wanted to do the Rainbow Scrape Painting but decided to do things a little differently but still ended up with a lovely colourful rainbow picture.

Using the rainbow template, Eva used the paints to create a colourful rainbow and surrounding leaving a white cloud & rainbow print.

Rainbow Rain Unicorn

Izzy wanted to try the Rainbow Rain Unicorn craft first. This is a lovely simple craft perfect for any age. Simply mix water with a drop of paint supplied (any colour you like, or mix your own!) and collect it up with the pipette. Then squirt the watered paint all over the card, letting it drip down to create cool patterns. Once finished, remove the unicorn to leave a unicorn silhouette in a colourful background!

Unicorn Slime

Eva loves to make slime so she chose to make the Unicorn Slime. We mixed all the ingredients but we couldn’t quite get the right consistency but it was still so much fun getting messy and watching the colours mix.

I’m sure if we tried this again the slime would turn out better but we added to much water!

Unicorn Crown

Finally, Izzy made the Unicorn Crown using the items supplied including pink glitter glue, sheets of glittery card, coloured tissue paper and glitter! Everything you need to be a sparkly unicorn.

Izzy really enjoyed this craft and had loads of fun cutting and sticking things on to her Unicorn Crown. Once she was finished we rolled up the Unicorn horn and taped it together. We then added elastic and Izzy had a fab Unicorn Crown to wear!

Squidgydoodle

As a family we LOVE crafts, there simply isn’t a day that goes by without one of the girls cutting, sticking, drawing and creating. Whilst I do like craft boxes I tend to find they are a little too restrictive. Squidgydoodle craft boxes are much more fun and lets you vary the crafts slightly. This is always a win as kids aren’t always fond of sticking to the rules! We love Squidgydoodle and I’ll be ordering more boxes myself for the girls.

10% Off Code

As promised, the lovely Debbie at Squidgydoodle has provided you lovely readers with a 10% off code. If you fancy trying out a craft box yourself then enter PURPLE when ordering online. This code is valid until Midnight 8th December!

What do you think of Squidgydoodle? Will you be trying out their craft boxes?

Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan – Part 1

Crafts / 6 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve been creating a purple crocheted summer cardigan using yarn from Ritohobby. Summer may be over but this purple crocheted summer cardigan will be perfect for next year. Ritohobby is a Danish company supplying yarn & hobby products who have recently launched in the UK too.

Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yarn

I was sent the gorgeous Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yarn in purple to try out. This yarn is 100% cotton, it’s much thinner than the yarn I used for Eva’s Rainbow Unicorn Hoody. I was looking for yarn more like this for that project so I will be ordering more soon! The shade of purple I received is gorgeous and will look lovely with the outfit I wanted to team it with (Jean shorts and a vest top).

Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan

As always, this project is taking longer than expected, forgetting that the summer holidays meant a lot more tidying! Creating the design myself using stitches I already know, I’ve worked on it over the summer and slowly getting close to finishing. I’m hoping to work much quicker with Izzy starting school tomorrow!

I wanted something light but warm, living near a river means even on the hottest days we can sometimes get quite a breeze. Whilst summer is over, this will be great for indoors on those warmer days.

I’m pleased with how this yarn works up, it looks lovely and feels lovely. I decided on a pattern I liked the idea of and got started. Similar to Eva’s rainbow unicorn hoody, the main body is worked as one piece until the armholes. I wear a size 8-10 cardigan so this is the sizing I’m going with.

Progress So Far

Whilst I have been slow with this project, the end is nearing! I just have a front panel, sleeves, hood & hem to complete. I’m really happy with how this is turning out and I absolutely love the Infinity hearts rose 8/4 yarn from Ritohobby. I will definitely be a regular customer with Ritohobby!

What do you think so far? Have you heard of Ritohobby before?

Cute Arts And Crafts Marketing Products By Printkick

Crafts / 6 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We’ve been trying cute arts and crafts marketing products by Printkick this week. The girls love arts and crafts and these are really cute too! Printkick offer products for business marketing and have a wide range of products to meet your marketing needs.

Cute Arts & Crafts Marketing Products

Wooden Painting Set

We received a Painting set in a wooden box, perfect for keeping little ones entertained! With paints, paintbrush, crayons, a pencil, sharpener and an eraser you are all set for some crafty fun. This fab little set can be printed on in up to 4 colours using screen print with your companies personalisation on top. You can buy a sample for £2.24 before ordering too!

Assorted Puzzles

Next, we discovered 5 assorted puzzle games. This tricky little puzzles kept us all buy for quite some time! Each puzzle has a different solution all involving metal balls. Some you have to get the ball into the centre, other’s into hoops. Other’s are slightly trickier and need balancing or rearranging somehow! A sample puzzle is just 28p.

One by one, we managed to solve them all though. The girls keep playing with these puzzles over and over! With up to 8 colours available for printing using print pad you can have your logo placed on the front of these fun puzzles.

Colouring Magnetic Stickers

Lastly, we received this cool colouring magnetic stickers which the girls loved! With the fun circus theme, the girls quickly chose their favourites to colour and got busy.

Eva really took her time to colour her’s and focus in whereas Izzy obviously sped through happily scribbling colour everywhere and having fun! These magnets are great for older and younger children, they kept the girls quiet for a while. You can have your logo printed in 1 colour using print pad and order a sample for £1.08.

What do you think of these cute arts and crafts products from Printkick?

Learning Amigurumi And A Crochet Update

Crochet / 6 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve been learning Amigurumi over the last week or so! Having finished Eva’s rainbow unicorn crochet hoody, I decided to start off a few smaller projects. It had taken me almost two months as I kept losing motivation having to restart twice so I wanted to make something I could finish quickly.

To begin with, I started off crocheting a scarf for Izzy to match the scarf I made Eva last year. After the first 20 rows, I got a little bored so I began hunting something new to make. Tweeting about something new to make, Rebecca from MyGirlsAndMe responded suggesting a headband. I decided to give it a go and send it to her since I don’t wear them and wanted some feedback on my crochet too. I was quite pleased with how this Pin-Up Retro Headband turned out!

Learning Amigurumi

I spotted a free pattern for a golden snitch over on Pinterest. With both girls loving Harry Potter I figured it was worth a try. With some stuffing left over from my Woodland Garland Kit and the similar colours, I got started. I was quite pleased to see the golden snitch work up so quickly and how easy the pattern was! It didn’t take that long at all before I had completed the first golden snitch. Feeling much more confident I managed to make the second one the next morning for Izzy.

Next, I decided to try out the Goldfish in a Jar Crochet Pattern. Missing the safety eyes, I decided to give it a try anyway and was pretty pleased with the result. I love how quickly Amigurumi works up!

The safety eyes will shortly be on order but I didn’t want to leave this fish unfinished! I crocheted some simple eyes to complete it.

I fully intend to experiment whilst learning amigurumi patterns. With cars, people, animals, flowers and more, it should keep me busy and help me to learn new stitches along the way!

Have you learnt Amigurumi before?

Crochet Rainbow Unicorn Hoody – Complete!

Crochet / 6 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Finally, the crochet rainbow unicorn hoody is complete! My second crocheted cardigan so far. They are both pastel rainbow colours but this one is a unicorn hoody with an added belt. I created these using Drops Paris cotton and it is lovely and soft.

This has taken way longer than I had hoped. This is due to the fact I had to restart twice, once for sizing issues and again to remove a colour. I was so relieved to finally finish the main body when I realised I had to learn how to FPHDC & BPHDC (front pass and back pass half double crochet, the purple stitches).

With the first cardigan I could not figure this out and went with a plain edge but Eva insisted I gave it a go. I finally managed it, pleased to have learnt some new stitches. I need to work on my tension still but I’m pleased with the result.

Eva decided she didn’t want an open cardigan or buttons! Instead, she wanted a belt. The pattern I used from Heart, Hook, Home didn’t have a belt so I made one and added loops to the hoody. I then made and added the horn, 2 ears & mane.

Crochet Rainbow Unicorn Hoody

Eva was extremely pleased with how her crochet rainbow unicorn hoody turned out. Hopefully, if I make another I can improve the horn and ears but Eva is happy enough! It feels awesome to say I’ve completed a few big projects this year including my purple granny square blanket and these two hoodies.

I’m now back on the hunt for new projects having completed this. I’ve already made 2 golden snitches & started off a scarf. I have a few cushions I want to make covers for too. Do you know of any cool patterns you think I should try?

What do you think of our crochet rainbow unicorn hoody?

Cardboard Box Dragon Craft – How To

Crafts / 6 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We came up with a cardboard box dragon craft! Eva was asked to make a 3d model dragon as part of her creative homework around ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ story. We love to craft, most days Izzy has free reign of the crafts and we regularly come up with ideas such as our cardboard castle we made last week that we shared over on Instagram.

We spent a day or so trawling through Pinterest and various other sites before deciding we should just come up with our own idea!

Cardboard Box Dragon craft

Creating a Base

We started off with A cardboard box and a shoebox. Opening out the shoebox and placing it on top of the larger cardboard box gave us a fab dragon head shape to start off with.

We secured the boxes with masking tape all the way around. This gave us a good base to paint on.

Preparing & Attaching Add-ons

Next up, we made 2 paper maché rings for nostrils and 2 eyes to dry for later.

Then, we cut out top & bottom teeth for our dragon. We also cut flame shapes onto yellow, orange & reddish orange card. Finally, we cut out a pair of ears for our cardboard box dragon.

When the nostrils were dry we taped those to the front of our dragon before painting. We also added our teeth and flames.

Painting Our Dragons

Already looking quite dragon-like, we decided to paint our first dragon green! Whilst the paint dried we filled the mouth & nostrils in with black Posca pens.

The paper maché eyes we painted white, using the black Posca again for the pupils. Whilst the eyes dried, we attached the dragon’s ears.

Our Dragons Coming Alive!

Izzy decided she wanted her dragon to have eyes painted on instead of making paper mache eyes. As soon as she painted the eyes on, her dragon instantly came alive! She made the eyes look sideways ‘to look cute whilst he breathes fire’ and he definitely does look cute! Although I say he, Izzy later decided her dragon was a girl.

With Izzy being younger, it worked out easier to paint the eyes on before sticking on the flames & teeth. This saved paint being spilt on anything and causing upset.

Once Izzy’s dragon was dry we added on the teeth & flames and her dragon started to look great. We attached those along with ears and wings on both dragons to complete them.

Eva finished off her dragon with some detail on the horns which I think looks really cool.

How awesome do they look!? We are really happy with how our dragons turned out and hope our cardboard box dragon craft inspires our readers too!

Fancy trying it out? Pin the image below for a list of what you will need.

What do you think of our cardboard box dragon craft? Are you going to make a dragon of your own?

5 Products I Discovered & Love So Far This Year

Crochet / 6 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve put together 5 products I discovered and LOVE so far this year. As a blogger, I often receive products to review & I am always on the hunt for new products too. No doubt readers are often left wondering if we still love the products we mention or review. Do we still use them later down the line or do we find a replacement? I have fallen in love with 5 products so far this year.

5 Products I Love

Skincare

Altruist Dermatologist SPF 50 Sunscreen

One thing I HATE about sunscreen is how sticky it is & how sweaty we all look covered in the stuff. Altruist is totally different though, it feels much more like a moisturiser and soaks into your skin so quickly. It also doesn’t stain clothing, a big win when you are rushing to sunscreen a child before school or topping up at the park! An affordable sunscreen option that is perfect for all the family. Having used this several times, including Saturday when it turned into a scorcher whilst we were at the local park, I can safely say I won’t be touching another sunscreen from now on!

Yarn

Drops Paris Yarn From Wool Warehouse

I decided I needed to step out of my crocheting comfort zone and try to make the girls some cardigans. Naturally, I asked Twitter for help & having a quick browse through suggestions Drops Paris Yarn seemed ideal. 100% Cotton, this gorgeous yarn is so soft and comes in amazing pastel shades, perfect for the paste rainbow look we wanted! I ordered one lot for the first hooded cardigan & instantly fell in love, as did the girls. I quickly ordered an even bigger stash of Drops Paris and am halfway through Eva’s cardigan. This will definitely be a yarn I’ll be buying again and again!

Food

Peters Yard Charcoal & Rye Sourdough Crispbread

The Mr got to try out a fab Fathers Day Hamper from Prestige Hampers which included these amazingly moreish crispbreads. Since we finished the packet I have consistently moaned that I want more. They taste amazing with cheese & having now discovered where I can order them online, I can see them being a regular in the cupboard! Who doesn’t love cheese & a good cracker/crispbread!?

Mental Health

Happy Post Cards

The name says it all really, how can you not love something designed to give happiness? Happy postcards are sent to those that need something to brighten their day & now Katie has added printable Happy Post Cards too. Now everyone can spread a little happiness!

Tech

ZAGG ifrogz Little Rockerz Children’s Volume Limiting On-Ear Headphones, Kitten & Princess

When you have 2 children who own tablets, headphones are absolutely necessary. I am so done with hearing Peppa pig & Scooby Doo on repeat, cheesy pop songs & ‘prank’ videos drive me insane! When Izzy broke her super girls headphones I got the girls a set of these funky headphones each, Kitten for Izzy & Princess for Eva. They are amazing! Not only do they protect my ears but they protect theirs too with an 85 decibel sound limit. The second best thing about these? No, not that they are cute, they have buddy jacks! This enables the girls to plug their headphones into the other set and listen from one tablet. Perfect when Eva’s tablet dies sooner than Izzy’s and great for long journeys too.

These are the top 5, stand out products we’ve used & fallen in love with this year that I couldn’t recommend more!

10 Crochet Projects

A Fun Challenge

Do you have any crochet goals this year?

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What Took Me So Long?

Part 2

So what do you think of the completed purple crocheted summer cardigan?

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Mental Health Benefits

Do you craft to benefit your mental health too? What is your go to craft?

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Unicorns & Rainbows Craft Box

Rainbow Scrape Painting

Rainbow Rain Unicorn

Unicorn Slime

Unicorn Crown

Squidgydoodle

10% Off Code

What do you think of Squidgydoodle? Will you be trying out their craft boxes?

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Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yarn

Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan

Progress So Far

What do you think so far? Have you heard of Ritohobby before?

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Cute Arts & Crafts Marketing Products

Wooden Painting Set

Assorted Puzzles

Colouring Magnetic Stickers

What do you think of these cute arts and crafts products from Printkick?

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Learning Amigurumi

Have you learnt Amigurumi before?

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Crochet Rainbow Unicorn Hoody

What do you think of our crochet rainbow unicorn hoody?

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Cardboard Box Dragon craft

Creating a Base

Preparing & Attaching Add-ons

Painting Our Dragons

Our Dragons Coming Alive!

What do you think of our cardboard box dragon craft? Are you going to make a dragon of your own?

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5 Products I Love

Skincare

Yarn

Food

Mental Health

Tech

Do you have 5 Products you have discovered & loved so far this year?

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