Pin cushion series - 2

I'd never really attempted any stitching before...

Then I bought Cath Kidston's STITCH and simply got addicted to these dainty projects.

So, I've made my second series of Pin Cushions.

A little pooch and a rambling rose (all projects from the book).

I've started another stitching project, which I am still working on... and may take some time.

I'm quite pleased with the outcome... it reminds me of my Nonna and various pictures she used to have framed on her wall.

I love that one minute you are thinking "This is going nowhere" and the next you have a perfectly formed, delicate picture.

I'm going to attempt some cut out, stitched letters next: L, N, A... B (for me).

Stitching it quite time consuming and delicate work.

Being a fast paced, no nonsense crochetter - stitching can seem quite focused work, so I can only take so much of it at a time.

Great for taking with you on a train journey...

Not so good if you want to watch TV and be crafty with your hands, all at once.

Enjoy.

x b.

Carnival Crochet Cushion

I absolutely LOVE this cushion.

It reminds me of a CARNIVAL... confetti, colour and a ticker tape parade.

It was my summer project as we drove across Europe (I should add that I didn't drive and crochet at the same time, that would've been far too adventurous ;-)

As my hubster did ALL the driving, fabulous driver that he is, it allowed me endless hours of time to sit in the passenger seat and crochet away little triangles, in between sorting out drinks, snacks and entertainment for the (amazingly very well behaved) two little ones in the back.

This is the pattern:

Foundation: Chain 20.

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook, and all the way to the end of the row. Ch1 and turn.

Row 2: Miss the first st and sc all the way to the end of the row.

(You carry this on row after row, making the triangle - by missing out a stitch at the start of every row).

Once you have the correct amount of triangles, for the size of cushion you want to make, you stitch them all together and voila...

 Once I'd sewn in all the straggling bits of yarn, I sewed the crochet side of the cushion onto some fabric, making an envelope opening.

I may try this cushion again, by making the triangles bigger this time.

A bit bolder perhaps?

And not as many ends to sew in (hi hi hi)

Happy crochetting.

x b.

Crochet Pin Cushions

Here is another "mini cushion" - also known as my Pin Cushions - which you can make.

Satisfyingly swift crochet projects.

Lovely presents for avid sewers?

I used thin cotton to do this, so that the cushion doesn't bend out of shape, once stuffed.

I chose to freestyle with the pattern (so I'm sorry if I can't remember what I did, and can't write down a pattern), but it could easily be made as a simple, dainty, delicate Granny Square...?

I lined the crochet side of the Pin Cushion with some cream fabric, to hold the stuffing inside, and hand sewed the crochet square to the ready made cushion...

Now I'm off to sew something.

Get those pins OUT!

x b.

Zig-Zag-Zoom part two...

And here is another version (colour wise), of my recent obsession.

Pattern is the same as here but you can increase (by 10 ch) or decrease (by 10 ch) the amount of chains in your foundation row, in order to get a larger or a smaller cushion.

Does that make sense?

 My house is zig-zag heaven.
My house is zig-zag mad...
;-)

Enjoy!

x b.

Zig-Zag-Zoom Crochet Cushion

I have been having a very lively creative period, these last few months...

I just haven't had the time or the concentration to put all my photographs and thoughts down on the blog lately, but the winds are changing.

I have organised all the projects I have made, in recent weeks, and am about to bombard my blog with them.

Lets start with one of my favourite projects of the mo:

The Zig Zag Cushion.

also known as "The Wave".

I have made about 5 of these babies.

Why?

They are quick to make.

Love the retro look.

Cushions are good "start/finish" projects (which brings inner pride).

I can watch the latest movie/tv series, without needing to keep reading a complicated pattern...

Need I say more?

 This is how you can make your own:

Foundation: Ch 98

Row 1: dc in second chain from hook, miss 1 st, *1 dc into each of the next 8sts, 3 dc into next st, 1 dc into each of the next 8 sts, miss 2sts. Repeat from * to last 2 sts, miss 1 st, 1 dc in last st. Ch1. Turn.

Row 2: 1dc into first st, miss 1st. *1dc into each of the next 8 sts, 3 dc into next st, 1 dc into each of the next 8 sts, miss 2 sts. Repeat from * to final 2 sts, miss 1st, 1 dc into last st. Ch1. Turn.

(Row 2 is the pattern which should be repeated until you achieve a square shape, for your cushion).

You can change colour after 4 rows - or less - or more... the world is your zig-zag oyster!

You then sew your crochet front onto an equally big piece of fabric, and make up your cushion (however you choose to do this).

Enjoy.

x b.

Back Again!

Well... well... well...

Long time no write.

I've been re-inspired to start writing about my crafty activities again after a rather long hiatus.

Nina is a proper toddler now, so... that's how long it's been.

Full of energy and assertiveness.

Doing most things on her own (I dare not interfere ;-)

She is out of nappies.

Almost in nursery.

Has a full head of hair.

Chats non stop.

Fights with her big, gorgeous brother (and often wins).

I've been busy making things... just not writing about them.

But I feel it's time again to put down on paper (or a cyber diary) all the things I've been making, in case, some time in the future, Nina (or Luca for that matter), may be interested in making some things of their own.

 So, to get warmed up, and as the roses start flowering in my garden, 

I begin with a few coasters/place mats.

Cotton. Crochet. Colourful.

Harking back to Christmas...

We are desperately waiting for the snow in our household.

It came, we thought it would stay, pondered taking a "day off school", as it was coming down by the bucket loads, then it all disappeared.

Where is the real SNOW!!!
The one that comes down and stays.
The one that makes Winter bearable...

I want to go sledging.

Make a snowman (or snow woman or snow cat - why not!).

Have a snowball fight.

Make snow angels.

But...

I will settle with making Christmas Tree Cookies.

The "un-healthy" kind, which I "can't" eat, but the others will enjoy.

They are good fun to make, especially the dunking of the cooked cookies in the melted chocolate.

And of course "Licking the bowl" Luca shouts!

Enjoy.
Snow or no snow.