Granny Square Crochet Blanket WIP

A couple of weeks ago I had some time off work and I was so happy to finish off some outstanding crafty projects, but I did also cheekily start a new one! Although I've made a few crochet projects, like this Attic24 ripple stitch blanket and these crocheted face pads, I always have to remind myself of the stitches when I start a project. I thought that making lots of Granny Squares would cement the treble stitch in my head, as well as the Granny Square pattern. So here is my latest WIP, a Granny Square blanket made in Stylecraft Special DK!

This yarn is perfect for blanket making and the brilliant Lucy from Attic24 provides lots of inspiration, using it in many of her crochet projects. I love this summery colour palette! The shades I have used are: Storm Blue, Shrimp, Candyfloss, Pistachio, Parma Violet, Lemon, Emperor, Cream, Violet and Fondant. I can't take credit for the lovely selection, a lovely lady I used to work with in my day job put this great selection together

A note on my crochet hook- I use Knit Pro Waves hooks which have a rubbery soft grip handle. They are so comfortable and lightweight to use and don't heart my hands like the metal ones used to

A couple of Instagram snaps of my WIP. I really should start sewing in the ends as I go so it's not a massive task at the end

There's something about Granny Squares that makes me feel cheerful!

I'm so enjoying working on this- I'm not sure how big it'll end up, but I'll share my progress! What crafty projects are you working on?

BeckaBonce Crochet Accessories

The lovely Rebecca Wilson, AKA BeckaBonce, designs and makes beautiful modern, colourful crochet accessories and I was delighted when Becka got in touch. It was lovely to meet someone who shares my addiction to yarn and all things woolly! We did a crafty swap- Becka chose one of my Fair Isle necklaces and a knitted brooch and I chose one of her very cute crocheted purses and set of crocheted hair slides. 

I love receiving packages like this in the mail! 

 Becka's work is so lovely and bright and colourful, it took me ages to decide which purse to choose! After much deliberation I chose this one which is very cute in grey and mustard

Becka's business cards showcase a range of her other products. How cute are the crocheted animals?! 

I'm a learner at crochet so I really admire the skill in Becka's work. It's lovely to meet someone who shares an addiction to yarn too!

These crocheted hair slides are a lovely way to wear wool

Check out the BeckaBonce Etsy shop here. I may just have to treat myself to some of Becka's pom pom hair slide next!

On Instagram in October

Here's a look behind the scenes at what I got up to in October, as told through my Instagram photos... 

I made a giant felt dice for Mr Writer for his Dungeons and Dragons games!

Friends of ours had a baby and I finished this Attic24 Neat Ripple Pattern crochet blanket for him. Read more about the pattern here

Walking around the Marks Hall estate in Coggeshall, Essex and enjoying the Autumn colours. I shared more photos of the estate here

I broke out the winter coat and walking boots but for one blustery day  only! It's been unseasonably warm for the time of year, so for the time being, even as we head into November, my winter coat stays in the wardrobe!

October 2014 marked six years since graduating from my Fashion and Textiles degree. Here we are, the class of '08! 

This is how lunch times at the day job look for me! I like to make the most of any time I have to craft, so after a bite to eat I get crafting! I work in a creative place so everyone crafts around the kitchen table at lunch times. My boss describes the work kitchen as "A hive of industry!"

I've started making some Christmas cards!

We visited Saffron Walden, a really pretty little town

For Mr Writer's birthday we made carrot cake to take to his work. Nom nom nom...

Nelson chilling out, enjoying a cosy Sunday evening. The nights started drawing in!

I finalised the Fair Isle jewellery collection I've been working on and had a great photo shoot!

Busy working on new pieces for The Renegade Craft Fair in London at the end of November!

Rounding off October with a mini Halloween party for my niece! (Pumpkin carving by my sister!)

Here's to a great November!

What have been your October highlights? 

Attic24 Neat Ripple Pattern Blanket

Some friends have just had a baby boy (he's lovely!) and over the weekend I finished the crochet ripple blanket I have been making for them. It's a car seat/buggy sized blanket and I chose the lemon and cream wool so it would suit a little boy or little girl.

 Regular readers will know that I'm a learner at crochet- I spent years playing around with what I call my made up crochet, but it's only recently that I've knuckled down and started to learn properly! Having previously made a Granny Square blanket for my niece I wanted to try out something a bit different, so for this blanket project I followed the Attic24 Neat Ripple Pattern. 

If you would like to learn to crochet or are looking for crochet inspiration, I'd recommend checking out the Attic24 blog- Lucy fills her blog with beautifully colourful projects, which she breaks down into step by step written instructions with photos. She makes reading a crochet pattern much less daunting! I did do a lot of practicing before I got the pattern right, but I got really into it and now I've definitely got the crochet bug! Now to choose the next pattern...

What are you crocheting at the moment?

Learning to Crochet!

Although I've been knitting since I was five I've never learnt to Crochet, instead using my made up Crochet method, which is joined up chain stitch (great for ethereal effect in my textile hangings but lacking structure for practical use). However, working in the Wool Room at work I've been inspired to learn, especially after discovering Attic 24 (if you love Crochet, colour and craft do check it out, it's a beautiful blog). A lovely friend of mine has been teaching me to Crochet properly and I'm starting my Crochet education with a giant Granny Square made in a combination of Rico Pure Wool DK and Sublime Baby Cashmerino Silk DK- it's going to be a blanket for my niece! I'll keep you updated on the progress as I keep learning! I'd love to incorporate it into a future jewellery collection, there are lots of exciting possibilities!

I love the portability of Crochet- I'ts handy to keep a project in your bag for when you have a spare moment, like on your lunch break on a bench in the sun!

It looks a little wonky but blocking will sort that out!