On Instagram In October

So here we are in November already! October was a busy and hectic month which started off with lots of lovely sunshine. Autumn is now well and truly upon us though, but the dark evenings are the perfect excuse for crafting I think! Here is a look back at goings on in October through my Instagram photos...

Nelson cat enjoying the early October sunshine. The poor boy hasn't had the best of months- he was bitten on the leg by another cat and having recovered from that, he has now developed a cyst in one of his eyes. He is having treatment for this and is going for regular visits to the vet so they can monitor him. We're hoping it will heal and he won't have to have surgery. In the mean time, he's not allowed outside until his eye has healed so he's enjoying lots of pampering and cuddles. I'll keep you posted, fingers crossed.

Finishing some new hand knitted Fair Isle brooches

My niece is three and a half and she loves to "help"me craft! She's so sweet, she call beads "marbles"!

Work in progress- this month I finished a range of Harris Tweed Button Brooches in new colours. They are now available in my Etsy Shop

I had a fab photo shoot with Hammonds Photogrsphy Studio for my new jewellery pieces. Take a look at some more shots from the shoot here

Mr Writer turned 30 in October and every year I make him a bithday cake. For the last few years he has requested this Earl Grey Chocolate Fudge Cake from Gizzi Erskine's Kitchen Magic book. It's a really lovely recipe and perfect for tea and cake lovers as it combines the two! Happy Birthday Mr Writer

I'm putting my Fair Isle knitting to practice on a larger scale and I've started to make a Fair Isle baby hat for a friend whose little boy is due very soon. The pattern is from King Cole Baby Book 7, which has some beautiful patterns for both boys and girls, if you're looking to do some baby knitting. I'm using Drops Merino Extra Fine DK which is so lovely to work with. The beautiful softness of it aside, I'm quite a loose knitter and this feels a little on the thicker side of DK compared with some of the baby yarns out there, which makes my life a bit easier! I'll share a pic when it's finished!

I've been making some handmade Christmas cards for craft fairs I've got comingup. I find it quite therapeutic!

There were so many lovely colours in the countryside throughout October

I can't take credit for the pumpkin carving, this is my Mother In Law's creation! As well as the assortment of squash outside the door she also hung bats in the porch and decorated the front lawn with wooden toad stalls and a witches broom!

November is my birthday month (I'll turn 30, eek!) so I'm hoping to be able to get out and about this month for some birthday celebrations.

What did you get up to in October? Have a lovely November!

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?