About Me

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Hi, My name is Kate and this blog is all about my adventures of happy living. By that I mean crochet, chickens and cooking. Here's to the good life - and being a good wife! xxx
Showing posts with label Knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knitting. Show all posts

Monday, 31 December 2012

100th Post - last one of 2012 - what a year!!!

Today is the last day of the year when I found my love for crafting. And coincidentally it is the 100th post of the this little blog which I have enjoyed soooo much.

I thought it would therefore be best spending my 100th post, and the last one of the year, reminiscing on the journey I have made by celebrating all the ta-dah moments over the past year!

I first posted in May not really knowing where things were going to take me but I had discovered blogs like Attic24 as I was first learning to crochet and thought "I could do that". And I am so glad I did. Blogging has introduced me to a whole community ... not just online but also in my town.

Although I was very very ropey both in blogging and crocheting I made my first blanket. For a baby, which sadly never came ... but without my new found hobbies I don't think I would have ever got through it. This blanket is now safely in a box with a few other little memories.

 
I then picked up the hook and yarn bug ever so quickly ....... I literally went mad for it!!! I made some birthday bunting, which now traditionally gets hung up on all of the families birthdays, some olympic bunting which me and my sister waved like crazy when we went to London 2012 (and is still strung in my car's back window).


These quicker projects gave me much needed breaks while I tried to complete my brightly coloured vertical strip blanket. This is now a much loved beach/picnic/chair cover blanket! A new family heirloom.

 I must take a second out from the yarn ta-dah's and just salute the Queens Jubilee (wasn't it fantastic!!!!) with my little Patriotic Felty Birds which still hang with British pride in my kitchen and get the most attention from visitors!


While completing my first projects I also learnt how to knit. I didn't really pick it up as quickly or with as much enthusiasm as crocheting, but I did stick with it and I am glad I did. I started off with some easy projects and did a sample scarf with some sneaky crocheted flowers to hide the mistakes. My granny wore it every day we went out over the Christmas holidays and I am glad to say it looks alright!


In my knitting class everybody made a doll to send to Africa, which I embraced and learnt a whole lot whilst making it. I definitely want to do some more charity knits in 2013.


I also made a little Mrs TT Mouse which my sister-in-law took to Thailand as a good luck charm during her travels.


By this time, its was all clicking and boy was I on a crafting high .... a high I don't think will really ever go! I felt confident enough to start making things for the home and learnt to Tunisian crochet some arm covers and cushions for our living room and a nice beach inspired rug to hide a stain on the carpet in our bedroom.


I started to use wool to make gifts as well .... scarfs and snoods for friends and family, baby blankets for new arrivals and decorations and felted bags and mice for Christmas gifts.


 
For my birthday in September my husband also brought me a sewing machine .... I was too scared to touch it for weeks but as soon as I did I caught that bug as well .... just in time for Christmas. I made some lovely little advent bags for my mum and dad and in laws (as well as myself) and filled them with some little goodies to help with the build up to Christmas. I went to a couple of amazing workshops and learnt new skills and came out with some festive stockings which are now with my godchildren in Oz and a Christmas Tree table runner ..... which has inspired my first commissioned pieces; a table runner for my Auntie. I also have made the most out of scraps with bunting and hanging tree decorations.
 

Phew ..... I think I have covered the main bits! Wow what a year! What an achievement.

Other than crafting I have had a nice year, a tough one, but a lovely one all the same. Some lovely holidays, new Friends, a weekly crafting circle to go to and our lovely chickens (in the picture is Jill .... the one that got away)! I have so much to be grateful for and would like to thank you all for taking my on the ride as well! You are all wonderful and lovely and inspiring!!!!!! Thanks!


So 2013 ....... a few goals.............
  • Keep crafting and blogging and getting better!!!
  • Try some craft fairs (I have already booked on one at the end of the month) to raise some money for materials.
  • Read 12 books (one a month). I have already decided on six.
  • Try mediation.
  • Do a charity knitting project.
  • Loose some weight.
I am sure I will keep you posted along the way!

Love and best wishes for 2013

Kate aka Granny Taught Me To Crochet.

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Thursday, 13 December 2012

Felted mouse and bag


I have been having a ball. A ball with 100% wool.

My two little cousins are coming to spend Christmas with us and I was dying to use the felting wool I brought a couple of months ago and this was the perfect excuse. Two home made gifts!

Firstly I'll just allow you a couple of seconds to Oooooooooo, Mmmmmmmmm over the colours!





 The little bag was made using a fandabbydosey pattern here (if you haven't checked this site out you are in for a flippin treat!) I used the mobile pouch pattern and then have added a strap. Its idea for a little girls over the body bag.


Look at the sherberttie colours. I loved knitting with this yarn!!!!


Hanging on the tree ... and why not! Its Christmas!


Then there is this cheeky little fella.


I hope Ben likes him. I certainly do.


I used the pattern from my tutorial for a little knitted mouse. You can see it here.


This was my first attempt at felting. I am certainly very pleased and would recommend you have a go too. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Baby stuff #2 .....

Hey!

I am becoming a very bad blogging friend. I have been soooooooo busy that I have hardly anytime to comment on blogs of write one myself. I can read them on my phone but to comment is really pain staking difficult.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know all is well in the world here, we have had friends stay, night out and I am filling in a lenghty job application.

But all the rushing aside I'd like to show you my 2nd Baby Blanket .......

Ta-Dah!!!!


 


This is for my friend Wes who has just had a baby boy.












I have also been busy making baby bunting for my friends Emma's new baby. I'll take some photos soon though.



Also I have brought some felting yarn. It is 100% wool and I am knitting the cutest little bags for all my god children and cousins for Christmas! So watch this space for a tutorial on these babies!



 Just look at these lush colours!!!!


Oh I can't wait to show you them!!! Just give me a couple of weeks ... then I'll be ready.

I have so many exciting things in the pipe line for Christmas. Ekkkkkk! I makes me want to burst at the seams!!!

Lovely to catch up with you all. And I shall speak sooner than last time!

Kate xxxxxxxxxxxx

Monday, 16 July 2012

Mrs TT Mouse

 

My friend at work is having a baby and as she will most probably be showered with knitted jumper and after knitted booties, I fancied doing something different. At Knitting Class I shared this desire with my very dear knitting companion Nicky who recommended little mouse. Baby friendly and cute beyond belief I was super excited about making one.

It is fast and easy and I would love to share the pattern with you.

(N.B. It is called Mrs TT Mouse after a lovely blogger who came into my mind on several occasions when doing this project ... go check her out!).

Main Body

Cast on2sts and K 1 row.
 
Ist Row
(k1, m1) twice, k1 (5 sts)
2nd Row
purl
3rd Row
k2, m1, k1, m1, k2 (7 stitches)
4th Row
purl
5th Row
k1,m1,k2,m1,k1,m1,k2,m1,k1 (11 sts)
6th Row
purl
7th Row
(k1,m1,k1) twice, (k1,m1) twice, k1, (k1,m1,k1) twice (17 stitches)
8th Row
purl
9th Row
knit
10th Row
purl
11th Row
(k1,m1,k1) four times. (25sts)
12th Row
purl
13th Row
knit
14th Row
purl
15th Row
(k2,m1,k1) eight times, k1 (33sts)
16th Row
purl
17th Row
knit
18th Row
purl
19th Row
(k3, m1) ten times (43 sts)
20th Row
purl
21st Row
knit
22nd Row
purl
23rd Row
knit
24th Row
purl
25th Row
k1, (k2 tog) ten times, k1, (k2tog) ten times, k1 (23sts)
26th Row
purl
27th Row
knit
28th Row
purl
29th Row
k1, (k2 tog) five times, k1, (k2tog) five times, k1 (13sts)
30th Row
purl
31st Row
(k2 tog)  three times, k1, (k2tog) three times (7stiches)
32nd Row
 p2tog, p3tog, p2tog (3sts)

Then cut the yarn and thread through the three remaining stitches. Draw it tightly, and the secure with a knot.

I added my tail and whiskers at this point.

Tail

Cut three lengths of yarn. Knot the end and do a tight plate and then secure with a knot.

Whiskers

Cut four lengths of yarn and knot in the centre. Sew this to the middle of the back of the nose and then use a crochet hook to put the whiskers through to the front. The cut to size.

Then sew up the body and stuff it to make it a fat little Mrs TT Mouse.

You are very nearly there ..... just the eyes to sew in with some coloured wool, either side of the nose. The finally you will need to make two ......

Ears

Cast on three stitches and knit a row.

1st Row
(k1m1) twice, k1 (5sts)
2nd Row
purl
3rd Row
k1m1, k1 to last stitch, m1, k1 (7 sts)
4th Row
purl
5th Row
k1m1, k1 to last stitch, m1, k1 (9 sts)
6th Row
purl
7th Row
k1m1, k1 to last stitch, m1, k1 (11 sts)
8th Row
purl
9th Row
knit
10th Row
p1, p2tog, p to the last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (9sts)
11th Row
k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2 tog, k1 (7 sts)
12th Row
p1, p2tog, p to the last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (5sts)
13th Row
k2tog, k1, k2tog (3sts)
14th Row
p1, p2tog the pass the st over the other and fasten off.

With the knitted side facing outwards sew each ear above the eyes. So there you have it. Your very own Mrs Mouse.


As my friend Nicky pointed out you could make a whole family. Just use little needles for a baby, and bigger needles for a daddy. I made the mummy using 4mm.


EEEEEEEEKKKKK XXXXXXXXX





Sunday, 15 July 2012

Doll TA-DAH!

Well today started off the complete and utter correct way.

Just look at my breakfast!



Oh how can you not lick your lips when seeing that. I wish I could have it every morning. Tropical Goodness! Passion fruit and Grapefruit!

I then went to coffee with my mum and sister and my mother and sister in law. After the wedding we all got on so well so its nice to meet up every couple of months and catch up!

This week I have finished two projects. A doll and a mouse. Both knitted.

I am going to post about the mouse separately as I would like to share the pattern with you as it is cute and quick to make.

But here is my doll.







At my knitting classes we have all been tasked to make one for "Every Child Deserves a Doll". So she, along with about ten others, will be going over to Africa to be loved and cared for by a child.

If you would like to do one then let me know and I'll point you in the right direction!

I also saw my granny today which reminded me I must share with you the card I gave her for her birthday. She loves pin wheels so I had to get it her! It had a lovely reading on the back.



Oh it makes me long for the beach!

So finally as promised, I have two weeks of Reason's To Be Cheerful. I am really enjoying seeing all of yours and if you want to join in then is super easy. Just read this post.




  






   
Kate xxxxxx