Learning to Crochet....

Not only is it National Craft Month but it is also National Crochet Month!
 
For 2014 I wanted to learn a new craft and I fancied having a go at Crochet. 
 
My mum taught me to knit when I was young but I never took to it and focused on sewing, art and other crafts instead.  

Learning crochet has ignited a passion for yarn and yep I am now officially hooked (excuse the pun)!!

It was frustrating at first and I thought I would never get my head around it.  It is a different way to craft for me as it is following a pattern whereas I like to experiment and play, more freestyle crafting.  However, this makes it the perfect hobby because I am focusing my mind on something different but it is still creative.  I am pleased to say I am now thoroughly enjoying it and I am finding it relaxing, until I lose count!

My first completed project using Afghan Stitch, was a cover for my iPad. I even worked out the pattern myself!

I used 2 colours, this side is Pink with a Lilac stitch across the top and along 2 sides when stitching together.

The other side is Lilac with Pink stitching around 2 edges when sewing the 2 sides together

 

It's not perfect but I am proud of my first attempt and I am using it, it keeps my iPad nice and cosy and safe from key scratches in my handbag.

 

It isn't helping me be a savvy crafter as I am not only buying yarn but also books and magazines but if you read my last post you will know this now has to stop!  I'm loving Simply Crochet right now, as it has great patterns and newbie techniques. I will buy one as a treat every now and then but I will make more use of the wealth of FREE info on the web. I have been adding free patterns and tutorials to my Pinterest board.

I am pleased I bought the Crochet Compendium as it is a great reference book and has helped me to understand patterns as well as basic techniques.

The patterns for this flower and leaf were found on Pinterest and are now saved on my Learning to Crochet board....
 

 
Now I have yarn in my life I have also started to make Pom Poms! I had forgotten the childhood joy of making Pom Poms until reading Anthea's fab blog post about Crafty Obsessions. So I am now in the process of making Easter chicks

fizzi~jayne  x

Savvy crafting 2014 update....

I started the year with plans for 2014 and I knew being a savvy crafter would be the most challenging!

To recap, the rules were....

 I will not be buying any new....

• Card
• Stamps
• Ribbon
• Buttons

The exceptions are....

• If I need something for a specific order
• If I run out of the basics, i.e. white card, glue etc. The essentials I can’t craft without
• I worked on a project for one of my favourite craft suppliers, Handy Hippo which required supplies and I am working on another one....

So, how have I done so far?...

Card - I hadn't bought any new card that wasn't required for the Handy Hippo project, yeah! Until I saw some great offers last week :-( which I couldn't possibly ignore!

Stamps - I forgot about this rule oops! I may have bought some small ones *hanging my head in shame*

Ribbon - I am pleased to say I have kept to my rules and I haven't bought any *high five*

Buttons - I nearly caved in, I saw these really cute buttons and I picked them up but I put them back on the shelf!  However I have bought a mould to make my own buttons....

I am finding other crafty supplies that are not in the rules slipping into my shopping basket to feed my addiction, especially as I have started to learn crochet.  So I am not breaking the rules, instead I have found loop holes in my own rules! Not so savvy!

I have kept a track of all my costs which has been useful to see where my money has gone and because of that I am upping the ante!  I can't buy ANYTHING! (The exceptions will remain the same.)

The thought of not buying anything is making me feel sad and queasy, but needs must! I will have to comfort myself with some chocolate instead!

Are you still on track with your New Year resolutions?

 fizzi~jayne  x