Knitting and Crochet.... What are your hobbies?

I have always had a bit of a love for knitting ever since my Nan taught me when I was a young girl (probably around 7). 

The first thing we ever made was a nativity set. Well actually she made the whole nativity scene and my contribution was a (very wonky) sheep lol but I still loved that we had made it together and I still have it wrapped up safely in a shoe box in a cupboard, It gets brought out at Christmas and put out of reach so little fingers can't touch but we can all look and admire it! 

I loved the fact that you can start with a simple ball of yarn and a set of knitting needles and the possibilities of what you could make are endless. As I entered my teens I forgot all about knitting and didn't even own a st of knitting needles! But when I found out I was pregnant with my first little boy James at just 18 I had this urge to start again. My Nan had sadly passed away years before and so I had to almost teach myself again all by myself. It was a little like riding a bike though and after a few you tube video tutorials I was away. 

The first thing I made was a simple white striped car seat blanket for James and I was super proud that everything my Nan had spent hours teaching me was all flooding back. 

I also made a few blankets, hats and mittens for friends who were expecting or who had recently had babies and it felt great. The only thing I do find with knitting was that it is very time consuming and as I am not exactly the fastest it would take me at least a few weeks to get a decent sized blanket. 

Then I discovered Crochet!! I had come across a few patterns on the internet and decided I would like to give it a go. I ordered myself a set of cheap crochet hooks from amazon, I didn't want to spend loads of money in case I didn't get on with it. If you want to try knitting or crocheting, I recommend that you subscribe to Yarnie's needle craft newsletter. By subscribing, you will receive weekly quality patterns, including easy and free crochet patterns which are great for all levels even from beginners.

The first thing I made was a blanket again and I was shocked at just how quickly I could make it. It was really rewarding to see it growing so quickly and spurred me on to keep going to see the end result. 

After my success with the blankets, I attempted some owls using a pattern I had found online and even I thought they were pretty cute. I was soon crocheting little booties, more complex blankets and all sorts of shapes and objects. 

I have found crocheting (and knitting occasionally) really therapeutic. I am by no means excellent at it but gives me something constructive to do in the evenings once the kids are in bed rather than twiddling my thumbs. It has also kept my hands busy and therefore stopped me snacking in the evenings when I was most likely to do so (probably out of boredom!) It's a win win for me. 

Do you have any hobbies you enjoy? Please do share with us below! 

xXx

Easy Sewing - Creating a cushion using a sewing kit.

It seems every other person I know has re-discovered the needle and thread or removed the dust cover from their sewing machine, and I am no exception. Have you been hooked by the Great British Sewing Bee?  But feel you are lacking the confidence or the skills. Then a sewing project kit is a good place to start.

Benefits of creating a Sewing Project using a Kit

• ·      Gives you your sewing confidence backs.

• ·      Fabric pieces already measured and cut out.

• ·      Majority of materials will be included.

• ·      Assembly instructions with easy to follow diagrams.  

My Caroline Alice patchwork cushion sewing project

Included : fabric pieces, needle, full instructions including diagrams. Not included pins, thread and a needle.

I followed the simple instructions and used a sewing machine, but you could easily sew by hand.

Stage 1 Pin and sew the separate patchwork squares in rows of three.

Stage 2 Pin and sew the three rows of patchwork together to form the front of the cushion

Stage 3 Pin and sew the two rear panels of fabric to the front

Stage 4 Insert you cushion through the overlapping fabric to create a pretty no zip patchwork cushion.

Ta-dah! All finished and just waiting for a cushion. You have to agree the liberty print on this fabric is rather gorgeous and what a vibrant colour  This kit has given me the confidence and template to now create my own cushions measuring and cutting out my own fabric.

Todays posts is a guest post is from the lovely Angela from gardenteacakesandme.co.uk here is a little about Angela and her blog -

 "I'm Angela and I blog at Garden, Tea, Cakes and Me. Sharing my love of baking and favourite recipes, gardening, sewing and an insight into living in the county of Shropshire. I am keen to share great days and out and places to visit, particularly those with a heritage slant to them.”

So please do pop over and say Hello to Angela too. 

xXx