FO Friday- Birdie mobile

Two weeks before Christmas I decided to make an extra gift. I had been all smug about getting my gift knitting done really early, and then I decide to add extra presents. It is possible I am a little insane and next year I am most definitely not doing that.

Oh, yes, and the extra present was crochet, which I used to be able to do but have since forgotten. Fortunately a super pattern and some how to books meant I could make this:

One very cute little birdie (even if I say so myself). I used the Birdie Decoration pattern by Lucy of Attic24 (well know and very awesome crochet blog) and leftover yarn scraps from other projects. I didn't do legs on my birds. The tail coming out of the back was sewn in, I was not sure if I needed the tail when I took the photo.

The pattern is very well written, it has a full photo tutorial so even my shaky crochet skills could cope.

I made some more, a whole flock of little birds. These are so good for using up leftovers and scraps as you only need a tiny amount for each part. Match the hook to your yarn thickness and you get different sized birds. They are quick to make too.

Some string, wooden dowelling and a little knot know how (borrowed) and tada! A mobile:

Not the best photo, but you get the idea, birds on strings. They would look good on a horizontal string too, or hanging on individual loops.

I read through this post to check for spelling and general odd bits of text and have realised it sounds a bit "yay me, I'm awesome". I didn't mean it to, really it is the pattern that is awesome, I am just pleased with how they came out :)

FO Friday- Crochet bear

I have been working on projects, but they are all either for a swap or for Christmas presents, so they have been designated sooper sekrit (why lolcat style? Dunno, why not?).

Since I hate to miss a FO Friday I thought I would share another project made years ago in my crochet days, pre Ravelry. I made this little bear up as I went along, I did write down what I was doing as I went but having looked at my notes it makes no sense at all.

He is made from a cotton blend and has movable joints. His head is a little out of proportion with his body, but cute nonetheless

FO Friday- A little story

Once upon a time, several years ago, I learnt to crochet. This was mostly because someone I worked with was talking about it and I thought it sounded interesting. I bought a beginners book, some hooks and yarn and away we went.

Several years later, when hunting in the loft for something I found a blanket, neatly tucked away. With the impending arrival of my newest niece I decided it would make a suitable present, whilst also clearing a little space in my loft.  

I bunged it through the wash, for it is (gasp) acrylic, and sent it off to my sister.

I think I made up the pattern as I went along, it appears to be trebles with a border of doubles. I think I remember working it in strips, and appear to have crocheted it together as I went. I have no idea how I did this. 

So it has found its happy ending, for my sister uses it more than the lovely bamboo blanket I purchased for said little person.

Knitterly/yarn snob note- Seriously this is nasty yarn, I bought it when I had no idea about yarn or anything yarn related. I am not opposed to acrylic, it is handy stuff since babies tend to leak from all ends but I would find something nicer now. Still it washes nicely and seems ok softness-wise.

FO Friday- Crochet tortoise

Another scrap down that took long enough to qualify as a full FO. In this house the tortoise is king.
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Pattern: Granny square tortoise by Brigitte Read

Yarn: Lion brand Wool ease in two shades of green

Hook: 3.5mm (E)

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He is cute, and the shiny black eyes look very lifelike. But he is not quite as neatly finished as the snail from a few weeks back, I think my knitting skills are much better than my crochet, out of practise maybe.

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I had to line his shell with some green felt as the granny squares had holes in that would have let the stuffing out.

Scrap down- Eggy

The desire to use up all the odds and ends from my stash has led me to knitted food. This is good as it means I am slowly getting a present together for my niece at some point in the future.
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I broke out my crochet skills for this one, a fried egg. I don't know why, but it makes me laugh.
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I am not so keen on the amount of sewing and finishing up these little projects have, but I guess I could use the practise as I am always reluctant to do the sewing bits. They also often use less yarn than expected so I still have a big bag to go.
On the good side they use up scraps and keep me amused for an hour or so. It is nice to have a little instant crafting gratification.