The Skull Cowl

 

Joe turns 12 in a few weeks and I wanted to knit him something as he loves wearing handmade. Choosing something to knit a preteen is difficult, it's not about what I think he'll cute in but rather what he would choose to wear & like wearing. 

When I discovered this skull pattern, well, it kinda just ticked all the boxes. The pattern actually comes as either a scarf or a cowl, I chose the cowl version and also chose the bulky yarn version so I had a chance of finishing it before his birthday.

You can't tell from these photos but the yarn is actually a dark hunter green.

The pattern is this one and yes, it's "lace" but hey, I did it & didn't even have to block out any mistakes, so if you've never done lace work before, then this is perfect for you! And I also just discovered that the knitting designer who made this pattern is actually Australian!  Yay for supporting local!

I used yarn from my stash, but here's a few suggestions for you to use: this gorgeous dark colour or maybe this bold colour yarn too.

Also, I have say that I used this stitchers gps to make reading a lace chart super easy. I'm so glad that I used it and have actually bought another one so I never ever ever get lost in a pattern again!  I can't believe that something so simple made it easy for me to knit lace! 

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Thinking of useful things

With the end of the year approaching, I'm starting to think what to give as gifts, what would be appreciated to receive as a gift and what is something that I would love giving.

For me, the best gifts to give are useful gifts as those gifts that are just given & put away in a cupboard are just a waste of time & money. 

I love giving gifts that are used, they can be eaten straight away, planted & grown, used daily or popped somewhere to make life brighter. 

Image via Teapro

So I've decided to list below some useful gifts, gifts that you'd love to give and more importantly, gifts that would love to be received. Not forgetting those gifts that are personalised, now those type of gifts truly show that you've taken the time to get them something special, here's a link to see a gift guide chocka block full of personalised gifts.

First let's think a month long gift, yes, those awesome Advent Calendars but good ones!   

Did you know that you can get a Tea advent Calendar and even a Dog Treats Calendar for that special pooch in your life.

For those who love the great outdoors & gardening, there is a gorgeous Seed Bomb pack or these gorgeous cat planters.

Image via Patimetal

For the book nerds in your life, these book ends are super cute and these book ends are using the force to hold the books in place!

Acknowledge the hat wearer in your life with possibly the best cap on Earth!

For that super hard person to buy, well, this Octopus is giving me the vibes! 

Image via MonvatooLondon

You've probably never thought of giving a doormat before, that's because you've never seen one as cool as this one!

The best designed toiletries bag ever, in fact, I think I'd use it as my handbag! 

Lastly, you need to check out this store for their jewellery. The best ever dragon rings, the most cutest bunny rings. I want all of these, they have pendants as well as earrings and necklaces. Want. Need.

I hope you found these ideas useful!

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Bilbo Battins

I just finished crocheting this cute bat, I've named him Bilbo Battins, do you think it suits him?

It's for Joe for his upcoming birthday (in December), I'm actually organised early!

To be honest, I had originally planned on crocheting a shark for Joe but when I saw this cute lil bat with those gorgeous big ears, well, I kinda fell for him!

The bat is so soft & squishy thanks to the yarn that I used. I used this yarn from the lovelies over at American Yarns who are based in Victoria, Australia.

The pattern is this one, it was an easy pattern to crochet.

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie