Monster Head!

 

My son was turning 14 and what do you give a teen boy? Well, you make him the best gift ever, a big hairy monster head! He absolutely loves the monster, I do too! Do you?

You need this in your life! The pattern is this one........

The key to getting it too look awesome is the yarn, which is this yarn: http://bit.ly/3ZuAEy1 

I found the eyes hard to source, so here ya go, I'm making it easy for you: https://amzn.to/41t8LJf

Now this project looks harder than what it is! I filmed me making it here: ...https://bit.ly/3ZYf8mD...  so you can crochet along with me and we can unleash these beasts upon the world!

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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

Crocheting that unused yarn.

 

Some fun smaller projects that I made just to use up some unused, unloved fabric in my stash. 

I didn't use any pattern, I just kinda made them up as I went along. I think my little alien friends turned out ok.

This was the first one I made, I love his big eye! I named him Archie for the arched shaped of this legs/body.

This is the second guy I made, can you see his lil tooth in his mouth? I named him Coney for the cone shape of his body. 

These are kind of addictive and a great way to use up unused yarn in my stash. I think I'll keep going and make more! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them though, do you think that if I donated them to charity that the kids would like them or would they freak out?

Do you like my lil aliens, did my freestyling, no pattern thing work ok? 

Would you like to see how I made this up with no pattern? If your keen, I can always do a 'how I did this' type thing on my Youtube channel.

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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

A froggy gift

 

I crocheted this absolutely gorgeous frog for my son for his birthday. He's now an official teenager and gosh, teens are hard to buy for AND make for but I think I nailed it beautifully with this frog.

Well, actually, the frog is supposed to be a toad but hey, he's still a cutie!

The frog has bendable arms & legs and you can even buy patterns for it to make jumpers etc for it AND even more adorable, is that you can buy accessories for it such as glasses, overalls, shoes, push bike etc to really amp up the cuteness.

Pattern for the toad is this one, there is also a knitted version of the pattern there too.

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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

Sunday afternoon & the perfect gift idea

 

I had a nice quiet Sunday afternoon: I sat inside with the kids and whilst they were playing video games, I crocheted a Christmas present.

Isn't it just absolutely adorable! Can you tell it's a watering can? As soon as I put eyes on it, it just came to life and now my son wants me to make him one too! 

Pattern is from here: https://amzn.to/3B4EthR or if you're in Australia (like me), then you can get it from here...... 

Yarn, I used stuff from my stash but you could also use this green or maybe this pretty green too.

Eyes: I used this type.

The question is, should I make more? What colours should I make? Perhaps I should make a big collection of watering cans but what is what would they be called? A sprinkling of cans? A clan of cans? A school of clans?

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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

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

Cutest crochet teddy bear

Well, hello Teddy!

I just finished sewing in the ends of this cutie bear that I crocheted for Delaney's upcoming 9th birthday.

I wanted it super soft & snuggly, so I some gorgeous snuggly yarn from American Yarns.

I added the ruffle to finish it, it looks cute right?  This pattern was a first for me, I hadn't actually crocheted a body & head all-in-one before, you normally crochet them separately then sew them together. 

The eyes, well, I wanted to try something different than the standard safety eyes (like these ones), so I used these glue-on felt eyes and wow, they give the bear such a cute expression.

Yarn was the Premier Parfait Chunky Yarn from American Yarns

Teddy crochet pattern from here..

Felt eyes were from this online store..

check out his cute lil tail!

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

Crochet Quilt

 

I just finished this long term crochet project. It was a project that I'd pick up every now & then when I needed a break or was in-between projects. I think I started this one over 5 years ago.

I tried to make it like a 'crochet quilt' as the yarn I was using was variegated (like this yarn...) and if you do the same thing over & over with this yarn the colours tend to pool in the same place. So I broke it up by doing large squares & smaller squares then joined them into a 3 square block before joining again to form the larger 'quilt top'.

Does it work as a crochet quilt?  I also had intended to make it a larger blanket but was vetoed by the rest of my family members as they stated it was perfect as it was. 

I still have one more 'long term' project in my cupboard but that is actually nearing completion too. I'm going to have to start thinking ahead for the next one after that is complete now! Do you have ongoing longterm 'in-between project' projects too?

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

Dobby

Meet Dobby, he's our house elf. I just finished crocheting him for my son as he is a mega Harry Potter fan. I umm, I tried so hard to finish Dobby for my son's 11th birthday but I just didn't make it (it was just before Christmas). I finished it today and along the way, I kept my son updated with the progress. 

In fact, my son approved all toe & finger placements. Then approved the arm & leg attachments. Checked the sturdiness of the head/neck. Lastly, he helped me cut, design & sew Dobby's outfit.

Dobby pattern is from here..... (in Australia) or here: https://amzn.to/3w8f318 (in the USA).

The yarn I used was this: http://shrsl.com/3f8hd

I'm actually pretty pleased with myself as the lil guy is super cute. As you can see in the image above, he's not a small toy.

The crochet pattern isn't for beginners but if you've completed a few toys then I'm sure you'll make him with ease.

Ironically, I'm not actually a fan of  Dobby in the series as I don't like how he hurts himself but this lil guy is adorable. 

Are you a Dobby fan? 

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

 

A scrappy vest

So, what do you think of my latest make?

This is a scrappy, no pattern vest using up the remnants of yarn from when I finished my blanket (this one).

I made it for my son Joe, who absolutely adores it. He happily exclaimed that it was a blanket that he could wear! 

His enthusiasm is contagious and I like it because he likes it so much!

The yarn was from the lovely people over at American Yarns.

I've now used the remaining yarn up with exception of a few smaller pieces that the kids have taken from me.

I'm not sure I'd wear a vest like this, would you?

Updating the Princess!

 

A little time ago, I crocheted Laney a princess blanket (here) but after finishing it, I'd always thought that it needed a border. 

So, years later, I added a border! I think it really finishes it off and it makes it just a bit bigger and more useful too!

Pattern is this one...

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click on here to go & check it out! 

Head over here for more craft inspo & craft supplies.

Tshirt Yarn Bassinet

I finally finished this toy bassinet that I've been making for my son (it's been on the go for about a year now)! It kind of got put to the side and abandoned.. whoops.

But after sitting down for a couple of hours with this in my lap, it's finally finished.

I love it, Joe loves it. In fact, we kinda argued about who was going to get it but I compromised and Joe has it on permanent loan until he no longer wants it then it's mine.

I can't wait to fill it up with yarn and use it as a work basket!

In the meantime, Joe is using it with his newborn baby. The baby toy is one that we sewed up together using this pattern. 

I didn't use a pattern for the bassinet but here's some ideas for some if you're interested. Otherwise, I used T-shirt yarn and a basket base. 

If you've got a minute or two, I'd love your feedback, what else should I add to these Crafty Inspo lists & should I keep the books on or not? 

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

Marching

Well, hello!  Did you blink and discover it was almost the end of March too? I did, phew, the year is flying by for me! Maybe because I'm trying to squeeze too much in!

Here's just a few things that I'm working on:

Crocheting this blanket. I was hoping to turn it into a jacket but I don't think I'll have enough yarn, so a blanket it is.

Knitting this shawl with self-striping yarn.

Knitting this top using mini skeins that I prewound into a ball so I'm having to stop judging the colours that keep popping up!

Need to block & press this cardigan. I've been waiting for the pattern book to arrive in the mail before I was going to do a proper show & tell but I've been waiting almost three months now and it's still on pre-order. Sigh.

I did get the buttons for it though, what do you think of these ones? I got them from here.

My 10yo son & I have been going through his craft supplies, tossing out what he doesn't actually want, so I've now ended up with a big box of scraps. I've been sewing them together and trying to film me doing it so I can add it to my YouTube channel. 

Also, yes, I'm trying to breathe some life into my YouTube channel, I have a few videos already planned for it. Have you subscribed to it yet? Before I bring it back to life, I thought I'd add some colour to things and have just ordered a new logo (from here), can't wait for it to be finished! If you subscribe to my YouTube channel, you'll be the first to see my new logo, I can't wait for you to see it!

 We started an art junk journal over the summer holidays and every now & then we do some more work on it. It's really relaxing and a great way to reuse something that was originally headed to the bin.

I sold my old sewing desk, it just wasn't working for me. I'm planning & building a new desk and will certainly show you that once it's done.

Oh my gosh, there's just so much more stuff that I'm doing but I try not to clutter my brain with all my wips! 

What have you been up too?

Can you do me a huge favour? 
Can you click over to here & check out my lists/ideas for
more crafty inspiration & great crafty supplies
and let me know what else I need to include there!

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

Crocheted Christmas Wreath

I just finished crocheting this Christmas Wreath, shhh, it's a present for my Mum (I'll be gifting it to her when we see her in the New Year).

Do you think she'll like it?

I crocheted white yarn around a wreath & then crocheted the cute (& easy) christmas tree in a cheery green yarn (adding lil bells) then stuck glittery stars around before adding the finishing touch: a red ribbon. I think it looks cute, so do the kids & hubby said it belongs in an actual store! Do you like it? Do you have a handmade wreath at your house?

 

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

Crochet Pattern: Temperature Blanket ::: Corner Temperature Blanket

Ahh, I see you're thinking of making a Temperature Blanket! That is awesome, I'm so glad you've come here to me, to figure out how to make one! 

This blanket is called the Corner Temperature Blanket as it's worked two sides at a time, starting from a corner and working outwards, always forming/staying a square at the end of each row. #CornerTemperatureBlanket

For the first 6 months, 1 row a day = 2 sides then for the last 6 months of the year, 1 row a day = 1 side.

Size: 

If you make the blanket as stated for a full 12 months then it will be a king size blanket, at 6 months the blanket is queen size. If you use a smaller gauge yarn (like this..) then it will be a queen size for the full 12 months or if you're wanting a smaller blanket maybe for a double bed try this yarn or for a single bed, then you may like to try this yarn.

Firstly, you need to do a little bit of homework, sorry, but it makes things easier later on and it's the first step in planning your colours.

Homework: you need to determine what your average temperatures are. 

For me, here in Australia, I visited the Bureau of Meterology website to find out what the average cooler & warmer temperatures are. 

You need to find this out as these two colours will feature heavily in your blanket. 

If you look at the blanket below, you will note there is a lot of mint green & burnt orange as the (two) average temperatures use those colours.

Then you will need to come up with a guide for what your temperature ranges will be. This will vary from person to person, state to state, country to country.

We have a lot of cooler weather here, it rarely snows and the summer rarely gets too hot. So my temperature rangers were (in Celsius):

39c +

38c - 34c

33c - 29c

28c - 24c 

23c - 19c

18c - 14c  

13c - 08c

07c & under

Then you can play around with your colour choices, I browsed the site American Yarns to get a feel of the colours.

I came up with the 'temperature gauge' below.

Now is the time to order your yarn, remembering that the amounts will vary for each person as it's hard to predicate the exact amounts as we can't predicate the weather! Hook size for this yarn is a recommended 5.5mm

Here as an approximate guide for the above gauge/colours: 

Temp            Colour            # of balls needed

39c +            Dark Orchid     x 1 ball

38c - 34c      Hot Red            x 1 ball

33c - 29c      Grenadine         x 1 ball

28c - 24c      Perfect Pink      x 1 ball

23c - 19c      Coral                 x 4 balls  (second most common average temp)

18c - 14c      Mint Green        x 7 balls  (most common average temp)

13c - 08c      Light Grey         x 3 balls 

7c & under   Aran                   x 1 ball 

Tip: as you may need to top up your yarn stash throughout the year, it's best to use a commonly made yarn/colourway.

Once you have ordered & received your yarn, it's time to create your swatch reference card. Trust me, you will use this lots, so it's best to make a decent one at the start.

It's a good idea to keep a notebook or a note on your phone to record the temperature each day as you may not always get a chance to crochet the row each day!

Time to crochet:

Day 1: First row is just a granny square!

Day 1 of the Corner Temperature Blanket

Day 2: We work on two sides of the granny square only. 

Day 2 of the Corner Temperature Blanket

Day 3: Starting the row above the start of row 2. 

As you can see from the image below, I started the row where the scissors are pointing and ended the row where the crochet hook is pointing.

Day 3 of the Corner Temperature Blanket

As you can see, you just keep starting back at the start of the previous row, working only two sides at a time.

Now after 6 months, check the size of the blanket. Is it just right or getting too big? If it's getting too big, then instead of working in granny stitch on two sides per day then switch to Single Crochet (SC) and work one side per day. 

Keep on crocheting, keep enjoying the crocheting but if you feel you need to take a short break, then just keep recording the daily temperatures and come back to it when you feel up to it. 

#CornerTemperatureBlanket   

Keep me posted, I'd love to see your #CornerTemperatureBlanket or tag me @CraftyRie on social media.

Check out American Yarns for a great selection of yarn to choose from, they have a great colour range, lots of stock and friendly service.

American Yarns helped me out with this project by supplying me with this gorgeous yarn, thank you!