Crocheted Owl

Hope you all had a great Easter and got to spend time with friends and loved ones.

I know this is another owl post, but I found a gorgeous pattern by Laura right here on Blogger.  Here is a link to her original pattern.

amigurumi-owl-pattern

The reason I love this pattern is because I have a bag full of tapestry yarn so I am always on the look out for a pattern where I can utilise these little skeins. And this pattern is perfect. Most of the tapestry yarn skeins are between 11m to 13.5m in length. So this pattern is great to use up an entire skein for the body of the owl, and there are plenty of colours for me to choose from for the details (eyes, wings, beak).

I had a go at making my first owl exactly as Laura's pattern, but for some reason mine did not turn out anywhere near as awesome as Laura's.  So, I tweaked the pattern:

I deleted the eyelash detail, because mine just looked messy.  The eyes I made as follows:

Using white yarn crochet 3 chains. Then crochet 7 dc into 1st chain. And then slip stitch into top of 3rd chain to complete the circle.

Then using a strand of dark yarn I stitched across the centre of the eye.  I then attached the eyes to the body of the owl.  Using another colour I embroidered the beak between the eyes.

In Laura's pattern the wings are crocheted in a circular pattern.  I wanted triangular little wings.  So, I chained 4, SC into second chain, DC into next chain and TR into final chain.  Then I did one chain, turn and did SC into top of each stitch. I then attached a wing to either side of the body of the owl.

I deleted the fluffy ears.  Because again, I could not seem to get mine to look as neat and cute as Laura's.  Instead I pinched the ends of the ears and stitched them flat.  I know Laura's owls look very alert. In comparison mine look very sleepy.  Still, I'm happy with them.

If you make an owl using Laura's free pattern, please send her a huge thank you.  I would also love to see your creation, tweaked or original.

Happy crafting xo

Crochet your own hair accessories

I am sure many of you enjoy putting a little bit of "bling" in your hair, either with decorative hair pins, colourful combs or handy headbands.

Here are a couple of my favourite patterns I have found over the last couple of years.  So even if you feel you don't think you could wear anything in your hair, I am sure you have nieces, sisters, daughters or granddaughters that would absolutely cherish your hand made gift.

So sit back, have your hook and yarn handy and get ready to whip up some amazing accessories!

Below are links to posts of artists kind enough to share their patterns with us online.

craftinessisnotoptional.com

My favourite, and easiest way to add a bit of colour to your hairdo is with a simple crocheted bow.  This pattern "easy crochet bows" by Craftiness is not Optional is my all time fave!  I have made so many of these in so many colours.  I love them.

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-genius-headbandy  

This super easy headband is by the extremely talented Elizabeth Alan.  Check out her free pattern in her Ravelry account.  She has so many incredible patterns, you won't be able to decide which one to start with!

http://chucksforchancho.com/2014/03/09/spring-crochet-heart-hair-clips/

And finally these loveable heart hair clips for either yourself or your favourite little Miss.  These heart clips can be found at Chucks for Chancho, but the pattern was based off another one of my fave crocheting bloggers, "Skip To My Lou".  So, as you can see, fellow bloggers continue to inspire us all!

If you do make any items from these patterns, please drop the author a line to let them know how much you love their work.  You can find their contact details in the links provided.  I know as a blogger so much work goes into writing.  And the amount of work that goes into writing patterns is exhausting.  So I am always amazed by the number of generous people who are willing to share their hard work for free.  The only reward these people want is acknowledgement of their work.

Hope you find something here you like.  Drop me a line or send me a photo of anything you have made.  I would love to feature your hand crafted pieces in another post.

Happy crafting xo

Easter is fast approaching... so get your hook and yarn ready!

The gorgeous blog, Repeat Crafter Me, by the equally gorgeous, Sarah, is one of my inspirations for starting my own blog! I am soooo excited to share with you her adorable little crochet baby chick.

Truly people, if you want real inspiration, you have got to check out repeatcrafterme.com for all the gorgeous patterns and generous information she shares with us all.

http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2016/02/crochet-baby-chick.html

Happy crafting xo