UK Etsy Challenge - Fairground

I stumbled across the UK Etsy Challenge group on Flickr a while back and decided to join in.

The current challenge is to create a Fairground-theme item, and the closing date is 4th July. The entries are rolling in and and there are some very inventive ideas - take a look!

My entry started life as a doodle...

It changed slightly as I crocheted it into life. I'm pleased with the result - loud and entertaining!

From the centre you can see the helter skelter, balloons, then the structure and seats of the big wheel.

I wanted a spiral for the helter skelter, and found just the "how to" article I needed in a back issue of Interweave Crochet that I used to subscribe to.

I've never entered a challenge before or created anything like this from a doodle before and really enjoyed it.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the next theme is - maybe you'll take part too!

New style hairband

I've been playing around with alternative fastening metods for my crochet hairbands, and have come up with a loop and button fastener that I really like.

It means that your hair doesn't get caught in a tie as you're knotting it. The hairband easily fits most sizes of head from adut to child, as the button can be slotted through any part of the strap after going through the loop.

And of course who doesn't love buttons!

The first completed hairband with this new style fastener is the Tropical Sea version, crocheted from turquoise and jade cottons - perfect for summer!

Summer Fete

Yesterday was our local school summer fete - what a brilliant day!

We had fantastic weather so the many stalls and activities were well-received. The Searchers wild west re-enactment team put on shows during the day which went down very well.

I was helping DH do the barbeque stand - I've had my fill of cutting bread rolls for a while!

I had made 3 crochet flower hairclips during the week - bit of a last-minute project. I sewed button centres and attached them to mini barrette hairclips.

I used my free sample pack of Moo business cards and punched holes in to fasten the clips through - worked a treat! 

I donated these to another stand and happily they all sold.

Smitten by silk

I have found a new favourite in the fine silk yarn I made the wedding challenge necklace from.

I've also used it to make a pretty little crochet flower hair clip to match, with 3 of the mother of pearl chips in the centre.

So cute!

Been buying!

My latest purchase from Etsy arrived today. Inside the brown envelope was this tempting little silver box...

... and inside that my lovely purchase.

It's a gorgeous pair of dichroic glass stud earrings from Vos Collection which is based in Spain.

The colour of these is amazing - sparkly rich blue with glints of purple and green at certain angles.

They are my new favourite - I've been wearing them all day. Check out the other Vos Collection designs!

CreateCrochet Team Wedding Challenge

Well I've done it - taken up the wedding challenge. The one from the CreateCrochet team that is. I don't think DH would be too pleased if I took on any other kind.

This is my own design which "grew" and changed as I was creating it. It's actually completely different from what I first imagined. I love both the process and the result.

I've crocheted the necklace from 100% fine silk yarn with a 2.5mm crochet hook. I first threaded the yarn with mother of pearl chips - lots of them!

The strands of the necklace all join the choker section at the back. The whole lot is fastened with two small matching buttons.

I love how the silk shines and the pearl chips catches the light. I love how it's a choker and a necklace all in one. I love how it can be worn high or low. I love the colour. 

I only wish I had made it years ago for my own wedding!

Crochet Necklaces

I'm almost done making my entry for the CreateCrochet team wedding challenge, which is a crochet necklace.

I was pleased to discover tonight that one of my crochet necklaces already listed in my shop - Coast - is currently feaatured in two Etsy treasuries!

Garden colour

I am pretty useless in our garden as it stands at the moment. I have no idea what most of the plants are! 

They were either there when we moved in or have been brought to us by Mother Nature (thank you).

But I do know that they are looking pretty stunning at the moment, so we're enjoying them anyway.