We'd been looking for some coasters for the new coffee table yet it was harder then you could imagine; they were either non existent or costing the Earth - even the Sally Army was wanting $4 a coaster [how?! They weren't even anything special]. Then I had the sudden and somewhat random brainwave to make some out of the wool scraps of wool we have. A quick Raverly search and twenty four hours later i've made four coasters and two larger sized ones. I'm geekily pleased with them, I haven't crocheted for ages after getting bored of making doilies, but having a purpose for making things for the apartment has helped immensely.
Wandering to Jo Ann fabrics which to a crafter [even an on off one like myself] I found as a total heaven. For some reason the UK doesn't do big craft stores as such but here, oh my! I have never seen so much crocheting or craft products and patterns under one roof. There's scrap booking, wool, fabrics, glitter, fake flowers, photo frames. One of the things I could never find in the UK was crochet patterns; to walk in and see rows of crochet patterns was amazing. I ended up getting a small booklet on crocheting blankets and four huge balls of the softest wool to make one of which I've already started [see the bottom photograph] - for less then the equivalent of £15 its cheap indeed. I'm even tempted to make another and some scarfs. The crocheting bug has been re-caught - this and baking.
Are you making anything crafty at the moment?
You can find the free coaster pattern which I used here.
So much nicer than shop bought ones! You talented lady. Glad you are settling in to America and enjoying it! :-) x
ReplyDeleteYou're so skilled. I wish I could crochet like that. It's been so many years since I last crocheted that I can't remember how to do it. The crafty stores are something I definitely miss. Sounds like you're settling in very well.
ReplyDeleteI didn't use to love the crochet pattern, but ever since it became a trend I've really grown attached. I think it's appropriate in so many situations...and just generally nice looking.
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What a great idea! My mum and my grandmother can crochet, seems like such a nice skill to have :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't crocheted in forever-- and your stuff is amazing! Is that a blanket I spy?
ReplyDelete♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
crocheting is definately a craft i havent tried but really want to!
ReplyDeleteThat is the start of a blanket i'm making - it was started because the bedroom was really cold compared to the rest of the apartment, now they've fixed the hot water and it's roasting lol think it'll just be a throw for the sofa!
ReplyDeleteOoh, your coasters look really lovely, I can't crochet (more of a knitting person, I suppose), but I've always wanted to learn, think you've inspired me to try and learn!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm in the process of knitting myself a scarf for winter, as I couldn't find any I liked in the shops! xx
I'm really tempted to make myself a new scarf too, that or a snood. I can't find anything I like for a decent price
ReplyDeleteI would love a massive craft store in the UK! Hobby craft is too over priced and it never has what I need!
ReplyDeleteYeah i've never had any luck with hobbycraft before - it seems to be predominately paper crafts.
ReplyDeletethese are awesome!!! love the circle coster!
ReplyDeletexxo, vanessa (the gal)
http://fashiongalfireman.blogspot.com/