Wool, fabric and new makes

I've been bitten by the crochet bug just recently. I normally sew in the dining room, but it is so cold, I've been confined to the lounge where I can sit by the fire. Trouble is I still get itchy fingers, and crochet is ideal. I enjoyed making beanie hats to sell on the craft stall last year, so have been searching for other things to make. I've found several sources of inspiration. One is this blog: http://attic24.typepad.com/ Lucy makes the most scrumptious crochet and she has a real eye for yummy colours. So when I saw this wool, I had to succumb. I don't know what I'm going to make with it yet, but it will be something along the lines of Lucys work!

I also spotted this chunky yarn, Twister by King Cole. Again I love the colours and am thinking of using it for some more hats.

The boys bought me a crochet book for christmas. Essential Crochet, by Erica Knight. Lots of lovely projects to inspire me! I've already made a cushion cover, but that is for another day! It was this that caught my eye - cluster stitches used to make a fairly firm fabric. The book pattern is for a lingerie case, but that was too large and time consuming - and I much prefer quick! So I adapted it, made it much smaller, and dug out some vintage mercerised crochet cotton that I unraveled from an old bed jacket many years ago.

Lined with a scrap of recycled, patterned silk.

Finished with another scrap of silk and a vintage button and vintage press stud. I'm rather pleased with the result and it will go into the Folksy shop and out to the craft fairs in due course.

Finally (I think I've spent enough money this week!) I found this fabric in the sale. With easter on the horizon, I can see some chocolatey aga top pads and pot holders coming out of this!