WIP List… #AutumnWAL17

The Autumn WIP-along starts tomorrow, so I think it’s about time I shared my WIPs. Before I start, I’d just like to mention how great the #AutumnWAL17 activity has been in Instagram. I love how people are sharing their lists and calendars, and photos of their WIPs. Crafters are already supporting each other, and it is so nice to see. It really makes me smile and I can’t believe how quick it has come around. Remember to check Laura’s Instagram and blog for some amazing tips and tricks…

You can print off a free WAL calendar on both of our blogs. Just click here.

I have spent all day rummaging through the craft room digging out old and new WIPs to work on through October. I also did a much needed clean up and put things away from my September WIP-ban (and yarn from Woolgathering which I was very kindly given this week). Things have been extremely busy for me through September and I have spent a lot of time trying to finish the four projects I set myself. I also went to Yarndale which was absolutely incredible.

Use the hashtag #autumnwal17 on Instagram to show us your WIPs!

After my WIP-ban, I am going to be starting a few new WIPs, as well as working on some old ones. I feel I need to work on something new because I have been working on the same ones for a month – which has been quite hard for me. I like to have a few ‘on the go’  (I worked on one project a week through September to ensure FO’s) as each one is suitable for a different time and place, and smaller, easier projects are better for lunch breaks.

Although, I have to admit, I did break my WIP-ban on Thursday (2 days before the end of my WIP-ban) because I needed a break from the tapestry horse blanket – which has been extremely hard to finish. For some reason, I lost my mojo on that project, I think it’s because it was a commission for a project I wouldn’t have chosen for myself, in colours I wouldn’t have chose and the stitches became monotomous. This brings me nicely to my first WIP for the WIP-along.

1. Wash, Block and Weave.

I may add a few more rounds of edging to the horse blanket before putting it in the wash. Then I’ll pin it out and block it, weave in any loose ends and ta-daa! A Finished Object. This one has been a long-time in the making for a commission, and although I’m delighted that I learnt tapestry crochet, I’ll definitely be happy to give this to it’s owner and be finished with it. I am proud of myself for choosing a difficult pattern for my first tapestry crochet project.

2. School of Wizardry Scarf

Katie has asked me to make her a scarf in Burgundy, so I thought I would make her a Harry Potter inspired scarf. Gryffindor to be precise. This is the project I broke my WIP-ban for. I just needed to work on something briefly with a bit of colour. This WIP has made it to my #autumnwal17 list because I ‘d like to finish it in time for her to wear it in the cold months, this year rather than next year. I am making this one up as I go and I may publish the pattern when I’m done. I am using Caron Simply Soft in Burgundy, and Stylecraft Special DK in gold.

3. Fruit Salad TV Blanket

This is a project I’ve been working on for a couple of years… or I started it a couple of years ago anyway. I haven’t touched it for over 6 months. At the moment, I have a basket of  129 squares. If I make 11 more, I can make a blanket 10 x 14 squares big. I have a ball of cream aran in the stash that will be perfect for this project… so the aim is to make the last 11 squares and start edging and joining them. I know I’m not going to finish this before the WIP-along finishes, but I will at least make a bit of progress, and maybe finish it before the end of the year. A nice little Christmas present to myself! This is a stash buster, and just uses various acrylic yarns.

4. Cosy Stripe Blanket

I started this blanket shortly after the Attic24 Moorland Blanket CAL. My intention was to work both of them up at the same time so that me and Katie would both have a blanket. Good plans and all that… we ended up moving and renovating a house. I managed to finish Katie’s blanket in July, however mine remains less than halfway completed. Again, I don’t want to (although I’d like to) finish this blanket in October, but I’ll be happy to make at least one ‘colour repeat’. Any progress is good progress, and that’s what this WIP-along is all about.

5. Beanie Hat

This is a new WIP and an un-started WIP. I showed the yarn off for this project in my first YouTube video, and I’ll be making a Neon Lights beanie hat from issue 14 of Simply Crochet by MyBoshi. It is my favourite beanie hat pattern, and it is a very quick and easy make…brilliant for Christmas gifts.

6.  Movie Night Cocoon Cardi.

I am starting this WIP as part of the #backtoschoolsweatercal hosted by Tamara of craftyescapism and Helen of makingatnumber14. I have never made a garment before and I have had this Movie Night Cocoon Cardi pattern by Alexandra Tavel in my Ravelry Library for a long time. I think this pattern is going to be easy and hopefully quick as it is based on a granny square. I am excited to make a garment that I can wear. Earlier in the year (or was it last year?) I bought some burgundy acrylic from Aldi especially for this project, so I will have a cardi to wear in my favourite colour!

7. Socks!

I am envious of all the crochet socks everyone is making, so I bought Vicki Brown‘s Crochet Sock Collection book. I had the chance to meet Vicki at Yarndale, and bought a hank of her sock yarn in the colour way Blue Hydrangea. However, I think I’m going to make my first pair in a skein of Opal sock yarn I bought earlier this year. I don’t want to get the pattern wrong using such lovely yarn! Hahaa. Again, I don’t know whether I’ll get a pair finished before the end of the WAL – but I’ll make a bit of progress. I’m going to wind up 2 balls and make both at the same time as I’ve heard about the struggles of second sock syndrome. I’m going to try Vicki’s Spring Fling pattern first…

8.  The Super Simple Tunisian CAL #SSTCAL

I would like to take advantage of Claudia (Crochet Luna) and Hannah’s (Thecozycottagecrochet) Tunisian crochet CAL so I can finally learn how to do it! They will be publishing tutorials on their YouTube, and I think that making a dish cloth will be a nice way of breaking up the WIP-along so I have a quick FO. I’m also very excited about learning a new crochet skill! I have had Tunisian hooks for years but just haven’t actually sat down to learn. I will just stash bust some acrylic yarn for this CAL, and if I like the effect, I may make some cotton facecloths in the future. The CAL runs the same time as the Autumn WIP-along, and they’re doing tutorials for four different patterns.

9. Friday is Dye-day.

Inspired by Clarisabeth of Crochetcakes and Fay of The Crochet Circle Podcast, I want to dye my own yarn. I loved the colour of Clarisabeth’s avacado dyed yarn so I’ve been saving my skins and stones over the past couple of weeks. I’m nervous about dying yarn as I don’t know any of the technicalities or procedures. I’m going to have to do a bit of research. Fay is hosting a Dye your own Yarn-along on the 27th of October, so I’ve got a few more weeks to keep eating avacados!

I can’t wait to dig into and start some new projects! I am enjoying seeing all of your WIPs so keep sharing! Remember to use the hashtag #autumnwal17 and tag me @lovecharlie.co and Laura @goslingandplumb so we can see what you’re making and share our favourites. I will be filming a podcast soon showing you my Yarndale Haul and talking about my WAL Wips. 🙂 If you’re not on Instagram, there’s an #AutumnWAL17 thread in the Love Charlie Crochet Group on Ravelry where you can have a chatter about what you’re up to…

Please don’t put any pressure on yourself during this WAL. It is not a competition, and any progress is good progress. Don’t compare yourself to others, and always look after yourselves. Make sure to keep on encouraging each other on IG.. and if you haven’t already… SHARE YOUR WIPS! 🙂

Love Charlie, Xx

My First Yarndale…

Queuing up with like-minded people, all eager to get inside Skipton’s Auction Mart, shuffling along like cattle towards a wooly paradise. As you excitedly walk in and get your wristband (So we can pretend we are hardcore festival goers) the smell of the wool envelops you. Or maybe it is the building itself – either way it adds to the experience, and makes the whole ordeal even more special and authentic. The flurry of crafters and the buzz of positive energy and creativity is overwhelming. I was speechless, and it took me a little while to adjust. Needless to say, I think going on the Sunday was the right decision (Thank you Fay). It think it would have been a bit too much to have had my first Yarndale experience on a Saturday when the crowds were a lot busier. Next year bring it on, I have had a taste and now I want more!

I was extremely lucky on my first trip to Yarndale as I went with Fay of Knit it-Hook it-Craft it (The Crochet Circle Podcast) and going with an experienced member of our crochet community really gave me the courage to meet a lot of new people. (Even though I did chicken out of saying Hi to Lucy from Attic 24!)

Our first check list of the day was for Fay to ‘feed people’ with the delicious flapjack she had made and brought in for her favourite vendors and loyal friends with her ‘pay it forward’ attitude – making our first stop John Arbon Textiles, a firm, and dear favourite of Fay’s. At this point, you have to bear in mind, I have never purchased any hand dyed or indie yarn – or even any 100% animal fibre yarn – so when I walked into Yarndale, I went week at the knees. John and Juliet of John Arbon Textiles are so lovely and kind; and were the prefect welcome for me to Yarndale. Speaking to these guys felt like speaking to family, they were so friendly.  I wanted to choose some yarn to make Fay’s Doppio Colloseum Shawl pattern, as she used John Arbon Textiles Yarn when designing the pattern. I was drawn to their Alpaca Delights range because of the gorgeous dusky colours and it is oh-so beautifully soft. When I went to pay, John and Juliette generously gifted me the Alpaca delights, leaving me speechless. I gave a john a hug, and I’m not sure he knew what to do. Hahaa. It is the generosity of our crafting community is mind-blowing, and I feel extremely grateful to be a part of it. I returned to the stall before leaving yarndale, and purchased some Harvest Hues yarn in a ‘tweedy’ dark green to make a scarf for Katie. There is such a wide range of choice from John Arbon Textiles, the colours range from pastels and dusky shades, to rich autumnal shades to a vast range of pantone-inspired colours.

We paid a visit to the sock line so Fay could hang some socks she had made for Winwickmum’s charity project, where I came face to face with Lucy of Attic 24, and had a conversation about how I couldn’t knit. But I was too shy and like a dear in headlights. I just wanted to say Hi and Thank you for all of the time and effort she puts into her patterns. I wanted to tell her that she inspired me to want to design my own patterns, and that her eye for colour was genius. But I’m an idiot and couldn’t get the words out, no matter how much I wanted to, I was a bit starstruck!

We also met with one of Fay’s friends, called Kate. She was so lovely and I enjoyed meeting so many new people who share the same love of yarn. I think that is what Yarndale is all about. Bringing people together – or it felt that way to me at least. People who live different sides of the country can meet and chat, make friends and get to know each other. I finally felt like I belonged. The past 8 weeks have been incredible for me and I am making my way into a world where I feel comfortable being myself… the 23 year old who would much prefer to sit on the sofa with a cup of tea, crochet hook and ball of wool. I think I was made for retirement (A long way to go yet though!)

The rest of the day I spent going up and down the stalls on each row, patiently waiting to find Vicki Brown, Inside Crochet and Mothy and the Squid… filling up my new Yarndale bag as we went (briefly interrupted by the hilariously entertaining Sheep walk of Skipton’s Giant Swaledales). My favourite Vendors of the day were John Arbon Textiles, Riverknits, Vicki Brown Designs, Inside Crochet and Mothy and the Squid.

Here’s why;

John Arbon Textiles

John Arbon was a given considering how friendly and generous John and Juliet were and how gloriously soft the yarn was. Their coloour choice was incredibly vast and amazingly soft. Seriously… check them out!

Riverknits

Riverknits was another stall I came across, and initially was attracted to the stall due to the rainbow wall of mini skeins they had in such rich, warm shades. I think I spent the most on this stall alone. I bought a rainbow pack of 6 mini skeins for myself, and one for Fay in Autumnal shades as a thank you for bringing me to Yarndale with her. I also bought another 6 pack of mini skeins to gift to a couple of special people, and a full skein of BFL Splendiferous Sock in the colour way Stoke. This company is run by husband and wife, from a narrow boat, where they live and also dye all of their yarns. (How? I don’t know… Listen to Fay’s interview to find out) I hope to start designing with the yarn I bought from Riverknits, and I think I will definitely be buying more of this yarn and building up my collection in the future.

Mothy and the Squid

Mothy and the Squid was another of my favourites, despite me not spending an awful lot of time at this stall. This was one of my favourites, purely because I have followed them on Instagram for quite a while, and I admire their colours and how they match palettes to animals and images from nature. My favourite was their Calico Cat yarn, because of how perfectly the colours matched the inspiration behind the colour scheme – however, it isn’t a colour theme which I would use myself. I bought a skein of their Mountain Moth which is an adorable, snuggly mixture of cream and grey; and a colour scheme I will definitely wear.

Vicki Brown

Finally, I got to meet Vicki Brown! I was so excited to visit her stall as I am going to be crocheting my first pair of socks soon, and have recently bought her book – the Crochet Sock Collection. I was determined to buy some of her own yarn so I could eventually crochet one of her sock patterns with her own yarn. I settled on Blue Hydrangea after picking up multiple skeins. I will definitely be buying more of Vicki’s yarn in the future The colours are so beautiful, and I have my eyes on a skein of lime & turquoise. I will be making the Spring Fling socks first!

Inside Crochet

A you know, my dream is to have my deisgns published in magazines and books. I wanted to speak to the editors at Inside crochet and ask how I go about submitting designs. I talked to Sarah Moran, and showed her the baby blanket I had designed. She gave me her card and told me to email her some photos, and they would also add me onto their mailing list. Even though this is no achievement – it is a huge step for me… and the first step to [fingers crossed] getting some of my patterns published. The staff were, again, extremely friendly and easy to talk to… now I am checking my inbox every five minutes hoping for a reply. Hahaa.

 

Despite the most amazing day I had, nothing can prepare you for the ‘come down’ and ‘post-festival depression’ that sets in. It has taken me a few days to really appreciate everything I saw and how great a day I had. It truly was so surreal, it feels like a dream. Next year, I would like to go for the whole weekend, and explore Skipton a bit as well, rent a cottage and take the time as a bit of a Holiday. I can imagine nothing better than curling up in a cosy cottage with a hot chocolate and some new yarn to crochet with. I would also like to donate some socks to the sock line, and participate in the Yarndale Charity Event. This year I didn’t have time to crochet and send in a heart, and if I ever get the opportunity again, I would love to say Hi to Lucy and thank her for her patterns.

Don’t forget the Autumn WIP-along starts on Sunday 1st October. Read my previous blog post to find out more… or head over to my Instagram or Laura’s Instagram…

Love Charlie, Xx

Autumn WIP Along 2017 #AutumnWAL17

Do you have a pile of WIPs that need some serious attention? Do you have a stash that is out of control (And about to take over the house?) Do you need to get projects finished before the Christmas season? Or maybe, like myself, you get fed up of not seeing any FOs and need a bit of encouragement to help along the way…

If the answer is yes to any one of the above questions, you’re in the right place!

#AutumnWAL17

I am so excited to announce the details of the Autumn WIP Along 2017… here are the basics…

• 1st to 31st October.
• Use the hashtag #AutumnWAL17 on social media.
• Tag @goslingandplumb and @lovecharlie.co on Instagram so we can share photos of your WIPs (Works in Progress).
• Share the ‘I’m joining the Autumn WIP Along badge’ to declare you participation and meet other Crafters.
• A supportive, ‘cheerleading’ online environment to help each other finish a few objects (whatever craft you choose)
• A non-bias WIP Along – All crafts welcome – *Knit, Crochet, Paper-crafts, Sewing, Baking, Painting, Photography, Needle-craft, etc*
• Series of ‘Cheer’ blog posts and ‘WIP-agrams’ by myself and Laura.
• Free Printable Calendar to plan you Wip-along.

Make new friends, receive advice and encouragement… Finish a few objects…

As you know, I’m currently on a September WIP-Ban… forcing myself to finish off a couple of WIPs that desperately needed my attention. My September WIP ban was inspired by Laura from Gosling and Plumb who enforced an August WIP Challenge on herself to finish off a pile of WIPs she found around the house. (Lets be honest – if you’re crafty… you’ll have a pile of WIPs hidden somewhere. If you don’t you’re in denial) The purpose of announcing these little challenges for ourselves online was so that we could be held accountable to actually attempt to achieve what we set out to… And it works! Laura completed several magnificent FOs (Finished Objects) during August, and I have finished 2 out of 4 WIPs for my September Challenge so far. It works because of the online support that is shared like a warm, comforting blanket over the internet. Friends you’ve never even met will cheer you on and offer advice from the kindness of their hearts.

“The aim of #AutumnWAL17 is to create a supportive group of Crafters who would like to unite and finish a few WIPs…”

The lovely Laura and myself are co-hosting the Autumn WIP-Along from the 1st October to the 31st of October. We have been planning this for a little while now and I think we are both very excited to finally release the details about what exactly the #AutumnWAL17 is. The aim of #AutumnWAL17 is to create a supportive group of Crafters who would like to unite and finish a few WIPs, whilst lightening up the change in season [and weather].

Why should I get Involved? You may be thinking… Joining in an online group seriously helps to finish off a few projects that maybe you’ve hit a wall with – A WIP Wall! And through Instagram, Ravelry and YouTube, you can ask us [and each other] questions, tell us your achievements and frustrations, and share your progress. We would love for you to get involved… The more the merrier as they say!!!

“Friends you’ve never even met will cheer you on…”

But I’m already participating in a KAL/CAL/CRAL… It doesn’t matter! Our Autumn WIP along is for Works in Progress of every craft. It isn’t a competition. There’s no Prize. No pressure. If you’re participating in some kind of ‘Along then share your progress with us too!

 

Free Printable Calendar to plan your WIP-Along – Click Here

How do I get involved? You may be asking… well, it’s pretty simple to be honest… If you save any of the images on this blog post and share on Social Media tagging @goslingandplumb and @lovecharlie.co on Instagram with the hashtag #AutumnWAL17, you’re in! Throughout October share your progress online – and make sure to tag us and use the hashtag so 1 – we can share your photos.. and 2 you can meet other people who are taking part. If you’re not on Instagram, there is a thread open on the ‘Love Charlie Crochet’ Ravelry group called #AutumnWAL17 where you can chat, and share your progress.

Each week, Laura and myself will be posting a series of ‘Cheer’ blog posts where we’ll talk about a few things that have inspired us to host this WAL (Wip-Along) and things we love about crafting. We will share pictures of any of your WIPs that catch our eye on Instagram [what I like to call ‘WIP-agrams’] throughout the month, and I’ll also be talking a lot about the #AutumnWAL17 on my YouTube Podcasts till the end of October. We encourage you to engage and interact with us and each other – as Laura said in her blog post, we’re not scary people.. and we’re pretty normal (as far as normal goes) Comment on each other’s progress, offer advice and encouragement, and share your thoughts. By the end of October we should all have made a bit of progress on our WIPs and quite possibly have made a few friends along the way.

 

 

I can’t wait to see what you’re all making! Make sure you read Laura’s #AutumnWAL17 Blog for a far more comprehensive post than the one you’ve just read 🙂

Love Charlie, Xx

 

A Proposal in the Lakes

Be prepared for a very image heavy blog post. I will not apologise as the photos are far too beautiful not to share! Hahaa… I was going to talk about all the things we did on holiday, but instead, I’m mainly going to talk about the most important part! Getting ENGAGED… So i’m sorry for the lack of crochet content, but I didn’t just want to document this for all of you, but also for myself to read back when my feet touch the ground.

Two weeks ago, I went to the Lake District for a staycation with my other half. We rented a holiday cottage called ‘The Pavilion’ through Cumbrian Cottages in Clappersgate, which is just north of Ambleside – a town at the top of Lake Windermere. After food shopping, getting ready, traffic, and generally being unorganised, we didn’t arrive at our humble abode for the week until 3pm on Saturday the 26th August. After unloading the car, (and enough yarn to keep one busy for at least a month!) we went to Ambleside to have some dinner. We settled for Shelia’s Cottage, a lovely restaurant adorned with chess piece salt & pepper shakers, tartan cushions and mismatched wooden furniture. The service was excellent, and their home-made pasta was to die for.

We then set off for Lake Coniston to partake in a treasure hunt (similar to geocaching) that Katie had been going on about for weeks. After falling out with the Sat Nav (a compulsory argument every British tourist should have with an inanimate object when the opportunity arises) we eventually arrived to Dodgson Wood 10 minutes before sunset. I’ll attach the PDF map that Katie sent me here.

I spent a time searching the Jetty and surrounding rocks for a ‘treasure log’ before giving up and dangling my feet off the end of the Jetty – taking photographs and absorbing the picturesque landscape that was mapped across my horizon. Katie said stand up so we can take some photos together, and when I stood and turned around she was on one knee. Presenting the most perfect blue velvet ring box, containing the most beautiful engagement ring I could ever have imagined. She said that the treasure hunt wasn’t real and it was all just a ploy so that she could get me here and ask me to marry her. It turns out she had designed the PDF ‘treasure hunt’ all by herself and the accompanying poem, taking logos, phone numbers and boat timetables from across the internet. I honestly believed it was a real map! A minute after Katie popped the question, I couldn’t see a thing for crying and steamed up glasses! I was so happy and emotional, I don’t know whether I even said yes. I think I just stood there crying and vigorously nodding my head.

The mood for the holiday was set – the rest of the week was spent in ignorant bliss from the rest of the world. We walked up to the Stock Ghyll Force Waterfalls, and took a day trip to Keswick (where I bought 2 skeins of Stylecraft Head over Heels sock yarn in the colourway: Kilimanjaro) We also ate the most incredible Sushi at Wabisabi, a small Sushi restaurant, where the food is not only delicious, but also an experience! I also managed to publish a YouTube Podcast about packing crochet for holiday, and we took a boat trip to Windermere and Brockhole Activity Centre, where the scenery has provided me with a lot of inspiration.

I also got the chance to finish my pattern test for Blue Ammonite’s Cottage Garden Throw, and continued adding rounds to my Beautiful Shells blanket. See the free pattern by Lahoma Nally-Kaye on Ravelry here. It was especially nice crocheting in the sun at Brockhole on Windermere – watching dogs swim after sticks and families paddling in the lake.

As you can imagine, after such an incredible start to the holiday, and all the things to do in the Lake District, I didn’t get as much crochet done as I had panned. But I’m OK with that because we had such an amazing week. I definitely recommend a staycation to anyone who is looking for an alternative to an abroad holiday. The weather was unpredictable (as it is in the UK), but with the views and scenery that surrounded us, we really weren’t bothered.

The whole week was absolute bliss! There were so many things that we wanted to do but didn’t have time for, and we know for sure that we will definitely be returning. For now though, we have a wedding to plan! I am so happy and excited for what’s to come, and I am one extremely lucky girl who gets to marry her best friend.

Love Charlie, Xx

Free Amigurumi Bee Pattern

Hi everyone! I planned to blog about my recent holiday to the Lake District this weekend, but I’m feeling rather delicate after celebrating my engagement with family yesterday. I will blog about my stay-cation within the next week… but for now, please enjoy this free crochet pattern.

I designed this little fellow last year, and have had the pattern written up for a little while. He’s very versatile and has a dainty appliqué heart on his bottom for extra charm – so much charm children are sure to love them. I hope you like him. . Please share on Instagram… I’d love to see your makes! I think these bees would look lovely attached to a mobile above a cot, or made into keychains.

This cute little Amigurumi Bee is a quick and easy make.

Love Charlie Amigurumi Bee Pattern

 – Use the hashtag –  #lovecharliecrochetdesigns 

This pattern is also on Ravelry.

Here are a few free bee patterns by other crocheters that I love!

Look at this adorable bee headband by thestitchinmommy

Click Here for the ‘Bee Mine’ Headband pattern

 

 

And how cute is this baby grow?! Designed by Julie Farmer for Red Heart Yarns, this play-suit is sure to melt everyone’s hearts.

Click here for the Baby Bee Suit pattern

 

If you fancy something more challenging and intricate check out this beauty! A bee blanket by Meike Beumers, found on Ravelry.

Click here for the Bee Squares Blanket pattern

 

 

I hope you enjoy this crochet pattern. I definitely enjoyed designing it and putting the pattern together. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Thank you so much to Sian and Manuela for testing this pattern for me… check out their instagram pages here… Sian & Manuela. They did an absolutely brilliant job of testing for me. See their makes below…

Follow me on Instagram for daily edits of my weird and wonderful life. @lovecharlie.co

Love Charlie, Xx