#Autumnwal17 Round-up…

Wow… I can’t believe how quickly October has flown by. It has been an incredibly hectic month with lots of crochet progress and several other unexpected (some un-wanted) distractions. The autumnwal17 is now over and it has been an amazing experience. Laura of @goslingandplumb has been a great co-host and her attentiveness towards everyone on Instagram has been outstanding. I tried to keep up, but still missed lots. Life has been crazy busy and it’s been hard to manage my time to make sure I’m keeping up with crochet targets. The saying ‘life gets in the way’ has been more than true for myself and Katie this month; with both of us putting extra hours into work, and both of our offices are being re-structured in one way or another, organising/booking things for the wedding, the house falling apart, and a couple other things that aren’t to be shared online. Tired is an understatement… and we’re officially seeing wintery weather here in Cheshire; dark nights and cold air are affecting my energy levels. That being said, I have a lot to say about October; firstly I’m going to share with you my original WIP list for the #AutumnWAL17; then I’m going to let you know how I got on…

 

1. Horse Blanket.

My target was to wash, block and weave, and that I did. I added a few more rounds to the edging then washed it, blocked it, weaved in the edges and steamed/ironed it again for good luck. I actually impressed myself with the finished object. I think the whole way through making this one, I was worried that the ‘customer’ wouldn’t like it… in the end they loved it. I powered through my loss of crochet-mojo and it payed off. Although the blanket wasn’t to my personal taste; I am proud of picking a difficult pattern for my first tapestry crochet.

2. School of Wizardry Scarf

Katie’s scarf didn’t go to plan. I wanted to finish this in October, but I made progress then decided it was too wide; so, I frogged it and started again – hence no FO. I am happy with the stitch that I’m using, and I plan on writing up the pattern when I’ve done; so, I want to be happy with the dimensions. The stitch I’m using is particularly yarn-hungry so having a wide scarf wasn’t working well. I’m OK with having to frog this though… it will be worth it in the end. My new goal is to have this finished by Christmas. Hopefully it will work up quicker now it isn’t so wide 😉

3. Fruit Salad TV Blanket.

My #autumnwal17 goal was to finish making the squares, and start edging them. I did this… even if I only edged 3 (it still counts, right?) This has been on on-going project so there is really no rush. My November goal is to have 20 edged in total. I think this is going to be a nice project to go into the new year with. Originally, I thought I could finish this for Christmas, but I think that is un-achievable. It’s more realistic for me to aim to finish my cosy stripe blanket for Christmas. The TV Blanket could be my first big FO of the new year. An easy project that I can work on over the Christmas holidays.

4. Cosy Stripe Blanket.

I achieved my target of completing one colour repeat (13 stripes) in October; and realised it won’t take too many more colour repeats before I run out of yarn. I’m going to aim to finish another colour repeat in November and see how much yarn I have left. I think it is well within my bounds to say I can finish this for Christmas. This blanket won’t be as big as the Moorland blanket because I chose a Stylecraft colour pack with fewer skeins than what Lucy called for on her Cosy Stripe pattern. It doesn’t bother me though. I am in love with the colours and the way I arranged them in this blanket!

5. Beanie Hat.

I bought this skein impulsively at Black Sheep Wools. I wanted to make a Beanie using the Neon Lights pattern by myboshi. However this yarn is way too thick for that pattern; and because I only picked up one skein I didn’t want to risk going up a hook size and playing yarn chicken. I used a size 6mm hook, and made up my own pattern to create a beanie that fits my head perfectly. (I may publish a Charlie-sized beanie pattern on Ravelry soon – * when I have a chance to write the pattern up.) I then sewed on a removable bobble and tadaaaa, I’m ready for winter. I’m actually excited to be able to wear it. The alpaca mixed with acrylic gives it a lovely fussy feel and it is incredibly soft and warm.

6. Movie Night Cocoon Cardi.

I have made great progress on this cardi throughout the #autumnwal17, and I joined my 5^th skein of yarn last night. It’s the first garment I’ve ever worked on and now I’m just continuing to add rounds until it is the right size; I don’t have far to go now. This is my WIP for the #backtoschoolsweatercal, and even though I think it’s the easiest pattern out there, if it wasn’t for Helen and Tamara’s CAL I would never have started this. They encouraged me to pull this pattern from my Ravelry Library and start my first garment. I’m excited that I’ll actually be able to wear something I’ve crocheted; I think it’s going to lead to a whole new area of pride. The CAL runs till the 17^th November, so I best get cracking and finish it off. Even though the pattern is easy and simple, and I love the effect; it’s starting to get boring now and takes a longer each row to complete the round as it’s quite big now.

7. Socks…

My goal for the #autumnwal17 was to divide my sock yarn into two and wind into cakes; and make a start on the Spring Fling socks by Vicki Brown. I changed my mind and started the Winter Wonder Socks as they were toe up and I figured it would be easier to see if they fit me as I made progress. I started making both at the same time… but they’re huge! I reached gage but I think I only need a medium. (I started making large.) So even though I achieved my target for October, it’s all going to be frogged and started again. That’s ok though – I’d rather make socks that fit me.

8. The Super Simple Tunisian CAL #SSTCAL

Claudia and Hannah ran a lovely little Tunisian CAL through October, and even though I only made one out of four of the dish cloth patterns, I’m very grateful that they put this together. I have been put off learning Tunisian crochet because I didn’t have the time to sit and make something big. Claudia and Hannah pulled together some great resources and YouTube tutorials to help us grasp Tunisian crochet without having to spend hours and hours learning. I made a Tunisian simple stitch dish cloth for the #autumnwal17 – but I will most certainly go back to these resources at a later date to learn some other Tunisian stitches. Thank you, Hannah and Claudia!

9. #FridayisDyeDay

Fay from the Crochet Circle Podcast has been experimenting with home dying; and has introduced a monthly Dye-along to encourage us all to give hand-dying a go. Friday the 27^th October was the first #fridayisfyeday, and I had been collecting Avocado pits and skins especially for this. I planned on dying a skein of sock yarn and a silk/merino blend dk. I decided to try and dye some white cotton and an acrylic/wool blend as well. I was very surprised by the results I got. The acrylic/wool blend didn’t take any dye at all – I wasn’t surprised by this. The sock yarn and silk/merino didn’t take any dye either… as soon as I rinsed the dye, it all washed out. This surprised me but it isn’t the end of the world. It just means I have two un-dyed skeins for the next #fridayisdyeday and I can try out different techniques such as food colourants or acid dyes. The cotton however took nicely; I dyed 1 skein of white cotton and 1 skein of mercerized white cotton in the avocado dye and dyed 1 skein of mercerized cotton with blackcurrant liqueur. I now have 3 skeins of cotton in a lovely gradient effect of soft, gentle, pastel pinks… and I think this technique is going to be perfect for making wedding decorations.

10. Hand sewn Project bag.

This WIP wasn’t on my list for #autumnwal17, but I made it anyway. I gave sewing a go (even though I’m terrible at it and have no idea what I’m doing) I didn’t follow a pattern, but I’m impressed that I achieved a FO. I’m not in love with this bag but proud for trying… and I now have a little bag to keep my knitting in.

Overall, I don’t think I did badly on my #autumnwal17 goals. There has been a bit of frogging and  several distractions but I still managed to get 4 FOs, and some hand dyed cotton. I also made lots of progress on WIPS that had previously been collecting dust; so al in all I’m pretty happy.

New Techniques…

• Challenging myself to work to targets and goals has given me ambition and motivation; and as you can see above… I have set myself a new list of goals for November. Not only have I made progress during October, I also learnt a handful of new techniques. I learnt how to knit, Tunisian crochet, sew, make foundation double crochet, and how to dye yarn using avocado pits. 5 new skills that I can now develop. Maybe in the new you will see more sewn and knitted projects on the blog.

Exciting Ventures…

• Another reason October has been more chaotic than planned is because I finally emailed crochet magazines and asked for their seasonal call outs. I say finally, because this has been my goal since July… I just kept putting it off because of the old ‘imposter syndrome’ and not thinking I’m good enough. Eventually, with the encouragement from Katie and Fay I thought ‘what have I got to lose?’ This last month, I have designed, made swatches and put together 6 proposals which I have now sent in for deadlines. Fingers crossed in the next few weeks I get some good news. I’m not holding my breath, but even if I’m not successful; I’ve learnt how to put a proposal together for a magazine submission – so next time it will be easier. And, if I don’t get published; I have 6 designs ready to write up to publish myself. What’s to lose? I’m super excited and proud of myself. I’ve worked so hard for this and I’ve finally made the first step in the right direction.

If you made it to the end of this post then well done! That’s dedication and thank you for sticking with me… I’m hoping to carry on with this newly found productivity and keep making progress throughout November. Here’s a photo of my November WIP List…

See you next week…

Love Charlie, Xx

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Stash and Crafty Tools #AutumnWAL17

This week’s #AutumnWAL17 Blog Post is about the Stash and Tools that are essential to you! Everyone relies on different tools and brands, and not one crafter’s notions pouch is identical to another. I’m going to share my favourite tools and a few pics of my (embarrassingly big) Yarn Stash. It would be incredible if on IG we could fill the feed with colourful pictures of yarn, needles, hooks, paints, fabric *insert tool/material here*. Don’t be embarrassed… I think hoarding is part of being creative…

-Deep Breath –

– Here Goes –

Stash

The majority of my yarn is stored in my Gran’s old Ikea cabinets. I think the glass doors are essential (when you open them… the stash starts to attack you like a land slide) I never imagined that I would store my yarn like this… But now I can’t imagine any other way. Most of my yarn has been inherited from my Gran, and I love the fact that her yarn is finally on display. I didn’t know how much she had! There were bags full in the back bedroom, stacked waist high… and we always talked about winding it all up into cakes and buying some shelves for her so she could see what she had. Unfortunately, we never had the time – but she wasn’t lying about having a lot of yarn hidden away!

I am extremely grateful for this stash, and despite the fact that 30% isn’t necessarily to my taste – I can’t seem to part with it. Luckily, at Woolgathering Sandbach; a charity project is about to commence, and I feel like this is a great opportunity to put my Gran’s yarn to good use. I’m not throwing it away, but making something beautiful and giving it to someone who needs it. (I’ll write another blog post about this when I have something to show)

About 99% of the yarn my Gran had either doesn’t have a band or is discontinued… Yarn brands I’ve never heard of before… but this wide colour range is proving extremely useful and invaluable to designing. Before I go out and buy current yarn, I can test colour palettes and stitches – do swatches and get a design down before butchering more expensive yarn.

Not only did I inherit yarn, I also inherited fabric, embroidery floss, doily cotton, day light lamps, aida, books and magazines. I basically have an Aladdin’s cave… a small craft shop waiting for me. I am incredibly lucky, and I wish beyond words that I could say thank you to my Gran – I would trade it all and more to have her back.

She gave me the bug! And over the last 4 years, I have built up my own stash – so combined I could concur the world (A small crocheted amigurumi world?) Does this stop me from buying more? No! Should it? No! I believe that as long as me buying yarn and craft supplies doesn’t affect my ability to pay the bills and save for important things like a wedding and a house, then I should do what I enjoy. Just as everyone should feed their happiness. It’s just that my happiness comes in squishy balls of colourful loveliness [ and Katie of course!]…

Tools

Hooks – As you know if you’ve watched any of my YouTube Videos; I have an extreme love of Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks. They are my absolute favourite and nowadays, I rarely use anything else. In fact the only time that I don’t use these hooks is when I don’t have the size that I need… (Although my collection is building) and I don’t have any finer hooks for doily cotton. Do Clover do a soft touch Hook smaller than a 2.00mm?

Stitch Markers –  are an essential part of my notions pouch. Recently I have expanded my Stitch Marker collection from generic plastic ones to include some lovely charm style markers that I was gifted from Helen of Making at Number 14, and some metal bulb Markers I bought from Fay’s shop Knit it – Hook it – Craft it. It doesn’t matter what I use though… sometimes marking a stitch is crucial, especially during amigurumi.

Scissors – Is one pair enough? No! Even though I have 5 different ways of chopping thread in my notions pouch, my favourite are the stalk embroidery scissors. Not only do they remind me of my Gran, they are also the sharpest (Blade & Point) and it is much easier if you need to be precise. Also, they’re shiny 😊

Needles – Another indispensable addition to the notions pouch, and are essential for weaving ends and joining pieces together. I have two favourite types. 1. Are your bog standard, cheap wool needles. 2. John James Pebble (The lilac One) which come in this great storage ‘pebble’ and keep them all safe and in one place.

These are the tools that are most important to me. I could go on and on about all the different things I use and what’s in my notions pouch. What I really want to know is what are your essential tools… and what does your stash look like? Share your pics on Instagram and don’t forget to use the Hashtag #AutumnWAL17

Love Charlie, xx

#Autumnwal17 – Half Way Point…

How has your October been so far? We are now half way through the Autumn-WIP along, and there has been so much progress made! I am absolutely speechless by how many people are participating and getting involved. There has been so many Finished Objects already! And sadly, only one of them is mine…

I have had an amazing October so far though, despite my lack of progress on my WIP List. I’m going to try and not ramble, but just briefly explain why my October has been so great so far, and why some parts haven’t gone as planned.

Finished Objects

Although I’ve not actually finished any new WIPs yet, I have finished the Horse Blanket, and also made a hat. I need to write up the pattern for the hat as the original pattern that I chose didn’t work with the yarn I had, so I went on a whim and changed up stitches and ended up with a hat! I used Rico Creative Twist Super Chunky 80% Acrylic, 20% Alpaca which is very thick and squishy, and I used a 6mm hook. However, I can’t class this as a completely finished object because I’ve ordered a detachable faux fur bobble which hasn’t arrived yet. Hopefully within the next few days this can be ticked off my WIP list.

Progress

I have now reached my third skein of yarn for my #backtoschoolsweatercal, that I hadn’t started before the #AutumnWAL17. So even though progress seems slow, when I look at how much yarn I’ve used, it doesn’t seem so bad, and I must be getting close to finish. I would like to have this WIP finished for next weekend, so I can focus on some other WIPs. I am making the Movie Night Cocoon Cardi by Alexandra Tavel, which is a free pattern on Ravelry. It is my own fault that progress is so slow because I changed up the tension. I didn’t feel comfortable crocheting with a 6mm hook and DK yarn. Being so used to using a 4mm hook, it really didn’t feel right. I made the decision to start again with a 4mm hook and have a denser material as I think I’d prefer a cardigan with less ‘holey’ bits, and it felt ‘right’. If I was to make this again, I might try a 4.5mm or 5mm hook just to speed up the process. I’m using DK Acrylic yarn that I bought from Aldi last year. I have also made the last 11 squares for my Fruit Salad TV blanket and made a start on edging them. 😊

London Mini ‘Yarn Crawl’

On Saturday the 7^th October I got on the Train to London with Fay from the Crochet Circle Podcast, and met 3 new crafters! I had a lovely day with Fay, Helen (makingatnumber14) (@heleneccles1), Corinne (@salapes) and Flic (@flicmerrison) visiting 2 yarn shops interspersed with breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea. As Helen mentioned in her recent blog post, I feel as though I have found my ‘right people’, and it is amazing how much this changes the way you view things. I finally feel as though I have found a social circle that I actually not only belong to, but also fit in. We visited iknit London, and Loop, then Fay and myself headed over to Baker Street to have a look at the @campaignforwool‘s Wool Fusion exhibition. The #woolweek exhibition celebrated British Wool and there were some great and not great things about it. I felt as though there could have been more of a crafter’s influence on the things shown and an acknowledgement for lesser known artists/crafters, and there were some parts of the curation that I thought could have been improved on. However there were a couple of things that I really loved! I loved the three felted FABs that greeted you when you entered, and the yarny lamps! The giant Lollies were called Ice Woolies by @Jessicadance_maker.There was also an animation that I thought was amusing. From iknit London, I bought clover tapestry needles and knitpro 4.5mm circular knitting needles. From Loop, I bought 100% baby alpaca yarn to make a cowl, a project bag, and 3 hanks of quince&co Finch 4ply 100% American wool to make a shawly-cowl. I was unexpectedly gifted some beautiful stitch markers by Helen, and a very thoughtful hand-sewn lavender sachet, soap, and card from Corrine. Again, I am absolutely astounded by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the people in our crafty community. All three of these new, lovely people that I met crochet!

Distractions

I have had many distractions in the last two weeks. Because I work full time, weekends are my power-crochet time, where I can spend hours at a time making progress. Going to London took out half of my crochet time last weekend, and on the Sunday I filmed and published a podcast showing my Yarndale and London Yarn Haul. I decided to try and film using Katies Video-recorder instead of my phone to cut uploading time. (I usually have to convert my file to MP4 after filming before I can upload to YouTube. I filmed at 10am… and I didn’t get my video published until 7.30pm! (I don’t edit – so this is a long time!) It turns out that the video recorder splits the film into 35minute lengths, so I had 3 videos that I then had to figure out how to join them. What a faff! Hours of waiting for a several green bars to move at a snails pace across my screen… So I decided to make a project bag. I don’t sew, but I just folded the fabric up that I got from the yarn swap a couple of weeks ago, and very badly sewed it together to resemble a small drawstring bag.

This was a major distraction because it was not on my WIP list for #autumnwal17, however I am proud of myself for trying something new. Talking about trying something new… I have also learnt how to knit! Another thing that was not on my WIP list, and has set me back in my ideal wip-schedule. Not only have I made progress on a project that wasn’t supposed to be started, I also frogged the whole thing back and started again because I started to do my knit-stitch the Norwegian way which loosened my tension, but my pearl is shocking! I just cannot master this stitch, so I’ve put the knitting away and I’ll concentrate on my actual wip-list until November. Then I will spend some time trying to master the pearl!

Frog or not to frog!

I have made a fair bit of progress on Katie’s Harry Potter inspired ‘School of Wizardry’ Scarf, however I’m thinking it’s too wide. The stitch I have chose is very thick, and I’m worried that if the scarf is too wide, it won’t drape around her neck. I’m going to get her to try it later today and tell me what she thinks. It’s not the end of the world if I have to start again because I’d rather she have something she likes so she’ll wear it. And if I start again and make the width thinner, it will work up quicker which is always a bonus! I make even go up half a hook size to make it drapier. I plan on publishing the pattern to this scarf when  I’ve finished, so I want to be happy with it.

This is Burgundy not Purple…

Wedding Venue

This weekend’s crochet distraction consisted of celebrating my Brother-in-law-to-be’s 18^th Birthday, and seeing another wedding venue. This time, we found it! We have found the perfect wedding venue, and have even put our names down for a date. We aren’t even bothering to look at any more venues now, despite this only being the second we’ve looked at. The place is absolutely beautiful, and exactly that we were looking for, and sh*t just got real! We now actually have to start planning things, and after 8 years of being together, we are no longer just talking about our wedding. It is actually happening and we are so excited!

 

So my October has been brilliant so far, despite not going as planned (Wip distractions! I need to control myself!) Laura and myself have really enjoyed looking through all lof your WIPs, and, I am so over-the-moon by how many people are taking part. It is incredible to think of how much progress we have all made combined. I hope next week I have more to show for myself, as I am ashamed to be a co-host with no FOs! Remember to keep sharing your pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #autumnwal17 And even though I may not comment for a while – I will definitely get through them and see them all. There are more contrubutions than I could have ever imagined, so it is overwhelming to see so many outstanding WIPs. I can’t describe how talented everyone is, and I hope you’re enjoying the WIP-along just as much as me.

Love Charlie, Xx

 

 

Favourite FOs…

What is your favourite finished object? This is the question myself and Laura have asked ourselves over the weekend as part of the ‘Cheer Blog Posts’ for the Autumn WIP-along. I have spent quite some time over the last few weeks thinking and trying to decide what my favourite ever finished object is. I really can’t decide on just one… so I’m going to share my top 5 favourite finished objects. I would love for you to all share your own favourite finished objects on Instagram and Ravelry. Just use the hashtag #autumnwal17.

 

In no particular order…

1. Moorland Blanket CAL by Lucy of Attic 24

This is one of my favourites because it was the first ever CAL (crochet-along) that I participated in. I started spending more time on Instagram and made friends with other crocheters who were taking part. It was the first time I noticed the strong sense of community there is online. I made this blanket for Katie which makes me love it even more to see how much she appreciates it and used it. Seeing your other half wrapped up all snuggly in a blanket that you’ve made is really nice – I can only imagine what it must feel like to see your children under blankets you’ve made.

 

2. Hook Wrap

This project has made it to top five because I made it for my Gran. I also managed to use a sewing machine (all-be-it not very well). There are improvements I could have made which I learnt after (such as using extra fabric to fold over to keep hooks from falling out) but all in all, I was so happy with this and it was extra special because I made it for my Gran. I designed this myself, and it was probably one of the first things I made without a pattern. Now it is kept safe in my craft room with my Gran’s hooks, and my Great Grandma’s hooks. I haven’t pulled this out for a long time as I get all teary and start missing her a lot!

3. University Piece… Ladder of Hope

This project is one of my favourites despite the fact it’s not very aesthetically pleasing. It has made it to the list because it was the first time I incorporated crochet into my art degree – and it was the start of me feeling comfortable with myself. I defied my art tutors, and got a first class degree! I felt as though I was finally doing something right, and this is probably the first finished object that made me realise just how brilliant the world of fibre and yarny goodness is. This piece of ‘art’ was also symbolic of how crochet was helping me through a rough patch in my life, and the ladder signified a way of climbing out of a depression. The blue colour was symbolic of the stereotypical ‘blue’ feeling, and the colours around the edge were a sign of better and brighter times. There’s a bit of arty sh*t for you 🙂

4. Grandma’s Revenge Degree exhibition

…and here’s a bit more. So this was my final piece for University and I called it Grandma’s revenge. I used crochet, and influences of craft activism to make this piece, which was over 3 metres wide. I made 3 blankets and joined them together then stretched them around a wooden frame like you would stretch a canvas. When you stepped back – it looked like a painting. I was inspired also by impressionism, and how, if you stand close to a painting, often you can no longer see the picture, but only marks or even dots. I wanted to demonstrate that craft is equal to art, and the foundations of fine art were born in craftmanship. In the art world, craft is considered to be an ‘inferior’ word to that of ‘conceptual’, and I wanted to make something large enough so people couldn’t just walk past without acknowledging it. Tadaaa. And all of my passionate feelings towards craft and its value show just how much I believe that this piece belongs in my top 5 FOs.

4. Granny square Bag

This is in my list because it is very special to me. I made this bag for my Gran’s birthday the year after I finished the ‘Ladder of Hope’ wall hanging for my art degree. I had a bag of squares left over, and I wanted to make something for my Gran with them as a thank you and a memory of her helping me to sew the squares together in the stressful weeks of trying to get a FO for a deadline! My Gran really enjoyed and took pride in the fact that she was helping me, so I knew she would love to have a token. I was incredibly proud of this bag because I lined it with some floral fabric… and I’m not a sewer. My Gran used this bag constantly until the day she died, and it is now in our spare room, waiting for me to go through it.

 

I feel mean to pick only five of my FOs (as if they have feelings) because there are so many others that could have made the list such as the Victorian Lattice Blanket I made for my Mother in Law, or the Poppy blanket I made for a friend… or the recently finished Butterfly prayer stitch shawl. But I think the fact that the projects I chose for my top 5 have meaning behind them gave them the extra edge over all of my other FOs.

What are your favourite FOs? I would love to know if like me, your favourite FOs have meaning behind them… or is it because you chose a challenging pattern and achieved a new skill? Share your photos on Instagram and use the hashtag #autumnwal17 to take part in the Autumn WIP-Along.

Love Charlie, Xx

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

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