Don't forget...

Every morning this week,  I have had to double check the time on the clock as it seems so dark.  It can only mean winter is fast approaching and its time to alter our clocks on Saturday night.  The clocks are however going the right way to my mind - a whole extra hour in bed!!  I have yet to get my 5 year old to take this piece of advice...

If you need something to do with that whole extra hour on Sunday, you could always pop slong to the Benn Hall in Rugby for the Craft and Gift Fair between 10am and 4 pm.  Come and have a browse and say hello and also get some inspiration for gifts, for Christmas or treat yourself...there is something for everyone including a craft are for children and a cafe area.

Look forward to seeing you and enjoy your extra hour whatever you choose to do...

Textured Handhuggers

Following on in a series of FREE ( yes, free!) crochet patterns that I have designed, comes the pattern for a set of gorgeous stylish fingerless wrist/hand warmers. 

Using a super easy construction method, and a simple but effective stitch pattern, these textured hand huggers are super warm, practical and versatile.  They hook up really quickly and don’t require too much concentration – instant gratification and able to watch tv too!  Perfect for beginners and experts alike, you’ll be hooking a pair up to match different outfits as well as friends and family.  Using double knitting yarn and a 5mm hook, the pattern has the added benefit in Baby, Child and Adult sizes.

If you love what you see but are not a little craft-y person, then please get in touch through facebook or email fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com as I will gladly hook up a pair for sale...

I couldn't resist playing with colour and my favourite stripes ( plus it also helps to diminish the stash mountain!)...  I am tempted to tinker with the pattern and gauge, and use 4 ply yarn to really have some fun and try and create some Missoni-style stripes...These also look fab in a solid colour or self-patterning yarn.

Make 2.                                                

Ch 17 (29, 41)                                  

Row 1: dc in 3^rd chain form hook, tr in same st, *skip next ch, (dc, tr) in next ch*, rep to end, turn

Row 2: ch 1, miss first st, *(dc, tr) in next st, miss next st*, rep to end, turn

Repeat row 2 until piece measures approx. 2 (3, 3.5) inches,  or [5, 7.5, 9cm], ending with a WS row.

Thumbhole row (RS): ch 1, miss first st, (dc, tr ) in next st 2 (3, 4) times, ch 4 (6, 8 ), miss next 2 (3, 4 ) pattern repeats, continue in pattern to end, turn.

Next row (WS): ch 21, *miss first st, (dc, tr) in next st * rep to chains for thumbhole, [miss first ch, (dc, tr) in next ch] rep 2 (3, 4) times, continue in pattern to end, turn.

Continue repeating row 2 to match first half up to thumbhole row, ending with a WS row.  DO NOT FASTEN OFF. Turn.

 

Seaming/Joining row: ch 1, bring foundation row of mitt up behind and slip stitch both edges together, working through both thicknesses.  Take care to match the stitches as you work along to create a super neat finish (pin in place if you prefer).

Fasten off, weave in ends.  Voila! Cosy and stylish warm hands are now yours…

Written pattern copyright Aimie Bennett 2012. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others.

Please can I ask that if you use this pattern to make items for sale, then credit the original pattern design to FuzzyFingers.  Many thanks and happy hooking!!

 

 

Cosy Handwarmers...

Now autumn and the cooler weather has definitely arrived and is making itself felt, I have found out my warm and cosy outer clothing.  I love autumn, the rapidly changing colours of leaves, the last flourish of flowers and the nights drawing in - I don't however like feeling cold, particularly my hands and feet.  When I'm outside, I always have on a pair of comfy and practical wrist or hand warmers. 

These fingerless gauntlets are great as they are super cosy and warm yet amazingly practical as your fingers are not covered so are free to hold the steering wheel, school bags, dog leads, use your mobile, etc.  With a slit for your thumb, they fit securely and snugly to keep you toasty.  As someone who has dexterity and grip issues, I've found that simply keepng your wrists and the blood flow through this area warm, I don't suffer with the numbing sensation that being cold brings.  In theory this reduces the amount of times I drop things, knock things over and breakages but remains to be proven in practise.  Even my 5 year old calls me butter fingers at least once a day...

Continuing on from the from the two free hat patterns, I am spreading a little more crochet love and  have designed two super simple wrist warmer patterns - perfect for beginners and experts alike.  There is plenty of scope for customising your handhuggers so let your imagination and creativity loose.  I always tend to make my handhuggers a little longer through the wrist section so as to cover a bit more wrist and this is so easy to do. 

A simple pattern that gives instant gratification as they are a quick project with a simple pattern .  Raid your yarn stash as they only use a small quantity of double knitting yarn.  Lightweight and fairly stretchy they just feel so toasty - you can whip up a couple of sets.  In fact I always have a pair in the 'glove' compartment (haha!) for those days when I forget to pick up a set or the weather changes while you're out...

Baby version

In a multi size pattern, they're perfect for adults and even more practical for babies and children.  I never was very good at steering tiny fingers into gloves so find that these are perfect.  The little thumbhole means they stay on nice and securely and for those independent little ones, they can put them on themselves.

Enjoy the pattern and feedback gratefully received...

Handhugger pattern...

Using double knitting yarn and a 5mm hook – gauge is really not that important.

UK crochet terms used

Make 2

Ch 20 (30, 40)

Row 1: dc in 2nd chain from hook, *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next ch*, rep to end, turn

Row 2:  ch 1, dc in same st, * dc in ch-1 sp, sk next st, ch 1*, rep to last ch-1 sp, dc in sp, dc in last st, turn

Row 3: ch1, dc in same st, *ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st*, rep to end, turn

Continue and repeat rows 2 and 3 until work measures 5.5, 7, 9 cm, ending with a WS row.

Thumbhole row (RS): ch 1, dc in same st, pattern next 8 (9, 11 ) sts, ch 4 (5, 7), continue in pattern to end, turn.

 

 

 

 

 

Next row (WS): ch 1, dc in same st, patt to thumbhole and resume pattern across thumbhole chains and on to end, turn

 

Continue and repeat rows 2 and 3 as before until work measures the same as first half (up to thumbhole), ending with a WS row. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

Seaming/Joining row:  Turn, ch 1, bring foundation row of mitt up behind and slip stitch both edges together working through both thicknesses.  Take care to match stitches and chain-1 spaces as you work along for a super neat finish.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Written pattern copyright Aimie Bennett 2012. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others.

Please can I ask that if you use this pattern to make hats for sale, then credit the original pattern design to FuzzyFingers.  Many thanks and happy hooking!!

Like what you see but not crafty?  I will gladly hook up a set for you.  Get in touch via Facebook or email fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com.

Watch this space for another free pattern coming soon...

Date for the diary...

I've just about manmaged to prise the crochet hook from my claw-like hand for this post about a date for your diary...

I shall be having a stall at the Craft and Gift Fair on Sunday 28 October.  There is a wonderful mix of stands and sellers in a lovely venue - not to mention a lovely cafe area offering homemade cakes and refreshments and a craft are for children. 

Newsboy hat

Whether its a warm hat or handwarmers for you...











Jewellery wrap

Coasters - set of 4

an individual unique gift for loved ones...



Beaded bookmarks

Baby and toddler hats

or something a bit Christmassy...

Christmas decorations

...then please come along and have a browse.  For a truly unique hand crafted gift that really shows you care - I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

If you can't see quite what you're looking or love something but want a particular colour that, please let me know as I will gladly make it for you.  Commissions also undertaken.  Please feel free to browse the photo galleries on my facebook page. 

Hope to see you soon...

Unexpected treasure...

Now I love a bargain - doesn't everyone?!  Well I found a super bargain last week when doing the weekly shop at my local supermarket.  Although I had noticed that they were stocking a small selection of Red Heart yarn (usually hard to find in the UK and I am very envious of all you crafty people Stateside!), I hadn't indulged mainly as I have been watching the pennies...

Imagine my delight and disbelief when I saw that the oh so gorgeous (my favourite) green, just perfect for remaking and re-testing my own original design Seashell Cardigan with, was on sale at £1.19 (formerly £4.99!!)  I scooped up the remaining six balls and added them to my trolley of fruit, veg, milk, bread, cat food, etc....It seemed wrong to be able to buy wool there but I wasn't complaining!!

Also, I returned to Ikea to purchase some much-needed stash storage in the form of Hol (I just love the names and whole concept), and felt I had to buy this beautiful striped fabric...

I could really see this as a skirt - the fabric is a lovely weight and has a real boutique-y feel as the stripes are slightly raised.  I love stripes - versatile, a little bit quirky and most definitely unique.  I could imagine the skirt to be a little 60s inspired, A- line with a deep inverted centre pleat.  And then I remembered buying a dress pattern on Ebay a couple of months ago (for the drastic sume of £1.99!)

It's an original Sunday People pattern number 436  - a  60s mod style dress with the option of full or 3/4 length sleeves(my favourite).  As I bought the last on the bolt, roughly a metre and a half, I will have to make the top half of the dress and the sleeves in a plain black or charcoal cotton.  What do you think?

This is definitely top of the must make pile now the cooler weather is imminent but I must hem a dress and finish my Colette Hazel dress first.  I really am trying to stick to my new habit of finishing something before cutting out the next.  No time like the present and I'll strike while the iron is hot...

Hats off to summer...

Well it's finally happened - autumn is officially here.  It's gradually getting darker earlier, temperatures are dropping and the rain has returned, along with the wind.  The boots are dusted off, polished up and back on my feet again.  I tried to resist packing the summer shoes and sandals back in the wardrobe for as long as possible almost as though I'm clinging on and hoping for some warmth and sunshine.  I don't know why I try to avoid doing this and resorting back to socks with my footwear - I have shockingly bad circulation which means I permanently have sub zero even on a hot day!  I do however draw the line at wearing flip flops in the rain especially when we keep being deluged with monsOon conditions.  What are people thinking...?

Glamour Puss hat in teal
 

It's not quite cool enough for hats just yet despite the fact I'm itching to don one of my favourites and help combat the windswept hair look.  I think I need to keep something in reserve especially after the last two winters we've had in the UK.

Denim blue with band detail

I have been busy making up some more hats to stock my stall with at a forthcoming craft fair later this month.  I have added different colours to my range of Newsboy style hats.  These are super comfortable and warm, with a brim and either button or flower detail. 

Oatmeal Newsboy

At just £10 these are an absolute must for the colder months and being hand crafted, they offer a unique-ness you don't get on the high street.  Email fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com or message me through facebook - also check out my other hats in the photo gallery.  I am happy to customise colours, finishing touches, etc to suit and other commissions are gladly undertaken.

Classic black with subtle twist...

I will however be getting out the handwarmers (and making more - after all it would be rude not to plus a girl needs to be colour coordinated...).  With my shockingly poor circulation, I find my hands are permanently cold and also need a minimum of 30 minutes defrosting after the walk to school.  I tend to make them a touch longer for me as I have realised if I keep my wrists good and toasty too, its better for me and keeps droppages/breakages to a more permissable level.  No one warned me that MS was the disease that just keeps on giving....

 

 

If you like what you see, get in touch....

Little Star Hat

I have been trying my hardest recently to follow my own self-imposed better habits, one of which is to actually write down and record my patterns.  Following on from my Flowertot Hat, I have designed the Little Star hat for all little dudes.   This is a funky star design based loosely on a granny design, (a pentagon this time and this lends itself to a great fitting beanie shape) and allows some fun to be had with making it as individual as the wearer.  You can work it in one solid colour, double crochet the outline of the star to make it pop!, or crochet the whole star in a contrasting colour....have fun and play!

This pattern is easy to scale up or down for adults or tinier tots by working in a different weight yarn (aran or 4 ply) as well as altering hook size. After crocheting for a while, you soon get to know whether you're a loose 'hooker' or a slightly more snug one!!   Please feel free to let me know any comments, errors (ahem, I hope not) or feedback as I would love to know what you think. 

If you're not a crocheter and want to buy or order the hat, please message me through facebook or email me fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com . May I also add that if you make any hats for sale then please please please credit the pattern to me, FuzzyFingers. There will also be a link to the pattern through Ravelry. Have fun and happy hooking!

Little Star Hat

Double knitting yarn approx. 150m - 200m

5mm hook (or size needed for gauge)

Approx circumference  Smaller size 46 cm (18 inch)

                                           Larger size  50 cm (19.5 inch)

Approximate gauge 17 tr to 9 rows over 4inch (10cm) square
UK crochet terms used

Based on a star design set into a granny pentagon, this cute hat is sure to make your little one dazzle.  Worked in either one colour or switch to a contrasting or complimentary shade for round 3 to make the star really pop, or crochet rounds 1-3 in an alternative colour and make this hat your own. 
Love the pattern but want to change the size?  Then try a smaller hook and 4 ply yarn for a smaller fit or go up up and away to a larger hook and aran/worsted yarn for teen/adult sizes.  Also, the depth of the hat can be increased by extending the straight rows between 7-13 (8-15), or adding extra half treble rows to the brim.

 Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring

All sizes:

Round 1(rs): ch 3 (counts as tr here and throughout) 14 tr in ring   - 15 sts

Round 2: (ws): ch 7 , *dc in 2^nd ch from hook, htr in next ch, tr in next 2 ch, 2 dtr in last 2 ch, sl st to 3^rd ch tr of circle, rep 5 times, sl st to base of first arm of star, turn

Round 3: ch1, dc in this st and each st to end of star arm, 3 dc in point of star, swivel and work dc in bottom arm of star, dc in bottom of ‘valley’ between star arms, * rep to end, sl st to first dc to join, turn

Round 4: ch 6 (counts as dtr, ch2 ), htr in 4^th dc from hook, *ch2, 3 dc into top of point, ch 2, miss 1 dc, htr in next st, ch 2 **, miss next 3 dc, dtr in st at base of ‘valley’, ch 2, miss 3 dc, htr in next st, rep from * 4 more times ending at **, ch 2, sl st in 4^th ch to join, turn  - 66 sts

Round 5: ch 3, tr in same st, ch 1, *2 tr in htr, ch 1, (2 tr in middle dc at top of point, ch 1) twice [corner made], 2 tr in htr, ch 1 **, 2 tr in dtr, ch 1, rep from * to end 4 more times, ending at **, sl st to join, turn  - 15 tr-2 groups + 5 corner groups

Smaller size

Round 6: ch 3, tr in each ch-1 sp, tr in each tr, rep to end, sl st in beg ch 3 to join   -  75 sts

Round 7 -13: ch 3, tr in each st to end, join with sl st in beg ch 3, turn

Round 14: ch 3, tr in next st, *ch 1, miss next st, tr in next 2 sts,* ch 1, rep to end, ch 1, sl st in beg ch 3 turn

Round 15: ch 2, htr in same st, * htr in ch-1 sp, htr in next 2 sts, miss next ch-1 sp, htr in next 2 st* , rep to end, sl st to join, turn    -  64  sts

Round 16-18 : ch 2, htr in same st, htr in each st to end, sl st to join.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Larger size

Round 6: ch 3, tr in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 2 tr in next ch-1 sp, *ch1, (2 tr, ch 1, 2 tr) in next ch-1 sp [corner],**ch 1, (2 tr in next ch-1 sp) 4 times, rep a total of 4 times, ending at ** , then ch 1, 2 tr in next 2 ch-1 sp, ch 1, join, turn   -    20 tr 2 groups + 5 corner groups

Round 7:  ch 3, tr in each ch-1 sp, tr in each tr, rep to end, sl st in beg ch 3 to join  -   89 sts

Round 8- 14   : ch3, tr in each st to end, join with sl st in beg ch 3, turn

Round 15: ch 3, tr in next st, *ch 1, miss next st, tr in next 2 sts,* ch 1, rep to end, ch 1, sl st in beg ch 3 turn

Round 16:  ch 2, htr in same st, miss next ch-1 sp, *htr in next 2 sts, miss next ch-1 sp, htr in next 2 st* , rep to end, sl st to join, turn  

Round 17 – 19: ch 2, htr in same st, htr in each st to end, sl st to join.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Please can I ask that if you use this pattern to make hats for sale, then credit the original pattern design to FuzzyFingers.  Many thanks and happy hooking!!

Written pattern copyright Aimie Bennett 2012. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others.  Be sure to like FuzzyFingers on facebook.