Wear it with pride...

November is here and now is the time to wear a remembrance poppy in recognition for all those involved in wars and conflicts, both past and present.

My coat, with poppy and regimental pin - how proud am I!!

With all the media coverage of Afghanistan and the presence of UK troops there, the public seem to have a really positive attitude and respect for the work and sacrifices made by the men and women involved.  I've not known such support in all the 13 years I have been married - Mr Fuzzyfingers has been in the British Army for nearly 20 years...

I wanted to make a crochet poppy brooch this year as sadly the little paper one took too much of a battering on my coat last year.  I searched Ravelry (a fantastic knitting and crochet website for those of you who have not yet stumbled across it) for the various designs available and chose to make this one, designed by Bilgewater, who has kindly allowed me to reproduce it.

The shape is perfect and a true poppy bloom and the leaf (although not poppy like) compliments it perfectly.  Yarn type, gauge and hook size are all really irrelevant as you can use whatever you like.  I had the perfect poppy red in a chunky yarn so I used a 5mm hook to get a really dense fabric.  For one option, I used a black button for the centre and the other had a black crochet circle which I then covered liberally with black sequins. 

You can fasten to your clothing with a safety pin or a brooch pin if you have them.  I first sewed a sieve to the back of the flower and then bent the little lugs over the round brooch back ( with a tiny blob of superglue for added security).

And voila...one gorgeous poppy that is sure to get noticed for all the right reasons, donation made to the worthy cause and many compliments.  (Many thanks, Naomi!)

All for a good cause...

Now I'm more than probably a little biased (especially as I used to work there!) but The Spellbound Bead Company is most definitely the best bead shop in the country, if not the world.  Nestled in the small cathedral town of Lichfield, Staffordshire, this family run business offers a shop filled to the brim (literally!) with beads of a myriad of colours as well as semi-precious stones, crystals and original design kits.  Its a good shop there are many coffee shops and eateries in the area to allow you to peruse your purchases and realise that you have to go back and just a few more beads won't hurt....

One kit sold is Katie's Flower, available in a number of colourways and ways to where it.  With 80% of the proceeds going to a truly excellent cause, this really is 'feel good  fashion' - there really is every need to make one in a number of colours to suit any outfit and adorn any coat.    Follow the link to read more.  Go on treat yourself or a loved one....

Ingredients (wire cutters not included)

Perfect for beginners, the usual high standard of super clear instructions means you can whip up this gorgeous accessory in less time than it takes your cup of tea or coffee to get to optimal drinking temperature.

wrapping with wire

You're also bound to get the beading bug and be tempted to buy more from this shop's gorgeous offerings.  The owner, Julie Ashford, designs all the original kits and now also has had  a spellbinding book published full of tempting projects.....All kits sold in the shop are graded according to ease so there is something for everyone whether you're a beginner or a beading master.  And the best bit is they also offer a stunning website and mail order service and attend many major UK craft shows. 

Have fun whatever craft is your pleasure....