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!)

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...

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.

 

Lazy days and birthdays

The end of the holidays is now looming and the eagerly awaited highlight arrived - mini Fuzzyfingers 5th birthday party!! After many years of patience, trials and heartache, our baby arrived slap bang on my husband's birthday! What are the chances....Fate has a funny old way of working...

August 25th has and never will be the same again. As the years have gone by, it has sunk in more and more with me the extra special-ness of this. There is going to be one heck of a joint 50th and 18th birthday party!!

Despite the odd shower, we had a great time with a bouncy castle, party food, pass the parcel and good old fashioned playing and colouring with a small group of children. A perfect 5 year old's party and completely simple, age appropriate fun. I keep trying to puzzle out parents' desire to outdo one another with parties, themes and number of children invited and also why there seems to be such an urgency and rush for kiddies to grow up....maybe I'm lucky in that my little one is more interested in Sylvanian Family figures, ponies, Polly Pockets and only a mild interest in        computers and techno gadgets. Long may that continue!

The summer holidays seem to have flown by despite our rather testing weather conditions.  There seems to have been barely two consecutive days that have been alike which makes planning activities a bit more tricky but we have made the most of the sunny spells.

With swimming, cycling, picnics, trips to the park mxed with craft sessions, colouring, painting, watching films and good old imaginative play, we've filled our days and made the most of relaxing.

 

Having had the opportunity to be a full time stay at home mum, I have absolutely loved the hols and treasured the time spent with my daughter after her Reception year at primary school.  I had however forgotten quite how much energy they consume..

Despite the fact that my crafting and output has been shockingly poor and my blog sadly neglected (apologies!), I have loved our summer and family time.  My creative mind hasn't taken a break however and I have various sheets of paper scattered liberally throughout the house with inspired thoughts and ideas and pattern schematics that are crying out for attention.

Here's to the last days of summer, back to routine and back to getting creative...

Oh and I have to show you this gorgeous cushion crocheted by my talented teenage niece that she lovingly made for her cousin.  She has well and truly been hooked by the crochet and craft bug and has even started her own blog.   Thankyou little Nimble Mouse!

Vintage Haul

Don't you just love it when you go out to find and buy something but come across something totally different instead?

After hunting for Roald Dahl books in my local charity shops - I'd rather buy second hand than new for so many reasons- I kept coming out empty handed.  I've been reliving my childhood by reading the genius Dahl books to my little girl at bedtime and fueling her imagination and desire to read.  I'd forgotten how good they are...

Anyway, my last stop where I felt sure I would succeed, drew a disappointing blank too.  However, I did unearth in one of the back rooms of this my favourite Aladdin's cave, a varity of 60s and 70s crochet patterns (the pre-decimalisation prices are a clue if the designs aren't enough!), an 80s Vogue sewing pattern for a batwing top, pleated and tapered trousers and a child's culotte, jacket and skirt pattern.  What a haul!

I have scoured the web for a culottes pattern for myself and these look super easy and I'm hoping it may be possible to size it up based on the shape to fit me.  Plus I have the option to make these for my little one as she already wears them for school.






Hmmm I think I will have to make a regular visit to this special place to see what other gems I can unearth....




Something for me...

Having spent the last few months and my precious crochet time making items for sale, I've finally got round to starting something for me.  I have a number of projects lined up, right down to the yarn and buttons but in the anticipation of some spring weather, I've bumped this cardigan to the top of the list.

This looks like a perfect cardigan to slip on over a simple t-shirt or vest top, and by using this gorgeous organic cotton yarn by Ice in a neutral khaki colour, I hope to get plenty of wear out of it.

And I plan on finishing it with these two absolutely gorgeous painted wooden buttons.  Bit pricey but think they will look fabulous.

All I need to do now is to work out some sort of order to what I'll make next.  Mind you, the way my daughter keeps growing, I will have to get my priorities right and make a much needed cardigan for her for the spring weather.   I can see that as usual I will have more than one project on the go - at least it helps to relieve any issues with getting tired of the pattern.


What about you?  Are you someone who focuses solely on one project or do you have a variety to suit your mood?  I do tend to have something a little more challenging and a "hey I can watch this film and still crochet" item.   Oh and probably a sitting in the car waiting on the school run piece.....

Short and sweet

There's nothing better than the instant gratification of making something for babies - a couple of evenings and this is the result.  

The perfect gift to give to family or friends who are expecting to be blessed with a tiny little person.  May I just point out the gorgeous buttons (although they are hard to see - tiny raised green rabbits on white shank base) were picked out by my daughter.  I'm glad to see she is blessed with a good eye for colour and detail...

The pattern I used was this lovely King Cole one.  Its such a relief that crochet patterns have progressed a bit now and are much more modern and simplistic - sometimes they are still too boxy but then that just gives me an excuse to get my thinking head on and try to customise the pattern.  Talking of which, there are a few modifications I would do when I make this jacket again.  For instance, I think I would work the collar straight onto the body rather than making it separately and constructing.  I always feel the elimination of seams makes for a cleaner finish and particularly on such a small item, would reduce any bulkiness.  With this in mind, I think I would work the sleeves straight on to the armholes and reverse the shaping or miss out the shaping entirely.  


I'm sure there must be plenty of you out there who can't resist tweaking and amending patterns.  If so, let me know of any success stories - I'd love to get some comments from you out there...

Counting down the days...

4 days and counting until I do my first craft fair this Sunday.....a few restless and busy nights ahead I'm sure but fingers crossed to it being a success.  


I am fairly well prepared although there is bound to be something I have overlooked but isn't that what life's all about?....one big learning curve after another.


Now the weather is finally starting to stay a bit more spring like, I can't wait to get stuck into some sewing as I have a growing project list.  There just never seems to be enough hours in the day....


If you decide to pop along on Sunday, be sure to come and say hello...

The Perfect Cake...

Could this be just about the perfect cake?  


This is my solution to the problem of what type of cake to make and keep everyone happy when half the family want chocolate and the rest (that's me!) want a stripy cake.   Stripy cake is what my daughter calls a traditional Victoria sponge cake with jam and buttercream.  The jam in this case was plum.  


As usual in our house, the cake did not last long so perhaps not the perfect cake - this would need to be an everlasting cake that magically appears.  The frequency with which I have to make cakes is probably my own fault as I seem to have got it down to a fine art.  Obviously I was taught by a true baking genius.....my mum!!  The recipe is basic but with a few hidden tweaks but I'll keep those secrets close to my chest....


Have still been busy crafting and sewing a new skirt which I will finish and photo soon.