Christmas Fair Saturday 1 December

It seems to be the countdown to the big day starts earlier every year and as some one who has a November birthday, I've grown used to seeing decorations and lights up around the same time.  There is something lovely about seeing it all especially with all the dull wet days we've been having.  Also, having an enthusiastic 5 year old can't fail to raise a bit of festive cheer and excitement...

If you need inspiration for gorgeous gifts to treat your friends and family with, come along to Dunchurch Village Hall this Saturday, 1 December from 9.30am to 12.30pm for a Christmas Fair, organised by the Rugby & Coventry Greyhound Trust.

I will be having a stall offering an array of hand crafted items from hats, brooches, bookmarks, jewellery wraps and fab decorations with prices to fit all pockets.  Why not choose a unique gift to make a special present for your loved ones...

  Have a browse through the photo galleries on my Facebook page for some ideas.  If you can't see what you like or not the colour you want, I am happy to make items for order.  Can't make it on the 1st?  Not a problem...I am happy to take orders and payment via PayPal and mail items out. 




Come along and show your support  - I look forward to seeing you...

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...

Cute as a button...

Apologies again as I seem to have sadly neglected my blog.  Life seems to have taken over and ther's never enough hours in the day - I'm sure you're all familiar with the same complaint!  What with fending off the usual coughs and colds resulting when all the kids return to the classroom and share their bugs, I've been job hunting, preparing for a craft fair, amongst other things.

I've been meaning to make some baby and toddler hats for what seems like for ever and now we're having some gorgeous crisp and sunny autumnal weather here in the UK, I've been spurred on to designing some.  I've even gone so far as writing up the pattern which is a new habit I need to most definitely keep up.

Based on a flower set in a granny square, I've  come up with the Flowertot hat (boy friendly version being worked on as we speak!).  Worked in double knitting yarn on a fairly large hook, this is wonderfully soft and stretchy with the aim of being both stylish and practical.  With the cute flower and slightly open top so baby is warm but not too hot, and the addition of a simple picot edge, this hat will be perfect for the upcoming colder months.  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!!

I've decided to make  a few patterns available FREE - everyone's favourite word! - and share the crochet love.  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!

Flowertot Hat

Double knitting yarn approx. 150m

5mm hook

Approx circumference 46 cm (18 inch)
Gauge 8 tr x 5 rows to 2 inch square
UK terms used

 

Ch 4, join to form a ring
Round 1: (rs) ch 5 (counts as tr and ch 2 sp), *tr, ch  2* 7 times, join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch 5, turn

Round 2: (ws) sl st in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, tr, dtr, tr, ch 1, dc) in same sp (petal made), *(dc, ch 1, tr, dtr, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch-2 sp* rep * * to end, join with sl st in first sl st – 8 petals made, turn

Round 3: ch 1, pulling petals forward and working round post of each tr on round 1, dc round back of post of first tr, *ch 3, dc round back of post of next tr**, ch 5 (corner made), dc round post of next tr, rep from * 3 more times ending last repeat at **, ch 1, join with tr in first dc, turn
Round 4: ch 3(counts as first  tr here and throughout), 2 tr round post of joining tr, *ch 1, 3 tr in next ch-3 sp**, ch 1, (3 tr, ch 1, 3 tr in next corner ch-5 sp, rep from * 3 more times ending at **, ch 1, 3 tr in last corner, ch 1, join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch 3, turn
Round 5: ch 3, 2 tr in same sp,  *ch1, 3 tr in next ch-1 sp, 3 times,** ch 1, 3 tr in same sp as last worked (corner made), then work from * 2 more times, ending at **, ch 1, join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch 3, turn
Round 6: ch 3, 2 tr in same sp, ch 1, * 3 tr in next sp, ch 1* to end , join with sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch 3, turn
Round 7: ch 3, tr in each tr and ch 1 sp, rep to end, sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch 3, turn

Round 8: ch 3, tr in next 6 sts, 2 tr in next st, *tr in next 7 sts, 2 tr in next st* rep to end, sl st in 3^rd ch of beg ch 3, turn (72 sts)
Round 9-15: rep round 7
Round 16: ch 1, *dc in next 7 sts, dc2tog over next 2 sts,* rep to end, turn (64sts)
Round 17: ch 2, htr in st at base of ch, htr in each st to end, turn
Round 18: ch 1, dc in same st, *ch2, miss next st, dc in following st*, rep to end, join with sl st in beg dc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.  Feel free to decorate with button or flower detail.

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.

Handy wrist bag

You know what its like when you've just got to walk the dog, pop to the shop for some essentials, do the school run...and you're faced with the dilemma of how to juggle your money, phone, keys...you don't want to take your usual handbag and you don't want your pockets stuffed to bursting point...

...I think I may have the solution!

This cute, versatile bag is just perfect.  Hand made from quality fabrics, the bag is totally reversible so you can alter your bag to suit you.  Its the perfect size to hold those essentials and once packed, simply slip the longer handle through the short one and you're good to go.

Either hold it in your hand or slip your wrist through the handle and your hands are clutter-free...











Corduroy versions with coordinating lining

Available in a variety of designs, there is something for everyone - the possibilites are endless and the end result unique.  Perfect for treating yourself or a gift for friends and family, and just as good for girls (and even boys!) of all ages.  At £8.50, I'm sure you'll agree they are a snip.

Tempted?  ...can't see what you're looking for?  Then contact me by email fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com, or message me via Facebook and I will happily create the perfect bag.  I can also see this as a perfect evening bag and will run up a few samples too.

Go on treat yourself...

Holiday essentials

Now that July is here, everyone's thoughts are turning to planning and packing for holidays.  If you're escaping our monsoon weather and off to a sunnier climate then lucky you!!  But I'm sure us hardy Brits will make the most of our hard-earned holidays and we'll just let the rain run off our stiff upper lip...

Have a look at my range of gorgeous and practical jewellery  wraps.  Perfect for stowing your necklaces, bracelets, bauble and bling while you're travelling and just as good to have at home...

Handmade by myself from high quality soft cotton, you're valuables will be safe and protected in the two zipped compartments.  The ribbon allows you to tie bracelets or earrings on for additional storage.






Then simply roll the organiser and secure with the ribbon tie and then you're good to go!  The wrap can then be stored safely away in your luggage, guaranteeing to protect them and keep them all in one place.





From ditsy florals...

...to sophisticated prints...

..there's something...

                                                           ...for everyone...

Can't see what you're looking for?...then I will gladly make something to suit you.

Find me on Facebook and view the photo gallery, inbox me or email me fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com for orders and enquiries.  I will post items out to you or deliver locally and can take payment via PayPal or cash on delivery.

Have a browse, and may the sun shine....

Diamond Jubilee

After a glorious spell of weather, the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday looks set to see the return of our typical weather.  It does lift the spirits however with all the bunting, decorations and Union Jacks.  Its good to see people making an effort and there is plenty of patriotic pride.

We let our creative side run wild earlier in the week when we were making a Jubilee crown for the school parade.  


We also went a step further and made a replica of the Diamond Jubilee medal presented to serving members of the forces.

Spot the real one!

Faye was the only one with the medal and the only child with a dad who's get the real thing!  It was made even better as she took both the real medal and her dad into 'show and tell' in a special assembly.  Not sure who had more fun there but I'm bursting with pride for both of them.
















Also this week, I've finished this super cute cardigan, Sirdar 9554.  I love the construction of this and how quickly it came together - it needed to be to keep up with the growth spurts.   I think this will be the first of many...

With our recent glimpse of summer weather, I was spurred on to run up a small version of the Japanese knot bag.  I wanted to avoid wearing a cross the body bag on the journeys to school but where to put my essentials - key, mobile, drink and snack for ravenous child?  Using some fab striped calico and an off .cut of some flowery cotton, I love this little bag.

Its just the perfect size and the calico is of a decent thickness to give the bag a great shape and form.  I can see that this will tempt some friends and family - if you're interested and want one for yourself, contact me through my blog, Facebook page or email  fuzzyfingers@btinternet.com.


Enjoy your holiday weekend!