2013 Round-Up

Wow!  So it's 2014 already.  Where has the year gone?  The older I get, the faster and faster time seems to pass.  2013 was a good'un, there's no doubt about that.  Mostly, because I started Curly Girl Coop, and found a place to jabber on about crafting with like-minded people.  I enjoy writing this blog so much and can't tell you how happy it makes me when you comment on things :) 

There's been a lot of crafting...

Which has made me very happy.  And there were a few stand-out pieces for me...

1. Sheldon the Sheep

Sheldon was a game changer.  He was my first attempt at designing something rather than following a pattern and I was so chuffed with how he turned out.  Sheldon has brought a lot of traffic to my blog, has led to me getting involved with a couple of fantastic British yarn companies which is so exciting but most of all he gave me the confidence to try my hand at designing.  Not bad for a little fluffy sheep. 

   2.  Yarndale

Yarndale was a great event to be part of.  Tracking the build-up online, the across country road trip across and then being there for the very first one was really great.  Will I go every year?  Probably not.  It's such a long way from Great Yarmouth and it has a definite emphasis on hand-dyed yarn which isn't necessarily my thing but another trip will be on the cards in the future I'm sure.

 

 3.  One Sheepish Girl Bloomdrop

I loved this yarn bombing.  It was the first yarn bombing that I have taken part in and I was a bit nervous about how it might go, but the flower drop was well received (with a little family drama thrown in for good measure but hey, when isn't there?!) and I was proud to honour my grandma in a way that was personal to our relationship.  This year, I hope to be brave enough to do some more yarn bombing without worrying what anyone else might think.  

So how about 2014?  Well, top of the list is to keep this up!  I really do love writing my blog and am determined to always make time and space to do so.  I also really want to carry on designing things as inspiration comes to me, but don't want to force ideas and take away the fun of it, so I'll just have to see how it goes.  I really want to get into using my sewing machine too.  I got a sewing machine last year but have hardly used it (I broke it once and then have been a bit scared to try it again) but I got a real urge to sew over the Christmas break and so am hoping to take this forward in 2014.  On the sewing front, I'm also tempted by some beautiful embroidery that's been cropping up on Instagram recently.  Perhaps this will have to feature in my 2014 plans too?!  

October Round Up

Whoah.  October has been a crazy month for me and Sheldon.  Who would have thought that posting a picture of him on the Yarndale Ravelry group would lead to such exciting things.  Sheldon has gone global!  His popularity has been truly overwhelming, I'm so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to send kind comments about Sheldon and have loved seeing pictures of Sheldon's cropping up on the internet.  

Because of Sheldon, my life of crochet has become even more diverse.  I have been asked to team up with a British wool company to work on some designs, yarn reviews and all that good stuff.  I can't tell you how excited I am at this opportunity.  On one hand, I am a little nervous about being ready for something like this.  Up until now, my crochet has been just for me, occasionally shared with my friends but mostly only to satisfy myself.  What if what I do is not good enough for what they want?  But I've shaken those thoughts off.  When am I ever going to get an opportunity like this again?  So I'm going for it, and plan on doing the best that I can do.  One design is already done, and there are more to come in time for Christmas.  When I can tell you more, I will do, I promise :)

Plans for October - reviewed

• Making some bunting for a friend that I've already taken shamelessly, embarrassingly long to get around to (ok, I'm going to be realistic, I have every intention of doing this, I'm just not sure exactly when it's likely to be, and probably not before christmas now)

• Starting my tunisian crochet Craftsy class - still to do, perhaps when I have some holiday from work I'll get to it

• Learning more about using my DSLR camera - some reading done, more learning to do

• Starting to think about things I need to make for christmas decorations/presents - I've made a start, but there's so much to do!  Another holiday project I think

• Making a cowl for myself (well, I deserve a treat too) - stuff for me has taken a bit of back burner for now, this might have to drop off the list for now

• Trying my hand at a bit of designing (!) - well at least there's one tick this month!

• Christmas Christmas Christmas really!

Plans for November

Are your plans Christmas focused too or have you got any other things on the go this month?

What are you most pleased to have made this month?  What are your plans for October?

Unbelievable things to see...

This week has been the most unbelievable week for me.  Sheldon has hit the big time and it's taken me completely by surprise.  Don't get me wrong, I think he's a cool little guy (yeah I know I'm biased but still... he's a little cutey, right?!) but when I posted a pattern link to the Yarndale forum on Ravelry I didn't expect the reaction I got.  To be completely honest, I was waiting for someone to tell me they'd deleted my post because it was cheeky of me to put it there in the first place.  

But that's not what happened.

Things went crazy!  I have been completely overwhelmed by the lovely, kind, warmhearted things people have said.  That crocheters and knitters from all kinds of places have taken the time to not only stop by and read my blog but to comment, email, like and follow things has just astounded me.  I was so worried about how Sheldon's pattern would be received; anxious about any mistakes or confusions that might be discovered but it seems I had no reason to panic.  In fact, there are a few Sheldon's already made! It has been the best feeling to see other Sheldons cropping up around the internet.  You can take a look at a couple here if you like.  Aren't they fab?!  All of this has just proven once again what a gracious, accepting community the crochet world is, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.  

Spending so much time replying to these messages has confirmed one thing to me though.  I need glasses.  Really need them.  I used to wear glasses for work, but over time became certain that I did just as well without them.  Now however, that's not so true.  I've noticed that the laptop page is magnified a little more each time I need to read something, and at work my nose is almost bumping the screen I'm sitting so close to it!  

So today I picked up two new sparkly pairs of glasses.  Thick plastic geeky ones, as I just don't like the really normal looking ones (perhaps I can't fight the true geeky scientist in me any longer).  I'd forgotten how good things were supposed to look.   That small print on the bottom of the letter?  Read it.  The man and his dog that Sas has got his eye on in the distance?  Saw it.  People's faces on the telly?  Blur free.  All day I have been putting my glasses on and off, admiring how much clearer things seem.  I decided to settle down with a book, iced bun and cup of hot chocolate just to appreciate how much better reading is with my glasses on :)

It's going to take a while to get used to wearing glasses again, and at the moment I'm wearing them around the home so I recognise myself with them.  Maybe one day when I'm feeling brave, I'll let you see me in my new geeky glasses, but for now, it's just Coop and Sas who have seen them, and neither seems to have particularly noticed a difference!

Sheldon the Sheep

After Yarndale, my head was full of all things wooly, and what better way to commemorate the first festival than with my own tribute - Sheldon the Sheep!  This is my very first attempt at designing my own amigurumi, so please let me know if you spot any mistakes, or if anything is unclear.  

I would love to hear what you think of Sheldon - good or bad - so please leave me a comment at the bottom of the page.

Notes

Pattern written in UK crochet terms (UK dc = US sc)

All rounds are worked in a continuous spiral

Abbreviations:

dc = double crochet

dc2tog = double crochet decrease 

Lpst = loop stitch

Lp2tog = loop stitch decrease

You are welcome to make Sheldon the Sheep for gifts or to sell, but please credit the pattern back to Curly Girl Coop.

Materials

Size 6.0mm (US J) crochet hook

Safety eyes

Tapestry needle

Stuffing

Chunky weight yarn in cream (150g)

Chunky weight yarn in grey (50g)

Chunky weight yarn in black (50g)

Body (in cream)

Crochet in the back loop only.

Round 1: magic ring. (6)

Round 2: Lpst twice in each st.  (12)

Round 3: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next st.  Repeat from *5 times.  (18)

Round 4: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next 2 sts.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (24)

Round 5: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next 3 sts.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (30)

Round 6: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next 4 sts.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (36)

Rounds 7-11: Lpst in each st.  (36, 5 rounds)   

Round 8: *Lp2tog, lpst in next 4 sts.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (30)

Round 9: *Lp2tog, lpst in next 3 sts.  Repeat from *5 times.  (24)

Begin stuffing

Round 10: *Lp2tog, lpst in next 2 sts.  Repeat from *5 times.  (18)

Round 11: *Lp2tog, lpst in next st.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (12)

Continue stuffing

Round 12: *Lp2tog.  Repeat 5 times.  (6)

Round 13: Lp2tog next and 4th st, and fasten off, pulling knot to inside.

Head (in cream)

Crochet in back loop only. 

Round 1: magic ring.  (6)

Round 2: Lpst twice in each st.  (12)

Round 3: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next st.  Repeat from *5 times.  (18)

Round 4: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next 2 sts.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (24)

Round 5: *Lpst twice in next st, lpst in next 3 sts.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (30)

Rounds 6-7: Lpst in each st.  (30, 2 rounds)

Round 8: *Lp2tog, lpst in next 3 sts.  Repeat from *5 times.  (24)

Begin stuffing 

Round 9: *Lp2tog, lpst in next 2 sts.  Repeat from *5 times.  (18)

Continue stuffing

Round 10: *Lp2tog, lpst in next st.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (12)

Fasten off with long tail.

Face (in grey)

Round 1: magic ring.  (6)

Round 2: *3dc in first st, 2dc in next st, dc in next st.  Repeat from * once.  (12)

Round 3: dc in first st, 2dc in next 3 sts, dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next 3 sts, dc in last 2 sts.  (18)

Round 4: dc in first 2 sts, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc in next 4 sts, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc in last 2 sts.  (24)

Round 5: dc in first 3 sts, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc in next 7 sts, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc, 2dc, dc in last 4 sts.  (30)

Rounds 6-8: dc in each st.  (30, 3 rounds)

Round 9: dc in first 3 sts, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc in next 7 sts, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc in last 4 sts.  (24)

Attach the safety eyes at round 8, spaced 4 stitches apart.

Round 10: dc in first 2 sts, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc in next 4 sts, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc, 2dctog, dc in last 2 sts.  (18)

Begin stuffing

Round 11: dc in first st, 2dctog in next 3 sts, dc in next 3 sts, 2dctog in next 3 sts, dc in last 2 sts.  (12)

Ears

Make 2

In grey

Round 1: magic ring.  (3)

Round 2: 2dc in each st.  (6)

Round 3: *2dc, dc in next st.  Repeat from *3 times.  (9)

Rounds 4-10: dc in each st.  (9, 7 rounds).

Legs

Make 2

In black

Round 1: magic ring.  (6)

Round 2: 2dc in each st.  (12)

Round 3: *2dc, dc. in next st  Repeat from * 5 times.  (18)

Rounds 4-6: dc in each st.  (18, 3 rounds)

Round 7: *2dctog, dc in next st.  Repeat from * 5 times.  (12)

Round 8: dc in each st.  (12)

Round 9: *2dctog, dc in next 2 sts.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (9)

Stuff feet firmly

Change to grey, lightly stuff legs as you go along

Rounds 10-34: dc in each st. (9, 25 rounds)

Fasten off with long tail.

Arms

In black

Round 1: magic ring.  (3)

Round 2: 2dc in each st.  (6)

Round 3: *2dc, dc in next st.  Repeat from *2 times.  (9)

Rounds 4-5: dc in each st.  (9, 2 rounds)

Round 6: *2dctog, dc in next st.  Repeat from * 2 times.  (6)

Stuff hands firmly

Change to grey

Rounds 7-25: dc in each st.  (6, 19 rounds)

Fasten off with long tail.

Finishing

• Attach face to head by joining to each stitch, then attach ears to head.
• Attach legs to underside of the body. 
• Attach arms to top of body.
• Attach head to body.  

CONGRATULATIONS!  

You have made yourself a super Sheldon the Sheep!

I'd really like to see your finished Sheldon's so be sure to send me pictures or post to Ravelry

Yarndale 2013 part II

This was the sight that greeted you as you walked through the door to Yarndale, and it was breathtaking; the photos don't begin to show to bright colours and individual designs that made you stop and really look. 

Having said that, we were on a mission.  A Bunch of Buttons and I had scoped out the Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter feeds of many of the exhibitors and so knew what we were looking for.  My shopping list was small; a yarn bowl from County Alpacas, some beautiful hanks from A Stash Addict and a crochet hook from For The Love of Yarn for my lovely newby crocheter, Leanne.  Of course, I had still come prepared with a purse bursting with cash, just in case...  We quickly worked our way through the things we needed (yes, needed!) as we had a busy schedule.  I had secretly booked us both into one of the many workshops that were being held in the main ring.  Our class was 'Dyeing to Have Fun', and I selected it because it's not the kind of thing we usually get up to at home.  I told Anna over breakfast, when I suddenly had a panic that she might not want to do anything but shop at Yarndale.  I had nothing to worry about; Anna was made up that I was treating her to a surprise class so promptly at 11am we took our seats.

The class was run by local crafter, Jaki Bogg who was delightfully friendly and calm considering the  hubbub of the Workshop Theatre.  

The Workshop Theatre in the Main Ring

I had never tried anything like this before and so didn't know what to expect - but I loved it!  We were mostly working with acid dyes, as well as natural and food dyes, looking at how different wool materials took to colour and how you could work the dyes.  

It was a messy business!  I had stupidly decided to wear a cream top and cardi (no idea what I was thinking when I packed given that I knew exactly what we'd be doing on Saturday!) but was especially cautious and luckily managed to keep the dye on the table and the wool.  Jaki was well prepared and had gloves, aprons, jay cloths and kitchen towel all ready for us.  

We worked with super soft merino, a complete knitting swatch, a ready made piece of wool as you would get in a skein and wool straight from the sheep!  

It was amazing to see how differently things reacted to the dye, the knitting took to the dye beautifully, whilst the unprocessed wool was much more difficult to get to the colour you wanted.

Here's the finished products.  What will I do with them?  I"m not sure, but I absolutely loved the experience of getting to try something that I would never normally consider, and it's certainly made me appreciate the expertise of the exhibitors showing their own hanks at Yarndale.

Some worked well, some not so much...

Once we'd finished the workshop, we quickly got back down to business, shopping!  There were so many beautiful, brightly coloured stalls, I loved just wondering around, giving soft merino wools a squidge and stroking the fluffy alpaca furs as you moved between stalls.  There were so many pretty items to take home.

Alpacas and angora rabbits were hanging out at Yarndale too and they were incredibly cute!

The Knit 'n' Knatter lounge was right in the centre of the Exhibition Hall and home to Lucy of Attic 24.  She had set up an incredible crocheted lounge where she would meet and greet the Yarndalers and it was quite something.

Now, I have known Anna for quite some time and there is one thing she rarely does, and that's have photos taken.  But I have never seen her this excited before.  Like many others, she was dying to meet Lucy and so we duly waited in line for our turn.  I'm not sure that I think it's a good idea to meet your heroes, just in case they're not all you thought they might be, but actually, Lucy was delightful.  It must be so difficult to make light-hearted conversation with so many people for hours on end, but she certainly made it look easy, and made you feel like she was genuinely excited you were there to meet her too.  She even agreed to a  picture with Anna, such a rare event that I must show you.

The only thing that made Anna even more excited was to see that on the table behind Lucy, right in the centre, was the goat bunting that she had made and sent in.  After spending hours telling Anna that there was so much bunting that we'd never find hers, there it was!

The day was fantastic.  I enjoyed the happy, slightly younger atmosphere and crowd at Yarndale compared to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Kensington Palace that I visited last year.  It was nice to see so many local, independent exhibitors here rather than the large commercial companies, (the number of things I now follow on Instagram and Twitter must have trebled!) although I felt that by having so many smaller exhibitors, there was less variety than I had hoped for.  That being said, I still managed to return with an overflowing shopping bag!

                                   

Overall, it was a great experience, and I'm glad we made the long old trek to Yorkshire to be a part of it.  The Yarndale organisers should be so proud of what they accomplished; I can't imagine the effort and hard work it must have taken to pull it off, but pull it off they did.  Here's to Yarndale 2014!

PS.  Keep an eye out tomorrow for my Yarndale-inspired first ever pattern - Sheldon the Sheep!