Crochet Hooded Coat

For this coat, I started on the small size of the pattern, then tried medium and eventually settled on the large size. The sizing differences were probably due to using a smaller hook size and a very different yarn. 

Moda Vera Bouvardia is a discontinued yarn, however I wanted a look as similar to the image on the pattern as possible and finding a perfect match proved impossible. 

Sirdar Jewelspun is designed to be like handspun yarn, which means that it does have inconsistencies in thickness of thread which in some instances is very pronounced, this had an impact on the way the garment worked up. 

Lacy Granny Beanie Hat

 

This beanie hat is worked from the crown down to the rim. And when you get to the rim it is possible to chose whether to have a ribbed rim or a delicate rim to finish the hat.

The finishing piece is the colour matching pompom on the top.

I used Stylecraft Naturals Cotton + Bamboo for this hat and this has resulted in a soft comfortable hat that I love to wear.

The pattern is on Ravelry for those who want to crochet this lovely hat.

Carpet bag

This bag started out as an accessory to an outfit for World Book Day.

I needed to dress up as a character from a book and was going to be Professor Trelawny from the Harry Potter books.

At first I wanted something quick and easy to produce, but as I got into my research and designing, it became something more. I decided to make the bag that I always wanted, that would fit in everything and be styled like a carpet bag.

I made it from the fabric of a sofa cushion, so that it would be durable and hard-wearing. That meant that I had to purchase a special sewing awl that enabled me to work the thread from both sides of the fabric:

 

Over its construction it evolved to have extras such as a pocket on the front and a shoulder strap to compliment the carrying handles.

It is something that I really enjoyed making in 2018 and today it is still my favourite bag for everything.