Craft-a-presents

Hello! It's me! I'm back finally. Woo!
I've had a lot going on during the last few months that have kept me away from the bloggy (mostly holidays/vacations) but I am back in freezing New York so can show you all that I have still been crafting. Don't. Worry.

First up, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 2 months late is better than never, right? I hope everyone had a fantastic time and is still keeping to their NYs resolutions. I am not :/

I spent the holidays with my friend-family in London, England. What up, Bow? Many good times were had and lots of cute gifts exchanged.

Here is my contribution:

First up, many, many reusable crocheted cotton grocery bags!


I love this pattern, it is super quick and easy to do while commuting. Pattern here from Purl. I actually made more than are in the photo, but you get the idea.


I like that the straps are long so you can sling it over your shoulder. Particularly good in NY if you live more that a couple of blocks from the Supermarket. Like me.


I have one to send to NZ that I forgot to give while I was there, (sorry K!) and then I am going to experiment with some multi coloured ones for myself. All were made with machine washable cotton.

Next we have the cowls:

The first I made for myself as a test, as I didn't have a pattern but I thought I could visualize what I wanted. Made with one skein of Brown Sheep's Burly Spun in "Lemon Drop". Sorry about the blurry picture!


It is super warm and just what I wanted. Let me know if you want the pattern. I was inspired by this picture from (I think) The Sartorialist.


Since the yellow one turned out quite well, I made two more for gifts, out of Lamb's Pride Bulky from my stash. Colours, Emerald City and Mystic Blue.



Next we have a Gold trimmed lace scarf/wrap for someone I owed 2x Christmas presents AND a birthday present. Let's call her C.


To make this I got a yard/metre of lace from Mood Fabrics (Thank you, Mood!) and edged it in gold, with a couple of rows of single crochet, then a final round with loops to create a picot-ish edge.


And here is C modelling it! Yay!


Next is the Brighton Cowl for my Mother:


Pattern on Ravelry here.


I almost got this done with one skein of Cascade 220 Heathers in Mallard (2448), but I ran out with 3 motifs to go. An-noying.


My favourite part of lace scarfs is how pretty they look when blocking.


And last but not least is the Felt Cushion Cover I made for my bro.


It doesn't look it but its made of Navy Wool felt and I basically made up the stitch pattern in some different contrasting colours to make it more interesting.


Super easy if you try it yourself!

Ahhhhhh and that is it for now. I will be back more regularly I promise with some more pretty pictures later.

xxx