A Crafty Business

As with every little girl at some stage all those pretty dolls end up with their clothes lost or washed and shrunk, but thankfully I had my Nanny to crochet them their own little outfits and bonnets. I always thought they were so pretty and no one else’s dolls had them. Even then my little fashionista was bursting out of me.

Then there was the interest in my mam who makes beautiful bed spreads and does lacework as well but she never thought my patience would stick the crochet. So out of pure stubbornness and about 2 years of giving up and getting back at it, i produced a bag of granny squares to her one day to put together and low and behold my first bedspread was born.

Then more important stuff came along like playstations, boys, going out and it was put in the back of the press again. But on the news that I was going to have a beautiful little doll of my own, my idea of having her own blankets and hats and clothes came floating back so I got busy again. From there friends asked me to make items, then people who had received the items asked me to make more and my little business has grown from there.

I have often been told I could charge more or use other quality items. But as a parent and in the current economic climate, I like to think that I am being fair and leaving something affordable and to a standard that will last. Each item is handmade and where possible I like to keep items unique. When I don’t have the needle or glue gun in my hand, I can be found with a pencil sketching new designs or online doing some research. 

Now my own daughter who is only five is ever so eager to help out. While learning to crochet is taking time she is quite handy and happy with the pom pom maker. When her cousins come to play, they don't want to play with any of the toys they want to have a wool party. 

The Hot Seat

As well as being a Crafter I also work full time during the week. To keep the creative juices flowing while I am at work I decided to yarnbomb my chair. I had been toying with the idea for ages, wondering what would my colleagues think, how would it look when it was done. So after weeks of pondering and some pinterest research I decided to give it a go.

It truly was a labour of love, and armed with just my hook and wool (and no pattern), I made two freeform pieces to cover the back and seat of my office chair.

It took a few attempts, of adding rows each evening and bringing it to work to measure up to the seat.
I got several comments and questions about what I was doing.

I have to say I am truly happy with the result and it certainly brightens my day and the office seeing my seat when I walk in each morning. I guess its nice having a little piece of my personality at the place I spend 7 hours plus everyday.