Day: 10 February 2009

craft, crochet

Swirls Cap

While on the quest for the perfect crocheted cap, I came across the Swirls Cap# (Ravelry link).  As usual, I knew I’d have yarn substitutions issues.  I still had some Patons Jet in the stash that I wanted to use up, so picked up a 5.00mm hook and gave it a go.

Swirls cap by you.

It’s a newsboy style cap, with template plastic in the brim to keep it firm.

IMG_7962 by you.

The pattern has instructions for a feature belt across the top of the brim or a crocheted flower.

Swirls cap by you.

Because of my choice of yarn, I decided to add an extra four rows in the crown of the cap.  It’s probably made it a bit more “rasta” than I’d planned.  But I like it!  It fits Clare as well as me – I’m going to do her one without the extra four rows that will be a bit less boofy (she thinks this one looks like a chef’s hat).  It’s a great pattern.

And yes, I have had my hair cut short.

New haircut - February 2009 by you.

Very short!  And I’ve learned that when I stretch out my arm to take a photo of myself from above, it eliminates my double chin.  Nice!

by thornberry
baby, children's clothing, crochet, kids clothing, sewing

Newborn gift

Many of my friends are (still!) having babies.  Taya was born a few weeks ago.  I made her this little summer outfit.

For Taya by you.

The top is crocheted from Cleckheaton Bamboo, using this pattern.  I ran out of yarn a few rows short, so wasn’t able to do the fancy edging.  The little bloomers are from a Simplicity pattern (the number escapes me).  I’m looking forward to seeing it on her. 

by thornberry
miscellaneous

Ways to help

By now I think that all Victorians (and Australians) are fully aware of the enormity of the bushfire disaster.  It is beyond comprehension.  Most are also aware of how to help, but for anyone who isn’t, donations can be made to The Red Cross and there is a terrific list of ways to help on Pip’s blog.  Cindy has a list of eBay auctions of handcrafted items which are being auctioned to raise funds here.  There are finally no urgent fire messages on the radio.  This doesn’t mean that they’re not burning any more – they are – but that communities who have been desperately on edge can stop and take a couple of deep breaths for a little while.

I feel trivial posting about craft and sewing.  My life is continuing on as it usually does while so many people’s lives have been irrevocably altered.  I have still been crocheting and sewing, and will blog some of these later today or tomorrow.  In the meantime I will be sewing some bags for this appeal:

by thornberry