Top 5 posts of 2016
This is one of my favourite posts to write because it gives me a chance to look back over the year and rediscover all of my favourite DIYs, makes and bakes - although these are your favourites (according to google analytics) I’m super pleased that lots of them are my favourites too!
The quilted patchwork cushion cover makes me smile whenever I sit on it (I’m pleased to report it’s very comfy) and we still practically live off Gary’s oat bars - we’re going to need a lot to make up for all the Christmas chocolate too. I’m also happy to see that ‘Four simple ways I’m going to make my life better’ has made the top 5; I was unsure about hitting publish on that one as it was a bit different to my usual style and while I admit I have kind of gone back to eating lunch at my desk, I’ve definitely stuck to the others and feel a lot better for it.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and crafty 2017!
1. How to sew a quilted patchwork cushion cover
2. Crochet iPad case – free pattern
3. Gary’s healthy honey oat bars
4. Four simple ways I’m going to make my life better
5. Crochet tissue box cover
What's your favourite thing you've made, done or baked in 2016? Let me know in the comments.
Hope you have a happy New Year!
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Nordic style Christmas bunting
Whether you live somewhere that gets a healthy dose of the white stuff each winter or not, this knitted snowflake bunting guarantees you'll get a bit of snow to admire (and for those of us in the UK, it comes without any travel chaos or panic shopping. Win). Plus the cool blues and Nordic style means it could easily be left up after Christmas as winter bunting too.
As it’s my final Sew Crafty Design Team post of the year, I had to go back to the gorgeous DMC Natura Just Cotton yarn, the simple cotton really suits the cool, Nordic vibe. Plus of course the red mini pegs are the perfect finishing touch!
You will need
Cotton yarn in Navy, Powder and White*
UK 10 / 3.25mm knitting needles
String*
Mini pegs*
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
K knit
k2tog knit the next 2 stitches together
P purl
rep repeat
s1 slip one (slip a stitch onto the right-hand needle without knitting it)
ssk slip, slip, knit (slip 2 stitches one at a time then knit the slipped stitches together)
st(s) stitch(es)
For each bunting flag
Cast on 31 sts.
Knit 4 rows.
Row 5: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 6: K.
Row 7: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 8: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (29 sts on needle)
Row 9: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 10: K.
Row 11: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2. Rep Rows 8-11 twice more. (25 sts on needle)
Row 20: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (23 sts on needle)
Row 21: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2. Rep Rows 20-21 eight times more. (7 sts on needle)
Row 37: K1, ssk, s1, k1, psso, k2tog (4 sts on needle)
Row 38: K.
Row 39: Ssk, k2tog. (2 sts on needle)
Row 40: K.
Row 41: K2tog. (1 st on needle)
Break yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
Pattern chart
Once you have made your desired number of bunting flags, cut a length of string and peg your flags along the string. So easy and festive!
*some of the materials for this project were supplied by Sew Crafty, but all opinions are my own.
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Easy DIY Christmas card with detachable decoration
Despite making my own Christmas cards every year I realised I've never actually shown you any, mainly because I'm usually making them in a ridiculous rush two days before Christmas... but thankfully, this year I've been a bit more organised. So today I'm sharing my super quick and easy handmade Christmas card, featuring the most gorgeous glittery felt you ever did see from Sew Crafty shop, plus you can detach the holly and use it as a Christmas decoration the following year!
You will need
Holly decorations (see below)
Blank cards and envelopes
String
Glitter felt*
Mini pegs*
Double sided tape
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
How-to
First make your holly decorations, I crocheted mine using this leaf pattern from Attic 24 and this berry pattern from From Home Crochet. But you could make them out of card, fabric or even upcycle an existing Christmas decoration.
Attach string to your holly decoration and tie into a knot, making sure the knot is hidden behind the decoration.
Take your glitter felt and lay right side down, then place your card on top at an angle and draw around it. While you have your pencil in hand use a ruler to find the centre point on the card and put a small dot where you want your peg to go.
Cut out your piece of felt and cover the back with double sided tape. Then carefully stick onto the front of your card.
Clip the peg over your decoration then cut a very small piece of double sided tape and stick it on the back of your peg.
Finally stick the peg to the front of your card - over the dot you made earlier, and ta-dah one finished Christmas card, quicker than you can sing deck the halls!
Have you made any Christmas cards this year?
*some of the materials for this project were supplied by Sew Crafty, but all opinions are my own.
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15 ideas to make the most of the festive season
So these last few months have really flown by, haven't they? It'll be Christmas before we know it and I'm starting to worry the festive season will pass in a busy blur, just like autumn did! In an attempt to avoid feeling like 'blink and you missed it', I've been inspired by the autumn manifesto written by the lovely Lou of Little Green Shed, to create a winter manifesto full of meaningful ways to slow down and enjoy this festive time of year.
I suppose it’s a little hygge inspired too...
Bake lebkuchen (German gingerbread)
Visit a Christmas market
Make a handmade decoration
Knit a super warm snood
Forage for evergreen
Bake Christmas biscuits
Crochet a blanket to cosy up under
Have friends over for dinner
Light candles
Crunch through grass on frosty mornings
Have a movie night
Drink mulled wine
Look up at the stars
Go for a long walk
Warm up with hot chocolate
What would be on your list? Let me know in the comments.
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