Wednesday 5 September 2012

Catchy-uppy!

Hello my lovelies. 
This is getting to be a bit of a bad habit, not blogging regularly enough and then having to have a catchy-uppy post and squish too many things in! Ah well, never mind, one day I'll find the culprit who keeps stealing days from me. 
Above is my beautiful crochet scarf that I finished a long time ago, but never blogged about. It is now being turned into a kind of shawly-tabbardy-thingy to wear when I'm chilly and just need that extra bit of warmth around my back. All will be explained when I actually get it completed and photograph it properly.

Next is something completely new! This is my version of a 'toothbrush rug'. So called because years ago toothbrushes had a hole in the handle which meant you could snap off the brush head, round off the end and use it as a large needle to make the rug, hey-ho a toothbrush rug! Unfortunately toothbrush manufacturers seem to have overlooked this important aspect of toothbrush design and now only make bulky, rubbery, ergonomically designed brushes, absolutely no good for rug making. What were they thinking! 

 So, much head scratching, and wearing of thinking caps ensued and after a quick rummage through THE DRAWER. You know the one! The one in the kitchen with all the odd keys, broken knobs, lifeless batteries and general crap. I came across a little plastic craft knife. Doing my best impression of Fagin finding a bulging wallet, I checked over my shoulder and around the kitchen door to make sure I'd not been seen, then as quick as a flash I snaffled the little knife up and whisked it away! Ha! It was mine! I snapped the blade off, rounded off the end with my emery board and heated the end of a metal meat skewer in a candle to melt an 'eye' in my new 'needle'. Voila!
And I must say rather smugly, it works a treat.
So one, 'past-it' single duvet cover, a small curtain and a piece of sheeting later I have a rug the size of a small bath mat. Reversible and washable and really quite addictive. It may grow a bit larger...I need to have another look in the linen cupboard ;)  

 Aaaaw... so cute! This is my 3rd pair of baby booties, can't resist em. These are a commission for a lovely friend.

 But they just needed something to make the gift extra special, so out came the paper and the scissors...
snip, snip and a beautiful gift box was made. Just a perfect size!
 Lastly and just in case I don't have enough to keep me occupied next week when I'm away on holiday, my lovely dad, arrived not only with this scrummy basket of granny squares he has made...for me to crochet together! But he has also made me a Swift for winding hanks of wool. What a total superstar he is. Thank you Dad. x
Argh, I need all those stolen days back and more. lol.
I'm away next week with Wonderful Man celebrating his special birthday in a pretty little cottage over looking the sea. Just him and me. Bliss! I think I've packed more craft projects than clothes! 

till next time
love Fi x

21 comments:

Annie said...

All I can say is wow.....I've really enjoyed my catch up. You have been so busy and I love your makes.....would love to know how to make that bathroom rug.
Hugs,
A x

Eight by Six said...

I love the bit "rounded off the end with my emery board and heated the end of a metal meat skewer in a candle to melt an 'eye' in my new 'needle'. Voila!" it made me laugh outload at my desk at work! Amanda x

Colette said...

Have a wonderful time away. Just the two of you, bliss x

The Weaver of Grass said...

Enjoy that seaside break and a happy birthday to wonderman himself.

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

Oooo! That basket full of squares really makes the crocheter's heart swoon!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Your dad crochets !!! That is so cool. Love the granny squares ... and your scarf, and the rug and the baby booties. I haven't had any time for crocheting in the past couple of weeks because I headed back to work after the summer holiday. Makes me grumpy when I can't craft. Have a lovely day. Tammy

Anonymous said...

Oh Fi! How good it is to see you and all your lovely creations again! Such beautiful things always fall from your fingertips! And I love your Dad's granny squares. He sounds like a real jewel :) You and Wonderful Man have a fabulous holiday in your cottage by the sea. Happy 50th to him! And many more to you both! Tootles!

Twiglet said...

Clever little bath mat and the "needle" is brill. Have a great break. I wonder which seaside you will be looking at? x Jo

Annaboo's House said...

Ha ha ha!!
Brilliant invention.
Love the rug and the booties are just the cutest- as is their little box! Perfect!
Xx

Claire said...

Hey Fi, I hope you have a wonderful time away and best wishes to your wonderful man for his 50th.

Love the booties in that sweet little box you made and the bit of trivia about the toothbrush.....I hadn't heard that one, very interesting.
Love the rug you made too....
You have been very busy recently, great to read all about it.

Claire x

Ali said...

No wonder you've not been able to blog you've been so busy. I the scarf/shawl the colours are beautiful. The booties look so cute in the box. Thanks for the catch up.
Ali x

Wendy said...

that scarf is gorgeous! I want to make a toothbrush rug too! Though I have no idea how...
I went on holiday last week and took loads of craft projects. In the end I crocheted one round of a hat. That's all!

lynn said...

It's all about the journey 💚

mags said...

Worth waiting for. Particularly loved the rug. Would be great to hear more about how you made it.

Virginia said...

Oh, I love the little box, and I am envious of your knitting skills too! WOuld you share the box making skills - do you have a book you can recommend please?

Little Blue Mouse said...

What a lovely catch up! I love the colours of your scarf and the rug is great.

GillyK said...

Could you tell me where to get the pattern for the booties? I'm a novice knitter but those look relatively easy.

GillyK said...

Could you tell me where to get the pattern for the booties? I'm a novice knitter but those look relatively easy.

Cathy at PotterJotter said...

Have a lovely time in the cottage by the sea Fi! The baby booties are just adorable and so is the box! xCathy

Carol said...

Love the toothbrush rug, I remember the holey brushes. Beautiful bootees, they look perfect in their special box. Look forward to seeing your flowery tabard.
If you do find who/what keeps stealing the days hope you will let me know because I have the same problem.
Carol xx

Morti said...

I'm glad i'm not the only crazy one making squares for a blanket - well done Dad!