Apparently, during this ‘lockdown’ we are all supposed to have oodles of spare time to, as one friend of mine suggested, “perfect our conversational Russian and learn to play the bassoon”. Oddly, here Chez Snail there is no extra time, as my work (always done from home) continues to arrive in abundance, I still walk the dogs every day and I continue to loathe going shopping, so do it as little as possible. Nevertheless, I have been busy with my crochet hooks and have completed two projects.
First, I finally got round to finishing something that has been languishing half-done in a bag for 18 months… since my first visit to the Crochet Sanctuary. Our ‘big’ project for that weekend was a snuggly bunny. I didn’t finish it during my stay and when I got home, other projects were more pressing. However, the lockdown brought it to mind because I was trying to think of a cuddly gift to sent to a friend who lives alone and is normally very sociable. In the end it was a relatively quick make.
But I thought that she looked rather cross. After some thought, I decided to replace the stitched eyes with some black buttons, turning her into a much more happy and relaxed bunny:
And then I progressed on to a cardigan that I only started a few weeks ago. I used some of the yarn that I had won in the Knit for Peace raffle back in 2018. It wasn’t a very exciting colour, so I added a little bit of purple/blue, but even so I felt that it lacked something. I searched my button box, but couldn’t find any buttons that were the right size and had sufficient zing. In the interest, therefore, of supporting small businesses at this difficult time, I bought some lovely Victorian Glass buttons via etsy.
I’m really pleased with the end result. And for the second project running, it just needed the right buttons.
The Snail of Happiness 
polesparadise
/ April 12, 2020Wow!
The cardy is beautiful and so flattering. The buttons are beautiful.
Mabel is gorgeous! Mr C got there first with pictures!!
We both treasure the hoggies you made fir us 4 1/2 years ago, they have pride of place.
Thank you. XXX
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 12, 2020I deliberately didn’t post this until it arrived with Mr C – I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.
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thecontentedcrafter
/ April 12, 2020Love that bunny – she has attitude! And the cardigan is a stunning pattern and while the colour is nothing to shout about the buttons are simply gorgeous and the style is eye-catching. You look beautiful ❤ This is a happy post – yay for buttons!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 12, 2020I’m going to make the cardigan again in much brighter colours… really it was only a way to use up the yarn that I got free, but having made it once, I now think I can make a much better version.
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Laurie Graves
/ April 12, 2020What a beautiful, beautiful cardigan! And those buttons are exquisite. As for the bunny… adorable! What a good friend you are.
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arlingwoman
/ April 13, 2020That is a beautiful cardigan and has a nice shape. The buttons really add something indefinable.
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cedar51
/ April 13, 2020…Apparently, during this ‘lockdown’ we are all supposed to have oodles of spare time to, as one friend of mine suggested, “perfect our conversational Russian and learn to play the bassoon”…. end of quote from you
What has happened for me, is that my regular life has taken a battering – as I relearn the art of preparing edibles for me – using supplies that is selected by someone else, as I’m unable to shop due to the lockdown level I’m in (in New Zealand). I usually eat quite differently, I’m prone to buy in things, and then eat a filled roll on the hop from a bakery or get something from a cafe. Or if I’m out of something zip down to the village…
This morning (Monday) I said “no more cooking today…you have enough in the freezer. Let’s make art” and until about 4pm that’s what happened. Then I remembered I needed to skillet roast some rolled oats (not complex)
Love your objects the black round eyes for your friend do portray happiness…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020I think I’m very lucky that so little of my life has had to change… although I do wish I had a bit more free time!
I’m glad that you made time for art – it’s so important, if we can, to hold onto our creativity during times of stress. I hope you had a great day.
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Helen
/ April 13, 2020Excellent idea to use Etsy! And I agree that the buttons make the bunny look a lot more relaxed and friendly. The cardigan is lovely 😊
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020If I need anything else crafty, etsy is going to be my first port of call.
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katechiconi
/ April 13, 2020Oooh, button-envy… although I wouldn’t be putting them on a jumper, it not being the right sort of climate down here…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020They work well on a fitted thing like this – they are relatively heavy, so wouldn’t lend themselves to anything delicate. I really, really love them and couldn’t resist when I saw them for sale.
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katechiconi
/ April 13, 2020I can quite see why!
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tinaor
/ April 13, 2020Good idea to change bunny’s eyes – she is looking a little friendlier now. I read that we are supposed to have more time during lockdown – I wish I was one to settle down and learn that new language or major skill. I still find I am flitting between jobs and leisure and not getting much done in full!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020I think the flitting is common… it’s hard to settle isn’t it? Plus I am not sleeping very well… last night I had a dream about someone coming and sitting right next to me and being cross when I tried to get away!
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tialys
/ April 13, 2020I think crochet is much more fun than learning Russian or the bassoon but each to their own I suppose.
The right buttons certainly transformed both the bunny’s expression and your lovely cardigan.
Interesting to hear you are using Etsy more during the lockdown – I closed my shops on Etsy because I can’t trust the post at the moment to deliver anything in a reasonable amount of time. Mind you, as I’m in France and most of my customers are in the States, I still think it’s probably for the best.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020I have kept my etsy shop open, but with a note saying that I will only be posting once a week (when we go food shopping) and that customers will need to be patient. Hopefully people will support small businesses as much as possible so that they are still there once this is all over.
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Going Batty in Wales
/ April 13, 2020The bunny eyes are certainly better with buttons. I think embroidering eyes is really quite difficult. The cardigan has a slight air of corset about it – the vertical lines I think plus the snug fit – so the buttons are perfect. My life has changed very little too. I miss being able to meet up with you and my other friends but won’t we have a lovely time when we are all allowed out again?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020We will have a lovely time… just thinking about it makes me smile.
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nanacathy2
/ April 13, 2020Goodness what a difference those buttons made on the rabbit, slighly sleepy looking to bright eyed and bushy tailed. Love the new cardy, and those buttons, perfect. I do love a nice button.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 13, 2020I’ve discovered that almost all my vintage buttons are a bit dull (mostly mother-of-pearl), so I was really excited by these Victorian glass ones and how modern they look.
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quietwatercraft
/ April 15, 2020Is that a Toft kit? I’ve always thought their eyes looked a bit scowly. It is much lovelier with button eyes 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 16, 2020Yes, it is. I’m not sure that I would have chosen it myself, but it was the one provided on the course and it turned out quite well in the end. I don’t think they do this particular kit anymore.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 18, 2020Just realised I’m wrong… it was from Wool Couture: https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/product/mabel-bunny-diy-crochet-kit/
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