Being trapped at home over the past few months has not inspired me to write much, but I have been busy making, so I thought I would share some of what I’ve been up to…
There’s been plenty of crochet and a bit of knitting. I finally got round to completing a coatigan in Jacob wool for my friend Kt. This latter project got held up whilst I awaited the arrival of some beautiful handmade toggles, plus I added some pockets , which the original pattern did not include. It has gone to it’s new home now and seems to be greatly appreciated.
I made a duffle bag – a kit from the lovely Little Box of Crochet, who I’ve taken out a subscription with to provide me with a parcel of cheerfulness and inspiration every two months. Although the pattern didn’t suggest it, I lined the bag, which I think will make it much more useable. It’s rather subtle bleached driftwood colors, so I chose a nice bright green lining to provide a startling contrast. I also made a poinsettia mandala, which uses a surface crochet technique that was new to me and can be used to produce lovely effects., Then there was a tiny Daisy-alike using a pattern from Toft. Finally, there has also been a bit of knitting in the form of a pair of socks which had been hanging around unfinished for months prior to all this staying at home business and which I finally got round to working on because I needed a portable project to take with me when I went on a mission of mercy that required a lot of waiting around.
I’ve also made some more Dorset buttons after my initial trials. First, a peacock brooch and then a variety of sizes to form a necklace. They are fun to make and I think many future projects are likely to incorporate them.
As the winter draws in and we’ll be spending even more time at home, I’m planning a big scrap yarn project plus I have plenty of lovely wool just waiting for inspiration to strike, so I don’t think I shall be short of more yarny creativity for a while yet.
The Snail of Happiness 
Michelle Reid
/ November 4, 2020~Very Beautiful~Amazing work~Thank you for sharing and the inspiration~
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Snail of Happiness
/ November 4, 2020Thank you – I really should post more often!
LikeLiked by 1 person
AJ
/ November 4, 2020You have been busy! I love the bag:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
anne54
/ November 4, 2020Your friend will be warm and toasty in her cardigan this Winter. What a generous gift. Aren’t we lucky to have things that occupy our hands and soothes our minds in these times of isolation? You are working in such bright colours too; they must lift your spirits, as I know they have lifted mine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
katechiconi
/ November 4, 2020I reckon Dorset button necklaces would go down well on Etsy… I’d buy one if you made a really long one with, say, crochet spacing between the buttons so I could loop it round several times…
LikeLiked by 1 person
willedare
/ November 5, 2020What BEAUTIFUL garments/items you have created in recent weeks!!! The coatigan is magnificent. I admire your work tremendously.
LikeLike
Tracy @ It's a T-Sweets Day!
/ November 5, 2020Wow! Everything is so beautiful, but that peacock pin is really a cut above! You are using your alone time very wisely:)❤️❤️
LikeLike
Wild Daffodil
/ November 5, 2020That coat is a triumph – it looks so snuggly – love the toggles.
LikeLike
tialys
/ November 5, 2020The bag is gorgeous – I love the colours and those Dorset buttons look so beautiful I am tempted to give them a try, one of these days 😏
My favourite, of course, is the mini Daisy. I was on a roll with the crochet dogs a year or so ago but got drawn back into blankets. I have the book so I might get back into creating dogs – I really do have enough blankets and quilts now if such a thing is possible.
LikeLike
cedar51
/ November 5, 2020Everything looks amazing and I’m happy to hear that you are creating for yourself, others and beyond. Love the brightly coloured and decorative Dorset Buttons…
LikeLike
Nice Piece of Work
/ November 5, 2020Some really beautiful makes, Jan. I think your dorset button necklace is just fabulous 🙂
LikeLike
DawnGillDesigns
/ November 5, 2020love, love, love, love the dorset buttons with the beading.
LikeLike
DawnGillDesigns
/ November 5, 2020ps. they are all lovely, but the DBs are awesome!
LikeLike
deborah @ the magic jug
/ November 5, 2020My you have been busy!
LikeLike
Rainbow Junkie
/ November 5, 2020Very pretty toggles on a beautiful coat and the peacock button is wonderful.
LikeLike
Going Batty in Wales
/ November 5, 2020That is a lot of making Mrs S! I must have a go at the Dorset buttons – I have an idea for them!
LikeLike
Laurie Graves
/ November 5, 2020Impressed! All so beautiful as well as useful. A winning combination.
LikeLike
nanacathy2
/ November 7, 2020Wonderful projects- I am a big fan of Dorset buttons.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ November 8, 2020They are lovely, aren’t they? I’m trying to collect old curtain rings and the suchlike for some scrappy Dorset buttons – a fab way to use up bits of yarn and thread.
LikeLike