Almost all of my knitting and crochet has been toy making, with a few clothes and accessories thrown in.

I first realised that crochet could be used for lots of things when I saw the first issue of a magazine come out years ago. At the time I asked a friend if they could teach me to crochet and they said that they knew granny squares, something I had never heard of before. My friend had an exciting opportunity to train at a very prestigious school and I am so proud of her, but I never did learn those granny squares until recently.

I grew up watching American sitcoms like Roseanne, and I remember seeing the crochet blanket on the sofa, but didn’t know that it was crochet. Over the years more of my favourite shows have featured granny square blankets, and I found a lovely and simple pattern to try making a blanket for myself.

I have so far made a total of 84 squares and this week I have started to join them together. I had some variegated yarn which I thought would add a nice dimension of colour and randomness to the design. It’s also a great stash buster (much to my boyfriend’s approval – but he doesn’t realise yet that it’s just going to make way for me to buy lots of new yarn!). The way that the squares can be put together to form an organised pattern, or taking a more random approach, is brilliant. It’s also a great project that can be done over time, either between other creations or for something to do when you haven’t got much time. A lot of the squares I’ve made on my bus journeys to work or during my lunchtime.

Here is my progress so far, I’ve started joining the squares and have completed three rows. The variegated yarn means that each panel has a slightly different colour to it, and I’ve used two different colour mixes of yarn to add an extra dimension. I’m lightly blocking the squares before adding them into the design by spraying them with a small amount of water and using a blocking board, this helps with the shape of the squares.

Most of the pictures I’ve seen of these types of projects use very light colours, and I wanted to have a very different feel to mine. The colours are very autumnal, and using black to join the squares together almost adds a stained glass window type of effect I think.

It’s exciting to see this project coming together, and I can’t wait to see what the next few rows of colour will bring, I will be updating the progress of my blanket as it grows and comes together. It’s going to be fabulous to show it off when it’s finished.

Faye x

It’s the start of a new year, full of potential and promise.

I haven’t really made any resolutions for 2018, but I am going to work on new projects and continue to build up my crafting business.

A full blog post will follow soon.

Take care and bye for now – Faye x

This weekend just gone I went to Wales Comic Con in Wrexham. If you’ve never been, it’s a fantastic convention with great guests and very friendly and helpful crew.

I had been working on a couple of secret projects as presents for two of the guests attending the show. The first was a doll of Abraham from The Walking Dead for Michael Cudlitz. I really wanted to make dolls for all of the TWD guests there as they were all lovely, but I can only crochet so fast.

I made the arms and legs posable, and made his arms muscly – Abraham is a strong guy! I was very pleased with the handlebar moustache. Michael Cudlitz is a fantastic guy to meet, and gives the best hugs! He was really pleased with his Abraham doll and said his kids would love it.

The other guest I made a doll for was Denis O’Hare from American Horror Story. I didn’t find the show until recently, but absolutely love it. The way the actors get to play different characters in the series is great. Denis has so many great roles in the show, but my favourite is Liz Taylor from AHS Hotel. When I found out he was going to Wales I knew I just had to make a Liz doll!

It’s the details that give the doll personality, and a character like Liz is perfect. Just putting the eyeshadow, earrings, eyelashes and other little touches brings mini-Liz to life. It’s one of my best creations.

When I gave the present to Denis O’Hare he looked so pleased, he even posted a photo of her on his own Instagram.

He’s such a lovely guy, an absolute pleasure to meet! He’s told me to look out for future adventures for mini-Liz.

Here she is relaxing in her hotel room.

After such an amazing experience it’s now back to reality, until convention season starts again next year. So now I’m going back to finishing my blanket and planning more projects.

Take care, bye for now.

Faye x

I wish that I could work full time crocheting, but until I can fulfil that dream I have a day job.

One of my friends at work is expecting a baby at the start of December, and I wanted to make a few gifts for her. She is not finding out whether it’s a boy or a girl before the happy event, so I thought a cream sparkly baby yarn would be perfect.

I have made a few baby blankets before, and I think they are perfect at this time of year – you can never have too many! I made a plain blanket which was crocheted using two strands of double knit yarn together making it thick and soft.

I don’t usually make clothes, but I thought I would try something new and make a simple cardigan. I used the same yarn and added some heart shaped buttons for detail.

Lastly, my friend had seen a picture of a monkey I had made before and fell in love with it. As a final present I made a cheeky little monkey for her new cheeky little monkey.

She was very pleased with my presents and I’m looking forward to seeing her little one wearing the cardigan (I hope it fits), using the blanket and hopefully snuggling up with the monkey.

Faye x

Even though it’s only autumn, there is a hint of winter in the air. It’s time to think about projects like scarves, jumpers and blankets. 

Most of my crochet to date has been amigurumi rather than traditional. A few weeks’ ago I decided I would try my biggest project to date, a granny square blanket for my bed. 

I have been using some tweed variegated double knit yarn to make the 84 squares needed, and I’m now finishing my final 10 squares. After that is the task of edging and joining these together. 

This is a big undertaking, and quite daunting, but I’m really looking forward to seeing and snuggling up in the finished article. 

I will post some pics shortly. 

Faye x

Hi! Welcome to the first of many blogs on my new site. With support and inspiration from friends I have taken the plunge to start this crafting page.

Firstly, my amazing logo was created for me by my very talented friend Becca – you can check out some of her wonderful artwork on Instagram here.

Last weekend I was lucky enough to go to Birmingham Horror Con where there were some wonderful costumes, stalls and guests. For me, it was The Walking Dead guests that I was excited to meet – Ann Mohoney (Olivia from Alexandria) and Jeremy Palko (Andy from Hilltop). I made a Halloween themed crochet tiara and choker to wear at the event. I was a little unsure about wearing them, but the positive comments I got were fantastic. Ann even asked me to crochet something for her to wear! Here is a little collection of photos from my meet and greet session with Ann and Jeremy. They are such lovely people, if you get the chance to meet them then you absolutely have to!

I’m having a Hob Goblin to celebrate my first post 😊

Take care and bye for now.

Faye x