Out of my comfort zone

I just finished this (very big) knit, a boxy oversized jumper for me ... and I LOVE it!

I first fell in love with the colour of this yarn, when I knitted a jumper for Joe (this one) and totally wanted it for me, even if it is the middle of summer here in Australia! 

I haven't knit myself a jumper in over 30 years, the last jumper I made for myself was out of handspun wool when I was still in High school!

Time for brutal truths as I want this to fit me properly so I wear it all the time:

The roundest part of me is 57.5" so that makes makes choosing the measurement for the body circumference interesting, the smallest is 64" then 3 x 68" then it jumps to 76". 76" would be just too big & I think I'd be embarrassed to wear something that big and would feel 'big' all the freakin' time. 64" gives me a little room but hey, this jumper is called Boxy, so that means more room than an average jumper so I'm going with 68".

Sleeve circumference - my measurements is 13" (with 2 layers of clothing on because, hey it's winter here!) so I think I'll go 14".

Length from shoulder to bum is 25" and I'd rather a longer than shorter version, so I'll go 26" - to be checked as I knit it for length.  I'm thinking of starting of as seamed and then after the ribbing join in with the back (with the back a little longer) to give it a high-low split hem.  So to summarise for quicker notes, I'll be making:

Body circumference 68" (to fit my 57.5")

Sleeve circumference at elbow 14" (to fit my 13")

Length from shoulder to bottom 26" (to fit my 25"

I am now casting my eyes over more yarn in my stash to make myself some more of these! 
I'm thinking this cotton/acrylic blend so I could actually wear it in summer but can't decide one a colourway.  There is also this super gorgeous alpaca/wool blend, just imagine how snuggly it would be!

Pattern details here.....

Have you made a boxy yet? 

For more crafty inspiration & great crafty supplies, please check out this page that I put together here....

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

Quick make: skirt & headband

When you have a 4yo daughter who loves yellow and pink, what better choice was there for than this gorgeous fabric! The skirt was so easy to make and the headband was just as easy, hence the two headbands!

I have my fingers crossed that the designer makes an adult size of these headbands because I'm itching to stash dive and make me a bunch!

The skirt pattern is the Daniella, found here and whilst you're there grab the woven headband pattern and whip up some of these as quick Christmas gifts!

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

The Perfect Teachers Gift

It's last day of school here today, so that means the last couple of days had me scratching my head trying to figure out the perfect gift. I settled on making this stylish pouch with a divider inside.

The pattern was easy to follow, it also has a video tutorial with it to make things even easier for you.

There are 3 divider options with this pouch or you could skip the divider all together if you wanted. I opted for the plain single divider but now having completed it, I'm thinking that it would be easy to turn into an essential oils pouch with some elastic on that internal divider to hold the bottles snug - a project for the new year perhaps!

It also has a nice flat bottom (the pouch that is), to add extra cuteness to it!

Get the pattern here and make one or two up for quick gifts!

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

Sewing Machine Ornaments

I just finished making the cutest felt sewing machine ornaments.  I managed to glue felt to my fingers numerous times but hey, I think the end result was worth it, don't you?!  

The pattern is this one...  and if you think these sewing machines are cute, you need to check out this kitchen mixer ornament, it uses a thimble as a bowl!!.
Tips: 
~ if I were to use them again, I think I'd use this thicker felt which means that they would assemble a lot quicker & you'd have less pieces to cut out
~ you need a quick drying  & tacky glue like this one. 

So, are they cute?
Are you going to make some?
Did you check out the kitchen-aid ornament?

Click here.... to check out my Amazon Page for some great crafty inspo and links to some great books to read.

 

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

Triple Pouch = Triple LOVE pouch!!

I'm totally in love with my latest sewing project. 

Woofy the Dog Bag.

I'd like to introduce you to Woofy the super cute crochet dog bag!

Crochet pattern here...
Soft squishy nose from here...
I'm thinking of making another with this yarn....

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

Crafty Swaps!

Are you looking for a handmade gift but don't actually want to buy anything? Well, I've got the perfect solution for you - a crafty trade! 

How to swap/trade:
Look through the items (photos) and when you see something awesome that you'd love then email me at CraftyRieATgmailDOTcom OR pm me on Fb (here:https://www.facebook.com/CraftyRie)  OR leave a comment here on my blog. 

I'll look through all the offers and choose the best ones that I want! 

What to offer for swap/trade:
Anything! Check through your stash, what have you got that you don't want anymore that you think would make a good trade. I love fabric, pre-cuts, yardage - cotton or knit/jersey. I love yarn. I want to start Project Life but don't have anything for that. 

If you're not crafty but would love to still trade then I'm always hungry for vintage cotton floral sheets (not flannelette) or pillowcases too. 

Vouchers for places like Spotlight, Etsy are good too (but don't purchase them until the swap has been agreed too).

But more importantly, if in doubt, talk to me!!

All items will be posted to you in a red Aus Post satchel with tracking and that's how you'll be sending me your trade/swap too. You must provide the tracking details to me asap & I'll do likewise for your parcel too.

Australia Wide swap only.

I will be adding things to this swap album as I gather them together!

To Laney With Love

A cute jumper that I just finished knitting for Laney.
I'm hoping to give it to her for Christmas but it'll be mid-summer then, not really the best time to give a woollen jumper to a kid!
The pattern was just so super cute, one of those impulse buys because when I saw it, I just had to have it!
I also used my current fave yarn (here...) in colours Cotton Candy, Daffodil & Aran (the white).

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

The Maija Tote

My latest project is this quick sew resulting in a really pretty bag.

The Ahh-mazing Emma Top!

I've just finished this amazing top for Laney and yes, once again I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself! 

Itty bitty folding bowls/pouches

I made these recently as a "oops, forget a birthday" quick sew!

They are a super quick gift idea, fill them full of lollies or even a gift card!  If you remember, I made a super enlarged version of this last year & filled it with Shopkins for Joe! 

Also.. note how there is a 3rd one in the photo that isn't finished, well this is a case of bad zipper buying. Note to self, buy only quality zippers from a reliable buyer and always, always test the zipper before sewing them to your project!

Pattern here....

Want quality zips so you don't make the mistake as I did? Then shop here, they are always good & fast shipping too!  

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

I made a Duo Wallet!

I treated myself to a new wallet, one that I made myself.

Denim Blue Crochet Dress

A quick blog post to show & tell a cute dress that I made for Laney.  It's made with super warm 10ply wool, perfect for our Tasmanian weather!
Crochet pattern here....  although, I didn't add the sleeves instead, I made it longer so it'll be worn for a couple of years before she grows out of it.

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie

Crafty Christmas Gift Ideas

Oh my gosh, have you looked at the calendar lately?  Christmas is so squeaking close, so you'd best keep reading and check out some of these fun gift ideas for the crafty people in your life.




Stitch Markers
by NeedleClickEtc

Monster Purses
by WoollyMammothDesign

Colour Wheel Mirror
by PaperPatternSilk

Cord Organizer
by JewelryLeather 

Ugly Duckling Necklace

by LaliBlueShop 

Felt Mouse

by AtelierPompadour 

Hedgehog Pincushion

by Lolka 

Sock Yarn 

by KnittyColor 

Hare Lampshade
by CeridwenDesign 

Pelican Joe
by AndreaVida 

Linen Apron
by notPerfectLinen

Ombre Wallhanging
by UntoldImprint

Pol the bear

by PhilomenaKloss

Wooden dolls house
by MilkyWood 

Wooden Storage Box
by Grimme 

Bee Flower cushion

by Plantillo 

I utilise affiliate links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Marie
    

Two Rectangles Skirt

A very easy skirt pattern - just 2 rectangles and she won't stop wearing it! 

Mr Ted for a special 1st birthday

A very cute ted for a special birthday.

Spring Squares Bag ......& a 'recipe' on how to make one for yourself.

I'm pretty chuffed with my latest project, a Spring Squares Bag that I'll use for carrying my crochet or knitting projects when I head off to my crafty groups. 

Top and Bottom

Well, would you lookie here ... I've actually gone and sewn myself an outfit!

Handy Fold-up Pouch

A very quick, easy project perfect for scrap busting!