Buy Nothing New {September}

Last September, inspired by Patchwork Cactus, I attempted to buy nothing new for a whole month. I ended up getting a new tattoo at the end of the month, which was right at the end, but at the time I felt like I didn't complete the self appointed task.

This year I thought I would try it again, and I might even make it a regular September occurrence. The idea is to buy nothing new, except food and basic necessities, but you can buy second hand.

So far this month I did buy a bag which I needed for work, and a new bronzer, but I also bought a preloved designer top from a market, and a huge stash of wool.

 I got 4 bags of woollen yarn for $24 and estimate that is would have been close to $70 if I had bought it new. All the yarn I checked was in the same dye lot -I got three different types all up,  and I like the vintage-esque labels! I probably could have negotiated a cheaper price as I was at the markets, but I liked what I was getting. Right now I am airing it outside, because I'm not sure how long they have been bagged up, but there really wasn't smells or mustiness that concerned me.

I'm looking forward to making something fun, I just have to choose what!

Today I am linking up with Jess from Essentially Jess for I Blog on Tuesdays

Thanks for reading! 

Loom knitting with the Amazings : a review

I was very happy when I was asked by the Amazings to review one of their online courses. I had been curious about loom knitting, as I had been seeing the circular looms at my local craft shop, and seeing the opportunity, to not only learn the basics of loom knitting, but also make a complete finished item, how could I say no!

A still from the online course

my own looming

The Amazings run online courses with wisdom from elders (all over 50) with amazing life experience, so you are learning from someone who has been crafting in their field for many years.

The courses have a full list of supplies needed to make the project. In my case I was loom knitting a beanie, so I needed a loom!

I watched my course before starting, as I had ordered my loom online and had to wait a bit, but what I liked about the course, was I could have easily worked along with the video without having watched it first. The instructor (Dot) wasn't just demonstrating, she was also teaching someone on screen which made it really relateable and easy to follow. The videos are cut into chapters, which makes it really easy to go back to a step, or pause for a while.

The hat made during the course

One thing that surprised me was just how fast loom knitting was! The course is a total of 90 minutes, and even though I didn't make the bobble, it didn't feel like it took me much longer than that to have a full finished hat in my hands! I didn't time myself, but it was defiantly a productive afternoon.

So in conclusion, I am a loom knitting fan! If they offer any more advanced techniques, I would be very interested!

The courses do cost money to sign up to, but if that money is going towards more tutorials, then I can totally see the value in that, and showing the elders that their craft has value in today's society.

And my finished hat?


Here it is!

And if you enrol into a class before the 15th of September, you go into the running to win a sewing machine! There is no expiry date on classes. Another bonus!

A few handy links
Link to the loom knitting course
and where I bought my loom online

Loom Knitting via The Amazings

 I'm trying out something new.. loom knitting!

Thanks to The Amazings, I am trying out an online course. 

The Amazings offer unique online courses from experts in many fields. It's like learning to knit from your Grandma.

My full review will be on the blog soon.

Popcorn Stitch Tutorial

It has been a while since I last post a tutorial! I have been making a hat using popcorn stitch. I'm really happy with how it is turning out. Popcorn stitch is a textured stitch, and quite an easy and effective.

Generally speaking, popcorn stitch is done with 5dc and not 4 like I have done. Truthfully I was trying to use less yarn!

To make one popped corn, 4 dc. (4 tr for UK)
 (The first popcorn of a round has 3ch and 3dc)

Remove hook from work. (While not necessary to pull a loop as large as  I have done, it does help if it is bigger than usual)

Hook through the top of the first dc then back into last hook, pull back to normal size

Yarn over hook and through both loops

In the hat I am making I am putting one chain in between each popcorn, and each row is worked into that chain space of the previous row.

I've been working on this hat for a while now. I'm joining in with Crafty Mummy to finish a UFO (unfinished object!) This is my UFO! and it should be finished very soon.

Squares for Charity

I've found out about another square drive via instagram. This one is called Squares for Charity and is asking for 4" squares (knitted or crocheted) to make into blankets for rescued race dogs: whippets and greyhounds.

This charity drive is based in the UK, but every square counts if you can send 10, 1 or 100.

For more information, and the postage address check out the Squares for Charity blog

If you need a basic Granny Square Pattern you can use mine here, it is for an 8" square, so you will only need 4 or so rows depending on yarn thickness and gauge

For another alternative pattern, my Solid Granny Squares You need to add one more row of dc, then a final border of hdc to make them 4 inches.

dryer balls

I've been making myself some dryer balls, as the cold season approaches. If you haven't heard of them, you put them in the dryer and they absorb some of the moisture as well as softening clothes, and they should reduce the overall drying time.

I have listed some in my Etsy shop, in case you just don't feel like making them yourself, but if you do, here are the easy instructions:

Using pure wool, roll your yarn into a ball. I used a felting needle to help shape them. Then, when they get to the size of a walnut, I put the in a lingerie bag and toss them in the wash on hot (everything you know you shouldn't do!) Once dry I repeat the process twice until they are almost the size of tennis balls.  If you don't have a lingerie bag, I have read a sock can also work.

Bicycle Seat Cover

Last year I made myself a bike seat cover:

Well I finally finished the pattern, and I have had the pleasure of guest posting over at And Sew We Craft, please pop over to make one for yourself!

I've had a request to sell products from this pattern. The answer is yes. Send me your photos if you do!