Since we last spoke…

I wrote my first ever feature for Mollie Makes (it's on how to crush it as a solo indie business gal – check out issue 95 here) and officially became part of the editorial team. Hurrah! It felt so good to be writing again.

Day job aside, most of my creative energy now flows straight into by beloved side hustle, To Be Adorned. I've spent the summer making custom wedding accessories for creative brides and colour lovers. It's been hard work but pretty wonderful. If you want to see what I've been up to, I share daily (mostly) updates on my To Be Adorned Insta, or you can sign up to my little monthly newsletter in the sidebar. 

And it wouldn't be a proper catch-up if I didn't tell you what's on my needles! I've got weekend of wedding fair prep ahead of me, but I'm definitely planning in some sofa Netflix and knitting time. I'll be catching up on Strictly, Bodyguard and maybe Neighbours (it's SO bad/good), knitting my long-overdue Bearly Bonnet for a special bubba. 

What have you been making lately? Tell me your news!

crochet wedding cake toppers

Love and marriage, cake and crochet – it all just kinda makes sense, doesn't it? 

So I'm breezing back in with another ta-da moment, this time something completely new. Back in January I was given the most beautiful little skein of blue Namolio linen thread (if you've never stitched with it, you need to get yours hands on some!) and commissioned to design some wedding cake toppers for Simply Crochet magazine. The theme was a burlap and lace look wedding decor set-up to chime in with the royal wedding excitement this spring. 

It was a perfect fit as I'd actually been pondering designing cake toppers for To Be Adorned. Right away I imagined a trio of little lacy crochet hearts on stalks, topping an icing-slathered cake. Cue some fun experimenting with my trusty 3mm hook, and this is what I came up with!

That Namolio thread blocks like an absolute dream, and check out those tiny picots!

Needless to say, I'm over the moon with how the team styled and photographed the whole collection (the other designers whipped up the loveliest wedding decoration bits), but have all the heart eyes for this shot. Want a closer look?

The pattern for my crochet heart wedding cake toppers is in Simply Crochet issue 70, out now! I kinda wish I'd made these for our wedding, though the pompom garland was a winner on the day. I'm also a huge fan of the really kitsch retro ones too. Are cake toppers your thing? 

What did you have on your cake? 

All cake topper photographs by Simply Crochet. 

Beaded garters and bridal sashes

They're here! 

My wedding garters and bridal sashes for To Be Adorned are out in the wild and I'm pleased as punch. Have you ever felt that warm glow of pride in your chest that makes your eyes shine?

It sparked up big time when I received these beautiful pictures that Bristol photographer Lesley Mayfield  shot for this collection. But maybe I should start at the beginning?

Alongside my editorial day job at Mollie Makes, my head and hands are busy with my beloved To Be Adorned side hustle. I dream up and create colourful, vintage-flavoured accessories, then pop them up in my Etsy shop and take to social media to spread the word. Or, I'm creating quirky custom orders, which is an utter joy.

I've been a little shy about sharing what's going on in the shop in this space, but it's what I spend most of my time making now and I want to share it with you! So, there'll be updates aplenty coming your way, as well as the usual knitty goodness and WIP natter.

The colourful sash belts and crochet garters were things I'd be creating for a little while (I'm all about adding colour wherever you can, especially for weddings), but I knew they needed to be photographed on a model to really show them off. Accessories are made to be worn, loved and danced in, right?

After connecting with lovely photographer Lesley online, we finally fixed a date for a photoshoot. Lucy stepped in as our model for the morning, I sourced a dreamy blush-coloured frock and packed up my crochet pretties and we set about making some magic (see some behind-the-scenes silliness here).

It was nerve-wracking yet totally exhilarating see the ideas I'd imagined actually coming together in reality! The pictures are even more beautiful than I could have hoped (I've shared heaps of them in this post – sorry not sorry) and I've been merrily adding them all to the Etsy store too.

The garters are available in six different colours so far (and I'm open to custom orders), crocheted in fine silk blend yarn, finished with tiny beads and satin or velvet ribbon – a little bit luxe, you might say! And the bridal sashes belts are limited edition as they're made with lace from a vintage wedding gown and I'm currently sourcing some more lace! You can check out the lot in the shop here and find me hanging out on Insta here.

What have you been working on lately? I'd love to hear about your magical 'project finally coming together' moments!

All images here by Lesley Mayfield Photography

taking stock: February

The less said about January the better, right? Moving swiftly on, I thought a cheeky taking stock post would be a good way to catch up on 2018 happenings. Congrats if you make it all the way to the end of the list. Either way, I'd love to know what you're loving and making right now, so let me know!

Making: baby bootees, a new To Be Adorned headdress and something top secret. Oh, and an embroidery hoop that's very almost done. It's WIP central over here, as per. 

Cooking: not cooking exactly, but trying to be dilligent in prepping my overnight oats on school nights. 

Drinking: green tea, please. 

Reading: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (aloud to Mr P) and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon.

Next read: Any recommendations? I've got a stack of unread EM Forster, so I might start on that. 

Wanting: to find jazzy workout leggings. 

Looking: cosy in my latest knit – an easy-peasy beanie stitched with coral-coloured Mrs Moon Plump and some leftover Drops Eskimo, knitted with this free hat pattern by Davina Choy.  

Wishing: my headphones worked – I'm really missing my walk-to-work podcast time. 

Enjoying: seeing the Little Hearts for Grace project coming together. 

Waiting: on the pictures from a couple of exciting To Be Adorned shoots! 

Liking: the latest Paramour songs. Who even am I? 

Loving: the brave, bright spring flowers popping up everywhere. 

Considering: pitching some feature ideas and flexing my writing muscles.

Buying: surprise Valentine's flowers for Mr P from The Blossom Parlour.

Watching: ALL of Friends now it's on Netflix, and also loving Grace and Frankie. 

Next watch: catching up with the Stitch in Time series on BBC iplayer.

Marvelling: at the fact that my body (and new shoes) carried me through a post-work 5k last night.

Needing: new tights. I think I wear them how other people wear jeans (I mean in frequency, not that I wear them instead of trousers!)

Questioning: the necessity of literally everything I buy being packaged in plastic. Grinds my gears!

Smelling: Lush's Sleepy body lotion and having to resist grabbing a spoon and tucking right in. 

Wearing: all the moisturiser ever. Winter is an ordeal for my skin, apparently. 

Following: @heysweetpea on Twitter for affirming, soul feeding solo biz goodness. 

Worrying: about literally everything. And then worrying about why I'm worrying. Anxiety much?

Noticing: more grey hairs, exclusively in my fringe.

Sorting: my sock drawer this weekend. There, I've said it so now I have to do it. 

Getting: back into running, yoga and actually going to the gym. Hope it sticks. 

Coveting: stuff from Friends – Phoebe's statement coats and Monica's bee cushion and face vase. 

Feeling: exciting about my upcoming Copenhagen gal pal adventure. 

Snacking: on everything in sight, or sliced apple and peanut butter if I'm being virtuous. 

As always, I'm playing along with Pip's Taking Stock series. Thanks to Sam for this pic!

Bee My Baby blanket

Poised for a ta-da moment?

I started making this honeycomb hexie blanket what feels like absolute yonks ago and I'm over the moon to be able to share it with you at long last! This is my second ever crochet blanket design and, due to my love of both bees and the colour yellow, it's an instant fave.  

After finding the ultimate grellow palette in DROPS' Cotton Merino range, I got hooking. A little bit of maths was required, to figure out how many hexies I'd need in each colour to make one big hexagon. This yarn is an absolute winner - super soft and really good stitch definition. I've been using the leftovers to make cute baby bootees. 

Many, many hexies later and the blanket was complete. My favourite bit was creating the little daisies and the bees with their flappy wings! And, not only am I chuffed with it, but pattern is in Simply Crochet issue 65. 

I'm hoping to be able to give my finished bee blanket sample to a special new tiny one in the fam soon! Not bad for the last FO of the year, I reckon. What's been your fave 2018 make? 

Kitchener stitch and patterns on Ravelry!

Between the day job and my To Be Adorned side hustle, I'm managing to cram in few sneaky rows of knitting here and there. We've moved a little further out of the city centre so my day generally includes a bus journey or two, which is prime stitching time! 

As usual, I had grand ideas about all the amazing yarny gifts I was going to make for Christmas gifts this year, but as the end of November is fast-approaching, I'm going to have to swallow the craft guilt, scale it back and make peace with working on with my WIP instead. When you think about it, it is a bit bonkers to feel guilty about your own unrealistic goals that only you knew about anyway. Currently on my needles is a pair of Edith mittens, and while I shouldn't have to justify making something for myself instead of Christmas gifts, I do actually need a pair.

I'm using the leftover red DROPS Nepal yarn from my Miette cardigan (so cosy) to knit these, and am loving the simple lace design. So far I've completed the first mitten, minus the thumb, and am well into the ribbing on the second. All plain sailing, until it got to grafting the top of the mitten together. Knitting socks isn't really my thing and I've never grafted stitches before, so this Purl Bee tutorial on Kitchener stitch came in very handy. I literally couldn't have figured it out otherwise. I'm not quite sure I've nailed it, I think it could be neater. Do you have any tips or good resources for Kitchener stitch? 

The other yarn-related news is *drumroll* two of my Simply Crochet designs are now available to buy on Ravelry! My Over the Rainbow ripple crochet blanket and Figgy Pudding festive hat topper patterns are out in the big wide world. While I've added the odd simple design to Ravelry before, this is the first time anything's gone up for sale.



It's been a while since I've chatted yarn here, so I'd love to know what's on your hook / needles right now and what's in your Ravelry queue. Fill me in!

to be adorned is one!

Photograph: Lee Niel Photography

It's my birthday today, which also means it's one year since my To Be Adorned shop went live! Happy birthday to us.

And what a year of milestones and firsts – it's been a whirl of non-stop crochet, vintage lace snipping, precarious hot gluing, craft shopping, Instagramming, sewing machine wrangling, Etsy meet-ups, wedding events, 'I've made/sold a thing' happy dances, post office runs and impromptu photoshoots.

And (full disclosure) along the way there have been tears, very little sleep and a LOT of hard graft. Trying to balance full time work, growing something new and all of life's other commitments has been a whole new kinda challenge. Any and all tips welcome. I have no idea how people do these sorts of things AND raise a family, too. If this is you, you're basically a superhero.

But, having a creative thing that's all my own gives me so much joy, and I've met some amazing people along the way.  The real highlights for me have been meeting brides-to-be, dreaming up new designs and working on special custom headdress and wedding garter orders.

I wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone who's been cheering me on this year (Mr P has been a positive saint), placing orders, sharing pics and saying hello at events - you're the actual best. That's the kinda stuff that keeps me going and helps me quiet those niggling, doubting voices that I think all makers have.

So, if you've been wondered why the blog's been so quiet for a while, it's because I've been hustling elsewhere! I'm planning to start sharing more of what I've been up to in this lovely space again, and in the mean time you can find me 'grammin like a mad thing at @tobeadorned and sharing on Facebook, too - I'd love to see a few more familiar faces cropping up!

To celebrate this exciting first birthday, and also by way of a thank you, I'm throwing a discount party! If you wanna join the To Be Adorned fun and help me celebrate, you can get 10% off absolutely everything in the shop (it's not just wedding stuff) this week with the code BDAYLOVE

Photograph: Viktoria Kuti

Photograph: Jacky Badenhorst photography

off the hook: over the rainbow crochet blanket

It's no secret – I've been AWOL for some time because I've been busy making all of the things ever. One of which is this crochet blanket. The fab news is, not only is my latest blanket off the hook, I designed it and the pattern is in the new issue of Simply Crochet magazine! Wahoo! Grab a copy of issue 56 if you fancy making it (shameless plug). 

Blankets are always a bit of commitment. They're a labour of love, really, as they take such a long time to make. But when I first clapped eyes on these fantastically over-saturated, Crayola-esque colours, I instantly felt a crochet blanket coming on. Have you ever had that feeling? When you discover a new yarn and it just shouts it's intentions at you? Sometimes it's "I NEED to be a cardigan!" or "I'm a shawl! I'm a shawl!", but it could equally be "Keep me in your stash and squish me". In fact, most yarns seem to say that to me. 

Not KnitPicks Shine Worsted, though. These babies were destined to become a rainbow crochet blanket and no mistake. Zig-zagging ripples were the order of the day, so I played with a few different stitch combos and settled on this repeat with clusters and back loop details to highlight the colour changes in the stripes. The texture and colour changes are what kept things interesting through this project. I just couldn't wait to see how the pattern would look in the next shade of yarn, and the next, and the next. Colour is very exciting, you guys. 

Naturally, I fell head-over-heels for this yarn during the process. The sheen, smoothness and depth of colour in KnitPick Shine Worsted is amazing, and it's loosely plied without being splitty at all. I'm currently plotting what to make with the leftover scraps. Maybe some granny squares for a rainbow cushion? I'll keep you posted.

Mr P kinda loves this design too. He keeps asking when we'll get the sample back and we've decided it'll take pride of place on the sofa for lap blanket duties. I often joke that I'm never happier than when I'm in a blanket, but in a rainbow crochet blanket of my own design I'm sure to be ecstatic. 

hello 2017

2016, it's been real. A little too real. I'm so glad it's 2017. 

I hope you managed to have a bit of a break over Christmas and New Year. We had some down time and as usual I'm feeling a little reflective now it's January. 

It wasn't the best year. With all the worldwide negative and dramatic goings-on, as well as some struggles with striving, comparison and not finding contentment myself, it did suck in quite a few ways. But I'm still a silver linings kinda girl. I know there's a plan for me and that I am very blessed. I just need that to sink in properly in 2017. Having a look back over the last year is a good way to bring the positives and milestones back to light.

As always, there were some firsts: visits to Italy and Scotland, gym membership, difficult goodbye, blogging workshop, sponsored post, clay pigeon shooting (don't ask), trip to A&E (unrelated), x-ray, soup run, big festival, serious hangover (never a good idea), falling in love with spreadsheets, 

There were births, deaths and marriages, joyful, rowdy gigs, there was some wobbly mental health, Mr P learnt to drive, I finally visited the wonderful Letty and we went to the Bronte parsonage (literature geek achievement unlocked!), I crocheted my way across Loch Ness with some marvellous colleagues, I had my long hair cut off (finally), we celebrated our third wedding anniversary in Sorrento, went for a windy Christmas Eve walk on the beach and saw in the new year with friends. 

Last year I challenged myself to, among other things, finish two garments. And I totally did! Orange You Glad was my first adult-sized crochet garment and Miette my first knitted one. I'm pretty proud of them both and now have plans for a knitted jumper. I also managed to tick off another crafty goal – designing a blanket. I'll keep you posted on that one! 

I carried on running and yoga-ing, too. With a running buddy, I ran further than ever before (no-one was more surprised about this than me) and am planning a longer run with my sister in 2017. 

By far the biggest stepping-out-of-my-comfort zone moment was launching my To Be Adorned shop in 2016. Here's what I had to say on the matter. It's all been quiet on the western front around these parts lately as most of my free time is now spent dreaming up new designs, crocheting, wrestling with my glue gun and trying to figure out how to run a tiny business armed only with an iPad and a whole load of yarn. I have a feeling 2017's going to be a busy one. 

In the year ahead I'd like to knit a jumper, make the shop a success, pray more, love more and find joy in the everyday. But who knows what adventures are ahead!

Have you set any goals for 2017?

the shop is open!

Guys, I did a thing. Last week I launched my To Be Adorned Etsy shop!

Yep, this is one of the things I've secretly been working on for ages. It's been one of my goals since about 2010 to create my own collection of bits and bobs and launch an Etsy shop. And I've finally done it!  

Inspired by antique jewellery, vintage fashion and my own love of crochet, I've designed a mini collection of handmade accessories with decadent details. Some of the items are wedding focused and some of them are just for feeling a little bit more fabulous! I'm absolutely bursting with ideas at the moment and getting creative in this new way has brought me so much joy, so I'm thrilled to finally be able to share this with you. 

To Be Adorned is basically a newborn right now and I know I've got a lot to learn and a shed load of hard work ahead of me, but here goes! 

I'd love to know what's inspiring you and bringing you joy at the moment. 

on the hook: Compostelle shawl

Ooh, it's been a while since I've shared any stitchy stuff here, hasn't it? If we're friends on Instagram, though, you'll have seen me working away on this beauty (see details on Ravelry here).  

Yep, I finally made up my mind about which of these gorgeous shawls to make with La Bien Aimee's glorious Direwolf Graffiti yarn. I let my inner Francophile call the shots and plumped for Eclectic Gipsyland's Compostelle (Pink Champagne in Simply Crochet). The pattern is lacy but with lots of texture. So far, I'm really enjoying the popcorn stitches and seeing the mermaidy curves of the shawl emerge in all different colours!

I'm actually in a bit of a WIP whirl at the moment, with a couple of top secret (very exciting!) projects demanding my attention, as well as my little red Miette cardi that I'm determined to finish by the end of the month. Phew!

I'd love to know what you're making. Anyone else out there juggling WIPs? 

shawl indecision

I have some lovely yarn but don't know what to make with it! What a First World problem, eh? Seriously though, I would really appreciate your opinion on this. Mr P treated me to these stunning skeins of Direwolf Grafitti 4ply from La Bien Aimee on our trip to Paris last year (sorry not sorry, I'm STILL not over it). I decided I'd like to crochet a shawl with it, but have no idea where to start as there are sooo many beautiful designs out there. 

The variegation is pretty out there and unlike anything I've made a shawl with before. I want to be careful to pick something that really shows off the yarn without being swallowed up my the colours, if that makes sense? 

Here are a couple of contenders. Let me know what you think! 

Compostelle / Pink Champagne or Sea Glass by Cécile Balladino

I love Cecile's designs and part of me wonders if a French yarn should have a French design?

Cherry Pi by Joanne Scrace

The Shawl Project designs are brilliant and this one looks like it could be really versatile to wear. 

Byzantium Beau by Annelies Baes

Urg, it's just so drapey and gorgeous. 

I haven't the foggiest!

*Shawl images from Ravelry. See links above.

off the hook: Orange You Glad crochet top

Ta-dah! There's no other word for it really. 

When you FINALLY complete a project you started almost a year ago, and it fits, and it's your first ever finished garment, I think it's totally acceptable, if not logical, to frolick about in your local park with the remaining ball of yarn. Wearing said project, of course. Right? Right. 

My crochet Orange You Glad top actually started life as a knitting project, but was frogged in favour of this Just Peachy design from Simply Crochet issue 30. I had knitted the entire back of a jumper, put it away and promptly forgotten which size I'd made and what needles I'd used. I really hadn't enjoyed knitting it either, and had my beady eye on this pattern, so frogged it was. 

Best decision ever. I found my stride right away and sailed through the entire back rather quickly, fuelled by good, honest new project excitement. But I'm not monogamous with my WIPs, I'm afraid. I put it aside to make Christmas gifts and cast on a cardigan. In spring I picked it up again and whizzed through the front, relishing the simple granny treble clusters. 

It was soooo close to being finished about a month ago, but I came a cropper with the sleeve and neck edgings. First, I forgot to change the hook size down so the sleeves were all baggy and sticky-outy (technical term). At this point I also noticed that one arm hole way way bigger than the other. Uh-oh. Then I took my project to stitch night at the pub and was so chuffed I'd managed to re-do the edgings so quickly, then twigged I'd done them inside out. Red wine does not an accurate crocheter make. Ah, so many rookie errors. But making mistakes is how we learn. 

Finally all the stitching and sewing up was done – just blocking to do. And oh how this little top grew! It went from standard hip length to full bum-covering tunic. Crikey. I used Cygnet superwash Merino DK, and I thought blocking wool would just make it a bit roomier, not turn it into a mini dress! Still, it is pretty fab and works ruffled up with a belt here, or worn long with jeans etc. 

Lessons learnt? Always read the pattern (don't get cocky because it's a simple project – check and double check) and always block your tension square. If I'd spent a bit more time getting to know how the yarn would behave, I'd have had a clearer picture of the finished garment. 

The very best thing about the Orange You Glad top, though, is that it's almost the exact colour of Heinz Cream of Tomato soup. Timeless and comforting. 

my secret crochet project!

Yep, it's one of those 'I made a thing!' kinda posts. But this is actually really exciting. You know that secret project I alluded to last week? Well, it's this! 

Image from Simply Crochet

Have you seen the latest issue of Simply Crochet? I designed a trio of pretty beaded wedding accessories for issue 44 and it hits the shops today! 

I used Debbie Abrahams beads (SO good) and scrummy BC Garn Silkbloom Fino yarn for these projects. It's a lovely silk merino blend that feels luxurious. There's a beaded bracelet, garter and a flowery hair comb. Now I'm just wishing I'd had the foresight and skills back in 2013 to hook these for our big day! And now I know how easy it is to stitch with beads, well, let's just say there'll be more where that came from! 

Have you ever used beads in your knitting crochet?