I’ve been getting creative and crafty this week. Less time spent in the kitchen, which has been a slightly suprising relief, and more spent with a crochet hook (whilst watching The Sound Of Music – don’t judge me!) has proved to be pleasantly relaxing. I borrowed a book, “Crocheted Keyrings and Charms” by Emma Varnam, from the library, and her instructions are so easy to follow that since Wednesday I have made four keyrings/bag charms – a football shirt each for my boys, a space rocket for Mr and a cute little wise owl for me, which is adorning my pretty Ness bag as we speak.

I have also made myself a rather cool hat (well, I think it is) which matches the scarf I made a few months ago, before my crocheting hiatus.  I am hoping to find a pattern for a cat which is small enough to make into a bag charm for my mum, but am struggling so far – I may have to attempt to make it up as I go along, but I’m not sure I am up to that task just yet. Following patterns I can do, but making one is probably a little out of my league. If anyone has a pattern for one, please do let me know!

I am torn as to what else to attempt. I am quite tempted to try some customisation of clothes – I have a book which shows how to add edgings to tops and skirts, which I think could be a great way to liven up a boring outfit.

It’s been really good for me to rediscover another creative outlet – whilst I do love cooking, it is becoming a little tiresome and less fun for me at the moment, so having something else which I find relaxing is a breath of fresh air. I have also discovered some great new blogs on my search for patterns, so I want to say a quick thank you to Claireabellemakes.com and missjojangles.com for giving me back some crafty inspiration – if you don’t follow their blogs already, and you are a creative type, I suggest you have a look. You won’t be disappointed.

The other creations I’ve made this week have been Valentine’s pressies for Mr – he often moans that he can’t reach his beer from his position on the sofa, and his phone always slips off the arm, so I put my carpentry skills to use, and knocked together a “sofa arm beer table with integrated phone holder”. I think it went down well…