Pinaddicts and Crochet Monsters

About 5 months ago, I was getting organised for my eldest's birthday party and had an idea to make crochet monsters instead of party bags (a pet hate but that's another blog post). I was inspired by these creations from craftiscool.

Wind forward to 2 days before the party and I realised that I had something close to 20 guests coming and only 5 monsters made. It was not going to happen.

I improvised and made ghost lollies instead. 20 happy party guests.

Wind forward a bit more and I find myself preparing for my daughters birthday party. Now where did I put those crochet monsters?

Twelves party guests, one week to go and 5 already made. The maths seemed to work so I got crocheting, sewing and embellishing with buttons. I would have taken photos as I went, but I was kind of in a rush *mops brow* so forgive me.

Essentially, the body is made up like this:

Chain 14
SC into 2nd ch from hook
work sc into each chain stitch back to your 1st stitch.
3 SC into 1st chain stitch
Turn and sc into each stitch of the original chain for 12 stitches.
3 SC into the 13th stitch and then SC into each stitch.
Continue to SC for 15 rounds.
Slipstitch last stitch to finish.

I added hair by chain stitching long loops of about 15 chains per loop and then slipstitching into the top to make a loop.

I added felt mouths or eyes, stitched on buttons and added some embroidery for extra detail. I left them open at the bottom and stuffed them with mini bags of sweets. I thought they could be used as an egg cosy, a puppet or as a secret sweet stash (but don't tell the parents). You could always stuff them and sew them up and they would just be cute friends.

Taa-daa.

I am joining in with Pinaddicts where your inspiration comes from Pinterest and you have a go yourself. Pop over and check out the other craft-a-holics being inspired.

Oh and if you like the monsters and fancy one ready made I could be persuaded to make one for you. Email me, yeah. x

Jubilovely

We were all set.
And then it rained on our parade.
But it wouldn't be Britain or a Bank Holiday without a little rain.
Note the word 'little', clouds!

So we grilled indoors. We stuffed our faces on cupcakes and chocolate fondue, after a face full of burgers, sausages and chicken. We drank Prosecco and when that ran out, Rose. Hard times!

Then, we had a discussion about when the Coronation actually was. The 2nd? The 3rd?
My birthday is the 2nd of June and I KNEW it was the 2nd. So we googled it. And sure enough it was the 2nd of June 1953. But, hang on a minute. Now my maths is pretty darn good but even I questioned my numeracy skills when I tried to work out how many years there are between 1953 and 2012. I'm pretty sure, even after checking on the calculator and counting on all the fingers and toes of those sat around the table combined, that the answer is 59.
But we are celebrating a Diamond Jubilee, which is for 60 years.
So... err..

Right, so George VIth died on February 6th 1952. The Queen's accession to the throne was announced on 8th February 1952, and the Coronation was on the 2nd June 1953.
So shouldn't we have celebrated the Diamond Jubilee about 4 months ago or in another year?
Confused.

Oh wait. I know. We waited till the 2nd of June to have better weather for street parties. *shakes umbrella* and this year because someone miss-counted back in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee.

Whatever. I have a headache I blame on the wine and bunting I can save for next year ;-)

Hope you celebrated in style whatever the weather x

Silent Sunday