Pens, Pencil Cases and Getting out there.

I've never seen so many Sharpie colours!

I bought pens! So many pens. I am not entirely sure what I’m going to use them for. It was a bit of a naughty purchase really but they were only £6.99 from WHSmiths.

My new Sharpie pens!

Looking at Pinterest last night I learned that, contrary to what I believed, they are actually useless for tarting up plates and cups. Not that I was planning on drawing all over my crockery but it leaves me with one less option. My first thought upon getting all these shiny new things was where to put them? Well…..

Newly made zippered bag. Easy pattern!

I made them a pencil case all of their very own! It didn’t take very long and I had to get the sewing machine out to do a proper sewing thing anyway (more curtains). It is based on the mini zippered bag but I’ve made this a lot so I didn’t need to follow the tutorial.

An easy to make zippered bag.

I love the fabric. I bought it in May, in a little shop in Exmouth called Creative Sewing. It sells the loveliest, prettiest, poshest fabric. I only bought a few fat quarters and some ribbon because I couldn’t afford much else. Now I have a new home for my pens. The children are not allowed these pens, we’ve only just redecorated.

Simply Crochet Magazine reader pages.

Look! It’s me!! I made these little guys a few weeks ago and tagged Simply Crochet magazine on the picture I instagrammed. I was pretty chuffed to see them in the magazine. Now I know they don’t make up pretend readers! I don’t often buy magazines (not reeeallly), let alone make the patterns within the pages but I did this time. It has definitely given me a boost but I am wondering if I should aim higher next time. I’m thinking about focusing more on my own designs and seeing what happens if I shout loud about them… for example:

lots of crochet owls

These little hooters are becoming really popular. I posted the pattern at the beginning of the month. They are my Granny Owl Decorations. A few days later I twigged that I should probably put them on Ravelry. I did and it went a bit mental for a couple of days. Then yesterday, completely out of the blue, they gathered loads of interest after someone (I’ve no idea who) posted a link on their Facebook page. Very interesting, very exciting. I guess I need to be less scared about what I’m doing. Stop being a wimp. And I guess I should say “Thanks” to those who have found and liked my owlies. There will definitely be more patterns from me in the future.

PS I’m many places online. Over on the right you can see my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages. Please Follow/Like and what have you. And I’m also on Pinterest (all.the.time).  Have a look! Thank you. X

Crochet granny owl decoration. Free pattern!

new crochet owls

[EDIT:: for 2019 I have written an update and created a video tutorial on YouTube. Please go HERE to find out more. Cheers.]

A while ago I wrote about how I was working on a crochet pattern. It was something that I came up with a few years ago but I wasn’t entirely happy with it. I dug out my old and poorly written pattern and decided to play around with it and give it a makeover. I now think it is ready to unleash so it can fly off and make new friends!

making crochet owls

Here are lots of crochet granny owls in various stages of making. They don’t take too long to put together.

needle in the eye

I’m only hurting them because I love them.

four crochet owls

I made eight in the end, each of which turned out a little different depending on how I tweaked the pattern.

lots of crochet owls

What I like is, you can add bits or leave bits off. Wings, tufty ears, hangy loop. The wings can be sewn on completely or half sewn on so that they flap about.

tufted crochet granny owl. free pattern.

Owly with wings and tufty ears.

crochet granny owl pattern. Add wings and tufts for more owliness.

Owly without wings and tufty ears. This one has suffered a minor injury to his hanging loop. He was attacked by a scissor weilding boy.

lime and lilac crochet owl

A friend of mine knew what I was up to and offered to help turn my pattern into a fancy pants PDF that could be downloaded. This is something I have no experience in and I am unbelievably grateful that she spent so much time making it for me. She is an amazing artist and graphic designer, it looks so pretty! I have given her a open favour in return, I wonder what it’ll be…

crochet owl pattern. It's in the detail.

The PDF should be just below. It has the pattern and some (hopefully) helpful pictures.

GRANNY OWL PATTERN (2)

I love these owls. I feel a weeny bit of proud of myself! They’re very cute. I think a snowy owl version would look lovely hanging from a Christmas tree. Or, I’m thinking of a Halloween version?! I’d love to see one of those. Also, I’m sure it could be turned into other creatures besides an owl. Can’t think of any at the moment though…um… turn it upside down, add a few curling tentacles and it’s an octopus??

If you like this pattern, please visit my Facebook page and “Like” it’s just over on the right of the page. Instagram is also there if you fancy following me! Thanks.

I’m also on Pinterest come and have a look. I flippin love Pinterest!

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