Everlasting crafting
One of my favourite things about crafting is how long the fruits of my labour last. Barring natural disaster or my cats getting a bit too claw-happy (they might be the same thing actually), what I make will still be around for years to come. How cool is that?
This year my partner and I have been trying to make more environmentally conscious choices about what we buy and use and this summer I tried my hand at making a crochet face cloth, and I’d like to try making some bags for fruit and veg at the supermarket. Maybe a bread bag for the bakery (is that even a thing??) but I’m not sure whether to go with a light and breathable fabric like muslin or cotton that can be thrown in the wash regularly, or if a crocheted net bag would be the better option. If you’ve made your own, let me know your thoughts on what works best!
Although it isn’t even Halloween yet, I’ve been trying to get a head start on my Christmas crafting after last year’s frantic rush to the finish, and I’ve tried to keep up the eco-friendly theme making things that will be useful for years to come. One of my first Christmas makes is fabric “paper” chains that we can put up year after year. I always loved paper chains as a kid - the bright colours of the paper, the fun stringing them together, the birthday cake that followed… lots of good memories. Trying to avoid one-use items kind of put a kibosh on the traditional paper, but I really wanted the recapture that party spirit so I thought I’d give fabric ones a go, and I am so pleased with the result! I love that I can use them again and again, and might have to make some birthday themed ones too. I made lots of extra loops and have put together a few kits so you can make your own chains (instructions, pre-made loops, needle and thread included) - check out my shop here!
Christmas definitely seems to bring out the decorative maker in me - last year I ad-libbed a quilted advent calendar. This way I can put just what I want in it for my partner and not end up paying a small fortune for a tiny bite of chocolate each day. I’ve been toying with the idea of writing up a pattern as a Christmas freebie, so let me know if you’d like this and I’ll get writing!
