a brown valentine

I decided to make Ben a little crochet banner for Valentine's day this year, in his favourite colour: brown!

I didn't have a pattern so just sort of made it up as I went. It turned out to be a fairly quick project, which was lucky as I had to make the whole thing in secret one Saturday while Ben was at work.

I used some nice speckled brown wool which I'd originally bought as an alternative option for the bobble hat I made last summer and added a corded edge in cream. Once I'd finished I crocheted around a stick along the top edge to hang the banner.

It ended up looking just as expected, which was a nice surprise.



I debated whether to embroider or add a felted design, but in the end opted to crochet on a heart shape using a series of slip stitches. The end result looked nicely wonky I think.



And Ben said it was lovely so I was very pleased.
In return he made me probably the best card ever. So good!

mini knitted hearts

As Valentines day is almost upon us I thought I'd share a favourite knitting project of mine - these knitted hearts make perfect gifts for loved ones on Valentines Day, or any day!

It's also a super quick knit - I made one yesterday using some of my hand dyed yarn and it was done within the hour.

I've shared the pattern below if you'd like to try one out.

Knitted hearts

Yarn and needles 

I recommend DK wool and side 8 (4mm) needles as a starting point, but you can experiment different weights and sizes if you want a larger or smaller heart.

Instructions

Cast on 2 stitches.

For the bottom of the heart:

Row 1: purl

Row 2: kfb in both stitches (4sts)

Row 3: p

Row 4: kfb, k to last st, kfb

Repeat rows 3 & 4 until you have 20sts

Purl 1 row

For the top of the heart:

Row 1: k10, then turn

Row 2: p2tog, p6, p2tog

Row 3: k

Row 4: p2tog, p4, p2tog

Row 5: cast off

Repeat the above 5 rows for the remaining 10 sts on needle.

Finishing up

Weave in loose ends.

Sew up and stuff.

Now leave them on pillows, hide them around the house or tuck them in coat pockets - they'll be a nice little surprise for whoever you choose to make one for.

Add caption

♥

Lucy has nominated me to share some things I love. Seven things to be exact. So here we go...

Themed parties: My belief is that every party should have a theme. Homemade outfits, decorations, themed food, hidden jokes & invitations are all the best.

Pigeons: But you probably know that already.

When everybody is doing the same thing: Group activities make me smile. When you're at a festival and everyone is heading in the same direction, or when everyone in the supermarket is buying the same ingredients on pancake day, or a group cycle ride. I don't mind being a small person in a very big crowd.

Jonathan Creek: I've got the boxset. I've visited the windmill. And I'm eagerly awaiting the Easter special. Yes, I'm a dork.

Receiving post: I can't not like someone who takes the time to write me a letter or send me a postcard.

Falling asleep holding hands: Like a couple of old people.

Malteaster bunnies: Have you tried them? You won't regret it.

♥

I think I'm supposed to choose 7 more people to do the same thing but I can't decide who, so if you're reading this then do join me!