Some Crochet

I was given some soft grey yarn recently, really a bit too much to use for toys. It is ages since I made myself anything, so I thought I’d use it for a scarf and beret.
(Because of course I don’t have enough of either. Not!)

I just wanted to make something easy and portable. A pick up and put down project I can take out with me, or do in front of the TV – or, here’s a thought, in the outside air now the weather has finally become rather nice!

I found a pattern on Ravelry in chart form – first time I have used one for something other than an amigurumi toy. So far so good; it is only 2 rows and yet has an effective lace look. I should have just made something up but I’m a bit low on energy and time right now. Browsing Ravelry seemed so much easier (and is always fun), then working out one of my own “on the hook”, which I normally would like to do.

Of course I seem to be putting it down rather more often than picking it up, or at least putting it down after a few stitches, let alone rows! World’s slowest “quick project”, and now the weather is warm so I don’t need it anyway, LOL.
Plus of course I have decided a plain beret is a bit boring and I am wondering if I can put a lacy band in to match the scarf, sort of like this :-

Or maybe just make the beret lacy…
But then I have to finish it first, in case I run out of wool, because the scarf can be any length, well this is where I am at right now..

Onward and upwards….

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The weather has improved, yippee!

OMG SUNSHINE!!

Time to get on with pegbags; two have just been sold so will need some more in the shops. At least I can take pictures of them outside now. Here are some guys that have been waiting for their photo shoot for ages.

I made a cute little soldier but needed to decide which colour eyes.

I have tried a couple just as normal one- sided ones.

They were originally for a shop, so I was trying to cut down the time it takes to produce one. I like them, but I’m not sure if I should just abandon the double sided/opening ones which were the original concept.

It just does not seem worth selling through a retail outlet as the mark-up needed means either they become (what I think of as ) very expensive pegbags; or I work for peanuts. As it is they take about 3-4 hours to make. I am not sure why; it seemed to take less at first, but I guess they were slightly more simple. Now, with inserted beaks

and shaped padded feet

(and don’t get me started on dinosaur spines)

They just take longer. But it is hard not to make a creature when the fabric shouts so loudly at one to make him or her, LOL.I am still working from the fabric, up- as it were! I have loads of ideas of creature shapes but really can’t go buying more fabric when I can hardly move for “the Stash”…. so I am putting lots on hold ( but it is VERY hard when you have an idea, not to rush out, get fabric and make Mr Fox and Mr Badger). Sob!

Not to mention all the other toys and crochet all orbiting in a creative space holding pattern; which sometimes feels like it has slipped and is around my neck strangling me…

If only I had a house slave like the Romans…

and a dictation slave…

and a knitting slave…

HMM

Well must stop all this and get on with some sewing of the aforementioned pegbags.

I would love to see them in a real shop-
but the whole thing seems easier on-line; plus there is a personal connection to most people I have sold to, which I do enjoy ( even if it eats up more time ” it’s worth it ” ).

I would love to hear any comments on these subjects; selling and managing creative flow! Then I won’t feel like it is only me with the angst!

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