Keeping Cosy

You may remember a while ago that I crocheted this blanket for my good friend's new baby.

So in true Attic24 style, here's some photos of Adam and his treasured blankie.

Adam loves getting cosy under his blanket; mum says he stares at the pattern and touches it, showing a great deal of interest. Mum and dad like the blanket too as it's a bit heavier than his other ones so he can't kick this one off and get chilly toes.

The cold winter weather is just starting to bite and I could do with a cosy, handmade blanket for myself. I really enjoyed making this cover as the individual crocheted squares are so portable and quick to do; I'd love to make a bright and cheery one (aka Attic24 again - love the style and colour hit!) Maybe that's a job for after the Christmas fairs though...

Folksy Friday - September Stars featuring Butterflies

This week's Folksy Friday is showcasing the hardworking September Stars. This time, featuring BUTTERFLIES (and a dragonfly) - a final blast of summer heat and colour before the cold, wet and windy days of autumn take hold...

As always, click on the shop links to find out more about the individual items.

I love the little details and mix of gorgeous fabrics in this pretty, red Purse by Pants and Paper.

This Twilight Dragonfly Necklace by Whimsical Wren looks so classy in sophisticated black and silver.

Sweet and girly Pink Butterfly Fused Glass Pendant by Blue Daisy Glass.

For an unusual gift why not buy a Ceramic Butterfly Brooch by Tait Gallery? It can be personalised with the name and design of your choice.

This Beautiful Black Butterfly Jotter by Jessicas Jotters is stylish, and really useful too!

Another black and silver combo, this Butterfly Keyring by Sprinkles is simple, but stunning.

Beautiful colours and detail in this delicate Vintaj Woodland Necklace by Facets.

The bird/butterfly image on this Green Bird Pocket Diary by Lilly's Night Garden looks really striking against the gorgeous, handpainted background. I love it! I bought it!

I started my Christmas shopping on Folksy a little while ago. I tend to buy little 'bits and pieces' for my family and friends rather than one big gift, and I get a real kick out of buying them something handmade, something unusual, an item that they won't have seen in the highstreet shops. And of course the shops on Folksy never close for the day; you can browse and buy to your heart's content at 3am in the morning if you like! So if you haven't already, why not click on the links in this post and discover some fab designers/makers. Support handmade! Buy British! Christmas is coming...

Have a great weekend. x

Handmade gifts for the birthday girl

Both of my nieces love to get 'bits and pieces' for their birthdays and Christmas, and I enjoy visiting craft fairs and independent shops, so all year round I'm on the lookout for handcrafted gifts that they'll love. Websites like Folksy are also great for a browse in a rainy lunch hour. It's just like one massive shopping mall, but the difference is that everything is lovingly handmade. Fantastic for that unique gift!

As I've mentioned previously, it was my eldest niece Louise's birthday last week and this is the bits and pieces selection that she got this year. She seemed really thrilled with everything I chose.

I bought this gorgeous purse from Dinky Daisy on Folksy. The beautifully made cotton purse is fully lined and is decorated with crocheted flowers, embroidery and a sweet little butterfly charm. I love the delicate colours, and all the different textures and details.


It came really prettily wrapped too.


Hubby and I spent a great week in Polruan, Cornwall in June. As well as the spectacular coastline, fantastic gardens and charming villages, I love to visit the gift shops and galleries, looking for that special something that I know a friend or relative will adore.

This necklace came from one such shop - Bibi in Fowey. A great little shop selling an eclectic mix of accessories and gift ideas. The different shades of green mixed with the old gold look stunning, I think.


Louise loves her cuddlies, so as soon as I saw the sock bunnies from The Warren on Folksy I knew I'd have to pick one for her birthday. She loves pink too, so Checker Bunny and Baby Pinky seemed like the ideal choice.


But you don't just get a bunny in her sleeping bag, you get a postcard, badge and sticker too, with a request to keep in touch with the other bunnies back at The Warren via the Widget and Friends blog. I'm sure Louise will have great fun taking photos of Checker Bunny when she jets off to Australia soon.


And the last gift was made by myself - a tasty looking birthday cupcake, from a pattern in Let's Get Crafting! magazine (crochet edition). There were four different crocheted cakes to choose from, and the instructions were really easy to understand. I changed the colours to use what yarn I had available, and I mixed and matched the techniques to give an individual cake. I think the finished item looks absolutely gorgeous - delicate pastry, juicy fruit and luscious cream - Mmmmm!



I've already got one thing for my other niece's birthday, but I've got plenty of time to get a few other gifts as it's not Sarah's birthday until December.

And that's when Folksy will really come into it's own - no more trudging through the snow to go Christmas shopping, or braving cold winds and driving rain; no screaming kids and frustrated shoppers - I can just sit nice and warm and dry at home, with a glass of wine in one hand and a credit card in the other...