Tag Archives: pinspiration

Crochet Induced Insomnia

Posted on October 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

Last night I couldn’t sleep. I’ve never been a great sleeper, but since my daughter was born two and a half years ago, my old friend insomnia hasn’t been around much. Physical exhaustion has won the day mostly. But last night I couldn’t switch off. All I could think about were the mounting crochet projects that I have on the go, plus a mass of life business.

I’m in the process of applying for permanent residency here in the Netherlands, and I have to find the time to fit in a trip to Amsterdam to have my photo taken and to be fingerprinted (that’s new). Plus a host of my actual career projects that have to be done all at once and some semblance of a social life that I need to keep going – If I don’t, I’ll be out of friends! There’s only so long you can say “I’m so sorry, I’m just too busy!” before people stop believing you.

So needless to say, last night I was awake with my brain racing and trying to process everything that’s going on in my life while I was frantically adding items to my Must Do list. In and in an attempt to distract myself, I did what any social media freak would do, I checked Facebook, Instagram and then Pinterest. I had quite a few Pinterest alerts to check and was gobsmacked when I saw that one of my pins had been repinned 999 times!

View this post on Instagram

999 repins?! This pin just can't stop giving. I made this snuggle ages and ages ago from a Free(!) pattern by @dendennis and #Pinterest clearly loves it. So does my website stats, I have to tell you! Go pin it yourself, and follow me while you're at it. I have great taste 😉 http://pinterest.com/missneriss #croche #crochet #craftymama #haken #snuggle #pinterestaddict #igcrochet #amigurumi

A post shared by Nerissa | Crochet | Haken 🇦🇺🇳🇱 (@miss__neriss) on Oct 12, 2014 at 1:31pm PDT

I’ve talked about this pin before, back when it had around 200 repins and I was amazed at that number, but now this morning it has cracked 1000 repins, and just won’t stop!

I have a few pins that I see getting a lot of (P)interest daily, including

and

Incidentally, I’ve never made this monkey. I just pinned it because I thought it was so cute.

The Dickie Birds are also doing well:

Ok, now I’ll shut up about Pinterest, sign off and go start work for the day. That To Do list won’t do itself!

Oh, and PS. If you want to pin the Elephant Snuggle yourself, you can:

Crochet Teething Bead Necklace

Posted on April 21, 2014 | 3 comments

When asked to make a teething necklace by a friend, I couldn’t get to my my local craft quick enough. I was on my bike before the request was even in.

Here’s what I came out with:

The idea behind the teething necklace is to give a baby a safe and interesting distraction while breastfeeding. The baby can play with the balls and feel the different textures instead of digging their sharp little fingernails into already sensitive and tender skin. I wish I’d thought of it when I was breastfeeding.

I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do, and how I was going to do it, but I decided to wing it and see what evolved. And here’s what did:

I made it as simple as I possibly could, and also so that the beads could be taken off and rearranged into what ever style or colour combo that takes your fancy. I love it. The next one will be a rainbow coloured one. Just need more beads!

3 Comments

Posted in Monday, Projects

Tagged baby, breastfeed, breastfeeding, craft, DIY, haken, hand crafted, hand made, handcrafted, handmade, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, pinspiration, teething, teething necklace, yarn

Candace Scarf Pattern

Posted on April 15, 2014 | 5 comments

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I shared the Candace Scarf that I made for my mum? Well, in that post I promised a pattern, but of course I completely forgot to follow up until I was reminded at the weekend. Thanks for that Anke!

You can find the pattern in the description of this pin:

I also promised to tell you how I hacked the pattern as it just didn’t seem to be correct, and I also made it more fluid, so you don’t have to cut and join, which I hate doing!

Below is how the beginning rows of the scarf look:

When it comes to joining, the pattern asks you to complete the trim, fasten off, and join at the other side. I decided to leave the trim out entirely, but you can keep it in if you like. I just found it unnecessary for my tastes. (I think initially I had run out of yarn, so that was the decider for me.)

So, in the pattern, row four instructs you to make the bows, but instead I completely skipped that row and went on to the next set, because I planned to make the bows using my joining row at the end. Here’s the last row, waiting to be joined:

Instead of sewing the ends together as the pattern instructed me, holding both ends of the scarf together and working through four loops at once (both stitches), I single crocheted in the first three stitches (of both ends), chained 5, single crocheted around the three chains, from the beginning end of the scarf to make a bow, then chained 5 again, single crocheting in the next three stitches (all loops, joining both ends of the scarf). I repeated this to the end, fastened off and was done.

For me, it just made for a tidier join and also means less ends to weave in! We all hate weaving in ends, right?

If you want to retain the trim, you can use this method still, by doing the trim down one side, joining across, then going down the other side. Still no need to fasten off and join to continue, so you should be able to make the scarf in one long piece (except when you run out of yarn and have to rejoin).

I made my latest Candace Scarf using Malabrigo Silky Merino, which I picked up from houseofyarn.nl here in the Netherlands. It is such a gorgeous yarn, I promptly bought half a dozen more skeins. I have an order to make a black version, and am now on a mission to find the “perfect black”.

Any tips for a simply gorgeous yarn that is hand dyed to show variation and is merino based? (I’m dedicated to merino, having grown up on a merino sheep farm.)

5 Comments

Posted in Pattern, Patterns, Projects, Tutorials

Tagged chunky yarn, craft, crochet, crochet pattern, DIY, free pattern, haken, hand crafted, hand made, handcrafted, handmade, malabrigo, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, pattern, pinspiration, pinterest, projects, yarn

New Design: King’s Day Bunting Necklace

Posted on April 3, 2014 | 2 comments

Holland’s biggest party for the last 100 or so years – Queen’s Day – has been given a revamp. You see, last year Beloved Queen Beatrix decided to retire, and her son, Prince Willem Alexander became the first King of the Netherlands in more than 100 years.

Not only do we have a new word to learn – Koningsdag instead of Koniniginnendag (try saying that three times fast), we have a new day to celebrate – 26 April instead of 30 April. Well, I don’t know if this is the permanent date, or just the first date. You see, King Willem Alexander’s birthday falls on 27 April, which this year is a Sunday and he’s decided we can all celebrate on the Saturday instead.

Still with me?

So, to celebrate the first King’s Day, I’ve created a new design!

Want to get your hands on one? Well, you can! I’m making these for the lead up to King’s Day and they’re available to buy from my Etsy Store!

The necklace is €15 euros (plus shipping if you need it) and is made from a nickel-free silver plated chain and delicate cotton yarn.

2 Comments

Posted in Etsy, Projects

Tagged amigurumi, Art, chunky yarn, craft, crochet, etsy, haken, hand crafted, hand made, handcrafted, handmade, jewellery, King's Day, Koninginnendag, Koningsdag, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, pinspiration, pinterest, projects, Queen's Day, yarn

Meet Kevin the Minion

Posted on February 17, 2014 | 3 comments

Here he is, finished!

(click the image to pin it)

I loved making him, and it was a great experiment without a pattern. Obviously with my critical eye there are loads of changes that I would make, so am considering making even more, and writing the pattern down. Plus I’d love to make the possessed minion too…

What do you think? Worth the investment in time?

3 Comments

Posted in Drops, Monday, Pinterest, Projects

Tagged amigurumi, craft, crochet, despicable me, DIY, drops, haken, hand crafted, hand made, handcrafted, handmade, minion, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, pinspiration, projects

Image

Happy New Year, Crochet a Mood Blanket!

Beste Wensen!

That’s me wishing you best wishes for the new year. Usually I would be expected to do a lap of the office kissing my colleagues giving them my best wishes, but as I now work from home, consider this my virtual smooch.

2014 is already off to a great start. I look out the window and it is glorious. The sun is shining and the temperatures haven’t properly dropped yet, so I’ve never been in such a good mood for the middle of winter, ever!

I’m not usually one for resolutions, as I never keep them, but I decided to have a crack at a few this year. But instead of starting them on the first of January, I kicked off early. I started running before Christmas. Actually, I’ve been going to the gym with a group twice a week and we were on holidays over the Christmas period, so I had to do something to keep active. Not ever being a runner, I surprised myself by getting out there and doing it. My husband has been coming with me and although he’s a natural athlete and is nearly walking beside me, he’s amazing.

I’ve also decided to look for more things to be grateful in my life. I’m a pessimist by nature, so it’s easy for me to find negatives everywhere, especially during the colder months, but that’s not the person I want to be any more so I’m making a change! Each day I’m going to share something with the world (via FB, Twitter or Instagram) that I’m grateful for. Perhaps I’ll do a weekly round up here, but we’ll have to see how my motivation and time goes!

In the Crochet world, it’s as busy as ever! I have orders in the queue for Owl hats, a lion doggie sweater, a pippi longstocking doll, plus slippers that I’ve designed:

View this post on Instagram

Deliciously warm and cosy #crochet slippers. Available to order in loads of lovely colours and sizes, €12.50 per pair (€10 for kids sizes). Contact me for more info and how to order.

A post shared by Nerissa | Crochet | Haken 🇦🇺🇳🇱 (@miss__neriss) on Dec 28, 2013 at 5:45am PST

I used Sheepjeswol Roma big, and they’re lovely and snuggly. Not only that, because they’re so chunky, the stitches act like a masseur. So massaged, warm feet. What more could a girl ask for?!

Aside from the orders, I’ve picked up a project for myself this year, it’s the #crochetmoodblanket2014 crochet along that I discovered on New Year’s Eve on Instagram. There are more than 1000 people taking part, it’s amazing. I’ve been looking for a community to join that is filled with like-minded souls, and I’ve found it!

This is my mood palette:

View this post on Instagram

#crochetmoodblanket2014 palette. Colour matching is not my strong point, so let's see how it goes…

A post shared by Nerissa | Crochet | Haken 🇦🇺🇳🇱 (@miss__neriss) on Dec 31, 2013 at 8:38am PST

And here is my progress for the first couple of days:

View this post on Instagram

Day one #crochetmoodblanket2014. Joining as I go and added today to my test hexagons from yesterday. Today's colour: tired. Sick child makes for a sleepless night. The hexagons are an homage to my gran, who makes beautiful hexagon quilts, and instead of planning, I'm just going to let it grow like a Settlers of Catan board and see where it takes me. #crochet

A post shared by Nerissa | Crochet | Haken 🇦🇺🇳🇱 (@miss__neriss) on Jan 1, 2014 at 5:22am PST

And day two:

View this post on Instagram

#crochetmoodblanket2014 day 2 ready for joining. Today I'm feeling #happy! Why? Because I've been dancing in my chair to Frank Turner all morning, who was my musical love in 2013 and is set to stay in my (tape deck) heart in 2014! #crochet

A post shared by Nerissa | Crochet | Haken 🇦🇺🇳🇱 (@miss__neriss) on Jan 2, 2014 at 4:33am PST

I’m making a hexagon blanket inspired by my grandmother who makes the most beautiful hexagon quilts. Here’s one she made for my daughter, it’s one of her favourite things:

View this post on Instagram

This is the inspiration for my #CrochetMoodBlanket2014 – a hexie blanket made by my gran for my daughter (this pic is 18 months old). I love her laughing face!

A post shared by Nerissa | Crochet | Haken 🇦🇺🇳🇱 (@miss__neriss) on Jan 2, 2014 at 7:14am PST

I found the pattern via Baby Love Brand, it’s a paid pattern, but well worth the (very small) investment. I’m using Drops Cotton Light to make it, and the colours are a mix of my favourites.

What’s inspiring you on these first few days of 2014? If you’re looking for a wonderful project, the crochet a mood blanket group is open to all comers, experts and newbies alike!

8 Comments

Posted on January 2, 2014 in Drops, Pattern, Projects, WIP

Tagged baby, chunky yarn, craft, craftsy, crochet, crochet pattern, crochetmoodblanket2014, DIY, drops, etsy, haken, hand made, handcrafted, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, pinspiration, projects

Pinspiration #3

Posted on May 3, 2013 | 15 comments

I have an obsession with mug cozies at the moment. Odd, as we are finally heading towards some warmer weather. But, as my husband reminds me, this is a great idea as I never finish a cup of tea in one sitting. It’s nothing for me to microwave my forgotten tea three times before finally abandoning it.

What I would to do be able to sit and savour a cup of hot, milky sweet English breakfast tea….

This one rocks my world. I just love the sailor tattoo style. I’m part-way through making something similar, completely coincidentally!

I love the appliqué on this one:

I made one based slightly on this pattern. Quick and easy to work up and looks great when finished:

I just love the colour of this one, but it’s too high. The top is too close to the lip of the cup, so you’ll be sucking on yarn instead of tea:

And this one is just too cool. I love the tea bag attached:

What do you think of mug cozies? Would you use one? I know my dad would enjoy it, but I would have to make it to fit a beer can…

15 Comments

Posted in Pinterest

Tagged coffee, cozy, crochet, handmade, mug, pinspiration, pinterest, tea

Pinspiration #2

Posted on April 2, 2013 | 11 comments

Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at crochet jewellery. I had the idea together with my friend Stephanie, who is a jewellery making expert to combine our talents and make items to sell and split the profits.

So far our big success has been with making Owly Charms and keychains:

Pinterest has been a fabulous source of inspiration, so I want to share my top five pins that we hope to be able to use for inspiration to design something in very much our own style.

This one has already inspired us, here’s an example of what we have done:

I just love this necklace. The colours are gorgeous and it makes me feel sunny.

I love the embellishments and this is just lovely. I would definitely love a key chain like this.

The combination of different materials used here just works.

We have also started on something similar to this, a really simple yet effective accessory.

The biggest challenge we are faced with in getting these projects off the ground is time. We are both very busy with work and study and children and husbands that finding five minutes to sit together and work has been just about impossible. We must work harder on finding the time, we have so many ideas and are chomping at the bit to get on with it!

What do you think of crochet jewellery? Would you wear it? Do you have any inspiration of your own you’d like to share with me?

11 Comments

Posted in Pinterest, Projects

Tagged bobby pin, crochet, etsy, hair pin, handmade, jewellery, jewelry, key chain, key ring, necklace, pinspiration, pinterest

Pinspiration #1

Posted on March 20, 2013 | 4 comments

I am a massive fan of Pinterest. The amount of time I spend there is ridiculous. Pinterest is now to me what Facebook was a couple of years ago. I will have a quick browse before I go to bed at night and am wondering what cool projects I can find first thing in the morning.

I especially love the global society we live in. It means that first thing in the morning I’m being flooded with ideas Americans have been pinning while I’ve been sleeping, and when I get home from work I have the same guilty pleasure courtesy of the Australians.

Here I am going to share some of the coolest Pinterest crochet projects that I have found over the previous week or so. Thanks to the new Pinterest look and feel, it’s easy to link to the source of the pins which is a wonderful addition to the site. No more clicking through thirty pins to get to the origin!

My faves for this week:

This is a hat that I’m biding my time to get stuck into. Aren’t the colours just gorgeous?

Granny Stripe Messenger Bag, found on Craftsy. I’m wondering where I can pick up the extra bits and pieces for the handles and snap closure, so I can make something just like this.

Roses and Lace scarf from Crochet World magazine. I just love the roses. Why aren’t there more hours in the day?

Crochet Deer Head from ManafkaMina on Etsy. These just make me laugh. I’d love one on my wall. I can just imagine my library with all my crochet trophy heads….

Ribbed Newsboy Hat by Posh Patterns on Craftsy. I’ve just bought this patern and am busy making a couple for a friend (I’ll link them when finished). It’s a wonderful pattern, highly recommended.

I’d love it if you took a moment to browse my pins and you’re more than welcome to follow me. I’m always hunting for more inspiration, so I’ll definitely follow you.