You see it all the time within the craft community; people proclaiming the benefits of making something with their own hands for their mental-health and general wellbeing, and I’m wholeheartedly one of those people. It’s not the reason I started with crochet, but it’s definitely one of the reasons I continue with it now.

I’d be wanting to try out a checkerboard crochet pattern for a while. I’d been seeing it everywhere and, although I’m not usually one to jump straight on a trend, this one was irresistible.

This project came to me in the spring this year. When I stumbled across the stitch pattern, I just knew I had to make something with it. To me, the pattern looks like eyes - and if you know me well, you know that I just love eyes as a design feature!

This project was inspired simultaneously by a stitch pattern I found on Pinterest, as well as some gorgeous yarn that I have had waiting in my stash for years. Both calling out to me to be made into something pretty and practical. Thus this water-bottle carrier was brought into existence.

If you’re looking for a fast and simple project to satisfy your creativity for an evening, then I’ve got a pattern for you… these cute boho wall-hangings can be made within an hour and have just the right level of challenge and ease to keep you interested.

Many moons ago I made some crochet eyes with the intention of adding them to a wall-hanging, but as it goes with a lot of design ideas it didn’t really work out. I was left with these kind of cool looking crochet eyes though…

It feels so good to be back enjoying creating again in this way, and as a celebration of sorts I’ve decided to write up the pattern for the crocheted house I used to make.

I have another exciting installment for the Mother/Maker series, where I interview a maker or designer on their life as a creative and a mother. I am delighted to say that Isabella from TwoMe is my guest on the blog today. I first came across Isabella on instagram many years ago when she had challenged herself to learn 12 crafts in 12 months. Since then she has grown a successful business writing, making and teaching about Macrame and natural dyeing.

This year I’ve been looking for some cool and sustainable ways to decorate our house for the festivities… I’ve also made this crocheted spider garland.