Crochet Cuties

If you've been following my blog, you would know by now that I cannot crochet, I have tried, and tried, and tried, and failed! I have not yet given up, it's just on the back burner. One very talented lady who can crochet, is Elizabeth from Castle Handmade.

Handmade Crochet Rug By Elizabeth

Elizabeth makes the most adorable hand crochet toys, rugs and stool covers. If you are in the Hawksbury NSW area, she also holds classes (lucky you!). Here Elizabeth's handmade adventure;

I first picked up a crochet hook at the age of 8. Mum was always knitting or crocheting and I was always bugging her to teach me. I never really got the hang of it back then, and at that age I never had the patience to complete a project. When I was pregnant with my son in 2011, my Mum handed me the six granny squares I had made when I was 8, and suggested I finish the blanket I had started 20 years ago. So I followed some youtube videos and completed a cot blanket. Suddenly I was hooked! Ever since then I have been crocheting everyday. I read blogs, watch videos, buy books and magazines, anything I can do to learn new techniques and improve my craft.

Amazing Crochet Tea Party

After finishing that first cot blanket, I began working on other little projects for my bub. Beanies and booties, photo props for his newborn photos, toys and items for his room. I soon started getting requests from friends and family to make items for their children or as gifts for others. After my son was born, I started a facebook page, and once I built up a stock of items, I started attending local markets.

Originally it all began as just a hobby to keep my mind occupied whilst being a stay at home Mum. It has now become my day (and night) job. Not only am I making crochet items, but I am also teaching crochet workshops in my own home to help others develop their skills.

I dream of having my own room, full of lovely natural light, with my yarn displayed beautifully, but unfortunately I don't have the luxury just yet. Instead I have my supplies packed neatly into cupboards and my dining table acts as a workbench, filled with finished projects, works in progress, hooks, yarn and whatever else I happen to need. The kitchen bench is my wrapping station, where I package my items ready to post.

Nights are often spent on the lounge crocheting, I like sitting outside to work when I can, and car trips are fantastic for working on projects, provided I am the passenger.

Most of my items are made using existing patterns, making no changes other than choosing my own colour combinations and adding little finishing details. Often I alter the patterns as I go, changing the shape or size to help make it match the image I have in my mind. I also create my own patterns, this takes much longer than following a ready made pattern, but the end result is always so much more rewarding.

Christmas Dachshund? Yes Please!

It's so hard to pick a favorite part about what I do, I can honestly say that I love every aspect of the process. Two things definitely stand out though. The first is when I add the finishing touches to an item, for example adding the eyes to an animal softie, they really come to life and all of sudden with their own unique personality. The second is reading emails and seeing the photos after a customer has has either found a special place for my work in their home or gifted it to a loved one. It is so rewarding to see a child smiling as they give their new friend a warm and loving cuddle.

Looks like Rein... Deer

If you would like to buy or order one of Elizabeth's crochet creations, or find out more about her classes, she has just opened Castle Handmade online, and you can contact her via Facebook and Instagram.