Making offline!

It is December and we are almost at the end of 2017, so I figured I owed you all a big update on makings!

I have certainly been making, however I have been woefully remiss in my blogging. Since finding instagram, it's been easier to keep a record of makings simply by take photos and writing short blurbs, rather than writing larger blog posts. 

This year has also been a very busy year; working on the business, Cocooned, having two kids in kinder over 5 days a week and one little one in school, I've barely had time to catch my breath.

Last time I checked in, I was working on The Great Knitaway;

I ended up making 6 objects for KOGO (Knit One Give One) for the great Knitaway. I didn't quite reach my goal of 10 new patterns I'd not tried before, however I was happy with this achievement and was glad to donate these 6 items back in May this year. 

Knitaway Items for KOGO

Clockwise from bottom left they are; The Pātiki Cowl by Francoise Danoy, The Yarnster Hat by Shannon Cook, Alyssum Fingerless Gloves by Megan Eliza, The Rudy Rabbit hat [not on ravelry, see picture], Baby Uggs by Autumn Street and lastly The Boreal Forest Hat by Renée Callahan.

Rudy Rabbit Hat

*all links take you to my Ravelry Project page, you can find the patterns and yarn information there*

Recently, I also made a handful of crowns for the KOGO Christmas Appeal where they pack and give a large amount of gifts to kids who are in need at Christmas time. 

The pattern is Circlet and is free on Ravelry.

Christmas Crowns

My other charity project this year has been My Tree of Hope;

A yarn bombed tree raising money and awareness for childhood cancer during September, childhood cancer awareness month. I have left it up to continue to raise awareness and also funds. 

I had help from some wonderful people who donated yarn, time, squares and hexagons to make this tree happen. I thank them all again for their time and efforts.

You can still donate to this amazing cause via my fundraising page. All donations go to the kids cancer project who invest in science and research to help make childhood cancer history. 

In May, I made my first grown-up sized garment in the form of the Gingerbread Sweater;

This pattern was great for a first time sweater, I love all of the Truly Myrtle Patterns by Libby I've made thus far. 

Little Jumpers, Socks, Mittens, Hats, Gifts, Birthdays, New Babies, just because... there has been a lot of other knitting going on.

I also did a tiny bit of cross stitch!

It's actually quite amazing to look back on the year like this and see what I have actually achieved!. I don't feel so bad having left it so long now!

I have been making many many more things and the best way to keep up with it all, is to follow me on Instagram. 

What have you been making? What has been your favourite make of 2017?

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The Great Knitaway 2017

Okay, here we go, I have finally decided on my big challenge for 2017.

There are lots and lots of things I want to make, things for my children, family and friends. There are also so many patterns I want to try out.

After being so very, very lucky to be gifted wooly items through the generosity in the Instagram knitting community and knitters pay it forward movement, I want to gift to those who need it most.

So in supporting my favourite charity Knit One, Give One, I am going to knit 10 items on my want to knit list, and gift these to KOGO by June 30 2017.

Some Rules;

* I can't knit and gift an item made from same pattern twice! 10 different items, 10 different patterns.
* I can't knit a pattern I've made previously, it all has to be patterns I'm making for the first time.
* I still have to make the other items on my list, knits for birthdays, weddings etc.
* All 10 Items have to be finished and delivered to Knit One Give One by June 30 2017.

My plan is to make beautiful, one of a kind items that will help lift the spirits of someone I have never, and will never meet.

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that we once received the gift of a beautiful handmade quilt from an unknown quilter at the quilters guild. It was for our little girl when she was just a newborn, recovering from her first open-heart surgery in hospital. This really had an amazing effect on our mood and outlook. We will cherish the quilt forever, so I know firsthand what a difference something handmade with love can make.

Do you have any suggestions? Any patterns that have caught your eye? Please let me know!

Want to play too? I'd love for you to join me! Follow the rules above, gifting your items to any charity you desire. Play and follow along on Instagram using #knitaway2017