this is ... what scrambles my brain

Crochet patterns. For the life of me, I simply cannot read them.

Which is funny (strange, not ha ha) because I have no trouble with freehanding crochet and frequently turn to it when I can't find a pattern to follow. Like these:

A toilet doll roll made as a housewaming gift for my sister. I was aiming for super-tacky but I still think I've seen worse.

Owl rattle.

The inaccesibility of crochet patterns has become doubly frustrating since I joined Ravelry because there are so many cute amigurumi creatures I'd love to be making. Like these little guys:
striped turtle
snail
duckling
gnome

So, if you know of a good online crochet tutrial or can recommend a book, please let me know. Cheers!

I heart ... owls

Perfume bottle given to me by my Nana's boyfriend, FRANK, when I was around 7 years old. Why does a seven year old need perfume? There are so many stories I could tell you about Frank, he of the pastel slacks and extra-strong mints, the ex-navy sea-man who thought that the sun revolves around the earth.


Olive's new owl castanet. Because little girls do need musical instruments to make lots of noise.


Gorgeous needle-felted owls by Lauren Alane.


Owl rattle that I crocheted around an old vitamins bottle filled with dry soy beans. I am still a very beginner with crochet but have bought some amigurumi books for inspiration.

a beginning

Oh no! I am overcome with new blogger's shyness. But I am determined to use this as a means to expand my playtimes in the craft room to something a little more. So I will start not with something that I have made but rather that I whipped up: two tea cosies inherited from my great aunties (Connie and Pearl - I love old lady names) with the handle and spout holes whip-stitched together to make hats for my gorgeous girl, Olive.