One thing I think we can all agree on at the moment is that we do have a bit more time on our hands. Life in lockdown is a funny old time and I keep reading things on social media about all the amazing things you could be doing with this time. The reality is that even if you are stuck at home, there are still lots of things that need doing, but I do like the idea of doing a few craft projects during this time. Not only is it a good way to relax, it is rewarding and quite frankly therapeutic as it takes your mind off all of the goings on in the world at the moment.
Crochet is something that I have always wanted to get into. I have dabbled a bit in the past, but I not very good and finishing things. I do love crochet though, it is something that once you get into it, it isn’t long before you have something to show for your efforts and it is really relaxing.
LoveCrafts is the perfect website to find crafting inspiration. The amalgamation of two sites: Love Knitting and Love Crochet, LoveCrafts has been providing inspiration, ideas and supplies not only for crochet and knitting but also sewing and quilting and cross stitch and embroidery. It is a lovely website to browse around, there are so many lovely projects to inspire you with lots of patterns (many of which are free), videos which walk you through some of the projects step by step and of course, you can buy all of the materials and equipment that you need for each project too.
When LoveCrafts contacted me to ask if I would like to have a go at one of their projects and learn a new skill, I chose crochet straight away. Although it isn’t a completely new skill, I am still a beginner and I loved the idea of doing simple project that I might actually finish.
I chose to make a scarf. I love scarves and this looked to be a lovely warm scarf. I know it isn’t really scarf weather at the moment but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for next winter. LoveCrafts sent me the link to the pattern and a very easy to follow video tutorial, enough wool from the Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky selection in Marine Blue, a crochet hook and some yarn needles. Everything I needed to get started.
The super chunky wool was great to work with and because of it’s thickness, you quickly see your crochet starting to grow which is really motivating. I did stop and start a few times, but I found the video really easy to follow and I could easily rewind to check anything I wasn’t sure about.
Crochet really is therapeutic. I found it really relaxing to be able to sit down at the end of the day and absorb my mind into creating something. It is the perfect hobby to take up right now, with everything else that is going on in the world.
And, more importantly (and unlike any other crochet project so far) I finished it. I have a super chunky, well made, home made scarf waiting for the Autumn when the weather gets cold once more.
What is more, it has inspired me to pick up a crochet project that I started months ago and I am now determined to finish so that I can start something else.
LoveCrafts is a really lovely site and very inspiring. There are endless free patterns, video tutorials, how to guides and even a community section where members show off things that they have made. It is all really inspiring and helpful to know that you can pretty much get everything you need starting with inspiration through to the materials and tools required, all in one place. There are even some lovely craft ideas for kids which are really useful at the moment with the kids all at home and needing things to do.
Whether you decide to try something new while we are in lockdown, you want to pick up a hobby that you didn’t used to have time for or need some inspiration for a new project, LoveCrafts is a great place to start and now is the perfect time to get creative and have something lovely to show for your time at home.
Disclaimer – I was sent all of the materials free of charge from LoveCrafts for the purpose of this post. All opinions and images are my own.
