Ok, so here is how I did it. Again, I used left-over yarn, combined it in a bulky thread and crocheted using a size 12 crochet hook. I also used a hoop made from a flexible plastic rod that I rescued from an old window cover. I started the beginning row by crocheting single crochet stitches around the hoop. Slip stitch to close the circle and then worked in circles using double crochet only. Because the hoop was a bit large I decreased from time to time (3 stitches every 2 or 3 rows). When I was satisfied with the length of the cave I stopped and left the end of the cave open. Then I asked my cats to test it :P
I just love making things for a good cause :) Just that I get bored easily and then I need to invent something new. The same happened with the cat nests I was doing - I just needed to do something else for a bit of variation. So I made a cat cave! For those cats out there who just like to dig and hide in the darkness :))) We have one like this, if she finds a blanket she will do her best to crawl under and take a nap :)) Ok, so here is how I did it. Again, I used left-over yarn, combined it in a bulky thread and crocheted using a size 12 crochet hook. I also used a hoop made from a flexible plastic rod that I rescued from an old window cover. I started the beginning row by crocheting single crochet stitches around the hoop. Slip stitch to close the circle and then worked in circles using double crochet only. Because the hoop was a bit large I decreased from time to time (3 stitches every 2 or 3 rows). When I was satisfied with the length of the cave I stopped and left the end of the cave open. Then I asked my cats to test it :P
36 Comments
We are going to Romania for holiday and for this occasion I wanted to do a little bit more for the two animal organizations that I support. What I can do best is crochet so it was an easy and obvious choice for me to start working on some cats' (and in the next weeks also dogs) nests. I bought online a big stash of left-over yarn and by combining several thinner threads I created a stronger and bulkier thread that I crocheted with a size 10 hook. I also had some yarn made out of old sheets and I decided to use that also. The result: by now 4 cat' nests :) The simple version is worked just like a basket. In case you want to make a cozy nest yourself there are plenty free patterns online that can be used. If you need help with finding one send me a message and I will try to help :) For the more complicated version I used a flexible plastic rod that I saved from a window cover. I bent the rod in a circle and used it to created an entrance to the nest to create a cozy effect. I crocheted around the rod and because the thread was so bulky it maintained shape and did not collapsed. If you want to make something similar I do not have a written tutorial but I did make some photos to illustrate what I did. And in case of getting stuck send me a message I will do my best to help you. It is official: I love up-cycling, especially combining lace and old buttons. So I did it again :P I found this lovely cotton from Katia and i got me the purple-to-white-and-blue version. And I made another brooch, for another friend. I used a button with an owl on it - she likes owls :P Now I cant wait for my next project... i have so many more buttons :P The first project using one of the items I got from the flea market: a lace brooch with an extra decoration element given by a vintage button. I made this brooch as a present for a friend. I loved working on it, it is so rewarding to do something for a friend. I also like the idea of using old items in this way, to create new things. I am curious what you think about it, if you find it as pretty as I do :) PS: and if you want to do one just like this I wrote a short tutorial. You know where you can find it :) Happy crocheting! I love flea markets! SO MUCH OLD GREAT STUFF! Anyway, last flea market I visited this Sunday was not so big but still, with a bit of sniffing around I managed to find some treasures. Some old doilies, some old buttons, brooches, hair clips and two necklaces. I have a lot of plans with the stuff :) I will share them with you as i go. But it involves: recycling, up cycling and giving new life to all this old stuff. Until then i enjoyed myself making photos of my trophy ^^ Uriel enjoying the first cushion :) In a previous post I wrote about recycling old sheets. Now is the time to show you what I made from some of them: two cushions for my one and only wooden bench on the balcony!
I used the moss stitch to make them: fast and easy stitch that does not require much attention. Obviously the cats were the first ones to test the cushions. The general reaction was positive, now all I have to do is to buy another bench for myself and make some more cushions, because those 2 are taken :P (bad cats thinking that they own the place ....) Curious how I made the cushions? Find the document with instructions here. Spring is by definition the time to clean your closets and throw away old stuff. Or, you can only clean the closet and recycle the old stuff :) And that was exactly my plan regarding some old sheets and bed linen. How about coloring them (white and light blue are not exactly my favorite colors to be honest) and making some yarn for crochet projects. For instance some outdoor cushions for the wooden bench. Cats would love that. So would I!
And so I remembered that my grandmother in Romania used plants and flowers to color wool. Well, if she could do that why would I not do the same? I mean, what better way to recycle than in an ecological friendly way? :) And that is exactly what I did: experimenting with ecological dye extracted from walnuts shells, red onion and beetroot (that's what I had in house). The results: unpredictable :)) Apparently old cotton sheets behave differently than natural wool. But that's ok, the surprise colors are also nice. All in all a nice DIY activity. Want to experiment also with eco-dyeing, take a look at the document where i summarize my experience. Happy crafting! Quiet around here, but with a reason: I am enjoying a 1 week holiday. And what better things to do during holiday than some DIY projects! So, during the next week stay tuned for new patterns and tutorials :) Today only a teaser: eco-dyeing and making yarn from old sheets! Tomorrow I will come back with the tutorial. Enjoy the photos :) I am so happy! The spring wreath is sold and I was able to make the first donation from my hobby to Sos Dogs and The Friends of Cats Association :) If you enjoy my work, know that I am sharing it with all of you with the hope that I can also raise awareness for the situation of street dogs and cats in Romania, and more specifically, those from my native town Oradea. Any donation or help for the two associations I support (or for that matter, for any association trying to solve the problem of street animals in Romania) is very much appreciated. |