... black crowes

For the eagle eyed amongst you these might seem familiar - they are a version of Birdy that I made earlier this year.  These were also a present for Dan's birthday (yes - I do seem to just make him toys - may need to consider this!).

I made Chris and Rich (that's their names) as we went to see the Black Crowes this week on Dan's birthday which was super fantastic.  As the pattern I used for Birdy also had a crow version a pair of black crowes to mark seeing the Black Crowes seemed appropriate.  I scaled the pattern down and produced a pair of small little sweeties.  They are about 8cm tall with out the legs and were quite a challenge to sew being that small!

It can be tricky to know if people like the gifts you make for them but one of these (Chris I believe) got painted as painting of the day on Dan's birthday as part of his DanYoungDaily blog.  I will take it he liked them!

... Batman egg cosy

This little fella is a birthday gift for Dan who loves boiled eggs and Batman.  Ergo the ideal pressie is surely a Batman egg cosy - no?

I would love to say this is all my own design but he is based on pattern from the wonderful Ravelry website which I use a lot to get inspiration from. I am really pleased with him - I think it is one of the best things I have crocheted so far.

It is tricky making crocheted gifts for someone you live with as you make them in little fits and starts as the other person is upstairs/out - thank goodness Dan paints each day giving me a bit of time to get something made.  This does however lead to slightly comedy moments as I rapidly stuff what I am making back in my workbag when Dan finishes painting quicker than I expected.  I try to sit there with an innocent look on my face but I am not sure it works very often!  I did leave him on the table one day by accident when Dan came downstairs but he didn't notice and I quickly stuffed him back in the bag.  Whew!!