Back in November I saw these cupcake decorations (here) in Paperchase. I treated myself to them for two reasons, one, because I love nothing more than a random, kitsch decoration on the Christmas tree (we do have a peacock and a glittery shoe amongst other odd and not so festive items on there) and two, because I knew I wanted to learn to crochet in the new year and thought a cupcake would make a fun starting point.
As you all know, I gave crochet a whirl back at the beginning of January. It seemed to go fairly well but I had projects on the go (actually I still have a few UFOs dotted about but shhhh) so I couldn’t really concentrate on making anything in particular. I find both craft wise and professionally, that I sometimes have to be patient and wait on an idea or some inspiration. Patience is not something that comes naturally to me but there you go, something I have to live with.
Mmmm Diet Food
This weekend, with only that slip-stitch scarf loitering ominously in the knitting bag, I thought it was high time I worked up a crocheted cupcake. I suddenly felt inspired to give it a go.
I scoured Ravelry for free patterns and cobbled together the best of what I saw. I’ve made three cupcakes and a cherry so far and have had to learn new things like bpdc, fpdc, fpsc, dec sc … who knew what all these terms meant? I love that, because I am new to crochet, I can work in American or UK crochet abbreviations without getting upset, I am even looking at ‘stash busting’ the acrylic baby yarns on this baby blanket. I can’t quite believe how my confidence to try out these techniques has grown. I am eternally grateful to my good friend and fellow A Crafty Coffee founder for introducing me to her gung ho approach to crafts. She is amazing, she will try her hand at absolutely anything with mixed results but she has no fear of failure in that respect. It has encouraged me no end.
I nipped out earlier to make a small purchase of some little pearly beads to adorn the cupcakes, sprinkles style. I hope they are the perfect finishing touch.
Too cute! Cudos for trying out the new and not letting yourself be restrained by being new to the craft! Sounds like you’re doing great! Some of the stitches you mentioned are pretty advanced!
Are they really? I had no idea … I am very good at doing as I am told, well, where crafting is concerned anyway. ‘Tis great fun this trying out new things lark, and I have had to overcome so many fears in the last year or so.