This is my most recent crochet project:
A cafetiere cosy. It was a great, easy project for a crochet newbie like me plus it used up scraps of stash yarn. I'm really chuffed with the finished article but I really like that it serves a function, in keeping the cafetiere warm. This is why I love tea cosies as a similar project perfect for stash busting and with a practical use. Tea cosies are often maligned as the epitome of amateur crafting and I can understand how my cafetiere cosy might seem naff, but surely it is a great example of a practical item?
What do you think? Are there some items you consider just too naff, or even types of crafting you think are too twee for you?
K x
Love the cozy! Recently I've been thinking of making one too, mainly because of the usefulness of the item. A few months ago I tried out needle felting & while fun I have no idea what to do with the little sheep I made. I mean, if I put it on a shelf it'll just get dusty & how well can you really dust wool?
ReplyDeleteI'm still learning what twee and naff mean. In the states you might refer to someone's cluttered home as having loads of tchotchkes; I think that is along the same lines of things being naff and twee. Some may say there is a fine line between some homemade things and naff things, but something that you make, whether it serves a purpose or not, should have its allowances. That being said your cafetiere cosy is far from the twee factor!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of tchotchkes, what an interesting word!
DeleteI agree completely! I don't like to fill my house with a lot of nicknacks - I don't like how the clutter looks, and I REALLY don't like to dust them. The only exception for me is the temari balls I make - I just think they're so interesting and they always get a lot of comments from guests.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great practice and use of scraps!
I had to look up temari balls - they look excellent!
DeleteI cannot bear clutter, having grown up in a house with a multitude of 'knick knacks'. I have a couple of designated areas for sentimental stuff (I still have a few things from my childhood that I think I may never be able to part with). I like to look and leave it in the shop! Also, I love to sew things that get used every day if possible. If your cosy is in regular use, it isn't clutter, plus stripes are definitely not twee! I suppose I view sewing as a kind of self sufficiency, although I wouldn't rule out embroidering a cushion for sheer pleasure one day. Can't see it happening any time soon though!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of trying some embroidery too
DeleteI don't like clutter because I don't like to dust and I have a naughty Kitty that sometimes jumps on things and sends them flying. I bought a book once on using fabric scraps for projects. Aside from making applique for dishtowels, I considered the book a waste of hard earned money. I can't picture having a child's grow chart gracing my wall for 18 years. Your cozy is something that I would love to make because it serves not just a purpose, but a valuable purpose. Ten guesses what my beverage of choice is. And it must be made in a French press.
ReplyDeleteI do hate dusting too (though not as much as ironing)
DeleteI love it. I make them out of fabric, as well as tea cosies and pot mitts, and to my eye they are pretty styley. Fabric choice helps with that mind you!
ReplyDeleteI love making little things because they get finished fast. I have been known to make shopping bags that fit into a little bag, too. I'm with you on making things you can use every time over purely decorative stuff.
yes, exactly, I want everything to have a purpose. Although for some things, the purpose is merely sentimental.
ReplyDeleteOn that note, love the cozy, I would make a few Koozies if I was a better knitter I guess. For beer. Perhaps this is some motivation.
I definitely lean to the practical side too. Does the warmer work? I've never used one!
ReplyDeleteI confess to having knitted cupcakes. To me it's just pop art in miniature :-)
ReplyDeleteI like that idea :)
DeleteI agree on the practicality front, I prefer to make things to wear/use. The only thing I made that was completely impractical was knitted flying ducks and these were a requests from a friend. I love the cosy, I keep thinking I ought to get around to making a tea cosy.
ReplyDeleteWhile I admit to finding some useless knitted things rather cute, I would never make them. I don't have enough time to make all the practical items I want, so why would I waste time and supplies making less useful items? Same with yarn bombing. I like the idea, but I have more practical things I would rather spend my time creating :)
ReplyDeleteI get where you're coming from, but I'm a big believer for making for the sake of making. Even if you create something ridiculous, you're using a practical skill, which is therapeutic and creative. I think if it makes you smile, great, if you can use it, bonus! :) x
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