Monday 26 November 2012

It LOOKS Easy.........



But it's not!

 
I thought I would have a go at some padded coat hangers yesterday, I've not made any before, they didn't look too hard, so quick look on You Tube, and off I went!



First mistake was not to secure wadding enough, it just bunched up, so out came the needle and thread again!

Next mistake, I made the cover too small and couldn't get it on the hanger, then I made it too big, so more padding was added. Actually I liked the fuller one best, so that mistake was a good one! By the time I was on my third I had it sorted, well sorted for me anyway!

 
They will only be in my wardrobe, so don't have to be perfect.

 
I also managed to finish off some more cushion covers, not sure what to do with these yet, may be put on pressie pile, could go into shop, or I might just sneak one onto the sofa (I wonder if anyone will notice!).

In the week, when I'm all by myself, my cushions stay on the sofa and chairs. Looking lovely. At the weekends and in the evenings, they are always on the floor, Mr Bea just doesn't get cushions!!

 
 
I felt quite pleased with my little achievements. Armed with my new confidence, I decided this was to be my night, where I finally learnt to crochet!
Most of you know, I can't crochet and would LOVE to! I had seen the video from Mollie Makes on how to crochet a flower. I watched it a few times, it looked easy peasey! I CAN do that, I thought!
 
 
 
 
Sorry it's blurred! This was my 15th attempt, it's almost flower like, not quite, but almost!
 
Has anyone else struggled with crochet! I can do the chain stitch ok now, will I ever learn? I'm not sure if it's because I'm left handed, or because I'm dyslexic, but it all remains a mystery!
 
 
Have a good week, I will be back later in the week with the giveaway winner!
 
 
Ada :) x
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

61 comments:

  1. I love your hangers ... I tried making one years ago and gave up. As for crochet, well, I can't even master the art of knitting!
    I totally get the cushion thing ... my men throw them on the floor too or squish them up and they never, ever, plump them up and sit them back nicely on the sofa when they get up. Why, oh, why? It always reduces me to cursing under my breath!!
    Have a great week. M x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ada well done that flower is a good start!
    don't give up, it suddenly clicks into place when you keep going....
    Daisy xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. lovely coat hangers and embellishments Ada! well done! the pillows are lovely, you have some lovely sheets there. Maybe a flower isn't the easiest thing to begin crochet on....!! but you know what persevere because it will suddenly come and yes I crochet left hand too, not because I am but just because that's how I was shown! have a good week, Heather x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't believe you have posted about coat hangers..... you won't believe this but I did a craft fair yesterday and I was just looking at the coat hangers I made 18 months ago and not managed to sell even one, then along came a lady and didn't she buy two!
    Uncanny
    Love the cushions too
    : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps we are entering a Padded Coat Hanger Phase! :) x

      Delete
  5. p.s regarding the crochet I could never get the hang of it so in the end I went to classes and I picked it up straight away
    x

    ReplyDelete
  6. No. Men don't get cushions. x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the hangers Ada! I have wanted to make some of my own, seeing yours have inspired me to give it a go! They look so lovely! I'm not much of a crocheter, but trying to learn, I do knit though! I love knitting! I have made my husband many beanies for the cold weather and at the moment I am working on a seed stitch scarf for him! Your flower looks good. Keep it up! Practice makes perfect!
    --Stephanie :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go on, make Sumer, they will look great in your wardrobe! :) x

      Delete
  8. I think your hangers are perfectly gorgeous and unique! Keep it up with the crochet - it'll come. I'm self-taught too and persistence pays off. Tee hee - you're so right, men in general just don't get cushions!
    Happy Monday, xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Logout hangers are lovely Ada! And your flower is looking great, like Daisy says just keep going and it suddenly clicks, I've only been crocheting for a year and when I started I thought I'd never get the hang of it but once you've mastered each stitch there'll be no stopping you!
    Victoria xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. MEN do not get cushions - it's not just your hubby! I often have people look at a cushion on my stall, then put it down saying something along the lines of ''im indoors will suffocate me with it if I buy another cushion!' Well done for persevering with your lovely hangers - I've never made any but can imagine it not being as easy as the end result looks. I too want so much to be able to crochet, but never get round to settling to it. May be a resolution for next year?
    x

    ReplyDelete
  11. I adore your little hangers....they look pretty perfect to me...what fun to have a set of them to hang your pretty clothes on.
    Love love all your fabrics and creations. xoxo Love your cushions..the more the merrier I say!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your hangers are so pretty!! I think your crocheted flower is sweet!! Happy crocheting and creating Ada!! xo Heather

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ha ha, the males here don't get cushions either, they all end up piled in a mess on the back of the sofa used as doggy dens!! It's taken me ages to learn to crochet, every year I would say 'this year'! I ended up with a child's book on one knee and u tube on the other side and mastered the Granny Square - took me hours!! You'll do it :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. ... And your cat hangers are gorgeous xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. it's you'n'me together on the crochet- knit yes, sew...well sort of...crochet boy, is that hard! I started two weeks ago and I can chain for England but beyond that still looks an awful mess.
    Still, we carry on trying...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, I don't think those hangers look at all easy to make so well done!

    ReplyDelete
  17. They look ever so lovely though and very effective - who knew...I always thought they looked simple to make - then again I've never tried myself.

    Nina x

    ReplyDelete
  18. I know what you mean about cushion "placement" - I love having them propped up nicely but they always end up scattered on the floor! Elaina xo

    ReplyDelete
  19. There is a great little book that I've got on loan... Crochet Unravelled by claire Bojczuk which is great! Clear drawings with steps for right hand AND Left handed... It's the best I found to remind me... I'm a begginer too I popped along to a knit and natter group to learn... it will click! smiles Cx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh oh oh I wish I could crochet even more after have seen your pink lovely!
    Have a grand new week, happy creating x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Ada
    If you've noticed I have an extreme aversion to learning crochet akin to a phobia...just can't blooming do it. I break out in a cold sweat!
    Sally x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was the same with my rotary cutter but now it's just makes me tremble a bit, not good when you are holding something sharp! :)

      Delete
  22. Those coat hangers are really pretty, so are the cushion covers!
    I have attempted to learn crochet but still can not get my head around actually making something yet..my fingers just won't do what my head wants it to.
    Have a lovely week.
    Magie x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the pretty hangers Ada ... worth the effort and keep at the crochet ... it will come eventually ... try a granny square ... check out Lucy's blog Attic 24 for great tutorials ... Bee xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm glad you stuck with it on the hangers as they look really sweet! I bet you'll make more now that you've got them figured out. So pretty!!

    I've been wanting to learn crochet for a few years, but keep putting it off. The flower is so cute, and I would put it in a tiny frame to keep as a reminder to you in years to come that it all started from this beautiful, quirky pink flower! :) Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love the coathangers and the cushions at my place would all be in a row on the floor for the next flight to Paris, seats please. Persist with the crochet, I did classes and watched everyone else get in within in the first 3 hour lesson while I cursed and felt like a goose. Eventually did work it out, it's all about how you hold the hook and yarn, maybe try a granny square first, might be easier to get the tension right. mel x

    ReplyDelete
  26. I've been trying to learn to crochet for ever!! I did manage a Granny square following the Meet Me at Mikes Granny Square 101.

    I'm impressed that you have a nearly flower, I'm sure I'd just have a mess!

    I did once make a covered coathanger though :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've wrongly assumed, for many years, that if someone can knit, crocheting would be second nature! :)

      Delete
  27. Lovely coathangers Ada!
    Keep up the crochet, you'll just "get it" one day! There does seem to be a big jump between chain stitch and all the others. A Granny Square might be an easier starting point, and if you had a friend who could start you off on the first couple of fiddly rows, then sat with a You-Tube tutorial I think you would get your head around it?!!! I can post you a teeny tiny Granny if you think that may help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It might not help, but I could just keep staring at it, and stroking it! :)

      Delete
  28. i'm left handed and dyslexic... so this should give you hope! I taught myself to crochet using youtube videos esp for lefties. You can do it!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love how honest you are about your crafting, Ada! Your coathangers look pretty darn good to me, you would never know they were a pain to make.

    I went on a crochet course and it still took ages to "click" for me. I am still playing it very safe and sticking to granny squares, while slowly building up my confidence. I think that flower looks pretty good for a first attempt! A granny square is definitely the best starting point. xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the hangers Ada, when I was reading it reminded me of Goldilocks.. the 1st was too big, the next too small but the 3rd was just right! Cute.

    I think lefties do have a harder time with crochet, there's a lady in my craft group who is in her 60s and has started crocheting this year after always wanting to learn. She is so chuffed with herself. So keep at it, granny squares are good for practicing tension and repetition and Pip from Meet me at Mikes has some good video tutorials. Good luck
    x

    ReplyDelete
  31. padded coat hangers : so nice!
    cushions : so beautiful!
    first crochet flower : so sweet.....keep on trying!!!! you'll win this battle, so the war!!!!
    xxx Ale

    ReplyDelete
  32. How do. Stick in there with the crochet Ada, it took me months to get my head around it years ago, but I'd said I'd crack it so I did in the end. You'll have so much fun with it when you can do it. Don't worry about the left-hand thing either. My Millie struggles, but I think that's her age too. Years ago I taught a group to crochet who had varying disabilities. One lady had had a brain tumour removed and then been in a coma for weeks. As a result she ended up only being able to use her left hand and had lost her short-term memory. She's taught herself to crochet left handed doing it her own way and it really worked. Each week I taught her something new, like how to make a flower or a square. I was really out of ideas when they brought a lady in in a wheelchair who had no hands. Turned out she just wanted to get out of the day care centre with everyone else and have a cuppa.

    Btw hangers looking good, you've more staying power than me Ada.

    X

    ReplyDelete
  33. the hangers look great and being padded they will keep delicate clothes in better shape. Re your crochet, are there not tutorials for left handers on the internet, I am sure there should be somewhere. I find it easier to use crochet cotton rather than wool, struggled with wool so have now moved on to finer thread the main problem I have is the sliding loop at the beginning

    ReplyDelete
  34. I can't crochet either! And it always takes me at least 2 goes to get a new project sorted, so well done for persevering with the hangers!
    Thank you again for my lovely fabric present - I posted on my facebook page about it:
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=559763004049539&set=a.325732970785878.98650.314732985219210&type=1&theater

    ReplyDelete
  35. aahh my vintage sheet is very similar to yours i made patchwork cushion out of them in the summer and i love it. Your hangers look gorgeous def worth the hard work it took to get them right. Don't give up with crochet i only learnt myself at the start of this year it took me ages to work it out but i think the best advice to give you is just have a go remember the beauty with this craft is anything goes there are no set rules to it. Im a practical learner i can not learn from a book i need to see it done by someone else. Have a look on u tube there are some great lessons on there and if your like me that will help to see someone else doing it you can keep stopping it to. Have a fun, dee x

    ReplyDelete
  36. You will get crochet its easier than knitting because if it goes a little wrong you take out the hook undo the wrong bit and then put the hook back in. Also, try to be relaxed and dont put the wool too tight that was my problem at first, and you will want to achieve something right away too, so go all out for a small blanket. Start a granny square and just keep adding rows, you will feel great about it and them you will get your tension right and how to hold the wool and everything will fall into place. Then once your happy with something then try a harder item like the mollie makes flower!! Its hard to understand the pattern for that one, youtube is great for working out hard bits and pieces though.

    Rupie xxx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Ada!

    Your padded coat hangers look just lovely... but rather fiddly to make. So I do not doubt them looking easier than they are. But the end result certainly must justify all the fiddling that is required to produce such pretty things. Well done you!

    Well done also on you crochet project. Crocheting can be rather fiddly too, to begin with, but once you get the hang of it it becomes second nature. Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  38. You have such patience, Ada and that's why every thing is created from the heart here!!!
    My sister taught me to crochet many moons ago, its a little more hours in the day I need right now...
    Sending 'Twinkles'*****
    love Maria x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your coat hangers and cushions look great. My mother in law used to have a wonderful selection of padded coat hangers.
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  40. Your hangers look so good! Very inspirational - I might have to try some myself. As for crochet...I am pants at it. All fingers and thumbs - I don't even try anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Ada
    Your padded coat hangers look fab!
    I too would love to crochet & just haven't mastered it yet but going to make it my new years resolution to learn. As i would love to make lots of colourful blankets.
    Hope you are having a good week
    Natalie
    x

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thank you all so, so much for your support and advice. seems a lot of have crochet issues or have found it difficult to grasp! Seems a lot of also live with those who don't appreciate the qualities of cushions! :) x

    ReplyDelete
  43. Dear Ada
    I really love your coat hangers. And also your cusions. They are so romantic. I've always wantetd to make coat hangers. Now you inpired me to try it. I also love to crochet. But it took me several try to make this tiny flowers. I thought it was because of the translation into German. At least I've made some of them. But they aren't perfect. But that's o.k.:)) I wish your a wounderful week.
    Moni:)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your hangers look gorgeous! Definitely worth persevering with. So much prettier than boring plastic ones.

    Have you checked out The Royal Sisters blog? Here's a link: http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.co.uk/

    She has some really lovely and very easy to follow crochet tutorials. I can't knit for love nor money but I have definitely taken to crochet. It just makes more sense to my brain.

    ReplyDelete
  45. From here, your hangers look pretty perfect ; )

    ReplyDelete
  46. The coat hangers and the cushions look lovely.
    I don't know if I should admit this or not because it goes against the grain, but although I like the look of cushions, I've only got one in the house! No one in my family (including myself) finds cushions comfortable, so that one cushion is passed from pillar to post, but manages to remain on the settee. Any more and they would end up the floor!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh Ada, how I wish I could pop over and teach you to crochet! I am sure it has nothing to do with being dyslexic but being left handed could work to your advantage. I find the hard part is controlloing the yarn with your left hand. when you use a knife and fork, do you hold the knife in your right hand? If so, you should be able to hold the hook in your right hand. Just for me have a go at the little flower on my blog. Let me know how you get on either way. If the tutorial is not clear enough I'd love to know so I can try and improve it.

    Eleanor xx

    ReplyDelete

Hello! Thank you so much for leaving your thoughts and messages with me. I read each and everyone and will try and answer any questions as quickly as I can! :)x