In Hedgehog Heaven

Just before Christmas I did a giveaway on my facebook page. I just came across a fab free pattern for knitted hedgehogs,(which you can find right HERE ) had done a test knit and was so, so pleased with the little cutie that I decided to give it away for Christmas. I named her Holly the Hedgehog - since it was Christmas. 

Lots of folks entered, but one special entry caught my eye and that was from Helen at Hedgehog Hollows Temuka . Helen was keen to win Holly to use as a surrogate Mama hedgehog for her hoglets to snuggle up to while they were in her care. I thought this was so gorgeous, as I have always been a hedgie fan. While the competition was still running I decided to knit another hedgehog, in case Helen's name wasn't drawn to win Holly. I named hedgehog #2 Tinsel. The draw was done and Helen did not win Holly, but I sent her Tinsel instead :) I was so delighted when Helen sent me photos of Tinsel and her new charges.

Helen is an amazing woman who has dedicated 20 years to looking after sick hedgehogs and their abandoned young. She converted an old caravan that now houses a Hedgehog Hospital. 

Helen says "the adult hedgehogs that come in are usually sick or injured but most suffer from mange which is
easily treated with oil baths.
Hoglets are often abandoned by their mothers when the nest is disturbed or the mother dies so the
majority of my rescue work is looking after these little ones. Some hoglets are so small that they
require dropper feeding every 3-4 hours which is very tiring if a couple of litters come in at the
same time. It's always a bit of a celebration when they start to self feed."

Helen keeps the hoglets till they weigh around 800grams which is a good healthy weight for them to hibernate over winter. Those that don't hit their weight are kept over the colder months and released into hutches in Helen's hedgehog friendly garden the spring.

Helen takes good care of her hedgies:
 "we have a special area that is fenced off to keep
them safe but they have access to the whole garden if they want to wander around. There is a feeding station in this area with biscuits and fresh water but we still find crushed up snail shells on the footpaths so know they are foraging for variety." 

With a caravan full of Hedgehogs and their babies and lots of other rescue animals the pet food bill can run pretty high at Hedgehog Hollows Temuka . If you're in New Zealand and feel free to send Helen pet food to help feed her little charges she says;
"If people want to donate I always ask for the loaf style chicken kitten food and budget cat biscuits

as these are what we go through the most of."

To find out more about Hedgehog Hollows Temuka Click the link which will take you to their facebook page. If you wish to donate please contact Helen through her page on Facebook :) 

Fab fingerless mitts!

So with the very cold weather starting to kick in, my poor hands have been feeling the cold. I have been working on expanding my knitting skills and patience, and so I thought I would try a four needle, 4 ply pattern and see how I went. I found a great plain pattern on Ravelry by designer Jessica Baird which you can find HERE 

Hubby modeling my fingerless mitts

So this pair is my first attempt and I must say I love them (I am wearing them as I type) They took less than 1 ball of happy feet sock yarn and so are very economical if not a little time consuming. I would probably get faster in time.

Ring of Roses - Gorgeous!

Recently I stumbled across a GREAT tutorial for absolutely beautiful crochet crowned rings. It was a free tutorial from The Royal Sisters blog and you can check it out for yourself right HERE

Here are the rings I created from the tutorial, I am so pleased with how they turned out :) 

Little Baby Rainbow Top Hat

I love Top Hats and I love rainbows, and I love babies - so this little project was super fun! 

Here is a Little Baby Rainbow Top Hat, I made it using Thoroughbred Acrylic yarn and a 4mm hook. It is baby sized and would make a great photo prop for a rainbow baby :) 

The pattern from Red Heart is originally made for an adult, and uses double yarn and a larger hook, I however didnt have double up yarn in the colours I wanted to use so I just used single strands and a smaller hook which = a smaller hat. I will definitely make a larger version at a later date. 

Great free pattern from Red Heart, which you can find HERE should you fancy making one for yourself :) 

Tie Dye Inspired Headband Ear Warmer

So, here's the thing, I look horrendous in hats - but mostly beanie style hats. After a couple of years of cold ears during winter, I decided to make myself a hat alternative - and here it is :) Can't wait for the weather to turn colder so I can wear it!

Blue and green should never be seen??? I beg to differ....

Ahhhh it feels so good to finish yet another crochet project, this time a granny ripple throw. It's the first time I have done this pattern, and to be honest, I am thrilled with it :) 

Keen on having a go at making one yourself??? you can find a free pattern HERE - you will need to sign into ravelry though to view it :)

Babushka Key Rings

Hello one and all, 

I hope your holiday season is going splendidly thus far. This time of year at my house,lends itself to making stocking stuffers for Christmas, that's why I was delighted when I happened across a Youtube video that shows how to make the cutest little Babushka keyrings from scraps of felt and fabric, it also came with a link to a free pattern. 

The designers name is Lisa Pay and she has a whole swag of free crafting videos and patterns, she really is very clever :) 

 Here is Lisa's Babushka Key Ring Video Tutorial:

Here are some of the little Babushka key rings I have made. They are just the cutest thing ever!!