Crochet

Sorry, expect a quiet year.... I hope to do at least one post a month, though.
Recently I learnt how to crochet! All these projects started off with really simple square pieces that were then stitched into shapes. In fact, you can make many things with the humble rectangle/square, including blankets, scarves, phone socks and tablet covers, fingerless mittens... all using the simple double-crochet stitch.

I was partially taken by how easy it was; after some initial frustration it only takes a few hours to learn, and maybe a couple of days to get a (basic) grasp of the three main stitches.  Also, it is very quick, a little project like the phone covers here took me two sittings of maybe an hour each. If you're inspired, I recommend How To Crochet: A complete guide for absolute beginners (It's in the name...) (ISBN 9781908707246) as I found the diagrams and instructions really easy to use. Once you've got the hang of it, though, you can proceed on to your own projects...

Not perfect, I admit... we all need beginnings! Not dropping stitches is the hardest first thing to get

One thing I learnt: projects shrink!! Make sure you add extra give if your piece is going to wrap around an object 

I made the bow by crocheting a long line of chain stitch and tying as normal, then sewing on to secure

Best of all you don't need much specialist equipment, just the hooks (which as available quite cheaply online in a range of sizes) and yarn, which is the same that can be used for knitting or other such stiching - or even embroidery thread, if you make lace...