Caravan Stuff (again)

I'm sorry if you aren't remotely interested in Caravan Stuff, I really am. Cos I don't seem to be able to stop going on about it right now. That little box on wheels has taken over my creative life for the time being, there is still so much I need to do! I really want to make her into the prettiest, cosiest, cutest, most colourful and lovely caravan in the whole wide world. So yeah, appologies for the caravan-heavy posts of late, I promise other normal things will creep back in soon enough.

Do you remember back last year I had a bash at crocheting a cafetiere cosy? The pattern/idea came from the wonderful book "Cute and Easy Crochet" by Nicki Trench, and it was my Summer Connievan project last August.

You may remember that it didn't quite turn out as it should've. It was very wonky. And it didn't really fit my cafetiere cos the button was in the wrong place and I made the whole thing too tall and thin. In short, I was quite disappointed with it, and although I did use it for a little while it irritated me too much and I ended up abandoning it. Chucked it in the bin. I know, such a shame, but there you go.

I must stress that it was no fault of the pattern/idea (which I loved), I just hadn't really thought hard enough about the shape of my particular cafetiere in relation to what I was actually making. My fault entirely.

But the idea never left my mind and I knew at some point I would give it another go. That point happened on Tuesday night to be precise. On a complete whim I pulled out  my yarn and started to crochet up some stripes, just like that. It was absolutely wonderful to take a little diversion from the business of stitching curtains and sit hooking up easy stripes instead. Perfect escapism for a few hours. I used my lovely Rico Merino yarn on a 3.5mm hook, started at the bottom and worked my way up in double crochet stripes, working all my rows from the front. I enjoyed it so much!

This is the side view, you can see how I left a gap that would go around the handle, and constructed a tab with a buttonhole at the top. When I'd finished all the crochet, the whole thing ended up rather wonky and twisted, so I gave it a good blast with the steam iron on the wrong side and kind of pulled and eased it into shape whilst it was still warm and slightly damp.

I'm happy with how it turned out, but then I am pretty easily pleased where colourful stripes are concerned. Not bad for a a few hours work eh?

I wanted to show you a few more pictures I took in Connievan last week so you can get a feel for how she is slowly becoming "Lucy-fied". The large front window looks a little bare in this photo, but I've now hung up the big curtains and it looks terrific, it really does. Do you see those brown velvet sort of cushiony sofa arm thingies? I'm going to crochet some covers for those, just as soon as I've finished the last two curtains and made fabric bunting/pelmet covers for above the windows.

This is the back end of Connievan where the Little People sleep/play. Gosh it looks so drab without any hooky goodness or pretty stitchy businesss! I'm hoping to eventually find a way to cover these cushions without spending too much money on fabric, and another granny square blanket will be starting quite soon for this seating area too. And of course, those big back curtains will be getting the gingham/floral/ricrac treatment just as soon as I can face doing it. I'm a bit stitched out at the moment.

But oh my, all that tedious stitching was sooooooo worth it, just look how lovely the curtains are!

They make the caravan so cosy at night, and so pretty in the daytime, I just love them.

Do you like the cards I stuck up on the wall? They're postcards that I bought from Paperchase last year sometime, I fell in love with the colourful folksy images and knew immediately that they would be perfect for Connievan.

I love Connie's kitchen area, it's so compact and well designed. There's a fridge, sink/drainer, hob, oven and grill, a cutlery drawer and two storage cupboards. Oh that little cutlery drawer.....waiting patiently for it's cute vintage cutlery tray (yaaayyy, I won the ebay bid!) and it's spotty dotty new cutlery.

Opposite the kitchen is a wardrobe cupboard and a full bathroom (basin, toilet and shower), I'll take some more pictures soon to show you so you've had the whole tour then.

We had a lovely few days away, just got back this afternoon. The weather hasn't been great (in fact it's been dreadful) but we made the most of it and enjoyed the holiday and family time. I'll pop back soon with more Tales from Connievan, see you then..........

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Comments

[Penny]

Hi Lucy, very happy with Connievan news. The curtains are looking great. Never fear I love your blog whether it be plant news, caravan, holiday snaps or walking in the rain with the little people.
Penny in Australia. x

[Deco Cat]

Connievan is looking amazing, you must be so proud of her and yourself! Cute and Easy Crochet was the first crochet book that I bought and it was after I read your post. It is a fabulous book with loads of great projects. Looking forward to seeing what you do to connievan next!

[Heather]

I think we should abandon the pub on a Monday night and do crochet in Connievan instead :-)

[Claire]

we too have been caravanning in our recently purchased van. Went to just outside Arnside on the West Lanc's /Cumbria border. Weather was poor but we loved it as did our 2 youngest, can't wait for next trip. Am inspired by your efforts to "pimp" your van. Curtains look fab.

[Ariadne]

I love your Connievan stories and pics. I just wonder why you had to stitch that beautiful gingham fabric over the velvet curtains? I mean why didn't you put them by themselves?AriadnefromGreece!

[eskimo*rose]

I really is the prettiest, cosiest loveliest looking caravan! I know exactly what you mean thou, when we're away in our tent I go all out for a glamping look with bunting and fairylights strung up everywhere!

[Wendy House]

You could say that the idea of a cafetiere cover has been "percolating" for a while!

[Lisa G.]

Lucy, I'm not tired of these posts - it looks absolutely charming and so comfortable inside - what fun for your whole family to take trips in!

[Truly Myrtle]

Connievan is looking super cute!!! Well done :) I love seeing how things are coming along in there. Those curtains are a lot of work aren't they - but they're worth every stitch...

[louise hane]

Connievan is adorable I am so green, Campervan or Caravan I would so Looove one.
louise x

[Saskia]

I just love seeing your Connievan! We recently bought our own caravan & love to see what other people do with the drab interior! :)
So thank you!
xoxox

[debbie @ happy little cottage]

I ♥ the tales from Connievan!!! She is becoming a mini Attic24!

[Lynette (NZ)]

Just popped into your blog and enjoyed a wee look around. Have shared your caravan posts with a friend who will love your ideas. Happy weekend

[Julie]

I love to read about Connievans transformation. Perhaps you could purchase a jazzy duvet cover to cover the little people's area, some nice cheap ones in the supermarket and you get lots of fabric for little money.

[Kim]

I would LOVE a little space like this, maybe sometime soon. I'm loving the updates :)

[penny freshour]

Connie is becoming so pretty...comfy, charming and bright! Love your style Lucy :) I have an idea that may save you a little money. When it comes time to cover your back cushions try looking for some summertime picnic tablecloths. We have all sorts here in the stores in the U.S. They are a good strong cotton with lots of different patterns, colors and designs. Gingham, florals, stripes, checks etc... You may even find used ones at the thrift store. They are in all sizes and hemmed. They are usually dirt cheap this time of year and less expensive than fabric. I have used them for curtains, pillows, dust ruffles, placemats, napkins, craft projects etc.. I just cut them up into whatever size I need and sew away. Your cafetiere cozy is adorable! Take care x

[Ang]

Hi I'm following the Connivan blog avidly, as we have exactly the same caravan, only slightly bigger so there is even more beige velour! After our summer trip this year, we are planning to rip out the carpet and lay vinyl flooring, and trying to decide whether to paint the inside white. Its not a job to take on lightly!

[Barbara]

The cosy looks really good! It is funny that I was just reading that post yesterday catching up on part of your blog.

Your caravan posts are making me want a caravan of my very own! You are such a bad influence! ;)

Barb

[Jacquie]

Hi Lucy , glad the bad weather didn't put you off your caravan love. I enjoy these posts so much and I'm looking forward to hearing a bit about your hols .
Jacquie x

[Rachell]

All looking very cozy! X

[Ann]

I would think you could find some colored canvas and sew covers for the cushions in the kids play area and use the same canvas to re- upholster the valances above your new curtains....nice bright navy so your crochet creations stand out?

[Pip]

I can't get enough of your caravan news, like all your other news. I am even starting to have fantasies of getting a caravan myself!

[RainStorm]

Your home and caravan posts inspire me to start to improve my place - this week I've finally printed out and displayed some photos that I've been meaning to do for ages. It has definitely brightened the place up! And you make me want to go camping - I can't wait for my summer drive-around-with-tent! Glad you survived the hideous weather this week :)

[quinn]

The set-up and kitchen reminds me so much of a camper-van I used to own. Traveled cross-country (thousands of miles, Colorado to Massachusetts) with an Irish Wolfhound, 6 cats, and a parrot, and lived in the camper for several months. It was a lovely home!

I hope your family enjoys the caravan magic and makes many happy memories :)

[Diana]

Been thinking.... the children's sleep/play area. Ikea cot sheets have elastic all the way around them. They may just fit.
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30122255/
I know they are not very colourful or stripy, but should you buy some material, the elastic idea is what would be handy.
Well done with the coffee cosy. Gives me an idea for my hubby's. Thanks.
Oh, I love your caravan. Just like a little doll's house for grown-ups. I want one! <3