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

[Lucinda Lynx]

That van is awesome!

[Shelagh]

Years ago, my other half's idea of a cheap getaway was a week in a caravan... in Scotland... in early March. Fair play, it was cheap - and cold and damp and miserable. Did I mention how cold it was? We were blue, the whole week. It was over 20 years ago and I still shiver, thinking about it. I was so traumatised by it that I've never been able to face a caravan again. But I love your photos and what you've done with your van :)

PS - my coastal pack arrived, and I love it. I've shown it to the 14 year old lump of surly I have festering under a duvet upstairs and there was a glimmer of something that almost resembled enthusiasm. Pretty impressive!

[Judith]

Lucy I know where you can get some fabric at a very very good price not too far from you. If you are interested email me and I will send you the address.

[Jacqueline Farrow]

Really enjoy reading your blogs, be it garden, canavan or walking around. I got my friend hooked on to it as well. Love everything you crochet, so much so I have ordered another lot of wool to make one of your blankets. In four weeks I will be travelling to the UK from Perth Western Australia.

[Annie Epps]

I just love caravans and campervans. You are making Connie so you.. It's really being "lucyfied.". I shall enjoy and look forward to seeing and hearing all about the lovely times you will enjoy making things and being on holiday. All beautiful memories for you and the children. You definitely need red pelmets, canvas or red gingham but whatever it is, it will be fabulous.
When I wrote before how your colours were colouring my life brighter and inspiring me to colour, something I really need in a boring, anxious, worrying life as a full time carer for my partner with dementia you sent me a lovely supportive and uplifting caring email, mentioning that other followers sent good wishes to me too. . Thank you all involved, it does help, people can be so kind. I continue to follow you and do love your blogs , THANKYOU.

[Cathi Petrus]

Hello,

I came across your blog while looking at crochet on Pinterest. I have two questions for you.....
1. Do you have a pattern or link to a pattern for the larger wreath with the flowers on the bottom half?
2. What year, make and model is Connievan? (I think I have become obsessed with her!)

=o)

Thanks for the additional information~~

[Hentai]

Wow! That was absolutely great! Love the furniture especially the cupboards. Looks so convenient. Thank you so much for this nice post. I really, really appreciate it.

[KayElleC]

Oh Lucy....it looks lovely, ours looks like your van, pinky/peach/beige and brown....is yours a Vanroyce?

I'm not a weird stalker but I am following your caravan board on Pinterest AND (hope you don't mind!) have linked your blog to mine in this post.....

http://noraathome.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/caravan-stuff.html

Thanks for the inspiration.

xx (aka Nora)

[Karen L.]

I loved it all in this post!

[Joy]

Love what you've done with Connievan. Me and my other half also own a caravan, Bessie, and also love those CL sites, so peaceful and quiet. Can't wait to see the crocheted arm thingies.
We own a house just across the estuary from Fleetwood and although I'm not a fan of Blackpool myself there are some lovely places around the area.

[Jean@quiltedcupcake]

I'm loving the caravan stories, too. Let us all live our dream through you. I'm constantly inspired by your creations. Thanks so much for taking the time to share them with us!

[eLena y pedRo @viaje_DFUshuaia]

I live in a camper since 2 years ago and i love it! I do macrame and now i bought a telar to do stuff ;)
Your camper is lovely <3

[Merry]

It's just lovely and has reminded me to check on the progress of the van at Fairysteps too. :)

[cathy bruton]

Hi Lucy,
Love seeing what you are doing with Connievan just gorgeous makes me want one myself.
Also all love reading your blog ...brighten's my day

Thank you
Cathy from Aus.

[angela-southern USA]

Never too much connievan talk :)It's looking lovely,as I knew it would,can't wait to see it decked out in all it's "Lucy-fied" glory!

[Debbs]

CUSHION COVERS - I had to cover a 3 seater and a 2 seater sofa and did it for £25 with fleece throws from Dunelm Mills. There are quite a few nice colours in the shops and you could either sew a couple together to throw over the seats or make tubes to slot the cushions in and just tuck the ends under if you wanted minimal amount of sewing. They're really easy to wash and dry super quick in the tumble dryer xx

[Aqeela]

Hi Lucy, even though i dont knit or crochet, and i prefer pastels in my house with only a few brights, yours is still one of my favorite blogs and has been for years, ive read every single one of your posts! I was just wondering, on the theme of caravans, whether you could tell us how to choose a caravan, how they work (toilet / elec / gas etc) and roughly how much a simple small one like yours should cost, oh and how much it costs to store them. Id much rather read the ins and outs in your friendly style rather than search google! I would love for us to buy a caravan this year!
Aqeela xx

[Mette]

Love what you are doing to the caravan. But those kitchen cabinets... Found an idea for you, have a look at these http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore/fishwall-pattern-wall-tiles

[Else T]

I LOVE your caravan posts...keep them coming. It's like having a tiny house to decorate--so fun! For the children's beds, perhaps some thrifted quilts to just cover them as-is and tuck in the ends? And some new-made pillows? Can't wait to see what you do.

[Taylor]

Your caravan looks fabulous! What great little additions! I especially like your postcard art. I also enjoyed your improvement on your french press cover. Awesome as always Lucy! Makes me want to improve my family's getaway!

[Cristina]

Thanks for sharing with us your fantasy and your love for the colours. How I envy you!! I'll try to do my best with my caravan!! Ciao! Cristina from Firenze.

[pam]

I fell in love with you blog the minute i first laid eye on it - not all that long ago - last fall I believe. And now this! The most romantic, charming and inviting caravan!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful view of living.

[Claire Toplis]

Cool I so wish I could knit! haven't done that since I was 7 ! Good Luck with the house!

[Frankie Poxon]

I love your pictures of Connievan!!!! I too am a trailer nut, although my trailer is still "factory" decorated, so quite drab. I love seeing your ideas for decorating. Don't apologize for the pictures, I'm looking forward to having the full tour!!

[Jo]

I think you can avoid the handstitching but still use the current curtains for warmth if you add a lining to each gingham curtain by machine (sewing right sides together down one side, across the bottom and up the other side, then turning through the right way round.) You'd want to make sure that on the top edge the lining was shorter so it didn't cover the curtain tape, then pop the velvet curtain inside and you'd only have to hand sew the top edge of the gingham to the top of the velvet curtain, and the top of the lining just beneath the curtain tape. Does that make sense?