Tag: Halloween

Vampires, Monsters and… A Graveyard Park?

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Beastie Family, Explorer Beastie's Dublin, Knitted Beasties

We haven’t seen Explorer Beastie in a while, have we? Well, this might explain why… With Hallowe’en looming, he has been watching A LOT of horror films. He especially likes any that feature vampires, and his absolute favourite is…
Vampires Rule! CrawCrafts BeastiesSo when I suggested we take a trip to Dublin’s spookiest park, he was more than willing to tag along.

St Kevin’s Park is right in the city centre… But since it’s smaller than other nearby parks like St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, it tends to attract fewer visitors, most of them locals. Why is it spooky? Because it was originally a church and graveyard!
St Kevin's Park, Dublin - CrawCrafts BeastiesThe ivy-covered shell of the church stands in the centre of the park, while the gravestones of the old churchyard are propped against the boundary walls. The park officially opened in 1971, and in preparation for this change of use, all the graves were catalogued and the headstones (but not the graves!) relocated. So it’s hardly surprising that stories abound of the place being haunted!

Perfect for a pre-Hallowe’en wander, I’m sure you’ll agree.

“And we’ll definitely see a vampire!”

Right, Explorer Beastie. We definitely will.

But first, lunch!

“It’s nice here…”
Lunchtime! CrawCrafts Beasties“… Disappointing lack of vampires though.”

No Vampires at Lunch - CrawCrafts Beasties

Explorer Beastie also failed to see any vampires as he looked at the old headstones…
No Vampires near the Gravestones - CrawCrafts Beasties… Studied the fallen leaves…
No Vampires in the Leaves - CrawCrafts Beasties… Walked on the lawns…
No Vampires on the Lawns - CrawCrafts Beasties… Or enjoyed the abundant Autumn colours.
Autumn Colours - CrawCrafts Beasties

“Hmmm, I wonder how the renovations are coming along?”
Renovations at St Kevin's Church Park - CrawCrafts BeastiesJust then, I heard another small, possibly Beastie-like voice.

“Um, excuse me?”
Beastie Meets Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesThen…
Dracula Beastie says hello - CrawCrafts BeastiesRun Away! CrawCrafts Beasties“He’s a bit skittish, isn’t he? I only wanted to ask if he had a spare sandwich. I’m STARVING!”

Sorry, Dracula Beastie, he’s just seen too many movies. Finally, with much coaxing, we were able to convince Explorer Beastie to come back. And as it happens…
Sharing Sandwiches - CrawCrafts Beasties… He did have a spare sandwich.

“Here you go!”
“Yum, thanks!”
Vampires eat Sandwiches, who knew? CrawCrafts BeastiesThen there was just time to take a quick photo for the Beastie family album before we headed for home.
Dracula Beastie and Explorer Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesAll in all, a spooktacular day out!
Beasties in the Park - CrawCrafts BeastiesSo, what are you up to for Hallowe’en? Be sure to scare us silly with your plans by telling us about them in the comments!

Spooky Scary FrankenBeastie - CrawCrafts Beasties

A Spooky Little Beastie Like You!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Beastie Family, Commissions, Knitted Beasties

Hello there Beastie people! I hope you’re all keeping well, wherever you are, and that the lockdown isn’t giving you cabin fever just yet. I’m using the time to get caught up on commissions that have been in progress for a while – and that made me realise that I hadn’t introduced you lot to this spooky little fellow!
Frankenstein's Monster Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesHey there, FrankenBeastie!

I should point out that FrankenBeastie is short for “Frankenstein’s Monster Beastie”… Because, as we all know, Frankenstein was the creator of the monster, not the monster himself.

I’ve made a couple of these before – you can check out an earlier version here – but I think this marled olive green yarn gives a little something extra to his complexion that the plain green was lacking. Here, take a closer look!
FrankenBeastie's Lovely Green Face - CrawCrafts BeastiesWoooooooo! SCARY!

I preserved some classic FrankenBeastie features too – gruesome black lips, felt electrodes and a few extra embroidered stitches here and there, to keep body and soul together.

I also always picture the classic monster from the book as having stiff black hair, a bit like toothbrush bristles. So that’s what FrankenBeastie’s rocking here. It’s made from wool and alpaca yarn, meaning it’s actually lovely and soft – but hopefully you’ll keep that little fact to yourself. If the other Beasties find out, it’ll ruin his spooky street cred.
Hair and Bolts - Spooky FrankenBeastie! CrawCrafts BeastiesFinally, I dressed him in a ragged-edged shirt and faded charcoal trousers.

Then he was ready to head out into the night!
Bringing Spooky Back - CrawCrafts BeastiesLet me know if you bump into him when you’re out for your daily half hour of exercise!

Also, I have had a couple of people ask me over the past week if I’m still doing commissions. Let me assure you all that as long as there is yarn in my stash*, there will be Beasties! So if you think a monster friend might brighten up your days, get in touch and let’s talk monsters!

Until next week… Stay safe and keep washing those paws!

*And believe me, there is A LOT of yarn in my stash.

Paddy, charmed by the Visitor - H Crawford/CrawCrafts Beasties

A Mysterious Visitor…

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Beastie Family, Commissions, Paddy and Plunkett

Well hello there, Beastie friends! With Hallowe’en just around the corner, how about we take some time out from new Beasties and gather around for a tale of an unexpected and mysterious visitor?

Alright then, let’s begin…

It was a dark and stormy night… Oh no, wait a sec. Sorry, it was – LUNCHTIME!
Lunchtime at Beastie Towers - H Crawford/CrawCrafts BeastiesPaddy and Plunkett were just getting ready to tuck into a human-sized portion of their very favourite meal – honey mustard chicken.

“Made with Albanian honey, Paddy!” announced Plunkett proudly.
Plunkett's Albanian Honey - H Crawford/CrawCrafts Beasties“Hang on… When were you in Albania? Did you go without me?!”

Fortunately, before Plunkett had to figure out his answer, there was a knock at the door.
“Are we expecting anyone?”
“I don’t think so. But here, I’ll go… Just don’t eat all my lunch!”
Plunkett goes to meet the visitor - H Crawford/CrawCrafts Beasties“Sure thing… Shame to let it get cold, though. I’ll just have a bit. YUM!”
Paddy eats lunch - Mysterious Visitor - H Crawford/CrawCrafts BeastiesMeanwhile, at the door…
June Beastie at the Door - Visitor - H Crawford/CrawCrafts BeastiesIt was another Beastie! But Plunkett had never met her before.
“Hello there ma’am, how can I help you?”

He’s just so polite, isn’t he?

“Hi there! Oh my word, I’m such a big fan! I love reading about your travels. Now I need to get somewhere myself, and I figured you and Paddy were just the Beasties to ask! May I come in?”

Well, she didn’t need to ask twice.

“Paddy! We’ve got a visitor! She’s travelling to…”
“The US. North Carolina, to be precise!”
Paddy Meets the Visitor - H Crawford/CrawCrafts Beasties“And she’d like our guidan… WHERE’S MY LUNCH?!”
“Ummm… A human ate it!”
And then, rapidly changing the subject, “Plunkett, you can’t just go letting anyone into the house. How do you know she’s not a vampire? Or a Were-Beastie?”

Paddy was apparently keen to introduce a spookier note into what has turned out to be quite a pleasant story about Beasties helping each other out.

But luckily, their visitor knew exactly how to break the ice.
Paddy, charmed by the Visitor - H Crawford/CrawCrafts Beasties“Oh, you must be the intrepid Paddy Beastie! I’ve read all about you – what a pleasure to meet you at last!”
“Intrepid? Why yes, I suppose I am! Hey, we were just about to have dessert… Care to join us?”

Well, it looks like her journey is off to a good start! Join us next time to see how the boys manage to help her on her way…

A Bevy of Hallowe'en Beasties, by CrawCrafts Beasties

Happy Hallowe’en!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Knitted Beasties, Life at Beastie Towers

Woooooooooooo!

We couldn’t resist popping in an extra post to celebrate the Beasties’ favourite holiday!

Beasties at Hallowe'en - CrawCrafts Beasties

Soooo…

Have a spooktacular Hallowe’en!

And here are some seasonal monsters to get your own festivities started!
Dracula Beastie's Library - CrawCrafts BeastiesFirst of all, we’ve got Dracula Beastie stopping in for a bite!

Then Ghostie Beastie’s going to drift through later on.
Same Beastie, Different Background! CrawCrafts BeastiesAnd who knows… If the party starts to quieten down, Frankenstein’s Monster Beastie might well be on hand to bring it back to life!

Who sewed this guy together? CrawCrafts BeastiesWell, as long as nobody lets this guy in.
Grim Reaper Beastie, by CrawCrafts Beasties
Have a monster time… And don’t forget to tell us all about your own Hallowe’en plans in the comments!

Tae (Tea) Beasties, by CrawCrafts Beasties

Beastie News Roundup!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Beastie Family, Info, Life at Beastie Towers

Hello there Beastie friends! How’s your week going? This week’s post is going to be a bit of a mixed bag, as we catch up with a few snippets of Beastie news that I’ve been meaning to share for a while.

So, without further ado, let’s start the show…

Beastie Autumn Fun Worldwide!

Autumn Leaf Colours - CrawCrafts Beasties Explorer Beastie isn’t the only little monster who’s been out and about enjoying the fall colours. Before he even stuck a paw outside, tierneycreates Beastie was enjoying the great outdoors with her mini-miniature schnauzer Mikelet!

tierneycreates Beastie and Mikelet - T Hogan
Picture sneakily borrowed from https://tierneycreates.com

This woolly little lady was so excited to change into her handknitted Aran sweater and kick through the fallen leaves… Although be advised that this post contains – SHOCK – Beastie nudity! You have been warned! Be sure to skip over to Tierney’s blog and check out the full post – it really made me smile.

If you’re in the mood for something more blood-curdling though, you might want to swing by Tammie Painter’s site and see what Finn McSpool encountered on his autumnal wanderings.

Finn McSpool at Hallowe'en - T Painter
Image spirited away from https://tammiepainter.com

Portland, Oregon is already gearing up for Hallowe’en, and the city is sporting some truly spine-chilling finery! Finn caught up with some celebrity spookies at City Hall, but the true horror was lurking in someone’s garden on the walk home. And if that wasn’t enough to turn you into a gibbering wreck, Tammie also used my October calendar page as the basis for a tale of Beastie terror that will scare the stuffing out of even the most courageous woolly monster!

Spooky Beastie Colouring - T Painter
Image Beastie-napped from https://tammiepainter.com

And Also in the Blogosphere…

Now, I usually like to keep things nice and upbeat here on the BeastieBlog. I mean, life is serious enough, right? But wow, this year September was tough! A couple of side projects that I’d invested a bit of time in came to nothing, and then I found out that I’d managed to completely miss the application call for my favourite Christmas market. Disaster!
Oooops! CrawCrafts BeastiesFortunately, I stumbled on some good readin’ among my fellow bloggers that helped perk me back up again. It was super cool to hear all about Weekes finding her creative feet again, and how taking photographs helped Paula of Typewriter Girl discover that she has an artistic streak after all! So thanks to both of you for making me smile!

Oh, and my mood lifted completely when I learned that the market I thought I’d missed out on had added an extra weekend, so I’m in! Hurrah! Full steam ahead on the Beastie-making!

And Looking Further Ahead…

Christmas Flea Stall 2017 - CrawCrafts BeastiesWhile we’re on the subject of Christmas markets, I’m in the process of confirming a few for this coming festive season! Check out my scedule so far!

  • The Dublin Christmas Flea is the big one, and, all being well, I’ll be there with bells on for the second weekend (that’s the 13th-16th December inclusive). If you’re in the neighbourhood, come on over and say hi! Entry is free, and there is always SO MUCH GREAT STUFF THERE! (Besides the Beasties, obviously.)
  • I’m also going to be selling at the Dublin Cat Fair for the first time! So I’m currently working on a few feline sidelines that will be exclusive to that event, as well as some cat-themed Beasties. That’s on the 25th November.

There are a couple more in the pipeline, which I’ll post about as soon as the details are finalised.

Phew! Beastie news roundup complete! So I’d better get on with some crafting now, or those market stalls are going to be a little bare!

How about you? Are you prepping for festivities, or planning to remain blissfully in denial until the 15th of December? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

Beasties at Hallowe'en - CrawCrafts Beasties

Happy Hallowe’en!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Beastie Family, Info, Knitted Beasties, Life at Beastie Towers

Ah, it’s that time of year again! The clocks have gone back, and although I’m already bemoaning the early disappearance of the daylight that I need to do teeny sewing, I’m really enjoying the cooler days and rich autumn colours! While any weather is crafting weather in my book, there’s something extra special about snuggling up with some needles and yarn on a dark, chilly evening. And also, Hallowe’en has always been my favourite festival of the year – I wonder why?
Dracula Beastie's Library - CrawCrafts Beasties
If you follow the Beasties’ antics on social media (you’ll find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), you’ll know that I’ve been revisiting some of my spookiest Beastie creations for my weekly Flashback Friday feature this past month! If you don’t, well, here’s your chance to play catchup!
Who sewed this guy together? CrawCrafts BeastiesI’d hate for anyone to miss out on Frankenstein’s Monster Beastie, for starters! I have to admit that I kind of love the bolts in his neck and the random lines of stitching holding his sweet green face together.
Same Beastie, Different Background! CrawCrafts Beasties
Then there’s the ethereal wispiness of Ghostie Beastie. I really like the floaty effect of the layers of net – I’ll have to remember to steal this trick for my costume next year!

Some of the very first Hallowe’en Beasties I made had simple seasonal accessories – but that’s fine too, right? Here’s a (very) rough sketch of an idea for a Jack O’Lantern Beastie from an early knitting notebook!
Jack O'Lantern Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesAnd yes, I still make these!
Skull Beastie and Jack O'Lantern Beastie, by CrawCrafts Beasties
Skulls make great Hallowe’en accessories, too!

And of course, there’s nothing better than getting all dressed up and going trick or treating with good friends!
Beasties at Hallowe'en - CrawCrafts Beasties(Black cat optional)
Gizmo the Gatecrasher - CrawCrafts Beasties
Hallowe’en isn’t just All Hallows Eve, though. It’s also the gateway to the busiest, Beastiest time of the year! This time around, I’m hoping to get to even more markets than usual in the runup to the festive season, and I’ve taken on more commissions too – Beastie Towers is flippin’ hectic just now! So please excuse me if I’m a little less chatty than usual in my regular online hangouts – I’m going to try to keep up with you all as much as possible, and of course there will still be weekly blog posts and occasional social media-ing. I promise normal service will resume when the madness is over!

And hey, if you’re local, why not rock up and say hello in person? I’ve added a new page to the website today, which I’ll be keeping updated with all my upcoming market events. Hopefully I’ll catch up with a few of you there!

And on that note, I probably should get back to the Beastiemaking. But chances are I’ll be celebrating in traditional style (consuming a variety of squash-based foodstuffs, washing them down with a pumpkin ale, then maybe SPARKLERS) come nightfall! What have you all got planned? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Hallowe’en, everybody!

 

Market Stall Closeup - CrawCrafts Beasties

Monster Market Day – Hallowe’en Edition!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Crafting, Knitted Beasties

Hallowe’en may be over for another year, but I couldn’t let it pass without sharing my special seasonal market setup with you all! On Sunday I did my first ever Hallowe’en market, and since I brought along some Hallowe’en-y monsters…
A Bevy of Hallowe'en Beasties, by CrawCrafts Beasties… It only seemed fair to modify my props to make them feel more at home! So I strayed outside my usual crafting comfort zone, and had a bit of fun with papier mâché and paint instead. Can you tell what I’m making from this in-progress shot?

As well as a 3D gravestone, I made some simpler flat ones and a two miniature ones. As it happened, I found perfect headstone-shaped photo frames in Tiger, which cut down on my making time a lot!

So, after covering myself in glue, doing my best Banksy impression in the basement of Beastie Towers and a heart-stopping moment where it seemed like my painted details weren’t drying at all, it was time to set up!

TA-DAAAAAAH!
Monster Market Day! CrawCrafts BeastiesOther new additions to the table included some spiderweb fabric, to add a bit of a spookier feel to my cheery bright red tablecloth, and I made some creepy flickering lanterns using LED nightlights and black tissue. It was also nice to have some fixtures to hang my banner from – I don’t always get to use it!

And the Beasties seemed happy enough with the changes too…
Market Stall Closeup - CrawCrafts Beasties…Although on reflection, it might have had something to do with this.
Pint Beastie, on the Tear - CrawCrafts BeastiesOh Pint Beastie, you know it’s not a good idea to mix your drinks!

At least it meant that everyone slept soundly on the journey home… Hopefully the sore heads will be a distant memory by the time our next market rolls around! We’ll next be popping up at the Creative Collective Annual Fair in Ranelagh, on the 12th and 13th of November – save the date!

I hope you all had fun this Hallowe’en! We’ll be back on Friday with an update from Paddy and Plunkett. Yes, they’ve been on holiday again! I’ll really have to get them to take me along next time… See you then!

It's Dracula Beastie! CrawCrafts Beasties

Beasties That Go Bump in the Night…

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Crafting, Knitted Beasties

Who's That Beastie? CrawCrafts BeastiesWooooooo! Hallowe’en weekend is finally here, and there are spooky Beasties about! Welcome to a special late-night edition of the BeastieBlog… Now, who’s that shadowy caped figure lurking up there?
Dracula Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesIt’s Dracula Beastie! And he’s really dressed to kill, in full evening dress and a red satin-lined cape…
Dracula Beastie's Outfit, by CrawCrafts BeastiesBut don’t worry, he doesn’t bite. In fact, why don’t we join him in the library? It might be late, but he’s expecting friends…
Dracula Beastie's Library - CrawCrafts BeastiesOh look, here they are!
Dracula Beastie and Friends - CrawCrafts BeastiesHey there, Jack O’Lantern Beastie and Skull Beastie!
Skull Beastie and Jack O'Lantern Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesAnd now they’re ready to head out trick-or-treating! Hopefully they’ll be back in time to join me at my next market… If you happen to find yourself in Dublin this Sunday, be sure to join us at the Smithfield Market Fair from 12-7pm! It’s going to be spooktacular!

What are you all up to for Hallowe’en? And what will you be dressing up as? Let us know in the comments!

Explorer Beastie with Rosehips, by CrawCrafts Beasties

Autumn Fun With Explorer Beastie!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Explorer Beastie

Oh, poor Explorer Beastie! We were hoping to get out and about this week, but both the weather and my work schedule were against us… Still, at least we have some great photos from previous years to look back on. I hope you all enjoy this trip down memory lane as much as we did!

First up – Explorer Beastie and Garcia Beastie hanging out in the olive trees at Kew Gardens a couple of years ago!
Beasties Climbing Olive Trees - CrawCrafts BeastiesThey also took a stroll through the first fallen leaves of the season…
Beasties set off for adventure!… And some of the leaves that hadn’t fallen yet, too!
Explorer Beastie scaling the fenceHere’s another photo from later that year, when Explorer Beastie found a perfectly Beastie-sized toadstool. This has to be one of my favourite monster pictures!Explorer Beastie with ToadstoolWe got lots of other great shots on that trip, too!
Autumn Days with Explorer Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesThen last Hallowe’en, he bravely ventured into an isolated graveyard!
Explorer Beastie in the Arched Doorway - CrawCrafts BeastiesYes, okaaaay, it was daylight… But all the same! We really enjoyed this view from the wall – it was so peaceful!
Explorer Beastie Admires the View from Lissonuffy - CrawCrafts BeastiesAnd nothing could have put him and Crablet off dressing up later on for some trick or treating…
Beasties at Hallowe'en - CrawCrafts Beasties… Not even a furry gatecrasher!
Gizmo the Gatecrasher - CrawCrafts BeastiesI wonder what we’ll get up to this year? Hopefully we’ll have some new photos to share with you soon – weather permitting, of course!

Here’s wishing you all a super weekend… We’ll be back on Tuesday with another new Beastie! Care to guess which Famous Monster will be joining the gang here at Beastie Towers this time around?

Ghostie Beastie Closeup - CrawCrafts Beasties

She Ain’t Scary… She’s My Beastie!

Posted on by crawcraftsbeasties in Crafting, Knitted Beasties

Wooooooooo!
Ghostie Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesHallowe’en fever continues to ramp up here in Beastie Towers, with the arrival of another spooky Beastie! Look who flew in through the window earlier, giving me the fright of my life – it’s Ghostie Beastie!
I Caught A Ghost! CrawCrafts BeastiesAlthough she’s a little less colourful than the other Beasties, she makes up for it by being surrounded by a haze of netting ectoplasm, which I presume is what helps her to fly.
Ectoplasm! Ghost Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesFortunately, I was able to manoeuvre her towards a darker background to allow you all to see her a little better…
Same Beastie, Different Background! CrawCrafts Beasties…And unlike most of her phantom friends, she seemed perfectly happy to pose for more photos!
Ghostie Beastie Smiles for the Camera - CrawCrafts BeastiesSo there you have it – concrete proof that ghosts exist! And, reassuringly, that they are woolly and cuddly!

Do you believe in ghosts? Let us know in the comments!

Aaaand … Not content with giving us a feature in the “Handmade in Ireland” section of their latest issue, the awesome ladies at Olann And also gave me and the Beasties the nicest shoutout on their recent podcast! I’m so glad I finally found a quiet moment to sit down and watch it all – it’s like having a couple of friends over for tea and a chat. I’d definitely recommend giving it a watch, especially if you enjoy the craftier, yarnier things in life!