We will remember them.....

Country Walks and Granny Stripe Crochet Overload

I thought it was high time I had a 'ta-dah' moment here at Annie's Place. It's been many months since I first wrote about my rainbow inspired granny stripe blanket, and shared the colour sequence I used with you. Well I'm happy to report it has been finished, and is getting lots of use now there is a nip in the air.

There were moments when the light was so perfect over the weekend, I couldn't resist the temptation to take my blanket out into the countryside for an impromptu photo shoot. 

I did hesitate though, as I deliberated whether it was a good idea. What if someone saw me, wandering around, Granny Stripe in hand? They might think I was a tad odd. But I just couldn't waste the opportunity of getting amongst nature with my colourful crochet creation. After all; I am proud of it, so why shouldn't I show it off? 

It was hurrying towards late afternoon and the light was diminishing fast, so I wasted no time in finding a suitable location. There are a plethora of beautiful villages in Bedfordshire, so I had no shortage of options.

The landscape is really spectacular at this time of year. I can't tell you how much I LOVE Autumn. Woodland walks, wrapped up in layers has to be my favourite pastime.

I was so snap happy by the time I reached the river, the light had faded quite dramatically. But I still thought the contrast of the bright rainbow stripes against the stark watery back drop was worth capturing.

I didn't stray too far off the beaten track, as I had visions of getting lost. So I just did a loop of the village, through the trees, and over the bridge. Right back to where I started.

In the end my only audience was this handsome fellow. Although I expect he was more interested in what I might have for him to eat, and not my crochet blanket. Alas I did not have any snacks for him on this occasion. The poor chap looked bereft, bless him. I felt really bad that I had no tasty morsel to offer. Ah well, next time....

Now, this is the part where I share more gratuitous shots of my Granny Stripes. I was so pleased with my efforts, persevering with this project to completion I just went a bit mad taking pictures. Look no further if you're all grannied out. This is just my moment to reflect on finishing this gargantuan task. 

These happy stripes make my heart sing. The border ended up nothing too fancy, just a few rows of treble crochet, followed by a shell edging.

It's 6ft 4in wide, so plenty big enough 

to get well and truly wrapped up in. 

My biggest project to date.

It's super duper snugglicious, and will be a permanent fixture on the sofa. All the family cosied up under it watching TV.

If you've made it this far, then I salute you my crochet comrades. 

I hope you've enjoyed my colourful celebration?!! 

x x x x x x x x

Giddy for Granny Squares and Giveaway Goodies

Hello friends. Did you manage to get your gums around my post title, a bit of a tongue twister isn't it?!! I do hope you're all adapting to the changing seasons, and that all is well in your corner of the globe today. First things first. I'm just about fit to burst over being the lucky recipient of an amazing giveaway, hosted recently by the very lovely Gillian over at Tales from a happy house. 

Not meaning to gloat dear readers, but this is the first online giveaway I've ever entered, and the first thing I've won in many a year. You see, these things just don't happen to me! So I'm sure you can forgive my smugness & appreciate my excitement on this occasion *does cartwheels*

Just look at the goodies I've won, aren't they fab? A gorgeous GreenGate Tea Towel, an amazing Emily Peacock Tapestry Kit, and for me the best thing of all; the most wonderful crochet bunting hand made by Gillian herself. Needless to say I am one very happy camper!! Everything arrived beautifully packaged, with the added touch of a hand written note card. I'm really grateful to Gillian for making so much effort.

On the crochet front I've been hooking up some six round traditional granny squares in block colours, and joining them as I go with grey. It's mostly Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton, but there's a few other odds and ends thrown in too. I can't remember exactly what they are as I stupidly threw the ball bands away. 

I'm hoping to make a double bed blanket size, and because I decided to start this project on a whim I've had to order 8 more balls of the grey for joining (it's actually Rowan Purelife Logwood if anyone's interested).

I've thoroughly enjoyed getting cosied up on the sofa with a nice hot brew, hook & yarn in hand. That's what I love most about Autumn. I'm in hibernation mode for sure.

Before I go I must mention how much I'm enjoying the new four part series currently showing on BBC One, The Great British Year. As described by the The Open University The Great British Year is the definitive portrait of the spectacular and dynamic nature of our country over the course of one year....... 

I have been truly wowed by the amazing time-lapse photography used in this production. I have oooo'd and aaaaa'd at the spectacular way the changing seasons have been so beautifully captured. You really can't take your eyes off the screen for a moment, it's so utterly mesmerising. What a triumph for the BBC, whom I'm sure will receive awards for this. If you haven't already, do try and watch this. It's available on catch-up. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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You can also order a free seasons poster here, as pictured above. What a great resource, especially for parents and teachers. I've ordered mine, why don't you grab yourself one. 

Well that's all from me, for now. 

Hope you have many cosy moments 

in the coming weeks!

x x x x x 

Bobble Stitch Scarf

I know quite a few of you were pondering what I might do with some of the yummy yarns I received on my recent birthday. Well ponder no more lovely readers, for I am here today to share a seasonal project with you. Care to take a look.....?

My sister's birthday is a mere ten days after mine, so this year I thought it would be nice to give her something not only hand made by me, but something that would come in useful during the colder months creeping upon us. A scarf seemed like the ideal present, so I picked out some of my SMC Extra Soft Merino Cotton and a 4mm hook to get me started.

After a pootle around on Pinterest I was quite overwhelmed by all the fab ideas & inspiration, I just didn't know where to begin deciding on a pattern. I was a little covert and tried to suss out what my sister might like by showing her various pins, fishing for hints on styles and colours she might favour. I soon deduced that she would very much like something in earthy tones.

Working in rows isn't my most favourite way of crocheting, as I always worry that the sides of my work will end up uneven or wonky, at worst with a few extra stitches not accounted for! The first few rows I sometimes find tricky, especially if I'm working into a long foundation chain. Thankfully on this occasion my fears were unfounded and I was able to keep my edges neat & tidy. What a relief.

Those of you with a beady eye will see I opted for rows of 3 stitch bobbles. Easy once you get into a nice rhythm. It makes for a lovely texture that's fully reversible, so perfect for a scarf. I just improvised the colour placement, working with solid blocks of colour, thus avoiding too many pesky yarn tails. One word of warning though; if you're going to use bobble stitch make sure you calculate how much yarn you'll need as this stitch is a real yarn eater.  

So there you have it. 198 rows of soft bobble stitch, just under six feet long. Plenty big enough to wrap around and snuggle into. If anyone's interested in the colours, they are 05604 Beige, 05664 Moss & 05679 Stone.

Just my little crafty contribution for the week........

Lots of love

x x x x

Birthday treats

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who sent me birthday messages this last few days. It means a great deal, and is made all the more special because despite not knowing me personally, you have thought to share such sweet sentiments.......x x x x 

I had a lovely day, nothing extravagant, just precious time spent with my family. A lunch date with my parents, where we shared much laughter whilst indulging in some yummy food. I don't know about you but as I get older time with those closest to me is more important than anything else. More than cards and presents, just time to all be together. 

I was spoilt though, not least with the 

lovely blooms you see pictured above.... 

.....and some scrummy new yarn.

Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton in 

the most delightful shades.....

....10 balls of SMC Extra Soft Merino Cotton, as well as a 

couple of balls of Rowan Pure Wool DK 

thrown in for good measure.

As you can imagine, I am now

in Yarn Heaven *sigh*

This hand stitched journal from Paperchase is very cute.

I'm so looking forward to using it!

My sister very kindly gifted me some more

crafty bits and bobs, as well as a gorgeous

scarf to add to my ever growing collection.

All in all I am one very lucky

and very grateful lady

x x x x x x x

Cosy crochet and vintage finds....

I've spent much of this week doing some stash busting of my Acrylic yarn. The drop in temperature and wet weather inspired me to raid my stock of Stylecraft and King Cole to hook up a giant granny square. 

I had quite a few autumnal shades sitting idle in my basket, so I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate them into this off the cuff project. I wasn't so sure about the use of random colour placement at first, but as it has grown in size, it has grown on me too.

Something else that's making me very happy this week 

is the addition of these rather lovely vintage 

Kellogg's trays to my kitchen. 

I absolutely love the old fashioned advertising, the archetypal pretty housewives and mothers used for promotion, and the cute polka dot backgrounds just finish them off perfectly. I love the heritage of this brand. I'm sure people will still be eating Kellogg's cereals long after I've gone. 

I have to confess I can't start my day without a bowl of Cornflakes. Maybe not considered the healthiest of breakfasts by some, but I love 'em. Ice cold milk, poured straight from the fridge; lovely. 

And if Vintage & Retro is your thing, then you might be interested in a lovely shop I visited called Oobedobe Vintage (pronounced oo-be-do-be). Seldom have I met a nicer person than Debbie, proprietor of this treasure trove of vintage finds. It really was by chance that I found this place (a recurring theme on this blog), as I travelled down the A5 from a visit to Rushmere Park with my sister. Set off the road somewhat hidden from view, the shop is located on the Hockliffe Business Park. If not for an advertising board on the side of the road, we'd never have know this little gem of a place existed. Which is a shame really, and can't be good for business. 

With that in mind I thought about asking whether I could take a few snaps inside to feature here on the blog. A bit of free advertising couldn't do any harm, and Debbie was more than happy to oblige. I happened to have my trusty camera with me after taking some shots whilst out at Rushmere. Sadly Debbie was a little camera shy so I didn't get any pics of her. Disappointing as she looked fab that day, her clothes and hair style befitting of the era she so obviously loves. I immediately thought of Sarah from Sarah's Doo Wop Dos, another fabulous local business woman. But Debbie had done her own hair, which was very impressive.

We chatted for ages about all sorts. It felt like we'd been invited into her home such is the atmosphere of the place Debbie's lovingly created. So if you get a chance, do pop by and see Debbie. She'll be delighted to see you I'm sure.

Well that's me up to date, just the small matter 

of a birthday to celebrate in a few days.

I'm refusing to acknowledge my age from hence forth ;)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend

x x x x x x x x

All kinds of everything....

Good day smiley happy people, and a warm welcome to those that are new here at Annie's Place. I'm desperately hanging onto the remnants of warm summer days, but confess to being more than a little excited for the Autumn that's promised. Although with the bonkers British weather being what it is, I wouldn't be surprised if we had another mini heat wave before then. As long as the temperature stays in the late teens for as long as possible, I'm good with that.

August passed by in the blink of an eye. I was a busy bee for most of it, and managed to sneak in an impromptu visit to historic Cambridge. What a wonderful place it is, full of charm and the most spectacular architecture. I'm sure all of my overseas readers have heard of this place, and some of you may have even visited. I felt like a tourist myself, exploring the winding streets, taking in the sights and sounds of all the magnificent colleges of the world famous University.

A stop off at the Cath Kidston shop was a must. I enjoyed browsing through the merchandise, but sadly my pennies wouldn't stretch far enough to purchase the bag I had my beady eye on. There are some items that sit within an affordable budget, but a lot of it is quite expensive. Perhaps if I'm a good girl Santa will bestow something from there upon me this year. 

I also spied the rather lovely wares of The Cambridge Satchel Company. From humble beginnings in the kitchen of inspirational entrepreneur and mum of two Julie Deane, this company has become a global sensation. A lot of you may already be familiar with Julie's story, and have seen her family feature on Google Chrome's 'The web is what you make it' series of adverts. You can hear the story in her own words here. It really is incredible.

The haberdashery department of John Lewis was my final destination before heading home. I couldn't resist having a mooch around, and a good squeeze of the yummy yarn on display. Taking mental notes of all the brands that caught my eye. They mostly stock Rowan, but I did like the look of the Patons Diploma DK and Wendy Supreme DK. Although I'm pretty sure that my next purchase will include some Rowan Handknit Cotton or Pure Wool DK. It's always nice to get a proper look and feel for the yarn, something which is lost on internet shopping.

I've had oodles of crochet colour inspiration this last week from a simple bag of wooden beads, bought for the princely sum of £1 from Tiger. As you may remember I've been messing around with the Edwardian Fancy block, creating a motif that can be joined as you go. I've had sooooooo much fun with it, I think it could be my latest obsession. 

I'd be really interested to know 

where you find your colour inspiration???

Before I go, I must mention something that I saw yesterday on BBC Radio 2's Festival in a Day event in London's Hyde Park. A band of super talented musicians called The Treacherous Orchestra took to the stage and quite literally wowed the audience. I defy anyone to not be tapping their feet and clapping their hands along to this music. They are totally new to me and from what I heard I'll definitely be following them with interest. 

Whilst visiting Sound Cloud to listen to this track, I happened upon another Folk Quartet called Kan who's track One,Two,Three, literally just blew me away. I felt compelled to mention them here today because they certainly made an impact on me. Have a listen if you're so inclined. I'm sure a few of you creative souls will love them! Even if folk isn't your thing, you have to at least appreciate the magnificent musicianship of these fellas. I think this music is in my bones you know?! Must be the Celtic blood.....  

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Phew, that's a long post! 

Brownie points to you if you've 

managed to get to the end. 

I hope you've enjoyed my ramblings?!?

Till next time

x x x x x x