Reversible Crochet Cushion Version 2

Hello my dear crochet fiends, oops I mean friends. I'm back to share with you a project that I finished up just yesterday. It's another reversible cushion cover using an adaptation of both the Sunburst Pattern by Priscilla Hewitt and Jan Eaton's Square Target. 

On my last post I showed you the pile of little target squares I'd crocheted up. I decided to frame each 3 round motif in white dc's (UK double crochet stitches), just to give them a nice neat finish, and to help those colours pop a bit more.

I then used a htr (UK Half Treble Stitch) seam to join each square together. When using this method I tend to connect single blocks into rows first, then once I have the right configuration seam each row together (if that makes sense?)

The Half Treble seam gives a nice raised join, which adds dimension. I then moved on to prepping the other side to match for size. I had to add a couple of rows of htr's around my Sunburst Squares to make everything even. Both sides ending up 18" x 12".

I was now firmly onto the home straight and loving every minute of assembling this colourful hooky creation. Putting wrong sides together I crocheted the 2 panels using a htr seam once again. Happily it gave me a lovely piped look to the edge. 

Ta-Dah Moment!!!!!

Happy x

A Colourful Convalescence

Germs, germs, awful germs! Cough, splutter, sneeze! Well I finally succumbed to the nasty cold virus that seems to be doing the rounds, hence my absence this past few weeks. Urgh what a horrible thing to have to endure. I'm relieved and happy to report my head is finally feeling less cotton wool like, so I thought it was high time I bobbed by to say hello.

Needless to say I spent a lot of time in bed, feeling sorry for myself. Paracetamol and fluids my only friends. As the fever and unrelenting headache wore off, I took solace in my basket of yarn. I didn't have the strength for anything too taxing, so I hooked up some easy peasy squares in a jolly kaleidoscope of colours.

Never underestimate the power of crochet therapy.  I took full advantage of those duvet days  I can tell you. The worst thing about having a stinking cold is the inability to function properly. The lovely spring sunshine has been wasted on me for the most part. Until today that is, when I finally ventured out into the fresh air.  

Time for another walk in the countryside, to blow off the cobwebs. Those fields you see pictured there, all golden and gorgeous are the very same fields I pictured in my last post. What a difference a few weeks make. The Rapeseed now in full bloom. Isn't it a wonderful sight against the blue sky and wispy white clouds?!

Back soon to show you what I plan to make 

with those cutesy crochet squares....

x x x x x x x

Meandering

I've enjoyed many leisurely walks over recent weeks, all within a short distance from home. You see I'm endeavouring to take a moment out of each day, come rain or shine, to get out, put one foot in front of the other and breathe some fresh air. Just half an hour, that is all. 

It sometimes feels impossible to fit just a small window of time into the day for yourself. There's always something to do, or somewhere to be. Never enough hours in the day to tick every box. Well that's what it feels like anyway.

I love the vast open countryside surrounding my home, and I am determined to explore every inch of it this year. I appreciate the beauty of nature, and want to drink it in. Especially when the sun's going down, and everything becomes immersed in a golden haze. 

Just those few stolen moments away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, can make everything seem a little more manageable. It makes coming home all the more special too, especially when you're surrounded by things that bring you comfort. A cosy crochet blanket, a book and bed.........bliss x

Snap happy

We've been blessed with some lovely mild temperatures and spring sunshine this week. It's made the world of difference to my overall mood. I've definitely had a sunnier disposition that's for sure. 

My crochet hook has been dusted off and put to some use after being badly neglected. I like to think of it as a temporary blip. I admit I lost enthusiasm for a moment, but surprising how a bit of good light can make you feel energised and motivated once again.

I've been hooking up some 7 round traditional granny squares. The yarn is acrylic, the hook a 4mm, the blocks joined as I go, and the colour scheme very random. Apart from making sure that my 4th and final rows are kept the same colour. I'm rather pleased with them so far *happy face*

Let's see how long this project can keep me engaged! You know me; the eternal flibbertigibbet. I really must commit to one project at a time. But it seems like an impossibility for me *arghhhhh* 

I've been very snap happy too. My camera is never too far from my hands, and I kinda went a bit mad. The addition of some lovely blooms, and some new crochet squares just sent me a bit batty. I know you don't mind me overloading you with visual stimuli??! Especially when it's hooky related!

Before I scoot, I've been meaning to ask who's been watching Kirstie Allsopp's new property programme Best of Both Worlds? I'm a sucker for these shows, (another favourite being Escape To The Country) and I think this one has been fantastic. Not that I'm green with envy or anything, but some of the places Kirstie's visited in this series have been sickeningly beautiful. A bit of escapism is good for you though, so I guess I'll keep watching and dreaming.........

Enjoy the weekend

x x x x x x x

Colourful flower runner revisited

Phew, am I glad the week's almost over! You know sometimes you get those moments when everything seems to all happen at once. Appointments to keep, entertaining unexpected visitors, trying to get the car through it's MOT without any added expense. Oh yes, that just about sums up the kind of week I've had.

But now I can take a deep breath and relax into the weekend. I've enjoyed watching some of the World Indoor Athletics Champs on TV this morning, glad to see some Team GB success in the heats. Fingers crossed for the finals. 

As you were all so generous with your comments about my ripple, I thought I'd follow that up with a look back at my colourful flower runner project. I made a very tentative start on this back in the summer of 2011, after being totally inspired by this gorgeous pattern. 

I was just beginning to find my feet with crochet, and at about 8 months in felt ready to take on a bigger project. I followed Solveig's pattern for the circle part of each block, but then adapted it as I wasn't confident using the JAYG (join as you go) method. I crocheted each square, then slip stitched them together in rows. 

Soon I had accumulated row upon row of colourful circles framed in white. It was a pleasure to make and I got a real thrill out of seeing the project grow. I decided on a runner, rather than a blanket as I wanted to give my rattan chair a makeover. I ended up with 7 rows of 22 blocks. The perfect width and length for my chair cover.

It took me a couple of months to complete, but for a self confessed slow coach that was pretty quick. I'd like to attempt something like this again but on a grander scale. Problem is, I'm not sure I have the patience for it. 

I hope you enjoyed my wee trip down memory lane? 

Perhaps I've inspired you to do the same? 

x x x x x x x x