Snippets

May is whizzing by, and I'm looking forward to the sunshine and warmer temperatures promised toward the weekend. I've been a bit of a home bod these last few weeks. Trying to get on top of all the little jobs that need doing. I seem to spend my life sorting laundry, elbow deep in a bowl of washing up, or with a duster and can of Mr Sheen in hand. Exciting life I lead.....

Vintage Fair

Northampton Guildhall

Though I did manage to escape the humdrum for a day out with my Sister recently, to the Vintage Fair held at the rather spectacular Northampton Guildhall. We had a good nose amongst the stalls, and marvelled at the ladies from the vintage hair lounge offering the cutest up dos for both young and old. 

After working up an appetite wandering around the fair, we decided to grab some dinner at Buddies. The menu was vast, but we both opted for a burger with everything. To say we were fit to burst afterwards was an understatement. Thoroughly enjoyed.....

I'm still working on my big granny blanket. I haven't bought any new yarn for months, as I need to concentrate on the wips I have yet to complete. The temptation is always there though. That nagging urge to treat yourself, especially when you're trawling Pinterest, exposing yourself to SO many gorgeous pics. It's impossible not to get drawn in & seduced by the endless possibilities, of potential new hooky projects.

Before I go, I know many of you are often on the look out for new yarn stockists. Well I have a wee treat for you today as the Big Wool Shop would like to offer my readers a 10% discount on their first order using the code BLOG10, valid until 07/06/2014. Worth a look......xx

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