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!

Source

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