Hi there & welcome to Annie's Place. A place inspired by and named after my late Grandmother Annie. Somewhere I can be creative, and share my love for all things handmade. I like nothing better than sitting with hook & yarn, crafting something home spun & completely unique, or rustling up some yummy baked goodies. I live in a town with a beautiful embankment, situated on the River Great Ouse. You may know me as CosyKitty on Ravelry.
Why not stop a while.....?!!
I am really rather pleased with myself you know. It took a lot of restraint for me not to dive head first into a brand new project for the new year. I very nearly let the temptation of some new yarn distract me from all the unfinished projects I have piling up (literally).
This blanket has been hibernating for so long it's actually embarrassing. Every time my parents visit my father will ask 'have you finished that blanket yet?'. My sheepish response 'urm, no Dad not yet'. However, I shall not dwell on my tardiness, for I know I am not alone. Many of you have the same affliction, so I shall find solace in that.
The main thing is it is now all neatly finished, every last tiresome end sewn in, border complete and ready to find it's permanent place on the sofa. Now the weather has changed and Winter has finally descended upon us, it's the perfect thing to snuggle under. It's 4ft square, so ideal for one or a very cosy two.
The blocks are made up of a mixture of different yarns, worked into 6 round traditional granny squares on a 4mm hook. I joined them all (JAYG method) with Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton in a grey colourway known as Logwood.
The border is #93 from the book Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman. Also crocheted in Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton (Logwood). I think it's the perfect edging for this type of blanket project. I am super happy with the lacy finish.
I've got a nice little collection of crochet cushions that compliment this blanket, so I'll be able to swap and change them around as the mood takes me. Nobody can complain that there's a shortage of cushions in this home.
The guilt and shame of having multiple UFO's (unfinished objects) has now given way to euphoria as I sit and admire my handiwork.
Season's greetings friends, I do hope you are enjoying the holiday! Just a quickie post from me to show you the cushion I made for my Sister as a Christmas gift. I was working on it right up until the last minute on Christmas Eve, but it was all worth it!
Thanks go to Haafner for the inspiration and fantastically brilliant free pattern for the popcorn square. Also thanks to the hugely talented Vanessa at Coco Rose Diaries for posting about her super gorgeous blanket project, (also inspired by Haafner) that had me salivating, and ultimately led to the creation of this gift.
Like Vanessa, I used WI premium Acrylic on a 4mm hook. Four squares worked up and crocheted together for the front, and again for the reverse. I used an 18" square cushion pad. This pattern creates the most fantastic textured panel. I absolutely LOVE it and plan on making some new sofa cushions in the same.
Hello you lovely lot! I'm taking a moment out of the festive madness to connect with you here today. I'm sure you're all super busy with one thing or another, so I thank you in advance for taking a little time to visit with me.
As I explained in an earlier post I'm working on a Crochet Christmas Gift, which is taking up most of my spare time. Of course I cannot share this with you now as it would completely spoil the surprise for the recipient. But pics will follow after the big day, promise.
In the meantime I thought I'd take you on another walkabout through Bedford, my hometown. So with appropriate attire befitting the weather, I strolled into the centre of town. The arcade was my first port of call. The Christmas garlands are up and give the place a lovely festive feel, just as I knew they would.
I then headed onto the Castle Road area of town. There's lots to love about this place and I like nothing better than wandering the streets having a good nose in the many independent shops, passing by some of the loveliest homes. Many of which I covet. It has a lovely village feel. Tree lined streets criss cross this area, housing rows of cute terraces and huge Victorian mansions, and being only a short hop, skip and jump from the glorious Embankment it's a sought after area to live in.
Take a look at this apartment currently on sale right opposite the River. It wouldn't look out of place in many Central London locations, but for a fraction of the price.
The Embankment is my favourite part of Bedford. Oh how I LOVE this place. No matter what time of year, this really is a stunning location. I started at the Butterfly Bridge, stopping off for a chat with the ducks and swans that always gather looking for tasty titbits. I rested a while on one of the many benches that line this stretch of riverside. Most of which have plaques, with loving tributes on them dedicated to people who have passed.
It was then onwards past the rowing club, over the boatslide bridge. The water gushing and rushing underneath. Creating quite the torrent of deafening sound. It's the strangest thing how once over the bridge the noise miraculously dissipates.
There are many lovely vantage points along the banks of the Ouse in Bedford. One of the best is the Webster Suspension Bridge. It's a great spot to really see the majesty of the river stretching out in front of you.
I wish I'd taken some pics of the carpet of leaves that were at least a few inches deep here in Autumn. Spectacular is an understatement. Now the trees are completely bare, but still have a certain stark beauty. Come to think of it you can see a selection of lovely shots on this Flickr page.
Once I'd exhausted myself by the riverside, I took the route past the Higgin's Gallery and Pantry back into town. The annual Christmas Fair and Market was on so as the light faded it was lovely to see all the attractions and stalls lit up.
After a bit of Christmas Shopping, I wanted to head back over to the Riverside for one last photo opportunity. The Swan Hotel comes into it's own this time of year. Lots of Christmas parties in full swing, people all dressed in their best bib and tucker. The lights that line the Embankment are lovely, and set the scene perfectly.
You may be wondering if I'm working on behalf of Bedford Tourism with this here post, lol......nope. Just my take on where I call home. I'm a Bedfordshire girl, but Bedford has only been my home for the last six years. I love it here, and choose to only see the positives.
I'd like to leave you with this scene from my all time favourite Christmas flick It's A Wonderful Life. Whenever I have walked the Embankment in Bedford, especially after a covering of snow I think of this moment. How apt that George Bailey is running through Bedford Falls. So many similarities to mention!
I received some very sad news yesterday that a childhood friend has lost her father very suddenly last week. Makes you stop and think about all the people that are suffering grief, and in general the fragility of life. I am very grateful for all that I have, and this has just served to remind me to make the most of every day.
The world doesn't stop turning, as much as we might like it to at times. I know my friend's family have a very strong faith, so I find consolation in knowing that they are comforted by that. My thoughts will be firmly with my friend and her family over the coming weeks and months.
Poor natural light had threatened to scupper my plans of photographing the second batch of crochet cushions. Undeterred I hastily piled them up whilst there was a glimmer of sun in the Autumn sky, and here are the results. Not great, but the best I could do.
I've crocheted up 14 cushions in total over the last 5 or so years, along with a bunch of other projects. I have SO many unfinished makes it's a joke. I just don't have the patience for long haul projects like blankets. Hence why I've only attempted a few, and as much as I LOVE crocheting, I couldn't sit all day doing it. Maybe it's because I am so slow, I don't know?!
Though I do feel a certain amount of pride when I see them all together like this. Knowing I am self-taught and still after all this time feel like a novice. Silly really. The best bit for me is receiving messages from people telling me they have been inspired to pick up a crochet hook because of something they've seen here. I LOVE that!
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In other news, I can't quite believe it's the last week of November! We have our local Christmas Lights Switch On tomorrow, which should be good fun. There's always a fantastic fireworks finale to welcome in the festive season.
I made a very last minute decision to head into the capital last Sunday for a mooch around the West End. I walked from The Houses of Parliament, up Whitehall, through Trafalgar Square to Picadilly Circus. Then onto the Haymarket, passed Her Majesty's Theatre where the Phantom Of The Opera has been staged for the last 26 years! Quite a run....
Then up Regent Street, breaking off for a wander through Carnaby Street where the lights were spectacular. I then hotfooted it onto Great Marlborough Street, and the famous Liberty department store.
Onwards to Oxford Circus, and along Oxford Street, before turning around for the walk back. Phew, my little legs were given a workout that day!
Apologies for the poor quality pictures, but you get the idea I hope?!
The countdown to Christmas has begun. Halloween and Bonfire Night but a distant memory. I've witnessed some lovely fireworks displays over this last fortnight, first with Guy Fawkes then followed by Diwali celebrations.
I have a head full of cold at the moment, and I'm feeling a bit bleurghh so I thought I'd cheer myself up by doing an impromptu photo-shoot of my colourful crochet cushions. I know many of you will have seen this little lot before, but hey any excuse to showcase them all together. For my own self-gratification of course, lol.....
I will do this in two parts, brights first :)
I have been desperate for a colour fix as the weather's been so very damp and dreary. Thankfully I have my Cable & Cotton string lights to brighten up the place. I'm also working on a Christmas gift behind the scenes that is monochrome, which is taking up most of my spare time. The yarn I'm using is dark and it can be a bit draining, but it'll all be worth it in the end. I'm quite excited to see what the recipient thinks of it. Only 5 and a bit weeks to wait.
I've also felt very depressed by everything that's going on in France. Utterly devastating! Why is there such evil in this world?
Crocheting is such a welcome distraction, and I am so thankful that I can escape every now and then into a basket of soft snuggly yarn.
If I can bring just a little ray of sunshine through sharing my colourful crochet makes, I'm happy.
I'll leave you with my favourite Christmas Ad of the moment,
Not much to say here today. My head is as foggy as the current weather. However, I am SO happy Autumn is here! The leaves are tumbling off the trees, an abundance of crunchy red, gold and green underfoot. Such a wonderful sight.
There's nothing remotely crochet related in this here post, but I thought it might be nice to share some snaps of my meanderings around my local area. We are lucky to have lots of gorgeous green spaces to enjoy in and around Bedford. Bedford Park is one of my favourites. A beautiful place, just a short stroll from the high street.
Once through the ornate iron gates you feel a million miles away. I pretty much had the park to myself that day, just the odd dog walker and cyclist passed me by. I was finally able to give my Seasalt wellies an outing too, a purchase I made back in the Summer sales. Very practical and very comfy.
The only spot that was busy was the Pavilion, right in the heart of the park. Brought back to life about 18 months ago, it's now one of the go to places in Bedford 'for a spot of brunch, lunch or afternoon tea'. It looks so pretty all festooned in bunting.
I walked around the park for a while, then headed back towards the centre of town. I always pass through the Victorian Arcade where there are some lovely independent stores. I'm looking forward to when it's decked out in all it's Christmas finery.
It was almost dark by the time I reached home. I'd baked a chocolate cake earlier in the day, so I put the kettle on, lit some tealights and cut myself a nice generous wedge. Yummy xxx
