A finished blanket!

Hi everyone. For the firs time in a long time, I have completed a big project. Well, ok, I haven't actually fastened off all the ends yet, but it's basically complete.

I started this blanket last October, so it's taken me nearly a year to finish. I've only worked on it on and off. It came with me during my house move last year, and was the first think I worked on after I moved in. I remember sitting on the floor of my empty new flat (I had no furniture!) the day after I moved in making little circles and squares for this.

I hope it's going to grace my current and future homes for years to come providing cosyness.

The pattern is from The Gentle Art of Knitting. I used DK yarn. The blanket size is just big enough to cover my double bed. I made 272 little squares altogether, and then finished it off with a few rounds of granny crochet all around the edge, followed by one round in double crochet in yellow for trim.

Finished just in time for the cold weather here - lets hope it saves me some money on my heating bills!

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hunkering down

It has really been a day for hunkering down today.  After such a warm star to March, today we have had thunder and hailstorms.

The last couple of weeks have seen me desperately trying to finish the blanket I started in October. 

Also I've been admiring how my yarn looks in these little wire baskets,  which were a recent purchase.  They are so handy as yarn tidies in the living room.

After having spent most of my money over the last few months on furniture and sensible things like getting the hot water tank fixed, its nice to finally have some money to spend on something frivolous again!

Have a lovely weekend!

Xx xx xx xx

Mammoth crafty update part I

Hello everyone! This is the first time for about a month that I have had access to a proper pc and working internet connection on which to blog, or do anything web related. Regular readers might remember that I was about to move house at the end of November. The move went smoothly, but sadly setting up an internet connection is taking a ridiculously long time, so I'm taking advantage of being back at my family home for Christmas, where there is a working internet connection!

I promised a mammoth crafty update, but I think there is too much for one post, so I think I will split it into parts - it may take me a while to catch up with myself. To be honest December has just been completely knackering in a lot of ways, so I haven't done as much crafting as I normally would, due to my routine being knocked sideways by the move. Still, the enforced blog-absence this month has meant that I have a lot to share!

So, to begin! Firstly there is the granny stripe throw.

I spent the last couple of weeks frantically trying to finish this so that it could be a Christmas present. I actually started this project in July - right around the time that I found my flat - so it seems appropriate that it should be the first project I finished after moving in!

This project owes a lot to other bloggers actually - I'm sure you will recognise the original idea as being from Lucy at Attic 24, and you may also recognise the colour scheme as being heavily inspired by Annie's Place.

I'm very pleased to have finished this in time, and I hope it will be a thing of beauty to the recipients tomorrow!

Sorry about the bad light in these pictures - it dark and rainy all day yesterday, and who knows when daylight will return! At this time of year in England, it can feel like the sun is never coming back!

Ok, I think that will have to be all for this crafty update, as it's getting ridiculously late on Christmas Eve to be up blogging! Hope you all have a happy, cosy Christmas with your loved ones. I hope to be back for the next update on Boxing Day!

Merry Christmas! 

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Hexagon blanket

This week I finally finished my hexagon blanket! This blanket has taken me quite a while - I started it back in May, do you remember?

For those of you who like to know this sort of thing, here are some blanket statistics for you, this blankt is:

195 hexgaons

double knit yarn (various types)

single bed size

lovely and snuggly!

I am so glad I have finally managed to make this blanket - after a couple of false starts over the years.

Hope you have a creative Sunday - now I'm off for some more happy hooky!

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A big decision...

Well, I have something pretty exciting to share with you! Well, its very exciting to me anyway!

I had a half day off work this afternoon, and spent the afternoon visiting the building society and then the solicitors...

...yes, this may sound familiar to those of you who are home-owners....

....I am buying my very own little flat!

I can tell you it's a scary proposition, but also soooo exciting! I've been busy looking for somewhere since the beginning of May, which has meant I haven't had the time to be here on the blog as much as I would like to - between everything else in life and trying to arrange a mortgage and find a suitable property... well, you will know what I mean!

But, at last I have been able to set the wheels in motion. Things are still at an early stage, and those of you who have done this before will no that there a lot of things that can still go wrong. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that in a few months time I'll be able to share with you the excitement of moving day!

It has been quite a lovely day here - blue skies, sunshine, still very warm but thankfully not as stultifying as it has been!

Once I'd returned from my various flat-buying related errands, I was mercifully able to flop down on the sofa for a while and relax with some crochet.

First I worked on the granny stripe.... stripe, stripe, happy stripe I worked, enjoying the bright colours.

Then, in a sudden burst of energy and project-finishing-inspiration I got out the hexagon throw and have just spent the last few hours stitching motifs in place:

There is still a little work to go on this, and then the ends to fasten in. But I hope to have this project finished well before moving day, so that this blanket can grace my new home!

I think I may have to make something else brightly coloured once I finish granny stripe and hexagon blanket. These little tea light shades which I have in my bedroom have been reminding me of all the colours I love!

Have a happy evening.

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Hello July!

It's now technically what I think of as 'high summer' here in the UK. Wimbledon is on, we're all eating strawberries and cream (yes really, it's not just a cliche!) and the sun is (gasp) actually shining!

I am really going to try for a more positive, one-day-at-a-time approach to life from now on. The last couple of months have not been easy for me. I often feel bad for any complaints I make about my life on here, realising that I really am so lucky on the whole. However, recently I have been dealing with what I can only describe as buried problems which are of many (many) years standing. Although they aren't of anywhere near the magnitude of troubles that I know some of the lovely people reading this have faced and do face in life, they have been difficult for me to deal with.

The last few weeks I have really started to feel that I can conquer these things though. Thank you to those of you who responded to my recent post here. I'm still trying to push forward with these ideals in my life, and it's lovely to know that some of this strikes a chord with other people too.

I think its good to focus on appreciating what you have in life and look at the beauty in small every day things. The roses in the pictures above are an example I guess. They were taken in Hampton Court Palace rose garden on my recent holiday. Like any flower, they bloom for a while, but don't last forever. You have to take the time to stop and see how wonderful these things are in the moment, because those moments will never come again, and you may not realise how wonderful they actually were until they have passed you by and are gone forever.

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So, enough introspection and on to the main purpose of this post, which is actually an update on one of my major crochet projects of the moment.

This is my progress so far on the Erika Knight Patchwork throw which I started in the middle of May (it feels like ages ago now!)

I'm really pleased with the way it's coming along, and although it's a big woolly blanket, and far too warm for this time of year, the colours just scream summer to me.

It's been a joy to make. However, I think I may have to set it aside for now as I'm really about to run out of yarn.

I'd like to make this a really big blanket in the end, so I think I will wait a few more weeks until I can get some more yarn, and then carry on with it, rather than doing my usual process of making it as big as I can with what I have and then finishing off. I have a lot of single bed size blankets, and I'd really like a nice generous double bed size blanket! So, I'm going to try and make this that blanket!

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Lazy Sunday

I think I may have developed a split personality when it comes to crochet. I love making things in bright colours and using lots of different colours together, but I also love a more restrained colour palette and choice and the more vintage vibe that you seem to get when working with one colour, but in a more complex stitch.

 I spent my crochet time yesterday working on the Erika Knight hexagon blanket I'm making, and spent today playing working on another pastel toned blanket!

I started working on this blanket at the start of May, but have only worked on it sporadically since then, so progress has been slow.

Do you remember my Cathedral Blanket? Well this project is going to be a pastel version of that, with pale cream seaming instead of black.

I'm using far fewer colours (about 8 different shades) and I think I will arrange the colours at random rather than having them in order like I did for the Cathedral Blanket.

Whilst working on this I've also been daydreaming about making more pastel coloured cushion covers with mother of pearl button fastenings - hence my not being able to resist getting out my button collection and playing in these pictures!

I was also tempted this afternoon to try out a starburst stitch. I haven't tried this kind of stitch for a while because the last time I tried, a few years ago, I couldn't seem to get the hang of it.

This piece is at a very early stage - its quite time consuming to do, but I love the result - it looks beautiful in the ivory yarn, and has such as lovely vintage feel to it. I think its the sort of thing a Victorian or Edwardian lady would use! I'm not sure quite what this piece will be yet, but it's only quite a small sample, so it will probably end up being a jewellery case or similar. 

Happy Sunday everyone!

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Patchwork throw, by Erika Knight

So, last week, or maybe the week before (time flies, even when you're not having fun apparently!) I gave you a sneek peek of my latest colour crochet project, and promised more details!

I've made quite a lot more progress since the last time I mentioned this project.

The pattern is the Patchwork Throw, from Erika Knight's book Essential Crochet.

I love this book, its almost the first book I bought when I was learning to crochet a few years ago. I've tried to make this throw before but things got in the way.

Firstly my lack of skill - my motifs all kept coming out slightly different sizes! Looking back I don't think I had understood the pattern instructions properly!

The pattern also recommends a mercerised cotton yarn - Rowan Cotton Glace. When I tried to make this before, I went with that recommendation. However, much as I love mercerised yarn for small crochet projects such as bags, doilies etc, I just didn't feel the love when it came to trying to make a throw. I don't know why but I just prefer 'wooliness' in my throws!

Well, this time I am determined not to be defeated. I have bought a big stash of colourful yarn (probably a little heavy on the purple as usual) and have been hooking away my woolly hexagons and loving it!

So far I have about 80 motifs I think, but still a long way to go - the pattern calls for nearly 300! Hmm, not sure I will make it that far before my attention span (and my purse) give out! 

I am determined to complete a proper size blanket though - watch this space!

Actually I have a back-log of posts related to various craft projects at the moment, so maybe another post tomorrow if I get time!

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Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging (but not craft!)

Any regular visitors to this blog know that I usually aim to post about once a week. However, I don't like to post if I feel like I don't really have anything to say, or anything new to share with you.

I think I mentioned on a recent post that I had been having some tough times in the last few weeks. Well, that made me feel like I just didn't have the energy to post. But, I'm lucky enough to have some tremendously supportive people in my life and I'm already feeling much better. As I have probably said many times before here, I always find crochet and knitting to be a soothing distraction from whatever is troubling me.

So, as well as finishing my pastel throw I have been working on a new hexagon blanket. I don't want to make this post too long, so I'll save full details for another time. The pictures above show a sneak peek!

On Sunday, I finally managed to finish my pastel hexagon throw, and posted a pattern for this, which some of you may have seen already. Some of you lovely readers have been kind enough to post some very positive comments already. Thank you so much for those comments - they really do mean a lot to me. It feels great to know that other people can get enjoyment and inspiration from the things I post here. 

Comments are aso great, as they make you feel part of a community - and that was really why I started blogging!

Now, my lack of energy and stress has sadly also meant that I haven't stopped by any of my own favourite blogs for a while. Well, I'm going to try and remedy that today! I have a lovely day off work today, though so look out, I may be stopping by your blog and leaving you an admiring comment or two!

One final word - I wanted to share with you the glorious, gorgeous yarn bundle that has just arrived in the post!

 

Stay happy, and keep on crocheting!

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Evie: Pastel hexagon throw pattern

Finally I've been able to finish this project (it feels like it has taken ages!), and I'm now able to share the pattern and instructions with you!

Materials

4mm crochet hook

DK weight yarn in the following quantities and colours:

For centres of motifs (use one colour per motif)

3x dark purple

3x lilac

3x pale pink

3x rose pink

3x duck egg

3x airforce blue

3x pale blue

3x fudge

For edge of motifs (each motif is edged in cream)

7 x cream 

The yarns I used we Sublime Extra Fine Merino, Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Rowan Cashsoft DK. Sadly some of these lovely yarns (the Rowan and Debbie Bliss) are now being discontinued, so I don't recommend any specific shades. I've given the colours above as a rough guide to the shades used should you want to make a throw with the same colour effect as my own. However one of the great things about crochet is the endless possibility to be creative with colour, so I'm sure you will want to pick your own colours for a unique effect!

Instructions for making hexagon motif

Make 142 motifs to create a throw measuring approx. 43 inches wide x 60 inches in length.

Using any of the 8 colours you have chosen, chain 4 then join into a ring by slip stitching into the first chain.

Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as your first stitch), then working into the centre of the ring you have made, work 1 treble, *2 chain, 2 treble. Repeat from * 4 times more. Finish round by slip stitching into the top of the 3 chain from the start of the round. You should have 6 2 chain spaces and 6 clusters of 2 trebles.

Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as your first stitch), *work 1 treble into top of next stitch, then work 1 treble, 2 chain, 1 treble into 2 chain space from previous round. Repeat from * 4 times more. Work 1 treble into top of next stitch, then 1 treble into 2 chain space, then 2 chain. Finish round by slip stitching into the top of the 3 chain made at tha start of the round.

Round 3: Chain 3 (counts as your first stitch). *Work 1 treble into top of each of next 2 stitches then work 1 treble, 2 chain, 1 treble into 2 chain space from previous round. *Work 1 treble into top of next 3 stitches, then work 1 treble, 2 chain, 1 treble into next 2 chain space. Repeat from * 4 times more. Finish round by slip stitching into top of 3 chain from start of round.

Round 4: Chain 3 (counts as your first stitch). *Work 1 treble into top of each of next 3 stitches, then work 1 treble, 2 chain, 1 treble into 2 chain space from previous round. *Work 1 treble into top of next 4 stitches, then work 1 treble, 2 chain, 1 treble into next 2 chain space. Repeat from * 4 times more, then work 1 treble into top of last remaining stitch in round. Finish round by slip stitching into top of 3 chain from start of round.

Round 5: Change to cream for edge of motif. Join the new colour in in one of the 6 two chain spaces in your hexagon, using a 3 chain for your first stitch, then *work 1 treble into each stitch along the first side of your hexagon. On reaching the next chain space work 1 treble, 2 chain, 1 treble into chain space. Repeat from *5 times more until the entire hexagon has been edged in cream, finishing the round by working 1 treble, 2 chain into last chain space (same chain space in which you began the round) and slip stitching into the top of the 3 chain at the start of the round to complete.

Arrange your motifs in rows, alternating between 9 in one row and 10 in the next, using the pictures as a guide. Ensure that you do not place to motifs of the same colour next to each other.

Stitch the motifs together in rows by oversewing the edges of motifs together using the cream yarn. Sew the rows together so that your hexagons tesselate.

Weave in any loose ends on reverse.

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If you try making this I hope you enjoy it. If you have any questions or anything is unclear in the pattern, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post.