February Review

So where did February go? these months seem to speed by but at least by setting myself some targets each month I can see that I haven't been wasting my time and there has been something constructive going on, because February was a short month and I've been decorating I really didn't think that I would manage to complete everything I planned so I have to look back to see what I actually hoped to achieve...

Make two Teddy Puppets a month for Operation Christmas Child

February Teds

These little puppets are such fun to make, I have to stop myself from making more so that I can get on with other things.  Great stash-busters too you can find the pattern here

I have challenged myself to make a sweater a month for the boys...

February Sweater

Complete the second front of my cardigan..

I managed to do that too and now I have only the sleeves to do

Make a preemie item...

Made with a few grams of stash yarn so simple and so sweet one of Marianna's lovely patterns you can find it here

start some socks

I have forced myself to stop at this point I was only going to do the rib but honestly I really love making socks and could quite happily make those and nothing else and that would never do now would it.

start some mittens

Well as you know not only did I start them but I finished them too and let me tell you I'm enjoying wearing them, these are designed by Christine and you can find the pattern here.

Finish The Cheerful Child Blanket..

I loved making this blanket and may make another in the future but strangely for the first time in a long time I'm not following a single CAL!

Although I challenge myself with certain tasks each month sometimes these have to be put to one side because something crops up and I have to devote myself to that project, either to make something for a child in desperate need or in fact in this case for a much sadder reason.  Last month a member of Loving Hands passed away, she was such a lovely selfless person and always kept us entertained with her lively personality on the Loving Hands forum. When one of our members pass away we all contribute a square which are sewn into a comfort blanket for the family.  In Maureen case we will be making one for each of her two grandchildren and one for her husband. 

These were mine...

Block 55 Centred Square 

Block 99 Baby Bow

Block 89 Spinner

All made from the book 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton

To do list for March...

1. March boy sweater.
2. Two Teddy Puppets.
3. Complete a sock and cast on another.
4. Make a Preemie item.
5. Work on my totally scrappy blanket.

I hope everyone is having a great week. :) 

Linking with...



Snickerdoodle Sunday
Hookin on hump day
Cooking and crafting with J&J
Handmade Monday
Lunamon Design
Scrapability Saturday

Link and Share Wednesdays

Making A Difference

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a member of Loving Hands which was founded by Lou Jaap in 2007.  We now have thousands of members around the world all crafting together to make a difference to those in need.  Last weekend  I was very proud to read an article in the Sun newspaper about our organization explaining the work we do and how even a small pair of mittens can help a child who has been orphaned or indeed made homeless.  Sadly Lou  is now in ill health and although she is still at the helm a lovely lady called Kate Guant is now doing the invaluable job of taking over where Lou has had to leave off.  Because of the article we have seen a huge increase in our members it's heartwarming to know that there are so many who want to help.  You can read more about Loving Hands here  why don't you join us too.

One of the charities we support is Operation Orphan who are now in Nepal helping where they can. You can read  a harrowing and very sad account of what they experienced when they arrived there here.

Operation Orphan have put out a plea for knitted/crocheted blankets in all sizes, if you would like to help but can't face making a whole blanket six inch squares sewn into strips of six, or twelve inch squares sewn into strips of three made with DK yarn can be sent on to us, please email me for an address if you are interested.

Following on from my Knit a Block a Week Challenge last year, I'm challenging myself to make as many squares and projects as I can from the book 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton you can see what I have made so far here. 

and this is what I have made for this month so far....

BLOCK 166 PASTEL DELIGHT

BLOCK 56 PLAIN GRANNY

BLOCK 55 CENTERED SQUARE

BLOCK 30 SHELL LACE

BLOCK 145 CHOCOLATE BOX

BLOCK 89 SPINNER

BLOCK 96 LIGHT AND SHADE

I have made these particular squares in gender neutral shades for Liz from Unraveling Me do pop along to her blog to see what she is going to do with them.

As you can see there is always a great need for squares so many charities are in need of them. With the making of these I will be killing three birds with one stone..

1.  Helping people in need.
2. Keeping up with my Challenge.
3. Stashbusting.

Making squares needn't be boring there are so many free ones to choose from online they are quick to make and are a great portable project too.

Thank you for all your kind best wishes for my upcoming surgery on Thursday, I'm hoping that it will go ahead as planned and it's not cancelled at the last minute which can happen quite frequently.  

I'm not sure when I will be able to post again but I will be back as soon as I'm able, I will have my ipad next to me so that I can keep up with what you have all been doing and I will be surrounded by yarn and needles so I will have plenty to keep me busy.

Take care all of you
love ya!


Linking with


Snickerdoodle Sunday
Handmade Monday - Creative Tuesday - Eyeloveknots - Link and share Wednesday - Lunamon Design - hookin on hump day

With Little Girls in Mind Baby Blanket

This little blanket was my March project for the 200 crochet Squares Cal using blocks from 200 crochet blocks by Jan Eaton. 

I enjoyed making this because the blocks were all very easy to make and I loved the pretty candy colours I was using.

Blocks used

Block 113 Wisteria 

This is one of my favourite blocks it's lovely to make and so very pretty I used nine.

Block 37 Pin Stripes

A very easy but really effective block I used four of these.

Block 36 Pink Stripes

Then the easiest of them all, I used twelve of these.

I sewed each square onto the blanket as I made it and weaved in the ends so when it was all done there was only the border to make...

I sometimes find that it's easier to make it up as you go along and this is what I did here very simple but effective and I love it, I was quite proud of the finished result. I think it's just right for this blanket.  I will be writing it out and will share it with you all when I get time.

So there you have it one cute little baby girl blanket all ready to be popped into the box destined for Operation Orphan.

Sugar and spice and all things nice. :) xx

Hope everyones having a great week. 

Linking with...

Handmade Monday - Creative Tuesday - Eyeloveknots - Link and share Wednesday - Lunamon Design




 

Sneak Peek Reveal

Thank you for all your lovely comments and guesses for my mystery sneak peek picture last week and yes it's a Poncho so well done to Gillian, Crystal, Linda and Jennifer for guessing correctly.

I had fun designing this little poncho and trying to decide which blocks would work.

Bach view

Assembly Point

Edging

Finished off with a very simple edging

Made with 16 Blocks from 200 crochet blocks by Jan Eaton

Block 6 textures bluebells x 5

Block 65 Patriotic Sunburst x 1

Block 15 Red White and Blue x 2

Block 76 Granny Stripes x 8

I have had this variegated yarn in my stash for 3 years I was so glad to find a use for it I've been waiting for just the right project and I think I found it it looks just right. 

This little poncho will be going into the box destined for Operation Orphan

250 grams of yarn happily busted :)

Linking with...

Link and share Wednesday

Lunamon Design

Hookin on Hump Day

Sneak Peek

I have just completed my second project using the book 200 Crochet Blocks.  

 What do you think it is any guesses. ?

See you soon. :) 

Linking with...

Link and share Wednesday

Lunamon Design

Hookin on Hump Day