A Baby Blanket a Garland and Other News

 Things seem to be quietening down in blogland at the moment which is to be expected when many of us are enjoying Spring and the better weather, who wants to sit indoors writing a blogpost when the outside beckons.  With this in mind you will have to excuse me if I seem to disappear for long stretches of time I want to make the most of the Spring/Summer for as long as it lasts.

Even my crocheting has slowed down, there's just not enough hours in the day, the last thing I made was this corner2corner rainbow blanket.

A rainbow blanket is given to parents who have had a live healthy baby(rainbow baby) following a previous pregnancy loss.

I totally forgot to show you my Spring garland so here it is..

It looks so pretty hanging up in my hallway, I intend to make a similar one for Summer.  I found the pattern for this in a magazine but Lucy from Attic24 has one that is nearly the same and you can find that pattern here.

I have nothing on my hook at the moment can you believe it! I have lots of idea's spinning in my mind but haven't quite settled on any one particular thing.  I have lots of patterns that are mere scribbles in a notebook waiting to be written up too but that will need lots of time and concentration both of which are in very short supply at the moment.

Other news

The embroidery continues and should be finished soon.

My fence is finished at last, he appeared yesterday evening and put the screws in from the neighbours side and neatened the tops of the posts, now I can paint the fence and tidy the poor neglected border.

I loved my red composite front door when it was installed but now its fading after just four years, luckily its still under guarantee, I have informed the company who installed it and am waiting to see what happens next, has anyone else had this problem? 

I'm still waiting for my new garage door to be installed, they now say it will be next week, we shall see. 

My daughter-in-law has just informed me that little Mikey my grandson has Scarlett fever and so has she which means of course my son will probably get it too. They are taking antibiotics so hopefully it will clear up without any complications.

You will be pleased to know that's the end of my ramblings for now but I will be back when I can, even if the posts are short or just to say a quick hi.😊

Take care until next time.😘😘

A Big Thank You! some Good News and a Bit of Crochet.

 A Big Thank You!

Thank you for all your lovely kind thoughts and comments about my brother in my last post, you have no idea how much they mean to me.  I'm sorry to hear about those of you who are suffering with long term illnesses and have experienced the same sort of difficulties we have.

We have spent a difficult couple of weeks, the accident has taken it out of him both mentally and physically, he's now unable to drive which is hard for him to bear. 

My brother is a nature lover and a brilliant photographer, his photos are amazing he took the one at the top of my blog and his wildlife photos are beautiful. It's getting increasingly difficult for him to hold the camera and alter the settings but he still loves to drive out into the countryside and do the best he can.

I'm hoping that once his burns have healed be might regain the little strength he had before and get out and about again..

On the bright side he seems to be healing I know it will take time because the burns were deep in places but thankfully so far so good.

The Good News... 

After several weeks of emails and phone calls I have finally got my refund for the treadmill I returned in this post.  I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get my money back especially having read some of the one * reviews for the company, if only I had read those before I ordered anything from them.  There are several people still waiting for items which they have paid for and others waiting for refunds like I was. 

I am speaking about Studio Catalogue I would never name and shame unless I had good reason to do so.  They are very polite and say all the right things when you contact them by phone or email but then nothing seems to happen. In the end I threatened to take it further if it wasn't dealt with immediately, even then I got no response until I emailed them again to ask what was happening and they told me they had sent a cheque. It took 10 days to reach me and I'm hoping it won't bounce when I pay it into my bank.🙏  

A Bit Of Crochet

As I mentioned previously I am working through the patterns I have accumulated to see if they are worth keeping and this one is the Easy Peasy Cardigan.

I adapted the pattern a little to include an extra row all around the edging and added buttons right down the front. It's another keeper as it's easy to follow and of course very easy to make.  The chest size has turned out at 18" which is a large new born size.

The hat is my pom pom baby hat without the pom pom but with the addition of  a heart which I made one stitch size up to what is written in the pattern.

Pattern Links

• Easy Peasy Cardigan
• Pom Pom Baby Hat
• Tiny Heart. below

Magic ring

3ch, 2tr, 1htr, 1dc, 1ch, 1tr, 1ch, 1dc, 1htr, 2tr, 3ch, ss to centre, pull up tight.

To make the heart bigger just go up a stitch size or use a larger hook.

I'm now off to have a bit of retail therapy with my daughter, I had better get moving she will be here in half an hour and I'm not ready yet!

Keep safe everyone and I'll see you next week. xx

Back in My Comfort Zone

After having a whole month of doing nothing crochet wise I started getting the urge to pick up my hook again. I had no definite plan about what to make so I started looking through these.

 My daughter's friend passed these on to me a few years ago and I do enjoy looking through them although to date I've only made one thing out of them a shawl.

I've never used it but I did enjoy making it and I'm sure I will use it one day, shawls don't seem to be that popular here in the UK.

I came upon a very simple looking baby jacket and because the challenge for NHAP this month is for new-born baby jacket and hat sets I decided to give it a try. 

It was easy to make and the pattern was straight forward enough but what a lot of holes treble crochet (UK) seems to make. I didn't like the holes at the beginning of rows and found myself doing a lot of weaving to fill in the gaps once I'd sewn it together.  

(I have since remembered how to rid oneself of those pesky holes at the beginning of rows and for those of you who don't know how, I'll share it with you next time.)

I much prefer a closer texture for a small baby jackets and like to use either dc or htr stitches (UK) I won't be using this pattern again.

The hat pattern was my own and you can find it here

So on to the next one, this time it's one I've used many times and it's quick and easy to make

Baby Girl Shell Sweater and Hat

I have adapted the pattern a little by adding a button band and I have altered the sleeves and worked them flat rather than in the round as stated in the pattern also using less stitches so that they aren't so wide.  

You can find the free pattern here.

I have just started another baby jacket using a free pattern I found online many years ago, I seem to have accumulated an awful lot of patterns over the years, nowadays it's not necessary to have a printed copy as it's easy enough to view the pattern online but I like to have a paper copy too, my plan is to try those that I have and either keep them or throw them away. The shell one above is a keeper because I'm sure I will use it again. 

Another great CAL is starting soon it's the Leticia Flower Garden CAL 

Isn't it beautiful, it's made in both overlay and mosaic crochet. I love the pattern and I will be buying it as it's cheaper for the duration of the CAL but I won't be making the blanket just yet it's another one for the to do list.

Other things...

I had a lovely time babysitting little Mikey yesterday, It's like being a kid again, we had a wonderful time drawing and colouring, dancing to nursery rhymes and here he is playing with his colour lab I have to say an awful lot of mess was made, my fingers are still blue, no amount of washing will rid them of the food colour dye and Mikey's is even worse.😂

I wish I was quite a few years younger, looking after little ones certainly takes it out of you I was shattered by the end of the day but it was fun.

Sweet tasting tomatoes from my garden yum!

This last one is for Amanda ...

This is taken from my bedroom window, it's a wall feature in my neighbours garden I think it looks very pretty and I may just copy the idea next year.  Amanda is looking for a shelving idea for her balcony you can read her post here.

Well I'm off to get ready for Canasta, it's one of the few u3a groups that are meeting up again, we meet at the Golf Club every Friday afternoon.  Today we are going to have a buffet lunch before we start playing cards so it should be a very pleasant afternoon. 😊

Have a great week.

A Preemie All-In-One and what's next?

 Although I enjoyed the short break from crochet I had last week it wasn't long before I got the urge to make something again, lets face it if you are addicted to crochet you can't be without it for long.  I felt quite bereft in the evenings without a hook in my hand. So what to make? something small and easy, a quick finish like this cute little preemie baby all in one suit...

This is to go to N.H.A.P. (Needles & Hooks Angels & Preemies). Their April crochet challenge was for us to make 40 of these, that target has been smashed and I believe they have 54 suits as we speak. 

I used this yarn from my stash I'm not even sure if they still make it anymore I've had it so long. It took exactly 100 grams and you can find the free pattern here.

It was an easy make and the pattern is quite well written however I think a knowledge of crochet and of reading patterns is probably a must if you want to try it, a beginner crocheter may struggle.

So what next? ...

The Patchwork CAL which I mentioned back here has been brought forward and it's starting today! I'm really looking forward to it because making a square is more doable than thinking about a huge blanket.  I can make these at my own pace, they will be small enough to be transportable and easy to work on whilst sitting in the garden weather permitting ha!

After almost a week of lovely weather we are right back to bitter cold winds blowing in from the north sea, I was fooled into thinking Spring was actually here oh well. 

I still haven't decided which yarn I'm going to use for this CAL so I'm going to spend a lovely afternoon routing through my stash in order to find something suitable.  As I said before this is a great way to try Mosaic crochet if you are wanting to give it a go, the designs look easy and the pattern is easy to follow, there's also a Facebook page Maud's Crochet Club where you can display your work, get lots of inspiration and ask questions if you get stuck. 

Another CAL...

One of the ladies from Loving Hands brought my attention to this CAL which has already started.  In Barbara's own words...

" There are 14 different squares, all farm related, which you can repeat to make whatever size blanket (or cushion I guess).  If you sign up on her webpage, you get an email twice a week with a different square.  Looks like a bit of fun!"

It's really worth taking a look because I'm thinking they would be perfect to make a blanket or cushion for a grandchild or to give away as a beautiful  gift for a new-born 

aren't they cute? and the patterns are free!😊

I have managed to complete the seventh day on the Twelve Days Of Christmas Sampler, I'm  quite pleased with myself for sticking to my target of completing  one day a month. I will make a start on day eight this weekend and we will see how many maids will be milking by the start of next week. 😄

I hope you all have a lovely bank holiday weekend. 😊

Click here to see the parties I will be linking to this week.

Slow Progress and a CAL

I'm really enjoying making this blanket and watching the various patterns unfold..

Althought the actual stitches are simple enough you need to concentrate to get the pattern right so it does take me a while to finish a row.  I love how the patterns develop and the names the designer has given for for each of them.  

Crosses (back version)

Greek Meander

Hearts

Waves

Crosses (Front Version)

I have mixed it up a bit, and I wanted the dominant colour to be pink whereas in the pattern the dominant colour is white that is sometimes hard for my poor brain to grasp when reading the chart because I have to remember the white bits are pink and visa vera.  I'm hoping it's giving my brain a much needed work out. 😆

Queen CAL

I mentioned this back in my Mosaic Crochet post and promised to give you more information nearer the time.  The start date is September 18th and there is more information on Tinna's Ravelry page here

She has put together some colour packs with information on where to buy them, of course you can use your own colours and choice of yarn but those that she has put together are lovely.

The pattern is a paid one but will be discounted during the duration of the CAL .

I'm really excited to get started, the finished blanket is going to be gifted to someone, I won't say who just in case she reads ths post.  I haven't chosen my colours yet but I am leaning towards the Ruby Queen colourway.



If you want to give Mosaic crochet a try, joining in with this CAL would be an ideal oppourtuinty, the pattern isn't difficult and there will be lots of others doing the CAL along with you to give support and advice.

Remember me telling you about the woodland distruction a couple of post ago, well I had a walk there to see it for myself the other day....

from this....




To this....

It's hard to show the extent of the damage in the photo but it covers a huge area and was exactly where I thought it was. The first time I came uopn it it took my breath way, I turned a corner and there right in front of my eyes was this beautiful vista, a meadow of beautiful flowers borderd by ancient trees, now you turn the corner and see a huge ugly scar.  I haven't heard anymore about why or who has done this and I have a feeling we never will.

With a feeling of sadness and anger I left the woodland, turned right and walked down to the beach and let the beauty and the gentle lapping of the waves calm and restore my  soul. 

It's my to go to place for whenever I'm feeling sad or down.



Have a great weekend and stay safe.😘

Click here to see some of the great parties I will be linking with.

Potholders/Dishcloths and Baby Hats

A bit of a mix I must admit but sometimes you just want to make small easy things, quick finishes that give you a sense of achievement when you're feeling under the weather or your brain can't cope with anything else. 

I was inspired to make these last week

Mitered Dishcloth//Pot Holders

Astri from Apple Blossom Dreams had a 25% off sale and I just went for it, a nice easy pattern that I didn't even have to think about to satisfy my crochet cravings .  I have a rather large bag of cotton stash, most of the labels have gone but I actually know what I used for these, They both took 32 grams of yarn.  The pink one is made with Rico Aran creative cotton and the green one with Sirdar Simply Recycled cotton rich Aran. Both are great to crochet with and this is an addictive pattern I can see many more of these in my future so watch out all friends and family you are about to be in undated.😀
Thank you Astri for the inspiration and for a great pattern which you can buy here


Jeannie Hat



Marianna from Lazy Daisy Days published this free pattern last week, it's another lovely easy pattern this time to satisfy my knitting cravings, just the thing to make while watching TV. I have quite a large stash of baby knitting yarn and I haven't a clue what type this is, but this cute little hat only uses 13 grams so it's great for using up those little bits.  This pattern is also a very addictive and I will be making lots more, there is always a need for baby hats so I can make these to my hearts content.
Thank you Marianna for the inspiration and another great pattern.

Thank you for all your sweet comments last week, I'm pleased to say I'm feeling much better but it's took a while before I felt confident enough to go for a short walk just to post a letter, any illness really tales it out of you when you get older and I don't like being incapacitated one little bit I really don't have the time for it.😣😄

Lifestyle changes have got to happen whether I like it or not, when I had my Gall bladder removed in 2015 I was determined to eat healthily and carefully and I did for a lot of years but I've been slipping back and now I'm paying for it. It's a very boring bland diet you have to follow which is quite sad really.  Have you noticed that when you go out for a meal anywhere it's very hard to find something that is healthy, most things are covered in rich sauces or fried or both.  I'm so sorry for those of you who say you have this too, I hope that one day they will figure out an easy safe and effective way to fix it.

The spots on my face were diagnosed by my daughter she said they looked like cold sores and when she said that I realised yes of course that's what they are, I have had them on my mouth and nose before but never on my brow and at the side of my eye and on my scalp! They are still very much in evidence and quite sore, I have four of them and I'm hoping that I'll get no more.

I have yet to go see the damage inflicted on the Woodland as soon as I'm feeling a bit stronger I'll have a walk and see for myself just what has been done.

Right that's it I promise no more moaning at least for now.😀

leaving you with..

A beautiful Pom Pom Dahlia the star of the show in my garden this week.

I hope you all have a lovely safe weekend. 


Click here to see some of the great parties I will be linking to this week.

A bit of Allsorts.

Firstly thank you all for the lovely comments you left for my Mosaic blanket in the previous post, I was quite surprised to hear that many of you hadn't heard of mosaic crochet before, I would urge you to give it a try because it's surprising just how easy it is. This is the one I have just started working on...

Well this week has been a bit of a mixed bag, I forced myself to get out for a walk it seems ages since I did so because of the awful weather we have been having it's much easier to stay cosy inside with your crochet hook but the weather improved and out I went..

I'm always happy once I do get out there I mean to say just look at this view at the end of my street..

a little bit dull I do admit but seeing that yacht on the water  quite lifted my heart, I usually take a circular walk it takes me just over an hour, or maybe a bit  more because I do tend to stop and admire and take the odd photo or two or do a little foraging, put it this way I never come home empty handed.

I have been wanting to make Elderflower cordial for weeks but I was afraid that it may be too late to find any flowers but luckily I found a few on my walk and was able to make some cordial for the first time and it turned out really well.  I managed to make one bottle and I filled an ice cube bag and put that in the freezer thinking I would be able to put Elderflower ice cubes straight into a glass of water but they haven't frozen so that's not going to work. Next time I'll freeze it  in small bottles.

I always go down onto the beach as part of my walk and collect a few beach pebbles, if you recall the idea was to paint them for my grandson Mikey.  I have spent a pleasant few weeks doing just that.  The problem is, this little one is learning so fast I can't keep up with him, he was crazy about numbers and letters and loved reciting the alphabet and saying his numbers so I duly made some alphabet and number stones

Then it was shapes, that boy knows the names of  shapes I didn't even know existed!

The latest craze is planets ...

I had them all made ready for when he came to visit last weekend he wasn't interested in the letters and numbers but he spent two hours playing with the shapes and loved the planets he lines them all up in the correct order and says what they all are.  He even knows the secondary planets but I'm going to have to look those up.😂

I'm trying to guess what he will be into next any idea's? he's just two and four months old but seems to be way ahead of what my kids were at that age.

I'm really enjoying the whole rock art thing, I have turned my summerhouse into a workshop because it is a messy business.  For Mikeys stones I have prepared the stones by washing them then painting them with acrylic paint, then printed pictures of numbers, letters, shapes and planets, cut them out and stuck them onto the rocks with Mod Podge,



I enjoyed hand painting these ladybirds....
I plan to have these dotted around my garden and there will be more just to hand out to friends when they pop by.  

Ladybird invasion!

At the moment some are getting the decoupage treatment actually the possibilities are endless I have to thank Linda from Crafty Gardener for giving me the idea she has done some great rock art you can see hers here. 

A couple of firsts
I know it's just a pansy but can you believe I sewed these seeds right back in March and they are just starting to flower, I was so excited I had to take photo of the first one to bloom.

The same can be said of the sweet peas and all of the seeds I have nurtured for weeks on end, they are taking an age to flower I have to ask myself if it's really worth it, all those weeks of waiting when you can just go out to the garden centre or supermarket and buy bedding plants quite cheaply and already established.

The rose is the Charlotte rose which I managed to rescue from my previous garden 3 years ago, it hasn't done a thing since then and has looked very weak I didn't think it would survive but look, a beautiful flower at last

It's Fully opened today

Have a great weekend and stay safe! 😘😘

Click here to see some of the great parties I will be linking to this week.

Baby Blankets and Camera Frustration

Sometimes you make something that is so pretty you want to show the whole world, it's maybe nothing ground breaking or particularly spectacular, but something that fills you with warmth when you see it touch it and feel it. 

Trying to share what you see in real life can be so frustrating, trying to get the perfect shot that encapsulates the whole package is practically impossible at least it is for me.

I now that these are just simple baby blankets but I want you to see the colours as I see them and feel the softness of the yarn as I feel it.

 I have taken photo's in the shade and in the sunlight, with my camera, my phone and my iPad but none of them tells the true story, I have edited changed hues and fiddled with all of the controls until I could quite literally scream.  

 Each picture is a different shade but it's the same yarn, take my word for it it's very pretty.  Taken out of my stash I bought this yarn from Aldi several years ago, I wish I had bought more because I haven't seen it since then. 

The crochet blanket above is the Little Treasure Baby Blanket it took 200 grams of yarn and you can find the pattern here

This Blanket is just a simple garter stitch C2C easily knit up in a couple of nights. 

Both are preemie blankets measuring 24"x 24" and will be sent to N.H.A.P 

On anther note I was so pleased to see some rainfall yesterday because my poor garden needed it, when I moved house three years ago I managed to rescue a couple of my roses, it really saddens to think of all the beauties I left behind, I did take some cuttings but sadly they didn't take.  This is one I managed to rescue.....

Princess of Wales, the first rose of the Season 😍

Have a great weekend 😘😘

See all the great parties I will be linking with in my right side bar.