Another week over!

Friday!

I’m exhausted!

It’s been a busy week, including spending time with our two youngest grandchildren.

We took them to a local bird park, and it was fun – but tiring.

….I tried very hard to catch this character with his wings open. The colours were magnificent! However, when he saw the camera he kept his back firmly towards us. I think it was a sort of magpie, but I’ve forgotten.

The penguins are always a favourite. This was shortly after feeding, you can see the keeper in the background.

There is also a small farm – with an additional area for handling small mammals. This week the mice were the favourites!

Slowly the baby blanket is taking shape. There are still ends to sew in, but that is a job that is no hardship to me.

I’ve also started a ‘slow blanket’. It will take a long time to finish, I’m sure. The yarn isn’t the easiest to use for crochet, but I’ll tell you all about that when I blog about it fully.

Not the best of pictures – but something to take away next month to fill in the time while travelling.

 

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A little break!

Well, here we are just about half way through August, and the Spirit blankets are more or less up to date. I won’t be starting Spirit of August for a few more days to get a better idea of the quantities of yarn I might need, but I can’t be without something on my hook. A little order came in just in time! A baby blanket for a boy. It shouldn’t take long, but I’ve a busy couple of weeks ahead, including a weekend with my stitching group.

I’ve made a start, though, and as it’s more Granny Squares they will be perfect to feature tomorrow on Instagram.

Why tomorrow? It’s Granny Square Day 2017! Are you taking part? Don’t forget the #grannysquareday2017  You’ll find more details here

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Done!

Well, in truth, a few last ends for weaving, but it is otherwise complete

I settled on a smaller size this time. It’s only 2 x 3 blocks. It will make a good lap blanket, and for a change I’ve given this a more definite border

In retrospect I should have done another round of granny blocks, but four will do. The final round is one I’ve used often, and I really like the way it always makes a dragon teeth like effect! It’s good for C2Cs, too.

I chose Sage for the joining and border. This would not have been an obvious choice, given the bulk of the bright colours in the squares, but represents the temperature that appeared most during the month –
14deg C – several mornings, and even one evening! July was a mixed month with some very warm days, and then cooling off.

August will be next, but smaller squares again this time I think. Fourteen colours so far – I wonder what the rest of the month will bring.

Tomorrow I’ll list the colours and sequence of the June blanket. I promised to do that earlier, but just didn’t get around to it!

See you soon!

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Crochet or …..

Let’s face it, most creatives work on one or more crafts at the same time. When not using my crochet hook I like to embroider or stitch in other ways. For many years I owned a shop specialising in all the textile arts, and the time has come to destash/reduce stock as we will no longer be attending popup shows, festivals or exhibitions.

I’ve listed the first items linked from here, so do pop over if you would like to grab a bargain. There will be more to come, but I don’t have much time for listing. In other words ….. watch this space.

Apart from stitching I’m pressing on with my Temperature Blanket. This month has started in a very ‘yellow’ fashion, it will be interesting to see how it progresses. I am thoroughly enjoying this project. It began with the object of making a single granny square a day for 365 days. It has now turned into a major blanket making exercise, with ‘Spirit of ….’ sideshoots giving me more and more ideas. It is being a wonderful source of inspiration.

 

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You may not know

… that in a previous life I dyed!

Textiles have been my life in many shapes and forms for many years. Apart from dyeing I have taught many different techniques.

I'm putting together some bundles for a class on a couple of weeks, but am offering some here.

Bundles of 3 pieces of viscose felt. Normally £5 each, offered for £10 plus postage. All bundles are different. Please leave a comment if you are interested and I will get in touch. There are several bundles available and payment can be made via PayPal.