Oh My Stars

I had so much fun making these stars!  And I am delighted in them.  I know you want to make them too for your tree or as a garland like I have done.  The free pattern is from Jodie at Jellywares.  Aren't we blessed to have such clever generous people here in the blogosphere?!  I'm blessed for sure.  I have had numerous requests for the pattern and for me to gift them.  I'll be crocheting around the clock I think!

I made these from 4ply cotton thread in true yellow, soft yellow, peach and sky blue.  I used the tiniest hook I had and then joined them with a single crochet to a chain.

I have plans to make more in a thicker yarn as individual ornaments with ribbon and a button like Jodie's, for the tree we may or may not get.  But they will definitely adorn my annual jars of lemon butter!

Blessings,

Fi

xxx

Ravelry

Spoil

Hello

Firstly, I need to say a big sorry to you each of you who have left comments for me these past few months.  I am sorry for not replying.  I can't blame it on a large volume of comments, as I don't get many.  But I have been under the weather for a few months now and have neglected you.  I have really appreciated every comment.  I have been thrilled to read your encouragements and advice.  Sorry for the silence in return!

So today's post is titled Spoil.

 These are the first fruits of our tiny crop of butter beans. I think we have a delightful and surprising early spoil.  They were going to be eaten last night, but we were invited to a lovely Thanksgiving lunch which filled us up nicely.  But tonight, their fate is consumption!

And at the risk of spoiling the surprise of a christmas gift, here are the slippers I have knitted for my beautiful step-daughter.  I am worried they are going to be too small, but they are easy enough to knit up so I can always whip up another pair.

I used the pattern from this book and then ravelled it.

And for my step-daughter's step-daughter, (my step-step-granddaughter?!), I knitted up a smaller pair topped with a crocheted flower.  Poor Liam is modelling them for me, but I have saved him the shame of photographing his face in the pic! Ravelled here.

I seem to be starting more projects than finishing!  I really am not one to like having too many WIPs/UFOs, but right now I do.

This blankie
This dress
This jumper 
This jumper

Then add to that a knitted necklace, more pj's and another baby's jumpsuit.  Oh yeah, and christmas decorations.  Star garlands!  I'm also seeking inspiration for an advent calender.

And I have a head spinning with plans for more quilts, sewing tops for me and zippered bags.  When I review my boards on Pinterest, I am giddy with excitement at all the crafty plans waiting to be hatched.  But where is the time for it all?  I'm starting to think that these so-called Nanna-crafts are done by Nanna's because they are retired and have more time on their hands.  Pah!

As I type my boys are quietly watching a spot of telly.  I think I will seize this opportunity to finish some projects!

xxx

Knit in Perspective

KNOCK KNOCK!  The knocks were so loud I jumped as it was more of a knock-down-the-door-knock than a please-answer-the-door-knock.  I think a crack may have formed above my front door!

A burly delivery man was standing at my door, holding a large bag from my favourite yarn store.
"Going to do a bit of knitting then?"
"Yes! . . .  I am a bit of a knitting nerd . . . . expecting an old lady weren't you?" I smiled.
He was halfway down the stairs heading back to his van, when he stopped, looked back laughing "Yes I was actually!"

I'm not ashamed of my knitting nerdiness.  And I can see in this blogosphere that I am no tragic.  There are younger and more addicted (and talented) knitters and crocheters out there.  But I am happy to do my bit to change the perception of yarn crafts being for the over 60's and eighties tragics.  And I am ecstatic that I am actually loving knitting.  That I am yearning to improve my crocheting.  That I trawl yarn suppliers online and snoop around your Ravelry offerings.

I love buying my yarn locally, but I do look forward to trying some imports soon.  Just got to work through this lot first (plus the rest of it!).

So this lot is destined to become:

1. A jumper
2. A cardi
3. 3 pairs of slippers
4. 12 dishcloths
5. 2 beanies
6. And stashed for a scrappy blankie.

I'm giddy with excitement.

What you working on?

xx

Delivery

Apart from the delivery of my babies, this delivery is up there with the best.

Destined to be knitted and crocheted into blankets, hats and jumpers.  I love Bendigo Woollen Mills!

Made It Monday :: Granny Rug for Mother's Day

I got Mother's Day sorted early this year!  With all the kafuffle of last year, I sadly felt that I neglected my Mum.  So I decided to crochet her and her friend lap blankies.  In fact, these are the only crocheted blankets I have ever made to date! 

Because I still don't value my own crafting skills, I had to throw in something bought.  So I topped up the gift value with their favourite teas.

Now that I have two crocheted projects complete, there are heaps of things I've identified that I would do differently.  I struggle to keep the tension consistent and should perhaps use a larger hook than recommended for the yarn.  And I am dying to try out this joining technique too.

What are you making for your Mummy?

Wednesday WIP Out :: An angel with tension issues

I've seen this lovely Angel Scarf crocheted by many a talented lady.  The pattern looked easy so I thought I'd give it a go.  I have my MIL in mind for this one.  But now I am wondering if I should give it to her as my crocheting tension is shocking.

I started out nice and loose and relaxed.  And now my crocheting is firmer and neater but not nice and loose as before.  I know blocking can cure some tension issues, but will it fix this one?  Should I unravel and start again?  I need to complete it by mid June. 

I am seeking advice so please comment, add a link or commiserate!

Off The Hook :: Hello Granny - Part 2

I know I said that I wouldn't have time to keep crocheting despite my new obsession to do so . . . 

I whipped these up the next morning.  Feeling a bit guilty for crocheting when I should have been knitting (or perhaps parenting, cleaning, cooking) I didn't tell you.

 

I did show all my new friends at my local craft group and received some much loved praise (yes, build me up buttercup!) . . . now I have ordered some crochet patterns from Sarah London (she had a sale Yay!!) and this book just arrived on my doorstep to keep me busy.

But I am now back to knitting - more about that later. . .

Off The Hook :: Hello Granny

I can knit and generally follow a knitting pattern but when I look at crochet patterns I am completely lost!  It may aswell be computer code or swahili! 

My new lovely friend Pam, showed me a few crochet moves a couple of weeks ago but then I lost my crochet hook!  So today, with new hook in hand and my new personal instructor Pip, I whipped up this little granny square.  I am so proud!

I showed it to Rick who says: "is it meant to have all those holes in it?" 
Me: "it's crocheting, not knitting, it is meant to have all those holes in it"
Rick: "yeah but they look so uneven, some are heart shaped"
Me: "I only just started!" (Perhaps he's more used to seeing my even knitting.)

Me: "Wow, I am so excited that I can now crochet - I'll have a lovely little dashboard cover for your ute in no time!" *smiling*
Rick: "No you won't" (he's happy that I am happy but that is where it ends hahahaha)

So, I will keep hooking yarn and will have a bonefide granny rug in no time. Actually, that is a full on lie!  I have too many knitting and sewing projects on the go - crochet creations are prioritised last unfortunately.

What is your main craft and what do you do to break it up?

xxx