Circle Scarf

I finished my scarf for Mother's Day and I'm so pleased with it. I am a relative novice in crocheting, but I was assured by the lovely, helpful ladies at Fibre and Clay in Knutsford (http://www.fibreandclay.co.uk/) that I could do it. I really enjoyed making it and although it isn't perfect (I'm not sure I have joined the rows correctly) I know my Mum will love it!

The scarf is designed by Linda Permann. I can't remember which yarn I used, but Noro sock yarn is recommended. The circles are crocheted onto a long foundation row, making semi-circles, then crocheting back up the other side of the row to complete the circles. The second row is joined on to the first as you go along, so it was a lot easier than I expected.

If you live near Knutsford in Cheshire, Fibre and Clay is well worth a visit. It is a beautiful gallery shop, full of good quality hand-crafted gifts. The upstairs is an Aladdin's Cave of beautiful yarns, knitting needles, crochet hooks and patterns. The owners and staff are really helpful and there are lots of events, "knit gatherings" and workshops (http://www.fibreandclay.co.uk/ks_workshop.asp). I went there to learn to knit socks on four needles a while ago- be warned, it is seriously addictive!

Mother's Day Cards

This morning, the beautiful sunshine inspired me to finish the Mother's Day cards I had started to make for my Mum and Mother-in-law (I don't think they will see!)

I apologise for the photos, which could be better!

I have been learning to crochet circles, so they have become flowers with French knots in the centre. They are mounted onto a piece of handmade felt that I embellished with needle felting. It has been sitting in my work room for some time, so it is good to put it to use.

I am making my Mum a scarf from circles, which I will show when it is finished

Bright And Beautiful

The sun is shining outside and it is a beautiful spring morning. I have been for a lovely walk with the dog and I could be tempted to spend the morning pottering around the garden. However, I have things I need to do indoors, so to bring a bit of brightness inside, I thought I would share some gorgeous, bright, floral fabrics.

I have been busy cutting out hexagons so that when I have a quiet moment I can sit and hand stitch them together. I find it so soothing to hand stitch and although I love contemporary textile art, there are times when only traditional methods will do! I will be transforming these hexagons into lavender bags or pin cushions, which will appear in my Etsy shop after Easter.

RED NOSE DAY

My 9year old has gone to school today with a red mohican (this is not a photo of him!), a goatee beard and red and purple finger nails! The whole school are dressing up to "do something funny for money" in aid of the Red Nose Appeal.
I have taken a picture of him to show him when he is grown up as he insists this will be his "look" when he is older. We'll see!

Desired Things for Spring

It has been gloriously sunny this afternoon and I can feel the promise of better weather just around the corner. I had a lovely dog-walk this morning with a good friend, so we had excercise, a good chat and two happy, waggy-tailed dogs! That more than made up for the time I had to spend cleaning the house when I got back.
As I'm feeling all buoyant and good about the world, I'd like to show you a beautiful bracelet in wonderful Spring greens, from a lovely Etsy seller, desiredthings.

Blue/Green Bracelet with paper charms

From desiredthings

 

Her work is gorgeous and because the charms are made from paper, they are incredibly light to wear.

Tickled Pink!

Ray Lamontagne rocked! It was a night of stonkingly good music, supported by the Secret Sisters.
We got there way to early as the tickets said 7pm, but in fact the first act came on at 8 and Ray and the Pariah dogs came on at 9pm. However, it was well worth the wait.

I was doubly happy as I had the pink streaks in my hair redone yesterday, so they are very bright!