Crochet Scarf And In Praise Of Others

Just before Christmas, I rather fancied swaddling myself in some festive colours.  I really don't suit a harsh red so this 'very cherry' shade by Sublime is perfect!

The scarf is simply alternate rows of trebles and doubles to give a ribbed effect, with a cream scalloped edge.

By the time I'd finished it of course, Christmas was over and done.  I don't know about you but my thoughts are most definitely leaning towards Spring now.  I hope the addition of the Attic 24 May Rose has made it a little more blossom and birdsong than Hohoho!

It looks lush with my new coat, even if I do say so myself!

One of my many New Year's Resolutions is to keep my crochet and yarn more tidy.  I admit, I am a messy creature and tend to leave little piles of yarny detritus in every room.  It's not such fun when I'm desperately looking for my 5mm hook or tapestry needle.

I stumbled upon a much-longed-for handled basket whilst shopping in Mevagissey.  Just the job for my current works in progress!

My hooks?  Well, I now have the prettiest hook roll ever.  Look ...

It was made for me by one of my lovely new Instagram friends, Rachael.  Rachael sews so beautifully and has a Folksy shop here.

If I can't make my own pressies, I'm a big fan of Folksy and Etsy when it comes to gift-giving.  Here are a few of my favourite purchases ...

1. Westie Brooch from Alex McQuade  2. Flower Brooch from Buttercup Boutique  3. Christmas Tree from Raven's Stained Glass  4. Birdie Brooch from Buttercup Boutique.

So many talented people out there.

xxx

A Cornish Christmas

We returned last night from a week in Mevagissey, Cornwall.  The four of us and my lovely Mum In Law.  A wonderful friend let us stay in his beautiful home whilst he Christmassed with family elsewhere.

His house is built high up into the rocks; the view of the harbour is breathtaking.  I lost count of how many hours I sat out on the deck, swaddled in coats, just drinking it in.

D and I were so loathed to shut it out, we slept with our bedroom window wide open.  We even loved being awoken by the chorus of seagulls early every morning as the fishing boats departed.  (Brazen creatures though aren't they?!)

We didn't venture so far during the week.  We strolled around the narrow streets of Mevagissey town a few times (loveliest little independent shops) and walked along the coast to nearby Portmellon and Gorran Haven, seeking refuge in cosy pubs when the rain beat down.

We ate, drank, chatted, watched television (still reeling from the end of Downton Abbey), played new board games, squabbled a bit, and I crocheted.

Sounds wonderful doesn't it?  It was.

I do so love coming home though.  We've been feeling a bit 'in limbo' for the past few months whilst we've been contemplating our future.  For various reasons, we've been umming and ahhing about whether to up sticks and move away from Leicestershire and start afresh down south.  I'm sure you can imagine how complicated it would be.  However, we have finally decided to stay put.  We've made plans, exciting plans, and I feel a renewed optimism for the future.

2013 eh?  Bring it on!

I do hope your Christmas was merry and bright.

xxx

Half Term's Nearly Over

Hello to you!

I thought I'd make the most of today's precious extra hour and pop by.

Besides, I've given myself the day off today.  It's gone 4pm and I'm still in my pyjamas!

Supper is sorted.  A few weeks ago I treated myself to a slow cooker.  Come the halcyon days of summer, I daresay it won't see the light of day but, for now, it's my new best friend.  As I type, the delicious aroma of Mustard Chicken and Bacon Casserole is filling the house.  (I know I'm quite late to the slow cooker party so I'd love to hear your recipe book suggestions if you have any.)

Homework is done (I think).  Shoes are polished and school uniforms are ironed and hanging ready for tomorrow.

Before you start revering me as some sort of domestic goddess, I assure you that the house is a complete tip.  Never mind.  It can wait for another day.

So, half term's nearly over.  I've always found that the very first half term of the school year renders the children quite exhausted so this break is always very welcome.

We haven't ventured far this week.  We haven't needed to.  Walking Bertie has given us plenty of opportunity to enjoy the season's colours.

When the sun shone on the ivy on this wall, it looked like it was on fire.  Stunning.  (You might recognise it as being my new header.)

D's been baking again.  I think The Great British Bake Off put him in the mood.  Frangipane anyone?

Regular readers will know I'm a savoury girl and would, consequently, rather eat my own feet than a frangipane.  The Blondies thoroughly enjoyed them though.  Hopefully I have redeemed myself a little by putting a photo of them on my blog.  (He gets terribly thrilled when I do!)

Thank you so much for your kind comments about my wrist warmer.  You'll be pleased to hear that I did manage to make the second and I'm pretty sure the two are identical.  I photographed it as I crocheted so when I've had the chance to write the pattern up, I'll pop it on here if you fancy?

As for the rest of that delicious Rooster yarn, well I've opted for a simple striped blanket.

It's quite simply rows of half trebles which is my absolute favourite crochet stitch.  It's less holey than trebles but more fluid than doubles.  Of course, being just the one stitch, it does have the potential to be quite monotonous to crochet but the regular colour changes are keeping it quite moreish so far.  Plus, as each row takes me about twenty minutes, it's very easy to pick up and put down.

I just love the way the single white rows make the colours zing!

Right-o, a cup of tea beckons so I'll love you and leave you.

Keep cosy won't you?

Hxxx

Unplanned

What with these cosy autumnal evenings, I rather fancy starting a new little crocheted lap blanket.  I'm not terribly sure whether it will be striped, rippled or squared.  I thought I'd keep my eyes peeled for the right yarn and wait for inspiration to strike.

It didn't take long for me to fall in love.

This is Rooster Almerino double knit.  A mix of baby alpaca and merino wool, it's deliciously soft and the colours are, well, just look ...

Gorrrrrgeous!

(Yes I did snuzzle my face into them after taking the photos.  I couldn't resist!)

I sort of cheated when it came to choosing the exact colours.  This combination came in a preselected 'inspiration pack' from here.

Anyway, see that beautiful buttery yellow at the bottom?  I think that's my favourite.  In fact, so much so that I decided to have a little play and it wasn't long before I made this ...

... wrist warmer.

I made it up as I went along.  I've always loved the combination of lace and wool.

It perhaps needs the odd tweak here and there but, otherwise, I'm tickled pink.

The only problem?  Making another to match and I'm not terribly sure if I can remember exactly how!  Oh well, I like a challenge.

Either that or I'll just have to keep one hand stuffed in my pocket at all times!

It does match my new brooch perfectly though.

Still having a think about that blanket.

Hx

Catching Up

Oh dear, I really didn't mean to stay away quite so long.

Yes, I've been Instagramming but I've started to wonder that perhaps, if I organise my time a little better, I might be able to do both.  You see I really miss my blog.  I miss your blogs too.

Anyway, rather than launching into a list of 'since we last spoke', I thought I'd show you some of my favourite Instagram images by way of a little catch up ...

If you've stayed with me these past few months, thank you so much.  Don't go anywhere, I've so much to tell you.

'Til then.

Hxxx

Ile De Re

We've just had the loveliest holiday!

There is a little island, off the west coast of France at La Rochelle, called Ile De Re.

It's beautiful.  Steeped in history.  Approximately 20 miles from tip to tip.

We camped and, being the fair weather camping novice that I am, were delighted that the sun shone every day.  The best way to get around was by bicycle; there are miles and miles of cycle paths.  The island is very flat - a blessed relief for people like me wanting nothing other than to effortlessly tootle and enjoy the scenery.

There are vines as far as the eye can see.  We sampled a number of delicious wines that the island produces ... naturally!









Hollyhocks grow absolutely everywhere.  From solitary stems in pavement cracks to abundant bushes.






These Dublin Bay prawns were delicious.  I also nibbled away at the seaweed garnish which was surprisingly delightful.  Sort of like a meaty lettuce.  Until the waitress said "ooohhh, algae, non, non, non!"  Yikes!  I spent the next day or so thinking it might be my last!

I love the IDEA of oysters.  In reality, no thanks.  Sea snot.

No technology.  No make-up or hair straighteners.  No routine.  No obligations.  Just me and my little family and nature's playground.  A joy.

Hxxx

Edited to add : I've just been reading up about Ile De Re and it would appear that Johnny Depp has been known to holiday there.  Damn.  Had I known, I would have kept my eyes peeled!