Feeling Smug

Yes, I am feeling super-smug at the moment, for I have actually completed a project.

 

It's been a nice little school-holiday-kinda-thing - you know the sort you can pick up, make stitch, put down, wipe small person's nose, feed cat, wipe cat food off small person (who has insisted on 'helping' to feed aforementioned feline), pick up again and make next stitch.

 

 

 

No counting of rows, no masses of yarn to carry around, no complicated new techniques to learn.

 

And so, my very first crochet cushion is made:

 

I have to admit to feeling very pleased with myself and was surprised by how easily it came together. I love the pattern (available here), with its circle in the centre and the white edging looks very summery (I'd like to do another surrounded in dark grey for the winter, I think).

I like the buttons which close the back too (two small people + feline = wash-ability).

 

 

Here it is in situ . On the chair where it will live:

 

I have had a slight crisis where a few of the stitches have come undone. I suspect the problem is the knotting coming unravelled somehow - I blame the small people and the feline for actually using the cushion, rather than moving it off the chair when they sit down (do they know nothing??!!!). Anyhoos, all has been rescued and swiftly mended before too much unravelling has occurred.


 

 

I think for my next cushion I will use something a bit more acrylic or wool-based- my only criteria is that it must be affordable and washable. Any suggestions great fully received, as always.

On a complete change of subject, can I say how marvellous Instagram is. I have fallen for its simplicity. I love to see what other people are up to and share my photos too. It's like mini-blogging. And if I like what someone has posted, I can click 'like' so they know, or I can write a comment if I have something to say.

 

 

As much as I like blogging, I am finding I have less time to comment on as many posts as I would like, which I don't feel is fair on you all. Really, I'd like to be able to press a little 'like' button to let you know that I've read and appreciated your post- that all your hard work and creativity is acknowledged and that you are very much a part of my blogging journey.

 

 

So a big thank you for taking your time to be here.


I really, really appreciate it.

 

 

Have a great week.


Xx

 

Posted with Blogsy

Japanese Kokeshi Crochet

Am trying to get back to normal. Whatever that is.

Child number one has returned to school and routines are being re-established.

My crochet cushion is coming on a-nicely, too.

But I love the little projects in-between; you know, the small, quick-fixes. The 'only-takes-an-hour-ish' instant fix.

And so, as many of you know, I love the little Korknisse or Norwegian cork-gnomes.

Traditionally these little fellas sport pointed hats. Other versions are adorned with witches hats, or dressed as knights or blacked out as ninjas.

And so my deviations lead me here:

A Japanese Kokeshi cork creation (adapted from Lucy Ravenscar's knight pattern). [Kokeshi are wooden Japanese dolls. Their history is a little ambiguous, but they were essentially sold to tourists as souvenirs.]

Here's my original doll. Found in a charity shop if I remember correctly:

And so followed this:

 

And this:

 

The best bit was decorating them. Such fun!!

 

Right, back to the cushion for me.

Have a great weekend!

Xx

 

Posted with Blogsy

Of Knights and Ninjas

Finally.

I have managed to wrestle the iPad from the kid's grubby mitts for long enough to actually write a post!

[I am totally looking forward to a return to routine. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays- but things just get a little, well, bonkers.]

Wait a sec.... What's that? I can hear the sound of marching feet...

Hey! It's the crochet Korknisse Knights, or Korknightsse, as they like to call themselves.



Hello, fellas! How are you?



What, you haven't got any weapons yet? Well, be careful, won't you?



But who's that?

Watch out, Korknightsse! Behind you...

.... it's the Korknisse NINJAs!


They're a deadly and dastardly duo..

You naughty little blighters.



Ok, so the knights and ninjas are free patterns from the lovely Lucy Ravenscar's blog. The knights were made for my nephew, who is doing something 'knight-ish' at school in Sept and the Ninjas for my son, who has demanded 'hundreds more'.

Good excuse to drink more wine, methinks.

Mwaaa haaaaa haaaaa!

Oh, and the crochet cushion cover (pattern from here) is coming along nicely...






Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

X

 

Posted with Blogsy

Dabbling with Grannies

So, I've been crocheting for about 18 months now and decided that the time has come for a grown-up project.


Something with Granny squares, I decided.

I've admired their simplicity and their diversity.

I've been ogling lots of lovely blankets and cushion covers for ages and have bookmarked lots of amazing pictures and projects to inspire me.


And then I saw this over at Wisecraft's blog and I was smitten:

 

Love the pattern.

Love the colours.

Love the styling of the photo, too.

And I thought, THAT's my project.

So, after mastering the pattern (easy-peasy) I am off in a world of granny-goodness.

At the moment I am planning a cushion cover. But who knows...?


One thing is for sure, I am addicted to these little beauties, they are blissfully therapeutic to make, and I love seeing them grow into a little stack.

 

Wish me luck...


Oh, and one more thing, here's something else I've been enjoying making:

Handmade fabric-covered rings.

Available now in my Etsy shop.


Happy week to you all!

X



 

Posted with Blogsy

I am LOVING...

 ...Red Clogs

Clippity Clog

Aren't they just lush?
Less than £10 from my good friend, eBay.
I must admit, it's taken me a while to pluck up the courage and the right look to wear them, but now tis done and clog-wearing is my new thang. Comfy and quirky. (And you can hear me coming a mile off)
Which colour to buy next, I wonder?


....Crochet shoes:

Oooo, much quieter

These little beauts were reduced to £2 in Primark. What's not to love here?
I thought they needed a little button to cuten them up even more.

...More bargains from le high street:

Two super-snuggly wool hats from Monsoon.
Reduced from £15 to ONE POUND each. I kid you not. It would have been criminal to leave them in the shop, methinks.

 ....And my newest addiction.
Instagram.

Oh dear, the housework will never be done again, I fear.

So cool.
Do come and play along! Click on the Instagram linky over there on the side bar and say hello.

Have a great week!
xx
PS Don't forget the 10% discount code HAPPY1 for my Etsy shop....

x