Crochet-a-long Thursday

Linking up this week with Marianne and Chrissie for their CAL. The crotchety blanket is still lurking in the background but today I wanted to show you progress on my Elise Shawl.

It is light and airy with a 2 row pattern that I am starting to remember. I am on the second skein and need to watch how much I use so that I have enough for a delicate border.

I am still enjoying the flowers dad and Chantal bought me to say thank you for helping them out at their wedding which was on the 30th December! I live in a cold house so flowers always last for ages, it is the only flip side I can think of in that scenario.

I am off to check out other CAL projects for inspiration. 

Thanks for looking. Jo x

Happy Shopping

My 'Bag for Life' finally bought it last week. The corners came right through and it is only a matter time before coins then apples start falling through.

So I made a shopper based on the one that had served me so well. I used the rest of my really thick upholstery fabric from my office furnishings here.

It did turn out a little bit bigger because I did big seam allowances but that is all good.

I started to think how I could recreate the padded handles on the old bag and then thought ... hang on.. I am throwing this old one away in half an hour so I stitch ripped them off and used them again as they were fine.

To finish the bag edges I had a go with my new bias binding maker which bloke bought me for Christmas - I know, isn't he brilliant? I must remember to keep my amazon wish list up to date next year!

It made quick and easy bias binding by threading a strip of fabric through the wide end, sliding the tool along the ironing board and ironing what comes out of the other end. So Simple and effective.

I sort of want to put binding on everything now! I did not post much last week because I have been working away on the scary blanket and the beautiful shawl so more to show you soon. It is Mummy Monday where I don't have work or any taxing chores so Little M and I are off to a playbarn with a friend to play, laugh and relax. 

Happy Monday.Jo x

Hooray! mini skirt

A one hour wonder made from house clearance fabric from my oh so brilliant friend. I just cut a back and a front, sewed and finished the sides, made an elastic casing and double top-stitched the hem. Hey Presto a little stretchy cover up to wear with leggings or tights and my new Noro Jumper.

A perfect quick project after wrangling over that blanket 

this week.

Jo x

CAL sampler picnic blanket

Maybe, maybe not....

that's all I have to say on the matter!:(

Linking in with Chrissie and Marianne today for the Thursday Crochet-a-long.

xxxx

Elise Shawl

Last night I started my shawl with my Christmas present wool - Shilasdair hand dyed Luxury 4ply, made from 10% cashmere, 10% baby camel, 40% angora and 40% merino lambswool.Dyed using juniper berries from the cliff faces of Skye! It is a free crochet pattern I found on Ravelry called Elise and I am totally in love with making it.

For the first time ever, I have found following a drawing easier than following the written instructions. Bloke said 'does that make sense and is that what is helping you to make that shawl' I replied 'Yes, but I couldn't follow one of your wiring diagrams could I?!'

Just look at the subtle colour variety, I have never worked with yarn that has the word LUXURY on the skein band. It is totally delightful.

Will keep you posted but I think it is going to be quite quick, maybe a few weeks.

Jo x

A day at home

Big Sis goes back to school today and the lunchbox runs start again. I wonder if her PE pumps still fit? Anyway, Sunday was a quiet day here with home tasks on the agenda.

Bottling our Autumn harvest of blackberry wine then apple wine.

Some girlie Christmas craft gifts to enjoy.

Planted up with mini daffodils.

A little botanical corner has sprung up in our kitchen. The view might cheer up our very soggy hens.

Little M mused 'it is good to get back to normal isn't it?' such wise words from one so young I felt.

Stay warm. Jo x

PS the sweater pattern from my friends Christmas Present is 
Sirdar 9128 and knitted in DK for those who were wondering.

A little light crafting...

A huge heartfelt thank you to all who left comments on my post about extreme wedding crafting. They really cheered me up. My dad said I should start a company called 'Shotgun weddings R US!'

I am in a bit of a shredded heap craft-wise but today I made a few cards to keep my creative mojo going. 

Then starting next week I am going to get back onto my CAL picnic blanket which has hibernated over the Christmas period. Who is thinking of picnics in the UK in December anyway?! 

What crochet projects have you folks got planned for 2104? 

Cosy Times Jo xx