Whispers of the Past CAL

I can't wait.  I have signed myself up for the Whisers of the Past CAL.  I love CALs.  Although I make blankets all the time - they are for other people.  When I make one in a CAL, it is for myself.

I feel really excited now, as the postman has just delivered my pack of wool.  This is the next step in the build up to the launch day, which is Thursday, 13th October 2016.

This will be my second blanket CAL.  My first was the Spice of Life CAL.   I thoroughly enjoyed this and couldn't wait for the next instalment to ping into my E Mail.

Whispers of the Past is by Helen of Crystals and Crochet and is being hosted by 'CAL - Crochet Along' on Facebook.  All details of the CAL can be found here.

Can't wait for the 16th October!!!

Still Working on the Blanket and other things

It is ages since  I did any work on my blanket. I managed to do a few rows this weekend and it felt good to be doing this again. It is going to be a couple more months I think before it is completed. I dare not add up the number of hours I have spent on it so far.  What I did not realise, when I decided to use Tunisian crochet for this project, was how compact the stitch is. This means that it takes a long time for it to grow.  Perhaps a larger hook would have been better.  However, it will make a lovely dense and warm blanket, when it is completed.  Probably well worth the wait.

Anyway, whilst having a break from the blanket, I have added a few more flower brooches to my Folksy shop.  These are crocheted in a lovely cotton yarn, which I got from  Three Bears Yarn, who are a small company based in Lancashire.  They have some lovely colours.

.

I have also made this striped shoulder bag.  I used Stylecraft, DK acrylic yarn in gold and lime green, The bag is now for sale in my Folksy shop.

I am being told that now is the time to advertise Christmas items.  I am usually on the back foot in this respect and leave things until the last minute.  This year I am starting early and have already started a garland, which I hope to share with you soon.

Fruity #folksyfriday

This week's theme on #folksyfriday is 'fruity'.  I have searched Folksy for some fruity items, and here are a few of my favourites.  The rest of my finds can be seen on my Pinterest Board. (link to #folksyfriday Pinterest Board).  For lots more unique gifts, all handmade in the UK, visit https://folksy.com/ .

Bird Feeder for use with apples or fat balls, by the Barton Gift Shop

Patchwork Apple Cushion, by Poppykins

Berry Bowl, Small Colander, by Jude Allman

Lace Bobbins with a Soft Fruit Theme, by Spangled Hippie

June 2016 CRAFTfest

Well, I am taking part in the June CRAFTfest online fair, which kicks off at midnight 9th June.  I am trying to join in with the promotion, but my time is limited as I am up to my eyes in making things for my daughter's wedding.  Also, my knowledge of online promoting is also limited, so I have decided to stick with what I know and am promoting on Twitter and Facebook.  I am determined to do my bit, as others will be promoting me as well as themselves, so it is only fair.

The CRAFTfest online fair is such a good idea.  There are lots of UK Handmade items made by many talented people, for sale under one event. Here is the link for the brochure You will be spoiled for choice trying to choose.

I have added a few new items to my Folksy shop, wedding themed, of course. Click here to look at my Folksy Shop.

A Walk In The Fresh Air

It was overcast, cold and a bit gloomy today, but OH and I decided that we needed some fresh air and exercise.

We drove to Doe Hill Country Park, which is at Tibshelf in Derbyshire. It appeared that we had the place to ourselves, as there was no other cars in the car park and we didn't meet another person the whole time we were there.

 Doe Hill Country Park is part of the five pits trail.  It is land that has been reclaimed from where the old pit stood and it links in with four other reclaimed pit areas.

This particular walk is not too long and has plenty of hilly parts to it. Today it was quite boggy in places as well.








We both felt quite invigorated when we had finished and didn't feel too guilty enjoying a latte and a scone afterwards.

Lists

I have always made lists.  When I was working I always made a long list of things I had to do, ticking them off as I did them and starting a new list when I got to the bottom of the page.

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, as I have a lot of projects on the go, all unrelated. What to do first?   I didn't really know, so consequently moved from one thing to the other, making very little progress. 

Why don't I make a list, flashed through my brain.  So that is what I did.  I made a list.  On the list I itemised each project, what needed doing and in what order.  Do you know I now feel a lot better, more in control and calmer.  I can tick things off as I do them. It is so cathartic.

One of the things on my list I have been able to tick off.  The power of the list is awesome.

 

Daffodils to brighten up my day

Shopping in my local supermarket, pondering what to buy for dinner, I came across bunches of lovely daffodils. I love daffodils, they always cheer me up and make me smile.  I couldn't resist and here they are brightening up my day.

I am still working on my blanket.  Progress is slow and it is certainly a marathon and not a sprint.  I have now introduced the second colour stripe and have some idea of how the blanket will look when it is finished - I think of it as raspberry and plum colours.

 

A request for some crochet roses has made me come to a temporary halt on the blanket.  They are for a wedding bouquet and I have been experimenting with different hook sizes to get the best formation of rose.  I like the peach rose best I think and will now have to make several dozen of these in peach and white.  The grey is to mix in with them and I will be adding sparkly crystals and pearls to these flowers.