Blankets and Cushions

I thought I would show you my crocheting as I haven't updated you for a while.  I have taken a break from my ripple blanket, mainly because it was getting too heavy to take to my Stitch 'n' Sip class, so I started a little lap blanket.  I was inspired by Lucy's lovely baby blanket and the colours are just to die for.  I also liked the fact that you join the squares as you go which is great and means you don't have a pile of squares lying around to be sewn together (my worst bit).  I'm loving making this blanket.

 

  

Here is the ripple blanket. I shall be returning to this soon as it is so very nearly finished.

Last week I received a beautiful parcel.  The lovely Hen is a regular customer of mine and has the most wonderful taste in fabric.  After seeing her latest creations I wondered if she would like to do a swap instead of buying fabric. Luckily for me she said yes and I am now the proud owner of one of her delicious cushions. 

 

  

I love it even more because it contains some of my favourite fabrics, that I have only shared with Hen, so I get them back, in beautiful cushion form, hooray!

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Sip 'n' Stitch

I no longer ripple alone!

Tonight was the first Sip 'n' Stitch knitting and crochet club.

I loved it.

Being creative in creative company.

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Rippling

Remember this?  The blanket is coming along very nicely. I only get a very limited time in the evenings, once the kiddy winks are safely tucked up and I have no parcels to get ready, so the progress is very slow. I don't mind though as it is my winter project.  I love making blankets because you can sit underneath them as they grow, keeping warm whilst you crochet, very cosy!

Please don't look too close, as I am only a beginner, but I am so enjoying these ripples.

There were ripples of another kind in this household yesterday, ripples of excitement!

Now I know many of you have a copy of this wonderful book.

Flicking through it yesterday  when my copy arrived, (I was supposed to be working), I admired all the sweet projects which look like a lot of fun to make.  When I got to the end I looked at the handy addresses section and there, in print, was my name!  I couldn't believe my eyes. I am mentioned as a stockist in Cath Kidstons book.  I had no idea and I am both flattered and honoured to be there!

I also spotted some fabric they had bought from me, used as a coat for Stanley.  How exciting!

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Granny Squares

I have started crocheting again. Now the evenings are getting cooler my thoughts turn to blankets and in particular to ripple blankets.  I have wanted to make a ripple blanket for years but, having never found a pattern that I could make head or tail of, it hasn't happened.  Until Attic 24  came along. Queen of crochet, her instructions are foolproof and speak in a language I, a relative beginner at crochet, can understand. She also has beautiful clear step by step photographs.  So armed with my hook and  a basket full of Rowan cottons I got rippling. 

Despite the foolproof instructions I had to abandon my first attempt, but, as I was suffering with headaches, I thought it best to wait until I felt better.  Last night I started again and although I am at the beginning I can tell already that it is going to work this time.  I am really enjoying rippling and am looking forward to seeing it grow in a lovely blanket.  

I had a go at granny squares but I'm not sure why, I abandoned them after a while.  Maybe it was the name that put me off, I mean who wants to be making granny squares at the tender age of 40 something, hahaha, but having just seen the gorgeous Cate Blanchett in her granny square dress on the red carpet I may have to give them another go!

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Gossip and a Giveaway

Where oh where does the time go? I have been so busy that I haven't had time to blog and now I have so much to tell you. You might as well go and get yourself a cuppa and a biscuit or two and settle down, it's a long one!

Firstly, thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my last post. I am genuinely touched by your kindness. I have never thought that my home was good enough to be in a magazine. Sure it looks impressive from the outside, but really it is a big old scruffy (and often messy) family home and is a work-in-progress. There is so much to be done still and all I can see are the problems. It's hard to see the beauty of this house at times. Also, as we were supposed to be moving out of here I had spent a long time emotionally detaching myself from this house. Now we are to carry on with our renovations I am falling in love with it all over again and seeing those photos reminded me why I bought the house in the first place, I could see us here at Christmas. The living room you saw pictured is just about to undergo a huge makeover. Paul is away for 2 weeks in Australia and when he comes back it is to be gutted and redecorated. One month before Christmas I hear you say? Hmmmm, I am assured that it will be done in time. Watch this space!!!!





Apart from 25 Beautiful Homes I have also been featured in the Secret Directory which is attached to this month's Vogue, under Q for quilts. Not sure why they have put me there instead of under F for fabric but mine is not to question why and, hey, this is Vogue after all. Never did I think I would be in Vogue!


My fabrics were used for Christmas decorations and stockings in this month's BBC Homes and Antiques magazine. I love what they have done with them and it has inspired me to make some myself (if I ever get a moment!). They are my fabrics after all!






Last week I was so lucky, I won these beautiful cards from Claire in her giveaway. I NEVER win anything so I was delighted. Aren't they beautiful? I love them so much that it is going to be hard to give them away.



While we are talking about the talented and lovely Claire, here is my new ad that you may see in textile and sewing publications designed by Claire. Isn't it yummy? Seriously she is dead clever. As well as this ad, the logo she designed has been made into stickers, postcards, business cards, a rubber stamp and fridge magnets and they all look so beautiful.


On now to other publications that I want to tell you about. Firstly there is the new magazine Sew Hip, a long overdue magazine for us funky sewing chicks. Edited by Manda of TreeFall Design it features contributions from Amy Butler, Alicia Paulson, Becca Hector-Clark and Alice Bloor. It's beautiful, gorgeously photographed and I recommend it thoroughly. I am looking forward to the next edition already.



Another fabulous book and one I cannot recommend enough has been written by my friend and fellow blogger Niki. Living with Nostalgia is beautiful beyond belief, truly, every page is stuffed full of the most delicious images that you almost want to lick them! She has published this book through Blurb and, although the shipping costs from USA make it expensive, it is worth every penny. With Christmas coming up you could put it on your present list. She is such a talented lady and it is the BEST book I have ever seen about vintage living. Well done Niki, you are a star! If you want a preview go here.



I have managed to cram in some creativity at last. I am making the obligatory crocheted blanket. It's de rigueur in Blogland! I am starting with a striped one made from Rowan cottons as many of our family members are allergic to wool. I taught myself to crochet and want to progress on to the ripple blanket. I love sitting by the fire with this (now huge) blanket drapes over me as I add row after row. The best part is choosing the next colour to add. My friend Amanda came to stay and was fascinated with it and begged me to teach her. She is now obsessed with crochet and is making a dog blanket. Her husband sent me an email saying I have ended his marriage, hahaha!



As well as Paul being away for 2 weeks my Mum is off the the USA for just over 3 weeks to see my sister. She has just had her first baby, a little girl named Olivia. It will be weird having 2 of my main people so far away for so long.




So, in honour of little Livvy's arrival, I am having a giveaway. I am giving away a Cath Kidston for Tesco bag stuffed with vintage fabrics, buttons, trims and goodies. Just leave me your name and a comment to be put in the hat for the final draw and one lucky winner will have a vintage goodie bag coming their way. The draw will take place on Friday 21st November so get your comments in before then to be in the running. Good luck x






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