I've been hooking ....

my little hands off and I've got my first large project done!  It's the Anna Shawl from a pattern on Ravelry.  And I did it!! I even managed to follow the pattern! Ok there are a couple of mistakes, a single instead of a double crochet in one place and some missed chains but hey! it looks alright :-D

This is done in a purple dk cotton yarn (Vinni's) which was a bit of a toad to work with at times but on the whole I had great fun with it.  I do need to block the shawl out which will make it a bit bigger and will really open out the pattern.

I've already moved on to my next project, a scarf for a friend who is having a bad time at the moment.  I'm doing it in a super squooshy merino so it will be nice and soft.  I've nearly finished it but I won't post a picture until she has got it.

More stash .. and some finishes

I finished my first every granny square blanket, you know the one using the (bloody awful) free "yarn" I got with a magazine?? Well DD1 decided she wanted yellow in it too as it's her favourite colour so I had a quick trip to the LYS and got some yellow.  Two yellow granny squares later and it was done.  After bodging sewing it together, we decided it looked a bit unfinished :-( so five rounds of granny later around the edge and DD1 proclaims it done! Yay!

Next is my funky scarf - I don't know why but for some reason the colours remind me of a pinata!  It's quite long, but that's ok and I like them wrapped around.  It looks really good with my denim jacket :-)

Finally, some more stash (ooops!).  Two more of the gorgeously smooth Lantern Moon hooks - in a 5.5 and 6 - and this too cute project bag (Lantern Moon again) for when I'm out and about.

Last, but by no means least, some really cute stitch markers that I found on folksy.com!

I am now absolutely itching to get started on my Anna shawl, the fab-u-lous purple yarn I have for it is screaming at me so I'm going to make a start on it tonight once the girls are in bed :-) For today though, more granny squares!

Some crochet wips

.. today, first up my funky scarf.  I started this for a bit of practise with my tension and stitches.  So, I chained 150 - using a no 4 hook and some fabulously bright Wendy Supreme luxury cotton DK - and did three treble crochet into each chain.  But I realised it was too short when I had got to the end so I did a bit of a bodge job and added another 150!  I will have to see how it turns out!

And second, my emerging pile of granny squares! You can see that the (acrylic) yarn is marbled and it varies from pinky-purple to a dark purple marl so it should look quite interesting once it is all put together.  I'm using my favourite No 5 hook for this one and I'm getting 9 squares from each 200g ball.  27 squares down, 63 to go!

Starting out with some stash ....

Well I started the week by purchasing some hooks from purplelinda, just standard metal ones but a complete bargain for the price and, coincidentially, the same as the hook we had been given in our goodie bags at the crochet course.

Next, a schoolgirl error.  I picked up the only crochet mag I could find.  Bonus I thought, it's got six balls of wool on it, I can use them to practice on.  BIG mistake!  Awful awful acrylic wool! It split all over the place but I have managed to make something with it .. more on that later.

So, off the wool shop I went.  Now our local wool shop is a little, um, chaotic to say the least.  There is wool everywhere!  Shelves, floor, the cash desk, piles by the door, under the shelves .. it's great!  I wanted something a little better than I had but I wasn't quite ready for any sort of hand dyed proper posh wool.  So I picked up some purple varigated wool - acrylic again but sooo much nicer than what I had.  I also got myself a knitters needle to stitch things together.

Most exciting though, I treated myself to a gorgeous Lantern Moon hook case.  Here it is - 

Oh and even nicer, two Lantern Moon hooks, in a 4 and a 5, just to start with.  Of course, I fully intend to get a whole set!

Finally, I thought I ought to have some sort of book to refer to.  I can't get used to the English terminology so I went for this one, it looks a bit of fun and the author is American:

This is the good thing about getting a new hobby - all the lovely new stash you get to buy :-D

Something new ....

I signed up for a beginners crochet course.  Why?  Boredom, yes a little.  A need to to learn a new skill, yes.  Wanting something with a little more immediate finishes and portable than my stitching, definitely!  So I thought - crochet, why not.  I had seen all those cute little bugs and cupcakes that my fellow bloggers were making and I wanted to be able to make them too!

So, the crochet course.  Saturday 14 April 2012, the day I learnt to crochet.  I had had a little practise just with a scrap of yarn but I didn't even know what stitches I was doing.  I do now.  The crochet course was one of the most interesting and inspiring days I have had in a long time.  The teacher Honey-Lee was amazing!  She has been crocheting for 30 years and is so fast!  But it was her enthusiasm that was catching - she loves crochet!!  It was great to meet people who were 'into' crafting - I just don't seem to meet other crafters 'in real life'.  

We started with the basics, a cloth, using single and double crochet (I should add here that I have been taught the American terminology and it actually makes more sense to me!).  Ok, I unpicked it a few times but hey! there was the beginnings of a cloth!

Next, the granny square - hated by Honey-Lee - but I LOVE them!  I think it is their uniformness (is there such a word??) and I quite like that they are repetitive.  Then on to the start of a monster, well that was a bit of a disaster (too many increases so he was a bit wonky) but, it was a start.  Finally, we started a big project, a shawl.  I chose this one - Anna's shawl - so just basic single and double crochet but I bought some gorgeous purple wool to do it in.  I can't wait until I get a little better to make a start on it.

So, a busy day, but sooooo fab!  Oh and the food was great too, always a bonus :-)

*and yes, I wish I could claim that the fab blanket at the top of the page is mine - but no such luck!

Awww shucks .... I got an award!

I'm so excited, honoured and happy to say that the lovely Erla has given me a Liebster award! Thank you so much Erla!  You really should check out her blog, she has the most wonderful stitching on there :-)

The Liebster award comes with four conditions that each recipient must satisfy when accepting.

1. Choose 5 up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers to award the Liebster to.
2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
3. Post the award on your blog.  List the bloggers you are giving the award to with links to their sites.  Leave comments on their blogs so they know about the award.
4. Share 5 random facts about yourself that people don’t know about you.

Here are the five people (and their blogs) that I’ve chosen to share this award with:

• Clare Clare (fairly) recently had her first baby (who is gorgeous!!) and so, understandably, hasn't crafted or blogged for a while.  Here's hoping we get some more update of her fantastic Train soon!
• Falstaff Folly Sue's blog is always beautifully photographed and you can follow her adventures in doing something New52!  This year, Sue is trying out new recipes and so far they have all looked delish!  Oi Sue, bring some round here!! ;-)
• StitchySam Sam always has such beautiful stitching and is a fellow HAED addict!
• Fireflies and Cats in the Garden Leonie's blog is always full of great pictures and is a fab read.
• Shhh because this one is cheating .. but only very slightly!  The Manbroiderer has just over the 200 limit but I had to include him as he does some amazing work!

And here are my 5 random facts:

1. Before I had my children, I was a lawyer .. and I hated it!
2. I am a keen amateur photographer and have been lucky enough to get the really good shot or two!
3. My favourite colour is purple, and I even have a purple kettle!
4. I have registered for a beginners crochet course (they provide lunch and homemade cake, what more could you ask!) and I'm really excited about learning a new craft.
5. I love to read.  One year I kept a note of every single book I read and it totalled well over 300 - but then I didn't get much stitching done that year!

I'll be back soon with an update on A Princess is Born because I have nearly reached the end of page 2 - yippee!!

Just had to post today ...

.... because it's leap year :-)  

Anyway, I am way overdue an update - life has been rather tough lately what with one thing and another.  But all through it I have had my stitching as a constant, reassuring, presence.  It can't say anything to comfort me, it can't hold me when I feel down but it is still my friend - it is always there when I need it.  

So throwing myself into my stitching I have finally managed to complete the first page of A Princess is Born by Hannah Lynn.  I love the colours in this one so much, but the blardy confetti was an absolute pig!  I've moved on to the next page now and it's not quite as bad so I am hoping that it won't take me the six weeks page one took.  Yes, six weeks!! I can normally get a page done in two weeks max!

 

 

Next up is Tranquility (The Vintage Angel).  On to page two with this one, but I have to admit the blue got a bit much.  It will make a nice change from the confetti of Princess so I have a feeling I will be going back to this one soon!

Sadly neglected at the moment but one that really needs to be completed, is my page on the Chelsea Project of Chelsea's Gift (Hannah Lynn).  Not really that much to do but I didn't park on it, and it's driving me crazy squeezing all those odds stitches in!

Finally, is Mini Masquerade (Sessler).  Another confetti mess but so nice to have a limited palate of colours, you definitely don't spend so long finding the next thread you need!  Despite it being a mini, I really think that it has lost none of it's detail.  I am really pleased with the way it is turning out.

I've realised that I have been totally unrealistic with my stitching goals this year - it's nearly March already and I am seriously behind.  I have discovered also that I don't like stitching to deadlines! So, I have decided that I am going to drop the HAED SAL piece, Bookend Kitty.  It's cute and I love it but I really can't get in to it at the moment.  Maybe I might get back in to it later in the year? Who knows, but for the moment, it's coming out of the workbasket.

And the winner is .....

The fourth person to post that they wanted the travelling pattern - FAERIE!!!

Congratulations Ali!  Please message me with your postal address (I will aim to get the pattern in the post to you on Monday) and also your choice of prize!

LAST CHANCE FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND TRAVELLING PATTERN!!!!

Today is the last day for the travelling pattern draw!  If you haven't already put your name down to receive this super-cute pattern next, make sure you get it done now!!  I will be closing entries at MIDNIGHT (UK time) tonight, 24 January.  

Don't forget, you could also be in for the giveaway too!

HURRY!!!!

Ta da!! The travelling pattern is ready to move on :-)

At long last ... I have stitched the travelling pattern!!!!!! Now c'mon, don't faint - I really have done it!  Here's a little bit:

And here it is finished!  For some reason, the colour of the fabric has been totally lost in photographing, it's a pretty pale lime hand-dyed but it looks a patchy grey to me here :-(  I've stitched this one over one on 28ct with Carrie's Creations hand-dyed thread in Berry Blast.  I really like the way it has turned out :-)

So, the pattern now travels on - after a slightly longer than anticipated stopover in frosty Oxfordshire. 

If you would like to receive the pattern next, please leave a comment below and I will draw the winner next Wednesday which is the 25th of January.  You should note that if you would like to be part of the travelling pattern there are a few rules:

1. You must have a blog. 
2. Comment on this post only, saying you would like to be part of the Stitcherhood.
3. You must have an active blog to participate, if you have a blog but never post on it you won't be chosen to be the next stitcher. 
4. The stitcher who will receive the travelling pattern must stitch it (within an acceptable time frame) finish it and display the finished piece for all to see.
5. Then the stitcher must offer up the traveling pattern for another stitcher to use and it will be off on its travels again.

Finally, as I have had the pattern soooo long and I feel ever so slightly guilty, I am adding a little giveway to the winner :-) You will also receive a RAK of your favourite Heaven and Earth Designs QS or SK.  Or if HAEDs don't float your boat, then a voucher for an online needlework store.

Happy stitching everyone, and good luck!

PS  Please feel free to tell your followers about the pattern and the giveaway!

WIPocolypse January 2012!

It's that time already and I have made some progress on my WIPs for the year - yay!  You can see my (ever-changing) WIPocolypse list by clicking on the tab above ;-)

I got a new camera for Christmas, so here goes with the first progress photos:

1  SAL Bookend Kitty (HAED) 

I started this yesterday, a little behind the scheduled SAL week on the Board, but I was into another WIP and didn't want to stop and prep fabric.  A bit messy, but I've got a few stitches in.  Stitched on 28ct Almond jazlyn, two over one, tent stitch.  Yes a bit of a change for me - not my usual jobelan (which I am regretting slightly as the holes seem a bit harder to see on the jazlyn) and tent stitch!  Controversial I know, but I decided to give it a go after using it on my Chelsea square.

 

2  Mini Masquerade (HAED)

I started this on Christmas Day as a present to myself lol!  Well the kids were in bed and DH was asleep on the sofa - what else was I supposed to do eh?

Stitched on 28ct light lilac jazlyn (again although the holes are easier to see on this colour) and again two over one, tent stitch.  This is my first mini from HAED and I have to say I was a little concerned when I first started, I really couldn't see any detail and was sure that it was going to look a blurry mess.  But of course I should trust in the charting (as always) and look there you go, I have daffodils!  Again looking a little messy but I have literally taken it off the Q-Snap to make a start on Kitty then I think I will go back to it.  My first 'black and white' too - just a few colours, so amazing how much detail there is!

Well that's me this time round.  Happy stitching everyone :-)

With head hanging in shame ...

... I blog today :-(  I have been absent from blogging for too long.   I missed IHSW in December and I've still not updated my wips or sorted out my goals for this year and we are already a few days in!!

But worse, I have still not stitched Cucki's travelling pattern, for which I can only apologise and say that life really did in the way in December with organising Christmas, the end of the school term and DH returning from an 8 month stint in Saudi :-(  I am hoping that now things have calmed down - ie. the kids have gone back to school - I can sit and stitch it this weekend. 

So keep 'em peeled for another update very soon!  I PROMISE!

December IHSW

It's that time of the month already - yay!  Hermit and stitch for all you are worth :-)  I'm hoping to get some major stitchy time in as DH isn't home yet so it's just me and the girls.  Just click on the hermie link to the right and that'll take you right to where you need to be!

Happy hermitting everyone! 

... and the blogging is still behind!

I don't seem to be getting the hang of this, do I? ;-)

I am waaaay behind with my stitchy questions and I have now received the travelling pattern and a really lovely Christmas card from Jo.  I really must get my stitch on with that pattern!  Life has rather got in the way with school finishing and Christmas coming but I am very conscious that I need to get it done - sorry everyone!  I am still in two minds what to do, whether to follow the pattern or go for something small and different - I think something different might win.

Anyway back to the questions for now:

Day 5: How long did it take from the time to learned to stitch, to finish your first project?

eeek, can't remember how long that first piece took me .. it must have been a few weeks.  Well it was 20 odd years ago and didn't make a note then of how long things took me.

Day 6: What is your favourite piece that you've stitched?

It's a toss up between the birth sampler I did for my DD2 or my HAED finish, Porthole of Fantasy.  The sampler for sentimental reasons and the HAED, well because it's a HAED!

Day 7: Your least favourite?

Well, it's one of my UFOs.  It's a picture of Valentino Rossi on his bike that I decided to stitch for DH for our wedding anniversary about 4 years ago.  There is 27 different shades on blue and it's on 14ct aida *shudder* needless to say, that's why it's a UFO! 

Advent Calendar 14 December 2011

Hello everyone joining in the fun with the blogging advent calendar!  Today is my turn and I have chosen a picture of a cushion I completed last year to add to our Christmas decorations.  He was really quick to stitch and the pillow came ready made but I think he looks great!

Our tree has been up for some time, my three girls couldn't wait.  Since then our two kitties have been making whoopie with my ornaments - luckily the precious ones at at the top :-)

As the girls are still quite young, we are still 'developing' our traditions.  Some things that I have continued from when I was are a present at the end of the bed (keeps them quiet for a bit in the morning) and waiting until they have eaten breakfast before opening presents - mean I know but let's face it once they get started it all seems to be over in minutes!

Best wishes for the Christmas season to you all!

Ok Ok .. I know

I've been AWOL again, and I haven't kept up with my question of the day either :-(  BUT I have got some news to share ... I will be the next recipient of the travelling pattern!!!  You can see it on Jo's blog here and check out how gorgeous Jo's version of it is!  I'm looking forward to its arrival :-)

Hopefully normal service will now resume, and I will try and pick up where I left off on the questions ... well I'll try anyway lol

Hasn't worked very well, has it!?

The whole point of these questions was to try and encourage me to blog everyday.  Well .. uh .. nope, that ain't happened!  Here we are on 4 November and I've missed three days' worth already .. oops!  Right, catch up time.

Day 2: What is your current stitching project?

At the moment I am working on one of my HAED projects, Tranquility.

Day 3: Do you have any other WIPs?

Seriously, is this a loaded question or what lol !  Of course I have other WIPs, or should I call them (slow)WIPs?  I have - actually I am not going to say how many - other HAEDs on the go and also some kits that are in my 'deep storage' that really ought to be finished at some point.

Day 4: How did you learn to stitch?

I bought a kit and followed the instructions!  So totally self-taught as no-one in my family, or none of my friends come to think of it, were stitchers.  My Nan used to knit and crochet and my Mum can knit and is great with a sewing machine, but at the time she wasn't a stitcher (although I have now turned her to the dark side, along with my sister!).

Not really much else to blog about today and, most boringly, no photos :-( I've been making steady progress on Tranquility and had hoped to have half the page done by now but I'm not quite there yet.  Hopefully I might get caught up a bit over the weekend, children allowing.

We've had the final page for the SAL today too, so I really ought to do some more on Curl Up as I think I am a couple of posts short of the requirement to qualify for the remainder of the SAL charts.  I  also need to do some more work on Ice Wind, but I just can't seem to tear myself away from Tranquility.  On the plus side though, I have met - quite unintentionally - some of my yearly goals on the HAED BB!  Yay, go me!

Trying to get back in the blogging groove ...

I've been in a bit of a blogging blackspot for a while now so, finding inspiration from my fellow stitcher and blogger Kerry, I am going to try and answer one stitchy related question a day and what better day to start than the first of a month?  Thanks to Kerry for the questions - you can find her fabulous blog here and if you want to know what other questions there are, you can check them out in the "Coming Soon" section of my blog.

Although I may not have been blogging, I have been stitching, and got a page finish on Tranquility which I am very excited about.  It took me exactly four weeks - not bad considering that the little bit of butterfly was a confetti nightmare!  Still, it was mostly lots and lots of blue - disappointingly I haven't been able to spot the butterfly shapes that are apparent in the background of the original art. Perhaps they will become more visable as I move through the next page.

I've been having issues with iPhoto and can't get photos from my camera to my lappy which is frustrating to say the least.  I shouldn't complain as this is the first problem I've ever had with my Mac - perhaps Mr Jobs is having the last word ;-) RIP - such a cool guy.

So, here is a picture but it was taken on my iPhone so you will have to excuse the quality :-(

I have moved on to page 2 which is lots more blue and a whole butterfly this time.  I'm hoping to get through it quickly because I want to get to her face on page 3!

Finally, today's question of the day :-)

Day 1: What was your first finished project?

It was actually my first start and my first finish (I obviously was a lot more disciplined then lol) a Country Companions kit of Tom Mouse and he wore a stripey jumper and wellies.  Luckily it was lots of blocks of colour and I stitched it as a present for my Nan.  I framed it (very badly) and it hung on her wall until she died and I think one of my cousins has it now.  If I looked hard enough I could probably still find the chart in my stash!

IHSW

I had a great hermitting weekend!  Despite the girls being around and DH not going back to work until Sunday morning, I got loads done :-)  I worked on one of my HAEDs - Tranquility by The Vintage Angel.  She is being stitched one over one, full crosses on 28ct bone jobelan.

The only problem I have now is that iphoto has let me down and just crashes everytime I try to import a photo :-(  I have taken one with my phone and have posted this for the meantime, so sorry no before shot just yet ..

There has been an awful lot of blue but bizarrely I have enjoyed stitching it.  You will see that one of the butterflies is starting to appear at the bottom :-)

It's almost that time again ..

.. so don't forget it's International Hermit & Stitch Weekend starting this Friday.  All you need to do is click on the crab at the top of my page and you can sign up.  It's a great way to meet new blogging friends and is the perfect excuse to sit and stitch all day long - like we need an excuse, right?!

I'll be back later in the week with a proper stitchy update but in the meantime, a big "hullo"! to all my followers, old and new - I can't believe 65 of you read my blog! Thank you!


** edited to add that I've been having blogger issues - it took 5 attempts to get this published and I think that the comments section may still be having a crisis!  If you cannot post a comment to this post, please let me know by commenting on my previous entry and I will try and sort it out! **