tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23456120296230840012024-03-05T09:56:57.992+00:00Peacock BlueJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-25682971722365228972013-11-08T09:48:00.001+00:002013-11-11T16:52:19.607+00:00Memories of Summer 2013<br />
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It feels absolutely freezing this morning and we had our first frost on the car windscreen today, so it seems like a good idea to look back over photos taken during the amazingly warm Summer we were lucky enough to enjoy this year. We definitely made the most of it, once we returned from our holiday. We went for a day trip out, just me and my girls, to a local farm to do some fruit picking. The strawberries were the best I have seen them and we go to this particular farm for fruit picking almost every year. They had been planted in troughs raised above the ground at hand height so no back breaking bending over to pick. Such a good idea especially as my back has seen better days! <br />
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The plum trees were heaving and we didn't even have to move off the spot before we had filled two punnets. <br />
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The cherry trees were unreal, I've never seen so many cherries in one place. There were quite a few wasps around too so we had to pick carefully. <br />
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Once we had picked enough, we shot off down the road to a lovely little stream which is perfect for picnics. We ate a few nibbly bits before eating some of the strawberries we had just picked for pudding. Yum. <br />
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Then the girls had a little paddle in the stream which was remarkably clean and very shallow, and a bit cold. <br />
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The tortoises had the most incredible time in the heat, they were noticeably happier and more active, soaking up the sunshine and charging around the tortoise enclosure searching for food. They are finding it a bit difficult being inside all the time now, although it won't be long before they go into hibernation. <br />
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Just before the girls went back to school, we took a day trip to the Big Feastival, which was organised by Jamie Oliver and Alex James. We were so lucky with the weather, the food was amazing and there was plenty to keep us all occupied. It was a fab day out and here is an aerial shot taken on my phone at the top of the Ferris Wheel, which I really shouldn't have gone on as I went a bit green and had to close my eyes and go to my special place to get through it without screaming or throwing up. The last time I went to my special place was when I gave birth to my two kids!! </div>
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So there we have it, roll on Winter. x</div>
Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-827087667240774742013-10-01T16:39:00.001+01:002013-10-01T17:12:20.041+01:00Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It seems like a lifetime ago that we were in Singapore but it's lovely looking back over a few of the photos, bringing back wonderful memories of a fantastic once in a lifetime holiday. </div>
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The above photo is of the 50 metre pool at the apartment block where my sister and brother in law live. We made the most of the pool due to the extreme humidity, it was very refreshing I can assure you! </div>
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Chinatown<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH9UiWdHpGZjCYfHbb4SIkzvrjiWZTv_9qU0iY52JHS6kUJ3uJVx8UBHN3JRtFXXLqmIGkIsNcTP5eQQDHHIwHjldjVrhQPChot9CI0tEkb95fsCCWO3sbLFXfYJe25Jb8cR8BiIKC9yX/s640/blogger-image-1535742281.jpg" /><br />
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My favourite building in Singapore - very art deco. There are a lot of 1920s and 1930s buildings in Singapore, nestled in amongst the more modern high rise blocks. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzYgZXhgoLFrM9kvGyVnMaXkh5n4rO7OYv3AvTcgKNDZ1N7FaNSoMgfR2VppVmdIx_ekc_EPEQStkaKVH1AVMt2aqRkZ8tTXU4bRtMrwwfNCQSqvW5yaTig6bkua_V4eWcKqRymz1kIgb/s640/blogger-image--1557387379.jpg" /><br />
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We stopped by this mosque to have some ice cream and a rest in the shade. A gorgeous little street, completely different to anywhere else we had seen on our travels. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqABD5pNVHq-vh9wNEPOPRQdkHfFqq5ckVEVS1CSmgpRuAfyOPqHZpCNupCCgLw1iMmshf2JByWW1McjtY6mBfD-d3NeK-X7SwTizwzjKGV6i0jx4YbBmFZsWXiR34p5RM3_Bdw-c1FR9/s640/blogger-image--1546590555.jpg" /><br />
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We ate in Satay Street one evening - here's the remains of our meal, chicken and beef satay which was cooked in vast quantities on the street in front of you. Notice the blue fan on the table - these were well used whilst we were out there! <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UamV67zFMevPmVimBiJXea5OP3Hw3vYWEda_km1Ci8_5zS_vKbckQqpsWtqxlfmUO4i0mUgEUA5KCa0BwO52r7DsTunuVz3fQMfPEryzHWpv6XRUfcLrTl7cxyptnITEnXJ1XSsJm8sI/s1600/blogger-image-57460283.jpg" /><br />
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And we couldn't go to Singapore without the obligatory trip to Raffles. We didn't go in the long bar and none of us ordered a Singapore Sling but we drank delicious cocktails (even non alcoholic ones for the kids) and relaxed on the outside terrace. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7H_Ox-hOA0zyqLZuQ9WuIgHgynFZHSAOt3B7mG7Vv9be7ocWyudMkbLFa25MkfFK3ifV5WVZ294AAbv0Gge7so8LaFtB5zVgRTEQMzzyMilN0o5FzwH4zoESD2HtW9JRCKxCWnADBtGGt/s640/blogger-image--438206023.jpg" /><br />
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There was a very conveniently placed cupcake shop just round the corner from the apartment so we indulged a couple of times. Tea and cake on the balcony - bliss! <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_f12saYphMnTlW0TiD9BEqtp7E7QWTR09ozYg-vhwAItMFUMluRvsaABOwKXXPPivuVaUgQScrdJk-VOLbQmzJRVSdxwf8qdnZ-99RkpEULsEN9m8atyJjl8AOGwnRwQKAKz9C_6PnOF/s640/blogger-image--1919399492.jpg" /><br />
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The Gardens by the Bay which we visited were stunning. We are not gardeners but we still enjoyed a trip round these two huge conservatory type structures. This lions head was carved from wood. Incredible. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn73xgLqN5UPOgO20zj608ivsn582E1JYwekCsCILNl5k4_aIv0H29dK__CYZb_aVwm5Z369LJ4PeYrtLrz-GCdONgJmdnYnPjZy6QwqmFlBFN-0nAKWxTH2mULa-iHhuuhjwaDgtcjKYy/s640/blogger-image--1027861092.jpg" /><br />
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Waterfalls in one of the conservatories. The girls weren't so keen on looking at plants but still had a great time climbing up inside this waterfall tower. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRh7MJMRlvdWsWb3zTAQaT44XkbbD3fO9PWA39ik7g-NfedJQTT8u81AvNoi4znHqgDqehI7Iz-dqQN_OUHcsj5viL4OJn3x2AeYBhLQSBoQcQr9ZLhVVMEwMMo4U4Omw2IFuP0YlWFim/s640/blogger-image-955476979.jpg" /><br />
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A view of the Marina Bay Sands building through glass. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz8t7KLeVvwveWExF8Co_HYSVgaOO5s19Wb237wlmFFaX36_4vdsfBTSsMdwujXFKDyCTbFVzfLkqL0eHR0FWzTrl7UMVN0QXhXgAYxYjUuWU3FANCfnLqi7OY8qi_KLLcLLfN1doejNY/s640/blogger-image--1253162760.jpg" /><br />
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I was really hoping there would be a miniature version of this lion in the gift shop at the Gardens by the Bay but alas, it was full of garish sparkly tat! <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14ELS_DvFDMQ2gpTbzHvH1mh8Bg6JNrwNmMNfgTsHkxOfNXLWs0VUJnn4WqZq_B6JP13zPuXMZ8_7YOWWTICoZUaov8PpvBnCqNuEWIH1k7HOAabZNupPf0Yanucu6cHNkSXZ1VbqozYE/s640/blogger-image-975594819.jpg" /><br />
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There was a bookshop just round the corner from my sister's place which had a vintage section out the back. Look at their cool collection of vintage Pez sweet dispensers. I had to stop myself from buying any, we have enough at home already. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4BftROYYbJStOJqTu_HpCs4mbdAnvSFDch3Qt5NpLuYxJENNNaznb3Xb4zp9c8x4ipEbqYCv1SvQCLdu_dyuOwh5R55IUYryup5ImJUZLupwEDEtM9Rg0Uu3KlJXNueSI69SD-HeYIgO/s640/blogger-image-866651022.jpg" /><br />
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They also had a large collection of glassware and a box full of vintage black and white photos. I love old photos and bought a couple to display at home. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HWfq1M0O9eKlesWAD8gA3uBqCwxkxPZm8DiKv-SilI2Qe7aw3OnGr44XRe566OsrMgaeYZCWttcPU-BoohkRprsf5G-CWshcgyX6dhpTcEbosYKXsZyAPdyOZs-h8He3mV9tlltcqtdw/s640/blogger-image--381568082.jpg" /><br />
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These art deco apartments surrounded the apartment block where my sister lives. Beautiful streets to meander around. <br />
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We had such a great time, I'm sure I could bore you all with dozens more photos! A real experience and memories I will treasure for years to come. xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-89989759205054309602013-08-21T15:16:00.001+01:002013-08-21T15:16:37.684+01:00Crewel obsession<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W_XIn5YxK69oAvfjBdIh9f8RjX9eSflq1XHdJHtOMKsvKloKQJCgdc660tIajaKIXzP3zJV4s2Id-ngAMPnCB371YwFYLWujMUodxljUi6yo_oCd5ii19vpwFg8kajUKwU6Qc4JKpFwV/s640/blogger-image-272993244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W_XIn5YxK69oAvfjBdIh9f8RjX9eSflq1XHdJHtOMKsvKloKQJCgdc660tIajaKIXzP3zJV4s2Id-ngAMPnCB371YwFYLWujMUodxljUi6yo_oCd5ii19vpwFg8kajUKwU6Qc4JKpFwV/s400/blogger-image-272993244.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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I bought a book over a year ago on crewel embroidery. It has sat, along with lots of embroidery wool from the charity shop, in a project bag in the wardrobe. I have always meant to have a go but never had the inclination to just go for it and deal with any disastrous results. Having only ever concentrated on tapestries in the past, I thought it was going to be tricky and too fiddly for my lack of patience. Then I saw the perfect kit was on sale and had to order it. <br />
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It came all the way from across the pond from <a href="http://www.bettycrafter.com/shop/">this</a> lovely lady. It arrived when we were on holiday so it was a much needed treat when I got home ( a 12 hour flight including travel sickness from one of my daughters kind of did me in. I could have kissed the tarmac once we'd landed!). <br />
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I am really really having fun with this crewel kit. It is so easy and quick to work up. Makes a nice change from crochet, which I've found the weather is still a bit too hot to have a crochet blanket in progress on my lap. A nice embroidery hoop and a tiny bit of woollen thread works out much better at this time of year. <br />
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I was just lamenting the lack of crewel kits available in the UK - either on ebay or in charity shops when I popped out and what did I find? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKFQKCYGQkzXu7n3KwQuXkoCkD5bSMNPJsjQoRI_rsyoMFcCGHWs2Z3FCJ-TBL6QVl0oMgKcWquXfIuHzCAUrlvYD64YCAdztvd3yh1dB5lL6JN6CbNm1OwpGIB7vmEdpVs9UcEWQvJ_G/s640/blogger-image-1673137656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKFQKCYGQkzXu7n3KwQuXkoCkD5bSMNPJsjQoRI_rsyoMFcCGHWs2Z3FCJ-TBL6QVl0oMgKcWquXfIuHzCAUrlvYD64YCAdztvd3yh1dB5lL6JN6CbNm1OwpGIB7vmEdpVs9UcEWQvJ_G/s400/blogger-image-1673137656.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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You couldn't get more Granny Chic if you tried and all for £1. Included is the printed fabric, needle and embroidery thread. It looks like it hasn't ever been removed from its packaging. Can't wait to get started on it, although I must finish the current one first. Must also start looking for an appropriately sized picture frame in the charity shops too. <br />
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Here is my Crewel work project bag, stuffed with hoops and wool, all bought at bargain prices. This kind of stuff always seems to be ultra cheap in the charity shops, you just have to rummage around to find it though. Right, must get on. I have been doing much needed housework this morning and now it's time to sit back with a cup of tea and relax. Holiday photos next post. x</div>
Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-85085778112887580522013-07-24T20:06:00.000+01:002013-07-24T20:06:22.905+01:00Apple for the teacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it's that time of year again - what to buy for the teacher? I decided I would make some apple coasters using some leftover cotton yarn. They turned out really well after blocking and sewn on pips! It was an extremely quick and easy pattern too, only just under ten minutes to crochet each apple (minus the leaf). I've already had a request for some apple bunting. I found the pattern <a href="http://lallylou-lou.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/apples-from-teacher.html">here</a>. It's free and so quick and easy to follow. I went in search of a mug to go with the coasters and found this fab green one which kind of looks like a big juicy green apple. I bunged a couple of walnut whips in for good measure. As you do. I really hope the teacher likes her gift, F so enjoyed having her as her teacher. </div>
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One of F's other teachers is due to give birth to her second child in August so I have plans to make something. I made her first child <a href="http://www.peacockbluehandmade.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/cake-and-crochet.html">this</a> blanket. I don't know what she is having this time so I will have to wait and see and then quickly crochet something ready for September so I can pass it on. I have a pattern in mind if she has a girl but F thinks she is having a boy. Who knows?!</div>
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Lots of things have been happening recently - we decorated our bedroom and got new carpet (yes, the ugly purple shagpile has gone, you cannot understand how ecstatic I am about that), I have made a couple of dresses and crocheted quite a few little bits and pieces. We are going on holiday soon, a trip to Singapore to see my sister and brother in law. Yes, they moved from Hong Kong to Singapore, how convenient for us! So so so looking forward to seeing them and it will be great to have a holiday so soon after school breaks up - we usually have our holiday at the end of the Summer holidays. We are definitely ready for it. </div>
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I think we are going to be quite spontaneous these Summer holidays, we will just see what we fancy doing as each day comes. There is only a 2 year age gap between my two but they increasingly seem to want to do different things. Will have to see where our imaginations take us. I would like to go on some picnics by the river (weather permitting) and strawberry picking has also been mentioned but I think we are a bit late for that this year. We would have gone over the past few days but the weather was just too hot. Cinema is always a winner especially when it's raining, we've also got our swimming pool up which has been in constant use over the past three weeks. Not sure how much use we will get out of it for the rest of the Summer but we'll see. xxx</div>
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Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-14837147512142970052013-07-02T09:37:00.000+01:002013-07-02T09:37:09.336+01:00BloglovinThe big button is up there on the right. You know the drill. BTW, I didn't know Google Reader existed until all this talk about it closing down started. I'll crawl back under my technology free rock now! xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-35657143984751924522013-06-14T14:32:00.001+01:002013-06-14T14:34:50.902+01:00Mmm cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Celebrating F's 10th birthday this weekend. Lots of cake has been made, hoping we get lots of visitors this weekend to eat it all up before I do! Hope you all have a lovely weekend whatever you're doing. x</div>
Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-88504808505304275272013-06-05T21:03:00.000+01:002013-06-05T21:03:00.754+01:00Great British Sewing Bee day trip out<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Back at the end of April, E and I visited a very special shop opening. Lauren from the Great British Sewing Bee was opening her very own (along with her husband Ayaz) haberdashery shop. It's about an hour and a half's drive from my house but it was well worth the journey. We turned up about an hour after the official opening time but we still had to queue for ten minutes outside. The shop was heaving, so many people, it was amazing to see. And of course it was so lovely to meet some of the contestants from the show - Lauren, Ann and Tilly were there, as you can see in the above photo, and I had a little chat with Stuart who was an absolute delight. There are lots of photos on <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2013/04/guthrie-and-ghani-is-open-for-business.html">Tilly</a> and <a href="http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/blog/our-new-store-is-now-open-come-have-a-look-around">Lauren</a>'s blog, some of which appear to have me in the background! Don't quite know how that happened, I wasn't posing honest!! </div>
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Of course we had to spend some pennies having travelled so far to visit and I'm always keen to support independent businesses. E and I decided to buy some fabric to make a bag each to take with us on holiday. I think I will make a tote bag as per the tutorial on Lauren's blog. The fabric I chose is the brown floral one, E surprised me by choosing a pale pink floral after hating pink for the past 5 years. We also got some pom pom makers (great fun), a cute apple tape measure for E, a seam ripper for me (this unfortunately gets a fair amount of use when I'm sewing) and some fabric squares. I also bought a Colette Hazel dress pattern. Everyone on t'internet seems to be raving about Colette patterns so I thought I would give one a go. </div>
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We had such a fab day, including a delicious lunch at a local Italian restaurant. Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit any of the numerous charity shops we passed on the way home. There seemed to be one every other shop at one point. I was desperately trying to stop myself from shouting "Stop the Car!" at my husband. <br />
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Not too sure what I will make with these but I may use one or two when making the bags. I really wanted to buy the GBSB book but they had run out at the shop so I ordered a couple of copies from Amazon - one for me and one for my Mum. Lots of patterns in there that I would like to make but I decided on the dress that Stuart made in the first episode. If you watched the show, you may remember it was made in the green and navy Chinese lantern fabric above but I dug out some fabric I bought from the charity shop a few weeks ago. Three metres of grey floral fabric for £3.75, not bad at all and it meant I wouldn't feel too bad if I messed up. <br />
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I only took one photo whilst making this. Here is the lined bodice on Deirdre my dressmaker's dummy. <br />
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And here is a photo of the nearly finished dress. I tried to fit a lapped side zip and managed to break the sewing machine needle when I hit one of the zip teeth, consequently breaking the zip as well. I have unpicked and bought a replacement zip and put off fitting it for the last two weeks. In the meantime I have made three other dresses, one is just a wearable muslin though. After the zip disaster I picked up a dress pattern which doesn't need a zip or buttonholes. It's a New Look Easy 2 hour pattern hence the reason I have made 3 in the past couple of weeks! I really must face my zip phobia though. </div>
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I've cut out the pattern pieces for the Hazel dress and will make a muslin of the bodice to check for fit before cutting into the actual fabric. So many plans, so little time. Don't worry, I have still found time in the evenings to crochet in front of the telly. Have got some photos of stuff I have made over the past couple of months. </div>
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It was a fantastic day trip out and I'd definitely go again. Lauren's shop also has an <a href="http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/shop">online shop</a> so do check it out and see what gorgeous fabrics etc. she has available.</div>
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Finally, just a little reminder about the Bloggy Blanket that I added some crochet squares to. I still have it carefully packed away under my coffee table. If you would like to add some squares to this blanket, please either contact me or leave a comment <a href="http://mumssimplylivingblogat.blogspot.co.uk/p/bloggy-blanket-chain.html">here</a> so we can get the blanket moving and growing again. It's all for a very good cause. Thanks. </div>
Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-42262178849342281062013-04-27T08:07:00.001+01:002013-04-27T08:07:37.432+01:00Time outside (finally)Since the weather has turned Spring like, we have been spending some much needed time in the garden. I've done a fair bit of weeding and the garden is starting to look a bit tidier. We had our first BBQ of the year earlier in the week and the tortoises are in heaven now that they have finally been allowed to venture outdoors. <br />
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No idea what this post will look like as this is my first blog post using my phone. If it all goes to plan, I will hopefully be able to blog a bit more frequently. :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HEFI7GQxCrbowl17dRbP8ORBn-Y8DaYbLcriPDmzvO5o5HYD5ZaxZ5ja_15oIOAj6rfELZP5ttQ17Hmf6Mw7TGsFlLe2N6VFrz_gMrzvU-uPVJI9DobXrKXjIt8KyXEhf3c1uw3SemnR/s640/blogger-image--1770606497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HEFI7GQxCrbowl17dRbP8ORBn-Y8DaYbLcriPDmzvO5o5HYD5ZaxZ5ja_15oIOAj6rfELZP5ttQ17Hmf6Mw7TGsFlLe2N6VFrz_gMrzvU-uPVJI9DobXrKXjIt8KyXEhf3c1uw3SemnR/s640/blogger-image--1770606497.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k4rAL6BwWk0gmNulxyn-bXjtFEKt2OcB6ETjRq6mZd10koHECwmZPW-ksbHbGvWDwYd6z28JjBANH-AsXtrba0sTxPmZ08Xw7VUtW0dDJn-irpdojO0RloVqZjIlr4ZLycnJK6YOd9D_/s640/blogger-image--497287175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k4rAL6BwWk0gmNulxyn-bXjtFEKt2OcB6ETjRq6mZd10koHECwmZPW-ksbHbGvWDwYd6z28JjBANH-AsXtrba0sTxPmZ08Xw7VUtW0dDJn-irpdojO0RloVqZjIlr4ZLycnJK6YOd9D_/s640/blogger-image--497287175.jpg" /></a></div>Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-63510218817711586152013-03-20T10:31:00.001+00:002013-03-20T10:31:12.950+00:00Purple Shawl <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I promised I would tell you what I have made with <a href="http://www.peacockbluehandmade.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/charity-blanket.html" target="_blank">this</a> wool that was kindly given to my by <a href="http://thriftymummyhen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">this</a> lovely lady. I decided I may just have enough to make a shawl and found this beautiful snug looking shawl in a magazine that I bought a couple of months ago.<br />
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I made a start and boy, is this wool amazing to work with. So soft, doesn't split, works up really quickly. I really really enjoyed making this. Anyway, you may be interested in the magazine that I got the pattern from. It's from the makers of Inside Crochet which I have never bought before. Now don't be put off by the awful neon chain link scarf on the front cover, there are multiple crochet treasures awaiting inside this publication. It was a little pricy at £9.99 but it is chocca full of patterns and I have already made/am making 4 things from this mag and have plans to make many more - no really, I have already bought yarn specifically for one of the projects! <br />
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This is really rather strange for me as I'm usually quite particular about what I want to make and search the internet for patterns. I don't think I have ever bought a crochet magazine before as the patterns never seem to appeal. Also, if the publishers of Simply Crochet are reading this (almost definitely not!) you're going to have to up your game quite a lot more before I fork out any money for your magazine, the patterns are just not my thing at all. Considering they are the same publishers as Mollie Makes (which I really like) I was quite disappointed that the Simply Crochet mag does not match Mollie Makes' high standards. Just my opinion, for what it's worth. <br />
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I finished the shawl very quickly, missing off the frilly edging and just doing a border of the same stitch as the main pattern. I steam blocked the shawl with the iron and left it to dry, then popped out to the charity shop to look for a toggle button. As luck would have it, there was one lone toggle in the button bowl and as is usually the case, the charity shop worker had no clue about its price so gave it to me for free. Hoorah. I hasten to add, I did buy some other stuff at said charity shop so they didn't miss out. <br />
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It's really difficult trying to take a photo of yourself whilst modelling a shawl. Sorry about the awful photos. E got a camera for her birthday last week so hopefully she will be willing to take better photos for me. :)<br />
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I really loved making this shawl and it goes perfectly with my winter coat. I can see myself wearing it instead of a cardie in the Spring/Autumn too. <br />
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Last week I had a huge sort through of my yarn stash. Now all wool is in one bag and all cotton is in another. I know exactly what I've got so I can choose my next projects accordingly. (Trying to sound very organised there, which is wildly inaccurate!) I am currently trying to finish off a few UFOs as well as they seem to be piling up in bags throughout the house. Unfortunately (well, very fortunately to be honest!) I went to the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show last week with <a href="http://gingercatcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alison</a> and we had a ball and I added significantly to my wool stash. Will let you know about it soon. xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-7312801207067282532013-03-06T09:46:00.000+00:002013-03-06T09:46:28.307+00:00Charity Blanket <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am ashamed to say that I received this parcel quite a while ago and still haven't blogged about it. Today is the day! <br />
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I volunteered to join in with making a blanket for charity - see <a href="http://mumssimplylivingblogat.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mum's Simply Living Blog</a> - the details of joining in with the Bloggy Blanket are <a href="http://mumssimplylivingblogat.blogspot.co.uk/p/bloggy-blanket-chain.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I waited with anticipation for the blanket to arrive, mulling over in my head which yarn to use and which blocks I would add (with the help of my 200 Crochet Blocks book). A parcel arrived and I carefully opened it to find a card and two packages beautifully wrapped in tissue paper. The contents of one package were the two skeins of wool above. Oh my goodness, this is the most gorgeous, delicious wool. The colour is difficult to describe, sort of purple with a pearlescent thread running through it, intermingled with the odd splodge (for want of a better word!) of teal, mint green and strawberry red. It's a Colinette Art yarn, colour Mint Chocolate 151 and it is just amazing. This yarn was very generously slipped into the package by the very lovely and extremely kind <a href="http://thriftymummyhen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Thrifty Mummy Hen</a> - thank you so much, I love it and you are too kind. <br />
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Now, I have had this wool sat in my little wool basket next to the sofa for a few weeks now, every so often getting it out of its tissue paper for a little stroke and ponder over what I could make with it. Well, I have almost finished , just a bit of blocking and the addition of a button possibly and all will be done. I will take photos and blog asap, promise. <br />
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Anyway, the other package of course contained the bloggy blanket. <br />
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So many different squares have been completed so far, some I recognised as I was flicking through the 200 blocks book. As you can see, once I'd added the 5 squares I completed, the blanket is no longer square, in fact it looks rather abstract. But it is growing and it needs to get a bit bigger, sort of lap sized. This is where we need your help - could you volunteer to add a few more squares? <br />
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If so, please take a look at <a href="http://mumssimplylivingblogat.blogspot.co.uk/p/bloggy-blanket-chain.html" target="_blank">Mum's Simply Living Blog Bloggy Blanket Chain</a> and follow the instructions. Seeing as I received such a beautiful gift with the blanket, I am planning on sneaking in a little gift to the next person to receive the blanket. Probably something handmade. What do you say? Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-53070367367988772072013-02-04T09:42:00.001+00:002013-02-04T09:42:43.447+00:00Still here <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apologies for my absence. It's been a busy few weeks here, we have had our bathroom and cloakroom ripped out and refitted. Still ongoing, one more day later on this week should mean everything is fitted and then we just need to get around to painting walls and ceilings. It didn't help that we got a whole load of snow during the process, I thought we may not be able to fit much more in the skip as it kept filling up with the white stuff! You can still see just a little bit of turquoise bath in there - lovely. I've got so much to blog about, just need to get photos sorted. xxJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-76162002562240895952013-01-16T14:08:00.001+00:002013-01-16T14:08:16.649+00:00Jewel Blanket and Never Ending Blanket <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All the ends have been sewn in and a border of three rows of plain treble clusters has been completed. I thought the colours could do all the talking so the border is nothing fancy. Perfect for little people to fling over themselves and poke their toes through the holes (why do they all do that?!) without me getting annoyed. This blanket was finished back in December and has seen quite a bit of use since then. Still love the jewel like colours against the black outline. <br />
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As soon as I'd finished I decided I would do a bit of stash busting. I have an increasing supply of left over yarn from previous projects, and also odd balls of pure wool/part wool yarn from charity shops or donated to me by my Mum. I have been wanting to make a giant granny square blanket for a while and rather than buy yet more wool to make one, the oddments piling up in my wardrobe were going to get used. <br />
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This is the very beginning of the blanket. I love looking back at photos like this - the very start of something that I have made, before I even knew what it was going to look like. This was definitely not a project that had been planned in any great detail. I had wool and lots of it and I was going to turn it into a blanket in any which way I could. I started off with the smallest oddments, those teeny tiny lengths of wool that most other people would chuck out but I squirrel them away, knowing they will get used eventually. <br />
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Some of the wools I have used are the leftovers from my very first crochet blanket. It was such a lovely blanket to make, reminiscing about previous things I have made. The blanket grew and grew until I ran out of wool (apart from some more of that mid blue wool but I want to add a few more stripes of different colours before I do another few rows of blue.) and this is where the Never Ending name comes from. I am going to keep adding to this blanket every time I find some more wool or have leftovers from another project. The blanket will keep on growing until it is enormous. <br />
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I suppose it's about 1m square at the moment and it's getting some use already. All ends have been sewn in, pretty much as I went along - very unlike me! I'm loving this blanket already, even if it is a bit scratchy. Probably needs a wash to soften it up. Can you see what my favourite colours are? Blues, greys, greens, with the odd splash of mustard or coral. It fits into our lounge perfectly. <br />
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And the best thing of all? Both of these blankets were made out of my wool stash (just had to buy a couple of balls of black for the jewel blanket) so I have been very thrifty over the past few months. <br />
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Do you think I will ever stop making blankets? I think not. Although I have made a few things recently that are not blanket related. Will blog about them soon. xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-40612731237325355612013-01-10T12:57:00.000+00:002013-01-10T12:57:50.274+00:00All white in the kitchen <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More makes for the kitchen, only these were made back in December. Once we had painted the walls, we put up some plain white roller blinds. Yes you can see two blinds for one window, there is a very good reason. Because it is a 1960s house the windows are all very wide, meaning that the cost of having blinds especially made is quite high. Seeing as the kitchen was just getting a mini makeover whilst we decide what we are doing with it, we just went ahead and bought two inexpensive blinds which do the job perfectly. <br />
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Anyway, we had to cut the blinds to fit therefore leaving me with two long strips of blind fabric that I couldn't possibly throw out. <br />
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I made a cardboard template and started cutting out circles of fabric. Then E came over to see what I was doing so I got her to work on the sewing machine. <br />
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She had loads of fun stitching these circles together right down the middle, just using plain white cotton thread. It didn't take very long to do although I'm sure she would have sat there for an hour stitching away. <br />
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I draped the finished garland over the kitchen window and it has been there ever since. BTW, this is not one of my original ideas, there are loads of these garlands dotted around the internet at the moment. But I'd definitely recommend giving it a go, such fun as <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00w7dv9" target="_blank">Miranda</a>'s Mum would say! <br />
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Another mini make for the kitchen came about once I saw this after spending a considerable amount of time painting everything in sight brilliant white. It was starting to bug me but I had a little plan which took about 20 minutes to create. <br />
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Very ugly non white radiator cap. Not a good look. <br />
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Good old crochet. My husband shook his head in disgust and reminded me that you can actually buy replacement radiator caps, but there's no fun in that is there? Yes I think I am going mad but you really can crochet anything, pretty much! <br />
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The kitchen is still not yet quite finished but we are on the home straight. More photos to follow. Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-41572805895493936092013-01-08T18:39:00.000+00:002013-01-08T18:39:00.687+00:00New year, new project <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In fact, lots of new projects appearing in the PB house over the past couple of months. Not sure why, just got many ideas floating around in my head which need to be made into things. I thought about this one a couple of days ago and just had to make it. The kids went back to school today so this afternoon was the prime opportunity to have another go at quilting - well, my version of quilting anyway. <br />
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I cut out 6 strips of fabric (vintage duvet covers) and stitched them together, cut a piece of backing fabric the same size and also cut an old fleece blanket for the wadding. This was most definitely a "use what I could find around the house" type of project. It was also a project where I probably broke about a thousand quilting rules. I made it up as I went along, no instructions, just see what happens and deal with any mistakes that may arise. <br />
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Once I had sewn them all together I searched around again, looking for something to finish my mini quilt off as it was looking very plain. <br />
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After unsuccessfully attempting to blanket stitch around the outside using embroidery thread (it would appear I only possess blunt embroidery needles and my thumb is still smarting as proof) I took the easy option and did a simple slip stitch all the way around. <br />
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I then found a very small amount of leftover Rico cotton yarn (from the summer chevron blanket) and half trebled (htr, ch 1) all the way around. Nothing too fancy. <br />
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Finished in approx. 2 hours. Not bad going for me, considering I had to choose the fabrics in that time too. I am terrible at choosing fabrics, too much indecision and changing my mind at the last minute. <br />
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And here it is in action - a little mug mat for the new-to-us kitchen table. My kitchen is currently being <a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dottie Angel</a>ed! And we found a table on ebay - grey and white formica topped 1950s style. Just got to find some stools/chairs to go with it. We also have new floor, bright white painted tiles (see above, it worked out really well - clean, sand, prime and 2 coats of emulsion), and bright white walls and ceiling. It's looking so much better in there and it's somewhere we actually want to spend time. It even turns into a mini tapas bar early Saturday evening. A glass of red wine and some olives, feta and a few crisps and dips, radio on and you really could be in a tapas bar if you stretched your imagination quite a long way! <br />
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I am now looking forward to having another go at quilting, maybe another mug mat but with binding around the edge. I chickened out on the binding this time and I'm glad I did as I really like the crochet border. I'll post soon with more photos of the kitchen, it's nearly finished. Honest, we're getting there. <br />
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PS. There's no tea in that mug but you knew that anyway didn't you? x<br />
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Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-31401839936630646792012-12-31T21:03:00.000+00:002012-12-31T21:03:05.776+00:00Happy New Year <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Celebrating the New Year with a little bit of crochet! Hope you all have a wonderful time bringing in the new year. We have already opened some bubbly and are relaxing at home this evening. The last few weeks of 2012 have not been good to us in the PB household so we are all hoping that 2013 will bring a happier, stress free time. Wishing you all a fantastic, happy and healthy new year. xxx<br />
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PS. Just been looking through some recent photos and I am wayyyy behind on my blogging. Must catch up - now there's a new year's resolution for me to try to keep! Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-48479165823815874482012-12-24T21:51:00.003+00:002012-12-24T21:51:28.257+00:00Merry Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hope you all have a peaceful and relaxing few days. xxxJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-43157725065101118732012-12-13T12:45:00.002+00:002012-12-13T12:46:47.381+00:00Charity shops rule! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More charity shop finds. I bought this lovely little Kokeshi doll from the local charity shop a couple of months ago. She is very heavy and was only £1.50. I love her because the paint colours are so delicate - I don't know whether she was supposed to look so faded or whether that's just what has happened over time. E thinks she is freaky and keeps trying to hide her (!) but not long after I got her, I decided she needed a little mat to sit on. <br />
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So I crocheted this little doily. It's a made up pattern which I was going to do a tutorial for, but who am I trying to kid?! In the run up to Christmas I have far too much else to keep me far too busy. There are a gazillion other free crochet coaster patterns out there for you all to choose from anyway. :)<br />
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This is how she looks. So cute. <br />
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I got this stainless steel necklace a couple of months ago too and have been wearing it most days ever since. It was a pound. I seem to remember my Mum had a necklace similar to this back in the 70s. <br />
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We hung the 1960s painting a couple of weeks ago. I love it, it just fits in nicely on this wall. Such a good find. <br />
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Here is a dreadful photo of the Franco Albini table I got for £7 in the summer. Unfortunately it is being moved into the garage over the festive season. <br />
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F loves all things dragon and dinosaur related. I spotted this teak dinosaur whilst looking for 1950s teak animals on ebay. He was a bargain and F was delighted when he turned up in the post - I hadn't told her that I'd won him, in fact I hadn't even told her I had bid for him. Here he is sat on her new Ikea picture ledge in her bedroom with a lovely dragon print that I bought from etsy. <br />
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Recent charity shop trips have been dedicated to buying vintage Christmas decorations. I have managed to buy quite a few this year so my dream of having a 100% vintage Christmas tree are becoming more of a reality. I think by next year I will hopefully have achieved it. Will post some photos once the tree is up and decorated. xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-17001586360478163342012-11-18T11:51:00.001+00:002012-11-18T11:51:05.758+00:00Absent again <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No excuses, just been too lazy to blog! Hope you are all well and enjoying the wonderfully cold, crisp and sunny weather we are having - or maybe you are in the Southern Hemisphere and experiencing a different kind of weather altogether. The only downside of the sunshine is that it shows how dirty the windows are - must get cleaning tomorrow! <br />
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I had a few scraps Stylecraft which I thought would come into use for another diagonal crochet project - just a mini project mind you. <br />
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I made this a few weekends ago, sat with a cup of tea, the tv probably on whilst the kids were playing and doing their own thing. It was a lovely relaxing project, very satisfying making something from beginning to end in one sitting. Now that doesn't often happen, especially when I mainly make blankets. <br />
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Anyway, here is the end result - a little crochet mat for the kitchen windowsill, for Gerard to sit on obviously. <br />
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He loves his little mat and the colours tie in nicely with the colours currently in the kitchen. I hope you have noticed that there are nice bright white new tiles on our kitchen windowsill. Yes, we finally got round to getting the tiles done. The kitchen renovations have been going on for an eternity. It's been at least 18 months since I started painting the cabinets. M has a week booked off soon so we can crack on and prep surfaces, paint the walls and ceiling, re-wax the cabinets and lay new flooring. <br />
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Here's a sneak peek at the tiling just after it was done. The kitchen is so much brighter with all white tiles. We have also moved the dresser out of the kitchen so we now have space for a tiny table and chairs. So nice being able to sit in the sunshine with some breakfast and a cup of tea. When I say table and chairs I mean our camping table and some cheap folding chairs from the garage. Still searching for the perfect mini table on ebay - could take some time. <br />
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I've got loads of photos of recent charity shop finds. Can't wait to show you. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-44983724545725348672012-10-15T13:31:00.002+01:002012-10-15T13:31:46.863+01:00Day trip out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We (my friend Alison and I) had the most amazing trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace last week. This was our third year of visiting and as the stalls are all in roughly the same place every year, it makes it so much easier to find what you are looking for. This meant we could make a bee line for all the things we wanted to look at/needed to buy. And boy, did we have fun shopping. <br />
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The beginning of our journey there was a bit of a palaver as our train was cancelled after sitting still and going nowhere for 20 minutes at the station. Alison very kindly (and bravely) offered to drive us there and I quickly rang M to get directions - he told me about a very clever little sat nav app on my new (his old) iphone which took a bit of setting up but it directed us to a little leafy road next door to the Ally Pally which had free parking and was a short hop and skip away from the entrance. We even arrived at about the same time we usually would have. We would normally have driven to the station, got a train, the underground and then the laid on coach to the venue. Needless to say, we will not be getting the train next year as it was so much easier and quicker to go by car, even with the rush hour traffic in the rain on the way home. <br />
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I had a shopping list this year, I have not been so organised in previous years and just bought what I considered to be a bargain and gorgeous. Not this year, I had serious plans, lots of stuff written down, crochet patterns chosen for this year's haul. Unfortunately my top of the list yarn to make a blanket for our bed was not available at the show so I am having to order it online. Never mind, at least I didn't have to carry it around with me all day. I did get some supersoft Sublime baby cashmere merino silk dk in a beautiful indigo colour. And I got some ergonomic crochet hooks (4 for £10 bargain) and some pearl headed pins (2 for £1 - I love a bargain!). But the best buy of the day was this most incredible petrol coloured malabrigo yarn. <br />
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Having brought it home and admired it, I seem to remember seeing it at the show last year and wanting to buy it then but declined due to the price. This stuff is expensive but is totally worth it in my opinion. My sister gave me some birthday money and I said I would spend it at the show. And I did...and I treated myself. This yarn is so so gorgeous, I can't stop looking at it. I have wound one skein into a ball but can't bring myself to wind the other skein up just yet. <br />
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Anyway - details - it's a Kettle dyed pure superwash merino wool, sock yarn weight, 100g per skein. It was just over £14 per skein but at just over £7 per 50g, I don't think that's the most expensive yarn I've ever seen. I am going to crochet some kind of scarf/shawl with it but have not yet chosen a pattern, this being an impulse buy. I think it's going to take a long time to search out the perfect pattern for the perfect yarn and I think it's going to take a very small crochet hook. The label is mentioning a 2.25mm needle size. Yikes. <br />
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I also bought some stuff for my sister. She asked for an ergonomic hook, a clover thread cutter (<a href="http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/Clover-Thread-Cutter-Pendant---Antique-Gold__CLO-CL455.aspx">here</a>) to use on the plane and also some string to make more coasters. Sorry, no photos. I'm wishing I had bought the linen yarn that I saw too as it was kind of like very thin softer hessian string and it would have been perfect for coasters. Maybe next year. <br />
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Alison treated herself to some super duper Rooster yarn to make a blanket and she chose some fantastic colours. Can't wait to see what style of blanket she decides to make with it. We saw some people at the show from our local crochet/knitting group and just had a thoroughly great time. So exhausted when I got home though. Must be getting old. :O<br />
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Just to catch up on recent charity shop finds, here is one of two identical wooden bins that I bought the other week for £5 each. <br />
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They are Swedish and in near perfect condition considering their age. I have had to tell the other members of our household to be careful what they place in these bins to prevent any damage. Yes really. They can't put just any old rubbish in my nice new bins! <br />
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I also got this lacquered tray when out with my Mum the other week. It's got a nice Japanese style feel to it and I've just noticed that it goes remarkably well with my new table. I bought this table quite a while ago now. I was wanting a table to go with my wicker garden furniture and kept seeing this on ebay but it was way out of my price range. I got it from my favourite charity shop for £7. I have had a move around of furniture to fit it in as it isn't intended for the house but that's where it will stay for the time being. So pleased I found it and it's in great condition. Will try to remember to get another photo of it in all its glory. <br />
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Right, back to the real world and the joys of ironing. Speak soon. xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-28808401845962088372012-10-09T14:38:00.004+01:002012-10-09T14:38:42.094+01:00Jeweltastic <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This blanket is growing so so quickly as I am loving making it so much. Mindless crochet, can watch tv whilst making it of an evening, no great stress picking out the next colour to join on. It looks so cute folded into the knitting bag that my sister got me. Which reminds me, I am going to the Knitting and Stitching show on Thursday and I have a list of crochet related things to get for my sister. She has made three crochet coasters so far and will no doubt be making several more on the flight over when she visits the UK yet again (twice in a fortnight, yippee!). Can't wait to see her again. Right, must get back to my shopping list for the show - it is growing longer and longer... xJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-30454315399596167212012-10-03T19:30:00.002+01:002012-10-03T19:30:26.481+01:00Jewel crochet blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, you've guessed it, I've started another blanket. My major excuse is that I have run out of the grey wool for the blanket I started making in Wales. I need to ring the shop I bought it from and ask very nicely if they can send me some more. In the meantime I needed a new project to keep me sane so I turned to my "still can't believe I haven't used it all yet" stylecraft stash. I am sure I have a neverending supply of this stuff, the basket I keep it in just never seems to look any emptier. Maybe my husband keeps putting more wool in there every so often in an effort to keep me quiet! <br />
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I had always wanted to make one of these classic retro blankets with bright jewel like colours against a black edging. It just reminds me of the 1970s, garish and colourful - none of the colours matching but who would care? In fact, these photos don't do the colours justice as they are really bright. I thought I had taken more photos of this blanket but I couldn't find many and they are all a bit lacklustre compared to the blanket in real life. I have obviously been spending more time crocheting the thing than taking fancy photos of it. <br />
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I know a few people have been making these one colour per square blankets around the blogging world, inspired by <a href="http://sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/giant-granny-patches.html">Cherry Heart</a> and I can completely recommend making them - fewer ends to sew in, quick and easy to make, no fretting over colour combinations. I just wanted something a bit different and when I spied the ball of black against all the brightly coloured balls of yarn in the basket, I just had to make a retro blanket. In fact, this blanket was decided upon within about 10 minutes as I needed a project to take with me to the park at the end of the summer holidays. Nothing like making snap decisions. I started off making the squares and then crocheting them together as I went along (a la Attic 24 - joining as you go method) but I have since crocheted 4 squares of each colour until I have a nice big pile and then joined them in one fell swoop. This is extremely satisfying as the blanket seems to double in size overnight. <br />
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I have been keeping all the squares I am yet to join in this cute project bag that my sister bought for me. It is quite squidgy but has a wire inserted into the top of the bag so it keeps its shape and means I can find the right coloured square really easily. Love it. <br />
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Talking of my sister, we went away this past weekend with my Dad as a father's day gift - to research the family tree a bit further and visit the area where we originally came from over 160 year ago (Cork, Ireland). We had a fantastic time and my sister asked me to teach her to crochet. Well, she has well and truly got the crochet bug and was even crocheting on the flight back. After making a length of trebles, she had a go at making a granny square, seen below being used as a coaster by Dad. I told her she would have to make a scarf as a first project, to which I got a very quick no as she now lives in Singapore - round the year 30 degrees heat. Not really scarf weather! She will be making lots of coasters, placemats and throws instead. Hope she finds a good yarn shop out there. <br />
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So that's what has been happening around these parts lately. My husband is hosting a film club night this evening so it will be nice to have a glass of wine, chat to some old friends and join a few more squares onto this blanket whilst watching the film. Not sure which film has been chosen yet though, may be something I am really not interested in or a subtitled film - I haven't mastered the art of crocheting whilst reading subtitles yet!Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-80976781792493018272012-09-27T09:53:00.000+01:002012-09-27T09:53:18.768+01:00More charity shop finds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I bought this picture yesterday - it is a copy of a painting called Boats in blues and greens by Rutledge and it was apparently painted in 1966. It was £5 and I was quick to grab it and pay, before wandering around the shops carrying it with my Mum and sister. I was also asked a couple of times to see the painting and there was high praise indeed for it. I love it and am still wondering where abouts it will be hung up. Great colours, I feel another crochet blanket coming on... <br />
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These placemats were bought a while ago - 11 for £2. I think they are an old M&S design and my Mum still has the matching chopping board, which she keeps as a board for the kids to lean on when they want to do some drawing. <br />
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This fabric was from ebay - it's a vintage Sanderson design and I have about 3 metres of it. May make some cushions for the bedroom from it or maybe some bags. <br />
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I saw this Caroline's Home dollshouse at the charity shop at the beginning of the summer holidays. It was £10 including all the original furniture but I didn't buy it as I though my kids wouldn't like it (they don't normally like old stuff). I mentioned it to E and said that it was a 1970s style house and she asked to go round and see it. She absolutely loved it and bought it with her own money. The furniture has been rearranged many times and it is now looking for a permanent home for display in our house. E has suggested behind the sofa so I am now tracking down a long narrow coffee table for it to perch on. <br />
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Oh who left the loo lid up?<br />
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Dad's got his feet up watching tv again!<br />
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And we didn't get him or the water pistol from the charity shop but I had to show you this photo of Gerard fast asleep, obviously dreaming about having a water pistol fight with the neighbouring cats. Gotta love him! Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-39304039150764249982012-08-28T15:52:00.000+01:002012-08-28T15:52:01.647+01:00A week in Wales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought it was about time I blogged about our week away in Wales. We had so much fun and the weather was fantastic as you can see from these photos of pure blue skies. These two photos are of our day trip to Aberystwyth, a lovely place where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and a quick trip to the beach and playground. <br />
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The views out to sea were stunning and we had plenty of time to appreciate them whilst the kids played in the best playground they had been to in a long time. We couldn't drag them away! <br />
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Of course I found a wool shop (bang next door to a charity shop, how convenient!) and nipped in to see what bargain wool they had. I had brought my hexagon blanket on holiday with me but just didn't feel like carrying on with it so I bought two giant balls of aran wool mix yarn and made a start on another diagonal crochet blanket. With fewer ends to sew in, obviously. <br />
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We went to New Quay twice as it was so fantastic. The beach was small but clean and sheltered and the sea was so clear. We even saw some dolphins swimming not so far away. The kids made the most of the beach and buried their Dad's feet.<br />
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See how clean the sea is? A bit chilly though! <br />
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F couldn't understand why the moat wasn't filling up. We aren't really beach holiday people usually. E confirmed that she definitely doesn't like the feel of sand and didn't like being in the sun (we ended up buying a cheap beach tent to provide us with a bit of shade from the scorching sunshine) but I do love the occasional day trip to the seaside in the UK. <br />
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Quite a lot of relaxing went on too - the cat was called Lewis and he basically came with the cottage we stayed in, which was on a farm. It was in the middle of nowhere and a very welcome break. Would definitely recommend if you need to get away from it all. <br />
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And before we knew it, the week was over and we headed back home to see Gerard, who didn't seem at all bothered about another cat sitting on his crochet blanket! Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-4046272442742483132012-08-23T12:35:00.002+01:002012-08-23T12:35:29.597+01:00Recent charity shop finds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some things I have bought from the charity shop over the past 3 months. <br />
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First up, a Krenit bowl bought for £3.50. I saw it, picked it up (not believing that it could possibly be a Krenit) turned it over and saw the Krenit sticker on the bottom and quickly paid for it and rushed out of the shop before anyone realised what it was. Why is it that the shop assistant always says "ooh, this is lovely" and starts looking at it when you know it is the biggest bargain and just want to get out of there and skip down the street?! Love my Krenit bowl. <br />
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I bought this planter last week from the local charity shop around the corner. I thought it looked nice but decided I didn't need any more planters. I just had to pick it up and turn it over, only to find that it is an Arabia Finland planter so I thought it was well worth spending £2.50 for it. Love the colour too. <br />
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This was my only Welsh charity shop find, another £2.50 bargain, there's about 3 metres of fabric there. Will be making some bags out of this. <br />
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These barkcloth fabrics were bought at a charity table top sale in a local church hall for 50p each. Yes, you read that right. Everything on the table was 50p and there were so many fabrics to choose from but I just chose the ones I loved the most. I also got this bird print fabric which I might make some cushions from. It's not my usual style but I love it just the same. <br />
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I got the following scarf from the local charity shop for £1. I love the colours, not sure I will ever wear it though. <br />
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These were labelled as placemats. Not sure why anyone would want some woolly placemats - maybe to soak up soup dribbles?! I thought they looked very welsh and made up for me not finding a welsh blanket whilst on holiday. These will going into my crafting supplies, might be useful for making purses or small bags. <br />
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I'd been looking for a clothes valet for ages and finally found one for less than a fiver at the local charity shop so easy to carry home. My husband is using it and I am looking for another one for me so I can relocate my wicker chair which is a dumping ground for clothes. It will free up some space in the bedroom so that we can admire our still going strong purple shagpile carpet. Bleurghhh! <br />
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And last but not least, a Sylvanian Families Department Store, not complete but well worth the £8 I spent on it. This stuff goes for a fortune on ebay and the kids have played with it happily since I got it at the weekend, and will do for a few more months, I'm sure. It's a win-win situation. <br />
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What have you found at the charity shop/thrift store recently? Have fun thrifting! xxxJuliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345612029623084001.post-31703331976267553942012-08-02T17:44:00.000+01:002012-08-02T17:44:53.449+01:00Diagonal crochet blanket finished<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I might rename this blanket the Procrastination Blanket, or maybe the Plagued by Indecision Blanket. After zooming through all those diagonal stripes in a few short weeks, it sat on the side in the lounge for what seems like an eternity, waiting for me to get my act together and attempt the border. I always look forward to doing the border but then become extremely unsure of which border to choose, which colours to pick, how many rows etc etc. <br />
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I used several colours to create a few stripes - I referred to pattern no. 106 from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Around-Corner-Crochet-Borders-Eckman/dp/1603425381/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343924468&sr=8-1">this</a> book. Once complete, the blanket was left to languish on the side for a few more weeks whilst I did other things - not much crochet going on in this house recently. I finally snapped this afternoon and had to pick it up and complete it - partly through boredom but mainly because we are heading off on holiday on Saturday and I wanted to take some crochet with me. I couldn't go without getting this blanket finished - I want to take the <a href="http://www.peacockbluehandmade.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/hexagon-fun.html">hexagon blanket</a> with me to try to get that closer to completion. Too many UFOs and far too many ideas for new projects floating around in my head. <br />
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After the stripes, I felt it needed a bit more and decided to just crochet a row of treble clusters and see what it looked like, with the possibility of doing a picot edge to finish. Not having much of this colour left (certainly not enough to do the picot edge) I concluded that that's the end of this blanket. Just like that. No dithering, no procrastinating, just decisive. It looks good, I have no desire to spend any more time faffing over the edge of this thing. I want to take it on holiday and it's going to be one of those blankets which is meant to be used, loved and effectively destroyed in the process! <br />
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And even though the end of this border was thrown together at the last minute with no real thought involved, I actually really like it. I love the rounded shape of the corners, a nice contrast to the sharp angles in the diagonal stripes. I also really love the texture of the blanket - because it is closely crocheted with no real gaps, it is extra warm and snuggly. Perfect for taking on a rainy week in Wales. I'm really hoping that we get at least a little bit of sunshine in amongst the showers. Please. <br />
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Oh yes, you know I said it was finished, well it nearly is, just a few ends to sew in. Story of my life...Juliabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712813736158254230noreply@blogger.com8