Faith

Year of projects 19.02.12

2012-02-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

Well this is coming rather later in the day than I intended, but then if you could see how many plates I am spinning at the moment, you'd be seriously impressed!

So anyway, I've still not finished my sweater, but I am slowly getting there. The actual knitting process is not the slow bit, it's making the mistakes and ripping them back again!

I did correct a mistake where I had miscounted and now any real fears about the jumper being two short at the neck have been put to rights.

Anyway, I have sleeves and hood to do and the painful sewing it all together, not sure what I am dreading more, the sewing up, or the moment of truth when I try it on and it's too small?

Not being a knitter, should I block the bits before sewing up, as at the moment it is very curly?

I also have to find out what a three needle bind off is.....should I be scared?

Well, my super clever boy has made hot cross bun and butter pudding for supper, so I'd better shoot off.....thanks as ever for all your lovely comments and helpful tips, I so enjoy to hear from you and see what you are up to as well.

To see other year of project work, cheek out the ravelry page here.

Reasons to be cheerful

2012-02-18T02:24:00.000-08:00

Is it just me......or are things on the change? I am sure I am not the only one to have felt the weight of indifference on my shoulders.......lack of motivation.......general slugishness.......of course, if it is just me then you'll be happy to read I'm announcing a full-stop! I'm not saying I've overnight turned into a cover model for some health and vitality magazine, or that I am about to be awarded 'Inspiration Guru of 2012'.....just that I feel a spark of anticipation.....not sure for what.....but hey, better than feeling lack-lustre.... un-sparkly!

Anyway, before I completely lose you.........I'm linking up with Planet Penny on the penultimate....

Reasons to be Cheerful

The weather has not been amazing this school hols, and actually as I type it is grey and rainy.......but on one of the nicer days this week, the boys, my mum and I went to feed the swans. After we came away, we passed many groups walking to where we had come from, laden with bags of bread.

(look at that huge wing just out of shot)

I have just acquired this lovely long shelf from my Mum and now have the perfect space to fit (some) of my fabrics and yarn..........there are boxes of things tucked away too, but this gives me something to be going along with. I do wonder if the recent spate of putting things away and organising has helped clear my mind a little too.

My third reason is that after holidaying for ten weeks in S.Africa, my in-laws are returning home (ssshhhhh....don't tell them about the weather!). There will be a big family get together which we are hosting at our house, with the chance to hear all their news. I love reason to look through cook books, plan courses and buy ingredients....not sure about the major clean-up that will come with it though! Maybe if I start now, I'll get some of it done........

If you want to see other Reasons for being Cheerful, why don't you head on over to Planet Penny's place!

Also, wanted to say a big thank you for your lovely supportive comments on my last post, you are all a lovely, wise old lot!

And to finish off..... (d'you know I just had a flashback to a school teacher who said you can't start a sentence with an 'And' and she was probably right!)........thanks so much to Whistle Stop Crochet, My House in Africa, Little things made with Love, Vintage Homespun, Hazel's Crochet and Stocki who all awarded me a Versatile Blogger award.........

Reasons to be cheerful

2012-02-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

So here I am (maybe even ahead of myself this week) joining in with Planet Penny's

Reasons to be Cheerful

It feels quite obvious to me that it is the last week of this half term, and next week the boys will all be home, and our time will be our own.......as sometimes I spend two hours a day in the car, doing school runs, I will be glad of the break!

Chester is becoming a real welcome member of our family and on ~~all~~ most occasions he makes me smile! (he loves to have his photo taken and always 'strikes a pose'....he also, in answer to Marigold's question, gets on very well with the farm Collie, Ned...in fact Ned even budges up sometimes and makes room in his bed for Chester!)

So, I saw a lovely cake on the ever talented Country Rose's blog and I thought I would research it a little further.....so I followed the link here, and found this beautiful blog with inspirational cakes....and I got a little carried away in how advanced I thought my cake making abilities were. I didn't stop there, I made it vertically striped (on the inside) too.....and that was sensational.......well would have been if I had been a gifted baker like the one on the blog. Thankfully I love to eat cakes almost as much as I love to bake cakes, but I am more talented at the former.

This week has been a tough one for my family, but especially for my sister....after a week in hospital, many horrible tests and deteriorating health, my sister has been diagnosed with MS........she said she knew, I was obviously in complete denial as the rug was certainly pulled out from under me. I don't shout about what I believe, but at times like these I am thankful I have a God in whom I put my hope and trust......... I know that sometimes despite desperately not wanting something to happen and praying determinedly that it won't.......sometimes it just does.......I don't know why......

'But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.'

I hope that you have found things to make you happy or grateful this week.....maybe pop on over to Planet Penny's blog and read other people's reasons....it may well inspire you to join in too!

Year of projects 5.2.12

2012-02-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

Well I am continuing my climb up that big learning slope and I'm feeling a little euphoric about how far I've come, but also a little scared to look at the view off the edge.

Truth be known, I keep looking at it and thinking, I reckon the size is totally wrong, but I'm actually too scared to offer it up as if it looks ridiculously small, I WILL cry!

I have no idea what I'm doing a lot of the time and have got this far on a wing and a prayer. I have however come up with a solution, if it doesn't fit, I will hold a spectacular blog giveaway.....what d'ya reckon? Fancy your luck at winning a slightly too small jumper with no sleeves..............

It has been an odd kind of week, and not in good way, but we at least finished it off in the best way.

A walk along the beach to blow away all the cobwebs and to vent a little steam.....also a proper walk for Chester who is now properly covered by his vaccs.

This is what makes me ridiculously proud to be Welsh.........

If you would like to see fellow bloggers' Year of projects work then check out the ravelry page here.

One a day (a habit is forming)

2012-02-01T02:06:00.000-08:00

I have to apologise that I have yet again missed the day......maybe next week I will get it right!

So my one(but hopefully two) a day progress has been on track.

I've done 14 this week, added to my total last week of 94, makes 108. Actually, making the hexagons isn't as bad as I remember it, so maybe the blanket will eventually get finished!

(Anyone with any photo tips, I would like to be able to photograph this without the red 'glaring' and also, one of the other yarns I'm using (not in this pic) has a sparkly thread running through it, which won't ever show, what can I do with a fairly basic camera to make this show?)

Well, winter has really hit us in our corner of Wales, and I quickly took this pic outside my back door this morning on my return from the school run. This water is brackish (fresh water and sea water mixed) so parts of it are frozen.....that bird out there is impressing his swimming friends I reckon....'hey, look at me!'

Anyway, if you would like to see my fellow one-a-dayer's projects take a look at Gingerbread Girl's blog.

Year of Projects 29.01.12

2012-01-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well, this week hasn't been a massive progression kinda week....but it has been a satisfying week!

I haven't done a great deal on the shawl, and actually it grows incredibly quickly, so I must have committed very little time. The pattern is very pretty already, but will look so much better when it is blocked.

This is what has taken my attention away from the shawl.

The pattern is called Terra , a hooded sweater, and it has been a good learning opportunity for me. Shortly after starting I got into a huge mess where I dropped a stitch, tried to correct it and made an even bigger mess............so after a lot of huffing and puffing and a little deliberation, I decided to start again fully, but this time went the whole hog and taught myself continental knitting, this meant a lot less hassle and quicker progress.....I am still on a steep learning curve but I'm enjoying the climb! I also learnt a new method of casting on......so check me out!

Anyway, enough about me....how about you? How are you progressing?

To check out other people's Year of Projects work see the ravelry group page.

As always, thanks in advance for all your support.....any advise greatly appreciated, my woes are only just beginning with my new sweater as it is a much bigger project than I've attempted before and looking at others details on their Terra jumpers, the outcomes are not always consistent!

Reasons to be cheerful

2012-01-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

Since the new year, I've tried to post this earlier in the week, but here I am squeezing it in on a Saturday again! Today, I am linking up with Planet Penny with my

Reasons to be Cheerful

First reason? It is a beautiful, sunny morning and this is the view of the calm waters outside my back door, its cold, crisp and blue-skyed......what could be be better?

Secondly, I have been given a Liebster award by Planet Penny, but have to admit to being totally lazy to mention awards, as before Christmas I was also given this award by Stocki, Hazel's Crochet, All4meggymoo, The Green Dragonfly and Tea at Weasels.

Do you know.... the blogging world never fails to make me cheerful, I have had my mind opened to new ideas, been inspired to push myself further and been treated to more than a few giggles. These bloggers above, are all truly lovely ladies, whose blogs I love to read and be challenged by, so to be given an award by them makes me feel very special (most people who know me in real life would say I am a bit....well....'special'!) I know that a lot of the brilliant blogs that I read, have also been recipients of this award and I am at a bit of a loss as to know who to award, without inadvertently leaving someone out..........soooo..........can you hear the cop-out coming......

Please take a look along my blogroll, and if you see a new place you've not been to before, give it a try.....I've nosied around a few times, clicking on people's side bars and where the road goes nobody knows! I have to say, rather annoyingly, I have sometimes found somewhere nice but never got back there again!

This is turning out a little longer than I normally whitter on for, but don't want to leave out my last reason for being cheerful.....and that is......... I've learnt to knit continental style.

I've recently started knitting a sweater for myself, which has a lot of moss stitch (seed stitch). Knitters will know this is knit1, purl1, a lot of throwing the wool and pretty tedious. I was toying with the idea of re-learning, but thought my tension would change, however after making a mistake which meant ripping back and that going wrong too (oh, dear, you know those times, when something happens, you try to rectify it and then it just gets worse....) I decided to start again totally. I even learnt a new method of casting on...who knew??

So it is a little slow, but I am already finding a pace and I think it is quicker than my 'English' style moss stitch.....I am a little smug, I can tell you and keep telling my unimpressed hubby to look at my knitting.....bless him too!

Anyway, if you reached the bottom of my ramblings you'll probably be needing a cuppa by now!

Please do check out Planet Penny's place and maybe even join in too, with your

Reasons to be cheerful!

One a day (which day?)

2012-01-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

It is still Tuesday?

Well, if I use the excuse that I missed the day, I will never get back to it........ so,I'm late I know.....but enthusiastic!

So I actually finished my last one-a-day project (which came in the shape of a sunnyspread blanket) in November and then did some Christmas presents, but I am back in earnest now with a WIP blanket, here on in known as the boring blanket.

I actually started this when I first learnt to crochet...I was young, naive and a little wet behind the ears! I soon realised I had no staying power and was drawn into quick crochet flings, promising bright colours, quick fixes, no commitment.........

So I am back, admitting I've done wrong and wanting to put things right.

This week I have done five hexagons and actually found since my crochet has improved they didn't take too long (although I still haven't learnt to sew my ends in!) I will probably end up doing two a day I should think.

So here comes the maths, I have done 89 hexagons so far, with 5 added this week that makes 94 and I think I need ......well, lets not think about it, as that is why it become the boring blanket a year ago!

To see other people's one a day projects, pop on over to gingerbread girl's blog.

In other news, I have discovered that knitting is not quite like riding a bike. As I've previously mentioned, I have got it stuck in my head to knit a jumper, and today, I began! Funny how it didn't come naturally at all and it took some time to remember I needed to reposition the yarn to purl.....sooo..as my brain works, I have been looking this evening at continental knitting thinking that if I could get my head around it, it would probably sit better with my crocheting position, particularly as I am a yarn grabber. Anyone have a preference? Wish me luck as knitting is maybe not my forte! But I'm very determined!

Year of projects 22.01.12

2012-01-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

I must admit to being a little out of focus this week......I have no 'pressing' projects.........and I feel like I'm wasting time a little. It is not often, of recent, that you would find me without a crochet project on the go.

This week I went into the LYS to get some inspiration......bad idea!

I didn't come out with any inspiration, but I did come out with four balls of fingering weight wool/acrylic mix. I didn't have a project in mind and am not really a long-haul project kinda gal,so four-ply was bizarre to say the least!

Anyhoo..........I started randomly making a blanket.......and then realised I was loosing the plot rather, so had a rethink...... and today...........well I started a shawl.....much more like it I think you'll find!

I've also decided that if I am going to complete my YOP list I need to address the boring blanket.....long ago started............long ago given up on! I do like it, but it is going to take forever to do, so I think I will make it my One a Day....(atleast)

(A pretty poor picture, but the light has gone and the photographer has no photography skills!)

So....that about sums it up.....all ideas of knitting jumpers have gone out of the window until I have the right yarn for the job!

To catch up with other people's YOP work....take a look here.

Reasons to be cheerful

2012-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Well, somewhat later in the week than I anticipated, I am joining in with Planet Penny's

Reasons to be Cheerful

Littlest started part-time school on Monday and he has soooo enjoyed his week.

A huge bundle of unwanted yarn from my generous Mum......there is loads of it ........ all different colours and types......where do I start!

Some lovely new china, also from my Mum....this is Nicholas Mosse spongeware china.......so lovely!

I am truly blessed with so much! I am ever cheerful and ever thankful!

Also to add to my reasons for being cheerful, I should add that Chester is now a normal looking puppy again.......last night, while backs were turned and naughty little beagle puppies were up to no good, a certain Chester made a teeny-tiny hole in our collie dog's food bag........the first I knew was seeing a puppy who looked like he had swallowed a beach ball....

After much stress (me), pacing up and down with said pup and barfing (pup) (I wonder if barfing is a universal word)....like barking but with more substance (sorry, so wrong I know) Chester is literally half the dog he was last night....thank goodness indeed!

Anyhoo......quickly moving on.......if you would like to see other people's reasons for being cheerful this week, please check out Planet Penny's post here......and why don't you join in to!

Year of projects 15.01.12

2012-01-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well here we are again, Sunday update for my Year of Projects

As hoped, I've finished my blackberry salad stripe which I gave to my friend this morning for her new baby boy. I made a small car seat/pram sized blanket....hopefully small but perfectly formed.

I am very pleased with the end result as it was squishy and warm, everything a blanket should be!

Can I go a little overboard with pics?

Right....swiftly moving on......a question for the knitters. I can knit a bit and in fact it was starting back at knitting, making a cardigan for my friend's little girl, that brought me very nicely to crochet, and I'm forever grateful!

Anyhow, I'm wandering a little aren't I?

I have some Sirdar Juniper, not entirely sure how much, as my mum thinks she has more at home. My question is, I've been itching to knit myself something hooded, I rather like this but it calls for super chunky, which I don't think mine is (the details say USA 11 and my ball band says USA 10.5 is that a huge difference?) and to be honest this part of things is a bit foreign to me. The other projects with Juniper, did not appeal.....

Anyway....if someone who is clever on the maths front understands my issue and has the answer, I would be very grateful to be let in on the secret....also if anyone knows of a lovely hooded jumper that is not beyond the ability of a knitting crocheter then suggest away!

Thank you for your continuing help and encouragement, it's all much appreciated!

If you would like to see other YOP work, check out the group page on ravelry.

Reasons to be cheerful!

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Routine? What's that? I know I used to have one, but somewhere just around Christmas I must have misplaced it, because we are now half way through January and I'm far from back in the swing of things. Littlest started part time school yesterday and yes....we have a puppy!

I've been enjoying doing something a bit different on the crochet front, making a few squares for Jill from Stocki, this is for the Beautiful Blogger Blanket that I told you about last week. It's been nice trying something different, a quick fix on the satisfaction front. Do check out this brilliant idea, you still have time to add your squares in and have a chance to win the final blanket, the closing date is January 31st.

You know that list of most stressful things..... you know.....divorce, buying a house....tell me...... where does house training a pup come on that? Don't get me wrong, Chester is a fun and cute family member, but boy did I not realise how upside-down he would turn everything!

Second reason for being cheerful we have knocked a week off the time needed to toilet train a mischievous beagle pup!

As I said, routine has gone out of the window and even the 'taken for granted' time I used to have for baking, has disappeared. I'm an old fashioned kinda gal and take seriously cooking and baking for my family. This morning, out of nowhere I found some time.............. and baking occurred!

I've just been for a quick peek, and I am not too late to join in PlanetPenny's

Reasons to be Cheerful

Why don't you join in too with your reasons for feeling cheerful!

Year of projects

2012-01-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I forget what week I am on, but it is probably best not to know!

I feel I'm making decent progress on my list, although this could be due to picking some of the easier projects to be getting on with! I will add some more this week in all probability, so time to ~~nick~~ be inspired by some other people's clever ideas!

I am currently working on a blanket for a friend's new baby, the pattern taken from moogly's blackberry salad stripe blanket on Ravelry. Lovely easy pattern which rather than doing in the cotton suggested, I'm doing in good old Stylecraft acrylic for ease of washing and drying (a big consideration when you have a small babe and two other littlies.) It's a fairly slow make, not sure why, but I should be finished by mid-week and then onto the next thing!

On the pup front, said Puppy now has a name very fitting to the handsome young beagle he is. On the suggestion of Grateful 4 crochet he is going to be called Chester. Apparently when hubby was a little lad he, and a friend's dog Chester, were a mischievous duo, so Chester it is then! It's funny how a lot of you suggested things we had on our list, but just couldn't all agree on.

Anyway, back to YOP work, to see other fellow blogger's progress, please see here.

Thanks for your constant inspirations........Faithx

Reasons to be cheerful!

2012-01-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping I'm not too late....although I'm definitely cutting it fine. Despite my lateness, I haven't been racking my brains for

Reasons to be Cheerful

I have been too busy being cheerful to blog!

I have a blanket on the go! My favourite thing to do as you all know! This one is for a new little baby boy, Kester, born just a few days ago.

The second thing I don't have a picture for, but it is the light streaming through the windows (and my house isn't too dusty for a change) I'm not one who suffers in the dark winter months, but the sunshine streaming through the window is great for the soul!

The third and maybe the most exciting one is that we are getting one of these.

This is our new beagle puppy who we are going to collect in an hour and a half........I am quietly excited and nervous all rolled into one! He still doesn't have a name, we have a long list, but can't agree......any ideas?

I have so much running through my mind and haven't found time to blog at all.......please check out Jill's (from Stocki) Beautiful Blogger Blanket. It is a simply brilliant idea that I can't wait to get going on (I know.....I know I must get on with it) .....its all about blankets, so you know I'm in don't you?! Why don't you join in too, the closing date is 31st January.

Anyway.......I'm certainly very cheerful about that too.....why don't you pop over to PlanetPenny and join in the fun and spread some cheerfulness too.

Looking forward.......

2011-12-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

What a whirl of a week hey?!

We had a wonderful Christmas........... lots of pressies, food, friends, laughing, glitter, .........and here we are at the end of 2011............. wondering what 2012 holds..........

There are fairly big changes likely for us in 2012, which may well mean we won't spend another Christmas in our farm house by the sea, so I was very quietened while taking the decorations down today. I am not one for keeping the decorations up into the New Year, preferring to clear the decks and start anew. I feel full of hope and anticipation for the new, but also truly blessed for all that my family have had in the 2011.

At supper time, we discussed things we would like to achieve in 2012 and I think we all chipped in some good ideas. I have a list of personal things, but most boil down to being a little more confident and a little less 'scaredy'!

I want to start painting again (crochet has totally taken over my life!).

I would like to get some of my paintings, (or maybe even just one) into a gallery.

I want to say 'yes' more often when I know I can do something, but am just too scared.

I want to spend more time playing my instruments and stretching myself technically.

I would like to do more walking as a family.

There are of course a few more here and there, but I think in saying those few aloud, I may be more determined to stick to them! Please feel free to ask in a month or so how I am progressing!!

Today our house guests left and we pushed furniture back into its familiar places (I cannot wait to sleep in my own bed tonight!!) We had lunch and then went out to blow away some Christmas cobwebs and stretch our legs.

It was certainly a good stretch, as following hubby's lead, we went way off track and ended up trudging around for ages with me saying 'I reckon we should turn around and go back' on loop.............of course, eventually it was decided that we may not be headed in the right direction and we should turn around and go back......(HOOORRRAAAAYYY!).......muddy, wet and exhausted

I think I shall find it very difficult to stay awake to see in 2012, as the bad sleeping, late nights, long walk and fresh air have all added up .......I give myself a further hour before I am sparko!

In the past couple of weeks a few of my wonderful fellow bloggers have given me the Liebster award, which I hope to blog about in the next week.......I am ever grateful to the inspirational people I have added to my friends since beginning blogging, you have all made 2011 an even cheerier and more wonderful year.

On that note, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that for each of you, 2012 will be the year when some of the seemingly impossible things you dare to hope for, actually come true.

Faithx

That was the week when I.......

2011-12-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well..........its official..........

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!

This week I have mainly been.........

Wrapping, writing, baking, singing, crocheting, sewing, yawning........

Want to see in pictures?

Nearly a scarf.......but then became a cushion...(time management!)

His and hers hotties

Sparkly armwarmers for my nieces

Twin snakes for twin nephews

Mince pies (traditional and yummy coconut topped ones thanks to Ruth)

Marzipanned cake

Kids craft for mini gifts

So after all that..........I think I may well take a couple of days off.......what's that you say?.........it's Christmas eve tomorrow?........ah, well.........maybe I'll have a nap next week.

Just want to wish you all a peaceful/exciting (delete as applicable) magical, sparkly, tasty, smile-filled Happy Christmas!

Sending you all warm wishes for a lovely Christmas.

Faithx

Reasons to be Cheerful!

2011-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Well, being a Thursday (gosh these weeks whip around quickly!) I am going to link up with Planet Penny and my

Reasons to be Cheerful!

Well we are back from our hollies and I feel...........rested and rejuvenated (?) ......we had a brilliant time, but it was all over too quickly and we packed so much in I was falling asleep by 9pm!

Its exciting to be back into the thick of it for Christmas though and now the panic can really set in!

There was snow on our hols (and by some freak of nature it had only snowed in some places)

There were reindeer (Marigold this one is for you!)

The boys painted some ceramics (I was itching to have a go myself)

And when I got home I had this lovely parcel from the lovely Victoria at yarnroundhook seven beautifully delicate snowflakes, a handmade felt heart and a candy cane and Christmas chocolates to boot, all carefully wrapped........what a lovely gift to come home to!

Another thing I am incredibly happy about is that this afternoon we moved all our cows and calves over the fields and roads and into the shed for winter.......for me, this time is always slightly fraught with tempers rising and plenty that could go wrong! But they are all in, munching on their silage and feeling a little more comfortable on their straw beds. I did take a photo of them all chilling out, but it was too dark to come out, so instead I will leave you with a picture of one of our lovely ladies and a calf just minutes old, born in the spring when the weather was a little friendlier!

So there we have it.....my reasons for being cheerful right now, if you would like to see other people's reasons for being cheerful, please go on over to Planet Penny's blog and maybe join in too?

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments and thoughts.........I always appreciate them so much and yet again feel overwhelmed by my lovely bloggy friends.

Reasons to be cheerful!

2011-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Are you bobbing along or trying to keep up?

Somewhere between the beginning of the week and now, things have changed up a gear, I'm trying not to panic, but I must admit I feeling a little pressured!

This morning a funny thing happened and made me feel a little reflective (in a thoughtful, non-shiny way!)

A friend requested that I make her some Christmas decorations and I was pleased to be asked so hooked a couple of cotton snowflakes and a couple of golden stars, I blocked them carefully (more so than if they had been for me!) and put them in an envelope for when I next saw her. Well, unfortunately, after hoping to see her at my local toddler group this morning and her not making it, I put them under my chair to take home again. While we were singing on the mats right at the end, I saw someone doing a really odd stretch (the type a young man does on a date to the cinema with his new girl!) and the next thing, my envelope was being folded up and put up a sleeve of a lady I don't know. It is very possible that her name might have been the same as the name written on the envelope, but somehow I think that is irrelevant. I came home feeling a little odd about the whole thing, but giving her the benefit of the doubt I rang the group leader to see if said lady had a sudden realisation of what she had done and handed it in.......but no..........I am not confrontational and I hope she will at least put the decorations on her tree.......I hope the stars sparkle and catch her eye and the snowflakes look crisp and white ..........

Anyway.....I digress.....its Thursday and I am going to join in with Penny from Planet Penny with my

Reasons to be Cheerful!

I have been trying to think of reasons apart from the obvious one to think of.........ummmmm..... but no.......much as I try I can't get away from the fact.......

I AM GOING ON MY HOLS TOMORROW!!

We are off to centerparcs tomorrow along with my brother, his wife and their three boys and we are going to have a wonderful time!

There are reindeer, snow, a brilliant swimming pool, great cycle paths, lots of activities....phew, I am sooooo excited!

This week, I made myself a woolly hat to keep me toasty in all the (fake) snow that will be on our hols!

Littlest modelling!

I won some beautiful crocheted snowflakes from the lovely Victoria on yarnroundhook. I am so looking forward to adding them to our family's decorations....how lucky am I!!

Christmas festivities with the children.

This is our towns traditional lantern parade, where the children make their lanterns and the council provide a little torch light to go inside, then there is a procession through the town finished off with Father Christmas turning on the lights. Here you see my boys all full of mischief (the photos that followed got decidedly more ridiculous!)

There you have it.....oh, by the way, did I mention I was going on holiday?!

Hope you all have lots of reasons for being cheerful too, why not go and check out the other ones on Planet Penny's blog and maybe join in too!

Year of projects (wk16)

2011-12-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

Well what a week this has been. Both big and medium boy have been sent home sick from school, I've dashed here and there, cleared up sick.......... and to boot.........they were generous enough to share it with me!

I've also done more than my fair share of crochet with a sprint to the finish on my flower scarf which has already been given and has winged its way to sunny S.Africa.

For all you super-clever folks out there who guessed Springbok last week, I take my hat off in awe, I've got to say my dreadful crochet definitely didn't make it an easy guess!

I re-attempted the springbok for my FIL, and I'm not sure telling you that this photo is a bad one is convincing enough!! I couldn't really say where it all went wrong, but it looked quite good and then I decided to make a badge so it would hide all the ends sewn in and tied off in such a small piece, and to be honest the more I worked the worse it got! I ended up quickly taking a picture and packaging it up before I did any more damage! I'm sure it will have high amusement value!!

I was very inspired recently by Sarah from Crafts from the Cwtch lovely knitted armwarmers and thought they would be a great gift for my two nieces, so I found this crochet pattern and gave them a go, with I think quite good results.

Both dreadful pictures......and how bad that I got biggest boy to model some girly gloves for me! I made them longer than the pattern suggests and will definitely make another pair for my second niece.

In other news I am doing the sums and looking at the list and things are starting to look very busy! I have another blanket on the starting blocks, two snakes, another pair of armwarmers, my mum's present.........

So same time next week then?

If you would like to see others Year of Project work then check out here.

Reasons to be cheerful!

2011-12-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday so I am linking up with Planet Penny with my

Reasons to be Cheerful!

My reasons for being cheerful ( among other things) this week are all Christmassy...........for me, I love to begin decorating the house on the first of December, as the time from now until the big day is like the blink of an eye.

So first things first..................

Our tree is up.........

(it will take a week or so to get other bits and bobs up, but we've started!)

My biggest boy has written his letter to Father Christmas.....unprompted.....but remembering to say thank you first for last year's presents.

My in-laws got on their plane today and they had their pressies with them.........I was so relieved to finish this scarf (yes its just pretending to be an lampshade cover!) .

So short, sweet and Christmassy. My house is making me very cheerful with all the lovely sparkly things..........what is making you cheerful? Why not pop over to Planet Penny's blog and join in too?

One-a-day (29th November)

2011-11-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

Crochet is definitely not for the faint hearted...........in my house it is fast-paced and at the moment a little stressful!

So as you may recall, my temporary one-a-day, is a flower scarf for my mother-in-law who is about to hop on a plane and will be away for Christmas. So I have today to finish and then it will be wrapped to give to her tomorrow!

I'm out tonight.......... and although I am good at multi-tasking........ playing the whistle and crocheting at the same time is not I would say........ my strong point. In my favour, the boys' schools are striking tomorrow, so I could work until late tonight as I don't have an early start tomorrow.

This week I have done 16 flowers.

It's not so much the flower making that takes the time, but all the crocheting together and sewing ends. I have made good progress and at this stage have to say a massive thank you again, to Marie, Underground Crafter who suggested how to join. I feel it is working out well.

As is often my moan, the light is dreadful here today making the colours seem a lot brighter than the more muted colours I have actually used.

Those who chipped in their recommendations with the shape I should go for, will realise that the vast majority said triangular shaped shawl, so I duly went with the long scarf! I did start with a triangle, but decided that a long scarf may get more use, even if placed over the end of a bed etc...

I only have three small flowers to do, and then it is the ~~boring~~ rewarding task of sewing and seeing the scarf come together. When it is finished (early hours of tomorrow morning?) I will try and lay it out flat, so you can see how I've placed the motifs.

Anyhoo........thank you for the continuing support and lovely comments....even if I do blatantly ignore all your helpful advice! Looking forward to seeing how you are all getting along too. If you would like to see more One-a-day work, do check out gingerbreadgirl's blog.

Year of projects (wk15)

2011-11-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well this week hasn't exactly been productive on the crochet front........

I did make a number of stars and snowflakes for the school fayre, of which a few were sold for their funds. This pattern for a star came out of a book I recently purchased and was a very interesting motif to build.

Apart from that, most projects have fallen by the wayside as Christmas presents become more pressing.

My in-laws are off on the annual 'get away for the winter' jaunt to S.Africa this week and I am struggling to finish their Christmas presents. My FIL has a favorite jumper which has a small hole in the front. Lots of joking has been made about making him a flower to cover the hole. So this weekend I have been amusing myself (and it turns out, my husband)..............

.....................prepare yourself for some appalling crochet!

Now you do need to use ~~some~~ lots of imagination, because as this stands it does look rather like a dodgy donkey with deformed legs.....but then again this is a first attempt...........cut me some slack..........

How many attempts do I get? And have you guessed what it is yet?

This one (according to my hubby stifling the laughter) has a Jay-Lo bum so definitely isn't quite right.

Maybe I should check out what a Protea flower looks like...............

Well, that just about sums up this week's poor efforts!

Before I go, I did want to tell you about our walk yesterday with the boys. We had planned to walk around the local reservoir which provides the county's water. When we got there, it was rainy and windy and not at all suitable for a walk, but we did drive the boys around to see how the dam worked.

The realisation that this was the water that came out of our taps was revelationary for the boys.....then followed lots of "eeeeuuuugghhh"s!

There we have it! I'm going to go and perfect my......ahem......motif and catch up with you lovely fellow bloggers. Hope you all have a great week!

Reasons to be cheerful

2011-11-26T02:59:00.000-08:00

You know............. it occurs to me today......... that if dust looked like glitter we'd all find less need to clean.......

Today I am again linking up with planet penny with my

Reasons to be Cheerful

This week saw the culmination of some family Christmas crafting for middle boy's school fayre.

Two hours in a hot and busy school hall and all my fears were proven incorrect and we 'sold, sold, sold'

I am totally inspired by new skills I learnt and when I finish all my other jobs (kidding myself?) I will make some reindeers for our house.

Christmas hot pads scenting my house with cloves and cinnamon.

( a quick make for the boys' old school Christmas fayre)

Glitter!

As much as I've enjoyed my stint of crafting with the boys for the school fayre, I'm so glad it's done, glittered and sold....I am shattered and so looking forward to guilt free lounging on the sofa this weekend!

We're going to head outdoors this afternoon to appreciate our wonderful surroundings.......... breathing it all..........storing up lots of happy memories that we will dine out on for years to come!

What are your reasons to be cheerful?

Do go see other people's reasons for being cheerful and maybe join in yourself?

One-a-day Tuesday (22nd Nov)

2011-11-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

This is a flying visit.....because as ever, I have a million things to do and about quarter of an hour to do them!

I have fitted in my 14 flowers this week which was my aim to make two a day and I think the pressure may be off a little next week, so hopefully I may even stretch to doing three a day.

There are three new pattern flowers in there (the purple ones with the circle around), which have really caused me to smile. One has six petals, the other two have seven......but the best bit is, that the one in the book I am working from has eight.........not sure how I manage it!! Maybe by next week I will have mastered it..........either that or I will just say its part of the bespoke design?

These are them all, not a great accuracy for colour, but hopefully giving you an idea of what I am aiming at.

Now question is.......do I make a long scarf when I join, or more of a triangular shaped shawl?

Come on help my christmas-induced-fuzzy brain make a decision!

Well, only have 999,999 other things to do......ooops and about three minutes left!

To see other inspirational one-a-day projects, check out gingerbreadgirl's blog.

Year of projects (wk14)

2011-11-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas is drawing in and on Thursday next week we have middle boy's Christmas fayre which we have been crafting for.......it's not like me, but I've found this really stressful. Both my older boys transferred schools in September and I feel like we've all been on a bit of a campaign to get every one's approval (probably also because it caused quite a stir when we left the little village school.)

Anyway, next week I will hopefully be revealing a small offering of glittery Christmas makes from the fair hands of all three of my boys (and even my husband too on occasion, this goes to show the level of dedication in this house!)

So crochet? There's been a good bit of that too...........

Went off track a little this week after some friends had their first baby.

I made this with stylecraft, however the stitch and colour I think make it look like it was made with expensive yarn. I worked two colours at once with a size nine hook. Just plain old single crochet, with I think, nice results.

I've also been making a hat for my father-in-law as they are away for Christmas so presents are being done and wrapped now........not entirely sure what he will do with a snuggly woolly hat in S.Africa though!

This is a Robin wool mix and it's gorgeous, so soft and warm. I can't say I am otherwise taken with Robin as I find it to be a little squeaky?

I've been hooking various portable projects too, on the school run etc.... So I've kept myself busy!

Yesterday we all went out for a walk around the local lily ponds. After walking through wooded paths there is a wonderful beach........I'm afraid I don't believe that anyone else lives in a prettier place than I do.......can't be possible!

The boys walked their legs off and I must say last night I was finding it difficult to crochet with heavy eyes!

Do you know.....I feel quite overwhelmed by all of my bloggy friends.....who knew when I started all this, I would feel like I do now! I sooo appreciate the compliments, the inspiration, the giggles.......thank you so much to all you lovely fellow crafters and bloggers.....you make this Little Welsh girl very happy indeedy!

To check out other lovely Year of Projects work.....see ravelry here.

Reasons to be cheerful!

2011-11-17T05:37:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday, and I'm linking up with Planet Penny with my ..............

Reasons to be Cheerful!

I am in my element at the moment with my crochet projects, more WIPs than you could shake a stick at! Friends of ours had a baby a couple of days ago and I am busy making a blanket (my favorite past time!), the promise of another baby due in a month so an instant excuse to make another blanket! Christmas presents, snowflakes..........endless crochet...............

Anyway, avoiding all the crochet excitement, here are three reasons that I am cheerful.

Beautiful flowers from my Mum

My oldest son's class assembly this morning, he makes me soooo proud!

Learning new skills.....this one is almost ready for paint and glitter!

So there you have it........hope you have lots of Reasons to be Cheerful too...... if you do, why not join in with yours on Planet Penny's blog.....or if you need some more cheer in your life, go read others reasons for being cheerful, I'm sure it will put a smile on your face!

One-a-day Tuesday

2011-11-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

So I find myself in limbo..........

My first one-a-day project is finished and I'm actually a little disappointed as it was a nice simple square that fitted well in to my day.........

So I've been pondering my next project and had a bit of a 'my list is how long?' moment!

I have numerous Christmas projects, a 'just because' blanket, two baby blankets.

..............so none of these things lends them self to one a day, as they need doing yesterday........

Top of the list for Christmas?.............The flower scarf for my Mother-in-law, needs to be done by the end of November as they are spending Christmas in S.Africa, so need to take their presents with them.

So it is by this process of thought, that this will become my temporary one-a-day.

I have 19 flowers made.

I'm not sure how many more I need to make, but needless to say its lots more. I have (quick tot up) 14 days to make quite a few more, which will then need placing and joining.

So here is the plan.......(am I making this sound like I know what I'm doing) ..... I will aim to make two a day and then in the last two days I will make 20 in a complete insane crochet meltdown..............

Are you with me???

To see other more relaxed and planned one-a-day projects, see gingerbreadgirl's blog.

Year of projects (wk13)

2011-11-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling quite bright and breezy today.

..............not sure why........new projects............walking in the hills yesterday..........new yarn..........hhhhmmmmm.....................

Well, first things first........as part of this and my One-a-day project I have been doing a sunnyspread throw, and last night I finished it..........finally!

I had been having a little crisis with my ongoing 'will I/won't I have enough cotton?' Well it turned out to be both really.

I just got finished the fourth round of edging and realised with the mini bit left (about 4m!) I wasn't going to be able to do the final rounds of SCs.

The edging was beyond tedious, but made worse by the fact that I had bought a new pattern and the yarn to go with!

So I steamed on ahead and started the new .......blanket!....... (who knew that I would do another blanket!!)

This isn't quite as bright as the photo suggests, but has a more rich palette than my normal brights.

Having gone at this full steam ahead, I just couldn't get my head around the pattern....I hasten to add that this was after 11pm.............funny how when I picked it up this morning it all made sense!

The pattern is quick and simple, so this is not a long-termer.

Also in the mix.........having given up on the idea of sock monkeys for my youngest nephews, I've started on the first of two snakes. Mindless crochet without a pattern seemed like a good idea until I realised that my twin nephews will argue if their snakes are different.

Hill walking yesterday.

Anyway, that's how my week has been going.........looking forward to seeing how yours is going too.

If you would like to see other blogger's Year of projects work, please look here.

Reasons to be cheerful!

2011-11-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

Just as I did last Thursday, I am linking up with Planet Penny, to give three

Reasons to be Cheerful!

New crochet projects!

I have also just 'discovered' my new blanket project (going on the theory that you can never have too many blankets) which given a quick (expensive) trip to the LYS will be started very soon.

Autumn light........

(this is the view from my back door, and this is my permanent reason to be cheerful)

Christmas crafts with the boy and my favorite.........glitter

As I said last week, I have many Reasons to be Cheerful and the very process of thinking about them is very good for the soul.

To see other people's Reasons to be Cheerful please check out Planet Penny's blog

One-a-day Tuesday tallies (wk9)

2011-11-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

Here we go again!

Sorry.........this is a terribly squonky picture, the light is so poor and placing it on the kitchen table seemed like a good idea, until I was standing on tiptoes on a chair trying to fit it in the frame.........if you think this one is bad, you should see the others!

So my tally actually stands at 62 (one must have jumped off the table in these pics). The pattern is an eight by eight square but I actually intended to make it long wise...........but actually...........

Having seen it both ways, I think the square may just be nicer...............maybe less practical, but suits the design? What d'you think?

I think that the little hand has something to do with trouble with maths!

So...........you know what this means, don't you? I have two more squares to do and then it's edging all the way!

I have loved doing this project, in fact I would definitely make another as it has been stress-free.

So the burning question is...........what shall I do next? Suggestions gratefully received.............

To catch up with fellow one-a-day bloggers, please see gingerbreadgirl's blog.

Year of projects (wk12)

2011-11-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

A good week all round this week.........crocheting............... and crafting with the boys......

This week I have ticked two things off my project list, although they were just quick projects.

The first was a little owl bag from anapaulaoli on Etsy. This was a birthday present for a friend's little girl who was three.

This was a lovely project, if not a bit hairy when I put the zip in the back, but this was down to my sewing skills, not the easy-to-follow pattern. A quick and simple make that was happily received!

The second project is a Christmas present for my niece, this is a pattern called Caity Cat designed by super-talented The Green Dragonfly. Check out the other bright and colourful free patterns on her blog as they are all gorgeous. On the pattern there are lovely crocheted flowers on Caity's stripey body, but due to time restraints (it was late, my eyes were closing and I was determined to finish!) I embroidered some flowers instead.

Both projects this week have been fun to do and easy patterns to follow. Its nice to see quick results sometimes isn't it?

I am going now........... off to do some more Christmas craft with the boys for the school fayre where they will be selling things that they have made. The fayre is in three weeks time so I think we are going to have to be very efficient!

I will share some of their things when they have some finished (hopefully soon!) in the meantime let the glittering begin!

Looking forward to seeing what you've all been up to later.........hope you've all had successful weeks as well. To catch up on other Year of Projects work.......check out the group page on Ravelry.

Reasons to be cheerful!

2011-11-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

This week I am linking with Planet Penny again with my Reasons to be Cheerful

I think the process of thinking of reasons that I am cheerful, makes me realise how many there are!

Its the small things that can make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I saw the first lot of starlings swarming this morning..........an amazing sight.............I could watch for hours. There are some amazing clips on youtube if you haven't seen them before.

Anyway.........I digress............my three Reasons to be Cheerful

Snowflakes for babies

Pumpkin pie for tea

(hubby was entrusted with taking it out of the oven this morning and followed my instructions a little too literally to check if set, by sticking his finger in it!)

I won a giveaway!

I won this beautifully handmade phone case from the wonderful Rosie Hearts who has rosiebull designs in Not on the highstreet.com I have admired her lovely things for a good while and her sewing is amazing! How lucky am I to win this beautiful phone cover with sparkles on the front!

Right, I'm going to attempt putting up a youtube clip of some swallows.........no clue how to do it........... lets just give it a whirl!

Ah........easy when you know how (and you find the big icon that says 'Insert a Video')

One-a-day Tuesday's tallie (wk8)

2011-11-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

OOOoooopss, the name of this group is 'one-a-day', but this week it has been

'six-in-an-evening'

As you may know, my one-a-day squares for my sunnyspread throw have been made during school drop-offs and pick-ups....a good system that hasn't failed yet........well until half-term that is..........

The squares themselves are not difficult to make and very quick also, so last night after the boys were tucked up and stories had been read, I busied myself and nearly caught up...... but not quite!

So with this week's six, I am now on 48

Must admit, I have not tired of this project and could easily see myself making another as the stitch detail is so simple and pretty.

Onto other things.............yesterday I read on nicoleandthebee about a lovely project being started by a fellow Raveller, Lynne.

Last year, Lynne's new born son, Sam, had to spend Christmas in hospital. During this obviously emotional and stressful time, Lynne did a lot of crochet including some crocheted snowflakes for her son's incubator. This year she is trying to get other people involved to help crochet enough snowflakes to go into all the incubators in the special care baby unit............anyway to read more about her story and appeal, please look here.

These little snowflakes are quick to make and easy to fit around other larger projects which we may all need a break from now and then........I know I can certainly commit to doing some........wouldn't it be lovely to do something so special this Christmas! Go on.......you know you want to!

If you want to check out other one-a-dayer's work please look on gingerbreadgirls blog.

Year of projects (wk11)

2011-10-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

This week has taken me rather by surprise, it being the half-term holidays and with no school runs to do, I made myself a big to-do list.

I'm quite big on lists, and being able to tick off even a few jobs gives me a great sense of satisfaction. At the beginning of the week, between other things I saw the tape measure and got oldest boy on measuring my granny stripe and my bed. Not so long ago, it was a good way off being finished, but this time when measured it was about three stripes off..........totally do-able!

So first things first I have a finished item on my Year of projects........drum rolls please...............

This is already in full use with three boys snuggled under it on any given opportunity!

So onto another project, I've been carrying on with the flower motifs for a shawl/scarf as a Christmas present.

After asking advice from you clever, fellow bloggers about joining these flowers I was given a great idea from Marie at Underground Crafter so when I think I have made enough I will plan my layout and begin to join.!

Staying with the flowers, I bought a ball of Rico Creative about a week ago and after looking at this link here

suggested by goodpurlgonebad (don't you just love the blogging community!) I decided that I would give it a whirl. I must admit, I haven't stuck to the pattern really as I liked the look of the flowers when I got to round three so rather than carrying on, I stopped there.

This yarn is absolutely beautiful and the colours (not shown well here!) are glorious. This will definitely do well from blocking I'm sure. I had in mind that this would make a shawl too, but hubby says he thinks it should be something less showey like a cushion.............hhhmmmmm, not sure. The person who I have in mind for it, likes cheerful......... so why not wear it........what d'ya think?

So all in all a good week on lots of fronts........crochet........fun........housework..........sorting......... lots of ticks on my list!!

Before I forget, I would like to point you all in the direction of Fee at Chipper Nelly who is giving away some of her gorgeous handmade wooden blocks........take a look

As others have said before me.......never entirely sure why you want to alert any one's attention to these things when it clearly makes your own chance of winning less........hhhhhmmmmmm.........

Anyway, it's all go in my house today as it is Hubby's birthday ('And you're sat here blogging?' I hear you ask incredulously). I have a roast in the oven, although after the amount of chocolate coconut cake we've all eaten I'm not sure there will be anyone much interested in supper! There are veg that need doing and batter for Yorkshire puds.....so must go!

I'm looking forward to having a good nosey about later at all your blogs too........thanks as ever for all the lovely comments and ideas.........always appreciated!

To check out other Year of projects work - please look here.

Reasons to be cheerful

2011-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

I'm linking in with Planet Penny today on three reasons that I am cheerful!

Actually I have a lot to be thankful for, but here are just three..............

Days out during the school half-term holidays

(this particular garden centre had some really strange garden gnomes!)

Feeding the swans.........and appreciating our wonderful surroundings.

It's finished!

Please check out Planet Penny's blog to see other peoples' Reasons to be cheerful posts.

One-a-day Tuesday's tallie (wk7)

2011-10-25T02:14:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling very cheery today!

Its the school holidays..........

I'm actually finding time for some proper sorting through the chaos this week......

I've nearly finished my stripe (I can't believe it, I think the crochet elves must have be working on it at night, as it was nowhere near big enough, and now it nearly is!)

I found two balls of cotton for my one-a-day that I somehow misplaced, and all is right with the world again! (I am officially not going mad!!)

That is 48 squares!

I went into my LYS on Saturday and I bought their last ball of the cotton that I've been using, and resigned myself to a re-think. Last night I decided that I would do one more row of six and call it a day at 54, to make sure I had enough cotton to do the border...........but today..................I have been given a gift in the shape of two more balls hiding upstairs. Therefore the (now) plan is to carry on to the 64 squares intended in the pattern, knowing I will have enough for those and the border...................pheeewww!

I must be a simple girl, as it is the simple things that make me feel like I'm going to burst with happiness!

I am so excited at the prospect of finishing my stripe this week that I am having difficulty containing myself!

Anyway.......enough about me........to see other peoples' one-a-day work, check out Gingerbreadgirl's blog

P.S. A friend sent me this link to the British Sun newspaper yesterday and my liking for crocheted stripes has just been reaffirmed..............check it out

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3881573/Brighton-hotel-is-knitty-gritty.html

Year of projects (wk10)

2011-10-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about Christmas gifts yet? My list is in the making!

My hubby said 'So is this going to be well organised so you can get it all done, or are you going to have some sort of crochet meltdown, where everything else is neglected (think housework, cooking, running kids to school)?'

I'm going for being well organised AND having a crochet meltdown!

This week, I have gone off list kinda, when someone expecting their third child, had their baby four weeks early. Baby and Mum are both home now, but I guess it will take some time to settle when they weren't quite expecting him yet!

Anyway, as previously mentioned, I was looking at all the limp, straggledy bits left from my first Lucy pack, which were not enough to make a whole stripe (and having not even tackled the ends on the colour changes yet, I didn't want to add any more in the mix). So from a big tangledy-mess, I made this..........

This was 'fly by the seat of my pants' crochet, and I think it paid off. I passed the pressie on to the Grandmother after really only spending one evening and a morning on it, so it was super quick (although, I should add it is a small blanket)

I've been wanting to have a go at a ripple for a while, so it has got it out of my system, although I think next time I may try a different yarn to the stylecraft, but I'm guessing that acrylic is a good way to go when it comes to baby things that will be hurled in the machine regularly.

So......Christmas...........

Added to my YOP list are..........

1. Sunnyspread throw (which is my current one-a-day piece)
2. Hot water bottle cover (I am not grabbed by any of the patterns I've seen on Ravelry so far, so I may make it up)
3. Moogly's Blackberry Salad Striped baby blanket (I should have until just after Christmas to complete this)
4. Caity Cat from the super clever The Green Dragonfly
5. Owl Bag

This is definitely not where the list ends..........just where it all begins!

I bought this on a complete whim yesterday as I loved the colours and feel.

...................Any inspired ideas what I could make with it?
(It is Rico Creative Micro DK, 100g 100% micro-fibre (which I'm not sure I even understand what that is?))

Thankyou as ever for all the advice and encouragement. I'm looking forward after our Sunday roast chatting with a very excited eight-year old about his first cub camp, to looking at all your lovely blogs

To follow other peoples' progress on their Year of Projects please check out this.

Camping, crochet and cars.........

2011-10-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

I know I live in the most beautiful place in the world............starting the morning with this can't help but make you smile!

I'm feeling a little......well, I'm not quite sure.

My biggest boy is out on his first cub camp. We dropped him off to do a night hike this evening and we don't collect him until Sunday. He's never been away before and although I feel excited for him, I'm also a bit nervous too.

He's only been going for a few weeks and on Wednesday he was enrolled in readiness for the camp this weekend. This evening I was frantically trying to sew on his badges and was very aware that the badges didn't look like they had been sewn on by fairies with gossamer silk.....rather more like they were sewn on with one of those huge plastic darning needles and wool that you get in kids'craft sets.

The inspiration

I've started and completed and delivered a crochet project this week, which in normal Faith style was a last minute idea, being made into the eleventh hour. One of the babies that I planned to make a blanket for, made an early appearance and ooooppps here we go again

Anyway, I took what was little scraps of my style craft which weren't long enough to make a whole stripe ( I already have more ends than I care to think of) and I made.......well, that would be telling.........but it is also stripy!

The leftovers

In other news......my darling hubby........who I wouldn't dare question his sanity (while others may) is making an epic journey to Scotland tomorrow, to collect his latest car acquisition. He has a need for 'big old boat' cars.....we have owned many......anyway, he has discovered a car which he couldn't pass up and after many failed attempts (including the one when the owner broke down shortly after leaving home) to get it, tomorrow is the day and I will be saying goodbye at 2am and trying to get back to sleep.

I will be back on Sunday to blog about my Year of Projects progress..........in the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

One-a-day Tuesday's tallies (wk6)

2011-10-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

I know I am not alone in thinking 'where are the weeks going?'...........but where are they going?

How good is your maths?

Five up, eight across.......this week I am up to 40 squares, and they are all sewn together........do I sound smug .........

I had a parents' evening at my oldest boy's school last night, and the maths teacher was talking about finding maths in every situation, getting comfortable with numbers, seeing patterns, finding numbers fun.......I must admit I quite liked maths in school and went on to do A-level maths (although since having children my brain has turned to mush!) but I've always been nervous about my 6,7 and 8 times tables. Maybe now my son is having to learn, so should I.

Funny, I have not lost the fear of being picked on, in front of others! I was sitting squirming last night and I am a 'grown-up' (whether I feel like it or not!!).

Anyway.......... I ramble!

The throw is shaping up well, if only just a bit small, but as ever, in my indecisiveness I'm not sure what to do........hhhmmm.........

If you would like to catch up on other people's One-a-day progress, check out gingerbreadgirl's blog here

Year of projects (wk9)

2011-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

If there was ever a week that was shorter than previous weeks, last week was it!

We've done it all, seen it all and bought all the relevant t-shirts......first teeth out, birthday cakes, selling cows, nose bleeds, selling cars, meals out, fish and chips, friends for supper, table-top sales where we made -£3 (yes.....I know!)................life in this household is never dull!

In amongst all this, very few new projects have been thought about, but a few stripes have occurred.

I have been uummming and aaahhhhing about whether I should finish my blanket now, as it is heavy and more than big enough for the sofa. So I figured I would get to the end of the next batch of stripes and call it a day, however on putting it on our bed to take a picture, I figured it is neither here nor there, so I will press on until it reaches the end of our kingsize bed. So another Lucy pack will be on order tomorrow I think!

I will this week, commit to actually deciding what needs to be added to my list for Christmas, I had a slight wobble this morning when I thought it was only six weeks until Christmas, I am fairly sure that is not right, but let's face it, it won't be long until it is!

I have said I will take part in the local school's Christmas fayre, which means I will have lots of sewing to do before long, leaving me less crochet time.............I think I may need to make a timetable all in different colours to decide what to do first!

On another note, please check out the fab giveaway at Annaboo's House I love the concept of Pay it Forward and to have something made by the creative Annaboo herself would be fab, so I'm definitely in!

Anyway, time is ticking on and I have reading, uniforms, supper and baths still to do.........I could just hide, but I figure I would soon be discovered.

Looking forward as ever to reading every one's Year of Projects progress later, when littlest, middle and big are safely tucked up, if you would like to see what everyone else is doing too......see here.

I should also say, I am so amazed at all the encouragement and words of wisdom I constantly receive when needed........you really all are a very clever lot, and without you...........I'd be a miserable blogger with lots of unfinished rubbish crochet projects.......so......ahem.......Thanks.........I am constantly blessed by you all!

One-a-day Tuesday's tallies - wk5

2011-10-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is wk5 which is really confusing me as I seem to have the wrong number, neither a multiple of five or seven! (Trying to recall how many I started with would probably be the answer, but that is too much for my addled brain to cope with!)

A quick tot up tells me I have 31, which is a little odd, as it should be 32, but one has wondered!

I had trouble taking a picture as the light in the house isn't great, and as you can see I am overspilling the toybox!

Just before starting this post I weighed a square again, which came out at 13g. I say 'again' as I weighed a square at the beginning of the project to calculate how much cotton I would use. Problem is, that as I have crocheted, the cotton has been running out faster than I thought it would. The original weight was 10g (work that one out!) so this extra 3g explains how things have been going a little topsy-turvy!

I ventured to the yarn shop and bought another couple of balls, so I wouldn't run out............. now, I am back to square one (well, no I am on 33........but...well, you know what I mean!) so I fear another yarn shop visit is called for.........the only thing that scares me is, that I may get drawn into other things whilst there!!

Anyway, please note that (even with my fuzzy brain), I have 32 squares and the pattern calls for 64, so I am (almost) half way there! And by the end of November I ~~should~~ will have a Christmas present ticked off my list (haven't really got a plan how I do all of the others on time too!)

Anyway, hi to all my fellow one-a-dayers, hope you have all had a successful week!

To check out other peoples' progress, please check out gingerbreadgirl's blog here

Year of projects (wk8)

2011-10-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I picked some of you good people's brains this week and decided to put hook to yarn and get on with it. Thank you for all the useful suggestions, the most helpful suggestion was that I need to change the habit of a lifetime and ..........plan...........

As part of my YOP list I want to do a flower scarf.

I love the beautiful Japanese scarves I have seen on so many other blogs. The bit I don't get is that the book that a lot of other crocheters have used is obviously in Japanese, and not being able to read charts that well, I wasn't confident I would get anywhere.

Anyhoo........I bought a book about motifs and was very inspired, but still unsure about working all the shapes together. I asked about tessellating, but actually it probably isn't the word I was looking for. If I choose a geometric shape they will fit together and I could join-as-I-go, but with flowers, I guess I had in mind that I could pick a few different designs and join each one by slip-stitching into previous flowers as I go.

I tried this design first that I found in Rowan's Vintage Knits book from the local library. This would overcome the joining problem, but it wasn't exactly what I envisaged.

So I used my new crochet book and tried out three different flower motifs.

I want to be able to randomly put them together to make a scarf or shawl, but as of yet, I haven't figured out how. If I join as I go, I will have to select the design and colours carefully and I feel that it won't fit into my haphazard style of doing things!

I have also been working on my one-a-day sunnyspread throw and my Attic 24 inspired granny stripe. The stripe is very comforting to do now, as it is keeping me warm while I work on it.

I have done 4 repeats, that is 68 colours or 136 rows. I chained 240 to begin, so it is wide enough hopefully to go on a bed, and I have read somewhere, that with that width I should get 7 repeats out of each ball, so I am over half way!

I think I will buy another Lucy pack so I have the option to add a bit more, as I'm not sure if the border is included in the one pack with 7 repeats. I also have two friends expecting babies in the next few months so would like to make a couple of cot blankets, maybe a ripple? Maybe a round ripple as I have seen some beautiful examples recently.

I love, love, love this project!

Anyway, I am whizzing off to watch Johnny English with the boys while probably doing a little more striping.

Looking forward to seeing all your great progress with a cup of tea when all the littlest members of this family are tucked up in bed.

Hope you all have a very successful week!

One-a-day - Tuesday's tallies (wk4)

2011-10-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

Well, as ever I seem to be squeezing this post in before my food shop and picking up the boys from school.

My tally this week is 25.

This week I haven't got round to sewing in ends and sewing the squares together hence why the new squares look a little bigger.

I am pleased on how this blanket is going and really have to say it is no trouble, I tend to have a look in my 'chuck it all in' hidey-hole in the car at the end of Monday, and generally the week's work is completed as I do it all on the school runs.............effortless.......... just about!

Haven't yet figured out what I will do about the shortfall in cotton, although I'm pretty sure I want it to be all one colour for the person I am making it for. I know how much a square weighs, but am not really sure how much I will need to make the border which looks very pretty on the pattern......hhhhmmmm, can you tell I am not the best at making decisions!!

(Just spent ages trying to arrange three silly pictures and now everything is slowly unfolding, so I give up)

(now as soon as I type it got worse!! To cap it all off, I got to the end of the post and one of the pictures has gone!!)

Try again..........I want to make a Christmas present for my mother-in-law and was thinking to make a flower scarf, rather like the beautiful Japanese scarves which so many are blogging about at the moment.

Anyway...........taking a look at my newly acquired crochet and knitting book, there are a number of flower motifs which are really pretty, so I hope to give some of them a go this week.

My question is...........you knew there was one coming didn't you?!

Has anyone any tips in designing shapes to tessellate (gosh, that's dredging up some memories from junior school) planning is not my strong point, but planning would probably help with this, as then I could join as I go? Any advise gladly accepted!

Back on subject, to check out other peoples one-a-day work check out gingerbread girls blog here.

Year of projects (wk7)

2011-10-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

.................And there was another week and we're now into October.......................

Today we have had a braai in the sunshine with my in-laws..........not bad going for the UK in October. It is my Father-in-law's birthday today, so we have all well and truly filled ourselves with good food. My poor hubby in the meanwhile is hauling our straw bales in before the rain comes and missed the whole thing.....ah, well we can all tell him how nice it was and he has a plate piled high with food when he turns in for the night.

This week, among lots of other things, I took my boys to a local newsagent, where they have a rack of acrylic at the back of the shop, and let them pick out some colours for a hat each.

Then when they chose their colours I made them change their minds to something more suitable!

The littlest's hat is unfinished, but he was itching to try it on. It is supposed to have more scales and a few spots, so we'll see what gets added on.

It seems like it could do with another couple of rounds, but then all my boys have good sized heads, so I should have thought to increase it a little when I was doing it.

Now there's a cheeky face eh!

Both hats were super-quick, although the dinosaur one probably needs a few extra bits, and middle's hat may well end up with a bobble on it. Both were Ravelry patterns which you can find here and here.

My granny stripe is growing well and looks more wonderfully stripey everyday.

So what does this week hold?

Well I treated myself when I was out with the boys yesterday to two new books, I never buy crochet books, and even now I am amazed I did, but sometimes it is nice to actually see something in print isn't it?

I am still feeling I was a little frivolous, but I could not resist the Christmas one and the other one came along for the ride

Anyway, I have a tonne of housework, washing, clearing...etc...etc...etc... to do and here I am rambling on again. I am looking forward to my Sunday evening of browsing through other people's blogs with a cup of tea in hand.

To find out about other Year of Projects updates, look here.

Bunting and learning

2011-09-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

No one could ever accuse me of being unenthusiastic..........well .............unless mentioned in the same sentence as housework.

So when I saw squigglyrainbow's excellent bunting swap, I jumped in........both feet.

I have learnt a few lessons since then.

1. I really can't sew.
2. Always check out where the blog writer lives, before signing up.
3. Postage to Australia is not cheap.
4. I really can't sew.

The idea is you sign up to make a chosen number of pieces of bunting, sending them off to the individual addresses and then wait to receive the same number back, each individual one being able to either be strung together to make a bespoke bunting for your own house or used to decorate something else........................this is a great idea..................

My bunting contains a little piece of Wales.

The cut out hearts allow the light to shine through.

I love sewing, but shabby-chic was probably invented for me and my dubious sewing skills. The recipients of my pieces of bunting should realise that although it may appear that I threw the things together and then told my kids to sew them up, I actually spent hours cutting, ironing and sewing.

I love bunting, but most of all I did enjoy making my pieces and like to think of a little bit of Wales winging its way to other lands. I wanted to add something extra in my envelopes but ended up being very limited with weight to try and keep the postage costs down, so please know that my envelopes also carry love and blessings from my little corner of the world.

One-a-day Tuesdays tallies (wk3)

2011-09-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

I am so enjoying my one-a-day.

As my project I am doing a Sunnyspread throw and trying to complete one square a day. Each square takes around 1/2 hour, so is very do-able and can be slotted in around my other day to day things.

I find myself grabbing my cotton and hook as I head out of the door in the morning to take the boys to school. I manage the first half while we wait, we are inevitably early (although this may be a conscious decision, as I know as soon as I arrive I can crochet!) and the second half and maybe a start of the next one, at the end of the school day. I had a smirky look from someone I knew yesterday, but I felt quite smug in the knowledge that I have at least one of my Christmas presents on the way to being done.

What else would I be doing with that time otherwise?

Anyway, enough wittering!

18 done!

(There is one lurking in there which only has 11 'rays' not 12, but then nobody seemed to notice last week so I guess it is passable)

I haven't attempted any blocking, but probably will as time goes on and I start to panic about everything coming together on time.

I think the pattern suggests 84 squares, which was where I was heading, however, rather typically of me, I have just figured out that despite being organised and weighing one square to make sure I bought the right amount of cotton, I failed to appreciate that I will actually need more as the blanket has a border........oh. dear, so I may well end up making less squares yet.......I'll see where I get to!

This is a shot of the underneath, which I also really like, although I know most wouldn't have sewn it like I have with the ridge, but I like the geometric feel to it in one colour.

Anyway, the afternoon is fast disappearing and I will be back on the school run shortly, so better look lively.

You can follow other one-a-dayers work by taking a look here.

Year of projects (wk6)

2011-09-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a bit of a flying visit as we have a busy day and I can hear the dulcet tones of my husband returning from checking the stock and now I will be discovered!!

First there was this one...........which made up pretty quickly.........and I was feeling quietly smug! I wanted to make a pair of socks, partly because I hadn't done one (a pair!) before and partly because I wanted to order one of those swirly balls of wool.........I know, I am easily pleased!!

I didn't rush to put the second one on my hook as I was getting too carried away with striping ('in the time it took me to do that I could have done one whole stripe' ...........'washing? ......oh, no I didn't do any, I was too busy with my blanket'......... you get the picture?).

Anyway, it suddenly occurred to me that I couldn't really remember how I did the heel of the first sock and went into a bit of a panic! I have experienced making one sock before, and it is not a good feeling.

So, you will be relieved to know that...............

No camera trickery, I now have two socks..........a whole pair!!

I know that it appears that I have been sitting with my feet up this morning, but contrary to appearances, I have been a busy girl. In fact as I was ~~lounging~~ trying to catch the perfect picture this morning I suddenly realised in my relaxed state that I had forgotten the scones in the oven, thankfully no harm done and I will be providing cream teas this afternoon.

Yesterday we were out at a local zoo and despite miserable weather much fun was had.

My favourite part?

Good thing I am not rustling up some socks for these!

I must tell you all before I shoot off, that my husband actually showed mild concern last night, as to how I would update my blog today when we are out all day..........I am slowly convincing him!

During my blogging, my littlest has picked up my socks and said 'mazing docks' and 'poss' (posh).......out of the mouths of babes.

I like that my kids see me making things and almost take it for granted that I would certainly attempt to make something before buying it (although the tin and string telephones are not so good long distance!)

Now, I have lambs to separate, children to bath, dressing up to be done, family lunch to attend, scones to be served...............

I will return this evening, to catch up with your projects, hope you have had a successful week!

Check out fellow YoP blogs here.

Baking, bananas, bikes and birthdays..........

2011-09-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the day when my littlest turned three.

Normally I bake enough to feed a small army and then a small army turn up and eat everything. This year, we have not had the troops around, so I have been a little more restrained.

This is a first..............cake pops.

I discovered them on Suzanne's lovely blog Crea in the City, and thought I'd give them a whirl.

I love to bake, and what I lack in talent I make up for in enthusiasm! I followed some great instructions online and was doing well until it got to the part where I had my freshly coated cake pop, white chocolate dripping everywhere, thinking, 'so where am I going to put this to set'. Hubby was making all sorts of ~~useless~~ useful suggestions ('What you need is some polystyrene') and in the end they ended up sitting in a couple of bananas and a bagel until I could find something more elegant and fitting for the occasion.

Can you guess what it is yet?

Much excitement to discover a mystery present in the morning...........what could it be?

One sleepy-faced, pyjama-ed three year old

A little more wide-awake..........cake and tractors the way to man's heart!

Our celebrations don't end here, we have a family day out at the zoo tomorrow and then a big family lunch to toast my Dad's 80th on Sunday.

Thankyou for all you get well wishes, I think we got off very lightly and I reckon I will be able to deliver an action packed weekend yet..........not sure how tired I'll be on Monday though!

I was reading Emily's post from Unravelled a couple of days ago, and she was referring to the lovely sunset she had been looking at, it was quite poignant I thought, as I noticed the strange light and went outside to see a beautiful coloured sky with a huge rainbow.

Its a big old world, but we are all under the same sky.

One-a-day - Tuesdays tallies (wk2)

2011-09-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Well, quite honestly I'm in a bit of a dash......school and tescos, but which order depends on how quickly I get out of the house. I would certainly prefer to do shopping without three boys' assistance. Hubby is poorly, littlest is definitely not right and has whined most of the morning (unlike his normal smiley-self) and I have a pre-cold achey neck and sore head...............hhhmmmm, I am going to stock up on all things mediciney (it is a word you know) now and be prepared. Shame of it is, that littlest is three this thursday and my lovely Dad is 80 on sunday, so we need to kick whatever cold/bug this is, in to touch in 24hours.

Back on course, what you all tuned in for..........

I have hit double figures.........just! This is going to be a beauty of a blanket even if I do say so myself!

Now for all you observant people, can you see the square with the obvious mistake?

Answers on a postcard...............

Looking forward to looking at all your progress when all three are tucked up in bed.........maybe it will be four with poorly hubby too.
Catch up with my fellow one-a-dayers here.

Year of projects (wk5)

2011-09-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

This week I have been mostly................chasing my tail!

As previously mentioned, crocheting-on-the-go has become my new best friend.

I am still to work out the finer details, discovering on my first venture into this new world that I was completely unprepared.

I need a bag.
I need some mini-scissors.
I need to make sure it is a light place....otherwise, I could try a head torch?

Do you reckon I could carry it off?

Oh Granny stripe, how I love thee...........

I have finished the second run of 17 colours and I am still loving every minute. I am going to stop showing pictures now, for fear of boring you all, but do know that I am striping away and enjoying every moment.

My one-a-day pile is gradually growing

This project is perfect for mobile crocheting (mo-cro?) so will easily be finished for Christmas, as intended.

Ah, the socks........I've started to really stress that I am not going to be able to re-create a second one to match the first, so I have picked them back up and am determined to get them done and dusted. Admittedly I didn't quite understand the pattern when I did the heel, so I made it up myself ........now you with lots of experience will be saying 'well, that's ok, as obviously you wrote down what you did.'...........hhhhmmmmm, herein lies the problem..............

So there we have it. I have been thinking on extending my list, and will soon, but as it stands my feet hardly touch the ground during the day due to new school runs so it will have to wait a little longer.

I am really looking forward to sitting now with a cup of tea and reading what all you clever people have been up to. For more 'Year of project' blogs, look here.

Have a great and productive week!

Woolly things

2011-09-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, spent with lots of wool..........

It's all change here, down on the farm and some of our ladies are going to be boarding a lorry next week to the hillier Anglesey countryside..........I'm not sure all of ours speak welsh, so I wonder how they will cope?

We were a busy crew this morning, hubby, three boys, fuzzy haired lady (me) and Ned (dog). Ned to all intent and purpose is reportedly a sheepdog, but we know better. I have a feeling he is actually a little scared of the ladies, especially when they stamp their feet at him. Sometimes he works like a dream and the sheep all come into the pen easily, most of the time he is far too excited by the quad to actually be listening to any instructions.

You will never see Ned on the sheepdog trials currently on tv in the UK.

Our sheep are actually magic, as they don't need shearing and shed any wool that they get over the winter when the weather gets warmer in the spring. The birds in our area have the luxury of pure sheepwool lined nests, taken from the fences and hedges, so everyone is happy!

The week has been a busy one, still not quite in routine of the school runs, but I have taken up crocheting on the go, which so far is quite good. I need to find a little bag to put a small project in to keep safe. I made a square yesterday for my sunnyspread, only to realise I didn't have a scissors with me, so ended up having to pull the other end of the ball to start another. I struck up conversation with a few at the pool yesterday while trying to get a few rows done on my second sock...........so all is well in my crocheting world.

On the subject of both wool and crochet, I wanted to point you all in the direction of Little Woollie who has the most gorgeous giveaway at the moment for this cushion. I must admit to agreeing with others who say they are telling people through gritted teeth, as the more of you who visit, the less likely I will win it! Check out the amazing blanket that Jules has been making too........it is absolutely stunning.

Anyway, gotta run.......have an impatient husband 'tutting' in the kitchen and tescos awaits........lucky me!! I will be back tomorrow with my Year of Projects update.

Until then, happy Saturday all!

One-a-day - Tuesday tallies

2011-09-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well, as I haven't been going for a week yet, this post is rather disappointingly lacking big double figures!

That is it, I'm afraid...........but I am on the way and a couple of months down the road, I will have my finished throw........go me!

To see others' more notable progress.........please see here

On other things, I have decided on my design for the bunting swap.

Which rather nicely lets the sun shine through on the cut out heart.

On a totally off-topic ending, yesterday was a very exciting and emotional (rolled into one) afternoon. Our family car was put on the top of a lorry and taken away........the excitement from three vehicle-mad boys was tangible. My littlest let out a little whimper as the car was hauled on top and despite having a lovely new replacement, I was sorry to see it go too.

Year of projects (wk4)

2011-09-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, week four already..........although it has gone quickly, I have definitely achieved more than I would have done without the year of projects, so it is all good!

My time has been a little limited this week, due to 'back to school' and a few busy evenings. The evenings may prove to get busier with various clubs and things that the boys would like to attend. I have never really crocheted much in public, but I think it will be on my horizon, otherwise I will never get anything done.

The elusive ball of red arrived on Friday which was so exciting I can tell you (there it is snuggled in my bag) I have striped it in and it hasn't disappointed.........

My granny stripe has been calling me, but in my head nagging away is also the fact I saw a mahousive spider two days ago, heading for my stripe project bag and I can't quite shake the fact, that it may jump out on me and shout 'BOOO!'. Most unimpressed with my husband who failed to catch it, this thing must have been on performance-enhancing steroids, as it clearly won the race!

I can't tell you how much I love the colours, the stripes and the yarn, I am so glad I didn't wait longer to start it.

The sock monkey is finished and pretty much as I expected, he is fairly ugly. I was a bit over enthusiastic with the stuffing, so it looks like he could do with signing up for slimming world and the acrylic used really was quite nasty. I half read the instructions and started decreasing a little to early on the head, but despite all this, he is extremely popular with all three boys, who all want one now. I feel it has been a worthwhile project and I will definitely add at least two more to my list for presents this Christmas. I will modify things a little maybe so he appears a little less obese!

Elephant ears and sausage arms and legs........not a good look!

I have bought a big bag of cotton this week from the LYS which is going to make a sunnyspread throw for the one-a-day project and also a Japanese flower shawl as another present.

I am motivated and keen, when I finally figure out how I am going to make more hours in the day, there will be no stopping me!

Rollercoaster ride

2011-09-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

What a week it has been!

Just before my boys broke up for the summer hols, my husband and I discussed moving them from the local rural village school, into the much larger scarier town school about 9 miles away. After much to-ing and fro-ing, tears and stress I took the decision to move them. So this week my two older boys started their new schools and I don't feel like my feet have touched the floor since.

Previously, the boys were conveniently picked up by the school minibus from the top of our drive and returned in the evening.......so easy I can tell you. Now I travel in and out from town and once I get home it feels like I get about three things done and then I am back on the road again.

To most, I guess is sounds like we have done the unimaginable, but for us and our family it has definitely been the right move (if I keep saying it, it might sink in!!) Our middle boy is happy as larry, not a lot fazes him as he is class clown and very laid back. Our oldest is taking more time, but has a few new friends and so many amazing opportunities for him in the new school. The littlest will start in January and I feel sure he will be happy and confident in such a good school with excellent resources. New beginnings are always a bit daunting, but sometimes hanging on to the familiar because it is comfy and convenient is not the way to go.

On a far less philosophical note..........crochet.........

With great enthusiasm I signed up for the one-a-day challenge set up by gingerbread girl and then with all the organisational skills of a.......very disorganised person........... I missed the start!

I have decided to do the Sunnyspread throw from ravelry and have spent some time pondering colours for the person it is intended for. I did show you a square I made up in a yellow ochre cotton.........

But felt a little wobbly about the colour, I loved it, but felt it might be a little strong for someone else. So rather cautiously, I chose a very pale lilac, far safer and neutral. ............maybe one day I will make an goldy coloured one for myself........truly sunny.

Anyway I did the second square on a 5 hook (the pattern calls for a 6) but felt it was a bit gappy, so I have settled on doing it on a 4 hook so it is a little tighter. Each square takes a little over half an hour, so should be do-able and as long as I am disciplined, I will have a tick off my Christmas present list in a couple of months!

I have just about finished off my sock monkey, ready for my Year of Projects post tomorrow.........

..........and...........long awaited and much anticipated, the ball of red has arrived!

I will be striping again soon!

Year of projects (wk3)

2011-09-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

This project has legs!

I'm not sure if the intention of this Year of Projects challenge is to make lots of WIPs, but in my case it definitely is. In my defense, I made a flying start on my granny stripe, but was working with only 16 of the 17 colours, unfortunately, like watching paint dry, the last ball has still not arrived so I am being like a small impatient child. I don't want to go onto the second phase of stripes without using the missing one first, especially as it is red and therefore will possibly cause an imbalance if missed. I also started to work on the front of my cushion and have had a definite mind block over exactly how I made the small square last week........ridiculous I know, but I have made and frogged so many squares that I have also had a tantrum about that and stuck it back in the bag.

Onwards and upwards anyway...............this week I received my first ball of swirly wool (much excitement I can tell you!) and after a few swear words and a very patient hubbie, I managed to make it into a ball........I did toy with the idea of not making it into a ball and working from the hank...........hmmm, I know........boy, I'm glad I didn't do that!

Anyway..........I have one sock made!!

I also have the other in the making, so there is every chance they may become a pair! This project has been a good one as I have learnt a few new skills (winding a ball of wool, being one of them) and new stitches. Despite being told that crochet socks are not always comfortable, these are really lovely (although I'm not sure the red-ish colours are a good look on my milky white legs!) and have a nice lace pattern to make the project a little less boring.

Alongside my socks I also started a sock monkey last night. It has to be said that the cheap, scratchy acrylic I am using doesn't make for the best looking monkey, but then I have a feeling that it won't really matter to my littlest monkey. I am going to use this as a bit of a trial actually, as I think I will make at least another two of these for Christmas presents.....although maybe not out of these carefully ~~thrown together~~ picked out colours.

On the subject of Christmas, I have decided to put a few more things on my list with just that in mind. I have started a one-a-day project as suggested by gingerbread girl and am going to make a sunnyspread throw. This got me to thinking about what else I could make and I rather surprised myself by realising I could maybe get a few things done now and save the last minute spending/panicking that normally takes place in our house the week before Christmas. So this week, I will start making my list and then tag it on the bottom of what I already have and hope that out of somewhere I will find some drive and sense of urgency to get the job done!

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else is getting on with, I am feeling all 'glowy' inside at the encouragement from fellow crocheters.......thankyou!

Reading the small print!

2011-08-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

What a week this is shaping up to be.

Monday was spent in the gardens of a local 'big house' recently on TV. The kids were in their element, rolling down banks and running around in the great expanses of lawn. Various homeade jams and chutneys on the parish stall, birds of prey, dog showing, bouncy castle, bbq. The sun was shining, there was food (!!), there was a tour of the house...........just perfect!

Tuesday was friends to play, baking and crafting with kids, polished off with a trip to the pictures.

Today is a picnic with more friends in the park..........friends and food, what could be better? You can see I am driven by food can't you!!

I have been pondering the blogger award, thinking about my lame efforts to award 15 other bloggers as the rules of the award called for, and I wanted to put it right. I have to also mention, that I have this week been given the award again, one time by goodpurlgonebad and the other from Louise at tea at weasels. I am very grateful on both counts as both blogs are brilliant and inspiring to read.

I smiled to myself when I re-read my last list of interesting facts, as I had written that I had the most appaling memory and then proved it by totalling forgetting the seven facts needed and writing out ten instead!!

Anyway, as I said, I clearly disregarded the rules and I am about to put it right. I have only been blogging a few weeks, but in that time, I have read some lovely blogs and been encouraged by some really talented people. I know so many of the blogs I read, have already been given awards, so there a probably some bloggers who are currently trying to find space on their bowing shelves......anyway here goes..........are you counting?

1. goodpurlgonebad a fellow member of the Year of Projects, clever crocheter undertaking the most beautiful babette in rainbow colours.
2. annabooshouse home of the very cute korknisse people, a lovely blog packed with lots of crafty cleverness!
3. beberouge lovely crochet and embroidery and also part of the bunting swap I have recently joined.
4. Aurora blythe a really pretty blog, full of crochet and vintage inspiration.
5. Rosie hearts beautiful sewn goods and fabric, her sewing is amazing.
6. Crafts from the cwtch I first came across Ravelry's Year of projects on Sarah's blog and she inspired me to join too. This blog is packed with lovely crochet and knitting, all too clever.
7. Chaos, kids, crochet and cake a lovely blog of crochet and family and cake, just the perfect combination!
8. With needles and wool Ruth is another Year of Projects fellow blogger who creates lovely dishcloths, scarves and beautiful headscarves.
9. Unravelled Emily has a blog filled with lovely colourful crochet and great family stories, just lovely!
10. Hand 2 heart africa another colourful crocheting blog from the year of projects.
11. It started with Ruby another inspiring year of projects blogger with beautiful knitting and yarn pictures.
12. Squiggly rainbow my new blogging friend who has just organised a bunting swap.....brilliant!
13. Crafty Clare super talented in both knitting and crocheting, check out the genevieve sweater she has just shown.
14. Page after page another fellow year of projects blogger with lovely knitting projects and colourful pics.
and breathe.......
15. Knitspiringodyssey another blog I have started to read with the year of projects, lots of interesting things and lovely knitting.

I can now (hopefully) sleep tonight, knowing that I have read the small print and done things right. I will not bore you with another set of random facts about me, once in one week is probably enough!! I am struck by what a friendly bunch you all are in the blogging world. The encouragement and advice already in my early days is just such a surprise. Anyway, thank you again for the awards I am honoured!

Onto more pressing matters.........blankets!!

I have done it.........I have joined gingerbread girl's one-a-day challenge on Ravelry to make a Sunnyspread blanket. I have this in mind for a christmas present, so figured I would try out one square and see how it went. I am loving this colour (which isn't quite as orangey in real life) but my hubbie thinks it is all wrong. I am guessing as a gift it may be a love it/hate it sort of colour, so I will probably go with a safer option, but definitely all one colour and in cotton as I think it is soooo pretty.

And......even more exciting.....I have bought myself some swirly balls of yarn..........very excited, I see everyone 'talking yarn' and showing pics of these twisty balls and I had yet to have some of my very own. So these are they, intended to be made into socks, although I am rather scared in advance, not having attempted doing good 'expensive yarn' socks before...........wish me luck!

Year of Projects (Wk2)

2011-08-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well, week two has whipped around pretty quickly and I am back on Sunday update again! A few weeks ago I was on a bit of a lull with my crochet, unsure which direction to take and uninspired by my current projects. Joining the Year of Projects blog-along was the good prod that I needed to get going again. A good crocheting friend (she is both a good friend and a good crocheter!!) refers to losing her crojo (her crocheting mojo) and I definitely feel like I have mine back. Mind, before you get too comfortable thinking you are in for a few hours worth of photos and wonderful prose, I will bring you back down to earth with a bump and say despite finding my aforementioned crojo, I've done very little ;-)

I came home from a lovely day out on Thursday, to discover that the postman had brought my granny stripe yarn. This was fantastic, however, as I was going out that evening, I was unable to do anything. The anticipation during Friday was just about bearable and once the kids were in bed, out came the parcel.

Granny striping at random turned out to be quite scary, I did the first two colours and instantly regretted my choices. I wouldn't say I am a great planner, I tend to plough on in and hope for the best and I was beginning to think this was not the way to go. After much angst, I was pretty sure random was a bad idea, but by the time I got to colour seven, I was beginning to go with the flow a bit more. I have so far completed 12 of the 17 colours (Lucy Attic 24 Stylecraft pack) and feel that it is balancing out a bit better. I am really enjoying it as it so simple and very quick...........the fact I am feeding my blanket addiction can not be overlooked either!

Sticking with the granny theme, I have also started a cushion out of some Wendy cotton. I love working in cotton as I like to see the definition in the stitch. The back of the cushion is completed but I have yet to sew the ends in. The front I want to make out of small squares using the same four colours.

What I would like to do, but haven't tried yet, is to do another round but offset it, so it will be like a diamond within a square.....does that make sense? I also think I will do a join-as-you-go method to work all the little squares together.

So really, not a lot to show, but I feel like I am back with the crocheting world!! I was reading gingerbread girl's blog yesterday and was really caught up with her idea of a 'one-a-day' blanket. I know I have a million and one things I want to do, but then could one innocent little block a day hurt? And there would be another blanket at the end of it...............

Friday fun!

2011-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the school hols are nearly at an end and sorry to say it, autumn is just around the corner. The boys and I have been out with a few of our friends today for a teddy bear's picnic in the woods. It rained heavily, there was mud-a-plenty and much fun was had by all. It was my boys' idea of paradise as they waded through streams, slid down banks, splashed in puddles and landed in mud. After enjoying a proper picnic sitting on wet logs, we were well and truly caught by a heavy downpour so play was called off. We've been to the same woods before (although it has to be said, in better weather previously) and it always strikes me that times like these, with good friends are what life should be like.....simple, inexpensive, adventurous and ..........muddy(?)

This morning while nosing around a few other's blogs, I saw a brilliant idea which has had me thinking a lot today. Over on squiggly rainbow she has had the inspired idea of a bunting swap, which I think is huuugely exciting and have immediately signed up. Can you imagine getting bits of bunting from all over the world to make your own bespoke bunting? As ever hubby was not 'getting' it.............but hey-ho, I am loving it!

A few days ago the very lovely Liz at yarnberry passed on the Versatile Blogger award to me, which I was really pleased about. What a lovely surprise from someone who has such a lovely blog themselves, check out the beautiful new shawl she has just finshed today, it is absolutely gorgeous. Thankyou very much Liz!

Anyway, with this award (as you all will already know) comes the dubious task of having to tell you all,seven things about myself......so.......hhhmmmm..........let me think.................

I am teaching myself to play the Uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes, think Riverdance (also think ghastly sound when played by me!))
I have a Blue Peter badge for being in a book that they published many centuries ago.
I love sparkly things.
I am a little scared of birds/bats/moths actually anything that flaps and could get caught in my hair (now that makes me sound like I have massive hair!!)
I love christmas.......infact, I have even started dreaming about it already.
I would love to go on Come Dine With Me.
I like wearing stripes.
I love icecream.
I have the worst memory in the world.
I am a total foody!

Well, the last part of the giving of an award is to pass it on......in previous times the award has been passed on to 15 other bloggers, but to be honest this would be a major task, as soooo many of the clever bloggers I like to read have already been given this. So I am going to pass this on to one other new blogger, who started blogging around the same time as me. I pass the award on to Louise from Tea at Weasel's whos blog I am loving reading, lots of crocheting, sewing, colour....its all there and somehow this amazing lady manages to do this on top of looking after her brood of lovely boys.........I take my hat off to you Louise!

Well, that just about finshes off my post for today, apart from to say how excited I am to have started a new crochet project which is just as exciting in these early stages as I hoped it would be! Pictures to follow on my Year of Projects post on sunday.

Such a perfect day........

2011-08-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love feeling like you've had a good deal?

A couple of weeks ago my sharp-witted 91 year old Gran noticed a voucher in a national paper for free childrens' admission to National Trust houses and gardens, never one to miss a trick she was on the phone to let us know and today we took the boys to Colby Gardens in South Wales.

Big open spaces, trees, flowers, sunshine and great food................what more could you ask?

Places to explore, adventures to be found and no need to keep being told to 'quieten down'.........

Wild animals in their natural environment...............

All things to make a person very happy indeed.

And to top it all off?

Coming home to find the postman came with my long awaited parcel................so, this time...........can you guess what it is yet?

Year of projects (wk1)

2011-08-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Well, having signed up for Ravelry's blog-a-long year of projects just a few days ago, this is my first post about my progress (if I had thought about it more carefully I could have joined on a saturday and given myself even less time to complete very little!) Anyway, progress is progress, even if it is just becoming better organised and more 'workish'!

On my 'Year of projects' page I have listed a number of things I want to do in a year (up until June 30th) this included to make some realistic birds........well I soon dropped the realistic and just stuck with birds!

I know what you are thinking, that robin looks mighty fat, he hasn't ruffed up his feathers because he is cold.....no the facts of the matter are, that I actually made another bird too, but he ate it.........who would have thunk it eh?!

Fly away, fly away

After enjoying my new feathered friends for a day, I decided it was somewhat cruel to keep them captive, so this morning I went out side and released them, after some emotional goodbyes they were gone, sad and even now I'm finding it hard to contain myself, but I know it was better for them to be in their natural environment. Maybe in years to come they will come back and visit us again.

On a lighter note, a couple of days ago I ordered the yarn to make my granny stripe, I have such a burning desire to own one that I could not control the urge any longer. Hopefully it will be here at the beginning of the week.

So here it is, back out of the bottom of my project bag, the boring blanket. I have done about 10 hexagons. Not much I agree, but it all makes a difference, and is certainly more than the none I have done for the past three months.

I know it will be lovely when it is finished, but in the meantime it is so......<yawn>.......boring

So there we are, progress I think, although maybe not on a monumental scale. Not sure what I will do next week........crochet eh.........it's a fly by the seat of your pants sort of hobby isn't it ;-)

Until next time, enjoy your Sundays.............

Chocolate, balloons and crochet

2011-08-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of many dimensions. My middle monkey had a hospital appointment and by way of a treat, we stopped in the local bakery and chose some yummy cakes for everyone for lunch. Everyone got rather sticky, but the littlest monkey certainly took the biscuit.....or should I say the whole cake........

The boys finally finished their 'Hot Boons' (so called by little) after much sticking, painting, glueing, cutting, weaving, glitter glue, pom-poms, feathers and sequins. They are now proudly displayed in their bedrooms, with all of them finding a small teddy to go in each.

Which just left me............I've been in a bit of a lull with my crochet, there are so many things I want to do, I have flapped and done none of them. Well............finding three boys engaged in crafting.........I did wonder why I wasn't doing any myself, so I hopped upstairs grabbed a few odds and ends and started...........any guesses?

Food for thought

2011-08-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Serious talks with the headteacher of our boys' school. Sorting through 300 ewes and 450 lambs with the ~~hinderance~~ help of three bouncy boys. All getting wet down to our underwear while sorting aforementioned sheep..............all in a days work............

Made better when I saw the perfectly timed pressie from my mum today.

The vicar's chicken

2011-08-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day for tying up loose ends (and sewing them in.) This is the vicar's chicken, promised at the school Christmas fayre last year, when I sold out. It was made that very weekend, but remained unstuffed and lifeless until today. The vicar wasn't in when I called, so I left it on her doorstop......my hubbie thought it was all rather sinister!

While I was in the mood for sewing, I figured I would put together another gift I made a couple of months ago. This is for a poppy loving friend of my mother's. Again, another thing started and then put to one side, I am nothing but consistent!!

I took a leaf out of Lucy at Attic24's book, and used a thrifted jumper to make the back of the cushion, as Lucy explains to do here.

Of course, doing these two bits of work could make one rather smug, but my smugness was short lived because on uncovering all these half-finished jobs, I also discovered 'the boring blanket' which lies mockingly in my work bag. The thing is, I do like it, but it is going to take me ages to do and there are things I would rather be doing. The first time I worked out how many hexagons I needed, I worked it out to be about 800, after sitting down to settle my nerves I calculated it again, and now figure it is more like 450. I have done 80-ish, but it is not the granny stripe blanket of my dreams, and therefore it remains in my bag.........

What a diference a day makes.

2011-08-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how things can change in just a day isn't it?

I've been keeping an eye on my plum tree, knowing that if I didn't, I would miss my chance. The plums have been plentiful this year, actually, I'm not sure I remember any that actually ripened last year. So a couple of nights ago, when watering the greenhouse, I took a wonder around the garden......I know maybe I make it sound like it is mammoth, but its funny how you can be out there but not see anything properly. Anyway, seemingly overnight, the plums had ripened and were ready to be picked.

So out I went yesterday fighting off the wasps (which had also been keeping an eye on my plums and felt they were just right too) and made a good harvest.

The thought of turning them into a pudding seemed very frivolous (and it would have been huge pudding!) so jam they became.

I am feeling very smug and squirrel like to have made 8 pots of jam, all sitting happily on the shelf ready for winter.

Well.......actually winter maybe pushing it, as a large dollop went straight into a cakes, that don't last five minutes in this house with four hungry boys.

I haven't let on yet.

I have endured large scale paper mache with three sticky boys and a beach party in the drizzle this afternoon.

I have to go and make supper shortly............. but in the meantime................. I am sitting with my cake and a cup of tea quietly typing away......now that is frivolous!

Booo!

2011-08-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

So here it is, in my mind long awaited, my first attempt at a blog entry. I don't normally have problems chatting, but somehow starting this is a little weird. I'm almost waiting to hear the echo of my voice coming back

"Is there anybody out there?"

I have so enjoyed hearing what everyone else gets on with in their blogs, that I wanted to be a part of it all too.

Gathering In

A little about myself, I live with my husband and three boys in Wales on a sheep and beef farm. I dabble in lots of different makey things, I paint landscapes and animals, I play a plethora of different instruments and I love to cook. I am unfortunately so busy doing those things, I find I hard to fit the mundane things (like housework) in!

I started crocheting just over a year ago, and just can't get it out of my system. If you can crochet one in an hour, I probably have. I'm not great at long-term projects, but have discovered that if I do some little things at the same time, then somehow it will all come together. I fear I may have a blanket addiction, and have a burning desire to make a granny stripe, which hasn't happened yet, as I won't allow myself until I finish the boring blanket I started in March. I was young and foolish then and went with the first idea I had.....so there it is......make your bed and sleep in it! In the meantime I can only dream about what my life will be like with a huge granny stripe blanket.

Well, if there is just one person I may have met today, it has been lovely to meet you, I look forward to hopefully meeting you again. Faith x