May in a Nutshell | 2015

Posted in Family, In A Nutshell, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

May started off rather horribly for us as my Dad was unexpectedly rushed into hospital, he was very very poorly with sepsis, which they think was caused by a pharyngitis throat infection, which caused his organs to start shutting down. It was a super scary and very worrying time; my mum, brother and I pretty much camped out at the hospital for over a week but I am delighted and thankful to say that he is much much better now and back home. BIG thanks to all the doctors and nurses that looked after him at the Royal Stoke University hospital!

We were supposed to have been going on holiday the day it all happened, obviously we cancelled but poor Little G was confused and disappointed as to why we weren’t going on holiday. She is a bit too young to understand what was happening with my Dad – all she knew was that we weren’t going on holiday any more and that I wasn’t around much so it was quiet unsettling for her too (though she asked if we were going on holiday now every time she saw me). Once my Dad was better we decided we would all benefit from a break away and some family time so we went on a one night mini-break to Youlgreave in the Peak District.

We were thankfully blessed with good weather and the next day we had a delightful stroll down by the river. It was so lovely to get out in the fresh air – I was sucking it down into my toes!

Little G had much fun with Daddy exploring a little cave that we found…we had an indepth discussion on the possibility that it was where the Gruffalo lives?

I enjoyed seeing the vibrant bluebells that were all around…I’m glad that these pretty flowers are protected in the UK and I’m pretty sure they have been voted as Britain’s favourite flower (correct me if I’m wrong!). Little G asked me why they didn’t ring if they were bells; I told her they do ring but it’s so quiet only the fairy folk can hear them – what do you know she could hear them ringing after that! Love that little girl!

Crochetwise it’s been another busy month; I have been busy working on orders for lovely customers including hooking up a couple of my Spring Grace Ponchette; I’m seriously in love with how the silver version turned out!

I also finished working on another exciting design which will be available exclusively in the forthcoming summer edition of Happily Hooked Magazine. I finished up my Sophie’s Universe to the Garden part (blogged about here), hooked up a Yoda by Lucy Collins (pattern book review here) and released another free pattern for the Doodle Zoo gang; Ezra Elephant which I blogged about here.

I have also been hooking up Block 10 and Block 11 this month for the CAL and as always I have really enjoyed seeing the different blocks you have all been hooking up at home!

Another very busy month!

9May2015

April in a Nutshell (2015)

Posted in Crochet, Family, In A Nutshell, Life, Outings by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So we took Spring cleaning to the MAX this month by deciding to decorate the whole house! It meant that I pretty much couldn’t find anything for the majority of April as things were packed and moved into other rooms and we changed furniture around. I seriously cannot believe how much STUFF we have accumulated over the years! I found 5 pairs of glasses of old prescriptions whilst cleaning! Why I still have them all who knows but I have now donated them to Vision Aid Overseas, I also recycled some old mobile phones to Oxfam. With all the decorating I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to go through and sort out drawers, wardrobes everything really before putting it back – that took infinitely longer than anticipated but at least we are now not only clean but we are also rather organised. How long it will all last is another story! We donated so much paraphernalia to the MacMillan Cancer Support Charity shop down the road it was unreal. But it was all good gear just that we no longer needed and I’d rather not throw anything away if it’s still useful. I’m rather ashamed that this stuff has been sitting around gathering dust in drawers for years – I should have done this ages ago! It’s really a very cathartic exercise having a really good clear out!

I have to say though sorting out my stash was a part I enjoyed! All safe and sound in my spare room we set up some shelves and cleared some space for my yarn babies. This bookshelf is pretty much filled with Sidar and Stylecraft double knit as that’s what I tend to work with the most and I had some of my special yarns (many different brands) on the second to top shelf, it’s really great to be able to see what I’ve got quickly. All the rest of my stash is now in 5 x 7 litre tubs! Is it strange that I love just looking at the shelves?

I knew I had a lot of yarn but I’ve never had it all in one place really until now. My plan is to start using up some of the stash but it always happens that you will need a colour / weight of yarn you don’t have! And its super hard when you get your hands on one of these…my new Stylecraft shade card – squeal! I LOVE IT!!! I wish all brands did this, it would be sooooo helpful!

We also enjoyed an early Easter didn’t we in April and for once the weather, particularly on Bank Holiday Monday, was really lovely. As we were decorating we did our Easter in one day on the Monday, an egg hunt in the morning followed by a trip out in the afternoon to a local wildlife park then tea out at a carvery! Little G loved the adventure playground the best; it really was just lovely to be outside without coats on for a change!

Crochetwise I have been very busily hooking away this month; I released into the world my new beaded make-up bag pattern exclusively available in Happily Hooked Magazine which I blogged about here, my Spring Grace Ponchette which I blogged about here and another free pattern for the Doodle Zoo gang; Finlay Frog which I blogged about here. I have also been hooking up Block 7, Block 8 and Block 9 this month for the CAL. The UK weather remained obliging and I had a great photo shoot with the first 8 blocks – I’m thinking I need to add a bit more green though as it’s perhaps the colour I have used least.

I also did a pattern test for a cute little amigumuri which I’ll blog about soon! Finally I finished up my Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds square for the Deramores Blog competition which I blogged about here – phew!

Nothing like keeping busy!

7Apr2015

March in a Nutshell (2015)

Posted in Crochet, In A Nutshell, Life, Outings by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So what happened in March? It already seems so long ago now that we are a few days into April!

As a family we went for a little weekend away in mid March to Stratford-Upon-Avon, it was lovely spending some quality time together as a family. We were blessed with fairly good weather and we had a great time wandering around the historic town, the MAD museum and the butterfly farm…

we even managed to fit in some hide-and-seek…

and enjoyed a most fabulous cream tea in a quaint little cafe with THE most DELICIOUS home-made cherry and sultana scones YUM!

Crochet-wise I spent most of March finishing up a big Afghan gift for my great Aunt’s 90th birthday (ta dah moment coming soon!) and an Easter order or two….

Released into the crochet world this month was my new bowling bunnies crochet pattern which I blogged about here, and another free pattern for the Doodle Zoo gang; Rowan Rabbit which I blogged about here.

I also hooked up Block 5 and Block 6 this month for the CAL. I’m loving seeing the work of everyone that is joining in with the CAL; such unique takes on the same pattern and some seriously gorgeous colour schemes! If you are on Pinterest I’ve started a project board that has the details of the squares and the block collages which you can view here. This month I also joined Instagram; I’m still learning the ropes but you can follow me here if you want to see my works in progress.

Finally (!) I’ve been continuing the work on the Sophie’s Universe CAL – I quite behind still, something like round 4; catching up slowly but she’s definitely getting bigger and I’m loving it so far!

Nothing like having numerous projects on your hook!

7Mar2015

Feeling Springy!

Posted in Crochet, Family, From the Stash, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

It was a balmy 16 degrees here in Staffordshire today which for the beginning of March is almost unheard of! There wasn’t a cloud in the blue blue sky and it was such a lovely looking day we decided to go out for an afternoon country walk.

It was great to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! You almost don’t realise how cooped up you can become in winter until you can go outside comfortably again; most recently here it’s been a case of only going outside if you have to because it’s been so cold and unpleasant.

I noticed little bits of green showing through in the woods today which is quite exciting. I know it’s not officially Spring for another two weeks but today it felt really Springy! I felt that winter is finally over (or soon will be) for another year and hurrah to that!

When we got home we enjoyed a chocolate brownie, that Little G and I had made earlier, with a nice cuppa tea….yes they did taste as good as they look!

and as Little G played with her Lego (new found passion!) with Daddy I sat and had a little hooky time.

And on my hook? Well funny you should ask, it was something entirely unplanned and the folks in my Facebook CAL group are to blame for showing off theirs! I’ve started working the Sophie’s Universe CAL by the most fabulous Dedri Uys from Look At What I Made.

I’m a fair few weeks behind but I’m in no mad rush. I’m just really enjoying making it! I’m using a 4mm (US size G hook) and some 8ply double knit yarn from my stash (I’m trying to be good and use some up before buying more – we’ll just have to see how well I do with that!). I’m only going to use the 7 colours (as shown above) in total so it’s going to be fun to work out the placement of my colours.

I’m finding it really quite therapeutic working in rounds with the different stitches that complete each round – it’s certainly keeping my interest. I’ll be sure to let you know how I get on as it gets bigger!

8Feb2015

January in a Nutshell (2015)

Posted in In A Nutshell, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I know I always say it but I can’t believe how fast the year is going already. In January I went back to work after the holidays and we have all quickly fallen back into our familiar family routine. January is a busy month for me anyway with my husband’s and my daughter’s birthday so it always seems to be over in a flash and then before I know it we are in February.

As it was a significant birthday for my hubby this year I treated him to a weekend away for us both. We don’t get to go away together often and with Little G in the safe hands of my parents we took the opportunity to enjoy ourselves. We stayed in a lovely hotel in the Lake District; I don’t know whether you can tell from the picture from our hotel room below but it was snowing big fat flakes at us whilst we were there, totally different from home, however there was a nice wood fire in the bar downstairs…

So my little one turned 4 this year (which I’m still trying to get my head round – where did that time go!!!) and one of the activities we did together was to made her cake for her Nursery friends. There was a lot of munching on the rainbow cherries (aka smarties) more than actual decorating going on but we got there in the end. At the weekend she had another birthday cake at her fancy dress party with all her little friends. Some things never change though, just like last year she didn’t want the party to end! Our activity this weekend has been to write lots of thank you cards to everyone!

And in crochet world this month I’ve been working on some new designs for this year, I’ve done a couple of pattern tests for designers and released a new free pattern, the Moroccan Window 12″ Afghan Square, into the world for my first Crochet-A-Long (CAL).

The CAL I completely decided to do on the spur of the moment, after being inspired by the fabulous Moogly CAL last year. I’ve always wanted to take part in a CAL and I remember thinking that the only way I would be disciplined enough to complete one would be to do one myself. It has been keeping me pretty busy behind the scenes and like anything new mistakes have been made and there are things that I would definitely change if I ever did this again…

What has surprised me though is that so many of you have joined this CAL with me! I never dreamed that there would be so many. There are now over 1300 people in the Facebook CAL group, which is held together by the support of 3 wonderful volunteer admins, and I know others are following on twitter and here on the blog.

I’ve been loving seeing all the variation in colours…

And I can’t wait to see all your finished final blankets!

Thanks to everyone who is crocheting a-long with me!

1Jan2015

Happy New Year!

Posted in Blogging, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Happy New Year!!! I’m excited about 2015; it’s the year of the sheep which means it’s definitely the year of crochet!

I’m looking forward to a new year of crochet projects and I’m super excited about my very first CAL (Crochet-A-Long)!! which starts in just 6 days time!

Thank you all so much for reading my blog this year; I hope you will join me in 2015 and that 2015 is a year of prosperity, luck and opportunity for you all.

7Jun2014

Amazing Grapghan Prize

Posted in Blanket, Crochet, Family, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So the postman brought us a exciting package today all the way from Maine, USA!!! It was my prize from a competition I had the good fortune to win run by the most fabulous Open Skye Creations who, almost other wonderful crafted creations does the most wonderful graphghans.

My prize was a custom made graphghan which I decided I wanted to gift to my daughter. As she has an unusual name I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to have something personalised especially for her. April, the friendly owner and guru of all things graphghan, and I chatted about different options and finally settled on a simple cat design (one of Little G’s favourite animals) for the blanket in plain colours (so it would match anywhere) and of course with her name on top (in her favourite colour)! It’s an amazing blanket and Little G absolutely loves it and her ‘special kitty blanket’ is getting lots of use for downtime snuggling on the sofa and for playing hide and seek!

HodgePodge Crochet did a blog spotlight on how April makes the graphghans but as a generally nosy person I wanted to know more! So I thought I would ask her a few questions!

Heather: Why are you called Open Skye Creations?

April: April in Latin means ‘to open’ and the reason I started my business is because a good friend of mine named Skye encouraged me to so. Hence ‘Open’ and ‘Skye’. But then I knew I wasn’t just going to crochet, I do all sorts of crafts, so to be versatile I went with creations!

Heather: I know you as a graphghan expert but how did you get into making graphghans?

April: I remember when I was seven, my childhood wasn’t great – but my great grandma was there for me and she taught me how to crochet to handle it all. She was the first person I ever saw making a graphghan. She used old school graphing paper and was making an ocean scene with a dolphin for a little girl. I immediately wanted to have my own. To which she replied – not until you learn the basics. It took me four years! Four years of learning how to crochet before I was allowed to try to make a graphghan – and when I did try to make one, it was terrible! I never finished it and I gave up in frustration. Then when I was a senior in high school I tried again. It worked! And I was hooked. But I wasn’t savvy enough to take pictures or post them on facebook. That happened after my son was born and I had nothing to do but play with him and crochet all day! So I guess you could say that I’ve always loved graphghans.

Heather: I just look at a graphghan and think it would take a hundred years for me to make something like that – how long does it take you on average to make a small graphghan blanket?

April: To put it simply on a graph that is 100 stitches wide, I can do a row every 2-3 minutes (with a bunch of colour changes). I average about 20 rows an hour and can finish a blanket in one sitting if I have nothing else going on. Unfortunately we always have stuff going on! Even so I can finish a blanket within a week.

Heather: Where do you get your inspirations from for your graphghans? Or is usually through customer requests that the ‘image’ is formed?

April: I stalk people! In a nice way! Take the graphghan that you have. I take a mix of what I know you want and then I add some flare. I make it unique so that even others that have the same graph would have something completely unique. To find out what they like I ask questions that are inappropriate or intrusive for a stranger to ask but I do it. It gives me a sense of who the blanket it for – and it works! I love getting to do what I do. Every graphghan I make has a little bit of skill and a whole lot of love. When I’m crocheting I only think good thoughts, putting hopes and positive thoughts in the front of my mind because I believe in karma. I believe that what you put out into the world comes back to you. And I only want good things out there!

Heather: Thank you so much for answering my questions! What’s the best advice you can offer someone that wants to try a graphghan?

April: The best advice I could possibly give someone who wants to make a graphghan is to not give up. Seriously- it doesn’t matter if it takes you a year to finish your first one just have a go! And if you need help I make myself available to anyone wanting to learn; you can send me an email, facebook message, fill out the contact form on my website, snail mail me or whatever. I am open to answering any question – and there are NO stupid questions when it comes to crochet!!

It was great to learn more about April and Open Skye Creations and if you want to have a go at graphghan’s then check out Open Skye Creations website where there are lots of free graphs to try!

25May2014

Happiness is a wonderful family day out

Posted in Family, Life, Outings by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

We’d decided with it being Bank Holiday weekend that we should have a family day out together and as today was the better weather forecast off we set to Wollaton Hall and Park in Nottinghamshire. I have very fond memories of the Hall as it was somewhere my parents used to take my brother and I regularly as children so it was great to take Little G there today.

Wollaton Hall

The Tudor Hall was originally built in 1588 and has been a small natural history museum since the 1920’s. On a fine day it’s great to go and have a look at the exhibits and then walk round the gardens.

and it appears that yarn follows me everywhere! We came across this yarn bomb on a park bench in the gardens! It was knitted not crochet but equally as awesome in my book – I just love the different pastel colour stripes.

As well as the Hall and Gardens we also took a little walk in the deer park. The deer are completely wild but don’t seem to mind all the nosy humans as long as they are nice and quiet and don’t get to close – even so they allowed us to get pretty close!

We were blessed with good weather (the clouds passed mid afternoon and we actually saw sun!) and Little G was as good as gold; a perfect Princess of May!

Wonderful, happy day!

15May2014

April in a Nutshell …. still busy!

Posted in In A Nutshell, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

It’s been another busy month but I do prefer to be busy than twiddling my thumbs. Inbetween working and crocheting we’ve managed to fit in some fun family activities. We went to the circus (first time for me and little G), went on a day trip to the zoo and did lots of digging and planting in the garden. I’m not very green fingered (unless it’s house plants) but I do try! Last Bank Holiday Monday was spent very pleasantly in the garden planting pansy’s and viola’s in tubs and baskets for the patio with support from apprentice gardener Little G which she thought was great fun. As Little G’s favourite food is tomatoes we brought her a tomato plant of her very own and she thoroughly enjoyed the process of putting a plant in a plant pot just for her.

And just look how much it’s grown already!!!

Crochet wise I have been quite busy working on some big custom orders but still managed to squeeze in the time to release 1 new pattern and a 1 new FREE pattern into the world…

As it was all about Easter in April I released my Easter Bag Buddies which Little G loved using in the Easter Egg Hunt we set up around the house. That was such a magical afternoon seeing her little face light up with glee as she found each of the eggs we had hidden.

My new Afghan square pattern this month (for my self set mini challenge to create a new Afghan Square every month for 2014) was my Mini Filet Square which I blogged about here. I was really pleased with this square and I’m just waiting for someone to make a blanket out of the pattern and send me the photo (hint, hint!)

Now we are in May I am hoping to get the 3 big custom orders out the way (1 down, 1 half started and 1 to go) and I’ve got a couple of new patterns with my lovely testers at the moment so I’ve got enough going on to keep me out of mischief!

Have a happy month of hooking!

17Apr2014

Getting a bit crafty with string eggs

Posted in Family, Getting Crafty, Life by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So as it’s nearly Easter I swear that string eggs are everywhere! As they look so cool I thought Little G and I would have a go at making some as the one thing I do have a lot of is spare yarn lying around.

If you want to have a go at making them here’s what you will need:

PVA kids glue
A saucer or a bowl to put the glue into
Wool or String
Scissors
Small Balloons (or water balloons)
Some treats (in wrappers)
Apron (it does get messy!)
A tray to put your string eggs on to dry

1. Make sure you have an area you don’t mind getting messy and I would suggest aprons for anyone involved!

2. Stuff your treats inside the deflated balloon and then blow up to the size you want your string eggs. The treats I had brought were like chocolate coins so it turned into a fiddle-fest to get them inside so I would definitely suggest roundish treats!

It’s only natural that not all the chocolate will make it inside the balloons if you are working with small children…

3. Next put your glue into the bowl, you will need quite a bit as you need to soak the string or wool thoroughly.

4. Then start to wind your gluey string or wool around one of your balloons; this bit gets extremely sticky and there is likely to be glue splash! You don’t have to wrap your eggs too neatly; cross the yarn in lots of different directions to make an interesting ‘cage’. You will need to wrap the balloons enough so that your treats won’t fall out.

5. Once you have finished wrapping your balloons you will need to set them aside on a tray to dry; we left ours for a couple of days…

6. Check to see if the yarn feels hard and if it does pop your balloon. You may need to snip the balloon a bit to release the treats this can be a bit tricky. Once the treats are free you can then pull out the balloon bits leaving the chocolate behind and that’s it, place on a shelf and admire!

I really love them! I have now added them to my Eastery looking shelves ready for Easter weekend! Hope you all enjoy a lovely holiday with your family x