granny squares

nothing echoes the retro kiwi bach theme more than the granny squares blanket/throw. This blanket is destined for the bach. As a child in the seventies, the first thing I learned to crochet was a basic granny square. Thinking back, it seems that granny squares were everywhere... clothes, hats, bags, cushions, throws, blankets... 

On the bach 'to do' list is cushions for the lounge. Inspired by the granny square I've started work on a  selection of granny squares to piece together for cushion covers with a licorice allsorts colour theme. This is a good mobile project to take to volleyball.

crochet crinoline lady

put gingham and crochet together and the end result is a beautiful supper cloth with crochet edging and a crinoline lady posing at each corner. Without a pattern, it took some trial and error to get the lady to look just as I wanted her to and I'm very happy with the result.

I'm on a bit of a crochet buzz at the moment, so next I'd like to try making this swan doiley. Why? I love working in miniature and the idea of crochet swans with long delicate necks and tiny beaks really appeals to me. For true nanny chic, the finished doiley will be displayed underneath my maidenhair fern.

The bach is booked for the end of year holidays. This year we're heading to Scandrett Bay which is the next bay over from Martins Bay where we usually go and we're staying in the 'Graham Bach'. As you can see, there's a 70s retro theme in the decor and the water is right at the door almost. All my favourite things in the one place! We're still set to visit Samoa later this year too.

groovy play dress & poncho progress

the groovy play dress has been a stop/start project which at last seems to be coming to an end. I was a little off when cutting the gingham for the bodice and didn't notice that the checks tended to curve slightly downwards until the bodice was sewn up. Usually I'd be unpicking and making a new bodice but as it's destined to be worn by a very busy, playing 2 year old, I've decided to leave it as it is. The pattern was drafted from Enid's 'Toddler Clothes' pattern book. I took quite a bit of fullness out of the skirt part of the dress. All that's left to do now is handsew the bodice lining and hem in place, make button holes (thank goodness for automatic buttonholes), sew buttons on and then sew on a pocket.


Meanwhile Miss 2's crochet poncho is making good progress. This was meant to be an 'in front of the telly' project in the evenings but sometimes it's hard to stop when the tv goes off. The colours look good together and I think Miss 2 will be very happy when it's finished and ready to wear.

crochet poncho

Giveaway post - 27 May - 2 posts down from here!

remember the poncho? as a kid I had a lovely crochet poncho that my mother made for me complete with pom poms and a colorful fringe. At the Clevedon market this morning I saw some really great examples of the modern poncho. Wow! I was so inspired that I as soon as I got home, I started making Miss 2 a poncho. Think purple, pink and white and shell edging - just not sure about the pom poms yet!

craft finds

my latest craft finds are these 5 amazing crochet birds patterns from Annie's Attic. They're from 1983, so I guess that makes them 'retro'? I've never seen anything like them before. In case you're wondering, I bought them just because I liked the idea of them... however, I can't see myself making them. The owls in particular are gorgeous. I'm always amazed at how creative and talented crafters are, to make up patterns to share with the rest of the crafting community. Hope to do that myself one day.

Not much else on today. It's another hot day at 24 degrees, so I'm in the shade with Miss almost 2 keeping cool! It's my 20th wedding anniversary tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to celebrating it with my dear hubby and children. See you tomorrow!

Crochet rose

I finished the Queen Anne crochet scarf yesterday (I posted about it earlier in the week) and then thought that a matching crochet rose would be an ideal accessory.

This crochet rose was made up using the strip method. It took a few tries to get it right. My earlier attempts turned out to look more like rosettes.

I cut out a felt circle and then sewed the brooch pin to it before glueing it onto the back of the rose. I did think about adding some petals to the rose but couldn't find the right shade of green wool.

Another Queen Anne crochet scarf

Just making another Queen Anne crochet scarf as a gift for my daughter's class teacher. This time I'm making it up in a acrylic/wool blend with a lurex thread. Hoping to have it finished by the weekend.

I've also been working on some softies as presents as well as starting on a soft toy for the Toy Society christmas drop.

Knitting needle holder

With some left over fabric from lining my craft bag, I made myself a knitting needle holder. Although I like to use the shorter length knitting needles that are about 25-30cm, I've left enough length for the holder to acommodate the longer needles, and there's also space for 4 crochet hooks. Getting the bias binding right was a bit of a challenge at 4am and the ribbon makes a nice touch. Very pleasing result!

Handmade gifts

Stayed up last night to crochet a Queen Anne scarf as a gift for my daughter's student teacher, Ms Joseph, whose leaving on Friday. I made it up in a denim coloured double knit with a 3.5 hook. Altogether it has 100 motifs (50 doubles). It looks about the right length for a scarf.

Then I made a fabric flower brooch using a tutorial by blairpeter. I used some of my fabric sample swatches in teal and pink tones. Very pleased with the result and so easy to make. I'll certainly be making more.

PS: Ms Joseph loves her scarf!

Queen Ann crochet scarf

For me, there's nothing better than doing a little crochet when the tv's on. I'd seen a few Queen Ann crochet scarflettes on etsy and thought I might have a go at getting the stitch right. This was my first attempt with double knit wool and a number 2.5 hook. I'm very happy with the result plus it grows so fast. When I'm not doing my doll sewing, I'll be experimenting with different wools to see what varying finishes I can achieve. Next thing to do, is work on some crochet flowers for brooches. I'm committed to giving only handmade gifts this Christmas and this scarf is an ideal pressie.