Holiday Hooky

I keep these five adorable little stones-within-stones on the windowsill behind my desk to act as a sweet reminder of holiday time. Do you remember them from last year? We are off again this evening, making our 300 mile journey south to spend time with my family by the sea. I am looking forward to it so much, can't wait for tomorrow, to wake up to the sound of gulls flying overhead and the scent of sea salt in the air. Lovely.

An essential part of my own personal holiday preparations is to make sure I have some sort of portable hooky project ready to go. This time last year I was busy making Mr Snakey Chops, and I have fond memories of working on him whilst away by the sea. My ripple blanket is really too big now to count as a Portable Project, so I've come up a little something to keep me happy during the next week or so. I'm using a yarn new to me, it's Rico Essentials Merino DK.

I was given the above six balls more than a year ago but didn't quite know what to do with them at the time. The colours are really scrummy, but six simply isn't enough for a colour junkie like me. Luckily I've found a local yarn shop that stocks Rico (hoooray!) so I was able to make a quick visit yesterday to choose a few extra colours to add into the mix. The colour range in this yarn is really good, there are more than 30 to choose from. There's a great mix of saturated brights and deep jewel tones along with some paler, more muted colours. I was very pushed for time yesterday, so could only spend about five minutes faffing with colour choices, it was quite rushed and a wee bit frantic. I did briefly ponder on adding in some deep purples, reds and dark blues, but in the end I found myself unexpectedly drawn towards the greys and browns..............

Look, see what I came away with?!  The greys in particular are really beautiful, I love them. They sit amazingly well with the brighter shades, look...................

Ooooooooooooooooooo yummy scrummy!

So I've now got ten shades to play with, you can find them all over at HCS Crafts which stocks 38 colours at £3.79 for 50g, with free P&P if you spend over £25. They also ship internationally. Here is the colour info>>

top row, left to right........

:: 05 red :: 15 berry :: 10 fucshia :: 66 sun :: 04 acacia ::

bottom row, left to right........

:: 45 mint :: 27 jeans :: 97 mouse grey :: 53 wood :: 20 mauve ::

I am really happy with these colours, I've spent quite a while just playing with them and getting a feel for how they work together.

I couldn't wait to get started to see how it worked up, It's always exciting to do something with a completely new type of yarn. I made a start last night once Little B was in bed, I'm making another  simple circular cushion cover, similar to the one I made a few years ago (you can see it in this post). I wanted something quick and easy and pleasurable to work on, and this fits the bill nicely.

This is lovely yarn to work with, warm, soft and easy to crochet (I'm using a 4mm hook), it really is a dream.

I was so excited to see how the greys would work in with the colours, this is a New Thing for me colourwise and I tell you I am love, love, loving it!

Adding in the yellow completely altered the look of it, I'm going to follow on now with some rows of brights (acacia, berry, jade, jeans...) I get such a buzz from playing with colour in this way. Whheee, so happy about this sweet little bit of Holiday Hooky!

Right, I need to scoot off now and try to bring together some piles of clean clothes for us all, it'll be the usual chaos of stuffing things into plastic bags, shoving it all in the boot of car and hoping for the best. We have no idea what the weather has in store for us, so we shall aim for multiple layers, with waterproofs and sturdy shoes, crocs and swimming costumes on standby.

Back in a week with my soul full of the sea, see you soon ♥

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Comments

[Barbara]

Hi Lucy,
I know you're not much into this blog-award-game, but I just wanted to let you know that I've passed the "Liebster Blog" award on to you - 'cause your blog is definitely one of my favourites on the block! :)

Enjoy your holidays,

Barbara
http://made-in-k-town.blogspot.com

[Kate]

Have a lovely time- remember, wool shop in South Street to check out.
I love colour, but greys and soft tones also very alluring indeed-I veer between the two.

[Akhila]

The yarn look yummy. Have a safe and wonderful trip:)

[Rose]

Have fun by the sea and get plenty of good ozone Lucy.

[Sandra Licher]

Whoa Nellie! That word verification is TOUGH! Do you really have a problem with bad comments? I don't use it at all but then I don't have as many followers either.
I just wanted to tell you..I have absolutely gone nuts over your colors and your designs! Like you did over that artist...that's the way I feel about you! I never realized how much I loved color until I saw your blog! WOW! Do I ever love color!
I ordered Stylecraft yarn from "across the pond" for me and it is wonderful! The colors are luscious and vibrant and it's so soft...doesn't feel "acrylic" at all! Much nicer than the ones I can get here. I have started the ripple and LOVE it and I just started the Granny Stripe in a smaller table runner or chair cover size. I am having SO MUCH fun! They are addictive! I can't stop! LOL! You are the most inspirational blog I follow! I get happy every time I visit you and I keep wanting to start more and more projects! Like the flowers from yesterday...LOVE!!!! Thank you so much for blogging and sharing your talent and your "wee people" with us! I love everything you do and I am slowly going through your archives. I also love Bertie Meadows but she doesn't post much. I've featured you and Bertie on my blog and always linked back to you. I'm glad you're all feeling better so you could go visit your parents at the seaside. Have a wonderful time and meanwhile I will continue with your archives! Happy Easter!

[Kristen]

Indulge me a moment of shock that you've bought brown yarn...okay, I LOVE it! I always think a dash of neutral makes all the bright colors look so much more themselves, kind of like salt in the soup, know what I mean? Your project is fabulous so far. Enjoy your gorgeous holiday! :)

[Sandra Licher]

This is a test...I have commented (lengthy) and lost it all as it would not accept it...so I'm testing first.

[barb yerke]

Have a wonderful holiday. Can't wait to read all about it.

[quirky-vintage]

I would never have picked those greys and browns in the wool shop but they look gorgeous all mixed in with the rest. I always just pick colours I like without any thought for what looks good together and then wonder why something just doesn't look right. Thanks for inspiring us again-have a fab hols! xx

[idiosyncratic eye]

Safe travels, the yarn reminds me of the Snuggly Bamboo colours, there's lots more gorgeous shades available now, I wonder if you can use that for crochet. :)

[Renee]

Those colours look amazing together so far! Have a wonderful holiday xo

[Katie B]

Luce, D'ya remember one of our 1st projects together in Year 1 wrapping coloured embroidery threads around card strips to evoke mood etc in thread?

Your yarn pics reminded me of those days, & your colour choices are, as always "Goigous".

Happy Hols, love from Katie B (Eastering in Sunny Wales) x x

[Cathy]

ENJOY your week! Sounds like so much fun!!! Wish I had a place like that to visit!

Your yarn colors are lovely! ♥♥♥

[Ali]

Hi, Lucy - I live in the USA but love reading your blog. Your color sense inspires me. Do I recall correctly from previous posts that you'll be in Dorset? If so, are you familiar with the ghost village of Tyneham? I was just reading about it - taken over by the Ministry of Defense in Dec 1943, enforced evacuation of the inhabitants, and never returned to them. It sounds like a fascinating place to visit - only open at certain times of the year since it's still owned by the government.

[all4meggymoo]

lush colour choice's. I always try and get a good portable hooky project for a long trips and camping breaks.
Hope you have a wonderful break and I look forward to seeing your finished cushion.

[Lucy]

Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside. Have a lovely break. :) x

[Rebecca]

I love reading about your little day to day happenings. (And all the lovely colored crochet!!!) As my mom is Irish, but grew up in England, I get to hear all that cutesy colloquial dialect that you use! It makes me feel like I'm hanging out with all of our family friends when I read your blog. Feel better and keep warm!

[patricia stephenson]

wow thanks for your latest pics and enjoy your holiday and take care see you soon xxx pat xxx

[Maggie]

Oh Lucy,I hope you have a really lovely time together on holiday and of course it goes without saying I can't wait to hear about your travels.
Much love
Maggie x

[Miranda]

Yay greys!!!!! My favorite :) they look beautiful next to the bright colors!

[Bonnie]

Have a gorgeous holiday and looking forward to seeing your lovely photos! Love the colors you choose for your "hooky holiday" project!!

[maypole]

Hope you have a wonderful week

[Maggie]

Enjoy your hooky by the sea! Maggie xx

http://prettyflowersinthewindow.blogspot.co.uk/

[Nikki Relffe-Arnold]

Have a fab holiday Lucy - will look forward to seeing your finished project when you get home. Safe journey xxxx

[Nadine]

Have a wonderful holiday with your family, Lucy! I love, love, loooove reading your posts!