I've started a New Project. I wasn't meant to cos I've not edged my ripple blanket yet, but somehow I got drawn in to the excitement of beginning something new and it feels pretty darn good. Anyhow, I was in need of a Holiday Project, something easy and satisfying to take away with me for a week, and this will fit the bill nicely.
I'm back with the Stylecraft. A good friend of mine made a giant King Size ripple blanket with it (an awesome creation) and didn't want the leftovers hanging around any more. So I offered to buy them from her (there was a bag full) and added them to my own left overs. Tipped them all out on my table in a colourful, slightly tangled pile and had a good yarny play.
There are most of "my colours" here (a few missing) with a few extra darker colours thrown in (the navy and deep purple). It's a little bit heavy on the blues perhaps, but overall I still really adore this bright and jolly palette of colours. It's become a tried and tested formula for bright and jolly blanket making, and I'm delighted to say that I do still love it.
I spent some time rolling up the smaller, more tangled yarns into neat little balls to plop into my bag.....what a sweet way to spend an hour! Such pleasure in the simple task of balling up yarn ready for a new project.
The yarn gathering and balling all happened a few weeks ago, but due to the very hectic nature of life at home with three Little People, my new project got off to a slow start. I managed to sneak a little bit of outdoor hooky time whilst Little B napped one afternoon to make a start......
....and this is what came about. A string of easy-peasy 5-round granny squares, joined on-the-go.
Not a very original idea (see here and here), but wonderful nevertheless.
This is where I'm up to now....I'm making a third blanket for Connievan to prettify the drab back seating area. I'm kind of winging it on the size as I've not had time to go down to Connie to measure the seat, so I'm working systematically in rows of twelve squares and hoping that this is kind of about right. The colour choices are really totally random with this project as I'm aiming for a slightly quirky, patchworky look. I may even take a chance and include the navy (gasp!) and the deep purple (double gasp!!) to shake it all up a bit. Watch this space.
Due to the easy, low-brain-power needed to make one-colour granny squares, I've been able to go adventuring in my imagination whilst I've sat outside in my little back yard hooking. It's a bit like meditating and day dreaming all at once, and is a super relaxing pastime. Can highly recommend it.
This is where I've been skipping off to in my hooky-induced dream state, to the sunny gardens of Provence.
Petah of Provence Temptations sent me these beautiful images a few weeks ago, and they have been the stuff of my dreams ever since.
The villa where the crochet and knit tours will take place is so beautiful and dreamy!
Numbers will be finalised at the beginning of September and Petah tells me there are only a couple of places left on the crochet tour. Do please get in touch with her if you would like to come along and join us, there is still time.
A bit closer to home, this is Craster in Northumberland, one of my all time favourite places. I made this print, complete with childish arrow (haha) to show the Little People the exact location of the holiday cottage where we stay. I am absolutely thrilled that this very afternoon (yaaaayyyyy!!) we will be heading back there again for a week of Seaside Pootling. In August 2009 when we were last in Craster, I was four months pregnant with Little B. And this year he'll be there with us of course, I am so excited to see what he makes of it all.
Wishing you all a wonderful week of dreamy Projects and Places and I'll be back with you in early September.
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Hi, I just joined pinterest and found your site. I love your fun colorful projects. Is there anyway for me to get a pattern for the airy crocheted pennant garland. I would love to make it for my granddaughters. I have never seen one so whimsical.
Thank you
Grandma Mary
Posted by: Mary C. Johnson | October 30, 2012 at 01:21 AM
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Posted by: jack smith | October 21, 2012 at 07:44 AM
hello! i want to tell you i really love your blog there are very many beautifull things in your blog. we love crochet and your wonderful photos!....we are happy to subscribe in this blog.
bye!
note:
we are from mexico :)
Posted by: angela y karla | October 20, 2012 at 07:44 PM
i adore the places!! I've always wanted to have a house of my own and such sweet patio furniture outside!
thank you for such a great blog, i wish i came across it earlier (bookmarking it!)
Posted by: Kristen | September 14, 2012 at 12:29 PM
What a fantastic idea, to uses all your old wool oddment and recycles them into a usefull bag, Love that idea, well done.
Posted by: The Real Supermum | September 14, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Lovely colours lucy! The blanket looks cheerful. Your attic is very beautiful:)
Posted by: Preeti | September 12, 2012 at 12:12 PM
I agree that crocheting is like meditating, its got me through some rough times.
Janet
Posted by: Janet | September 11, 2012 at 03:20 PM
Lovely pictures - and you've given me an idea for our Campervan! Years ago, when my daughters were small, I used to crochet granny squares (with each round in a different colour) and stitch them into blankets, so I'm going to dig out all my scraps of wool and start again...
Posted by: Christine Harding | September 09, 2012 at 03:04 PM
This is another useful project that will give inspiration to all your reader's. We don't have to be expensive by buying those things that we can make. All we need is prepare these tools that are needed on this project.
Posted by: plumbing | September 08, 2012 at 05:49 PM
Begged my husband to let me go on the Provence trip, but it was bad timing for finances and work. SO disappointed. But hoping it is as fun as it looks and everyone has lots of creative crochet time!
Posted by: Jo | September 06, 2012 at 07:00 PM
you sparked me into making a granny afghan. I love the colors you are using as well. Happy you had a great week.. :)
Posted by: Jan | September 04, 2012 at 05:14 AM
In fact - the reason I popped on here was to find your bobble edging for it. ho hum...x
Posted by: Hazel | September 02, 2012 at 08:51 PM
Oh my gosh, I don't believe it! I am just finishing the edges on a baby blanket done the same way with the sameyish colours!!! As if? Watch this space for a ta-da. Mine are just four rounds though.
Posted by: Hazel | September 02, 2012 at 08:49 PM
Love the new project!
Posted by: Hannah | September 02, 2012 at 01:01 AM
Dear Lucy,I love your blog. It is so cheerful and colourful. Your projects are gorgeous. I was wondering about copyright on your patterns, as I would like to use some of them to make things to sell at our local craft market. I have already made two of your birdies and tried out the flowers for my children.They were a BIG hit.Thaks for making crochet easy and accessible
Posted by: Lauren | September 01, 2012 at 07:49 PM
Hi Lucy, I've loved working with Stylecraft ever since you introduced us to it. Another beautiful blanket for the Connievan.
I'm sure those lucky enough to be coming to Provence will have a wonderful time.
I've just spent a few days in the Lake District and you would love something really special which has appeared in the garden of William Wordsworth's childhood home.
http://smileattheflowers.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/what-would-william-have-said.html
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | September 01, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Lindo.
bj
http://crochelinhasagulhas.blogspot.com.br/
Posted by: janelice | September 01, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Hello Lucy, my lovely! Long time no comment! Been kept waaaaay to busy by the kiddos this summer, I had so many bloggy things planned and nothing has come to fruition yet! I love the colours of your yarns against the backdrop of the stone in your back yard - so cheery and bright xx
Posted by: eskimo*rose | September 01, 2012 at 01:49 AM
I love following your blog and your designs are inspiring. I am fairly new to crochet but am so enjoying it. However, my shoulders and neck get really tight and stiff after a relatively short period of crochet. Any top tips on avoiding stiffness in the neck? It gives me a headache but I don't want to stop crocheting! Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | August 31, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Lovely colours and a beautiful new project.It would be great if I would have time to make something like that to Tana and Leria. Your blog is inspirational.
Posted by: Merja | August 30, 2012 at 09:57 PM
Lovely new project Lucy!
I've just discovered your blog and have been reading through the archives, your projects are so lovely. Thank you for posting and sharing your colourful world with us all. Very inspirational :)
I found a pattern today and thought you might enjoy it too:
http://monpetitviolon.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/how-to-make-dishcloth-crochet-pattern.html?m=1
Crochet dishcloths...
Keep hooking :)
Thank you
Posted by: Hannah Coral | August 30, 2012 at 09:16 PM
So many colours! Love that. Like always, you post so many beauteful photos.
Posted by: Interneto svetainiu kurimas | August 30, 2012 at 01:36 PM
What's this about edging the ripple blamket? What is the method?
Posted by: Irene | August 30, 2012 at 09:39 AM
Lucy, your blog is stunning. beautiful. I especially like your occasional posts showing your feet..... i think your toes are really cute ;) Can't wait to see more!
thank you for what you do.
Posted by: RJ | August 29, 2012 at 09:34 PM
Hi - I'm new to your blog and am wondering about the origin of the word Connievan. I know a caravan is what we call a camper in the US but Connievan seems to be a very personal name for YOUR caravan. Where does it come from?
Posted by: Lee Hatcher | August 29, 2012 at 07:52 PM