Blissed out

"I like a proper cup of tea in a proper tea cup"

I found some pictures of Victorian tea cups and just fell in love with them - so pretty and delicate and totally unlike me! But I want to be pretty and delicate sometimes so if I can't physically pull it off (too clumsy, always in too much of a hurry) then I can channel a bit of it through these


 

 

 

Up, up in the air

I know, I know - it's been Ages and ages and ages since I've blogged. I'm a bad, bad blogger. the worst. Terrible. I should be struck off the blogging list. forever. and never allowed back. Unless...
I could show you some lovely necklaces I've been making - would that help to redeem myself with you?

I hope so...

This is the first. I got really into vintage imagery recently - particularly victorian. Don't ask me why, but I just couldn't resist this intricate hot air balloon. I printed it onto shrinkable plastic and hung it on a chain and quite frankly, I love it. i love the sense of adventure, the venturing into the unknown and the sheer audacity of the Victorians flying off into the atmosphere, never probably sure whether they'd make it or not. Maybe I want to channel a bit of that!

I think it's a nice length and size too- statementy without being OTT.

This was a really quick knit - just what was needed after 2 mammoth jacket projects.

The yarn and pattern are by Louisa Harding - the jacket's called Shine and the yarn is very aptly named Glisten. It's got a lovely sheeny, metallic quality without being too garish or in your face.

I love the shape of the jacket - a little shrug is just enough to brighten up and outfit and the lacy edging gives it a touch of prettiness.

It’s also really easy - mainly in stocking stitch. the yarn is less elastic than other ribbon yarns I’ve tried and has a nice sparkle without being too in your face.

Perfect for a bit of understated bling.

Baby Sewing - the dress that goes with nothing

By some miracle I managed to find time to do some sewing.  Don't ask me how it happened - I know it occurred over several days rather than in one blissful afternoon but needs must.  And I made this dress for Maya.  The fabric is Cool Cords by Robert Kaufman.  I loved it when it was in that beautiful expanse of yardage.  But unfortunately, as a dress, it goes with precisely . . . nothing.

 

The pattern is this one:

But the problem with it made up as a dress is the colours in the fabric just don't go with anything - well apart from white.  And white, isn't a sensible colour for babies.  It's just not. In anyone's world. Unless they love washing.  Which I don't.

 

And for the uninitiated here is photographic evidence why white is a ridiculous colour for baby clothing - this is Maya an hour after getting dressed:

Still I love the dress (and my grubby daughter.)

 

Crochet Hat

I decided it was about time I learned to crochet - properly as opposed to doing the twiddly bits on things I've knitted (picot edges and stuff)

So I bought this cute little book:

Full Details Here

which is a fantastic, clear and friendly guide to crochet.  Although it's got quite a few patterns in there, I decided to have a go at something I thought I'd wear.  This hat pattern is taken from Kim Hargreaves Breeze book.  It was unravelled more times than I care to mention but in the end it worked and became a wearable, funky hat.