Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Stitching Spring



Hello there everyone! It has been a bit of a while hasn't it? More than a month???? Where has the time gone? Well, I have been busy celebrating my 15th year anniversary and I have been out and about like crazy but I also have some crafty bits and bobs to share too.

Due to my stitching mojo which went missing some time ago, I decided the best way to deal with it was to do a little exchange. So of to HOE I went to see what exchanges were on offer. There was a spring exchange so I signed up immediately. Unfortunately, there was a little problem as my details hadn't been sent to the moderator and so after several emails back and forth, finally my name was down and I then began the search for the bestest, nicest little spring stitch I could find. I eventually found it via Pinterest and it is a cute little freebie found on a French site. Today, my partner received the exchange I sent her so I can now show you the result of my handiwork.




I stuffed it full of lavender and made a little pillow! I sent along some extras too and so glad to hear the recipient got it safely in the post today.

My Willow Squares blanket is now all joined but I need to work out the edging. I think I might need to order more wool for the edging too as I only have a ball left so it will either be a pretty small edging or I will have to fork out for some more merino. However, I couldn't go a month and then not leave you with a few pictures of it. It looks fab even now without the edge. Gorgeous. Love love love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This last photo really shows off the continuous flat braid join. This is a great You tube tutorial by Beth and works really well at joining squares. It is quite tricksy but once you get the hang of it, it is easy peasy. I really like the prettiness of this join. It gives it an almost lacy feel which suits this design I think. This blanket was a pleasure to make and I am quite glad I still haven't yet finished it. Now I need to find a suitable edging for it.
 
And that's not all...... I have got my stitching mojo back a little after doing the exchange. So I continued to work on the Elisabeth Lillie design. Now please forgive me for all the crumples in the fabric. For those who know me, know that I NEVER iron a project until it is complete. I just don't trust that the iron won't do it some heat damage or weaken the colour or something. So please don't look at the crumples. I have done a fair bit since last time and I am determined now to finish this piece soon; at the very least - before the end of the year.
 
 
 
 
Now for some non stitchy, not crochety business. School hols started for us a week ago and so we took the opportunity, as well as having lots of coffee from various outlets, to visit a place not too far from me called Cannon Hall Farm. This place is wonderful for both children and parents alike and much fun and fresh air was had by the four of us. There are lambs and piglets galore and all sorts of other breeds of animals that you can touch and stroke to your hearts content. There is a great café and wonderful adventure playgrounds for the children too so I highly recommend it for a day out if you are close.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

No - that's not a real cow!
 
Right then I am off to look at the border of this blanket and make my mind up. Have a wonderful Easter break everyone.
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27 comments:

Vickie said...

Your blanket is so very lovely. Your sampler is awesome thus far. A Blessed Easter to you!

Melissa said...

Hazel, I love that blanket! One of these days I must learn to crochet. You make such lovely things! I like the little spring exchange you did, very sweet.

Kids and farm animals seem to get along quite well together!

stitchersanon said...

The blanket is stunning! I love the stitching as well...and who cant adore piglets lol xx

cucki said...

Aww such a sweet post
Your blanket is looking so lovely and your stitching too :)
Very sweet photos
Big hugs x

sharine said...

Your blanket is beautiful!

Margaret said...

Looks like such a fun farm visit! Those piglets! And the blanket is gorgeous! Love the exchange. And your WIP -- gorgeous!!!

Bev C said...

Hello Hazel.

Just Love the blanket, good luck with the edging.
Have fun finishing the cross stitch.

Happy days.
Bev.

Cindy's Stitching said...

what a great stitched piece you made. i loooovvvveee the blanket. the piggies are so cute. Happy Easter.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Love this post! You've really captured the animals beautifully in your photography. Your children are beyond precious! Beyond!

I've never seen that crochet stitch that attaches the squares together. The blanket lays so flat which is something I struggled with years ago with joining crochet.

Annette-California said...

So nice to see you post Hazel.
Beautiful stitched Spring pillow.
Love love love your blanket!
Your sampler is stunning Hazel.
So happy you got your cross stitching mojo back:)
Have a blessed Easter!
love Annette

Annette-California said...

I think I wiped out by accident my comment to you.
So great to see you post Hazel.
Beautiful spring pillow you made.
Love love love your gorgeous blanket. Yea your working on your sampler again and it is looking stunning.
Happy blessed Easter Hazel.
love Annette

Christine said...

Your blanket is stunning! Great stitching too.
The farm visit looks like fun, the piglets are just adorable

Maggie said...

Ooooo I love everything, stitching, and crochet, that blanket is just beautiful.
Looks like you had a great day out, the photos are just lovely.
x

Shirlee said...

Your crochet work always amazes me! Beautiful blanket!

Julie said...

Great blanket!

moleymakes said...

Beautiful blanket Hazel. I just love this crochet block, it's one of my favourites. I've yet to try this method of joining. I've bookmarked the link. Thank you so much for sharing.

Kay said...

My word, you have been busy. Your exchange piece is beautiful, I really like your colour choices. I must learn to crochet!! Your blanket is stunning and I really want to make one too but firs tI need to learn the basics. There is so many lovely crochet blogs and patterns that I am forever making good intentions but just find it hard.

Unknown said...

Oh WOW! WOW, WOW, WOW! How absolutely stunning this all is! I never really liked cross stitch until I saw some fabulous work like this. I had always seen Winnie the Pooh pictures etc. I am in complete awe at the complexity of the designs you have completed and the colours, the beautiful colours. I bet your swap partner was over the moon. I am in awe also with that gorgeous blanket. The warm and homely colours and a delicate square design. You must be thrilled with it. I would love the patience for something like this.
I have recently lost my crochet mojo and I have to say this blanket has put some back into me xxx

Terri said...

I love, love, LOVE the blanket and your stitching! Both are awesome!

Andrea said...

Your blanket is gorgeous, love your stitching WIP too. Great exchange.

my4lilgirls said...

Oh my goodness your blanket is stunning & i love this pin cushion.
Have a wonderful Easter weekend
Karen x

CalamityJr said...

Your exchange recipient must be thrilled with your lovely finish! And your family time at the farm - what great memories you've made. I'd love to visit a place like that. What really excites me about this post, though, is your sampler. While I've often said I could never choose a favorite song, I do have a favorite verse, and that's just what you've stitched in your sampler. Love it! Thanks for sharing!

Karoline said...

Gorgeous exchange and great progress on your blanket and sampler.

We love Cannon Hall farm too :)

Brigitte said...

Oh Hazel, it's so great to see your stitching mojo back. This little exchnage piece is toos weet and so beautifully finished. And good to see that you could continue stitching on your sampler a bit.

This blanket you were assembing is terrific. So wonderful how you arranged the colours. I have always admired your sense of colours that you show in all your crocheted pieces.

I hope you have had a great Easter Sunday. And belated congratulations on your 15th anniversary.

Unknown said...

I adore the willow stitch square blanket! Is there a patter u can sell or direct me to? Ive been looking for this exact square!

Hazel said...

Gina - the pattern can be found here
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Blocks-Blankets-Throws-Afghans/dp/0715321412/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424513326&sr=1-1&keywords=jan+eaton+200+crochet+blocks It is called the Willoe square I think. You may find it on youtube but the book is great to have anyway.

Jenn said...

Your blanket is beautiful. I was looking for a larger sample of the continuous join with a five chain flat braid, and found it here. Your blanket motivated me to give it a try. Did you end up putting an edge on it? If so, what did you choose?