Sunday, February 05, 2012

Back at it!

Thank you all so much for your kind, kind words in my last post. Each comment really helped me and I feel a lot better and getting stronger each day. I don't want to dwell on the negatives though. I saw a great quote today on Pinterest that said:

Every day may not be good
But there is something good in every day.

I like that. For a while now I have been trying to pick out the positives in each and every day. Here's one from today:



Yes the snow finally hit Great Britain. How long it will last is anyone's guess. So we had a bit of fun with it and got the sledge out and then little man brought out the buckets and spades and wanted to make snow castles.



I have slowly been getting back into crafting mood although I have had an exchange to stitch for this month so most of my time has been dedicated to that. Although I don't want to spoil the surprise for my exchange partner, I thought I would show you a glimpse of it.



Yes, it is as intricate as it looks and is taking me forever but in a good way, it has kept my mind from wandering during the last few weeks.

I have picked up the knitting as well. An online shop I use for most of my yarn - Deramores - had a free pattern on its newsletter for a cowl or snood. A knit along they are doing. You can find all the details on Ravelry here. Instead of knitting two together through the back, I am just doing a normal knit two together. I am using King Cole Riot which is wonderfully soft to work with and is working up a treat. Here's my progress so far. It is still in its unfinished and unblocked state.



I have also been inspired to try and make myself a garment - again!! I decided I would use super chunky wool and something small so hopefully it will be fairly quick and easy. Here is the pattern I am doing and the yarn I am knitting it in. I just hope it is as simple as it looks as I am not great at following patterns. I know a few people on hand though who hopefully might be able to help me if I get stuck. Yes Liz, if you're reading - I am talking to you!!




Lastly, before Christmas I ordered something rather special which I forgot to mention. My dd used her spare Euros to buy if for me so I had to wait till Christmas day to open it. Karen from My 4 Lil Girls blog made this gorgeous bag to order. She even crocheted the flower brooch on it as well which can be removed. Karen makes some amazing things including cushions so please pop by her blog and take a peek. She has recently opened an Etsy shop too. This bag is my favourite bag ever. It is so well made with lining and everything. 




I have been busy working on my zigzag blanket as well but I will take some snaps for another post. I need to get on with this exchange or it will be late!

Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment. I really appreciate it. xxxxxx

39 comments:

Margaret said...

That's a great quote -- I have to remember to look for the positives. Love the little peak at your stitching -- it looks gorgeous! Love the scarf too. And the bag -- very pretty! Enjoy the snow!

Giovanna said...

So nice to see that close-up of your stitching - so exquisite and elegant!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I believe there is something good in every day too. Sometimes you have to look for it a bit more than other but it's always there. It looks like you've been keeping yourself busy with some beautiful projects!

Stitchabilities said...

Great snowmen/women ? LOL you can never be too sure LOL
I am glad you are crafting, if lifts your mood.
I look forward to seeing the rest of the exchange piece

barbara said...

Your knitting looks utterly dreamy, and I love the exchange sneak-peek! Take care and enjoy that snow while it lasts. :)

CalamityJr said...

The person receiving your exchange is going to be very happy! And you can't help but feel more cheerful when you carry that bag; your daughter was so kind.

Ann at Beadlework. said...

It's very strange to see snow in England and not up here with us. Let's hope it stays that way :-) It's good to see you crafting a little again.

Julie said...

Congrats on your snow folks, they look amazing, well done kids.
Over 1 for the exchange, beautiful thread colour.
Super little bag, pretty fabric.
I started going to bed with a positive thought from the day as the last thought of the day a while ago. read that it makes the happy cells in the brain work when you drop off to sleep, seems to be working for me.
I'm peased o read you are much happier.
Love and (hugs) xxx

Lesleyanne said...

Great quote. Your sneak peak looks gorgeous. Lovely the wool and what you plan to make with it.

andamento said...

I got that pattern and suitable wool for my Christmas 2010 as I too wanted to try and knit myself something to wear. Although a supposedly easy knit the pattern is still written shorthand and so I've yet to figure it all out, my knitting skills being almmost non existant. I'll be interested to see how you get on...
Anne.

Nancy said...

It helps to look for the positives! Your exchange partner is going to love hers, your stitching is beautiful! Love the scarf you are knitting and that little sweater will be so nice! That bag is so pretty...a real mood lifter!

Christine said...

Beautiful stitching Hazel, and I like your cowl in the variegated colour.
Enjoy the snow

Sharon said...

Love that quote! I will definitely keep that in mind. Looking forward to seeing your exchange-looks fantastic from the little peek you have shown us.

cucki said...

Aww cute snowman,,I love them so much,,
Lovely knitting
Warm hugs xxx

Carol said...

The snow looked pretty this morning and it seemed to be warmer than the last few days. Very cute snowmen!
I really like the waistcoat pattern, look forwardto seeing it finished.
Crafting does help concentrate the mind and you produce something lovely too.
Carol xx

Bernardeena said...

The cowl is looking fab, and I'll definitely help with the waistcoat if you need it, although I'm sure you will be fine. What a beautiful bag too!.

Catherine said...

A post full of goodies! Love that quote, your stitches, the scarf and the bag!! Hugs!

Used-to-Bees said...

You have been a busy bee! Your snowman is wheelie great (sorry - couldn't resist!) and his companion looks cosy! The swap cross-stitch looks beautiful - can't wait to see the whole of it.
x

Ruth said...

Here's to every day being just a bit better than the day before :) Your beautiful stitching and knitting pics certainly have improved my day.

Joysze said...

I'm glad to read you sounding better... LOL, does that make sense? The close up of your stitching looks fantastic!! The snow people cracked me up too.

Margaret said...

Wonderful quote & oh so true. So glad that each day you are feeling a little stronger. Glad to see you are crafting. So good for the soul.

Heidi said...

I am glad to hear you feel more positive. It really helps to look for the positive in the most negative of days.

I LOVE that vest and the chunky yarn you choose!!! That is going to be wonderful.

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Sally said...

I love that quote Hazel. I think I should take notice of that.

Your exchange piece looks gorgeous from that sneak peak.

Love the scarf you're knitting. I've heard the knitting ladies at craft club mention Deramores.

The bag that your DD bought you for Christmas is beautiful :)

Raggedystitcher said...

Oh Hazel!!! This post has made me truly smile. It was so good to see you are up to some crafty things again. I was just about to email you..but decided to come and check your blog first. I am very glad I did.
Just love everything. That purse is gorgeous! I am thinking of making some new totes soon...I have a new sewing machine..and need to buy a good pattern and some pretty fabrics and have a go at it..The one you ordered it so pretty! Love the crocheted flower too. Darling!

Louise xx

Barb said...

Hi Hazel oh I love the wool you have chosen to do your cowl in, I am knitting that one too. Also like the top , the stitching is as usual fab and you certainly seem to be looking on the bright side , just loved the snowcastle comment, now there is something to try , we just do not get snow very often down here.
Hugs

Siobhán said...

That's a great quote, Hazel! I'm glad to hear that you're feeling a bit more chipper. Lovely stitching and the scarf is so pretty! What a nice bag as well. Good for you! Thinking of you. xo

Annette-California said...

Great quote! Love all your projects and the sneak peaks!
Annette- California

Just-Do said...

How wonderful that you are back crafting. I wish you all the best and hope things will get better for you.
The bag is lovely; beautiful combination of fabrics.
The quote is something, I think we all know, but just need to be reminded of sometimes. Thank you for sharing it.

Chris said...

Dear Hazel,

I haven't read your blog for a while so reading back on your previous post my heart is with you. Nothing anyone can say will help, but I know what you are going through, altho it was I that left a marriage that had become impossible to live with.. it still shattered me to be alone.I was madly inlove with him and we had been married for 23 years!It gradually gets better but very slowly..

That is a wonderful quote, and this is what I used to remember when the days seemed so long and bleak..v.24 "The LORD bless you
and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
(Numbers 6:24-26, NIV Bible)

Much Love and blessings

Chris xx

Carol said...

I love that quote, Hazel--thank you for sharing it with us. One I have to remember myself on certain days :)

Glad to hear you're still enjoying making your beautiful creations...what a comfort creativity brings, doesn't it?

wranglerkate said...

Hazel - Whatever you're stitching for your exchange partner looks beautiful! I can't wait to see it when you can show it to us. Lucky exchanged partner! Kate

wranglerkate said...

The piece you're stitching for your exchange partner looks beautiful! I can't wait to see it when you can show it to us. Thanks for sharing your photos - Kate

Karoline said...

Glad to hear you're feeling more upbeat. {{{hugs}}} I shall continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

All your crafting is looking lovely.

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

lovely stitching and a great looking cowl.

Annette - MyRoseValley said...

Oh dear... I feel like I stepped right in the puddle with my short paragraph in my post. Terribly sorry. I am speechless... Can only imagine how you feel. Baby steps. Crafts. Blog world. We are all here. Keep your spirit and hold your head up high, even if tears are flowing. And by the way, I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by your work. You are a true artist. ♥♥♥ Annette

Brigitte said...

I love this quote and I know that it is true. I'm so glad to see you back at your crafts. You're so talented at all of them and it's always a pleasure when you show your creations.
That bag looks wonderful. And your exchnage partner must have been thrilled when she received your exchnage piece. I'm looking forward to seeing your next projects and finishes.

Jane said...

Your stitching is beautiful, and I love the colours.
I know sometimes when times are hard, it's difficult to find the energy to do crafty things, but I've often found that concentrating on something I'm making with lovely yarn helps me through.
Hope you're moving into better times.
Jane x

Anne said...

Lovely quote! Something I try to do daily too!! Great sneak peak at your stitching. 1 over 1 can go so slowly but the end result is amazing!! Beautiful yarn you chose for that pattern! What a great little bag!!

Anonymous said...

Lovely close-up of your stitching - it does look very intricate.