Distractions

Last night I donned my Ricicles Shawl, gathered my crochet hooks, books and handouts, and went to teach the second class of my latest Beginner’s Crochet Workshop at a nearby haberdashery. I had finished my WIP and was ready to shift focus to finishing the two three other crochet WIPs in my basket. Then I walked into the shop and saw this:

Can you see the teeny-tiny sequins?

This beautifully simple, sparkly shawl was crocheted by the owner of the shop, who started learning to crochet just last week at my first class! Can you believe it? ONE CLASS and off she goes! She is one of those super-crafters who obviously picks up new techniques in a heartbeat. She learned the basic crochet stitches quickly last week, she is already an avid knitter and so familiar with yarn, and let’s face it – she is surrounded by gorgeous yarns all day long, so she just had to have a little go with this...

The yarn is Louisa Harding Etoile, which I bought from her shop and wrote about here. The photo doesn't adequately capture the subtle sparkles that cover the shawl. It is simply gorgeous; the sequins sparkle like ethereal dewdrops.

I haven’t made much progress on my other shawl since I first posted about it, and I was distracted by this shawl all evening. By the end of the two-hour class, I decided that I would start again with the yarn and copy my student! (Imitation is the best form of flattery, yes?) The pattern is obviously fast to work, using mainly chain and double crochet stitches (wonderful practice for reading patterns and practicing tension, for all you newbie hookers out there). It can be found in DK’s Crochet Step by Step, which is a marvellous reference book for new and experienced crocheters.

Distractions continued today, with garden happenings...

One of the azaleas that Little Flower and I planted a few weeks back has surprisingly burst into flower! I didn’t expect blooms until next year.

I stand at the kitchen sink and marvel at this little pink shrub out the window. It makes me smile. The perfect shade of pink.

The aquilegia have replaced the tulips by the lemon balm. I love the rich aubergine shade next to the bright, vivid green.

And the chives have already started flowering, so I’m snipping some into a crème fraiche dressing for roasted asparagus this evening. Mmmm! (I'm always distracted by food!)

Seed trays have captured our attention today:

Every square of three trays now boasts a tiny seedling, which brings huge joy to my children (and me as well – I’m continually fascinated by how these itty-bitty stems and leaves can grow and flourish and feed us!). We had run out of plant markers, so we improvised with toothpicks and sticky labels. We each chose a row, mine was in the back, and thankfully they are all sprouting now so no one feels left out.

quick snapshot through the glass door

I was distracted while tidying the kitchen table. Outside the back door, Mr. Blackbird was sunning himself...

...before gorging on his teatime treats!

The postman has provided an absolute distraction by popping these two sewing gems through my door yesterday afternoon:

(I really, really wish I didn’t need to sleep...)

And late last night an idea popped into my head and took hold, a new make is coming together in my mind...

...and also in reality, as I gather the items I need to bring this idea to life. It is a project conjured out of necessity, and will prove most useful in my craft kit.

So yet another WIP begins - here I go again!

What will you be up to this weekend?

Chrissie x