Friday 9 May 2014

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

35 comments:

  1. There just isn't enough hours in the day is there!? I do like that shawl with it's sparkles. Can't wait to see what your WIP is going to be (although I could have a sneaky guess ;-) Love seeing the flora and fauna and your feathery friends in the garden. Enjoy your weekend Chrissie X

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  2. I'm sure I caught my yarn buying addiction from reading your blog! What a wonderful shop to hold your classes in, I'm sure it's very inspirational.

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  3. You can never have too many WIP's in my book.
    Have a fab, if busy, weekend !
    Kate x

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  4. I have far to many WIP's to count, the shawl looks very pretty as does the garden, have a great weekend
    Clare x

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  5. Love the yarn - it is my current favourite. Have a fun weekend. x

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  6. The shawl is beautiful I can see the sequins there so pretty. Looks like lovely yarn. Sure your great at your classes. Your garden photos are lovely. Sometime I wish I didn't have to sleep too so little time to get everything done x

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  7. You're back in the saddle! Not that you ever left. Haha. The shawl is beautiful, she is a very quick learner! I'm impressed. I love the look of your new book and pattern, have fun with them. Can't wait to see what you make next!

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  8. I love how buzzing with inspiration you are, I feel energised just from reading this! I very much like the look of that book and pattern, and the colours in your final picture are just gorgeous. x

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  9. Oh I can totally understand your distraction!!! Turns out that you really are a shawl person! Also turns out that you are an amazing crochet teacher for your student to have produced this after just one lesson - well done you!! xx

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  10. aaarghhh why did I read this post, I have to make that shawl which of course means I have to buy the book! Another crochet book! Actually, not aarrghh, more hurray!!!!!
    I too wish I didn't need to sleep. I need loads of sleep. So annoying, Such a waste of time!
    Have a fab weekend
    Jillxo

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  11. oh and congrats on running your first class, you obv did a first class job (groan)

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  12. Hurray for lots of WIPs, which 'Coco' are you making? Rather like Lazy Daisy's one. Have a lovely, busy WIP-whirling weekend!
    Jane x

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    1. I haven't decided which Coco yet! I was just so happy to get the pattern...maybe the dress? Hmm...

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  13. Lots of happies in this post Chrissie - and such a bright student to produce that lovely shawl straight off - she had a good teacher obviously!!! It's lovely and so encouraging for all of you to see the little plantings coming along so well - well worth the effort! I'm waiting with bated breath to see what wonders you come up with next! Much love, Joy xo

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  14. Anonymous8:07 am BST

    You must be a Super Teacher if your student is producing such fabulous work after one lesson - well done to you both!

    ukcitycrafter@live.co.uk

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  15. Lovely distractions! The shawl your student made is beautiful! I would be unable to resist making one too, so so lovely. I got the Tilly book this week too! It is great, I cannot wait to start something from it...I think I am going to start with the pyjamas first.
    Marianne x

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  16. So much creativity plus new life in the garden - such a happy inspiring post xx

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  17. wow, that shawl is lovely! i've seen a bit of sparkly wool about lately, I love it

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  18. Some very lovely distractions here today, Chrissie! The shawl is so beautiful....and I love the colours of fabric and yarn lined up for your new project! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
    Helen xox

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  19. Your plants are doing well, lovely all those flowers!
    You always choose such pretty colours for your makings; inspires me to think a little different than the bright colours I tend to use :-)
    Love from Mirjam.

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  20. Beautiful shawl - I can see why you're tempted. And I love the colours of your Bamboo Cotton - like Neopolitan ice cream. x

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  21. Have a beautiful weekend ! In your garden with lovely project !
    Anna

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  22. What a beautiful shawl, all down to excellent teaching I'd say! :)
    V x

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  23. You really have turned into a shawlaholic! Great post as ever Jo x

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  24. Lovely colours for your new WIP. I've not had much time for blogging just lately, and wow have you done sooooooooo much, sewing, teaching, gardening. Are you sure there is only one of you?
    S xx

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  25. Gorgeous as ever...oh that shawl and I so fancy making up that Coco pattern, let us know how you get on!! S xo

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  26. You're doing so well Chrissie, of course you can have another wip :-)
    Tracey xxx

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  27. I really enjoy reading your blog. We have a lot of the same interests. I've nominated you for a blog award. If you are interested in participating, here is the link. http://bookfairy43.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-blog-award.html Have a great day!

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    1. Thank you so much, Shelly! I really appreciate your comment! Cxxx

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  28. That shawl is gorgeous of course you were distracted, and wow what an amazing teacher you are to produce a student that could whip that up. Love your linen/cotton yarn colors.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  29. Your post has been a lovely distraction but has added lots of ideas onto my already far to long "want to do list" I love the idea of the shawl for newbies I have a couple of newbies that are passing me by at the moment - such quick learners we must both be doing something right. Have a lovely week and the colours of your new project are beautiful x

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  30. As distractions go these have to be of the very best kind ;)

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  31. What a gorgeous array of happy making things ... I love the shawl and your garden seems to be bursting with life ... I adore chive flowers ... they are so pretty ... can I ask if you enjoy crocheting with the bamboo yarn pictured ... I have just ventured into using cotton and have been trying Drops Paris and Rico Creative Cotton but am finding them quite splitty ... have you any recommendations for lovely cotton yarn? Thanks, Bee xx

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    1. Hi Bee, The King Cole Bamboo Cotton is LOVELY! It is much, much better than the Drops Paris in my experience, it doesn't split, it is smooth as silk to hook, it is a current fave. Of course, it costs more than the Drops, but it doesn't break the bank...Cx

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  32. ha ha ha haaaaaaaaa sounds so familiar....like peas in a pod??
    bestest xxxxxxxx

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