Wednesday 4 September 2013

On the hook: Flowers, flowers and more flowers

The kids are back at school, the days are getting shorter, and the evenings are decidedly cooler. Autumn is arriving.

But there is no sign of flowers fading any time soon at my house...


Look what the postman brought me! I had pre-ordered this book a while back and forgot when it was due to be published, so it was a bit like an early birthday when this parcel arrived the other day.

This is Nicki Trench’s latest book, Cute & Easy Crochet with Flowers. I’m a big fan of her Cute & Easy Crochet book, and this new publication is just as chock-full of sweet crochet items. I won’t do a proper review of it yet, because I want to make one of the projects first – but last night I ordered some yarn to make these:


These are round placemats made with Zpagetti, the recycled T-shirt yarn. It’s high time I tried out this type of yarn, but I’ll never have enough old T-shirts to make my own skeins, so I bought some Zpagetti. It should arrive in a few days, so hopefully within the next week or two I’ll let you know how I’m getting on with the placemats.

I wanted to do a quick make from the book first, but this is what I really fancy making:

pretty, pretty, pretty!!!

But first I must finish my other crochet WIPs! The Blossoming Bag (a gal can never have too many crocheted bags) is *so close* to being complete.


Both sides are done, the handles are there, and I even found a lining fabric that coordinates perfectly – it’s difficult to see, but the teeny tiny dots on this fabric match the dark teal blossoms.

So what has got in the way of me finishing this bag? Grandma’s birthday, that’s what!

My grandma turns 89 this month. So what does an 89-year-old need? An iPad Mini, of course...


The family is all pitching in to get her an iPad Mini and whatever broadband thingy she needs at home to make it work. I’ll be able to Skype and “visit” with her all the time! I’m crocheting an iPad cover based on a pattern from Granny Squares, which I reviewed here.

I’ve adapted the pattern to fit an iPad Mini, meaning I just make fewer squares and edge it in two rows on each side rather than three. Easy! I’m also using just one colour of yarn, because that’s the kind of granny square my granny would prefer. She likes green, so I’m using some of the Sirdar Snuggly I have left over from the baby blanket I finished earlier this summer.

I have one side finished, which I whipped up in two evenings while watching telly. I’m joining the squares as I go AND weaving in the ends, which are two revelations for me! It was a bit slow in the beginning, but I stuck with it, and I am so glad I did. The project comes together so much more quickly – I am not faced with a zillion pesky ends to weave in afterwards, and I don’t have piles of squares to crochet together. It’s suddenly “ta-dah!” and one side is all done! This is the way forward...

I have to send this gift on Monday at the latest, so I’ll have a FO post very soon. Shhh! Don’t tell Grandma!

Chrissie x

17 comments:

  1. It looks a great book, I love the Cute & Easy book and have made quite a few things from it. I'm sure this one will end up on my book shelf, too.
    What a great gift for your Nan, love the crochet cover. Have a good week. Deb x

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  2. uh-oh... another book I'm just going to HAVE to have! I LOVE those placemats AND that gorgeous bag. Where did you order the Zpagetti from, if you don't mind me asking?
    Your bag is coming along beautifully too, can't wait to see it all finished. And lucky Grandma, what a fab gift.
    Happy Wednesday :-)
    xx

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  3. I completely share your excitement at this book!! Looking forward to seeing how your mats turn out and I agree the flower bag is truly stunning. What a lovely gift for your grandma, and such a pretty colour too.
    Marianne x

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  4. Oh well, there you are again Chrissie, showing off another craft book and getting me all revved up! Well, do you think I deserve a treat after all my hard work these past few days? Say 'yes'!!!
    And what a lovely gift coming up for your Grandma, and isn't it wonderful that at her age she would be happy to get into an iPad! Fantastic! And so wonderful that she has a family who encourage her into new technology!
    I do like the cover you're making for it and I'm looking forward to seeing your lovely bag finished, as well as the new one on the way. AND placemats - I've never used that new yarn/material, although I've read plenty about it - you'll be looking forward to your next postal delivery!
    So, I was off to bed but had to leave you a message after all - your posts do that to me!
    Have a fab week Chrissie!
    Joy xoxo

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    1. I hope you have sweet dreams of crochet tonight ;-) I had promised myself I would stop buying craft books in September and spend a few months doing projects from the ones I already own...but I forgot about pre-orders! But who am I to complain? Especially when it's such a pretty book...Cx

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  5. Oh my goodness, I love the Blossoming Bag. I have to try that. I like the idea of a crocheted cover for my mini too. I found you through Deb Hickman of A World of Imagination. Great blog!

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    1. Thank you Cathie! I'd love to see what colours you would use for the bag - the pattern is so clear and easy to follow, I highly recommend it! (Quick, too, unless you're constantly side-tracked like I am...). Cx

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  6. Such a lovely present to give your Grandma Chrissie, and how lovely that you will be able to be in touch with her over skype. I bet that she will love the cover, it will make the i-pad a bit less scary and a bit more snuggly for her!! Looking forward to seeing all the things you will make from your new book - hope that you have lots of fun with it.

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  7. What a great present for you Grandma, I have my cute and easy crochet flower book winging it's way to me, yippee can't wait to flick through it, so thank you for a sneaky peak.
    Clare x
    http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Wow this looks good, I'm not great at flowers so if the instructions are clear this might go on my wish list! That bag looks divine, can wait to see your cover! :) x

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    1. Well I will keep this in mind when I do the book review - I can manage flowers if the instructions are clear, otherwise I make what looks like a sea monster... Cx

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  9. I have seen this book and it does look like a great purchase. Looking forward to see what you hook up dearest. As for your bag, it is going to be great when done, loving those handles. As for granny's pressie, well I AM impressed!! What a lovely gift and what more can a gal want. Happy week to you lovely Chrissie xoxo

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  10. Can't wait to see that blossom bag finished. You are right, when do you stop making bags for yourself? Never thats' when... Jo x

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  11. Oh wow looking lovely! I added this book to my wish list on amazon the other week I think I better buy it now :) xx

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  12. Beautiful makes my dear and your Blossoming bag is so close now! It's look lovely when it's done and your fabric looks perfect for it!

    Sx

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  13. Hi Chrissie! You're Blossoming bag is looking beautiful. I love the fabric you've chosen for the lining! Your Gram is one lucky girl! xo

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  14. Thank you for the peek inside the book. I'm looking forward to your review. I have Cute and Easy and am sure to cave in and get this book also.
    Your bag is so gorgeous and what a lovely gift for your Grandma.
    Margaret

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