tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81906517676050934542024-02-19T05:04:59.145+00:00Chrissie CraftsLife is one big WIP...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-42122916698622304922017-05-23T19:25:00.000+01:002017-05-23T19:25:09.038+01:00WIP Ta-Dah Double Whammy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am very happy to announce that I have completed not one, but TWO projects! (This is a big deal for me, the WIP queen!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They are the focus of my latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSj6kwPdVkcmMjJgQXCmUeQ" target="_blank">YouTube video</a>...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What's on my hook</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First is my Hotel of Bees Shawl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the crochet fail a few weeks back, I was determined to make things right and finish this beautiful pattern. I am over the moon with the result! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Hotel of Bees Crochet-A-Long is being hosted by Sandra of Cherry Heart and Sam of Betsy Makes. The shawl pattern is by </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/christina-hadderingh" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Christina Hadderingh</a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">, and I crocheted it using Fyberspates Scrumptious Sport Superwash 4-ply yarn. It feels so soft and wonderful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm in the final stretch of the Missed Kingfisher Shawl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I plan on wearing it in my next YouTube video so keep watching! The Missed Kingfisher shawl pattern is by Joanne Scrace for “The
Shawl Project: Book Two”, from <a href="http://www.thecrochetproject.com/" target="_blank">The Crochet Project</a>, and I'm using<a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eden Cottage Yarns</a> Titus 4-ply in Rambling Rose and Oakworth 4-ply in Compost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next on my hook will be another Spun Gold Shawl, which I'm making as a gift for a friend, using some beautiful Juniper Moon Farm yarn:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Spun Gold Shawl is by Kat Goldin for The Crochet Project. I bought the yarn, </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Juniper Moon Farm's Herriot Fine baby alpaca/nylon 4-ply
yarn from <a href="http://www.pinsandneedlesgrayshott.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pins & Needles</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I was gifted a ball of the delicious, coveted Watermelon Shawl Gradient Yarn by <a href="http://www.handdyedbykate.com/" target="_blank">Hand Dyed by Kate</a>! I can't wait to make something scrumptious with it! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What!?! I’m knitting?</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yep, I'm trying to finally get my head around knitting! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I've tentatively started the Match & Move shawl by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/martina-behm" target="_blank">Martina Behm</a>, using the juiciest yarn! This is </span><a href="http://www.hillviewmoments.com/" target="_blank">Hill View Farm</a>'s Superwash BFL sock yarn in ‘Shades of
Flamingo’ and I'm also using ‘Shades of Coral’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What’s in my hoop</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The final YouTube tutorial for my Herb Embroidery sampler is up and running! I finished with the fly stitch for the background fronds. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The tutorials are forever on my channel, so feel free to give it a go anytime! The original pattern design can be found <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/slow-crochet-stitch-along-youtube-show.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also show some of the sampler herbs being used for some summer placemats I'm working on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pour yourself a cuppa and have a quick visit with me on YouTube!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-3709253280063154332017-05-04T21:57:00.000+01:002017-05-04T21:57:28.443+01:00Crochet Fail & Stitching Therapy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello everyone! I've been MIA for a few weeks - we went to Norway for the Easter holidays, then after we came back it took me a good week or so to get settled back in real life!<br />
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But I've finally uploaded my latest YouTube video, where I talk about my most recent crafty shenanigans, including a massive crochet fail...and how embroidery provides a perfect antidote when I'm feeling all fingers and thumbs.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">What's on my hook</span></h3>
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I started a shawl on the airplane to Norway, and I finished it on the flight home! </div>
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This is the beautiful Parallel Bars Shawl by Sarah Shrimpton of <a href="http://www.annabooshouse.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Annaboo’s House</span></a>. I hooked it using </div>
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<a href="http://www.yantantetherayarns.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">YanTanTetheraYarns</span></a> Mether yarn in "Dirtwater", which isn't the prettiest of names but was the prettiest of yarns!</div>
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I'm joining in the Hotel of Bees Crochet-A-Long hosted by Sandra of <a href="http://sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Heart</a> and Sam of <a href="http://betsymakes.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Betsy Makes</a>. The Hotel of Bees is a beautiful crochet shawl pattern by Christina Hadderingh, and the pattern can be found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotel-of-bees-shawl" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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I'm afraid this is where my epic crochet fail comes into play, but you'll have to watch the video to see what has happened. Regardless, I'm enjoying hooking it with the luscious Fyberspates
Scrumptious Sport Superwash 4-ply yarn!</div>
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Progress is being made on my Missed Kingfisher shawl</div>
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The pattern is by Joanne Scrace for “The
Shawl Project: Book Two”, from <a href="http://www.thecrochetproject.com/" target="_blank">The Crochet Project</a>. I'm using <a href="http://edencottageyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">EdenCottage Yarns</a> Titus 4-ply in Rambling Rose and Oakworth 4-ply in Compost. </div>
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I also talk about some very useful yarn needles, Susan Bates Finishing Needles, which I purchased from
amazon.co.uk.</div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">What's in my hoop</span></h3>
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I've uploaded more stitch tutorials on my YouTube channel, so you can learn how to do more of the flowers from the Herb Embroidery!</div>
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There's also some progress on a quilt I'm making for my daughter...plus the woes of Beavers uniforms...pour yourself a cup of tea and come have a visit! </div>
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You can find me here on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSj6kwPdVkcmMjJgQXCmUeQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">YouTube channel</span></a>. Thanks for popping by!</div>
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Chrissie x</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-42639938118502319202017-04-06T23:10:00.000+01:002017-04-06T23:10:48.120+01:00#crochetkind and Stitch Tutorials<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This week's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSj6kwPdVkcmMjJgQXCmUeQ" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> is all about<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">#crochetkind and Stitch Tutorials</span></h3>
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I was over the moon when I received my subscription copy of Simply Crochet magazine last week, because I have two articles in the latest issue! Check out the happy yellow circle on the cover...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX0oGTcdsMJVff6IVcCtJPh6vxA4KiqLpjPJSP90yq1FHbzDctV-UgwNsuOMmMxOkD7n1GKTEkrIzL5Ru2u5R7qI9WyOI4cYsZBBlGlKNZYc1-qe2xZa1sxFsuRdppSrYMFKms7ZeDoc/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX0oGTcdsMJVff6IVcCtJPh6vxA4KiqLpjPJSP90yq1FHbzDctV-UgwNsuOMmMxOkD7n1GKTEkrIzL5Ru2u5R7qI9WyOI4cYsZBBlGlKNZYc1-qe2xZa1sxFsuRdppSrYMFKms7ZeDoc/s640/IMG_1516.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The first article is my round-up of the Unravel Festival of Yarn in Farnham. The feature article is about a topic close to my heart: crocheting for charity. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6F8J-Eb5pJAKnjnPx6i1F_o4uxbR4sN3xb7r2y6_XvHDeAz2EbJrArwE33xXwbpr2F-TS0YHt3mMFJ5uFUO5smW2-oqFbYF4vekyLFMgtvXraNbaexU8yiftOzY1l5PUiuw9IWzCvA/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6F8J-Eb5pJAKnjnPx6i1F_o4uxbR4sN3xb7r2y6_XvHDeAz2EbJrArwE33xXwbpr2F-TS0YHt3mMFJ5uFUO5smW2-oqFbYF4vekyLFMgtvXraNbaexU8yiftOzY1l5PUiuw9IWzCvA/s640/IMG_1518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are so many organisations that happily and gratefully accept crocheted items, and in this article I talk about how to get started hooking for a charitable cause. </div>
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As part of the #crochetkind movement, Simply Crochet is fundraising for Little Pricess Trust, an organisation that provides real hair wigs free of charge to children who have lost their hair during cancer treatments and other illnesses. </div>
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This charity means a lot to me and my family, as a great friend of mine needed the charity for her daughter. My eldest daughter donated ten inches of her own hair after that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAMFAmgi3Y9JWNWwtEV0VIvg5ZGObIGy5m0HeYH4kQ7zUv_KvRTpr8i42m9kETOOsfN5Tr0mym327oX5thyphenhyphenOn39aKpnpEXUtb_k-SLwIOYB2vfkEd6sysMXb7JbEkDcgOGaq-jSMGBBo/s1600/ella+plait.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAMFAmgi3Y9JWNWwtEV0VIvg5ZGObIGy5m0HeYH4kQ7zUv_KvRTpr8i42m9kETOOsfN5Tr0mym327oX5thyphenhyphenOn39aKpnpEXUtb_k-SLwIOYB2vfkEd6sysMXb7JbEkDcgOGaq-jSMGBBo/s640/ella+plait.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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But you don't need to donate hair to support Little Princess Trust! Simply Crochet is auctioning off one of the seven amazing blankets from the Jenny's Blanket of Hugs project.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rtR_X7Wla39OjHLETo1zWCVo6ReidaV_OylfR1qyJRIbPXXbNQbU3tW4zaCY0BOiXfu4b5_TD4k5HE8iviypnysRP0RlPl4EA-gGN1k2_PxTLzYAwSjkeh4bJM40kYHhpoUm5cFycJ8/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rtR_X7Wla39OjHLETo1zWCVo6ReidaV_OylfR1qyJRIbPXXbNQbU3tW4zaCY0BOiXfu4b5_TD4k5HE8iviypnysRP0RlPl4EA-gGN1k2_PxTLzYAwSjkeh4bJM40kYHhpoUm5cFycJ8/s640/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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To participate and have a chance of winning this stunning blanket yourself, please go to the Simply Crochet Just Giving page <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Simply-Crochet" target="_blank">HERE</a> </span></b> - every donation counts!</div>
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<a href="http://littleprincesses.org.uk/" target="_blank">Little Princess Trust</a>: littleprincesses.org.uk; @officiallittleprincesstrust</div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">What's on my hook</span></h3>
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In other crochet news, I've made progress on this Missed Kingfisher shawl...Missed Kingfisher shawl pattern by Joanne Scrace for “The
Shawl Project: Book Two”, from <a href="http://www.thecrochetproject.com/" target="_blank">The Crochet Project</a>, crocheted with <a href="http://edencottageyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eden Cottage Yarns</a>, Titus 4-ply in Rambling Rose and Oakworth 4-ply in Compost.</div>
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And I've completed the Chasing Rainbows mandala from the last issue of Simply Crochet. </div>
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I'm hooking each montly mandala using linen threads from <a href="http://namolio.com/" target="_blank">Namolio</a>. </div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">What's in my hoop</span></h3>
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I've been stitching like mad and uploading stitch tutorials to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSj6kwPdVkcmMjJgQXCmUeQ" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>! So far I've covered transferring a pattern to fabric, preparing your thread, back stitch, lazy daisy stitch and French knots. We'll be doing stems next...</div>
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I do hope you'll join me and try some easy sampler stitching!</div>
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Chrissie x</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-49905480021634463452017-03-30T14:02:00.000+01:002017-03-30T14:02:30.052+01:00Slow Crochet & a Stitch-Along | YouTube Show Notes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Greetings fellow crafters! In conjunction with my new YouTube videos, I'm going to share information on my blog that I talk about on my channel. If you haven't seen me live and in action yet, you can find my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSj6kwPdVkcmMjJgQXCmUeQ" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Starting with the latest episode, Slow Crochet & a Stitch-Along...<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">What's on my hook</span></h4>
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I'm making good progress on the Missed Kingfisher shawl by Joanne Scrace for “The Shawl Project: Book Two”, from <a href="http://www.thecrochetproject.com/" target="_blank">The Crochet Project</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbfv6FrG6A09o5tvivZCN9Sdr3FsZ3_N_iNnqdeYEqum4d5ISLS7dt0Fkjx0p0_L2W97-31oeML0-rrbxk5bTwIM13da0nzfwy7_V8X55FvWSKKSuUAwrtwLnrYbbERO5odnYngjpqyc/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbfv6FrG6A09o5tvivZCN9Sdr3FsZ3_N_iNnqdeYEqum4d5ISLS7dt0Fkjx0p0_L2W97-31oeML0-rrbxk5bTwIM13da0nzfwy7_V8X55FvWSKKSuUAwrtwLnrYbbERO5odnYngjpqyc/s400/IMG_1472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am using <a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eden Cottage Yarns</a>, Titus 4-ply in Rambling Rose and Oakworth 4-ply in Compost. I think it looks rather delicious! I've dubbed it the Missed Cupcake Shawl.<br />
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Also on the hook is the Peach Pocket Tunic pattern by <a href="http://www.emmyandlien.com/" target="_blank">Eline Alcocer</a>, crocheted with King Cole Cottonsoft DK in Colour 713 Lilac.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT6-bPs2dV1QrOMOKz70x8Oy10RAMYxZ3YjrDhIC7_j61AImqT4wPrZHgHRAD30xdimpnT0eUlwKETnsFguoraRwao0V03kgBlDzf9tutPJ5d3FH_7o6sSKu2KRKnFvdX7ybT2NtFANI/s1600/IMG_1521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT6-bPs2dV1QrOMOKz70x8Oy10RAMYxZ3YjrDhIC7_j61AImqT4wPrZHgHRAD30xdimpnT0eUlwKETnsFguoraRwao0V03kgBlDzf9tutPJ5d3FH_7o6sSKu2KRKnFvdX7ybT2NtFANI/s400/IMG_1521.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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I'm making the monthly mandalas in Simply Crochet magazine using <a href="http://www.namolio.com/" target="_blank">Namolio</a> linen threads - it gives the mandalas a completely different look to regular yarn! I usually use a 2.25mm hook or thereabouts...<br />
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So far I've finished two mandalas<br />
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And the third is underway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVUZNBJN7LkBxii9LBUdGsswJEYV3kmKPCG-DwQ7ph3ZFNtPD9MHNFki-B7iZeAwPT1H_r-iUuJuqm7LT2h1MyZtsfsMxKr7PlXf92R5_MhEL4CZY-LvYV5DGJgZkR2T9wzE8bMVow6M/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVUZNBJN7LkBxii9LBUdGsswJEYV3kmKPCG-DwQ7ph3ZFNtPD9MHNFki-B7iZeAwPT1H_r-iUuJuqm7LT2h1MyZtsfsMxKr7PlXf92R5_MhEL4CZY-LvYV5DGJgZkR2T9wzE8bMVow6M/s400/IMG_1507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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New on my bookshelf is “Every Which Way Crochet Borders” by Edie Eckman. I review it in the show, it is a great addition to any crochet library!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">What's in my hoop</span></h4>
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Time to kick off the Stitch-Along! If you've never embroidered before, or if you have and just fancy an easy-peasy project, then this stitch-along is for you!<br />
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I'm using the simple Herb Embroidery design I use for teaching beginner's embroidery workshops - the design features a number of basic stitches, all used to create pretty herbs I doodled from my herb garden. You can download the pdf file in the link below:<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B03-x8i5vAsbTHpmYkJldWtfb3c/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Herbal Embroidery Pattern</a><br />
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I will be making short video tutorials for all the stitches we use in the design, including how to transfer a pattern to fabric, how to prepare your thread and how to do basic stitches.<br />
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All you need to get started is a 10-inch square of fabric (I'm using linen, but any fabric you can easily pull a needle and thread through will do!), an 8-inch embroidery hoop, scissors, an embroidery needle, and a selection of threads in colours you'd like to use for the flowers. I've used greens, purples, yellows and a bit of pink, Plus wee bits of white and brown...<br />
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I hope you play along, and share your creations with me! Let's hashtag them #herbembroiderySAL on social media, shall we?<br />
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Happy crafting!<br />
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Chrissie<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-62725106866737024972016-03-13T18:50:00.003+00:002016-03-13T18:50:27.484+00:00Shell Stitch Scarf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-zaaNfoWUwiCZV598xmQ6VH5vkURvBFv41ftGWo2z2rnf5heztgVBhKsjGw82r-CbE5b7zPUSptdiDVmLLnjvzl5alA4P9iRg0HlxAq9YgniurKXZ8VnuYlSLMKJ73mvnM97oRKpM30/s1600/shell+scarf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-zaaNfoWUwiCZV598xmQ6VH5vkURvBFv41ftGWo2z2rnf5heztgVBhKsjGw82r-CbE5b7zPUSptdiDVmLLnjvzl5alA4P9iRg0HlxAq9YgniurKXZ8VnuYlSLMKJ73mvnM97oRKpM30/s640/shell+scarf1.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmaiden Maiden Hair yarn shimmers on a sunny Spring day!</td></tr>
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One of the joys of teaching crochet workshops at local
haberdasheries is that I get to see (and play with) the latest yarns as soon as
they arrive in the shop.</div>
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When Katia came out with their Air Alpaca yarn, I wanted to
hook it up right away. So soft and fluffy!</div>
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Katia had sent small samples of the yarn worked up in
different knitted stitches – and one crochet stitch sample caught my eye. Rows of shells, stacked
row on row, with no chain row in between, which I typically see with shell stitch
patterns. The closeness of the shells made a beautiful dense fabric with a
lovely texture. </div>
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But no pattern for this little sample could be found. Not on
the sample's label, not on the Katia web site, and the yarn rep didn’t have any answers,
either. But I was determined to make a scarf with this stitch, so I took the
sample home and to figure it out myself!</div>
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The great thing with crochet is that, with some scrutiny and
patience, you can ‘read’ many crocheted items. This shell stitch fabric was
pretty easy, once I figured out the number of chains in the foundation row. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve made a few scarves already; the original Katia Air Alpaca scarf
was given to Bunny’s harp teacher for Christmas, and I’ve made another with the
luxurious Handmaiden Maiden Hair delicate yarn, pictured above.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Shell Stitch Scarf</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #943634; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b>Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I used:</div>
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2-1/2 skeins of Katia Air Alpaca (25g/115m/126yd per skein) and a 4mm
hook</div>
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or 1 skein of Handmaiden Maiden Hair (100g/300m/328yd) and a 5.5mm hook</div>
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<br /></div>
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and I’m currently making one with chunky yarn and a 6mm
hook, so feel free to experiment!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Finished size:</b> My
latest version, with the Maiden Hair yarn, is 150cm/59in long, 15cm/6in wide
after blocking. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Pattern: </b></div>
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<b>UK terms </b></div>
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<b>US terms
beneath</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ch 34</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Row 1:</b> 1 dc in 2<sup>nd</sup>
ch from hook; *skip 3 ch; [3tr, ch 1, 3tr] in next st; skip 3 ch; 1 dc in next
st; * repeat from * to * to end of row. (4 shells)</div>
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<b style="text-indent: 36pt;">US:</b><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> 1 sc in
2</span><sup style="text-indent: 36pt;">nd</sup><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> ch from hook; *skip 3 ch; [3dc, ch 1, 3dc] in next st; skip 3
ch; 1 sc in next st; * repeat from * to * to end of row. (4 shells)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Row 2: </b>turn, ch
3, 2tr at the base of ch3; *dc in ch space of previous row’s shell; [3tr, ch 1,
3tr] in previous row’s dc;* repeat from * to * two more times, ending the row
with 3tr above the previous row’s dc stitch. (3 shells, 2 half shells on either
end of row)</div>
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<b>US:</b> turn, ch 3, 2dc at the base of ch3;
*sc in ch space of previous row’s shell; [3dc, ch 1, 3dc] in previous row’s sc;*
repeat from * to * two more times, ending the row with 3dc above the previous
row’s sc stitch. (3 shells, 2 half shells on either end of row)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Row 3:</b> turn, ch1;
*[3tr, ch 1, 3tr] in previous row’s dc; dc in ch space of previous row’s
shell;* repeat from * to * three more times, with the last dc at the top of the
ch 3 of the previous row. (4 shells)</div>
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<b>US: </b>turn, ch1; *[3dc, ch 1, 3dc] in
previous row’s sc; sc in ch space of previous row’s shell;* repeat from * to *
three more times, with the last sc at the top of the ch 3 of the previous row.
(4 shells)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Repeat rows 2-3 until your scarf reaches the desired length,
finishing with a <b>Row 2</b>. Fasten off
and weave in ends.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6FPZObXYocVlTbRbXmNxiWJ6BUPxg_uIwV2uWelVdpPBOw8w7C5NDQptuABQrc9taE7y5tL1genn4o1kog3t6x_IfRG6ZHTl18RRcPr5acOArfulLtEt5f1vk2aFLmlxuMaBig_mKlQ/s1600/shell+scarf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6FPZObXYocVlTbRbXmNxiWJ6BUPxg_uIwV2uWelVdpPBOw8w7C5NDQptuABQrc9taE7y5tL1genn4o1kog3t6x_IfRG6ZHTl18RRcPr5acOArfulLtEt5f1vk2aFLmlxuMaBig_mKlQ/s640/shell+scarf2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Finishing off:</b> I
experimented with hooking this pattern halfway, then working an identical piece
the same length and stitching the foundation rows together – this would give
two halves with the same pretty scalloped edging on the ends. However, I wasn’t
happy with the join in the middle, regardless of whip stitch, double crochet
join, etc. It just looked too obvious. So I’ve made a shell edging row to
crochet onto the starting edge of the scarf:</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dsGsX-qx6FFEIIWahfVbkOSfwJBaqFYCseup951-hMPwRWQHvS7VjXewqA3hvRzUsGRqMlPDHlvw4120DJ9DJHjT_-blxrZQCnjlvv2140Hg0eZTJi0zeb5LfiwMpNl-1hz5E7yLiv8/s1600/shell+scarf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dsGsX-qx6FFEIIWahfVbkOSfwJBaqFYCseup951-hMPwRWQHvS7VjXewqA3hvRzUsGRqMlPDHlvw4120DJ9DJHjT_-blxrZQCnjlvv2140Hg0eZTJi0zeb5LfiwMpNl-1hz5E7yLiv8/s400/shell+scarf3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shell stitch edging worked in chunky yarn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Edging:</b> Right
side facing, attach yarn to the first chain of the row, ch 3, 2tr at the base
of ch3; *1dc in the base of the shell of the first row; [3tr, ch 1, 3tr] in the
base of the dc of the first row;* repeat from * to * two more times, ending the
row with 3tr above the first row’s dc stitch. (3 shells, 2 half shells on
either end of row)</div>
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<b>US: </b>Right side facing, attach yarn to
the first chain of the row, ch 3, 2dc at the base of ch3; *1sc in the base of
the shell of the first row; [3dc, ch 1, 3dc] in the base of the sc of the first
row;* repeat from * to * two more times, ending the row with 3dc above the
first row’s sc stitch. (3 shells, 2 half shells on either end of row)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Chrissie </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-39707448015619955372016-01-24T11:12:00.000+00:002016-01-24T11:17:05.338+00:00Seed Stitch Infinity Scarf Pattern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Is it possible to fall in love, I mean <span style="color: #990000;">*</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">true love</span><span style="color: #990000;">*</span>, with a
crochet project? If so, then I am head-over-heels for my seed stitch infinity
scarf!</div>
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<br /></div>
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It ticks all the boxes for a crochet crush: beautiful texture, an easy pattern (by that I
mean I can simultaneously crochet and carry on a conversation!), a useful item,
and in this case, the most sumptuous yarn in the most perfect shade of pink!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8clt9GkQNDCDLkGLSDZ1JLHE9KwUsNb4yqR5NgzaHY-X-0DN5csOtkV9KT6vaiOfvjr6u1eAVjWORSTwyBwukp660xKzT5v2A-mAW55ZUhLZ6IkbVVLCLrs3cOaI5ZoLNDs3Tm3XfgAc/s1600/pink+scarf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8clt9GkQNDCDLkGLSDZ1JLHE9KwUsNb4yqR5NgzaHY-X-0DN5csOtkV9KT6vaiOfvjr6u1eAVjWORSTwyBwukp660xKzT5v2A-mAW55ZUhLZ6IkbVVLCLrs3cOaI5ZoLNDs3Tm3XfgAc/s400/pink+scarf3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It all started with the indulgent birthday purchase of two
skeins of Juniper Moon Farm’s Moonshine yarn – a super-fine alpaca, silk and wool
blend, sooo soft and snugly. I couldn’t decide what to make with it, so while
searching out different crochet stitch combinations I found the seed stitch and
knew it would fit the bill.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ-HnqC02Vh-CJPEjOm1yp8_SFCYQkFt_0q6RF-EXYcTW0tnzkjNya1YGltKAgn_sf1Kgf_HdfQ6hLdtIHmk-opOZG25Pv1LZ6ElTS4tWxsre32MU_18ke9Tt_HRICFC80Tr2TgxnIGw/s1600/pink+scarf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ-HnqC02Vh-CJPEjOm1yp8_SFCYQkFt_0q6RF-EXYcTW0tnzkjNya1YGltKAgn_sf1Kgf_HdfQ6hLdtIHmk-opOZG25Pv1LZ6ElTS4tWxsre32MU_18ke9Tt_HRICFC80Tr2TgxnIGw/s400/pink+scarf2.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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This pattern is perfect for my Beginner’s Crochet Courses, so
I will be including it in the final handouts and sharing it with all my Crochet
Clubs. And you, too! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Seed Stitch Infinity Scarf</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used:</div>
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2 skeins of Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine (100g/180m/197yd per
skein)</div>
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or 3 skeins of Sublime extra fine merino wool DK
(50g/116m/127yd per ball)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or a DK yarn of your choice, with at least 360-400m/400+yd
of length – feel free to mix colours, try cotton yarn, acrylic, anything that
you fancy! I want you to enjoy this pattern and feel you have the confidence to
make it your own!</div>
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<br /></div>
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4.5mm hook</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Finished size:</b> My
pink scarf was 122cm/48in long, 19cm/7.5in wide – but again, have the
confidence to make it longer if you want. I am five feet tall, so I don’t have
the neck and shoulders to carry off a large infinity scarf. This is a forgiving
pattern in terms of tension and size, so do what suits you!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Pattern:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>UK terms (US terms)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ch 27</div>
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<b>Row 1:</b> dc (sc) in
3<sup>rd</sup> ch from hook; *tr (dc) in next stitch; dc (sc) in next stitch; *
repeat from * to the end of the row, finishing with a dc (sc) stitch. Turn your
work. (25 sts)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJMYCt6BvCDkBbc-09ZNNIn-MzspvRCFdgilKrV32qFIUxiZVEM-vyhcW8UnTw60HmoMxotF6dQcCyas5XIuwj62V8WlB2ydL7h0dHCtmh9MltvVO8ooaGrT_gdDvfsKMDrKw7BraCAc/s1600/sublime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJMYCt6BvCDkBbc-09ZNNIn-MzspvRCFdgilKrV32qFIUxiZVEM-vyhcW8UnTw60HmoMxotF6dQcCyas5XIuwj62V8WlB2ydL7h0dHCtmh9MltvVO8ooaGrT_gdDvfsKMDrKw7BraCAc/s400/sublime.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Row 2: </b>Ch 2, dc
(sc) in second stitch – this is the top of the tr (dc) of the previous row; tr
(dc) into next stitch (top of the dc [sc] of previous row); *dc (sc) in next
stitch (top of previous row tr [dc]); tr (dc) in next stitch (top of previous
row dc [sc])*. See how the stitches alternate row on row? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repeat from * to *, ending with a dc (sc) in the turning ch2
of previous row. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbRUWExpfCGPq7I4fXxklZrZXrHfxPx4S_-jXVoqSkzRUrTFrZQ0n1T33MHmnnI0pl932ZmdhFYcgpOfh16Y2JZAPLCHTHiqksW0LaVDBQbzswQXOVF8a6IWYUdQj7uQuueG3qKhHD_k/s1600/seed+stitch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbRUWExpfCGPq7I4fXxklZrZXrHfxPx4S_-jXVoqSkzRUrTFrZQ0n1T33MHmnnI0pl932ZmdhFYcgpOfh16Y2JZAPLCHTHiqksW0LaVDBQbzswQXOVF8a6IWYUdQj7uQuueG3qKhHD_k/s400/seed+stitch1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Repeat Row 2 until your scarf reaches the desired length.
Here’s a tip: I always test the length of an infinity scarf or cowl by
carefully pinning together the ends with safety pins and trying it on. This way
I know if I need to make it longer, if it looks too bulky, etc. Once I’m happy
with it, I fasten off, leaving a long tail, then use this tail to stitch
together both ends of the scarf (I just used a simple slip stitch with a yarn
needle).</div>
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<br /></div>
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I just love the texture of the seed stitch.</div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvWGmoDvKivBJergETbG6toTx46kuQfdF9joDb_FzxwMQNuLjHwPETXdS5EYxsv1Ul8gF-uTgAPJouIYKGZYFyk1smtL7qygTsOHG2aUN4GRH9NXZd0D3nlpr4AENoTv7oxG0HjlbX08/s1600/pink+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvWGmoDvKivBJergETbG6toTx46kuQfdF9joDb_FzxwMQNuLjHwPETXdS5EYxsv1Ul8gF-uTgAPJouIYKGZYFyk1smtL7qygTsOHG2aUN4GRH9NXZd0D3nlpr4AENoTv7oxG0HjlbX08/s400/pink+scarf.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<br /></div>
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I think I'll be making more patterns with it. Cushion cover, summer wrap with a light cotton yarn...but for now I’m actually hoping for more chilly weather so I can get
more use out of my new scarf!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chrissie </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-74240459749356016852015-09-27T16:04:00.000+01:002015-09-27T16:04:39.983+01:00Crochet with The Spice Girls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When my lovely virtual pal <span style="color: #e06666;">Sandra</span> from <a href="http://sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Cherry Heart</span></a> asked if
I’d like to take part in the Spice of Life Crochet-A-Long, I happily added one
more WIP to my list!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2MdfC58Etr8wYBjZpVE6AWOubdmJKUBokENIgpoogFUnUh62xwOFXC3zdlXkSqVIezox1dcPKHrMiEKoOmTtubnY4eFLwhGn4_TacA5_ME5BXC45ycupCXbcDwLumEzdBuM_0We90Kg/s1600/spice+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2MdfC58Etr8wYBjZpVE6AWOubdmJKUBokENIgpoogFUnUh62xwOFXC3zdlXkSqVIezox1dcPKHrMiEKoOmTtubnY4eFLwhGn4_TacA5_ME5BXC45ycupCXbcDwLumEzdBuM_0We90Kg/s640/spice+blanket.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy of Sandra at Cherry Heart</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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How could I refuse a gorgeous delivery of yarn from<span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><a href="http://www.blacksheepwools.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">Black Sheep Wools</span> </a>and a fun pattern that guarantees a Christmas gift ticked off my
list?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pzEzs8ycXaxNK5aYzs29m8S-tj2uRmFGYUsHxUTAMchp4ci8y93U6TWk7DD85A0iiiOAEtuYEBCRqC7z5zW9-rGGws1eu6u1Gj63iY7fkUeappUnTRHOz-bgzxq0zwNuCdtvFE5PYrY/s1600/spice+yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pzEzs8ycXaxNK5aYzs29m8S-tj2uRmFGYUsHxUTAMchp4ci8y93U6TWk7DD85A0iiiOAEtuYEBCRqC7z5zW9-rGGws1eu6u1Gj63iY7fkUeappUnTRHOz-bgzxq0zwNuCdtvFE5PYrY/s640/spice+yarn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Any combination of DK yarn can be used for the project, and
Black Sheep Wools has special Spice of Life yarn packs using Rico Classic Baby DK and
Stylecraft Special DK. Left to my own devices, I’d use my typical, safe shades
of taupes and soft blues, greens and pinks. So I decided to go for the
Stylecraft version, as Sandra used the Rico pack, to get me out of my comfort zone and into some bright and
unusual shades. (My rainbow-loving Little Flower already has a claim on the
finished blanket...)</div>
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<br /></div>
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This CAL suits all levels of experience, so I shared the info with
my Crochet Club a few weeks back. The response was fab – I have a merry band of
12 joining together to make the blanket! Of course, a group this size deserves
a name, so introducing...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">* </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">* </span><span style="color: red;">* T</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">h</span><span style="color: orange;">e</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">S</span><span style="color: #f1c232;">p</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">i</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">c</span><span style="color: #e69138;">e</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">G</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">i</span><span style="color: #e69138;">r</span><span style="color: #45818e;">l</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">s </span><span style="color: red;">*</span><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">*</span><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span><span style="color: red;">*</span></b></span></div>
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(cue rolling eyes and groans, but I just couldn’t resist!)</div>
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We are meeting this Tuesday for the first of a series of CAL
evenings outside of our regular Crochet Club. I can’t wait to see all the
different colour palettes, and what better motivation to keep hooking as the
autumn evenings close in? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXFQi3SH3EovJyO_BS8odTyjUSraxPwUvWB7Ez6ne1izgSJb4UqWYegtw1ft7C7Xsw96zZsSci2JsUp472wfEUabG-OTLj_nHK5i0-Hmt0qGIpHhmoT5aZTS5n6M5f8h2zKvzmeykJ_M/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXFQi3SH3EovJyO_BS8odTyjUSraxPwUvWB7Ez6ne1izgSJb4UqWYegtw1ft7C7Xsw96zZsSci2JsUp472wfEUabG-OTLj_nHK5i0-Hmt0qGIpHhmoT5aZTS5n6M5f8h2zKvzmeykJ_M/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I’ll share The Spice Girls' progress on the Spice of Life
Facebook page. Black Sheep Wools has a dedicated Spice of Life page on their <a href="http://www.blacksheepwools.com/spice-of-life-cal" target="_blank">web site</a>, and of course I’ll keep snapping away for <a href="https://instagram.com/chrissie_crafts/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>(chrissie_crafts)!</div>
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<!--[endif]--></div>
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Are you joining in the fun? Tell me all about it! </div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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Chrissie x (aka <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Crafty Spice</b></span>)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-28249024196960142382015-05-22T15:59:00.000+01:002015-05-22T15:59:06.737+01:00Blog Hop: Beginner’s Guide to Crochet – My Crochet Fail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve long been a fan of </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://annabooshouse.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Annaboo’s House</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">,
admiring the super-cute amigurumi, hooking up my own makes from Sarah’s
wonderful tutorials (especially the </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://annabooshouse.blogspot.co.uk/p/crochet-korknisse-and-toadstool.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7;">korknisse</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">!).
And just a few months ago we realised we actually live quite near each other,
so we’ve been meeting up to chat and crochet and eat cake – what more could a
gal want?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A book full of Sarah’s crochet creations, that’s what! She’s
just released her first book, <i><b><a href="http://www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/beginner-s-guide-to-crochet#.VV8k8_lVhBc" target="_blank">Beginner’s Guideto Crochet</a></b></i>, and to celebrate I’m taking part in a fun blog hop all about
our early crochet experiences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9iEEhFaPgCmIfmF92jP2MJ97aKRwqM_tz7QJIvwTjioc1-CxUwbS_N_EioG45qh5ggPyShESRmdbvy4JBm8ml6a27SaXJIOHlWCtI-GmwPu7D_YwZlvBXF5gt_xJ7AXO-JjdJFBi2ZQ/s1600/crochetbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9iEEhFaPgCmIfmF92jP2MJ97aKRwqM_tz7QJIvwTjioc1-CxUwbS_N_EioG45qh5ggPyShESRmdbvy4JBm8ml6a27SaXJIOHlWCtI-GmwPu7D_YwZlvBXF5gt_xJ7AXO-JjdJFBi2ZQ/s400/crochetbook.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My urge to crochet started when my eldest daughter was about
two years old. I appreciated the crocheted baby blanket my mother had made when
my Bunny was born, I loved the crocheted hangers that accompanied every new
outfit that Mom and Grandma gave to her. But I never even entertained the idea
of picking up a hook myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But motherhood changes you in so many ways, and along with
the nesting instinct came a strong desire to <i>make</i>. Nurturing, baking, singing, loving... it all magnified by
about a gazillion when I became a mom. So it seemed only natural that I asked
my two female role models to teach me how to take a little hook and a string of
yarn and create something beautiful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a dishcloth. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsclSh7MV1F-bS9sEGUgRFOmaNzd0G0bUrHNNaQFmFbmDxNZ_t1StRJEMqtXSi0erYypSDSAnNhcHQ4dTtyK-Rekg9nvfST2Jr-zJEh1Tx4V0ZJSW8xwJwe1Z0vQwoMZff1eLGN1GPxvQ/s1600/sadlittlecloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsclSh7MV1F-bS9sEGUgRFOmaNzd0G0bUrHNNaQFmFbmDxNZ_t1StRJEMqtXSi0erYypSDSAnNhcHQ4dTtyK-Rekg9nvfST2Jr-zJEh1Tx4V0ZJSW8xwJwe1Z0vQwoMZff1eLGN1GPxvQ/s640/sadlittlecloth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty, isn’t it? Well, hmmm. It’s been well used and washed
over the years. It was made with great determination, perseverance and patience.
And pretty pink variegated Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it is wrong. All wrong. My first project was a Crochet
Fail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you guess? Have you made the same mistake? Row by row,
stitch by stitch I crocheted in the front loops only, so the cloth is all
ridges. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTdiRyoz3aSZKwuqybbTnNJIDiDXGWrWnQBU61Sct6YVLeqA7mNLwQrpRm30qJX08iWx_3W0NbtbD1AR1Y_L6V0ZnDO3iJha0iWwMAo6Gekoewu5-2Uo4sVurKg3gFmqxZMx9yzGvDLU/s1600/sadlittlecloth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTdiRyoz3aSZKwuqybbTnNJIDiDXGWrWnQBU61Sct6YVLeqA7mNLwQrpRm30qJX08iWx_3W0NbtbD1AR1Y_L6V0ZnDO3iJha0iWwMAo6Gekoewu5-2Uo4sVurKg3gFmqxZMx9yzGvDLU/s400/sadlittlecloth2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the edges then buckled when I crocheted all round. Sad,
worn little cloth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When my mother pointed this out to me, I was disheartened.
The whole thing was wrong, and it took me an age to make. But then the
stubborn, feisty side of me piped up – hang on a minute, what’s so bad about this
cloth? It is made up of neat little ridged rows, it is absorbent and practical,
and it is pink! It is not a Crochet Fail, it is a Crochet Success because <i>I did it</i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I tell my students who attend my beginner’s crochet
course: “If it’s consistently wrong, it is <b>right</b>!
You’ve created a new stitch!”</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ain’t no one gonna tell me I’m wrong! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dishcloth was followed by a flurry of other little
crochet creations, amigurumi, scarves, blankets, granny squares. You can see
many of them in the archives of this blog! I shared my love of crochet with my
craft group, taught a few friends as the years rolled by. Then through word of mouth, about two years ago I was asked to
trial a beginner’s course. And now I seem to teach crochet here, there and
everywhere, building my Crochet Army! What a great way to make new friends –
the classes soon led to various Crochet Clubs held each month, where we hook
all evening, chatting and inspiring and creating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of creating, here’s something I’m working on for
Little Flower’s new bedroom, which I will unveil for you all as soon as I can
get that last coat of paint on the walls:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxCFCQpRVNt_D_jh2YHbYSRCwsl31EpSSatGkFrkUXCPwkrGZkN7DgTvcH3rUPgBgMviMIpwcEU_hDLWnCVUiG4uYfhaiKvBMoEPoyCvDaSQahHsqzU0_xGUt8n5KACRvKYVYyzz7iok/s1600/cloud1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxCFCQpRVNt_D_jh2YHbYSRCwsl31EpSSatGkFrkUXCPwkrGZkN7DgTvcH3rUPgBgMviMIpwcEU_hDLWnCVUiG4uYfhaiKvBMoEPoyCvDaSQahHsqzU0_xGUt8n5KACRvKYVYyzz7iok/s640/cloud1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given the grey clouds outside my window at the moment, I
like looking at one with silver lining! The pattern is from Sarah’s new book,
but I opted for a smaller version of the t-shirt yarn she used for hers:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeIcDtKlcQwyb2Qbz4EFTn7JM2_5SBe0CYL5JjqXkM94sJBylU_dFVv_u_KSlA9QgbQ3mgyYuf2Zf5G0LBrn46D0lu0qU7ZrV9IdWYzbos-kwlfOLopd2dNvwwklvbbAy5YXkoNms2yc/s1600/cloudpattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeIcDtKlcQwyb2Qbz4EFTn7JM2_5SBe0CYL5JjqXkM94sJBylU_dFVv_u_KSlA9QgbQ3mgyYuf2Zf5G0LBrn46D0lu0qU7ZrV9IdWYzbos-kwlfOLopd2dNvwwklvbbAy5YXkoNms2yc/s640/cloudpattern.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose King Cole Smooth DK yarn in a soft grey, it has a
pretty sheen that makes the cloud less dreary and goes well with the silver
lining.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_cPhnGYUPR64HmIpJgxFaCTZFTel37TF9tAf_HxwWLW-HBvPI_9f6BZNEjUHcSpZxI4zA66eehEn-fvX6nYLRIn36z1cddav6JzL5ibArxyCLSQQoYtYOi5XTC3m-KNGVbGeHGs5Rsk/s1600/cloud2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_cPhnGYUPR64HmIpJgxFaCTZFTel37TF9tAf_HxwWLW-HBvPI_9f6BZNEjUHcSpZxI4zA66eehEn-fvX6nYLRIn36z1cddav6JzL5ibArxyCLSQQoYtYOi5XTC3m-KNGVbGeHGs5Rsk/s640/cloud2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The silver lining is simply two strands of Anchor Metallic Thread
hooked together around the edge. Easy peasy! I have further plans for this
hopeful little cloud, you just wait and see...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pattern is one of 20 beginner’s projects, available as a
<a href="http://www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/beginner-s-guide-to-crochet#.VV8k8_lVhBc" target="_blank">printed book</a> as well as an <a href="http://www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/beginner-s-guide-to-crochet-pdf-ebook#.VV8x8flVhBc" target="_blank">eBook</a>. And lucky Sarah is a craft ambassador at
Stitch Craft Create – check out her curated page for lots of crochet goodies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now this blog hop must hop along...I would like to nominate one of my favourite crochet
designers, the ever-inspiring <span style="color: #ff66cc;">Sandra</span> of <span style="color: #ff66cc;"><a href="http://sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cherry Heart</a></span>, to share her beginner’s tale...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-72834203903040629272015-03-30T21:11:00.000+01:002015-03-30T21:11:19.668+01:00Loaded Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvH9rv-WnRaz7tC-pxauH6TsdMnqiPWmus0lhqFuzpnDaPNIHW_fW_wRAArH4xCN9hHYHWJ30tXfijQP7xvI5ggUFulZDF47k6qfxK2R8h7c9sERAm01Do20sayJhEjpxCu-KNmYhSLM/s1600/loaded+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvH9rv-WnRaz7tC-pxauH6TsdMnqiPWmus0lhqFuzpnDaPNIHW_fW_wRAArH4xCN9hHYHWJ30tXfijQP7xvI5ggUFulZDF47k6qfxK2R8h7c9sERAm01Do20sayJhEjpxCu-KNmYhSLM/s1600/loaded+cookies.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I had some rice krispie cereal hanging about
that the kids decided they didn’t like anymore, and I remembered eating a
chocolate chip cookie with rice krispies at some point in my childhood. I
searched and found similar recipes online, but nothing that ticked all the
boxes – so I conjured up my own version!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I told my mom about them, she said, “Whoa, those sound
like loaded cookies!” and thus I had the name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve written this in US terms/UK terms, but as always,
please email me if you have any questions. Bon appétit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciRHmgyQiRYv7Wmat-smYD7G3Fkr9Eg92ayVTlkHXbf9a6jI7ViwhXsKVCGfrWW28JWyd3twxcjwvTAld68P25N_G7L05No9zqPRMDPqO0hdw0waLqmk7cvA9G4hvARWVG_fKeYei6bg/s1600/eggs+sugar+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciRHmgyQiRYv7Wmat-smYD7G3Fkr9Eg92ayVTlkHXbf9a6jI7ViwhXsKVCGfrWW28JWyd3twxcjwvTAld68P25N_G7L05No9zqPRMDPqO0hdw0waLqmk7cvA9G4hvARWVG_fKeYei6bg/s1600/eggs+sugar+butter.jpg" height="618" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix together</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 c. /240g unsalted butter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 c./200g sugar/caster sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 c./200g light brown sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">until light and fluffy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 large eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and mix well.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePJC7hBnP4tpAlVmiX0nTtny_woLjFCw94dlK75b_GOzQ09rQl3n6uTRv7l1vw-7_n56YfxAwq-bG08r7QLt6r3zQP7JHjsfdSZRGEMyPUU0hyphenhyphenAXFJ5S6l6kjyeMbx1cYEE6LJ_EW5PM/s1600/dry+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePJC7hBnP4tpAlVmiX0nTtny_woLjFCw94dlK75b_GOzQ09rQl3n6uTRv7l1vw-7_n56YfxAwq-bG08r7QLt6r3zQP7JHjsfdSZRGEMyPUU0hyphenhyphenAXFJ5S6l6kjyeMbx1cYEE6LJ_EW5PM/s1600/dry+ingredients.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a separate bowl, blend</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 c./340g plain flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda/bicarbonate of soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">½ teaspoon baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">½ teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, with the mixer on low, gradually add the dry
ingredients </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to the butter mixture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now for the magic:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1GSL40fMP1jG0VZ5NYm_ArbJUW-GhpzIllhq7z9l1L_lSWmm6FtBORlwTSwOA9K5iG2i7dWMORVG4RLvEfwCcdYQqm2liU3lUeR1u9d8X5X2-vwealvSM6uEUEhAzccd5qKJq_9NA1M/s1600/rice+krispies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1GSL40fMP1jG0VZ5NYm_ArbJUW-GhpzIllhq7z9l1L_lSWmm6FtBORlwTSwOA9K5iG2i7dWMORVG4RLvEfwCcdYQqm2liU3lUeR1u9d8X5X2-vwealvSM6uEUEhAzccd5qKJq_9NA1M/s1600/rice+krispies.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stir in</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 c./100g rolled oats/porridge oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 c./60g rice krispies cereal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 c./80g flaked coconut/desiccated coconut (note: US-style
flaked coconut works better in this recipe – try <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bakers-Angel-Flake-396g/dp/B00411WZGG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427746009&sr=8-1&keywords=bakers+coconut" target="_blank">here</a></b> for a UK source)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 c./180g chocolate chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">being careful not to overmix or crush the cereal! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aOBbMG8N90VDWpafwCHpfhnzSa2XGRtP9tLf3oFsv0HyR1wEitKOVD7-zDxvBM_Qwpq2qFEEHaANsHhbRpDOZuYZGHfAZjQRy4rCbIIIFSCTX7mu-FE_2l319yJTvALcapvn0SMV1wM/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aOBbMG8N90VDWpafwCHpfhnzSa2XGRtP9tLf3oFsv0HyR1wEitKOVD7-zDxvBM_Qwpq2qFEEHaANsHhbRpDOZuYZGHfAZjQRy4rCbIIIFSCTX7mu-FE_2l319yJTvALcapvn0SMV1wM/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with
parchment. I use a small ice cream scoop for uniform size (and it looks proper
professional!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown, rotating
the baking sheets halfway through cooking. Transfer to wire racks to cool. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyGS9KmgZMKueXL183GP0zKErXtDuKiicYA32Am6MyC8bBRRYsm_ZW8ECMaRe0uXNXZPMx6LwYqG8EQTM8SfZIDyCWqpuvYTzveUDkaGilVtaBsxWw0Pzu-dEcHJw9KMv0-S2l29sf1I/s1600/cookies+sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyGS9KmgZMKueXL183GP0zKErXtDuKiicYA32Am6MyC8bBRRYsm_ZW8ECMaRe0uXNXZPMx6LwYqG8EQTM8SfZIDyCWqpuvYTzveUDkaGilVtaBsxWw0Pzu-dEcHJw9KMv0-S2l29sf1I/s1600/cookies+sheet.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don’t know where that last one went...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy baking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-20866067404769096852015-02-18T14:14:00.000+00:002015-02-18T14:14:19.795+00:00Long-awaited ta-dahs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the reasons I started my blog nearly two years ago is
because I wanted some inspiration to finish my works-in-progress. I finally, <i>finally</i> finished one of my favourite
WIPs:</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIB6WRkStfyiuYmsD-byrA72_6LZVaOkimfjQl0pg5LVPhQAUzt4wp5DNUEVNGF-RCRC1FkAmSfqwaBK3wHHXYBNVbHHQyF7cijDk_F_oL6G_SiXzgqrpD7w2y2KYDl3kFH2u76Csrz8/s1600/sam+is+done!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIB6WRkStfyiuYmsD-byrA72_6LZVaOkimfjQl0pg5LVPhQAUzt4wp5DNUEVNGF-RCRC1FkAmSfqwaBK3wHHXYBNVbHHQyF7cijDk_F_oL6G_SiXzgqrpD7w2y2KYDl3kFH2u76Csrz8/s1600/sam+is+done!.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ta-dah, Ta-Dah, TA-DAH!!!! I could hardly believe it when I
stitched the last stitch of this Dr. Seuss homage. Sam-I-Am shouldn’t have
taken so long, really. It wasn’t the most impossible embroidery, it was just
rather slow going at certain stages so I felt the need for a break. Sometimes
for months. Ah well, we got there in the end!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUjoBNzl129XkXHN6wdCdlbMO7QC95kfjHSjQxdsJ8QSKl1E1RQtIHcW_x6lA0G-X0TTYXzNrwrf_2TAK4ey01GdyuIa38ht3bF4URrrvYZ8uQIh5c2qZhGAWR3dpRUIeooOJMW1UtA4/s1600/sam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUjoBNzl129XkXHN6wdCdlbMO7QC95kfjHSjQxdsJ8QSKl1E1RQtIHcW_x6lA0G-X0TTYXzNrwrf_2TAK4ey01GdyuIa38ht3bF4URrrvYZ8uQIh5c2qZhGAWR3dpRUIeooOJMW1UtA4/s1600/sam2.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUSKeKIgiPi0rk-67KYnRnUbgXybDYSk4yEI_5LTlxz_3fM7OKnDgPYLBf1Nl0d_fHQpGK1_4jLRHh8DM_YBRii3WCD_WOrASMUq1EADsJaDiy6QpaD_acI26Fozvsm0L2feV8amDqo8/s1600/sam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUSKeKIgiPi0rk-67KYnRnUbgXybDYSk4yEI_5LTlxz_3fM7OKnDgPYLBf1Nl0d_fHQpGK1_4jLRHh8DM_YBRii3WCD_WOrASMUq1EADsJaDiy6QpaD_acI26Fozvsm0L2feV8amDqo8/s1600/sam3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Flower loves it, so it will go in her room, which we
are currently redecorating. She actually was the impetus to finish Sam-I-Am; she
loves <i>Green Eggs and Ham</i> so much and can read it by herself now. She saw the
embroidery and asked if I could finish it specially for her – how could I say
no? My five-year-old bookworm...caught here on my iPhone after her bedtime, she snuck out of bed to read more of the story!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qkcDJR7H9kJVp96-mDFJ9RiOp2gN5wpZKl5sKIQCer44FjBIKM5WJkMUeAhTv8SCVCUX0dZvrOlnLO1KqHD_-PaUlILNWmX_w4ndd1aj7Jk04uxIFIspsb_5T4WI85pIUsmfymfZ9Z8/s1600/bookworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qkcDJR7H9kJVp96-mDFJ9RiOp2gN5wpZKl5sKIQCer44FjBIKM5WJkMUeAhTv8SCVCUX0dZvrOlnLO1KqHD_-PaUlILNWmX_w4ndd1aj7Jk04uxIFIspsb_5T4WI85pIUsmfymfZ9Z8/s1600/bookworm.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey! Get to bed!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My New Year’s Resolution was to not buy any new yarn until I
completed the mountain of crochet WIPs I accumulated last year. I need to tame
my inner fickle magpie, flitting from one project to another when a pretty new
yarn pops up in the shop!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far so good (nearly, I did buy some Smooth DK on sale for
£1 a ball, but that doesn’t count – who could pass up that kind of bargain?).
My big finish this week was the gorgeous Textured Throw from Erika Knight’s <i>Crochet Workshop</i>:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiD0473z8uwJW2jlRr5bsjPB2nk8UznzXSMPyhziBZ-Re0FjfNybZA92UMSVd_Hi5rvAj05jE4yY3PqPts3zc8Y5-2RsNeO3KmrbKXHnKA9le8sL5YCMaiuHJ8-RdanbYRfoBnNRY2UU/s1600/texthrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiD0473z8uwJW2jlRr5bsjPB2nk8UznzXSMPyhziBZ-Re0FjfNybZA92UMSVd_Hi5rvAj05jE4yY3PqPts3zc8Y5-2RsNeO3KmrbKXHnKA9le8sL5YCMaiuHJ8-RdanbYRfoBnNRY2UU/s1600/texthrow.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A most inviting seat, no?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started this throw months ago using King Cole Gypsy
super-chunky yarn and a 10mm hook. It works up so quickly, but it took me ages
because shortly after I started it, I began teaching more and more crochet
workshops and leading the crochet clubs linked with each venue’s classes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B-AhhrokSSyjW0gpCmciVTyVJbv_6scTzVxM1BhtfZB99xQ1dco2NTLEvrwJBSR1LuA_XuG6XpvZcBPuIi-8AMRA-upGMq0Xh7dw-w7l7JlXqW7sDqg6sY9w70n88-rQ2nu7IjeHRUo/s1600/texthrow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B-AhhrokSSyjW0gpCmciVTyVJbv_6scTzVxM1BhtfZB99xQ1dco2NTLEvrwJBSR1LuA_XuG6XpvZcBPuIi-8AMRA-upGMq0Xh7dw-w7l7JlXqW7sDqg6sY9w70n88-rQ2nu7IjeHRUo/s1600/texthrow2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve
had </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so much fun</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> spreading the hooky
love, but it has taken a big bite out of my own personal crochet time. I have
to make sure I don’t get RSI by crocheting into the night when I’ve been
teaching during the day. So projects are slow going, but very satisfying
nonetheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG9Zl0zXsZvsfB1KesDlD9ZgEFOFRygGN-4dIXz_2igmsatVRgxcLUe5bpCaseliRVjRWJyKDjgaYD7LgK9jyw-hVYbGqVCeE8pVzyJmVHH9h3pk_v6NFUhfiaZD1s22Fy0Vn0V3ySts/s1600/texthrow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG9Zl0zXsZvsfB1KesDlD9ZgEFOFRygGN-4dIXz_2igmsatVRgxcLUe5bpCaseliRVjRWJyKDjgaYD7LgK9jyw-hVYbGqVCeE8pVzyJmVHH9h3pk_v6NFUhfiaZD1s22Fy0Vn0V3ySts/s1600/texthrow3.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the perfect winter blanket, soooo snuggly warm!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also managed to finish a new shawl...</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDA4wWNlR_V7ODT-EdlgCHELrF94VHzpVUzV8Dip5Ubxq4CeBG2tUx5bFW2lxAuBiYx1SLRX4zdy4Z-ZU6k4gEcuYwsz6TBDeLpHFDNAIYXG6SN1F5BzgSXzuDIvjrz0JRofH5bPQyIs/s1600/zommersjaal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDA4wWNlR_V7ODT-EdlgCHELrF94VHzpVUzV8Dip5Ubxq4CeBG2tUx5bFW2lxAuBiYx1SLRX4zdy4Z-ZU6k4gEcuYwsz6TBDeLpHFDNAIYXG6SN1F5BzgSXzuDIvjrz0JRofH5bPQyIs/s1600/zommersjaal2.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How much do I adore this shawl? I fell in love with Louisa
Harding’s Amitola yarn, and opted for a colourway out of my comfort zone of
pastels and neutrals. The vivid blues and rich browns were too tempting to pass
up.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5gZsG6Z-1-pSCa6wceuQbPLypQHwp2rBK4Pr-Hn1oDgSmhHCJTM7JwVyCEJTg9xBC8sjnEc6ZT3FQqS9mEjYBlmjDrBr2JgHj-hXQqBZF6f4NrTtu4roOeAnlX4G9Z1-ThtTD08cTEs/s1600/zommersjaal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5gZsG6Z-1-pSCa6wceuQbPLypQHwp2rBK4Pr-Hn1oDgSmhHCJTM7JwVyCEJTg9xBC8sjnEc6ZT3FQqS9mEjYBlmjDrBr2JgHj-hXQqBZF6f4NrTtu4roOeAnlX4G9Z1-ThtTD08cTEs/s1600/zommersjaal.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After drooling over images online for weeks, I broke down
and ordered <i>Puur Haken </i>by<i> </i>the super-talented Maaike at <a href="http://crejjtion.com/" target="_blank">creJJtion</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, I don’t speak the language, but yes, the photos are
inspiration in themselves, and the diagram gave me all I needed to create the
zomersjaal myself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the shell pattern so much, I made creJJtion’s fingerless gloves, also using a shell pattern, with Louisa Harding Orielle yarn – a Christmas gift for myself, I couldn’t
resist the subtle gold thread running through the yarn, giving it a little
sparkle!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhl2V6O3q_NuQVaHL7KFDj5yBJ5DrApM7MhOLDzdmM4EVBlpIrooTF6klaju56hWRc8qwcY5JYRqLynno_i30pf7pryDY7u4cEASD6YBh2SxvcbSc2HZgD_srKt5FdJAMFIgzCqmiEfQ/s1600/crejjtion+gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhl2V6O3q_NuQVaHL7KFDj5yBJ5DrApM7MhOLDzdmM4EVBlpIrooTF6klaju56hWRc8qwcY5JYRqLynno_i30pf7pryDY7u4cEASD6YBh2SxvcbSc2HZgD_srKt5FdJAMFIgzCqmiEfQ/s1600/crejjtion+gloves.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Onward and upward. I have a cushion to finish, then a pretty
pink scarf, oh and a poncho-sweater-type-thing I forgot I even started about a
year ago! Don’t mention the hexie blanket...I think there’s a ball of chunky
scarlet yarn partway hooked into a snood...<i>then</i>
I’ll attack those spring yarns in their juicy colours...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-37534229931862487622015-01-01T14:02:00.000+00:002015-01-01T14:02:34.462+00:00Blog Lang Syne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<i>sung to the tune of “Auld
Lang Syne”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should long blog pauses be forgot</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and never brought to mind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m starting fresh, with new-found zeal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and making more blog time</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg15lHHsRoCHkj8MZrXkJgmvBdebM416URs1ZnFLWiNB0P5GVP46cX-LV4CXaYrzooLdv14FuoQltt-vvxGKWDdZ_s3BunxqfZwuwjx6qxy9A9D59-gISrJ_PQKcFIMb8WwFl0GhpEsck/s1600/painted+roses+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg15lHHsRoCHkj8MZrXkJgmvBdebM416URs1ZnFLWiNB0P5GVP46cX-LV4CXaYrzooLdv14FuoQltt-vvxGKWDdZ_s3BunxqfZwuwjx6qxy9A9D59-gISrJ_PQKcFIMb8WwFl0GhpEsck/s1600/painted+roses+square.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There’s Instagram that’s kept me close</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to you while life’s so full</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I miss sharing WIPS, long chats,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and writing to you
all</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lGWS7ZnfPWKrauiTL5QnNHDYOJLQXiiSoh2yKlXZlWRDzF3Ubv5gBYFqG60Y6DqWyoHr1PJgOYtE90dQ-ym5alve4PJjqqSty2a_bJ5zvb471iBs_fAPL2yehQj3QPBdF_VQgeg-T28/s1600/sewing+crochet+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lGWS7ZnfPWKrauiTL5QnNHDYOJLQXiiSoh2yKlXZlWRDzF3Ubv5gBYFqG60Y6DqWyoHr1PJgOYtE90dQ-ym5alve4PJjqqSty2a_bJ5zvb471iBs_fAPL2yehQj3QPBdF_VQgeg-T28/s1600/sewing+crochet+cookies.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This brand new year I’m striving to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">weekly share a post</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And finish the crochet and embroidery makes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that I love the most</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGQYjTiNWk2q1BJ6j8MmqgV02Bgv3DRZKGsMJWGqOwykcK1QkJYM_q0WZ0k7T5q31PcaIHV5C0AgHYkIk4G7R6xh479eSDfXkQb6JlHcLszfe1lmRZMUhqND63udUANgoz02e7hFdlF0/s1600/gloves+and+bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGQYjTiNWk2q1BJ6j8MmqgV02Bgv3DRZKGsMJWGqOwykcK1QkJYM_q0WZ0k7T5q31PcaIHV5C0AgHYkIk4G7R6xh479eSDfXkQb6JlHcLszfe1lmRZMUhqND63udUANgoz02e7hFdlF0/s1600/gloves+and+bunny.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for reading and following</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m so grateful, for goodness’ sake</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here’s to a joyous 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now let’s all go and *make*!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X0Xpw_iUXlfCRdR6hPv7XIzKizaiqvlJZLgbDMpANghkhOIEfwDVHnAuCeMKLnlPbQ099TqSYFCIld-PhOU1mb-ohtNN888_h4mXm2F_yJdy_gtVKvSDDGmHEQ8Ft1ocit3micG0IAo/s1600/2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X0Xpw_iUXlfCRdR6hPv7XIzKizaiqvlJZLgbDMpANghkhOIEfwDVHnAuCeMKLnlPbQ099TqSYFCIld-PhOU1mb-ohtNN888_h4mXm2F_yJdy_gtVKvSDDGmHEQ8Ft1ocit3micG0IAo/s1600/2015.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-43516652922784079022014-10-12T11:23:00.000+01:002014-10-12T11:23:27.243+01:00Craft therapy in a chaotic world<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is it about cutting up fabric</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0fJniYQczuO3UjmofpVlvBnt5VMSuxFOEgCRfixu7qm6SG_OMeShw6SjSfkeTVLBeyRMeYLx5eG5H011ZU_s-WLupM6Y9ZrECyixR3foPnuzAQrDQU8zbTLsIxi7JlKcp4CILQqKpn0/s1600/jelly+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0fJniYQczuO3UjmofpVlvBnt5VMSuxFOEgCRfixu7qm6SG_OMeShw6SjSfkeTVLBeyRMeYLx5eG5H011ZU_s-WLupM6Y9ZrECyixR3foPnuzAQrDQU8zbTLsIxi7JlKcp4CILQqKpn0/s1600/jelly+roll.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and sewing it back together again</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySzvEz2O9LsZIDNZkmL3xEDjqRNvWw5WHVKLZkfw3fnUaIbX4636w0Sn_iDt4STlEWg7QlRqUWogw-ougGeRgycjvf1-8hgUiu96leLzFcZaOND18nMCO7oSrMCnyJwPJysvg4Q6_Ubw/s1600/block+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySzvEz2O9LsZIDNZkmL3xEDjqRNvWw5WHVKLZkfw3fnUaIbX4636w0Sn_iDt4STlEWg7QlRqUWogw-ougGeRgycjvf1-8hgUiu96leLzFcZaOND18nMCO7oSrMCnyJwPJysvg4Q6_Ubw/s1600/block+quilt.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that is so gratifying? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh084D300dM_6m2sybbNgu_b1q6RJ-K10LQNKxCfEnIc0WmWa9qQJjkIbgchFehO8KByR5m7Z6vJiy9_WIf1OOgtGsgzaEogqRk6pEOWGKJ6fvzB2Qwm-iMwojCeks3bhUYCN8jRuXVtdU/s1600/quilt+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh084D300dM_6m2sybbNgu_b1q6RJ-K10LQNKxCfEnIc0WmWa9qQJjkIbgchFehO8KByR5m7Z6vJiy9_WIf1OOgtGsgzaEogqRk6pEOWGKJ6fvzB2Qwm-iMwojCeks3bhUYCN8jRuXVtdU/s1600/quilt+block.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why does choosing yarn in beautiful colours</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL8mGNNVP08qZPkePBUd4aD83WHVotH2m4tTk8yCtyLDVpyikuD0YmeDGw87pLHV3tx0FfNFjzyzJ6AJfCvSpdYanaO_N6U1tXU9PimQW5bdH3hlijC_mdo694bDilLXlRQTwjJd8ZFk/s1600/yarn+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL8mGNNVP08qZPkePBUd4aD83WHVotH2m4tTk8yCtyLDVpyikuD0YmeDGw87pLHV3tx0FfNFjzyzJ6AJfCvSpdYanaO_N6U1tXU9PimQW5bdH3hlijC_mdo694bDilLXlRQTwjJd8ZFk/s1600/yarn+bowl.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and spending a few hours basically hooking it into tangles
and knots</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGLJy5j_oN-4fUnuBNB1RfV5Ta1abtxgth696Dbx7egtE3mq8x0CsxuNS8JhiX5tOJ03ijg-Wxyn6CPty7uOZWyoKRR9IhAXIgNWo5ujFZ8HTo-n_e_Rot_d8Zz16LfQPXSMRB4eDlIU/s1600/popcorn+cushion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGLJy5j_oN-4fUnuBNB1RfV5Ta1abtxgth696Dbx7egtE3mq8x0CsxuNS8JhiX5tOJ03ijg-Wxyn6CPty7uOZWyoKRR9IhAXIgNWo5ujFZ8HTo-n_e_Rot_d8Zz16LfQPXSMRB4eDlIU/s1600/popcorn+cushion2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">make the tough realities of life just a bit easier to take?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09KVwi8-Y6ToVWNRvAJNdm8L1vjKkYiVdIZcq3xac1VCTFDLlGQRCtvQ4EcDS-wVvpW5pylTY1ybCgCxtgaFeb4g_X0tgu73x54aN804mX4blKyDCqCXaYoyrvmGscYGmmLotLt1xOcE/s1600/popcorn+cushion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09KVwi8-Y6ToVWNRvAJNdm8L1vjKkYiVdIZcq3xac1VCTFDLlGQRCtvQ4EcDS-wVvpW5pylTY1ybCgCxtgaFeb4g_X0tgu73x54aN804mX4blKyDCqCXaYoyrvmGscYGmmLotLt1xOcE/s1600/popcorn+cushion1.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can a needle and a few bits of coloured thread</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXMmcgmUioiBr8TMZGAS4m-A3BEiuoI7_5aabUzutbG9-g4mqYEzCVFK4pJwdCm9NnawAKMJ44Kv8iVZe-DylTSJXPF0Ev88uH8uNmvloIz3hCwHI3fVVDKsFiaScVE22R0F5y3K7W3g/s1600/herb+embroidery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXMmcgmUioiBr8TMZGAS4m-A3BEiuoI7_5aabUzutbG9-g4mqYEzCVFK4pJwdCm9NnawAKMJ44Kv8iVZe-DylTSJXPF0Ev88uH8uNmvloIz3hCwHI3fVVDKsFiaScVE22R0F5y3K7W3g/s1600/herb+embroidery.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">yield small beauties that put the ugliness of the news into
the background for a while? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Craft is the perfect antidote to the horrors of the world
around us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We crafty folk find happiness in sharing our knowledge</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHx0vaqrQgIK2Qxaqo7aaLAQ6H02VI3Gtx3GyQ0bMUZ-kWwDB3tMcqxmOBYvD63ISn8IvyjIaLH8qxd72ftr-KQOvKlZ2pnmIO3tkvNnIM6Lj70XOC3A99K51pnkh3ePR4LPVuF87_pCQ/s1600/lampshade+workshop6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHx0vaqrQgIK2Qxaqo7aaLAQ6H02VI3Gtx3GyQ0bMUZ-kWwDB3tMcqxmOBYvD63ISn8IvyjIaLH8qxd72ftr-KQOvKlZ2pnmIO3tkvNnIM6Lj70XOC3A99K51pnkh3ePR4LPVuF87_pCQ/s1600/lampshade+workshop6.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the workshops I teach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-afyQt1RwqAK5io3KAGj_YboJb31lkWSVXEdOJkjbSJNlaH2mufBdJvnCtzgQ3mu18dLh2sqqS__zVdMbIiCsqw-EOocIYAReo-lm7maJ4uDWu8h5fHEf4dd2dOCDhzu0JCvximHDpOM/s1600/leather+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-afyQt1RwqAK5io3KAGj_YboJb31lkWSVXEdOJkjbSJNlaH2mufBdJvnCtzgQ3mu18dLh2sqqS__zVdMbIiCsqw-EOocIYAReo-lm7maJ4uDWu8h5fHEf4dd2dOCDhzu0JCvximHDpOM/s1600/leather+pot.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the classes I take</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">inspiring new friends</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjPXH_EX0ue85DvALl4Chy7E86J1FURVgV8BkDV45rAVUP0kH68xwPDO2nJNvmubJaKxHhzFlFk8c3V5Oo8v2y3pSfkxpmhNlaeYud8ImRZVguN3iqRYjuXKWcYfWKfavE1-IivtZwyk/s1600/sewing+machines1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjPXH_EX0ue85DvALl4Chy7E86J1FURVgV8BkDV45rAVUP0kH68xwPDO2nJNvmubJaKxHhzFlFk8c3V5Oo8v2y3pSfkxpmhNlaeYud8ImRZVguN3iqRYjuXKWcYfWKfavE1-IivtZwyk/s1600/sewing+machines1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaching a new friend to sew on a rainy afternoon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">enjoying the company of old friends</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fzbu8joUUkF0mLXpqcEGyHiXM_b_-7kCTeiKAGBqw9AvZb8EdnERsQy6Ce_t2oT4RxRtDY3hUHMwVG7VXu_w6y2rFKrfOTb6mmeR2Sk_Zy31dZ2iUpBiDnj2yFUC_fWPZ4MWOZTAlFk/s1600/craft+night+treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fzbu8joUUkF0mLXpqcEGyHiXM_b_-7kCTeiKAGBqw9AvZb8EdnERsQy6Ce_t2oT4RxRtDY3hUHMwVG7VXu_w6y2rFKrfOTb6mmeR2Sk_Zy31dZ2iUpBiDnj2yFUC_fWPZ4MWOZTAlFk/s1600/craft+night+treats.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoying decadent treats on Craft Night with <b><a href="http://www.sewsweetviolet.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jooles</a></b>!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The news has been getting to me lately. It’s all too much
sometimes. I switch off the radio and reach for something to make, something to
take my mind off all the negativity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Craft therapy. In these tumultuous times, we’re all holding
onto our creative gifts, enriching our family lives with simple makes</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_eaSf07vMGzQ-Qij6myyhGLXxz0yPCNyCJcPlk4xSEe7efrjcb-Df2CYQAkcXLFj4wKryapo-zNmzBUSZGJUZQnKgI_t_wuLpyB4m8KhGtcmHRDdtSB_0C8mGrJq-y7oAx6i3foCIMA/s1600/snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_eaSf07vMGzQ-Qij6myyhGLXxz0yPCNyCJcPlk4xSEe7efrjcb-Df2CYQAkcXLFj4wKryapo-zNmzBUSZGJUZQnKgI_t_wuLpyB4m8KhGtcmHRDdtSB_0C8mGrJq-y7oAx6i3foCIMA/s1600/snowflake.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been making snowflakes with linen thread and iridescent thread hooked together...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And while conflicts spread the globe, so too do our creative
connections</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuUKt9lrt8lQdzUf9LcAByeTAlNd7eFOrH17RRseeGnXzCTcgvBQdyvEkhLtx5Eca-PrvPnk1IyCu7B8_5f4WQkgY4-ajaSHnD7dnA-5yb3TQM878yImW8ejd6xcuFVT_roHI5Bfxwks/s1600/instagram___application_icon_by_ravenbasix-d5vsqu2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtZdVXkO555K2qfHvfJ6L5CZfNnPaBwFcohr90QiMKEyc-G1xPpGo6Urr_ndMssnF1qAIrb8_c-uF9E5wNK-VAZtqRbjUGUMJMtsejTzWJwTbBkuG49iETZgRcIXLJgkWX-OgUNAGp6U/s1600/image_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtZdVXkO555K2qfHvfJ6L5CZfNnPaBwFcohr90QiMKEyc-G1xPpGo6Urr_ndMssnF1qAIrb8_c-uF9E5wNK-VAZtqRbjUGUMJMtsejTzWJwTbBkuG49iETZgRcIXLJgkWX-OgUNAGp6U/s1600/image_preview.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuUKt9lrt8lQdzUf9LcAByeTAlNd7eFOrH17RRseeGnXzCTcgvBQdyvEkhLtx5Eca-PrvPnk1IyCu7B8_5f4WQkgY4-ajaSHnD7dnA-5yb3TQM878yImW8ejd6xcuFVT_roHI5Bfxwks/s1600/instagram___application_icon_by_ravenbasix-d5vsqu2.png" height="200" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuUKt9lrt8lQdzUf9LcAByeTAlNd7eFOrH17RRseeGnXzCTcgvBQdyvEkhLtx5Eca-PrvPnk1IyCu7B8_5f4WQkgY4-ajaSHnD7dnA-5yb3TQM878yImW8ejd6xcuFVT_roHI5Bfxwks/s1600/instagram___application_icon_by_ravenbasix-d5vsqu2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuUKt9lrt8lQdzUf9LcAByeTAlNd7eFOrH17RRseeGnXzCTcgvBQdyvEkhLtx5Eca-PrvPnk1IyCu7B8_5f4WQkgY4-ajaSHnD7dnA-5yb3TQM878yImW8ejd6xcuFVT_roHI5Bfxwks/s1600/instagram___application_icon_by_ravenbasix-d5vsqu2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re sticking together, we crafty folk, we’re reaching out
across the vastest distances to share the simplest of pleasures in this
complicated world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Craft therapy.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t you wish a news
report would end not with the weather, but with a Craft Update? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“And in Surrey this evening,
Chrissie Crafts has finally finished her daughter’s quilt! A lovingly made patchwork
in shades of rose and aqua, Chrissie reveals exclusively to us that this will
be Bunny’s Christmas present. Well done, Chrissie.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. I first wrote about craft therapy a few weeks after starting my blog. You can
read it <b><a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/craft-therapy.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-56608131527311597472014-09-24T16:33:00.000+01:002014-09-24T16:33:34.349+01:00Adjusting...and sharing the yarn love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The flowers in my garden are confused...</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Kgx5SQ1yu1cLgNQRaSbDlLIYiIfo2JMa1HjXu0aOWezf4On0-d64Slg_2bn_LQp0pamNWG0xY8ZgPSPRDH19sRoU1Lsnx0K4N_qX7uxt9LA_uE_FN6A5vKqBrL95BlFKFqfxjiK73c/s1600/herbs+in+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Kgx5SQ1yu1cLgNQRaSbDlLIYiIfo2JMa1HjXu0aOWezf4On0-d64Slg_2bn_LQp0pamNWG0xY8ZgPSPRDH19sRoU1Lsnx0K4N_qX7uxt9LA_uE_FN6A5vKqBrL95BlFKFqfxjiK73c/s1600/herbs+in+fall.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A second flush of lavender, chives, borage, even wild strawberries!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is September, but the sun has been shining bright, the
air has been warm, and the garden doesn’t know whether it is coming or going!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOb1Vq4k0f88W9jWGFxW57rkv7L5IpjyG60qh7ufsmWeteN8LO-NkMexOF9wL0qeFY9BtweL1UxT-1hz_r9zV7BQ-68h4rPGtkahLd5xhonj3Njnql2fIxXqIZOXouVvwLVct7McQ5S4/s1600/flowers+in+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOb1Vq4k0f88W9jWGFxW57rkv7L5IpjyG60qh7ufsmWeteN8LO-NkMexOF9wL0qeFY9BtweL1UxT-1hz_r9zV7BQ-68h4rPGtkahLd5xhonj3Njnql2fIxXqIZOXouVvwLVct7McQ5S4/s1600/flowers+in+fall.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sky is Mediterranean blue behind a small cluster of
jasmine blossoms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The nasturtiums continue to burst open in hot colours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tree leaves are beginning to turn behind a late-blooming
rose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am similarly muddled. But today I finally feel a nip in
the air that hints of autumn. I reach for my shawl and my crochet hook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘Tis the season for super-chunky yarn</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EF8iy79zABbig6ymZa64pvnP3qpBb4_0nlQotNOV_8JjLa70ddgAAYuXZINf_LBjUG3w4aWkl2aoCJI0QNBdkq6QTCDmFEsSbYtnRpYWfLJgyq5Kyt7i3NWff0-5OSweC4_jWAibqHc/s1600/chunkyafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EF8iy79zABbig6ymZa64pvnP3qpBb4_0nlQotNOV_8JjLa70ddgAAYuXZINf_LBjUG3w4aWkl2aoCJI0QNBdkq6QTCDmFEsSbYtnRpYWfLJgyq5Kyt7i3NWff0-5OSweC4_jWAibqHc/s1600/chunkyafghan.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A blanket in the works.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘Tis also the season to get a head-start on Christmas</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgiJi4x4fkkZtkKnAUiq8a5sX0lDs550akI6wEI0SM9S1_a0niiakhfU_WNrqPdY9l8Yr_ASS5bB7a0yW7rBjxvrVpBRElHUnln0xeHtvrB7iWMF3yulMNQGaC6R_IeihXuuB_6tkOUc/s1600/snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgiJi4x4fkkZtkKnAUiq8a5sX0lDs550akI6wEI0SM9S1_a0niiakhfU_WNrqPdY9l8Yr_ASS5bB7a0yW7rBjxvrVpBRElHUnln0xeHtvrB7iWMF3yulMNQGaC6R_IeihXuuB_6tkOUc/s1600/snowflakes.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, this book! The possibilities! While I wait for my Anchor Aida
Crochet Cotton No. 10 in a range of icy pastel shades, I made three of the
snowflake designs from this new book with DK yarn. All using a 4mm hook, all with different,
pleasing results. I have yet to weave in the ends and block these snowflakes, so they're a bit untidy, but you get
the idea...</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX_TqRKc45IhdIbGTk3vsl1I4uDxEKsTexq7aXLbV1N6TRGEwsXm1VpL6hZNi9kjdzd7uS7-VvwLnvWmgasJDXW0lCOAxNG3oZMWhbMux1n8TU2fr2jm5BgFE3UKeSAcO_3d0EANVjYI/s1600/snowflakes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX_TqRKc45IhdIbGTk3vsl1I4uDxEKsTexq7aXLbV1N6TRGEwsXm1VpL6hZNi9kjdzd7uS7-VvwLnvWmgasJDXW0lCOAxNG3oZMWhbMux1n8TU2fr2jm5BgFE3UKeSAcO_3d0EANVjYI/s1600/snowflakes1.jpg" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Louisa Harding Etoile has beautiful tiny sequins to give
that authentic snowflake sparkle. The grey Smooth DK has the slightest sheen,
and the lilac Patons is a mercerised cotton, so it hooks like smooth string. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m going to experiment with blocking and stiffening - a comparison of fabric stiffening spray and a
mix of PVA glue and water. Watch this space for results! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am adjusting to a new phase of life, and while I am thoroughly
enjoying all the busy-ness that has made up these past few weeks, I am still
trying to find my feet. Trying to find time to be <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">*still</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">*</span> and get a grip on
what’s happening all around me. I know that time will come, but not yet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For
the moment I wake up and look at the calendar on the wall and do exactly what
it tells me: “Crochet Course 10-12”; “Embroidery Workshop 9.30-12.30”; “Lunch
Date 1 p.m.” “Choir Practice 7.30-9.30”. If I didn’t have that thing on the
wall I’d probably stand stupid in the middle of the kitchen each morning not
knowing which way to turn!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it’s all good. All good! I just don’t have as much time
to blog as I used to, but I will find my groove. You can also find me on
<a href="http://instagram.com/chrissie_crafts" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (check the link up there on the right) where I share simple photos of what I’m doing until I’m able to
sit down and write about it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here’s some yarn I shared recently on IG, nestled comfortably here in my <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/before-and-after.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">favourite pink basket</span></a><span style="color: white;">:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBTwask7LEibqPSYYuZnH3lqBaweTBjJtY43VTtL5d5otTKgiyDAWrcESkyL8C2qKRdacChlwtzVWDJb2lTdJLMy_hv_XGFIe4PuTtUhWnCsgUfHqhiIHJ4d4h5RNBR7qD4nuKrOdQdk/s1600/yarnbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBTwask7LEibqPSYYuZnH3lqBaweTBjJtY43VTtL5d5otTKgiyDAWrcESkyL8C2qKRdacChlwtzVWDJb2lTdJLMy_hv_XGFIe4PuTtUhWnCsgUfHqhiIHJ4d4h5RNBR7qD4nuKrOdQdk/s1600/yarnbasket.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was teaching my Beginner’s Crochet Course at<b><span style="color: #0070c0;"> <a href="http://www.pinsandneedlesgrayshott.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pins & Needles</a></span></b> in Grayshott. It is dangerous business, teaching in lovely haberdasheries. I’m
constantly spending my earnings on bits of fabric and yarn...well, it just so
happened that stock was being cleared to make room for the new season, and
those pretty pastel balls of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby were £1 each! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I left with 15. It would have been a crime to leave them! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DdKFwjuaZ0yVBXZC-xX0JIr4BRY5ht0Qm2ZegnuxMaj39CzkO0HbQaRaGIOy_2RKmqeqDHxA0ZMccTY3fFn11I-61OKetmSNzzJ_xOkaaRTPFyIqqqp-eLSKfla8gdGOojpYwienenM/s1600/yarnbasket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DdKFwjuaZ0yVBXZC-xX0JIr4BRY5ht0Qm2ZegnuxMaj39CzkO0HbQaRaGIOy_2RKmqeqDHxA0ZMccTY3fFn11I-61OKetmSNzzJ_xOkaaRTPFyIqqqp-eLSKfla8gdGOojpYwienenM/s1600/yarnbasket1.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The yarn is soooo soft and pretty, I was thinking they would
make lovely washcloths to wrap up with a beautiful bar of handmade soap for
Christmas gifts. However, upon hooking up three shades into a flower just for fun...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUieRhr6au7ACr-TY5o2e8SjppUgxGOGC_xOCjS3ZEQW9ldWbMtxY2xaGMCgL89vARBQPHvApIF5B1BmplB2gWPlgX5KzUgk17I5L7qpYKZH750hkC0EYdtwCpDNdQXtklppJcA1tRzZA/s1600/yarn+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUieRhr6au7ACr-TY5o2e8SjppUgxGOGC_xOCjS3ZEQW9ldWbMtxY2xaGMCgL89vARBQPHvApIF5B1BmplB2gWPlgX5KzUgk17I5L7qpYKZH750hkC0EYdtwCpDNdQXtklppJcA1tRzZA/s1600/yarn+flower.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have discovered that the colours coordinate perfectly with
my living room! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY4dATowIsRHT08Ff_mfYYpIAElYxog_u1nxyBc4tBMbdUTvhrfoQvL-szkrD0apdqeAmZ0-3sIBtQs7EJ2O4YyNRm5mXMLcvg9CR925z_OYvukyrOrLexDatu7mLFPMuTGkap0fxo6Y/s1600/yarn+flower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY4dATowIsRHT08Ff_mfYYpIAElYxog_u1nxyBc4tBMbdUTvhrfoQvL-szkrD0apdqeAmZ0-3sIBtQs7EJ2O4YyNRm5mXMLcvg9CR925z_OYvukyrOrLexDatu7mLFPMuTGkap0fxo6Y/s1600/yarn+flower2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now there’s a dilemma...I just happen to have purchased <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="http://myrosevalley.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Annette</a></b>’</span>s newest pattern, the <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202631809/pdf-crochet-pattern-popcorn-lace-square?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Popcorn & Lace pillow</span></a></b>...pretty granny
square pillow or Christmas gifts? What would you do? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-2087580424395348392014-09-14T11:44:00.000+01:002014-09-14T11:44:41.651+01:00The Dreaming Tree lampshade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week was my first full week with both girls back at
school. Bunny loves being in secondary school, she was ready for the challenge
of a larger school and all the new subjects and extracurricular activities and
that it offers. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCvYEW5WJvAVa66j9nAG8jin-_ybAVROLAsj3yAT5aKrmTwnTi6_z604QrZtXvLkkDsIxSRSPADFeFxjmN7XOkvYEOVQbdwx7DaNJsrhzFG0WciF-9Kxao5JBxC-Z5PejwfBJUuE9rEQ/s1600/bunny+uniform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCvYEW5WJvAVa66j9nAG8jin-_ybAVROLAsj3yAT5aKrmTwnTi6_z604QrZtXvLkkDsIxSRSPADFeFxjmN7XOkvYEOVQbdwx7DaNJsrhzFG0WciF-9Kxao5JBxC-Z5PejwfBJUuE9rEQ/s1600/bunny+uniform.jpg" height="400" width="158" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She’s even looking into the school orchestra – I’m not sure
they’ve ever had a harpist! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Flower is settling in nicely into
Reception/Kindergarten. She loves being there, but Wednesday morning last week the
novelty wore off – you know how it is with small children, they love donning
their school clothes, carrying their backpacks and lunch bags, staying all
day...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginywaV0sAzunOHx5aQfBMWyOpBfSevEUzq0GYJQwpry_lLK2P2I-4LyWtsB6mH1htw5NkUHYqFDICBW80-bP5lBhloIhAdJL36IO07JS66txg04FK0KV2cYd6MXaBfFtW_O5tzZ1-aPo/s1600/violet+uniform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginywaV0sAzunOHx5aQfBMWyOpBfSevEUzq0GYJQwpry_lLK2P2I-4LyWtsB6mH1htw5NkUHYqFDICBW80-bP5lBhloIhAdJL36IO07JS66txg04FK0KV2cYd6MXaBfFtW_O5tzZ1-aPo/s1600/violet+uniform.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...until Wednesday, when they realise that this is actually
the way of life now, and the lazy days of summertime are over. So the rest of the
week I had to contend with tears when I dropped her off. The crying stopped about
thirty seconds after I left each day (luckily the teaching assistant is a good
friend of mine, so I have a first-hand account!) as she got down to the
business of playing. I know the waterworks are just for my benefit. Hmph.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have filled my calendar with craft workshops. Not taking
them, but teaching them! I’m very fortunate that local haberdasheries and craft
workshop venues are including me on their course rosters. In addition to the
crochet courses I’ve been teaching for a good while, I’ll be holding workshops
ranging from beginner’s embroidery to simple cushion making. I am so excited to be spreading the crafting love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent a good part of my bloggy break developing these
workshops, creating projects, writing handouts and running some mock-courses
with friends acting as crafty guinea pigs to make sure all ran to schedule. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week was the first lampshade workshop at <span style="color: #31849b; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="http://thecottonwoolstore.com/" target="_blank">The Cotton Wool Store</a></span> in Petworth. Part of the fun of teaching here was that we had the
shop full of amazing fabrics to choose from! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_Rm-fgCAWKaZAIaH5SrBvcDIrMDRZjvwusRvUW82yoU-WLO74HC81Ktk0QtQdE4Q36jkbMDr7aiRsld6NQ3GXp1BL2uKBLhUZMTwx1WttGsd9fCz21ysA6XVkoOLuAL6sMgzOpTOACg/s1600/lampshade+workshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_Rm-fgCAWKaZAIaH5SrBvcDIrMDRZjvwusRvUW82yoU-WLO74HC81Ktk0QtQdE4Q36jkbMDr7aiRsld6NQ3GXp1BL2uKBLhUZMTwx1WttGsd9fCz21ysA6XVkoOLuAL6sMgzOpTOACg/s1600/lampshade+workshop1.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made one in advance using the “Wee Wander” range by Sarah
Jane Studios for Michael Miller. I love this enchanting line! I could make an
entire bedroom set with the fabrics in this range...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR-jDxw-JveHp-FDqmAneUJ8GHrqFdM4mccG80ODt0UH3eV1G3dTd1lcYP78h77vmJacfGNEplaG3fGD_rV_I5RzVquMCzELRfbzwn0ZMimGxFkAU1byNElKNzWxhceVHjS9xMhl-s4Y/s1600/lampshade+workshop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR-jDxw-JveHp-FDqmAneUJ8GHrqFdM4mccG80ODt0UH3eV1G3dTd1lcYP78h77vmJacfGNEplaG3fGD_rV_I5RzVquMCzELRfbzwn0ZMimGxFkAU1byNElKNzWxhceVHjS9xMhl-s4Y/s1600/lampshade+workshop3.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at that sweet boy sitting in the tree, you know he’s
imagining all sorts of magical adventures...takes me right back to the crab
apple tree I spent hours in as a child. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to highlight this whimsical tree for the lampshade.
Embroidery is perfect for this, lending just the right touch of embellishment. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCWJMrp0EdoRN9gNEP-J3pBpWzkYzjcHT2P1CmHQYa9GPvGuUtVkCnj6igdQosN9Ov-9FJHbJ8ec9516NVBY7Bm7HxsNiTxy980WBUMkXqM4GPJT37KLbhLHBtRXK31VIj_pdZw5TILs/s1600/dreaming+tree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCWJMrp0EdoRN9gNEP-J3pBpWzkYzjcHT2P1CmHQYa9GPvGuUtVkCnj6igdQosN9Ov-9FJHbJ8ec9516NVBY7Bm7HxsNiTxy980WBUMkXqM4GPJT37KLbhLHBtRXK31VIj_pdZw5TILs/s1600/dreaming+tree1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lazy
daisy stitches are ideal for the leaves, and as I started rummaging through my
floss stash I realised that I didn’t have to choose one colour, I could make a
rainbow! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTocqoV69_X37rnX0GHiQnumSI9W1_MZBr_rjmEFWs6EV8b7Ahlr_UnTiZQ9HoiHwKM5uYS3DagXguss3kzSg1WYZ606QHl4q0alwyIUk3LdKdQ2kVq406xCQbxwHBABwEeLMsrOY3UrU/s1600/dreaming+tree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTocqoV69_X37rnX0GHiQnumSI9W1_MZBr_rjmEFWs6EV8b7Ahlr_UnTiZQ9HoiHwKM5uYS3DagXguss3kzSg1WYZ606QHl4q0alwyIUk3LdKdQ2kVq406xCQbxwHBABwEeLMsrOY3UrU/s1600/dreaming+tree4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No need for ribbon trim with the focus on what I’ve dubbed
The Dreaming Tree, but I encouraged the class participants to choose pretty
trims for their shades. They had such fun!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9LeANfVz8rOFsUkRe5rb0Vvt5_yjJPwAQ0jQ9xETBuYFfXI4aE9fRN8uYuK8FfmVssKYF_3o9a-X5pvSWRswMJljzabxJmXItTtd-CD3Fcu4B_aqjGrqcUlPOJVGm7nGYWNn-EsMU58/s1600/lampshade+workshop6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9LeANfVz8rOFsUkRe5rb0Vvt5_yjJPwAQ0jQ9xETBuYFfXI4aE9fRN8uYuK8FfmVssKYF_3o9a-X5pvSWRswMJljzabxJmXItTtd-CD3Fcu4B_aqjGrqcUlPOJVGm7nGYWNn-EsMU58/s1600/lampshade+workshop6.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAKFZwVSOYEeR7gxB8XI_NcuSY47EuI3VUIL2-_VZUNlfXjYkyxB7jbPXQxxyyECq0c8418yaZylL63Umt9uIr1AijJJIEos7SyKo976IUHENiaStx7e-Jn5zD6n-JqzRJVLyAyRGFPM/s1600/lampshade+workshop5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAKFZwVSOYEeR7gxB8XI_NcuSY47EuI3VUIL2-_VZUNlfXjYkyxB7jbPXQxxyyECq0c8418yaZylL63Umt9uIr1AijJJIEos7SyKo976IUHENiaStx7e-Jn5zD6n-JqzRJVLyAyRGFPM/s1600/lampshade+workshop5.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQx5ktkYHPkQJAXrReDvjmvsR5yst5YreAeLPnIeuULC4fO4jrsizpDwUpbTnNTpJ29BUJXXhBWI-5LUAL5grhLLE0J3JdSHfGmCyPBP1o9itGUE69hr5Vb0gNBJ75Oxcj7N-B7E_fTo/s1600/lampshade+workshop7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQx5ktkYHPkQJAXrReDvjmvsR5yst5YreAeLPnIeuULC4fO4jrsizpDwUpbTnNTpJ29BUJXXhBWI-5LUAL5grhLLE0J3JdSHfGmCyPBP1o9itGUE69hr5Vb0gNBJ75Oxcj7N-B7E_fTo/s1600/lampshade+workshop7.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess which workshop participant made this doozy of a shade? None other than Naomi
from </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><a href="http://redeemcreations.co.uk/" target="_blank">Redeem Creations</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> – you might recognise her work here:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpTCmnUR7hEmYHxhb1ZZiWI6OrltdH2YlUPZE8Oc6sqaIYIxwNrGFgpyxc_9rMDLr3H-VJNS34qzxXIy22RT7364dH1J3zF1Xq8JEdC00jcEfQijBuIXeo5FJ7mKkaM_GJrH64fVpv5s/s1600/P1020154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpTCmnUR7hEmYHxhb1ZZiWI6OrltdH2YlUPZE8Oc6sqaIYIxwNrGFgpyxc_9rMDLr3H-VJNS34qzxXIy22RT7364dH1J3zF1Xq8JEdC00jcEfQijBuIXeo5FJ7mKkaM_GJrH64fVpv5s/s1600/P1020154.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Redeem Creations</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She’s the cover star of Mollie Makes Issue 43! It was <i>so
lovely</i> to meet her, she has such a creative flair (and she makes <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: white;">*f</span>abulous*</span>
bags!). The room was brimming with inspiration!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Naomi and others left with extra kits to make more lampshades at
home. The possibilities are endless – embroidery, patchwork, trims galore...and
all <i>bespoke</i>. Hooray for handmade!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-84931063745733492322014-09-06T19:39:00.000+01:002014-09-06T19:39:20.922+01:00Foraging...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...in the wood and around the heath this afternoon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhens2irl9SLl4ZpCkBZBrHvOcJ4zhKGYCw4-Y4TKjSrkg_QB0jpRNwaozfBy5eyJXEXVeAWkACnWwXixhzvPiOAR9VP52SZArxg6D8epCe7plZ9-ZxxMHjjKb0tGNZZpp8Qkn-A4a-cf0/s1600/heather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhens2irl9SLl4ZpCkBZBrHvOcJ4zhKGYCw4-Y4TKjSrkg_QB0jpRNwaozfBy5eyJXEXVeAWkACnWwXixhzvPiOAR9VP52SZArxg6D8epCe7plZ9-ZxxMHjjKb0tGNZZpp8Qkn-A4a-cf0/s1600/heather.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We found blackberries</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFykyn8Ro94hEpl29u-jMrQhYf7WVgsjl9bGLPkKcNtOo1IJO_QayPrQU9cc6iul13KW4NqLU3BJKALkDoB8CGqLKW_HvSJQN7Rf99CRqiWeq70-QvTeRaj9OWuZW8MuTTC5puo-EeiQY/s1600/blackberries1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFykyn8Ro94hEpl29u-jMrQhYf7WVgsjl9bGLPkKcNtOo1IJO_QayPrQU9cc6iul13KW4NqLU3BJKALkDoB8CGqLKW_HvSJQN7Rf99CRqiWeq70-QvTeRaj9OWuZW8MuTTC5puo-EeiQY/s1600/blackberries1.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for the season’s first apple-blackberry crumble.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQFUIyB8kACbm9jTdO3azUaEZYyyIRn_5pXn5FEOxb1MjCI78gv8x5R6rJbC_y1SK4iSVVAmmP3son6P8ACpZiLizIwGKrFbALPrL9gwyJltJv91TY8dXWaSBM85EAsZoSVbT7-NeS1Y/s1600/crumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQFUIyB8kACbm9jTdO3azUaEZYyyIRn_5pXn5FEOxb1MjCI78gv8x5R6rJbC_y1SK4iSVVAmmP3son6P8ACpZiLizIwGKrFbALPrL9gwyJltJv91TY8dXWaSBM85EAsZoSVbT7-NeS1Y/s1600/crumble.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And hiding beneath this enchanting fairy toadstool... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcYAJwn7VPOAL3sy3WQfCeihu2Z8KenmgWk3X-O_T1rhL4BHqa6izNGNP_W5GWj0ry2oRGGrzRdcj01NugWsKCMZcOmbd4kEM9xqm9UGF3mNBXYngAgjz26sZp0Am_enjF7dhLq-e1j0/s1600/toadstool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcYAJwn7VPOAL3sy3WQfCeihu2Z8KenmgWk3X-O_T1rhL4BHqa6izNGNP_W5GWj0ry2oRGGrzRdcj01NugWsKCMZcOmbd4kEM9xqm9UGF3mNBXYngAgjz26sZp0Am_enjF7dhLq-e1j0/s1600/toadstool.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...I found my blogging mojo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c00000;">*</span><span style="color: #ff3300;">s</span><span style="color: #ffc000;">i</span><span style="color: #00b050;">g</span><span style="color: #0070c0;">h</span><span style="color: #7030a0;">*</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s good to be back. More soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-51844046688381650692014-08-08T21:17:00.000+01:002014-08-08T21:17:51.981+01:00Hidden panda quilt top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ah, what a summer! I’ve made a conscious decision to play a
lot more and enjoy our final weeks of holiday before the girls start at new
schools. We are being lazy, we are being playful and energetic; they fill me
with happiness, they drive me up the wall; the house is in chaos, but the floor
tiles are clean:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxp-LwOOGaRhyphenhyphenu70SyJo7V2WQ86byeGTx6Rh84PLFx8RqTBARWisxxjhc1n9DGEGKrP0Q2qiQh1JIa_PAO5FA6A6loUIHMd4NOkaSPJ3PG9WAv1RhHx0j-C7q8IrzHBwcLlEYOES6cqo/s1600/little+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxp-LwOOGaRhyphenhyphenu70SyJo7V2WQ86byeGTx6Rh84PLFx8RqTBARWisxxjhc1n9DGEGKrP0Q2qiQh1JIa_PAO5FA6A6loUIHMd4NOkaSPJ3PG9WAv1RhHx0j-C7q8IrzHBwcLlEYOES6cqo/s1600/little+feet.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have asked them to tidy toys, I have nagged them to clear
a path through just one room in the house, but today they asked if they could
mop their bathroom floor. With their feet, like ice skaters. Never refuse an offer of help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the midst of all this, I managed to sew together Bunny’s
hidden panda quilt top. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYw43AswwIb6jAQi4uo24WHCu6zbAo9xWvp1vej9UtlV1dSTlNSnlfBXfaDG2PIFBYW3hRXK5F_tKxusEvrUUsia2YIeE5f45e3yOPA8XKtJMt-ybY8IHK3vCUwIOeWJDmx2LyeWGQxQ/s1600/quilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYw43AswwIb6jAQi4uo24WHCu6zbAo9xWvp1vej9UtlV1dSTlNSnlfBXfaDG2PIFBYW3hRXK5F_tKxusEvrUUsia2YIeE5f45e3yOPA8XKtJMt-ybY8IHK3vCUwIOeWJDmx2LyeWGQxQ/s1600/quilt1.jpg" height="640" width="542" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bT42g-2qEzk9tvr5ve92I1wDmPiyVbRqaNWulnTrZ3_CEWLB4g3uhpw-diAPADImTjA2rHkMxWDEGLnljxOhP0pt8B7CvucmiVIM1_Druj26FAL39nFZl90fmPDC0VoStcndf74fjSM/s1600/quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bT42g-2qEzk9tvr5ve92I1wDmPiyVbRqaNWulnTrZ3_CEWLB4g3uhpw-diAPADImTjA2rHkMxWDEGLnljxOhP0pt8B7CvucmiVIM1_Druj26FAL39nFZl90fmPDC0VoStcndf74fjSM/s1600/quilt3.jpg" height="590" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These teeny hidden pandas are *too cute*!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">You may remember when I </span><a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/grandmas-fudge-recipe.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">first started</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">this quilt in June. I used the super-speedy nine-patch technique I showed </span><a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/speedy-nine-patch.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><b>here</b> </a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">last summer.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD91Kyej3yQ1KhLgSkevFnVPbVEDTaWcM-jAk6jdm0TZmODCWVHN55gWWkgQc_yRdmBX842Qgvhf8ALMCrNUNiBdFmnPXP0RcP9f_nI_veCUkFIb80Olm-qZHcfxdA9bEKjTpGxMotQRw/s1600/quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD91Kyej3yQ1KhLgSkevFnVPbVEDTaWcM-jAk6jdm0TZmODCWVHN55gWWkgQc_yRdmBX842Qgvhf8ALMCrNUNiBdFmnPXP0RcP9f_nI_veCUkFIb80Olm-qZHcfxdA9bEKjTpGxMotQRw/s1600/quilt2.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I know, I spy some loose threads, I haven’t got
around to that fiddly thread-picking stage. I have ironed it, but it certainly doesn't look like it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV4m5tTx_UIvVgpuW7gLWUUwbf3_VKZlZUVryBc773Xgynb1DQYe4BM8_vLhV8wf4fvBwuEgyNPIkFDBiAEkpvBHEUSG5eYtO1Qkx4OVmyGhauF-eS5_du-lxYRvp1FgsDGIfpOBMFg8/s1600/quilt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV4m5tTx_UIvVgpuW7gLWUUwbf3_VKZlZUVryBc773Xgynb1DQYe4BM8_vLhV8wf4fvBwuEgyNPIkFDBiAEkpvBHEUSG5eYtO1Qkx4OVmyGhauF-eS5_du-lxYRvp1FgsDGIfpOBMFg8/s1600/quilt5.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For this quilt I am trying a new technique for backing the
quilt top. Instead of making a quilt sandwich, with the top, the wadding and
the backing fabric, I’m using a fleecy fabric to act as both wadding <i>and</i> backing. This should be less tricky
as I’m quilting it, as I won’t have three layers to keep together, and oh, that
fabric is just <i>so</i> <b><span style="color: #00b0f0;">snuggly</span></b>!
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Monday evening was the local Quilting Club night. I was
all ready to sew it all together, perhaps even start the binding, but as I was
ironing the top I felt a little something was lacking. I love the fabrics so
much, and I am pleased with the orderly fashion in which I lined up the patches
(I struggle, how I struggle, to be more random! The busy-ness of certain quilt
designs makes me feel somewhat agitated...). But I felt a strong need to
embellish. With needle and thread.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EOJutk8pjMsJ8_eI9oysRFhOvSOJunmrf_rfhOIcjqG1Ek7p-omHKLDaFaCwmF0LcLKomqxBoJHhWTJWAFYEdIeWi5VBaLLxPf8TOqxBEiw1yOgszqBuCPyC7M3dCyFcV4GIhQ1ttNQ/s1600/quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EOJutk8pjMsJ8_eI9oysRFhOvSOJunmrf_rfhOIcjqG1Ek7p-omHKLDaFaCwmF0LcLKomqxBoJHhWTJWAFYEdIeWi5VBaLLxPf8TOqxBEiw1yOgszqBuCPyC7M3dCyFcV4GIhQ1ttNQ/s1600/quilt4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m going to stitch some sweet embroideries on a few random
calico squares for Bunny. Of course I had to start with a bunny, and I’ve been
dying to embroider this little beauty ever since I first saw her in <a href="http://belleandboo.com/product.php?id_product=670" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #d99594; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;">The Belle and Boo Book of Craft</span></b>.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPbU82iPRyO-ADZ9253fKR0LOOIMP1dnJQgjfLKQRfMIQFl1XsJ6skYxAmg3b-70KDDge60X17LlmNN8dwWcZSxHJXarZU48hZwKBzKC1ZWvrlGhm3TjYlqZ7lsNnNW-QFeW9ZSC-DBw/s1600/belle+and+boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPbU82iPRyO-ADZ9253fKR0LOOIMP1dnJQgjfLKQRfMIQFl1XsJ6skYxAmg3b-70KDDge60X17LlmNN8dwWcZSxHJXarZU48hZwKBzKC1ZWvrlGhm3TjYlqZ7lsNnNW-QFeW9ZSC-DBw/s1600/belle+and+boo.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is perhaps the most darling book I have; I am just
besotted with Mandy Sutcliffe’s illustrations, and the projects are whimsical and
nostalgic and destined to become heirlooms. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNhhhRjIPbCnVe8bhOGC7AuYU9zRA8i5aCLbw7s0-bPoe-i-dMoFAVpcPc_xeu1liQrKwOopZ_95il3yFz5Zi5gVirvZh21ZSBLLsiBuSAfqT-AAttFVvVVA5qJJVhnbfUdXuHfovJss/s1600/belle+and+boo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNhhhRjIPbCnVe8bhOGC7AuYU9zRA8i5aCLbw7s0-bPoe-i-dMoFAVpcPc_xeu1liQrKwOopZ_95il3yFz5Zi5gVirvZh21ZSBLLsiBuSAfqT-AAttFVvVVA5qJJVhnbfUdXuHfovJss/s1600/belle+and+boo2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent Quilting Club chatting to fellow quilters and
stitching the bunny. Very relaxing way to start the week! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve doodled a few more designs which I will share at a
later date, and I also wanted to include a few fun flowers:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJd3pidMNOBQez-lOKG6jri00h-xfWSzGrmPb8JhMQ4Y03Vi0dAm15V9eRyGAR7Z51dm_v6JiAZMXTILVupx1GWA55I31MILKURomDjcwCdBPsk83Q5hCAMQNLeHfxh6DnsVUn7euKEc/s1600/stitched+blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJd3pidMNOBQez-lOKG6jri00h-xfWSzGrmPb8JhMQ4Y03Vi0dAm15V9eRyGAR7Z51dm_v6JiAZMXTILVupx1GWA55I31MILKURomDjcwCdBPsk83Q5hCAMQNLeHfxh6DnsVUn7euKEc/s1600/stitched+blooms.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://carinascraftblog.wardi.dk/" target="_blank">Carina</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’s </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://shop.polkaandbloom.com/#!/~/product/category=0&id=28362830" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Stitched Blooms</span></a>
</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is my go-to book for stylish flowers. It is full of motifs perfect for this type of
random embroidery – I mean, just look at the cover! I could fill every square
just with the cover embroidery!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heaven forbid I finish a WIP in a reasonable amount of time!
I make more work for myself...knowing my schedule in the autumn, I’ll only be
able to work on this quilt once a month a Quilt Club. But it will be stitched
with love, from start to eventual finish...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-52204434844851025682014-07-31T16:10:00.001+01:002014-07-31T16:10:17.128+01:00Teacher aprons (yes, I know it's summer holidays!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know the last thing anyone is thinking about at the moment
is back to school...b</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ut a friend of mine is a teaching assistant in the primary
school’s Reception class, and a while back she had a request. A little summer
project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She needed some sort of carrier for the flotsam and jetsam
of Reception class – pencils, stickers, cards (and I suspect the odd chocolate
treat for mid-afternoon pick-me-up?). A little bag on a belt? An
across-the-body satchel?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then Sandra from <a href="http://sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cherry Heart</span></a> posted
about a gardener’s apron she had made, and I knew I had the solution! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisheVnH6n7PkZJFpglMKdy9YmlPr2QqMKyrQfRjUo9eRfu0TqzEQ7BFnhVEP_DrM24zme8ba0V52NWZlXvPnZ_bGZEMqhni8EczEsuljuj_n-h9_8d-doLawMbkc_Iv1h12P4zAb7FvRA/s1600/apron3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisheVnH6n7PkZJFpglMKdy9YmlPr2QqMKyrQfRjUo9eRfu0TqzEQ7BFnhVEP_DrM24zme8ba0V52NWZlXvPnZ_bGZEMqhni8EczEsuljuj_n-h9_8d-doLawMbkc_Iv1h12P4zAb7FvRA/s1600/apron3.jpg" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a teacher’s apron, in jolly primary colours and
fabrics that appeal to 4- and 5-year-olds.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNFhg6uU3iMU-uzN8ME4yBdQFJ8dGSktzd8TLJIH-PzTRbGitZywYack2TPPrgjex-F8NPmXRrBd9MO0VAJkI6v97V8qH1etMEfGaQqz845rn5V4JFJ9JeUmFq0haN9EWus7Sm9VKsX8/s1600/apron4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNFhg6uU3iMU-uzN8ME4yBdQFJ8dGSktzd8TLJIH-PzTRbGitZywYack2TPPrgjex-F8NPmXRrBd9MO0VAJkI6v97V8qH1etMEfGaQqz845rn5V4JFJ9JeUmFq0haN9EWus7Sm9VKsX8/s1600/apron4.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sewed a pocket slim enough for pencils, with two other
pockets for stickers and whatnot/chocolate. You can see the contrasting turquoise thread above...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sandra’s tutorial was very clear and super-easy to follow - this apron
was made in under an hour, including breaks to fetch children snacks and towels
for paddling pool play. You can find her original post <a href="http://sandra-cherryheart.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/come-join-me.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">here.</span></b> </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Late last night Bunny had a night terror; I heard her crying
at 2:45 a.m. She was burning up and delirious, shaking and scared. I cuddled
her and comforted her, then she came into our bed for the rest of the night.
Cool washcloths and a soft breeze from the window settled her, and a dose of
Nurofen helped with the fever. She woke this morning sleepy but absolutely
fine, like nothing ever happened. Such a universal parenting situation; I
remember cuddling up to my mother after a nightmare, there is nothing quite as
comforting. I don’t know which feeling is better: being the child being
comforted, or now being the mother, and knowing that wonderful, deep happiness
of being the one who can provide such comfort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I digress because I'm sleepy...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZpR6qU3DdtRHUO0UH6TG6jofzidUeC0_DsMP4AgXKPJfM1snYqwVAwRv5dB9XmjXsJ0NzoM4T688A1kYoDltlmExh-1_U31SYVReMk4OwBrfPlR7IFrV9WKJKdpmre3t0kXTK6UzIbI/s1600/apron5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZpR6qU3DdtRHUO0UH6TG6jofzidUeC0_DsMP4AgXKPJfM1snYqwVAwRv5dB9XmjXsJ0NzoM4T688A1kYoDltlmExh-1_U31SYVReMk4OwBrfPlR7IFrV9WKJKdpmre3t0kXTK6UzIbI/s1600/apron5.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning I woke weary and bleary, with a foggy mind and
rattled nerves. I decided a spot of creativity first thing would sort me out
and start the day on a positive note. So I made a second teacher’s apron, for
the Reception class teacher, using the remaining fat quarter fabrics. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnhta3oT6xCsOQCve8mT7Pxh3E3Nw6NhfNFVIOl6_-S-Om7NIJ8Lx0ZFCBoJVe6rjzZjFgLWsvrrnDvcxEeWWD7yo5puSmKz9Dnhaxn0AEnIEQlCrvSgIfmBIpmQivSs37Fo55gehDvY/s1600/apron6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnhta3oT6xCsOQCve8mT7Pxh3E3Nw6NhfNFVIOl6_-S-Om7NIJ8Lx0ZFCBoJVe6rjzZjFgLWsvrrnDvcxEeWWD7yo5puSmKz9Dnhaxn0AEnIEQlCrvSgIfmBIpmQivSs37Fo55gehDvY/s1600/apron6.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For these aprons I used an inexpensive fat quarter pack of
fabrics found on eBay, which fit the bill perfectly. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1hvlZkn6oYrL6rqJIAuBKsF7xZwP6OiqALxB5-i1EftVuSjspcSF0GbsOMnvBeY6XcrNArxmyJ7gnsdfVyVtxFFP7HPi3yN-_90JmIRQoTQmTrBTMeX_SrA-5AYCQyAiV90zad-Nkpg/s1600/apron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1hvlZkn6oYrL6rqJIAuBKsF7xZwP6OiqALxB5-i1EftVuSjspcSF0GbsOMnvBeY6XcrNArxmyJ7gnsdfVyVtxFFP7HPi3yN-_90JmIRQoTQmTrBTMeX_SrA-5AYCQyAiV90zad-Nkpg/s1600/apron1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I matched up some ribbon and bias binding, including a bright orange shade from my
grandma's stash, which I used for the pocket trim and apron ties.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPJWGbbpFILj1sVAho9oH_Lzg-Fr_5YKNtt7jBFytJiKR6YcvuWgECaHpLDlKeTNf8rDhlOGX_mIWuuOY1AFWY5gIa2aIZp4Dt7cpb30bW9ubzORpbmJ6u3qoBllbCMPu8vS0sZXyvkw/s1600/apron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPJWGbbpFILj1sVAho9oH_Lzg-Fr_5YKNtt7jBFytJiKR6YcvuWgECaHpLDlKeTNf8rDhlOGX_mIWuuOY1AFWY5gIa2aIZp4Dt7cpb30bW9ubzORpbmJ6u3qoBllbCMPu8vS0sZXyvkw/s1600/apron2.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had wondered when on earth I would ever use that orange!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time the apron was finished in 45 minutes, including
yawns and a break to make more tea.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7IHt2z4aGZ1I6VFuCryPls79JStQa5ud3jmfjEKJtEbfHum7rP8xWxeqpQ8G5_lZRoBJyX5_PrWRn6gp4evma1lqIlbvMGR4neBus-_AOciPha05BW56lL8z5T61q21vdb37dZyUbBk/s1600/apron7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7IHt2z4aGZ1I6VFuCryPls79JStQa5ud3jmfjEKJtEbfHum7rP8xWxeqpQ8G5_lZRoBJyX5_PrWRn6gp4evma1lqIlbvMGR4neBus-_AOciPha05BW56lL8z5T61q21vdb37dZyUbBk/s1600/apron7.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have some scraps of each fabric leftover – I think I’ll
make some little bunting for the classroom. Little Flower will have a very colourful and coordinated Reception class!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy the weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-73174879266719363182014-07-28T19:04:00.000+01:002014-07-28T19:04:06.536+01:00Bronze fennel embroidery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After some lovely emails and kind comments on my latest <a href="http://www.chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/edible-bouquets.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #76923c; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;">herb bouquet</span></b>,</a> I thought I would share
some of my favourites from my garden and their uses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I also have started a new, herb-themed embroidery project,
so I'm combining the two in this herb + craft blog post...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxKrbppgyOLDbvvC8KDxLZYoBIaE7A5ZSYq_fVndg_tyGLvpK8QxUgEpG0T6YWeSGrrLOC4Uf48IANbSF05WAXBs7Uxgpsub3QR1hrTjVx3V8ZIdejbIg1xgXoCToqkaAuGTXI1mL4yc/s1600/fennelstitch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxKrbppgyOLDbvvC8KDxLZYoBIaE7A5ZSYq_fVndg_tyGLvpK8QxUgEpG0T6YWeSGrrLOC4Uf48IANbSF05WAXBs7Uxgpsub3QR1hrTjVx3V8ZIdejbIg1xgXoCToqkaAuGTXI1mL4yc/s1600/fennelstitch3.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am making a set of herb placemats, using the gorgeously
rough-textured linen I first used <b><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="http://www.chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/whirlwind.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is bronze fennel, a striking statement plant in the
garden. The bronze fennel in my garden is nearly five feet high, a full and frothy
feature in the corner of the herb border.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FQIK3gk3bA9G-qHl19jn4Yz382b76B9hI6cKBd0XI9-cwiMpOQPUrCMT5AYpNDD-JZhCvOYy01Ubwnp0WmqQIkFZQ2dAatcHxrF7wiqflbNS6top66UBMJOhhu0O9POTkfiMsVlst9Q/s1600/fennel5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FQIK3gk3bA9G-qHl19jn4Yz382b76B9hI6cKBd0XI9-cwiMpOQPUrCMT5AYpNDD-JZhCvOYy01Ubwnp0WmqQIkFZQ2dAatcHxrF7wiqflbNS6top66UBMJOhhu0O9POTkfiMsVlst9Q/s1600/fennel5.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bronze fennel towering over the lavender</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cut it back to the ground every year, and it shoots up so
quickly and fully each summer. As it matures, the leaves turn bright orange,
with yellow stems.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Tc0J4rdnJVXa4yOrjefZIzMhw4IrHqmTVBMDFtldUtTeiVRfOIR9dnYQWlpuaJyVR0vl8WcAL5D-zr6yuRPAW2Rx97Sr5Or6gja449ftBed8-XK2Ydch02MmzbikhLVjHZS-W8hPIE/s1600/fennel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Tc0J4rdnJVXa4yOrjefZIzMhw4IrHqmTVBMDFtldUtTeiVRfOIR9dnYQWlpuaJyVR0vl8WcAL5D-zr6yuRPAW2Rx97Sr5Or6gja449ftBed8-XK2Ydch02MmzbikhLVjHZS-W8hPIE/s1600/fennel2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the colours, from cool white-green stalks on the
young shoots to the rich, burnt orange of the feathery larger leaves. Sunset
colours.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFlgSnHkLHtps4NyDRT234mD_s3gjERzH1To44QRO-dmQUeNM0xIcbzU6mUeUQGkkX_U0pCXxRy16MDv6O1Cby7wBaikL8nJ1Y4WiIWubluzGKpa82I2zL3EPRRu3gXsP9r5XN6Olm8o/s1600/fennelstitch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFlgSnHkLHtps4NyDRT234mD_s3gjERzH1To44QRO-dmQUeNM0xIcbzU6mUeUQGkkX_U0pCXxRy16MDv6O1Cby7wBaikL8nJ1Y4WiIWubluzGKpa82I2zL3EPRRu3gXsP9r5XN6Olm8o/s1600/fennelstitch2.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Work-In-Progress</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It then turns more coppery bronze, hence the name, but I wanted
to capture the fiery shades of early summer leaves.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXrjHYAu7qbO0uEz-xRIloCTv17jqd3nBksgOgxBaHt8ue3X1xPoS9-S1AYADMVPO-H45mkJtevQVxZrfPkKTp_mV1f9KGPl8pBUnhNl_K-ykG4pu5oCPRnnuRwe3dsi7-stzeuuce20/s1600/fennel4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXrjHYAu7qbO0uEz-xRIloCTv17jqd3nBksgOgxBaHt8ue3X1xPoS9-S1AYADMVPO-H45mkJtevQVxZrfPkKTp_mV1f9KGPl8pBUnhNl_K-ykG4pu5oCPRnnuRwe3dsi7-stzeuuce20/s1600/fennel4.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I matched the embroidery floss to the leaves (thank you,
Sublime Stitching, for such vivid hues!). I turned to a beautiful Japanese
embroidery book for some inspiration:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gHfmKXFUf9fYd6RWDMm4bW6i0pbPplw1j5c-NEPptoewwXzZE_fkM7UMk0fc5W6BxTmkkjq1z_2HazA5NueymuFtHGDd8V5fi-yvSlRW-lExyJQKNi5gckpBZOnZn4S0lMTZgz68qJk/s1600/emb+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gHfmKXFUf9fYd6RWDMm4bW6i0pbPplw1j5c-NEPptoewwXzZE_fkM7UMk0fc5W6BxTmkkjq1z_2HazA5NueymuFtHGDd8V5fi-yvSlRW-lExyJQKNi5gckpBZOnZn4S0lMTZgz68qJk/s1600/emb+book.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Herb Embroidery on Linen - that's fennel under the title!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book features the common fennel in an embroidery pattern,
so I adapted it to suit the bronze fennel’s palette. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAhas2GKHR_h5WC9MrGZERYxb6Yxy7SeGBbWrFUdaF604FzXh_P-6iVVGan5HpOHy1CXhF3lzWfE42RWJCMx_A-0YBVFSTKfv48S2vpAzV9jCk6IrMeUMtdSKpXm7m-Nz6qH2dhM-PZE/s1600/emb+book2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAhas2GKHR_h5WC9MrGZERYxb6Yxy7SeGBbWrFUdaF604FzXh_P-6iVVGan5HpOHy1CXhF3lzWfE42RWJCMx_A-0YBVFSTKfv48S2vpAzV9jCk6IrMeUMtdSKpXm7m-Nz6qH2dhM-PZE/s1600/emb+book2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How stunning is this?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fennel has a cultivation history spanning thousands of years,
used by the ancient Greeks and the Romans to suppress hunger and enhance food
flavour. It was used as an insect deterrent in the Middle Ages, and today fennel
seed is a common herbal remedy for indigestion. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpNrGpn8Mmxj-wsKRyOb35_R-ja_qlNhOrDF89aGifO4Y-E3ixegxBFoho5fJqX0ug_0E8BsIDxTtNcVlAk1DKSKo-Ag9Eb7x-eYG_87THDTuPL3i3QsTQs9ndJeQEQqzEuyev_kDfJg/s1600/fennel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpNrGpn8Mmxj-wsKRyOb35_R-ja_qlNhOrDF89aGifO4Y-E3ixegxBFoho5fJqX0ug_0E8BsIDxTtNcVlAk1DKSKo-Ag9Eb7x-eYG_87THDTuPL3i3QsTQs9ndJeQEQqzEuyev_kDfJg/s1600/fennel3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My fennel grows in a bright sunny spot, and the leaves and
young stems can be added to salads and fish dishes with tasty results. The
flowers have a bit of crunch and add texture and gorgeously sweet aniseed flavour
as well. The bulb of Florence Fennel is the variety used in cooking; I may grow
some of that next year!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikabbEkz8LFlXm-SUtsdZ6am6kLjrlrkAzCQ0W5UYZmrVhfGra8pY6rtFV3vhkkVjn52dNPoS7S4cFiN8kHG6ra_3Br7YMKZP9QakJ-uC7GdaAz3pfZDJvR5vAWWAUFR-INdq6u5fVHqY/s1600/fennelplacemat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikabbEkz8LFlXm-SUtsdZ6am6kLjrlrkAzCQ0W5UYZmrVhfGra8pY6rtFV3vhkkVjn52dNPoS7S4cFiN8kHG6ra_3Br7YMKZP9QakJ-uC7GdaAz3pfZDJvR5vAWWAUFR-INdq6u5fVHqY/s1600/fennelplacemat.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my first herb placemat, I stitched the stalk with chain
stitch side by side with stem stitch, in two shades of green. The young bronze fennel
plant has tan-coloured flower stems, and tiny yellow blossoms – these open
wider with greener stems as the summer goes on. I stitched the flowers with
French knots and straight stitch.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFzrm_7AiWPB9-IfgCo0PKnOh5LxjdSpPKtEKiWAdvRKBO_I-gk2hRowc68gA5NFfq4jKH2F467Vfh0D_oqhzoE5v4rhH-cURmikOv9FZRL6fFjDcn0Jt3RGB9Zun3x_9tOBqhmLu-dM/s1600/fennelstitch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFzrm_7AiWPB9-IfgCo0PKnOh5LxjdSpPKtEKiWAdvRKBO_I-gk2hRowc68gA5NFfq4jKH2F467Vfh0D_oqhzoE5v4rhH-cURmikOv9FZRL6fFjDcn0Jt3RGB9Zun3x_9tOBqhmLu-dM/s1600/fennelstitch4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The leaves are simply straight stitches with the occasional
stem stitch to add slight curves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to keep the mats very simple to focus on the embroidery. I backed this mat with a neutral vintage linen fabric I
bought at a fete earlier in the summer (from Sarah Moore’s stall, read more <b><span style="color: #4f6228; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/here-there-and-everywhere.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>). I thought the placemat looked a
bit stark with nothing but the herb in the upper left section, so I added a
little bee in the bottom right corner, as the bees love the bright fennel
blossom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOaUs0WTEybKvBMommFZSuNYuzRARDbTp7BGh5WWpB57_A0FxZTkUOu-cN6slSuxQz6_HeAeTL8IdEFAWwhxgEUFOB_ecjEHnrCkMfXLcIap4jECgDalaiMd_N2rWBQ6JojbYpS3-cE4/s1600/bee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOaUs0WTEybKvBMommFZSuNYuzRARDbTp7BGh5WWpB57_A0FxZTkUOu-cN6slSuxQz6_HeAeTL8IdEFAWwhxgEUFOB_ecjEHnrCkMfXLcIap4jECgDalaiMd_N2rWBQ6JojbYpS3-cE4/s1600/bee1.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjg3vvjEwxqmP-r0K54ronoKa7L-91QL96u7vaPB_Hhm_K-4boarA39yborfX5VN5qiWKgHJwSDpZ67UBRthOx-4reKU-ywRl3iM0tup0WRuBYulA3NfQ9AzbHCXXKMtbhvlj-MOAXhQo/s1600/bee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjg3vvjEwxqmP-r0K54ronoKa7L-91QL96u7vaPB_Hhm_K-4boarA39yborfX5VN5qiWKgHJwSDpZ67UBRthOx-4reKU-ywRl3iM0tup0WRuBYulA3NfQ9AzbHCXXKMtbhvlj-MOAXhQo/s1600/bee2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teeny tiny bee!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I already have more wee insects in mind for the other
placemats, you’ll have to wait and see!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-30331488149848263632014-07-25T14:34:00.000+01:002014-07-25T14:34:23.489+01:00A Kaffe Coco Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you get when you cross some wonderfully funky fabric
from Kaffe Fassett with the perfect Coco dress pattern?</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Wd0yQZEh13HPchuOBvxc3etf3VUtEXJegJ-Gkg_kcElF68gVMvkAvmfOAB0IBuzyRKjxB35cRIKd6OAWunSLqY9fagTEcrai4NSR6Ejwirhzi5gHrlLg1Bs7sMbscmN-6p2fZgcupc4/s1600/kaffecoco1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Wd0yQZEh13HPchuOBvxc3etf3VUtEXJegJ-Gkg_kcElF68gVMvkAvmfOAB0IBuzyRKjxB35cRIKd6OAWunSLqY9fagTEcrai4NSR6Ejwirhzi5gHrlLg1Bs7sMbscmN-6p2fZgcupc4/s1600/kaffecoco1.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Kaffe Coco Dress!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKI-i8_EXvVoWjJRCBoJOGY-2sGkY52l1Gb5rUN3qhEiRuhzxx9OSJaJX04cypW0TgqcLnj-4UquYA8MiM1rkedptNIxyDJ7Q_CYUUHOpqKy83g29pjin5KeohYfy2J6sylrkwwV-A04/s1600/kaffecoco2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKI-i8_EXvVoWjJRCBoJOGY-2sGkY52l1Gb5rUN3qhEiRuhzxx9OSJaJX04cypW0TgqcLnj-4UquYA8MiM1rkedptNIxyDJ7Q_CYUUHOpqKy83g29pjin5KeohYfy2J6sylrkwwV-A04/s1600/kaffecoco2.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(I’m not having a good face/hair day. Sunglasses aren’t enough; I need a hockey mask.)</span></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you once again to Bunny, who happily photographed me
in the back garden, adding an artistic off-centre angle to the image above when I
said I only wanted the dress in the shot.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOS4JC_52Y_XWDSkVSrj1uGrFgcwGu7UXZ9q0qidJ47gJh4_mQr7FN1Hdg9FLqNzJZlW4AiIpH6SyaFOyH5JgafVmcQsCKSrRhbg95kf4E7p7wHhv6WWrzsS1fnMj0pvTHdfVXJSkLWQ/s1600/kaffecoco3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOS4JC_52Y_XWDSkVSrj1uGrFgcwGu7UXZ9q0qidJ47gJh4_mQr7FN1Hdg9FLqNzJZlW4AiIpH6SyaFOyH5JgafVmcQsCKSrRhbg95kf4E7p7wHhv6WWrzsS1fnMj0pvTHdfVXJSkLWQ/s1600/kaffecoco3.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fabric is Kaffe Fassett Paperweight, in the pastel/grey
colourway. It reminds me of a Gustav Klimt painting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time the Coco pattern whizzed off my sewing machine in
an evening; it was an absolute delight to make. When I was finally able to make
it, that is. Sometimes WIPs are worked on in half-hour increments...or ten
minutes...or less!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my Kaffe Coco Dress, I spread out the fabric on the
living room floor one evening, weighed down the pattern with some tinned
tomatoes, and cut out the dress pattern. Then it was time to pack lunches and
tidy the kitchen and whatnot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next evening came and went, then the next...I was so
anxious to get this dress sewn up! Finally, on Wednesday this week a very dear
friend was coming over for the evening, and we decided to get our sewing
machines involved. Perfect opportunity to finish my dress, which had been
sitting in pieces on the back of a kitchen chair, waiting to be sewn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I don’t dare to put something away, even if it’s
just moved to the utility room, for fear that it won’t see the light of day for
another year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We poured some Pimms, switched on the machines and stitched
and nattered all evening. It was utterly wonderful!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkckit41XApB2ITqqSQs0pa6e7oEEYar5FWg8d6cL17wYSQ3t2r9zU3W6GZWfbF2zrPO5uAuOZi0e6VfhRECLekXyUFkHnmVgaWptxPkkH4G5jnG7BZ6pboboZJzigBGNn9eYXZqebIzA/s1600/kaffecoco4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkckit41XApB2ITqqSQs0pa6e7oEEYar5FWg8d6cL17wYSQ3t2r9zU3W6GZWfbF2zrPO5uAuOZi0e6VfhRECLekXyUFkHnmVgaWptxPkkH4G5jnG7BZ6pboboZJzigBGNn9eYXZqebIzA/s1600/kaffecoco4.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And look, Grandma, my shoulder seams are getting neater! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you fit it all in? I am asked that question often,
and now I ask the same of <i>you</i>: How do
you squeeze in creative time when life is so full of caring, childrearing,
working, nurturing, cleaning, cooking, washing, playing, driving, organising, etc.
etc. etc.!?! How do you do it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now there’s a blog hop topic I’d like to see! Hmmm...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-7386363508882462362014-07-22T16:44:00.000+01:002014-07-22T16:44:30.004+01:00The end of an era, and teacher gifts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dust is settling here as we wind down from the manic weeks that built up to the end of the school term. Both my girls have finished
their time at their schools, I can hardly believe it. Little Flower will be
donning a school uniform for the first time this autumn when she starts
Reception; Bunny is stepping up to the more serious uniforms worn at secondary
school. But for now, they are enjoying their summer dresses and playing all day
in the sunshine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But each of them had special gifts for their teachers before
they left. Ages ago I found a lovely quote on Pinterest that I knew would be
ideal for the 10 teachers at Little Flower’s pre-school. I used the quote for a
card matched with a pretty vintage flower print, then printed 10 copies on printable card stock.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJoSz1T-dwrFEiTzPILpFn_gdM5ZCQkreAIkErGEhSdB3uhftRM1LKG2sEAVUAyUOOePbyMzfQE15uHS5hg51D-ojJ0UHGFkTrbCnx3foPaSqEnvaTsWyyz-SjtnVmAM2mRolXiWVlg0/s1600/violet's+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJoSz1T-dwrFEiTzPILpFn_gdM5ZCQkreAIkErGEhSdB3uhftRM1LKG2sEAVUAyUOOePbyMzfQE15uHS5hg51D-ojJ0UHGFkTrbCnx3foPaSqEnvaTsWyyz-SjtnVmAM2mRolXiWVlg0/s1600/violet's+cards.jpg" height="598" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inside each, my four-year-old wrote her name, drew a
picture, and taped a packet of seeds, so the teachers will have pretty flowers
in their gardens as a reminder of how greatly they are appreciated.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqfU73CfF5gr-ZJJcUaOAG5ATmpw8LDg1iBQ2ehB2Yhdc_wO3FCMz0UFMfCOAxWRWWT4o3VHkBGU7UERP19C3NWegIA0A8ocr5eW9whXdZ8eZKsdUCkqVBfzyhlPhNIVtprj6heJ8Zr8/s1600/violet's+cards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqfU73CfF5gr-ZJJcUaOAG5ATmpw8LDg1iBQ2ehB2Yhdc_wO3FCMz0UFMfCOAxWRWWT4o3VHkBGU7UERP19C3NWegIA0A8ocr5eW9whXdZ8eZKsdUCkqVBfzyhlPhNIVtprj6heJ8Zr8/s1600/violet's+cards2.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And of course we brought them a cake! But I forgot to take a
photo. I was too busy baking cookies for Bunny’s teachers...</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW5SGK9cLGrTt1RIyS5_IVhVz4q7A8akVCNJ-KfmfMOUhvdST7HsQdQBIMnD3vuD3gq8stTLEpyk2fSFSmz_qfBryMI6XOL5wVehy6RHvtgZ2fzQRSlFnV-zz2eIVq4o5JABQ4hRPRnE/s1600/chocolate+macaroons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW5SGK9cLGrTt1RIyS5_IVhVz4q7A8akVCNJ-KfmfMOUhvdST7HsQdQBIMnD3vuD3gq8stTLEpyk2fSFSmz_qfBryMI6XOL5wVehy6RHvtgZ2fzQRSlFnV-zz2eIVq4o5JABQ4hRPRnE/s1600/chocolate+macaroons.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chocolate cooling on the macaroons</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The staff room got coconut macaroons drizzled with dark
chocolate. These are exceptionally moreish, so much so that the first batch I
made didn’t make it to the chocolate drizzle stage.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOI54uKhQlJhPotBYyYaq0-FEDrzxL9weN7OFL4w_8h8Irz_AuA8rl3e4S1EK9o1nSeovXbLpdJLULO7kgyLkL0tt4Uw0mc9VJRP-gyW8u2WJREw9p5l39WWuRhClOkwfdH2Px2h_vaE/s1600/empty+tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOI54uKhQlJhPotBYyYaq0-FEDrzxL9weN7OFL4w_8h8Irz_AuA8rl3e4S1EK9o1nSeovXbLpdJLULO7kgyLkL0tt4Uw0mc9VJRP-gyW8u2WJREw9p5l39WWuRhClOkwfdH2Px2h_vaE/s1600/empty+tin.jpg" height="400" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stored them in this tin, with the gentle statement that
these were for the primary school staff, so please don’t eat all of them. This
sentence was obviously open to wide interpretation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when I made the second batch (and believe me, the recipe
makes loads, I can't quite believe how many were snaffled away), I resorted to a stern warning and a formal label on the tin:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH44n_EP-xaD-821y4a6uWPHw2UIL7-1YWrWPbPXY4mNL0JBu9qylQKF6Hli6bej6x7_1yPLBdAUMC3vKT6TmmiYik3JIwpE1Zp70MgY6N9S1gN7uA9PF-_K880i2q8PaidvWxsJg7sDw/s1600/cookie+tin+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH44n_EP-xaD-821y4a6uWPHw2UIL7-1YWrWPbPXY4mNL0JBu9qylQKF6Hli6bej6x7_1yPLBdAUMC3vKT6TmmiYik3JIwpE1Zp70MgY6N9S1gN7uA9PF-_K880i2q8PaidvWxsJg7sDw/s1600/cookie+tin+label.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is this batch that made it to the final,
chocolatey-striped image above. (Though the Head Chef had to test one..or two...for
quality.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago Bunny asked if she could make gifts for her
two classroom teachers this year. I was happy to oblige, especially when she
said she wanted to sew tote bags for them! She found out their
favourite colours, then chose fabric...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV7rzyXqkR3o1NYBSz29M_puCdlJchJ1P23fwAGiTFXtEIYSPrZAK8Sli7DSWuBpQ955q3DZ-wVRh3SURzPEXv_-H8FBRK0L2iBto3Op4iLJ9u6-GuVwlS8BhAIvHHezQFqvdKnTP-Yc/s1600/bag+fabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV7rzyXqkR3o1NYBSz29M_puCdlJchJ1P23fwAGiTFXtEIYSPrZAK8Sli7DSWuBpQ955q3DZ-wVRh3SURzPEXv_-H8FBRK0L2iBto3Op4iLJ9u6-GuVwlS8BhAIvHHezQFqvdKnTP-Yc/s1600/bag+fabrics.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT9rvc1JwhXAuUnKIXFeFwourB7kByCRlZdE5fF1Pe__ArQn44lCtUYoFOzdliNHmEulu_rHocIfl9l8uUBKwymuFFHHPmyZR4xPhGtyotN1LLF8HmR2TvZJQk4wHGTWU0-TYT4_-Ooc/s1600/bag+fabrics2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT9rvc1JwhXAuUnKIXFeFwourB7kByCRlZdE5fF1Pe__ArQn44lCtUYoFOzdliNHmEulu_rHocIfl9l8uUBKwymuFFHHPmyZR4xPhGtyotN1LLF8HmR2TvZJQk4wHGTWU0-TYT4_-Ooc/s1600/bag+fabrics2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...<i>ironed </i>them
neatly...arranged them into pleasing patchworks...started sewing...and ta-dah!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOrvsD3BxWWU4KaqDWCgi-EEuC7Dmnfn3TDez4N2K1BqzZHaw1np6gngrv7W0he2HBMvh2XFcMqVNjEserrb9up5ty5D9lVerWMzYHjSo-mrz3ddhpw0LpPLi_ZOTvASTKygjMPR1s2g/s1600/bunny's+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOrvsD3BxWWU4KaqDWCgi-EEuC7Dmnfn3TDez4N2K1BqzZHaw1np6gngrv7W0he2HBMvh2XFcMqVNjEserrb9up5ty5D9lVerWMzYHjSo-mrz3ddhpw0LpPLi_ZOTvASTKygjMPR1s2g/s1600/bunny's+bags.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How proud am I? All I helped with were the handles, because
the seam allowances are so narrow. She did the rest! Even lined them, clever
gal:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J4cDter6xRoDdzfzsIqfFS6_eyRh_glzpdQN5q-8CQuG_-YRAmJ3Y5Y9hmtvqkVsstPCmn6NOicopVi8HExZPIAS6wd3PcoYKEn1POoGAyxfcrMcxHlkF5A73LaTzy3vk31vPrN_1Yg/s1600/bag+collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J4cDter6xRoDdzfzsIqfFS6_eyRh_glzpdQN5q-8CQuG_-YRAmJ3Y5Y9hmtvqkVsstPCmn6NOicopVi8HExZPIAS6wd3PcoYKEn1POoGAyxfcrMcxHlkF5A73LaTzy3vk31vPrN_1Yg/s1600/bag+collage.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those of you who’ve been visiting her a while may remember
when she made <b><a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/speedy-nine-patch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: cyan;">the nine-patch cushion</span></a></b> last year. I think this gave her the confidence
to make these pretty gifts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And because we simply can’t let an occasion go by without
giving cookies, we made melting moments for each teacher, filled with lemony buttercream:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBvagrdh63yEAxHziH67L4MofJtaEQdLg0A3gQN3Y_I2RdWgcT0CVUC1zCdyaGwhRK3VBF-ebTxYdsaJMu4UKBAUxqaMkwXlbEVIp7nthGUzL69txSn289x97XRlgKaBc16aoepQD20k/s1600/melting+moments2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBvagrdh63yEAxHziH67L4MofJtaEQdLg0A3gQN3Y_I2RdWgcT0CVUC1zCdyaGwhRK3VBF-ebTxYdsaJMu4UKBAUxqaMkwXlbEVIp7nthGUzL69txSn289x97XRlgKaBc16aoepQD20k/s1600/melting+moments2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are delicate biscuits made with icing sugar and a mix
of cornflour and plain flour, which all give the cookie a tender,
melt-in-your-mouth texture that is rather special. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfrMRxCWc9DDKvYy6jsH2TFIsZT1Trqs-P6bzDjLan41kGhT9Nva_p4q4WiFdzD3ArbnFAyn_HssT_sVNJmSVQBNc9D1A4hJ0j8giqUIh3DGvreOps5tgU-T9XecCw1bjunI3W5MEP9Q/s1600/melting+moments1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfrMRxCWc9DDKvYy6jsH2TFIsZT1Trqs-P6bzDjLan41kGhT9Nva_p4q4WiFdzD3ArbnFAyn_HssT_sVNJmSVQBNc9D1A4hJ0j8giqUIh3DGvreOps5tgU-T9XecCw1bjunI3W5MEP9Q/s1600/melting+moments1.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The lemon buttercream filling is perfect for the hot summer
weather, fresh and zingy, but believe me, I envisage some of these little
babies in a nice coat of Nutella...a friend suggested jam and clotted cream,
reminiscent of scones...I’ll take more ideas! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thus we’ve ended the school year and a school era. At Bunny’s
Leavers Assembly, the teacher handed out packets of Kleenex as we parents all
filed into the school. The boys performed a play, the girls did a dance, then
individual pupils shared their talents with everything from an electric guitar to
a drum solo! Bunny played the piano accompaniment for a friend who sings; they finished the piece by breaking into a harmonious duet of ‘Let It Go’, which Bunny had learned the chords
for all on her own! (And I thought she was just playing around on the piano
when she was practicing, she kept it all a big secret, you see!) Then she
played the harp, which had everyone in the hall, including all the young schoolchildren,
silent as she played. I was soooo proud I could have burst! (Yes, I teared up. Of
course I did!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0J-dnMkBe8mr9f400g_dBpL3F43JBknZyi4kO47CQWp4UJF4wxmlSUP3i474ga53iqVIRe9VHbsw3c0WfuVKHo-6tmGqfzTFW0d0Bol0oxmY3y02y0GXL7zkWNJIQo1wn80BzZtSnA8/s1600/harp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0J-dnMkBe8mr9f400g_dBpL3F43JBknZyi4kO47CQWp4UJF4wxmlSUP3i474ga53iqVIRe9VHbsw3c0WfuVKHo-6tmGqfzTFW0d0Bol0oxmY3y02y0GXL7zkWNJIQo1wn80BzZtSnA8/s1600/harp.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Golly, I’ve rambled on today, thank you for reading! Oh, I
will just share with you a photo of the end of that day, a little reward a few
mums signed up for a while back, knowing we’d need a fun evening after a very
emotional day:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fNuioADMUh-xvUr52C0O6oSr8taYZUdxRROHT47jcjx8VxOSRlpijpaXS4ksZTObM9rki80JgO7oKK14BiJVIUvbDlsqzNrA_XUJtI1omu-zDh_1D0UiXkGQY2pyqd-7zUgm6ajIR1k/s1600/champagne+tasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fNuioADMUh-xvUr52C0O6oSr8taYZUdxRROHT47jcjx8VxOSRlpijpaXS4ksZTObM9rki80JgO7oKK14BiJVIUvbDlsqzNrA_XUJtI1omu-zDh_1D0UiXkGQY2pyqd-7zUgm6ajIR1k/s1600/champagne+tasting.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went to a Champagne & Cheese Tasting, as you do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-91830899128649680702014-07-15T20:00:00.002+01:002014-07-15T20:00:27.830+01:00Book review: Rustic Modern Crochet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m well on my way to finishing the <b><span style="color: #948a54; mso-themecolor: background2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Driftwood Shawl</span></b> I showed you in my <b><a href="http://www.chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/whirlwind.html" target="_blank">last post</a></b>, but given the end-of-term activities, I know I won’t
finish it for at least another week, and I’m dying to share this book with you!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY9-68OjG8EXfAxslhzsV6dSvJG3z2pVeLII-F9m8xkohZ8jJOKGXUwOl8Nz51aMhgPIviidEO0joIVjr7MrfurW0DaXSrlf7qeVsRNmCNLPqQEg-YAhPYCoyg1Zhi_RbBMLuc1uhLEk/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY9-68OjG8EXfAxslhzsV6dSvJG3z2pVeLII-F9m8xkohZ8jJOKGXUwOl8Nz51aMhgPIviidEO0joIVjr7MrfurW0DaXSrlf7qeVsRNmCNLPqQEg-YAhPYCoyg1Zhi_RbBMLuc1uhLEk/s1600/bookcover.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Sea Turtle poncho</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Rustic Modern Crochet</i>, by Yumiko Alexander, features
elegant, tactile patterns that are as beautiful as they are quirky.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDhcLeGIdlL9luMG042y1aXYQVl4XNWQysGVYZh1i_70OY4lhT0B1XMTLnutpm13D9ruAAg4zg2Hpp6tfvN2vmHtPA_eDHA0Nk49cPNeXmcd2rdo-aXpsNkV1Q4dVJOYzOvBgKLt2zQI/s1600/rm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDhcLeGIdlL9luMG042y1aXYQVl4XNWQysGVYZh1i_70OY4lhT0B1XMTLnutpm13D9ruAAg4zg2Hpp6tfvN2vmHtPA_eDHA0Nk49cPNeXmcd2rdo-aXpsNkV1Q4dVJOYzOvBgKLt2zQI/s1600/rm6.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Sand Dollar wrap</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of the items are unlike anything I’ve seen. The
various scarves, shawls and accessories are completely unique, which gives the
book a very contemporary feel, but without losing its warm, relaxed vibe. I
turned each page wanting to wear an item, cuddle beneath a shrug, touch a
tactile scarf.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HLFJaXJJFV5c1VJZ4JZdpSWfRjBcTxTn91nK-FeT8jSYJmCGM9_sC1kDKKfmgB7vw6l3rqe0OACECJ_m5DYwAmq4J9YSVYZXEOUpfKMY9QEc3kfJCSQ4mXBfRLvipHTRvLBaeraewdM/s1600/rusticshawl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HLFJaXJJFV5c1VJZ4JZdpSWfRjBcTxTn91nK-FeT8jSYJmCGM9_sC1kDKKfmgB7vw6l3rqe0OACECJ_m5DYwAmq4J9YSVYZXEOUpfKMY9QEc3kfJCSQ4mXBfRLvipHTRvLBaeraewdM/s1600/rusticshawl1.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sophisticated yet not entirely refined.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jawGw3iomTxcPJ4VcPuq8vgUJKoCOV7iAWD-4opnFLLlrLnXRp7hXzE6iorDQyiVTKbIZOG3voiJEqaFoam7WdznM7wwpkUVu7cZNOj2i4bZ3qGEG2sHkUXZZsHNqsKIHKB9rsXUrw/s1600/rm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jawGw3iomTxcPJ4VcPuq8vgUJKoCOV7iAWD-4opnFLLlrLnXRp7hXzE6iorDQyiVTKbIZOG3voiJEqaFoam7WdznM7wwpkUVu7cZNOj2i4bZ3qGEG2sHkUXZZsHNqsKIHKB9rsXUrw/s1600/rm1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Sea Glass scarf on the right</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The table of contents gives an idea of the nature-based
ethos of the book. Titles like </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sand and
Shells</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coral Bouquet </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Beach Pebbles </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">evoke earth and water.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYNiaOO47tSBPmahmyw8BG3VAj1WawdIUX542LHEAjqvTcmbhTZ9miFQw_63mFpFbrFog6kzjAWiLTz3MQfI3s7HDwbSM9KPh7T4Ye0vh82qYVRksCUFx4aQQFEmGu-nYAuRi7bt33A0/s1600/rusticshawl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYNiaOO47tSBPmahmyw8BG3VAj1WawdIUX542LHEAjqvTcmbhTZ9miFQw_63mFpFbrFog6kzjAWiLTz3MQfI3s7HDwbSM9KPh7T4Ye0vh82qYVRksCUFx4aQQFEmGu-nYAuRi7bt33A0/s1600/rusticshawl3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The wrap I’m making is aptly named Driftwood Shawl, with colour
and texture, lines, nooks and crannies like something careworn by sea winds. I
love it!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsgMtCd-ZvU4tNj-GKETrLHmCMkegpGcS7z2KZ8mu5111d3Id-WtjoORhjRQybq4-fCWJhGcnzWbMPndngjZmSRxQjWHaDCyteSEK9dmtzhub6jtsmMkpFFtbPMyyBGMHrUGy7Sh4FkY/s1600/rm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsgMtCd-ZvU4tNj-GKETrLHmCMkegpGcS7z2KZ8mu5111d3Id-WtjoORhjRQybq4-fCWJhGcnzWbMPndngjZmSRxQjWHaDCyteSEK9dmtzhub6jtsmMkpFFtbPMyyBGMHrUGy7Sh4FkY/s1600/rm5.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunset Waves shawl/shrug</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each pattern is clearly laid out on three or more pages, with
photographs of the item at different angles. The beginning of the patterns
feature a materials list that gives not only the yarn weight and amount
required, but then lists the name of the particular yarn used in the photos,
its fibre type and number of skeins used. I like this feature – often a pattern
will just list the brand used in the photo, then it’s up to me to find out the
yarn weight, amount per skein, etc.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc25Pf_Jg6s9Gqg2iMzVFCvp5pIqt2lnl792aGMTLA5we15zrT1m2N0K-OKHXGA6g_Te2cvrHnw_SopZIf82a7ykgn8PqptruKsyINBd5t45BWL36AmwZ86p8Tr6z6azk-KCJZr3B5rXM/s1600/rm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc25Pf_Jg6s9Gqg2iMzVFCvp5pIqt2lnl792aGMTLA5we15zrT1m2N0K-OKHXGA6g_Te2cvrHnw_SopZIf82a7ykgn8PqptruKsyINBd5t45BWL36AmwZ86p8Tr6z6azk-KCJZr3B5rXM/s1600/rm3.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lace Reflections gloves with a top layer of lacy crochet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The instructions include a sidebar listing any specialty
stitches for the pattern, such as lace stitch, clusters and popcorn stitch. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing to note is that the book is written in US terms –
beware the double crochet mix-up! But as long as you keep this in mind, the
patterns are easy to understand. The author also includes helpful diagrams as
well as written instructions, which transcends any language barriers!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, I really enjoy this book. It has the odd item that
I raise my eyebrows at, wondering who would wear something like that out of the
house (is that a requirement for <i>every</i> crochet book?), but for the most part, the patterns are a fascinating exploration of
texture in crochet. With such an old craft, it really is refreshing to see
crochet being used in such new ways!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting! </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-51124992318956573972014-07-07T12:56:00.000+01:002014-07-07T12:56:31.103+01:00Whirlwind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The race to the last day of school is on! Life has become a
whirlwind, with performances, meetings, assemblies, parties, exams, sports days,
picnics, new school visits...oh, and there are teacher gifts to sort, school
uniforms for next term to buy, cookies to bake, nerves to calm...whirlwind!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m sure I’m not
alone when I say blog posts may be fewer these next few weeks, and though I’m
still reading all of your blogs, comments may not make it to the keyboard. Time
is so precious, and my first priority is to be there for my girls as they prepare
to leave pre-school and primary school. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow. They are both moving on to their next big stages of
life! Friends have asked me if I’m sad that they are leaving their schools, but honestly,
I am really *excited* for them! Of course I’ll miss my Little Flower being home
much of the time, but she is so ready for primary school, anxious to read more
and write more and explore life and learning. And my Bunny, how I’d love to
hold her close and walk her to each class of secondary school, but she, too, is
ready for a bigger challenge. She is quick to make friends, easygoing and
friendly, and I can’t wait for the new adventures ahead for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But enough of my emotional ramblings, I have some crafting
to share!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyO3z0_arB_gw3xqjPGEKU3-AGS2LypQhJYI68Lyq6YoQSTbCbntpAGzfyYXHB7a-My1cGqGSA0BkxsGl4Fuf66b9bNCnMcLRLXf2-lr7d5Y2KWHZNaQaiU9mCfjDXnPid-dPUOud67s/s1600/ribbon+heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyO3z0_arB_gw3xqjPGEKU3-AGS2LypQhJYI68Lyq6YoQSTbCbntpAGzfyYXHB7a-My1cGqGSA0BkxsGl4Fuf66b9bNCnMcLRLXf2-lr7d5Y2KWHZNaQaiU9mCfjDXnPid-dPUOud67s/s1600/ribbon+heart1.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think, possibly, that I’m finished with <b><span style="color: #9966ff;">this heart</span></b>.
I’m not sure I want to embellish it more, so I’ll put it aside for a few days
then return to it and see how I feel. Hmmm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSreHn6eBfjYWweCN8TZlGOmECF4m7nsauKZh4TRnUmEyHiFmoPOz22uQjRKAhcUFMSvDFgIEri9wRPi2js5vRE0O-sHAXEM08K7Ch7gu2WzHsTRMNyUmWsNGuIGoJTOtEXc78bO0p7c/s1600/ribbon+heart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSreHn6eBfjYWweCN8TZlGOmECF4m7nsauKZh4TRnUmEyHiFmoPOz22uQjRKAhcUFMSvDFgIEri9wRPi2js5vRE0O-sHAXEM08K7Ch7gu2WzHsTRMNyUmWsNGuIGoJTOtEXc78bO0p7c/s1600/ribbon+heart2.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I added a few silk ribbon roses, using a variegated pastel
ribbon, to complement the more textured ribbon that came in the hand-dyed skein
from <b><a href="http://www.stef-francis.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Stef Francis</span></a></b>. I wanted a few lighter touches of colour, and the pastel blossoms
dotted here and there achieves that. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTvmwKJqzWIjwqRZTb320vH78lKthayaCyE9PKK72MKFIC9NDkT06_GTclKIsTZCNjegdJ5LVCkV_6cOZIJDIIe2M6iLfV9O3RMtG-2v3kI1MhNbH5z4pun62PMoGdwV-eGfA-2PJJ1w/s1600/ribbon+heart3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTvmwKJqzWIjwqRZTb320vH78lKthayaCyE9PKK72MKFIC9NDkT06_GTclKIsTZCNjegdJ5LVCkV_6cOZIJDIIe2M6iLfV9O3RMtG-2v3kI1MhNbH5z4pun62PMoGdwV-eGfA-2PJJ1w/s1600/ribbon+heart3.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are French knots, straight stitches to make the green
leaves – the buds beneath use the lazy daisy stitch made with the ribbon, which
gives a very different result than the same stitch done with embroidery floss. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This project was simply an experiment to see if I could use
the various threads that made up the skein. Now I have more useful ideas...the
rough linen would be perfect for a summertime picnic placemat set, and I
already have the embroidery design in mind...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the crochet front, I’m more than halfway through a summer
wrap:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwsuEorLrrcGzlrPNoX3GB2RGfQ7HQ6b6iwXxzALIb60foEnWHTYEZeY3S-W0Xr1mp_TApO0uJV0JAP_T8Efv1fwdeffiImJU3Wp9GkQ0tlA-bnRZDDBXHnbMlkrYdvnPNPpf2xQ4hiI/s1600/rustic+modernII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwsuEorLrrcGzlrPNoX3GB2RGfQ7HQ6b6iwXxzALIb60foEnWHTYEZeY3S-W0Xr1mp_TApO0uJV0JAP_T8Efv1fwdeffiImJU3Wp9GkQ0tlA-bnRZDDBXHnbMlkrYdvnPNPpf2xQ4hiI/s1600/rustic+modernII.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am fascinated by this new crochet book – <b><span style="color: #948a54; mso-themecolor: background2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Rustic Modern Crochet</span></b> – it is full of
quirky, textured, interesting makes. I love it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa7elEy73WOflsOg6ZqW98dl1YBM-e9cgalNlxVCpnhoTKMGTVns2gnH8sZ4mZoLE_qJ-SywqgQiFPdZYmPo_t92RzzaEfzy87b40ckE7VRcoRJONdiIfWsoVkzw4gxQT3LHNktbF6ak/s1600/rustic+modern1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa7elEy73WOflsOg6ZqW98dl1YBM-e9cgalNlxVCpnhoTKMGTVns2gnH8sZ4mZoLE_qJ-SywqgQiFPdZYmPo_t92RzzaEfzy87b40ckE7VRcoRJONdiIfWsoVkzw4gxQT3LHNktbF6ak/s1600/rustic+modern1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xU54CGZXmvi0VZTCOMi7ALAkJnBPDKoTriAjdq9a9PREZ7w3DDT_4fJ5z6B56kWF1jv9PydlC2eKq7WBgursSo49RrkUVvJw0gQzWFHhZx7T2BOR3ymJm-5kcH4EGHyjUOZcyuCs-Fs/s1600/rustic+modernIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xU54CGZXmvi0VZTCOMi7ALAkJnBPDKoTriAjdq9a9PREZ7w3DDT_4fJ5z6B56kWF1jv9PydlC2eKq7WBgursSo49RrkUVvJw0gQzWFHhZx7T2BOR3ymJm-5kcH4EGHyjUOZcyuCs-Fs/s1600/rustic+modernIII.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was drawn to this wrap, and it gave me the excuse to buy
some Rowan Savannah yarn, a gorgeous linen-y cotton wrapped in thin silk
thread.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwhah5xAJFPABxgp2G4-G0KuQObYSVGxQ-E5tei32BWYHdZD0qIMhBbdXhyphenhyphenPLlV0IY6rA3FEe8Vtys2xj_FK67LvclWWpRUhh-O1klqf94W2pPuvq7O2dKrHkSI2n5Sm-rprQAw9UZqo/s1600/rustic+modern3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwhah5xAJFPABxgp2G4-G0KuQObYSVGxQ-E5tei32BWYHdZD0qIMhBbdXhyphenhyphenPLlV0IY6rA3FEe8Vtys2xj_FK67LvclWWpRUhh-O1klqf94W2pPuvq7O2dKrHkSI2n5Sm-rprQAw9UZqo/s1600/rustic+modern3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamFzPwVo3X1nPeJXPvSVJw-f3kGFqx-UzLcMxN4TfI8yEeGhGnSDk74Sz0ZzkA8BLMfIPh806r5b5RuHzNr1-wNv743eis7MfU3dnpT6JMMS8jtDQt9tyOQwoBT_AbHmfaCzLyBJkc40/s1600/rustic+modern2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamFzPwVo3X1nPeJXPvSVJw-f3kGFqx-UzLcMxN4TfI8yEeGhGnSDk74Sz0ZzkA8BLMfIPh806r5b5RuHzNr1-wNv743eis7MfU3dnpT6JMMS8jtDQt9tyOQwoBT_AbHmfaCzLyBJkc40/s1600/rustic+modern2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The long lines of the design are simply chains, so this project is working
up quickly. I have half a mind to display it as a wall hanging, though, it is
more like a textured artwork! I will write a little book review when
I’ve finished this project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And finally, (<i>my my,
she is going on and on and on today, isn’t she?</i>) for those of you
interested in my <b><a href="http://www.chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/edible-bouquets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">edible bouquets</span></a></b>, I will share the book that got me started
on my passion for herbs:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx7Nt2WHWF_132znxl_sxMhkhvHdb8iXCE0ien6MwIiu13awO0VUpEMr-IVys-tSSw2s1q0EdEuUDsAjoJ9-qHhYOHk8pflojKTaytiX-GY0I5bi56g-iiSx39h3QDBf6rOgVZi9jqKM/s1600/jekka+herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx7Nt2WHWF_132znxl_sxMhkhvHdb8iXCE0ien6MwIiu13awO0VUpEMr-IVys-tSSw2s1q0EdEuUDsAjoJ9-qHhYOHk8pflojKTaytiX-GY0I5bi56g-iiSx39h3QDBf6rOgVZi9jqKM/s1600/jekka+herbs.jpg" height="569" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jekka McVicar is <i>the</i>
expert on herbs, what she doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! I attended her herb
workshop at RHS Wisley a few years ago, and I subsequently transformed the
borders around our patio to herb gardens. She and her books are incredibly inspirational,
whether you have a patio container or acres of land. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDkmx7-x-TiWXD5gllbHOvQRo8IicEo1a1pbHbUb_n594wMgR8ABb1MZ_J1oGDTVHYyWLk5rYhxd2oEClFbyQdNNUYPKuS1onvgQISHOzU_C6La8J7Bk1A8ARfv9C8cuuKetY1-xYhTo/s1600/fennel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDkmx7-x-TiWXD5gllbHOvQRo8IicEo1a1pbHbUb_n594wMgR8ABb1MZ_J1oGDTVHYyWLk5rYhxd2oEClFbyQdNNUYPKuS1onvgQISHOzU_C6La8J7Bk1A8ARfv9C8cuuKetY1-xYhTo/s1600/fennel.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I use my herbs mostly for cooking, but some are grown for
teas, scented sachets, mild medicinal use, and simply for the sheer beauty they
give the garden. Soon I’ll do some posts featuring my favourite herbs and what
I do with them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. </span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you all so
much for your very kind comments on my last post! The fabric I used is from Gutterman,
it’s called Leaves Hill. It is a cotton with a teensy bit of stretch – I erred
on the side of caution with my fabric choice rather than using a true jersey
cotton for my first Coco top. </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-66623181759682343442014-07-02T18:49:00.002+01:002014-07-02T18:49:23.081+01:00One thing lead to another and ta-dah! It’s Coco!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday I had an hour to spare after teaching a crochet
workshop, so I unfolded my Coco pattern:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUxOvH8WnOffaNvZEGVMaRQq0a_KVJajsmR1fZPcO8WN6nHakt9HEhw7nWcio62hrvZRLDEttsn-T-tsvUS9ATEGu0K6_E93twsCZU5UtRz7h0RmAyjfxEyFicQqmsiyCmdTABFs5tIc/s1600/tilly+stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUxOvH8WnOffaNvZEGVMaRQq0a_KVJajsmR1fZPcO8WN6nHakt9HEhw7nWcio62hrvZRLDEttsn-T-tsvUS9ATEGu0K6_E93twsCZU5UtRz7h0RmAyjfxEyFicQqmsiyCmdTABFs5tIc/s1600/tilly+stuff.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve been waiting to make this for a long time, and I
planned on simply cutting out the paper pattern. I did that rather swiftly, so
I weighted it down to my fabric and cut out the pieces.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrICmzsRX32RoEWN52-QE_BndeE6rlIebEv7iPXqC680utuOd9Qf3Pti9ctwR2vvPvcldG0GpA9_c8ykNAxaG6ytdROiccYAw-BiSRdNoENk8Z8pVbzmsOdJNwuBO9b__zRGgiQiXCj3o/s1600/pattern1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrICmzsRX32RoEWN52-QE_BndeE6rlIebEv7iPXqC680utuOd9Qf3Pti9ctwR2vvPvcldG0GpA9_c8ykNAxaG6ytdROiccYAw-BiSRdNoENk8Z8pVbzmsOdJNwuBO9b__zRGgiQiXCj3o/s1600/pattern1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I read Tilly’s clear instructions for the first bits of
sewing and, having a bit of time left in my hour, set up the machine and got
started...and then, well, I kept going...and then, um, I rejigged my schedule (put
off some other work) so I had another free hour...I just couldn’t stop myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strike a pose for us, dear:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ5DDlszumyScB2E_YkNcXV1E-gQMkNxMA5KZzDI46n93kTNMh2uSznKPFJpnzWC4bgJjJmqkEIidjVQAMAY3mk1dL-NFIwTaD08mLRLE_4XYJjdO9yowDz7SgEueZ4DWHE6MakKLDR8/s1600/pose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ5DDlszumyScB2E_YkNcXV1E-gQMkNxMA5KZzDI46n93kTNMh2uSznKPFJpnzWC4bgJjJmqkEIidjVQAMAY3mk1dL-NFIwTaD08mLRLE_4XYJjdO9yowDz7SgEueZ4DWHE6MakKLDR8/s1600/pose1.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">La-de-da!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ta-dah! Before I knew it I had Coco 90% finished. Then it
was time for school pick-up, and I *really* couldn’t get out of that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let’s see Coco again, complete with up-do to show off that snazzy
neckline, and giant sunglasses, because that’s how I roll:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfpukFc-Jt4-sJ-ywM9g8UdanroFHVO3Bukx-EsyAuC6QoUzk7Vvypahhr2QhdlJfwXTCfFrVabZ2qvH2NlyFYEV2zS8XJBXfJFHUcaEMgDJrtZ2LcmO_9TBiRtf5icaqsfXAHCtEBrI/s1600/pose4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfpukFc-Jt4-sJ-ywM9g8UdanroFHVO3Bukx-EsyAuC6QoUzk7Vvypahhr2QhdlJfwXTCfFrVabZ2qvH2NlyFYEV2zS8XJBXfJFHUcaEMgDJrtZ2LcmO_9TBiRtf5icaqsfXAHCtEBrI/s1600/pose4.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you're enjoying this, Miss <a href="http://www.lazydaisyjones.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lazy Daisy Jones</a>!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bunny was my photographer, encouraging silly poses. It didn't take much to get me going...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeJmnVFafhhrJ83LCjOggdAzvqjgawy74M4yRjA41Jcoc8ECN69o2BNHLOllcvkQzJl-MbSzrXL0SDJxmzNjLsw7rVq_1krefIhDanwGlj88uaOvBOQkHjg0r_ub41GaTtgIrwWvDAeM/s1600/pose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeJmnVFafhhrJ83LCjOggdAzvqjgawy74M4yRjA41Jcoc8ECN69o2BNHLOllcvkQzJl-MbSzrXL0SDJxmzNjLsw7rVq_1krefIhDanwGlj88uaOvBOQkHjg0r_ub41GaTtgIrwWvDAeM/s1600/pose2.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Could you please smile, you old ham?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nMnFmwmhHS9a8TCdXoe4T2Q-DU2aRH0oPE7H5T1N6hp4PSUxtexCTwDKdRBccrdtbg5jb-yL3MK4OF6TUtzV6IB7IZXiGFkpKNHqnFLeUpFlMC8rJfGwSEUFcMVTxo-_hxiutAm_eb4/s1600/pose5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nMnFmwmhHS9a8TCdXoe4T2Q-DU2aRH0oPE7H5T1N6hp4PSUxtexCTwDKdRBccrdtbg5jb-yL3MK4OF6TUtzV6IB7IZXiGFkpKNHqnFLeUpFlMC8rJfGwSEUFcMVTxo-_hxiutAm_eb4/s1600/pose5.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much friendlier.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I’ll tell ya, my sewing abilities are as changeable as
the weather. Today, when all I needed to do was sew on the cuffs and stitch the
bottom hem, could I manage it swiftly? Uh, no.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNaDw1UljyL4UYUdxezS-VDiwOno4Xj5dHZS8VBrp3jjoohvwgzwi2-wYH4UnhMuIVQKCOsr9dPnSkYjTBXZjkvP3PcBmNOOs8u1wewNKaASKa2VwzuhQAKoIvYcyIFPm56Wtj0e3Q-0/s1600/pattern2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNaDw1UljyL4UYUdxezS-VDiwOno4Xj5dHZS8VBrp3jjoohvwgzwi2-wYH4UnhMuIVQKCOsr9dPnSkYjTBXZjkvP3PcBmNOOs8u1wewNKaASKa2VwzuhQAKoIvYcyIFPm56Wtj0e3Q-0/s1600/pattern2.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The seam ripper was my little buddy today. He’s worked very
hard, poor little chap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Folding and stitching the cuffs somehow became an act of
geometry for me, and I’m rubbish at mathematics. Even though they are pretty
much smaller versions of that funnel neckline, I repeatedly folded and sewed
them the wrong way. Ever have a day like that? Normal people would set it aside
and try later. But I was desperate to wear Coco!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYOZEOaANVgNJe0P9EPP8tC2gqcna7-n5fYf29595Lsw0_6hp1xV8tiUIaEAlM8ENQhsT_7PuKHaypjSBcGxk7MQCEhsSjiFIg2H0uWlq6Q6ueMYpnzVNqKOGwGVsAdHA9_24OxWxjYo/s1600/pattern3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYOZEOaANVgNJe0P9EPP8tC2gqcna7-n5fYf29595Lsw0_6hp1xV8tiUIaEAlM8ENQhsT_7PuKHaypjSBcGxk7MQCEhsSjiFIg2H0uWlq6Q6ueMYpnzVNqKOGwGVsAdHA9_24OxWxjYo/s1600/pattern3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I made a cup of tea, decided to perseve, and got there in the end. Just don’t look
too closely at those cuffs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next time it will be easier, I know...and there most
definitely will be a next time! <i>(Aren’t
you proud of me, Grandma?!)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy crafting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-30491433765548508232014-06-29T19:52:00.000+01:002014-06-29T19:52:17.245+01:00Edible bouquets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the time of year not only to pick bouquets, but to
pick </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">edible</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> bouquets! Little
bundles of herbal joy, in full bloom and flavour.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVEl0cLlTiGw68yBeoyzvJTL9wQRenMPf1TqJfNZcX0AI-LQnPlHrh3c_sLxo1-KZYcU-8cbY8vp1YUnMALDsnHGV3QkNwaYs2-OEpzAkc72gJzDiLnYZwyHpamXtJrf5_hzXBumMMiI/s1600/herb+posy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVEl0cLlTiGw68yBeoyzvJTL9wQRenMPf1TqJfNZcX0AI-LQnPlHrh3c_sLxo1-KZYcU-8cbY8vp1YUnMALDsnHGV3QkNwaYs2-OEpzAkc72gJzDiLnYZwyHpamXtJrf5_hzXBumMMiI/s1600/herb+posy3.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The roses are lush and beautifully scented, with branches full of buds
ready for high summer. Lavender and the last of the chive flowers add a regal
purple contrast, with fiery bronze fennel softening the background. Yarrow
punctuates with its collection of miniscule white blossoms, though its scent is
less than pleasant (but it gives the compost heap such a wonderful boost!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mint and lemon balm offer fragrant green leaves to mask the yarrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_0dfdxn6H1Xqwv-5pYftXKoJmpkwQGV4lQOG8TtmZ0ohLMiJQZN2Xv77E74pX-BIEXtNjyGkJpcYdJt-2sioIvaGOvFL8YvZD8ZR-z240EjhsAg41jFLCICHnsoRp0iI4vWhFm43Fzs/s1600/mint+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_0dfdxn6H1Xqwv-5pYftXKoJmpkwQGV4lQOG8TtmZ0ohLMiJQZN2Xv77E74pX-BIEXtNjyGkJpcYdJt-2sioIvaGOvFL8YvZD8ZR-z240EjhsAg41jFLCICHnsoRp0iI4vWhFm43Fzs/s1600/mint+rose.jpg" height="296" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prolific mint sits beside the rose bush</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxn867cyVzsiKKGAJijEUiHYXWu9cXOsHK8vgPVfkpcYyVhpB5ay1UEKrV4ALnS0PrqVK6FsVjZ-D3saD2wZ8CF2WNUz34635i_evKyGW_34iPJERFmgeo3QrJkhhvpK-xCONQOWruHM/s1600/lemon+yarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxn867cyVzsiKKGAJijEUiHYXWu9cXOsHK8vgPVfkpcYyVhpB5ay1UEKrV4ALnS0PrqVK6FsVjZ-D3saD2wZ8CF2WNUz34635i_evKyGW_34iPJERFmgeo3QrJkhhvpK-xCONQOWruHM/s1600/lemon+yarrow.jpg" height="640" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon balm, left, towers over the slim, fern-like fronds of yarrow, lower centre, with oregano on the right (and I believe some mint creeping over in front of it!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This bouquet is entirely edible/usable/medicinal. I love
making up bunches to give as little gifts to friends this time of year, with
recipes or tips for how to use each herb in the bouquet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TzrXLejMS_vSauE_CQ6IYklKz0LtUC7DipwGMKqQ8lGFb0bGIeeJzfAlZalWVmf_0pk5qZubiKU0tWwzBXDgz_sMGI3BKFvnUFeHkCsu2O1vr4Gf49IKsJwe2z3xJwEHXZ_IgSzeOyo/s1600/herb+posy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TzrXLejMS_vSauE_CQ6IYklKz0LtUC7DipwGMKqQ8lGFb0bGIeeJzfAlZalWVmf_0pk5qZubiKU0tWwzBXDgz_sMGI3BKFvnUFeHkCsu2O1vr4Gf49IKsJwe2z3xJwEHXZ_IgSzeOyo/s1600/herb+posy4.jpg" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a tiny version. Barely 3 inches high, it makes a
sweet little posy fit for a fairy feast:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRpx9NZhWD6wp_JbdqDQq6v-2noLJUrcnTNFq_hbA4htgZ4EJdXcr2lBSmaAozDxcKcnOhUM8FZpYECf6sWp6OJA-LytF8xc_1eAV-V-GJUDzfqBW6F0_h3XRlxx-D6_M0GS14b5qAMQ/s1600/herb+posy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRpx9NZhWD6wp_JbdqDQq6v-2noLJUrcnTNFq_hbA4htgZ4EJdXcr2lBSmaAozDxcKcnOhUM8FZpYECf6sWp6OJA-LytF8xc_1eAV-V-GJUDzfqBW6F0_h3XRlxx-D6_M0GS14b5qAMQ/s1600/herb+posy2.jpg" height="640" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Flower gave me her itty-bitty, hand-painted sugar pot from her tiny tea set for a vase</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purple and white violas, lilac thyme blossoms, and the
very first chamomile blossom make up this teensy bouquet, with oregano leaves
filling in at the back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGa8WTSWLVFdPspDtCRIhNl8Npr4VqibIDrXF3OdX8kSS-ypkz3wOKcPlmUA4qnOxwNABanLfVtlmG_y1KwuLKs5n_nwxcZ1sva8qqCCkDhz-z9jeV_Iz0dCNhHsSjJGPVLHhpxrmXOA/s1600/herb+posy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGa8WTSWLVFdPspDtCRIhNl8Npr4VqibIDrXF3OdX8kSS-ypkz3wOKcPlmUA4qnOxwNABanLfVtlmG_y1KwuLKs5n_nwxcZ1sva8qqCCkDhz-z9jeV_Iz0dCNhHsSjJGPVLHhpxrmXOA/s1600/herb+posy1.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will continue to select herbs to use throughout the
summer. As the chive blossom dies away, the hyssop takes its turn, one branch
already pink with new blooms:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M5ZjY_NOogJJfiBFZ6AFWaAacMyIc25IdmgcAZDjo0571YSgI6PShc1Ajjy1AoN485aCaK0STbnPc8M5k8gYIL-mGScmSuVH47zibWnJzf2z0dq8TlIFjb2d4u6LQpvfmcSXa0KpEX0/s1600/hyssop+chive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M5ZjY_NOogJJfiBFZ6AFWaAacMyIc25IdmgcAZDjo0571YSgI6PShc1Ajjy1AoN485aCaK0STbnPc8M5k8gYIL-mGScmSuVH47zibWnJzf2z0dq8TlIFjb2d4u6LQpvfmcSXa0KpEX0/s1600/hyssop+chive.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The nasturtium will be in flower by the end of the week,
ready for a new edible bouquet:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3zqZdZr_HpnMW1X8OBiLM4JYH7VFTRy2oW1_fcTZqdHZcNXo6YH8Id2-X2TgABj0XZ4OG2K05GeELV6BhYooBxoLgY6UU41BmwR5n2ihyphenhyphen4G3MRSsm33ZgxR3NnrEG9qtiqbnq6PZpJw/s1600/nasturtium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3zqZdZr_HpnMW1X8OBiLM4JYH7VFTRy2oW1_fcTZqdHZcNXo6YH8Id2-X2TgABj0XZ4OG2K05GeELV6BhYooBxoLgY6UU41BmwR5n2ihyphenhyphen4G3MRSsm33ZgxR3NnrEG9qtiqbnq6PZpJw/s1600/nasturtium.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bronze fennel grows high above the lavender, its fiery, feathery leaves
blurring the view. I will use these for weeks to come.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgmaOoGd2ackwbFBfJLuNhR7QnZR714RZrp4K8zkcYU7SbJ9uaaxP-e8g6xW052WVvP1jYDYIvw6FVVU-Eufu8NxHHrxw_2mh_rD35PrAhSndv1avhy5z7uI8phXsPxG74MZMKKGjOlw/s1600/fennel+lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgmaOoGd2ackwbFBfJLuNhR7QnZR714RZrp4K8zkcYU7SbJ9uaaxP-e8g6xW052WVvP1jYDYIvw6FVVU-Eufu8NxHHrxw_2mh_rD35PrAhSndv1avhy5z7uI8phXsPxG74MZMKKGjOlw/s1600/fennel+lavender.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps I’ll write regular edible bouquet posts, featuring
the soft sage leaves, sweet cicely, marsh mallow and sweet woodruff that I have
my eye on in the herb border. Then I may be obliged to show you how I use them
all in my cooking...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hmmm, I’m feeling peckish now, snack time! Enjoy the rest of
your Sunday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. I wrote a similar
edible bouquet post last summer, you can read it <b><a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/the-edible-bouquet.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e69138;">here</span></a></b>! </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190651767605093454.post-62031925798549779832014-06-27T10:40:00.000+01:002014-06-27T10:40:02.978+01:00Bringing summer indoors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the skies cloud over and we’re set for rain for the next
few days, I thought I’d share my latest summery make:</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo9LxMcI7_aAMvnFyiLgzthyphenhyphen40kX2Yh9H0lECuwz1d58A9l0A5k_mH0J2P3Qt_bVrEu7X4bP7trw8Vb9lTYh1DZgOo0EIWzmKZNCkk1mGloMQHkZNAw6JrF9vdC3k0R_HKvgfnh61A6A/s1600/cushion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo9LxMcI7_aAMvnFyiLgzthyphenhyphen40kX2Yh9H0lECuwz1d58A9l0A5k_mH0J2P3Qt_bVrEu7X4bP7trw8Vb9lTYh1DZgOo0EIWzmKZNCkk1mGloMQHkZNAw6JrF9vdC3k0R_HKvgfnh61A6A/s1600/cushion2.jpg" height="556" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a pair of summer cushions for the living room, using pretty
fat quarters from <b><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><a href="http://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzfFE1hOOrJ6sSt3giU3XOaKQIxn8wwzMnU7Fp34rJhYYSkKK5hkwQhsG9cSWVG9CQC-DxWSaRaKgL9ESJtrsCsOlLc_NxtIE3XPVFturuBOnjLY2UP56FGq0kpt32XJ8cLw2w9Iv0a8/s1600/cushion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzfFE1hOOrJ6sSt3giU3XOaKQIxn8wwzMnU7Fp34rJhYYSkKK5hkwQhsG9cSWVG9CQC-DxWSaRaKgL9ESJtrsCsOlLc_NxtIE3XPVFturuBOnjLY2UP56FGq0kpt32XJ8cLw2w9Iv0a8/s1600/cushion1.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had an image in my mind of what I wanted, but I couldn’t
find a suitable pattern anywhere, so I decided to make one up! I had to be
sneaky with the floral print – I have the fortune/misfortune of a husband with an
opinion on the decor. Sometimes this is lovely, because it’s nice to bounce
around decorating ideas, and we tend to like the same neutral colours and blue/green
hues...</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkhPuO_hvbHo4a2yM152S9Ae6Ej61t-iRH8Qr6NVTopwG1HY8YhH7sak4eHpHQsVKNWlVYTq9qtFq274KLgNMWwei1oIZuKF0bv7PC63K61a0wMzQucXbuxMjofMY8Dt7rRf7IaOvBpo/s1600/living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkhPuO_hvbHo4a2yM152S9Ae6Ej61t-iRH8Qr6NVTopwG1HY8YhH7sak4eHpHQsVKNWlVYTq9qtFq274KLgNMWwei1oIZuKF0bv7PC63K61a0wMzQucXbuxMjofMY8Dt7rRf7IaOvBpo/s1600/living+room.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our oh-so-neutral living room</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...and he also supports my wackier brainstorms, like the willow branch<b> <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/and-so-to-bed.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;">bedroom mural</span></span></a></b> I painted a few years ago:</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrbxtDCCV0uVLty4jQNEZ9-LMP_NFr2RVFp_qDxGj4vFg1f5d50QqCdgS_Bp5ZEc5I0YfOYGiybmPK2R0XGjL_p79_uqp96uVss-cvG3bdgohH6T86HG4DvfI3r5INhVLgw1Xu5H8lv8/s1600/dark+bedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrbxtDCCV0uVLty4jQNEZ9-LMP_NFr2RVFp_qDxGj4vFg1f5d50QqCdgS_Bp5ZEc5I0YfOYGiybmPK2R0XGjL_p79_uqp96uVss-cvG3bdgohH6T86HG4DvfI3r5INhVLgw1Xu5H8lv8/s1600/dark+bedding.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...but other times, when I’m feeling particularly girlie and
pink, I find the fact that he cares rather annoying, because he doesn’t
necessarily want the living room to be decked out in blousy pink florals! (I
indulge my feminine side in the kitchen, he knows that’s my turf.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I envisaged a summer stripe cushion with a ditsy floral
print peeking out. Surely it is it fresh and summery and not too girlie?</span></div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUIWjZMI_ZX9yr17YwupzgX2iRVzpTBvQOaxqTwzXvgZHQx9BSFDjB-Af_b95Ux0FzTr7fXXjvBHxelAaaLfldAFbny6lQxLA23UYQqnQKa_H7dORvSK2ijOzynHYrlgmCJtDU6PD__4/s1600/cushion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUIWjZMI_ZX9yr17YwupzgX2iRVzpTBvQOaxqTwzXvgZHQx9BSFDjB-Af_b95Ux0FzTr7fXXjvBHxelAaaLfldAFbny6lQxLA23UYQqnQKa_H7dORvSK2ijOzynHYrlgmCJtDU6PD__4/s1600/cushion3.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The back is a simple envelope opening in a <i>neutral</i> linen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The girls gave immediate thumbs up, and, happily, Darling
Husband did, too. I think part of him was impressed by the fact that I created these rather than plonking down £50 at a shop for cushions...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXubdKM9UTWSXl0y0had_H4Tj_dlNN3TrnRXOVXYgMCgy3DZ-95INB3QeKXTxR19kJCY9LIuQFPv-wy84uByY8Lw2qeHox9bA_o517khP6ZCSXHR-7RYGomXKIjKJXozQU_H2CkZeuXSI/s1600/cushion4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXubdKM9UTWSXl0y0had_H4Tj_dlNN3TrnRXOVXYgMCgy3DZ-95INB3QeKXTxR19kJCY9LIuQFPv-wy84uByY8Lw2qeHox9bA_o517khP6ZCSXHR-7RYGomXKIjKJXozQU_H2CkZeuXSI/s1600/cushion4.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now the smaller sofa is in need of a pair of summer
cushions. I still have some fat quarters from my bundle, I have images of appliqué
swirling in my brain...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy the weekend and happy crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chrissie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16148016735714521048noreply@blogger.com28