Thursday 5 September 2013

Holiday Makes & Granny Square Crochet

The last week has been somewhat busy, but I have tried to savour every minute before my babies started and returned to school yesterday. For days beforehand I felt so choked up, but it has happened and my little flower doesn't seem to like it one bit, gulp! Fortunately the first three weeks are staggered and with only a couple of hours in school everyday it will hopefully help her settle in and also give us some quality time when she gets home. I have been meaning to show and tell all about our wonderful holiday, but for now that will have to stay on the back burner for another couple of days. In the meantime I will quickly share the holiday crafty goodness with you.



For my lovely regular readers, you had a little peak to see what was in my bag to take on holiday to Italy and as always I was a little ambitious to say the very least. I knew beforehand that the objective of the holiday was to spend quality time with the whole family and to do little else and that my lovelies is exactly what I did. I pushed myself and had fun with the kids and enjoyed time with Ma and Pa just being, something I really miss, so all I have to show for that is the most wonderful memories that I will treasure for as long as I live. We did enjoy a couple of evenings where Ma showed me the ropes of embroidery and if I  had to show you all the photo's (which Pa took as he giggled at the sight of his rather clueless daughter), then you will all have a good old belly laugh. Unfortunately for you and fortunately for me I am not sharing these with you, but I will share a few, so without further ado.


 
 


I loved how the family just sat together in the evenings and enjoying some reading, talking and embroidery, it was so so wonderful. I took these little drawings I did with as I have something special in mind for them, but more about that when I finish them. It was such fun working the pretty lazy daisy stitch with Ma and learning how to do it properly.
 


 



I also took these sweet fairy drawings, which I got from this Doodle Stitching book, which is aimed at a future project. This was more fun than I could have imagined. The first time Ma showed me how to do ribbon embroidery, her exact words were: 'It is as easy as falling off a log!'. Now that might be the case if you are a frog sitting on a log by the bog (I love this sweet Usborne phonics story), but for this frog, who was rather agog, it was rather fun sitting with some ribbon by the bog, waiting to fall off a log. Ribbon embroidery is such fun and I am completely lost in the endless opportunities that it can conjure up. In fact I have already started a little ribbon embroidery project, which will take a great deal of time, but more on a later date.







 
For the fairies, we used a combination of stitches, including French knots, another great stitch. It is such a simple, yet effective stitch and I am actually using it a fair bit at the moment with another sweet little project I will share with you soon.
 
Now on to some crochet. This little flannel worked up quite quickly on the plane and for this I used Drops Paris Cotton and followed the Cotton Square flannels' pattern from the very lovely Granny Squares Crochet book, which I discuss in a little more detail later on. It is a sweet little project and I will definitely be making some more of these. I personally so enjoy seeing pretty home made cloths around the house to brighter up the bathroom and kitchen.

 
Three generations enjoyed an afternoon by the side of the pool where we sat together to do a little crocheting, trying to show little Es the 'ropes'.
 

Before we went away I had already started to work on my Lazy Days throw. I still needed to work quite a few squares to finish the first two rows and then 'join as I go'. I also made it a little bigger than the pattern as I wanted it to fit our bed, but to be honest I measured it on the bed in Italy, but as it turns out it might still be a little on the small side. The good thing about making something like this is that there are a myriad of uses for it, so it most certainly won't be waisted.



Thanks to a five hour drive to Rome and waiting around in airports, I managed to get the first part of it all together. I always think it takes twice as long to work the ends in than it does to actually crochet a square, but that's all part of the 'fun'. Even thought I haven't really touched the surface yet, there is something rather satisfying about getting the first stage of it done.





The pattern is from the lovely book Granny Square Crochet by Catherine Hirst. It was a gift from my doh (darling other half) for my birthday and what a wonderful gift it is turning out to be. Usually when I get a book, I feel inspired and there are a few projects that grab my eye, this book on the other hand has so many wonderful projects that I want to make and in fact I have already finished three of them and now working on the fourth. Each and every one of the projects I have finished have turned out lovely. The first being a pair of arm warmers, which I made as a gift for a bloggy friend, and then the flannel mentioned above and also a cowl which I worked up this week, but more on that at a later date. There are so many things that I really love about this book, the fact that it is so easy to understand and follow, that it uses UK terminology (I appreciate that this might not be helpful to everyone) and the fact that Catherine Hirst uses inexpensive yarns, such as Stylecraft Special amongst others. Furthermore it is also a lovely coffee table book to flick through as the photography, design and presentation is very pleasing to the eye.

For anyone interested in a good and easy to follow crochet book, this is the one. There are many wonderful and inspiriting crochet books out there, but this one is up there with them all. There are so many wonderful patterns in this book, and I have tried to captured only but a few for you to give you a feel for this wonderful and inspiring book.

1.Sunrise potholder, 2. Square flannels, 3.Granny bunting, 4.Cushion Cover, 5. Bedcover, 6. Tea cosy, 7. Arm warmers, 8. iPad and iPhone cover, 9.Granny Stripe Scarf.


There are so many project waiting to be put into action and I also have a little stall to prepare for at the end of the year so the next couple of months will be a busy time for creating and making, but more importantly also a time where my body is going to get some much needed time to heal and relax and I am really excited about the prospect of working on improved health. I have been waiting for this moment for so many years and it is so lovely to know that I will soon have my days to focus on my structured daily rest, but also to try and see if I cant get some further improvements that will last. For now though until the middle of September I am just going to make the most of the hours I can get with the lovely little Es and embrace this beautiful season Autumn that is slowly stepping closer to knock on our door.

 

I am feeling excited about Autumn, I love the changes that seasons bring and Autumn is definitely one of my favourite seasons. I love the colours and the smell. For now our garden is still holding on to that summer feeling, like many of us I suspect after such a glorious summer, and it is looking beautiful with so many flowers joyfully singing. The roses are still flowering and the Rudbeckia have just opened their beautiful dancing yellow petals. I really love this gorgeous plant, it has such attitude and charisma and there is something special about having your garden bask in their yellow glow when autumn comes calling.

Before I go, I wanted to say thank you to all you lovely readers for always leaving such wonderful comments and being so supportive. You are all amazing and so very lovely and I wanted you to know that you add a little brightness to my days, so thank you so much for that. As a little thank you a bouquet from our garden, especially for you.

 
Wishing you all a very happy and creative weekend ahead.
Warm Wishes
Hannapat
xoxo 

34 comments:

  1. You managed to achieve some very lovely things! Your embroidery is truly lovely, it really is...so delicate and pretty, I love it. Your blanket is also gorgeous and I agree with you about that book, it is fantastic. I'm sure your wee one will settle in just fine at school, I remember my wee girl being a little upset and not too happy about going to school when she started two years ago. However, now I think she may be schools biggest fan. Wishing you a lovely week!
    Marianne xx

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    1. Thanks Marianne, you are too kind! I so enjoy the embroidery and find it very relaxing. Thanks for your support with little Es, she already seems a little more herself, so I am sure she will get there. xoxo

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  2. I can't believe that you managed to get so much done on your holiday. There be no chance that I'd even get half of that done. I love your little fairies with the ribbon wings. they are so sweet.
    Don't worry about your little girl not liking school yet, she take long to make new friends. It's just a change in routine and a whole new world opening up to her.
    Rosie xx

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    1. Thanks lovely, to be honest if it wasn't for a big road trip to Rome, then it most probably wouldn't have looked that impressive. Thanks for your support as always, you are a sweetie! xoxo

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  3. What a gorgeous and full post dear Hannapat! It was so lovely to see you and your family together and wonderful that your Mum and you had opportunity to get into such lovely stitching. I love the little fairy with the ribbon work - I haven't done ribbon work yet - something else on the list! I was also very much taken with the lazy daisy stitched lavender - very gentle and sweet! AND your gorgeous granny crochet - how busy and successful you've been - you're a very clever girl lovely Hannapat!
    Your little Es will settle at school and before you know it she will be chomping at the bit to get back after weekends away from it! And time spent together will be even more precious as life progresses and you have little bits of 'me' time in between the busyness of before and after school! Enjoy your resting and recuperating times and take good care of yourself lovely girl, and thank you so much for the sweet bouquet from your garden!
    Warm healing hugs,
    Joy xoxo

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    1. Thanks lovely Joy, you are always so kind. I am sure you will absolutely love the ribbon work, and it is really as easy as falling off a log, well the bits I have done anyway (almost as much fun as well :-). Thanks for your supportive words for little Es, I am sure she will get there xoxo

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  4. What a beautiful post! I am so excited for your ventures into embroidery - I love love love ribbon embroidery, but I never seem to have enough time to do as much as I'd like. But the fairy wings, oh, they are perfect with ribbons! The crochet is gorgeous, you've accomplished so much! Enjoy these changing days to autumn, Chrissie xxx

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    1. Thanks Chrissie. Yeah me too! Can't wait for today, haven't checked, next stage and I am feeling just a little excited lovely. Have added your gorgeous button to my blog, aren't you clever! xoxo

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  5. Hannapat you are such a dear dear lady and I can't wait to meet you. Love your embriodery, you have your gorgeous Mum's looks and her talent. I can see lots of beautiful projects coming online soon. The blanket is heavenly - I am not sure if I am up to the long haul of a blanket yet only just mastered granny squares but would love to have a go but afraid that I will give up half way through and lose interest. I too have the granny squares book which I bought whilst on a sewing course in Leek - I love the book and go back to over and over again to look at the pictures and try to read the patterns (a skill I still have to master). Your bouquet is just perfect so a huge thank you, have a wonderful weekend with your family Hannapat
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Oh Dorothy, darling you are far toooo kind to me!!! It certainly was fun learning from Mum and I am sure with a little help, such as cups of tea you might surprise yourself and finish a blanket, I do really know what you mean though. Sometimes I also think that I am not really cut out for it, but I do get there. xoxo

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  6. Oh annoying... I wrote a long comment and it has been lost! I like the fairies very much and look forward to seeing this project finished. You are lucky to have your mum teach you handicrafts, I think it is precious. I too love September. Enjoy your weekend, love Andrea x

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    1. Oh how annoying Andrea, I loathe it when that happens and to be honest I have lost count as I do most of my comments from my iphone (whilst being in bed, shhh don't tell anyone). Thanks for your comment though, lovely to hear from you. Hope you are well, I am missing you!!! xoxo

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  7. Hi S, your embroidery looks really fab, I have never attempted ribbon embroidery, your fairies look lovely. I really like your throw too, I love the colours set against the white, it makes it look very fresh. I would not worry about Es not liking school, Clemmie cried every morning when I dropped her off for the first month !,(but was ok once she was in the classroom), and then suddenly stopped, it was as though she suddenly thought to herself, its actually ok here. I just tried not to make a big deal of it, dropped her and ran (well almost !), this seemed better than prolonging the goodbyes. Maria x

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    1. Thanks Maria, so lovely that you are back. Having seen what you can deliver my dear, you will have no problem whatsoever with ribbon embroidery. Yes the throw isn't my normal choice of colours, but it does look very different when thrown against the white and I do think it will lift the room a little once it's on the bed. Thanks for your support with little Es, to be honest the tears are not when I drop her off, it is when she see's me, so it makes life a great deal easier. xoxo

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  8. Oh! How I wish we back in Italy together! It was absolutely the best holiday ever! We just loved every moment of it. Thanks to all of you! Your crochet blanket looks really beautiful and you have inspired me and taught me to crochet again. Thank you so much for that. I am now also making squares but with self patterning wool as I don't feel like working away all those loose ends. But I have to admit that it looks much better with the different colours so for the next project I will use your way and - ugh - work away all the loose ends. In the end it is worth it! Es will be fine - just give her some time. She is still so little and just needs a bit of time. But, of course, you know that, but it is not making it easier right now. Oh, patience is a wonderful thing, is it not? Love you lots!

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    1. Me too!!! Miss you and love you!! I am sure your self patterning wool will turn out really lovely, you will have to send me a whatsapp pic once you have done a couple. xxxx

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  9. You did so much lovely work on your holiday. Your embroidery is really pretty and the granny squares look great, so colorful and happy. I hope you get plenty of rest and time to feel well now that school is starting. I am sure your daughter will do fine, it will just take a little bit of adjustment. She'll be doing much better before you know it. :)

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    1. Thanks Jennifer, you are too kind. I am going to have to be strict with myself as I will be tempted to sit in front of the sewing machine for the entire day, or with some yarn on my lap. xoxo

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  10. What a gorgeous post! Your mum sounds like such an inspiring woman - I could do with her showing me which way up a French knot is - something I think I'll never master in this lifetime! Your projects are looking great - especially that blanket - well done! Hope your little one starts to settle soon - I'm certain she will x Jane

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    1. Thanks Jane for your lovely comment, yes, I really do think that my mum is such an inspiring person for everything she is, not just the things she does. She is calm, collected, never gets cross or never has a bad word to say about anyone. Everyone calls her a saint and I am so lucky that she is my mum, just wish she lived a great deal closer. As for the French knot, to be honest maybe it's mum's teaching, but I find it a doddle, so maybe next time you're up in Macc when do a little knotting over a cuppa xxx

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  11. What lovely holiday stitching!! I adore the little fairy.

    I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is finding school tough. It's horrid leaving them at the school room door, knowing that they don't want to go inside. I do hope that she settles in soon.

    As for all your projects....I am always in awe of all you marvellous crafty clever people. I'm sure I would not have the patience or the skill for that gorgeous crochet.

    And thank you for the bouquet!

    Have a lovely weekend with you and yours,

    Leanne xx

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    1. Thanks lovely. You marvel at all the things that I don't get around to, so I am always in awe with you!! Sending you much love! xoxo

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  12. Beautiful embroidery and how fun are the fairy wings!! So glad you had such a lovely time and were able to craft, too! Gorgeous granny blanket! Looking forward to seeing it finished! I started weaving in the ends as I went, which makes it so much easier for me at the end. Thank you for the pretty flowers! Happy weekend to you! xo Heather

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    1. Thanks Heather, yes I have tried the weaving in as I go, but maybe I will have to try again! Thanks for the advice. Much love xoxo

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  13. What a wonderful holiday nothing beats happy family times and the icing on the cake must hav been doing lovely crafty things with your mum. Everything looks lovely, I love your embroidery.
    I'm sure your little one will settle soon and it sounds like a very supported slow induction - keep well.
    Sue xxx

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    1. Thanks Sue, yes it most certainly is the Icing on the cake! xoxo

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  14. hello there! just letting you know that I nominated your blog for a Liebster award because I think your great! its just a bit of fun.if you feel like joining in, head to my blog for more info... mezz xoxo

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    1. Thanks Mezz, you a sweetie. I will endeavour to get around to it soon'ish. xoxo

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  15. Just catching up with your last two posts ... forget frogs in bogs, it looks to me like you've taken to stitching like a duck to water! And you clearly had a fab holiday. Good luck to little Es, I'm sure she'll soon be loving school :)

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    1. Thanks Annie, I sure am enjoying it. Yes more on the holiday when I can get around to it. Thanks for your supportive words xoxo

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  16. What a lovely holiday with the 3 generations - so special! You've made a lot of crafty progress and I particularly love how you are joining the crochet blanket together as you go - I must try that next time! I also LOVE your wreath from your last Post and feel inspired to do a Spring wreath for the front door here. Hope you have a great week and your little one settles in well to her second week of School. Mel x

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    1. Thanks Mel, yes it certainly was lovely for us three to be together, I hope that there will be many more opportunities to share moments like that. Oh a Spring wreath, enjoy, you have endless options and it always makes one feel so much better having a wreath on the door. xoxo

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  17. You definitely inherited your mum's creative streak! I love it when I can crochet, knit or sew with my mum, it's a real treat. You've got lots of lovely projects of the go here. I hope the next few weeks are easier on your and your daughter. Take care. xx

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    1. Thanks Gillian, how lucky are you that you can do that with your Mum, you are truly blessed so make the very most of every moment. Thanks I am sure little Es will settle in soon. xoxo

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