Fragile flowers

I love it when the first snowdrops of the year bravely push on through frozen (or in this case, flooded!) soil – it means that the mornings are getting lighter, and Spring is on the way. I find it amazing that these delicate little flowers are the first to arrive. I thought that they must be immortalised in knitting somewhere, but was struck by the lack of Snowdrop related patterns and projects. There are some lace pieces, and a couple of charts, but for a flower that (to me) heralds a new year, a fresh start (and always makes me smile) it didn’t seem to be a lot. I am working on some lace designs at the moment, and will be studying the humble Snowdrop to see what I can add to the mix. If I like it, I might even offer it on here!

Creative Commons Licence: Bankhallbretherton

Granny Stripes

The Granny Stripe Delight sample worked up a treat. I really like the colour combination. It’s a nice, simple pattern and makes for a snug fitting cowl – quick to work up, warm to wear. If anyone would like the ‘pattern’ do leave me a comment/get in touch and I’ll add it on here later!

(Please excuse the make-shift light box – but it works, for now!)

The first course has now been booked – we had someone sign up within five minutes, which was lovely. It’s on March 8th (Saturday) from 10-2pm at The Wool Shop in Pewsey, if anyone in the South West/Wiltshire is interested in coming along. I’ll be covering crochet basics:

How to hold the yarn and hook
Chaining
Trebles
Turning chains
Changing colours
Weaving in as you go
How to swatch & translate that so you can make anything you like – a cushion cover, blanket, long scarf, skinny scarf, anything your imagination can create!
US/UK terminology
Charts

There’s a lot to cover! We are working on more classes, including Irish Crochet Lace, Crochet Motifs, Knitted socks, How to Moebius and much, much more. Drop me a line if you’d like to be added to the email list and I can keep you updated.

Aside from the Granny Stripe Delight, I’ve been all homey and house-proud this weekend (probably because I can see the dust in the sunshine!) and felt the need to bake.

As I was going out with My Boy for a long walk, some stodgy nourishment was called for, so I plumped for Toad-in-the-hole (with cabbage and mash!) to warm me up afterwards. I’d love to show you the results, but it is still in the oven and I’ll probably shcoffle it before taking a pic. Well, it was a looooong walk! We (Bozo and I) had great fun in the sun – although he did get a little confused with the ‘hitchhiker’ on his nose…