Sunday 24 September 2017

Yummy Hand Knitted Socks!!!

Like a lot of people I caught the sock making bug. I never actually thought I'd be able to make a sock but with a little help from my friends, a wonderful pattern & tutorial from Winwick Mum, & a teeny tiny circular needle I did it, quite a few times in fact! They are super comfy & very warm.

Knitting socks had always been on my to-do list so I was glad when the opportunity came along. I find most things just fall into place along the way. My Mum knitted socks for the soldiers during WW2. She was still at school at the time, & she & her friends, would go the home of a lovely local lady in Goulburn to make socks, & also camouflage nets. 

My great aunts used to knit beautiful wool socks for my Dad, they lasted for many years, & Mum would darn them whenever necessary, the socks not my great aunts lol. Though they did also last for many years, the last of the four sisters who shared a home, passed away aged 103. Aunty Lal was such a character she was by far the worst driver I've ever been in a car with, but somehow we all survived. She went through life calling everybody 'Love' as I'm not sure she actually remembered anyone's name. She was always a lot of fun & all her great nieces & nephews loved her. Ah getting a little nostalgic, back on track...

If you'd like to have a go at knitting socks here is the link to get you started. 

http://www.winwickmum.co.uk/p/sockalong.html

Grab a friend who is also keen as it's fun to sockalong together & help each other if necessary. There is also a facebook page where you can chat to other sock makers & get heaps of help & advice if needed.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/642084589269882/?ref=br_rs

I found that sock yarn is a bit addictive & I have quite a nice stash of it. 
These beautiful hanks were bought from a local lady who dyes the most exquisite colours.
Pauline has a facebook page, Wild at Heart Yarns, so you can check them out for yourself. (No affils. just a happy customer).
https://www.facebook.com/Wild-at-Heart-Yarns-1079763735419431/



My 1st pair!





These 2 pairs of self-striping yarn, very clever & fun to work with, are made from Spotlight's Not Just Socks 4 ply yarn. 
https://www.spotlightstores.com/craft-hobbies/yarn-needle-art/yarn/wool-blends/moda-vera-not-just-socks-yarn/p/BP80314899

I'ts not always in stock, & the colours change frequently, worth keeping an eye out for as it it is nice to work with, & is suitable for any project requiring 4 ply yarn. 
It's especially good when it's on sale, that's when I grab a ball or 2. :-)

Saturday 16 September 2017

Hydrangeas & Alpacas - does it get any better!

I have no idea why, but as a kid I really didn't like hydrangeas. Now I love them! 
I snapped these pics at my daughter Emma's farm, the colours are just amazing. Knowing how much I love hydrangeas (now) she bought me the hydrangea kit put together by my fave crafter Lucy of Attic 24. I haven't started it yet, but I have made the Moorland blanket & it's been toasty warm through a very cold Melbourne winter. I'll share pics of it soon.












One of the highlights of visiting Emma's is catching up with her beautiful alpacas. 
She has 8 now with several babies due later this year. 


Here I am with Leydan, he is such a sweetie.








You can't beat nature for incredible colours.

Monday 4 September 2017

My Yummy Crochet Hook Case

I treated myself to a set of Clover crochet hooks, oh how I love them! They are wonderful to work with & I can crochet away for hours on end & often do. Because they are so lovely I felt I really needed something special to store them in, so I made this holder. 

I actually used my gorgeous Kaffe Fassett fabrics & thoroughly enjoyed matching each hook colour to the fabric. Actually there's a method to my madness as it turns out, because when I open the holder & a hook is missing, I instantly know what colour hook to look for.

I had trouble choosing a fabric for all the colours to be up against, nothing seemed to work, & then I remembered my black & white stash & it worked. The outside fabric is a Liberty print.

If you would like me to write up a pattern, please leave a comment & let me know. :-)

Note: no affils to Clover, Kaffe Fassett or Liberty, I just love their products.