Just checking in

Why hello Jellybeans

Can you believe it, I've been neglecting you all for over a month! Shame on me. I can however blame my absence partly on a sprained wrist and looming deadlines, not much crafting for me. So, I'm just taking the time out from a 5000 word - yes you heard me right! - essay to say hello and let you know I am still a live and kicking.

Update:

I have recently got back into sewing in a big away after watching The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC 2. My stitching was a little rusty at first but I have some lovely patterns lined up. Lollo bear is coming along, albeit slowly. I have completed two crotched rick rack blankets, pictures and tutorials will be posted soon. Annnd I have made another whale! I could not help myself, it was a mothers day present.

Now I am projected less and my hands feel lazy. But with my deadlines in two weeks they'll just have to get used to typing.

Valentines day hearts

Happy Valentines day!

Since its the day of luuurve I thought I'd put up a simple pattern that I worked out especially for you beautiful lot, because I love ya ;)

So this is for a simple crochet heart, there are lots of lovely lacey patterns out there, and I'll probably want to revisit them at some date but this is done in rows of single crochet because it can be a wooly Valentines day card :)

Row 1: chain two, sl st in first chain, turn
2: 3 s in st from previous row, turn
3: 2 in first s, 1 in the next s, 2 in the last s
continue making 2 st in the first and last of the row until you have 11 st, it will take another 3 rows.

7-9 straight st, no increases.
10: (Gets a little tricky now) st 5, turn
11: st tog, st 1, turn
12: st tog, bind off.

then joint your wool to the the other end of the row and repeat the last 3 steps :)

This was my first attempt, it looked a little bit blocky so I tried again.

But I really liked the results the second time! Although I still think it needs a little bit of perfecting. 

I hope you all have a lovely day!

Tat-ta

What will today bring?

Good Morrow Jellybeans

You find me, on this dreary afternoon about to clean somebody elses vomit off the floor...if thats not love what is?!

Anyhoo, Im sick of hexagons for now. Im actually a little bit sick of wool in general,  which is dreadful really considering this is a blog dedicated to knitting and the like.

So today Im going to talk at you rather than too you - because I have a feeling your going to be bored out of your collective minds - about books! My other passion.

The project I am under going at the moment, for uni of course, is an 8000 word creative study on how authors engage their readers. And I just have to tell you about one of my favourite writers B.S Johnson, who wrote the book in a box. Only the first and last chapter are in place,  the rest you must navigate through yourself, you the reader are in the driving seat and I think that is just wonderful. Its also heartbreakingly beautiful and called The Unfortunates.

Also, if your like me, a little bit afriad to walk naked, bar a staff and a pointy hat into the world of fantasy but is mesmerized at a distance (preferably behind a big rock) then I have just the book. Its called the Dictionary of the Khazar. I wont even shame it with my explination, please just have a look.

Oh all right then, in keeping with this blogs theme I do have a little bit of advice for you. You can start sentances with and and but. Take it from someone who paid nine grand to learn that.

Bye bye munchkins x

Updates

Morning... Or should I say afternoon! Where has the time gone?

Im just going to give you a quick update on how the Lollo Bear is coming along.

I went against my original colour order, so the bear began her life being unpicked! I don't know whether that is a bad omen or not... hmm. Anyway, the new scheme is mint green middle, dusty pink petals, mint green boarder and all held together with cream. I think she's going to love quite dashing.

So what do you think? Im still really excited about this pattern. I cant wait to sew the body together!

Also, just to let you know with Valentines day around the corner, I'll be going all soppy and posting some love themed tutorials and patterns, to give to your Valentine, or just to keep for yourself (if like me your other half never remembers).

xxx