Mosaic Hot Water Bottle Cover and Cat Model

Another bit of getting my family to model. This time it was my elderly cat. As you can probably tell she was not delighted. That is definitely the look of a cat saying "why on earth have you put me here?". I forgive her though, as she is an old lady of 18. Eventually though with another strategically placed hot water bottle under her basket she settled down for a bit more of the photo I was aiming for.

Looking at other photos on Ravelry of hot water bottle covers, I decided my favourites were of people heading of to bed, so I also feature myself in the one below.

This crochet pattern was designed by Rebecca Anaspure, and is available as a project kit on Blacker Yarns website - Mosaic Crochet Hot Water Bottle Cover. It is a really clever design, with a handy split at the back to insert the hot water bottle through.  Made from Samite silk-blend in DK, it is not only really soft and snuggly, it will keep your bottle’s warmth until you are fast asleep.

Now can I work out a way to get my dog into a photograph for Blacker Yarns.

Granny Square Cardigan

Finally the granny square jacket for my daughter is made, and she has left for her course studying fashion in Brighton. I wrote previously about when I started making the squares for the granny chique look. It was a close thing getting it finished, with me running in ends up to the night before she left. Will it get worn? I'm not sure, although she is planning to join the surf club, and I can imagine her sitting on the beach in it after a swim. I would really quite like one for myself, maybe in more muted colours, but will take a break from crochet for a while.

It really did take a lot of work making it. I had the idea to try and make the squares look a bit like a stained glass window, but after joining a few by just sewing together with black wool, I realised that they really needed a black crochet edge. Also that gave it a much baggier look. The sleeves, neck and button bands, and bottom rib are knitted. My crochet skills really weren't up to improvising those parts. 

So feeling a bit sad at the moment, but hoping she will have lots of exciting times.

Granny Chic (and Crochet Technique)

 

I have been busy making some granny squares, as my daughter has asked me to make her a top. She sent me this photo, to give me a bit of an idea of what she was thinking, and at the moment I am just working on lots and lots of squares.

 

We have a joke that her style is granny chic. We both enjoy a charity shop or boot fair, and recently she seems to go for clothes that we both call granny. (Beige jackets, embroidered cardigans, you know the sort of thing. (I hope this doesn't sound like I am being rude, as I am old enough to be a granny, although will nover be a chic one.) At first I would try to put her off, but somehow she seems to be able to put these clothes together in such a way that it turns into "granny chic". It makes me a bit sad that my mum is not still alive, as I think they would have a great time comparing their Edinburgh Woollen Mill tops, and sensible rainwear.

So if the granny square top works out, this will just be part of the granny chic look ...  I will keep you updated.

I do occasionally crochet, but really I am a knitting gal. Part of the problem is I don't crochet enough, so every time I decide to have a go, I have to get my books out and reteach myself the basics. The other problems are I can't follow a diagram pattern, and I am really, really slow. 

But this time I decided to use Youtube to remind myself how to make a granny square. Here is a link to the tutorial I used. It was really good, but what I realised on the first run through was that I was crochetting as a knitter - wrapping the wool around the hook, instead of hooking it. Kept having to pause the tutorial, as I was probably going at less that half the speed. I don't think I had realised this from following instructions in books, so am a real convert to the youtube tutorial, and am trying to work on my technique. When this top is done I may try and branch out to another sort of block. If you can suggest any for a learning novice I would really appreciate it.

I wonder if someone who regularly does crochet, knits in a different way. Hmm ...

 

Ginx Woolly Linx Party November

The end of the month has crept up on me as ususal. I really enjoyed seeing all your projects. Slightly more to look at than usual, but maybe that is the autumn evening effect. 

Carolyn of Flickensalat adapted a doll pattern to make Heidi for her granddaughter's birthday. I think this is just adorable, with her frilly knickerbockers and wild hair.

Alexandra of EyeLoveKnots has shared this free pattern she has written for a cactus coaster square.  Very original, and also check out her crochet peace square.

I love the simplicity of this angel, shared by Linda of Linda's Crafty Corner. I mean the simplicity of the design, as I am sure it was not simple to make.

And finally you might think that I have chosen a knitted project, but Liz of Howling at the Moon's elegant plant pot cover is crochetted in waist coat stitch.

With Halloween over, I am expecting to see a few more Christmas projects. I have booked tables at two more Christmas Fairs, so am feeling a little bit of pressure to make a few more  things.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party September

Thank you for linking all your wonderful projects to the August Ginx Woolly Linx Party.

I loved looking at Sandra of Hakelfieber Austria's Big Food. This links to the Pear Pattern, but there are so many other wonderful fruit. I like the little worm popping out the the apple.

Maya of Little Treasures has designed this Lillah Ruffled Top. So pretty, there is someone in the next room who would love one of these.

Lovely to hear from Inekedc Blog, who has crochet herself, feeding the farmyard animals. It reminded me of my red-haired granny who had chickens. I remember it well, as I was quite scared of them.

And finally Alexandra of EyeLoveKnots, has reviewed a pattern for a Hatching Hamster. This is a really fun idea for a toy, which hatches out of its own egg. 

Thank you to everyone for sharing your projects. I look forward to seeing what you are working on in September.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party August

 

I seem to have been very distracted this month, and somehow have posted nothing since the last link party. That has not happened for a long time, but I will be showing you something I made for a customer on Etsy for a birthday, and did not want to possibly spoil the surprise. I also am very busy gardening, and will post about my little vegetable plot soon too.

July seems to have been nearly all about animals.

Tonna of Sew Crafty Crochet has made a cute bee for a friend, and it has been hanging out with her morning glory and sunflower on her porch.

I love seeing handknit socks, and Carolyn of Flickensalat has been taking part in a sock challenge. Hard to know which ones to pick, but I liked the subtle grey of this wool.

Liz's daughter, of Howling at the Moon, wanted to give her teachers crochet versions of their own dogs. What a thoughtful gift, they really must have been delighted with this.

And finally Eli of Ovillo de Eli has made a little swallow, and also shows the photos of the real birds that inspired her.

So please link up to show me what you have been working on in August. I hope you might have had the chance to get away somewhere, and craft in a different location. That is quite difficult at the moment.

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Crochet and Knit Cushion

I mentioned that I was having a go at crochet for a change, and was aiming to make next a blanket or throw. Two problems came up: first that I only had so much wool, and second I am not very quick. 

I see other crafters, who seem to be able to knock off a blanket in a few weeks, and am amazed by how they manage this. When I showed my husband the pile of granny squares I had made, his first suggestion was that we just have a large set of coasters! Can you imagine me rolling my eyes? My daughter wanted me to create a jacket, but there really weren't enough for that. A cushion seemed a good answer, and then I had to send off for a cushion pad. 

For the back I only had a small selection of colours left, so decided to knit a square on the diagonal. Really pleased with how this turned out. Julie from Sum of Their Stories told me that her nan used to combine knit and crochet in one project, using which ever worked best. Have you ever made something using knit and crochet? I would love to hear about it. Or perhaps you have combined two other crafts in an unusual way.

I also wanted to mention the wool I used. This wool came from my sister-in-law, and was a kit for a fair isle jumper that she did not want to make.  I have got so much pleasure from this wool, as it is all the same ply, and has been used in so many projects, so "thank you". Here are just a few.

 

Just a reminder that there is still time join in my Ginx Woolly Linx party for February. I would love to see what you have been working on.

 

Crochet Bucket Hat

I have been doing a bit of crochet. Although I have tried a few times before, I really don't know what I am doing, and find it very difficult to follow a pattern, or even harder a diagram. But with a bit of help from some youtube tutorials I have managed to make my daughter a hat. 

I first found one video that explained how to make a circle for the top. Then another one that showed me how to make a basic granny square for the vertical section. I then I continued with my circles for the brim. The idea was to make a bucket hat - the sort you could perhaps wear to a festival, if they ever take place again. 

I am not sure that this first effort will ever be worn out, as she was a very reluctant model, but it has sort of inspired me with crochet. I can see that it might be easier for making some of my small round creatures, where I have to work really hard with knitting and short rows to get curves. I also quite like that you can stop at any point mid-row. 

So for the moment I am making granny squares. The simplest sort, but I may try and branch out with some more complicated ones at some point.

 

Just a reminder that you can still join in my Ginx Woolly Linx party for January. I would love to see what you have been working on.

 

Ginx Woolly Linx Party May

It is hard to believe that a whole month has passed, and apart from our weekly trip to the supermarket, and the occasional parcel delivery, I have seen no one except my immediate family. What also puzzles me, is why have I not got more knitting done? I really should have, but I have been a bit distracted by the garden, and having more wildlife to photograph.

I do hope that everyone who visits here is keeping well, in body and in mind. It is very hard times, but I do think that keeping busy with creative activities helps.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the party for April. It gets more and more difficult to pick the features, and even if you were not selected this month I do enjoy looking at all your projects.

First of all Lalka Crochetka has made this wonderful old motorbike. It is just amazing in all the details.

I love this blanket, made by Sandra of Hakelfieber. The 3D effect created by the shadow is really great.

Tonna of Sew Crafty Crochet has made this, and another equally lovely baby blanket, to donate to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society for new babies.

And finally Con Hilos, Lanas y Botones has made this adorable little baby - Ruben. If you click on the link you will see how his little dungarees can be taken off.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party April

Welcome to Ginx Woolly Linx Party for April.  Your projects for March were amazing, and as ususal it was very hard to pick the features.

Julie from Sum of Their Stories has shared this pattern for a lovely lightweight shawl. I find this type of knitting a bit scary, what if you drop a stitch. But her post has given me confidence to give it a try.

Alexandra of Eye Love Knots teaches us how to make these cute little applique carrots. She has used some for plant labels, and I am sure they could be used for all sorts of things at this time of year when there are lots of Easter rabbits about.

Lilah of Lilah's Treasures has made some really stunning crochet earrings and pendant. Aren't they great.

And finally Gema of Hebra de Lana has made this lovely little hedgehog purse. Check out all her photos to see how beautifully it is made.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party March

I don't know if it is conincidence, but don't the projects for February look nice together, and perhaps it is the pastel colours, but they remind me that Spring is on the way. 

Heart Deco has shared the pattern for these reusable crochet make-up removal pads. I am all for a project that is reducing plastic waste.

Zeleni Trenutki has made this super pink sweater for her daughter. Isn't it great!

Con Hilos, Lanas y Botones has made some beautiful shawls. Check out the other ones, as they are all great.

and finally Nealichundderdickeopa has been making some little Harry Potter-inspired knits. The book they come from has also been featured by another visitor Ulrikesh Smaarting. Lots of other fun knits here for Harry Potter fans.

Apologies if you weren't picked this month. I enjoy looking at all your projects and blogs, which are so inspiring. Thanks to everyone for supporting this party.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party February

Welcome to the February Party. For some this is a difficult time of year. The weather is a bit cold, and Spring still seems far away. But for those of us who like to work with wool, this can be a good time. Not too many distractions, and nice to snuggle up by the fire in the evening, and work away on a project. Thank you to everyone who linked up last month. It is always lovely to see what you have been working on.

If you need some inspiration from the January party.

Selbst-die-Frau has made this lovely crochet cardigan. It is so elegant, know if I had this it would be something I would wear all the time.

Ulrike's Smaarting has made some Fred and George (Weasley) socks. I have not seen this pattern before, but love the reversal of the colours on each sock.

And I may have a bit of a theme as Flickensalat has also made some cheerful socks inspired by Harry Potter.

And finally Handmade by Amalia has embroidered this lovely little house in the woods. Please remember you don't just have to link knitting and crochet, and I would love to see other crafts, or anything you have made from yarn or wool.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party January

Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who has joined in the parties over the last year. I hope you all had a good Christmas. My choices for December are all very seasonal in different ways.

I loved these Christmassy socks from Carolyn of Flicken Salat made for her girlfriend. 

Alexandra of Eye Love Knots has made this very super cushion from Buds-a-Blooming crochet square.

Sandra of Hakelfieber has crochet a collection of stars to make this rainbow Christmas tree.

And I am still being seasonal with Cat of Crochet Cloudberry's crochet mince pie. Yum, yum.

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Remember if you were picked as a feature you can put the "I was featured" button on your blog. 

Ginx Woolly Linx Party December

Well I am a little late this month getting the party started. Lovely to see all your projects, and clearly it is not too early for Christmas projects now, since we are in December. So just go for it.

My features for November have already put me in a seasonal mood, and there are some good gift ideas here.

Michaela of The Art Deco has shown this gorgeous little beaded purse. So cute, I can think of lots of people who would love one of these.

Analia of Handmade by Analia's little sleepy dog looks so peaceful. 

Aria of Be Glad (who is just 15) has knitted a stunning snowdrift blanket. What an amazing piece of knitting.

And finally, this is one for my to do list. Just love this fair isle bag from Jo of Three Stories High. I love fair isle, and she has given it a lovely pink lining.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party November

Welcome to the November Ginx Linx Party. Remember you can join at any time in the month, so you can always link up a project and then call back later in the month. I wonder when the first Christmassy project will appear.

In October there were a lot of lovely projects to look at.

Michaela of The Art Deco has a crochet pattern for these delicious looking donuts. Some superb photos to help with the making of them.

Con Hilos, Lanas y botones has made this beautiful red shawl. Very intricate stitches, and the red leaves are perfect for Autumn.

I liked this advice from Gema of Hebra de Lana showing how to knit your socks and sleeves at the same time using the magic loop method. I can't quite get to grip with magic loop, but am knitting both arms of a cardigan at the same time.

Alexandra of Eye Love Knots has give us a pattern for another Autumn item, this lovely acorn washcloth.  

And finally Lalka Crochetka has made these adorable little owls. I am in love with them. Lovely shades of grey, they look so soft and cuddly.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party October

Hello, and welcome to the party. There is a autumn feel in my bit of the world, and it is time to sit all cosy by the fire with a nice crafting project. Actually I can now do this, as my new home has a real fireplace. I haven't used it yet, but the day may come quite soon.

The features I have picked from September are:

First of all this adorable baby mobile from Mimi of Mimi Swan. Very cute and with instructions of how to make one yourself.

Marmita of Au Fils de Marmita has just retired. I really like her case for her crochet hooks, which she might need to take with her on new adventures.

Rachel of The Philospher's Wife had knitted this very cosy swirl hat. I think we may all need something like this for the winter.

And finally Nephi-Handmade has made a very cool crochet camera strap.  Sometimes the only way to get something perfect is to make it yourself.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party September

Well summer is nearly over (at least for those of us in the the northern part of the world), and it is the time of year when us knitter and crochetters start planning new projects for the autumn and winter evenings. Perhaps you will find some inspiration from these projects from the August Party.

I loved these cheerful summery crochet magic socks from Lilia of Lilia Craft Party. I don't know if these is a reason why there seem to be fewer crochet socks than knitted. These ones look superb.

Gema of Hebra de Lana has made this beautiful kimono style baby jacket and booties, as a gift. I love the wrapover jacket, and the pattern is shown off to its best with this simple light grey. 

Michelle of My Bijou Life has made this pretty little bolero. She says she is a newbie returning to crochet, and has been very honest about the problems she faced. The finished garment is very inspiring, especially to a fellow newbie who has never attempted a crochet garment.

and finally Nephi Handmade has made an adorable tiny teddy bear. So cute.

I am looking forward to see what you make in September. I have been very unproductive (in knitting terms), and have been plodding away on a pair of socks to keep my sanity, between packing and cleaning. But the house move is done, and the socks are nearly done. My wool has actually been sorted by colour, which has never happened before, and I have some ideas brewing for new projects.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party August

Hi everyone! Are you having a good summer. I have not got much done crafting, as our house move is getting closer. Contracts have been exchanged and movers booked. I have realised that I am a terrible hoarder. Maybe that is part of crafting, as it is easy to think that something can be reused or repurposed at a later date. But strangely I am quite enjoying the decluttering and cleaning. So I am not sure you will hear much from me for the next month, although the party will keep going.

I really enjoyed looking at your projects for July, and my favourites seem to be a mixture summer fruitfulness and romance.

I adored Fanny of Yarn Around the World's blanket.  Beautiful pastel colours, and it has a real 3D-quality. She should be very proud.

Cat of Crochet Cloudberry has made an adorable little strawberry gnome. Follow the link to see her gnome. I loved the simplicity of these little strawberry flowers.

Au Fils de Marmita has made some cute little pineapple earrings. There is someone in my family who would love these.

And finally, but not least, Alexandra of Eye Love Knots has made her own wedding dress and bouquet.  Doesn't she look fantastic. I am hoping she will tell us more, perhaps when she is back from her honeymoon.

Please try and visit each others posts and comment. I don't want to one of those parties that sets rules, but it is nice to share the love.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party July

June was a bumper month for the Ginx Linx Party, with 46 project linked up. Thank you to everyone who joined in. You are making my job of picked just four to be featured even harder.  I am away from my computer tomorrow and Monday, so hope I have set this up so the party will spring into life when it is July.

Lalka Crochet has made this Holiday Frog, who is all ready for some time in the sun with his swimming trunks.

Alexandra of Eye Love Knots is also ready for the sun, with this original idea for a Watermelon Glasses case.

I fell in love with this blanket by Au Fil de Marmita. It looks like it is made from velvet.

And finally Fanny of Yarn Around the World has made this very positive bag. Yes, let's all cut down our use of plastics.

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Ginx Woolly Linx Party for June

Hello everyone, and welcome to the party for June. Thank you to all who joined the party in May, and especially to anyone who has joined in for the first time.

The features for May start with 

Gema of Hebra de Lana who showed a beautiful shawl, and these feline socks. My daughter (who is 16) looked at them and said "I would like some socks like that", so they must be cool.

Alexandra of Eye Love Knots has made these interesting ear rings. I love seeing crafts used in a new and original way.

I've been thinking a lot this month about ways to reduce the amount of plastic I use, and this great shopping bag by Sabine of Nephi Handmade is green in every meaning of the word.

And finally Ineke of Inekedcblog has made this beautiful dress and bolero in red and white. I love bright colours for babies.

Keep on linking up your projects. I enjoy looking at them all, and getting some inspiration for my own work. Please try and call back throughout the month, so you can see who has joined in, and share the "woolly love". 

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